My final article concerning legal and ethical issues on the internet and in the world of internet marketing has to do with spam. Everyone has experienced some sort of spam I am sure, those unwanted emails that pop up in droves in your inbox daily. An article I found on New York Times.com discusses spam and the efforts the Direct Marketing Association is making towards preventing it. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F05EFD81639F931A1575BC0A9659C8B63&scp=2&sq=illegal+internet+marketing&st=nyt
The article is entitled, TECHNOLOGY; Marketers Say They Intend To Join Effort To Fight Spam, focuses on the efforts being made by the Direct Marketing Association to get the attention of federal law makers and put an end to annoying and evasive spam.
"The campaign, to be called Operation Slam Spam, is seeking a $65,000 ''participation fee'' from the association's members, according to the letter, which was signed by its chief executive, H. Robert Wientzen.
The move is an attempt to blunt efforts to prod Congress and the states into approving significantly tougher anti-spam laws. "
Spam is one of the biggest problems internet users face. Many people choose to install spam blockers on their email accounts to prevent receiving unwanted bulk email. The email at Sacred Heart University has a spam blocker. However, I feel as though spam is wrong and we should not even have to go through the measures of obtaining a spam blocker on our email accounts. Hopefully some federal laws are enacted in order to effectively prevent spam from taking up our inboxes!
Jess
Monday, May 5, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Legal and Ethical Issues Concerning Internet Marketing Part III
My third post for legal and ethical issues involves something many college -- and now high school -- students take part in. Facebook.com
An article on New York Times entitled "How Sticky Is Membership on Facebook?" discusses how facebook.com members can have a great deal of trouble deleting his or her membership from the website. A former facebook member, Nipon Das, claims it took him to threaten legal action towards facebook.com, in order for them to completely delete his records from the site.
The article states, "But even after that, a reporter was able to find Mr. Das’s empty profile on Facebook and successfully sent him an e-mail message through the network."http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/11/technology/11facebook.html?scp=8&sq=legal+internet+marketing&st=nyt
Facebook is supposed to be an online community and networking website with seemingly optional membership. Members are highly under the impression that they choose to delete their membership, they will be facebook free forever. However, this is not the case.
"Facebook’s quiet archiving of information from deactivated accounts has increased concerns about the network’s potential abuse of private data, especially in the wake of its fumbled Beacon advertising feature. That application, which tracks and publishes the items bought by Facebook members on outside Web sites, was introduced in November without a transparent, one-step opt-out feature. After a public backlash, including more than 50,000 Facebook users’ signatures on a MoveOn.org protest petition, Facebook executives apologized and allowed such an opt-out option on the program."
Facebook has undoubtedly tainted the trust amongst users with its Beacon advertising feature. The premise of facebook can create a certain degree of vulnerability amongst users, and the last thing members want is to feel more exposed that they already do on facebook. I feel as though facebook.com should take great measures to assure members once they do not wish to be in the facebook community, they should be deleted completely. Withholding information about former methods is unethical, and downright creepy.
An article on New York Times entitled "How Sticky Is Membership on Facebook?" discusses how facebook.com members can have a great deal of trouble deleting his or her membership from the website. A former facebook member, Nipon Das, claims it took him to threaten legal action towards facebook.com, in order for them to completely delete his records from the site.
The article states, "But even after that, a reporter was able to find Mr. Das’s empty profile on Facebook and successfully sent him an e-mail message through the network."http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/11/technology/11facebook.html?scp=8&sq=legal+internet+marketing&st=nyt
Facebook is supposed to be an online community and networking website with seemingly optional membership. Members are highly under the impression that they choose to delete their membership, they will be facebook free forever. However, this is not the case.
"Facebook’s quiet archiving of information from deactivated accounts has increased concerns about the network’s potential abuse of private data, especially in the wake of its fumbled Beacon advertising feature. That application, which tracks and publishes the items bought by Facebook members on outside Web sites, was introduced in November without a transparent, one-step opt-out feature. After a public backlash, including more than 50,000 Facebook users’ signatures on a MoveOn.org protest petition, Facebook executives apologized and allowed such an opt-out option on the program."
Facebook has undoubtedly tainted the trust amongst users with its Beacon advertising feature. The premise of facebook can create a certain degree of vulnerability amongst users, and the last thing members want is to feel more exposed that they already do on facebook. I feel as though facebook.com should take great measures to assure members once they do not wish to be in the facebook community, they should be deleted completely. Withholding information about former methods is unethical, and downright creepy.
