MOdel Senate Project
Presidential Persuasive essay project
President Romney: Doesn’t Have a Nice Ring to It
The economy can be fixed in five simple steps; its so easy it seems as though anyone can do it. This is the attitude that Mitt Romney brings to his presidential platform when speaking to the economic recession. What Governor Romney fails to realize though is that in any recession, the economy requires time to pull out of a crisis situation. Although Mitt Romney’s plan for economic recovery could critically improve our GDP and lower the national debt, President Obama’s plan to reform the economy by continuing the policies he established during his first term will be more effective in ending the recession and will promote a stronger American future.
In order to determine the next course of action for United States, we must first understand the historical factors that led to today’s economy. Over the past twelve years we have seen America swing from the pinnacle of economic success to a major recession that came especially close to collapse in 2008. Under the Clinton administration (DOW Jones), America saw political focus shift from the Middle East and military operations to national economic investments, national product exportation, and interactive trade with foreign markets. This caused an economy that was originally in debt to rise above the debt line into a significant surplus until the end of Clinton’s Presidency. Upon the induction of the George W. Bush administration, the economy remained generally stable. However, the events of September 11th 2001and the ensuing Iraq and Afghanistan wars sent the U.S. deep into debt. During President George W. Bush’s two terms in office, the deficit began to approach highs that had not been exceeded sense WWII (Global Economic Outlook 2012), up until President Obama took office in 2008. At this point, the economy was almost bankrupt and a second great depression was well within the horizon. Had President Obama not authorized the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, America could have faced a financial crisis beyond recovery. This act provided an approximate 787 billion dollars to support specific areas of the nation during the financial crisis including infrastructure, education, health, and energy, federal tax incentives, and expansion of unemployment benefits and other social welfare provisions (The Recovery Act). This stimulated and saved multiple markets on the verge of collapse due to failure and bankruptcy. Over the past four years we have seen the economy gradually pull from the crisis and projections show that this pull will continue. This serves as an example of President Obama’s strength as a leader and financially responsible treasurer.
Three of the greatest factors that contribute to the outcome of the economy are the job market, foreign trade and work, and the educational system in America. Over the past four years we have seen the unemployment rate steadily decline with the creation of numerous private sector jobs. This would not have been possible if President Obama had not supported the Recovery Act and supported the bailout of multiple corporations. In any economic fallback, the key to regenerating a stable economy is to salvage as many businesses, corporate or private, as possible. When industries, like the housing market become fiscally unresponsive, a domino effect ensues that claims jobs market by market. Often this effect can be contained on a small scale with corporate bailouts but should it become out of control, more debt could add up to the point where bailouts become useless thus causing large scale bankruptcies. Mitt Romney has admitted to opposing the Recovery Act and would have let the real estate marked hit rock bottom (Corasaniti). This is contrary to “standard procedure” when facing financial crisis and if Mitt Romney were elected, we could see more of these similar decisions put into action, thus raising the unemployment rate.
The second key to economic success is investing in American businesses and preventing the exportation of jobs overseas to countries like India and China. One of the arguments presented by the Republican Party states that if low-level jobs can be exported, higher-level jobs will be left at home for American workers to take. The fact of the matter is that the population of the United States in continuously increasing. This provides the reality that more jobs, regardless of the income, will be required of the United States. Mitt Romney has stated in his 5-step plan that he plans to hold countries like China accountable for taxes and fair trade regulations. This is an important policy that needs to be enforced but it should not be the focus of the foreign trade involvement. President Obama plans to take affirmative action against job exportation by eliminating tax breaks for corporations that ship work overseas (Frum). This will allow fewer jobs to be lost from American workers and will stimulate the economy by opening up the job market to the American public.
