Hero: Rick Perry

 

My hero for the week is Texas Governor and GOP hopeful Rick Perry. Yes, he had quite the slip-up in this week's Republican debate on MSNBC, but I certainly admire the way he has handled the situation. It's important for someone, especially a politician and someone running for President, to be able to admit their mistakes. It's even more important to twist the situation in their favor. Governor Perry and his campaign have had some fun with the mistake. His campaign webpage invited people to talk about which government agency they'd like to eliminate, a move that generated over 2,000 hits. These hits are beneficial to his campaign as it gains him exposure, and even funds potentially as supporters are being asked to donate a few dollars for every government agency they themselves would like to eliminate. On David Letterman's show on Thursday night, Perry appeared as a guest, giving his own segment on "Top 10 Rick Perry Excuses." With lines such as "Hey, listen. You try concentrating with Mitt Romney staring at you. That is one handsome dude," or and "I had just learned Justin Beiber was my father," Perry made fun of himself and was quite good at it. I have to hand it to Gov. Perry for making opportunity out of a potentially bad hit to his campaign and being able to make fun of himself.

Source/See the segment for yourself: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=rick%20perry%20letterman&source=video&cd=4&ved=0CF4QtwIwAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DT8iIeHjP8xU&ei=NCi9Tp6aLsPv0gHPsIHqBA&usg=AFQjCNFjtQzw07F51t91OokSCW59F7GJ5g

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11/11/perry-pokes-fun-at-debate-mistakes-on-letterman/#ixzz1dP8mnnj7

Hack: Rick Perry 

 

 

As discussed in class, it's an overwhelming amount of pressure to be in the position that Rick Perry is in. However, if he is trying to make 3 strong points concerning something that his administration would be doing if elected, it's imperative that he remembers exactly what those points are. He is not a strong debater to begin with, but this was by far his worst appearance. Perry acknowledges this, by stating "Yeah, I stepped in it." Could this have lost him the election? "Oops," possibly.

 

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-perry-reaction-20111109,0,3567819.story

 

-Sarah Hammer

 

 

Hack: Senate

I hacked the senate because the "super committee" cannot agree on a deficit reduction plan.  Among the committee of six democrats and six republicans, it seems like they are just playing the blame game and not getting anything accomplished. 

-Alexandria McNamara

 

 

 

 

HERO: Senate

 

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/11/senate-passes-a-first-piece-of-obamas-jobs-bill/

 

 

 

My hero of the week is the Senate. They finally passed a piece of President Obama’s jobs bill with an astounding votes of ninety-four to one. After failing to pass other parts of the bill twice and is now being sent to the House of Representative. The jobs bill will provide tax credits to businesses and companies to hire veterans that are either unemployed or disabled. This will not only benefit the veterans through receiving more opportunities to find jobs but will also benefit our whole country as well by decreasing the unemployment percentage. As an addition bonus, the bill is passed right on time for Veterans’ Day as a special thank you for serving for our country.

- Diana Nguyen 

 

 

My hero for the week is Timothy Geithner. Remarks from Geithner came following the Joe Bohner's release of a list of supporters for his plan for America's Job Creators. Geithner was interviewed later on the topic and he denined that Republicans actually care to stimulate the economy through the creation of jobs. Geithner went onto support Obama's efforts to stimulate the economy with the jobs bill. 

-Mary Radziszewski

(http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/10/news/economy/geithner_republican_jobs/index.htm

 

 

My hero this week is Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina. The first part of the Obama job bill was passed in Senate with a vote of 94-1. The single “nay” was Senator DeMint. This part of the jobs bill is a nod to disabled veterans, giving them more job opportunities. While I am for the acknowledgement of veterans and all that they have done for our country, I am against veterans getting a leg up that not all other Americans get. After all, wouldn’t giving extra help to veterans be a form of Affirmative Action? My hero this week is Senator DeMint because he stuck to his guns, despite the flack he’ll get for it later.

Marygrace Urmson

 

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/11/senate-passes-a-first-piece-of-obamas-jobs-bill/

 

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HACK: RICK PERRY

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/cnbc-gop-debate-rick-perry-has-oops-moment-romney-continues-strong-performances/2011/11/10/gIQAgsHN9M_story.html

I hacked Rick Perry this week for his funny yet embarrassing slip up in the GOP debate Wednesday night. Politicians, believe it or not, are human beings and are capable of making mistakes. However, when discussing things you and your team plan to do if elected, it is imperative that you do not make mistakes and clearly state what it is you are trying to say. As innocent as it may sound, this "hiccup" could ruin Perry's chances of winning and will certainly make him the laughing stock of America for a few days. Perry...you've been hacked.

