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Archive for category politics

Visualizing government budget cuts

May 1

Posted by Adam in politics, video | No Comments

This video was brought to my attention by my mom – thanks, mom!

Any time I hear about government spending, my eyes start to glaze over. At that scale, it’s simply too difficult to comprehend what’s being done to reduce the deficit or increase spending. As a contractor with the government, though, I can tell you that “budget cuts” impact my workpace as programs (and people) are suddenly gone.

This visualization of recent budget cuts is an excellent way to get a handle on what’s actually being done. It scares me – both from the message it contains (the administration really isn’t doing much with this decision) and in how simply and effectively one guy with a lot of pennies can explain what most economists and pundits in the mainstream media have failed to. Watch and enjoy…

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An Historic Day in U.S. Politics

Nov 5

Posted by Adam in events, politics | 1 Comment

No matter what party you’re with and who you voted for, this is undeniably a memorable day in our nation’s history. Barack Husain Obama has been elected the next president of the United States, sweeping the electoral college votes and ushering in a new era in American politics.

I felt a sense of surrealism watching the television this morning (having slept through Obama’s acceptance speech) and realizing that Obama is no longer just another presidential candidate – he’s the next President of the United States.

I’ll refrain from discussing my admittedly limited insights as to the potentially positive and negative changes Obama will bring to this country. However, I will state categorically that he will bring inspiration and hope desperately needed by the American populace. While I think John McCain would have provided solid leadership for the country, he would not have been inspirational. After eight years of listening to a President who – despite what I feel is integrity and strength of character – did not have a scrap of public speaking savvy, I’m confident that Obama will restore a sense of poise and dignity to the office and to the image of our country.

Congratulations, Mr. Obama, I look forward to serving your administration during the next four years…barring, that is, heavy defense and intelligence budget cuts… ;)

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Still Undecided…

Oct 16

Posted by Adam in events, politics | 1 Comment

I recently happened upon a politically-oriented web site called glassbooth.org. On it, you indicate which political issues are important to you (and that are being talked about during the current presidential campaigns). Then, based on your responses, you take a “quiz” the results of which demonstrate which candidate most closely matches your “issue” (not necessarily “party”) alignment.
Help, Im undecided!

My results were interesting and highlighted why I’m finding it so difficult to move from being an “undecided.” Between Barack Obama (Democratic), Ralph Nader (Green Party Independent – thanks, Matt!), Bob Barr (Libertarian), and John McCain (Republican) – the only candidates compared on the site – I rated between 61% and 69% similarity. What does this tell me? Taking into account some amount of error, this basically means I’m in a four-way split for whom I should vote!

(And yes, I am withholding which of the candidates rated highest…) :)

I’d like to hear the results from others who take the quiz. Does this help you or just confirm your indecision? Did it change your mind or are you already so decided that you don’t even need to take the quiz?

I’m glad I have a few more weeks…

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Presidential candidates’ kids are blogging now?

Jan 20

Posted by Adam in politics, technology | No Comments

Have you heard that the kids of many of the presidential candidate’s are blogging, posting videos, and generally having a more public involvement in their parents’ political goals? Meghan McCain and the Romney brothers chronicle what it’s like to accompany their mom/dad on the campaign trail (and play the occasional practical joke), while Sarah Huckabee provided a candidate interview via YouTube.

These kids are engaging younger voters on “the issues,” and representing an aspect of the candidates that hasn’t been seen in previous elections. Sure, we’ve witnessed the occasional handshaking and smiling support as the spouse and kids stand in the background. But now it’s really getting interesting!

As a “web 2.0″ enthusiast, I find this trend intriguing. What influence will these kids have on the presidential race? Now that we, the American public, can witness first-hand how (dys) functional each potential first family really is, I think it will greatly color how we view each candidate. Does the kid sounds like a jerk or someone you’d like to hang out with? As my own children do, these political brood reflect the upbringing and personal investment of their parents. That, to me, speaks volumes more than simply seeing the voting record or promises of a politician.

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