1.) Which political party do you most identify with? Why? Are there things in the party platform with which you disagree?
I identify most with the Democratic Party. Starting with the economy, I agree with the Democrats that the national debt needs to be paid down, something needs to be done to secure Social Security and the Medicare program. America also needs to invest in American innovation, and open new markets to American made products. I also agree that we need to continue to pursue stem cell and embryonic research and look for treatments and cures for cancer, as well as other diseases, adding tot he length and quality of life that millions of Americans encounter and deal with. I agree with the Democratic party on facilitating the access for Americans with disabilities, same-sex couples should receive equal treatment under the law,racial and religious profiling is wrong and should be stamped out, same-sex marriage should be dealt with on a state level with no federal intervention, but as many Democrats believe, if government intervention is required, I believe they have as much right as any one else to love and marry who they choose. I support changes to the Patriot Act, such as the tightening of restrictions on money laundering, but loosening the library provisions, so as not to infringe on individual liberties. I agree that the tax shelter laws need to be changed so that corporate America can stop hiding behind them and avoiding their true taxation. There are many more issues that I agree with the Democratic party on. The list is too long to post here but I agree with them on issues regarding drugs, education, crime, tax reform, foreign policy, free trade, government reform, and many other topics and issues.
On the other hand, I have to say that there are issues within the Democratic Party that I don't agree with. I didn't agree with our government bailing out and lending money to corporations that have blatantly abused the tax system for years, and who paid millions in corporate bonuses to their CEO's, hosting elaborate company trips and "seminars" for upper management employees. I think these companies were mismanaged and the upper management were more interested in lining their pockets with profits and not worrying about the middle class Americans. These companies and corporations didn't deserve a bail out, and some proved their unworthiness by continuing to squander money that was granted to them through the bail out.Blatant abuse of the system!! I don't 100% stand with the Democratic view on abortion. I believe in the right to life, BUT I am understanding to abortion if there is a serious medical reason or something severely wrong with the child that is found with some of the advanced early detection testing. I'm not talking about mild retardation or anything like that. I'm talking about a no quality to life illness or handicap. Something severe. There are other issues that I disagree with on the Democratic party platform, but I won't list them all here.
2.) Does America need political parties? The Founders originally hoped that American politics would operate without needs of parties. Would that work today? Why?
Yes, I think Americans need political parties with political socialization. I think we need to know that their are others out there who think like "we" do. It gives a sense of belonging and agreement and let's us know that "we" are not the only ones who carry our individual thought process.
I, personally, don't think American politics could or would work without political parties. We would have no sense of direction when it came to electing our government leaders because there would be no organization for political platforms to get the word out to the voters and politics would be all over the board.
3.) Please research lesser known political parties. Which one do you most identify with? Why?
In doing this assignment, I looked into about a dozen different political parties and what they stood for. I was truly shocked by some and wasn't aware of their existence. I wasn't aware of the American Freedom Party or the American Socialist Movement, since both seem to be formed around modern day hate groups. These parties are built on the foundation of white supremacy and claim members of the former Neo-Nazi Party.
I feel that out of the parties I looked into that I identify most with the Citizen's Party of the United States, formerly known as the New American Independent Party. This party hold liberal, moderate and conservative positions depending on the issue. I agree with them on a lot of their liberal and moderate beliefs as they relate to the issues, and a few of their conservative issues. IN doing this assignment, I am definitely more interested in reading and learning more about some of the thrid party organizations in American government and I am extremely interested in learning more about this particular party, so I will be doing more reading about this political party.
*Blog Comments*
Mackenzie King
Tim Tunkel
Gabrielle Miller
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Friday, March 22, 2013
~ Interest Groups ~
1.) From Table 8.1 in the text, select one of the interest groups and do some research on their issues and beliefs. What did you learn? What did you find interesting? Do you agree/disagree with their positions on issues? Why?
