Policy differences between Obama and Romney

Artwork this week is from the Smithsonian US History Museum Collection , Washington DC - they present the lives of Average Americans..

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After months of rhetoric and "paid political announcements", our presidential elections are drawing near.  The policy differences of the two candidates for the office of President, have become clear.

Lets play a guessing game – can you identify which candidate holds which position?  To play the game put a checkmark by all the items with which you agree.

Economy – One candidate wants to repeal tax cuts for households earning more than $250,000/yr. and would lower taxes on the manufacturing industry.  He would provide short term stimulus spending and provide tax cuts to grow the economy. He would cut spending and raise taxes on the wealthy to reduce the deficit. His focus would be on growing the middle class to benefit the economy for all. 

  The other candidate wants Bush era tax cuts to become permanent. He would lower all corporate tax cuts to 25% and reduce taxes and regulations to encourage business.  He would cut government spending by 5% to reduce the national deficit. His focus would be on providing benefits for big business, banking, and those with higher income ( the 1%)

Healthcare:  One candidate supports the 2010 healthcare overhaul bill that calls for patient protection to allowing coverage for pre-existing conditions, and would not permit insurers to cancel policies when patients get sick.  Individuals would be required to buy health insurance or pay a fine.  The other candidate created a similar healthcare plan in Mass. but believes it's not appropriate for all of USA and wants to repeal “Obamacare”. He proposes encouraging individuals to purchase their own health insurance rather than via employers, and allowing insurance across state lines.  The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that eliminating “Obama care” would increase the federal budget deficit by an estimated $109 billion between 2013 and 2022.  (See reference below)

Immigration: One candidate supports offering a path to legalization for illegal immigrants that includes learning English & paying fines; toughens penalties for hiring illegal immigrants.  He has supported maintaining the fence along the Mexican border. He issued an exec order to not deport certain undocumented immigrants.  The second candidate would make English the official language of the US and "turn off the magnets like tuition breaks or other breaks that draw people into this country illegally".

Reproductive Rights: One candidate supports the health care reform law insurance plan that required coverage to provide contraception, (churches, synagogues, excluded).  He supports the concept that a women’s reproductive rights are between the woman and her doctor – no government intervention.    The second would sign a repeal of the health-care law, and thus eliminate the guarantees of contraceptive coverage. He also supports eliminating federal funding of Planned Parenthood because some affiliates provide abortions (though not with federal money). #2 also supports state having the right to pass laws that determine women’s access to contraception and abortion. 

Iraq:  One candidate opposed invasion of Iraq from the beginning; has opposed troop increase; ended military operations in Iran, following the previously negotiated Bush timeline. He agreed to troops moved into Afghanistan and to the Iranian border to improve stability in the region. The other candidate says that keeping the U.S. in Iraq is the best option for minimizing casualties and maintaining a democratic government in Iraq.

Iran:  Candidate #1 chooses to engage in direct diplomacy; tighten economic sanctions with international cooperation; military option not off the table. He believes in working closely with our NATO allies in forming our Iran policy – with the expressed focus on preventing the developing of a nuclear weapon in Iran.  Candidate #2: Military option is not off the table.

Global Warming and Environment:       “One” supports a mandatory cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions. Delay the decision on northern leg of Keystone XL pipeline due to environmental concerns. Recognizes the relationship between permitting increased CO2 in the atmosphere and global climate change.   “Two” opposes cap and trade legislation. Supports Keystone XL pipeline. Exporting carbon emissions to China hurts US and planet. (Aug 2007), $20 billion package for energy research & new car technology.  His party has not been on record for accepting global climate change and its causes. Note: To learn more about Cap and trade: http://www.ncpa.org/pub/understanding-cap-and-trade)

Position on Abortion:  One candidate  supports the Roe v. Wade decision; criticized Supreme Court decision that upheld ban on partial-birth abortions.  He supports the concept that women’s reproductive rights are between the woman and her doctor – no government intervention. The other candidate opposes Roe v. Wade; believes states should be allowed to ban abortions, 1994: Supported abortion rights but personally opposed, No punishment for women who have partial birth abortions, change of heart in 2005 when preparing to run for President.   The party of #2 has advocated for no exception in the abortion law in cases of rape or incest... To learn more about Row v. Wade visit this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roe_v._Wade

Have you identified a pattern of your own positions? 

