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.

"Conservatives Happier Than Liberals"

Did anyone else read this article from the blog's news feed? I felt that it was definitely a biased article. (Did anyone else feel that way?) In it, the author says that conservatives possess the ability to better rationalize inequalities in society. In return, conservatives are better able to live happier lives.

As a side note, it briefly mentioned the topic of "egalitarian women" and how they tend to be less happy than women in more traditional marriages. (It provided a link to another article that went into more detail about the subject. I found it to be an interesting read.)

-Audrey Nichols, POS 1041, Section 5 (MTW 5:30-7:30 pm class)

"Ron Paul's Legacy"

Ron Paul's book, The Revolution: A Manifesto, was officially released on April 30th. In it he discusses his views and beliefs concerning the government's move away from our Constitution as set out by the founding fathers. I've never been one to read a politician's book, but this one does intrigue me. As a person with libertarian views, I tend to agree with Ron Paul's stance on issues. (Mind you, I don't share ALL of his opinions.) I do intend to read this book when this semester is over and I have more time available to myself.

source: Ron Paul 2008 - Hope for America

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

Weekly Study Group

There is going to be a study session at Starbucks in the Publix shopping center (on the corner of Ocala and Tennessee St.) next Thursday May 15th at 7pm. The study session will start promptly and will last for about an hour. Any who are serious about getting some study time in are welcome to attend.

Please leave a comment by Wednesday May 14th to let me know if you are going to attend.

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

Steroid Scandal in Baseball

I think the house oversight committee needs to stop worrying about steroids in baseball, and focus more on things that really matter. America is currently experiencing a war, economic slump, and record unemployment rates things the house should be focusing on INSTEAD of baseball. I wonder how much money the house has wasted putting baseball on trial, but no matter the figure, I promise that money could have been used for much better reasons.

Scott Halperin

cinton and obama had a conflict in pennsylvania

Obama had critisms that were direct and clintons were unmistakable. clinton says about obama that instead of attacking the problem he should try talking about attacking the solution, i think that everyone is narrowing down to those two for president , so the media is looking for every little thing to over dramatise and instagate . i think our meadia needs to just be honest and they should never stand one sided , however every media cast views only what they belive .

pope visits the U.S

The president welcome the pope to the u.s today ! the pope does not visit the us alot however i hope that when the pope is here he helps the catholic faith! it has not been very strong in a while. the pope should come to the U.s mor often to teach the americans about religon and how it ties inton poltics .

Mccain is ahead of obama

the new polls say that mccain is ahead of obama. so now he is tied with the democratic canindates. i think mccain my win. but the election is always unexpected. it is a mystery to know who will will the 2008 elections.

STOP! Read this before posting

A huge percentage of the posts and comments people are submitting are not valid. There are directions on this and you are required to follow them to get any credit.

The following applies to both posts and comments:

1. They have to relate to the class you are in.
2. They have to be at least two sentences long.
3. They have to give your opinion on the issue.
4. They have to have your full name typed in them.

At this point NONE of the older posts/comments that violate these rules get any credit and you CANNOT go back and fix them. You have to do all new posts/comments to get credit. And, no, you cannot have an extension. And, no, I will not tell you before class tomorrow how many you got credit for. If they violated any of the above four rules, they don't count. Period. Add up the total number you did and subtract one for each post/comment that violates these rules. Rules, by the way, that have been in place since the beginning of the semester.

Making children memorize one grade at a time.

The standards public schools use to teach reading, math and other subjects would become tougher, more detailed and more relevant at every grade level under a bill House Speaker Marco Rubio said Wednesday is one of the important pieces of education legislation in Florida's history. Is it the information that is the problem for our education system or the way the system works in the first place?

Another illegal one?

A hallucinogenic herb called Salvia divinorum could be put in the same class of controlled substances as marijuana and LSD. That's after a proposal on the matter was approved by the House. Possessing the herb would become a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

Taxes...boo

A proposal to reduce property taxes in exchange for hiking the state sales tax has split conservative Republicans, who are arguing whether the measure makes taxes more equitable or is a bait and switch that will end up costing Floridians more. What do you think?

