Musings of a Political N00b

More thoughts on the US Government GRADE ME

2008-12-11T13:00:00.002-06:00

There are many time that the US Government is something that people find themselves blaming for their everyday problems. Some people are even prone to say (without thinking), "I wish that there as no government." I think that this would be slightly disastrous. Then what would we do? Blame ourselves? God Forbid...
So, while there may be some major flaws like corruption and some rather absurd amounted "campaign contributions," there will still be something wrong with the citizens as well. Like I mentioned in my critique of Nyla's first US Government blog, the citizens can have some major flaws and spend too much or not measure their money correctly or even get caught smoking pot and blame the government for their own folly. The media (run by citizens) is also something to be taken into consideration: they distort our view of the world, beauty, and politics every time we pass a TV set or see an ad hung in the grocery store. Views of the world (and politics) have seriously become a distorted issue here.
Another thing, Americans need to become more informed about... everything basically and actually try to RETAIN this information. So many people fall into scams, why? Because they are ill informed and decide to be ignorant to the fact that there are people of a less honorable caliber out there.
Other than that, the government party-wise really needs to get themselves together. A few months before he started his campaign, my very conservative mother was so pissed off at John McCain because he didn't meet the standards of the "better Republicans" as she put it. And all the political propaganda which she would get in the mail (the people who shared her ideals) were all less than happy with him as well because he was more liberal than they hoped a Republican could be on the Senate. All of a sudden though, he did a complete 360 and turned into a different breed of Republican, making my whole household wary of his affiliation and unsure that he would keep those ideals when he got into office. I wasn't as informed about Mr. Obama, but I heard some people complaining about him to a similar degree. The Republicans and Democrats (the two parties which basically run the country REALLY need to regroup and decide who wants what and what those people need to say. Citizens shouldn't have to guess all the time, we shouldn't walk around with giant question marks above our heads while politicians have (I REALLY hate to say this) some sort of "hidden agenda."
And, I know it's a stereotype of politicians to be liars and conniving, but it's a really bad stereotype which needs to be fought for the good of the country. Is this so hard to ask? Sure, you'll miss out on being in a position of power or getting a new boat or a vacation as a "gift" from a wealthy donor, but you'll be a good person. So far-fetched.

Critique of Nyla's blog on The US National Government GRADE ME

2008-12-11T12:58:00.000-06:00

http://nylagov2305.blogspot.com/2008/11/editorial-us-government.html is the link to it.

As all critiques, I both agree with Nyla but disagree with her on a few bases.
She cited the US Government as being “responsible for our nation slowly falling apart.” Since she brings the debt problem into this paragraph, I would also like to leave my tidbit on this matter: the citizens also contributed to this spiral of debt. Working in retail, I’ve had many credit cards rejected by the machine and the customer pulls out five more, hoping that one will work. It’s ridiculous and laughable; so many scams to get people to get your company’s credit cards on broken offers and so many asterisks and side notes an analyst would get sick. We are an ill-informed and relatively un-intelligent country. We need to always research what is given and stop trying to avoid the fact that you will actually have to PAY for these things later on! Also, how many nice cars have we seen on the road lately? A lot more than usual, that’s for sure. People are spending money that they don’t have. That’s the largest contribution to the economy going splat, at least I believe. As of now, we are just getting nipped in the butt about it finally.
Moving on though… I really liked how Nyla brought up that a lot of families are living paycheck-to-paycheck, because that is indeed a reality for a good portion of America. A lot of the paycheck is indeed taken away by the government, and everyone fears for the standard of Social Security and how badly it will be affected in coming years.
In the last paragraph she talks about how our nation will definitely lose its “values” if the government doesn’t take care of things. She also brings up the sacred statements that America is the “land of the free” and the “country of many opportunities.” Personally, I think that this really is the end of our ‘era of power’ (so to speak) where we were the most influential country and powerful and such. We already are losing our values. Our morals are shot, we’ve lost the meaning of family, and the concept of “faith” (religious or otherwise) is nowhere to be found.
The economy is just one of the many reasons that the America of old is lost today. Instead of turning to the one’s we love or reflecting on our actions, we have gone further and further away from where we should be. But, I digress, not all of our rights granted to us are shared by ‘good’ people and I would venture to say that the average American citizen is not a good citizen at all.
In conclusion, I do agree with Nyla. Yet, we also need to think about how the citizens contributed to our current crisis.

