Pizza Propaganda

          Both Carl Paladino and Andrew Cuomo have used social networking sites in order to keep in touch with the public.  Because most young people use these sites, it's a fantastic way to recieve votes from a different crowd and get a better understanding of what they want.  When I clicked on both Paladino and Cuomo's Facebooks, it occured to me that these candidates for governor did not contribute to their own sites. Neither was personal and both Facebooks are a complete waste of time to look at.
      On a brighter note, both pages were similar in that both had introductions. However, Paladino's was short and to the point, but i didnt quite understand why it said that he was not trying to be a politician.  His picture agrees with this statement because it is a picture of a much younger him in an army uniform, trying to manipulate the viewer into thinking that he is an ordinary citizen just trying to make a difference and simply speak his mind. On the other hand, Cuomo's introduction tells of his accomplishments, which I find to be nice because it shows the viewer that if he has done these great things for the people before, he can repeat them and help us out once again.  Also, his picture caught my attention because he was smiling.  It showed me that being a politician didnt have to be a totally serious thing.  It made me find a liking to him.  Lastly, both Facebooks had news about each candidate and important achievements they had done.
       Based on the Facebooks of Carl Paladino and Andrew Cuomo, I would choose Cuomo's.  Although neither was personal, his had some interesting details such as his picture and introduction.  The simplicity of everything made the site less overwhelming and less manipulative.  This activity does not have any impact, whatsoever, on my opinion.  As you may know already, I am not so easily swayed and these sites are used nothing more then to have a "connection" with different people.  These sites would have been more effective if there were more personal touches from each candidate. Sorry Paladino and Cuomo, but please, stick with your own websites.
         


Alison Cohen
B Band

Abort That Pizza, Chef.

A woman’s right to choose abortion has become an issue in the campaigns for state office.  Paladino and Cuomo both have very different opinions on this national topic. The National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League has jumped in and stated their opinion and has bashed Paladino for this stance against abortion.  Being raised Catholic, Paladino has always had very strong beliefs on this topic. “My personal opinions may differ from what the laws are. I will enforce the laws of the State of New York,” said Paladino. He also stated that he would try and change the law.  This is the very reason why some women wouldnt vote for him.  They would charged as criminals because of their opinion.  Cuomo, on the other hand, says “They’ve been lulled into a false sense of security.”   Women have been misled, thinking that they could have their opinion, but in reality, that right is taken away.  Cuomo feels as though Paladino's opinion on the subject is extreme. “That is a frightening position from a woman’s point of view, and society’s point of view,” said Cuomo. I like how Cuomo is trying to view this issue from everyone's perspective. I chose this subject because I am a woman and feel very strongly about this issue.  I feel as though it is the woman's decision to keep a baby or not, not some politicans.  The candidate I agree with is obviously Cuomo.  He viewed the situation from a woman's point of view and that gives me a sense of sercurity because he cares about what the people want, not just himself and that gives me satisfaction.


Alison Cohen
B Band

Sicilian Social Networks- Jacqueline Ruoff

Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino have created their own Facebooks. Having a social networking site allows the candidates to interact with voters on a more a more personal level. Most young voters have a Facebook. If they click "like" on each candidates page, they will get updates. Followers can view each candidates ideas and events easily. Each update will appear on their news feed, they don't need to search on different websites and roam the Internet.

Although the layout of their Facebooks are the same, the details in each makes the difference. Both of their walls are about the same. Each mentions events and links to support them. However, the information about themselves differed. Cuomo's seemed more personal and related. He summarizes his past positions and journey. On Paladino's, its much shorter. He simply states he is not a  politician and will always speak his mind. It seems very arrogant and uncomfortable. From these similarities and differences, I would say Andrew Cuomo's page was better. However, you cannot choose a candidate based on their social networking sites. These sites are run by their assistants, not the candidate themselves. Although, the sites can influence your decision slightly. They way others present them on these sites can show their characteristics.

