Read the following article. What is the author's main idea? What is the conundrum facing today's politicians in relation to this article? Are the two candidates in sync with the American public? What does it mean to be patriotic? Does the public's current opinion represent a fundamental shift or is just temporary? Why? What are the long term implications? How does this article relate to your own personal outlook on America? (If you are not an original poster feel free to respond to what others wrote and feel free to listen to a lil' Journey as you contemplate the article)
25 Comments
Tara Beltrami
9/12/2012 01:21:12 pm
The two Presidential candidates are trying to show voters that each one is more American than the other. They're telling us that we have choices to fulfill the American dream. Each candidate feels that their choices are better than the other. They have different ideas for creating jobs and bring strength to America.
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Yesenia Gomez
9/13/2012 04:17:39 am
The articles main idea is about the election, of who will be the best choice, Obama or Romney. They both have different views of what America needs in this era. In Obamas words he is trying to strive for a better economy and a better living for the next generation. For example, "It would be OK for the children to breathe toxic pollution in the name of corporate progress". This is concerning because we are talking about our future economic state of living. The future of America basically lies on the decisions our future president will take. Although both of them seem to be the right choice they both want different things. Certainly, from this information of this article we can conclude that Obama wants to clear the debt in a safe environment way. On the other hand, Romney wants to use corporations to try to clear our debt.
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Matteo Abreu
9/13/2012 07:11:15 am
The author's main message to Americans and the general public is trying to be expressed by Republican nominee for president, Mitt Romney and President Obama. They seem to be bickering back and forth when the main purpose of these speeches is not yet accomplished.It should be to getting across a point. In my eyes neither of them has truely signified this aproach. The most important atribute they need to show is faith. The people are doubting some of Obamas choices in his last four years of presidency, but none of these excuses being made by Romney and his vice presidental candidate Paul Ryan are not serious and important excuses. They speak of debt and birth cirtificates, joking or not these are not very detrimental reasons to put down Obama and probably wont change the majorities view of him. The United States has always been in debt and it wont ever change in this generation and probably not the next. The joke Romney made about Obama's birth cirtificate wasnt funny and it makes him look worse, he isn't great competition. His patriotic emphasis is a load of crap and singing songs of our nation wont show partriotism, being a leader will show patriotism. He is a fool, and all those who follow him are oblivious of his por tactics. We are in difficult times and we need to focus on creating work and turning the average lazy minded American back into a hard working citizen who loves their country and is dedicated to bring back the golden, satisfying, and rich country we were and still are. Our mind set has to switch and a message from our President should be portrayed onto us, and lead us to sucess. The Associated Press explains how the general public," has not found a majority saying the nation is moving in the right direction since 2003" but if we look back to see how deep of a hole our country was in when Obama was chosen as president he has made a difference since then and change does take time. In my opinion he can transform our country back to what it once was like the golden age. This allection should be like fishing with dynomite but we'll see what happens!
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Danny Brink
9/13/2012 07:54:53 am
TITO
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Knute Meyer
9/13/2012 07:56:51 am
TITOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Joey Brink
9/13/2012 12:56:35 pm
TITO
Michael Crean
9/13/2012 04:09:35 pm
titoooo
Tito Bandito
9/14/2012 02:18:40 am
Whats up guys!!! Hows school
Danny
9/14/2012 04:00:02 am
Were survivin. Farrel cant teach calculus. haha. Hows life on the inside?
Matteo
9/17/2012 01:44:35 am
Nothings worth being here again, not being at football is making me go crazy, keep playing hard I miss you guys.
Danny
9/27/2012 07:16:49 am
Keep your head up dude. Stay strong and positive. We'll keep playin hard for you and we'll be here for you when you get out.
