The Affordable Health Care Act Is This An Effective Solution Or Is It Contributing To The Problem?

By Joann Chandler

What is the Affordable Health Care Act, and is it a solution for rising health costs or is it part of a bigger problem? Right now the economy is still in shambles, and the promised recovery seems far away. The massive set of regulations that is included in this legislation has been held responsible for the failure of the recovery by some. Businesses are cautious and confused about what this law means for them, and as a result many are cutting hours, scaling back on hiring, and even terminating some employees in order to avoid financial penalties.

At the current moment, investors are desperate for an investment option that can reduce all these risks whilst providing a modest return. During the passing of this particular legislation, many were against it together with some of the Republicans who had declared their promises to get it repealed. Widespread disagreements occurred because of the mandate that seems to favor one side. Even today, this act is widely criticized and many businessmen and the regular consumers alike are of the opinion that this legislation should be taken down as soon as possible.

This motion was regarded as a clear-cut power grab and it was even reported that certain companies are being waived from the restrictive wordings of the act due to political favoritism. If everyone were subject to such legislation, then perhaps there wouldn't have been such opposition against it but this just isn't the case at all. It is obvious that the whole procedure had been rushed and this notion was even emphasized upon by Nancy Pelosi.

As a result of the implementation of such enormous set of regulations, a lot of investors have moved on to investing in precious metals. There is widespread indecision as to whether expansion will be wise due to potentially higher costs the businesses may incur. Insurance coverage have to be provided for, otherwise the business might face fees and penalties, yet if they do, prerequisites of other sorts will be placed on them. Due to this, companies have almost stopped all their plans of expansion while the dust clears and it becomes apparent what's needed to be done for every one of their employees.

A number of analysis and experts believe that this law has caused a slump in economic activity. When consumers are not spending and businesses are not hiring then this activity drops considerably, and the entire country suffers. The recent recession also saw most individuals lose substantial value in their portfolio of holdings, and some vehicles may have been wiped out completely. This will never happen with precious metals, and all investors are looking for safety and security after all of the mixed messages and mandates that have been sent out.

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Is there a link between gun violence and video game violence

By Jim Swanson

Over the past decade there have been several studies conducted regarding the link between aggression in one's behavior and the amount of time spent playing violent video games. This was an intense topic of debate after the Columbine Massacre. It seems that the data resulting from these studies has mostly been mixed depending on who is conducting the research and the different factors that have been taken into consideration during the study. But what can one really prove looking at the raw numbers available to the common person?

Before we start we must be clear that when we refer to gun violence it is specifically meant as homicides committed with a firearm. This does not include forced rape, armed robbery, etc. Secondly, the numbers presented in this article are not very in well research and are not to be taken as decisive research in an academic arena.

If the allegation is true, that the increased consumption and time spent playing violent video games in America is a leading cause for the reason why the country has such a (relatively) high level of gun violence in this country, then it is logical that one should be able to compare America to the next highest consumer of violent video games (Europe) and see similar murder-by-firearm rates there as well.

We are using the year 2009 because it is the most recent year where detailed homicide data is available for most countries in Europe. In order to conduct this research we decided on six best selling violent video games of 2009 including Killzone 2, Halo 3, Left 4 Dead 2, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, Call of Duty: World at War, and Assassin's Creed.

The total number of units sold for all six games in 2009 in the USA was 18,151,386. In Europe the total was much lower at 10,108,855. In that same year the average rate of homicides by gun per one hundred thousand residents in the USA was 3.3. Averaging together all the countries in Europe that data was available for in 2009, the number comes out to 0.8 shooting deaths per one hundred thousand residents. Much lower than the US's 3.3.

If there is a strong connection between gun violence and video game violence we should be able to look at the number of violent video game sales in Europe, multiply it by a standard factor to make it exactly equal to the number of sales in the U.S. and then similarly multiply homicide rates in Europe by the same standard and be able to see that they are equal. In other words, since America's sales numbers of violent video games is about double the number of Europe's, one should also see that America's gun violence statistics are also about double that of Europe's.

But as can be inferred from the numbers stated earlier, this is not the case. In 2009, USA's violent video game consumption was 1.8 times that of Europe but the homicide by gun rate was a whopping 4.2 times greater than Europe's. Quite a large discrepancy. The USA's inclination toward actual gun violence is much greater than the high consumption and attraction to video game violence when compared to Europe.

To conclude, this non-academic case-based evidence shows that there is no correlation between video game violence and real-world gun violence and it should not be considered as a viable gun policy when discussing gun control.