I choose the NEA (National Education Association) as my interest group to research. I learned that they are now at 3.2 million members, which makes it the largest union in the United States. The NEA believes that every student in America, regardless of family income or where they reside, deserves a quality education. They believe that individuals are strengthened when they work together for the common good. The NEA feels that if they advocate collectively that they improve both their professional status, as well as the quality of public education. They believe that partnering with parents, families, communities, and other stakeholders in our children's education is essential to the quality of education that our children get. Public education is the gateway to opportunity, and the cornerstone to our republic. Public education is a vital part of building respect, dignity, and equality in our diverse society, and it teaches students the skills to be informed, involved, and engaged in our society as well as American democracy. The NEA believes that all students have the human and civil right to a quality public education that develops their character, independence, and potential.
I found it interesting that the NEA has stepped forward in preparing our youth for being productive adults by associating themselves with many other agencies. They have started to incorporate basic life skills into the education of our children, such as teaching them how to shape their financial futures, informing our youth on how to participate in our democracy and use their voice to vote, and educating them on alternative power sources in order to focus on a more "green" society. In doing this they are informing our children how to function productively as they become adults and enter our society. I feel this is one of the reasons so many people in the younger generations have taken part in the last couple of Presidential elections.
I definitely agree with the NEA on their issues. I think they have a wonderful plan set out for the futures of the children of this country and support them 100%. I am currently raising my 6 year old grand-daughter so this is an area of great importance to me, and to know that the NEA is working collectively with families and communities in order to educate her is of the utmost importance to me. I think schools should teach our children and grand-children the basics of life, because not all parents do it in the home. I think the NEA has recognized this and are taking positive steps to make up for what some children are not taught in the home, which better prepares them for society.
2.) Find an interest group with which you associate (positively). What is the name of the group and what do you find persuasive about their position on issues?
An interest group with which I associate with, as a former member, a union wife, daughter, and grand-daughter, is LIUNA (Laborer's International Union of North America). I have been involved with different union activities since I was a child. LIUNA works hard to get out and find work for their members and their families. They expect their members to make a sincere commitment and be active in the monthly union meetings, and they want their members to actively voice their opinions and vote, as well as being involved in local and some national charities.
LIUNA members make more money per hour regardless of their gender and regardless of their ethnic background. They offer classes in every state and provide valuable learning in skills such as Radiation handling, HAZ-MAT handling and safety, as well as OSHA training to learn safety and procedures in case of an emergency on a job site. They also offer classes to further basic and advanced skills training. Most of these classes and training programs are federally funded and offered to union members at no cost, and allows them to gain certificates and additional job qualifications. This training allows employers to compete with higher productivity and quality work, and workers earn more money and work in much safer environments.
LIUNA members are also better able to care for themselves and their families during the health care crisis in America. Statistics (census bureau) show that 82% of LIUNA members have health care coverage and LIUNA is constantly working at the forefront of the battle for health care solutions and ways to reduce costs to it's members. LIUNA members also have a defined pension and security plan for a secure retirement.
I agree with their position of taking care of their workers and their union families. In being the wife of a LIUNA worker, I feel a better about my families future, when we reach retirement age because I know that we will have a solid retirement income and will be better able to live and keep some form of quality to our lifestyle with health benefits and financial security, as well as death benefits that would take care of my family if something were to happen to either me or my spouse.
3. Do interest groups have enough / too much / the right amount / of power in the political system? Most believe its a fine line balance between freedom of speech for the groups and keeping unfair persuasion out of government. Where is the line crossed and when is it crossed?
My views on the power and influence in our political system change depending on which group you are talking about. I feel that some groups, such as the NEA, the AACSE, and the AFT have just enough power on the political system and their decisions to make educational changes for the youth of America. I feel these are some of the interest groups who are making positive strides toward building a better future for the youth of this country and that they are attempting to teach our children how important participating in politics and democracy has become.
