Thursday, October 20, 2011

Political TV

The recent media attention on politics has been increasingly disturbing to me. Some of the things I see TV hosts say in regards to politics can be very frustrating and even scary at times. The scariest part is that people listen to these talking heads and believe them. There is no fact given anymore, just empty opinion being skewed. This goes for both sides of the political spectrum. This only brings more separation to America because instead of looking at a political debate in an intelligent way we are more concerned about who can create the most drama. This is evident in the recent Republican debates as our possible candidates focus more on taking personal stabs towards one another than looking at how to create positive changes in this country. Not to say this only happens with Republicans, but this has just been the most recent outburst. These type of personalities and America's need for drama is part of what is holding us back from progressing. There are many changes that need to be made and none of those changes can be made when we are bickering over if someone hired an undocumented worker or not. How about instead we come up with viable plans to reform our immigration laws and not argue over undocumented people as if they are not human. Maybe one day we can get over the childishness and move forward to create a better society.
Tawdry: Cheap, showy
Erudite: Deep extensive learning.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Very glad today is over! This semester has been an endless cycle of midterms and papers, and it's not going to end any time soon. At least for tonight I can take a small break from it all. Today in class something Professor Wood said resonated in me, the story about the congressman that didn't believe in government health benefits so he refused to take them. I liked this idea in that if a policy maker has a stance on something they too should practice what they preach. The hypocrisy of many policy makers is very discouraging because it just sounds like talking heads instead of action. Many of those preaching that we shouldn't be giving out so many government benefits end up being those that receive many of these benefits. I know someone who is employed in a union, but is admittedly opposed to unions. He doesn't believe that the amount of benefits they receive are necessary, and yet he takes all those benefits. I remember him saying that he doesn't agree with the benefits, but since they're there he will take them. This doesn't make much sense to me because if you don't believe in too much government spending, why then will you gladly be on the receiving end. Although I may not agree with many ideologies that are connected with the tea party, I do respect that this man isn't a hypocrite in his values.

Druthers: One's own way
Widdershins: Counterclockwise