If I did have a chance to vote this year I wouldn't really know who to vote for exactly because both Barak and HIliary are very good candidates with similiar views. During the democractic debate held thursday, they both basically agreed on the same issues presented. The only difference between the two is their stance in health care. Hilary calls for mandated individual health insurance coverage for all Americans while Barak proposed a national health insurance program for individuals who do not have employer-provided health care or do not qualify for other existing federal program. And so if I had to choose one, I would choose Barak just because I better agree with his point of view of health care.

New Topic

I figured that there should be a new topic because in class today people were saying they were tired of writing about Bush and his State of the Union speech. i decided to change the topic to who you will think our next president will be. in my opinion i think obama has a good chance of winning but it is going to be close with Hillary. This years election i feel is going to be a very interesting election.

Geourge W

So The state of the union address was one of the most boring things i've ever watched on tv. The only thing that i heard Bush say was how good he was and how amazin his presidency has been and nothing else and it just seemed like he was saying he was going to veto just about everything. I mean it takes a lot to get infront of a lot of people and speak about the ending of his presidency and he never really defined if it was good, bad, or even average. I just didn't understand anything he was trying to say and everything he tried saying it was about what he was going to do and not do like taking soilders out and than putting more in. Bush annoys me and i don't think he did as much as he could have done.

lol

You know i have to give Bush some credit! His speech was about what he has accomplished over his presidency; for something that should have taken 30 seconds to do! He managed to turn it into a "sleeping aid"!

Bush

The state of the Union Adress really gave our president the opportunity to show his accomplishments. I think that he feels he can make changes now that will prove his presidency had an impact on our future. I feel that he focuses a lot on other countries, like helping people with AIDs in Africa, working with Palestine and Israel, and combating terrorism in Iraq. I think he wants to make improvements within our own country, but he also wants to make sure we uphold a good reputation by helping other countries. I think he has the right idea by putting an emphasis on helping poor children recieve the education they deserve, but he might want to approach it in a different way.

SOU

Bush's SOU address was denitiely boring. I think we can all agree on that. One thing, and I said this in class too, that irritated me a lot was him trying to give advice to future leaders of our country. I think since he didn't really accomplish too much in 2 terms, he is probably the last person fit to be giving advice. In addition, I know some would agrue that Bush was delt a raw hand coming into his presidency. But, a bad hand does not give an individual the right to be a complete idiot. People are more dissatisfied with our president today than ever before in the great history of the United States of America. I think that says it all.

Bush's Final SOU Address

Like many other people who have given their thoughts, I am kind of split with regard to how I feel about President Bush's final State of the Union address and also his presidency in general. When you think that barely eight months into his first term, one of the worst tragedies in the history of our country happened, you have to give the man credit. When 9/11 happened, no one was quite sure how he was going to handle it. I think that he did a great job with getting us to go over to Afganastan and fight, but at the moment, I think the war needs to end. We are not doing much over in Iraq right now and while attacks have been down in the past year, we are still taking way too long to end a war that started six years ago.

I noticed that during his speech, he talked a lot about change and how he was going to make certain thinks better but he never really elaborated very well on some of these topics. He needed to be more specific about how he was going to change things in the United States. That is one thing that he has come under criticism for during these last seven years, being too vague about what he is doing.

Overall, I feel that his presidency has not been a complete failure but it has by no means been a complete success. The way he handled 9/11 was admirable but the war that we entered needs to end soon because more and more people are getting frustrated. He has been under a lot of criticism since he took office but I think he has done some things great but he has also failed to do some of the things that we need done in our country.

State Of The Union

I agree that President Bush's State Of The Union Adress was boring, but I think it is important that we watch and learn more about what is going on in our country. With most uf us being old enough to vote in this election, I think we should have a good view of how America stands now so we can choose the right person that can improve America. I think that as much as I have disagreed with some of the President's decitions over the last couple years, he made some strong points at his speech which I think will help the country. Putting and emphasis on education is something that will definitly help our country as well as not raising taxes. I do, however, disagree about sending more troops to Iraq to fight, but I think it was great to see how much respect he showed to the soldiers and their families.

state of the union address

This was also my very first time actually sitting through a complete state of the union address and I too found it to be a bit boring but at the same time interesting. Reading back on everyone's post, it's safe to say that no one really likes President Bush as president yet we all still respect him for leading our country and being the president.
For me, I stand inbetween liking him and not. Yea at times, he could make questionable and pointless remarks but none the less he has led our country and I agree with laurene, that President Bush has done what he thought was best of the country. People have to understand that being a president is hard and most likely not everyone is going to like and agree with the president. However, I thought his speech on thanking the soldiers who continued to fight for this country was good and supporting. Also I thought that President Bush didn't talk about the end of his presidency at all, but continued to make more promises that he most likely won't fulfill by the end of his term. Although we may feel that at times President Bush didn't do anything huge to impact the country, he has made some steady, slow accomplishments such as the no child left behind act. (that still is a problem but none the less worked out for all the children to have an opportunity of an education.)

