Guys, I made some changes, so here's the latest version--enjoy!
Why Are We So Ignorant and Intolerant?
Now I’m usually a very calm and mild-mannered person, but there’s one major issue I have with today’s society that angers me and I have to address: the way people with disabilities, both mental and physical, are treated in America. Granted, there are lots of compassionate people out there who do the right thing and lots of advocacy groups raising awareness, but it is often those that act improperly towards the disabled that stick out in my mind.
In short, my point is this: in today’s increasingly diverse society, the disabled are often overlooked, causing the general public to become ignorant, shallow, and intolerant towards people with disabilities. This needs to stop.
People with disabilities have always held a special place in my heart because I witness the challenges they face and the adaptations they make to overcome them. My brother Andrew suffers from Angelman Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes developmental delays and mental retardation. There’s a lot more information about the disease on the Angelman Syndrome Foundation’s website, which covers essentially everything you’d ever want to know about Angelman Syndrome. Andrew has been a huge part of my life since the day he was born, and has really opened my eyes to the world of people with disabilities. Hopefully using the lessons I’ve learned and experiences I’ve shared with Andrew will help me to educate people about our disabled population and dispel some common misconceptions they may have.
Too often I see people giving Andrew puzzled looks and scathing stares, wondering why he looks different than we all do. Their body language gives off a condescending appearance, which really pisses me off because they are basing their (incorrect) judgments only on his unique look and not his personality. They are not seeing him as a real person; rather they only point out his differences instead of embracing him as another human being like themselves.
One particular moment sticks in my mind when I was out with my brother at the mall on a normal Saturday afternoon last year (he loves to go there to see all the people). A woman came up to us and bluntly asked me, referring to Andrew, “What’s wrong with him?” I was stunned at first, but eventually mustered out, “Excuse me? Is that a serious question?” When she persisted that it was, all I could say was, “I’m sorry, but I’m not even answering that. This is ridiculous.” It’s instances just like these that motivated me to write this piece, hoping that no ignorant person subjects any disabled person to that kind of ridicule.
Just because someone looks and/or acts differently than you doesn’t make them any less important or worthwhile. This isn’t even an issue of disability or not; it’s just plain common sense and basic humanity. Wake up people. In an age where we are progressing socially, people are becoming more accepting towards people from different nationalities, races, religions, cultures, genders, and economic classes. People with disabilities are left off of that list, because as we focus on the progression of various minorities in America people with disabilities take a back seat and are often forgotten. It’s time that we start to pay attention to these people and give them the acceptance and respect that they deserve. Melissa Riggio, a little girl with Down Syndrome, explains the situation perfectly in an article she wrote for National Geographic Kids in which she shares her views on having an intellectual disability.
Personally, I’ve never used the word “retard” in any form to refer to any person or situation. I realize it is a technical/medical term, but the way most people are using it is horribly offensive, demeaning, and derogatory towards people with disabilities. I always discourage my friends from using the “r” word and always take a little time to let them know how hurtful it is to the disabled community. All the “r” word is good for is perpetuating the negative stereotypes that people with intellectual disabilities face every day. In writing this blog, I found a national campaign ran by the Special Olympics to raise awareness for the “r” word and other derogatory terms like it and push for their elimination in everyday speech. They’ve created a great website to help promote their campaign.
Unbeknownst to some horribly ignorant and irresponsible people, people with both mental and physical disabilities accomplish some amazing things. The paths they take and methods they use might seem foreign to us, but their accomplishments are certainly worthwhile.
Take, for example Matt Savage, a young autistic boy from San Francisco. He struggles with classroom learning and requires a constant aide, but has an unparalleled affinity for composing music. By age 13, he was composing entire pieces of music and playing with professional adult organizations. He has released six CD’s, all of which have received high ratings. You can read his entire story here.
If you still don’t think people with disabilities have limited capabilities, just look to the Paralympics and Special Olympics and you will soon be proved terribly wrong. The people competing in the Paralympics are top-notch athletes, training just as hard, if not harder, than any other able-bodied athlete. The athletes participating in the Special Olympics are accomplishing extraordinary things and empowering themselves by working towards, not to mention completing, their own personal goals. If you’re in need of some inspiring stories of hard work and perseverance, look no further than to the athletes of the Paralympics and Special Olympics.
Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin hits the proverbial nail on the head when she calls her young son with Down Syndrome “absolutely perfect.” She captures the essence of the disabled world with that one simple phrase. People who happen to have disabilities aren’t lesser forms of humans by any means; they’re just like you and me and deserve to be treated that way.
When it comes to specifically physically disabled people being mistreated and overlooked, it’s not only individual people perpetrating these “crimes” but also bigger institutions like many public buildings and establishments. Often these places ignore the needs of many disabled people and use an inaccessible facility which ultimately turns away many people. I know Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, but businesses are overly reluctant to make their facilities accessible and there are still many places where people with physical disabilities cannot go.
I was at a restaurant downtown (which I’ll leave unnamed) last weekend, and I noticed that a portion of the dining area was at a different level than the rest, making it necessary to climb a few stairs to reach it. I remarked silently to myself that it must be difficult for someone in a wheelchair to get up to that level. Sure enough, a man using a wheelchair came in a few minutes later asking to be seated. The only tables left were on the upper level, so he had to enlist the help of some friends to hoist him up and down to the table area. I know his friends were happy to help, but I’m sure the man felt embarrassed and powerless deep inside. I know this is just one simple example, but injustices like these are happening all the time across the country
At the end of the day, this isn’t a political issue, a legal issue, or an ethical issue. It’s a common sense issue. It’s a humanity issue. It’s a respect issue. It’s a dignity issue. When it comes down to it, we’re all human beings. To look down on someone for a trait they can’t control is simply wrong: under no context is it acceptable. In this case, being apathetic towards people with disabilities is just as bad as being actively demeaning. It’s ultimately up to you to change your attitude about people with disabilities and begin to understand and accept another section of our population. After all, about one-fifth of people suffer from one disability or another. You can read the whole study here. It only takes little things to make a big difference in the eyes of someone with disabilities. When you pass by someone in the streets who could use the help—give it to them. Look them in the eye. Smile at them. Shake their hand. Speak directly to them. Give them the dignity they deserve. They’ll certainly appreciate it, and I will too.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Public Discourse Rough Draft
Why Are We So Ignorant and Intolerant?
Now I’m usually a very calm and mild-mannered person, but there’s one major issue I have with today’s society that angers me and I have to address: the way people with disabilities, both mental and physical, are treated in America. Granted, there are lots of compassionate people out there who do the right thing and lots of advocacy groups raising awareness, but it is often those that act improperly towards the disabled that stick out in my mind.
In short, my point is this: in today’s increasingly diverse society, the disabled are often overlooked, causing the general public to become ignorant, shallow, and intolerant towards people with disabilities. This needs to stop.
People with disabilities have always held a special place in my heart because I witness the challenges they face and the adaptations they make to overcome them. My brother Andrew suffers from Angelman Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes developmental delays and mental retardation. INCORPORATE LINK TO ANGELMAN SITE Andrew has been a huge part of my life since the day he was born, and has really opened my eyes to the world of people with disabilities. Hopefully using the lessons I’ve learned and experiences I’ve shared with Andrew will help me to educate people about our disabled population and dispel some common misconceptions they may have.
Too often I see people giving Andrew puzzled looks and scathing stares, wondering why he looks different than we all do. Their body language gives off a condescending appearance, which really pisses me off because they are basing their (incorrect) judgments only on his unique look and not his personality. They are not seeing him as a real person; rather they only point out his differences instead of embracing him as another human being like themselves.
Just because someone looks and/or acts differently than you doesn’t make them any less important or worthwhile. This isn’t even an issue of disability or not; it’s just plain common sense and basic humanity. Wake up people. In an age where we are progressing socially, people are becoming more accepting towards people from different nationalities, races, religions, cultures, genders, and economic classes. People with disabilities are left off of that list, because as we focus on the progression of various minorities in America people with disabilities take a back seat and are often forgotten. It’s time that we start to pay attention to these people and give them the acceptance and respect that they deserve.
