Science / Technology Connection To the Election

-=Offshore Drilling= –

Offshore drilling is the mining the raw materials that are found underwater close to a shoreline. Currently, offshore drilling is present in the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, near the coasts of Brazil, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia, and adjacent to Nigeria, Angola and South East Asia. It provides the same resources as drilling on land, however it is somewhat harder to manage and risks more environmental impacts. When drilling offshore, there is a possibility of oil spills, as well as hazardous dumping into the surrounding ocean or sea; this includes drilling fluid, chemicals used in oil production and metal cuttings from platforms. Whether we should drill off of our coasts or not is still being disputed and the candidates have been flip-flopping between opinions.

Barack Obama believes that we should not think of Offshore Drilling as an answer to our energy crisis so much as a quick delay to any total havoc. He will compromise that we can use it for now while we are still finding a real solution but it comes nowhere close to the actual thing we need.

John McCain supports offshore drilling an states we should reinstate it immediately. He thinks that this will be the perfect solution to all our energy problems and control the need for gas and oil for the years to come.

I think Barack Obama is right, to an extent but is not entirely correct. I think we should start offshore drilling immediately to solve for this shortage of power but definately get to work on finding a real solution as well.


-=Nuclear Weapons=-

Nuclear weapons are different explosive devices that harness the power of nuclear reactions. They are known to cause big explosions and have earned the names of weapons of mass destruction. Ever since the first appearance of a nuclear weapon, their control and usage have been major topics of discussion within politics. The extent of their power within the military has caused the legalization of nuclear weapons in different countries all over the world to be a great dispute. The choice of whether or not to participate in nuclear warfare remains in the hands of the head of government in each particular country.

Barack Obama is greatly against nuclear weapons, he knows how dangerous they are and wants to clear them from the planet. He wants to send a message to all of earth saying that America is not going to use them and hopefully sway other countries to remove them as well.

John McCain doesn't support the use of nuclear weapons but he does think we should not be leaning towards them for great use. He says the chances of them actually using them is very small but he will definately not get rid of them for the US until all other countries have removed them to. Which he says is impossible.

I think that we should focus on eliminating them, mainly by getting rid of about half, then showing the other countries. That way over time they start going away, and eventually we have none left.


-=Global Warming= –

Global warming refers to the fact that the earth’s average temperature per year has risen drasticlly in the last few centuries. It is said to be caused by greenhouse effect, as well as natural events such as solar variation and volcanoes. Over thirty scientific societies and academies of science have supported these claims. Its predicted effects include eliminating certain species, create a drought around the Southwest and raise sea levels.

Barack Obama believes that the cause of Global Warming is our fuel efficieny problems. Barack Obama's plan to fight global warming is that we need to increase our energy efficiency. He plans to set up a multi-national plan to raise money so that poorer countries will be able to survive during this time of very possible famine.

John McCain's plan is to remove the greenhouse gases creaters. He will tell all the other nations but not really work with them closely. He will find all sources that could be producing green house gases and shut them down or make them eco-friendly.


I think Barack Obama has a good plan to work with all nations and increase our fuel effiecieny as a whole. I think John McCain just doesn't realize that there is alot more of the world that also effect our planet. Those need to be changed for the better as well.

Mission Statements

Barack Obama: Change the nation, to help the future.

John McCain: A real American, ready to help Americans.

Interview For PBL

1. Q: Do a candidate's morals effect how you would vote? If yes then how?

A: Yes, they do effect me because I look for a president that knows what he/she's doing but can also relate to living as a human like me not just an overseer. But not really much about their morals as long as they have them and will defend them to the grave.

2. Q: What about their religious beliefs, would that effect your vote?

A: No, nothing to an extent, the only real exceptions I would have would be completely unreasonable things such as the belief that all science is a myth. That person just really would not have the mental capacity to run a nation.

3. Q: What is your stand on gay marriage and would that effect you vote at all?

A: No, even as a Christian I know that the word of god is right but not necessarily word for word in the bible. Since the bible was written by man obviously there is no way it could be completely accurate. Oppressing the rights of someone because they believe differently from you is the exact opposite of what America was built on. Our ancestors came here for freedom and that's what America needs to stick with, be it race, religion, or sexuality. It would definitely affect my vote if someone did not support gay marriage, it is un-American and downright cruel.

4. Q: What are 5 characteristics of a great president, in your opinion?

A: Intelligence, Willpower, Leadership, Consideration, and Teamwork.

5. Q: Will the party of a candidate effect your vote?

A: No, the party they are in effects my vote absolutely 0%. I will vote for who I believe should run our country, regardless of their party.

Conclusion: My interviewee has shown a great opinion for free belief and choice. Seeming more to like the more considerate of all rather then just the majority. Caring much more about the issues then a candidates opinions on inconsiquental issues. A good representation of the higher IQ-ed community.