Of course the first candidate in each case is Obama, and the second Romney

Myself – I believe earnestly in an America with a strong middle class. An America that supports its public schools, makes medical available for all, respects the right of all people to make their own health decisions.  Recognizes and deals with the massive problems of global climate change and pollution of our air and water. I have had enough of selfish interest groups watching out for themselves and saying, “Let the middle class and the poor take care of themselves...”

So the choice will be for each of us Americans.

1.     Make sure you are registered and make plans to vote.

2.     Second - go beyond all the hype and expensive ad campaigns and learn about the issues.

3.  Get involved - work in your community to make sure that everyone has the right to vote and the support they need to get to the polls!

If you found this blog of interest – pass on this url address  to a friend:  http://johnzlatnik.blogspot.com
Two brief must see videos:
1.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/08/mitt-romney-debates-himself-video_n_1949414.html
2.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZfXvFAeHVo

My research sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/12/opinion/a-debate-with-clarity-and-fervor.html?_r=0

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/DC-Decoder/2012/0825/Obama-vs.-Romney-101-5-differences-on-women-s-issues/Health-care

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57479021-503544/cbo-health-care-repeal-would-cost-$109-billion/

http://www.diffen.com/difference/Barack_Obama_vs_Mitt_Romney

Part Two – Syrian Journal

My camera was broken by the time I reached Syria so the only photos I have are distorted .  For this blog I added Google images 

In my long ago travels in Syria I found the local people to be friendly and willing to help me as a young American travelling through their land.  I was invited into homes and had meals purchased for me, and many who helped me on my way by providing directions.  Today, when I read the daily news and hear of the death and destruction in Syria it gives me such great sadness…. Also, how ironic that I wrote my last blog only a few days before the burning of my beloved Souk el Zarb.  This was a UN World Heritage site severely damaged by the flames of war.   Here is what BBC had to say about the fire: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19775530

As I read my last blog and this one it seems very strange to hear my words as a 21 year old come back to me … for me it’s a great reason for keeping journals.  My journal has in fact become a time capsule to the way I thought and acted at that time in my life.

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There is one thing about staying in hostels – I meet such a variety of people and then we travel our different ways – only to meet again in another hostel later on.  I had a fine ‘homecoming’ with several friends that first morning in Damascus as we shared a breakfast of bread, honey, dates, and little glasses of hot red tea... I went to the American Express office to pick up my mail from home.   As I sat in a teashop reading my mail, another ‘hosteller’ stopped by and we later went  to the Jordanian embassy to get travel visas.

Street scene in Damascus

 Much of the day was spent in catching up with the news of my travel friends and taking it a little easy from the busy last several days.  I met some older Germans who seemed like sad people to me – a travel weary older man and younger woman who had ‘wandering’ for all the years since the war crushed Germany... they had been around the world twice – they would stop and work enough to make a little money to live on and then off again... Modern day gypsies... it made me realize that one could become stuck in this life of being a ‘hosteller’.

First thing Monday morning I went first to the bakery to buy bread for the day, then went to see the famous gardens of Damascus There I was stopped by a group of armed soldiers who demanded to see my journal and passport – My journal really seemed to concern them and they passed it back and forth – even though none of them could read English.  After a delay they allowed me to continue.