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If You Want To Help Defend Our 2nd Amendment, Then This Is What To Do

By Aidan G. Cannon

If you are a proud gun owner and a believer in the Constitutional Right to Keep and Bear Arms, then you are fully informed about the current political environment in America right now. I'm sorry, what I should say is that it's a political crises...not a political environment. There is an active campaign going on to criminalize the use of rifles that some are deeming to be "assault rifles". Well, their campaign is working. We are on a path to lose many of the rights we hold dear, so you're going to need to step up and fight for them.

The very first thing you need to do is to win some hearts and minds locally. If you change the mind of your local community, then you will change the minds of the local community leaders when they learn of their constituents' desires. Speak openly and start the debate in public areas so that others can hear and learn. Be informed and speak of facts. Don't let passion drive your words, despite what you may feel. It's very important to make a good impression. You aren't representing yourself. You are representing all of us.

When you are out in your community, you need to look like the perfect example of a gun owner. You need to look like a cross between what someone imagines in their head as a gun owner, and someone who is respectable and an obvious upright citizen. You should definitely wear one of the hundreds of pro gun tshirts that are available to us through online shirt vendors who support Second Amendment Rights. These gun tees are excellent for showing your pride, but make sure you are well-groomed and presentable.

Your most powerful weapon is your mind, though. Gun rights are always going to be a subject that brews lots of emotional heat when it is discussed, no matter what the forum. The very best thing you can do is to make yourself keep your emotions apart from your discussions. Even if you do not win over the person you are arguing with, others will see how calm and factual you are in the face of anger and passion. Know your facts about gun ownership. If you can deflect senseless ranting with hard facts, you will win every time.

If you want to retain your broad Right to Bear Arms, then you need to become a political activist. You need to learn the names and contact information of your local politicians and make certain that they are either in your camp concerning gun rights, or that they are aware of your position and your drive to see gun rights preserved indefinitely. You also need to stay in close contact with state representation for the same reason. When you deal with members of the House of Representatives and Senate in Washington, you will have to be very persistent. Do your very best to speak with your representative yourself.

Get out there on the streets and on your phones, fellow pro-gun activists. You must be a part of a solution, or you are just one more slack-jawed yokel who is dumbfounded as to how our rights could be stripped from us so easily. We live in America, and the voice of the common man still matters here if you shout loud enough and with enough conviction. Wear those awesome gun t-shirts and show the rest of America that guns are not something to be feared, but to be honored and respected for the power of individuality they grant us.

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Non-Partisan Political Information Is Not Bi Partisan Information

By Rosetta Drake

The need for non-partisan political information is, sadly, not being met. Many organizations will present themselves as being a source of this type of content, however, they usually fail in one respect or another. Some of these are also part of the dominant media whose job it is to be as objective as possible. The vast majority of these groups will present information that advocates in one direction or another.

This type of information should be presented in such a way as to not be biased. This is hard to accomplish as passionate Conservatives or staunch Liberals want their views to dominate any discussion they are moderating. This is based on the two party system we have and the need for the political handicapping that most seem to think is necessary for their views to succeed.

There are, indeed, many Conservative websites and blogs that present thoughts and ideas from the right side of the aisle. They do not pretend to be anything other than what they are. Some of these sites are The National Review Online, The weekly Standard and the DrudgeReport. They present their ideas and seek affirmation from their visitors.

Purely Liberal efforts are not non partisan, either. Some out of a long list will be The Daily Kos, Liberal Oasis and MoveOn.org. The Liberal content on these pages does not lend itself to be anything other that what it is and that is Liberal in every way. This is the only point in which the two sides agree, and that is that content, promoted by them, can not be non partisan and, at the same time, effective.

Some of the websites and associations that profess non partisanship are PoliticalBase, SpotOn, Project VoteSmart and FactCheck. Some of them seem fairly middle of the road until you get past their analysis of issues. The funding for most of these groups comes from organizations, such as The Annenberg School and their Public Policy Center. The members of the staff have already made their preferences for left of center policies that would preclude fair and balanced suggestions.

The website, Project VoteSmart, does present some comparisons of candidates and voting issues that are fairly straight forward. The recommendations, as far as who to vote for and why, are under the spotlight when thinking about balanced efforts ideas. They will always come down on the side of Liberal candidates and issues regardless of the amount of facts available that may lead others to think otherwise.

People, indeed, do have the right to their own particular opinions, however, facts are very stubborn things and there is only a limited number of them to consider in any discussion. A prime example would be the discussion of global warming. Stating that the Earth is warming up because of greenhouse gasses emitted from industrialization is one thing. Not mentioning that the pre-industrial 1600s were hotter than today and that there has been no warming for the past 12 to 15 years makes a mockery of the premise of non partisanship.