Legal and Ethical Issues Concerning Internet Marketing Part II
This is my second post concerning legal and ethical issues in internet marketing (I have to do four). I came across an article in the New York Times that discussed the marketing of alcohol over the internet. The article sheds light on the fact that many alcohol companies are abandoning traditional methods of advertising and primarily marketing their products on the world wide web.
While this might look to increase revenue for companies such as Anheuser Busch, there is a serious ethical problem with marketing alcohol via the internet. The article mentions the openness of the internet to young children.
“When you have a liquor ad on TV, there’s a chance a parent can come in and turn off the set before the youngster sees the commercial,” Mr. Hacker said. “Online, with kids going from one screen to another at blazing fast speed, they can hide the liquor screen they’re watching behind five others.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/22/business/media/22adcol.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=legal+internet+marketing&st=nyt&oref=slogin
There is already a problem with underage drinking in the United States and the potential to increase the desire for youngsters to drink is an ethical issue in the world of internet marketing.
While alcohol beverage advertisers often include age verifications to view their webpages, Mr. Hacker makes another valid point in stating, "I put totally fictitious birth days into the age-verification processes.” I would have to agree that this is not a valid form in preventing underage drinkers from obtaining information on their webpages. It is incredibly easy to put in a fake birthdate and hide a young face behind the computer screen.
Alcohol beverage and tobacco adverstisements represent a blurred line of ethics in the internet marketing world. While both should be allowed to freely advertise on the world wide web, it is very important that the correct measures are taken in order to ethically prevent young children from being directed towards ads promoting activities in which they should not yet be exposed to.
While this might look to increase revenue for companies such as Anheuser Busch, there is a serious ethical problem with marketing alcohol via the internet. The article mentions the openness of the internet to young children.
“When you have a liquor ad on TV, there’s a chance a parent can come in and turn off the set before the youngster sees the commercial,” Mr. Hacker said. “Online, with kids going from one screen to another at blazing fast speed, they can hide the liquor screen they’re watching behind five others.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/22/business/media/22adcol.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=legal+internet+marketing&st=nyt&oref=slogin
There is already a problem with underage drinking in the United States and the potential to increase the desire for youngsters to drink is an ethical issue in the world of internet marketing.
While alcohol beverage advertisers often include age verifications to view their webpages, Mr. Hacker makes another valid point in stating, "I put totally fictitious birth days into the age-verification processes.” I would have to agree that this is not a valid form in preventing underage drinkers from obtaining information on their webpages. It is incredibly easy to put in a fake birthdate and hide a young face behind the computer screen.
Alcohol beverage and tobacco adverstisements represent a blurred line of ethics in the internet marketing world. While both should be allowed to freely advertise on the world wide web, it is very important that the correct measures are taken in order to ethically prevent young children from being directed towards ads promoting activities in which they should not yet be exposed to.
Obama gaining in NC
Woo! 2 days until the North Carolina and Indiana primaries. Hopefully, these elections will bring an end to the still aparant democratic uncertaintly. An article on CNN.com's election center 2008, Polls: Race tightening in North Carolina, shows Obama beating Clinton in the polls, 50 to 42, respectively.
These primaries could make or break the candidacy for either of the Democratic hopefuls with a promising 187 delegates, amongst the last of the "big Tuesdays".
I recently spoke to a friend of mine who goes to the University of North Carolina. Upon learning of my Obama support she IMed me on AIM with "Party like BARACK!!" She then explained to me how much she LOVES Obama, which left me confused. This is because my friend, someone I have actually known all my life, has never shown support for a Democrat before. She even informed me that Obama went to her school (jealous -- my school got stuck with McCain :( ) and played basketball with the UNC basketball team! If I ever had any doubt on my Obama love (which I haven't) this would solidify my support for him. This is what we need! Someone who is willing to unpretentiously relate to those outside of the stuffy world of politics. Us regular Americans.
VQUZESHUF babyy,
Jess
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Pennsylvania Primaries Provide No Clear Answer
What a long wait until the Pennsylvania primaries we had! Jeez.. all that waiting and still no projected Democratic nominee.. tear...
Hillary Clinton won 55% of the state, with Barack Obama trailing at 45%. So now, Obama has 1,727 delegates (including Projected Super Del's) and Clinton is trailing very closely with 1,589. This is crazy! The next primaries take place next week, May 6th, in both Indiana and North Carolina. Not fair! Republicans have known for soooo long who their nominee is, leaving us Democrats to bite our nails in hope that our favorite person will pull ahead, ditching the other guy (or woman) delegates short of a victory.