Fat America

Florida elementary school students would be required to have 30 minutes of continuous exercise daily, and middle schools would get physical education, too, under a bill up for debate in the state's Senate. Do you think this will decrease the obesity rate in children?

I'm tired of flipping open my local newspaper, and reading about another corrupt politician in my county. It seems a lot of local politicians have been stealing taxpayer money. Big surprise! Doesn't the majority of them do that in one form or another?

Chasity Tucker
POS 2112

Educating voters

I think more people should be educated on researching whats going to be on their city's ballot before they go to vote. They pat themselves on the back because they voted, but if a person is uneducated on their decision, I would just prefer them not to vote at all. Maybe our city governments and congress would actually start improving if that ever happened.

Chasity Tucker
POS 2112

Let the states have a little bit more power

Illegal immigration is a big problem in Florida, but our national government is having a hard time dealing with how to resolve it. I believe that illegal immigration control should be handed down to the states, because they are the only ones who know how to asses this problem in their individual state. Millions of dollars are being lost by taxpayers in these states so that illegal immigrants can be put on welfare and public housing. Congress is having a hard time deciding how to put tighter restrictions and punishment on these immigrants because they want to make everyone happy. You can't deal with this situation that way. If it was left up to the state, we would get to skip this middle man.

Chasity Tucker
POS 2112

If I were Obama, I would just write books

He made 4.2 million dollars on his 2 books last year. I think he should spare us all as a presidential candidate and just stick to writing books. The presidency would never pay that much!

McCain too old?

Democratic Rep. John Murtha, who is 75 years old said that John McCain is to old to be president. Murtha is 4 years senior to McCain, and said that "running the country is no old mans job." Would John McCain's age affect his performance as leader?

Homeland Security

So everyone, I need to be enlightened on the Homeland Security. Does it cover the mexican border? And doesn't it seem like it is a waste of money. 

Whats wrong with childrens parents in the world

Nojud Mohammed Ali is an 8 year old girl living in Yemen. Her parents had her marry a 28 year old man and move in with him. This seems a little crazy to me, and it should to most of you. Her unemployed father claimed he "feared that she would be kidnapped." This isn't uncommon in Yemen, the country plans to set a standard age of 18 as the minimum to marry. 

HIgher Chicken Prices

So Pilgrim's Pride poultry company just got caught for employing illegal immigrants. I don't have a problem with the illegals working. The government should let businesses hire illegal workers, but deduct taxes out of their pay. If were going to let them work in America, the least we can do is let them contribute to the economy. 

Legalize It!

I think that marijuana should be legalized. If we compare marijuana to alcohol you will see that it is less harmful. For one thing you can't overdose on marijuana like you can on alcohol. I mean how many DUI related deaths are due to people driving around high? If alcohol is legal then weed should be legal too. Don't get me wrong I love to drink alcohol but I know the day after I drink an entire 5th of Jim Beam i will feel way worse then the day after I smoked four blunts of the Koosh.

What a Miracle!

A Minnesota teenager by the name of April Mosier, age 14 manage to survive a plan crash that took place in the central African Nation. The teenager spoke Swahilli which could be the reason why she was saved. She told a man to tear a hole in the side of the plane or they would all die. By the grace of God her parents and her baby brother made it out safely. Now the question lingers in their head..."what does God have for them to do next"? Is this a miracle or what?

Muslim Group Declines to meet with the Pope

Although the Pope is against the wars in the muslim world the U.S. Muslim group declines to meet with the Pope. Do you decline or accept a national figure of the world; I think not this is a show of no change in the world as we no it today. We all need to pray for peace in the middle east and have faith the god will hear our prayers. why do you think the us muslim groups decline to meet with the pope?

Schools And the Use of Prayer

I think that praying should be used in the school system. Maybe it would hurt since we have shooting in schools everyday. After the columbin shootings do you think that it's the childern or the parents faults for the shootings that have happen in the past and present; I think No It's the governments fault for not allowing prayer in the schools the whole world needs god and I hopes he's with us in these tuff times.

