Hello Hayden and SCCS (Santa Cruz Cooperative School). SCCS location Hayden HS Here are the locations of the school so you have an idea of where each other are from. Mr. Pieraccini and myself thought it might be a good idea to do current events and topics between our two schools across continents and have you share your opinions. Some weeks my students will post there opinions first and other weeks the Hayden students will post first. You will be posting your comments into the comments section. Linked to the site will be the articles or videos or whatever we are working on.
Our first current event and topic is on Government Intervention. Markets are subject to intervention for various reasons by governments from around the world. Sometimes governments will tax goods they deem unhealthy, think cigarettes. Other times they will tax good from other countries before they even get to the consumer, think cars. Sometimes governments will even try and "correct" or "Fix" the market when they think it needs some help. There are many other ways government intervenes into markets. Right now the debate that is going on in the USA is whether the government should intervene into the economy and try to help job growth and stimulate the economy to get the USA out of a recession or should the government stay out of the natural market and let it take care of and correct the economic recession it self. You have been given two article to read about the recent Jobs Bill trying to get passed by President Obama that deals directly with Government Intervention.
Here are the articles.
Stimulus for Skeptics
Getting Back to a Grand Bargain
Your questions to respond to are,
1) What are your thoughts about how government intervenes in the markets?
2) Do you think the Jobs Bill will help out the economy. Explain your answer.
Happy posting. I look forward to reading everyone's comments.
1) My thoughts on government intervention in the markets is that there should be limits and boundaries because if the government intervention affects heavily on the market and in the future it steps out of the market the economy will suffer the hard consequences, leading to another, but worse crisis. I believe its correct that the government intervenes when it needs to, if the nation asks for it. Because if anyone intervenes without permission even if its for better or worse we would all be impotent and do whatever we like whenever we want to.
ReplyDelete2) Yes, I believe the Job Bills should be considered to improve the economy. By hiring the unenployed the big companies will have more people that work for them, fabricating their products faster. But the Jobs Bill might have a negative effect. If there are more workers in the big imaginary company then everyone's salary will dramatically drop, but will rise when everything has a better balance. But to get to this so called equilibrium it might take for sure more than a year or two. Changing everyone lifestyle's and households.
1. I think that governments do what they do for a reason. The best governments manage to balance their interests with those of the community without leaving aside those of the seller. Disfunctional governments will intervene and will raise prices or tax more *or less* to change everything for their own gain. Governments can alter taxes on specific products that may be unhealthy to increase the nation's health. Also they can tax international products to promote the national market. What governments need to reach is a balance between interests and have the community's interests be slightly over their own. This way, the government and especially the community will be satisfied with the results.
ReplyDelete2. I think that the Jobs Bill will help out the economy but it needs to occur with the help of other people and actions. The Jobs Bill is only one part of the process. Most importantly, I think that the political rivalry between the Republicans and the Democrats is a waste of time and effort. Instead of concentrating on each other's mistakes and blaming each other for the country's economic rupture, they should join ideas and try to come up with a Grand Bargain. Both parties need to commit to this movement because if they do not, they are simply bringing the country into deeper recession. By joining to bring the country forward, both will be content with the outcome and a greater majority of the country's population will be represented.
1) I believe that the governments should intervene in the markets in order to create a certain balance in the economy. Lots of big businesses are eating up small business owners alive and that is not good for the economy as there needs to be a balance. The government should employ a strategy that will benefit the common day worker and not the big business owner. For example, when John Rockefeller owned Standar Oil and was the only oil company producing, the government shut it down and prohibited monopolies because that unbalances the economy in favor of the rich and the poor has no opportunity to grow. If another company or anybody else alters the economy, the country may go into an even worse recession like back in the 1930s with the great depression.
ReplyDelete2)I believe the Jobs Bill might just be the solution that will bring the United States up on its feet. Although Obama's investment is risky, it may help the economy in a year or two because there will be less unemployment and therefore mor income into the household of the average american citizen. The only backfire this strategy has is that if the citizens don't take advantage of this strategy, the country's investment will be in vane.
1. In Bolivia, one of the major problems is the lack of education. Because of this, I think that the government should intervene in markets by closing the information gap, providing more information to consumers about what they buy and consumer. They should inform the lower class people about the nutritional values on foods sold on the streets and on foods they can afford, so that these lower class consumers pick healthier choices.
