Blog Stage Six

Little to like about BIG Texas, I agree with you on the facts that you presented about people not voting but even though there were a lot of people in this country who did not go out and vote for one reason or another but in the end it is everyones right to also not vote as well. Just because you are an American does not mean that you have to go out and vote because its time to. The fact of being American is you have the choice for either or. All you can do is just stand up for what you believe in and if that means not going to vote so be it people are making too big of a deal about voting, change, and making your voice be heard. If people dont want to go vote then so be it.

Stage Five: Original editorial or commentary #1

          Of course, after recent historical significant events, which happened just over a week ago today, I thought it appropriate to write about the election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States. Now, this subject might be a little touchy, however I think I would like to voice my opinion on the matter anyway. I know that this blog is supposed to be about Texas government, however, I hope the president of the United States is classified under Texas government, although I know most Texans tend to think Texas could be its own country.
          Anyway, beside the point, I think that the people who voted Barack Obama into presidency, for the sole reason of his race. Rappers like Nas, who is thirty-five years old, yet this was the first year he decided to register and vote. I hardly doubt this is a coincidence. Also, at this year’s Black Entertainment Awards ceremony, Sean Combs, formerly known as “P Diddy,” told the crowd that they had the chance to vote in the first black president. Not support Obama because of his qualifications, but simply because of his race.
          The thing that bothers me the most is that it seems as if no one really cares about Obama’s qualifications or whether he is the very best candidate. I found plenty of sites in which people openly admit that they are, “voting for Barack Obama because he is black.” I just think that in a country that I am hoping can one day be colorblind, this is making matters much worse. By putting so much focus on his race, and calling white people who do not vote for him “racist” are putting racism before qualification.
          I would just like to propose just one thought, can any of you imagine the outcry if someone went publicly and said: “Vote for McCain because he is white.” The truth is, I support Obama, I just condone those who support him for all the wrong reasons.

Stage Four: Substantial commentary or criticism #2

The article I chose to critique is entitled, “Don't vote straight-ticket,” from DallasNews.com. I would say that the author’s intended audience is directed toward voters of all shapes and sizes, republican, democrat, libertarian, independent, anything. I think that the author did a very good job of trying to write an editorial about the importance of being knowledgeable about who people are voting for, rather than just voting for a particular party. The editorial then gives an example of a judge who was elected as a Democrat, re-elected as a Republican, and is now up for election as a Democrat again. Obviously there is something wrong with that picture since most people do not just suddenly wake up one day and change from Democrat to Republican, then back again. People should be aware that sometimes a title is not everything, just because someone shares the same political party, does not necessarily mean they stand eye to eye on every idea. The editorial conveys to the reader information regarding voting and four important reasons why people should not vote straight-ticket which are: “You might miss an important issue, all candidates are not created equal, there is plenty of info to guide you, and that justice is blind to party affiliation.” Which I think is necessary information and something voters should most definitely take into consideration. The editorial also gives the reader a website to find more information on candidates to help decide on who to vote for. The main thing I like about this editorial is the fact that it is unbiased and the main point is just to try to inform voters to no vote blindly based solely on a particular political party.