Pope benedict Starts U.S. Tour

The supreme court rejected a petition; by a 7-2 vote. Some Kentucky death row inmates who argued the current lethal injection method violated the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment by inflicting needless pain and suffering. I think that this brings about a problem that we should resolve quickly. I think that there shouldn't be a death penalty, the offender should just live the rest of there days out in prison the death penalty is to easy and no one deserves to die. All this was voted upon eventhough the pope entered the country and he strickly opposes it. do you agree or disagree that there is a problem with our death row system.

The Economy

Because of America's struggling economy it seems like the whole world is at mass chaos. I'm from Haiti, where the political situation has never been "perfect," and things are getting worst there. There are several factors why Haiti is at it's slump at this moment but one of them is that America's economy is struggling so much that those who are in here that provided for those back in Haiti cannot afford to do as much as they did. I'm sure that other foreigners who sends funds back home are expierencing the same effect.

Wanse Acceus

The Economy

Because of America's struggling economy it seems like the whole world is at mass chaos. I'm from Haiti, where the political situation has never been "perfect," and things are getting worst there. There are several factors why Haiti is at it's slump at this moment but one of them is that America's economy is struggling so much that those who are in here that provided for those back in Haiti cannot afford to do as much as they did. I'm sure that other foreigners who sends funds back home are expierencing the same effect.

Political Parties

I think the political party system needs to be done away with. I think political parties encourage narrow mindedness when it comes to voting. For many people even if they agree with a candidate on most issues if they are of a different political party people are less likely to vote for them anyway. Also it limits you choices for primary voting in states with closed primaries like Florida. I want to be able to vote for who would make the best president in my opinion regardless of whether they are a democrat or republican or something else.

Katelan Folsom POS1041 MWF 12:20

Will history repeat itself?

Why does it seem that nobody knows about the situation in Darfur. Thousands are being murdered in a mass genocide and America just goes about it's business like nothing is happening. We've been too focus on what's been taking place in our borders and the borders of middle east to associate with what's happening. I remember a time in history where we closed our eyes and pretended nothing was happening and guess what happened.. WWII

Wanse Acceus

Obama for the win

The hype about Obama for sure winning seems to be everywhere. I being black myself am estatic that there is a black canidate and even more excited that he has a woman president as his opponent. I believe that the America is ready for this change, actually ready for any change because our current president is, to me, taking advantage of his possition.


Wanse Acceus

MONOPOLY EFFECT

The high prices of gas seems to have a monopoly effect on everything. Walking into the grocery store really brought that to light to me. Milk, bread and other items that were the first things i went for to get while i was at the store now is being debated by me on whether or not if it's necessary because they've gotten a little more expensive. I shouldn't have to compromise buying milk because of hight prices of gas. I wonder, that when and if prices starts to drop will everything start gradually becoming cheaper or will the say the same price?

Wanse Acceus

Where in the world is Osama Bin Laden?

To me, the current election, the war in Iraq, and most recently a 24 hour coverage of Brittany Spears has Americans side track from a very important issue: Bin Laden. This man was in charge for the deaths of thousands of our fellow americans and he's seemed to just be forgotten. I know Osama hasn't just fallen off the face of the earth so why is that the media isn't trying to still have our attention about a man that is so dangerous?'
Wanse Acceus

Florida Marriage Protection Amendment

A lot of people are trying to petition that the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment be put on the November 4, 2008 ballot. This amendment proposes that it should be made legal that marriage may only take place between a man and a woman, and no other exceptions. I do not like this proposed amendment. I believe that it is a ignorant amendment, and I hope that it doesn't get put on our ballot. Our nation is changing, and I think people should be more tolerant of the "new". Their are thousands of homosexuals in our country, especially in Florida, and they should have just as much a right to get married, and enjoy the benefits of marriage, as a straight couple should be allowed to. I just don't see how people can claim that gay marriage is immoral.

