I received a D on my sociology midterm, and while I'm taking it pass/no pass, I'm feeling incredibly disappointed because the D comments on how bad my writing (or even reading comprehension) is.
Very disappointing.
Now I cannot even look forward to seeing the grade my other in-class essays received, not to mention the two papers I turned into my favorite class ever (my 2nd poli sci class).
ANYWAY...
Today in class, my Poli Sci professor showed the class a practice presidential debate featuring himself and President Jimmie Carter on the date of October 27th, 1987. All I can say about what I saw is that it is shocking how unconnected Presidents are from society and just how easy it is for a politician to attack them. The President is associated with duties like inflation and economy, but it would be completely unfair to blame absolutely everything on him. This is exactly what my professor did as he was playing the part of Reagan.
Now, using the President as a scapegoat was not even the shocking part. What blew my mind was Carter's reaction: he almost cried. He was completely unprepared to be blamed for nearly every problem that the country was facing at the hands of Reagan, whom my professor was quoting verbatim. Carter had no idea that Reagan had been using him as a scapegoat whenever he was out campaigning!
For some reason, we get the idea that presidents are well connected with the society they run. Hellz Naw! The U.S. is populated with around 300 Million people! There is absolutely no way the president could be in touch with every group of the society. I think the best politicians are better off being disconnected from their society just because they can work by using theory and just give good speeches to impress the people, because all the people really want is a good impression (i.e. amazing, inspirational speeches like Obama's).
I'm pretty sure that Obama will be facing these same attacks on his character when he runs for reelection in 2012, unless he actually accomplishes something unforeseen. I doubt he will be as shocked and humiliated as Carter was looking (you could hear Carter weakly whispering, "ok stop" midway through my professor's rant). It was incredible.
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Both my D and my preview of a world exclusive lecture were brought to me on the same day. Overall, I'm happy.....but I know I could be happier if I were to develop actual talent.....
Friday, October 30, 2009
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