- Dan Nucero

 

 

HeRo: United States Senate

   This week, I’d like to hero the U.S. Senate for a couple of reasons. Mainly, the Senate is a hero this week because of its latest decision to assist our country’s veterans in finding jobs by passing a bill that would give employers tax credits if they were to hire unemployed veterans. This action is exceptionally important because it is the first portion of Barack Obama’s jobs bill to be passed by the Senate “and now will be sent to the House of Representatives.” (ABC News). The bill has been referred to as “a jobs creator” due to the hope and goal that it will enable many veterans to get out there and find jobs more easily. “The bills won't solve our jobs crisis,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday. "But this attempt at bipartisanship has been used to help get them over the finish line and represents our best shot at making progress on jobs in the economy." (ABC News). Although this bill may only be a small piece of Obama’s big plan, it’s a step in the right direction. Plus, what better time to pass such a bill than right before Veterans Day? By providing veterans with job opportunities, we are not only thanking them for what they have done for the country, but we are also helping the country itself as a whole.

   My other reason for why the Senate is my hero of the week is not as important as my first, but I still believe their decision deserves some recognition. I understand that the whole sexual abuse case with Penn State former football coach Joe Paterno is a bit of a touchy subject right now. Regarding Paterno, PA Senators have withdrawn their support for him to get the prestigious “Medal of Freedom.” However, this is not the reason why I believe they are a hero for doing so. They seem to feel bad for him. It’s almost like they stuck up for him a sense by redirecting (or at least tried to) the people’s and press’s attention off of Paterno to the actual victims. In the article from ABC News, both senators said the attention should now be turned to the victims of “these atrocious crimes.” Therefore, the Senate has made some pretty bold moves lately, especially in regards to helping out our nation’s veterans.

~Chelsea Ann Rovnan

 

Articles regarding Senate’s decision to assist unemployed vets:

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/10/news/economy/unemployed_veterans/ 

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/11/senate-passes-a-first-piece-of-obamas-jobs-bill/ 

Article regarding Senate’s decision regarding Paterno:

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/11/pa-senators-no-longer-support-paterno-for-medal-of-freedom/

 

 

 

Hack: Mark Block and Herman Cain

 

 

I am hacking Herman Cain and his chief of staff Mark Block. During an interview Tuesday night with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Block stated that he thinks there is a Politico plot against Herman Cain. There are two things wrong with this. First of all, in the interview Block said that Josh Kraushaar was Karen Kraushaar’s son, and he worked at Politico, which was the company that originally revealed the scandals. It was later revealed, by Josh Kraushaar himself that he was in no way related to Karen Kraushaar nor does he work at Politico. Second of all, settlements between the two of the women and Cain were made about ten years ago. If this is a plot, it has certainly been a long time in the making. Also, if they are serious in trying to get the public to agree with their theory of a Politico plot, then they should get their facts straight because now they both look foolish.

Christie McLaughlin

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/post/cains-credibility-shot/2011/11/08/gIQA4jMC5M_blog.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/richard-adams-blog/2011/nov/09/cain-mark-block-kraushaar-error

 

HACK: Federal Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter

 

 

I chose to HACK Federal Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter because of his ignorance to the purpose of the federal court system. Judge Buckwalter was the presider over the Vince Fumo corruption case back in 2009. Vince Fumo was charged with 137 convictions, of which he was found guilty of defrauding the Senate through his use of personal servants and embezzling money from several South Philly charities in order to pay for personal extravaganzas.  Instead of being sentenced to at least 17½ years behind bars, which is the recommended sentence under federal guidelines, for his disgraceful crimes, Buckwalter sentenced Fumo to a mere 55 months in a federal prison. Just as he proved to be extremely lenient in the Fumo prosecution, over 60% of Buckwalter’s case fail to meet the federal guidelines regarding proper punishment for crimes.   Buckwalter now has to face the Third Circuit court in order to revise his sentencing in the Fumo trial for a third time. Maybe this time he’ll realize how moderate his initial sentencing was and give Fumo the punishment that he deserves!

