The question in Question: Should we lower the age to 16?
Honestly I think no. But! I do think we should lower it to 17. By then it is either the students junior or senior year, might have participated in a government class and they will be a little more interested in politics depending on the grade. E.g. at our school the seniors are so psyched about elections, but only a small portion of us can. Imagine if the entire senior class could vote! But the juniors...at least the one's I hang out with don't care. Granted maybe that's because they aren't only a year or a month or a few days off from being able to vote. I believe that the point about young people starting the vote at a young age will participate more when they get older is a valid one. But how low is too low? I think 16 is because most 16 year olds don't have class mates that would be voting and therefore don't really care plus they're 16. Most likely they care more about being able to drive than to vote. So why not space things out like this: 16 year olds = driving, 17 = voting 18= adult.
But perhaps most important than what age the voting age is, is the fact that the voters need to be informed about what is going on and what the issues are. To take some fire from one of my friends in my govt class "Why not make it a requirement that the voting age people have to have take civis or government classes before they vote? That way they know what they are doing and what they are voting for."
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Reform the E.C?
Automaticallly and almost sarcastically I say "Why not? We're trying to reform everything else."
then I get to thinking, what exactly does this entail. So in the little quiz I am currently taking I have gone No, Yes....but have looked at both arguements. The arguements against it make very little sense and have little strenght in them aside from it would call our Constitution into question which is very disquieting to some people. One arguement I find weak is: if the E.C is changed why not change the senate and house of reps? Well if it ain't broke don't fix it right? It would seem to me that the senate and house of reps election bases are working fine. But the E.C. is broke or has some bolt screwed loose so why not "fix" it? The way it works now the "little guy" has more say than the big one. Ok fine...but then doesn't that mean that the president will most likely be a propoenent of that regions ideas? (this is opposite an arguement I read) On the other hand the E.C. has a way of getting small groups interests into the two party system by trying to address thier needs. Remember there are different parties other than the Democrats and Republicans. But I wonder what would happen if those other parties were given a fighting chance...I imagine there would be more differing ideas in the government which could cause one of 2 things: 1. the differing opinions would fight against each other so terribly that nothing would get done or 2. the different opinions would find the best in each others ideas and COMPROMISE like the founding father's did and better things would get done.
I ended up saying yes because quite honestly the arguments against Yes barely made sense to me and appeared weak. So maybe don't chuck everything out the window but tweak it so that it works a little better.
then I get to thinking, what exactly does this entail. So in the little quiz I am currently taking I have gone No, Yes....but have looked at both arguements. The arguements against it make very little sense and have little strenght in them aside from it would call our Constitution into question which is very disquieting to some people. One arguement I find weak is: if the E.C is changed why not change the senate and house of reps? Well if it ain't broke don't fix it right? It would seem to me that the senate and house of reps election bases are working fine. But the E.C. is broke or has some bolt screwed loose so why not "fix" it? The way it works now the "little guy" has more say than the big one. Ok fine...but then doesn't that mean that the president will most likely be a propoenent of that regions ideas? (this is opposite an arguement I read) On the other hand the E.C. has a way of getting small groups interests into the two party system by trying to address thier needs. Remember there are different parties other than the Democrats and Republicans. But I wonder what would happen if those other parties were given a fighting chance...I imagine there would be more differing ideas in the government which could cause one of 2 things: 1. the differing opinions would fight against each other so terribly that nothing would get done or 2. the different opinions would find the best in each others ideas and COMPROMISE like the founding father's did and better things would get done.
I ended up saying yes because quite honestly the arguments against Yes barely made sense to me and appeared weak. So maybe don't chuck everything out the window but tweak it so that it works a little better.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Palin: Keep VA Red?
