Taxpayer Cost for Political Conventions

Taxpayer Cost for Political Conventions American taxpayers help pay for the political conventions held every four years by both the Republican and Democratic national committees. The conventions cost tens of millions of dollars and are put on even though there have been no brokered conventions and every presidential nominee in modern history has been chosen well beforehand. Taxpayers directly contributed $18,248,300 million to the Republican and Democratic national committees, or a total of $36.5 million, to hold their presidential nominating conventions for the 2012 election. They gave similar amounts to the parties in 2008. In addition, Congress set aside $50 million for security at each of the party conventions in 2012, for a total of $100 million. The total cost to taxpayers of the two national party conventions in 2012 exceeded $136 million. Corporations and unions also help cover the cost of the conventions. The cost of holding the political conventions, though, has come under intense scrutiny because of the nations growing national debt and annual deficits. Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma has referred to the political conventions as mere summertime parties and called on Congress to end taxpayer subsidies for them. The $15.6 trillion debt cannot be eliminated overnight, Coburn said in June 2012. But eliminating taxpayer subsidies for political conventions will show strong leadership to getting our budget crisis in control. Where the Money Comes From The taxpayer subsidies for political conventions come through the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. The account is funded by taxpayers who choose to contribute $3 to it by checking a box on the federal income tax returns. About 33 million taxpayers contribute to the fund every year, according to the Federal Election Commission. The amount each party receives from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund to cover convention costs is a fixed amount index to inflation, according to the FEC. The federal subsidies cover a smaller portion of the political convention costs. In 1980, the public subsidies paid for nearly 95 percent of the convention costs, according to the Congressional Sunset Caucus, whose goal is to uncover and eliminate government waste. By 2008, however, the Presidential Election Campaign Fund covered only 23 percent of the political convention costs. Taxpayer Contributions to Political Conventions Here is a list of how much each major party was given in taxpayer subsidies to hold their political conventions since 1976, according to FEC records: 2012 – $18,248,3002008 – $16,820,7602004 – $14,924,0002000 – $13,512,0001996 – $12,364,0001992 – $11,048,0001988 – $9,220,0001984 – $8,080,0001980 – $4,416,0001976 – $2,182,000 How the Money is Spent The money is used to pay for entertainment, catering, transportation, hotel costs, â€Å"production of candidate biographical films,† and a variety of other expenses. There are few rules on how money from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund is spent. Federal law places relatively few restrictions on how PECF convention funds are spent, as long as purchases are lawful and are used to defray expenses incurred with respect to a presidential nominating convention, the Congressional Research Service wrote in 2011. By accepting the money the parties do agree, however, to spending limits and the filing of public disclosure reports to the FEC. Spending Examples Here is some example of how money is spent by the Republican and Democratic parties on political conventions in 2008, according to Coburns office: Republican National Convention Committee: $2,313,750 – Payroll$885,279 – Lodging$679,110 – Catering$437,485 – Airfare$53,805 – Film production$13,864 – Banners$6,209 – Promotional items - gift bags$4,951 – Photography services$3,953 – Floral arrangement for convention$3,369 – Communications consultant Democratic National Convention Committee: $3,732,494 – Salaries$955,951 – Travel$942,629 – Catering$374,598 – Political consulting fees$288,561 – Production music$140,560 – Production: Podium$49,122 – Photography$14,494 – Gifts/trinkets$3,320 – Makeup artist consultant$2,500 – Entertainment Criticism of Political Convention Costs Several members of Congress including Coburn and U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, a Republican from Oklahoma, have introduced bills that would end taxpayer subsidies of political conventions. The major parties are more than capable of funding their own national conventions through private contributions, which already generate over three times the amount the federal grants provide for this purpose alone, the Sunset Caucus wrote in 2012. Others have pointed out what they call the hypocrisy in congressional criticism of the General Services Administration for spending $822,751 on a team building meeting in Las Vegas in 2012 and lack of scrutiny over political convention spending. In addition, many critics of taxpayer subsidies for political conventions say the events are unnecessary. Both parties chose their nominees in the primaries and caucuses- even the Republicans, whose party implemented a little-noticed change in the primary system that lengthened the amount of time it took the eventual nominee to secure the 1,144 delegates necessary for the nomination in 2012.

