Bilingualism in Politics in the United States

Social Media for Election Campaigns

admin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:16:34 +0000

Social media marketing for political campaigns must be part of a cohesive campaign strategy that is consistent across all media channels including traditional media. A social media strategy must not be an afterthought, aimed at engaging only the tech-savvy voters. More specifically, with regard to digital electioneering on the social media platform, it is essential to focus on the following points to ensure a successful engagement with the public (including voters).
•Showcase the Candidate: It will be worthwhile to introduce each candidate through their own blog. The candidate can use the blog to share personal snippets like family background, ideas, beliefs and reasons for subscribing to the party’s views and agenda. Remember that, while the political party’s memorandum may be available elsewhere on the site, the candidate’s own reasons for supporting the party’s beliefs can be an effective way to lend a personal touch and perhaps, instantly reach out to potential voters.
•Highlight Contributions: Ensure to highlight not only the candidate’s official achievements as a member of the party but also his/her participation in activities of a more social nature (volunteering for charities, videos of interactions with the people, podcast of speeches given, etc.). As online media is cost-effective, there’s a tendency to go overboard with featuring accomplishments. Remember to keep bragging to a minimum and aim to project the candidate as a potential public servant.
•Engage in Two-way Dialog: As with any campaign, failure is imminent, if there’s no “live” interaction. The comments and other responses from the people must be responded to in minimum time, and negative comments, contrary views with undertones of protest, etc., must be responded to effectively and sensitively. There’s no use having a static presence on a social networking site as fan following thrives on real-time updates (microblogs) and rapid responses. If there are questions or comments that haven’t been responded to in weeks, it is more than likely that people will lose interest in participating. In fact, the lack of response on a social site may be misconstrued as lack of seriousness on the part of the candidate in addressing issues concerning the people. That would do more harm, than not having a social media presence at all.
•Leverage the Online Connection in the Real World: Hosting debates and getting public opinion on any campaign matter is easier to do, once you establish your presence on social media; it gives you a ready group of people to reach out to instantly. It becomes easier to organize local events, fundraising events, rallies, etc., and gauge responses.
•Understand your Online Popularity: A candidate’s online popularity or number of followers on a social networking site seldom translates into actual votes. It certainly does not guarantee a win in the elections. Like all other campaign events, it is merely a great way of reaching out to people and spreading and reinforcing messages.
•Adapt your Interactions: It is important to take into consideration both local and global sensibilities while voicing your presence on the web. Do not make hasty or offensive comments and certainly do not react negatively to any person or group of people, lest it becomes a self-destructive hate campaign. Do not discourage difference of opinion or protests. If you notice that not many people are interested in a certain section of the site but are more active in certain other sections, adapt your strategy accordingly and ensure to regularly watch out for any change in trends. In essence, if your personal achievements’ blog was last read several weeks ago, but you have an active debate forum, channel your responses and key messages through the active forum. Ensure that your site caters to all or most age groups and income groups with unique features that they may find interesting. For example, a pensioner may be more interested in a candidate’s take on senior citizens’ healthcare initiatives, while young students may be interested in voicing their opinions about increasing employment prospects.
•Acknowledge Participation and Support: Use your global presence on social media to publicly acknowledge the efforts of campaign volunteers, field staff and support staff. Recognition of such a scale is sure to instill confidence and a sense of ownership and belonging in party workers and supporters. In addition, take a step further and acknowledge new ideas and opinions from the general public; it will help display increased transparency in the way you function even before you are voted to power.
•Capture Lessons Learned: It is imperative that you track and measure what worked for you and what didn’t, in terms of your presence on social media. This would go a long way in revamping your campaign strategy in case your fan following does not translate into equivalent number of votes. In fact, even if you do emerge a winner, it would still be a good idea to capture the learning for your next run. Not that the same strategy would definitely work at all times, but a list of dos and don’ts would certainly serve as a starting point for subsequent social media marketing strategy frameworks.