ReplyDeleteAlthough employment laws have been passed out by the government, I believe the minimum wages set by the government are too low. For example, the minimum wage for maids in Bolivia is 1000 Bs. which is about 145 dollars. These wages should rise to protect the workers.
2. The Jobs Bill will help the economy because its an immediate improvement to schools and infrastructure in the U.S. It put people back to work with many working projects. This will encourage hiring as well. In addition to this, I think the Republican Party should work together with the Democratic Party in a Grand Bargain to raise taxes while Obama ensures long-term investment.
Hello to all! We are very excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with the students at Santa Cruz Cooperative School. Hayden students will be posting their own comments and also responding the comments posted by students from Santa Cruz and vice versa. Mr. Johnson and I hope that this collaboration can be an enriching experience for everyone involved. This collaboration will allow us to share ideas and learn from each other, and hopefully give us all a better understanding of the world and global economy.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to respond to a few of the comments that have been posted from SCCS students.
Tamara…interesting post and thanks for sharing your ideas! From a business point of view, hiring more workers does not necessarily mean that everyone will be paid less. More workers often lead to increased production. The idea is that if a company can add valuable people to their workforce, they will be rewarded with higher quality products, more innovation, and an overall happier and more satisfied workforce. In theory, if all of those outcomes occur, the business should actually increase profits and therefore not need to reduce salaries.
Ana…you make some great points! Thanks for posting! Interesting analysis of the ongoing clash between the Democrats and Republicans. I think you’re right that if both parties could work together more effectively, they could ultimately do a better job of representing our people, which is what government should really be about. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done.
Karim…I appreciate your post, very thoughtful. I’m glad you brought up the distinction between big business and small. Small businesses account for almost 80% of our economy, and they are our lifeblood. On your Jobs Bill remark, I agree, it’s a risk. Sometimes desperate times calls for desperate measures. Will the risk pay off? We will have to wait and see…
Sofia...your nutrition blog is very cool! I can see that you see the value in education and that is great. In the US, the gov’t has established organizations like the FDA and USDA that are aimed at educating consumers. That being said, those agencies are not always effective at doing what they are set up to do.
As a teacher, I couldn’t agree more that education is important and we desperately need more access to funding. Is the Jobs Bill the answer to that? I don’t know, but I sure hope so!
1)I think government interventions in the markets can be effective. When the government applies limits and restrictions they are acting as authorities to protect the people and the economy. Equal distribution of the resources in the market to correct market failures or the economies efficiency can be made by the government because they can act objectively and for the well being of the country and not a specific citizen or business. Interventions made by the people’s chosen leaders should look out for their best interest without step over any one and always seeking progress.
ReplyDelete2) Yes, I do believe its is looking at a perspective that will make a change for good. Jobs are the most important thing to maintain an economic circle flowing. In order for that to happen people have to cooperate to make it work. Republicans and the Democrats fighting have no purpose and can only affect negatively the economy. Both parties need to work as one for this movement because they need to lift and avoid an crisis for their country. When working together, both will be succeed with the results and more people will be satisfied with their needs and leaders. Citizens need a stable economy to feel peaceful and safe.
I think that the Jobs Act sounds great! But the key word to that statement is sounds. I love the idea of creating more jobs and preventing job loss in the teaching industry. Bringing more money into schools is also really appealing especially to me because our school is not as great as it could be with a little more funding. The bill also appeals to me because it states that it would put more money into the pockets of the working class which will directly impact my family and even me when I start to look for a job. This bill really brings hope to America and our economy. The catch is I’m not sure it will do what it is supposed to and I don’t know if I will have to pay for it years down the road because of the massive expense. Another reason I’m a little weary of the Jobs act is because of Obama’s previous stimulus plan. I always hear stories about how Obama’s Health Care and didn’t work out and how he is a failure as a president. I personally don’t know if that is true or not. So do I think the plan sounds good? Yes, do I know if it will work or not? No, I really hope it does if it gets passed.
ReplyDeleteI think that this plan sounds good on paper put in reality it will just make the nation go into more of a debt. The whole idea of making tax cuts for the companies that hire unemployed people is a good idea and waiving payroll taxes if they raise somebody’s salary is a good idea but I don’t see how it is going to be all paid for. Obama says it will all be paid for but once I see the actually plan and if it is realistic I will start to believe this plan. The other part of this plan like putting more teachers back in school also sounds good to me and I believe that part will actually work. But yet again it will still cost money and I don’t know how it will all be paid for other than individuals paying for it in taxes eventually. Basically if Obama comes up with a legit way to have this whole plan paid for then I think it would be a good investment but if he doesn’t then I would vote against it.
