1. From figure 8.1 in the text, select one of the interest groups and do some research on their issues and beliefs. What did you learn? What did you find interesting? Do you agree/disagree with their positions on issues? Why?
The interest group that I selected from figure 8.1 was National Education Association (NEA). Their website states that they "are committed to advancing the cause of public education." This is definitely something I agree with. I think that public schools should be set to higher standards just like the NEA. I also agree with their opinions on equality in education. I think every single child should have equal education. What I found interesting was their opinion on public education and democracy. Their website says "public education provides individuals with the skills to be involved, informed, and engaged in our representative democracy." I really liked the way this was worded and it was definitely interesting.
2. Find an interest group with which you associate (positively). What is the name of the group and what do you find persuasive about their position on issues?
My absolute favorite interest group is Greenpeace. I've become very involved with their goals and missions. They are the largest direct-action environmental organization in the world. They believe in stopping forest destruction, cleaning oceans, cutting down on pollution, and basically anything that preserves the beautiful Earth. I really love that they make it clear that they will always refuse funding from the federal government and that they are committed to nonviolence. I think that even more people should become involved with Greenpeace!
3. Do interest groups have enough/too much/the right amount of power in the political system? Most believe it's a fine-line balance between freedom of speech for the groups and keeping unfair persuasion out of government. Where is that line and when is it crossed?
I think that interest groups don't have enough power in the political system. I think that most interest groups have amazing goals and are filled with people that have a large amount of ambition. I think that groups like Greenpeace could really help if they were heard more in politics. I think that more laws that would protect the Earth and the environment would be passed if Greenpeace were heard more. I think that the line gets crossed when interest groups hold too many protests outside of federal buildings. If interest groups are constantly pushing Congress to change laws or do something differently, I think that then, interest groups are going too far and are crossing the line.
Commented on:
1. Nathan Tollett
2. Casandra Kunsman
3. Donna Spradlin
I agree with you, I think interest groups have too much power in the political system.
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree with NEA, I beleive that setting a higher standard for our education system would do great things for American citizen. When you look at the difference in education from city to city, there is quite a bit of difference.
ReplyDeleteGreenpeace is a great interest group. Preserving our environment for future generations is a must. A group such as Greenpeace should have more political power that in has right now. An organization that has goals that benifit everyone should have more power than a group that is bias.
I also picked the NEA and I completely agree with what they represent. I love the ideal of improving the education system. I also agree with you on the fact that holding too many protests and constantly pushing is crossing the line.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that public schools should be set to a higher standard and that every student should get the same education. I think that education is very important and I think it's sad when some schools or teachers don't care enough to make sure the kids are learning. For instance, passing children through grades when they haven't learned the material or tried hard enough to actually get passing grades. I think our education system should be a big priority for this country.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jenna, children should not be passed on if they don't understand what they need to know. But I also think that teachers should take into account that some students that seem to be doing poorly may just be bored. They wanted to hold one of my sons back one year, with no child left behind, they couldn't so they put him in a math class where he worked at his own pace. By the end of the year he was three grade levels above the grade he was in. by the end of the second year he was doing high school work so they put him back in a regular class with his classmates, by the end of the first six weeks, he was failing! but I couldn't get the teachers to move him into a higher class.
ReplyDeleteGreat job. I agree with how it is worded, great job really described everything well
ReplyDeleteI chose the same group for my answer to question number 1. I find it really important to set the children to higher standards. If children do not learn in school they will go out into the world and not have the intellect to get by and really make something of themselves. In order for children to learn they should be pushed to do so. I have never heard of greenpeace but I will look them up and see what they are all about.
ReplyDeleteI also chose the NEA to answer question 1. I also agree with many of their views and believe that the students needs are important and that every child should receive an equal education to prepare them for the world.
ReplyDelete