Legal Issues Concerning Cell Phone Jammers

admin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:17:56 +0000

There are legal issues involved in using and selling cell phone jammers. It is legal with some restrictions in a few countries however, illegal in countries like US, UK, Australia etc. Some of the radiocommunication services that are affected by cell phone jammers are:

Multichannel voice communication that use point-to-point data transmission
Broadcasting links
Studio-to-transmitter links
Cordless telephones
Wireless LANs
Low-power devices
United States of America
Cell phone jammers are illegal in the US. The Federal Communication Commission of United States, outlawed the use and sale of cell phone jammers. The spectrum of the air waves is licensed and using it, is illegal. According to the section 302 a(b) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, FCC declared that cell phone blocking is illegal. The section 333 of Communications Act of 1934, strictly declares that “no person shall willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio communications of any station licensed”. A cell phone jammer is one of the devices mentioned in this act. The main reason why cell phones are made illegal by FCC is because many cell phones are used to call 911 services during emergency. The requirements of Enhanced 911 regulations of FCC “are intended to improve the reliability of wireless 911 services, by requiring wireless carriers to provide emergency dispatchers information on the location from which a wireless call is being made”. However, cell phone jammers are used by police and military forces. If a person in the US, illegally possesses a cell phone jammer, he will fined with $11,000 or 1 year imprisonment.

Australia
The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) is a government organization that regulates radio communication and telecommunications of the country. ACS declared the prohibition of mobile phone jammers working under certain frequency bands. ACS declared the prohibited communication device as a “device designed to operate within the frequency bands 870-960 MHz or 825-845 MHz and to interfere with radio communications or disrupt or disturb radio communications”. Under the Radio communications Act 1992, the person who illegally possess cell phone jammers will be fined up to $165,000 or 2 years imprisonment.

Types of False Imprisonment

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 02:48:00 +0000

Any type of action that compromises the liberty of the victim, can be termed as false imprisonment. Depending on the nature of “boundary” or restriction imposed on the victim, cases of false imprisonment come under different types. In most cases of false imprisonment filed in court, the restriction consists of physical boundaries such as an enclosed room with closed doors and windows that the victim is unable to escape from or that the victim is bound to a chair or any other piece of furniture. Sometimes, the perpetrators may use false legal authority to impose boundaries that confine the victim within the restricted area. In simple words, this means that the they pose as lawmakers and threaten hapless people, turning them into victims of false imprisonment. Another way of imposing false imprisonment is by threat, as we saw in the example of the robbers in the bank. Note that false imprisonment does not only include restricting a person within the confines of a building but also modes of transport such as cars and even airplanes.

Exceptions to the Law of False Imprisonment

The laws for false imprisonment have a few exceptions, which means that not every forceful detention is against the law. But why so, you may ask. Well, this is to aid legal procedures and ensure that they are faster. What are they and how in the world do they help the law? Read ahead to find out.

Law enforcement exception
Have you ever seen police personnel detain people who they suspect to have committed a crime? Now, the police do not have sufficient proof against these guys when they arrest them, do they? Yet, if they release them and these people go on to prove guilty later on, it would be next to impossible to find them. It is due to this reason that police have been bestowed with the power to detain people they suspect till the time they are proved innocent. The objective is to prevent the miscreants from escaping the police and the law.

Shopkeeper’s Privilege
Well, you must have heard of this term before. Shopkeeper’s privilege refers to the power bestowed to businessmen and shop owners that gives them the authority to detain a person they suspect of shoplifting i.e. stealing merchandise from their shops. However, they are not entitled to detain the person for infinite time but only for the time required for conducting a thorough search on the individual and his belongings and find out if indeed anything was stolen.

A case of false imprisonment can be tried in a civil court as well as a criminal court. If it is a civil case, the accused is entitled to pay compensation to the plaintiff, for the damages caused. On the other hand, a criminal case of false imprisonment results in the accused getting arrested and he is sentenced to prison. Kidnapping is an example of false imprisonment that is tried in a criminal court.