The majority of the senior class went to the Palin rally. We actually got in! A far cry from what people were regaling with the Obama rally which came to our "historical" town in September. The "historical" was said not by Palin but the local republican "community organizer" who visited my class also in early September. We were in the back, the taller people amoung the grade faired almost as well as I did (me standing at about 5 foot and the taller ones over 6 foot) Although my sightline was awful I could still hear Palin, Whitman and Gilmore and whoever else talked in the front. (And I caught sight of each speaker for a total of 5 seconds apiece on my tip-toes!) But, what was more interesting to me than the speeches being made up front were the comments made in the back by other attendees. Some people were talking about their ideas ans what they wanted changed and why they wanted the Republicans in office. I honestly enjoyed those conversations more than the speeches (and I paid more attention to them as well). Some shouted "Yeah!" "You go Girl!" "Right!" in reference to whatever the republicans were saying. And at one point to my (and other students) shock "Communist!!!" in reference to Obama. Other Obama haters had signs connecting him with Marxist ideas and terrorism. By the end of the rally I was tired of the slurs I heard against Obama and felt I had heard little to make me want to vote for the Republicans if I could.
Also, Sorry Palin, but I think Whitman got the most applause. Maybe that was because my grade started screaming our lungs out (every one of us) when Whitman went up to speak. Yes he visited our school as well. And he actually gave a speech that when I paid attention to it, made me want to elect him. Other people in the back seemed to like him as well.
Gilmore's speech irratated me more than anything. He kept repeating, "The answer is McCain, Palin, and Gilmore!" ....sounds like a college plug only its political.
At least 3 of the speakers including Palin said the usual narrative speech which I have grown tired of about I am so and so an average person. "I have suffered all this and endured through all that and I am now going to put the lessons learned from that to serve you!" Although I did like the fact that someone mentioned that Palin has run a state and raised 5 kids and that they'd like to see a man do that. However someone could point out that Biden basically raised his kids on his own. (but i forget how many he has.)
After the first few speeches to get us pumped up there was dead time. We were waiting for Palin to show up...they had music playing and at one point for all of maybe 50 seconds someone along with Whitman were throwing t-shirts and towels into the crowd. I think the GOP could hav ehad something going on during then to keep the energy up.
So the rally was interesting to see how a rally works, what goes on and of course to see the celebrity politicans themselves. (and husband in tow in Palin's case) But all I can really remeber about it was smears and talk that I have heard before. I don't think it won any votes.
Also, Sorry Palin, but I think Whitman got the most applause. Maybe that was because my grade started screaming our lungs out (every one of us) when Whitman went up to speak. Yes he visited our school as well. And he actually gave a speech that when I paid attention to it, made me want to elect him. Other people in the back seemed to like him as well.
Gilmore's speech irratated me more than anything. He kept repeating, "The answer is McCain, Palin, and Gilmore!" ....sounds like a college plug only its political.
At least 3 of the speakers including Palin said the usual narrative speech which I have grown tired of about I am so and so an average person. "I have suffered all this and endured through all that and I am now going to put the lessons learned from that to serve you!" Although I did like the fact that someone mentioned that Palin has run a state and raised 5 kids and that they'd like to see a man do that. However someone could point out that Biden basically raised his kids on his own. (but i forget how many he has.)
After the first few speeches to get us pumped up there was dead time. We were waiting for Palin to show up...they had music playing and at one point for all of maybe 50 seconds someone along with Whitman were throwing t-shirts and towels into the crowd. I think the GOP could hav ehad something going on during then to keep the energy up.
So the rally was interesting to see how a rally works, what goes on and of course to see the celebrity politicans themselves. (and husband in tow in Palin's case) But all I can really remeber about it was smears and talk that I have heard before. I don't think it won any votes.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Regulate or Not?
Alright. Honestly the pro-regulating argument made more sense to me than the con-regulating one. The con arguement stated that regulating the lobbyist groups in Washington would basically say what could be said and what couldn't; what politics were good and what weren't. Also, it brought up the first ammendment saying regulation would deny people that right.
I disagree. Regulation to me appears to allow the groups to be heard equally. I don't see how that change would make some of thier arguements good and some bad and some that can't be said and some that can. If regulating 1. 'levels the playing field' and 2. lets the common people see where all this money is going and what is being done with it than i think it's fine. Probably the 2nd part of point number 2 is where people against regulation are jumping. But why spend money to go to save children in africa if it is just going to end up in a schemer's pocket? And if these lobbyists are really doing something for a public good then they have nothing to fear from regulation right?