 

Philadelphia Inquirer

--Hayley Hanuscin

 

 

HERO: A Senate Panel

 

 

This past Wednesday, the Environmental and Public Works committee, led by Chairman Barbara Boxer, a Californian Demoncrat, unanimously (18-0) passed a bill that will "repair" the nation's infrastructure.  The bill will spend $85 billion in the next two years and create 1 million jobs, as opposed to Obama's bill which would spend $57 over a period of 10 years.  Obama felt that his plan could not wait and he blamed the Republican Party as well as Congress on a whole for its failure; not one Demoncrat stood up in favor of it.  I understand that he felt the country needed a jobs bill as soon as possible, but it is good to know that the parties stood together and refuted it, putting up thier plan instead, which they have confidence in.  It is rare that the two parties will get together, compromise, and display such excellent bipartisanship.  Usually we see it as one party versus another, and the Replublicans have a reputation for not being open to Demoncratic ideas and suggestions.  However, even Boxer said that Republican James Inhofe was "tough but fair."  Other committee members also had nice things to say and seemed shocked themselves that the Demoncrats and Republicans were able to openly communicate, work things out, and come up with an effective jobs plan which is so very needed right now.  I think this will be a good example for future government interactions involving both parties, kind of a proof that bipartisanship can be successful.

 

-Deirdre O'Leary

 

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11/09/senate-panel-approves-construction-bill-in-rare-show-bipartisanship/#ixzz1dLU83laz

 

 

 

 

-Deirdre O'Leary

 

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11/09/senate-panel-approves-construction-bill-in-rare-show-bipartisanship/

 

 

 

 

 

 

HERO: MICHELE BACHMANN

 

Michele Bachmann, while delivering her Foreign Policy Address was rudely interrupted by a group of OCCUPY protesters who were shouting "This will only take a minute... You capitalize on dividing Americans / claiming people that disagree with you / are unpatriotic socialists / and you promote discrimination.” I understand that the protestors have freedom of speech but personally I feel that they are making themselves heard in an overtly obnoxious way. I heroed Michelle Bachmann, although I may not agree with her foreign policy but I appreciate the fact that she did not fight she was simply escorted off stage. When she returned to finish her speech she said, “Don’t you love the First Amendment?”  

-EMILY GUMPPER

 

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/10/8739200-occupy-wall-street-protesters-interrupt-bachmann-speech

 

HERO: Al Schmidt 

 

I would like to HERO Al Schmidt for this week’s Hero and Hack. Al Schmidt was considered the Rebel Republican won a seat on the City Commission. On Tuesday November 8^th, Schmidt defeated the four-term incumbent Joseph Duda. I would like to hero Schmidt because he was the insurgent Republican candidate who promised reform. Even though, this was the first election I voted in I believe that City’s government needs “new blood” and reform. There are those in the City government that are just too comfortable and need to be ousted. It is a welcoming thought that a newcomer succeeds against the incumbent candidates, especially those with two or more terms behind them.

---Maddie Clifford

 

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/city/133514033.html

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20111108_Schmidt_ahead_in_city_commssioner_race.html

 

 

HACK: Karen Brown

Hacking Karen Brown for not really running any kind of campaign at all. She gave the incumbent Michael Nutter an easy victory with almost no opposition. Basically Michael Nutter was a sure win. There technically was a choice for the voters but not really. If you think about it democracy was there but again not really. How could they vote for Karen Brown knowing nothing about her because she basically had no campaign. It deserves a hack because it infringed on the democratic process.

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/politics/133496408.html

 

Michael Fiore 

  

Michelle Obama:Hero

http://whitehouse.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/10/michelle-obama-announces-new-pledges-for-military-hiring/

First Lady Michelle Obama announced that a few major business associations have made a commitment to hire over eighty thousand veterans and military spouses by the end of 2014. This is a very positive idea that will increase the American economy and get more people back to work. Also, those men and women who have served our country for so many years are finally getting the honor and respect they deserve. This pledge has been done with the help of the International Franchise Association, Military Spouse Employment Partnership, and the American Logistics Association.

Taylor Howard

Rick Perry: Hack

 

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57321982-503544/rick-perry-fails-to-remember-what-agency-hed-get-rid-of-in-gop-debate/

 

I think Perry should have picked himself up a copy of Hardball before this past GOP debate. He spoke, and it certainly did not improve the silence when he forgot a major part of his campaign: "And I will tell you, it is three agencies of government when I get there that are gone. Commerce, Education, and the... what's the third one there? Let's see." He stumbled over himself, particularly to the amusement of the audience. Its hard to put into words what went on last night, so im including a transcript from the link above:

 

Perry was discussing his jobs plan and his flat tax plan when he said: "And I will tell you, it is three agencies of government when I get there that are gone. Commerce, Education, and the... what's the third one there? Let's see."

Perry then paused and there was audible laughter in the room. Texas Rep. Ron Paul then chimed in "You need five," to which Perry responded, "Oh, five, OK. So Commerce, Education, and the..."

