The Legalization of Marijuana

I think that the government should not legalize marijuana. Some may argue that if the government were to legalize marijuana then it would be a huge, taxable, industry. I do not think that legalizing marijuana will have as many positive effects as negitive effects. marijuana lowers peoples ambitions and decreaces work ethic, if we want the people in this country get even more lazy than they are now then the legalization of marijuana would not be a bad idea. If we want this country to still be abitious and be the greatest country in the world we need the government to keep marijuana illegal.

Brett Miller
POS 2041
8 am

Legalization of Gambling

I think that the federal government should legalize gambling. The opening and running of casinos would create much needed jobs for Americans which in turn will help the economy. I do believe that if the government does legalize gambling then there will need to be regulations on Americans so they don't develop gambling problems. I think that if the government is looking for a way to boost the economy this should help.

Brett Miller
POS 2041
8 am

Abortion, God's Choice

I believe that abortion should not be legal. I believe that abortion is murder, it is the ending of a human life, now i know a fetus is not considered to be a human, but it is going to be a human. I believe that it is not a woman's choice, it is God's choice. I believe that things happen for a reason and if God has blessed you with a pregnancy then that baby is meant to be born. If a woman wants to choose not to have a child then that woman should not choose to have sex. I think that the government should make abortion should be illegal, because it is the ending of a human life and that is murder.

Brett Miller
POS 2041
8 am

Animal Testing

I do not like animal testing, but i believe that is needed. I do not like the idea of harming an innocent animal, but I know that it is a needed procees in order for us to develope medications. I believe that harming an animal is better than harming a human. If someone were to tell you "You could cure cancer, but you would have to harm an animal." wouldn't you do it?

Brett Miller
POS 2041
8 am

Same Sex Marriage

I do not believe in the unity of two people of the same sex, I believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. I think that being a homosexual is a choice of a lifestyle, now I'm not saying that i think that homosexuals choose to be attracted to the same sex. I think that if someone should live the lifestyle there should be sacrifices that need to be made. I'm not saying that two people should not be together, I am simply saying that i believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman and that it should stay that way.

Brett Miller
POS 2041
8 am

Health care, dental care, eye care

I would love for Florida (no everywhere) to have universal health care. You know why because no matter what your income, race, class, or status is in society at least you would be treated equally. At least individuals can feel as though they are worthy to be healthy and alive. For those who don't know what I mean go to the Emergency room without insurance! No better yet go to a doctor's office. Sorry don't even bother to sign in. Now try going to someone you love funeral who died from an illness that could have been prevented all because people with no insurance don't prevent they treat.


Braytez Barnes
POS 2041
Friday, 12:02 a.m

Should the U.S military have such a large budget?

Call me paranoid...
Recently in Mumbai, India ( one of the largest cities in the world) a terrorist attack accord. Not to sound too hysterical but do anyone seem uneasy? I mean in POS 2041 the class learned that $528 billion goes to the the U.S military budget. I use to think it was too much, but now Iam not sure. I mean the U.S military is ranked number one worldwide but our largest city (New York) is ranked at number 14. So what I am asking is if the largest city in the world doesn't have a chance what chance does New York City have? Big or small terrorist find a way.


Braytez Barnes
POS 2041
Thursday, 11:28 p.m.

To Drill or Not to Drill?

Our world is facing the greenhouse effect, global warming, and droughts. Even extinction and endangered species is becoming more common. If we continue to debate whether to drill or not to drill do we really have such a shortage of oil that we have to deplete other resources? I for one would like different alternatives to oil. How about you? Remember one little mistake can cost us our very ocean(s).

Made in the USA, oops, China

Instead of outsourcing so many of our goods and services the United States would be well served by importing less products that can be made at home safer and cheaper. United States should hold imports to the same standards and regulations that takes place in our companies and factories. With all the recalls, tainted products, illnesses and deaths, we need to be more vigilant in our trades and FDA(Federal Drug Administration) standards.


Braytez Barnes
POS 2041
Thursday, 10:38 p.m.

CEO, huh, Clever Expensive Oppurtunist

I have a few suggestions for them that may be helpful. GM and Chrysler should merge. The private sector and oil companies should donate half of the money needed for the bailout and if they can survive off of $1 a year, they must be financially stable, so why not invest their monies into their companies. In other words... Exhaust all other possibilities before asking the average American taxpayer for their nickels and dimes.




Braytez Barnes
POS 2041
Thursday, 9:50 p.m.

CEO will work for $1

Ford Motor Co. told Congress that they planned to return to a pretax profit or break even in 2011 when the Detroit Three automakers' CEOs appear before lawmakers to request $25 billion in government loans. Ford CEO Alan Mulally said he'll work for $1 per year if the company has to take any government loan money. Congressional leaders wanted plans from the automakers by Tuesday to show that they can make it if they did get federal funds. The plan Ford submitted said the company will cancel all management employees' 2009 bonuses and will not pay any merit increases for its North American salaried employees next year. I’m not exactly sure if this would be a wise decision for him if the plans going accordingly. But it is something he is willing to take a chance for. In some instance I really don’t think they should receive the any money because it’s they’re fault they screwed up so the have to pay for their actions just like us common folks have to do.

Sarranda Hall
POS 2041
Friday 8-11am

5.8 percent increase for Social Security

Citizens over the age of 55 should be happy because effective 2009 they will receive a 5.8 percent increase in their social security. This increased payment will benefit more than 7 million Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries on December 31. This is the largest increase since 1982. I think that this is a wonderful package for seniors to receive because they do deserve it. But what about the non-senior citizens whose cost of living continues to rise, but income remains the same? This year majority of Florida employees did not receive a raise. How are we supposed to maintain a standard of living when fuel and food prices are going up, but we are making the same income we did last year?

Sarranda Hall
POS 2041
Friday 8-11am

Rise in federal taxes

This morning the house and senate held a meeting to approve a four year package of $50 billion in tax increases and $11 billion in benefit cuts. There were other issues discussed among the conferees, such as balance with spending cuts, telephone taxes, and fuel prices. What are we going to do in the next four years if taxes and gas prices keep increasing and our paychecks stay the same?

Sarranda Hall
POS 2041
Friday 8-11am

Can the bailout help the auto industry?

Congressional Democrats pushed forward Thursday with a rescue package to pump $25 billion in new emergency loans into U.S. automakers, but a top senator said the package lacked the support to pass. Is a bailout really the solution to helping these companies when they hit a financial crisis? The problem is that using taxpayer’s money to protect jobs in an industry that has essentially no hope of ever being profitable again is not a good deal. It doesn’t make sense to me that when the American people (the taxpayers) are in need of help financially we don’t get the help we need. Why is that?

Sarranda Hall
POS 2041
Friday 8-11am
December 4, 2008

The next U.S. Senate

I was reading an article on yahoo about Gov. Jeb Bush saying he was interested in becoming the next U.S. Senate. This position is currently occupied by Sen. Mel Martinez. A poll from a university was taken in December 2006 during Jeb Bush's final month in office found 57 percent of Florida voters thought Bush was a great or good governor. Only 10 percent said he was a bad governor. That poll also showed 59 percent of voters disapproved of the job President Bush was doing, compared with 38 percent who approved. So does this mean he will make a great candidate for this position?

Sarranda Hall
POS 2041
Friday 8-11
December 4, 2008

Obama's Cabinet Shaping Up.

So far these are the picks for obamas cabinet:

• Treasury Secretary - Timothy Geithner
• Secretary of State - Sen. Hillary Clinton
  
• Attorney General - Eric Holder
  
• Defense Secretary - Robert Gates
  
• Homeland Security Secretary - Gov. Janet Napolitano
  
• National Security Advisor - Gen. James Jones.
  
• Commerce Secretary - Gov. Bill Richardson
  
• National Economic Council Director - Lawrence Summers
  
• Office of Management and Budget Director - Peter Orszag

I was really surprised by Obama's retainment of Robert Gates. I thought that he would have definitely picked someone else. I think that Hillary Clinton will do a magnificient job as Secretary of State. As far as the others i am not to familiar with them but believe that Obama picked the best of the best.

Money makes the world go round

I think it's crazy to think how it is more economically favorable to export a locally owned good to buy it back. It does not make any sense, and it wastes resources and pollutes the environment. It's also interesting to see how much emphasis the US has put on erasing our carbon footprint and being green, but that is unheard of in other impoverished countries.

April Pingol

CPO2001

TR 1135

Health Care

I was wondering why we are having a hard time getting universal healthcare when so many other countries had already established it. I understand there are a lot of economic hurdles we have to come across but how can we make the transition as smooth as possible? I have a friend that is a post doc at UC Berkeley. He is originally from Germany and it is cheaper for him to fly home and receive health and dental care then it is for him to receive treatment in the US.