Other groups such as the drug and healthcare groups have gained far too much influence, in my opinion. The cost of medical care and medicines has gotten outrageous and so many Americans have been left out along the way. I feel that most of these groups are driven by pure greed and profit, and that many people in America have been left by the wayside with no medical coverage and unable to pay the cost for escalating doctor's fees and medications that they truly need. I personally know people who cannot afford the medications they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle due to the rising costs of their medications. I think that is wrong, no matter how you look at it.
There are still other groups that maintain just the right amount of power to influence positive changes for our citizens. So in answering this question, it would depend on what interest group we would be talking about.
There is a "fine line" that can be crossed when it comes to persuading the officials of our government and I feel that this line is crossed when it comes to healthcare in this country. I also feel the line is crossed when it comes to the gas and oil industry, as well. I think they are better able to influence our politicians because of the amount of money they are able to throw around and in some cases are able to buy politicians. It is a known fact that since the formation of our American government that there has always been some form of corruption in political offices nationwide and most of it has to do with money and the influence that money carries with our politicians.
*Blog Comments*
Gabrielle Miller
Albert Munoz
Tim Tunkel
I choose the NEA (National Education Association) as my interest group to research. I learned that they are now at 3.2 million members, which makes it the largest union in the United States. The NEA believes that every student in America, regardless of family income or where they reside, deserves a quality education. They believe that individuals are strengthened when they work together for the common good. The NEA feels that if they advocate collectively that they improve both their professional status, as well as the quality of public education. They believe that partnering with parents, families, communities, and other stakeholders in our children's education is essential to the quality of education that our children get. Public education is the gateway to opportunity, and the cornerstone to our republic. Public education is a vital part of building respect, dignity, and equality in our diverse society, and it teaches students the skills to be informed, involved, and engaged in our society as well as American democracy. The NEA believes that all students have the human and civil right to a quality public education that develops their character, independence, and potential.
I found it interesting that the NEA has stepped forward in preparing our youth for being productive adults by associating themselves with many other agencies. They have started to incorporate basic life skills into the education of our children, such as teaching them how to shape their financial futures, informing our youth on how to participate in our democracy and use their voice to vote, and educating them on alternative power sources in order to focus on a more "green" society. In doing this they are informing our children how to function productively as they become adults and enter our society. I feel this is one of the reasons so many people in the younger generations have taken part in the last couple of Presidential elections.
I definitely agree with the NEA on their issues. I think they have a wonderful plan set out for the futures of the children of this country and support them 100%. I am currently raising my 6 year old grand-daughter so this is an area of great importance to me, and to know that the NEA is working collectively with families and communities in order to educate her is of the utmost importance to me. I think schools should teach our children and grand-children the basics of life, because not all parents do it in the home. I think the NEA has recognized this and are taking positive steps to make up for what some children are not taught in the home, which better prepares them for society.
2.) Find an interest group with which you associate (positively). What is the name of the group and what do you find persuasive about their position on issues?
An interest group with which I associate with, as a former member, a union wife, daughter, and grand-daughter, is LIUNA (Laborer's International Union of North America). I have been involved with different union activities since I was a child. LIUNA works hard to get out and find work for their members and their families. They expect their members to make a sincere commitment and be active in the monthly union meetings, and they want their members to actively voice their opinions and vote, as well as being involved in local and some national charities.
LIUNA members make more money per hour regardless of their gender and regardless of their ethnic background. They offer classes in every state and provide valuable learning in skills such as Radiation handling, HAZ-MAT handling and safety, as well as OSHA training to learn safety and procedures in case of an emergency on a job site. They also offer classes to further basic and advanced skills training. Most of these classes and training programs are federally funded and offered to union members at no cost, and allows them to gain certificates and additional job qualifications. This training allows employers to compete with higher productivity and quality work, and workers earn more money and work in much safer environments.
LIUNA members are also better able to care for themselves and their families during the health care crisis in America. Statistics (census bureau) show that 82% of LIUNA members have health care coverage and LIUNA is constantly working at the forefront of the battle for health care solutions and ways to reduce costs to it's members. LIUNA members also have a defined pension and security plan for a secure retirement.