Danny Brink
9/13/2012 07:51:40 am
The main purpose of this article is to inform the American people of the current status of what the main topic of the election is. For many years, the economy was the main subject of presedential elections, mostly because of the trillions of dollars of debt were in. But recently, the election seems to be an attempt to see how "American" the candidate is. There have been ongoing attempts of both presidential candidates to prove that they are more "patriotic" than the other. Being patriotic means that one shows respect, loyalty, and love for their own country, and to have both Romney and Obama questioning each other if they believe in America, it gives me a sense of whether or not either of them are ready to lead this country. I think some people are concerned that both candidates, especially Romney according to this article, are focusing too much on the negatives of each other, rather than just campaigning for what they want for the future of the country; however, I agree with Tara that America still needs to become stronger in job creation because we are still at a very high rate of unemployment, and I feel like both of these presidents have a successful plan to try and fix this problem.
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Emely crispin
9/13/2012 07:55:34 am
the articles main idea is to inform the people about how the candidates are doing ther jod and how one is better than the other one.they are making us to vote for eather one for the things they are doing,specially the american dream.Also i think that both of them wants to do things for us but i dont think that everyone believe them in some ways another thing is that some people are unsure of what they are promesing
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Joseph Davis
9/13/2012 11:57:46 am
In Jennifer Agiesta and Kasie Hunt’s “Analysis: The politics of believing in America,” they dissect the aims of the American people down to the overall goal of “patriotism,” defining that word in relation to the two current presidential candidates as “the guy who restores the glory.” Now, that definition might be relevant amidst the ever troublesome national debt, and the standstill in job market creation, but history has shown that patriotism, while always having been focused on preserving what the American people believe to be important, has not always followed such specific guidelines. For example, gay marriage is a social issue on which the American people are divided. Some believe that gender should not be a deciding factor in whether two people can marry, and some do not. For the hardcore marriage traditionalists, marriage is defined as a formal union between a man and a woman, and anything outside of that is not, and should not be considered marriage. Others believe that gay marriage should not be a political statement, that two human beings who desire to be married should have the right to do so as their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Is either side less patriotic than the other, or does this not have anything to do with patriotism at all? Arguments can be made in both cases. The traditionalist side is only standing up for something they believe in. Even if they’re refusing to look past their ignorance they do have the right to vocalize their opinion and stand up for they believe to be right, wherever they’re drawing the core of their argument from. The others are addressing an inequality of man in the face of others, based on the Declaration of Independence. They believe that marriage in the present USA should be allowed on the same level to all, and if it is not, then it should be considered a full blown inequality to the rights of man, and possibly a question of authority. Who says that American born citizens who are gay can’t have the same national right as someone who is straight? Discouragingly enough, the American people have decided as so, and in this dynamic and exhausting democratic system the US holds, many have to buckle down while the majority is in opposition. Back on point, if patriotism is going to be a deciding factor in this presidential campaign, I believe the one who is to uphold our rights as citizens of this country which we laid out accordingly will win the race, plain and simple. And additionally as the definition of patriotism will acclimate itself with each passing generation, if our leader can continue to value the people’s voice as a whole, they’ll have my vote.
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Jessica Bernal
9/13/2012 01:03:59 pm
In the article, “Analysis: The politics of believing in America” writers Jennifer Agiesta and Kasie Hunt’s explain how during the elections both presidential candidates, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have tried to show the voters that one is more patriotic than the other. The authors believe that they are trying to prove their patriotism because most Americans envision the nation “pessimistic” and feel “nervous” about the future. If they can elect a more “Patriotic” president then they are fit to “restore the glory” of our country. To be patriotic is to love and be proud of your nationality. If you’re patriotic you demonstrate loyalty and look out for the welfare of your country. I believe that the focus of campaigns has shifted because the candidates are highlighting one an others negative attributes instead of informing their audience of their goals for the country. The article also states that Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan holds the national debt as a reflection of Obama’s management; however I believe that shouldn’t be held against him since the nation was in a big financial strain when it was handed down to him. It takes longer than a 4 year term to fully fix all the issues of the country. Both candidates have also discussed economic plans. I believe that’s an essential topic to debate on because the unemployment rate shouldn’t continue to grow, either candidate will try to create more jobs in our country which is very much needed.
