I decided to comment on the Blog post written by James Middle Brooks entitled, The Americans are More Likely to Vote if They hate the other party. I'd like to take it a bit further and talk about why we as Americans do this. I believe that the fact is that most of us are uninformed. Our political views are very narrow and abstract, and are mostly based upon what the media presents to us which is usually only a portion of the truth. This blind leading the blind approach only serves its purpose as a stumbling block to our political growth.
In an article titled Political Ignorance Revisited by Stephen Earl Bennett, he attempts to educate us on why we are uninformed and what we can do to fix the problem. Many of us as previously stated focus on mass media to inform us. Consumers of print media are better informed, than those reliant on electronic media. When you take the time to read something you get your cognitive senses going, you are better able to take the time to process the information, evaluate it and make a better judgement based upon the knowledge you gain from it. It is easy to rely on electronic media it takes very little effort, and it too easy to take things at face value.
The author of this article suggests that to become better informed we have to first take an interest not just a passive approach. According to Harvard Professor Thomas Patterson, "Lengthy election processes, and especially the "front loaded" party nomination procedures result in apathy, which prevents learning. I find this very true. When election time comes around the media profits off our ignorance. If we see negative publicity on an individual candidate constantly over time our view of them just might change. Carleton College Professor Steven Schier stated that the parties tendency to target only small segments of the electorate excludes others from taking part in electoral politics, which also contributes to indifference and ignorance.
So what can be done? How do we solve this problem? The author suggests participating more, use deliberative polling to inform citizens. Teach the young people that apathy and ignorance have palpably negative consequences. Last but not least, teach people that it is their duty to be informed.
Knowledge is power, we don't have to rely on another's judgement to base our own political view. We should educate ourselves, become well informed political actors and strive to make a difference in our community.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Friday, December 5, 2014
The CIA Interrogation Report: Is this the right time?
Seriously is this the right time? There is so much negativity already brewing towards the U.S. right now. Is it worth it at this time to put our nation at risk?
This seems to be more of a political move than an effort to build upon the moral reputation of our nation. It seems that our current president has made it his mission to make America baselined with other countries. People often speak of our nation's strength in past tense. Our nation is still great, and that declaration is not boastful arrogance it is a fact.
The release of this report is appauling. It should've been brought out differently. People argue about the CIA hiding of this truth, and justify it being brought to light, and how someone needs to be held responsible. What about Benghazi, this is even more recent. We don't even hear about it anymore. That event was devastating to our natition. No one has been held responsible. I don't think that they have thought this through. This is another prime example of the current Administration's spur of the moment decision making.
Several Senator leaders have announced their fears and concerns regarding implications that could arise due to the release of this report. According to a report from the Washington Post Secretary of State John Kerry called the Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Diane Feinstein to discuss the potential fall out fem the release of the report, and urged her to consider the implications overseas in light f ongoing military operations by the U.S. and partner militaries agains the Islamic State militant group as well as the continued American hostages.
In response to the release the U.S. military put thousands of troops on alert status. Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R. Ga.) Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee called the release of the CIA torture report a mistake that could put U.S. national security in jeopardy.
"There are some indications that the release report could lead to a greater risk that is posed to U.S. facilities... So the administration has taken prudent steps to ensure that proper security precautions are in place at U.S. facilities around the globe", White House Press Secretary.
I sincerely hope so.
This seems to be more of a political move than an effort to build upon the moral reputation of our nation. It seems that our current president has made it his mission to make America baselined with other countries. People often speak of our nation's strength in past tense. Our nation is still great, and that declaration is not boastful arrogance it is a fact.
The release of this report is appauling. It should've been brought out differently. People argue about the CIA hiding of this truth, and justify it being brought to light, and how someone needs to be held responsible. What about Benghazi, this is even more recent. We don't even hear about it anymore. That event was devastating to our natition. No one has been held responsible. I don't think that they have thought this through. This is another prime example of the current Administration's spur of the moment decision making.
Several Senator leaders have announced their fears and concerns regarding implications that could arise due to the release of this report. According to a report from the Washington Post Secretary of State John Kerry called the Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Diane Feinstein to discuss the potential fall out fem the release of the report, and urged her to consider the implications overseas in light f ongoing military operations by the U.S. and partner militaries agains the Islamic State militant group as well as the continued American hostages.