ReplyDeleteI have kind of mixed feelings about this, I don’t know if it would be better to wait and first get ourselves out debt as a country or dig it deeper and give the people of the US money. I wish they could just give everybody half a million dollars and say spend it; boost the economy by spending this money. The problem with that would be that the companies would then go and increase their price so high it wouldn’t be worth it. The jobs act will not pass though, the republicans in the house are not going to let this bill pass so I have no faith that this plan will go through and do anything
ReplyDeleteI believe that this plan would be very beneficial for our economy. It will help those who need help the most. I think everyone should wait for the debt cutting plan to release before they form a final opinion. At the moment this Bill seems like a good idea, but I believe to be able to form a final opinion we should see Obama’s plan into the debt. If the plan looks like it has a good chance of working I will be all for this Bill. It provides many helpful steps into rebuilding our economy. Obama has the right idea by starting off at the bottom, in other words helping those unemployed or those whose jobs are in jeopardy (teachers, construction workers, ect.). Obama doesn’t only help those in need. As we know the rich want to benefit from any Bill that will come into effect too. Obama will give $8 billion in tax cuts to companies that hire people that have been unemployed for six months. He will also give a $5 billion tax cut for companies that invest their money in equipment and plants. It might be a good Bill to pass, but it will come with a risk.
ReplyDelete1) What are your thoughts about how government intervenes in the markets?
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion I don’t really think that the government should intervene with the markets. They should stick to what they are good at which is politics and let the business men stick to their jobs with the stock market. Everyone should stick to what they are the best at.
2) Do you think the Jobs Bill will help out the economy? Explain your answer.
In my opinion, this jobs act is both a good idea and a bad idea. The jobs act is a good idea because it proposes many ideas. The jobs act proposes more jobs and more money for the United States citizens, which is good and will help to boost our economy and reduce our very high unemployment rate. But then again the jobs act is an awful idea for all of the nation’s young people. At first the jobs act will make our economy better; however, eventually the act will have to be repaid. That is where all of the nation’s young people factor in. In ten or so years our generation will have to pay the economy back through higher taxes. I feel that when it gets to that point, our economy will yet again go into a whirlwind of the same issue we are facing now. If that is what happens down the road, then what was the point in this jobs act? If this act gets passed I guess only time will tell how bad it hurts our economy and the nation’s young people, if it hurts anything at all.
1)I think this job act is a good idea. I think it would help a lot of people get jobs. I mean there are 11 million people out of jobs and barely surviving just in the United States and most of them are families. I mean come on people, what’s going to happen in a few years? There’s going to be higher taxes and a lot more people out of jobs. Some people are even lucky to have a job right now. It’s so hard to get jobs these days it used to be easy but now it’s like rare to get one. It should be to were anyone could get a job but now there really streaked about who they hire and how many people they hire. I think congress should pass this jobs act right away. I really think it would be good for a lot of people.
ReplyDeleteCurrent Event
ReplyDeleteJob Acts Plan, the government is giving money so that there are more jobs for more people in the country. I think this is a good thing so that people can have jobs and not be homeless anymore. This will also make the country a better place with more people working for it and on it. Also the tax cuts are a good thing for the small businesses. That is my current event on the American Job Acts.
I believe that this plan should be passed. It sounds like a reasonable plan and I believe that this will help our countrys economy. I think that this plan will bring a lot more jobs to those who are in need and that whether we like our president or not, we should trust him with his decisions. I am on our president’s side on this and I say yes we should pass this plan. Our country is in major need for jobs and money towards big and small businesses and so if what president Obama says is true then no matter your political side whether you are a democrat or a republican, this plan helps all and our country will start to go away from a recession and towards a stronger country.
ReplyDelete1. They are good.
ReplyDelete2.I think this plan sounds like a good idea, although the plan has its ups and downs. The American Job act could really help out the economy and the people of the United States. If they did do this people would have more money and be able to spend it, which will stimulate the economy. There would be less people in poverty because they would be able to get a job. The only downside to this is what would happen if it didn’t work. If it didn’t work it would really screw up the economy because the president spent 1.5 trillion on nothing.
1) What are your thoughts about how government intervenes in the markets?
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts about them intervening into the markets, I don think they should.
2) Do you think the Jobs Bill will help out the economy? Explain your answer.
I think it will help the economy but only a little there is still a lot that has to be done. Even if the jobs bill passes there will still be a lot of people out of work.
