Blog #3 Mudslinging

http://www.gop.com/news/NewsRead.aspx?GUID=11b7c4b7-c708-4a63-9d09-789183ef4364

The Presidential campaign is in full swing, and both sides are taking jabs at each other. An Obama advertisement criticized McCain’s lack of computer skills. In the commercial, an announcer notes McCain “still doesn't know how to use a computer, can't send an e-mail.” Ouch!! John McCain cannot send an e-mail because he is physically unable to do so. He was tortured by the Viet-Cong while a prisoner of war. Not to be outdone, click on the above link to read about Obama’s running mate Joe Biden’s “designer cuff links” and “Questions about his hairline”. Does being able to send an email or having a full set of hair really matter in this election? This is mudslinging. A term used in politics to describe the negative ads put forth against the opponents. Mudslinging is nothing new in politics. Thomas Jefferson hired a writer named James Callender to attack President Adams. He wrote that John Adams is "a repulsive pedant," and a "gross hypocrite.” In 1876 the opponents of Rutherford B. Hayes spread a rumor that he shot his own mother in a fit of rage. A complete lie! In this present election with so much mudslinging taking place, it’s quite easy to lose sight of what really matters: who is the best person to run our country? To best answer that question, we must carefully scrutinize where the candidates stand on the issues. Some of these issues include national security, healthcare, taxes, immigration, education, the war in Iraq, energy, etc… Again, these are only a few of the big issues, and I’ve left out many important ones you probably feel are vital.

I want you to think about what you believe are the two most important issues and why they are so relevant. After you have considered this, I want you to post a response. Be sure to explain what issue you feel is the most important and the second most important issue; moreover, explain WHY for both choices.

Blog #2: Dark Horse Candidates

John McCain surprised many when he announced Sarah Palin as his Vice-Presidential running mate. I was one of many who responded with the statement “Sarah who?” Many of us have never heard of this person. Sarah Palin is known as a dark horse, one who is nominated unexpectedly, without previously having been discussed or considered as a likely choice. History is full of dark horses, for example, North Carolina’s own James K. Polk was one of the first dark horses in US politics. Abraham Lincoln has been described as a dark horse; that is ironic when one considers he is typically ranked in the polls as the best President ever. The addition of Sarah Palin makes this Presidential campaign truly historic. Regardless of who wins the election, there will be a first in US history: either an African-American will take the office of the President, or a female will occupy the office of the Vice-President. Clearly, this Presidential election is history in the making!
Regarding Senator McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin, was this a smart decision on his part? Why or Why not? As you ponder these two questions, consider how his choice may help or hurt him in the campaign. Remember, your post is not an opportunity to criticize or praise either political party. I want you to objectively consider McCain’s choice, and judge if it was a good or bad decision and then support your answer with solid reasoning. Like me, you may need to learn more about Sarah Palin; Google her name or try talking about this topic with the adults in your home.

Blog #1: The Importance of Current Events

The importance of current events cannot be emphasized enough. I promise you that 100 years from now, students in middle schools across God’s earth will be studying your current events. The difference is that to them, it will be “stuff” that happened in the past. It bears repeating: “Today’s current events will be tomorrow’s history.” Discussing current events makes you an informed and involved citizen. Moreover, you will better understand people and how they relate to one another. So, let us consider for a moment the topic of current events. Granted, the upcoming Presidential election will make every textbook, but what about the other events taking place? Aside from the comments I’ve blogged, do you think it is important for middle schoolers to learn about current events? Why or why not? What kinds of current events interest you? Consider these questions for a moment and post a response.