What can I say? GRADE ME

2008-11-13T12:42:00.002-06:00

The United States government is kept under wraps, contained, and rule-bound. Most people need years of education just to fully grasp the concepts behind what our government is founded on. For some people it takes years of looking into the faces of politicians (separated by a TV screen more often than not, I might add) and watching them speak to know when they are lying and that's another thing: Politicians are NOTORIOUS for that. Most legacies are broken promises that they made just to sit in the office of a supreme leader, only to get a head of grey hair and a little stain blot in history and we still let them walk away and send in the next guy who we have a 50% chance of success with.
The United States government was made confusing, I know, so that no one had too much power over each other and that's good. Surprisingly I have no qualms with the wig-wearers who brought about what we know and love today as the Thanksgiving celebrating, apple-pie loving America. There are no founding fathers that I have a problem with (so far at least, can we ever know everything about a person?), but the way media has distorted views and the way that some politicians get what they want at the expense of others (including the people which they represent) is absolutely appalling. It's in our human nature though and no matter how much I complain about it, I know that I would probably be doing the same thing if I were in their position, power (however limited or expanded) is not something that you come across every day.
I guess it would be safe to say that the only "problem" I have with the United States government is the seperation now between it and it's people, the politicians really are on a celebrity status and seem to be lightyears away.

Mrs. McCain as Portrayed in The New York Times GRADE ME

2008-10-19T22:55:00.003-05:00

In one of the blogs suggested by Mr. Seago, one particular post caught my eye. It was a post concerning The New York Times and how they recently portrayed Mrs. Cindy McCain, the Republican candidate's wife. As of yet, I am not sure if they have done an Obama-related interview with Obama, his wife, or anyone close to their family. Here is the link to the post:
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2008/10/021821.php
This clearly is done in the now-running fashion of mud wrestling that this election brings to the public. This election is probably one of the worst in history: debates consist of "My candidate, your candidate... blah blah blah negative negative negative..." and have very little focus on what might actually go on while the candidate is in office. They've both flip-flopped, we get it, now get on with campaigning for the FUTURE. How about we CHANGE in teat aspect. Hey, that's an idea!
Anyway, got a little sidetracked there... This, according to Power Line is another one of those reputation-scarring attempts on either campaign. Since we are targeting McCain's wife however, it's an attempt of the Liberal-based media. The New York Times has always been a seemingly credible source of news, being based out of the largest city in the United States and being seen from many different voices presented from various worldly viewpoints. Many articles coming from this particular newspaper have been award-winning and worthy of recognition. My personal opinion: with this article, they just got lazy, which is poor judgment on their part since the article pertains with a would-be first lady.
nothing is going with the books in this campaign.
When they cited tat she had stated she took "four months"to have time away from family to recover from a stroke, they also brought up that she attended outings with her husband and hat she claimed she was fine after one month. However, when you look at the big picture, don't people need physical therapy? Where is that in the article?
As for her "mercy missions" to Rwanda... Well, I don't know about all that, but I do know that even Princess Diana needed a little humanitarian side to balance the upset she was creating at home with her own scandalous lifestyle which upset the royal family to no end and created a rift between them an their people. People still call her a saint today, which is BEYOND me.
I think my favorite quote of the whole post was this one though: "'Some of Mrs. McCain's statements seem questionable.' Of such stuff are Pulitzer Prizes made."
Lastly, I would like to point out that Power Line had something going when they said The New York Times cited FACEBOOK above all things to dig up "facts"about McCain's daughter who is 16 and probably acts it. Where's the scandal there? Nonetheless, it was still scoured. That, in my opinion (and it seems Power Line would agree with me), seems too low for a formidable paper to go by.

