Rough Debate

Anna Castillo

The Washington Post

Rough Debate

                The debate that occurred on October 21^st, 2011 between candidates Tina Sanders, and Ray Reid began a bit rough, but as it went on, it began to run smoothly. The candidates were able to touch basis on the sensitive issue of abortion. When asked about the issue of abortion and whether they were for or against abortion, both candidates seemed to agree that they were for abortion. Followed along by them stating the reasons why they are for abortion. Both candidates stated that the reason they are for abortion is for the simple reason that they believe the issue of abortion should be an individual and personal decision taken by the person them self, and  not an issue that should be brought upon the government to decide on for the people. Candidate Tina Sanders stated that maybe the woman wants to get an abortion for the fact that she was raped, and she should be free to make her own decision to do what she wants, and not have the government tell her she can’t do that. They should have no say when it comes to the issue of abortion.  There wasn’t really a debate on the topic since the candidates seemed to agree on why they are for abortion. Regardless, whether there was a strong willed debate on the issue of abortion, it was informative to the citizens and they can make their decision less complicated.

A “Chaotic” Debut Debate

A “Chaotic” Debut Debate

By Melissa Diaz

Washington Post

Published: October 21, 2011

The Congressional race between Tina Sanders and Ray Reid was off to a bad start Friday morning.  In their first debut debate everything seemed to be going wrong. The moderators were so lost, not being able to control the situation. There were many interruptions as candidates had their turn to speak. They veered off topic before issues could be fully discussed. Although there were time limits, some candidates were allowed to talk at length while others were cut off abruptly. Some candidates got to rebut, while others were told that the moderators were moving on to another question. A fair debate would have had the same question directed to each candidate and sticking to the time limits for answering the question and rebuttal. The candidates deserve equal time to explain why their ideas would be the best to correct the ills of this country.

Ray Reid was asked the question pertaining to amending the constitution from illegal immigrants having children in the United States. Reid replied clearly against amending the constitution, he said that as humans we all have unalienable rights. He stated “A US citizen has the same rights as  illegal immigrants in the United States.”  Reid believes the result of amending the constitution will affect many families. Reid suggests we should stop the flow of immigrants into this country, but work with the immigrants that are already in this country. Why do we let immigrants become US-Citizens?  They work a few years, retire collect Social Security and go back to their country. Most Immigrants go back to live or send money to family members from their own country. This is the result of the circulation of American money in another country when Americans need it the most.

Tina Sanders believes that immigrants should not be allowed to have children in the United States. Sanders states” we the American people should not carry the burden of paying taxes.” I totally agree with this. The government is looking for ways to save on expenditures. Therefore, why are we providing free education, with free school breakfasts and lunches to these illegals? Denying them free access to our school systems would save federal, state, and local tax payers millions of dollars as well as making our schools safer for the children of tax payers. If we travel to a foreign country, our children would not be allowed to attend their schools at no cost to the parents. They also, would not provide work materials in English nor would they have bilingual people available to translate for the children or the parents that are not fluent in the language of the foreign country. The cost related to illegal education is diverting too much money from tax paying families.

Teachers/ First Responders Back to Work Act is blocked.

Ernest Hinojosa III

10/25/11

                               Teachers/ First Responders Back to Work Act is blocked.

   Job creation is an important and current political issue in the United States. With an unemployment rate at 9.1% it is clear that there are millions of Americans out of work. Both republicans and democrats have their own political points of view on how some of their ideas can help revitalize the economy and create more jobs.  In this week's memo I will discuss the Teachers/ First Responders Back to Work Act that was recently blocked by republicans.

