Monday, September 2, 2013

Blog Assignment 1

Good Evening!

I should first introduce myself.  My name is Sonja, and I'm a single, at home mom of three kids.  This is THE first time I've ever created, or used a blog.  At one point in time, I had a job that was technical, and I was very computer savvy.  Then life happened. I apologize in advance for my lack of familiarity with social media other than Facebook.

So this is where I am to share my political autobiography.  And sadly, it is short.  I've never been one to take interest in our government. I always found it rather boring.  Even when I was serving in the Air Force, I didn't pay any attention to politics other than what was briefed to us each morning.  My ex-husband is a news and politic junkie, and always had the television on CNN.  I would try to sit down and watch the presidential debates, but just didn't understand, and usually fell asleep.  I shamefully admit, voting isn't a priority to me either.  I know I am lucky to live in a country that allows its citizens to vote, but I guess I'm too lazy to learn and understand the platforms of our elected officials. 

Why am I taking this course?  Simply because it fulfills my degree requirement.  I have to say, that initially, I thought this course would be like I've always thought of politics and government, boring.  But in the weeks leading up to the start of this course, I have been paying attention a little bit more to the evening national news.  I actually always have the evening news on television, but it's out of habit.  Trying to keep some sort of normalcy in my life.  I grew up with parents, and grandparents watching the evening news each night.  Even though I have it on, I don't really pay much attention.  But the last few weeks, the events that have unfolded in Syria have caught my attention.  And my children have taken notice too, and will ask me questions.  Unfortunately, I'm not able to give them an intelligible answer.  As a parent, I should be doing better by my kids, to keep them informed.  My son is 13, and during last year's elections, he had his own opinions about the candidates.  I was amazed that he was actually paying attention, and he knew so much more that I.  (Not good mom).

My family have always been democrats. And that is what I'm registered as.  However, the little that I do understand, I'm not for either side.  I was always told that the democrats are for the poor, and the republicans are for the rich.  And that was that. 

What I do hope to gain from this course, is not just fulfilling my degree requirements, but to actually comprehend the workings of our government.  I want to be able to give my kids informed answers to their questions.  I want to be able to converse with my 13 year old about world events, and why our government takes certain actions. 

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