Final Political Cartoon

Obama's win in the presidential election is a historic moment in our history. You see a happy Obama with his hands showing off the victory sign. Even though he will bring big government and frankly I'd rather have the conservative president but this is a comeback that African-Americans have achieved with many stones and muck in the road. Obama while in his celebrating stance is wearing a shirt that displays MLK Jr. This leads to what would make him proud that our country has gotten rid of its biases and has elected a black president. Truly, this is the largest victory for African-Americans since the 1960's when segregation was abolished.


Boligan, Angel. "President Obama." The Cagle Post. 7 November 2008
http://www.caglepost.com/cartoon.aspx?id=6a3eb4a9-8a3e-486a-8fd9-2f9cb8e65dd1

Political Cartoon

It has been speculated that if Barack Obama is to become president he will bring marxism with him to the White House. In the cartoon it says the Marx Brothers with Groucho, Karlo, Oh Joe, and OHno labeled under the characters. This is linking Barack Obama to Karl Marx whose ideas of socialism were practised by our old enemy the Soviet Union which means that Obama is the enemy. The cartoon has names which rhyme and has Obama as an OHNO which could mean if he is elected he will only bring disaster. Many people in America disagree with socialism which is spreading the wealth around which Obama has clearly stated and this is how the connection was made. According to the cartoon, if Obama is the next president, a more soialistic government will form and personally I believe this.


Bish, Randy. "The Marx Brothers." The Cagle Post. 29 Oct. 2008
http://www.caglepost.com/cartoon.aspx?id=d9401646-4a96-4f5c-b6bf-37497c79d760

Political Cartoon

Most newspapers and mainstream media tend to favor liberals and Democrats alike. In this picture it shows Obama in a flying position. This to me shows that it looks like he is winning because he has wings to help him fly. You notice if you look closely that The Washington Post and The New York Times are labeled on the wings. This to me is how major newspapers and large television newscasts tend to favor Obama than McCain. It is obvious and they are giving him the help he needs or the "wings" that he has now.


Hachfeld, Rainer. "high flier Obama" The Cagle Post. 24 Oct. 2008
http://www.caglepost.com/cartoon.aspx?id=2f0ab84d-8c4f-4058-bdcd-6571f1a4c820

Political Cartoon

Our current economic situation is a terrible one that will hopefully will be reversed soon. There is John McCain and Barack Obama in chairs with John McCain pointing to Obama and a frightened man with voters on his back sees a big pumpkin-head man ready to pounce that says economy. This pumpkin is aimed at John McCain which will be a big scare to McCain on November 4th for many will think that he is continuing Bush policies which are blamed for our current situation. Also McCain is questioning Obama on his background and how far left he is. This to me could also symbolize that he is attempting to distract voters from the real issue of the economy. On election day, it will be the scary thoughts of an economic recession if they vote for McCain but really I have no idea why.


Zyglis, Adam. "Scary Town Hall Debate" Political Cartoons. 7 Oct. 2008 http://www.caglepost.com/cartoon.aspx?id=eeec64da-c293-45ae-8e76-f9b77699bfc9

Political Cartoon

Wall Street is falling and only the taxpayers can save it. In this political cartoon Main Street is making faces at a falling Wall Street. This action by the taxpayers is a big mistake since we depend on big companies for our supplies and our jobs. Also in the cartoon, there is a rope at the end of Wall Street’s ankle which is connected to Main Street’s ankle. This means that if big companies are to fall then everyone else will fall with it, since big business and the public are connected. If Wall Street is to crash, everyone, including the taxpayers, will be doomed.


Tab. "Falling Wall Street" Political Cartoons. 30 Sept. 2008
http://www.politicalcartoons.com/cartoon/c036f9d7-7b48-44bb-89bc-e12d689eadc3.html

Political Cartoon

The country is suffering in many ways from banks closing to housing foreclosure. This political cartoon displays Lady Liberty on one side and Uncle Sam on the other looking at newspapers with bad news. This shows me that the country is on the wrong track and needs to improve. Also, George Bush is saying “This isn’t a good time to bring up privatizing social security. While banks bankrupt and houses foreclosing, this is the worst time to privatize social security. This country is essentially going down the tube.


