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I was told in high school that I would never be happier as a college student any other day but the last day of class. However, they, for once, were wrong. I was pretty sad knowing that the only class I’ve enjoyed here at ISU was over. (Y es that does mean that I enjoyed it more than my Calc or Linear Algebra classes) So for everyone reading this blog, I want to thank you for welcoming me to the class. I have never felt as comfortable in a setting where I am the only Hispanic as I did in this class. And of course, thank you Erik for not talking down to us or shooting down our ideas or suggestions like many other professors.

Either way, I have to say my favorite part of the class was the overall discussions we had in class. Regardless of how boring the topic might have been such as describing the roles of the Judiciary branch to the descriptions of political parties, the discussions were always interesting. Even if we stuck to the power points, the conversations that we had gave it flavor and spice in a way that allowed all of us to share opinions and stay awake. I especially loved our conversations about how “sexy” politics could be. As well as discussing things about the military thanks to our fellow classmates. Aside from our conversations, I do have to admit another one of my favorite things was watching West Wing. I loved being able to see politics right before our eyes and see the works in action. It made it a lot easier to understand with an interesting and dramatical twist. It was obvious that the election episode was my favorite!

On the other hand, my least favorite was actually doing the homework. Just how I have said in class many times before, WORDS are NOT my friends! It would take me about three hours every day to read and understand the text. I hated it! I was literally looking up every other word in our first book. That book and I developed a “love hate” relationship. I hated it because it took up to much time and work, yet loved the way it made me enjoy politics. It was very lengthy, which I also hated, but very descriptive… which I loved. I think me and this book would actually make a good couple though. There would never be a dull moment in our relationship because we would always be arguing. I guess I actually loved the book, but it was still my least favorite.

Now for the next question, “How did you feel about your knowledge of government prior to this class and has it changed?” I did not think I even had a single idea what government was about. Even though I took government in high school it was very easy to BS my way out of it because our teacher was very… “Uncaring?” I did know some roles of the government and knew details about our immigration situation. However, I hated the fact that I did not know exactly how our government functioned or what it could and could not do. Other than that, I did not really care to know much about it. I knew that even though some things may affect me, there were more than enough people already involved to know what should be done that would ultimately give me the0Aadvantage of whatever was to change. I guess I was a huge contribution to the “free rider” problem. Now that the class is over I have completely changed my view and feelings towards politics. I hope to keep updated and educated on what is going on in the government. Not only learn more in specific of what they government does because of the constitution but also what it does because of the modern issues that our country faces today. I have developed a good interest in politics, something I never thought I would say, or have.

My friends I have to say, are worse than me. My friends are not politically involved what so ever! I was actually the only one in my group of ten friends that even graduated high school, let alone go to college. Because of them, and the majority of my other friends, I have noticed that there are many people who just like I “free ride” into our political solutions. I do not feel like enough of us or involved. Something that definitely has to change is the way that my Hispanic friends view politics. It is hard for us minorities to speak up when we are looked down upon, which is part of the reason we do not engage as much in politics. I feel the majority of us are very ignorant to what happens because we do not feel it will affect us. I am guilty of that as well. Overall, I feel we do not find the time or interest in politics to even really ca re….

I am actually thinking about double majoring in Political Sciences. I have felt that there is a lot that I could do not only for this community but for any when it comes to informing people what is going on in the world. However, for the moment, I will start looking information for political clubs around campus. I will also be applying for the secretary position for student gonverment, which I know would be a huge responsibility change. I just feel as promoter and advertiser I would be able to benefit not only the community but myself.

Museum Reflection

First off, I did not even know what downtown Bloomington was. Second, I did not know that the building we were suppose to go to was a museum.

It was actually a fun experience to see and learn thing regarding many aspects of Bloomington, from working to politics and even the Vietnam War.

It was interesting learning about all the tribes and groups of people that came to into town such as the Kannekuk, Anabaptists, and others. I was even able to connect to the Yankees when it comes to alcohol, my friends would be the Germans or Irish. My friends and I usually clash when it comes to our views on it. I do not drink at all... and they seem to use it as a social tool. I was also able to connect witht the farming aspect of Bloomington. Mostly when it came downt to the log cabins, I use to live in one when I was in Mexico.

I also did not know that Illinois was the first state east of the Missippi River to allow woman to vote. Which actually made me feel prideful about our state.

The Gallery I enjoyed the most though, was teh Work Gallery. I enjoy learning about things about how the Native Americans were pretty much screwed over in every way. I learned that a big reason why they were unable to servive was the fact that fur was in such high demand. Then because of that, the white settleers pretty much killed all the game making Native American's way of living dissapear. I also learned that I spend hundreds of dollars on what was once the biggest employers in the 19th century. I take the train home almost every weekend so I am contributing to one of the most important "builders" of this town.... makes me feel good =]

I loveeeed the Vietnam War room as well! I even took a picture in the pit! However, most of those thing I alread knew...

I have to admit that it really bothered me knowing that racism was a big part of Bloomington... yet, it should not surprise me because it was everywhere at least once.

