Are The Wall Street Protests Too Much?

As if there is not enough of a divide in Congress, the Wall Street Protests have further divided Democrats and Republicans with the events that have transpired recently in New York City's financial district.  These protests have attracted national media attention and have sparked many remarks from various members of Congress.  On the conservative side, it has been argued that these protesters are taking it "too far" and acting like mobs.  Representative Eric Cantor, the number two ranking republican in the house described the American protesters as "mobs...pitting Americans against Americans."  Running to the defense of the protesters, democratic members of congress have spoken up.  Democratic house member John Lewis from Louisiana explains that the protesters "only wish to be heard."

While there is no doubt an extreme amount of controversy arising from these protests, politicians are heavily debating these acts.  Democrats are advocating for the constitutional rights of the protesters while the republicans are arguing of a created divide.  However, while Republicans are very much vocal about their disdain for the current protests, they remain peacefully silent during Tea Party rallies.  While at the same token, Democrats hold nothing back when criticizing the dividing ways of the Tea Party rallies.  However, the Wall Street protests are not about the politicians.  They are about the people who are trying to convey a message, or tons of messages in the case of these protests.  Of the many issues at hand, protesters are speaking of issues that may be very relevant to the 2012 Presidential elections.  For example, many protesters are speaking of the economy and its impact on small business owners. Mass amounts of people were spotted chanting that its easy to criticize people who are doing things that others have not done (in reference to small business owners).  How many people who actually criticize small business owners have actually started up small businesses?  Perhaps this would be Obama's opportunity to advance his approval ratings considering his re-election campaign director is the son for former Bank Of America CEO Charles Gifford.  Maybe politicians will get the messages and make changes.  Or maybe everyone, politicians and protesters alike, will continue to chant and contradict each other.  Hopefully history won't repeat itself.

WORKS CITED
 -WWW.CNN.COM
http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/09/us/occupy-wall-street/index.html?hpt=po_bn1
_WWW.OCCUPYWALLSTREET.ORG

What Communication Strategies With Political Parties Should Obama Use To Win in 2012?

Discussion with Mississippi Governer Haley Barbour regarding the strategy Obama should use in the 2012 race.  Discussed are the approval ratings of the current administration along with how Obama should communicate to political parties along with voters in different parties to win.

What Will It Take From Democrats and Republicans To Win Over The Hispanic Vote?

Open phones to public to discuss the role of political parties in winning over the Hispanic vote in the 2012 Presidential elections.  Republicans argue that they are in favor of winning over the Hispanic vote due to the fact that the Democrats emphasis on economic issues have trumped social issues that heavily impact the Hispanic community.

Role of the Conservative Party Members in 2012

Tom McClusky on the conservative party's role the 2012 Presidential election.  He discusses the fact that within the conservative party there is a concern for candidates to address not just economic issues, but social issues as well.

Natural Born Conspiracy Theorists

On September 11, 2001, many people lost their lives on a tragic day that will forever plague our nation with sadness. However, while that day brought this nation many deaths, a number of new born establishments have arisen as well.  For one, the United States now has the Department of Homeland Security, a stronger military, and another war for their resumé.  Webster's dictionary defines a conspiracy theory as a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators.  The United States, perhaps, became popularly familiar with conspiracy theories on a mainstream level with the arrival of many documentaries such as "Loose Change."  This particular documentary presents a radical view of the government, its reaction to 9/11, and the economy.  See a piece of this footage to briefly understand what some of America's "conspiracy theorists" have been up to.

While presenting a radical view, this documentary may have empowered politicians and media personnel to stretch the definition of what a "conspiracy theorist" is.  This claim may be somewhat justified as such reactions have presented a somewhat clear misinterpretation of the definition as evidenced in the media, and government's reaction to these conspiracy theories.  Before anyone throws their computers against the wall, I urge you to listen for there is a method to my madness.  While I agree that some of these views are completely radical, I must explain that the term "conspiracy theorist" may be mislabeling people.  For example, if a college student does not receive their financial aid in time to pay their tuition when they took all the necessary steps to ensure an on-time disbursement of their funds, and they question the school when they do not receive them, are they conspiracy theorists?  If a mechanic tells a customer they need new brakes when that customer changed their brakes a month earlier and that customer questions the mechanic, is that customer a conspiracy theorist?  Most likely not.  However, it turns out that if one questions the government and its functioning then they may be subject to being accused of being conspiracy theorists. Branded, demoted, and labeled a conspiracy theorist for noticing flaws in a large system.  Perhaps to some, a person who questions their government is a conspiracy theorists, but to many, these inquisitive people are only utilizing their democratic right.  The right to speak their mind, and speak directly to a bureaucratic system in which noticeable inefficiencies exist.  Perhaps one should not be discredited for noticing flaws in a system that is in place to benefit them.   Ironically enough, this phenomenon of labeling people "conspiracy theorists" is not limited to the regular citizen.  In fact, the very politicians who lead this country engage in these activities.  Representative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, the latest candidate to join the Republican presidential campaign, suggested that President Obama secretly wanted Medicare to go bankrupt so retirees would be forced to enroll in the new health care law.  See the following article:

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_06/bachmanns_latest_conspiracy_th030351.php

While this issue may seem far fetched, it is a very relevant issue in regards to the popular vote and the presidential election.  It would be far more beneficial for citizens to be able to exercise their democratic right to speak their minds considering the ability citizens possess to vote for President!  During the elections, citizens are urged to vote to make a difference.  Finding inefficiencies may provide a framework for voting for a candidate and such frameworks should be accepted.  There may be many people who would agree that they believe there are inefficiencies within the government while simultaneously feeling no suspicion of being subject to a conspiracy!  Be American: speak, listen, vote, and do not throw stones if you live in a glass house!

Where There's A Palin, There's a Christie?

I must say that I have seen more of Sarah Palin on the Internet in the last month than I can handle.  However, given the scandals, priceless euphemisms, and ambitious feats she brings to the table, who can bypass articles about her?  I find myself saying "I don't know if I can handle another Sarah Palin spectacular today" on a regular basis, but I found this particular story to be interesting.  An article I had the privilege of reading from Fox News has recently published that should Palin enter the race for President, Governor Christie will certainly enter the race.  See the following article:

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/09/30/if-palin-enters-2012-contest-christie-will-too/

Indeed, Palin has been on the receiving end of major criticism for good reason.  Ranging from rumors of extramarital affairs to making erroneous geographical analogies, Palin has certainly made a name for herself on a personal level and America has not missed a beat in noting her every move.  Palin and Christie in the race in 2012 would not only satisfy a heated rivalry, it would also generate major publicity.  In addition, according to polls from the McClatchy/Marist poll of registered voters, Palin is only 5 percentage points head to head behind Obama.  Palin's remarks regarding her confidence in winning the presidency in 2012 in correlation with the positive polls were as followed according to Fox News:  "Americans are ready for someone outside the box."  While she may be at par with a very unpopular President, she will have steeper competition.  Especially should Christie enter the race, given his strong support from the Republican Party to include the entire Bush family.  

While some may say that Palin has a plan that will get many nowhere fast in life, in the words of Governor Christie on the Jimmy Fallon show, "Who knows Jimmy.  It's a crazy world."  This quote in response to being asked could Palin win the race to the White House.  Perhaps Governor Christie is right.  This is a crazy world we live in.  The people of the United States can only hope for a diligent President, who knows their geography, is scandal free, and can provide for the people what they deserve: democracy.  Regardless, should Palin and Christie run in 2012 one thing is certain: these elections will be entertaining nonetheless.  

Obama May be on the Golf Course in 2012

The United States certainly witnessed history in the 2008 elections, when for the first time ever, a black man was elected President.  This was a truly joyous moment for the country, as waves of hope and inspiration ran rampant amongst citizens around the country.  The nation was approached by a charismatic leader who promised change after a controversial stretch during the Bush administrations eight years in office.  The nation desperately needed a leader who would promote change and growth within a struggling nation.  President Bush left office after an eight year stretch that brought the United States through some of its most difficult times.  However, nearly three years later, there is a different tone of voice in this nations feelings towards their current President.  In addition, history is being made yet again.  Seats are changing, and the approval ratings are dropping.  These instances may hinder President Obama's chance at a second term in office.

For the first time since 1923, seats in the New York District have fallen out of Democratic hands and into the possessions of Republicans.  In addition, house seats in Nevada that were once in the possession of Democrats are now in the hands of Republicans.  The loss of these seats in the House of Representatives happened during a special election within one day.  To add insult to injury, the day after these losses, California's approval ratings were posted.  California, whose people historically have always voted Democratically regardless of how well the politicians have done, posts an approval rating for President Obama as less than 46% as of recently.  Let us look at the election map from 2008.

Two things to notice: California, Nevada, and New York account for 91 votes-over 1/3 of what is needed to become President by means of the electoral college.  Should the President lose these votes, especially in California and New York, it will prove extremely difficult for him to win a second shot at the Presidency.  President Obama may very well have come into office with the best of intentions for the country, however, his charisma and his goals may not be enough to keep his ship afloat.  While he will always be known as a historic President, we must remember that the term "historic" also comes with some negative connotation.  For example, President Obama has spent more money than any other President in the history of this country.  While he may feel justified, the people may disagree.  For this reason, I advise to keep our eyes on the elections, and the golf course if we wish to track President Obama.  For more information on these events see the following link:

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/09/17/bad-news-for-obama-from-new-york-times/