When looking for non-partisan political information, look for what is not reported or mentioned. Look for a one sided approach to the information and who is quoted when they have pull quotes. Be informed by thinking about what side of the information is not being presented and be an informed gatherer of facts going forward.

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Unions And The Advantages Of Entering Them

By Brittney Swanson

Many things can really affect work. You can meet various risks, conditions, and circumstances while working. Workers would need to have proper compensation, benefits, and working conditions. These things would be part of your right as a worker. Sometimes, injuries, disputes, and struggles may be also experienced. It would be important to have proper protection during such situations. You cannot easily stand up against employers. That is why it would be really good to join unions australia. These organizations would really help workers through various ways. Learn then more about these organizations and the benefits that they can give.

Such organization is a national network actually of unions. One could join such organization and they will find the apt union for them depending on the location, field, or work. They will make sure that there will be a proper workers organization which could represent them. One could join this despite the kind of employment they have. Part time, full time, and contractual workers could join. One could enter through such organization and they will transfer their application details to the apt organization. Joining them will bring workers varied services, benefits, and aid. One will need to pay some standard fees in this for their first six months. Part time workers will pay six dollars each week. Full time workers will pay nine dollars each week. Variable fees could then apply after such period.

This would be good as they would really represent you if there are various issues with your work. They can give proper advice on various matters including rights, conditions, and wages. You can get reliable, timely, and professional assistance from them. You would be sure that you would be treated right when settling disputes.

They could fight for proper working conditions also for each worker. They will make sure that workers will render standard hours only. They must be provided with leaves, breaks, and overtime pay too. They will make sure that abuses will not be performed to workers. They will ensure also that workers will be provided safe working conditions. The organization will ensure that protection will be provided in risky kinds of occupations. They could represent complaints on working conditions so companies could properly address them.

When you are represented, you would be really heard properly. Companies would be more willing to negotiate with organizations. You can also use collective bargaining for your benefit. Your causes would be fought together with other workers. This would give you more caliber. It would also make negotiations, settlements, and talks more productive, fast, and amiable.

When work-related injuries are obtained, assistance would be also obtained from them. Provision of comprehensive benefits can be ensured through organizations. Appropriate settlements can be ensured with their help.

Members would really enjoy higher wages. They would also receive more employment benefits. This would include medical insurance, retirement plans, and paid leaves.

They could get extra benefits as well. They might acquire financial services like financial planning, low cost banking, and loans. They could acquire quality insurance products too.

Joining unions australia would be really beneficial. You should really consider applying now. With them, you can have better pay, better working conditions, and better protection.

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Issues in Borders in Africa

By Berry Itom

African Boarders are exciting but deep matters to be talked about. Several matters could be discussed about borders in Africa Those things could be conflict induced or religiously fueled. Some motives are fueled by colonial reasons but there are also some that are triggered by separatist problems.

African states: Nigeria and Cameroon put into effect the March 11, 1913 agreement between countries Germany and Britain regarding the ownership of the swampy lands in that region of Africa. The agreement between the two African states is about Nigeria giving Cameroon total power and responsibility to formally handle the Bakassi Peninsula. Both Nigeria and Cameroon produced pieces of evidence to justify territorial claims, which eventually was followed by a ruling by the World Court.

Residents of the Bakassi peninsula have very much articulated their desire to be a part of the Nigerian region compared to that of Cameroon's. Much attention was never given to the Bakassi peninsula until they discovered rich oil resources in that area. Nigeria is showing its respects regarding the rules of international law about territorial matters.

Borders in Africa is not a topic to be talked about and taken lightly. Boarders in Africa has a lot of countries concerned, ethnic groups behind it and various reasons of disputes.

Africa's unstable years during the 1960's and 1970's has faded; however, Africa still has areas in turmoil about its borders. Coups, counter-coups, war threats were relieved since the first independent African leaders promised to uphold European-drawn borders. Yet, the dilemma of a conflict stirring about this move and the African people is strong.

In Kenya there are not 20-plus separatist groups. The Mombasa Republican Council, a Kenyan separatist movement is the latest separatist group in record. Angola has a different story; it is a contrived nation with made of 10 different ethnic groups who do not share the same history and sense of nationhood. This is probably the reason for separatist groups and secessionist movement is Angola and Kenya today.

Sudan's 2011 partition is a clear example of a famously poor demarcation of a particular state that enclosed an immense religious and ethnic coverage. Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo have chosen to band together to engage in competition against each other for resources and power.

Partition in the African continent is highly intricate, multifaceted and controversial, it is not clearly defined. This phase in Africa's history is a process of self determination in continent's pursuit of peace, independence and progress.

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