Lane, Mike. "George W SocSec Suggestion." Political Cartoons. 16 Sept. 2008
http://www.politicalcartoons.com/cartoon/d3e1a842-5a10-4cf0-9a87-371477edc29d.html

The Essential Question

There can be many answers to this question and some of them may be vague. My reply to the essential question is that by the actions of yourself affect society and these actions are made either by what society has influenced you to do or what it wants you to do. For example about society influencing you, in Ibo culture it was acceptable and even encouraged for a man to have four or five wives and Okonkwo did as such. However if Okonkwo had lived his life by Western culture, he would have found it unacceptable to practice polygamy and most likely would just have one wife. A great example for an individual influencing society, Alexander the Great conquered all of Persia and helped spread the Greek culture. If he had never lived I'm sure my world would be based on the Persian culture. Likewise, If Elizabeth I of England had died as an infant and a weak ruler, even an alright ruler couldn't starve off Spain and I would be speaking Spanish right now if Elizabeth's influence had never occurred. Also I would be a Catholic if Henry VIII had never existed. I find it amusing how the few manipulate the many and can do it. However, those few were influenced by society share the basics that all humans share such as complicated emotions and a highly effective brain. My direct answer to this question is that by the actions of the individual or the structure of the society will inadvertently or intentionally affect each other.

Prediting Outcomes using linear regression (summary)

The method of linear progression is very accurate since using Rasmussen Reports predicted Barack Obama to win the state of North Carolina by about one point and he did so. Polls however aren't entirely accurate and should not be usedf to decide who the clear winner is but most times it gives you a good idea who is attracting more voters. To myself I would say this method is about 70% accurate but I don't know the exact percentages. This method's usefulness is very accurate if the leading candidate has a considerable margin however I would not acknowledge a leader in this particular method if the race was could be decided by a 2% or less of a margin.

Math Graphs and linear progressions

Days on x-axis

1=0
2=21
3=49
4=82
5=117
6=146
7=182
8=187
9=194
10=202
11=206
12=213
13=217
14=220
15=223

McCain Table Linear Progression: y=.0021X+47.4791
Obama Table Linear Progression: y=.0284X+42.4526

McCain Prediction: 48.016%
Obama Prediction: 49.6155%

Unfortunately according to this prediction, Obama will win North Carolina

Republican Collage

I consider my Republican collage a very good piece of art. You have Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain as the first picture. The woman in my collage is Sarah Palin the Republican vice-presidential candidate for office. Also the man whose head got cut off by Microsoft paint is our Incumbent President George Bush. I included the symbol of the GOP which is an Elephant which I personally like. Also I included small government which is what Republicans stand for and I personally believe in this. I also included one of the best Presidents of the United States Abraham Lincoln (Republican) who is my favorite president. My other picture is an old cartoon of the Republican elephant rushing through all the other animals and it shows it will tramble our problems.

Democrat Collage

My Collage is about the Democrats and their stances and leaders. First of all, Barack Obama is the Democratic Presidential Nominee and the pic at the right of the donkey is Joseph Biden. Between them is the Democrat's new symbol. The other two people are Nancy Pelosi (the woman speaker of the house) and Harry Reid (the man who is the senate majority leader). I also included symbols and two cartoons of how I felt about the Democratic party. One includes big government for that is one stance they take, and the other has a man sittin on the couch watching someone saying they love Democrats for they give them free money. The last symbol is the Obama O with Karl Marx stating that we wants Obama to win. There is some bias in my collage but in the media who is supposed to be non-biased you will see that there is lots of it.

Math Tables

End Date Obama
0 42
21 47
49 45
82 43
117 42
146 42
182 47
187 49
194 50
202 49
206 48
213 51
217 48
220 48
223 50
Days since 1st poll days


End Date McCain
0 51
21 47
49 48
82 45
117 45
146 46
182 50
187 47
194 47
202 48
206 48
213 48
217 50
220 49
223 48

Days since first poll %

First Poll: February 26
Website Used: http://electoral-vote.com/evp2008/Pres/pres_polls.html

North Carolina Issues (Math)

Of the many issues North Carolina takes a view of the popular side. For example, most of the country wants to authorize offshore drilling and North Carolina is eager for this to happen. With the weakening economy North Carolina calls for their to be government help in economic aid. Also we have a governor that is pro-life even though he is a Democrat and this makes me believe that we are a center-right which means we are tad more consevative on most issues in this great state. However Obama has appealed to people as conservative on some issues and somewhat liberal on others and this is what I think will help him on election night. A badly ran GOP senatorial campaign also will probably force Senator Dole to resign as a Senior Senator but hopefully the good race of Pat McCrory will help. Many issues however are not looked at by state citizens for there are many who will vote Democratically for there is an unpopular president in the White House.

