Politics

A Perfectly Palin Christmas List

December 10, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Hjem via Flickr

As the indomitable Sarah Palin rises once again to the fore of American politics, we take a tongue in cheek look at the possible Christmas list of those who aspire to emulate her ideals.

High Price Gifts for Palin People

If you are shopping for a supporter of Sarah Palin and have an unlimited budget, then why not invest in a second home in her home-state of Alaska. Alaska makes a great holiday destination with stunning scenery and surroundings and also provides ample opportunities for outdoor pursuits of the Palin preference – with hunting and fishing top on the lists of many visitors and excellent areas available to indulge in both.

Mid Price Gifts for Palin People

While many housewives and mothers across the United States will be looking for a box housing something from Scott Kay Jewels under their tree, supporters of Sarah Palin might prefer their Christmas gift to be sourced from Smith and Wesson. Every Sarah Palin supporting woman should own her own revolver, allowing her to feel empowered in these tough modern times.

However, if a hand gun seems a little too much fire power for the Sarah-supporter in your life, why not try another track and invest in a real life bulldog, which can not only provide protection but will also act as an ongoing reminder of the lady you love’s idol.

Economy Gifts for Palin People

If your budget won’t stretch to a hunting lodge, a pedigree pup or a personal firearm, then you will need to think outside the box to provide a bit of Palin-inspired Christmas spirit. Suggestions include, of course, a gift wrapped lipstick – as a nod to the political Amazon’s constantly made-up appearance. Or why not take out a subscription to a periodical devoted to outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, allowing your loved one to get up to scratch on Palin-esque pastimes.

Filed Under: Democrats, General Tagged With: Alaska, Christmas, Franklin Graham, Haiti, Parties, Politics, Sarah Palin, United States

Issues in Local Politics

December 7, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Many voters tend to think of local politics as a more boring version of the national issues they deal with. However, citizens should realize that local politics are as important as national politics; in many cases, they may even be more important in day to day life! There are several issues that local politics cover; voters should keep an eye on these to ensure their quality of life in their communities.

School and school policies are a big part of local politics. Teacher unions, snow day policies, the election of school officials, and many other educational issues are decided on a local basis. Although national politics determine the very minimum standards of education, school districts and cities decide what goals they want for their schools. If you are the parent of school-aged children, look to your local legislation for educational reform.

Local taxes are also a big issue. Of course, a big part of your paycheck goes to federal taxes. However, a fairly significant amount still goes towards local taxes. This amount is not determined by federal laws or regulations. You and your fellow constituents vote people into office that decide how much you will be taxed.

Furthermore, keeping an eye on local politics enables you to decide how taxes are spent. There are lots of local issues that need tax money, and only people who vote get a say in it. Constituents may even be able to directly vote on tax increases. As an example, there was a new stadium built in Green Bay, Wisconsin, several years ago. Voters had to decide whether or not the new stadium would be built by deciding whether they would approve a 0.5% sales tax increase.

Although national politics receive more press coverage, stay involved in your local political scene. Being a part of the decision-making process in your city helps you get what you want from your city.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: Education, Local government, Mickey Kaus, Politics, Tip O'Neill, United States, Voting, Washington D.C

Does Sarah Palin Have a Chance in 2012?

December 1, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Now, at the halfway point though the current presidency, Americans are beginning to think about 2012. Many are unhappy about how things have been going the past two years; even some Democrats are considering a Republican vote the next time around. After the last presidential election, Sarah Palin became a household name. Many are looking to her to be the face of the Republican Party during the next election. Does she have a shot?

To many people, Sarah Palin is easy to relate to. She is a hockey mom, happily married with children, that just wants to do what she thinks is best for the country. Both hardcore patriots and hardworking mothers can relate to her, so she has a lot of voter support.

However, there is also a lot of controversy surrounding Sarah Palin. Her daughter, Bristol Palin, quickly became a symbol of teenage pregnancy during Palins campaign. Since one of Palins core beliefs is abstinence-only sex education, the fact that her daughter became pregnant outside of marriage and at a young age doesnt do much for her credibility. Furthermore, some accuse her of exploiting her daughters pregnancy for her own publicity as she campaigned.

Sarah Palins recent foray into television with her show Alaska also makes some dubious of her intentions. Most politicians focus solely on politics and developing their political image, so her decision to put her life in the media makes some people wonder whether she wants to be president or a celebrity. That which endears her to the public may also be that which makes people not want to vote for her.

As the nation ramps up for another election season, Sarah Palins role in Americas politics is still unknown. Its not until primaries begin and campaigns announce their intent to run for office that Americans will know whether or not theyve seen the last of Sarah Palin.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: Alaska, Blood libel, Bristol Palin, Parties, Politics, Republican, Sarah Palin, United States

Politics – Acknowledging What is Expected

October 18, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

In politics, much of what makes society today has not always been the case.

Many struggles have defined communities, the world, and the development of countries. Take the United States, for instance, where slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and women’s rights have all come a long way to where they stand today.