   The Teachers/ First Responders Back to Work Act, is a bill that democrats believe will  help create or save about 400,000 jobs for teachers, police, and first responders. The bill apparently would have been fully paid for with a 0.5% surtax on taxpayers making more than $1million a year. The bill was just recently blocked by republicans. Democratic Senator Harry Reid was one along with other democrats who tried pushing the bill through. Senator Reid made the following statement after the bill was blocked by republicans, "Unfortunately, protecting millionaires and defeating President Obama are more important to my republican colleagues than creating jobs and getting our economy back on track. Democrats agree with the overwhelming majority of Americans that teachers and first responder jobs are worth defending, while lower taxes for millionaires and billionaires are not. “Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders was also in support of the Teachers Job Bill. He told Ed Schultz of MSNBC. “Republicans are living on another planet, not even recognizing the severity of the crisis, let alone doing anything about it.

  In conclusion with the attempt of democrats trying to legislate their bill to create more jobs, the republicans succeeded in blocking the Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act.  According to democrats, The Teachers Job Bill was an attempt that would have helped created or saved about 400,000 jobs. A surtax for millionaires and billionaires was to be included in the bill to help pay for it. Most republicans believe that this bill would have just been another act of wasteful spending.

No Info...

Karla Martinez

October 4^th 2011

The Washington Post

Candidates Ray Reid and Tina Sanders are both very well qualified for the position, but I believe that in this past press conference they lacked preparation. They both failed to answer some of the questions over other various important topics. Both candidates seemed to give the run around when asked about any delicate subject. They gave were unclear about gay-marriage.  This topic is a very sensitive subject in congress at the moment. Not to mention it is a very big issue, it separates some of the people. I think that, whether or not they are for or against same sex marriage that can be what makes them or breaks them. They should put their stance on that topic in their websites along with all the other topics that they are informing the people where they stand according to the issue.  During the press conference it also seemed that the candidates did not appreciate the media video taping and I find that very odd, because the media helps so much with catching the voters’ attention. I believe that they should be a bit more prepared for the next press conference and talk about many more issues than what they have sited on their website, that are as well very important issues going on in the society today. Both candidates did well on their first press conference; they just need to be a bit more prepared. They should also be clear with their responses when asked a question instead of answering with very vague responses. Other than that you can go get more info from their websites.

Controversial Issues

Luiz Martinez

The Washington Post

October 12^th, 2011

Controversial issues took the spotlight at the candidate’s news conference.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Congressional candidates Tina Sanders and Ray Reid revealed some of their views on controversial issues at a news conference last Friday. The candidates released their press statements in paper prior to the conference, and some reporters chose to draw their questions from it. Sanders was questioned about her views on abortion by a Washington Post reporter. She replied, stating that she was “for it.” Reid was also questioned regarding abortion, and replied similarly. Though, Reid has in the past sponsored legislation aimed at restricting certain types of abortions. Stem cell research was also one of the questions brought up at the news conference. Reid, though answering hesitatingly, claimed he supports the controversial research. Both candidates varied on the willingness to answer certain questions by reporters. Sanders, for example, became tongue tied, and did not answer a detailed economic question by a correspondent from the Washington Post. Reid also chose not to answer a question asked to him by an editor, while stumbling to answer a question by another reporter. As election-day looms, the candidates scramble for voter support by aligning their positions on controversial, popular, and/or salient issues. The candidates have demonstrated moderation in their stances on said issues, possibly in an attempt to appeal to both liberal and conservative audiences. Another news conference is scheduled for this Friday. Both candidates will participate in a debate scheduled for the following week after the next conference, and are in preparation for it.

Hot Topics

Melissa Diaz

The Washington Post

October 11th 2011 

The congressional election is quickly approaching. Candidates Ray Reid and Tina Sanders were at the University of Texas in Brownville in a press conference held Friday morning. Sanders tackled the topic of gay marriage; she believes that she is not someone to judge whom marries whom. The legalization of gay marriage is a topic that is not going away any time soon. As in any emotionally charged issue, one can only hope that it comes to a definitive resolution without anyone being hurt.
On the issue of abortion, Sanders states she is Pro-Abortion and will help fund programs that need assistance on abortion issues. However, the problem with this is that the centers that receive the funding portray themselves as nonpartisan health and counseling clinics. In fact, they oppose abortion and sometimes even family planning. These Centers tend to push a political agenda on vulnerable women. A Congressional investigation in 2006 found that 87 percent of the centers surveyed provided false or misleading medical information. Nonetheless, the government has given over $9.3 million in grants to these centers since 2007; most of them were under the Bush administration. If you truly want to support women, you should focus on transparent, nonpartisan, fact-based education for those who are facing what is likely to be the most difficult decision of their lives.