Science Solutions

There are many ways to go about with the three scientific issues we have today. I support offshore drilling for many leading scientists and econoists have supported this proposal and it will take the burden of energy prices off our backs. With the Environment I agree with Senators Obama and McCain that we should limit carbon emissions and that we should take great care of our environment. However we shouldn't be weak and be afraid every time we drive a car we kill a polar bear but with moderation good consequences shall follow. With nuclear weapons a world conference should be held to discuss a way that we can dispose of our weapons. However this is easier said than done but hopefully we will come to a conclusion and we can limit how many nuclear weapons there are in the world. We will know if we make the right decisions in the future (hopefully I predicted the right paths).

Candidates Positions on Science Issues

Global Warming

McCain: Supports limiting the amount of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Also, John McCain proposes using a mix of coal, oil, alternative energies, and even nuclear energy

Obama: Wants the United States to be the leader of combating climate change. Will use top scientists to help the government set a standard to how much carbon emissions go into the atmosphere. Also rewards people who take care of the environment with tax incentives


Nuclear Weapons

McCain: Believes that we should meet with foriegn leaders and have discussions but there is no concrete answer.

Obama: Proposes that we disband along with other leading nations are nuclear weapons and like McCain have discussions. Democratic Party has called for the disbandment of nuclear weapons.


Offshore Drilling

McCain: We should start drilling in ANWR and off our coasts. He has been for offshore drilling not too recently but before McCain was against offshore drilling. However his support which is not suprising will lead to good consequences

Obama: Previously Obama was against offshore drilling but of August 1st till now he has decided he would back it but with certain conditions. Fortuneately, either way it looks like we will be able to drill for oil.

Economic Impact of Scientific Issues

The Environment to me is a negative to the economy for that you must think of how you obtain your energy before you recieve it but it will do wonders for Americans whose jobs are to research for alternative energies. I think that by the time I am an old man, this country will be run by nuclear plants and renewable energies with a slight fraction of oil contibution. Global Warming however must be stopped at most costs, even economic ones which will hurt our economy if it comes to that.

Nuclear weapons to me don't have too much of an impact on our economy except for either finding ways to dispose of them or people trying to research even more dealier weapons. However this issue to me isn't nearly as threatening as global warming and thankfully most people want offshore drilling to occur only if it isn't in their back yard. The most we have to worry about this subject dealing with our economy is that nuclear weapons don't fall in to the wrong hands.

Offshore drilling will save the American economy more than it will destroy it. Oil is not the USA's main export and with offshore drilling oil prices will fall. The only negative about this will be that countries whose main export is oil will suffer but energy prices will go down which will lead to cheaper crops (you need gas to transport food) and will lead to a domino effect. This is the obvious path for Americans to take and hopefully it will be our path to drill off our shores.

Importance of scientific issues

Global warming and the environment is very important for our succes in the future. We recieve all that we have from our environment and if we are to trash this wonderful world we are indeed treating ourselves as trash. In the future, if global temperatures are allowed to climb they will melt the ice caps which will in turn raise the global sea level which will in turn then swallow parts of the continents. This is a worse case scenario but if we are to follow the right path, this will be prevented.

Nuclear weapons are also very troublesome. If it was up to myself I would have most of them burned by the sun and keep a few for cosmic disasters. However the human mind won't allow us to be rid of our weapons and it would be stupid of us to disband them if our enemies are allowed to keep their own. Fortuneatly, there hasn't been a nuclear was yet and hopefully it will continue to do so.

Offshore drilling to me makes perfect sense. Who else can drill for oil more efficiently than the United States. I have heard from the democrats that it would take ten years to gain access to the offshore oil and it would only lower gas prices by fice cents but lately that haven't said a word against the idea. Also the price of oil will fall even more if we are to drill sparing many Americans in these difficult times. Hopefully this will be implemented by the next president.