The final key to economic success rests in the educational system. In order to maintain the educational standards that the American work force has set for its populous, more money needs to be spent on the public school system as well as at the collegian level. The teacher has become one of the most low paying jobs in U.S. This is contrary to the success of a nation and President Obama knows this. He has doubled funding for Pell Grants and has established a college tax credit, allowing more students to afford and attend college. Also, he has successfully fought to prevent federal student loan interest rates from doubling for more than 7 million students, and capped federal student loan repayments at 10% of income (Education). In Governor Romney’s home state of Massachusetts, state college tuition rose to record heights and educational ministers define him as a candidate that does not place education as a priority. Donnie McGee, a Massachusetts community college professor, has even stated, "When Romney was Governor ... students and educators struggled (Resmovits).” The youth of the nation consequently holds the future of the nation in their hands. It can even be assumed that the greatest factor in the success of any nation is the educational strength of its populous. Given Governor Romney’s background, it is not beneficial for the United States.
Mitt Romney has convicted President Obama’s plan as inefficient and not progressive enough to reestablish the economic status America received prior to September 11th (Spending). However, his proposals to financially reconstruct the economy do not address the primary causes of the economic crisis. In order to reform the economy, the administration needs to identify the original factors that led to economic collapse. One of the primary causes was the massive amount of money that was spent on the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. The invasions successfully nullified the apparent threat of terrorism but because no true economic gain came from these conflicts, the U.S. government spent tax dollars that couldn’t be retrieved (Charting the American Debt Crisis). This same focus on a strong military budget is a traditional republican value and defiantly a focus for the Romney campaign as stated in the third presidential debate (Corasaniti). Recent studies have shown that approximately 60% of federal funding from tax dollars is spent on military programs (Employment Status). I find that given the current lack of American conflict in the world, this figure is both inflamed and unnecessary. For this, I believe that President Obama’s defocus on foreign involvement and concentration on the reformation of the U.S. (Economy, 3) is more admirable and more crucial to the redevelopment of the U.S. It is of great importance that money is not spent on any unnecessary conflict or redundant military programing.
As the American public, we constantly find ourselves struggling through hard economic times. We have worked through inflation, unemployment, and financial hardship in the past decade and we are continuing to work for a better America. President Obama has been an essential contributor to the recovery of the U.S. but there is more work to be done. We have seen the nations unemployment and taxes decrease. We have seen the GDP and market profits rise. Under the leadership of President Obama, we are moving in the right direction. The pace may be slow but we are moving forward and that is why President Obama is the ideal candidate for the 2012 presidency.
The economy can be fixed in five simple steps; its so easy it seems as though anyone can do it. This is the attitude that Mitt Romney brings to his presidential platform when speaking to the economic recession. What Governor Romney fails to realize though is that in any recession, the economy requires time to pull out of a crisis situation. Although Mitt Romney’s plan for economic recovery could critically improve our GDP and lower the national debt, President Obama’s plan to reform the economy by continuing the policies he established during his first term will be more effective in ending the recession and will promote a stronger American future.
In order to determine the next course of action for United States, we must first understand the historical factors that led to today’s economy. Over the past twelve years we have seen America swing from the pinnacle of economic success to a major recession that came especially close to collapse in 2008. Under the Clinton administration (DOW Jones), America saw political focus shift from the Middle East and military operations to national economic investments, national product exportation, and interactive trade with foreign markets. This caused an economy that was originally in debt to rise above the debt line into a significant surplus until the end of Clinton’s Presidency. Upon the induction of the George W. Bush administration, the economy remained generally stable. However, the events of September 11th 2001and the ensuing Iraq and Afghanistan wars sent the U.S. deep into debt. During President George W. Bush’s two terms in office, the deficit began to approach highs that had not been exceeded sense WWII (Global Economic Outlook 2012), up until President Obama took office in 2008. At this point, the economy was almost bankrupt and a second great depression was well within the horizon. Had President Obama not authorized the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, America could have faced a financial crisis beyond recovery. This act provided an approximate 787 billion dollars to support specific areas of the nation during the financial crisis including infrastructure, education, health, and energy, federal tax incentives, and expansion of unemployment benefits and other social welfare provisions (The Recovery Act). This stimulated and saved multiple markets on the verge of collapse due to failure and bankruptcy. Over the past four years we have seen the economy gradually pull from the crisis and projections show that this pull will continue. This serves as an example of President Obama’s strength as a leader and financially responsible treasurer.
