The US Postal Service has always followed a rule that in order for a person's face to be featured on a postage stamp, he or she must have deceased 5-10 years prior. With the USPS on verge of default, it has changed its policy, hoping to raise its profits. Living people are now eligible to be featured on stamps. While I'd love to send my grandma a birthday card with a winning photo of Charlie Sheen in the top right corner, it seems as if my dreams of Harry Caray postage stamps have an even slimmer chance.
In 2008, Obama received nearly 50% of his contributions from donors giving $200 or less, equaling 25% of Obama’s total record fundraising high. This indicated a widespread support base of Americans with moderate means. However, this widespread grassroots support will most likely not be replicated in the upcoming election.
As these Americans of moderate fiscal means become increasingly disenchanted and frustrated with Obama’s message and actions (shown by his sinking approval rate), less small donors have given money.
In the previous election, many of the small donors also volunteered in his campaign, canvassed, and participated in get out the vote efforts which also has implications for the next election.
So far in the election cycle, the vast majority of Obama’s past small donors have not yet given him any money at all. Although the president is more likely to raise more money than any of the Republican candidates next month, his political difficulties have raised questions about his ability to sustain future fundraising and his ability to garner votes.
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| President of The Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas |
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| Obama |
An audit report of the Justice Department’s costs for conferences over a few years shows unreasonable ostentatious spending. Of course, the department denies certain unnecessary purchases but it doesn’t seem likely that the inspector who conducted the audit would fabricate lists of expensive snacks and trips. Should the Justice Department’s spending be this flexible? Would the government be overreacting if it gave the department stringent spending rules or budgets?
Today officially marks the end of the military’s 18 year old ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ policy, allowing members of the military to finally reveal their sexuality without fear of losing their jobs. The Defense Department claims that they will have no tolerance for anti-gay behavior, just as it does for religious and gender discrimination. Troops previously discharged under don’t ask don’t tell can finally reenlist if they still meet the qualifications.
However, not all is solved. The Federal Defense of Marriage Act does not allow the military to recognize same-sex partnerships. This means that their partners will not be able to get the same benefits married heterosexual benefits are entitled to.
President Obama is finally sticking up for the middle and lower class and not playing into the hands of those that would fluff the pillows of top income earners - the richest of the rich - while leaving the rest of the country to struggle with the economic state our country is in. Obama's plan to increase taxes for the top 0.3%, while already vilified, could be the sobering punch that the wealthy in this country need and a viable solution to begin addressing deficit reduction. If nothing else, it serves as a reminder to Democrats that their party is one committed to greater economic equality. Now those in Congress need only to stand their ground in support
