Obama vs. Romney

Seniors & Social Security

Barack Obama vs. Mitt Romney

“Obama: "To put us on solid ground, we should also find a bipartisan solution to strengthen Social Security for future generations. We must do it without putting at risk current retirees, the most vulnerable, or people with disabilities; without slashing benefits for future generations; and without subjecting Americans’ guaranteed retirement income to the whims of the stock market.”

“Romney: “We are going to slowly and gradually raise the retirement age for Social Security from the current 66 for full benefits. And we'll slow the growth rate in benefits for higher-income retirees. Tomorrow's seniors should have the freedom to choose between Medicare and a range of private plans [think the Ryan Plan]. And if these future seniors want a more expensive plan, then they will have to pay the additional cost.”

The quotes above; one from President Obama and one from Governor Romeny. As you can see I crossed Governor Romeny's quote out because I do not agree with it. I feel like his plan is unfair. Governor Romeny wants seniors who have worked all there lives to keep working past the age of 66. He feels as though the current retirement age is low and it should be raised "slowly and gradually". My question is WHY ? 66 is not old enough to finally relax after working all them years? Governor Romeny believes that these TWO simple steps will strengthen the current social security system.

• First, for future generations of seniors, Mitt believes that the retirement age should be slowly increased to account for increases in longevity.
• Second, for future generations of seniors, Mitt believes that benefits should continue to grow but that the growth rate should be lower for those with higher incomes.

President Obama believes that all seniors should be able to retire with dignity, not just a privileged few. The President is committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security. In addition to protecting and strengthening Social Security, President Obama will make it easier for Americans to save on their own for retirement. This should dramatically increase savings participation rates. I feel as though Obama has a better path for our seniors, he is not trying to change the age or growth rates for retires. 

Quotes

"In the service of what? the politics of service learning?" 

Author: -Kahne & Westheimer 

1.“Boyer endeavored to create ‘a new Carnegie unit,’ the requirement that all students take part in volunteer activities in either their school or community as a condition for graduation from high school” 

I feel as though this should be a part in graduating high school, you learn a lot from being a part of a service learning project. The misperceptions of going into a situation, judging the people before you meet them just because of where they come from wouldn't happen if you have an experience in a helping environment  Doing service learning puts you in situations that your helping people that are less fortunate than you, or need your help. 

2.Educators and legislators alike maintain that service learning can improve the community and invigorate the classroom, providing rich educational experiences for students at all levels of schooling. Service learning makes students active participants in service learning projects that aim to respond to the needs of the community while furthering the academic goals of the students” 

I chose this quote because I feel the same about the service learning experience. Service learning does provide an educational experience for everyone, the volunteer and whoever your working with. My experience through service learning has been good, and I would recommend anyone to do it. As a volunteer I help someone while furthering my academic skills to become a well rounded teacher. 

3."After they returned, the students' perspectives on these elementary school children had changed. They were 'surprised at the children's responsiveness and their attentiveness,' they found the children to be 'extremely polite and surprisingly friendly,' and they discovered that they 'listened well and had excellent behavior."

I chose this quote because this is a perfect example of people judging inner city middle class people without knowing the real situation. These students came out with a different view on the kids they wrongly misjudged. I mean I'm they changed their minds about what the kids are like, but they should go with an open mind, because they've never been in that situation before so the judgement shouldn't be there.

Talking point: Has your service learning made you think about this ?

Argument

Cinderella Ate My Daughter

Author: Peggy Orenstien

       Peggy Orenstein argues that the current "princess phase" is anything but natural, hyper-feminine and highly commercial form. Orenstein takes us on a journey of the princess industrial complex. In the text the author described a toy fair, and explained how all the merchandise for the young girls came in only one color, pink. Orenstein asks the sales rep, "Is all this pink really necessary?" "Only if you want to make money" he replied. The toy fair was one of the many journeys Orenstein take us on in her determination to break the princess products threatening to overwhelm her young daughter.