The Problem of the Identity of Immanuel in Isaiah Essay

The Problem of the Identity of Immanuel in Isaiah - Essay Example Other writers in their interpretations of Isaiah 7:14 have aimed to establish an association of the incident with the birth of Jesus, while, referring to the significance of almah which is a word of Hebrew origin, the meaning of which has been identified as virgin. According to Grisham, the varying assumptions regarding the identity of Immanuel in Isaiah 7:14 have extended to the belief which postulates that he is Jesus himself, while, some consider him to be the child of Isaiah and the king of Judah thus, in their construal of the Book of Isaiah interpreters have vowed to prefer either a single fulfillment or double fulfillment.For the purposes of the succeeding sections of the paper the major views on the identity of Immanuel in Isaiah 7:14 would be assessed in a comprehensive manner. Grisham observes that one of the interpretations regarding the identity of Immanuel in Isaiah 7:14 label the child to be that of Isaiah’s, in his perspective on the identity of the woman and ch ild, Walton notes that in accordance with the teachings of the gospel and that of Christian religion regarding the woman in Isaiah 7:14, much of the assertions point towards the declaration that she is Isaiah’s wife however, these postulations can be nullified on the basis of various arguments. Walton claims his translations of the scripture to be highly credible and reliable. The first argument which nullifies the identity of Immanuel as the child of Isaiah comes from the comparison of 7:14 and 8:3

Professional Responisbility Ethics Research Paper

Professional Responisbility Ethics - Research Paper Example And the Attorney, after reading the draft prepared by the Legal Assistant, decides whether the firm would handle the case, and then the attorney decides the settlement range, strategies, and ultimately finalizes the settlement. The information regarding case strategies are conveyed to the client by the Legal assistant. In addition, the legal assistant interviews witnesses, and negotiate settlement number with the insurance company. According to Canon 3 EC 3-2 of the ABA Model Code of Professional Responsibility, the sensitive variations in the considerations that bear on legal determinations often make it difficult even for a lawyer to exercise appropriate professional judgment, and it is therefore essential that the personal nature of the relationship of client and lawyer be preserved. As a result, the American Bar points out that a competent professional judgment requires trained familiarity with law and legal processes, and an analytical approach to legal problems. Admittedly, Att orney can claim that the Legal Assistant was a law student and had considerable amount of experience in handling such cases. However, the American Bar Association reminds that a non-lawyer, despite some experience, is not governed by the same rules in matters of integrity or legal competence as an attorney is. That means, despite the great degree of skills and experience of the Legal Assistant, the legal assistant cannot be entrusted such tasks which are to be done by the Attorney. However, there are disputes regarding as to what constitutes the practice of law. It is, in fact, difficult to explain in concrete terms what constitutes legal practice. However, the mere fact is that people go to a lawyer when they are in need of a professional legal judgment (EC 3-5). If this is the case, it becomes evident that Attorney has blatantly violated the ethical codes as Attorney does not directly interact with the clients. The initial interview is solely handled by Legal Assistant without any supervision of Attorney. Thereafter, it is the Legal Assistant who makes a draft of the complaint for the Attorney to read. Purely based on this report, Attorney decides if she would take up the case. That means, the clients are denied their right to listen to the legal opinion of a lawyer regarding the matter. It is pointed out in EC 3-4 that lay people who seek legal services are not in a position to judge if they will receive proper professional attention. Also, legal matters are very serious matters that involve confidences, reputation, property, freedom, or even life of the client. So, when a person approaches Attorney with such serious legal matters which are highly confidential and demanding, it is highly improper to permit a non-lawyer to handle the issue even without supervision. In addition is the fact that such non-lawyer assistants, despite experience and skills, are not subjected to the regulations of the legal profession. Admittedly, EC 3-6 provides an even clearer vi ew of the situation. According to the guideline, if a lawyer wants to delegate a task to a clerk, secretary, or any other lay person, the lawyer must ensure direct relationship with his client. Now, going back to the case study, it becomes evident that Attorney does not keep any relationship with his clients at all. The attorney does not allow direct interaction or consultation, and lets the Legal Assistant conduct the initial intervie