Current projected delegate count..Hillary Clinton won 55% of the state, with Barack Obama trailing at 45%. So now, Obama has 1,727 delegates (including Projected Super Del's) and Clinton is trailing very closely with 1,589. This is crazy! The next primaries take place next week, May 6th, in both Indiana and North Carolina. Not fair! Republicans have known for soooo long who their nominee is, leaving us Democrats to bite our nails in hope that our favorite person will pull ahead, ditching the other guy (or woman) delegates short of a victory.
This is quite a monumental election we are seeing, and it is only the primaries. Not only do we have the possiblity of a black man or a woman running on the Democratic ticket, but the controversy revolving around the Florida and Michigan delegates. So far, these delegates are not going to count. However, who knows what will happen at the Democratic National Convention in September. It could cause chaos! With all this controversy in the primaries, it should be an interesting presidential race :)Ciao, VQUZESHUF
Jess
Legal and Ethical Issues Concerning Internet Marketing
Hello All,
I know that this does not concern the upcoming 08 election, but as mentioned previously this blog is also a project for my Internet Marketing class and I am getting graded on it so.. I have to post 4 articles related to legal and ethical issues concerning internet marketing and I found an article on NYTimes.com related to that topic published on October 13, 2004 by Tom Zeller.
The article is entitled, F.T.C. Files First Lawsuit Against Spyware -- which, obviously, has to do the the FTC handling spyware over the internet. Spyware is not only an annoyance to the average internet user, many feel as though spyware is a violation of privacy.
This article is dated, however, it provides insight into when the FTC first began to take notice of the spyware problem plagueing internet users everywhere. The FTC filed a lawsuit in New Hampshire against the CEO of Smartbot.com, citing that this company, in using spyware, was violating federal law. The FTC asserted that the use of spyware, tracking the websites an internet user visits and, consequently, bombarding them with pop up advertisements, is an "unfair and deceptive use of commerce."
he Federal Trade Commission formally announced yesterday its first assault against spyware - bits of computer code that surreptitiously install themselves on the computers of Internet users to track their activities, push them to Web sites, barrage them with advertisements, and otherwise wreak havoc with their machines.
The commission filed a lawsuit in a federal court in New Hampshire last week against Sanford Wallace, the owner of Seismic Entertainment Productions and Smartbot.net, contending that Mr. Wallace and his companies had violated federal law, which prohibits "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce."
The director of the commision of consumer protection, Lydia Parnes, claimed that this would not be the last of many lawsuits concerning companies who installed spyware to oblivious internet users.
Spyware is a problem amongst internet users even in 2008, four years after this article was published. It is hard to control because many companies choose to take advantages of the weaknesses in Microsoft's Internet Explorer, the most widely used browser, and install spyware. The legality and ethics of Spyware is still widely debated to this day.
I know that this does not concern the upcoming 08 election, but as mentioned previously this blog is also a project for my Internet Marketing class and I am getting graded on it so.. I have to post 4 articles related to legal and ethical issues concerning internet marketing and I found an article on NYTimes.com related to that topic published on October 13, 2004 by Tom Zeller.
The article is entitled, F.T.C. Files First Lawsuit Against Spyware -- which, obviously, has to do the the FTC handling spyware over the internet. Spyware is not only an annoyance to the average internet user, many feel as though spyware is a violation of privacy.
This article is dated, however, it provides insight into when the FTC first began to take notice of the spyware problem plagueing internet users everywhere. The FTC filed a lawsuit in New Hampshire against the CEO of Smartbot.com, citing that this company, in using spyware, was violating federal law. The FTC asserted that the use of spyware, tracking the websites an internet user visits and, consequently, bombarding them with pop up advertisements, is an "unfair and deceptive use of commerce."
he Federal Trade Commission formally announced yesterday its first assault against spyware - bits of computer code that surreptitiously install themselves on the computers of Internet users to track their activities, push them to Web sites, barrage them with advertisements, and otherwise wreak havoc with their machines.
The commission filed a lawsuit in a federal court in New Hampshire last week against Sanford Wallace, the owner of Seismic Entertainment Productions and Smartbot.net, contending that Mr. Wallace and his companies had violated federal law, which prohibits "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce."
The director of the commision of consumer protection, Lydia Parnes, claimed that this would not be the last of many lawsuits concerning companies who installed spyware to oblivious internet users.