       At times during this chapter Orenstein confused me because she also argues with herself, questions her own assumptions, and as well has second thoughts. At times her uncertainty began to puzzle me.  Orenstein finds a psychology research showing that until as late as age 7, children are convinced that clothing, hairstyle, and choice of toys determine one’s sex. “It makes sense, then, that to ensure you will stay the sex you were born you’d adhere rigidly to the rules as you see them and hope for the best,” Orenstein. The author explains girls do not need to prove they are girls, and the princesses make them have to do this. 

       When Orenstein talks about the "princess phase" she brings up 'Bratz" dolls. The author explains how people view the "Bratz" dolls. They do not view them as " Princess-y, or Barbie-ish," this dolls are more about fashion, and girls with attitude. A way a princess should not act. “With their sultry expressions, thickly shadowed eyes and collagen-puffed moues, Bratz were tailor-made for the girl itching to distance herself from all things rose petal pink, Princess-y, or Barbie-ish."

       At the end of this if I could sum this whole story up I would say that Orenstein basically debated this issue with herself for parents to read. Simply showing how parents may think this is a "princess phase" and children grow out of it. However parents thoughts about whats best for their children will not change.

THINKING POINT: Who to blame? The Parents, The industry or both?

I also found this article about Princess movies teaching Bad Lessons, Check it out if you'd like.

Extended Comments

Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us

Author: Linda Christensen 

            This article was very exciting to read. As soon as the author started talking about cartoons, I automatically thought about my childhood cartoons. When I was younger I enjoyed watching shows such as Hey Arnold, Cat Dog, The Proud Family, Recess, Rugrats, Rocko's Modern Life, and RocketPower. The author explains how children cartoons as well as Disney movies that have hidden messages within the scenes. These unnoticed cartoon messages go way further than the uplifting characters in the movies we have all enjoy to watch.

          I chose Shannon Deblois blog the be the center of my writing post. I used her bold because I agree with her thoughts and points plus they also compare to mine as well. Shannon said "Young girls that watch Cinderella or Snow White believe at a young age that they need to be thin and pretty, marry their prince charming and be happily ever after." I completely agreed with his point because all the young ladies look up to these movies that portray things that just may not be realistic when the time comes. Who is to say that every women will get married to their "prince charming". However young girls believe this because of how the media portrays these views. 

          "We live in a world that is bombarded by messages telling is how to look and act. " This was another point that I came across while reading Shannon's blog. This is also a true point because everywhere we turn someone tries to influence us on how to dress, talk, walk, and live our life. This was the article on Shannon's post that explains about how their are subliminal messages within Disney Movies. 

Thinking Point: Is it alright for Disney movie directors and Cartoon directors to create shows the way they do?

Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Education Network

Crafting Standards-Based LGBT-Inclusive Lessons (HyperLinks)

Author: GLSEN

       Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network is a great resource for ALL students, I emphasized on the all so much because this website includes not only straight students but also gay and lesbian as well. I respect this website a lot because unlike other educational websites GLSEN does not hide the fact that there are more than just straight students within the school systems. Lesbian and Gay are highly valued throughout this website. GLSEN helps educate not only students but as well as teachers and also the public. This website clearly disregards sexual orientation, and seeks new ways to inform everyone how to value EVERYONE's gender identity. I feel like this is a very welcoming website for all ages. 

       The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network have great articles to read about current events within communities. One article I found interesting was about how a schools in California are required to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender in their lessons. I felt as though this was a good decision to make when the curriculum was revised. This is an improvement, better yet a development for students, teachers, faculties, and staff in the schools. Including LGBT in the curriculum gives these students value and respect, as well as a chance to be acknowledged in a positive way rather than negative. 

      GLSEN has lots of resources, news, "tools & tips" to help educate. Also ways to take action, and stop bullying.  This website is popular world wide with thousands of people joined on their website. GLSEN website also includes a blog for people to get their voice heard, not only about LGBT but also racism, bullying, and education mostly anything that deals with school. This is by far a wonderful website to explore. 

Talking Point: LGBT should be included in all school districts curriculum. 