Pres. Bush's Speech...

Like Mindy, I also appreciated the respect and attention that Pres. Bush gave to the soldiers in Iraq. He wants to provide the troops overseas with the ability to monitor terrorist communications. He also would like to expand troop access to child-care. Pres. Bush is proud of how strong and helpful our soldiers have been to other nations, and we should be just as proud of their accomplishments, and not only talk about the unfortunate decissions that Bush has made.
I am not very "in-tune" with everything that goes on with politics, but I have to say that after hearing Pres. Bush's speech I support him almost completely. I appreciate his points on improving schools, and encouraging new research and science, but I don't think that I fully agree with sending more troops to Iraq. Well, I'm not the President, so I will trust that he makes decissions that will improve and progress our country.

State of the Union Address

As I may have said before in class today, I feel that President Bush's speech yesterday was no different than any of the other State of the Union Addresses in the previous years. It almost seemed as if he had many more years left in his presidency, but in reality, he only has a few months left to accomplish all the things that he promised people and plan to do.
I a not a big fan of President Bush myself, but like a lot of others may have said too, I respect him for being the President of the United States. The role he plays in America is a very difficult one and although there have been major letdowns in his presidency, I admire how he never broke down or showed anyone his frustrations or any sign of weakness. That is what is important in leader.
What I liked in the State of the Union Address was how much he honored the soldiers fighting in Iraq and sharing how he will help the soldiers' families, whether it be financial aid or others.

SOU Address

Bush's state of the union address for 2008 was boring, however, so was Bill Clinton's and probably most of the other presidents. Everybody will get bored in the middle of a 60 minute non-stop speech; it's natural.

Prez. Bush is probably the most critisized president in the history of this country. This is a result of soooo many crazy events and issues he was forced to deal with in his presidency, most notably 9/11 and war. Nobody can satisfy a nation with over 300 million people. He has made unpopular decisions like sending more soldiers to Iraq and continuing the war on terror which has caused so many people to turn against him.

I just think in the current era (2000's) there are more and more issues to deal with, especially as the American population continues to grow and put a burden on America. When Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama, or any of the republican canidates win office in 08, they will also recieve a huge amount of critisism. It's because of the age we're in as a country; people like to critisize.

Bush- state of the union, or borefest?

I'll be first to tell you I'm not a big fan of President Bush. And then I'll be second to tell you that I still respect him. My family is republican- at least they have turned that way over the years, and so I got into some heated debates last night over what he has done within his presidency over the years. I'll also tell you that I do not know as much as I should because in a majority of his presidency, I was a pre-teen who didn't really understand what was going on.

But now I see a bit more clearly and have definitive view points on President Bush. He said a lot of the same mambo jambo he has said before, with all respectable intentions, we think. But his presidency is plagued by a lot of war, violence, and economic instability that is too hard to ignore. No one likes wars, and often presidents go down in history as either the savior or the demon when it comes to wars. Bush, probably the demon. However, I respect him for "doing" something. He seems very headstrong and capable of initiating ideas, sometimes not favorable, usually unfavorable in fact. But he hasn't failed to keep on treking.
All I know, is that the state of the union was interesting to hear. He has so many ideas, but usuaully, presidents don't seem to get much done in the last stretch of their term. We'll see... when his presidency is fully over, then I'll be a better judge to exactly what I think of him. But I don't think too highly really.

My opinion on state of the Union

Last night I watch my very first state of the union address. It was very interesting to see president Bush's last speach that he will give while in office. No other president has been in Bush's position in a while. Leaving office while being in war is no easy task. In my opinion Bush gave a speach that was very similar to his time in office. Like Rita said in class today, he said a lot but did nothing. Bush did many things while he was president but he didn't help our country grow as a whole. He thinks that the war is a good thing right now but millions of citizens disagree. He thinks that his 'No Child Left Beyond Act' was a success but many teachers disagree. He thinks that he was a successful president but many many people will say differently. Gas and food prices are at an all time high and our economy is approaching a recession. Bush left the next president with his hands full and I can't wait to see how he/she is going to fix all this.

StAtE oF tHe UnIoN

I agree with both of the previous posts actually. I think that Bush has had a really difficult presidency dealing with 911 and the war. He has taken a lot of criticism over the last few years, but it is time he gets some recognition for what he has been through. Although maybe we did rush into the war, I do think he has made decent decisions keeping in mind the possible outcomes that may arise because of what he decides, rather than trying to win a popularity contest. Like we were talking about in class today, someone mentioned it is impossible to make everyone happy, and everyone will have their own opinions, but Bush did what he felt was right and no one can tell him otherwise because it was what he felt he should do. I don't think that he should be praised for everything he has done, and I certainly don't think he was perfect in his term, but there comes a time when you have to realize all that he's been through and give him some credit for the stress and issues he has faced. 