Loungers

All through the city there are groups of armed troops, and occasional armored cars with machine guns pointed to the sky, also large guns being pulled in the streets.  Later as I walked more through the city, I saw whole streets blocked off, and parks appeared to be made into battle ready encampments – tents, machine gun placements, armored cars – sitting, waiting, helmets... Once more my journal was taken from me and examined and my passport was checked and rechecked... I found later that there had been a revolt in Baghdad with some people killed – everything was in complete lockdown.  When we woke the next morning we were advised not to leave the hostel because there had been a “bloodless coup” overnight here in Damascus.  It appears that the army general kicked out the Bath party  (very conservative) everyone in the city was on edge. Later that day in the afternoon I went with friends to explore the souk (market district) but it was not as extensive as Souk el Zarb in Aleppo.  I found an inlaid wood chess board and some hand crafted leather goods.  Damascus was satisfying – the city was grand and it was good to reconnect with friends.

Market 

(Next entry)  When I reached the time limit for my stay in Damascus I woke early to catch a bus for Jordan.  The one I expected had broken down so I had to wait until 10:30.  This proved to be a dolmish  (communal taxi) that charged 10 Lira – ($2.75) for the trip into Amman Jordan – that was expensive but my only choice.  And it didn’t leave until 11:30. The driver stood outside his car shouting – “Amman” “Amman” until he had collected enough people to fill the dolmish.  As I waited, seated on a bench, a Syrian army guy came over to me and grabbed me by the shoulder and pulled me up – holding on to me, he pulled his long dagger with a curved blade and held it up menacingly.  Then his face changed from anger to laughter and he walked away.  Was he just kidding with me?  Was he trying to scare me?  Was he trying to say he didn’t like Americans?  I guess I’ll never know.  Its funny but I didn’t feel very threatened by him because there were a lot of people standing right there waiting for buses.

building - Damascus

The group of us that finally started the trip to Amman was the driver, a man in the back seat and his two young wives. Also joining us were an older Arab man and his wife and two children.  The back seat I shared with a young Arab and a very old woman.  The young Arab was constantly ordering the two young women about  - for example they peeled his fruit for him. It was quite jolly with everyone sharing fruit and bread as we went along.

Some people spoke English and explain to me that the Baathist government is Iraq fell first, then two days later the army in Syria revolted and the Baathist’s were also defeated... so nobody knew what the response of the loyalists would be,

Syria has a few rivers - and when its possible they have built water wheels - mostly to run flour mills.

To hear a recording  of the water wheel sound click here: http://www.sonicwonders.org/?p=1133

As we neared the Syrian border   we began to encounter large detachments of the Syrian army – 4 large units – each with troops, artillery, tanks, and supply trucks... Here was an entire army on the move!   I found later that it was all very convoluted... the revote in Amman, We arrived in Amman late.  First things first – I was starving without much to eat all day – so I found a street food stall that was selling something wrapped up in newspaper – they had put together a collection of meat slices on a spit and had a hot bed of coals to cook the outside meat.  Then they sliced off the toasted meat on the outside and wrapped it in pida bread with tomatoes, cucumber, turnip pickle,  and yogurt sauce. It was love at first taste.   They call it Shawarma!

Sharwama

 I walked into the first hotel that looked ‘acceptable’ it was clean and cheap – the rooms were for 4 people – but I had it to myself.  A young Palestinian who spoke good English decided to educate me on the issue of Israel – He said, “Look we lived in Sprain (the Moors) for over 300 years – do we get it back just because we ask for it? – Why should the Jews get the best land in the Middle East – so easily? He continued, "I lived right over the border in East Palestine and from the top of my hill I can look over and see my old house. But I cant even go back to visit my home."

My hotel turned out to be an experience – the hotel owner had raised all the internal wall of the hotel only 3/4 the way to the ceiling – the result was that you could hear each new arrival, each cough, or sneeze, or restless sleeper.  I had a breakfast of date, bread, and tea ... and set off to see the city... 

Note added 10/5/12: At the time this was written I had been traveling for 3 months... and I would continue traveling for an additional 2 months... so this is one slice out of my Hosteling adventures - perhaps over time I will add more ...