Spyware is a problem amongst internet users even in 2008, four years after this article was published. It is hard to control because many companies choose to take advantages of the weaknesses in Microsoft's Internet Explorer, the most widely used browser, and install spyware. The legality and ethics of Spyware is still widely debated to this day.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
SHU Chapel Assignment
Irrelevant in this blog, I know, but my Professor has given us a homework assignment in which my group is assigned to give suggestions about improving the website concerning the Chapel they are currently building (Sacred Heart University) to check out the website click here http://www.sacredheart.edu/pages/18984_live_webcam_university_chapel_construction.cfm
My suggestions for the SHU Chapel website would be:
1) I think that there should be some text before the links, explaining why the school decided to build the chapel and just an overall paragraph discussing its importance and what it will add to the atmosphere at Sacred Heart. There are links to navigate in which more information can be obtained, but I think a simple paragraph would suit the website and provide a background that would entince people to click on the links below.
2) I also think that the top of the page should not say Live WEBCAM: University Chapel, it should say Sacred Heart University Chapel, or what ever they intend on calling it. That way it establishes some familiarity with the visitor
3) The picture of the chapel as a finished product should be larger than the picture of the chapel that is in construction now. The chapel that is in construction is not very eye appealing and while it is a good idea to get people involved with the construction of the chapel, a large picture of the finished product will remind the site visitor just how good it is going to look when it is finished.
4) The two pictures of the chapel should be side to side with the links underneath. I did not like how they aren't in comparison with one another. The link text, format permitting, should be a little larger and the list of links should be centered under the picture. The quote should also be placed at the top of the page, as it is a nice quote and might be ignored and overshadowed by the links that are placed about it.
Anyway these are my suggestions, let me know if you have any more!
Vquzeshuf,
Jess :-p
My suggestions for the SHU Chapel website would be:
1) I think that there should be some text before the links, explaining why the school decided to build the chapel and just an overall paragraph discussing its importance and what it will add to the atmosphere at Sacred Heart. There are links to navigate in which more information can be obtained, but I think a simple paragraph would suit the website and provide a background that would entince people to click on the links below.
2) I also think that the top of the page should not say Live WEBCAM: University Chapel, it should say Sacred Heart University Chapel, or what ever they intend on calling it. That way it establishes some familiarity with the visitor
3) The picture of the chapel as a finished product should be larger than the picture of the chapel that is in construction now. The chapel that is in construction is not very eye appealing and while it is a good idea to get people involved with the construction of the chapel, a large picture of the finished product will remind the site visitor just how good it is going to look when it is finished.
4) The two pictures of the chapel should be side to side with the links underneath. I did not like how they aren't in comparison with one another. The link text, format permitting, should be a little larger and the list of links should be centered under the picture. The quote should also be placed at the top of the page, as it is a nice quote and might be ignored and overshadowed by the links that are placed about it.
Anyway these are my suggestions, let me know if you have any more!
Vquzeshuf,
Jess :-p
Oh, Economics...
In the past eight years the surplus the American economy once had, has slumped into what could be a recession. This has pushed the issue of economy to the forefront of the platform for the 2008 election. McCain has been highly criticized for his inexperience in the area of economics. Yet, he has come up with a "surefire" plan to solve the problems we are having due to the poor economy. What is at the forefront of this plan, you ask? Promises of outrageous and probably ineffective TAX CUTS! What a surprise.
He said, and I quote, "Americans do not resent paying their rightful share of taxes -- what they do resent is being subjected to thousands of pages of needless and often irrational rules and demands" (http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/04/15/mccain.economy/index.html?iref=werecommend) What the hell? Ask any American if they are "indifferent" about paying their taxes, I'm pretty sure not one person would agree. Obviously, taxes are something that hits home to any American (of tax paying age, of course). Without taxes many beneficial federal programs would suffer and they are a necessary "evil" to keeping the country running smoothly. Now, lets just see some rich people paying their rightful share of taxes and we'll be good. :)
McCain proposes various "tax cuts" and a "summer gas tax holiday" which would eliminate the tax on gas from memorial day to labor day. Does he think before he publicizes these grand plans? It sounds too good to be true. Well, guess what? It is.
He said, and I quote, "Americans do not resent paying their rightful share of taxes -- what they do resent is being subjected to thousands of pages of needless and often irrational rules and demands" (http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/04/15/mccain.economy/index.html?iref=werecommend) What the hell? Ask any American if they are "indifferent" about paying their taxes, I'm pretty sure not one person would agree. Obviously, taxes are something that hits home to any American (of tax paying age, of course). Without taxes many beneficial federal programs would suffer and they are a necessary "evil" to keeping the country running smoothly. Now, lets just see some rich people paying their rightful share of taxes and we'll be good. :)
McCain proposes various "tax cuts" and a "summer gas tax holiday" which would eliminate the tax on gas from memorial day to labor day. Does he think before he publicizes these grand plans? It sounds too good to be true. Well, guess what? It is.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Digging up the dirt
Now, what would politics be if the candidates didn't have people working to find dirt on each other? It would be more dignified-- but more BORING! Even the self proclaimed political "purist" can't help but be slightly amused with the lengths the candidates go to knock the "other guy" down a few notches. (Especially if its the candidate you hate.)