There was once a time when blacks and whites could not go inside the same places. In sports today there is no color barrier, but that was not the case until Jackie Robinson did so in baseball.

Of course most people are aware of the horrors and drawn out affairs that have led to the advances in these and other areas. What does it mean for society today?

However, that is precisely the point. Reading in between the lines in society, much of this is taken for granted. Many of the things that society enjoys are expected.
Many may ask why this is wrong. Should we not expect some of the basic and fundamental rights?

Of course we should. Yet there is a growing tendency for society to neglect the history of politics in order to condemn and ridicule figures, and even politics itself.

As individuals in society grow up with many of these rights and beneficial dynamics within society due to politics, an unhealthy relationship begins to grow in the hearts of many. Politics is irrelevant for some, and the history is under appreciated, or even forgotten.

While of course this is not the case everywhere, it is very real. This is something that undermines the well-being of society’s relationship with politics, where some see it as jostling between politicians, and a place where society can complain about taxes and political figures that are disliked.

But you have to wonder: is this right? Is it right for society at times to forget the distinguished place of politics in society in light of today?

Perhaps society can realize the integrity of politics in controversy from the advances in its past.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: Civil Rights Movement, Politics, United States

Find Just One Issue for Your Children

October 12, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

You may have found yourself doing just this at some point in your life.

In order to spark you interest in politics, perhaps you went on a search to find just one relevant issue. Maybe it was the economics surrounding your line of work, or proposing a change to your child’s local school board – or something on a wider level, such as national policy.

Many who do not seem to have the natural interest in politics seem to do just this. This is perfectly normal, as individuals who seem to have a innate desire to immerse themselves into political issues may seem alien to you. Or perhaps it is the other way around for your point of view, but the important thing to recognize is that this exists.

Finding an issue of interest in perhaps the best way to spark political interest in the most innocent and quick way. It doesn’t involve picking up Plato’s Republic or watching CNN for days on end in order to get caught up.

Rather, one issue can allow one to see the true value of politics, which certainly cannot be contested. Yet some find it troubling to “break in” to this scene, which at times seems to be dominated by those who just know more about what is happening.

As you may have experienced, take the opportunity to share this valuable nugget of wisdom with your child. Help them find something, anything, to spark their interest in the value of politics. Of course this may be more applicable at a certain age, but even relatively young individuals can see the value.

Demonstrate the value of politics by placing it as important in your household. Allow it to show them how it can change their lives, especially as your children approach the age to vote and make use of their civil rights.

It all starts with just one issue. It can mean everything between a life of political indifference and one of activity.

Filed Under: Politicians To Watch, Politics Tagged With: CNN, Politics, United States

You’re Never Too Young (or Old) for Politics

October 5, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

The integration of politics into the lives of citizens seems to be one goal in society. And this is with good reason.

The civic duties that tie one to a relationship with the community, country, and the world are inextricably linked to politics. Politics has fought for freedoms and benefits that continue today, spanning virtually every walk of life.

One target in society is young people. Young people have been urged to take a stand in regards to politics. There have been several campaigns that target young people to this regard, which has done a number of good things in allowing young people to become integrated to their right to vote and role in the political world.

This is an important aspect which allows for an informed society. We must target young people in order to make them more aware of political contexts.

This is not just in reference to yesterday or today. Young people must be aware of the struggles and triumphs in the past in order to see how they are properly relevant to today and tomorrow.

Incorporating history to the present and future is one step that will allow for future generations to be better informed politically. Also, other items like civic duties come into play, in which these efforts are realized in allowing young people to become more involved with politics.

No one is too young to become aware of politics, as long as this stays reasonable. You can also insert your favorite joke for never being too old for politics, which is certainly true.

Making politics more accessible and more central to the lives of citizens is a crucial aspect. Citizens, regardless of age or any other factor, or even whether they are not going to be old enough to vote in the next few years, should be aware of the value and importance of politics, at any level.

This is something that needs to keep progressing in order to build politics within constructs of society.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: Health, Politics, Youth

Encouraging Others in Politics

October 1, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

What does it mean to carry out one’s civic duties? Or, more broadly, what does it mean to play an active role in the political environment, from the community to the international level?

Individuals are encouraged to be active in politics from an early age. Society realizes that the current younger generations hold the key to the future state of politics. Thus, campaigns are targeted towards young voters, and young people are urged to find interests in the political context long before they are able to vote.

This level of activity culminates in an awareness of politics and society. Citizens are urged to find their place in society, namely in part by playing an active role in politics. Not only in one’s civic duties, but as an informed citizen in these dynamics seems to be the goal for society, especially in the information age.

While individuals can always be a valuable part of society by being active in politics, it certainly doesn’t stop there. In order to truly uphold these standards of an informed an active society, individuals must be able to encourage others to do the same.

This dynamic is a key for generations that look forward to maintaining and improving political awareness and activity within a societal context. It is not just a political issue that individuals do not vote or care about politics. It is a social issue, and thus should be treated as such.