April Pingol

CPO2001

1135 TR

Federal Government Powers

When comparing the Chinese governments powers we talked about the United State's Federal Governments powers. The federal government's power is huge. There is nothing that the congress can not cover. I feel as though it is unnecessary though, for the steroid usage of major league baseball players to be an issue to the US congress.

April Pingol

CPO2001

TR 1135

Chinese Economy

In class the other day we were talking about the Chinese economy. I think it's interesting how people keep saying "China is going to buy the US" because of the economic crisis we are in. But people forget that their economic progress is inflated because going from 0 economic progress to their level would result in a higher rate of growth as opposed to the US which was already at a high rate. 

April Pingol

CPO2001

TR 1135

Globalization

In class the other day we discussed globalization and how so many countries depend on the United States. I think it's funny how people are so desperate to move out of the US when things are going so well. Yet those countries rely so much on the success of the United States. My boyfriend went to Italy the week of the election and so many people were obsessed with Obama. He was on the cover of every magazine and it was the hot topic of conversation. It's interesting that we hardly ever hear about other country's presidential candidates, let alone election.

April Pingol

CPO 2001

TR 1135

Accident or Murder

Fox News aired a story about a man who “accidently” killed a bald eagle. He was a hunter and his turkeys started to go missing, he figured that it must have been the coyotes. He left out hamburger meat laced with pesticides and it worked, it killed 7 coyotes. The problem came when the bald eagles ate the carcasses of the coyotes. The eagles are protected by law and it is illegal to kill them. The hunter was fined $10,000 and 2 years of probation. President George Bush gave this man a pardon. He was 1 of 14 people pardoned. Do you think this man should have received a harsher sentence or was his pardon well over due?

Emily Pullen
POS 1601
Tuesday 6pm

Presidents Don't Quit

I read an article in the New York Times recently by a woman who feels George Bush would be doing us all a favor by handing over the reins to president elect Obama. Basically saying go ahead and quit at the last minute, no one will complain. Vice president Dick Cheney would resign first followed by President Bush. Nancy Pelosi would become president for a brief moment before handing over the power to Obama. I don’t see how this woman could think that this might be a good idea. It doesn’t matter how much people disagree with the way Bush has run his administration, presidents don’t quit. What kind a faith would the American people have in our nation?

Emily Pullen
POS 1601
Tuesday 6pm

Inaugeration

As we all know, this election has been one of the most anticipated and monumental elections in our country’s history. It would only seem to fit that the inauguration ceremony should be well attended. However, no one is giving tickets away. People have been selling tickets online for upwards of $20,000. There is no doubt that this would be one of the most defying things you would see in history but maybe the people selling tickets should think of lowering the price considering the state of the economy.

Emily Pullen
POS 1601
Tuesday 6pm

Is This 2008 or 2012?

The other day, Sarah Palin rallied to elect republican senator Saxby Chambliss in Georgia. It was her first political appearance since November 4. The paper I read said she was greeted by thousands of women chanting SARAH, SARAH! They were wearing shirts that said Palin 2012. Not that I disagree with this at all but I think it is time to give it a rest. As we know 4 years is not a very long time but it is a way to long to be talking about the next presidential candidate. Barack Obama has not even become president yet. Do you think they should limit the amount of time that a party is allowed to campaign before a presidential election?

Emily Pullen
POS 1601
Tuesday 6pm

A joke?

The other night I saw the movie Burn After Reading. I had not heard much about this movie but I knew it had Brad Pitt and George Clooney in it, so it couldn't be all bad. I was very surprised at the kind of movie it was. The movie was basically a spoof on the American intelligence program and the CIA. Needless to say it was not my favorite movie. It was interesting though, when I got home my roommate and her boyfriend told me they had seen the movie and loved it and thought it was hilarious. This was interesting because they were both born in Cuba and have not so fond ideas on the the way the American government does things. This made me start thinking; does the rest of the world view our systems and the measures that we take as a joke like this movie portrayed?

WHAT'S FAIR ABOUTH THE "FAIRNESS DOCTRINE" ?

House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and other congressional democrats would like to resurrect the "Fairness Doctrine", which was created in 1949 by the Federal Communications Commission. It required broadcasters to present opposing views on controversial issues and provide equal time to political figures who were attacked. Toward the end of the Reagan administration, the FCC itself found the doctrine unconstitutional and discarded it, since it was obvious censorship of political speech, which is the main protection of the First Amendment.
This action is being brought up because there are far more successful conservative talk shows on radio. Why should they be penalized because the liberal ones are not as successful. Obviously, there are alot of people who want these stations, or they would'nt be doing so well. The government has no right to suppress the will of the people.

Robert Rozycki
POS1601
Tuesday, 6 P.M.

WHAT CHANGE?

It wasn't long ago that Barack Obama was tearing down Hillary Clinton's foreign policy credentials. In March, when Hillary was his only rival, Obama mockingly asked "What exactly is this foreign policy experience?". Now he is nominating her to be Secretary of State along with many other staffers and cronies from her husband's administration.
The change I would like to see is a halt to all the nastiness of elections on both sides of the aisle and both parties coming together after the elections for the good of the people and not the good of their party.

Robert Rozycki
POS1601
Tuesday, 6 P.M.

IRAQ OK'S THREE YEAR TIMETABLE FOR U.S. TROOP PULLOUT

Iraq's Parliament approved the withdrawal of U.S. Troops by December 31, 2011. Of the 198 lawmakers present, 149 raised their hands in favor of the "Status of Forces Agreement." Despite all the disagreements and arguments among the Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds, I am glad to see democracy is working in Iraq and that the sacrifice our troops made was not in vain. I hope the people of Iraq appreciate what they did as much as we do.

Robert Rozycki
POS1601
Tuesday, 6 P.M.

REPORT FINDS MOST TOO IGNORANT TO VOTE

I was amused, but not surprised, by an article I read from the Washington Post claiming most people are too ignorant to vote. This study was done by the Intercollegiate Studies Institue (ISI) on civic literacy, which included 2500 college students, elected officials and citizens which were selected randomly. They were given a 33 question test on basic civics and 1800 failed. Sadly, only 27 percent of elected officeholders surveyed could name a right or freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment. The ISI feels the problem lies in watching too much television and talking on the telephone. The solution they feel lies with education reform, which should start in high school. Students should be reading newspapers and being quizzed weekly on current events.
The lack of knowledge was also evident during the whole election process, when the news would interview people on the street. Alot of people had no idea who was running for vice president or even what the views of the presidential candidates were. Alot of people based their vote on who was cuter or cooler. Pretty scary when the country is facing two major problems with the economy and the war on terror.

Robert Rozycki
POS1601
Tuesday, 6 P.M.

MADE IN CHINA

Every week, another product from China is being reported as a health threat. It first started with pet food. Many dogs and cats died due to melamine additives. If that wasn't bad enough, they were also adding it to baby formula, which sickened thousands and killed at least four babies. Lead is being found in many products, including toys for our children. It was reported on the news that millions of defective air valves from China are on our car tires which have caused blowouts that have resulted in deaths. Even bras from Victoria's Secret have chemicals which are causing rashes and open sores. When is the government going to do their job and protect us. We don't have much of a choice. Check the labels when you shop. Everything is Made in China.

Robert Rozycki
POS1601
Tuesday 6 P.M.

Florida Amendment Results

This is the results for the amendments that were on the ballot for this election.

• The Declaration of Rights amendment did not pass. it was defeated 52.1% to 47.9%.
• The Florida Marriage Protection amendment passed with a 61.9% approval.
• The Changes and Improvements Not Affecting the Assessed Value of Residential Real Property amendment passed with a 60.5% approval.
• The Property Tax Exemption of Perpetually Conserved Land; Classification and Assessment of Land Used for Conservation amendment passed with a 68.6% approval.
• The Assessment of Working Waterfront Property Based Upon Current Use amendment passed with a 70.6% approval.
• The Local Option Community College Funding amendment did not pass and was defeated 56.5% to 43.5%.

I was glad that a few of the amendments passed but I really wish that the Local Option amendment would have passed.

Damien Needham

POS 2112 1:00 p.m.

Local Election Results

I just wanted to let everyone know who one the local elections for our area.
In the State House of Representatives, Brad Drake Defeated Johnny McDaniel. The 14th Judicial circuit elected a new State Attorney in Glen Hess. Finally, Alan Boyd defeated Mark Mulligan for the office of United States Representative. Does anyone have any opinions about the results? I wasn't too thrilled on a few of the results.

Damien Needham
POS 2112 1:00 p.m.

Election News

Barrack Obama is going to be the new President of the United States. Obama defeated McCain by 201 electoral votes. Obama also won the popular vote 53% to 46%. This election has been an exciting one and I hope that our new president will help the United States gain a positive status back in the world view.