Street in Amman - old town

If you are confused about our weather thick here: http://www.examiner.com/article/el-nino-realities-and-myths

If you enjoyed this blog you can recommend it to a friend by sending this url: http://johnzlatnik.blogspot.com

 Report from Syria

Absolutely recommended web links of the week:

1.  http://www.onetermmore.com/video_subtitles.html

2.  http://www.pissedonpolitics.com/?p=4511

And Now - something /different - Part I

Photo credit: Google Images:  At the time I made this trip I had only a poor camera, made still worse by a light leak - so my own pictures are not usable

When I was 21 years old, just graduated from college, I felt a growing restlessness to see the world.  Perhaps it can about as a result of growing up hearing my Mother tell stories of her travels in China before she was married; perhaps it was hearing of far away places and wanting to see them first hand.  I saved my money from a summer of hard work, planned my travels carefully, and flew to Scotland by the cheapest airline possible – Icelandic Airlines. (an old slow 4 propeller DC-6)  From Glasgow I started my trek, sleeping at night in youth hostels when possible.  http://www.hihostels.com. At times I travelled with friends and sometimes alone, but always there would be a friendly group of fellow travellers in the next hostel.  My travels eventually took me to Syria and Jordan... and with these countries so prominent in the news lately – I thought you might find my perceptions of Syria, through the eyes of a 21 year old, of interest.  Following is an excerpt from the journal that I wrote at that time... ( circa 1961)

4  propeller DC-6 like the one I flew

Entrance into Syria from Turkey travelled with my German friend Jürgen:

“The main street on Leharm Turkey was on the side of a steep mountain slope.  The houses were simple and in the barren setting looked rather pathetic.  We inquired for the price of transport to the border some 11 kilometers away.  Since we were quotes high prices, we decided to walk –On the way we stopped a communal taxi (a dolmish) that seemed to be going to Aleppo.  After travelling about 2 km. we discovered that this dolmish was only going to the border and would charge us each 10 Lira ... so we demanded to be let off.  Next we got a lift on a pony cart for about 3 km. A young Turkish man was taking a load of green saplings, and welcomed our company. He was friendly and we exchanged words for common items in three languages Turkish, English, and German- a strange sort of communication when all else fails.

After the lift we walked the rest of the way; walking between hills we passed occasional ruins and barbed wire entanglements beside the road.  Now and then we stopped to “talk” to people and ask the distance to the border.   We passed through the long no-mans land between Turkey and Syria with endless double spirals of barbed wire.  Finally we came to a village identical to the model villages we used to make in summer vacation school in church.  Yellow grey square houses with wooden beams and mud roofs.  We were greeted by village children who seemed to know 2 English words – “Please” and “English?” We passed through them and had our last look at the crescent and star of the Turkish flag.  They hated the English, so the small American flag on my pack identified me as OK.

Saladin's Castle - Allepo

First impressions of Syria The Syrian border guards were friendly and helped up get a lift with a fish truck going into Aleppo.  Here we heard Arabic spoken for the first time.  The men wore baggy black trousers with tight ankles or loose white robes.  Both wore the white head covers, flowing down the back and held in place with a thick black cord.  We reached Aleppo by 6 PM  - It was very 'plush' to ride in the back of the truck and watch the evening come over  the Syrian desert, (even with the smell of fish).   We had some difficulty locating a hotel (we found no hostels here).  What we found was “OK”. Four customers per room. The beds have a sheet and double blankets held in place with a large safety pin – probably changed once a month.

Souk el Zarb

There were many surprises here – the signs were all in Arabic script– there are no women on the crowded streets, the prominent white robes, headgear, and fezzes... Some things are difficult to see – terrible cripples, filthy sore ridden beggers lying in the dust of the building corners, everyone constantly spitting, young boys doing work too hard for a grown man, other young boys, clanging a brass cymbal, carrying large brass containers of some kind of sweet beverage on their back – with one cup for all customers.  If discovered that if we stayed in any Syrian city form more than 3 days we would have to file forms and 3 photos with the local police.  That would limit our stay. 