Chasity Tucker
POS 2112

One of the Two Should Win

If Barack, or Hillary, wins I would think that one of the two would win against Mccain. As we discussed in class recently, Mccain is not being supported by many republicans, so I would think that majority of votes would fall to the democratic side...right?

Windy Gedeon

One of the Two Should Win

If Barack, or Hillary, wins I would think that one of the two would win against Mccain. As we discussed in class recently, Mccain is not being supported by many republicans, so I would think that majority of votes would fall to the democratic side...right?

Windy Gedeon

One of the Two Should Win

If Barack, or Hillary, wins I would think that one of the two would win against Mccain. As we discussed in class recently, Mccain is not being supported by many republicans, so I would think that majority of votes would fall to the democratic side...right?

Windy Gedeon

One of the Two Should Win

If Barack, or Hillary, wins I would think that one of the two would win against Mccain. As we discussed in class recently, Mccain is not being supported by many republicans, so I would think that majority of votes would fall to the democratic side...right?

Windy Gedeon

Social Security...It's going, going...gone

Rumors of social security of not being here by the time I'm 50 (I'm 21) is said all over the media. If that's the case, what will futre elders live off of. With that being said, doesn't social security come from things such as taxes?

Nader's Candidacy

When Nader first announced his candidacy people were talking about it and who it might hurt the most in the general election. I was thinking at the time it would hurt democrats the most because that would be who he stole the most votes from but now I haven't heard anything about him since the announcement and beginning to wonder if he will have any impact whatsoever. What does everyone else think? Will he hurt the Democrats, the Rupublicans, both, or neither?

Katelan Folsom POS1041 MWF 12:20

Media Coverage

I am sick and tired of the media only showing little bits of the important news and then mostly stories which they sensationalize for entertainment purposes. I watch the news to find out what is going on so that what I want them to give me. I think news channels should be made to cover important issues like darfur and big decisisons facing the supreme court because this is the best way to inform the people and everybody should know about these kinds of things. What does everyone else think?

Katelan Folsom POS1041 MWF 12:20

With War Comes Spending…With What?

America has a huge chunk of money that they owe (several trillion dollars) to other countries. With the rumors of threats and suspicions of war with other countries, I highly doubt that America would have time for a major world war. I believe if and when we go to a major war with a major country, it’s a war that we better win. Reason being is because eventually we’ll hopefully use the goods of the country to payback some of the debts. Not only that, war costs money, even if we do win we'll still have find a way to pay all that money we owe.

Windy Gedeon

Why Have Delegates?

Till this day I still don’t understand I we have delegates. When I was told that it’s the vote of the people that count I, honestly believe that my vote would actually go towards voting for a president. What I learned this semester is that delegates are the ones who vote for president. Why vote if that’s the case? I still don’t understand why that’s not the case. I honestly do believe that, if it were the people who voted, then, presidential outcomes would have been a bit different.

Money, Money, Money

The 2008 presidential campaign has alreadly cost millions and millions of dollars. I think it is ridiculus for candidates to spin so much money when that money could be used for better purposes. Think about if all the money that private corporations or interest groups get donated to family with children without healthcare or some other worthy cause. What a difference it could make. I think the candidates should have a set amount of money and then I comes down more to who spends their wisely. What do you think?

Katelan Folsom POS1041 MWF 12:20

Why Raise Minimum Wage

I hear about both Obama and Hillary planning to raise minimum wage. I don’t believe it’s necessary. I realize (from my eyes), when minimum wage was raised from five dollars to six dollars and something change, prices of goods also went up. So now I wonder. If minimum wage is increased once again, will prices on goods increase as well? I would think so. When and if minimum wage is increased, boss (company owners) will have to spend more money on worker’s checks, this would result towards losing money. One way to prevent in losing money would be to increase the prices on consuming goods.

Nothing Better Than a Black President

This may sound very bias, but what can be better than a black president. Some people may think that having a black president may be one of the biggest mistakes for America. I on the other disagree. Reason I say this is because when many people (Europeans), have doubted us African Americans when being the first to do something. When you look at the sports world, people thought that we would mess up, but look at the sports world today. I’m just saying, I think that once and if Obama is president, there will be a lot of pressure, but he’ll be able to handle, and I think he’ll be successful at being president.