Gabagool Gay Rights- jacqueline ruoff

I researched each candidates view on gay rights. Andrew Cuomo would like to enact marriage equality. He believes its wrong to discriminate against same-sex marriages. Having same-sex marriages would give the spouses more benefits.  Without marriage equality, they loose the opportunities to receive the same health insurance, automatic rights, and others. Cuomo is going to fight to end the discrimination. Paladino is for gay rights, but not gay marriage. Paladino's plan has been described as  "funneling resources away from fighting poverty to stop gays from marrying, denying money to homeless shelters because they may be too LGBT-friendly, and calling LGBT people a threat to the fabric of humanity." I chose this subject because it is an issue that has been getting a lot of attention. The candidate I agree with is Andrew Cuomo. I don't think you should give the gays all the rights except marriage.


http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/carl_paladino_says_hes_just_being_catholic_when_he_says_gays_are_disgusting

Dude, where's the nearest culinary...I mean charter school?

Paladino's Plan on Education: Alison Cohen and Matteo Agrusa


          As a concerned citizen and a father, Paladino feels strongly about the education system. He would like revise the school system in order to keep our country the best it could be. Paladino has always helped out the government and his community as well by creating scholarships for those citizens who couldn't help themselves. 

 A way to help out the education system would be to extend the school year and the hours.  A foreign language would be encouraged to further benefit the students. He would increase science and math curriculum to prepare students for the global economy.  Schools of every level would receive the great benefits of this plan. Alsom charter schoosl are another way to help out the community and the state as a whole. In charter schools, higher standards are set.  Paladino would like to increase the number of charter schools from 200 to 500 schools.  This would give parents the opportunity to send their children to a great learning atmosphere, even if their living conditions arent the best.  This enables a more successful rate of students to learn how they could improve. Also, these schools would not be intolerant of different religions and therefore wouldnt have a conflict of which religious school is better and how some students cant attend because of their religion.  Paladino would try and improve the education system because he believes strongly in it and we should give him the chance to show what he can do.

edible EDUCATION- Jacqueline Ruoff and Lester Li

Cuomo's plan for education supports charter schools. He wants to build more charter schools, but in selective areas. "Cuomo said he would require charter schools to increase their enrollment of special education and English language learning students."He's going to use other school fundings to put his plan into action. Cuomo plans to "steer more dollars to struggling, inner-city schools, and continues to struggle'to secure that money even after the Supreme Court ruled that New York’s funding formula was unconstitutional."Cuomo doesn't mention how he will improve tests or scores. I dislike this idea. Charters school do not benefit students as much as public schools. In charter schools, students stay in a school from K-12 grade. They wont develop the social skills that's students who change schools form. Paladino and Cuomo both want to build more charter schools. However, their plans to construct them are different. 








Hawkins, Andrew J. "Cuomo Consideration: An Education Plan That Encourages Charter Growth, Funding Cuts." City Hall News, Providing Substantive Analysis of Policy and Politics. Web. 21 Oct. 2010. <http://www.cityhallnews.com/newyork/article-1602-cuomo-consideration-an-education-plan-that-encourages-charter-growth-funding-cuts.html>.

Chef, We Have a Problem

Cuomo and Paladino have very different plans on how to reduce unemployment.  Cuomo is trying to call for more help in economically depressed areas in order to reduce the poverty rate.  He would have more housing vouchers and redevelope housing projects that are not functioning correctly.  Instead of developing a new Department of Housing and Urban Development, Cuomo would reinvent it and fill in the gaps that need to be fixed. Paladino, on the other hand, feels as though people should not be given money simply because they are in need of it, they must work for it.  He would create a program in which long-term welfare recipients and people who have lost their jobs due to the recession get a chance to make their money again. He is proposing that in order to carry out his plan that he would use prison facilities and vacant ones to house the people who can work.  These recipients would work for the state and would recieve benefits in exchange for their service. Although Paladino's idea seems insane, I believe that he has the right goal, but a very intense process.  I do believe that people should not simply be given money, they should work like the rest of us and if they can't find jobs, here's their chance.  I wouldn't, however, make them work in prisons, but I would do something more humane such as getting them involved in their community so they dont feel so pointless. Cuomo's idea is great, but it's unrealistic.  Whether or not housing projects are fixed, the people who live there will stay the same.  People who dont have jobs will not automatically find one because their living situation is better.  Therefore, although I may be the only one in this country, I feel as though Paladino has the right direction, but the wrong process causing him to have the better plan.