First we went to see the great Saladin’s castle - a great citadel with history going back to the time of the Hittites, but important to both the Greeks and Romans.  Its present state was built up during the Byzantine time.  The people use the dry cistern  today for storage of grain and other produce... after exploring the rooms and caverns of the castle, we went to the greatest of the Bedouin markets - Souk el Zarb ... it is a vast labyrinth of stone passage ways with occasional windows in the ceiling to let in light – there are sections for the sale of all the trades and produce of the middle east – it is a noisy fragrant/smelly place of wonders.

Souk el Zarb

Entering the market was like going into the Arabian nights – it was a wonderland of figs – dates – rugs – knives – gold and jewelry, butchers cutting up meat - brass and tin –like chickens and goats,  rope – saddles – iron mongers - spices – fresh vegetables and fruit - camels...  The central hall ran for several kilometers and there were also branching corridors... The effect was a noisy bedlam of people – grabbing – urging – haggling – laughing.  I learned that bargaining is not an angry exchange – but a friendly often easy going ( but serious)  exchange – I bought a pair of desert boots made of tough camel and horse hides...  Jürgen and I tried a hubbly-bubbly water pipe where we ate lunch- the flavor was mild – but the pipe was not very clean. Later in the day as we left the souk we stopped at a bakery.  Bread is bought by the kilogram.  The local bread in about 1/2 inch  thick and about  7 inches in diameter – when it’s in the oven it puffs up like a balloon.  The following morning I said goodbye to Jürgen who was going direct to Damascus.

Souk el Zarb

Palmira (Tadmore )  I found a bus out of Aleppo to Palmira in the middle  part of Syria.  The first day out I made it to Hamah - where I spent a strange night.  It is a  small place and there were no hotel or hostel rooms to be found - If everything else failed I went to the tea houses or cafes and found someone who spoke English and asked their help. A man told me that he was the chairman of the youth club and he could let me sleep in the youth club building - but they would have to lock me inside for security reasons - he said they would come and let me out in the morning.  So first he bought me a nice supper of Hummous and bread and then I got locked up.  True to his word ealy the next morning he came and saw me on my way.

(next entry) The next day I went on into Homs, another amall place, and found an old dilapidated bus ( no windows ) to take me on the long trip to Palmira.  The bus stopped at times so that the Muslims could set out their prayer rugs and offer  prayers.  We also had to stop to adjust the radio and to allow passengers to buy food and find a bathroom.  This was my first encounter with the Bedouin people who lived in large black tents with their camels, fat tail sheep, and a few horses.  I was surprised to see that the separate tents of a group were so widely spaced from each other.  The bus arrived well after dark.

Bedouin tent

There is nothing in the world like a small oasis village in the middle of the vast desert –
Once in Palmira  I checked into a local "hotel" –which seemed to be full of local policemen – then I found a local restaurant to buy hot food – all I could get was some cold rice and cold greasy mutton meat and grain patties.  I spoke to a Syrian student about the hatred of the Jews and the English – over the issue of Israel.  It is an experience to be the center of attention – people curious about me and my writing At times I felt like an impromptu entertainer. Everything I said or did  seemed of interest to the group of people that collected around me.  My room is about 15 x 15 ft. square with a high ceiling of rough planks, the wall is of white plaster, cracked and covered with Arabic writing done by past inhabitants – same double blanket (not very fresh).  There are 4 beds, but I am the only guest tonight.

The desert of Palmira

 (Next entry)

The room was musty and cold when I woke – The landlord of the hotel had knocked to wake me – he spoke French and Arabic.  After a breakfast of old bread and honey,  I went out into the street to buy my morning tea.  Even in the cold sunlight there was arill dust hanging in the air  - soon local kids came running up top me shouting “Baksheesh”! One tugged at my sleeve and when I turned to him – he cringed and held up his arm to protect himself from the memory of past blows... Suddenly I heard someone call “John, John” and there was a strange man who had heard about the American in town – he invited me to the family home for tea, We entered through a doorway in a plain looking mud brick wall – inside was a large courtyard with date palms and a fountain... up a flight of stairs was the living room – this was apparently one of the wealthier homes in town...