Nothing Better Than a Black President

This may sound very bias, but what can be better than a black president. Some people may think that having a black president may be one of the biggest mistakes for America. I on the other disagree. Reason I say this is because when many people (Europeans), have doubted us African Americans when being the first to do something. When you look at the sports world, people thought that we would mess up, but look at the sports world today. I’m just saying, I think that once and if Obama is president, there will be a lot of pressure, but he’ll be able to handle, and I think he’ll be successful at being president.

Prison Population in Florida

As of October 2002, there were 74,873 in the Florida prison system. The month before there were 74,768, and the month before that there was 74,249. Jeb Bush stated that crime in Florida is going down since these past 5 years. If you ask me, how can crime be going down if the prison population keeps on going up. Each month the prison population kept on getting higher and higher. We all know that prisons in Florida hold down a lot of inmates that could be on parole or house arrest. This in turn could save us tax payers a lot of money in the long run. With Florida housing the most inmates of all states in the U.S., its only continuing to make a bad name for our state.

Whats your take on this issue?

Supply & Demand of crude oil

Crude Oil prices are currently on the rise in the U.S. Some people believe that it may be because of the value of the U.S. dollar, others seem to believe that is because of the Supply and Demand of the product.

I believe that with the lack of the resource, Supply is going down. And while supply is going down, Demand is going up.

Biology Professor Hinton states, " If crude oil demands continue at this rate, by the year 2018, all resources will be depleted and people of the U.S. will be dependant on another form of fuel to power our vehicles."

The thought of gasoline being absolete is somewhat frightening. And to think that we will be running on solar , ethanol, and electricty powered vehicles in the near future is exciting.

What is your stand on this issue?

McCain's Faith: SERENA WELCOME

McCain is very tight-lipped about his faith. He comes from an older generation that keeps their religion more to themselves and it's something more private. I wonder if this puts him at an disadvantage because Obama and Clinton are so open about theirs?

America's Drinking age

There has been much debate over to lower America's drinking age to 18 or leave it at 21. I personally do not think thaat if it were to be lowered to 18 that it would not affect America as much as they think In fact, i think it would eliminate all of the underage drinking and problem decrease some of alcohol related accidents. Young teens view drinking as a trill of excitement because they can't do it but if they could it would not be as popular. In Europe the drinking age is 18 and i think it does not affect their society at all. No one really puts much thought into it, therefore it does not cause that much of a problem.

JASMINE STRIBLING
POS2001

America's Drinking age

There has been much debate over to lower America's drinking age to 18 or leave it at 21. I personally do not think thaat if it were to be lowered to 18 that it would not affect America as much as they think In fact, i think it would eliminate all of the underage drinking and problem decrease some of alcohol related accidents. Young teens view drinking as a trill of excitement because they can't do it but if they could it would not be as popular. In Europe the drinking age is 18 and i think it does not affect their society at all. No one really puts much thought into it, therefore it does not cause that much of a problem.

JASMINE STRIBLING
POS2001

America's Drinking age

There has been much debate over to lower America's drinking age to 18 or leave it at 21. I personally do not think thaat if it were to be lowered to 18 that it would not affect America as much as they think In fact, i think it would eliminate all of the underage drinking and problem decrease some of alcohol related accidents. Young teens view drinking as a trill of excitement because they can't do it but if they could it would not be as popular. In Europe the drinking age is 18 and i think it does not affect their society at all. No one really puts much thought into it, therefore it does not cause that much of a problem.