State of the Union

I kind of disagree with Dani. I think that Bush sometimes makes decision in haste without thinking of the consequences. I believe that we went into war way too fast, and should have tried to resolve it peacefully, even though it could be pretty hard. I also think that he was all talk. He gave a long list of problems that we have, and offered his solutions. However, I think that it was all talk. I do not think that he will be able to implement even half of the solutions he offered. I also did not like how he was so against comprimise. Life is about comprimise but he wants it to be his way or not at all. All in all, I was not impressed at the speech or his whole presidency as a whole.

state of the union

Okay so we all agree that weed is bad or whatever but I think we should talk about the state of the union address. I watched it and I think that president bush has done a really good job in making decisions for our country. I think that he obviously doesn’t make decisions because he knows that they will gain him popularity, he makes his decisions on what he believes will be best for the country. I think that although he has been widely unpopular it is largely due to the fact the NO wartime president has ever been very popular. I think that his proposal to keep taxes down and give $300 rebates is a much better way to boost the economy than raising taxes to fund programs for the unemployed and the poor. I know that Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said that Bush’s economic policy was only a temporary fix but I disagree and think that giving people the chance to boost the economy on their own will be much more effective than raising taxes to support poorer citizens. And on a side note I thought it was lame how Gov. Sebelius said she was going to challenge the president AND the congress and all she ever did was say, “Mr. President.”

ok i'll say it!

Weed should be legal because 1000's# of people take it every day! alcohol is legal and wet it does 3 times the damage that weed does; its legal in some areas in Europe, plus if the government gets involved with the product they might make it better or something! Medicinal use.... right i dont know one person or even heard of anyone how needs weed for an illness, and if there is such a thing i bet the list is extremely short... people drink alcohol which in reality is a form of " weak poison"! and its legal!
Every one knows why we dont want to legalize it! We dont want it to be available to kids because its a bad habit well so is smoking! but that doesn't stop! any one how just wants to have a puff and chill!
Let them make there own choses and learn! its going to happen any way! at list ones in every ones life! legal or not.

keep weed illegal

I definitely believe that marijuana sould be illegal. Marijuana is already a big problem in the united states and legalizing it would make the use of it increase dramatically. The fact is that this drug affects people mentally and causes them to not function properly. Lindsay is right that people will get marijuana whether it is legal or not, but we can limit the use of it by keeping it illegal. As for medical reasons, there are so many other options to use for pain than weed that are less dangerous and addicting.

Look. The bottom line here is this. "Bad people" are still going to get weed whether it's legal or not. It doesn't concern them if it is legal or illegal. What we should be focusing on is how to get rid of weed itself. Shutting down farms and the trafficing of it. Becasue bad people will always find a way to get it, and we need to stop the market.

weed/pres bush

i do not think weed should ever be legal. as danny said, it is a huge gate way drug, making weed legal would cause more people to try it and people thinking it was ok to do. it would cause more dangerous drug use and that is something no one should be doing. as for a medical prescription for weed, are you kidding? what doctor in the world or for that matter what reason would they give for letting a patient smoke weed. it seems pretty ridiculous that anyone would be prescribed weed for medical reasons. i watching the state of the union address and no offense to any one that likes President Bush but i'm not a fan of him and cannot wait for him to get out of office but i surprisingly supporting some of things he wants congress to do or continue doing for the rest of his term and after his presidency. Amen to the no child left behind and not making taxes higher.

Weed

I think weed should be legal but for only medicinal purposes. Weed is a gateway drug that leads to other drugs that are a lot worse, but i think if the studies proved that weed would work for a medicine then i think the patient should be allowed to have a choice to get prescription weed. Weed should never be legal cause everyone will turn into huge pot heads and drug addicts.

I'm noticing a lot of people are really against marijuana being legalized. That is very understandable since it is a mind-altering substance (even though so is alchohol, cigarettes, and any other product that gives you a "buzz"). But what if it was introduced as a drug that can only be accessed with a prescription for medical reasons?

Mary Jane

I'm not quite sure how i feel on this subject. i think i could go both ways. like jory and many others of you have said that it would be a plus if it was legalized because other taxes would be lowered and it would mean that it could be treated as cigarettes and be priced and taxed at a higher rate and maybe more people would try to "quit." but we saw how much of an effect that was. people didnt even care about that, they continued to buy cigarettes. i dont think that people are necessarily addicted to weed itself, but i think that people are addicted to the feeling that they get when they are high. i really wouldnt care whether or not it was legalized to be honest, it would have no effect on me. On the other hand i dont think it should be legalized becuase it would gives teens the opportunity to get more "screwed up." especially for younger kids getting into it, it would not be the brightest idea. All in all, dont legalize it...it would lead to bad decisions that we dont want to deal with.

