Chapter 9 Blog

    I would classify myself as being more so Independent but leaning a bit more towards Democrats because I do agree with a few more of the aspects of the Democratic platform over the Republican. Because there are certain aspects of the Democratic views that I don’t completely agree with, I would not limit myself to voting for just a Democratic candidate. It seems as though they are quick to cut military funds and are sometimes a bit wishy-washy on some hot topics.

    I believe that because political parties have been ingrained so far into the interworkings of the electoral process they are important for the way our government currently works. Political parties allow for elections to be a bit more organized and clear cut. If we were to suddenly change this aspect of our process, we would have to start from scratch. I don’t necessarily think the lack of political parties would go over very well presently, unless it was a very gradual change; however, had the U.S. started out without any, it could have been successful. Nonetheless, because of the diversity of opinions, I think parties were almost inevitable.

   Of the lesser known parties, I have chosen the Green party. After reviewing their platforms on certain subjects that are important in my opinion, such as gender equality, decentralizing wealth, economic growth associated with environmental regeneration, and the respect for national diversity. I really liked what the Green party stood for in those aspects.

Chapter 8 Blog

1) I chose the USW, United Steel Workers of America to research. I learned that they actually make many different types of glass, metals, and cement, develop paper and products made of paper, and mine for iron ore. They also create wind turbines for environment-friendly energy. I thought that was interesting because I usually only associate iron workers with skyscrapers, stadiums, etc. Of the many issues they listed on their site, I focused mainly on the trade, economy, and healthcare subjects they discussed. Their main issues with these topics are: trade practices with China and Indonesia that diminish American jobs, the gap between the rich and poor seems to grow continuously and they believe in establishing a strong middle class to maintain better socioeconomic equality, and they support the stance that healthcare is “a right, not a privilege,” therefore, the USW believes in universal coverage, cost control and comprehensive coverage. I agree with some stand points such as their views on the economy because I see the same thing is happening. However, the other stances, I’m not so sure. Healthcare is not available in all countries therefore I do believe in a way it is a privilege; however, with a job that can be dangerous such as this one, it should be considered more of a right. 

2) I chose the UAN (United American Nurses) because it most closely associates with what career path I have chosen. They work towards protecting their healthcare, safety, and economic and general welfare of nurses. I think the goals they have for their interest group are very important, especially being a part of the medical field and being exposed to many dangerous situations.

3) I believe interest groups have a good amount of power right now. They are able to maintain equilibrium through protesting and rallying. I think that the line can be crossed if the needs have been met already but the groups keep pushing for more and more to be done.

Chapter 7 Blog

Media objectivity has gotten lost in the shuffle throughout the years. On some news channels, it is very apparent that they are biased against one political party or the other. For example, CNN seems to be biased, in favor of Democrats, while Fox News usually is partial to the Republican Party. I’m not sure that I have come across any news outlet that doesn’t try to sway its viewers one way or the other.

Talk radio does not affect my political views at all, mostly because I don’t really listen to it. Even if I did, I don’t think it would really make a difference because I would probably listen to one that is mostly relative to my own political views. 

I believe it is very important for the news media to stay objective because it allows those who watch news reports to become more educated on politics to form their own opinions rather than it be swayed by a stations biased reports. If those who are reporting are biased to one side or the other, I think statements made by the opposing side could be taken out of context and used against the opposed to persuade viewers, as many do during political campaigning.

Chapter 6 Blog

Personally, I do think that American news media is very reliant on polls, which can be helpful and harmful at the same time. Because we are all individuals with different opinions as well as feelings about politics, sometimes I question the validity of polls. Those who believe politics are very vital to American society will whole-heartedly participate but others who are less interested in politics may not take a poll as seriously. I think polls can be useful but only if those who are being polled are interested and educated on the subject, only then should statistics be drawn from them. If not done correctly, I think polls would do more harm than help because it would be displaying false information that most Americans take in and use as a basis for voting. Who wants to vote for someone or something that is misrepresented?

Categorizing myself as belonging to a specific political party is semi important to me but it doesn’t make me rule out candidates just because they aren’t labeled as “Democratic or Republican.” I more so believe voting for the person who will do the best for our country rather than my basis solely being a label. I think party identification is more important to my parents and grandparents than my friends for the most part. I think that mostly has to do with the difference in generations. It seems younger generations are less concerned with politics than older ones, especially because these are prime years of change for young adults and most of them are just starting to develop a sense of individualism.  

I think my opinion of politics does get swayed a bit by social issues because it is so easy to get wrapped up in it; although, I would like for it to have a more economic basis after this class. I’m not quite as educated on the subject of economic issues as I would like to be therefore it’s hard for me to develop a completely solid opinion or stance about the things going on.

Chapter 5 Discussion

       The government has done a lot in the past century to diminish racial discrimination. Minorities are now allowed to vote, become U.S. citizens, own property, and much more because of the amendments and laws the government passed. Beforehand, Asians were not even allowed to travel to America, African Americans were slaves, and so on. The great strides America has taken continue to allow the United States to be diverse-friendly for the most part. It’s hard to believe that as early as half a century ago public facilities such as schools, bathrooms, restaurants, and such were segregated and we are now able to peacefully coexist. Just because there will always be some people who don’t agree with the integration of color doesn’t mean the government isn’t doing what it can. However, yes, the government did put the laws out there but brave people such as MLK shook things up and helped get the word out there about loving and accepting one another.

       I believe the suppression of women throughout all aspects of life, home, workplace, etc, has decreased drastically. The government has implemented laws and granted us the rights to vote, own property, serve our country, pursue careers and more, which has allowed us the same opportunities as men. Although I do believe there will always be the people who do not stand behind the power of a woman, I think the government has gone above and beyond. But like the ones who pushed integration of color, let’s not forget the people who set the women’s rights movement into motion, which in turn convinced the government to intervene.

      I do not believe that the government is doing enough in the battle for discrimination against gays, lesbians, etc; however, I think until the nation is more open minded to their lifestyles it will be a persisting issue. Gay marriage is not even legal in many states, which I think is a big indication of how the nation feels about this topic. Looking back on history, segregation was widely unaccepted at first, but as current times show, we are now at peace with one another. I hope more people will be more accepting of different lifestyles of sexual orientation as they were of integration, as time goes forth.