Ray Reid appears to have a hard time with information that does not fit his view of the World. It is a tough reality that America is facing. Determining which policies to follow is one reason why we vote. Candidates for better or worse must discuss national issues in the context of state and local concerns. Reporters are trying to capture the tone and content of Reid’s campaign, but he seems to be avoiding questions and not addressing policy details. Political issues, leaders, institutions and events are what serve as a political basis of support for leadership position you are applying for.

Second Chance

Ernest Hinojosa III

10/11/11

Bernie Sanders: On Tuesday October 11, the senate voted down the $447 billon Jobs Bill. The plan was delayed by a vote of 46 republicans and 2 democrats. The Jobs Bill was supported by President Obama, Senator Reid, and other democrats in congress. The plan consisted of social security payroll tax cuts for workers and businesses and other tax relief totaling about $270 billion. Another $175 billion was to be spent on roads, school repairs, and other infrastructure. A tax surcharge on billionaires and millionaires was to be included. To me this plan was just another idea for the government to wastefully spend more money. Sure the plans idea was to help create jobs, but it would have only created temporary jobs. Once projects on roads, bridges, and infrastructure are completed, workers are out of work and back to the unemployment line.

Harry Reid: Like Senator Sanders, Senator Reid was in favor of the Jobs Act. According to the plan, $175 billion was to be spent on roads, bridges, and infrastructure. To me this idea will only create temporary jobs. Once projects on roads, bridges, and infrastructure are complete, workers are back to the unemployment line. Part of the plan consisted of a surcharge on billionaires and millionaires. Are tax increases on the wealthy a great idea? In my opinion, I think that over taxing the wealthy, prevents wealthy business owners from wanting to invest and expand their businesses in America. To me this is what helps create Permanent and stable jobs which will help stimulate the economy. 

No Comment

Anna Castillo

October 7, 2011

The Washington Post

The candidates Tina Sanders, and Ray Reid answered a few questions that the citizens want to know about during their press conference. Both candidates were well prepared this time around in the conference. When candidate Tina Sanders was asked if abortion costs would be covered by the heath costs she answered yes that they would be covered. For example it would more than likely cover programs that help women who want to get an abortion, along with the plan B pill which is for sure covered in the health costs already. Also the plan would include some medicine or materials that would be needed when performing the abortion and procedures necessary when a woman’s life is at risk. On the topic regarding education candidate Tina Sanders, was asked if there was any educational programs that will educate people over teen pregnancy and her response was that there are many different educational programs  such as planned parenthood that will help educate teens over teen pregnancy and about the risks that come with getting pregnant so young. On another note candidate Ray Reid was asked over abortion and his response to us was that abortion is a personal choice, which the state and government do not have to interfere. Yet the candidate Ray Reid supported the Federal funding Bill for abortion. His stance on the issue of abortion is very vague and unclear. There were many unanswered questions over for the citizens, but hopefully they will be addressed in the next press conference. Be sure to let us know your thoughts on the candidates.  We want to wish both of the candidates, Tina Sanders and Ray Reid, the best of luck to their campaign on this journey in the run for office, from the wonderful staff here at The Washington Post newspaper.

Talk about the Wrong Stuff

The Washington Post
By Arturo C. Aguilar
October 5th, 2011


Brownsville, TX- Wow! Talk about the wrong stuff. Both Reid and Sanders are most definitely oblivious to issues which Americans really want to hear. Reid seems to think that Americans will vote for him because he had a rough start as a kid and Sanders, well, Sanders doesn’t know what to say.