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GabyGonzalez
9/13/2012 01:24:33 pm
This article main message is to inform Americans and the public about how the candidates are doing and which of the candidates is more American than the other and their views of what America needs. To be patriotic means a person who supports his country and its way of life. For example, in this case between Obama and Romney are trying to show who is more patriotic.The public opinion does represent a shift because they are getting sway by the candidates speeches the support is turning around between candidates and is making the ansiegty off whos going to win a big mistery. Long termn implications are that at the end who ends up beeing president is going to have a long job in getting peoples trust as well as solving all the incidents that have happen. Aslo it will bring alot of counterversity between candidates on blaming each other for the lost or win. My out look in all of this is that it dosent matter who is going to win but the most important thing is how loyal they are about the speachs the candidates have made to the people and how loyal they are to their country to help it progres. That it dosent matter what color you are or race but how loyal you are to your nation and future people.
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Dana Cronin
9/13/2012 01:34:23 pm
The author's main idea in this article is to show how this election is different than its predecessors because the candidates, Romney and Obama, are appealing to patriotism more than ever before. The big problem in this election is that each candidate is at constant battle with the other, causing more disagreements and disrespect than true opinions and beliefs. I believe that the candidates are becoming too in sync with the American public because they are trying too hard to win their support by utilizing appeals to ethos and pathos. They should be fighting for their true beliefs rather than trying to one-up the other guy. To be patriotic is to care about your country in such a way that you want it to be successful, and you will do whatever it takes to get there.This apparent shift in campaigning is not here to stay. The people will grow weary of hearing the same thing over and over again and will eventually demand the concrete goals of each candidate. Thus, I believe that the candidates should shy away from the constant appeal to patriotism and start advocating what they will over the course of the next four years.
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kevin bankson
9/13/2012 01:51:17 pm
Tthe main point of this article is to let the people of america know what big important topics of this upcoming election is. One thing that is worring me and the people are that the two people running are just pointing out ever bad thing about their oponent, especially Romney. Hes focusing on the negatives rather than tell the people of this nation what he want to do to help our stuggeling country. In this article both candidates are saying they are more "patriotic" than the other. But in my mind being patriotic means having a love for this great country. I agree and disagree with Danny when he says it gives me a sencse of whether or not either of them are ready to lead this country. i do see where he is coming from with his consern on if Romney will be able to lead this country because he hasnt really given a lot of detail in what he will do he says ever open statments, and with Danny's consern of Obama is if he will bring us out of this current funck we are in. But why I disagree is i think Obama has what it takes to lead because he started in such a bad state to start will and i think he can decrease the unemployment rate.
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Joey Brink
9/13/2012 01:57:09 pm
This article is about Mitt Romney and President Obama and how the election isn't focused solely on the economy, but rather on which candidate is more patriotic or even more "American". I like what danny said about how being patriotic means that one shows respect, loyalty, and love for their own country and I agree with him in that the candidates are focusing on hating on each other rather than campaigning for themselves. I dont know how to say this right but i think both candidates need to mature up a little bit. They both have different ideas and they both think their ideas are better then the opposition and should be the only ideas out there. I like Matteo's comment on how the election should be like fishing with dynomite. He uses good imagery there.
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Andrea Gomes
9/13/2012 02:04:37 pm
The main point of this article is that this years presidential election is more focused on America its self. Both Romney and Obama are taking a patriotic route, meaning that their platforms are focused more on rebuilding America and the American spirit. I agree with Dana that the two candidates are to focused on using appeals to earn support and proving to be more American than the other. They should be more focused on addressing critical problems in our country and the actions they are going to take in order to solve them, rather than going back and forth. I believe that the public's current opinion is just temporary. Once people look at what Romney and Obama are bringing to the table rather than focusing on who's more American, the opinions will shift again.