Gas does not seem to be lowering

Everday gas pricing and rising more and more each day and is affecting many people hard. Some people are no longer able to afford gas prices and now have to find other ways to conserve money to find transportation. Many people have tried to implement these " no gas days" which ultimately do not work because someone is still going to be gas daily. Also major companies such as Airlines and Bus transportation need gas on a daily basis to transport people to where they need to go. But are they going to come down anytime soon? Many have reported that they are only going to get higher and may not come down for a while or until they find a new way that might solve the gas solution.
Jasmine Stribling
POS2001

Is America Ready

Our country is sought to be the land of the free and with many opportunities. But with this upcoming election there is much controversy. We have a woman and a miniority who seek the office of president. Never in history has this been done and many people are hesitant to this fact. They see a woman as weak and emotional and a miniority is being an outsider running a country that "SUPPOSELY" is not theirs. How do you think America will react to this if one wins?
Jasmine Stribling
POS2001

Immigration

I disagree with the candidates that want to improve border security in efforts to keep people from immigrating to our country. People complain about these illegal immigrants taking away American jobs, however, its these people that are doing the jobs that American citizens don't want to do. This is suppose to be the land of the free. They arejust looking for that same freedom.

Tylinda Dailey POS2001

Jobs security

Many of American's are losing jobs on a day to day basis because of jobs out sourcing. Countries such as Mexica, India, China, Korea, and other asian countries are recieving most of these jobs but at a lower pay. Huge companies such as wal mart and Hershey feel as if they will save money by paying these people less and with little to no benefits. But is this a right solution? What about the people in America who this might affect?
Jasmine Stribling
POS2001

Education Cuts

iRecently there has been many debates about education cuts in the United States and a number of them will affect college students. Some sources have said to cut bright futures to only those majoring in certain subjects. Others have said only giving financial aid to those who truly need it. They were also stories about taking summer school out of colleges. But if they do take summer school out, how will that affect out other semesters? Will we have to take on more classes? Is there anything we can do to stop this from happening. Because i love having my bright futures and do not want it taken away when i worked so hard for it.

JASMINE STRIBLING
POS2001

Same Sex Marriages

I was suprised to find out that Republican candidates oppose a constituional amendment banning same sex marriages. Its interesting to know that all three of the front runners think that the states should decide how to handle this matter. However, I do think that each state should recognize the others laws on this issue, otherwise there will be too much choas.

Tylinda Dailey POS2001

Hillary and Abortion

Hillary Clinton has voted in favor of woman's right to choose whether to continue their pregnancies. Yet I don't think she is pushing this issue strongly enough. I believe if she gave her full support on this issue, she would be able to gainmore of the younger woman's vote, which shewould probably be taking away from Obama.

Tylinda Dailey POS2001

McCain's Economic Plan

A part of McCain's plan to revive the economy includes making a new and, as he claims, simpler tax system. He says that Americans don't have a problem with paying their share of taxes, what bother them the most is the whole tax process. I have to disagree with this. I would love to see a decrease in the amount of taxes I pay rather than just changing the way I file my taxes.

Tylind Dailey POS2001

Foreign Policy

Our country has got away from diplomatic relations with other countries. We must try to regain connections with allies and friendly countries. The idea of working together with other countries is beneficial to the U.S.'s future.
Kristopher Hekaros POS1041

Oil

There is too much money going toward the consumption of oil. There alternative source of energy, although expensive. the U.S. need to get away from dependence on oil, and move toward a better eco-friendly source of energy. This will help our economy and environment.
Kristopher Hekaros POS1041

Education

People need to focus money on lower level education. Students are being taught the same information in a poor manner. There need to be more money put towards qualified teacher and classroom supplies. The importance of education should be instilled at a young age.
Kristopher Hekaros POS1041

Mass Sources

People are going tpo the wrong places to look for information. People need to make sure their factual sources are correct and not just an average person's opinion. It is hard to choose between good and bad media. People must make sure information is not biased or misleading.
Kristopher Hekaros POS1041

Struggling Economy

The economy is going through a rough patch. The ecoonmy always works in a pattern and goes up and down. People must be faithful that a rise is coming soon and put their money back into the economy. People must not be wary and fearful, because that can cause worse economic struggle.
Kristopher Hekaros POS1041

Democrats need to choose

The Democrats are focusing too much time picking a candidate and giving McCain time too be in the spotlight by himself. They must choose a candidate and then choose a vice president, so the public can decide if it is best for our country.
Kristopher Hekaros POS1041