Three of the greatest factors that contribute to the outcome of the economy are the job market, foreign trade and work, and the educational system in America. Over the past four years we have seen the unemployment rate steadily decline with the creation of numerous private sector jobs. This would not have been possible if President Obama had not supported the Recovery Act and supported the bailout of multiple corporations. In any economic fallback, the key to regenerating a stable economy is to salvage as many businesses, corporate or private, as possible. When industries, like the housing market become fiscally unresponsive, a domino effect ensues that claims jobs market by market. Often this effect can be contained on a small scale with corporate bailouts but should it become out of control, more debt could add up to the point where bailouts become useless thus causing large scale bankruptcies. Mitt Romney has admitted to opposing the Recovery Act and would have let the real estate marked hit rock bottom (Corasaniti). This is contrary to “standard procedure” when facing financial crisis and if Mitt Romney were elected, we could see more of these similar decisions put into action, thus raising the unemployment rate.
The second key to economic success is investing in American businesses and preventing the exportation of jobs overseas to countries like India and China. One of the arguments presented by the Republican Party states that if low-level jobs can be exported, higher-level jobs will be left at home for American workers to take. The fact of the matter is that the population of the United States in continuously increasing. This provides the reality that more jobs, regardless of the income, will be required of the United States. Mitt Romney has stated in his 5-step plan that he plans to hold countries like China accountable for taxes and fair trade regulations. This is an important policy that needs to be enforced but it should not be the focus of the foreign trade involvement. President Obama plans to take affirmative action against job exportation by eliminating tax breaks for corporations that ship work overseas (Frum). This will allow fewer jobs to be lost from American workers and will stimulate the economy by opening up the job market to the American public.
The final key to economic success rests in the educational system. In order to maintain the educational standards that the American work force has set for its populous, more money needs to be spent on the public school system as well as at the collegian level. The teacher has become one of the most low paying jobs in U.S. This is contrary to the success of a nation and President Obama knows this. He has doubled funding for Pell Grants and has established a college tax credit, allowing more students to afford and attend college. Also, he has successfully fought to prevent federal student loan interest rates from doubling for more than 7 million students, and capped federal student loan repayments at 10% of income (Education). In Governor Romney’s home state of Massachusetts, state college tuition rose to record heights and educational ministers define him as a candidate that does not place education as a priority. Donnie McGee, a Massachusetts community college professor, has even stated, "When Romney was Governor ... students and educators struggled (Resmovits).” The youth of the nation consequently holds the future of the nation in their hands. It can even be assumed that the greatest factor in the success of any nation is the educational strength of its populous. Given Governor Romney’s background, it is not beneficial for the United States.
Mitt Romney has convicted President Obama’s plan as inefficient and not progressive enough to reestablish the economic status America received prior to September 11th (Spending). However, his proposals to financially reconstruct the economy do not address the primary causes of the economic crisis. In order to reform the economy, the administration needs to identify the original factors that led to economic collapse. One of the primary causes was the massive amount of money that was spent on the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. The invasions successfully nullified the apparent threat of terrorism but because no true economic gain came from these conflicts, the U.S. government spent tax dollars that couldn’t be retrieved (Charting the American Debt Crisis). This same focus on a strong military budget is a traditional republican value and defiantly a focus for the Romney campaign as stated in the third presidential debate (Corasaniti). Recent studies have shown that approximately 60% of federal funding from tax dollars is spent on military programs (Employment Status). I find that given the current lack of American conflict in the world, this figure is both inflamed and unnecessary. For this, I believe that President Obama’s defocus on foreign involvement and concentration on the reformation of the U.S. (Economy, 3) is more admirable and more crucial to the redevelopment of the U.S. It is of great importance that money is not spent on any unnecessary conflict or redundant military programing.
