Chapter 9 Blog

I’ve never really put much weight on political parties even though I was raised in a home where my parents were adamant on which side of the spectrum they belonged on. However, if I were to place myself on a side of it, I feel I most identify with the Republican Party. There are many things that I agree with and even some that I disagree with. While many place a religious purpose to their party choice, I feel it makes more sense to decide for myself based on my own life choices and for my family. I absolutely oppose abortion and believe it should be illegal in all states, I do not, however, have a standpoint on gay marriage. They will marry if they feel it is right and there is nothing we can or should do about that. To each his own. I support the death penalty because there are many, many crimes so vile and disgusting that allowing some to live and relish the memories of such seems preposterous. I believe there is more importance in individual rights such as gun control than to choose for groups as a whole. I also support higher military spending and having a strong belief in fighting for our country when faced by a serious threat.

I think America wouldn’t function well without political parties. As I discussed in my business class this past week, I believe labels carry a lot of weight in the world today. Although this label isn’t necessarily a money label, a lot of people feel these party titles carry tremendous weight. They are connected with some very large issues and beliefs involved in how our country is run and fundamentals. The idea of not using political parties seems an interesting idea; the founders had a lot of faith in the future of our country and in the strength of the citizens. However, it is hard to foresee the controversy on many issues and as time goes on, generations evolve and more issues and ideas rise up for people to choose a side on.

From what little I have read on other third parties, I felt I kind of related to the Reform Party better. They seem to have somewhat similar beliefs (but not mirrored of course). .

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Chapter 8

American Federation of Teachers has a mission statement that dedicates their efforts towards all professionals, employees, and families of such to give support for them through healthcare, education, employment, etc. This group is dedicated to fighting for better opportunities, pay, and care. Not only is the AFT involved in many many groups, compaigns, etc nationwide, but also is involved in many worldwide. I agree with what they are doing and think they are in search for better opportunities and a better life for many people.

I loved researching the Service Employees National Union because of the broad spectrum that they cover. Not only are they purposed for property and public service, but also for a healthcare union. Their sections rank as one of the largest (if not the largest) existing today. Their dedicated for equality, justness, and for people to do more than just survive is admirable.

I think an interest group has as much power as their membersallow them to. I think they make great usage of the gateways into the political system and help to ensure that the opinions of the citizens are heard in one loud, thundering voice. All citizens are allowed their own opinion, and interest groups allow these citizens the knowledge that they are NOT alone in their feelings. There must be fair treatment towards these groups. When there is proof that a specific interest group is running the country instead of the government out for the good of the people, there is a severe issue with legality and justness.

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Chapter 7 Blog

It is hard to find media without a bias being thrown into the match. I do not condemn those who share their opinion because they share the same citizenship as the rest of us and attain the same freedoms. Objectivity will be hard to find, but does still exist. C-SPAN is known as one who is most unbiased as far as I know (granted I do not watch many programs involving the news) and on the same note, FOX seems to have the most bias. Many of their hosts allow responses from both sides of the political spectrum to call in, but very few allow responses other than one agreeing with their own to be said without debate. Talk radio can affect views on politics through the same ways it did in history. The sound of someone’s voice and their intensity of their words can sway someone to whichever side the speaker supports. Although visual news pulls stronger strings than verbal, radio is and probably always will be considered more “hard news” than the television can offer. Objectivity is important in politics no matter what day in age someone lives. It is important that citizens understand each side of the spectrum and the differences between a bias and a truth. However, that being said, it is JUST as important for a citizen to educate themselves on this spectrum before they allow themselves to create an opinion off a voice or a channel they begin watching. 

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Chapter 6

I don’t believe the media is too dependent upon polls. I think it’s a great way to gain knowledge on public opinion. However, the process of these polls can have a huge sampling error and misconstrue the true opinions of America. I also believe there is almost NO way the opinions in the United States on Obama is half and half. That is a VERY clear error in the poll. However, that is my own personal belief. I think it is acceptable to report these polls because there are many citizens that depend on these results. These citizens use this as a fortune teller for the future of the country.

Political party identification has never been really important to me. Growing up, my father was always set in his belief in the system and which party he belonged to, however I did not show any interest. I admit to not having nearly enough knowledge on the political system to state anything else, but I do wonder if it is even as important anymore as our textbooks say it is. My grandparents and parents held these decisions to be very important. However, in our house and around our friends, we do not talk party identification. We simply discuss the differences in opinion on how the country is run, what is right/wrong, and how it should be run.

My opinions are not based on my parents beliefs or friends beliefs. My opinions are focused on how they affect my family, my life, my finances, and my future.

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