Blog #6

McLean County. Let's start of with saying that "Carina" World only includes; Lake County, Michoacan (Mexico), Orange County (California), and absolutely nothing else. I had never been interested in the historical/political aspect of any community except for Mexico, and not even all of it, just El Cobrero, Michoacan, which is my home town. Our home town is so small that any little decision effects us greatly, even though I'm only over there about 4 months a year.

When it comes to the polotics or history of Lake County I know nothing except that the street I grew up on was considered the "highway" about for ever many years ago, and is now Oakdale "AVE" meaning a very small street.

With that being said, I know absolutely nothing about McLean County aside from the fact Bloomington and Normal (I think) are all part of it, that it has not NEVER been very diverse, and that Main streat is the most unfriendly street around. I also know that, as of now, it has at least ONE democrat on board.... Erik Rankin.

Blog #5

I find this quite interesting. I had actually never tried a test like this one, mostly because I've never been into politics. But either way, Overall I think that it did do a very good job at placing me in the correct quadrant. According to the chart, being all the way to the left means you want a totally controlled economy. I do think that the economy should be controlled by government, however, I do think there should be private ownership. When it comes to being authoritarian or libertarian, I am a libertarian. I do believe in the value of the individual and having free choice of certain things. So, according to other charts I have view points in between Gandhi and the Dalai Lama.

I would identify myself as a Democrat, which I believe is what the test points out as well. I do agree with high government involvement when it comes to solving social problems, and low government involvement in ones private lives. I completely agree with all democrats are doing to increase national security (does not mean I agree with the war!!) I also agree with ending discrimination with regards to same sex marriage. More than anything though I do believe that the government should regulate some form of Health Care for all, as well as social security (even though a new idea is definitely needed) However, there are a few things that I agree on with the Republicans. These include there point of view with sex and abortion. Maybe it was because of the way I was raised that I have these view points. As Mexicans we value our virginity more than anything. Even though our generation has completely thrown this value out the window, I still stand right next to it. I was learned to value abstinence and not having sex until marriage. As well as being Pro-Life. We belief that no baby or fetus or what ever you want to call it, has the right to live. The baby is not at fault for the way one gets pregnant therefore should always have the chance to live. I strongly support adoption instead.

I think its HILARIOUS the way that the republicans have there website. I feel like the first impression is just targeting the democrats and showing the negative side of their views instead of promoting the views of themselves as Republicans. It seems like their website is on consturction so this could be a problem. I had a bit of dificulty understanding there point of views and the wording on there website. They just seem so negative and not progressing.... they need to come up with new strategies to pump up there game! However, like I said there are a few things I agree with them when it comes to abortion and sex before marriage and being against divorce to put an example on our children to come.

On the other hand, the Democrats go straight into their business with Obama and the biggest news at the moment, Sonia Sotomayor. I actually loved their website. It is very easy to follow and easy to read, it is very positive and gets there point straight accross. I love the fact I can understand what they're saying without looking up every other word. I did find it kind of scary that they are trying to expand democracy alllllll over the United States and getting a democractic group in every precinc!! It's kind of scary if you ask me! Because like we had talked about in class, you need 2 different groups to get things done. Argueing is key!

Sonia Sotomayor

I took the time to view the video. I was actually bouncing off the walls the yesterday when I found out about the nominee and was even more excited after hearing her experiences. First off, I think that she represents a good majority of Latinos/Hispanics in this world who came from immigrant families and grew up in a challenging neighborhood. I feel that through her there will be a different understanding of what it means to have voice in not only electing the president but contributing our culture and point of views into law. It makes me feel honored to know that a president can talk about someone the way Obama talked about her, even though it may have had been bs just to make him look good.

I found it quite interesting to look for an article that came from a hispanic publisher to view how they talk about Sotomayor compared to the way anyone else would present her. The article is titled Judge Sonia Sotomayor a Frontrunner to Replace Souter on High Court, and was written for hispanicbusiness.com. This article did what ever other article should do. The author seemed honored to be writing about her and exposing her story to the public. They took her background and stated it in a non disrespected way. It was used to show that she was like any other person living in the U.S. who has gone through good and bad. Her education was thoroughly explained and respected as well. Her experience was stated and defintely demonstrated that she was the one that was "most likely to be picked." They also included other organiztions that praise her and her hardwork as not only a hispanic but a women.

I know that we were suppose to chose only one article, however, I looked upon an article titled Sotomayor Hits the Jackpot. This article was a short one, however, I thought that it aimed at the one all of us Hispanics would be targeted towards. Money. The publisher of this article made Sotomayor seem cold and some form of a criminal. He first started off by noted she was a gambler, winning over $8,000. I don't seem at understand why this is such a big deal if gambling is not illegal everywhere. He continued to shoot her down regarding her expenses and debts as well as savings. I don't think that someone that deserves respect be subject to having her personal banking information viewed to the public. Whether she ows a million dollars or five towards her mortgage is not something we should be conserned about unless she is on collection. It really hurt me to read this article knowing that Latinos are targeted for low paying jobs. This might be true but not because we don't contribute to society but because many of us don't get what we deserve. I know this article didn't state how much money she makes a year, but I can gaurantee she does not get paid as much as a caucasian judge would in her position. I just feel that by someone aiming at her already labeling her the "least wealthy justice in the supreme court" she has been disrespected and not honored for all she has given to society.