As the American public, we constantly find ourselves struggling through hard economic times. We have worked through inflation, unemployment, and financial hardship in the past decade and we are continuing to work for a better America. President Obama has been an essential contributor to the recovery of the U.S. but there is more work to be done. We have seen the nations unemployment and taxes decrease. We have seen the GDP and market profits rise. Under the leadership of President Obama, we are moving in the right direction. The pace may be slow but we are moving forward and that is why President Obama is the ideal candidate for the 2012 presidency.
Blog Project
Michele Obama Speech Blog
After seeing the first lady in person today, I can quite honestly say that it an entirely different experience than watching the same event through a TV screen. I had an incredible time listening to this amazing woman sharing her feelings and objectives with an entire community of supporters. There is an electric excitement in the air as when she speaks. Aside from the obvious head nodding and cries of approval, there is a general consensus between everyone in the crowded gym. A consensus that the nation is still in a recovery and it is the responsibility of the citizens of the United States to stay with the administration that has been gradually pulling us out of an economic crisis. We cannot expect the country to change overnight or expect a new policy to fix everything. It is extremely important for the American population to realize that the Obama administration has been providing the nation with a great deal of support in the current economic times and we must continue in the same direction if we are to regain better times.
A week ago I would never have thought that a speech could be so moving but as I stood with peers, I could feel a sense of belonging and excitement as the First Lady presented her husband’s platform. Although the speech itself was generally the same as the speech she gave at the democratic convention, her rhetoric is very persuasive on its own and I believe that this contributes to her success as a speaker. I do not see as much passion or fire in the republican side of the campaign, which I think, is a large factor in terms of winning states for the democratic and republican parties. I also think that if this passion remains consistent throughout the rest of the campaign, Colorado’s chances of becoming Obama supportive are very high.
Google and Web Censorship
The Google and Web Censorship document shed light on the legal actions and policies that took place after the Innocence of Muslims film was displayed on YouTube in the past week. Basically, the video was removed in only select countries because it violated specific laws in said countries. The video itself was not directly inciting hate speech or violence but the reaction to the obviously offensive content were similar in countries like Egypt and Libya and even indirectly caused the death of the U.S. ambassador in Libya. Google removed links to the video in both these counties due to the sensitive situations that resulted from the videos broadcast but was left online in most other counties because was not in violation of You Tube’s terms of service. This situation specifically serves as an example of how provocative speech can cause very drastic changes while still in compliance with the first amendment rights. By technical definition, the video in question was not violating any of these rights and was therefore allowed to remain on the Internet.
As a filmmaker myself, I believe that the rights of filmmakers should be protected as much as any other citizen regardless of the content of the film being produced. There is a line to what is and isn’t acceptable but the acts involved with censorship should be left to the Director’s discretion and the discretion of the target audience. As I stated in a similar blog post, if the concept of art is removed from the film industry, the whole credibility and value of film is lost. The Innocence of Muslims film was a generally terrible movie in morality, in cinematography, and execution but the rights of the filmmaker must be protected because it is his creation and his art.
Michele Obama’s Speech at the DNC Blog
I found that Michelle Obama’s speech was simply filled to the brim with rhetoric, especially in the subcategory of ethos. There are a lot of heartstrings that can be pulled and manipulated while addressing the nation and Mrs. Obama certainly provides an excellent speech that does just that. She captivates her audience and gives the American population a perspective that is very clear and well thought out. Although Michelle focuses on more positive issues and discusses the things Barack Obama has provided for the nation, she does not once mention the opposing party and its standings. I find this standpoint particularly admirable because this is traditionally not found very often in politics today. There is always a cacophony of political slander present in any debate so the change of direction was rather nice for a change. However, I think there is still a lot of rhetoric that needs supporting evidence and promises that need to be elaborated on. We can still see that there are many problems at hand in the U.S. that Michelle addresses but does not provide an explanation of how to fix them. Granted she is not the president but it still raises questions that need to be answered. Overall I enjoyed watching the speech and hope to see how the debates continue.
