FINAL PROJECT- ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

A POLITICIAN'S VIEW OF THE OZONE LAYER

Text of Political Cartoon:

College Protest: Help! Save! Stop!

Scientist: How do you not see the hole!!?

Politician: (wearing sunglasses with $ on it) Hmm.. I don't know.. Don't see it!

Caption: What could be blocking this politicians view of the hole in the ozone layer??

In today's society, the environment is a very popular topic. The problem is, more talking is being done than actual "doing." Over 80 percent of college freshmen believe that the government is not doing enough to control pollution. Wilson notes how young people feel about the environment and political intervention, and reflects that "In England, by contrast, rules designed to reduce air pollution were written by government and business leaders acting cooperatively." In America, the government and business leaders both work together to oppose more environmental progress. Thus, I felt that my political cartoon accurately showed the relationship between the youth, politics, and the facts when it comes to the issue of environmental policy. In response to these problems, the only thing we can do is work individually and as a whole to help the problem. Using recyclable grocery bags, writing letters to your congressmen, and driving a hybrid/ using other methods of transportation can help make a small difference. Overall, we must outwardly protest these injustices, and make sure those who do not have our interests in mind are voted out of office. The government acts on the issues people care about the most, so this should be made a top priority.

I've decided who I'll support- McCain.

Mitt Romney, presidential hopeful, called out his opponent John McCain concerning his opposition to two of President Bush’s tax cuts. Romney claims that McCain has a "got-it-alone" attitude that will divide Washington if elected into office.

With his beautiful smile, Romney commented “Anyone who’s run something, whether it’s a small business or a big business, knows that the No. 1 ingredient for success is building a remarkable team of people around you, motivating them, guiding them, insisting on them drawing out their best capacities. I’ve had occasions to run business, to run the Olympics and to run a state, and you don’t do that by yourself He voted against the Bush tax cuts — twice,” Romney said. “That’s failing Reagan 101. (Ronald) Reagan taught … almost all of us in the Republican Party that lowering taxes would grow the economy and was good for our economy and good for individuals. And I believe that the Republicans are going to nominate a tax-cutter to become president of the United States.”

Personally, I feel that this dispute will bring up Romney’s views on taxes in a negative light, since he had raised Massachusetts taxes by over $700 million. I think that this shows McCain will change his stances based on circumstance, rather than just stay with republican ideals to keep the party happy. McCain shows great potential as a president, but unfortunately does not seem to have the numbers to make it to the top.

But overall, this is why I have chosen to support McCain. but Romney might convince me if he took off his shirt...

Republicans and the "ists"

“In a state where presidential hopefuls are supposed to personally ask for your vote, Iowans have heard far more by mail, phone and TV from the Republicans this year.The deluge has not helped Liz Schofield, a homemaker and anti-abortion activist, make up her mind: ‘I get a lot of mail," Schofield said. "You know what; it is so difficult to decide with the Republicans. We have such good candidates. They all love the Lord’

Almost being eighteen, and through Mr. Gwaltney’s wonderful AP Government class, I have finally associated myself with a specific party. Through extensive thinking, my car payment, and the taxes taken out of my paycheck, I have decided to be a Republican. Now, will all parties, people do not necessarily agree with everything. So, I try to turn my ear or shield my eyes to certain things, but this I just couldn’t let go.

“We have such good candidates. They all Love the lord!”

Wow. Okay. Not once have I ever thought, hmm… who should I pick? Okay, well no they don’t love tha lord. Oh no wait, ya’ll don’t love tha lord eitha. Oh, he kills babies, he loves the lord, great!

"I think the race will freeze at Christmas _ too many people are going to disappear into their homes, their family and their churches," said Iowa GOP executive director Chuck Laudner.

I am embarrassed to say that people might make their decisions based on a presidents religion, which leads me to think that people may make decisions based on skin color, gender, and other superficial things. Then, I started hearing things around me. It was happening in real life! It wasn’t just some house wife in hick town Iowa! And that’s when I discovered that a lot of Republicans were racists, sexists, and whatever other “ists” there are to have.

And then it was all okay, because I’m not and maybe I’ll start a new revolution of Republicans who let women have abortions and let gay people get married but don’t charge taxes. So, I continue to shield my eyes and cover my ears because nobody’s perfect, right?

So, I make another promise, in addition to last weeks, to stop making racist comments, sexists comments (except when concerning Hilary), and other “ists”.

And besides, Obama does look really cute in those tight pleated pants…

A Religious Reflection

Fox News Reports:
“The clash began Tuesday on Mount Gabar, in Sirnak province, the military said in a statement posted on its Web site. Six rebels were killed on Tuesday and the military said eight others were killed later. One Turkish officer was killed Tuesday.”

