OUR DEMO'CRAZY'

Where is does our future lie as far as within in our Democracy? This easily slips our societies mind because we assume the government will take care of us. However, for those of us who actually look into what is going on in our world we will find that our future is very bleak. I do not see our Democracy getting any better, if anything I only see it continuing to go down the wrong road. Our nation is thriving on selfish desires that put a hinder over our political system. It all comes down to status and money and those of us who are not on that level get stubborn towards the authority. It is a huge circle full of people pointing fingers at one another instead of actually thinking of ways that will better our society. Human nature is far from perfect and that is why I see our nation’s democracy turning into a DEMOCRAZY. This is terrible to think about but I know that I can not make myself naive to the situation for much longer. I hope that things could turn around but when I look at other things outside of government (like movies or television, even music) I see that things are getting worse as well. Things that use to be shocking and out of the norm are now embraced. Risks are good to take but not when it is taking away what our country stands for. My question to you is, “Is our world really headed for disaster? or is all of this solvable?”

As much as I hate Family Guy, this clip is actually a good example for democracy. We are in war right now and everything seems scarce. We all have our hopes up that our Democracy will just magically “kick in” and everything will get better. Family Guy is obviously making fun of our government and policies but this is just another way people are pointing fingers instead of really trying to help out.



economic policy?

     The recession that took place in 2008 has taken a huge toll on our economy and our society is still paying for it today. Americans are put on budgets yet the government seems to be spending religiously. Is this far? Or could this be a myth (critical question for the week)? Would a capitalistic approach still make since for today or should America lean towards a new policy? I personally think that no matter what policy or what happens amongst our society there will always be something pointed out as a problem. Everyone cannot be pleased at one time so I think that we should look past the past and strive to learn from it and fix what is happening now. Too many people bring up old news and mix it to much in what is going on today. Yes it is still going on from 2008 but no one seems to actually be doing something about it.

 

I find this picture humorous because it seems so dead on. It is a slap in the face to say “congratulations” but in all truce it happened. It shows prices going up, houses being sold, and stress from all the bills ect... will things get better or continue to get worse... I bet if things continue to get worse, we will look back on today and wish things were the way they are today.... just a though.

This week we discussed the question “How does a government facilitate comprehensive care for its constituents without sacrificing equity?” and to me this was a mouthful of things I felt completely lost about. Either it was just worded funny or my brain was/is not working this week! I wasn’t to keen on what exactly I was suppose to say or whether or not I was even on target. I Kind of sucked it up and “winged it” hoping that I would be somewhat on target...  I even found myself looking up words to try to “dumb” the question down and break it down. I looked up the word constituents related to politics and what I came across was this definition, “constituents (when dealing with politics) means A constituent state or constituent nation is a fundamental part of a union which has come together with others to form the union.” I think that it is impossible to please everyone and get everyone to hop on the same boat. The government should play a role in helping out the society and those who are in need of help. I do not however think that the government should be the only source to help out those around us. So basically I think it is not possible for the government to facilitate comprehensive care for its constituents without sacrificing equity. Just because our society loves to point fingers and loves to stir in others stories. So my question would be, “Does welfare play any part in this? If so does the same idea of equity apply?”

this cartoon kind of stuck out to me because its about those who do not have much hoping to get some sort of help and support.



freedom supported by judges and the judicial system?

     This week in class we discussed judges and the judicial system. When I first saw the critical question of the week I immediately started thinking of what I could talk about. I always viewed the judges and judicial system as a “you get what you get” moment. When you go to court you hope to God you get a good, kind judge that won’t go to harsh on your sentence. As you walk in the door you hear him/her going nuts on the person before you. All you can think about is “great I am screwed.” To your surprise when you reach the front they go over your records and let you go, punishment free… now wouldn’t that be nice? This happens at times but for some it is rare. Judges hold a huge key to our freedom and what they say goes. There is no arguing with them, if you do then you will face a harsher punishment. My question is SHOULD ALL ACTIONS BE JUDGED THE SAME? No matter on the person’s crime or record… do you think that would make things fairer? When faced with charges that feel unjust, someone does have the opportunity to face the court and judicial system. It is a much longer process but many think it is worth it. Although we may see judges as unfair, and unjust, I know that they do their job to their best. I know I would never be able to make the decisions they do. I am sure the stress they deal with is by far overbearing!

