Abstract
The Essay highlights Senator John McCain’s political career as a senator and the committee assignments he is currently working on. It out outlines all those committees and subcommittees of which Senator McCain is a member. The paper explores the issues which are a priority for Senator McCain. It describes McCain’s views on defense, taxation and other important policy issues.
Question # 2
I am Senator John Sidney McCain the third and I represent the state of Arizona in the United States Senate as a Republican senator. I was first elected as a US senator from the state of Arizona in 1986 and assumed office in January 1987. Since then, I have won four consecutive re-elections and the most recent re-election that I have won was back in 2010. That means I have been the member of US senate for more than 24 years. Currently, my assignments as a senator include acting as a member of Committee on Armed Services and its subcommittees on ‘Air-land’ and ‘Emerging Threats and Capabilities’. I am a ranking member of the Subcommittee on ‘Sea power’ under the Committee on Armed Services. I am also a member of Committee on Foreign Relations as well as its following subcommittees: Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere and Global Narcotics Affairs, and Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs. In addition, I hold the membership of Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and its subcommittee on Financial and Contracting Oversight. I also serve as a member of Committee on Indian Affairs. (McCain III, 2014)
As for the issues that are a priority for me, in the economic realm, I consider Federal budget deficit to be as a major issue, and to me reducing the national debt must be our core economic priority. Government should cut its Spending, but should do it according to an overall economic strategy. However, higher tax rates are not the solution for our economic woes. So, tax rates should be lower and Congress must look for comprehensive tax reforms. In the sphere of national security and defense, our preparedness to defend our homeland and our allies is a cardinal issue, especially in the wake of global terrorism. So, the spending on the defense budget should not be cut and our armed forces must actively engage against terrorist groups. In other words, our national security requirements are very high on my priority list. I strongly believe in the second Amendment, and the right to bear arms is very suggestive regarding our individual freedom and rights. I have objected and will continue to object on any bill against the right to bear arms. In my views, Healthcare is important, but it should not be focused at the cost of other sectors. Hence, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act should be repealed as they are putting unnecessary burden on the national exchequer.
Question # 1
Income inequality is going to be the major issue around which the political battles will be fought in the years to come. Although United States is facing many issues and their significance cannot be denied, income inequality is rising quickly to the top of the “crucial issue list”. A look on the data regarding income inequality is enough to discern that how grave the issue is. According to a research, in the 80s the top 1% earned 10% of all the income while bottom 90% received 65%. However, in the recent years the figures are even more alarming as the top 1% earned 22.5% while the earnings of the bottom 90% has reduced to 49.6%. According to statistics compiled by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, United States ranked second-highest in income inequality. Another alarming indicator is the persistence of income inequality not only in the social sphere, but also on racial levels. The difference in median household incomes between whites and blacks is registered to be around $27,000 in 2010.
Income inequality has very far reaching impacts on the socio-political arena of a country. Income inequality, if not handled properly and promptly, would cause trouble in the social and economic realm of United States. One can comprehend the significance of the issue of income inequality in America by looking at the magnitude of inequality. It is not the inequality per se, but the magnitude that makes it the most important issue for the policy makers to resolve. In addition, income inequality is directly linked to wealth inequality, and with wealth inequality comes the issues of taxation and social divide. Income inequality will further widen the gap between haves and have-nots, and it will also directly influence the political decision making and public policy issues. Issues of public healthcare and social welfare are related to the division of wealth, and division of wealth is a function of income inequality. So, if income inequality is not curbed the consensus on social and economic issues will become more and more difficult. Therefore, if the imbalance is allowed to continue at the current rate, it will eventually disrupt the social fabric of the nation.
Works Cited
John Sidney McCain III. (2014). The Biography.com website. Retrieved 03:18, Dec 03, 2014,
Mccain, J. (n.d.). Key Issues. Retrieved from United States Senator John McCain Website: http://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/key-issues
OECD Income Distribution Database: Gini, poverty, income, Methods and Concepts. (n.d.). Retrieved from OECD Website: http://www.oecd.org/els/soc/income-distribution-database.htm
Saez, E. (2013). The Evolution of Top Incomes in the United States. Berkeley.
