Post 3 Republican Convention

I watched the Republican Convention and saw Ann Romney speak. She was a very smiley, optimistic individual and really wanted to appeal to the women of America. I liked how she spoke a lot about her husband when they met and how humble he is when he helps others but does not like to brag. I think that she talked a little too long about them being a "normal" family, even though it is important to mention that somewhere in her speech. This is the second time I have ever watched the conventions, and I always think about the physical aspect of seeing the candidates. I remember learning about it in psychology, where the first presidential debate was on the TV and people voted for the underdog because he was better looking and presented himself better. I think it is interesting that the physical part of it had a big impact on the vote between Kennedy and Nixon. If I were on TV doing a debate I would be a nervous wreck! Thankfully, now all the candidates and the people who work for/ with them, have almost perfected their speech- giving mannerisms. This is a way to make sure that the speeches are no reason for a candidate not to win.

Pledge of Allegiance Post 2

Do you agree or disagree with the laws as they've been applied to the Pledge? How does the law support or go against your views on the Pledge? Is there anything you would change about the law or the Pledge itself?  Be sure to use specifics from the article to support your ideas.

I agree with the law in Colorado in 2003 that required "daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by students and teachers." This law also included exceptions for religious reasons or if parents wrote notes to the principal. As I see it, no one is asking anyone to live in America, but if you do, in my opinion, you should want to say the Pledge. If we do not support our country, who will? I like the "daily" part of the law  because repetition is important. I think that it makes the courts less credible when they are switching their minds so much, but on the other hand, it is a very timely and controversial topic so I can understand why they are flip - flopping on decisions. For example, it is easy to understand why "A resurgence of patriotism has swept the nation" after September 11, 2001. I would change the part of the Pledge that talks about God because it is true that the, "the pledge contains a religious phrase, and it is demeaning to persons of any faith to assert that the words 'under God' contain no religious significance". Personally, I have no problem with the word 'God' in the pledge, but many other people do and I feel like they would say the pledge if it was not in there. The pledge does not lose any significance without the word in there, so I think it is a good change if it were made. Overall, I think everyone should be obligated to say it, and proud to be an American. 

First blog post

My first day of senior year was a lot different than my first day of freshman year. I mean, it's definitely for the obvious reasons like, knowing my way around the school, having my braces off, or even being a little taller. But the main reason it is different is the confidence I've gained and the people I've met along the way. I came to Deerfield High School knowing about 15 kids from my camp and private school. 15 kids out of a school of 1800! How intimidating is that to a freshman? Who would I sit with at lunch? Do other kids friend me on Facebook or do I friend them? What sports and clubs would I be involved with? So many questions that only experience has answered. Senior year, I feel like I have mastered the ropes and learned to let the little things go and to take pride in my work.  What I realized was that everyone comes into high school not knowing everyone, and that is the beauty of it. We need to learn how to make relationships with others even when we're not in a familiar place. I was surprised to see that people were so friendly and willing to meet others. My friends have helped me in more ways than I could ever imagine. I never thought that a whole grade could get so close, but then again, anything is possible. The best is yet to come! Seniors 2013, we start together, we end together.