Small tower of the dead

On the wall was a large picture of Nasser - The men of the family noticed my interest and said in Syria there were 3 people of importance - Allah, Mohammed, and Abdul Nasser.  Red tea was served in small glasses – very sweet... I was invited to eat dates – small and sweet like honey. I thanked them for their hospitality and went out into the narrow street. There were not many shops in town – but I found a all purpose store with some hand made items - here I found a hand made Bedouin knife - a bit crude in construction – but a real specimen of local craftsmanship – I bought it for 4 Lira.  I encountered a group of young travelling Germans and we set out together to see the ruins of Palmira – once an important oasis on the Silk route to Asia.  There on the distant mountains stood the golden brown ruins of the ancient city.  Here was a great temple to Baal, pillar lined streets leading into the valley of the dead, and other to the main street of the city.

Palmira - arch

The valley of the dead had rows of 5 story towers – each was a sort of mausoleum for storing the dead. The area was a major historical treasure and the Syrian government was making great efforts to restore years of neglect. The city also featured a series of smaller temples, a market area, large theater, and the center of power – a castle built more recently... Once we climbed the hill to approach the castle, we passed over fields of pottery shards, up loose rocks, across a moat, and we found a small hole knocked through the SE corner of the wall through which we could enter – inside we found numerous defense rooms with slit windows, also rooms for storage, sleeping, and a throne room...

The ruins of Palmira

After seeing the antiquities we returned to the town of Palmira into a date orchard area – lined with 7 ft. walls and canals for water – it became clear that this was a carefully managed oasis with a limited water source carefully allocated.   They also grew figs, pomegranates, grapes and apricots.  I was invited to climb a date palm and pick some dates fresh from the tree.  This proved to be harder than I thought – but I got the dates!

The walk back to the village was about 2 km and we were tired and thirsty from our busy day – We went to the only cafe in town and the food available was a plate of pilaf and meat (sheep or goat) for 1.40 Lira... it turned out to be practically uneatable – Ity was much like last night...the pilaf was old and dry, each grain covered in cold mutton grease.  When I got back to the hotel I found that I now had 2 roommates – 2 Arabs – they ate and smoked until late  - they snored mightily!

(Next entry)

Walls of Damascus

Another cold clear morning greeted my senses as I checked out of the ‘hotel’.  I shook hands with the proprietor and taking my pack on my back, I set out to buy dates to eat during the day... but without success.  I bought my bus ticket to return to Homs , fought my pack back onto the bus, and settled down for the long ride. I found it quite thrilling to see a great herd of camels – They reach down to pluck a bit of grass then stand erect to chew it while looking curiously around them.  Several Bedouin men joined our bus from time to time – they got on very gravely and majestically.  One Bedouin woman with black vein over her face got on and sat next to me – through the vein I could see that she was young and quite beautiful and clearly curious about this young American.

Syrians and a bedouin tent

Damascus

(next entry)

The bus arrived in Damascus about 6 PM..What a grand experience to arrive in a strange middle eastern city at such an hour. In the twilight, people on foot  were everywhere!  The streets appeared somewhat more western, but not quite European.  The women were all veiled.  Men standing in groups would stop their talk as I passed and turn to look at me. Loud Arabic popular music came from open cafe doors.   How wonderful it felt to have all my possessions on my back - to walk free and unattached into the unknown of a strange city at this magic hour.  And hurrah! There was a youth hostel - with  good company -good food right next door- a hot shower –and soft beds -  I slept well.

If you enjoyed this blog please pass it on to a friend at  http://johnzlatnik.blogspot.com/

Return Next Week for part two!

Map of Syria