Unbeknownst to some horribly ignorant and irresponsible people, people with both mental and physical disabilities accomplish some amazing things. The paths they take and methods they use might seem foreign to us, but their accomplishments are certainly worthwhile.
Take, for example Matt Savage, a young autistic boy from San Francisco. He struggles with classroom learning and requires a constant aide, but has an unparalleled affinity for composing music. By age 13, he was composing entire pieces of music and playing with adult organizations. He has released six CD’s, all of which have received high ratings GIVE LINK TO STORY
If you still don’t think people with disabilities have limited capabilities, just look to the Paralympics and Special Olympics and you will soon be proved terribly wrong. ELABORATE AND GIVE LINKS TO WEBSITES
Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin hits the proverbial nail on the head when she calls her young son with Down Syndrome “perfect.” ELABORATE AND GIVE LINK TO STORY
When it comes to specifically physically disabled people being mistreated and overlooked, it’s not only individual people perpetrating these “crimes” but also bigger institutions like many public buildings and establishments. ELABORATE ON STORY OF MAN AT RESTAURANT
CONCLUSION- give final plea to change their attitude and offer simple ways to help someone with disabilities if you happen to pass by someone in the street who could use the help-i.e. look them in the eye, smile at them, shake their hand, speak to them, and give them the respect they deserve. NEEDS ELABORATION
Now I’m usually a very calm and mild-mannered person, but there’s one major issue I have with today’s society that angers me and I have to address: the way people with disabilities, both mental and physical, are treated in America. Granted, there are lots of compassionate people out there who do the right thing and lots of advocacy groups raising awareness, but it is often those that act improperly towards the disabled that stick out in my mind.
In short, my point is this: in today’s increasingly diverse society, the disabled are often overlooked, causing the general public to become ignorant, shallow, and intolerant towards people with disabilities. This needs to stop.
People with disabilities have always held a special place in my heart because I witness the challenges they face and the adaptations they make to overcome them. My brother Andrew suffers from Angelman Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes developmental delays and mental retardation. INCORPORATE LINK TO ANGELMAN SITE Andrew has been a huge part of my life since the day he was born, and has really opened my eyes to the world of people with disabilities. Hopefully using the lessons I’ve learned and experiences I’ve shared with Andrew will help me to educate people about our disabled population and dispel some common misconceptions they may have.
Too often I see people giving Andrew puzzled looks and scathing stares, wondering why he looks different than we all do. Their body language gives off a condescending appearance, which really pisses me off because they are basing their (incorrect) judgments only on his unique look and not his personality. They are not seeing him as a real person; rather they only point out his differences instead of embracing him as another human being like themselves.
Just because someone looks and/or acts differently than you doesn’t make them any less important or worthwhile. This isn’t even an issue of disability or not; it’s just plain common sense and basic humanity. Wake up people. In an age where we are progressing socially, people are becoming more accepting towards people from different nationalities, races, religions, cultures, genders, and economic classes. People with disabilities are left off of that list, because as we focus on the progression of various minorities in America people with disabilities take a back seat and are often forgotten. It’s time that we start to pay attention to these people and give them the acceptance and respect that they deserve.
Unbeknownst to some horribly ignorant and irresponsible people, people with both mental and physical disabilities accomplish some amazing things. The paths they take and methods they use might seem foreign to us, but their accomplishments are certainly worthwhile.
Take, for example Matt Savage, a young autistic boy from San Francisco. He struggles with classroom learning and requires a constant aide, but has an unparalleled affinity for composing music. By age 13, he was composing entire pieces of music and playing with adult organizations. He has released six CD’s, all of which have received high ratings GIVE LINK TO STORY
If you still don’t think people with disabilities have limited capabilities, just look to the Paralympics and Special Olympics and you will soon be proved terribly wrong. ELABORATE AND GIVE LINKS TO WEBSITES
Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin hits the proverbial nail on the head when she calls her young son with Down Syndrome “perfect.” ELABORATE AND GIVE LINK TO STORY
When it comes to specifically physically disabled people being mistreated and overlooked, it’s not only individual people perpetrating these “crimes” but also bigger institutions like many public buildings and establishments. ELABORATE ON STORY OF MAN AT RESTAURANT
CONCLUSION- give final plea to change their attitude and offer simple ways to help someone with disabilities if you happen to pass by someone in the street who could use the help-i.e. look them in the eye, smile at them, shake their hand, speak to them, and give them the respect they deserve. NEEDS ELABORATION
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Vote Smart
Here's a quick guide to both major candidates. I tried not to show bias, but forgive me if you see the information as slanted.