Romney then suggested, "EPA?" to which Perry responded, "EPA, there you go, no..." with laughter from the candidate and the audience.

Moderator John Harwood from CNBC then asked, "Seriously, is the EPA the one you were talking about?"

"No, sir, no, sir. We were talking about the agencies of government -- the EPA needs to be rebuilt. There's no doubt about that," Perry responded.

"But you can't name the third one?" Harwood asked.

"The third agency of government I would, I would do away with, the Education, the... Commerce and, let's see," Perry said, as his brain freeze continued.

Finally, Perry gave up, saying:  "I can't. The third one, I can't. Sorry. Oops."

 

It wasn't until later in the debate that Perry remembered Energy was the missing piece of the puzzle:

 

However, a few minutes later in the debate, Perry remembered that the third department was the Energy Department. "By the way that was the Department of Energy I was reaching for a while ago," he said with a chuckle when he was asked another question.

 

Don't talk unless it improves the silence.

~~Charles Unruh

 

Hack: Rick Perry

 

I am hacking Rick Perry for his recent slip up during a debate with other Republican candidates.  When talking about different departments he was adamant about cutting, he blanked and could only recall two, much to the amusement of the other candidates and audience.  He was able to come up with education and commerce, but failed to recognize the third that he was so determined to cut once in office.  In order to cover himself, he threw out EPA, only to realize that no, EPA does not need to be cut, but rebuilt.  Later on, he realized that he meant to say the Department of Energy, but that was after the damage had already been done.  This little "Oops moment" as different news stations have been calling it depletes his credibility.  If he is so determined to cut these departments, then why is it he can't even remember them?

Source: Channel 6 Action News

     ~ Michelle Deacon

 

 

Hack: Penn State Board of Trustees

http://www.csnphilly.com/ncaa/news/Gonzo-McQueary-must-be-the-next-to-go?blockID=591698&feedID=704

 

     For this week I decided to hack the Penn State Board of Trustees, not for the firing of Joe Paterno, but for the poor choice of not removing Mike McQueary, the wide receiver coach of the football team. McQueary was the lone man not to be fired out of Joe Paterno, Graham Spanier, who served as president, Tim Curly, who was at one-time the athletic director, and Gary Shultz, a former VP of business and finance. All of these firings came about from the sex scandal case of Jerry Sandusky, where he sexually abused up to eight boys over span of 15 years, while using Penn State football facilities. McQueary became involved when he witness Sandusky sexually abusing a 10 year old boy in the shower of the locker room, and instead of taking action he decided to leave immediately. I just do not see any justice here, when the Board of Trustees decided to fire the other three men, and not McQueary. He obviously had as much of a part in this scandal as any of the other three men, who were fired. McQueary had a chance to stop Sandusky of his acts, but he decided to leave the locker room, as a result he should be held accountable and be fired for his actions or should I say lack of action.

-Anthony Nicolo

 

 

Jessica Phares 

 

 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/45248455#45248455

 

               Penn State, and their lack of legal action against Sandusky is being hacked this week. Since 1996, Sandusky has been molesting boys in the Penn State locker room showers. He started a non-profit program in the 1970s called the Second Mile, which is meant to assist underprivileged children “in trouble”. He would bait children by coaxing them with gifts and sporting events, and then when the child trusted Sandusky enough, he would take them to the showers and touch them or force them to engage in sexual activities. One mother noticed her son’s hair was wet and became suspicious. She reported it to the police, and confronted the coach who admitted to the incident. The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare knew that Sandusky performed such acts, but closed the case anyway with no criminal charges against him. Other incidents had happened where people observed the coach molesting or having sex with these boys in the showers, but none were reported directly to the police. One assistant coach, Mike McQueary, saw one of these occurrences, and reported it to Joe Paterno the day after, who then reported it to Penn States athletic director. However, throughout all these incidents, no police were brought in, and the child welfare agency was never contacted. Sandusky’s keys to the locker room were taken away and the Second Mile was informed of these acts. Paterno faces no criminal charges just yet because he did what he was supposed to by reporting the incident to higher officials, though others are disappointed that he didn’t do more to report these incidents to a higher authority when he realized nothing was being done. Multiple people knew about Sandusky and his actions, and it’s quite ridiculous that no one reported him sooner. These incidents have been happening for over ten years now, and many boys’ lives are scarred deeply. Almost everyone neglected their moral and legal responsibilities, and there’s no excuse for that whatsoever, for a children’s lives were at stake, and no one acknowledged that.