Cuomo:  http://www.lohud.com/article/20100928/NEWS05/9280380/Andrew-Cuomo-announces-proposal-to-revive-upstate-economy
Paladino: http://beavercountyblue.org/2010/08/23/unemployment-problem-solved-dept-tea-party-candidate-wants-to-bring-back-the-poor-house-and-expand-prison-jobs/



Alison Cohen
B Band

Jalapeno Jobless Peppers - Lester Li

A. Paladino and Cuomo have two different plans to help the employment rate. Paladino's plan is to send recipients of unemployment and welfare benefits to empty prisons so they could work for their money, instead of just receiving money. Cuomo's campaign was to raise awareness to gaping holes to the booming economy. He wants "more housing vouchers, more redevelopment of troubled housing projects, more money for programs from Youth Opportunity Areas to Economic Development Initiatives to 21st Century Learning Centers." I believe Cuomo has a better plan to reduce the unemployment rate because he has more ideas. Paladino is just unqualified for this position; his plan is very conservative and is not radical enough to make the change that we need.

B. Cuomo

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/govt/admin/stories/cuomo052999.htm

Paladino

http://www.worldnewnews.com/carl-paladino-wants-to-send-recipients-of-unemployment-welfare-benefits-to-prison/7803

Ricotta Reduction- JACQUELINE RUOFF

A. Paladino and Cuomo have different plans to reduce reduction is the United States. Paladino thinks we should turn unused prisons in welfare camps. He would have citizens using welfare go to these camps and work for the state. The guards at these prison would become counselors. These individuals would have to earn their checks instead of simply receiving them. Cuomo plans to have more economic aid. He wants to transform unflourished area into safer towns. He strongly wants to end poverty. He sends several messages about his plan  into the media. He'll redesign HUD and make it more productive. Cuomo has a better plan for the reduction of unemployment because its ethical. Forcing people live in a camp to earn a check that they need to support their family is NUTS!

B.
http://crooksandliars.com/taxonomy/term/12412,14036

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/govt/admin/stories/cuomo052999.htm

Extra Cheese Economy, Please

 Alison Cohen
B Band

Paladino
                  Republican Carl Paladino would cut taxes and eliminate them, rather than overwhelm manufacturers. Paladino told The Associated Press,  "We want to create good jobs, we want to have the reputation of a state that does not have a corporate franchise tax on manufacturers."  Paladino would exterminate capital  taxes and  franchise taxes as a way to attract and keep manufacturers in the state of which they are, from traditional auto industry companies to high tech producers of goods. "The government can't create jobs, only entrepreneurs and business will create jobs to rebuild New York and get new Yorkers working again," Paladino said.  Also, Paladino would like to cut personal income taxes by 10% and increase taxes for wealthier citizens, which is rather intelligent.

Site Used: http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/politics&id=7706620

Cuomo
          
            Cuomo, on the other hand, says "There is a regional strategy we need for Long Island, different strategy and different plan for western New York, different strategy for the Hudson Valley," Cuomo said at a Long Island campaign stop. "There is no one New York state economic development."  Cuomo's idea is to break apart state economic development that was tried once before.  Cuomo would also add far greater accountability to New York's economic development efforts, with a focus on regional needs and resources.  Also, he would end the long and judged system in which a state agency run by government appointees award tax breaks to attract or retain employers.  This system would work with trying to focus on regional needs and the resources by letting the economic development be in the hands of someone responsible to voters, giving the people more power.

Site Used: http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Cuomo-Paladino-offer-plans-on-NY-economy/jgv1C1s4RkelH6EUqGrdvw.cspx


             I feel as though Cuomo's economic strategy would be the better choice of the two.  Although political officials have tried the process and failed, I feel as though Cuomo will do his best to strengthen the policy and enforce it. Paladino's policy only focuses on businesses and taxes. What about the people?

Eggplant Economy- Jacqueline Ruoff

1. PALADINO-
His plan to aid the economy is to cut taxes , not cap them."Paladino has called for massive spending and tax cuts to meet a state deficit hovering around 8 billion dollars."Paladino says he will cut spending by 20% in his first year, if elected. He wishes to cut the Medicaid spending down to reach the level of California's. Paladino believes these cuts will make the economy BOOM! He also wants to freeze all of the teacher's salaries.
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Lots-of-Anger-and-Noise-and-Too-Little-Ideas-in-Governors-Race-104809504.html

2.  CUOMO- Cuomo's plan to aid the economy involves a new leader, the Lieutenant governor. He has a separate plan for each region in New York State. Overall, Cuomo's plan would cost $1 billion a year.
"Cuomo, the former federal housing secretary, would end the long-criticized system in which a state agency run by government appointees award tax breaks to attract or retain employers. His system would create regional initiatives that focus on local resources."
http://pressrepublican.com/0100_news/x921677049/Cuomo-Paladino-offer-plans-on-NY-economy

3. Based on the websites, Paladino's plan seems better. On website describing Cuomo's plan, they sow it will be ineffective. The separation of regions has been done before with Spitzer. When he launched the plan, it did not succeed. The websites show Paladino's plan to be more realistic.