Homeland Security

People are too concerned with what is going on in the MIddle East and in North Korea, when they should be focusing on the internal threats on America. the U.S. need to work on advancing their border patrol and protect for illegal immigration. This is a larger problem them wars thousands of miles away.
Kristopher Hekaros POS1041

Obama, Change

People talk about how they want change and wants things to be different. The transition time in between change is always known to be unstable and rough times. I do not feel the U.S. is is need of a period like that. I think people need to realize that change is not going to be immediate no matter who is elected.
Kristopher Hekaros POS1041

Death Penalty

I've never understood the concept of the death penalty. Why is it that, America practices such a barbaric form of punishment. We claim ourselves as civil well how does killing one person just because they murdered another supose to make it right. I mean, when we were in elementary school and we got in trouble for hitting another kid did the principal say: Hey you since you hit him or her, they are entitled to do the same thing to you, so turn around so they can punch you in the face. I know this phrase is played out but " an eye for an eye, makes the whole world go blind."

Wanse Acceus

Death Penalty

I've never understood the concept of the death penalty. Why is it that, America practices such a barbaric form of punishment. We claim ourselves as civil well how does killing one person just because they murdered another supose to make it right. I mean, when we were in elementary school and we got in trouble for hitting another kid did the principal say: Hey you since you hit him or her, they are entitled to do the same thing to you, so turn around so they can punch you in the face. I know this phrase is played out but " an eye for an eye, makes the whole world go blind."

HILLARY'S PLAN FOR THE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

With the global warming becoming a topic of almost all coversation it makes sense that a canidate for presidency have the environment as on of the policy priorities on their agenda. Hilary plans to introduce a $50 billion dollar "Strategic Energy Fund" to promote energy independence and improve the environment. My question is, Where will the money for that energy fund be coming form? With all the promises both of the presidents have mad in regards to the economy, healthcare, the environment and everything else how will American tax payers be affected by these promises?

math and science

Obama said that he would like to put more emphasis on math and science in schools. I'm not really sure how he is going to do that. All the basic sciences are pretty much mandatory classes even here in Florida where we have a horrible education system.
The fact is, if you want more people that are good at science and math you will have to try to teach them that those kinds of number crunching jobs are fun. People in school usually are not in school to have fun, they are in school to get a piece of paper that says they know what they are doing so that an employer will pay them more money (or learn about the subject and then get a piece of paper). If the job is boring, or tedious, most people will try to steer clear of that job because they don't want to be looking threw a micro scope or at a bored full of equations for the rest of their life.

David Lippold
POS1041

banning video games?

I think that if a person wants to play a video game where they go kill people, thats fine. I think it's a good stress reliever. And I think that the government has no place sticking its nose into the business of the gaming industry. Yes, many video games are violent, and that is because violence sells. If little ponies with rainbow sold to all ages then people would be buying, watching, and playing happy little pony games. Should a person understand that the video game is not reality? Of course they should. Just like a person should understand that everything they see on T.V. isn't real.

David Lippold
POS1041

best government

I believe that the best form of government is anarchal communism. Everyone associates communism with "bad" but the truth is that the reason it fails isn't because of the government, but because of the greed of that government's leaders.

David Lippold
POS1041

Gun Control

I don't think that the government should ban the owning or carrying of fire arms. People that want to hurt other people with guns will hurt other people with guns. People who don't, won't. Why punish fine citizens for the acts of criminals. I realize that the second amendment may not be interpreted to mean literally guns, but that doesn't mean that the government should take them away.

David Lippold
POS1041

to baby or not to baby

I think that abortion should be left up to the individual, not a federal court. In my opinion, not even the state should have a say in the matter. The state is not having a child, and neither is the federal government. There are a total of three people that should be involved in the process of determining whether or not to have an abortion: the mother, the father, and the doctor.