My Interview with my grandpa Alex Efird and reflection paragraph

Q: Grandfather do you give your support to John Sidney McCain III or Barack Hussein Obama II?
A: I support John McCain!

Q: Why do you support John McCain?
A: First of all he will lessen government which is always nice, there will be more freedoms, and with less government means lower taxes.

Q: Now, what are your reasons for disliking the idea of an Obama presidency.
A: It always happens that when the Democrats take over there are higher tax rates, much wasteful government spending, socialism,"spreading the wealth" as Obama has said, and not much experience.

Q: If there should be any other man or woman as president, who should it be?
A: I would have liked Mitt Romney to have been the next president not only for his economic experience but he also approaches as a good person, he is a true conservative, and is the ideal President

Q: Did you approve of John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin for his VP pick?
A: I approved this since she is a true Washington outsider and she's a good conservative and has had a leadership role as governor of Alaska and mayor of Wasilla. Even though she doesn't have lots of experience she is very appealing and experience wise Obama is running for the Presidency and she is running to be Vice President.

BOB: Thank you for your time and your consent granddad
GRANDDAD: Your welcome



Reflection

I was very happy to have a conversation about the presidential election with my grandpa. I wasn't too suprised of his positions and sometimes my grandma would try to correct him on some questions like Sarah Palin. However she also supports McCain and has many similar views as my granpa does. Unfortuneatly, I conducted the interview during the night of November 4th so it was unfortuneate of how many seats in Congress and the win of the White House to go to the Democrats. Thankfully, I share the same views as my grandpa does and hopefully people who voted for Obama will get what is coming to them (high taxes, wasteful government spending, having the government solve all of your problems, etc.). This to me will be a long four years.

Ten Issues of John McCain

Abortion: Is the pro-life major party candidate and sees Roe vs. Wade as a flawed decision.

Education: Had Voted for No-child Left Behind and advocates for congress to improve and make more reforms on education. Wants to devote 500 million dollars to create virtual schools and have more online courses. Also wants to tweak Tide II funding.

Death Penalty: McCain supports the death penalty for federal crimes. Proposes to ban the death penalty for minors. He also supports the death penalty for extreme acts of terrorism and disagreed with the for the decision to outlaw the execution of child rapists.

Environment: Passed a legislation with fellow senator Joseph Lieberman that is designed to reduce the nation's greenhouse gases, which will be accomplished by the deployment of advanced technologies andthe combinations of trading markets. Would propose to use alternative energy sources which also includes nuclear.

Healthcare: McCain opposes universal healthcare and believes that competition will improve the quality of health insurance. Under a reformed plan that allowed people to bo beyond employee health coverage, every individual would recieve a $2500 tax credit and every family would recieve a $5000 tax credit. Also supports for doctors to be allowed to practice across state lines.

Immigration: Voted for there to be a 700-mile long fence along the Mexican-American border and supports a pathway for illegal immigrants to become American citizens

Iraq War: Proposes that we stay in Iraq until the job is done (this means that we can leave and Iraq is not thrown into chaos).

Economy: Supported the 700 billion dollar bailout and his general plan is to cut taxes which will be able to happen by less government spending. Also supports government to buy bad mortgage loans.

Poverty: McCain supports less government involvement, and advocates tax measures intended to stimulate job creation by helping small businesses and low-income Americans. These jobs will then be provided by people who are financially helpless.

Stem Cell Research: Supports federal funding for embryonic stem cell research on embryos that would be discarded but opposes creating embryos for the purpose of study. Also opposes human cloning.

Ten Issues of Barack Obama

Abortion: Opposes any amendment to overturn Roe vs. Wade. Obama has a definite pro-choice stance.

Education: States the goal of No-Child Left Behind has good intentions but it needs to be revised. Wants there to be higher access to preschool and proposes a one billion dollar plan for mentoring programs for teachers. Also, proposes that community college will be free under his administration.

Death Penalty: Stated that the death penalty does little to prevent crime and should be only used if "the community is justified in expressing the full measure of its outrage." He disagreed with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to end the use of the death penalty on child molestors.