What are the Types of City Government

admin — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 05:31:16 +0000

The type of local governments varies in different parts of the country. However, most of them have a similar structure, with a central council, which is elected by the voters, an executive officer and heads of the different departments. Although there exists a charter, which talks about the power and objectives of the city government, they have to work in close contact with the state and the federal government. The three different types of city governments are:
•Mayor Council
•Commission
•Council Manager
Mayor Council – Type of City Government
The oldest type of city government is the mayor council kind of government. This city government type apes the state and federal government structure, where there is an elected chief of the executive branch and there exists a council to help the chief with the administration. The heads of the different departments are appointed by the mayor. However, it is the mayor who is the face of the city government. The authority given to the mayor may differ from one city to another. In some cities, the mayor may have the veto powers, with which he will be able to veto laws passed by the council, while in other cities, the mayor will need the approval of the council. Preparing the budget of the city is the task of the mayor. The purview of the city council is the laws governing the local issues.

Commission
As the name suggests a commission comprises of three or more elected members from the city. The legislative as well as the executive functions rest with this group of officials. The laws and ordinances are set and passed by the commission working as one single team. There is a commissioner, who is entrusted with the job of supervising work in one or more city departments. In most cases the commissioner is elected by the voters often with nonpartisan election system. In some cities, a mayor may be elected from the council, but it is merely a decorative or ceremonial post.

Council Manager
The council manager is one of the city government types, where the chief executive officer is not elected, but appointed by the council members. Normally a highly trainer and experienced person is chosen for the job. The policies and ordinances are made by the council, but it is the professional manager who is responsible for implementing the policies. The day to day administration is carried out by the appointed manager. The task of making a budget for the city is the task entrusted to the city manager. The manager holds the post as long as he enjoys the faith of the council, as there is no set term for the manager.

Two-party System

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:14:56 +0000

Clinton: This N.A.F.T.A. thing seems like a great idea to me.
Bush: Hell yeah. Me too.
Clinton: Wow, we have so much in common. We should be friends.
Bush: That sounds awesome. We can turn our beds into bunk beds and then we’ll have so much more room for activities.
Clinton: Good thinking. C’mere and give me a hug.
Bush: Mmmm… You smell good. Is that a mango conditioner?
Clinton: Yes. My new intern loves it.

That other guy who was there: That idea sucks. Someone pay attention to me.

I know what you’re thinking – There are a lot of differences between the two parties. Things like gay rights, the second amendment, and the whole evolution vs. the Flintstonian theory. And you’re right, but what occurred to me then, and what I’ve seen time and again since, is that there is no difference in economic policy between a republican politician and their democratic counterpart. Sure, they talk a different talk, but what do they actually do that is so different? Much like Clinton and Bush in ‘92 regarding N.A.F.T.A. Obama and McCain practically fought over who liked the banking bailout more. Between 2009 and 2011 democrats held the presidency and a majority in both houses of congress. In that time they managed to give billions of dollars to the banking industry and military contractors (because they kept us in Iraq and Afghanistan and the rest of the world), they passed a financial reform bill that was the textbook definition of a paper tiger, and gave us health care reform that put a proverbial band-aid on a gunshot wound.

So when it comes to issues that are emotionally charged and can be debated until the cows come home (i.e. abortion) we have clear divisiveness and ideology, but when it comes to the bottom line – the issues that will really effect normal people on a day to day basis – things that will have an impact on interest rates and the job market – we have complete bi-partisanship. Even if that bi-partisanship comes in the form of faked surrender or underachievement, the result is the same. Sadly, it’s been going on for so long that it’s become cliche – the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

Civil Litigation Procedure

admin — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:59:03 +0000

Pleading
The process of a civil litigation starts with the plaintiff lodging a complaint against the defendant. This stage is known as the pleading stage. It gives the defendant an option to fully go through the complaint and contest certain elements of the complaint, which he feels are irrelevant or frivolous. If the defendant is able to convince the court that the language of the complaint needs to be amended, then the court may direct the plaintiff to rework the complaint so that it can be refiled.

Discovery
After pleading, the next stage in the civil litigation process is known as discovery. In this process, each side comes up with substantial evidence to support their claims. This stage also marks the interaction between both the parties and their lawyers as the contesting parties are allowed to check the supporting evidence and questions. Normally, the questions are either asked through written or oral format, known as interrogatories and deposition respectively.