Choosing Your Pizzaria

In choosing a proper candidate, it's always essential to visit their webpages and see what they have to offer. Both Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino offer personal webpages for the public to check up on upcoming events, and receive the latest 411.

Andrew Cuomo's webpage that can be found here distributes many resources in his campaign against Paladino

Italian idea ices - Lester Li

Paladino
ABC news says, "Republican businessman Carl Paladino would eliminate or cut taxes on manufacturers as an incentive to relocate and stay in the state, a new direction for economic development in a state that often refers to manufacturing only in historical terms." This means he will stay in a conservative way to try to get this New York's economy back on track. Paladino's plan includes scraping variations on targeted tax breaks that have been used for decades to help a single, eliminate capital gains taxes and corporate franchise taxes as a way to attract and retain manufacturers, from traditional auto industry companies to high tech producers of goods. His plan would save businesses - and cost Albany - about $1 billion a year.


Cuomo
"Cuomo, the former federal housing secretary, would end the long-criticized system in which a state agency run by government appointees award tax breaks to attract or retain employers. His system would create regional initiatives that focus on local resources." says ABC news. This statement implies that he has democratic views and provides different alternative ways of changing the economy. His plan will cost $1 billion a year also.




Based on the websites, I believe Cuomo's plan sounds better. This is because Paladino's plan is very conservative and i do not believe his plan will work. They both cost around the same per year and i think Cuomo's is better for the money.


Website:
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/politics&id=7706620

Creamy Pasta or Alfrado Chicken? -Lester

Andrew Cuomo's and Carl Paladino's web pages are at the very least, interesting to look at. In Cuomo’s webpage, it demonstrates modern tactics to sway the audience in his favor. It extremely colorful with a red, white, and blue outline and is boldly blue although the site. It has videos, articles, and even a link to add him as a friend on Facebook. The website is also easy to use and gives a feel that it is fun and exciting.

In Paladino’s page, it is very informative. Its main purpose is to get people informed about him and his views, ideas, and strategies. However, his page is plain and boring. I did not find his page more interesting and did not stay on it too long.

The candidates’ missions and views are somewhat the same but varied in a way or two. On Paladino’s page, he discusses the unemployment, budges, taxes and jobs, attacks Andrew Cuomo, and plans with changing Albany. On Cuomo’s front page, it only has one major issue, which are the many issues involved with Albany.

Solely based on the websites, I believe Andrew Cuomo is more fit for governor than Carl Paladino. His webpage gives a vibe of where change will happen. Paladino’s page makes him seem more conservative and I believe that is not what we need at this moment.

Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza? Your Choice

             After viewing both Anthony Cuomo and Carl Paladino's websites, I noticed many important things.  Each had both equal information, but focused on more topics than the other.  In Paladino's website, he focused more on bashing Cuomo rather then focusing on the issue of importance, but caught my attention by telling the truth about New York State. In the state of the economy and the bad leadership of former elected officials, we need someone who we could trust, someone who will tell us the terrible truth, even though we dont want to hear it.
             Cuomo clearly sounds more attainable because he focuses on trying to fix New York instead of just saying his opinion on the issue. I believe Cuomo should be the Governor because based on his webpage, his ideas are more interesting and they makes me want to stay on the website longer to find out what he will do to make a difference in the state and for the people. Under the topic "issues & agenda" on Cuomo's website, he shows the 5 steps he would take to improve New York rather then having mulitple links on his idea which is what Paladino did. On Paladino's website, he seems to think that bashing other political leaders, as well as Cuomo, well win him the election because he will do "better" than him.  Instead of putting down others, I would have liked his ideas and opinions to be first and then compare to others.