In response to the release the U.S. military put thousands of troops on alert status. Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R. Ga.) Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee called the release of the CIA torture report a mistake that could put U.S. national security in jeopardy.
"There are some indications that the release report could lead to a greater risk that is posed to U.S. facilities... So the administration has taken prudent steps to ensure that proper security precautions are in place at U.S. facilities around the globe", White House Press Secretary.
I sincerely hope so.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Commentary of Colleague's Work
On Jeffery Knight's post on "Did Obama Know how big of a threat ISIS really was?"
I definitely agree with your opinion of President Obama, this seems to be an ongoing problem with his administration. Our current President is mostly focused on his personal agenda than taking into consideration the needs of the nation. What seems relevant to most Americans is irrelevant to Obama. What I find interesting is the fact that people consider President Bush's actions wrong for his response after 911. He acknowledged an act of terrorism and responded the way any patriotic citizen of this country would. And yet we have a current President who continues to maintains his place in office when he failed to respond to his own ambassador's plea for aid in Benghazi after which resulted in not only his death but also other American citizens. We have a history in our country of men who have fought to honor the heritage of our country and have paid the price with their lives. On a day when most presidents acknowledge and honor military veterans he was out focusing on his own personal agenda. That was an acknowledgement that he doesn't care. Ignoring threats and failing to defend the strength of our nation is a pure insult and poses a threat to our nation's security.
I definitely agree with your opinion of President Obama, this seems to be an ongoing problem with his administration. Our current President is mostly focused on his personal agenda than taking into consideration the needs of the nation. What seems relevant to most Americans is irrelevant to Obama. What I find interesting is the fact that people consider President Bush's actions wrong for his response after 911. He acknowledged an act of terrorism and responded the way any patriotic citizen of this country would. And yet we have a current President who continues to maintains his place in office when he failed to respond to his own ambassador's plea for aid in Benghazi after which resulted in not only his death but also other American citizens. We have a history in our country of men who have fought to honor the heritage of our country and have paid the price with their lives. On a day when most presidents acknowledge and honor military veterans he was out focusing on his own personal agenda. That was an acknowledgement that he doesn't care. Ignoring threats and failing to defend the strength of our nation is a pure insult and poses a threat to our nation's security.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Weak President Strong Government: What Would the Founding Father's Think?
Our nation during the last few years under the Obama Administration has gone through a dramatic change. Not a change for the better, quite the opposite a change for the worst. This administration has become more like a dictatorship than a presidency. Our founding fathers built this country on principles of moral leadership. They were men of integrity that had high ideals, and stood by them even when it was not popular to do so. That is what constitutes a great leader. I do believe that our nation still has the potential to stand as a beacon to the world, and a leader among other nations. However under the present administration that station is at great risk.
Ever since the Obama Administration has taken office it seems that our country has taken a step down. Our nation's security is in question. Our military force has been hard hit not just by the implications of war but by our own Commander in Chief through military cuts and not to mention the V.A.'s failure to meet veteran's needs. The Border Crisis is another impending challenge that doesn't seem to end. This is a very important issue that if left unresolved leaves a negative impression on other countries about us. The health care reform which was poorly carried out seems more like a punishment than a benefit. It only benefits a few people, and inflicts pain on the rest.
Our nation has become a nation of entitlement. For example the Presidents idea of the redistribution of wealth is just appalling. People work hard in this country to get where they are. They should not be punished for becoming self reliant and self sufficient. Instead of the President promoting self reliance he is promoting the belief of entitlement. Work is an essential component in this life to obtain one's needs, and to build self confidence. There is no greater feeling than that of accomplishing ones goals. Giving handouts to those who are able to work and provide for themselves limits their potential growth. There is no benefit to that unless you are enabling them to get out of the situation.
Our nation is a great nation because of the Constitution on which it stands and the freedoms that we fight heavily to protect. There is no need to uproot it or change it. The duty of our President is to sustain that document and predecessors who wrote it.