A Youtube.com search will bring up numerous negative findings of all presidential hopeful's.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQdOBtyuMN4
Obama's "minister" can be found in snippets -- ranting and raving like a lunatic in an anti - American sermon. The sermon accuses "America the great" of being a racist, drug harboring, AIDS infested society, and we are scared into believing that, if elected, Obama will appoint Reverand Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. to his cabinet. Whatever happened to separation of church and state? Who cares if Obama worshipped every belief suggested by this man? Especially when, in actuality, Obama described Wright as being like “an old uncle who sometimes will say things that I don't agree with.” (http://www.newsmax.com/kessler/obama_minister_wright/2008/03/06/78440.html)
Relax white Protestant supremists, should Obama get elected your church will be safe and sound. I promise.
Move on to McCain and his "Bomb Iran" song to the tune of "Barbara Ann" by the Beach Boys. I'm sure they're proud to hear their song being exploited to a pro - war jig. I don't know though, this could probably help him win over all the angry conservatives who have become atuned to his incessant flip flopping and economic shortcomings. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U39zae4IxUA. Go get 'em Gramps!
Hillary's, now somewhat infamous, red phone ad which was originally meant to imply that she is more than equipped to handle national security matters, has caused a frenzy on youtube.com with countless spoofs and sattires. The funniest thing about the red phone ad, in my opinion, is that the little girl in the commercial (which was recorded a long time ago for any media purpose) is now grown up -- and an Obama supporter!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0AddSHpNrE&feature=related Poor Hil -- she always gets it.
Bye,
Toodles,
Adios,
Later,
VQUZESHUF,
Jess :)
A Youtube.com search will bring up numerous negative findings of all presidential hopeful's.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQdOBtyuMN4
Obama's "minister" can be found in snippets -- ranting and raving like a lunatic in an anti - American sermon. The sermon accuses "America the great" of being a racist, drug harboring, AIDS infested society, and we are scared into believing that, if elected, Obama will appoint Reverand Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. to his cabinet. Whatever happened to separation of church and state? Who cares if Obama worshipped every belief suggested by this man? Especially when, in actuality, Obama described Wright as being like “an old uncle who sometimes will say things that I don't agree with.” (http://www.newsmax.com/kessler/obama_minister_wright/2008/03/06/78440.html)
Relax white Protestant supremists, should Obama get elected your church will be safe and sound. I promise.
Move on to McCain and his "Bomb Iran" song to the tune of "Barbara Ann" by the Beach Boys. I'm sure they're proud to hear their song being exploited to a pro - war jig. I don't know though, this could probably help him win over all the angry conservatives who have become atuned to his incessant flip flopping and economic shortcomings. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U39zae4IxUA. Go get 'em Gramps!
Hillary's, now somewhat infamous, red phone ad which was originally meant to imply that she is more than equipped to handle national security matters, has caused a frenzy on youtube.com with countless spoofs and sattires. The funniest thing about the red phone ad, in my opinion, is that the little girl in the commercial (which was recorded a long time ago for any media purpose) is now grown up -- and an Obama supporter!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0AddSHpNrE&feature=related Poor Hil -- she always gets it.
Bye,
Toodles,
Adios,
Later,
VQUZESHUF,
Jess :)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Can a Vice President be a Deal Breaker?
In my politics of presidential election class yesterday the topic of vice presidential candidates came into fire. My professor divided us into three groups and assigned us to come up with the "ideal" vice presidential candidates for John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama with respect to age, political views, past political experience, gender, and what ever else we believed to be relevant. After we all revealed our decisions my professor would reveal his "dream teams" for all three potentials. (He's also the head of the political science department so this made all of us poli sci nerds really excited! :-p)
My group was assigned to do John McCain and we decided that the ideal running mate would be someone who is younger (obviously), conservative (he has been criticized for being too moderate in the past), and someone from either the south or northeast (I didn't understand this one so I didn't agree with it - McCain is from Arizona).
The Hillary Clinton group asserted that she should pick a male (to balance out the gender of the ticket), from the south ( Clinton claims that she is a 'New Yorker' despite living in a multitude of places over her lifetime), younger ( Clinton is 61), moderate (an attempt to attract more moderate votes and perhaps appeal to the conservative), and, lastly, someone who has military experience (due to the war issue).