Damien Needham
POS 2041 8:00 a.m.

Russian Threats

Recently I read an article about how the Russians were going to test Obama by jamming our defense satellites in Poland. In my opinion this type of behavior cannot be tolerated. This threat is crossing the line. Something needs to be done in order to get Russia in check. Has anyone else heard anything else about the situation?

Damien Needham
POS 2041 8:00 a.m.

Sexism in the media

There was a report on the news that the McCain campaign spent $150,000 on Sarah Palin's and her family's wardrobe. This is clearly sexism in so far that this statistic was never reported for any male vice president nominee. Furthermore, it tells the viewer nothing in terms of what the McCain-Palin administration will do in the event that they are elected. I am as liberal as one can be, but ideology has no place when it comes to the media capitalizing on facts that are unfair.

Chrissy Jordan
POS 1041
Fridays, 8:00-11:00 CDT

Amendment 8

"Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to require that the Legislature authorize counties to levy a local option sales tax to supplement community college funding; requiring voter approval to levy the tax; providing that approved taxes will sunset after 5 years and may be reauthorized by the voters."

Being a poor college student I'm all for this and have no idea why something like this hasn't been put in place already. With the rising cost of college something needs to be done!!

Kristen Paul POS2112

Amendment 1

"Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to delete provisions authorizing the Legislature to regulate or prohibit the ownership, inheritance, disposition, and possession of real property by aliens ineligible for citizenship."

I'm a little confused on this one. Maybe Mr.Q can help me out.

I don't think illegal aliens should be able to own property. I don't think ANYONE who doesn't pay taxes should be able to own property.

I'm not sure with the way this one is worded which way it's leaning but that's how I feel on that one!

Kristen Paul POS2112

Amendment 2

"This amendment protects marriage as the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife and provides that no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized. The direct financial impact this amendment will have on state and local government revenues and expenditures cannot be determined, but is expected to be minor."

I plan to vote "NO" on this one. I think to tell anyone, gay or straight or whatever, that their "union" will not be valid or recognized is just wrong. To refuse someone certain benefits because of who they choose to be with is ridiculous. And if the impact will be so "minor" then why have people spent all this time to draft an amendment on it?!?

Kristen Paul POS2112

Amendment 4

When we go to vote we will also be voting on some new amendments. I hope everyone has taken the time to look into them.

Amendment 4:
Property Tax Exemption of Perpetually Conserved Land; Classification and Assessment of Land Used for Conservation


I think that is a great idea. Land is a limited resource and I think if the amendment is passed the property tax exemption will provide an incentive for some people to start conserving.

Kristen Paul POS2112

Electoral College

In class we learned about the process of the Electoral College, where we cast a vote for which candidate we would like to see as the president and then it's left up to the Electoral College of each state to choose. Us Americans are able to vote for other government officials and the popular vote wins, however in the election of our president the process is different. Should this process be changed, seeing as there have been instances in history where the Americans popular vote would have meant one candidate received presidency yet the Electoral College chose the other candidate instead. There was a reason our founding fathers chose this procedure in the election of our president, but perhaps there needs to be a tweak in how operations are run in my opinion. Not neccessarily rid of the entire Electoral College all together but perhaps something should change.


Sarah Roberts
POS 1601 - T 6pm

Bailout or No Bailout?

The United States Congress is to represent the American people. Unfortunately, they have failed to do this by not passing the $700 billion bailout plan that would have saved homeowners that are on the brink of foreclosure. What they failed in is that they put deontological philosophy before teleological aspects. Which is more important, making sure executives are not compensated, or keeping people in their homes? What the leaders failed to do is communicate to Congress in plain English what this bill would do for the American people. Paulson, the former CEO of investment house, Goldman Sachs, and Bernake, the former Princeton economics professor explained the bill in jargon only sophisticated investors would understand. I have been a stock trader for almost three years and even I didn't understand. Something must be done, or we will see more 777 point declines on the Dow.

Chrissy Jordan
POS 2041
Fridays, 8:00-11:00 AM CDT

Young Voters

The other day I was discussing with someone about those who are just now coming into the age to where they are legally able to vote. It got me thinking about how many of these people who are now eligible to vote in this 2008 presidential election are really involved in finding out what each political party stands for and creating a stance on what they want in the coming years to help determine their vote. As well, I was curious about whether any of the up and coming potential voters, were even going to vote at all.

Are people today, especially our nation’s youth voters, really informed about McCain and Obama and their stance on issues we face here in America? Personally, I believe that people today, especially young voters, have great knowledge on what each party stands for thanks to our technological advances in these past years. With the web, people can now log onto different news channels, government sites, and political party sites in order to gain information. Young voters are able to get online and exchange information with one another about politics with blogs and discussion boards and gain opinions on issues which we are faced in today’s world.

Now does this mean that people who are eligible to vote are going to? I don’t know, but either way, we young voters should vote because it’s a right that we have gained by reaching the age of 18 and many of the biggest issues in the presidential election greatly affect us now and our future.


Sarah Roberts
POS 1601 - T 6pm

What happened to the experience argument?

Since the presidential race began, McCain has argued that Obama does not have enough experience for the job. So then he goes out and picks Palin as a running mate. She is on the record for saying that she needs to research what the role of vice president encompasses. If I am running a hedge fund and want to take on a general partner, I am not going to hire someone that tells me that she or he needs to look up the difference between a stock and a bond! It is sad when a Republican pigeon-holes himself. This relates to the class because we are discussing candidate comparison.

Chrissy Jordan
POS 2041
Fridays 8:00

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POS1601

Is the United States really ready for a black president?

I am not sure if the United States is really capable of handling a black commander in chief. I agree wholeheartedly with Obama's policies and his desire for a change and I in no way agree with John McCain or his policies. However, it seems as if our society is not ready for this yet. There is still a large number of racist people in our nation today such as the people that created this picture. The picture was sent around the world by an unknown individual in an email stating, "Guess What? Look who's coming to visit! FAMILY MEMBERS ARE ALREADY HEADED TO THE WHITE HOUSE FOR A VISIT." This despicable picture represents Africans traveling to the white house. There are numerous examples of these racial slurs throughout the internet. This undeniable observation warrants an idea that if elected Obama will create a social turmoil unheard of since the days of segregation and the late Martin Luther King. Whether the possible disturbances will stay on a verbal platform or will reach the heights of lethal action will remain to be seen. I believe that Obama will do a tremendous job in office even with the horrors of the little Bush administration lingering behind. Unfortunately he cannot run a country from six feet under. I pray that Obama wins for the good of the country, but I do fear for his life and the potential grief that his family could suffer. My last concern is what condition the nation will be in if this happens. Will there be riots? Race wars? A nation torn apart? Who knows what can happen and there can be no foreseeing the situation. The only thing that I am sure about is that I truly admire Obama for his courage in facing the unexpected and hope beyond hope that my fears are never realized. However, I cannot stop myself from being more concerned with Vice President hopeful Biden and the policies and views that he represents.

Damien Needham

Chipola College

POS 2041 Friday 8:00 a.m.

POS 2112 Friday 1:00 p.m.

Accessing Web Site

Go here.

Clinton supporters grow hestitant towards Obama

Obama has found it very difficult to reach out to Pro Hillary supporters and get their support. One of Hillary's top donors says she doesn't know if she can trust Obama and his policys, and will have to wait before making donations. It is up to Obama to continue trying to appeal to these women and remind them that although he is not Hillary, he still has the same tactics and ideas of change. Is it going to be hard for Obama to gain Pro-Clinton supporters support?

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/09/clinton.obama/index.html#cnnSTCText

Gretchen Smith
POS1041 MWF 5:30

Obama's Pro Green Support

Obama is known as the Presidental Candidate who promotes change, and envirnomental groups think the same. Obama has been said to disagree with McCain's proposals of permiting off-shore drilling and expanding nucleur power believing that this would hurt our envirnoment. Al Gore is said to be very pleased that this issue is being dealt with and changes are coming to the front. Will Obama continue to gather more supporters?

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/07/21/eco.obama.support.ap/index.html#cnnSTCText

Gretchen Smith
POS1041 MWF 5:30

Offensive or Funny?

http://news.aol.com/elections/article/vanity-fair-spoofs-new-yorker-cover/98079

A little after The New Yorker Magazine published this cover of Barack Obama and his wife, Vanity Fair magazine turned the tables and released this magazine cover with McCain and his wife. Vanity Fair depicts McCain with a walker, his wife (who once had a drug problem) holding pills, and a portrait of George Bush over the fireplace where the Constitution is burning. Do you think Vanity Fair went to far with their possible retaliation?

Gretchen Smith

POS1041 MWF 5:30

Are The Troops Coming Home???