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/03/15/colorado.boy.slayings/index.html?iref=allsearch

This link above talks about a tough decision a judge had to face when he was dealt a 12 year old. It was not just any 12 year old, this 12 year old shot his parents and wounded his two siblings. It was a huge question from the media and court on whether or not to charge him as an adult with murder or as a juvenile.

 

PRESIDENCY?!

Presidency seemed to be the hot topic of this week in my Government Class this week. We were asked “In what ways does the U.S. Presidency support and limit the formation of an ideal democracy?” At first I had a hard time trying to figure out what the question was actually asking, then I was trying to pinpoint what our book discussed. I figured this question was basically wondering what our president does or is “required” doing, as well as, how much power does he have? When I was little I use to always think that the President was the only person in charge. I didn’t even understand what voting really was and the impact it has on our nation. I assumed that being president was the only thing in a government and vice versa. Well was I in for a shock as I got older and more wise in this department. I am still a little “slow” when it comes to politics and sometimes I really do not care (I know really sad and typical for this generation). This class is definitely pushing me to become even more aware of what is going on though. So with that being said I can now answer the question a little bit better then how I would have answered it when I was in elementary school. I view the President as a spokes person for our nation, he is not the only person involved in the decision making but he is the “leader” that shares what is going to take place. He may seem like he has all the say but the executive branch and congress are really the head honchos. If you have ever seen the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” then you will understand my analogy.  “He may be the head of the house but the woman is the neck, controlling the head” (well its not word for word but close enough!). So I thought it fit great with this, the president is the head but the congress is the neck, controlling what really takes place... RIGHT? MAYBE?

In the article I found that was pretty good with what this blog was going to be about. It basically talks about  whether or not “Newt Gingrich's candidacy may answer the question of whether you have to be likable to be president.”

so my question would have to be... is the presidency becoming a popular vote? and based on if it is or isn’t does that effect how effective the power of the presidency is?

http://www.slate.com/id/2286914/?GT1=38001#add-comment

what do you think? Is this cartoon dead on or ridiculous?

WHAT INFLUENCES OUR GOVERNMENT??

      So this week in class I feel was very similar to last week. We discussed the influence people have on the government. Not only people as an individual but people in groups as well. I believe that Groups are very influential in our political system. One person makes a statement but many people that believe the same make a difference. There are different organizations as well as non organizations that influence a lot of how a person views the government. An article on American.gov talks about the influence of people and the institutions have on the government and policies. “The U.S. system of government was designed to be deliberative, accessible by citizens, and open to a wide variety of opinions and interests. Just as the government has evolved and grown over time, so too have the institutions that seek to influence the government.” I really liked this section of the article because it pretty much sums up what the government thinks. But question is do they fulfill? Do you think that if the Government could, they would take away the importance and influence that the people have on them? Sometimes I wonder if they ever get annoyed by all the “drama” and just would like to illuminate it completely… WHAT DO YOU TIHNK? The article also mentions the media. It may not have the intentions to influence so much politics but it does. It is crazy how much the media influences pretty much everything!!! Overall I think that America would not be the same if it were not for the fact that we have the amazing opportunity to have a say and freedom to speak!!

http://www.america.gov/st/usg-english/2007/January/20071128092823abretnuh0.8226129.html

PUBLICS OPINION?!?!

This week in class we discussed the public’s opinion and how it influences the formation of a democratic society. I strongly believe that the public’s opinion plays a key role in the formation of a democratic society. Americans have the freedom of speech and hold a lot of power in their hands when it comes to choosing who they want in power. Voting is an amazing privilege we Americans are granted to have. A conflict that affects our privilege is that Americans never seem to be on the same page. There are always different groups that feel they are right and the others opinion is completely wrong. Is it best for our country to have such distinct separate groups? I think that since each person is an individual they will of course have different views on how our country should be run. The only problem is that we let status get in the way of what is actually worth focusing on. Many People view voting as a joke or that the government does not really take what we say in account. WHAT DO YOU THINK? SHOULD AMERICANS GET MORE INVOLED OR CONTINUE TO GIVE UP AND NOT CARE? The video I found that could help get what a lot of people feel of our democracy. It was created as a joke and could even be considered disrespectful. However it is a good example on how many look towards voting especially! Do we think voting is the “least we can do?” or is there more that Americans can do as well to affect our public opinion?