I think that marijuana should be legalized! There are many upsides to this. Like Jory and Sean brought up a very good point, if it was taxed that would be more money for the government. Also the crime would go down. Now people get in trouble because a lot of people do whatever they can to get it. I think a lot would change if it was legalized

Legal Marijuana

I agree with both Pat and Jory on this idea. The upside to legalizing weed would be less violence and therefore less deaths from gang violence from drug trafficking and what not. Alsoif pot were to be legalized and taxed it would bring an extra income to the U.S. as opposed to the millions we spend on the DEA and other drug stopping operations. In result to that there would be no more drug cartels and probably a lot less needless deaths related to drug violence. But with the good comes the bad, we would have stoners everywhere. Pot would be ruining people and then there would be a need for drug rehabs and a lot more people will become users. Therefore, if Marijuana were to become legal it would be a great income for the government but yet would cause countless stoners in America. All in all, this would be a boost for our economy as well.

weed.

sooo personally, i support the legalization of marijuana. before i explain myself, i want to clear up some myths about it... the government has continued to treat marijuana as a major threat to public health when really, that has been proved false. it is the third most popular recreational drug used in America... with alcohol and tobacco ahead of it, yet it is much less harmful then both. infact, it is becoming an increasingly popular remedy to numb pain that comes with long-term illnesses.. this supposedly 'deadly' drug is being prescribed by doctors across the world. and really, it is a much more natural and healthy alternative to the countless types of painkillers like morphine and vicodin that run the risk of addiction. also, to combat the argument that marijuana is a 'gateway drug'... that it leads to the use of harder drugs like cocaine and heroin... the government ordered the Institute of Medicine to do a study and the theory was proved to be false. there was no consistancy between those who used marijuana and those who used hard drugs.
since the Nixon administration, the government has spent billions of dollars on the 'war on drugs' with little effect. overcrowded prisons are filled with those with non-violent marijuana-related crimes. the point is, the government is making a big deal out of a small drug.. it should be more concerned with containing harder drugs that really are a threat to the public like meth, heroin, cocaine... ect. by legalizing marijuana and no longer making it such a primary concern, the government can dedicate more funds and more time to fixing other problems.

Legalize marijuana

I personally believe that marijuana should be legalized. It should only be legal if they tax it greatly like cigarettes and lower other taxes because of it. After reading about these three types of government, I think that one thing that would help boost the government's reputation is if marijuana was legalized. Not because of all the stoners in this world think it is cool, but I think that if they taxed it and lowered the other taxes than it would be a good idea. I think this would work because then people would realize how expensive this drug is and hopefully that would reduce the amount of pot smokers. I know this idea seems silly but isn't that what they tried to do with cigarettes? Raise the taxes to hope that the amount of smokers would go down. That didn't work with cigarettes because it is addicting, but marijuanna is not that addicting. If you take the drugs out of the dealers on the street and put them into stores at high prices, then there would be a lot less pot heads! I know a lot of people might not agree, but it's worth a shot. And if it doesnt work then our government made a ton of money off of it and everyone else got lower taxes!

Marijuana Legal?

I think that legalizing marijuana is a horrible idea. Marijuana is already a problem in our country and making the drug legal would only make the problem worse. Not only would more people do it, and a lot of people would start to use the drug, but it would also make the drug more available. More people would legally obtain marijuana, leading to more dealing of the drug. People have been talking about making marijuana legal for a very long time but I don't see it happening any time soon, there would just be so many problems as a result.

Marijuana

I think legalizing marijuana will lead to dangerous outcomes.
First of all, when it becomes legalized, many people will abuse it and use it for unhealthy purposes. When marijuana becomes legal, then many people will also be searching for other drugs to satisfy their hunger for more. I'm aware that there are many quantities of marijuana being handled all around us, but legalizing marijuana will lead to even greater quanitites of the drug and we will never know who has it. Even young children may become highly addicted to the drug and experience the awful side effects earlier in life.

I do not think that marijuana should be legalized because it is a obviously a harmful substance that kills. I know that people will use marijuana even if it isn't legal, but that doesn't mean that we should not do anything to stop it's use. I understand that people get addicted, but I wish that they would just switch to a healthier habit.

wow!!!!

That is really interesting, that fact would be a larger topic I believe if it were more well known. Which would then lead to the whole legalizing marijuana topic. Which I think should be a serious discussion, on legalizing it. What does everyone else feel about the legalization of marijuana?

this just in!?

I just found out that sage is used by people how have assume to improve there respiratory system.(it actually does) sage is a planet fount in the Mediterranean’s that is used to add extra flavor and test to steaks and salads. It also can be used a for of incense.(sage is scientifically proven to calm and relax the human body not by a lot!) How ever it is not used as much because of the misconception for weed! Does anyone have anything to say about this?

thank god for it!