Quotes

Aria

Author: Richard Rodriguez

" The teacher quizzed: 'Boys and girls, why do we use that word in this sentence? Could we think of a better word to use there? Would the sentence change its meaning if the words were different. And wasn't there a better way of saying much the same thing.' " (34-35)

      This quote reminds how teachers speak to children differently within the classroom which makes me think of Deplit. Deplit explains how a black teacher would question a student compared to how a white teacher would. Once you have read Deplit and then read this quote, it would make one believe that these questions would most likely come out of a white teachers mouth instead of a black teacher. Simply because most of the time black teachers are more broad with their questions, rather than asking a question to let the students know they are doing the wrong thing. This might confuses the student or changes their perspective on the question because they are not familiar with the way they question was asked; it may not be like this at home.

" (often the parent wouldn't understand.) The child would need to repeat himself. (still the parent misunderstood.) The young voice, frustrated, would end up saying, "Never mind"-- the subject was closed." (37)

       I chose this quote because I felt it connected to me on more of a personal level. I actually thought this was funny because I have the tendency to do exactly what this quote is saying to my parents. The scenario goes step by step with the quote. At the time this happens with my parents and I it is very frustrating to sit and repeat the exact same thing I said two seconds ago and I still was not understood. However now that I am reading it, I feel like you lose a sense of connection with your parents because the communication is not there and the child like myself has no patience. Which then just leaves the conversation closed just because of a impatient "Never mind".


" So they do  not realize that  while  one suffers a  diminished sense  of private individuality  by becoming assimilated into public society, such assimilation makes possible the achievement of public individuality." (39)
       This was the last sentence of the whole story and i felt like it had a big meaning behind it. I think the author was trying to explain how even though they nuns came and took his culture/language right from under him he still gained a achievement of learning the dominate language in the school systems, so even though he suffered he still gained at the end.



Talking Point: Should one's culture be pulled from their own home environment ?
This is a Article I found online that I believe relates with this story

Reflection-

White Privileged: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack 

Author: Peggy McIntosh 

       In this article McIntosh explains that there is actually a "white privilege" and we as a society have to acknowledge this, as well as learn how to change it. I can not say I agree with this or disagree with this point, simply because we all know that there is white power, most of us acknowledge it, however this is something that can not be changed over night. It may be something that can not be changed at all. This is my opinion because we as a society can not change how people are brought into this world. If you are born into this world with a "sliver spoon in your mouth" then you are going to be brought up that way.
       However I do disagree with McIntosh when she states, "I think white are carefully taught not to recognize white privilege as males are taught not to recognize male privilege"(pg. 1). Its not that they are "taught" to be white privileged or a male but its the way they are, its there way of life. Men have no power of picking whether or not they are a man. Also you can not be "taught" on how to be privileged, because if that was the case everyone would be privileged, it just happens. The ideal "privileged family" usually has a background of already being apart of the high-class, or there parents graduating from college becoming a doctor or lawyer. Kids are usually not "taught" to become a doctor it just happens because of what they were influenced by. They want what there parents want. Furthermore you can not blame someone for not recognizing that they are privileged when it’s apart of there everyday life.
       As I kept reading this article I felt like I just kept disagreeing more and more with McIntosh. On page 4 McIntosh quotes, "one's life is not what one makes it; many doors open for certain people through no virtues of their own." In my opinion life is what you make it. Everyone has the opportunity to create a bright future for themselves, privileged or not. I personally did not come from “privileged family” both of my parents never graduated from college, my father never finish high school and just got his GED. Sometimes my parents lived from pay check to pay check. I may have moved multiple times in my life when I was younger because my parents were not able to pay rent. However did not set myself back because of my parent’s issues. I made it to college and I have the goal to graduate college. I chose to go in the right direction; I made my life what it is today. All my doors where closed but I opened them for a better life. So I think life is what you make it, regardless of the situation.
       I think people that are not white do go through issues but you can not blame the privileged white. However we can create some type of motion to help the white privilege acknowledge them as well as the type of power they have and help them help others. We can not just say they do not recognize it when being privileged is apart of there everyday life.
Talking Point: Why should we blame whites for something that is part of their everyday life?