Ever since the Obama Administration has taken office it seems that our country has taken a step down. Our nation's security is in question. Our military force has been hard hit not just by the implications of war but by our own Commander in Chief through military cuts and not to mention the V.A.'s failure to meet veteran's needs. The Border Crisis is another impending challenge that doesn't seem to end. This is a very important issue that if left unresolved leaves a negative impression on other countries about us. The health care reform which was poorly carried out seems more like a punishment than a benefit. It only benefits a few people, and inflicts pain on the rest.
Our nation has become a nation of entitlement. For example the Presidents idea of the redistribution of wealth is just appalling. People work hard in this country to get where they are. They should not be punished for becoming self reliant and self sufficient. Instead of the President promoting self reliance he is promoting the belief of entitlement. Work is an essential component in this life to obtain one's needs, and to build self confidence. There is no greater feeling than that of accomplishing ones goals. Giving handouts to those who are able to work and provide for themselves limits their potential growth. There is no benefit to that unless you are enabling them to get out of the situation.
Our nation is a great nation because of the Constitution on which it stands and the freedoms that we fight heavily to protect. There is no need to uproot it or change it. The duty of our President is to sustain that document and predecessors who wrote it.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Security?
In an article titled, "Obama: Bordering on Disaster" Hugh Hewitt poses the argument that Obama's open border crisis is putting America in danger. The author opens his argument by referencing the Westphalian Sovereignty, the concept that all nation stets have sovereignty over their territory without any interference by neighboring states, and that each would respect each other's borders. But due to globalization and economic strains this concept has become challenged.
His reason for doing this was to compare the security of the borders to what now currently exists. He stated that open borders were a threat to states by facilitating political upheaval, economic chaos etc.. He argues that Obama's strategies to not secure borders and not respect other's shows both his incompetence and his weakness as a leader. I agree. I feel that instead of standing up to protect America's interest as a standard to the world he is doing everything to make it as equal as other nations. You can't just leave your borders open to any and everyone. Obama does not show face. There has to be a standard. There have to be boundaries that you don't cross as a leader. Other countries need to see that in him. It manifests powerful leadership.
He goes on to support his argument by outlining three major border conflicts that clearly illustrate Obama's incompetence. The first crisis was the fall of Ukraine in 2013. Through the weak leadership displayed Putin was able to go in and overtake Ukraine. If President Obama showed face and stood up to him Putin probably wouldn't have done what he did. Instead we appeared weak and apathetic to our allies. Who is going to look out for them. Obama took forces out of Europe and Europe looked to us as protection from their adversaries. He goes on to mention the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and how the President boasted about ending the "dumb war". The situation became worse than before. And last but not least he mentions the issue of opening up our borders to illegal immigrants. There is danger to doing this. It makes America appear weak, again there's no standard.
I agree with this author, our President would rather act out of ignorance rather than make conscious decisions based on principle and good old moral leadership. His actions not only make him appear weak it becomes a direct reflection on America as a whole.
His reason for doing this was to compare the security of the borders to what now currently exists. He stated that open borders were a threat to states by facilitating political upheaval, economic chaos etc.. He argues that Obama's strategies to not secure borders and not respect other's shows both his incompetence and his weakness as a leader. I agree. I feel that instead of standing up to protect America's interest as a standard to the world he is doing everything to make it as equal as other nations. You can't just leave your borders open to any and everyone. Obama does not show face. There has to be a standard. There have to be boundaries that you don't cross as a leader. Other countries need to see that in him. It manifests powerful leadership.
He goes on to support his argument by outlining three major border conflicts that clearly illustrate Obama's incompetence. The first crisis was the fall of Ukraine in 2013. Through the weak leadership displayed Putin was able to go in and overtake Ukraine. If President Obama showed face and stood up to him Putin probably wouldn't have done what he did. Instead we appeared weak and apathetic to our allies. Who is going to look out for them. Obama took forces out of Europe and Europe looked to us as protection from their adversaries. He goes on to mention the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and how the President boasted about ending the "dumb war". The situation became worse than before. And last but not least he mentions the issue of opening up our borders to illegal immigrants. There is danger to doing this. It makes America appear weak, again there's no standard.
I agree with this author, our President would rather act out of ignorance rather than make conscious decisions based on principle and good old moral leadership. His actions not only make him appear weak it becomes a direct reflection on America as a whole.