Yes, I believe the troops will come home. It want be soon but they will be home thats if Obama is elected. He wants to bring our troops home to their families. McCain don't want them to come home until we win. I believe it is time for them to come home, they have been gone long enough and the families have suffered enough. I hope the troops will be home by 2010. They have served our country well.

Anderial Gammon
POS1041 MTW 5:30-7:730

Will A Democrat Make Much Of A Change

If Obama is elected president, will he make much of a difference. I think that he will because having a Republican as president is not good (problems all the time). I know there will always be problems but there will be less with a Democrat president. A Democrat president can bring a great change to America. What do you think?

Anderial Gammon
POS1041 MTW 5:30-7:30

Showing Respect?

When Obama cancelled out of the opportunity to visit wounded military troops in Germany and said his reason for doing so was, in his mind, a good cause. He doesn’t want to be portrayed as someone who simply shows remorse to something just because he is running for President. He refused to go over to visit with election funding and thought it was unnecessary. McCain on the other hand, disagrees with Obama’s decision and says that if given the opportunity he would certainly visit the wounded troops. Do you believe that Obama reason for pulling out of the trip was truthful?

http://news.aol.com/elections/article/mccain-rips-obama-on-nixed-troop-visit/102191

Gretchen Smith
POS MWF 5:30

Will There Be A Specific Price For Gas??????

It seem like the gas prices go up and then they go down. For the last couple of weeks gas has been $3.85 at a lot of gas stations. The lowest I have seen was at a gas station in Havana, a gallon of gas was $3.79. It seem like the gas is low for a month and high for a month. It's like they let us get a break for month and then suffer the next month (it is a pattern). What is going on with the gas prices?

Anderial Gammon
POS1041 MTW 5:30-7:30

Will Our Student Loans Be Taken Away

Massachusetts agency will not be offering student loans this year. I know the students are shocked and worried about how they will pay for college. I guess that is where the president step in at and help with education. They can stop the agencies from doing that to students. They will have to get money from other agencies and most of all they will have to start saving. Also, the parents will have to step in and help them if they can’t get money for college. So many students were relying on that money and now it has been taken away. I hope this doesn’t happen to any of the TCC students.

Anderial Gammon
POS1041 MTW 5:30-7:30

Obama Visits Iraq

It is good that obama has been in Iraq. It shows that he care and has had a taste of what it is like to be in Iraq. I am quite sure the troops are thankful that he came there. But what is the exact reason why he went there, I know he wasn't just visiting. What was his purpose of doing that?

Anderial Gammon
POS1041 MTW 5:30-7:30

Obama for president

John McCain seems to have good ideas about certain issues facing America today, but they seem way too familiar. Im not understanding why anybody supports the war in Iraq; which is why I fully support Barack Obama for this years election. Before the war in Iraq ever started, Obama said Saddam Hussein posed no imminent threat to the United States and that invasion would lead to an occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences; seems like his statement was correct. The issue on the Iraq war itself sways me to vote for Obama.

Obama's Push for Change

The Bush Administration announced the possible rise in the U.S. budget deficit to possbily $482 billion in 2009. Issues over the economy have been considered very important to the candidates, but Barack Obama feels the strong urge for immediate action. Obama has promoted his plan to change of course in the economy and has been open to hearing the different public opinions concerning the issue. Obama fears that McCain will follow in the footsteps of Bush’s economic plan. The rising concerns and issues concerning the economy calls for definite changes. Do you think that it would be safe to possibly keep the economy as it is, or is it time for change?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080728/pl_nm/usa_politics_dc;_ylt=AjU819CFIZ6JaZmVbgh5sa1snwcF

Gretchen Smith
POS1041 MWF 5:30

Barack Obama in the Media

Q:

Does Barack Obama popularity with the media gives him an edge or advantage over running mate John McCain when trying to gain the younger voter attention an winning the younger voters, vote in the up coming election for presidency.

A:

I think all the attention that Barack Obama receives from media gives him advantage over running mate John McCain. All the extra attention the media puts on presidential candidate Barack Obama make him more popular with younger viewers and younger voters.

Allen Harrison pos1041 MTW 5:30-7:30

"Wow, your really going to need hope!"

Listen, just like you I fell in love with the over blown rhetoric of Senator Barack Obama (ILL). His eloquent yet empty words softened the pain of having to hear from the Clinton's or Bush's again. Recently, Senator Obama has changed his message, or as he put it, "redefined." I could call it tweaked, altered or replaced. Come on people, he's no different than any other politician of yesteryear! He has changed on campaign finance reform, NAFTA, driving licenses for illegals, abortion, and even his main stay, the war in Iraq! People, don't blind yourselves with empty promises. Face reality, they're all the same! So, Americans I guess hope is what really matters. The belief that something you've been longing for will actually come to fruition. Like the Reverend Jesse Jackson said, "Keep hope alive!"



Jeremiah Nicolas (TCC POS 2001)

America's next president?

Barack Obama leading John McCain in the crucial swing states of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida, according to a new survey. Now that Barack Obama has a swinging lead over McCain in states, could this be the end for McCain just as it was for Hillary? Would Barack Obama become America's first African American president? Only time will tell.


Jelice Brown (Chipola College) POS 2112

Is terrorism really over?

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani accused Barack Obama of being a more defensive approach to terrorism. Obama's foreign policy advisor Susan Rice called John McCain's stance on the issue "stupid and fundamentally failed," on Wednesday in diffirent interviews. Now another question remains, would America be in any form of danger if Barack wins the presidental election?


Jelice Brown (Chipola College) POS 2112

Price increase!!!

Get your walking shoes ready gas prices are expected to increase another 12 percent by august, bringing the price at the pump up 2 $4.15 a gallon. somethings gotta give we as americans cant keep letting this fiasco spin out of controll.

Tyree Turner
Pos-1041 5:30pm

So Not Fair!!!

i recently saw a new post that said the state of missouri is paying less for gas than any other state in the united states. the reason being is becuase the have a cheaper gas tax then any other state.

Tyree Turner
Pos-1041 5:30pm

Could Bush really be Impeached?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080610/ap_on_go_co/kucinich_impeachment

In this article Representative Kucinich presented impeachment papers to the House. Kucinich said that Bush broke the oath and took the United States to war. Although Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the house said that there was no way that impeachment was going to happen Kucinich received 50% of the vote. Now what if impeachment was proposed years ago when the war begain? And if Bush is doing such a horrible job why are they keeping him in the White House?

Alicia Guidry POS1041
MTW 5:30-7:30, Section 5

Hillary Backs Obama

When Hillary dropped out of the democratic race she immediatly jumped behind Obama. Although the fact that a Black man and a woman running for president was historic enough the fact that she let it be know that she wanted and was willing to be his VP is waving flags. On the good side it could be history in the making, not only the first black president but also the first woman vice president. The bad of it is she may be doing anything to get "Clinton" back in to office. What do you think?

Alicia Guidry POS1041
MTW 5:30 - 7:30, Section 5

Was Hillary ahead of herself?

POS http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/politics/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20080607/pl_politico/10911

After reading this article of the campaign mistakes that Hillary made I made the conclusion that she let her inner woman come out. The article states the five biggest reasons why she lost the democratic nomination. One was that she was not 100% serious in her campaign trail. Another issue were just odd comments she made. I guess she forgot that she was being watched, videotaped and recorded.

Alicia Guidry POS1041
MTW 5:30 - 7:30

Car Bomb Kills Leader of Saddam's Tribe

Today June tenth 2008, Saddam's Tribe leader was killed. The Tribe's leader name was Sheik Ali al- Nida. He was Sixty- Five years old. He was the head leader of Saddam Hussein's Tribal Clan. He died in a car bomb that was planted under his car. Members of the Tribe have been targeted before.

Bret Kinard
POS 1041
MTW 5:30

Fewer Vacations

People recently have been going on fewer vacations. People have been going on fewer vacations because the economy is bad and also the gasoline prices. Gasoline prices may be the main problem why people are not going on vacation's as much. Gasoline prices are the highest they have been in the past ten years. Gasoline prices are doubled in other countries.

Bret Kinard
POS 1041
MTW 5:30

McCain, Obama trade jabs on the economy

As the two rival went back and forth on things like lost jobs and gas prices. Mc Cain stated that Obama would be bad for business. Mc Cain wants to add $300 billion more in tax breaks for big corporations. How will Mc Cain pay for this because he doesn't know or I guess the question is who?

Automobile Industry Decreasing

Gas prices are raising so high that Automobile industries are hurting. Automobile industries are losing big amounts of money because people can't afford the gasoline prices. Some Automobile companies are even trying free gas programs to persuade people to buy more cars. Automobile companies are in trouble because gas prices are not going down any time soon. Bret Kinard POS 1041 MTW 5:30

Why $4-a-gallon gas is a bargain

Truly the prices of fuel and energy are changing the way we live today. But consider $4.00 a bargain, because driver in places like Norway and Great Britain pay twice as much. Althrough gas is hurting our pockets the recent price increase have yet to reflect its real value.

