This week I thought alot about who I interviewed. I sometimes find it hard to talk politics with people because it is usually a sensitive subject. The first person that popped into my head as a person I admire and whom I knew would be open to talking to me was my boyfriend's sister, Tina. We get along really well and I admire her for her hard work and her knowledge. She is 25 years old and already owns her own house and has a great marketing job. I know some of their family history so I knew that one of her life experiences that shaped her political identity would be moving to this country from Europe when she was 15. What she told me was that when she came here, "Bill Clinton was president and that he was so influential". Something that she was not used to because, in the country she is from they have a president but the citizens don't have the opportunity to vote him in. She values her right to vote and feels that it is a big part "of being an American".
     Tina considers herself a liberal. The issues she cares about most are healthcare and the economy. She told me that she is worried about the future because, "there is alot of corruption among politicians who are greedy and only want more income. I am not always sure that policies are put into place to help those in the middle class."
     I can't pinpoint any particular experiences that have shaped my political identity. Unfortunately I am a very undecided person with everything so that doesnt help. In terms of which side I am on, I would have to say I'm an independent. In reading through the list off differing opinions on the key issues I am on the fence with a lot of them. I remember when I was younger talking to my grandmother about politics because my grandfather would never tell us who he voted for. Nothing has really shaped my outlook other than me making a choice of what I would want on certain issues. I greatly agree with people being ably to make their own choices about some things and I do feel like our country is being far too controlling while still calling it a "free country". In leadership I am looking for someone who comes from a family of "regular" people. Who knows what it's like to go through things in life that are not easy. But I also feel like one person cannot possibly make decisions for everyone in this country while taking into account everyones view.
     From this experience I've learned that everyone has different views and cares about different issues for different reasons. I think that no matter what you consider yourself in terms of political party, you should vote for whoever you agree with more, that's why I never associated with one party. I think that by politicians talking about an issue that a lot of people are talking about peaks peoples interests. My views have been pretty much confirmed by this assignment, everyone has a different standpoint, you might are about one issue for some reason and someone else might are about it for a different reason.



My Questions:

6.) Do you think there are any faults in our government? If so, what are they?

7.) Why are these key issues important to you?

8.) While growing up, did your parents/family shape your politial views?

9.) Do you vote regularly or only during presidential elections?

10.) Do you vote just to input your choice, or do you actively follow the candidates campaigns?