Barack Obama's team believes an older candidate would be better for Obama (he is 46), experienced (Obama has been under fire for lack of experience), male (another female would be too 'dangerous'), military experience (Obama has openly stated that, should he be elected, the war is over), and a governer (because he is a Senator? not too sure about that).
After our lists were openly stated on the board, my professor announced who the 'dream teams' would be; Kay Bailey Hutchinson for McCain, John Edwards for Clinton, and Anthony Zinni for Obama.
My group was assigned to do John McCain and we decided that the ideal running mate would be someone who is younger (obviously), conservative (he has been criticized for being too moderate in the past), and someone from either the south or northeast (I didn't understand this one so I didn't agree with it - McCain is from Arizona).
The Hillary Clinton group asserted that she should pick a male (to balance out the gender of the ticket), from the south ( Clinton claims that she is a 'New Yorker' despite living in a multitude of places over her lifetime), younger ( Clinton is 61), moderate (an attempt to attract more moderate votes and perhaps appeal to the conservative), and, lastly, someone who has military experience (due to the war issue).
Barack Obama's team believes an older candidate would be better for Obama (he is 46), experienced (Obama has been under fire for lack of experience), male (another female would be too 'dangerous'), military experience (Obama has openly stated that, should he be elected, the war is over), and a governer (because he is a Senator? not too sure about that).
After our lists were openly stated on the board, my professor announced who the 'dream teams' would be; Kay Bailey Hutchinson for McCain, John Edwards for Clinton, and Anthony Zinni for Obama.
Hutchinson is a woman senator from Texas who is currently serving her third term. She is "conservative enough" without being extreme in her views. She would certainly help McCain in Texas and also bring in more woman voters (possibly).
Edwards, as we all know, is a man who served one term as a senator for North Carolina. He ran on the presidential ticket with John Kerry in the 2004 election and had an unsuccessful primary showing in this election. Edwards is considered moderate, possibly leaning towards liberal. His track record is less than promising, but he may just be the match that could push Clinton to victory (if she wins the democratic nod).
Zinni is a retired four star general in the United States Marine Corps. Although he has served our country, he has publically stated his disapproval of the Bush administration regarding the war in Iraq. He has come out as an Obama supporter and could help his efforts to obtain the military vote.
In this controversial, legendary race we have seen so far vice presidents could turn out to be very important. McCain's age, Hillary's gender, and Obama's inexperience may undermined by choice of running mate. We'll see.. lets get through these crazy primaries first!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Do or Die for Hil
Well, Congratulations to John McCain for essentially securing himself as the Republican candidate for the 2008 elections. Isn't that just so exciting? ... Hmm not really.
What's exciting is the neck and neck battle we are observing between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama! Both have made impressive showings in the primaries with Obama edging out Clinton 1,365 to 1,268, respectively. It all depends on Texas and Ohio. Texas, a notoriously republican, gun loving, George Bush yielding state, is a key player in the Democratic primary election. This election is shaping up to be highly interesting and it's only the primaries :-D .
Texas will distribute 127 delegates, proportionally, to Obama and Clinton on March 4th. Ohio has 49 to
be alloted to the candidates. Because the Democrats have a proportional system, even if Hillary wins half the delegates in both states, she will still be behind. Mrs. Clinton needs to have a phenomenal showing in both Texas and Ohio to keep herself in reasonable position with Obama. Texas and Ohio are truly her last hope. If she does not win, according to an article in the Boston Globe entitled Clinton's Adviser says Texas-Ohio Loss could end run, she may be advised to drop out and end her campaign.
Obama has truly proven himself in the eyes of the public. At the start of the primaries Clinton was heavily favored over Obama, who the public saw as "lacking experience". He has run a highly commendable campaign, breaking race, class, and age barrier's all over the country. This will make him a fierce competitor against McCain, should he win the Democratic nomination. The people will then have to decide if they would like to see some change or see George Bush #2 sitting in the oval office for the next four years.
Anyway, March 4t
h looks to be a very important day, keep your eyes open for the outcome of the Ohio and Texas primaries!!
-Jess
What's exciting is the neck and neck battle we are observing between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama! Both have made impressive showings in the primaries with Obama edging out Clinton 1,365 to 1,268, respectively. It all depends on Texas and Ohio. Texas, a notoriously republican, gun loving, George Bush yielding state, is a key player in the Democratic primary election. This election is shaping up to be highly interesting and it's only the primaries :-D .