Hurricane Season

This year is suppose to be a busy, vicious cycle of hurricanes. So this time people should take this hurricane season more seriously. Try not to let another Katrina disaster happened. When a hurricane warning is over your area, try to do everything you can to get out of that area as soon as possible and don't wait like hurricane Katrina. Bret Kinard POS 1041 MTW 5:30

What if gas prices were $10.00 a gallon?

Well the way things look it could happen in year to come. Just think about it the way of life as we know it is changing daily before our eyes. at $10. a gallon it would cast $225.00 to fill a truck and $132.00 for a small car. For the most of us that's close to a days salary. Who told then gas was the only thing we have to buy. But there is a good side they from a cure for obesity without even trying. If we keep this up we will have know trucker laid off, and multiple businesses closing.

Gas prices crimpling vacation plans?

Does the price of gas have you replanning or even cancelling your summer vacation?
AAA has the average price per gallon @ $4.02. Yet Americans will still fine an alternative for travel. Whether it be closer to home or grey hound for some even car pooling. How has gas prices effected your summer travel?

No recession for now

MSN money reports that the rise in oil prices are the cause of inflation. An with that comes more pressure, if corn cops fall another 10% more pressure of prices will come. Bernanke " said that high energy prices have introduced a greater risk for inflation. This is becoming more and more of a greater problem daily. What do we do?

New Class Website URL

The domain for the class has been hacked. You can still access class materials at http://quinnell.us/tcc/.

Extra Credit Textbook Assignment #3

1. What is the name for a large organization that is structured hierarchically to carry out specific functions?
2. What are the three largest cabinet departments?
3. How many cabinet departments are there?
4. What is the largest agency in the federal government?
5. What do we call a federal agency that isn't part of a cabinet department and reports directly to the president?
6. What do we call an agency outside of the major departments that is charged with making and implementing rules and regulations?
7. What do we call a government agency that administers a quasi-business enterprise?
8. What do we call laws that have expiration dates?
9. What is the name for the system of judge-made law that originated in England and serves as the basis for our American system of law?
10. Other than laws, what to judges primarily rely upon in making their decisions?
11. What is the name for laws that come from government agencies?
12. What is the name for laws that come out of court decisions?
13. What do we call the power of a court to hear a case in question?
14. A person must have what before they can sue someone?
15. What percentage of appeals to the Supreme Court are denied?
16. How many women and minorities, combined total, have served on the Supreme Court?
17. Approximately how many Americans don't have health care?
18. What is the dollar value of all final goods and services produced in a one-year period called?
19. In the U.S., the bottom 70% of consumers use approximately what percentage of health-care expenditures?
20. What is the approximate number of homeless people in the U.S. (as an average of the high and low projections)?
21. What is the trend in violent crime rates in the 1990s and 2000s?
22. How many people are in American prisons and jails and what rank is that worldwide?
23. How do tax rates in the U.S. compare to other modern industrialized democracies?
24. What are the two key types of nonmilitary aid that the U.S. gives to other countries?
25. When were the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon and who was behind them?
26. Prior to the beginning of the Iraq war, what were the two key reasons why terrorists target the U.S.?
27. What was the reason for the first Gulf War?
28. What are the three major ethnic-religious groups in Iraq?
29. Name three government agencies that have an influence on foreign policymaking.
30. What do we call the mutually beneficial relationship between the armed forces and defense contractors?

-Audrey Nichols, POS1041, Section 5

Congress offer no immediate help on gas prices.

President bush proposed to congress an offer to open an ANWR, and also open up the continental shelf. Bush said this will give the country a chance to seek help through this difficult moment. Opening up the continental shelf will take pressure off the gas prices. He also propose that they drilling in Alaska's Arctic Wildlife National Refuge. Congress opposed and said these alternatives will not work! Congress stated that it takes money for all the alternatives, the federal government is in $ 9 trillion in debt.






Myron Brooks POS, Section5
MTW 5:30-7:30p.m.

Advanced Knowledge Assignment (Homework #4)

1. What are three major functions of the bureaucracy?
2. Name two types of power bureaucrats have over the other officials in the government.
3. What are three major functions of the judicial branch?
4. Who makes the decision to fill a federal judicial vacancy?
5. How many judges must agree to hear a case before the Supreme Court will take it?
6. What are the two major types of public policies?
7. What is the largest "welfare" program in America?
8. What is the name for a program that provides a government benefit for everyone who meets criteria set by Congress?
9. What is the name for individual liberties that cannot be restrained by government actions?
10. Name two rights considered to be protected by the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment?
11. What did the Fifteenth Amendment do?
12. What are three major functions of the political parties?
13. What is the name for a group of political activists who organize to win elections, to operate the government, and to determine public policy?
14. Name two types of third parties.
15. What is the formal name for any of the means of communication that reach very large numbers of people?
16. Why is it difficult to regulate the media?
17. Name two of the tools or methods that the Internet is influencing politics.
18. What are three major functions of the interest groups?
19. Name two types of interest groups.
20. Why is it difficult to regulate lobbying and PACs?

-Audrey Nichols, POS1041, Section 5

Class Website Down

Fellow classmates,
As some of you know the class website is down and that poses a serious problem for those of us trying to access the homework and extra credit assignments for our flashcards. I have the questions for the extra credit assignments and the advanced knowledge assignment. I'll post them for everyone's use. If you have the world knowledge assignment please post it. Thank you.

-Audrey Nichols, POS1041, Section 5

Will John Edwards be Obama Running mate

Should John Edwards become Obama running mate, yes or no?
Edwards ran for vice president under senator. John Kerry four years ago, he was also a presidential candidate in this year Democratic primaries. Edward dropped out of the residential race in late January. Edwards stated “He will not run again”. He will give a helping hand towards the Obama campaign; he believes if Obama could pick somebody who shared his goals and governing styles they will make this world a happier place.

La Rhonda Beverly
POS1041-5:30 p.m.
Section5

Why Give Foreign Aid?

I do not understand why we give foreign aid out? There are so many problems in our own country that should be top priority than sending money to Africa and other countries. People always say well they are living in poverty well there are people in America who are living in poverty as well. To what degree who is to say? I just fell that our money that we work so hard for is going to other countries when it should be helping out our own country.

John Sabo
POS1041 sec#5
MTW 5:30-7:30p.m.

A Better Way

With gas prices going up everyday and cars and suv's taking up towards 100 dollars each time one fills their car up. A better solution to this is everyone should ride a motorcycle or a scooter. My bike only holds two gallons and i can go about 120 miles depending on how i ride. That is about 60 miles per gallon which is a great average. This could help out the wallet in the long run!!!

John Sabo
POS 1041
MTW 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Obama and the Economy

Obama is starting his first two week campaign around the country. In this article you can read that Obama want's to boost our weakend economy by having lawmakers drop $50 Billion to aid unemployment, food and oil prices. He also wanted to alot some of the money to go to a second round of rebate checks. Although this may boost the economy up how long will it last? Is this the worst it's going to get or is Obama moving too soon?

http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/09/news/economy/obama_economy_changetour/index.htm?cnn=yes

Alicia Guidry POS1041
MTW 5:30-7:30

Obama, Carter's second term

In an interview with Brian Williams, McCain says that it seems Obama is running for Jimmy Carter's second term. One of the main talking points for McCain opponents is that is if he is elected it will surely be Bush's third term. I think that this is mainly a scare tactic for people that don't want to look up the issues. I think that McCain does share some of Bush's policy ideas, but to go as far as to say it would be like Bush never left is ridiculous. The main issues they line up on are Iraq and taxes. Both of which are reasons why I support McCain. Other than that it starts to stray, especially in environmental issues, energy policy, and government spending. You can see where Obama and Carter line up in reducing the military's budget, taxing the rich, and open diplomacy with countries that are deemed a threat to the U.S. Carter's diplomacy with Russia was criticized as he was looking to please to achieve diplomacy, Obama's stance on talking with Iran is right in line. Some leaders can't be talked to, Ahmadinejad is a prime example. Carter's policy also made us more energy dependent on foreign oil, taxing oil companies, who reduced production. Right now that is one of our main problems, and Obama's Carter-esque policy doesn't seem to have a real answer. You didn't have to live through the Carter era to understand how unsuccessful his time in the oval office was. Do we really want that again?