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Melanie Gouveia
9/13/2012 02:46:51 pm
In the article, "Analysis: The politics of believing in America," the authors Jennifer Agiesta and Kasie Hunt believe that the presidential candidates, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, speeches are about how they are going to not only pull America out of a massive debt crisis, but change America for a brighter future. Both candidates are in sync with the public when it comes to being patriotic and concerned with the future of America. To be patriotic means that you are devoted, loyal and defend your country and show how much you support your country through acts that can only benefit the country's welfare. I think that the publics current opinion represents a fundamental shift because the public is concerned more about the future state of America and what it should entail in order to change America for the better. The long term implications are attempting to raise America somewhat out of a $16 trillion dollar debt, creating more jobs, create a better standard of living for the children of this generation when they become adults, and how the president who "restores glory" will also "decide the soul of America." In relation to this article, my personal outlook on America is that whatever presidential candidate that wins should not just focus on the debt this country is in today, but to take certain actions that will benefit the future of America. I think that our next president must think incisively about what necessary aspects will stimulate the economy to grow. To be president is not only displaying what it means to be an American, but leading this country to achieving the most difficult goals in order to help benefit the entire state of the country, and to set the bar for future generations.
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Mitchell Aiken
9/13/2012 03:19:03 pm
Being patriotic, like Danny said, means showing respect, love, and loyalty to your country, but it also means being proud of what it has accomplished and making sure that you are part of it, not holding it back in any way. I'm sure that by most standards someone who is running for president is extremely patriotic, but the finger pointing and accusations of inadequacies on both parties parts seems immature, rather unpatriotic, and not at all in line with the American spirit. The way politicians act during elections often takes away from the importance of issues at hand, moving instead towards who can prove they are "more American." It's all quite disappointing and makes me dread what might happen if this trend keeps worsening. The politicians are definitely not the only ones to blame however, the public needs to better inform itself and focus on the economy or education instead of worrying about the legitimacy of a birth certificate for months on end. If not, we might continue on the path that Plato worried about when he thought that only "intellectuals" should run and vote.
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Katie Artigas
9/13/2012 03:57:51 pm
The authors, Jennifer Agiesta and Kasie Hunt, are stating that Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are focused on America and are both taking a patriotic approach to the election. The two politicians are more focused on going back and forth with each other about who is more 'American' rather than focus on the problems that America faces as a country such as debt and unemployment. To be patriotic, as Mitchell and Danny have both stated, means to show pride in your country as well as respect, loyalty, and love. I believe that the public should take a more firm and mature stance on the election rather than focus on whether on not a person was born in the United States or elsewhere. If American society itself is not working on rebuilding their nation then people will become misguided and stray from what a nation should really be about. I believe that if things go down the path that it is currently going that America is going to be in trouble. Our politicians shouldn't be trying to be more 'American' than the other, but instead should be working on fixing the nation and unifying it, otherwise what's the point in having a government if it's full of people who let their feelings and so called jokes get in the way of more important matters?
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Michael Crean
9/13/2012 04:07:44 pm
The article's sole importance is to inform the American people about situations regarding the presidential election. It stresses the fact that the election isn't completely focused on the economy, but rather on which canidate is more "patriotic." Being patriotic, like my homies Mitchell and Danny explained, means showing respect, love and loyalty to your country and doing what is necessary for the good of the country. Instead of pointing fingers and being concerned with the negatives of eachother, they should be focusing on what they going to do for our country and its future. Personally, I believe that if people like Romeny and Obama, two or our potential leaders, dont start focusing on how they are going to fix the issues at hand, there are going to be major consequences down the road in our future.
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Audrey Dappen
9/14/2012 05:18:28 am
This article discusses both presidential candidate's campeign strategies. While the economy is a big issue, according to this article, it seems that both campeigns center around who is "more American" and restoring America's student. Both came from religious or familial backgrounds that make some people take their loyalty or "American-ness" into question. While never outright saying anything, both sides are giving basic subliminal messages or offhand comments about the other not being American enough to be president. Not just the Presidential campeign is making this an issue, it seems that both Party's campeigns have made this another issue on top of the ones that the American people were expecting (i.e.- the economy, Romney's religion, and abortion). This was an unexpected additional issue that they are adressing but it seems that if they agree on anything it is that the people of America are losing their faith in their country. No matter what Party any given person affiliates themself with, most will still consider themselves "patriotic" and both candidates are bringing a ton of attention to that.
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