Alison Cohen
B Band

Cheesy Cuomo or Pepperoni Paladino?- Jacqueline Ruoff

After visiting Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino's websites, I have come to some conclusions. Each of these websites are equally informative. They express the same strategies in a website, but Cuomos was designed more modernly. Cuomo's had easily accessible ways to join in team. It showed all social networks, while Paladinos only showed Twitter and Facebook. But, Paladino does have a floating version of him speaking if you click on his picture in the corner. Paladino's website had may attacks towards Cuomo- from cartoons to videos. Cuomos was more focused on his ways of solving issues in New York.
Paladino express many ideas. Under his "issue" section, he has 13 links discussing his opinions and solutions for these problems. Under "issues & agenda" on Andrew Cuomo's website, he shows the 5 steps he would take to improve New York. In these steps, he doesn't express how he will attain his goals. Cuomo simply states the aim.
Based on the websites, I would say Andrew Cuomo is more qualified to be Governor. Paladino has less experience in government than Cuomo. Although, Paladino's plans may be more detailed- its also full of attacks of Cuomo and previous leaders. Andrew Cuomo's website is more focused on catching our attention and explaining his ideals.

Hip Hops Favorite Deep Dish

http://www.hsan.org/Content/Home.aspx?pageId=241

In todays day and age, the young adults life is all about the music. In this case, what could be better than encouraging the youth to vote than Hip Hop Summit? Young adults can listen to their favorite songs, watch their favorite music videos and can even be informed about recent events in voting and politics. It's important to inspire our youth to vote and encourage them to make the right choices for our country and our future. Hip Hop Summit allows you to register to vote, gives you the latest scoop & 411, invites you to youth councils and fills you in with the latest events in politics. There's your slice of Political Pizza.
-Matteo

You Can Have Your Pizza And Eat It Too!

http://www.mtv.com/chooseorlose/partners/votesmart/

         "MTV" is a very infuential teen and adult sensation. Teenagers look up to their favorite celebrities on the MTV site and channel and by giving them the option to get involved in politics using this site is a fantastic idea.  On this site, teenagers and adults are able to view different important global topics such as gay rights, terrorism, and immigration.  Many of these topics related to the audience in some way, which is another way to capture their attention.  I do believe that this website was effective not only because of the great content and variety of topics, but the name that MTV has made for themselves over the years. The attributes that this website does to promote its agenda is by enabling the viewer to become more active in politics by putting in their nine-digit zip code and reading about their local candidates. I would recommend this website to someone interested in politics, so that they could relate to the important predicaments happening in the world as well as their country.  MTV is trying to teach viewers that if you participate in politics and vote for the people you believe in, you can make a difference or you could stand idly by in self pity.  Your choice.

Alison Cohen

B Band

Rock the Ravioli! - Jacqueline Ruoff

http://www.rockthevote.com/home.html

Rock the Vote is a website well-known by most young adults. Their motto "Building political power fr young people" is very accurate.The website has many features to capture a young voter's attention. This website allows young people to become engaged in politics. Rock the Vote discusses issues that effect them directly. It engages people with fashionable t-shirts to spread their message, music by popular artists, and advertisements on social networks. The constant reminding of politics, in easily accessible medias, catches our attention. The Rock the Vote website allows you to register online and volunteer in different projects. It also allows a member to create their own event and publish their agenda. I would definitely recommend this website to others. It captivates young voters and allows them to have a voice.

Declare Your Domino's Pizza

Lester Li

Mr. Gwinn

B Band

Blog Critique

            The website, http://www.declareyourself.com/about_us/about_us_73.html, is mainly concerned with getting young adults involved politics. With methods that are appealing to the youth (such as the internet, celebrity spokesmen, etc.), they advocate the youth to get involved. “[In 2008], more than 2.2 million young people used our online registration tool or registered through our Ultimate College Bowl national contest…[and] more than 6 million people viewed our viral videos and public service announcements” (About). Along with voting, this website promotes volunteering. On their main page, they have a section where you fill in information to the whereabouts of your residency. From there, you choose if this volunteer service should be suitable for children, teens, seniors, or a group of individuals.

            I would highly recommend this website to someone who has just started to take an interest in politics. This website has great information and has tons experience on getting young adults involved. From good articles, to a colorful exciting webpage, to great informative videos, this website has it all!

Works Cited

"About Us - Declare Yourself." Home - Declare Yourself. Web. 11 Oct. 2010. <http://www.declareyourself.com/about_us/about_us_73.html>.