It basically is the only thing that helped! Every thing ell's was really difficult to deal with! Even as multiple chose I had so much thought going thru with that I found myself running out of time! Has anyone ells have any different experience with the test? Ex: (I went in knowing what I know but then questioned my self?)

final exam

How did everyone do on their final?
I thought it was okay.... I liked the essay question a lot. It really got me reflecting on the first semester of senior year. Thank you for a great essay question, Mr. Spoor!

topic change please!!!!!!!!!!!! I think everyone has made great points but its getting old. I have nothing else to say, we're all repeating ourselves!!!

voting

first of linsdsey that was probably the weirdest, most random thing anyone has written on the blog thus far and it being fun definitely was not the first thing that popped into my head, more like strange and weird, but it`s all good. haha on voting though, i do believe everyone should vote this year, whether you are female or male because a vote is a vote is does not matter who's it is, just who it is for. however, i do not think voting just to vote doe any good. i think if you are going to vote you should be voting for them because of their party or what their goals are for when they get put into office. everyone needs to do their homework and research on these people because that person has the control our country after we give it to him. so when you all vote, vote for someone because of the good things they are going to do for our country when he or she gets put into office, not because you think they have a cool name.

I have to agree with Danni on the fact that voting is really a big deal! Its especially a big deal for woman. As most of you know there once was a time when we did not have a say! Also this is one of the only country's where the people can choose! i think we should all take advantage of that!

New...and slightly odd...topic!!!

So I was watching this video online and I guess there was a pantless subway ride in Boston. A ton of people go together got together, got on the subway, and took their pants off. There was no apparent reason for it, it was all just for fun. How crazy is that?! It sounds really odd but maybe it could be fun...hahaha. Crazyness!!!

VOTE!

I understand what Jory and Lindsey are saying because its totally stupid to vote for someone that you know nothing about. But its not really that hard to find out about the candidates and their platforms. Seriously pick up a newspaper or watch the news just once. Voting is too big of a deal to decide not to vote on account of laziness. I don't want to seem like I'm attacking anybody but it really bothers me that people choose not to do something as important as voting when its so simple.

Jory has a good point. If you are not educated on the canidates, you shouldn't vote. You should only vote when you have heard all of the canidates and are knowledgeable about their opinions and what they want to do in office. But, at the same time, people overall need to be more involved because our country depends on us.

Response to voting

Apparently there is no getting around the topic of election because I have already tried. It not because I think it is unimportant but because I don't know enough about it. I agree with all the people that try to get as many people as they can to vote. I also believe that the people who vote should have knowledge about the person they are voting for. I don't want anyone voting for someone to run our country when the person voting has no clue. I will not vote unless I do enough research on what the canidates will do to help the United States. I encourage all others to do the same. I think we would all want educated voters to make the best decision on who they are voting for.

polotics

i agree with mary, that the people shouldnt be worried about making other people look bad but to worry about them selves. if i was able to vote i would want to be hearing about what the person is planning on doing if he got elected, what his future plans are with the war, and what he is going to do if we run out of oil. the politicians shoudlnt be worried about making the other candidates look bad but instead make themselves look proper.

Politics

I agree. The candidates should worry about themselves and not spend their time trying to make the other people look bad and picking out their flaws. I want to hear what the is planning on doing if he or she became president, not what is wrong with another candidate and pointing out everything that is wrong with their opinions.

Politics

I also agree that the candidates should not be trying to bash other candidates, rather they should try and promote what they will do for the country if they become president. Honestly, the only bad marks about the candidates the public should hear about are the marks that could effect us if he/she became president. All the gossip that goes behind it is useless and this information fogs peoples vision and makes them choose candidates for the wrong reasons.

I feel that the government should not allow the trash talk that goes on during election season. If a cadidate bashes another one, he/she should be kicked out of the race because the only thing he/she is concerned about is how bad the other candidates are, not how good he/she is.

It is terrible when candidates running in the election spend much time critisizing other candidates. This makes the voting process much harder. Do you vote for a person because he/she has determination and good ideas, or do you not vote for him/her because another candidate made them look bad? If you are going to vote make sure you know all the facts because who knows what people might say to get elected. I have not spent much time thinking about who I would elect because I won't be able to vote, but I hope that all of those who turn 18 will make a definite decision based on what they believe, and not what other candidates or their friends say.

Politics

I would also have to agree. I think it is rediculous for the candidates to rag on their competitors when they really should be focusing on what they are doing and what they would do if they won. There's no point in ragging on anyone else because to me it seems like they just want to win more than they want to help the country. I don't even know what the candidates are even promising because they are to busy ragging.

Politics

I also agree with a lot of what people are saying about politics. For instance, I think that it is a better idea if your a candidate in the election to focus on your campaign and not rag on the other candidates. I would most likely vote for the best person in my opinion that would do the job better. If your not going to talk about what you would do in office but rather rain on the other candidate's campaigns i would just simply not vote for that person. In the end, A candidate that doesn't focus on their campaign and the things they would change if they are in office probably isn't going to win the election.

politics/voting

I agree and don't understand why politicians have to bring down their running mates by saying how bad they are, mentioning their flaws and by saying they are corrupt. I agree with lindsey when she said that politicians should instead should talk more about themselves and what they could do for the country. I know that would make my decision a way lot easier because that way we won't get confused if one of the politicians said one thing and the other pointed it out as a lie.
I'm not 18 yet so i can't vote now but i can't wait to because i think it would be a cool experience to vote for first time and support the politician that you would want to win.

