Local Issue Debated at the National Level

An example of a local issue being evaluated at the National Level is evident through the Article on Politico entitled, “Budget, not Sept. 11, may spur safety network”.  The article notes that one of the recommendations out of the 9/11 Commission was to install a public safety communications network to help first responders better communicate data across departments and jurisdictions.  In order to install the network Congress needs to approve the budget for the program at a time when they are trying to decrease the deficit.  The advocates of the issue are the public safety workers and the general public who believe public safety is an important aspect of government provided services.  The opponents to the issue include those who believe the money could better be spent in other realms of the public sector.  The 9/11 Commission notes that during the emergency responders had a difficult time obtaining information even from people a few feet away and believe an overhaul of the communications system will help during other large national disasters or emergencies.  The public stands to gain from the implementation of this system since more accurate data can be delivered in a reasonable time frame.   Public safety concerns are sticky territory for politicians because public safety is generally perceived as the number one priority of public funds as according to the public.  Generally, politicians support public safety, and Arizona is no different.  For instance, at the City of Phoenix, the Police and Fire Departments did not take as large of budget cuts as the rest of the General Fund Departments due to the political ramifications of appearing to reduce public safety.  Since, the media brought this issue to light, I believe the new communication system will be implemented.  Politicians from our state are no different.  New programs and resources are devoted to keeping the public safe while other budget departments take further reductions, and I believe when the Arizona Legislators comes back to session public safety concerns, such as border protection will take precedence in our budget, because their position appeals to local voters, who as I mentioned before, are mainly concerned with public safety as their number one priority. 

 The statement, “you can’t believe anything you read in newspapers or see on T.V.”, means you should be very careful where you obtain your information.  It’s important to remember the producers of the articles, shows, production companies, and networks all have opinions and all need advertising revenues, so they have to choose politically viable opinions to present.   They cannot afford to offend people who help pay their bills and sometimes that can skew the information they present.  I believe you can still obtain information from these sources, but it is also important to balance the perspective with one from the other to side to help make informed decisions regarding the issue.