Forfeiting of Rights Blog
I believe that the act of forfeiting rights related to free speech in a school setting are unconstitutional and the rights should be protected regardless of where an individual is or where they attend school. If censorship is forced upon students, during a period of educational growth and discovery, considerable knowledge is lost or covered. The act of free speech is a right that is guaranteed to all citizens and is constitutionally, one of the most important concepts that our country is based on. During the time of the constitution’s construction, one of the key elements of pre-revolutionary law was the limiting of free speech and the punishment involved with negative speech or press. An example of these restrictions was the British law consenting the jailing of individuals that spoke poorly of the king or British government. Laws like this caused the national congress to expand on the rights of citizens and create laws to protect these rights. If these rights are forfeited when attending a school, it should be considered highly unconstitutional and therefore un-American in ideal.
Growing up in a catholic school, I was free to practice as I wished and my religion was supported in turn. In a public school setting, there are religious freedoms that I have to sacrifice certain freedoms. According to the constitution all people of the United States are citizens regardless of their age, including students. These rights are also protected by the constitution and any violation of these rights should be treated as a crime. Even if students attend private schools and universities where specific rules can be enforced should not be subjected to a restriction of rights because they are granted and protected. These rules should not outweigh the rights of its citizens in any form for that matter, especially concerning the freedom to religion.
President Obama’s Speech Blog
Upon reflecting of President Obama’s speech and considering that my focus was directed primarily towards the creation of jobs in the U.S. and fixing the economy, I believe that Obama has the better plan for improving the general workings in America. I think that Obama is an excellent rhetorician which serves as an advantage to the population seeking empty rhetoric. Although there are a few areas in his speech that could require more elaboration, he generally provides enough of an idea of his plans to create an opinion, defiantly more so than his opponent. I really respected the general lack of attack towards the opposing party as well, for he primarily focuses on his plans and the progression of the country. I feel more of a connection with his speech because this is not often seen in today’s politics and I think at this time in our nation’s standings we need to look forward and concentrate on making things better in our country. I agree that it will not be an easy task to accomplish but as a nation we need to move in the same direction.
Free Speech Forum Piece Blog
The piece I chose for the Free Speech Forum was the documentary Bowling for Columbine by Michael Moore. I believe that this is an excellent example of free speech usage in the media and how expressionism and subject matter cad convey an important issue using film as a medium. Bowling for Columbine takes a deeper look at a controversial issue in the United States and provokes many questions in a very obvious way. The questions raised in the gun control issue are radically attacked and tested by more which tends to push his free speech rights to certain extremes including making claims against the government and drawing conclusions about the American public. This entire concept is important to me as a filmmaker in regards to what I can be capable up in my medium. I definitely use this movie as a reference to what can become a success based on its content. When free speech is considered in the film arts, it is an absolute must that the first amendment rights must be protected. If not, then the whole concept of expressionism through art is lost.
Documentary Response Blog
To me, the most important moral dilemma that was presented in the documentary was the case of Ward Churchill in his fight against the University of Colorado for the loss of his job due to academic misbehavior. Basically, comments that were written by Churchill regarding the 9/11 terrorist attacks were recovered by university officials and deemed the work to be unpatriotic and dangerous to the students under his instruction. The original basis for the case were for these comments and the subject material that he taught in his classes but the university used his involvement in speeches and other acts of speech to file for termination against him. This is an important case to me because the idea of teaching multiple perspectives to an issue or event in history allows for a better understanding of history. Like Churchill said in his comments, there is more to the story behind 9/11 and it is the in-depth understanding of the events in history that creates a better education. Like many other teachers in the country, Churchill values the truth of history rather than incorporating political biases and educational censorship to mold students into patriotic, yet blind, citizens. In my schooling career I have worked with teachers that have taught us to question an event before we accept it as true and when the research of an issue is conducted, often I have found that there is a whole other side to something I accepted as historically accurate. It was because of these teachers that I now have a better understanding of historical events such as the war in Vietnam, the Cold War, and the War in Iraq and I am very grateful for their lessons. Teachers like these and Ward Churchill should be protected from academic censorship because they are more provocative administrators and they are entitled to teach every side of an issue given its historical context and importance.