John McCain
Abortion
McCain is adamant that Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision and needs to be overturned because it “legislates from the bench.” He feels the question should be returned to the states which will be the first of many steps to end abortion. He also promotes adoption.
Budget/Economy
McCain’s economic plan will “create millions of good American jobs, ensure our nation's energy security, get the government's budget and spending practices in order, and bring relief to American consumers.” He’ll encourage workplace flexibility, relief for families, government reform, small business support, cheap and clean energy, better healthcare, simpler and fairer taxes, and lower barriers to trade.
Civil Rights
McCain’s philosophy towards civil rights can be summed up in one statement: “The greatest honor is to serve the cause of human dignity.”
Defense
McCain feels that the top priority of America’s president should be to protect its citizens, their freedoms, and their lands and resources. He is willing and ready to take any measures necessary to protect America from foreign invaders.
Education
He feels that education is the foundation of a successful society and that there should be unfettered access to excellent education. He’ll give families more choices for schools and provide more federal funding to improve existing programs and to create new ones to foster a better education system for our children.
Energy/Oil
McCain wants to provide America with cheap and clean energy, so he supports lessening our dependence of foreign oil, creating new nuclear plants, fostering energy efficiency by providing subsidies, and addressing speculative oil prices.
Environment
The main goal is to curb greenhouse gas emissions. McCain will do this by setting emissions limits, promoting his policies internationally, and investing in new technologies to find alternative sources of fuel
Gay Marriage
McCain is strongly against gay marriage. He believes marriage is between one man and one woman.
Gun Control
McCain supports upholding the 2nd Amendment for law abiding citizens. He feels that gun control has failed so it should be abandoned, focusing on punishing criminals who use guns more rather than controlling the flow of guns.
Health Care
McCain sets forth 4 pillars of health care reform: affordability, access and choice, portability and security, and quality. He also wants to ensure care for higher-risk patients, lower overall costs, and cover those with pre-existing conditions.
Homeland Security
McCain believes in holding a strong military so we can respond to any threats from foreign countries. He’ll continue to build up our military, shore up our alliances, and ensure that the nation is capable of protecting the homeland, deterring potential military challenges, responding to any crisis that endangers American security, and prevailing in any conflict we are forced to fight.
Immigration
He feels that we need a two step plan to address immigration. First, we must secure our borders and then we must begin to handle the flow of immigrants into America. He’ll work to rid America of illegal immigrants and work to properly document those others that are living in America.
Social Security
McCain vows to address the social security system as soon as possible to ensure the program will survive into the future. He’ll do so by privatizing social security.
Taxes
McCain wants to make taxes simpler, fair, pro-growth, and competitive. He’ll cut business taxes to ensure the flow of money through our economy remains. He’ll also give tax breaks to those promoting alternative energy sources.
War
McCain feels we need to remain in Iraq until the job is done. He feels the troop surge worked, and that we are making significant progress in Iraq and that if we left now the country would fall back into shambles. He wants to make sure Iraq is economically stable and to press its surrounding countries for cooperation.
Welfare
McCain feels that lower income Americans should receive help from the government but that our current system is flawed. He’ll impart requirements on welfare recipients like a 40 hour work week, regulation of what welfare money can be spent on, and participation in self-help programs.
Barack Obama
Abortion
I was unable to find any definite stance on abortion, but Obama supports the protection of the mother and advocates sex education for teenagers.
