The article that I chose to read was from the Contra Costa Times, and was in regards to the $41 billion package of tax hikes and spending cuts proposed to aid the ailing economy of California. The $41 billion package was composed of 27 bills and constitutional amendments. The tax increases would be contingent upon a June 2009 ballot measure, and would provide deep cuts to many government programs. Although Californians are experiencing great financial hardships as a result of our budget crisis, the financial burden of America is being felt by every citizen one way nor another.
The proposed plan is presently on the brink of being approved, however the the state senate is in need of one more GOP vote to place the plan into effect. The votes were said to have been there in the assembly, but only 2 of the 3 Republican senators needed were prepared to stray from the conservative norm and vote to raise taxes. Senator Abel Maldonado, the apparent swing vote, stated "it just goes against what I believe in my heart and my values." Sen. Maldonado, who is said to have a tense relatiionship with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, went on to further question the leadership of Schwarzenegger and Senate Republican leader Dave Cogdill. Sen. Maldonado publicly criticized the governor in 2006 for not backing his failed campaign for state controller, and appears to be using his disgruntlement as leverage.
I believe that this story incorporates many news values, especially in this state of our recessed economy. Timeliness in consideration of our financial woes, including postponement of state tax refunds. The value of proximity is also great to Californians as a whole, as well as the prominence of the public officials involved and the controversy within their actions. However, it is immoral to me that Sen. Maldonado would even consider abusing his legislative influence to enforce a personal vendetta against Gov. Schwarzeneggger. It apppears textbook, predictable, and immature in every way.
Here's the link to the news article used:
http://www.contracostatimes.com/top-stories/ci_11711561?nclick_check=1
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About Me
- Bret Radford
- Hello all, my name is Bret, and I consider it both an honor as well as a privilege to be your classmate and student respectively. I am a junior transfer student, and a broadcast journalism major by night. Whereas by day I am a full-time Employment Counselor, and always a proud father of three. This is my first blogsite ever, so I am well-pleased with my progress thus far. I have a love for journalism from writing to reporting, and can see myself heavily involved in this field until I'm no longer able to make a viable contribution. Through my enrollment in Journalism 61 I hope to gain better a knowledge and understanding as to what is really expected of journalists, and some of the do's and don'ts therein. I look forward to the forthcoming semester, and wish for you all continued success.
Daddy's Lil' Girls
It is pretty much appalling. What a schmuck.
ReplyDeleteGood analysis of the news values in this story.
...only two of the three (not 2 of the 3) Republican senators (see AP style re: numbers)
9.5/10