Case Law Blog
The essential question of the Hazelwood vs. Kuhlmeier case provokes the limitations that student press has in reference to protection from the first amendment. The background of the case started in May, 1983 when the Principal of a High school deleted articles from a school newspaper that concerned teen pregnancy and other sensitive issues, under the impression that they were not appropriate for younger readers. The students felt as though their rights were violated because they were in compliance with school policies. The case resulted with the School winning by a 5 to 3 majority. The grounds for the articles’’ deletion were in regards to censoring a younger target audience. I believe that material that is excusive to an older audience, as determined by a generalized rating system, should be censored from younger audiences. However, I believe that issues of a strong subject matter that are important to society, should not be hidden from any audience so long as they do not go into excess detail of become provocative. In the case of Hazelwood vs. Kuhlmeier, I think that this ruling was unfair and should be reevaluated in terms of serving as a case law.
Presidential Debate Blog
The debate was very animated but I do feel that Romney and a very apparent dominance over Obama throughout the night. Taking into considering that Mitt Romney has been preparing for this specific debate for over six month and has spent a great amount of energy into focusing his efforts on it as well. Romney seemed to be on the offensive the majority of the debate while President Obama seemingly backpedaled for the remainder of the evening. I think that Romney raised very important points throughout his arguments and had very direct responses to many of the President’s questions, But there also seemed to be a significant pivoting for multiple questions presented by either candidate and the mediator. I think that Obama has a clearer direction for many of the issues that are presented to the national scale and I think for my future, Obama presents a better direction for the nation.
1st Amendment Video Review Blog
I think that the first video in this set is the most powerful in terms of the quality of the video and the creative message of the first amendment. I feel like the second video provides a more photographic feel to it but the overall message is not as elaborate on. The third video is generally bland even though it is very specific about the content. The first two are generally short which is appealing to the audience and is simplified which makes the overall point very clear. The combination of visuals is also very appealing and allows for the audience to be more drawn into the film and receive the message the video is trying to convey in a more visual way. I think that content is very important for this project especially considering the specific first amendment rights my group will try to convey. I also think that visual elements will also play a large factor in the success of my project by contributing to the cinematic quality of the film.
After seeing the first lady in person today, I can quite honestly say that it an entirely different experience than watching the same event through a TV screen. I had an incredible time listening to this amazing woman sharing her feelings and objectives with an entire community of supporters. There is an electric excitement in the air as when she speaks. Aside from the obvious head nodding and cries of approval, there is a general consensus between everyone in the crowded gym. A consensus that the nation is still in a recovery and it is the responsibility of the citizens of the United States to stay with the administration that has been gradually pulling us out of an economic crisis. We cannot expect the country to change overnight or expect a new policy to fix everything. It is extremely important for the American population to realize that the Obama administration has been providing the nation with a great deal of support in the current economic times and we must continue in the same direction if we are to regain better times.
A week ago I would never have thought that a speech could be so moving but as I stood with peers, I could feel a sense of belonging and excitement as the First Lady presented her husband’s platform. Although the speech itself was generally the same as the speech she gave at the democratic convention, her rhetoric is very persuasive on its own and I believe that this contributes to her success as a speaker. I do not see as much passion or fire in the republican side of the campaign, which I think, is a large factor in terms of winning states for the democratic and republican parties. I also think that if this passion remains consistent throughout the rest of the campaign, Colorado’s chances of becoming Obama supportive are very high.
Google and Web Censorship
The Google and Web Censorship document shed light on the legal actions and policies that took place after the Innocence of Muslims film was displayed on YouTube in the past week. Basically, the video was removed in only select countries because it violated specific laws in said countries. The video itself was not directly inciting hate speech or violence but the reaction to the obviously offensive content were similar in countries like Egypt and Libya and even indirectly caused the death of the U.S. ambassador in Libya. Google removed links to the video in both these counties due to the sensitive situations that resulted from the videos broadcast but was left online in most other counties because was not in violation of You Tube’s terms of service. This situation specifically serves as an example of how provocative speech can cause very drastic changes while still in compliance with the first amendment rights. By technical definition, the video in question was not violating any of these rights and was therefore allowed to remain on the Internet.