On the border of Iraq conflict has broken out as guerrilla forces had killed 13 soldiers. Shelling was used to retaliate, and in response to this, more violence broke out.
For the first time in a very long time I looked at the war from a different perspective. Not from my perspective, not from a soldier’s perspective, and not from a republican or democrats perspective- I looked at things from a religious perspective.

This story perfectly encapsulated the cyclical nature of violence. One violent act leads to another. And it got me to start thinking, this is how all things work, isn’t it? All things lead to another. Is there no end to anything? Which then led me to think about goodness. Goodness must be cyclical as well, because if bad things are reiterated through history over and over again, good things are probably repeated too. In light of this revelation, I have decided to attempt a chance at breaking the cycle of badness, and continuing the cycle of goodness. I want to try and do at least one good thing for someone else each day, and pray that they will return the favor onto someone else. Also, I hope that if someone wrongs me, I can, as God did with Cain, label them as someone who should not suffer, but be granted forgiveness.

Maybe if we looked at things this way, some conflicts would cease, but with current conditions this method of thinking is hard-pressed to be successful.

War may be a necessary evil, and I’m not saying that peace is the answer, but I think some self reflection and the thought of God’s eyes watching us at all times may help us to resolve some conflicts more quickly.

Next week on Oprah: "Roadtrip!!"

Oprah Hit’s the Road! Obama’s number one fan is joining Obama on the campaign road. Oprah was able to score herself a ticket to the primary and see the action stir up! Who’s going to win these caucuses? Tough call, but Oprah is going to do whatever she can with her star power to make sure it is Obama. Although that was mildly over exaggerated, doesn’t this bring up an issue? Yes, people like Bill Clinton (an amazing speaker who could get anyone to do anything ;) ) are coming to support others and give speeches, but isn’t Oprah a pop idol? Not necessarily an established political figure? Doesn’t this bias people who may not be well… as intelligent (considering that they are even home during the time you can watch Oprah). I feel this is an unfair advantage to have someone with the kind of power that Oprah has, taking one candidate’s side. Although she has the perfect right to, it is inappropriate and inconsiderate on her part because it unfairly biases the country on a whole. I suppose there is no way to see the long term effects of her campaigning, but only time will tell. Maybe this roadtrip will give her an an oppertunity to give away stuff to poor people.

IDAHO: HIlary.. YOUDAHO! oh no wait... Iowa... whatever same thing

As Iowa draws near, the Democrats seem to be flocking to bask in it's voting-ness. Apparently, this is a major thing- especially for my favorite girlfriend Hilary! Even though Hilary is pretty strong in other states, Obama and Edwards seem to be suspiciously hopeful for a “non-Hilary” turnout in the caucuses. It’s interesting, that these Democrats seem to be putting 100% of their effort into this primary and have dropped most of their everyday campaigns to focus all their attention on this. Fox News reports Hilary’s plan of attack:

“First she must get past Iowa, which she has called her "toughest state." A loss there could make her look vulnerable and create a competitive race for the 2,104 delegates needed to secure the nomination at next year's convention, Aug. 25-28 in Denver.”

The anticipation is killing me! Let’s see how the states stack up:

“State polls show a tight race among Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards with the rest of the field lagging behind. But polling is notoriously difficult among potential caucus participants, making the true state of play very difficult to gauge.”
Well there you have it. Can’t wait to see who wins!

Obama is a Ladies Man, Hilary is just... a Man

It seems Obama is having no trouble with the ladies- well, except for Hilary Clinton whose sex is still debatable. Recently Obama met with Women who are mothers and working at least one job. He wanted to hear how they felt about their jobs and the answers were synonymous- these women are very overwhelmed. I found it refreshing to see a candidate reaching out to a lesser known group of hard working Americans. Whether it is because they are polite and quiet about their digressions, or it is just conveniently overlooked, working mothers seemed to get the blunt of things. Although I feel very sympathetic for these women, I am not sure how Obama could necessarily reach out specifically to this group of people. Should male single parents not receive any compensation or help? Or not even be interviewed for a news report on their feelings? Obama decided the best route to go with this was that the aid would be directed towards “families.” Fox News Reported:

“Obama said helping parents juggle family and work when their children are young
will pay off in increased productivity in the long run.
‘It's very similar to
the mistake we make with Health Care in this country, where we don't provide
people with health care up front, so people put off basic prevention and we end
up seeing them in the emergency room where we pay twice as much,’ he said.”

Although I am touched by this sad story and the loving, sensitive side that Obama has for women, I cannot help but wonder, where is this money going to come from? Obama may have scored points with the poor but it’s not doing much for me. The only thing I can admire in Obama is that he’s a hottie and he’s somewhat sincere. At least he doesn’t plant questions like Hilary. Oh well, hopefully everyone will be so tired of hearing about Hilary when election time comes around they will vote for ANYONE but her.