Anthony Majewski POS1041 MTW 5:30

Star vows to leave if McCain is elected

Susan Sarandon (Bull Durham, other movies) has vowed to move to Italy or Canada if John McCain is elected president. She is on a growing list of A-list stars to "vow" to move out of the country if their candidate loses the presidential race, and the majority don't follow through. I would pay some attention if they actually packed up and shipped out. Anyone that wants to move out of the greatest country in the world because their candidate didn't win is stubborn, and looks like they don't have faith in America. Last time I checked Alec Baldwin (The Departed), Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), and Sean Penn (Fast Times at Ridgemont High) still are in the U.S. making movies, living their lives. I've got two words for Sarandon if McCain is elected, prove it. Send me a post card from Florence, or Toronto.

What do you take from a star vowing to move out of the U.S.?

Anthony Majewski POS1041 MTW 5:30

South Dakota oil refinery?

The Sioux City Journal reports that a vote was passed 58% to 42% to rezone 3,000+ acres for a planned oil refinery, the first one built in 37 years. I think this is great news, and a step in the right direction for relieving gas prices in our country. I think that we do need to find an alternative energy source, but in the mean time we don't need to suffer these high costs of fuel. We have the resources in and around our country to become energy independent, but environmentalists stand in the way. I think that prices would drop a large amount if we were allowed to drill off of our coast and in Anwar, while building enough new refineries to run efficiently, and not overworking the current ones. Oil companies are leading the way in developing new technology, but we don't need to suffer until something new comes along, where we have to buy new cars to exploit this new technology. We could help solve our energy problems by using our own natural resources, while we make advances in alternative energy.

Anthony Majewski POS1041 MTW 5:30

Gas Problem

Right now gas is the most it has ever been i the past ten years. What can we do to help with the gas problem? There is a couple things people can do, one is start carpooling, another is use public transportation, and there is even efficient electric cars you can buy called a Smart car. But that's not the only problem we got, in a couple years will gas ever drop or will it just keep rising? (Bret Kinard Pos 1041 5:30)

Obama criticizes McCain's proposed tax plans

In a speech in North Carolina Obama criticized McCain's tax plans that he would implement if he is elected president. Obama doesn't agree that lowering corporate taxes is a good idea and feels that making Bush's tax cuts permanent is a bad idea. On the other hand McCain says that his tax plan would balance the budget by the end of his first term. McCain has been a proponent of cutting government spending, eliminating ear-marks, keeping the pork out of bills. I think cutting spending is important for the success of our country, and it can do a lot to help balance the tax cuts. The way I see it, McCain's cuts will keep money in the hands of the people to spend at their discretion, rather than increasing spending, and using increased taxes to fund struggling government programs. Cutting unnecessary spending is essential to the long term success of our government, shrinking it, giving the private sectors more control over their businesses and citizens more control over their income and how they spend it, giving us more financial freedom with lower taxes.

Anthony Majewski POS1041 MTW 5:30

Clinton spends to win, but comes up short

Now that the dust has cleared and Obama is the Democrat nominee for the race for the White House, numbers are coming out from Clinton's ill-fated campaign. According to this article, Clinton spent $109,823 per delegate, at 1,926 delegates. This is a record setting number for a Democratic candidate to spend, and lose out on the nomination. The article goes on to list a bunch of alternatives for her money spent versus her failed campaign, like buying everyone in NYC a lottery ticket. I personally think it's great to see progress in politics, but I got a sense from Clinton and her campaign that she felt she was supposed to win, that she was entitled to it, so dumping money into the campaign even after she began to slip made sense to me. It will be very interesting to see what route she takes if Obama doesn't take her on as the VP, or does offer her the spot. Earlier in the race it seemed that she wouldn't want to take the VP spot, but that was when she was still in a position to win the nomination. Now her supporters are applying pressure to add her to the ticket, it almost comes across as desperation from her die hard supporters that may not vote for Obama unless she's on the ticket. I think it would be smarter for Obama to take someone else, if you take Hilary, you get Bill... and that package might be another example of the saying, "three's a crowd." As for the money spent, Obama will probably pick up a large portion of the tab, but it's not like the Clinton's don't have the money. It also proves that money doesn't win elections; and just because you feel that you are going to win, and everyone says you are the leading candidate early in the race, doesn't mean you'll take it wire-to-wire.

Anthony Majewski POS1041 MTW 5:30

Who will be America's next president?

Now that Hilary has dropped out and it's Obama and McCain, who will the voters choose? Hilary wants her fans to vote for Obama, but most feel since she has dropped out, then they will vote for McCain. Since Hilary has dropped out, Obama might loose most of the votes do to his race. Why does that seem to be a problem, who knows. It should strickly be on the candidates abilities, not race. The question remains who will be America's next president?

Jelice Brown (Chipola College) POS 2112

Is the world ready for a black president?

In this article Joyce Susick states “I don’t think our cournty is ready for a black president.” She also states that “her personal objection to Obama is his inexperience, not his color.” It has nothing to do with race,” she said. People have been using this term for years when it comes to being honest about some “it has nothing to do with his color, but in the reality of it all it all boils down the color. As much as the world has changed racism still excites and it is going to continue. Most people can see have a black man as their president but they rather have someone would is going to make their life ten times hard than someone is going to lighten the load as much as possible. What do you think is it racism or not?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080609/ap_on_el_pr/obama_race

La Rhonda Beverly
POS1041-5:30 p.m.
Section 5

Clinton persuade diehard fans to support Obama!

On Saturday Senator Clinton rallied up fans in Washington, DC to support Senator Obama in the upcoming Presidential election. Senator Clinton stated that she has endorsed obama and will help him fight for the presidential election. Only 60% of Clinton fans say that they will vote for obama, 17% will vote for McCain, and 22% say they Will not vote at all if Hilary is not the nominee! How will Hilary be able to persuade the remaining to vote for Obama?





Myron BrooksPOS1041, Section5
MTW 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Free Gas!!!

Gas prices are on everybody mind and its not only hurting the pockets of the people driving but consumers. the market that is really taking a big hit is the automobile market, but there finding ways to get around this hardship and one way is by giving away gas with the purchase of a new car and some people wonder how in the world can they do that. well in recent ads many car companies are giving away gas cards worth up to $3000.00 dollars and some even offering gas at a discounted price of $2.99 a gallon. I would have to say this is a good strategy to get people to buy cars.

Tyree Turner
Pos-1041 5:30pm

Who will be obama's VP

I strongly feel that Hillary should be obama's vice president.I know they have different outlooks on certain issues but i feel if they team up things would so much better. you have obama who is representing for African Americans and Hillary who is representing for the women. with them 2 working together and having the support of American americans and women they would be impossible to beat in this election for presidency.

Tyree Turner
Pos-1041 5:30pm

Cinton Supports Senator Obama

I commend Hillary Clinton for putting everything behind her and stepping up to support Senator Obama. The fact that they can come together to win this election and put the democrats back in control is a wonderful thing. Clinton stated “we have to work together for what still can be, and this is why I will work my heart out to make sure that Senator Obama is our next President. She reached out to blue-collar works, older Americans, and women to help Senator Obama win this election”. However it is report that Hillary Clinton prominent supports have been working to began a campaign to push her as the vice president nominee. So the question is Hillary supporting Obama just to win vice president seat.

La Rhonda Beverly
POS 1041-5:30 p.m.
Section 5

What will clinton do Next?

Senator Hilary Clinton has ended her fight for the Democratic nomination after being defeated by Senator barack Obama on Tuesday. In this article http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/she has stated that she will give full support to senator obama and help him on the fall campaign trail. The question what does Hilary plan to do next? Will she become the VP or not?

Myron Brooks POS1041, Section 5
MTW 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Clinton as Obama's VP?

We will see. In this article, it talks about how Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama had a secret meeting with just the two of them. No one really knows what they talked about but overall, it was for Clinton to give her support to Obama. I would prefer if Clinton wasn't Obama's running mate but there seems to be a chance that it may happen. They may do this to re-unite the party after this crazy fight to be the Democratic nominee. I have a feeling that many Obama supporters may not vote for Obama if Clinton is his running mate. I don't think that would change my vote. How do you feel about Clinton being Obama's running mate?

Jessica Steffens
POS1041 5:30-7:30 p.m.
58484

Hurricane season and gas prices

Meteorologists are predicting a busy hurricane season this year. If a hurricane hit the Gulf of Mexico’s extensive oil and gas intrastate it could send gas prices rocketing past $150 a barrel or higher if we don’t reach that in the next few weeks or two. In 2005 we had a bad hurricane season it sent oil prices soaring up. At the price of gas now how do they expect for people to prepare for hurricane season and maintain their homes. Most Americans are selling their SUV’s to purchase gas efficient car in order to maintain with out going into debt.

La Rhonda Beverly
POS1041-5:30 p.m.

