On Friday, Senator John McCain had a town hall meeting at my high school's gymnasium; being in AP US government I was able to get tickets to see the event (not that I support John McCain). Here are some observations and questions I have after getting an inside look at the political system.
-For three days prior to the event there were secret service agents at my school who were arranging security and a week before they were working with the school board and community education staff. Considering McCain does about three of these a day, and has people working at the locations a week in advance, he would have twenty-one teams of secret service personnel working for him. Is this an ethical use of taxpayer dollars? Should candidates pay for their own security? Would making candidates pay for their security discourage third parties?
-While waiting, there was loud music that had a main beat going at approximately 60-70 beats per minute, the approximate speed of a semi-resting heart. I know I've read somewhere that doing that taps into a person's rhythm and makes them more prone to suggestions or brainwashing (that's why religious revivals play music like that at the start).
-The main event started with a prayer; it asked God for forgiveness for failing to teach his holy scriptures in public schools. Violation of the first amendment much?
-Shortly after there was a woman who spoke and advocated for much less gun control to protect traditional hunting. Is killing really a culture we want to encourage? Is it really traditional, we are after all using high powered sniper rifles rather than simple bows and arrows. Also she seemed to advocate for unlimited gun rights, just as one has limits on free speech (no yelling fire in a crowded theatre) what is the threshold on gun rights?
-Tim Pawlenty was a much better speaker than John McCain, why wasn't he chosen as VP over ignorant Palin?
-I was surprised to find that not all of the questions were scripted. My friend got to ask a question.
-Time for the crazy people! Go W3ckUiD3aPcaULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUs">here. The woman in the fifth slide wearing red and needing her hair combed, when given the opportunity to ask a question, said that Obama was an Arab and that she therefore did not trust. This made the national news and is embarrasses my hometown. Also see the featured video, Associated Press version, it will only remain up temporarily though. Anyways, are the mudslinging tactics that lead to these conclusions getting out of hand?
I feel at this point the topic is getting broad already, but if you have any questions about it feel free to ask.
he woman in the fifth slide wearing red and needing her hair combed, when given the opportunity to ask a question, said that Obama was an Arab and that she therefore did not trust. This made the national news and is embarrasses my hometown.
Ergh that sucks. I can't believe the ignorance of some people.
-Shortly after there was a woman who spoke and advocated for much less gun control to protect traditional hunting. Is killing really a culture we want to encourage? Is it really traditional, we are after all using high powered sniper rifles rather than simple bows and arrows. Also she seemed to advocate for unlimited gun rights, just as one has limits on free speech (no yelling fire in a crowded theatre) what is the threshold on gun rights?
Do you eat meat? Guess what buddy, that meat is made of dead animals. I have a question for you: Is it morally acceptable to profit from someone else's killing, while condemning those who do there own? I say that one of the reasons the second amendment exists, is to defend the country, thus any weapon the army uses should be available to citizens.