AgReEd

I agree with a lot of the last post on politics. I think it is really important to get out and vote if you can! We are old enough to vote and make decisions based on what we think is right. They would not make the voting age 18 if they did not think we could handle it or take the time and concern to vote. It is also important for people to be informed on what is going on in our country, as well as others around the world. But, as for campaigning, I agree with not focusing on the competitors and showing everyone what you have to offer as a candidate and potential leader. It makes sense to touch on flaws other competitors may have, but to make it a main objective to talk a lot about them makes me wounder why they have to cut the others down so much if they are so sure they are the right one to lead our country. Just some thoughts I had about the election and politics. Make sure you vote!

Politics

My bad on those other post. Clicked enter on accident twice. I think that is very important for young adults like us to get out there and vote. It is even more important to know who you are supporting and why. Like Mr. Spoor said today: One candidates main platform is to get out of Iraq but with his other new polices is to rid of Social Security. All I'm saying is know who you are voting for and don't follow what your friends are doing or how your parents are voting; MAKE YOUR OWN CHOICES!

Politics

Politics

I agree, politics is getting to be more of an argument about who's a worse person than who's right for the job. If a politician just went up and told me what he thought and his stances Vs. just talking about his opponents, I would really respect that and probably give he/she my vote. Although, it is sometimes a smart idea to talk about others to advert attention away from your own flaws. So, since I can't really rely on anyone, because I don't know who's really going to do what if elected; I feel like the only way to determine who is best is by looking at back rounds, experience, and past decisions in order to predict who I believe to be the best candidate.

Another thing that bugs me about political campaigns is the way the politicians advertise themselves. They are always putting down their race mates and telling the public how bad and corrupt they are. If they spent more time talking about themselves and how they want to better our country, I think more people would vote and the voters could make more educated choices on who to vote for. Politics has gotten so catty now that it makes the canidates uncredible.

Not Voting

I don't understand why some people choose to vote. I guess some people don't agree with any of the candidates, and that is fine, but most of the people who don't vote are the same people who complain about the candidates who are elected. These people don't have any right to bash the candidates who were elected because they did not support and vote for a candidate. I think that everyone should vote because I am sure that everyone who knows anything about the presidential race should have an opinion of who can lead the country. These people who don't vote need to have their opinions heard at the polls instead of complaining about the candidates when they weren't even part of the election.

What really bugs me about the whole voting thing is people who don't vote andcomplain about are president and people like that. If you don't vote, don't complain. I also think that people take for granted that we can vote for our leader, because if they did, a lot more people would vote. I think our country needs a wake up call.

Voting

While there may be some other reason why people don't vote, I agree that the biggest reason is that people are too lazy. I think a lot of people feel that their one vote wont really matter, but in the end all of the votes add up. Also, like Nate said, I think some people don't even care who is president because it doesn't matter to them. I think that it is horrible that people don't understand how much this election means.

Why people don't vote

To answer Dani's question, I can understand why some people don't vote--they may disagree with every canidate. For example, all of the democratic and republican canidates who have a realistic shot at taking office, support abortion. That's only 1 issue, however somebody who feels very strongly against abortion may not want to show their support for any of the canidates. It would be like voting against their own will. That's only a handfull of people who wouldn't vote b/c of the abortion issue, but i think it's at least an excuse not to vote. That being said, the majority of people who don't vote are lazy or don't care about who becomes president which is unfortunate.

Election/ Why don't people vote!?

I know that this election is big news for democrats because their two front runners are a woman and a black man, but for me thats not why its a big deal. The 2008 election is so important to all of us because it is the first year we can vote!!! I personally am super excited to vote in the election and I hope that everyone else is as well because voting is such a huge power that we all have that way too many people take for granted. And especially because this next election could create so many new changes for our country, I really hope that more people vote. I just dont understand how someone can be so lazy that they can let the opportunity to vote pass them by.

Election

I think one of the main things motivating people right now is the need for change. In this election everyone is looking for who is going to create changes that will move our country in the right direction. I just hope that when the right person gets elected into office that congress will agree with ideas that promote change for the good. This is probably one of the most interesting elections for me because there would be a first if a woman was president, or if someone black was president. I just hope that people like white supremisits could overcome thier racism, and accept a black president because it is not about the color of his skin its about what he can do for our country

BrIt

I think that it is so hard for her to gather herself and find sanity when she is around all of this negativity. I agree with Rita, and think she needs to leave the country for a while and get help and set things straight. She is so troubled and can not go anywhere without feeling ridiculed. I do however think it is her own fault for choosing bad decisions and not fixing her life, but it does have to be hard always being in negative spotlight. She could pull her act together if she really wanted to. Her family needs to support her and take action fast or something serious could happen. There is only so much stress, negative attention, and ridicule a person can handle before they snap. I hope everything works out for her and she finds help soon because now it is almost at the point of being pitiful and sad. She needs to be supported. 

