Last Blog... =/

First of all, this class has been by far one of the most interesting courses I have taken at ISU.  This was a class I took "for fun" and I debated over dropping it before it started and I am really glad that I did not.  I feel more knowledgeable about politics and what is happening in our country, and I hope to continue reading about current events and become engaged in the community politically.

1. What was your favorite section of the class and why?

It is really hard to choose a favorite section.  It was really interesting to learn about social security and medicare and the debt.  Also, I thought it was interesting to see how much money goes into campaigns (that's ridiculous how much it is. And to think...someone has to lose...)  I also liked any time that we used the internet to look up current statistics (the debt and the approval ratings).  It made what was happening in the country more real.

1. Which one was the least interesting, and why?

The least interesting section was learning about the parts of the constitution because I feel like that is the only thing I have ever learned in all of my history classes.  However, it is important to know and it was a helpful review.

1. How did you feel about your knowledge of government prior to this class, has it changed?

Prior to class, I basically just knew random history facts that were drilled into our heads since elementary school.  Now I feel like I know politics...and not just the history of how the United States formed.  I also feel like with some research, I could actually understand what I am reading and could then have an intelligent debate with someone with opposing views.

1. Give me an honest assessment of your generation , politically speaking, if you had to judge it based on your friends.

Most of my friends do not seem to be hard-core politically engaged, but a lot of them are from my hometown or around my hometown so we all tend to have the same view.  I think my generation is more democratic (at least around here) and will listen to the opinions of other people.  I also feel like we are so used to having to be "politically correct" that a lot of youth do not like to talk about politics because they do not want to offend anyone.

1. What can you do to make your commitment to your country stronger than it is today?

I think just trying to stay involved on campus and learning about current events will help me be more committed to the country.  

1. Any other feelings about the class?

Loved the class and I wish it was longer! (I never thought I would say that about a class...let alone politics!)  The West Wing episodes were awesome so thank you for showing those!

=)

Blog #7

I did not realize McLean County had so much history!  It was really interesting to learn about the different types of people that settled here, and how much of an impact the universities have on the county.  It is important to appreciate the history of where you live, because it really gives you a sense of what the present would be like if an event did not take place in the past.  I have never visited a place like this because honestly, I did not make the time. Knowing the history of McLean County would be more detrimental if I planned on living here in the future, but I don't plan on living in Normal for forever.  Also, (at least for during the school year) if I have free time it would probably be spent on sleep, rather than the McLean County museum.  The connection between politics and the history of McLean County was really put into prospective for me for the gallery about the Vietnam War where it had the thoughts and actions of students from Wesleyan and ISU.  I couldn't relate to much of the museum but that exhibit really made me see that students can and should make a difference politically.  Something that stuck out to me was the KKK outfit.  It really #1 creeped me out and #2 was more real than a picture.  Overall, I am really glad we got to go to the museum because I would never have known that it existed or have been exposed to the history of McLean County.

Blog #6

Let's see...I really do not know much about McLean County or its political history.  I really only know that it is supposed to be conservative but the Universities really throw that off since they are more liberal.  I don't know a lot for a few reasons. #1 I blame the college bubble.  Living in the dorms I had no real reason to go to more parts in the county because everything I needed was right here at the university.  Which leads to #2 that I have not felt the need to be involved or be a part of this county until this class because I never considered it my home, even though now I'm living here literally all year...and for the next year.  I think knowing about counties can just help you be more knowledgeable...but sadly...I don't even know that much about Cook County...and I've lived there for 19 years.  I think it is important to know about your city, because counties are almost too big for someone to really grasp and categorize it.  Especially Cook County because suburb kids are way different than city kids, yet we are in the same county.  

Wow...I did not realize McLean County had so much history!  It was really interesting to learn about the different types of people that settled here, and how much of an impact the universities have on the county.  

Blog #5

Apparently I am a liberal leftist.  I honestly cannot say I am surprised because a lot of their issues are ones that I agree on.  I would be more likely linked to the Democratic party, which is the party that I prefer.  Politically, I seem to resemble Gandhi, but I am more to the right where there are no political figures.

I prefer the Democratic party for a few reasons.  #1 Living in Illinois and raised in the suburbs, I feel like most of the people around me are democrats. #2 Age-wise, my generation appears to be mostly democratic. #3 I agree with a lot of the issues democrats side with.  #4 I went on the democratic website and read the "what we stand for": "The Democratic Party is committed to keeping our nation safe and expanding opportunity for every American. That commitment is reflected in an agenda that emphasizes the strong economic growth, affordable health care for all Americans, retirement security, open, honest and accountable government, and securing our nation while protecting our civil rights and liberties."  Who wouldn't want that? #5 I didn't want to be biased and only look at the democrats website, so I went to the site for the republicans.  Honestly...it was really creepy and kind of scary.  I mean BAM right on the home page it was all "The Democrats are advancing their agenda.  Your life is now under their scrutiny."  Oh gosh...and then there is that creepy picture (no offense).  Basically that site makes the republicans look bad.  Especially when the democrat's site is all cheery and hopeful looking.  If the republicans are really trying to get the youth vote back...they should really work on their website.