David Lippold
POS1041

Poverty

There is plenty of food in the world for everyone, but because they are in sever poverty they lack the money to buy enough food for their children and themselves. Every three and a half seconds, most of the time, one child dies everyday of hunger-related causes, which is about 25,000 people that die everyday, according to the United Nations. These poor children and their parents become weaker and even sicker until death. I think that this is very sad, but I am happy to see that there are programs that can help the families in need of care. There are programs called “food for work” where there are adults are paid with food to build schools, dig wells, make roads, and so on. Now, for the children, there are programs called “food for education” where there are children that are provided with food when they attend school. With this program the children’s education will help them get away from hunger and global poverty. I think that these programs will make a big different in poverty and hopefully these programs will continue but much is needed for the children in need. Is the government really trying to help those that are in need of their help, like those in poverty?

By: Adriane Smith
POS1041

Hillary

Hillary strongly believes that in order for us to know who is in our country we should secure our borders. She supports a set up of new technology that can help stop the flow of undocumented immigrants into the country. I think that in a way this would be a good idea, mainly because there are a lot of bad people that want to do a lot of bad things. However, there are some good people who are looking for a new start or people who want to find there long lost families members. Do you think that undocumented immigrates should be allowed in America?

By: Adriane Smith

United States and the world view

How much do you really think the United States should worry about how other countries view it? Because of all the products that it buys and sells from other countries, do you really think it matters whether or not they like the U.S.?

Iran

I believe it was the current Iranian leader who said that he wanted to destroy Israel (the little devil) and the United States (the big devil). If this is accurate information, how do you feel about it? How should we deal with Iran? (I don't mean war, I mean in a diplomatic sense.)

David Lippold

Gay rights?

I recently read an article in TIME magazine about the gay culture in Beijing, China. Some have described Beijing’s attitude towards the gay community as a triple no policy: no approval, no disapproval, no promotion. They still don’t have as much freedom as say a city like San Francisco but the gay community in China is still free to live their lives. How do you feel about gay rights? I think that homosexuals should have the same rights as heterosexuals. I am glad that society is becoming more accepting toward the gay community.
sorry i keep forgetting to put my name
Posted by Wendy Jo Mullins

Gay rights?

I recently read an article in TIME magazine about the gay culture in Beijing, China. Some have described Beijing’s attitude towards the gay community as a triple no policy: no approval, no disapproval, no promotion. They still don’t have as much freedom as say a city like San Francisco but the gay community in China is still free to live their lives. How do you feel about gay rights? I think that homosexuals should have the same rights as heterosexuals. I am glad that society is becoming more accepting toward the gay community.

The Right kind of Gun Control

John McCain said he would like to implement a new gun control policy. Where people have guns and people that use them to break the law should be punished but law abiding citizens should not. I think that it is an accurate statement to say that people will break the law with fire arms even if they are not allowed to be owned. Any thoughts by the readers?

David Lippold

McCain and Healthcare

It seems to me that John McCain is primarily focused on giving competition to the health care industry. That way people that offer it will be forced to offer it at competitive and reasonable prices. Did I miss interpret this? Can someone else give me a different point of view?

Abortion

John McCain would like to overturn the Roe vs. Wade court decision and leave the decision to the states, not the federal government. What do you think about abortion and why? Do you think that it should be a law or just a choice made by an individual?

David Lippold

Same sex marriages

Should same sex marriages be legal? Many people are against same sex marriages, and I kind of just wanted to hear some views on this issue. In my beliefs, who I am to stop someone from being happy? I think that everyone should just do what makes them happy, even if that means marrying the same sex.

I remember when I didn't think this way, which actually wasn't too long ago. My mom's friends sister has a partner of the same sex and I remember listening to my mom and her friend talking about her sister and her partner and how happy the two of them are.

Recently, they both were pregnant and had kids, and at first I just thought that it was going to be so hard for the kids as they grew up, and hard for the couple to explain things to their children. Since, I was around the couple, I realize that my opinion before was rude and selfish. They're just two people doing what makes them happy.

Political author

If you enjoy reading political books outside the classroom, then I recommend reading just about anything from Gore Vidal. I recently read "Dreaming War: Blood for Oil and the Cheney-Bush Junta." I love his views on the current administration. You may recognize his name from the television movie "Billy the Kid" with Val Kilmer.