The Death Penalty

     As I recall, not but a few days ago, my government class discussed the death penalty. I personally am of the opinion that the death penalty is backwards thinking. It's barbaric in my mind, but it's because I'm really into preserving all life. But that is beside the point. There seems to be quite a few cases recently where the death penalty has been controversial. We read articles in class about people who got temporarily let off because it was not certain whether their trials were fair or not. One was due to possible racial prejudice, and another was due to problems with the drugs used for the death penalty. If I had my way, we would simply get rid of the death penalty, and allow people simple life imprisonment. I realize of course that this isn't exactly economically viable, but it is more humane in my mind. I don't know it's just an inherently imperfect system in my mind. But at any rate, we definitely must make sure that any punishment we put forth, whether death penalty or not must be in accordance with the constitution, because if we make exceptions, then the standard is not set for everyone. If we amend the constitution to abolish the death penalty, then we can all abide by it and no one will have to die because of it. That would be nice because it would preserve life, but it would also silence all these challenging cases of what is permissible by the constitution.

Blog 1 that is without a true title

     When I was young it was my parent's influence that caused me to believe what I did. Now however, that has changed for me. I don't believe others should influence your personal beliefs because if they do, then your beliefs are not personal. I took a leap towards individualism in high school in particular, so I suppose it is my attitude of nonconformity that has caused me to believe politically as I do. For me politics do not seem particularly applicable to my life. I realize of course that they shape the manner in which the nation runs and also have a huge impact on my freedoms and laws and such, but it really isn't prevalent in my thinking.
     The greatest measurable effect on my political attitudes simply has to be how I grew up. I was born into a very conservative Republican household, and I accepted that belief as the correct one. It was because of my parents however, that I ultimately rejected this philosophy. I of course do not know how most Republicans feel, but based on what I've seen of my parents, I really don't care to be associated with the Republican party. I think some of the views are overly judgmental and not accepting enough. With that being said, I really don't desire to be a part of any political party, I simply wish to believe what I believe and not attempt to conform my beliefs with the beliefs of a large political party.
     I read the three questions on page eighty-four of my history book today, and I'd like to answer a question posed to me concerning them. My answer to that question is this: Yes I do have a few opinions concerning them, but I really don't think my opinion can be based on anything. I have no right to say what is good and what is bad. I don't even have the remote authority to decided what is best for our country. In order to do that I would need a lot of evidence to support my claims, and right now I really don't feel qualified. So yes I have opinions, but really that doesn't mean much if I can't back them up with anything.