I watched the November 4th, 2008 elections, although I strongly believed that there was nothing that could possibly halt Obama. And, there wasn't.
I asked my dad who he voted for. My dad was a fairly grounded democrat, but to my surprise, he said that he had voted for McCain. I thought that Obama would appeal to him, and actually the presidential candidate did. My dad was going back and forth with himself, deciding whether he should vote for Obama or vote for McCain. He was still arguing with himself when he entered the booth, but then he asked himself a single question: "Who will get us out of war?" He voted McCain.
If other people were like my dad I don't think that the elections would've gone the way it had. He has a clear political sense. Although he doesn't follow intricately with politics, he does know what's going on. After watching the people's reactions post election, even though I was happy too, I was kind of amazed. There were so many people on television who seemed to say that their only reason for voting for Obama was because he was black. For the people who voted solely for the race of the candidates and not the candidates themselves, there was no weighing, no last minute deciding like my father had done.
Really, I think just the fact that Obama was a democrat was really what moved people to vote for him. After eight horrible years with a Republican president, the people had had enough. They turned to their escape, an eloquent man who promised change. He was a democrat.
Obama took California, New York, Florida - all huge, huge sources of electoral votes - and even took the swing state of Ohio.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Presidential Endorsements
First off, the Tampa Bay Online? We're comparing a local newspaper to the New York Times? This could be a David and Goliath situation, but it isn't, because the New York Times is just so huge and known.
It doesn't take much to see that the endorsement written for the times is much more developed than that of the Tampa Bay Online (TBO from here on). The nameless writer (or writers) of the editorial on the Times is direct and clear in his message: he wants Obama in the White House. He cites specific examples of how Obama will prove to be a better president than McCain. He says how Obama's policies will benefit the nation, in contrast to McCain's which he does not necessarily bash, but turn down.
The Tampa Bay editorial is weak. Unlike the Times', TBO's editorial beats around the bush too many times. It proposes, over and over, that McCain is the solution, however it did not say exactly how so, in what ways.
It doesn't take much to see that the endorsement written for the times is much more developed than that of the Tampa Bay Online (TBO from here on). The nameless writer (or writers) of the editorial on the Times is direct and clear in his message: he wants Obama in the White House. He cites specific examples of how Obama will prove to be a better president than McCain. He says how Obama's policies will benefit the nation, in contrast to McCain's which he does not necessarily bash, but turn down.
The Tampa Bay editorial is weak. Unlike the Times', TBO's editorial beats around the bush too many times. It proposes, over and over, that McCain is the solution, however it did not say exactly how so, in what ways.
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Electoral College
The Electoral College is not a college. What we know as the "college" is actually an institution, made up of representatives who select the president and respective vice president from the pool of candidates (which is only two typically, due to the system).
On Election Day, we vote for a representative in the Electoral College to vote for the candidate we want, instead of directly for that specific candidate. This implementation was a direct answer to the inefficiencies of the Articles of Confederation, which failed because it gave to much power to the people; they abused the power and almost caused America's collapse. Every state has only a certain number of these representatives, and therefore electoral votes - which are determined by the state's population. In total there are 538 electoral votes distributed across the states, with some obviously having more than others because of population differences. However, a candidate does not need to necessarily sweep every single state to win, because the first to hit 270 is declared the winner.
There are several advantages and disadvantages to the system, and most of them are very logical consequences. One of the main advantages of the Electoral College system is that it gives more people a voice, more or less. If we were to use a direct system, where the people vote directly for the president, the states with low population would have a heavily diminished voice, in comparison to larger states like New York and California; presidential hopefuls probably wouldn't even bother campaigning in those states because it would be largely irrelevant.
Another advantage, which I think was the most intended by the delegates at the Constitutional Convention, is that the votes of the people can be superseded. As mentioned before, we vote for a representative who will cast their vote for a candidate. If our representatives were to think that we are making a poor choice about the candidate we are choosing, they can change their mind. It is an advantage in a sense, because you have some really uneducated and unaware people running around in America (especially America) who don't know anything about the government. Take for example this election, I am confident that racial supremists will be voting against Obama only because he is black. When Hillary was running, I am also sure that people would have voted for her and/or against her just because she was a woman.
A disadvantage of the system is the possibility that a candidate will win the popular vote, but not the presidency. This is the situation that Al Gore found himself in 2000, where he won over the nation, however was denied the seat. Again, it is a purposeful catch that the delegates put in. We the people, in order to form a more perfect Union, should not be trusted to vote because we almost destroyed the nation the last time.