2008 Election

I think the polls have been very interesting. I was surprised to see the Obama had won Iowa and leads in NH. Hilary Clinton has not been doing as well as people expected her to do. I guess the country isnt ready for a women president but is ready for a black president. I look forward in the upcoming months to see what progresses. I just hate all the crap on T.V why the oppenent is such a bad choice. Cant we just focus on what they will do for the country. Who cares if he did weed in the past. Who hasnt????

2 and 1

In general I’m going to let people tell me how to vote for.
I there any one at the Blog how can really convince me on which one! To vote!!! It really doesn’t matter to me!!
But I would like to see opinions as to how would be better for the country. I wouldn’t know!

Britney- yes...people are paying way to much attention to her! I really don’t want to know what she's doing these days; but people talk about her more that they do about, how to vote!!!

Headlines... Britney and Obama

First off...
I think it is ridiculously important for everybody in our survey class to vote. I don't want to preachy, but it's an American right that has been fought over. Young people do not understand the power we have, and the fact that our generation is next in line to lead and propel this country. It's so important that we educate ourselves, research different candidates, and select the one who follows our beliefs and who we think will be able to steer America in the right direction.
Just because politics doesn't concern some people, doesn't mean that how their lives do not. And our government directly affects our daily lives, what we are allowed to do, what we're gaining or losing in certain decisions. Everybody cares how their lives are lived, and voting is the first step in practicing an American right and trying to affect the future.

Britney- at this point, I just feel very sorry for her. She has been picked at, harassed by magazines and the papparazzi, and now she is a national figure of criticism. Purely, she's a joke. How can someone feel after been mocked and hated by an entire country? I think she should leave the country for a year, get back her life a bit, and come back rejuvenated. I do not love her style or her music (although her new album is pretty hip) but I do respect a person's need to be left alone, and she definitely wants to be left alone (because she's photographed going through drive thrus).

However, I also think she is making this worse and worse for herself. Can anyone tell her to stop pulling some of her stunts?

A little bit of both

Well I want to first start off by telling my opinion of the whole election. Honestly I have never really cared for the election because politics and things in that area never really caught my attention. But if I were to decide and pick which person I would want to become president would most likely be Obama. From what I saw and heard, I think he really connects with the people and like pat mentioned from before, he made good points and comments on his presidential campaign. I also think that America is ready for Obama. It'd be really cool to have a young president that is likeable by most people. So if I were 18 and able to vote, I would vote for Obama.
I also agree with everyone on the whole Britney issue. It's sad that once a top popular artist like Britney is now living a sad, drama-filled life. I think she needs to get away from popularity, paparazzi, and celebrity lifestyle for awhile with family members who can bring her back to her senses. I don't think that someone like Dr. Phil is going to really help her because she knows something is wrong with her.

She needs help...

I agree with Brian Rooney that Britney can only pull herself together with the help and support of her family. It seems like her family is just letting her care for herself, like they don't want to deal with her problems themselves. The stories spreading about her little sister being pregnant cannot be helping the matter either. It would be so sad to see another Spears be torn apart by publicity. I am surprised that Britney's mom allowed another daughter to join the celebrity world after how poorly Britney handled it. I guess money can blind almost anyone, and that's what destroys lives.

Britney Spears

I agree with everybody else on the fact that Britney Spears is one of the saddest people to every be a celebrity. I was reading that Britney is said to be suffering from an undiagnosed bipolar disorder, which i believe would explain some of the stupid things she does. Also Dr. Phil says that even if that were the case she still needs pyschological help. Therefore I think that Britney should not have canceled her Dr. Phil appearence because it might have helped her out. All in all, Britney is going down the tubes and really does need to consider getting some help.

Britney Spears is most definitely a sad story, but she's also really talented. She's so talented she can piss away millions of dollars, and a celebrity life in seconds. That girl has seen more psychiatrists and been in more rehab centers than I can count. At this point, even though it would be entertaining, Dr. Phil nor anyone else can really do much for her. She and her family and them alone can only help her back on her feet.

Election 2008

I am pretty sure that I have posted a blog before about my opinions on the upcoming presidential election before. Therefore I am going to change the subject to something more interesting that we have discussed before. I looked on the featured stories on Yahoo today to find out that the Brittney Spears episode has been cancelled on Dr. Phil. Now I'm sure most people are thinking that is a good idea but I think not. Dr. Phil is probably someone that Brittney Spears should see right now. She needs a lot of help because of even more recent incidents that happened in this new year. I am not sure what went on in her house but I know police and fire trucks came to her home in L.A. Brittney Spears is probably the saddest celebrity story every and I will be waiting to see her on Dr. Phil.

Election

I really think that the US is ready for, and will accept, our first black president. I think that Obama has been on a roll lately and from what I watched of the New Hampshire Debates, he seemed to connect with the crowd and he made some good points. Before the Iowa caucus, I didn't think that the US or Obama were ready for him to become president but now I think that opinion has changed. He is young and charismatic, a great combo for a president to have. He should win the primary, and then I have no idea what will happen next November. I think the one mistake he made was saying he wouldn't be running again if he didn't get the vote this year, bad move in my opinion.