Reid stated that his wife was more intelligent than he was and went on praising her in his speech, so does that mean that perhaps she should be running for office instead of him???

In addition to that, Reid doesn’t seem to understand the syntax and rhetoric of the English language. Usually when someone asks you a question, you answer the question with an answer, not another question. Reid mentioned the word “Lord” in his speech, making clear references to the Christianity but did not answer whether or not he was a Christian himself.

On the other hand, Sanders does not seem to like the camera, I mean she did know that the press was going to be at the conference right? Isn’t that right written somewhere??? Oh yeah, the first Amendment of the US Constitution!

Not only did sanders trip out on my camera but she seemed way to shaky, gee whiz, perhaps she needed a tranquilizer to relax her just a bit.

She nearly shot herself in the foot with answering “yes” that she was for abortion. (She has 3 kids by the way)

Both candidates lacked preparation and seemed unclear on their responses.

Ready, set.... GO!!

The Washington Post

By Melissa Diaz

October 2, 2011

The race for Congress has started. A Press conference was held at the University of Texas at Brownsville, where the candidates were asked about a range of topics from health care to immigration reform. Harry Reid introduced himself as a democrat from Nevada, with humble beginnings in his speech, Reid stated that he is for Immigration reform, but it has now been 10 years — 10 years! — Since President George W. Bush first promised to make immigration reform a priority in Washington.

Bush has come and gone. Congress has tried and failed. A new president has come into office, and also promised and failed.

So, maybe it's time to try a different approach, if only to break the standstill. When pressed on the issue of abortion and religion, Reid could not answer questions on his stance. Reid was asked if he was a Christian, he avoided the subject of religion, by reminding Americans that religion shouldn't be an issue. When running for Public Office you are to disclose some kind of information to the public. Reid seems to be dodging too many questions. Mr. Reid, we need honesty and answers so we can determine your stance on issues that will be voted on!

Tina Sanders is a liberal representing the State of Vermont growing up in middle class America. Sanders emphasized she would fight for the middle class, but what about the lower and higher income Americans that also need representation?  It is time that we get people that run for office and understand that they are being elected, by the AMERICAN Public to work for the AMERICAN Public best interest.  Sanders voted against the Dream Act, and states she needs to revisit the bill to get better understanding. So she doesn’t know how to read?? The DREAM ACT is a law that would provide a measure of help to those who serve in the military or attend college and aspire to work legally. That bill would allow immigrants who are already here to legalize their status if they agree to pay a fine and continue to work in the fields for at least three years. Maybe this will give Ms. Sanders some insight on the issue. Sanders seemed unprepared and nervous with the media; the spotlight is yours, so enjoy it.

This race is quite interesting. I am anxious to see what lies ahead since these candidates seem to be lacking confidence and need to do their homework on issues that matter to Americans. We shall see what is to come in the next couple of weeks. We need to emphasize on issues that matter to the people they will be representing.

Tina Sanders maintains status as an Anti-War candidate

The Washington Post

 By Luiz Martinez

October

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Congresswoman Tina (Bernie) Sanders answered questions at a press conference held last Friday for her re-election bid, and held firm to her left-wing anti-war stance.

Tina Sanders was questioned during the press conference on her opinion on the war in Iraq, and she replied stating that she was fully against it.

In the past, Sanders has stood firmly in her opposition to wars, and has repeatedly voted against financing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. She has also called for the withdrawal of troops from those countries on several occasions during her tenure as a congresswoman.

Tina Sanders is running against Ray (Harry) Reid, who, in the past, has also opposed the Iraq war. Neither candidate revealed whether they were for, or against United States intervention in Libya.

Reid did not take or answer any questions during the press conference pertaining to United States foreign policy.

Both candidates have experience in dealing with foreign policy. Both served multiple terms as congress people, which, in their timespan, have seen the United States become involved in multiple foreign wars and multiple diplomatic crises with foreign countries.