Totalitarian Leaders: Italy and Spain

Totalitarian Leaders: Italy and Spain Katie Jones The leader of parliamentary Benito Mussolini and Spains leader is Francisco  Franco. Italy has a rich history and Spain has an extraordinary artistic classic architecture. In World War 1 Italy has been allied with Germany and Spain enjoyed neutrality, when the depression started Italy was at crisis majority and Spain is starting to slide into a full-blown economic depression. The lifestyle Italy has is a consumer segmentation and Spains official language is Spanish,also called Castilian,and it is the first language of over 72% of the population. (eyeonSpain). Paolo Gentiloni is Italys prime minister and Spains prime minister is Mariano Rajoy. Italy in WW2 remained neutral (with the constant of Hitler), but it also declared war on France and Britain on June 10, 1940. Spain in WW2 was governed by a military dictatorship,but despite Francos own pro-Axis leanings and debt of gratitude to Mussolini and Hitler,the government was divided between Germanophiles and Anglophiles. When the war started,Juan Beigbeder Atienza,an Anglophile was the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Ital y and Spain share similar lifestyles, religious values and cultural heritages. In the 1920s and 1930s, a worldwide economic depression caused many people to lose faith in democracy and capitalism. Extreme ideals arose. Communists celebrated what they saw as the failure of capitalism. Benito was an italian WW1 veteran, he also led the fascists on a march on Rome,and King Emmanuel III, who had little faith in Italys parliamentary government. General Francisco is named head of the rebel Nationalist government in Spain. He also was a career soldier who rose through the ranks until the mid-1930s. When Italy gain popular support it seemed to be slipping into chaos. Spain had their food and cultural are also large factors affecting its popularity level. Rebuilding the economy in Italy. Mussolini jingoistic fascist party allied itself with the equally fascist regime of Adolf Hitler in Germany. Spain produces large crops of wheat, barley, vegetables, tomatoes, olives, sugar beets ,citrus fruit,grapes, and cork. It is Italys Benito Mussolini who founded the fascist ideology. Mussolini sought to recreate the Great Roman Empire by use of a totalitarian rule and feeding of the fear of communism. In 1939, Hitler and Mussolini signed the Pact of Steel forming an alliance which is known as the Axis powers during WWII. Benito Mussolinis self-confessed thirst for military glory battled his acute intelligence, psychological acumen, and political shrewdness for control over his military policies. (History. com). On July 18, 1936, the Spanish Civil War begins as a revolt by right-wing Spanish military officers in Spanish Morocco and spreads to mainland Spain. (History. com). In July,1936,Franco joined the military uprising that precipitated the Spanish Civil War. Francisco took command of the most powerful segment and led it back to Spain. Italys political geography has been conditioned by this rugged landscape. With few direct roads between them, and with passage from one point to another traditionall y difficult, Italys towns and cities have a history of self-sufficiency, independence, and mutual mistrust. Visitors today remark on how unlike the town is from the one next to it,one marked differences is the cuisine and dialect that is the difference between Italy and the town next to it. Franco, however, firmly maintained his position of power, even after the assassination of Carrero Blanco in 1973. Although close to the Axis powers and despite their pressure, Franco kept Spain a nonbelligerent in World War II. He dismissed (1942) his vigorously pro-Axis minister and principal collaborator, Ramà ³n Serrano Sà ºÃƒ ±er. After the war Franco maneuvered to establish favorable relations with the United States and its allies. He further reduced the power of the Falange and erected the facade of a liberalized regime. During the next 10 years Franco enhanced his military reputation in a variety of commands and became identified politically with the conservative nationalist position. In 1934 he was appointed chief of the general staff by the rightist government, and he suppressed the uprising of the miners in Asturias. When the Popular Front came to power (Feb. , 1936), he was made military governor of the Canary Islands, a significant demotion. The similarities lifestyles of Italy are a consumer segmentation section in the report breaks down the Italys consumers by specific age groups. Spains similarities-religion plays a very important role in their lives. Italy is a nation embracing all creeds and religious where the relationships between state and church is regulated. Spains religious values are Catholic Christianity is by far the largest religion in Spain. Depression in Italy is the crisis majority influenced political and economical aspects in Italy. Spain is sliding into a full-blown economic depression with unemployment approaching levels. Works Cited Francisco Franco. . Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition. US: Columbia UP, 2016. 1. History Reference Center. Web. 22 Mar. 2017. Hettinger, Laura. France, Italy, and Spain: Culturally Similar Nations, Yet Drastically by Laura Hettinger. DigitalCommonsUConn. University of Connecticut Library, 1 May 2008. Web. 22 Mar. 2017. Italy. Britannica School, Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, 6 Dec. 2016. school. eb. com/levels/high/article/Italy/106448#27009. toc. Accessed 22 Mar. 2017. Living in Spain. Living in Spain Resources. Eye on Spain, 2017. Web. 22 Mar. 2017. Shen, Catherine. Guided History. Guided History The Aftermath of WWI The Rise of Fascism in Germany and Italy Comments. Boston University, 29 Apr. 2013. Web. 22 Mar. 2017.

