Debates

I think that debates are an interesting thing. The public is supposed to get some real time information out of these question and answer sessions, but I feel like the candidates really only recite memorized lines, and never even truly answer the questions they are being asked. I think that solely based off of the debates, I would have to side with Meg Whitman and her ideals. She presents a more solid argument and seem smore composed and sure of her views than Jerry Brown. Overall, I think that these debates are not an accurate way to measure who we want to represent us in our government, but rather, we should get our information from non biased sources, so that we can accurately weigh out the pros and cons rather than simply watching expressions on the candidates faces and listening to them ramble on.

Post #2 (Voting)

I do not think that the voting age of 18 should be lowered because I don't think most Americans under 18 are mature enough to make such important decisions. I also think that if a legal resident alien meets certain requirements, they should be allowed to vote. I don't think that citizenship should be required for voting, but there should definitely be a strong, strict set of requirements that must be met before a non resident can vote. I think that felons should temporarily have their voting rights stripped off them, maybe for as long as they are in jail,depending on the situation or crime committed.

Post #1 (pg.84, #1, #2, #1)

1. There are numerous personal experiences and individuals that have influenced my political attitudes. The individuals that most influence my political views are my family and the community that I live and participate in. I think that living in a relatively sheltered, protected town has definitely affected the way I view politics. My involvement with these people and my community have helped me develop morals and beliefs that play a key role in my take in politics.
2.I believe that the place where I live has had the greatest effect on my political attitudes. I don't think we are exposed to as much diversity or cultural and societal difference as other places are. When a person has the ability to look outside their own little world and realize the struggles and issues of others that are different than their own, I think it helps the political world to be more understanding and cooperative.
1. (Choose a question)... I do have opinions about healthcare, the environment, and outsourcing, depending on the situation in which they are discussed. I think that these opinions came from my family, parents, teachers, church, and the rest of my community. I have heard all of these people talking about them, and I have had discussions about some of them with some of these people. I have also read articles about them. These discussions and articles have also helped to shape my opinions about such issues. I think that although it would be ideal for all Amercians to recieve free healthcare, it brings about so many other problems and issues. Even though many people suffer from a lack of medical attention, if we give away this free health care, what about the doctors and medical staff who also need to make a living. How can our government provide for both those who need medical attention and those who are providing it when we are in such an economic state of distress.