Learn English with the Quote of the Day
The great Greek philosopher, Aristotle, once said:
“Man is by nature a political animal.”
I rarely think about politics, as I believe that most changes needed in the world will be brought about by ordinary people, not by politicians. But, with a big election going on in the United States, an election that could have a big impact on the world, I have been starting to think about politics more and more. I am from the United States, so I may have more of an interest than my students. Still, some students might think that what happens in the U.S. can affect their own country in some way. I would like to hear from any and all students - what do you think about the election? Does it have any effect on you or your country? If so, what will the effect be depending on which candidate wins?
I’m looking forward to reading your opinions in the Comments section!
Nafis, Said,
November 3, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
Dear teacher Joe,
I have grown up with politics since my childhood. I hate politicians and I think politics is all about what politicians do so that ordinary people do not understand what they do.
I have been following U.S elections for almost one year. It is really interesting for me and it is one of my hobbies specially when I watch some programs like Saturday Night Live, which is a comedy television show on Saturdays and it is also a good practice for my listening and understanding American culture.
I do not like John Mccain because of many reasons. First of all, he is a really aggressive, irrational person. He only thinks about creating new war with my country Iran and keep fighting in Iraqi war, which was W’s stupidest decesions in the Middle East. His plans are also ridiculous and specially his vice president nominee is funnier. Sarah Palin is a Joe six-pack person and during this election campagin, she only made her self-confidence. She just was Alaska governor and woke up one day and suddenly sees herself as a vice president nominee, which she could not believe it or see it in her dreams.
I think Brack Obama is a smart, open-minded and educated person. He is a really, really excellent speaker and seems he can handle tough circumstances as well as he does in debates and his campagin. He is the first person in American history who made a lot of money for his campaign by the mean of modern technologies. Importantly, he likes peace in the world and would like to do something about the Global Warming. I guess electing Brack Obama is useful for all of people around the world because we are somehow affected by the U.S. politic and electing Obama can help to resolve the problems peacfully and intelectually.
I hope American people made a good choice for themselves which benefits other people around the world.
We, all people from Asia, Europe, Africa, Latin America, North America and so on, live in a small village. We all have to share our benefits with each other. If so, we are able to have a world without war, violence, poverty and insecurity.
I wish the best for Americans and all people around the world, life full of happiness, peace and wealth.
Regards,
teacherjoe Said,
November 3, 2008 @ 5:22 pm
Thanks for the thoughtful comment Nafis. I wonder if people from other countries would agree that an Obama victory will be good for the world. You certainly make some good arguments - his intelligence, calmness under pressure, concern for world peace and finding a solution to global warming all make him a good choice. Many people, however, argue that McCain has more experience, so he will not make the kind of mistakes a young man like Obama might make.
Although I agree with your point of view, I wonder if other people’s ideas might be worth looking at. I especially want to know what people around the world think. Does anyone have good reasons to hope for a McCain victory.
Anyway, just one more day and we’ll see what happens…
hanane Said,
November 3, 2008 @ 7:03 pm
Dear Teacher Joe,
To be honest, as an ordinary person I have nothing to do with politics but here is my intervention: american election concerns me in one matter that is the clearing of the American troops from The Iraq Terretories. if so I do support Barak Obama “CHANGE we Need” ie, correct and improve the situation created by bush’s mistakes and nonesense and deal with the events differently an seriously. But there is something that bothers me in candidates that is once they are elected they forget about their promises and programs and carry out decisions despite the nation’s will. Every living being on this earth dreams of peace and harmony, politics is to be a means of estabishing this theme. concerning its effects on our country, I have no wide idea .
Best Regards
teacherjoe Said,
November 4, 2008 @ 3:13 am
You bring up a good point, Hanane, about politicians not fulfilling their promises. That is a big reason I do not believe politics can really change our world. Politicians have to make wild promises to get elected, then when they are in power, there are other pressures they must deal with just to keep power and to get little things done. The big, important things usually suffer because of all the compromises.
I do think Obama will at least TRY to make things better. If he is elected, we will see if he succeeds or not. I would be happy if he at least partly succeeds in what he has said he would do. If McCain is elected, I think we will see four more years like the past eight. Is that really so bad?
Nafis Said,
November 5, 2008 @ 4:25 am
Congrajulations to American people!
hanane Said,
November 5, 2008 @ 4:07 pm
Hello,
Here we are, Obama is elected. All we have now is hope that our predictions come true. Hope that he carries out all his promises “for a better place for you and for me and the entire Human Race” Heal The World, Michael Jackson.