From the not-so-civilized heated debates to pins and shirts endorsing favorite candidates, FC students have not deemed this historical election unimportant. Yet in all the commotion, try to stand back and see the effects this election has on the student body.
Unfortunately, the election has divided FC as students take sides for their favorite candidate, and against their least favorite. Cliques have been formed among Republicans, Democrats, and even the excluded few who know nothing about the election.
Elections also have their positives, like encouraging students to watch the media. They give high-schoolers something to talk about other than the Jonas Brothers, and create a sense of unity within similar political parties.
Bottom line: Elections have their place. It’s fine to have beliefs and opinions, and to share them with others. It’s not alright to dismiss opposing ideas without listening to them first. Hear them out, you may learn something.
Kendra Mifflin, 10
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Undecided
Undecided.
That’s what I decided I am. How do I choose? I like Arizona senator John McCain, he served his country. I like Illinois senator Barack Obama, he inspires people. But every time I watch the news they change.
I don’t know what they support anymore. Obama tries not to be too liberal and McCain tries not to be too conservative. The vice presidents don’t help my decision either. What do they want? No one probably cares. Sarah Palin had a child with down-syndrome. Obama’s vice hasn’t changed anything. Our interest shouldn’t be in what their pasts are. What are they going to do?
One of my friends is Republican, the other is Democratic. Some of my family is for Barack, the others are not. They talk to me like I can vote, but what difference do they make? I can’t vote. I can’t change anything.
Do I wish I could vote, would that make it easier? I doubt it. Do I have time to waste to figure it out? No! So what am I?
Undecided.
Jill Moore, 9
That’s what I decided I am. How do I choose? I like Arizona senator John McCain, he served his country. I like Illinois senator Barack Obama, he inspires people. But every time I watch the news they change.
I don’t know what they support anymore. Obama tries not to be too liberal and McCain tries not to be too conservative. The vice presidents don’t help my decision either. What do they want? No one probably cares. Sarah Palin had a child with down-syndrome. Obama’s vice hasn’t changed anything. Our interest shouldn’t be in what their pasts are. What are they going to do?
One of my friends is Republican, the other is Democratic. Some of my family is for Barack, the others are not. They talk to me like I can vote, but what difference do they make? I can’t vote. I can’t change anything.
Do I wish I could vote, would that make it easier? I doubt it. Do I have time to waste to figure it out? No! So what am I?
Undecided.
Jill Moore, 9
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Needing help, not a bill
On Tuesday night, Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama had their second of three debates. The most interesting statement by either of them came from Obama when he said that universal care is a right.
Currently, America ’s health care services are private. Obama wants to make it a mandate so that all people in America, rich or poor, are provided health insurance for them and their families, or able to purchase it without the worry of cost.
I believe that Obama is correct in his belief that universal health care is a right, not a privilege as McCain has mentioned. Thousands of people throughout the country are deprived of health care due to their family income, and are denied needed medical services. Universal health care will help the less fortunate get the care they deserve to be provided, while still protecting the private industries of current health care providers.
When people are sick, they need help, not a bill.
John Robert, 12
Currently, America ’s health care services are private. Obama wants to make it a mandate so that all people in America, rich or poor, are provided health insurance for them and their families, or able to purchase it without the worry of cost.
I believe that Obama is correct in his belief that universal health care is a right, not a privilege as McCain has mentioned. Thousands of people throughout the country are deprived of health care due to their family income, and are denied needed medical services. Universal health care will help the less fortunate get the care they deserve to be provided, while still protecting the private industries of current health care providers.
When people are sick, they need help, not a bill.
John Robert, 12
Healthcare is a right
Barack Obama, to me, really understands the struggles of everyday Americans. I truly believe that he will bring change to Washington, instead of the same ethics as the past eight years. He believes that everyone should be able to have affordable, reliable, universal healthcare. He gets that healthcare is breaking family budgets, and he's willing to work with the employer to lower premiums. Whereas John McCain believes that only some people should have affordable healthcare saying, "The Cadillac buying, hair piece wearing, wealthy Americans won't get a tax credit." If John McCain honestly cares about everyone's well being, than he would give affordable healthcare to all Americans.
When asked on the October 7th debate whether healthcare should be a responsibility or a right, Obama said it's a right. He believes that you shouldn't be penalized for having an illness you can't control, and then having the insurance agents refuse to cover your bills. McCain said it's a responsibilty, and that you should find a way to afford it.