I think they shouldn’t pass the Jobs Bill because it will cause us to have another recession and have more debt to pay off because this bill is taking money that we don’t have and trying to create jobs that won’t pay well or make it easier for the American people to provide for their family’s and keep a roof over their heads. To make money there has to be money and there is not much money to be made.
ReplyDelete1. I think the governments work diffrently in each part of the world. Some may intervene more on the market and others may not. I think that the correct way to intervene in the market is to consider the benefit for both involved in the market the government itself and the community. The government should know how to balance well the taxations, this way they will gain the profit necessary for the economy and will not tax as much that the community will complain about the taxation and boycott or something similar as it happened with the stamp act. Now, I also think that they should intervene on the taxation but not on the individual companies because it will affect their way of organizing their buisness and it will complicate them on their progress too.
ReplyDelete2. I think that the Jobs Bill will indeed help the economy but people shouldn't put all their hope in that and try to look for another fast solution and end little by little the lose of the economy over the years.
2.
1.) Governments have the power to interevene in the market and I completely forward this. The government's wish is to make the best of the country when governing. Market owners most of the time aim for their own benefit, the government has a bigger perspective and aim for the countries benefit, economically and morally, or atleast that is what I hope so. Government intervention is mostly a conviction depending on the government. For example, I don't support my country's government intervencion due to the prior history in their own benefit and unclear deals.
ReplyDelete2.) I believe that the Job Bill is a risk the American government shouldn't proceed. The investment is too risky for an unsure outcome. The individual's help will be extremely required and a long term benefit will discourage the citizens. Some might say, this will help the economy, and I don't oppose, but the
If there are more workers in the big imaginary company then everyone's salary will dramatically drop, but will rise when everything has a better balance. But to get to this so called equilibrium it might take for sure more than a year or two. Changing everyone lifestyle's and households, but if there are more workers in the big imaginary company, which there wil surely be because the unemployed rates are very high, then everyone's salary will dramatically drop, this will be the discourage of people because it wil change everyone lifestyle's and households. I believe the government should primarily aim for a short-term restoration because they can't afford to make a big investment in the Job Bill and end up in a double strained recession.
1.) Governments have the power to interevene in the market and I completely forward this. The government's wish is to make the best of the country when governing. Market owners most of the time aim for their own benefit, the government has a bigger perspective and aim for the countries benefit, economically and morally, or atleast that is what I hope so. Government intervention is mostly a conviction depending on the government. For example, I don't support my country's government intervencion due to the prior history in their own benefit and unclear deals.
ReplyDelete2.) I believe that the Job Bill is a risk the American government shouldn't proceed. The investment is too risky for an unsure outcome. The individual's help will be extremely required and a long term benefit will discourage the citizens. Some might say, this will help the economy, and I don't oppose, but if there are more workers in the big imaginary company, which there wil surely be because the unemployed rates are very high, then everyone's salary will dramatically drop, this will be the discourage of people because it wil change everyone lifestyle's and households. I believe the government should primarily aim for a short-term restoration because they can't afford to make a big investment in the Job Bill and end up in a double strained recession.
1) My Thoughts about government intervention in the markets are reasonable. 2) I think that the American Jobs Act will be helpful for the economy and will help all the small businesses and all the low-income families. This Act will provide American workers with more money in their pocket and provide more Americans with more jobs and this will boost the economy.
ReplyDeleteI personally think that Hayden should drill. this would help the town and counties economy by getting more money into it and also creating jobs. in a small town like this that would create many jobs and most likely enough for the whole town if needed. also i don't feel like it would hurt the land like some people think so we should drill now.
ReplyDeleteI think they should drill here in Hayden because it will bring a lot of jobs into Hayden and the economy. We aren’t a very big town and if we do drill here I think it would bring a lot more people here then what we have now. Everyone is leaving because there are no jobs here and if we do this we will get a lot more jobs here. For example, our current school enrollment is down 20% because so many families are leaving the area. Some people think it’s a bad idea because they’re going to ruin the land if they do, I personally think it won’t. So I think we should drill here.
ReplyDeleteI think that it’s not a good idea because the more people come to town the less jobs there would be for people who need it because they might be out of work and need to pay of things and get back on their feet. If they were to drill it would make our little town become like Denver and more and more people will be run out of Hayden and have to try and live somewhere else. I think that it’s a bad idea but there are some benefits to it. It will help the economy some and create more jobs so there are some benefits to it.
ReplyDelete