As a filmmaker myself, I believe that the rights of filmmakers should be protected as much as any other citizen regardless of the content of the film being produced. There is a line to what is and isn’t acceptable but the acts involved with censorship should be left to the Director’s discretion and the discretion of the target audience. As I stated in a similar blog post, if the concept of art is removed from the film industry, the whole credibility and value of film is lost. The Innocence of Muslims film was a generally terrible movie in morality, in cinematography, and execution but the rights of the filmmaker must be protected because it is his creation and his art.
Michele Obama’s Speech at the DNC Blog
I found that Michelle Obama’s speech was simply filled to the brim with rhetoric, especially in the subcategory of ethos. There are a lot of heartstrings that can be pulled and manipulated while addressing the nation and Mrs. Obama certainly provides an excellent speech that does just that. She captivates her audience and gives the American population a perspective that is very clear and well thought out. Although Michelle focuses on more positive issues and discusses the things Barack Obama has provided for the nation, she does not once mention the opposing party and its standings. I find this standpoint particularly admirable because this is traditionally not found very often in politics today. There is always a cacophony of political slander present in any debate so the change of direction was rather nice for a change. However, I think there is still a lot of rhetoric that needs supporting evidence and promises that need to be elaborated on. We can still see that there are many problems at hand in the U.S. that Michelle addresses but does not provide an explanation of how to fix them. Granted she is not the president but it still raises questions that need to be answered. Overall I enjoyed watching the speech and hope to see how the debates continue.
Forfeiting of Rights Blog
I believe that the act of forfeiting rights related to free speech in a school setting are unconstitutional and the rights should be protected regardless of where an individual is or where they attend school. If censorship is forced upon students, during a period of educational growth and discovery, considerable knowledge is lost or covered. The act of free speech is a right that is guaranteed to all citizens and is constitutionally, one of the most important concepts that our country is based on. During the time of the constitution’s construction, one of the key elements of pre-revolutionary law was the limiting of free speech and the punishment involved with negative speech or press. An example of these restrictions was the British law consenting the jailing of individuals that spoke poorly of the king or British government. Laws like this caused the national congress to expand on the rights of citizens and create laws to protect these rights. If these rights are forfeited when attending a school, it should be considered highly unconstitutional and therefore un-American in ideal.
Growing up in a catholic school, I was free to practice as I wished and my religion was supported in turn. In a public school setting, there are religious freedoms that I have to sacrifice certain freedoms. According to the constitution all people of the United States are citizens regardless of their age, including students. These rights are also protected by the constitution and any violation of these rights should be treated as a crime. Even if students attend private schools and universities where specific rules can be enforced should not be subjected to a restriction of rights because they are granted and protected. These rules should not outweigh the rights of its citizens in any form for that matter, especially concerning the freedom to religion.
President Obama’s Speech Blog
Upon reflecting of President Obama’s speech and considering that my focus was directed primarily towards the creation of jobs in the U.S. and fixing the economy, I believe that Obama has the better plan for improving the general workings in America. I think that Obama is an excellent rhetorician which serves as an advantage to the population seeking empty rhetoric. Although there are a few areas in his speech that could require more elaboration, he generally provides enough of an idea of his plans to create an opinion, defiantly more so than his opponent. I really respected the general lack of attack towards the opposing party as well, for he primarily focuses on his plans and the progression of the country. I feel more of a connection with his speech because this is not often seen in today’s politics and I think at this time in our nation’s standings we need to look forward and concentrate on making things better in our country. I agree that it will not be an easy task to accomplish but as a nation we need to move in the same direction.