Motion of Summary
The next step in the process of civil litigation is a motion of summary judgment. This motion is filed by the defendant to claim that the evidence presented by the plaintiff is insufficient and does not support the claim against the defendant. The court considering all the evidence that is presented by the plaintiff, has to decide whether the lawsuit will be entertained or abandoned. In case the lawsuit is rejected by the court, the plaintiff has the option to file the complaint in a higher court.

Trial
If the motion of summary judgment is in the favor of the plaintiff, then the next step in the course of a civil litigation is that the defendant needs to stand on trial. Usually, both the parties try to seek out a middle path to the conflict by taking the help of a mediator. Not only does this allow to settle the matter quickly, but it also saves a lot of time and money that goes into a trial. If the concerned parties are not able to reach an agreement, even after having mutual discussions, then there is no other option for the court but to start a trial procedure. The trial starts with the clerk of the court nominating individuals who can act as jurors in the case. These individuals are interviewed by the trial judge and the respective attorney, so that ambiguities if any, can be looked into. When both parties agree on the composition of the jury, the jury members are given an oath, and the formal trial begins.

Closing arguments
With the commencement of the trial, each side presents their case, after which the court allows the attorneys from both sides to have closing arguments. This is the ultimate time for the attorneys to convince the jury members to decide in their favor. The jury members too are briefed by the trial judge on the relevant laws that might be applicable in the case.

Political Effects of New Deal

admin — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 13:53:52 +0000

Even though there is no questioning the efforts of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, one has to ponder on whether the New Deal was really of any help or did it cause more damage than help. Even today the success of New Deal is a topic of raging debate, which has left the leading economists of the world divided into two groups – those who think it was successful and those who think it failed miserably (In fact, the second group even argues that the New Deal was responsible for aggravating the economic crisis in the United States.). By and large, the effects of New Deal revolved around the changes it brought about on the political and socioeconomic front in the United States of America.

Political Effects of New Deal
On the political front, it made Americans realize how the Federal government works and why its presence is important in smooth functioning of the nation as a whole. Before Great Depression, the Federal government was not of much importance for the citizens as Federal regulation of stock market or programs like social security and farm subsidy programs didn’t exist back then. The introduction of such programs as a part of New Deal made people realize why Federal administration is important.

The New Deal also brought about a political realignment in the United States; wherein the Democratic Party – with its liberal ideas, got a majority in the House. (In fact, the Democrats ruled the White House for seven out of the nine presidential terms between 1933-1969). The Republican Party, on the other hand, was divided over the issue with some Republicans opposing the entire New Deal as bad for business and growth, and some accepting it in part. These changes in the American politics brought to the surface the concept of New Deal Coalition which dominated the US elections until 1960s.

Socioeconomic Effects of New Deal
On the socioeconomic front, one of the most prominent effect of this deal was the fact that Federal government was given more powers for regulating the economy, and this in turn allowed the government come up with policies for the welfare of nation as a whole. This deal came as a boon for American farmers in particular, with programs like the Farm Credit Administration and Agricultural Adjustment Act helping them resolve issues like overproduction, fall in market prices etc., with ease. The New Deal also marked the beginning of several social programs which were directed at the welfare of people and growing power of labor unions. Several agencies, including the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), provided employment to many people across the United States, and also contributed to public works during that period.

More Information on Navy Personnel

admin — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:43:25 +0000

Out of all the individuals enlisted in the navy, around 15% of them are commissioned officers. The rest of the numbers are made up by enlisted sailors and midshipmen who are being trained. The commissioned officers are divided into Staff Corps (people who have professional experience in law, medicine, civil engineering etc.), Restricted Line Officers (people who perform engineering and maintenance work but do not engage in direct combat) and Unrestricted Line Officers (people who are trained for combat and can subsequently command units and squadrons). The order of ranks for commissioned officers in the navy are as follows.
•Fleet Admiral (FADM)
•Admiral (ADM)
•Vice Admiral (VADM)
•Rear Admiral (RADM)
•Rear Admiral Lower-Half (RDML)
•Captain (CAPT)
•Commander (CDR)
•Lieutenant Commander (LCDR)
•Lieutenant (LC)
•Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG)
•Ensign (ENS)
Apart from this, there are also the enlisted sailors who are also known as Petty Officers. These sailors form around 80% of the United States Navy, but they also need to follow the navy chain of command. Failure to uphold this chain of command is seen in a very bad light so this is avoided at all costs. All said and done, the President of the United States who is the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Armed Forces, is the supreme commander of all the naval forces.