Budget/Economy
Obama will provide a tax cut for working families, tax relief for small and startup businesses, and fight for fair trade. He’ll create jobs, stabilize our infrastructure, promote unionization, home ownership, and crack down on mortgage fraud.
Civil Rights
Obama will combat employment discrimination, strengthen civil rights enforcement, and expand hate crime statutes. In essence, he’ll attempt to achieve minority equality in America.
Defense
Obama will rebuild the military for 21st century tasks, doing things like increasing ground troops, building up our elite units, and giving foreign language and civil affairs training programs. He’ll also strengthen our cyberspace defense against foreign hackers.
Education
Obama will reform the No Child Left Behind Act to address more practical learning issues and stray from standardized testing. He’ll invest in early childhood education and place more of a responsibility on the parents of young students. This process will continue to students of college age, giving them tax credits in exchange for community service to help pay for college, with the ultimate goal of making college affordable to all qualified Americans.
Energy/Oil/Environment
Obama’s energy plan will give immediate relief to Americans facing pain at the pump by cracking down on speculative oil pricing, eliminate our current imports from the Middle East and Venezuela within 10 years by making American more self-sufficient, create millions of new green jobs, and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
Gay Marriage
Obama supports gay marriage civil unions and in the past has voted against banning laws preventing gay marriages.
Gun Control
I didn’t find a definitive answer about gun control, but Obama is committed to preserving land for sportsmen related activities as he realizes the value and tradition that hunters and sportsmen have in America.
Health Care
Obama will lower health care costs and make health care available to all Americans with no questions asked.
Homeland Security
Obama will work towards defeating terrorism worldwide by working to cripple al-Qaeda and similar organizations with a 21st century equipped military. He’ll also prevent nuclear terrorism through foreign relations and improved tracking of nuclear materials. Along those lines, he’ll strengthen American bio-security to ensure America’s safety for years to come.
Immigration
Obama’s immigration plan has 3 parts: securing our borders, improving the immigration system, and bringing people out of the shadows. He’ll provide resources to close our borders, work to detect illegal immigrants through the bureaucracy, and help to give documentation to illegal immigrants in good standing.
Social Security
Obama will work to continue the social security system and make sure it’s available (along with health care) to all people. He’ll make prescription drugs cheaper and strengthen Medicare to ensure our senior citizens are taken care of.
Taxes
Obama’s tax plan will cut taxes for most middle to low income families and provide them with federal monetary help. He’ll cut small business taxes and reward investments towards innovation. Wealthier Americans will receive no tax breaks.
War
Obama will methodically withdraw troops from Iraq, effective immediately and encourage political accommodations so that Iraq’s leaders can manage their country independently. He will also try to stabilize Iraq’s economy and address the refugee situation.
Welfare
Obama wants to promote welfare and cut poverty in half in 10 years through federal funded social programs. He’ll create many more public housing developments throughout America as a means of promoting home ownership.
Works Cited
"Barack Obama." Election Center 2008. 2 Nov 2008. CNN Politics. 2 Nov 2008
.
"John McCain." election Center 2008. 2 Nov 2008. CNN Politics. 2 Nov 2008
.
"Issues." McCain-Palin. 2 Nov 2008. McCain-Palin 2008. 2 Nov 2008
"It's Your Choice." Obama-Biden. 2 Nov 2008. Obama for America. 2 Nov 2008
John McCain
Abortion
McCain is adamant that Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision and needs to be overturned because it “legislates from the bench.” He feels the question should be returned to the states which will be the first of many steps to end abortion. He also promotes adoption.
Budget/Economy
McCain’s economic plan will “create millions of good American jobs, ensure our nation's energy security, get the government's budget and spending practices in order, and bring relief to American consumers.” He’ll encourage workplace flexibility, relief for families, government reform, small business support, cheap and clean energy, better healthcare, simpler and fairer taxes, and lower barriers to trade.
Civil Rights
McCain’s philosophy towards civil rights can be summed up in one statement: “The greatest honor is to serve the cause of human dignity.”
Defense
McCain feels that the top priority of America’s president should be to protect its citizens, their freedoms, and their lands and resources. He is willing and ready to take any measures necessary to protect America from foreign invaders.