McCain and his "Interests"

McCain welcomed barak Obama to the fall campaign for the white house and then speak against him. He stated “American ought to be concerned about the judgment of a presidential candidate who say’s he’s ready to talk, in person and without conditions, but he hasn’t traveled to Iraq”. Really do Obama have to travel to Iraq to know what’s going on to say he wants to bring our troops home. This is a man who cares for the people and he knows it’s time to put an end to all this madness. They say its one thing in Iraq going on but who knows for sure what’s going on President Bush have been sending more and more troops to Iraq to fight in a war but the question is Who’s war are our sibling s fighting in?
I think McCain has some money invested in this war that’s why he is trying to stop Obama from bringing the troops home.

La Rhonda Beverly
POS 1041-5:30 p.m.

Obama or McCain is the question?

John McCain welcomes Barack Obama to the fall campaign with more criticism. John McCain believes now that Barack Obama is his Democratic opponet and thinks the country needs a wartime commander and chief with more experience. He does not believe Barack Obama has what it takes on becoming a presidental leader. What will this election bring for the U.S. citizens?

Jelice Brown (Chipola College) POS 2112

Is this the end?

Hillary Clinton is open about becoming Barak Obama's Vice president. She want drop out of the race because she doesnt know how the other democrats will look at her. She know she has no chance of winning and decided to leave the decision of being Vice president open. Will this be the end of the race for the democrats?

Jelice Brown (Chipola College) POS 2112

Class Canceled

Just got diagnosed with bursitis, muscle spasm and carpal tunnel syndrome all in the same arm. They gave me a shot and I'm unable to drive at this point, so class will be canceled for tonight. Anything due today will be due tomorrow and well bump back quizzes, etc.

To much money for school

Why does school and text books cost so much money. I understand the government pays for a certain amount and the students pay the rest. This is still alot of money to pay. We need to do something about this mess.

John sabo
Pos 1041 #5
5:30-7:30 p.m.

FLDS kids must be returned

In this article, we learn that the Texas Supreme Court has ruled that all the children removed from the Yearning for Zion Ranch must be returned. It saddens me that the court has come to this decision. I don't think any good is going to come of this.

For those of you think that the return of these children is right, think about this: The article mentions that their "prophet," Warren Jeffs is in prison for "facilitating rape."

-Audrey Nichols, POS1041, Section 5

Rachel Ray is a Terrorist!!!!!

Dunkin' Donuts, pulled an ad that featured Rachel Ray, because she was accused of being a terrorist for the scarf she had on. This is just plain ridiculous. Nine out of Ten, Ray didn't pick out her clothes and who even thinks to compare her scarf to a keffiyeh, a traditional headdress worn by Arab men. Some people just take things too far!

Chantelle Burney, POS 1041, Section 5

No trust

I am wondering if people feel that Barack Obama is a danger to the United States? If his pasture is down grading our country and Obama is still attending his church is that what we want as a leader? I know for sure I would not want a president who listens to that from his pasture!!!

John sabo
Pos 1041 #5
mtw 5:30-7:30 P.m.

Online Pusher

This is ridiculous! Why isn't the government doing anything to stop the sell of prescription drugs online? This is a dangerous game that many are playing with their lives and livelihoods. Doctors are filling prescriptions over the Internet for patients they have never met. Sadly enough, this article highlights the death of a man that was ordering prescription drugs online. How many more people have been victims of online pushers? Although these doctors aren't just giving away the drugs, they are filling orders to dangerous requests that can ruin lives. Why can't the government do something to shut down these websites and stop these doctors?

Chantelle Burney, POS 1041, Section 5

Bush could become the "Teddy Roosevelt of the seas"

There was an interesting article from NPR about a conservation plan that would be the biggest in the history of the U.S. President Bush hopes to use the Antiquities Act of 1906 to carry out this plan. It would protect "territorial waters from fishing, oil exploration and other forms of commercial development." The list of possible sites started at 30 and they have narrowed it down to 5. I can't wait to see what site is chosen. Even though I haven't cared for Bush's policies in the last couple of years, I think this plan is just wonderful.

-Audrey Nichols, POS1041, Section 5

McCain and Hagee

I don't know if any of you have heard anything about Pastor John Hagee from Texas. He gave his support to McCain in the election. However, McCain (rightly) renounced the support. In this CNN article, Hagee says the split is "best."

I've listened to some of what this man has to say. (You can hear an interview Terry Gross had with him here.) I'm glad that McCain had the guts (and sense) to say no thank you to this man. He would have definitely hurt his campaign. In fact the day the day that I heard that this man was giving McCain his support I said there was no way in hell I would vote for him.

If you have the time, listen to the interview and tell me what you think of what Hagee is preaching. Personally, I find it appalling.

Class Webpage

Is anyone else having problems getting access to the class webpage?

-Audrey Nichols, POS1041, Section 5

RFK assassination reference unrelated to obama

In the article Sen. Hillary Clinton campaign accuses Obama's campaign of taking her words out of context. Sen. Clinton made a comment about the assassination of presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy which happened in 1968, correlating it with senator Barack Obama. I think that Senator Hillary Clinton's comments where very unprofessional. The comments has nothing to do with the campaign. As a presidential nominee i think you should govern what you say out of your mouth.

Myron Brooks POS 1041 section 5 (MTW 5:30-7:30 p.m.)

We're already in a recession

If you let Warren Buffet tell it, the United States is already in a recession. Buffet said we were already feeling the effects of a recession, in this article I found on AOL. I have noticed that when I go to the mall there are A LOT of sales going on trying to stimulate the economy, hoping that people will buy more, but there are A LOT less people in the mall. Prices are rising for everything, from gas to milk. Not to mention, the near impossibility of finding a decent paying job in order to survive. Do you agree with Buffet?

Chantelle Burney
POS 1041, Section 5, 5:30 p.m.

Does Clinton want Obama dead?

Probably not, but I found this article interesting. Even thought Barack Obama has a 99.9% chance of being our Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton's perseverance is very impressive. She is being a great role model on how you should never give up even if it looks like you have already lost. Now, if somehow Obama turns up assassinated in June, we will know whom to blame.

Jessica Steffens
POS1041 58484 5:30-7:30 p.m.

How much support can Bush give to McCain?

In a news article, George W. Bush is going to begin fundraising and making appearances in support of John McCain. I question how effective this is going to be. Bush's standing among politicians and the people has been dwindling for awhile now, and Congress has made that abundantly clear when his threat to veto an Iraq war spending bill was ignored.
While there may be a few people left in this country that are still in favor of Bush, I believe that McCain may just lose because of his support. Hopefully, we, as a whole, can look past Bush and focus on the issues that the presidential candidates bring forth.

Amanda Case
POS 1041 MTW 5:30p - 7:30p

Do we really have the right?

In the United States, there are so many different beliefs and ideals. For the most part, people respect others views. So why is the government involved in the polygamist case out in Texas? I realize that this is a controversial issue, but honestly, I believe we do not have the right to interfere with another's beliefs and views in life. Today, Texas' Child Protective Services plan to appeal the court's ruling that the officials had no right to take the children away from their families. LINK I hope that the appeal is struck down.
We may not understand or accept the polygamy beliefs, but that is no reason to take action against these people. What have they done to hurt others?

I feel the need to clarify myself and the last two statements I made. I did not portray what I was trying to say accurately.
I definitely feel there was a necessity for Texas officials to go in and "rescue" the children that have been subjected to molestation, but I definitely feel as if the media has as always made a huge production of defaming the way those people lived. Because they go through life differently - they are ostracized.

Amanda Case
POS 1041 MTW 5:30p - 7:30p

Portland elects an openly gay mayor!

On May 20th, Portland, Oregon, elected Sam Adams as its mayor. He won by an astounding 58% of the vote, against 12 competitors. While his campaign did not focus on the fact that he is gay, I feel it is a wonderful victory for the gay and lesbian community and the equality that we are always searching for.

In a quote from this article:
"I'm running not to be a gay mayor, but a great mayor," Adams said after delivering his victory speech. "But I'm very cognizant, very aware that I'm the first openly gay mayor of a major American city. That's a real honor."

Amanda Case
POS 1041 MTW 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Car that runs on compressed air!

Zero Pollution Motors is introducing a car whose engine runs on compressed air. They say they have met all safety features and it can reach up to and over 90mpg. How neat is that? I do not believe it is yet on the market but they are working on it. This would help a lot of people spending tons of money on gas, obviously, and benefit the environment, from what I know. If people can save 50 dollars a week from gas, that would help out a lot of people. I'm sure it won't save our economy but it could help a little. I am just curious what the cons are. If this was picture perfect, they would be working faster to get it out to the people. It would only cost $15,000 and from this video, they say that eventually they could make a generator to compress its own air to run the car, so you would never need to fill it up with compressed air. So hopefully, it will only be a few more years we will have to deal with this gas problem.

Jessica Steffens
POS1041 58484 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Study Session

There is going to be another study session this Thursday (May 22nd). It's going to be held at the Starbucks in the Publix shopping center on Ocala from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Again, those who are serious about getting some study time in are welcome to attend.