A Critique from the LA Times GRADE ME

2008-10-03T08:34:00.002-05:00

Recently I came across an opinion article (probably based off of a poll, judging by he way it's worded) about the upcoming 2008 elections and the two politicians vying for the spot: John McCain and Barack Obama.
The article can be seen here: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-op-klein-mcardle12-2008jun12,0,3981755.story
This is a critique for the first part of the article:
I'm supposing the person writing the article sides more with the Left-Wing since she clearly states that John McCain's biggest problem "is not his age, it's the 'R' after his name." It's a good article which explains that Americans do think that John McCain being older than the regular set of the last few presidents is indeed a handicap in his campaign, it also says that his father died of a heart attack at 70 years old. McCain had already passed that mark. He suffers from arthritis in his arms and legs, his face bears scars from when he fought melanoma, and his face is apparently abound with wrinkles.
However, Americans also said that experience will sway them in this race, as there is a vast "gap" between the two opponents. McCain has weathered many a crisis why Obama has only been in the Senate for a few years, has no military experience, and his choice in a running mate with a whole lot more experience) has people saying "Why don't they switch places?"
That being said, it also says in the article that "the Senate is not a particularly good training ground for a presidential career."

This is a critique for the second part of the article:
The second section cites that McCain's great weakness is "his ideas." His coveted support of the war in Iraq has most of the nation wagging their tongues since most people are now wanting for us to pull out. Catch-22. Bush is criticized on the daily about the war and yet, when the attacks first happened on September 11th, what did we want most in the world, avenging our country: "Smok[ing] ém out." Now that we are getting tired of hearing nothing but "victory is in sight"but seeing our men die still and us still not leaving, there is a different tune. Indeed, now that McCain is vying for office we are whistling to this new tune. Like my grandpa used to say: "Damned if you do and damned if you don't."
This section of the article also cited that he was old, saying the rather comical phrase of, "His speeches have a tendency to read like the political equivalent of leg warmer's and Rubik's cubes."
Talking about Obama's issues are Americans speculation about his religious affiliations, saying that he might be Muslim. This automatically sends a shiver down some people's spines since we've clearly witnessed what religion can do to you if you are in a leadership position. Just look at the Middle East, look at who we're fighting. He doesn't put his hand over his heart during the pledge and he doesn't wear the flag lapel pin which means that he is "different." The article says that "In politics, different is dangerous."

Overall both sections were very good opinion articles bringing up issues that might be on some American's minds concerning the upcoming election.

Something that is real... GRADE ME 2.0

2008-09-24T21:07:00.004-05:00

As Professor Seago said, if we are not afraid then clearly we are not informed about the times which we live in. There is a buzz spreading from Wall Street all the way down to the Rio Grande that something very bad is coming into light about our economy. Talks of another "Great Depression"and pictures of people with haggard looks on their faces talking into their cell phones, hands being wrung, and faces being held in hands graze every news sources front page or website.
In the Houston Chronicle, they talk about what President Bush had to say about it, link being below:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6021261.html

I think that this article was very informative, not only due to the nature of it being the new source for an incredible nation-impacting city, but also it is something heavy on our minds now that the president is finally reacting to it and the next president we elect will have to deal with it in such a very short time.Some points about the article which caught my eye were quotes concerning both candidates saying that they were "bitterly fighting each other for the White House but coming together over this issue" and that the situation "offers a chance for politicians to prove Washington's worth."
Another quote that caught my eye about the article is when President Bush said specifically that he was reluctant to bail people out of this time because it "risks wipe outs of retirement savings, rising forclosures, lost jobs, closed businesses, and even a long a painful recession." For president Bush, it seems as if all during his presidency he has had to deal with Catch-22s: Fucked if you do, and fucked if you don't.

Critique of Barack Obama's speech given at the Democratic National Convention

2008-08-31T19:58:00.002-05:00

I would post said speech in this blog, but I found it in five different parts on YouTube and who wants to do that?! Instead, you shall get my critique of what he spoke of in the part of the speech that I got to hear (which was most of it).

Barack Obama could sugar coat a dirty toilet: he is an excellent speaker. You can compare his speech to famous speeches like, say, oh... the "a chicken in every pot" speech. He confronts everyone's fears, knowing that he will have a lot to deal with in this country after Bush's years in office. Parts of the speech baffled me, like how we will try and not be dependent on foreign oil or jobs in the next 4 years. And as for him talking about the Georgia conflict and Bush nearly severing our relationship with one of our "oldest allies": our relationship with Russia has always been on the rocks, they're a fairly volatile country as far as the standards go.