World’s Most Dangerous Nations

admin — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 03:03:55 +0000

Mexico
Though the country has one of the most beautiful beaches, the increasing drug cartel vs police war has been the cause of many issues in the country. The US government has been advising its citizens to avoid Mexico because of the increasing instability in the country. The country is a large market for drug trade and the nation witnesses drug related wars and murders on a daily basis. Most resorts and tourist destinations in Mexico are not considered safe due to the lack of government control which leads to a rise in crime and violence.

Iraq
No one is safe in Iraq. Despite the rich oil reserves that can make this country one of the richest in the world, Iraq is a nation that is torn in war, violence and confusion. After the US invaded the country in 2003, nothing has been stable in this country. The civil war began which led to the deaths of more than 700,000 civilians. The country is filled with insurgents from various terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and many more. These groups use people as suicide bombers and keep blowing innocent civilians and countless US soldiers. Since the war, almost half of the Iraqi population has left their country and most of them cannot be found.

Colombia
This nation is known for its enormous drug trade and kidnapping cases. Every year the country witnesses more than 1000 kidnappings and most of the victims are killed by their captors. Colombia is ranked fourth in the world for murders. Mayors and diplomats are killed in dozens every year. This country is also the main center for drug trade as it supplies more than 80% of the world’s cocaine.

Afghanistan
Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous countries in the world and the current instability of the government is not helping the on going American-Afghan crisis. Afghanistan has been a troubled nation for many years and even today it’s a place where people live in fear and wrath of the Taliban. Many security experts say that during the Soviet invasion (1979), the Red Army had planted more than 10 million land mines all over the country. This causes deaths of thousands and injures many more individuals every year till today. Suicide bombings are very common in this nation and it’s also one of the leading exporters of top quality hashish and opium.

Characteristics of Oligarchy Government

admin — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 07:55:20 +0000

The following are the vital oligarchy government characteristics:
•Oligarchies are generally governments run by few elite families
•In such a government structure, the children in the elite family inherit power and topmost administrative position from senior rulers upon attainment of maturity
•Oligarchies are often criticized as the government run by rich people for favoring the rich as this kind of government does not focus on uplifting the weaker sections of the society
•Oligarchy government is also referred to as a form of dictatorship in which the role of common people is extremely limited
•In such a government, common people might not be granted fundamental rights which are essential for any individual to live a good life
•Oligarchy government may resort to violent methods to curb any kind of public uprisings to protect its power and ruling status in the country
Effects of Oligarchies

Concentration of Wealth
Concentration of wealth in the hands of a few privileged people can perhaps be the biggest disadvantage of the oligarchy government. In such a government, most wealth is with the elite class and this affects the standard of living of the common masses. Concentration of wealth can be disastrous for the nation as a whole.

Lack of Education
Educational and career opportunities are scarce in oligarchies. Most of the times, people from the lower section of the society do not have access to best educational institutions, or simply cannot afford the cost of education. Low awareness of education in such countries can lead to low literacy rates and rising crimes.

Low Level of Job Creation
Concentration of wealth leads to slow or negative economic growth in oligarchies. When the economic growth is low, and there are no good policies and efforts made to improve the situation, the job opportunities are also very low. So, this can lead to rising unemployment levels and low quality of life in oligarchy government run countries.

Rising Corruption
When the control of the entire nation is in the hands of a few influential people, corruption can rise manifold. Many malpractices such as black marketing, siphoning of money, financial frauds and bribery are common in such government. This again has a direct effect on the social life of a person.

Lack of Peace
In oligarchies, it is possible that some groups of individuals will revolt against the unacceptable government policies. In case these revolts become violent, this can disturb public peace and safety greatly. Such a violent environment is never considered to be conducive for growth and development of a state.