Ebola The Mass Media and You
The world is afraid, very afraid of the Ebola virus. But what has transpired to make this disease become the most feared tormentor of the human mind? In a recent article titled, "Calm down about Ebola already", the author offers a great antidote to that question. Ebola is a highly contagious and deadly disease. Even the image of it makes one's skin crawl. I liked how the author began her column by stating what the disease was and the imminent threat that it could become to the U.S., but she also clarified the fact that this disease could only be spread through the contact of bodily fluids, and the fact that the disease could be easily contained. She attempted to calm the fears of Americans.
But she also identified the chief contributors to the mass hysteria that has sprung up in the U.S. because of this disease.
The media's job is to inform the public about issues that the general populace should be concerned about. However in this case the media has done nothing but caused panic and mass hysteria. The media sources that you and I trust to inform us have been feeding our minds with fear of the disease by showing images of its effects. For example in the article the author mentioned that CNN ran the absurd headline "Ebola: The ISIS of Biological Agents?". Another writer speculated that the disease would "run rampart through the country". I've seen nearly everyday an ugly image of the disease on a slide, it looks like a worm swimming in blood. Its no wonder that we are panicking about this disease. To make matters worse the news has been bringing political figures into the debate, speculating who is to blame for the disease being in the U.S. Keep it simple all we need is to be informed. The media has us focused on fear. They seem to have forgotten the success of the American that overcame the disease and is now home with his family. They should be instilling hope and they should be focused on what we are doing well.
Furthermore these political figures are also feeding the fire. I disagree with author's argument that the Republicans are using the panic of this disease as a way to score political points. The fact of the matter is the public needs to be informed of what is going on. Some one has to decide what to do about it in case there was an outbreak. I think that they are making an attempt to get Washington's attention to take countermeasures. These political figures have great power and influence on the public mind instead of debating publicly about the issue they could use that political influence to state the fact that here in the U.S. we have the advantage to fight this disease.
I have to admit that this disease scares me somewhat too, but I have to agree with the author, "Fear-mongering about Ebola is an easy way to get ratings or score political points, all without having to talk about---much less do anything about---real problems that are facing this country". Instead of generating fear in the public mind why not focus on the issues that matter most.
But she also identified the chief contributors to the mass hysteria that has sprung up in the U.S. because of this disease.
The media's job is to inform the public about issues that the general populace should be concerned about. However in this case the media has done nothing but caused panic and mass hysteria. The media sources that you and I trust to inform us have been feeding our minds with fear of the disease by showing images of its effects. For example in the article the author mentioned that CNN ran the absurd headline "Ebola: The ISIS of Biological Agents?". Another writer speculated that the disease would "run rampart through the country". I've seen nearly everyday an ugly image of the disease on a slide, it looks like a worm swimming in blood. Its no wonder that we are panicking about this disease. To make matters worse the news has been bringing political figures into the debate, speculating who is to blame for the disease being in the U.S. Keep it simple all we need is to be informed. The media has us focused on fear. They seem to have forgotten the success of the American that overcame the disease and is now home with his family. They should be instilling hope and they should be focused on what we are doing well.
Furthermore these political figures are also feeding the fire. I disagree with author's argument that the Republicans are using the panic of this disease as a way to score political points. The fact of the matter is the public needs to be informed of what is going on. Some one has to decide what to do about it in case there was an outbreak. I think that they are making an attempt to get Washington's attention to take countermeasures. These political figures have great power and influence on the public mind instead of debating publicly about the issue they could use that political influence to state the fact that here in the U.S. we have the advantage to fight this disease.
I have to admit that this disease scares me somewhat too, but I have to agree with the author, "Fear-mongering about Ebola is an easy way to get ratings or score political points, all without having to talk about---much less do anything about---real problems that are facing this country". Instead of generating fear in the public mind why not focus on the issues that matter most.
Friday, September 19, 2014
"It is through cooperation, rather than conflict, that your greatest successes will be derived." Ralph Charell
Should the President take into consideration the strategies of his Joint Chiefs of Staff?