I still need some information on what the implications are of regulation to make a full assesment of where i stand on this.
Comments please!
I disagree. Regulation to me appears to allow the groups to be heard equally. I don't see how that change would make some of thier arguements good and some bad and some that can't be said and some that can. If regulating 1. 'levels the playing field' and 2. lets the common people see where all this money is going and what is being done with it than i think it's fine. Probably the 2nd part of point number 2 is where people against regulation are jumping. But why spend money to go to save children in africa if it is just going to end up in a schemer's pocket? And if these lobbyists are really doing something for a public good then they have nothing to fear from regulation right?
I still need some information on what the implications are of regulation to make a full assesment of where i stand on this.
Comments please!
Friday, October 17, 2008
NCLB commentary
Alright I went through again and I did the NCLB issue. First off I am biased, I know a teacher in Spotsy County who has seen how NCLB doesn't work. I understand the arguements made about understanding basic math and reading but here is my question back...why didn't you teach them that back in elementary school when they were supposed to learn it? So maybe keep those aspects of NCLB for elementary schools and loosen up the middle and high schools. Secondly I really dislike the standardize testing stuff. Hello, you do it on the SATs maybe 3 to 4 times MAX then never again. But you do have to have opinions and back them up, you do have to understand how to think for yourself, you do need to have a way to think on your feet when you get into the adult 'real world'. So get rid of the standardize test stress, and keep the getting the basics for those that need it in elementary school. So the NCLB we have right now isn't working but maybe a modified version would...
Please comment back I actually want to hear some opinions on this.
Please comment back I actually want to hear some opinions on this.
Down With Oil!?!??
In the game I chose the dependence on foreign oil question. Should we end it? Originally I said yes, because I know that it leaves us at the beck and call of oragnizations like OPEC and overall it isn't healthy for the enviroment and that the reserves are going to dry up someday! BUT I ended up saying no. My solution would be to wean us off of our dependance slowly instead of suddenly severing ties. First, we are not ready to handle the demand for energy with the resources we have now. Again they are going to run out at some point. Second, our alternative fuels and energy options are still young and have bugs in them that need to be worked out. Then third, this I found the most enlightening, our oil trades have established relationships with other countries that can be beneficial in either wartime, or peace, and overall to our economy. That's why I think we should NOT cease our dependance on foriegn oil completely but somehow find a way to decrease it. But this option does not help us in the short picture because the technology needed to supply the energy that would be needed is still a while a way.
My answer was in the 20%.
My answer was in the 20%.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
If I Could.....
If I could vote, who would I vote for? Good Question. As a preamble to my answer (haha) I might as well say that I have done ONLY the McCain projects for class. So I know a little bit about his polices on Education, and Energy and the Enviroment. (Hey those all start with E!...sorry) Anyway. I was also able because of this to study a little bit of Obama's plans in these three categories, so as to have a counter McCain based argument. But other than these three categories I still know very little about thier ideas on the issues. (Except for economy which was the only thing talked about in these past debates) From what I saw, I agreed more with Obama's ideas than McCain's. But I want to see and know more.
I respect McCain's experience, but he has played that tune ad nauseum. I respect Obama's willingness to make it work and find a way that works. But then he plays his middle class horn ad nauseum. As I have said in class, One is looking foreward and one is looking back. But does that really matter? If it does then which is more important? The past that you learn from or the future you are going to?
Now I'm getting philosophical sorry!
Alright I'll answer already!! I think I would vote Obama. Here's my reasoning: He talks about change and trying new things and seeing what works. Lets face it, whatever is happening now is not working. So (to use a soundbite) maybe that's the change we need. Also, he keeps himself prepared for arguements and at least attempts to focus in debates on what the people need. And, on the issues we researched in class his ideas made more sense to me than McCain's. (although that might have just been the layout of his website....)
Does this mean I will/would vote Democrat in every election to come? No. I want to see which candidate appears to be able to do the job best. And at this time, Obama seems to be best suited for the job.