He catered to women and to the lower-class, being a minority; he also is catering to the Jewish community with his choice of Vice President in Joe Biden. As far as I know, Mr. Biden was an odd pick, but has turned out to be a good one. Obama always speaks of "change" and it could happen starting with his choice of VP, as Mr. Biden was a well-known old codger of a Senator and even criticized Obama on several occasions, but Obama chooses to see him purely from a political standpoint and isn't trying to bring his personal life into this election, which is a good sign in any person taking their work seriously. Biden was also an interesting pick since everyone seemed abuzz with thoughts that Hilary or even Al Gore would be chosen for VP. I'm happy it wasn't Al Gore, myself, as he seems rather ridiculous as far as people go... Way to have the element of surprise, Mr. Obama. Good thing I like that! Maybe you could also surprise me by becoming Pro-Life overnight, then I might have a clear idea of who I would vote for. However, as that is unlikely, I will listen to John McCain's speech and see what he might offer me if he takes office.

Oh the barrage!

2008-08-28T11:30:00.001-05:00

Lately, the chain e-mails that are being sent out have taken a slightly, shall we say, political standpoint. Most of the ones I receive have been ones bashing Mr. Obama, the Democratic nomination for president.

Viral pictures of him not putting his hand over his heart when saying the pledge while everyone around him is doing so and the caption underneath reading: "This clown won't even put his hand over his heart for the pledge and he's running for the office of our PRESIDENT?!" You get the point. Here is one such situation, except this one was found in a blog:

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Does Barrack Hussein Obama Have a Problem with the Flag and National Anthem?

But don't you call him unpatriotic. Only Democrats can use that word!

Senator Barack Obama, Governor Bill Richardson, Senator Hillary Clinton and Ruth Harkin stand during the national anthem at Senator Tom Harkin's Iowa Steak Fry.First it was odd when B. Hussein Obama went out of his way to mention that he stopped wearing an American flag pin on his lapel.Now, he stands with hands folded as the National Anthem is played at an event in Iowa.

Is he running for President of the Hate America Party?Maybe someone should ask him at the next debate if he can recite the Pledge of Allegiance.Why doesn't he just go all the way and start saluting this flag:

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This is a slightly toned down version of the chain letter being sent around, but the picture holds true and is now being passed around the country to the dismay of some and to the elation of others.
Another e-mail chain being sent around concerns Mr. Obama's supposed "photo opportunities". The text below is a chain e-mail which I received recently:

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Hello everyone,
As you know I am not a very political person. I just wanted to pass along that Senator Obama came to Bagram Afghanistan for about an hour on his visit to 'The War Zone'. I wanted to share with you what happened. He got off the plane and got into a bullet proof vehicle , got to the area to meet with the Major General (2 Star) who is the commander here at Bagram. As the Soldiers where lined up to shake his hand he blew them off and didn't say a word as he went into the conference room to meet the General. As he finished, the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty much a big top tent that military personnel can play basketball or work out in with weights) so he could take his publicity pictures playing basketball. He again shunned the opportunity to talk to Soldiers to thank them for their service.
So really he was just here to make a showing for the Americans back home that he is their candidate for President. I think that if you are going to make an effort to come all the way over here you would thank those that are providing the freedom that they are providing for you.
I swear we got more thanks from the NBA Basketball Players or the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders than from one of the Senators, who wants to be the President of the United States. I just don't understand how anyone would want him to be our Commander-and-Chief. It was almost that he was scared to be around those that provide the freedom for him and our great country.
If this is blunt and to the point I am sorry but I wanted you all to know what kind of caliber of person he really is. What you see in the news is all fake.
In service,

CPT Jeffrey S. Porter
Battle Captain
TF Wasatch
American Soldier

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Yes indeed.
Hold on a minute though, let's think about this...
Don't all presidents have a bad tendency of doing this? Don't all hopefuls have a tendency of doing this? It's a bad habit that politician need to break in general. Politicians are at celebrity status and, like celebrities, it seems like we are on a completely different planet than they are whenever we see them on the television or featured in magazine like People or Life & Style or on shows like The View or The Late Night Show with David Letterman.
Point being, politicians already are able to do things which us commoners aren't able to achieve in a lifetime. They enter into politics with that lovely baggage (Louis Vuitton and Burberry, thank you very much) and they can't escape until death, and still their legacy lives on after death. Pay no heed to these e-mails, I'm just surprised that I haven't received one about McCain yet and I'm SURE Democrats everywhere might have a few choice words about him.

In the beginning...

2008-08-28T11:29:00.001-05:00

This blog was born.