While I may not like the system so much, it has worked, and apparently well, for the past few two centuries. It was only on four occasions that the popular vote and electoral vote did not match. I don't vote, but I would think that it would be really annoying to have to vote for an elector who might not even vote for the runner I want. It's more than taking a leap of faith, because depending on the state, your vote might just be converted into a tally for the opposing candidate. It has elements of gambling in it: in order to leave the game with the money you want, you will have to invest. If you want to get a candidate into office, you will have to risk your vote being turned over against your favor.
On Election Day, we vote for a representative in the Electoral College to vote for the candidate we want, instead of directly for that specific candidate. This implementation was a direct answer to the inefficiencies of the Articles of Confederation, which failed because it gave to much power to the people; they abused the power and almost caused America's collapse. Every state has only a certain number of these representatives, and therefore electoral votes - which are determined by the state's population. In total there are 538 electoral votes distributed across the states, with some obviously having more than others because of population differences. However, a candidate does not need to necessarily sweep every single state to win, because the first to hit 270 is declared the winner.
There are several advantages and disadvantages to the system, and most of them are very logical consequences. One of the main advantages of the Electoral College system is that it gives more people a voice, more or less. If we were to use a direct system, where the people vote directly for the president, the states with low population would have a heavily diminished voice, in comparison to larger states like New York and California; presidential hopefuls probably wouldn't even bother campaigning in those states because it would be largely irrelevant.
Another advantage, which I think was the most intended by the delegates at the Constitutional Convention, is that the votes of the people can be superseded. As mentioned before, we vote for a representative who will cast their vote for a candidate. If our representatives were to think that we are making a poor choice about the candidate we are choosing, they can change their mind. It is an advantage in a sense, because you have some really uneducated and unaware people running around in America (especially America) who don't know anything about the government. Take for example this election, I am confident that racial supremists will be voting against Obama only because he is black. When Hillary was running, I am also sure that people would have voted for her and/or against her just because she was a woman.
A disadvantage of the system is the possibility that a candidate will win the popular vote, but not the presidency. This is the situation that Al Gore found himself in 2000, where he won over the nation, however was denied the seat. Again, it is a purposeful catch that the delegates put in. We the people, in order to form a more perfect Union, should not be trusted to vote because we almost destroyed the nation the last time.
While I may not like the system so much, it has worked, and apparently well, for the past few two centuries. It was only on four occasions that the popular vote and electoral vote did not match. I don't vote, but I would think that it would be really annoying to have to vote for an elector who might not even vote for the runner I want. It's more than taking a leap of faith, because depending on the state, your vote might just be converted into a tally for the opposing candidate. It has elements of gambling in it: in order to leave the game with the money you want, you will have to invest. If you want to get a candidate into office, you will have to risk your vote being turned over against your favor.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Mayor Bloomberg and Term Limits
Mayor Bloomberg is making the motions of acquiring another term. It breaks convention, because all the other state mayors only get two terms. His wish to abridge the New York constitution was a response to the entrenching financial crisis that's hitting America at the moment. Personally, I'm alright with it. It's not like he's declaring himself mayor again: he will be running for re-election, along with other candidates. He has experience, he done the city good during his terms, he knows his businesses, and because of the financial crisis, I'd think that he would be a best fit for a third term in office.
Term Limits of Government Positions
President of the U.S. > two 4 year terms
Vice President of the U.S. > limitless, theoretically
U.S. Senate > limitless 6 year terms
U.S. House of Representatives > limitless 2 year terms
Supreme Court Justice > limitless, until death
Governor of New York > two 3 year terms
Governor of California > two 4 year terms
Mayor of Los Angeles > two 4 year terms
Queens Borough President > limitless 4 year terms
Term Limits of Government Positions
President of the U.S. > two 4 year terms
Vice President of the U.S. > limitless, theoretically
U.S. Senate > limitless 6 year terms
U.S. House of Representatives > limitless 2 year terms
Supreme Court Justice > limitless, until death
Governor of New York > two 3 year terms
Governor of California > two 4 year terms
Mayor of Los Angeles > two 4 year terms
Queens Borough President > limitless 4 year terms
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Republican or Democrat
People have a thing for organization, and that's where stereotypes come from. In relation to politics in America, this comes pretty distinctly when you are asked point blank to affiliate yourself with a party. I don't like classifying myself as either one, and if I really had to choose, I would say I'm a democrat, but I do like bits and pieces of both philosophies. To me it is not the party that matters, but the people in the party, what they do, and why they do. If I think think that a certain candidate, who is a Republican per say, is the best choice for office, I would vote for him. It's nothing complicated, however the media tends to refer to the parties as completely separate, often one being better than the other; for them, there is no such thing as a gray area.
