The supreme court ruled in 2008 that big corporations and organizations have the same rights as US citizens, The court decided that corporations have "first amendment rights". (freedom of speech) Giving corporation's the right to spend as much money as they want on political advertisements. It is estimated that over $3 billion was used in the 2012 presidential election by SuperPACs. Before the supreme court ruled in favor of the citizens united decision, politician's were not allowed to receive any money from unions or cooperation's.
Although recent poll show 62% of Americans are not in favor of the Citizens united decision. There are those who support corporate freedom of speech. Some people believe that SuperPAC's increase transparency, That they help level the playing field by helping candidates stay in the race, and help to inform voters by having a lot of advertisements on television.
Citizens United decision may sound like it has good intensions but what are the negative sides. Could it happen that elections can be bought? and now candidates who are supported by these big business will be in their debt when and if elected.?
My personal feelings about the Citizens United decision are, I think it is bad for our democracy. I personally cant stand their advertisements during election time. I also think it gives wealthy people and big corporations an unfair influence on who wins the elections. These donors can put any add they want on television they don't need any approval from the politician they are voting for to win. They can say whatever they want, to purswey people into voting for who they want you to vote for. They have lots of money and can get these adds out there. Does this mean if I wanted to make a commercial about who I think should be in office I could? I quote from an article I read "The size of one's wallet should not determine the strength of one's voice in our democracy."
For this assignment I chose to interview my dad. My dad works in the criminal justice field as a Parole Officer and has for the past 14 years. When it comes time to election time he votes Republican and last election voted Republican.
Experiences that have shaped my fathers political identity would have to do with every day events that happen in the world liberalism being one of them. Everything has to be politically correct its come to the point you literally can not do or say anything without hurting someones feelings. I cant say I don't agree I personally think its become ridiculous. Even Santa clause is under fire! he cant say "Ho Ho Ho" anymore because some women take offense to that!!! Christmas tress are now holiday trees! and everyone gets a trophy win or lose, no scores are taken because the children their feelings could get hurt. Politically correctness has gone mad.
Growing up my dads family all were part of the "Kennedy error" the old conservative democratic party. Although growing up in a democratic family my dad is not, he leans more to the conservative independent side of the political party. During the first election run for President Obama my father did vote Democrat going on "change" But that changed after 4 years the last election he voted Republican. Some key issues would be being the worlds police don't really think its necessary, government health care why do we need the government to tell us what health care we need freedom of choice is slowly disappearing. Not that happy with the current party that is in office. Hopefully next election a Republican will win office. My dad believes in small government and his opinion the economy always does better with a Republican in office.
I have voted twice now since I turned 18, I always have voted Republican. Growing up I have always sided with whoever my parents voted for and what political party they believed in. I'm 26 years old now and I'm not really sure I'm Democrat or Republican. I do watch the news and keep up with current events. I would say I'm more independent. There are some things I believe in that Democrats do and disagree with things they believe in the same with Republicans. I would say I want a leader who is going to bring this country in the right direction, make more jobs, bring our troops home, have tighter control on what the government gives out for free such as food stamps, free phones ect. There are just way to many people who take advantage of our government when it comes to handouts.
I think this assignment was a great topic. Its always interesting on hearing what other peoples thoughts are when it comes to politics. Politics and religion can be a very touchy subject with some people. People vote for liberals or conservatives because its what they believe in and they want to have people they think can change the world run in office so things will change the way they think it should. My views have stayed the same after this experience I have always believed and agreed in the same things my father has pretty much.
Questions asked in my interview.
1) How did you vote in the last election?
2) Do you consider yourself liberal, conservative, or independent?
3) What life experiences have shaped your political views?
4) What key issues are most important to you, when it comes to US policy?
5) Who will you likely vote for in the future?
6) Did you taxes go up when a Democrat was elected?
7) Do you support gun rights?
8) How do you think we can place tighter control on government handouts?
9)How do you feel about illegal immigrants becoming american citizens?
10)What are your thoughts on the war on terror?