I agree with their position of taking care of their workers and their union families. In being the wife of a LIUNA worker, I feel a better about my families future, when we reach retirement age because I know that we will have a solid retirement income and will be better able to live and keep some form of quality to our lifestyle with health benefits and financial security, as well as death benefits that would take care of my family if something were to happen to either me or my spouse.
3. Do interest groups have enough / too much / the right amount / of power in the political system? Most believe its a fine line balance between freedom of speech for the groups and keeping unfair persuasion out of government. Where is the line crossed and when is it crossed?
My views on the power and influence in our political system change depending on which group you are talking about. I feel that some groups, such as the NEA, the AACSE, and the AFT have just enough power on the political system and their decisions to make educational changes for the youth of America. I feel these are some of the interest groups who are making positive strides toward building a better future for the youth of this country and that they are attempting to teach our children how important participating in politics and democracy has become.
Other groups such as the drug and healthcare groups have gained far too much influence, in my opinion. The cost of medical care and medicines has gotten outrageous and so many Americans have been left out along the way. I feel that most of these groups are driven by pure greed and profit, and that many people in America have been left by the wayside with no medical coverage and unable to pay the cost for escalating doctor's fees and medications that they truly need. I personally know people who cannot afford the medications they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle due to the rising costs of their medications. I think that is wrong, no matter how you look at it.
There are still other groups that maintain just the right amount of power to influence positive changes for our citizens. So in answering this question, it would depend on what interest group we would be talking about.
There is a "fine line" that can be crossed when it comes to persuading the officials of our government and I feel that this line is crossed when it comes to healthcare in this country. I also feel the line is crossed when it comes to the gas and oil industry, as well. I think they are better able to influence our politicians because of the amount of money they are able to throw around and in some cases are able to buy politicians. It is a known fact that since the formation of our American government that there has always been some form of corruption in political offices nationwide and most of it has to do with money and the influence that money carries with our politicians.
*Blog Comments*
Gabrielle Miller
Albert Munoz
Tim Tunkel
Friday, March 8, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
~~The News Media and The Internet ~~
1.) Does objectivity still exist in the media's coverage of politics? Of the major news outlets (CNN, FoxNews, MSNBC, NPR, NBC, etc), which are the most objective and which seem to have the most bias?
Personally, I don't think a lot of objectivity is shown in the media coverage regarding politics. Most of the news I watch see either lean to the liberal side of things or the conservative side. There seems to be no in between, especially with our current government. Some news agencies blame the Republicans, saying they are unwilling to pass a budget unless it's stacked in their favor. Other news agencies blame the President for not working with the Republican house, and wanting the entire bill his way or he won't accept it. I haven't saw any good objective reporting on why this budget isn't passed. I think it's due to faults on both sides. Both sides need to give in on some of the issues, meet in the middle and work together toward putting a budget in place for this country. The citizens of the United States will be the one's who suffer over the budget issue, because it won't be the politicians who suffer when detrimental programs collapse due to lack of funding not being there. Our military will suffer and the overall safety of this country will suffer due to monies not being set aside. Our safety while flying will be put in jeopardy due to cutbacks in airport security personnel. There will be much needed program cutbacks, such as unemployment extensions, and this could quite possibly affect the loans and monies available to people who are attending school in order to further a career or change careers altogether. These are just a few of the things affected by having no budget passed and in place for this country.
When it comes to the major news outlets, I feel that most of them lean one way or the other. FoxNews is totally conservative. They lean to the right on everything they report. Rush Limbaugh is one of the main personalities associated with the Fox networks, and he is an extreme conservative. MSNBC reports more on the liberal side. I think NPR is more conservative biased. It used to be said they were on the liberal side, but in recent years the statistics even show they are more biased to the conservative way of thinking. If I had to pick a news outlet, I would have to say that I view CNN as being more "middle of the road" when it comes to reporting political stories and issues.