Democrats are generally liberal. They are more open to change than Republicans, but not change for the sake of change. They are more involved with the people, and unlike Republicans, believe in assisting the lower class. Though they require higher taxes, the money is shuttled to fund programs that ultimately benefit the people. In the same line, they work to decrease unemployment rate. A democrat's policy is more relaxed in mine studded subjects, including homosexuality and abortion.
Republicans are generally conservative. They like to keep things old school and promote big business. Often, their policies are influenced by religion (namely the Christian). They do not believe in helping the poor, saying that they should learn to actually work for money. They also believe in lowering taxes, and generally take to distancing themselves from the people in that way.
Democrats are generally liberal. They are more open to change than Republicans, but not change for the sake of change. They are more involved with the people, and unlike Republicans, believe in assisting the lower class. Though they require higher taxes, the money is shuttled to fund programs that ultimately benefit the people. In the same line, they work to decrease unemployment rate. A democrat's policy is more relaxed in mine studded subjects, including homosexuality and abortion.
Republicans are generally conservative. They like to keep things old school and promote big business. Often, their policies are influenced by religion (namely the Christian). They do not believe in helping the poor, saying that they should learn to actually work for money. They also believe in lowering taxes, and generally take to distancing themselves from the people in that way.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Citizenship Test
1. How many stars are there on our flag?
Fifty.
2. What do the stars on the flag mean?
They represent the number of states in the U.S.
3. What color are the stripes?
Red, white, and blue.
4. What do the stripes on the flag mean?
The red represents the blood, the white - peace, and the blue harmony.
5. What is the date of Independence Day?
July 4th.
6. Independence from whom?
England.
7. What do we call a change to the Constitution?
An amendment.
8. How many branches are there in our government?
Three.
9. How many full terms can a president serve?
Eight, max.
10. Who nominates judges of the Supreme Court?
The big cheese, the president.
11. How many Supreme Court justices are there?
There are seven justices.
12. Who was the main writer of the Declaration
of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson.
13. What holiday was celebrated for the first
time by American colonists?
Thanksgiving.
14. Who wrote the Star-Spangled Banner?
I don't know.
15. What is the minimum voting age in the
United States?
18.
16. Who was president during the Civil War?
Of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, and of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis.
17. Which president is called the "Father of
our Country?"
George Washington.
18. What is the 50th state of the Union?
Hawaii.
19. What is the name of the ship that brought
the Pilgrims to America?
The Mayflower.
20. Who has the power to declare war?
The president.
21. What are the 13 original states of the
United States called?
The Colonies.
22. In what year was the Constitution written?
1778.
23. What is the introduction to the
Constitution called?
The Preamble.
24. Which president was the first Commander in Chief
of the United States Army and Navy?
Roosevelt.
25. In what month do we vote for the president?
November.
26. How many times may a senator be re-elected?
Limitless.
27. Who signs bills into law?
The president.
28. Who elects the president of the United States?
We do, but not really. It's technically the representatives of the electoral college.
29. How many states are there in the United States?
Fifty.
30. Who becomes president if both the president and
vice president die?
The head of the House.
Fifty.
2. What do the stars on the flag mean?
They represent the number of states in the U.S.
3. What color are the stripes?
Red, white, and blue.
4. What do the stripes on the flag mean?
The red represents the blood, the white - peace, and the blue harmony.
5. What is the date of Independence Day?
July 4th.
6. Independence from whom?
England.
7. What do we call a change to the Constitution?
An amendment.
8. How many branches are there in our government?
Three.
9. How many full terms can a president serve?
Eight, max.
10. Who nominates judges of the Supreme Court?
The big cheese, the president.
11. How many Supreme Court justices are there?
There are seven justices.
12. Who was the main writer of the Declaration
of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson.
13. What holiday was celebrated for the first
time by American colonists?
Thanksgiving.
14. Who wrote the Star-Spangled Banner?
I don't know.
15. What is the minimum voting age in the
United States?
18.
16. Who was president during the Civil War?
Of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, and of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis.
17. Which president is called the "Father of
our Country?"
George Washington.
18. What is the 50th state of the Union?
Hawaii.
19. What is the name of the ship that brought
the Pilgrims to America?
The Mayflower.
20. Who has the power to declare war?
The president.
21. What are the 13 original states of the
United States called?
The Colonies.
22. In what year was the Constitution written?
1778.
23. What is the introduction to the
Constitution called?
The Preamble.
24. Which president was the first Commander in Chief
of the United States Army and Navy?
Roosevelt.
25. In what month do we vote for the president?
November.
26. How many times may a senator be re-elected?
Limitless.
27. Who signs bills into law?
The president.
28. Who elects the president of the United States?
We do, but not really. It's technically the representatives of the electoral college.
29. How many states are there in the United States?
Fifty.
30. Who becomes president if both the president and
vice president die?
The head of the House.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
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