Nebraska!

There are several reasons that I pick the corn husker state as my own. :) One of course is because it actually is my state! I was born in Lincoln, NE though sadly I don't really support very much of it's common public beliefs. A big part of Nebraska obviously is it's corn, which now a huge subject of using corn oil for a power sorce. The use of corn as ethanol is a very good resource for our countries fuel.

The Republican Party in a Collage

The republican party, as it is shown in this collage. Of course against abortion and mainly focusing on more biblical standpoints. Most all republicans are of course Christians that are anti-gay and abortion. They are also focusing mainly on the future of big business rather then the future of the poorer working class.

The Democratic Party in a Collage

This collage is really showing alot of how the democrats allow freedom in our land. How they work for the good of all rather then just the wealthy. There decisions for abortion, to let the parents decide. They of course are also against having guns for simple homeowners or just for sale!

Political Cartoons!

Townhall.com : "Economic 'Crash' " Scott Stantis Oct 16th 2008: No Pag.

The economy is falling down and this cartoon definitely shows it. 'Economy' a plain, has come to a crash while 'Washington' the driver, is just calling it a "slow down". This is much like the actual economy crash we have reached. With Washington calling it a fine 'slow down' to the horrible economy we are having. Just as Washington has been covering up our depression as now growing to be strong again which it is not.

Cartoon: "McCain and Obama to Work" n.p. 1st Oct 2008 : No Pag.

This cartoon is depicting John McCain and Barack Obama headed off to discuss the bailout plan, but Barack is being shown as if he cares nothing for the issue itself which is false. This cartoon makes it look as if Obama cartes nothing about it because he is illustrated being followed saying nothing but speeches to feed his “followers” and just to appear better for the election. Though I suppose that Barack is acting far to hot headed and not really helping to fix the problems as a senator. I do see how people could consider this, though they must realize this is purely slander. Obama is providing a severe amount of work as a senator and though this election is a huge deal he is still doing 100% as a senator to fix all he can. In conclusion I must say that this is definitely a biased cartoon due to the fact all it is doing is illustrating McCain as if he is the only one concerned and Obama like he could care less.

Cartoon: "Democratic Convention" n.p. 22 Sep 2008: No Pag.

An image of Barrack Obama at the DNC surrounded by fans but also in the sky a quote and a picture both from and of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This is first depicting a quote that Obama had used as well as MLK. Is this supposed to be a bad thing? Can we not form our writings using others bold and powerful phrases to shape ours to be even better! I think it is a great idea to take advantage of all our resources to move others as an inspiration as a statement. It shows him, one man standing before and preaching to his friends and followers to win this election. So I ask you, is this bad idea to use other’s, especially someone as amazing as MLK.

Cartoon: "Hostile Territory" n.p. 3rd Oct 2008: No Pag.

The world of politics is a very dangerous place, as portrayed in this democrat heavy cartoon. While McCain is shown parachuting into the "debate" or in to "hostile enemy territory". This cartoon is explaining that the debate was filled with most all Obama supporters and nobody wanting McCain even there. With an Obama shirt on the cameraman and every other person scowling at McCain he is obviously unwelcome. This showing the hostility needed and used in politics today and how most of america really doesn't want McCain.

Townhall.com: "Stock is worth nothin' " Scott Stantis Oct 11 2008: No Pag.

The value of stock, it seems to be falling faster then a meteor to earth. Shown here with two "trick-or-treaters" both looking into their sacks, one with that got a rock while the other who got stock said the other one was lucky. Obviously calling their stock worthless this is showing how with the economy weakening stock is becoming valueless. With the economy sinking into a state of depression all stock owners are selling what they can thus lowering the value. A domino effect that if not solved soon will lock us all into a new depression.

Townhall.com:"Democrats For Higher Taxes" Scott Stantis Oct 6 2008: No Pag.

Obama's plan for big bussiness? To raise their taxes. Depicted as donkey, the democratic symbol, headed to a bussiness owner the Democratic party is shown telling the owner he will be raising his taxes. This is obviously making the owner a little disgruntled just as most McCain supporters try to pass this off as a huge deal when really it is made to put a break on the poorer workers so they can afford to live better. The owner then doubles his prices after the donkey leaves obviously so he wouldn't have to lose any money from the tax increases and saying that the price raise will be very high. A strong push for republicans right now is that Obama will be raising taxes for working americans which is supposidly shown in this cartoon.

In completely summarization, this campaign has been filled some slander but has been almost entirely about the economy. It's falling rapidly and these cartoons definately show it. Stocks becoming worthless, our economy coming to a 'crash' and yet all we can think about is the election. Though there has been alot of talk about who should win I think we should talk about, how can I afford to live? Plans for more money to the big bussiness so workers pay less? Or lower taxes on workers so they earn more. The problem may be hard to find exactly but we definately need to do something soon before we all starve.