Avery Walts, 10
When asked on the October 7th debate whether healthcare should be a responsibility or a right, Obama said it's a right. He believes that you shouldn't be penalized for having an illness you can't control, and then having the insurance agents refuse to cover your bills. McCain said it's a responsibilty, and that you should find a way to afford it.
Avery Walts, 10
A candidate we can trust
All throughout the presidential primaries I never had an opinion the candidates. The debate last Tuesday night gave me my opinion. Although Senator Barack Obama is a very eloquent speaker, seems very personal, and appeals to young people, his blatant avoidance of many questions was very troubling. If he isn’t being clear on things, then how are we supposed to be able to know that we can trust him. Senator John McCain actually answered the questions he was asked and was very clear. He isn’t a great speaker, he seems to have an odd posture, and he is older. His posture has a lot to do with when he was serving in the army and taken prisoner. During that, both his arms were broken and not correctly fixed. That combined with his age would give anyone a bad posture. His standings and beliefs also align almost exactly with mine, whereas Obama’s defy everything moral that I believe in. Obama may SEEM like a better candidate with his charm and appeal, but McCain is who we need and can trust.
Abigail Kost, 10
Abigail Kost, 10
Obama will bring change
Americans are jaded from seeing their country slaughtered due to the irrational policies of the Bush Administration. As president, Senator Barack Obama would bring America the change it needs. Senator John McCain, however, lacks the proper perspective to make the changes that are pivotal to the wellbeing of this country. Americans cannot expect someone who voted with President Bush 95% of the time to successfully remedy the problems Bush created.
McCain is constantly implying that he is better suited for the presidency because of his time in the military. Serving one's country is a noble thing to do. McCain's service proves that he is brave and loves his country. Those are important qualities in a presidential candidate, but serving in the military is only one way to attain them.
Megan Mosele, 10
McCain is constantly implying that he is better suited for the presidency because of his time in the military. Serving one's country is a noble thing to do. McCain's service proves that he is brave and loves his country. Those are important qualities in a presidential candidate, but serving in the military is only one way to attain them.
Megan Mosele, 10
Too old? Ridiculous
As of right now, I would vote for Illinois Senator John McCain for president. I believe he has the experience to lead this country. Senator Barak Obama has really only been in government for a short time and now wants to be president? McCain has been in it for years and has participated in the military. He knows what to do and how to get it done. He has made many plans to get our economy going again. He is opposed to war because he’s been there. I think he would have a great impact on America. Ruling the next several years with him would help tremendously. This whole ordeal about him being too old to be president is ridiculous. Age has nothing to do with it. I say if he can help our country and make it better, then he should be able to without age playing a factor.
Laura Hubrich, 10
Laura Hubrich, 10
Making change happen
I believe both candidates have good ideas, but I think John McCain would definitely be the best choice for President. He served in Washington and in the military for a long time, and he knows and will do what is in the best interest of our nation.
I strongly agree with McCain’s views on abortion, which I think is the most important issue. He supports abortion only during the case of rape or if the woman’s life is at risk, and he supports adoption as a first choice for women with unwanted pregnancies. I really don’t like that Obama voted twice to deny unborn babies that survive abortions the right to live.
I basically believe that McCain is more prepared and trustworthy than Obama. I think Obama will talk about changing America, but McCain will make it happen.
Sally Johnston, 9
I strongly agree with McCain’s views on abortion, which I think is the most important issue. He supports abortion only during the case of rape or if the woman’s life is at risk, and he supports adoption as a first choice for women with unwanted pregnancies. I really don’t like that Obama voted twice to deny unborn babies that survive abortions the right to live.
I basically believe that McCain is more prepared and trustworthy than Obama. I think Obama will talk about changing America, but McCain will make it happen.
Sally Johnston, 9
Support a depression or a revival
While the country is split on the issue of who should be our next president, there is one issue that everyone should agree on: our economy is spiraling downhill as we speak, and something needs to be done about it. According to a military policy analyst from Washington, D.C., the United States spends $12.3 billion a month on the Iraq-Afghanistan war. That’s $2.9 billion per week, $410 million per day, $17 million per hour. Although I’m no economical expert, it is quite obvious to see where our money is being siphoned away to. With that in mind, we look back to our contenders for the next leader of this country, and we see McCain in total support of the war, and Obama completely against it.
The answer seems apparent: support McCain, support a Depression; support Obama, support a revival.
Jessica Foster, 11
The answer seems apparent: support McCain, support a Depression; support Obama, support a revival.
Jessica Foster, 11
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)