Please leave a comment if you intend to attend.

-Audrey Nichols, POS1041, Section 5, MTW 5:30-7:30 p.m. class

Changing the design of the American dollar

In this article, the court says that American paper money discriminates against blind people, which may lead to the Treasury Department redesigning our dollar bills, changing their size or adding new marks to it. That is why Stevie Wonder asked to be paid in one dollar bills so he could count the money itself (so I have heard). The United States argues that blind people have adapted by using credit cards or having a clerk to help them, but what if that clerk is dishonest? I believe this is a good idea to change the paper money but how could they replace the old money? Would the completely replace all of our money or would they weed it out like they do with the new designed money currently coming out? I don't see why they wouldn't do this. Its a great idea and it will be interesting on how the money will look. What is your opinion on changing our paper money?
Jessica Steffens
POS1041 58484 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Obama has the Election in the Bag

Everyone knows that Obama and Hiliary are the front runners leading the best Political Election ever. I think that it is safe to say that Obama is going to be the Democratic Party's nomination for President. For about three weeks now people have been wondering if Hiliary is going to drop out of the race. Today Obama has been picked to win Oregon and if so I think it would be a wise decision for Hiliary to drop out and to become his Vice President. Although her win in Kentucky would be a big deal I see the situation as two brilliant minds working together are a lot better that one dim mind creating problems.

Alicia Guidry POS 1041-Section 5-MTW 5:30-7:30

Former Klan member endorses Obama

Obama has gotten another endorsement! This time from Senator Robert C. Byrd, and it might come as a surprise to many because Senator Byrd is a former member of the Ku Klux Klan. This makes me wonder if people really can change! To go from hating someone because of their race, to supporting someone of a race you once hated. What do you think, can people really change?


Chantelle Burney, POS 1041 Section 5, 5:30-7:30

Weak? or Recession?

Gas prices are steadily on the rise, food prices are also on a rise, and people are losing there jobs left and right but according to The New York-based Conference Board their data reflects an economy that is weak but not one that is in a recession. Don't get me wrong I don't think we're in a recession but we're definitely not far from one. Is it just me or does it seem like economist are afraid of the word recession? They go as far as saying there has been a 0.1 percent increase in the last month to try to get people to think the economy is improving, in actuality that's a pretty low growth rate, I just wish everyone would face the truth and get ready for a recession.


Tyree Turner
POS 1041 5:30pm-7:30pm

Obama Says Back Off

Not only is Bush taking cheap shots at Obama, the Tennessee GOP, is now going after his wife, Michelle. In this article I seen on AOL, Obama is telling the GOP that they can talk about him but to leave his wife out of it. The Tennessee GOP basically was targeting Mrs. Obama because of the comment she made a few months ago saying "she was finally proud of her country." Although, I feel she was taken out of context when she said it and she should have chosen a better choice of words, I also feel it is wrong for them to target his wife. That really was a low blow, what do you think?


Chantelle Burney, POS 1041 Section 5, 5:30 p.m.

Bush, McCain and Obama taking cheap shots at eachother

Basically when I read this article in CNN today it reminded me of the bickekering we did in highschool about eachother. Bush made a roundabout comment that "someone" feels that we can now sit down and reason with terrorist and they'll realize that they were in the wrong for past events. Obama took it as a cheap shot and fired one right back about being closeminded about reasonable situations. Then McCain joined in by adding in his own two cents into the conversation. I do believe that there are more important issues for these GROWN MEN to debate. Issues such as what is truly going to happen with the gas crisis, what is going to happen to the environment, etc...

Alicia Guidry -POS1041- section 5 -(MTW 5:30 - 7:30)

You can tell Bush makes money from oil

In this online video interview by Politico, they ask George Bush what his administration can do to help with the prices of oil and food. In his answer Bush says, “The best thing we can do is to increase supply and drill for oil and gas in environmentally friendly ways at home and build a new refinery.” He also later says in order to make a great change, “consumers have to change their habits or there has to be an increase in supply.” All Bush seems to care about is that his family business will continue when he isn't President any more. Why doesn't he bring up the fact that we can investigate other sources to replace oil that is more environmentally friendly? I'm just glad Bush only has a few months to go and there shouldn't be too much more he can ruin... right?

Jessica Steffens
POS 1041 58484 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Gay marriage allowed in California... for now

"The California Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved ban on gay marriage Thursday in a ruling that would allow same-sex couples in the nation's biggest state to tie the knot." But some religious and conservative people are trying to put another ban on the November ballot and if passed, it will undo the court's decision. I believe that people of the same-sex should be able to get married if they want to. The United States is suppose to be the country of the free. Who are we to judge other's decisions and tell others what is right or wrong? People of the same-sex getting married doesn't hurt anyone so why put a ban on it? There are many different religious beliefs out there and we do not know who is right or who is wrong and we may or may not find out until the day we die. Other people believe that gay couples should not raise children either. Some children are raised in families who are worse off. Families where children are beaten, molested, and are taught to hate others based on their beliefs and race. If anything, gay couples can teach their children to have an open mind about others and respect other's beliefs. What are your thoughts on gay marriage and gay couples raising children?

Jessica Steffens
POS 1041 58484 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Human Trafficking

Yesterday morning my NPR news ticker led me to an article from the New Yorker that discusses the topic of human trafficking; sexual slavery in particular. It has really affected me in a way that no other news article ever has. I feel outrage that people can do this to other human beings. And I'm not sure why more people aren't as upset as I am; why there isn't more being done to put an end to this. The US government has enacted policy to help combat this atrocity. For instance, the US will put sanctions on countries that aren't doing ANYTHING to crack down on human trafficking. And of course there are always US charitable organizations that try to help the women and children that have been exploited. But some of them pull funding because of abortion. They pull their funding because sometimes when a woman who has been sexually exploited ends up with an unwanted pregnancy (let alone raise a child that will be a constant reminder of the evil that was done to her) she wants to have an abortion. I feel as if that in itself is just as cruel and heartless.

Now that I am aware of this, I know that I need to learn more about it. Educate myself, so to speak. I need to know what exactly is being done to combat this. (What policies have been enacted? Who voted for them and who didn't? What organizations are dedicated to this cause? What organizations pull funding due to abortion?) And I feel that I need to know how I can personally help put an end to this. As long as we live in world where slavery still exists, we don't have the right to call ourselves civilized.

Please, read the article.

Audrey Nichols, POS1041, Section 5 (MTW 5:30-7:30pm class)

Another endorsement for Obama

I just read this article online today that NARAL Pro-Choice America (an abortion advocacy organization) has made the controversial decision to back Senator Obama instead of Senator Hillary Clinton in the campaign for presidency. Some people, including myself, feel that this move is rather insulting to Hillary because she has supported their cause on more than one occasion. I agree with the article that NARAL should have stuck behind Hillary for the duration of the campaign. What do you think?

Laura Lewis
POS1041 58484 MTW 5:30-7:30p.m.

Date Changes

Because of the canceled class, note the following changes:

T May 13
The Political Ideologies quiz will be tonight
The Candidate Comparison Directions will be discussed tonight
The Constitution Knowledge Assignment will be due tonight

W May 14
Both the U.S. Constitution and Campaigns and Elections quizzes will be on Wednesday
Extra Credit Textbook Assignment 1 is also due Wednesday due

T May 20
Introduction Letter/Visit will be due

Class Canceled

Sorry about that. A friend passed away and I'm helping out his roommate tonight. You can turn in your assignment tomorrow night and I'm extending the time for the introduction to next Wednesday.

McCain's commitment to fight global warming

Even though I don't care for republicans, I am glad McCain has jumped on the bus to try to make some changes to better the environment. In this article, McCain says he wants to lower carbon emissions to the 1990 levels by year 2020. I feel our environment is among our top priorities that need some change. The only problem is, the United States isn't the only country committing to the carbon levels so doing our part won't save us from the massive amount of melting icecaps. Maybe I should invest in some land around here so my grandchildren could own some beach front property.

Jessica Steffens
POS1041 58484 MTW 5:30-7:30p.m.

Obama has outline for Fall election

Democratic nominee Barack Obama states that "he will run against Replublican nominee John Mccain in the Fall Election" .I think barack obama will touch upon the issues that he address in his campaign. I also think that Hilary should drop out of the race, because she doesn't stand a chance at this point. Hilary continuing to run is really hurting the democratic party. When it all boils down i think Obama should make Hilary vice president!

How can People Trust Obama???

To My Understanding Senator Obama has said "We Live in the best nation in the history of the world Please Join me in changing it!" Well I do not understand If this is the best nation in the world why would Obama want to change it? This makes no sense to me. The only other way to change this nation after being the best is being the worst!!!

John Sabo
Pos1041 58484 MTW 5:30-7:30.