Election

Well, thank you for the reminder Bri, and yes I do think I know who my vote is going for. In my opinion, I don't think the United States is ready for a woman to be President. I really have no reasoning behind it, but it never really ocurred to me that a woman would ever be President; not like they can't though. I really have no opinion on if we are ready to have a black president because that doesn't matter to me. I think there will be some issues as to who people are going to vote for because of color, but I think that people need to just get over it. It matters about what issues he can solve and how he does it, not the way he looks on the outside.

Elections

For all you 18 year olds out there, the presidential election is coming up faster than we think. And, Barack Obama just won the Iowa caucus( I don't know if that's spelled right). Does everyone no where their votes are going yet? In addition, do you think our country is ready for a black or woman president?

KeNyA

I think that what the previous posts are saying is very true. As a lead Bush should know first hand how difficult it is to get everyone to agree on something. I think that it is good and important that it is getting news coverage because people should know about other worldly events other than the usual. It's sad that people are dying over a dispute and that it is being resolved so violently. Just makes you think what would happen if an issue was resolved like that in America.

Kenya

Well I think that our president should know from his own personal experiences that it is not always easy for leaders to just come together and resolve things. He didn't just come together with leaders of Iraq and try to solve things he started a war. If he has seen our nation enter a war with many deaths because things have not been resolved what makes him think it is so simple for people of kenya to just come together and solve things without violence. If President Bush feels its an important enough issue to speak out on then he should look further into the issue to really evaluate that the problems can not be fixed easily and although this may seem like a disagreement now if it is not solved it may turn into something much bigger.

Kenya

The whole thing that is going on with the political groups in Kenya is rather disturbing. Two political groups are killing people over a rigged election allegation. This is probably one of the worst things that I have heard happen in a foreign country and they shouldn't be killing each other over an election. If the president only told the political leaders to resolve their problems, he is doing nothing to help this country. If it was as easy as just talking it out, these political leaders would not be going to such extreme lengths. President Bush should do more to help this situation because it is obviously not just going to fix itself.

Kenya

The whole Kenya outrage is rather graphic I think. From what I was reading is that people from two different political groups are killing each other over a supposed rigging of an election. I just think thats a little extreme and lives shouldn't be taken because of this. Also I was reading that our president just simply told the Kenyan leaders to just come together and resolve everything. I just don't understand why our president can't just do that to every other country that has problems like this. All in all, I think that if our president can help every other country with their problems why can't he help in Africa.

Book Review

Apparently the link I tried to create for the book review did not work on my website. Sorry...
Anyway, if you want to start working on it you can email me.

Talk to you soon! Happy New Year!!

Mr. Spoor

jspoor@d211.org

baby selling/africa/kenya

first of all, i think women selling children is so wrong and they are putting themselves in danger by doing so. it will never become a practice world wide because even just here in Americ that would never happen. i do agree Africa should get more coverage on the news and more countries should be out helping to support them and try to tame this beast because if we do not do something now it can easily become worst even in our own country and that is something we can not let happen. this is just another thing that is going to kill us by us not trying to stop it. kenya i do think is an important thing to get news on though, it is something that is happening in the world and that`s what the news is for. to let us know what is going on and maybe not for us but i think the news is out there for people can learn through others mistakes without having to make he mistakes themselves. that`s why so many different things are on the news to let us know what`s really out there in the world.

I'm glad the media is giving it attention. There is so much devastation going on there. Between the AIDS crisis and Darfur they need all the attention and help they can get. I really wish there was more aid in Africa from other countries, I think we really need to start looking at Africa because it's not doing so well right now.

Kenya

I just saw a news report about the problems in Kenya. There is an upcoming election and both sides are accusing each other of genocide. Nearly 300 people have died in this violent debate over who will be the next leader. I just think it is weird that this is getting news coverage. Africa never gets covered. Maybe its because that is where Barack Obama is from. What do you think?

WeIrD

I think it is kind of weird that women are having children for a job. It is supposed to be something special and whatnot, not so much just doing it for money. I think it is one thing to adopt and give your child away when you cannot support it or want to give another family a child they may not otherwise be able to have, but getting payed as a job to do so I think is wrong. I don't think it will catch on and be a worldwide thing. I have not ever heard of that happening before. 

I agree with what the majority of what other people said. Women should not have other women have their babies. I think that if a married couple is not able to have a baby, they should adopt one. There are millions of babies who are born into families that either don't want them or the parents are too young and not nearly ready to handle the responsibility of caring for a child. There is no need for women to have more babies for other people when there are obviously enough babies to adopt in the world. This just sounds ridiculous to me because having more babies is not neccassary at all.

It's not like women just making babies. It's women helping women who can't have children, have children. So it's not like they are just having babies just to have babies. It's helping people have families.