Change in My Life

It is not easy to adapt oneself to new circumstances especially moving to a country that you have never come always brings you difficulties such as: people, language, custom and culture†¦ The first time I came to the US, I looked like a fish out of water. Everyone looked so different from people my country. I could not understand when they talked to me†¦ But I was very lucky. I met good friends and teachers at school. They helped me a lot not only studying at school but also getting used to my new life and American culture.I used to think that there is a little group of Vietnamese here. But after coming, it is not like that. I can see Vietnamese everywhere in Portland. At school, there are probably over 20 Vietnamese students. Every Sunday, I go to Church with my family, the number of Vietnamese there may add up to thousands of people. Three months ago, I took the Oregon Instruction Permit Test at DMV. Once more, I was very surprised when they told me that I could take the test in Vietnamese. I realized there is a large Vietnamese community in Portland that I had not known about before.When I first went to school, I saw lots of Vietnamese students there. Because my English was not good, the counselor introduced me to 3 Vietnamese guys who were good to me. They were very nice to introduce everything at school to me such as: show me how to use my locker, how to pick up lunch†¦ They also suggested me how to study and what classes I need to take or not. As a result, I used to want to make friends with all Vietnamese students in my school because I thought they could help me, and it was hard to make friends with other students while I was not good at English.I almost used Vietnamese at school and joined their group. But after that, I realized that most of them are not as good as I thought. They usually use bad language, especially when they do not agree with the teachers. Because they spoke in Vietnamese, the teachers did not understand anything. I di d not see the good in them. They always ask to borrow my homework and copy my answers when we had tests. When I came here, my goal was to study English well and get used to my new life. That was why I decided to leave their group and stay away from them.That seemed to be a good decision. I tried to study more. I was brave to talk to my classmates and my teachers. They cared about me and helped me correct my bad pronunciation a lot. Now, I have 2 buddies, one came from China, the other came from the Philippines. They are really good friends. My English has been improving considerably. I have more friends at school and do very well in every class. Then I got rid of the idea about making friends with Vietnamese. I remember I have 3 nice Vietnamese friends, and they are studying at university now.That does not mean I hate Vietnamese. There is a lesson to be learned from that matter: choose good company to make friend. Personally, I prefer non-Vietnamese to Vietnamese students because th ey can help me improve my English. I used to think that I must pay a lot of money for going to school if I study in USA. But in fact, I don’t have to pay anything. Because my parents have low-income, I even have a free bus pass and free lunch at school. In the future, if I go to university, I will have financial aid to support my tuition. It is very different from my country.In Vietnam, I have to pay a lot if I want to go to school regardless if it is primary school, high school, or university. Lots of children cannot go to school because their parents cannot afford to pay for school. Despite the government had policies to help poor students, those are not enough for everyone. These days, our life in Vietnam is better than in the past but there still have a lot of children who cannot go to school. I truly hope that the Vietnamese government can give the children the best conditions for them to study as the American government does.Last week, when I chatted with my friends on the internet, they told that I have changed so much. I used to wear shirt and pants in Vietnam. But after coming here, I realized that it is not suitable. Now I always wear a T-shirt and jeans. That made me more confident because I looked like other guys. Last weekend, my family went shopping for the winter. For me, it was really great because we have not gone shopping together for a long time. When we were in Vietnam, my parents had to work very hard from morning to night. They always want to give my brother and me the best conditions to study.They do not want us to think about making money. My family is very important to me. I always promise myself that I have to study hard and become successful. It will requite my parents’ services, and certainly that will be the biggest present which I can give them. In conclusion, there were many changes from the day I came here. Living 6 months in America was not a long time, but I studied many things here. Besides, my family is always next to me, and supports me whenever I need help. What I can do now is to continue to try more and do as well as I can. I will try to make my dream come true. n

