Citizens United Decision

More money has been spent on the 2012 election than any other election in history. Ever. This is due to the ruling of the Citizens United case in 2010. Citizens United argued that corporations and unions should be able to have freedom of speech to financially support candidates in elections. Then, the super PACs were formed, making the power of corporations limitless. The only real restriction placed on these corporations is that they cannot directly associate with candidates. Spending of outside groups has increased by 1600% between the 2008 and 2012 elections. Clearly, the new law is a game-changer. Conservatives love this new policy. Since conservatives already support big businesses, they are now widely backed by these businesses. More than $38 million dollars has already been spent on Republicans by these corporations. Conservatives use the reason that letting more people participate promotes democracy. They view the corporations as citizens with the same Constitutional rights so they must deserve free speech. Liberals see corporate free speech as a threat to the people. Now those who have more money will have more influence over the election. They disagree that it doesn't promote democracy at all. The decision allows those with money to promote any candidate in a popular light and put whatever words in their mouth that the corporation chooses. A total of 85% of the people feel that corporations have too much power and influence in our democracy. Corporations having a greater influence in our democracy makes it harder for individual people to have their voices heard. The people don't agree with corporations having free speech, with 62% of the public opposed to the decision. The Citizens United decision was a huge mistake. The Supreme Court put the power of presidential elections in the hands of rich corporations who will pay to put into office whichever candidate will pass laws to ensure a greater free market and cut taxes on big corporations. These are largely conservative views that envelope the goals of large corporations. This means Republicans are most likely getting more support from outside sources than Democrats are. It sounds like a partnership forming between Republicans and corporations. Political power is now determined by who has the deepest pockets essentially. For example, Mitt Romney's super PAC had enough power to cause great detriment to Newt Gingrich's poll lead in Iowa. The middle and lower classes will pretty much be ignored if political power continues to swing in this direction.

My Interview.

The person that I interviewed was Louise McCarthy. My experience with Louise was great because I learned many things from her view points. She has vast political knowledge. Louise lived through the great depression, so she has strong beliefs concerning the economic ideas about the conservative Republicans. As a conservative, Louise has strong views on key political issues like plans for the economy. She believes in the free market system and competitive capitalism. She believes that global warming is not important and also believes that airport security and other home land security should be kept in order at all times. An experience that shaped my political identity was watching president George W Bush on TV explaining to Americans how he was going to help the economy and get our soldiers out of Afghanistan. Recently, I have been affected by the current presidential election each candidate is saying that they have a plan to fix the economy and create more jobs for the people. One of the events that the candidates discussed was healthcare and how Obama care was useless and that Obama care is actually making the economy worse for Americans. I learned that the older that you are the more you opinions towards the new candidates are different from the new generation. People vote for Liberal or Conservative because their beliefs match up with the candidates’. Things that drive the voters’ interest is a honest candidate that shares the same beliefs as they do. My views with this experience have changed slightly because I got a look at someone else’s point of view. Questions. 1.Are you Liberal or Conservative?. 2.How did you end up choosing that party? 3. How come you dont agree with the opposite party? 4. What beliefs do you share with both parties and what disagreements?. 5. How did you vote in the last election?.Why? 6. Do you consider yourself a liberal, conservative, or independent? 7. What life experiences have shaped your political values? 8. What key issues are most important to you, when it comes to US policy? 9.Who will you likely vote for in the future?. Are you happy with your party? 10. Does your husband agree with your views towards your party?

All you need to know about me

     I'm not as good at talking about myself, but here goes nothing.    Hi, my name is Hans Almanzar and I'm from Methuen. I graduated this year from Methuen high school in the class of 2012. I love sports and I love staying active. I like going for a run or going to the gym and working out with my friends. I used to do track at my high school. I ran the 300 and 400 meter and many other events. This year I will be attemting to do a triathalon in Marblehead. I'm originally from Spain, but I was born in the Dominican Republic. I came to the United States when I was 2 years old and have been here since. I visit Spain and the Dominican Republic once every 3 to 5 years to see family members and friends. Although I don't like the Dominican Republic very much because of the heat, I don't mind Spain because everything there is beautiful.             One of my goals is to get good grades so I can transfer to a four year college with my major. I'm hoping to get accepted into the University of Tampa and major in marine biology. My second choice, if I don't get accepted into UT, would be Hawaii Pacific since they have avery good marine biology programs. It will be a long journey, but I know if I do my best I'll achieve my dreams and more. Im hoping to be successfull in life & have a great job that i would enjoy and keep moving foward.