Obama balloon
We had an artist day at school and a balloon artist was one of the day’s favorites. Check out the balloon that he made in the likeness of President Obama!
Amazing, huh?
Where did you watch the inauguration?
I watched from my classroom with my kids. I brought them back early from lunch so they could see the swearing in. After studying civil rights, Rosa Parks and MLK, the kids were so excited to have a non-white president. They started excitedly talking about how we now need a woman president, a hispanic president, an indian president, and an asian president (all kids in our class). I hope they truly understand how significant this historic day was- I really think they do.
I wanted the kids to be able to watch it on my interactive whiteboard, since it’s so big, but the internet was jammed! So, instead they had to crane their necks. They didn’t seem to mind.
I love that one of the students is pointing at President Obama in this picture. How cute!
Even I am surprised!
So, I’ve always considered myself to be a moderate Republican. I voted for Bush, although I wouldn’t do it again. Since the craziness of the Bush administration, I’ve started looking around at all the candidates, not just the Republican ones. To my surprise, I realized that I agreed more with the Democratic candidates. So, I started doing a little research, and realized that I really am a Democrat. Interesting. Here’s a little checklist I came across regarding the issues and what each party usually agrees on. My thoughts are in red.
Issues
1. Abortion
Democrats: Abortion is a woman’s right and should be legal
Republicans: Abortion should be illegal and restricted by government
I’ve got to agree with the Republicans on this one, but not all the way. There has to be some sort of protection for the life of the mother, for rape, incest, etc.
2. Flag Burning
Democrats: Flag burning is political speech and is protected by the Constitution
Republicans: Protect the flag from burning by a constitutional amendment
I agree with the Democrats on this one.
3. Gun Control
Democrats: Favor/Gun control is needed
Republicans: Oppose/Gun control is unconstitutional
I’m on the Dems side again here.
4. Natural Environment
Democrats: Strong regulations are needed to protect the environment
Republicans: Strong environmental laws harm the economy
Again, I’m siding with the Democrats. How can you possibly not want to protect the environment? Global warming is scary stuff and we have got to regulate our carbon output!
5. Race Relations
Democrats: Strong anti-discrimination laws are needed
Republicans: People and businesses can be trusted not to discriminate
I’m going with the Dems again.
6. Minimum Wage
Democrats: Favor/Increase the minimum wage to help workers
Republicans: Oppose/Do not raise the minimum wage because it hurts businesses
Another point for the Democrats- increasing minimum wage helps workers, children of these workers, and the economy.
7. Healthcare
Democrats: Government should require universal access to healthcare
Republicans: Private insurers are preferable to government mandates
I’m right in the middle on this one. I’m not a fan of government healthcare, but I do think everyone should be able to access healthcare, especially children, with programs like what we have in Georgia, called Peachcare.
8. Taxes
Democrats: Increase taxes on the wealthy to pay for public programs
Republicans: Cutting taxes for everyone helps the economy
I’ll admit that I’m not very knowledgable about taxes. This is something I have to do more research on!
9. Military
Democrats: Cut military spending; expand veteran’s benefits; act in concert with other nations and/or with support from NATO and the UN
Republicans: Increase military spending; cut veteran’s benefits; don’t be constrained by other nations or by NATO and the UN
Although I don’t agree with cutting military spending, I do think that we should expand veteran’s benefits, not cut them. I also think that we need to align with NATO and the UN and not just do whatever we want, so we dont’ make another huge mistake like Iraq. So, I’m going with the democrats on this one.
10. Death Penalty
Democrats: Oppose/It is not a deterrent and innocent people are in jeopardy
Republicans: Favor/The death penalty is necessary and effective
Going with the Democrats on this one…life in prison is worse than the death penalty. I also don’t think that we should be in charge of taking another mans life.
11. Gay Rights
Democrats: Favor/Gays rights and marriage are civil rights
Republicans: Oppose/Marriage is a sacred trust between a man and woman
If you know me at all, you know that I am strongly for gay marriage. It is against the civil rights of gays to not be able to lawfully marry. So, obviously, I’m on the Democratic side.
12. Prayer in School
Democrats: Oppose/Violation of the separation between church and state
Republicans: Favor/It is a religious right and our Judeo-Christian heritage
Again, I’m with the Dems on this one. No one should be forced to pray, especially if that person doesn’t believe in that religion. When I was in college (to be a teacher), one of my professors told us to imagine our kids going to school and them being forced to bow to Mecca and pray to Allah. As a Christian, how would you feel? You’d be outraged!
So, let’s look at the data here. Democrats 9, Republicans 1 , with one answer in the middle and one I’m not sure how to answer yet. Yeah, I’m pretty sure I’m a Democrat.
Who would you vote for right.now?
If today were the presidential election, who would you vote for?
Here are the numbers from the Iowa caucas:
Democrats
Edwards – 29 percent
Obama — 23 percent
Clinton — 21 percent
Richardson — 10 percent
Biden — 3 percent
Kucinich — 2 percent
Gravel — 1 percent
Dodd — 0
Uncommitted –11 percent
Republicans
Romney – 30 percent
McCain – 18 percent
Guiliani – 17 percent
Thompson – 7 percent
Brownback – 5 percent
Huckabee – 4 percent
Tancredo – 4 percent
Cox – 1 percent
Gilmore – 1 percent
Hunter – 1 percent
Paul – 0
Uncommitted – 12 percent
There are some scary people in there…and some decent choices. Me, personally? Here’s my vote:
I would vote for Gore in a heartbeat. He is so intelligent, charismatic and passionate…I wish he had really let his personality show through in the past. Instead, he lost the election and immediately looked like a wildebeast! LOL
You want to know something funny? Yeah….he’s not even running! He’s just my hopeful.
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