I respect McCain's experience, but he has played that tune ad nauseum. I respect Obama's willingness to make it work and find a way that works. But then he plays his middle class horn ad nauseum. As I have said in class, One is looking foreward and one is looking back. But does that really matter? If it does then which is more important? The past that you learn from or the future you are going to?
Now I'm getting philosophical sorry!
Alright I'll answer already!! I think I would vote Obama. Here's my reasoning: He talks about change and trying new things and seeing what works. Lets face it, whatever is happening now is not working. So (to use a soundbite) maybe that's the change we need. Also, he keeps himself prepared for arguements and at least attempts to focus in debates on what the people need. And, on the issues we researched in class his ideas made more sense to me than McCain's. (although that might have just been the layout of his website....)
Does this mean I will/would vote Democrat in every election to come? No. I want to see which candidate appears to be able to do the job best. And at this time, Obama seems to be best suited for the job.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Town Hall Style Presidental Debate
This should be interesting since it's actually people asking the questions and not a moderator who has gone through all of them and decided which to ask.
I will try to find a way to stream the debate so that people can look at my comments and the debate.
Policy illuminates character? How about not mudslinging showing character?
NBC newscaster = moderator any biasedness?
Never mind the guy has selected questions....is he planning on publishing a book??
lol we are not constrained with cheering and so forth haha.
Obama turned away last....hmmm.....
and the thank yous begin. Answer the question.....gah that's a hard hit saying this is as bad as the Great Depression. At least he's answering the question with what is wrong and what he wants to do. Attacking the banks and talking about new jobs...Sounds alot like what FDR did...
McCain again with the thank yous. Following the ideas of republicans with fiscal policy of low taxes on everyone. He talks more about the housing crisis and keeps saying my friends when adressing the people. Pointed out he's not Obama and that he's not Bush. Trying to seperate himself out as his own person.
Secretary of Treasury
McCain never really named someone as the treasury secretary ...named a characteristic of trust. Almost seems to be playing it safe.
Obama is playing his horn of middle class pretty hard and never answered question.
The Bailout
McCain is being positive that the economy will come back. Blaming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Just called out Obama!!!!!!! I think McCain just dropped the ball. Wants to do what?? Buy up the loans and keep the homes. How will that help? (I keep saying burn!)
Obama explaining the business and work side of the jobs. Burn back to McCain. (McCain is standing uh-oh)
Both are saying the other is basically to blame for the crisis. yay! Obama cleaned it up! thank you! I don't want to see the pointing back and forth.
did they ever answer the question?
Going to Get Worse??
Obama: No. Confident in the economy. Wants to change alot of things.
McCain: Depends on what we do. (interesting response) Still pointing fingers. (repeating something that palin said??) American workers are the best in the world.
How can we trust you? Either of you?
Obama: Alot of Blame to go around. Bush = problem??? No one is completely innocent. Pointing fingers again. But then saying his plan.
McCain = bipartisan, reformer. fighting against spending. Still pointing fingers alot.
Both keep talking about lobbyists and corruptions and cronies. GEE Washington seems great.
Why isn't education first on Obama's list??
However I do like the fact that they both get to address the people up front. See the people and hear thier voices. These are the American people that need to be encouraged, need to have trust need something to help them. But right now I'm more impressed with Obama's responses of what he is going to do but as i said he is really tooting the middle class horn. McCain doesn't seem to be at all adressing the questions fully with what his plans are or making them understandable. But something does seem a little different at least for the first five minutes.
Sorry people I'm gone!
I will try to find a way to stream the debate so that people can look at my comments and the debate.
Policy illuminates character? How about not mudslinging showing character?
NBC newscaster = moderator any biasedness?
Never mind the guy has selected questions....is he planning on publishing a book??
lol we are not constrained with cheering and so forth haha.
Obama turned away last....hmmm.....
and the thank yous begin. Answer the question.....gah that's a hard hit saying this is as bad as the Great Depression. At least he's answering the question with what is wrong and what he wants to do. Attacking the banks and talking about new jobs...Sounds alot like what FDR did...