Free Speech Forum Piece Blog
The piece I chose for the Free Speech Forum was the documentary Bowling for Columbine by Michael Moore. I believe that this is an excellent example of free speech usage in the media and how expressionism and subject matter cad convey an important issue using film as a medium. Bowling for Columbine takes a deeper look at a controversial issue in the United States and provokes many questions in a very obvious way. The questions raised in the gun control issue are radically attacked and tested by more which tends to push his free speech rights to certain extremes including making claims against the government and drawing conclusions about the American public. This entire concept is important to me as a filmmaker in regards to what I can be capable up in my medium. I definitely use this movie as a reference to what can become a success based on its content. When free speech is considered in the film arts, it is an absolute must that the first amendment rights must be protected. If not, then the whole concept of expressionism through art is lost.
Documentary Response Blog
To me, the most important moral dilemma that was presented in the documentary was the case of Ward Churchill in his fight against the University of Colorado for the loss of his job due to academic misbehavior. Basically, comments that were written by Churchill regarding the 9/11 terrorist attacks were recovered by university officials and deemed the work to be unpatriotic and dangerous to the students under his instruction. The original basis for the case were for these comments and the subject material that he taught in his classes but the university used his involvement in speeches and other acts of speech to file for termination against him. This is an important case to me because the idea of teaching multiple perspectives to an issue or event in history allows for a better understanding of history. Like Churchill said in his comments, there is more to the story behind 9/11 and it is the in-depth understanding of the events in history that creates a better education. Like many other teachers in the country, Churchill values the truth of history rather than incorporating political biases and educational censorship to mold students into patriotic, yet blind, citizens. In my schooling career I have worked with teachers that have taught us to question an event before we accept it as true and when the research of an issue is conducted, often I have found that there is a whole other side to something I accepted as historically accurate. It was because of these teachers that I now have a better understanding of historical events such as the war in Vietnam, the Cold War, and the War in Iraq and I am very grateful for their lessons. Teachers like these and Ward Churchill should be protected from academic censorship because they are more provocative administrators and they are entitled to teach every side of an issue given its historical context and importance.
Case Law Blog
The essential question of the Hazelwood vs. Kuhlmeier case provokes the limitations that student press has in reference to protection from the first amendment. The background of the case started in May, 1983 when the Principal of a High school deleted articles from a school newspaper that concerned teen pregnancy and other sensitive issues, under the impression that they were not appropriate for younger readers. The students felt as though their rights were violated because they were in compliance with school policies. The case resulted with the School winning by a 5 to 3 majority. The grounds for the articles’’ deletion were in regards to censoring a younger target audience. I believe that material that is excusive to an older audience, as determined by a generalized rating system, should be censored from younger audiences. However, I believe that issues of a strong subject matter that are important to society, should not be hidden from any audience so long as they do not go into excess detail of become provocative. In the case of Hazelwood vs. Kuhlmeier, I think that this ruling was unfair and should be reevaluated in terms of serving as a case law.
Presidential Debate Blog
The debate was very animated but I do feel that Romney and a very apparent dominance over Obama throughout the night. Taking into considering that Mitt Romney has been preparing for this specific debate for over six month and has spent a great amount of energy into focusing his efforts on it as well. Romney seemed to be on the offensive the majority of the debate while President Obama seemingly backpedaled for the remainder of the evening. I think that Romney raised very important points throughout his arguments and had very direct responses to many of the President’s questions, But there also seemed to be a significant pivoting for multiple questions presented by either candidate and the mediator. I think that Obama has a clearer direction for many of the issues that are presented to the national scale and I think for my future, Obama presents a better direction for the nation.
1st Amendment Video Review Blog
I think that the first video in this set is the most powerful in terms of the quality of the video and the creative message of the first amendment. I feel like the second video provides a more photographic feel to it but the overall message is not as elaborate on. The third video is generally bland even though it is very specific about the content. The first two are generally short which is appealing to the audience and is simplified which makes the overall point very clear. The combination of visuals is also very appealing and allows for the audience to be more drawn into the film and receive the message the video is trying to convey in a more visual way. I think that content is very important for this project especially considering the specific first amendment rights my group will try to convey. I also think that visual elements will also play a large factor in the success of my project by contributing to the cinematic quality of the film.