Kurt Maslow s Concept Of Self Actualization - 1115 Words

Worksheet #4 Carl Rogers self-actualization theory continues to have significant influence in contemporary psychology. Both Maslow and Rogers discussed the concept of self-actualization in their theories. Though there is some overlap, there are some significant differences in the way they use this term. In this assignment you are to compare and contrast their views on self-actualization. Answer the following questions: 1. Briefly describe Maslow’s concept of self-actualization Abraham Maslow s concept of self-actualization is the highest achievement in his hierarchy of needs, this concept is that people needs to fulfill the maximum of their life potential, like for example, exercising their all their talents and abilities. According to†¦show more content†¦And that people will seek for experiences that promote actualization, and they will avoid experiences that hinder the ability to acquire self-actualization. Carl Rogers believed that this process starts when the baby is still in the womb, and this process involves struggle and even pain, one example of self-actualization according to Roger s theory is a child struggle to learn how to walk, the child will fall, and might even hurt themselves, but they will not give up on learning how to walk. Carl Rogers believed that each person is born with an innate desire to be the best they can be, and that self-actualization is the force that motivate people to achieve this goal, each person is motivated to fulfill their full potential, and when the person is an infant, this desire will be to talk, to walk, to be fed, and as we grow older, we will seek to reproduce any experience that we see as desirable, the more a person succeed, the more likely they will be to continue to improve. 3. Discuss how the concepts are similar They are similar in that both of these concepts recognizes the importance of self-actualization, and that in both of their theories, the person will not be satisfied until they fulfilled their need for self-actualization, in both theories, the person will displayed signs of dissatisfaction and frustration until they have accomplished their self-actualization goals. 4. Discuss how the concepts differ They are different in terms of

Malmo, Sweden has become the hub of green living and...

Malmo, Sweden has become the hub of green living and innovation. It is the third largest city and commercial center in Sweden and is continuously redeveloping itself both environmentally and economically. The city itself possesses a variety of assorted ecosystems within it, such as coastal areas, grasslands, woodlands and wetlands. Such variety in ecosystems allows Malmo to become environmentally sustainable more efficiently. The Swedish government has been very proactive in creating new regulations and policies regarding sustainability. The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Sweden National Government stated that: â€Å"We must pass on the next generation a Sweden where environmental problems have been solved†. The Swedish government and†¦show more content†¦Malmo has the necessary dedicated and resources to lead many more nations in becoming more environmentally sustainable. In addition to cooperation between all levels of society, environmental management of reso urces and activities is also necessary. Recently, Malmo has crafted two sustainable infrastructures that are leading examples of sustainability. The first being, Bo01, which is a district that maintains both modern structure and ecological sustainable architecture and the second, Ekostaden Augustenborg, is considered â€Å"one of the largest investments in Europe in the ecological conversion of an existing residential area.† Recently, the idea to expand Malmo as a city has been enacted and Point Hyllie has begun constructed in the area between Malmo and Oresund. This futuristic and green community is expected to be completed by the 2015 with living opportunities, office buildings and shopping centers. A problematic consequence of building a â€Å"futuristic† city is the ability of selling it to a population that has never witnessed something like it before. Fortunately, the Swedish are incredibly progressive and innovative therefore, I would imagine Hyllie to be accept ed whole-heartedly by the population of Sweden. A challenge of remaining environmentally sustainable is reducing the amount ofShow MoreRelatedCase Studies: Sas Airline Ryanair80169 Words   |  321 PagesHow did the deregulation of air transportation in Europe foster entrepreneurial behavior and innovation in the European airline industry over the last twenty years? Case studies: SAS Airline Ryanair Master Thesis in Entrepreneurship and Dynamic Business Contexts Spring 2007 Supervisor: Hà ¥kan Bohman Entrepreneurship Master Program Authors:
Gilles Helterlin and Nuno Ramalho
Acknowledgements We would like to express our gratitude to all who have contributed to the realization of this