Texas will distribute 127 delegates, proportionally, to Obama and Clinton on March 4th. Ohio has 49 to
be alloted to the candidates. Because the Democrats have a proportional system, even if Hillary wins half the delegates in both states, she will still be behind. Mrs. Clinton needs to have a phenomenal showing in both Texas and Ohio to keep herself in reasonable position with Obama. Texas and Ohio are truly her last hope. If she does not win, according to an article in the Boston Globe entitled Clinton's Adviser says Texas-Ohio Loss could end run, she may be advised to drop out and end her campaign.Obama has truly proven himself in the eyes of the public. At the start of the primaries Clinton was heavily favored over Obama, who the public saw as "lacking experience". He has run a highly commendable campaign, breaking race, class, and age barrier's all over the country. This will make him a fierce competitor against McCain, should he win the Democratic nomination. The people will then have to decide if they would like to see some change or see George Bush #2 sitting in the oval office for the next four years.
Anyway, March 4t
h looks to be a very important day, keep your eyes open for the outcome of the Ohio and Texas primaries!!-Jess
Monday, February 11, 2008
Why polls aren't reliable
Okay so you're sitting down for dinner with your family, its about 5:30 and the phone rings. Of course its not a family member or a friend, or someone you actually care about talking to. Now, plenty of people, including myself, care about the upcoming election and have decided who they plan on voting for but, honestly, if you are calling me during dinner I'm going to do my best to rush you off the phone. Phone polls are right up there with telemarketers in my opinion. Yes I care about the election, yes I plan on voting, but do I care enough to explain my reasoning to a complete stranger at an inconvinient time? Absolutely not.
I think the focus on the importance of polls during elections is too excessive. I'm sure they are accurate to a certain extent but, can we really trust that the outcome with mimic what the polls are saying? First of all, plenty of people "promise" they will vote. Especially young people, the 18-30 group is where they put us, I believe. The young vote is higher than ever, as shown in the primaries, which is awesome. However, young voters are much more eager to participate in a poll with their strong political opinions than to actually get out there and vote when it matters. Secondly, as I just mentioned, things such as phone polls are unreliable in results. I don't think the outcome of these polls is completely askew, but I just don't agree that they should be taken too seriously. The only thing that matters are the elections, the campaign tactics carefully executed by the candidates will, hopefully, effect swing voters and the most crucial thing is getting those people to the voting booths. On that day, none of these polls will matter anymore, and just because one candidate had a good poll standing in February, does not mean they will be the next president in November.
In the article, Obama Narrowly Leads McCain in AP Poll, which I found at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080211/ap_on_el_pr/presidential_race_ap_poll, discusses the lead that Obama has over McCain and Clinton -- who are tied, for the next president. I was reading along happily, because I am an Obama fan, and was stopped dead in my tracks by this line.
"The survey was conducted from Feb. 7-10 and involved telephone interviews with 1,029 adults."
The dreaded telephone interviews. My 17 year old brother probably answered the phone at my house and told them something to shut them up, and I can guarantee he knows nothing about politics. Obama is also a big fan amongst young voters, and, as I previously mentioned, young people often promise to vote and are nowhere to be found on election day.
As much as I would love to believe Obama is the next president, I am not going to be convinced by a telephone poll. Yuck.
Til Next time..
Jess :)
I think the focus on the importance of polls during elections is too excessive. I'm sure they are accurate to a certain extent but, can we really trust that the outcome with mimic what the polls are saying? First of all, plenty of people "promise" they will vote. Especially young people, the 18-30 group is where they put us, I believe. The young vote is higher than ever, as shown in the primaries, which is awesome. However, young voters are much more eager to participate in a poll with their strong political opinions than to actually get out there and vote when it matters. Secondly, as I just mentioned, things such as phone polls are unreliable in results. I don't think the outcome of these polls is completely askew, but I just don't agree that they should be taken too seriously. The only thing that matters are the elections, the campaign tactics carefully executed by the candidates will, hopefully, effect swing voters and the most crucial thing is getting those people to the voting booths. On that day, none of these polls will matter anymore, and just because one candidate had a good poll standing in February, does not mean they will be the next president in November.
In the article, Obama Narrowly Leads McCain in AP Poll, which I found at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080211/ap_on_el_pr/presidential_race_ap_poll, discusses the lead that Obama has over McCain and Clinton -- who are tied, for the next president. I was reading along happily, because I am an Obama fan, and was stopped dead in my tracks by this line.