I'm very honored to say that with the little research I have done she is a great candidate. She truely believes that "the rule of law is the foundation for all of our basic law."

A Day in Congress

Okay... One word... DAYUUUUUUUUUM! As high school president I would try not to complain about my schedule (which is very hard) because of all the things I had to do. Getting to school at 6:30 a.m. and not leaving until about 6 p.m. and head home for homework. But honestly.... wow! I guess I had seen this else where before that made me say no to becoming a politician. Even though their day usually starts at 9 or 10 a.m. instead of 6:30 they have a constant schedule where they have to hear decide and move on. Talk about hectic.

I am debating though if this is how I want laws and regulations to take effect in our government. I mean, do all of our congressmen/women read what they are voted for and have time to research what they are changing in everyone life? I though that there was one thing presented to congress a day so they can debate and research it for at least a few day then return with a decision. I can tell I was ridiculously wrong. There were a few things that stood out while I was looking through the schedule. One of them was national defense authorization budget request for the military services’ operation and maintenance funding. I don't know much about this but doesnt the military already get most of the money that's collected from taxes? I just feel that there are other things that could use funding. The education conferences/meetings definitely got my attention! I love anything that has to do with that and if you want a debate on how schools deserve the majority of the money that is funded in ANY program, I am definitely not the one to mess with. This was all for the House.

When it comes to the Senate, I noticed two things. One they don't have a -. In other words there is no time that states what time something is done or the "open" note. Then again they have something starting ever thirty minutes! With many overlaps! I know that happened in the House of Reps as well but at least you have 435 people to split up within all those sessions. However, the Senate only has 100 or 99 at the moment. How are all of these meetings suppose to get the attention the deserve? Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions also came to my attention. First off, all those small words are way big to all be put under one big committee/meeting. I think that all of these should be split up. This meeting was: "Business meeting to continue consideration of S.982, to protect the public health by providing the Food and Drug Administration with certain authority to regulate tobacco products." Why is this not already happening if tobacco is the number 1 leading cause of death in the United States. I was actually hoping this meeting would deal with something different like regulating food in public schools to help the obesity rate go down in the United States knowing that we are the fattest country. Or anything that isn't common sense like regulating tobacco sales.

All in all, I think that all of my classmates and I realized that congress is a very hectic place where any elephant could get lost in. I do however hope that certain things would change such as prioritizing and giving longer time for important laws.

Blog #2

I am from Lake County, IL, in the Grayslake area, which is located in the Northwestern Chicago suburbs. My elected State Representative is Ed. Sullivan Jr. and my State Senator is Representative is Melissa Bean.

According to the 2006 census, Lake County has an approximate 713,076 population. Our county seat is located in Waukegan, IL, and is considered the 31st richest county by per-capita income. (if that's important.) Our county right now is concentrating, supposedly, on using our funding to fix all our roads and raise our educational standards by hiring new teachers and supplying new text books along with support for our large hispanic and black populations. Which, is a bit more visible than it was back in 2000.

Ed Sullivan Jr.was first elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2002. He is a Mundelein native, which was where I grew up. He is known for establishing a strong record on fiscal responsibility, public safety, education, domestic violence, and property tax issues. He has also been working with his House Republican colleagues to block major tax increases on Illinois families proposed by the Democrat majority in Springfield. When I was president of Mundelein High School, school year 2007-2008, i interviewed him on what his action toward the growing number of sex offendors was. At the time, and still now, has actually been a great problem in our area. Unlike other politicians, he actually kept his word and sponsored legislation protecting children from convicted sex offenders. He has past the following bills as well, or at least has become part of them: HB 154 which deals with senior citizen medical tax freezes, HB0212 requiring police to obtain at least twenty hours of training each year and has other requirements, HB 0705 that deals with medical malpractice, HB 793 dealing with crime order protection, and many other bills.

Melissa Bean is a democrat serving her fourth term in office. She is a mother and wife who is an advocate for seniors, small business owners, and all families. Her business and entrepreneurial background has helped the community. She has become part of House Financial Sercies Committee for protecting consumers from deceptive credit card practices, Subcommitte of Capital markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises, along with House Commitee on Small Business which supports the growth, at the moment they are trying to solve issues impacting the domestic biofuels industry. She is working to increase access to affordable health insurance, provide meaningful tax relief, improve the climate for small businesses, and demand greater fiscal responsibility and accountability from Congress and the federal government. Which of course is one of the many things that has been very controversial within the federal goverments responsibities. She actually voted yes to building a more secure border/wall along the Mexican Border. I can understand why we need to control the number of immigrants entering but I have yet to further research her actually view to decide whether I like her or not. She definitely has my support on education and small businesses however.

I am still a bit curious on how things work. Isn't it that our representative and senator work together? Yet, how do they do that if they are from two different political parties?