Absolutely! Our President has no military expertise. He doesn't have the much needed insight in regards to military strategy. Its not to say that without a military background you can't make successful decisions for your military, but this is why a president has military advisers. These Generals are men with years of experience. They not only rely on these experiences but they also rely on the inspiration of their successors. This is a real conflict. It is not something to be taken lightly. Our President continues to promise to end this war, but we are up against something much more extreme. It won't simply end by taking our troops out. Speaking of ISIS, the President's own Secretary of Defense stated, "This is beyond anything we have ever seen, and we must prepare for everything. " -CNN.com This is exactly what the Presidents advisers are trying to do.
Give them what they need not what they want to hear!
Our President continues to express more concern for his own political agenda and social status than for what is most important. When faced with conflict he makes irrational decisions. I don't think that his strategy was thought out. One has to consider that this group has no regard to human life especially Americans. It is too early and unwise to say that this is not a combat mission. Did he forget what happened in August to a U.S. General that was assigned to train Afghan soldiers? The man responsible for killing him was identified as an academy member who had been trained a few years earlier. Who is to say that this will not happen again. Again, these are barbaric terrorists, they now know that the U.S. plans to go and train these Syrian rebels. To send our troops their without a back up plan to protect them in case they have to face an armed conflict makes them extremely vulnerable. The U.S. military sees this, they have a broader vision than the President. Retired Marine Gen. James Mattis stated, "Half-hearted or tentative efforts, or air strikes alone, can backfire on us and actually strengthen our foe's credibility." He further stated, "We may not wish to reassure our enemies in advance that they will not see American boots on the ground."
Preventative measures now!
Now is the time to prevent a disaster from happening. As the Washington Post stated in this article the chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, publicly suggested that a policy already set by the commander in chief could be reconsidered. He acknowledged that Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, the commander for the Middle East, had recommended sending small teams in the case of at least one battle in Iraq but was overruled. That doesn't sound like a concerned President. As former Secretary Gates stated, "There will be boots on the ground if there's to be any hope of success in the strategy, " he then added, "The president in effect traps himself."- For the President to not listen to his advisers especially when military strategy is concerned could lead to another Benghazi like incident. Our American people trust our President to make conscious decisions that protect our freedoms and that bring honor to the American heritage.
Absolutely! Our President has no military expertise. He doesn't have the much needed insight in regards to military strategy. Its not to say that without a military background you can't make successful decisions for your military, but this is why a president has military advisers. These Generals are men with years of experience. They not only rely on these experiences but they also rely on the inspiration of their successors. This is a real conflict. It is not something to be taken lightly. Our President continues to promise to end this war, but we are up against something much more extreme. It won't simply end by taking our troops out. Speaking of ISIS, the President's own Secretary of Defense stated, "This is beyond anything we have ever seen, and we must prepare for everything. " -CNN.com This is exactly what the Presidents advisers are trying to do.
Give them what they need not what they want to hear!
Our President continues to express more concern for his own political agenda and social status than for what is most important. When faced with conflict he makes irrational decisions. I don't think that his strategy was thought out. One has to consider that this group has no regard to human life especially Americans. It is too early and unwise to say that this is not a combat mission. Did he forget what happened in August to a U.S. General that was assigned to train Afghan soldiers? The man responsible for killing him was identified as an academy member who had been trained a few years earlier. Who is to say that this will not happen again. Again, these are barbaric terrorists, they now know that the U.S. plans to go and train these Syrian rebels. To send our troops their without a back up plan to protect them in case they have to face an armed conflict makes them extremely vulnerable. The U.S. military sees this, they have a broader vision than the President. Retired Marine Gen. James Mattis stated, "Half-hearted or tentative efforts, or air strikes alone, can backfire on us and actually strengthen our foe's credibility." He further stated, "We may not wish to reassure our enemies in advance that they will not see American boots on the ground."
Preventative measures now!
Now is the time to prevent a disaster from happening. As the Washington Post stated in this article the chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, publicly suggested that a policy already set by the commander in chief could be reconsidered. He acknowledged that Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, the commander for the Middle East, had recommended sending small teams in the case of at least one battle in Iraq but was overruled. That doesn't sound like a concerned President. As former Secretary Gates stated, "There will be boots on the ground if there's to be any hope of success in the strategy, " he then added, "The president in effect traps himself."- For the President to not listen to his advisers especially when military strategy is concerned could lead to another Benghazi like incident. Our American people trust our President to make conscious decisions that protect our freedoms and that bring honor to the American heritage.
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