"The survey was conducted from Feb. 7-10 and involved telephone interviews with 1,029 adults."
The dreaded telephone interviews. My 17 year old brother probably answered the phone at my house and told them something to shut them up, and I can guarantee he knows nothing about politics. Obama is also a big fan amongst young voters, and, as I previously mentioned, young people often promise to vote and are nowhere to be found on election day.
As much as I would love to believe Obama is the next president, I am not going to be convinced by a telephone poll. Yuck.
Til Next time..
Jess :)
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Super Tuesday!
And the three front runners are...
Anyway, Obama made up for a lot of lost ground on Tuesday, as many people were sure Clinton would be a sure thing after the 24 primaries. Clinton does have more projected delegates but Obama has certainly proved himself. Only time will tell who will come out on top, but it sure makes for an interesting primary race!
Okay, I would hope that even those who are not interested in politics are aware of the importance of February 5th to an election year. If not, it is the day in which 24 states hold the primaries and caucus' in which its citizens decide which candidates they wish to represent both the Republican and Democratic parties in the race for the presidency.
Upon the aftermath of this years "super Tuesday" there are three frontrunners. Senator McCain for the Republican party, and, ah, both Senators Obama and Clinton are still "in" the Democratic race in a big way. Sure, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney have had a decent showing over the course of the primaries. Honestly though, a baptist minister or a Mormon? Both are favorites amongst conservatives but, believe it or not, conservatives don't have the ability to control everything. While McCain has pulled way ahead, he is shaking in his boots at the thought of losing the conservative vote and is, apparantly, throwing his efforts to convincing him he is "one of them". Oh boy.
On a side note, Senator McCain came to my school this Sunday. Sacred Heart University in Fairfield Connecticut, woooweee. Despite the fact that I have no intentions on voting for him I decided to check it out. As a result of the poor planning by my school, I couldn't hear anything so I left, I would've rather hung out with the protestors outside my school parading around a sign-- "Not another war" complete with a massive makeshift missle being ridden by the one and only George Bush holding a gun. Hilarious.
Anyway, Obama made up for a lot of lost ground on Tuesday, as many people were sure Clinton would be a sure thing after the 24 primaries. Clinton does have more projected delegates but Obama has certainly proved himself. Only time will tell who will come out on top, but it sure makes for an interesting primary race!
-Jess
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Critical Election?
Welcome to my blog! This is essentially an assignment for my internet marketing class at Sacred Heart University, but concerns the upcoming 2008 presidential election. I'm very interested in politics and am excited to do this blog throughout the semester.
Throughout history, there have been several "critical" elections that change the course of the nation. At the time these elections may not have seemed like a big deal but looking back they have changed the direction the United States was headed in. I'm praying that the 2008 election is critical, I think our nation is in desperate need of some change.
The race has been very exciting so far in the primaries, but, as a democrat, I can honestly say I am sad that Giuliani has dropped out. I'd like to consider myself more socially liberal with moderate views otherwise, and I think Giuliani had set up an interesting profile for himself. The fact that he was a supporter of gay rights and abortion certainly did not sit well with conservative republicans. His campaign seemed promising but, alas, after a third place showing in Florida he has dropped out. Maybe if he had some better campaign strategy he would still be in the race. Who knows? The primary race has identified Clinton and Obama as the Democratic candidates and McCain and Romney as front runners for the Republican party.
Throughout history, there have been several "critical" elections that change the course of the nation. At the time these elections may not have seemed like a big deal but looking back they have changed the direction the United States was headed in. I'm praying that the 2008 election is critical, I think our nation is in desperate need of some change.
The race has been very exciting so far in the primaries, but, as a democrat, I can honestly say I am sad that Giuliani has dropped out. I'd like to consider myself more socially liberal with moderate views otherwise, and I think Giuliani had set up an interesting profile for himself. The fact that he was a supporter of gay rights and abortion certainly did not sit well with conservative republicans. His campaign seemed promising but, alas, after a third place showing in Florida he has dropped out. Maybe if he had some better campaign strategy he would still be in the race. Who knows? The primary race has identified Clinton and Obama as the Democratic candidates and McCain and Romney as front runners for the Republican party.
(Some info from http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/giuliani was useful in this post. Yay yahoo!)
The 2004 election was nothing critical in my eyes. The weaknesses shown by Kerry simply allowed Bush to continue on his rampage (sorry Bush supporters). Hopefully, we'll be saying bye bye to Mr. Texas and have a nice change, whether it be McCain or Clinton, Obama or Romney.
I'll be updating at least weekly so keep tuned for more about the election :)
Jess
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