Environment: Would establish a (National Low Carbon Fuel Standard) to help guide automobile companies how clean their cars should be. Using the Department of Energy, Obama would export climate-friendly technologies to developing countries Would offer incentives to maintain forests globally and manage them sustainably. Would reward forest owners, farmers and ranchers when they plant trees, restore grasslands or undertake farming practices (really anything that reduces carbon-emissions) by giving them tax credits.

Health care: Would create a national health insurance program for individuals who do not have employer-provided health care and who do not qualify for other existing federal programs. However he does not mandate health coverage except for children. Also advocates for people 25 or younger to be covered through their parents. Would pay for this by eliminating Bush tax cuts.

Immigration: Voted for there to be a 700-mile long fence along the Mexican-American border and supports a pathway for illegal immigrants to become American citizens.

Iraq War: If he is to ascend to the presidency, Obama's campaign made the statement that after 16 months in office, the United States will be completely out of Iraq. Also commits two billion dollars for an International effort to support 4 million Iraqis displaced by the invasion. Also encourages diplomatic activity in the area to help Iraq rebuild, keep foreign countries from meddling in Mesopotamia, and to help isolate Al Queda.

Economy: Supported the 700 billion dollar bailout bill and advocates a 50 billion dollar emergency stimulus plan that would go to 1 million jobs that would help rebuild schools, and would also help local governments avoid budget cuts. (Wants increased government spending.)

Poverty: Obama feels that the government needs to do more on helping low-income Americans by a job-creation package and an Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Advocates for Congress to extend unemployment insurance for 13 weeks for people who are suffering te worst of this economic recession. Also wants to renew support for faith-based initiatives.

Stem Cell Research: Supports federal funding for embryonic stem cell research on embryos that would be discarded but opposes creating embryos for the purpose of study. Also opposes human cloning.

John McCain's Personal Mission Statement

I will want my country to inherit my bravery
I will love my wife and take her to the gates of heaven
I will do as Ronald did and get the fantastic results
I will restore the respect of the American people
I will be a great president and lower governments influence
I will put my faith in God
I will relieve man's burden by lowering taxes
I will shape the country into a beautiful figure
I will paint the country red
I am the Maverick
I will enlighten the country with classical liberalism
I will reduce government so you don't have to pay for it
I will be the antidote for the economy
I will always be there for my people

Barack Obama's Personal Mission Statement

I will use my speaking skills to advance far in life
I will love my wife Michelle till the day I die
I will be the honorable statesman that Lincoln was
I will love my country
I will work, eat, sleep, drink, and pay for the people
I will increase governments role in America
I will make sure there is change
I will paint the country blue
I will be malleable for the people and listen to their needs
I am Barack Obama
I will further advance socialism to the point of communism
I will treat others as I would like to be treated
I will share my presidecy with the people
I will nurture this country into letting the government make their desicions

John McCain of Technology Issues

John McCain favors a very hands-off, pro-market approach to technology issues. He opposes net neutrality laws and government actions to increase broadband development. He supports REAL ID, opposes Internet taxation, is a strong proponent of greater regulation of social networking sites against sexual predators, and would favor expansion of H1-B visas (allowing non-American citizens to be employed by American businesses) for skilled immigrants according to “market conditions.”

Supports federal funding for stem cell research on embryos that would otherwise be discarded. McCain opposes human cloning and the creation of embryos for the purpose of stem cell research. Calls for building 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030 with the goal of eventually constructing 100 plants. Believes barriers to nuclear energy are political not technological. Would provide for safe storage of spent nuclear fuel and give host states or localities a proprietary interest so when advanced recycling technologies turn used fuel into a valuable commodity, the public will share in its economic benefits. Also would encourage the developement of renewable energy and has proposed a series of tax credits for companies who are deeply involved with renewable evergy.

Barack Obama on Technology Issues

Obama advocates a stronger look at privacy policies and legislation for companies that trade in the sharing of information, prefers shifting a focus towards funding law enforcement over targeting social networking sites for sex offenders. He supports full broadband availability for all Americans, and wants reformation of the Universal Service Fund as well as tax incentives and grants in order to spur development.

Obama also advocates for increased stem cell research but opposes the creation of human embryos for only research purposes. He opposes human cloning. States by the end of his first term, 10% of America's energy will come from renewable sources and 150 billion dollars will be invested over a period of ten years in clean energy. Supports tax credits to consumers who buy fuel-efficient cars.