The press conference finished early and on time, with both candidates receiving an equal amount of applause.

Cut it Out

The Washington Post

By Ernest Hinojosa III

October 5, 2011

 Harry Reid

 In 2009 senator Reid helped pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This act consisted of a stimulus package of $787 billion. The purpose of this act was in hopes of a jumpstart for the economy and a creation of jobs. Since the plan has passed in 2009, there hasn't been any major change in terms of the economy and job creation. In fact the United States national dept has continued to rise at $500 billion per year and as of June 2011, the U.S. is now at $1.5 trillion in dept. Job creation isn't looking so great either. Statistics show that that the U.S. unemployment rate is at a high 9.1% with 14 million Americans out of work. In my opinion this seem to be a case of wasteful spending which put a negative impact on the economy and did very little to create jobs.

Bernie Sanders

Like Harry Reid, Senator Sanders also supported the (Recovery Act of 2009). Again this act had a negative effect on job creation and the economy in terms of raising the national dept to $1.5 trillion and high unemployment at 9.1%. Senator Sanders also supports the idea of the $2.5 trillion deficit reduction. This plan calls for $917 billion in cuts over the next 10 years.  On the cutting board: Head Start, school funding, collage grants, nutrition programs for seniors, community health centers, and help for police officers and fire fighters.  Are budget cuts for important public service jobs a good idea? For example, cuts on police officers that keep our streets and most importantly our families safe? In my opinion, I think that major budget cuts can also lead to job cuts which can cause a negative impact on unemployment and the economy.    

The Debate without Information

The Washington Post
By Eduardo Aguirre
October 5th, 2011

 The recent debate of both candidates Sanders and Reid produced more questions than answers. They did not address one of the most controversial issues in the United States, immigration. This issue is the main talk of all government. Right now new laws are being established to regulate the number of new immigrants (illegal’s) that come to the United States in search for the American dream. The debate that took place last Friday did not discuss this important issue. The candidates spent their time on other issues, but for some reason they avoided immigration. This got me to do some heavy thinking. I questioned myself overnight and I couldn’t sleep. Why did the two politicians decide to avoid this controversial issue?      

I decided to investigate matters further. Politicians tend to do make promises and say that they are going to change the whole world if he or she gets our vote. I have studied politics for many years and I came to the conclusion that once they get our vote they forget about their promises. My main question will be what can these politicians do for immigration? Or what laws will they propose to finally solve this dilemma?

Crappy Conference

The Washington Post
By Anna Castillo
October 5th, 2011

During last week’s press conference both candidates Ray Reid and Tina Sanders failed to answer important questions over delicate subjects of education and abortion. When Candidate Ray Reid from Nevada was asked what his stance was on abortion, he didn’t exactly answer the question, he basically rambled on and on talking about how he will do what the “people decide.” Not once did he give us his stance on the subject. This was not the expected answer that the public wants to hear. He was not prepared the way that he should have been for the press conference. He needs to know how to answer his questions correctly and fully. Candidate Tina Sanders, (who by the way has three children) stated that she was for abortion and it is something that “the government should not intervene in.” She stated that “women should be able to make the choice they want. These included factors such as rape victims or have potential life threatening situations while pregnant.  Regarding the topic of education Tina Sanders believes that everyone should receive beneficial scholarships. She said that education is a universal human right.  She also mentioned during the press conference that she will fight to get more benefits for universities and Hispanics.  Ray Reid didn’t get to touch on that education during the press conference. I believe that both candidates must be better prepared for the questions during the press conference. You can visit both their websites for more information on their views.

The newly formed "WashingtonPost"

The Washington Post
By Arturo C. Aguilar (Owner)




Hello America!

The Washington Post is here to serve Americans by providing great press, media and news worldwide. The newest interesting topic today is the race for the Senate by two candidates, Tina sanders and Ray Reid. Both candidates are rookies and will strive to take the nomination for the Senate in the present race. Stick around for news and information!!!