McCain again with the thank yous. Following the ideas of republicans with fiscal policy of low taxes on everyone. He talks more about the housing crisis and keeps saying my friends when adressing the people. Pointed out he's not Obama and that he's not Bush. Trying to seperate himself out as his own person.
Secretary of Treasury
McCain never really named someone as the treasury secretary ...named a characteristic of trust. Almost seems to be playing it safe.
Obama is playing his horn of middle class pretty hard and never answered question.
The Bailout
McCain is being positive that the economy will come back. Blaming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Just called out Obama!!!!!!! I think McCain just dropped the ball. Wants to do what?? Buy up the loans and keep the homes. How will that help? (I keep saying burn!)
Obama explaining the business and work side of the jobs. Burn back to McCain. (McCain is standing uh-oh)
Both are saying the other is basically to blame for the crisis. yay! Obama cleaned it up! thank you! I don't want to see the pointing back and forth.
did they ever answer the question?
Going to Get Worse??
Obama: No. Confident in the economy. Wants to change alot of things.
McCain: Depends on what we do. (interesting response) Still pointing fingers. (repeating something that palin said??) American workers are the best in the world.
How can we trust you? Either of you?
Obama: Alot of Blame to go around. Bush = problem??? No one is completely innocent. Pointing fingers again. But then saying his plan.
McCain = bipartisan, reformer. fighting against spending. Still pointing fingers alot.
Both keep talking about lobbyists and corruptions and cronies. GEE Washington seems great.
Why isn't education first on Obama's list??
However I do like the fact that they both get to address the people up front. See the people and hear thier voices. These are the American people that need to be encouraged, need to have trust need something to help them. But right now I'm more impressed with Obama's responses of what he is going to do but as i said he is really tooting the middle class horn. McCain doesn't seem to be at all adressing the questions fully with what his plans are or making them understandable. But something does seem a little different at least for the first five minutes.
Sorry people I'm gone!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
ONLY VP debate 08
alright now we start. (why have vps never debated before?) Did anyone else laugh at Palin asking Biden if she could call him Joe?
Economic policy, Interesting that Biden repeated things that Obama has set up. Good interesting, he's sticking to the path laid down. Palin is sounding a little more professional. Except for when she said I'll betcha. (bringing up McCain's ideas good) pointing fingers a little bit (palin cough cough heck both of them.)
haha being binded in by the regulations of the debates.
I don't understand Palin's arguement back to Biden's about McCain's statements on the Economy.
Pulling up new energy. isnt that obama's idea?
haha Never answered the question!
corruption vs unknowledgable that is the question
Overall impression of Biden
More using of historical information about the President candidates.
Overall impression of Palin or just impression
pointing out the not answering the question
he's smiling alot
fairness statement idk what he means by that!
he's talking to the middle class too.
opinionated!!!!!! using her sound-bites alot. Wants the govt to control buisnesses?? Learn from it. wavering between formal and informality speaking. Wants to talk to the people...interesting tactics
stopped easily
they are agreeing on things.....
pointing fingers back and forth, rebuttaling a statement which one is correct.
again stream of conciousness :)
Economic policy, Interesting that Biden repeated things that Obama has set up. Good interesting, he's sticking to the path laid down. Palin is sounding a little more professional. Except for when she said I'll betcha. (bringing up McCain's ideas good) pointing fingers a little bit (palin cough cough heck both of them.)
haha being binded in by the regulations of the debates.
I don't understand Palin's arguement back to Biden's about McCain's statements on the Economy.
Pulling up new energy. isnt that obama's idea?
haha Never answered the question!
corruption vs unknowledgable that is the question
Overall impression of Biden
More using of historical information about the President candidates.
Overall impression of Palin or just impression
pointing out the not answering the question
he's smiling alot
fairness statement idk what he means by that!
he's talking to the middle class too.
opinionated!!!!!! using her sound-bites alot. Wants the govt to control buisnesses?? Learn from it. wavering between formal and informality speaking. Wants to talk to the people...interesting tactics
stopped easily
they are agreeing on things.....
pointing fingers back and forth, rebuttaling a statement which one is correct.
again stream of conciousness :)
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