POLITICS: Debate on Friday

This is an announcement for the presidential debate on Friday. WATCH IT! I'm not going to tell you who to vote for, just make sure you vote. This election is pivotal, our country is struggling and it needs a change, whether it be McCain or Obama.

Make sure you listen for the candidates' stances on the important issues.

The war- The Iraq War has dragged on six years since it was declared, "Mission Accomplished." The U.S. is fed up sacrificing its own young citizens to fight a war that we possibly should've avoided. A withdraw will help the U.S. save lives and tax dollars (war is really, really expensive)

The economy- Some economic analysts are calling Wall Street "dead." Our country needs an effective (not fast and ill-thought) plan to re-stabilize the economy and help those Americans that are losing their jobs due in part to the recession. 

The environment- I've come to learn from my POLS 150 that so much can be done, and that the U.S. has simply refused to do anything for the fear of a "weakened" economy. Its about time the U.S. steps up and at least signs the Kyoto Protocol (the U.S. is the only developed country not to sign). It may even help the economy since Americans seem to be buying foreign cars with better gas mileage. Not to mention, we could all use cleaner air.

Change- This is a big one. Obama especially needs to step up and explain how he will actually change this country. Reading through papers and doing research I have found some of his actual proposals, however general America still does not know how he wants to change (and I still don't know much about his ideas for change). McCain needs to prove how he will change the White House from the Bush Administration. Early on, McCain had attracted a huge population of Democrats and Republicans. However, in the past year through his campaigning, McCain has lost many votes because of the closeness to Bush type policy. Statements such as , "I know a lot less about economics...I still need to be educated," have been damaging. He needs to show the leadership and charisma for change in America.

This election needs as many informed voters as it can get. Be a good citizen, use your power to vote and make a smart decision.