Thus as individuals, others should be encouraged in these valuable roles within society as they relate to politics. This is essential in truly allowing politics to maintain an important basis in citizens’ lives, even for those who are not particularly drawn by politics.

Politics is not an individual endeavor. It is one that requires the support of others in society, just as politics itself requires others dedicated to its well-being and in support of figures.

Perhaps this aspect of awareness and activity in politics will be realized in order to promote the political context within society.

Filed Under: Politics, Voting Tagged With: Politics, United States, Voting

What Politics Are Shaping Your Community?

September 30, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Politics within the community can dictate a number of dynamics within your environment that affect you, your family, and everyone else within the area.

How are politics shaping your community? Are you aware of negative dynamics that need to be addressed within the community politically?

It is unfortunate to see so many citizens of communities around the country and the world without awareness, in some form. Some are not aware of negative influences, while others are but do not choose to follow and/or participate with them.

Ignorance is one thing, and it is very dangerous to take this route.

Ignorance allows such dynamics to have a major role in your life and the lives of loved ones, as well as fellow citizens. In order to gain awareness, make an effort to follow such issues that can be molded by citizens such as yourself.

Choosing not to get involved is also very unfortunate. Whether one is too busy, unable to see relevance in regards to one’s personal life, or for one who does not care, such reasons add to the negative magnitude of politics in some communities.

Yet becoming involved in politics doesn’t require a major commitment. As all people get busy from time to time, and even when one is not that busy, following politics and making a difference can be done reasonably.

Relevance is always, well, relevant. It would be hard to imagine an individual unaffected by local politics. Schools, healthcare, roads, and the very people that protect and heal individuals with the community represent just a few that play as connecting points in the reasoning of “relevance.”

Moving beyond these reasons for lack of interest and activity, it is clear that playing some role in local politics is extremely important.

Being aware and active of relevant issues in your community will help it move forward for everyone’s benefit. Some issues need the support and dialogue of the community to decide what may be best, especially in difficult and ignored circumstances.

Filed Under: People, Politics, Work Tagged With: Activism, Health care, Local government, Politics

Politics Online

September 28, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

The presence of politics online has arguably changed the environment in which politics operates. It has altered a number of important aspects which are directly relevant to every citizen’s interaction with the presence of politics.

Information is perhaps the most direct example in this. Today there is no shortage of ways to get information within any political context.

Close to home news stations are increasingly more aware of local politics. Depending on the community, you can easily look for more information about its current state from these and other sources.

On a national level, the choices are too much, even for the most dedicated political followers. News outlets and commentaries can be found throughout the Internet, with other areas to surf, such as message boards with all types of political conversations ongoing.

This also applied to international politics. News and commentaries widely cover politics in all shapes and forms, from presidential elections to volatile political situations in some of the more dangerous areas of the world.

Any way you look at it, it is clear to see how politics is easily found online. On the Internet anyone can follow such events, from the local polls to elections around the world. There are also plenty of commentaries and message boards to add a large amount of opinions to such information as well.

The advantages are obvious. One is no longer limited to coverage done by local papers and news stations on television. If you would like, you could follow as many issues and political environments as you wish.

For those with limited time, the Internet is very valuable. One can keep track of issues with very little time, due to the choices and options available, such as websites that will e-mail such coverage.

The state of politics is certainly helped with the presence of the Internet. It is clear that such coverage and visibility throughout the Internet will play a large role in making individuals more aware of what is happening around the world.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: Chats and Forums, Personal, Politics, Television, United States

Are You Too Busy to Follow Politics?

September 25, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Does your schedule not allow you to follow political events? What can you do to make time to follow politics?

Time is one of the most popular reasons for not following politics. Many individuals are simple unable to spend their time following, and of course being active in, politics.

The negative implications are obvious. If people are unable to follow politics to some extent, then how will important issues, and the general well-being of politics, fare without due support?

The implications also spread to voting. This has been another popular topic in society, in which voting has seen its share of trends in both directions. This has led to increased media coverage for young people, in which young voters are targeted in order to encourage them to vote.

Whatever the implications, it is important to address the notion of being too busy to follow politics. This certainly is justifiable in today’s society, in which many people are balancing families, careers, and other obligations, in addition to finding time to relax.

One key to finding time to follow politics is to genuinely be interested in them. After all, those with plenty of time to spend in such endeavors will not do so, if they do not have some level of interested invested in politics.

Find issues, figures, and other elements that spark your interest in politics. For many people relevance will come into play, as obviously many of these issues and figures will directly influence their lives, communities, and other points of interest.

Make use of time-savers in order to help you when time is truly of the essence. Have news sources send you e-mails to keep track of what is happening. Make watching the news a regular part of your day. Do what is takes to ensure that you are able to follow politics when time seems chaotic.

Taking such steps and being aware of this valuable presence will help you make the most of your time. It will allow you to importantly follow, and in turn be active, with regard to politics.

Filed Under: Politics, Voting, Work Tagged With: Democratic, Mass media, Politics, Voting