2.) How does talk radio (Rush Limbaugh, Keith Olbermann, etc.) affect your view of politics? Why?
I really don't have an "answer" one way or the other for this question because I honestly don't watch these type of Infotainment shows. So, in saying that, they don't affect my view on politics at all. In reading a little about these shows and what is covered on them and how it is covered I can see why they are able to sway people who watch them who really don't know what they need or want to do.It's hard for media to sway me on issues. I take an issue, such as gay rights, and think it through for myself and form my own opinion about it. Once that's done, it's hard to change my mind, because I'm more interested in looking into ways of solving the issue than I am the political parties involved and their right or left wing ideas. I, personally, want to see the issue worked on and resolved instead of turning it into a "party" issue.
3.)Is media objectivity important? Why or why not?
I believe media objectivity is very important. I think they should tell the stories based on the issues and not based on a certain parties perspective. America is a democracy and we all have the freedom to express our thoughts and ideas, which we do at the voting polls. However, I think some of the politicians are more in tune with the "party" name and reputation than solving the issues and the news media pounces on this in order to make a story.
** Blog Comments**
Gabrielle Miller
Ashley Pelfrey
Albert Munoz
Personally, I don't think a lot of objectivity is shown in the media coverage regarding politics. Most of the news I watch see either lean to the liberal side of things or the conservative side. There seems to be no in between, especially with our current government. Some news agencies blame the Republicans, saying they are unwilling to pass a budget unless it's stacked in their favor. Other news agencies blame the President for not working with the Republican house, and wanting the entire bill his way or he won't accept it. I haven't saw any good objective reporting on why this budget isn't passed. I think it's due to faults on both sides. Both sides need to give in on some of the issues, meet in the middle and work together toward putting a budget in place for this country. The citizens of the United States will be the one's who suffer over the budget issue, because it won't be the politicians who suffer when detrimental programs collapse due to lack of funding not being there. Our military will suffer and the overall safety of this country will suffer due to monies not being set aside. Our safety while flying will be put in jeopardy due to cutbacks in airport security personnel. There will be much needed program cutbacks, such as unemployment extensions, and this could quite possibly affect the loans and monies available to people who are attending school in order to further a career or change careers altogether. These are just a few of the things affected by having no budget passed and in place for this country.
When it comes to the major news outlets, I feel that most of them lean one way or the other. FoxNews is totally conservative. They lean to the right on everything they report. Rush Limbaugh is one of the main personalities associated with the Fox networks, and he is an extreme conservative. MSNBC reports more on the liberal side. I think NPR is more conservative biased. It used to be said they were on the liberal side, but in recent years the statistics even show they are more biased to the conservative way of thinking. If I had to pick a news outlet, I would have to say that I view CNN as being more "middle of the road" when it comes to reporting political stories and issues.
2.) How does talk radio (Rush Limbaugh, Keith Olbermann, etc.) affect your view of politics? Why?
I really don't have an "answer" one way or the other for this question because I honestly don't watch these type of Infotainment shows. So, in saying that, they don't affect my view on politics at all. In reading a little about these shows and what is covered on them and how it is covered I can see why they are able to sway people who watch them who really don't know what they need or want to do.It's hard for media to sway me on issues. I take an issue, such as gay rights, and think it through for myself and form my own opinion about it. Once that's done, it's hard to change my mind, because I'm more interested in looking into ways of solving the issue than I am the political parties involved and their right or left wing ideas. I, personally, want to see the issue worked on and resolved instead of turning it into a "party" issue.
3.)Is media objectivity important? Why or why not?
I believe media objectivity is very important. I think they should tell the stories based on the issues and not based on a certain parties perspective. America is a democracy and we all have the freedom to express our thoughts and ideas, which we do at the voting polls. However, I think some of the politicians are more in tune with the "party" name and reputation than solving the issues and the news media pounces on this in order to make a story.
** Blog Comments**
Gabrielle Miller
Ashley Pelfrey
Albert Munoz
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