C2

   One of the fundamental differences between the Republican and Democratic parties is economic regulation. The Democratic Administration has taken steps towards regulating Wall Street and creating government programs that use federal income gained through taxes. Republicans hope to reverse these measures if they win the upcoming presidential election.  The GOP's platform states, "excessive taxation and regulation impede economic development." Later it also asserts that "taxes, by their very nature, reduce a citizen's freedom." A Mitt Romney White House will attempt to promote economic growth through simple capitalistic competition. He hopes to cut back on regulation, allowing businesses to fight among themselves and allow the strongest to rise to the top. In the Republicans' eyes this will create American jobs and stimulate the economy. The Democratic platform is openly skeptical of this policy when it says, "They think that if we simply eliminate protections for families and consumers, let Wall Street write its own rules again, and cut taxes for the wealthiest, the market will solve all our problems on its own. They argue that if we help corporations and wealthy investors maximize their profits by whatever means necessary, whether through layoffs or outsourcing, it will automatically translate into jobs and prosperity that benefits us all."
       Another facet of this economic discrepancy between parties is a focus on the middle class. While the Republican party talks about protecting the "little guy" and promoting small businesses it is the Democrats who have chosen to take on the average middle class family as their champion cause. The Democratic platform describes its policies as growing the economy from "the middle out." It also refers to the middle class as the "North Star" of America. The Obama administration hopes to focus the economy on protecting the current middle class and helping those working hard to join it. The upshot of the party platforms is that Republicans hope to offer opportunity through limited control of the economy while Democrats hope to promote economic growth while maintaining standards for businesses and a sense of responsibility for citizens.


Also, I'm not sure if my Face the Students question was submitted properly so here's my question:

Mass transit provides a low-cost form of transportation for all residents and is environmentally friendly. Many Virginians commute daily and an effective transportation system could help reduce the carbon emissions created by cars as well as improve traffic across the state. What are your plans, if any, to improve the public transportation system?