Education
He feels that education is the foundation of a successful society and that there should be unfettered access to excellent education. He’ll give families more choices for schools and provide more federal funding to improve existing programs and to create new ones to foster a better education system for our children.
Energy/Oil
McCain wants to provide America with cheap and clean energy, so he supports lessening our dependence of foreign oil, creating new nuclear plants, fostering energy efficiency by providing subsidies, and addressing speculative oil prices.
Environment
The main goal is to curb greenhouse gas emissions. McCain will do this by setting emissions limits, promoting his policies internationally, and investing in new technologies to find alternative sources of fuel
Gay Marriage
McCain is strongly against gay marriage. He believes marriage is between one man and one woman.
Gun Control
McCain supports upholding the 2nd Amendment for law abiding citizens. He feels that gun control has failed so it should be abandoned, focusing on punishing criminals who use guns more rather than controlling the flow of guns.
Health Care
McCain sets forth 4 pillars of health care reform: affordability, access and choice, portability and security, and quality. He also wants to ensure care for higher-risk patients, lower overall costs, and cover those with pre-existing conditions.
Homeland Security
McCain believes in holding a strong military so we can respond to any threats from foreign countries. He’ll continue to build up our military, shore up our alliances, and ensure that the nation is capable of protecting the homeland, deterring potential military challenges, responding to any crisis that endangers American security, and prevailing in any conflict we are forced to fight.
Immigration
He feels that we need a two step plan to address immigration. First, we must secure our borders and then we must begin to handle the flow of immigrants into America. He’ll work to rid America of illegal immigrants and work to properly document those others that are living in America.
Social Security
McCain vows to address the social security system as soon as possible to ensure the program will survive into the future. He’ll do so by privatizing social security.
Taxes
McCain wants to make taxes simpler, fair, pro-growth, and competitive. He’ll cut business taxes to ensure the flow of money through our economy remains. He’ll also give tax breaks to those promoting alternative energy sources.
War
McCain feels we need to remain in Iraq until the job is done. He feels the troop surge worked, and that we are making significant progress in Iraq and that if we left now the country would fall back into shambles. He wants to make sure Iraq is economically stable and to press its surrounding countries for cooperation.
Welfare
McCain feels that lower income Americans should receive help from the government but that our current system is flawed. He’ll impart requirements on welfare recipients like a 40 hour work week, regulation of what welfare money can be spent on, and participation in self-help programs.
Barack Obama
Abortion
I was unable to find any definite stance on abortion, but Obama supports the protection of the mother and advocates sex education for teenagers.
Budget/Economy
Obama will provide a tax cut for working families, tax relief for small and startup businesses, and fight for fair trade. He’ll create jobs, stabilize our infrastructure, promote unionization, home ownership, and crack down on mortgage fraud.
Civil Rights
Obama will combat employment discrimination, strengthen civil rights enforcement, and expand hate crime statutes. In essence, he’ll attempt to achieve minority equality in America.
Defense
Obama will rebuild the military for 21st century tasks, doing things like increasing ground troops, building up our elite units, and giving foreign language and civil affairs training programs. He’ll also strengthen our cyberspace defense against foreign hackers.
Education
Obama will reform the No Child Left Behind Act to address more practical learning issues and stray from standardized testing. He’ll invest in early childhood education and place more of a responsibility on the parents of young students. This process will continue to students of college age, giving them tax credits in exchange for community service to help pay for college, with the ultimate goal of making college affordable to all qualified Americans.
Energy/Oil/Environment
Obama’s energy plan will give immediate relief to Americans facing pain at the pump by cracking down on speculative oil pricing, eliminate our current imports from the Middle East and Venezuela within 10 years by making American more self-sufficient, create millions of new green jobs, and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
Gay Marriage
Obama supports gay marriage civil unions and in the past has voted against banning laws preventing gay marriages.
Gun Control
I didn’t find a definitive answer about gun control, but Obama is committed to preserving land for sportsmen related activities as he realizes the value and tradition that hunters and sportsmen have in America.
Health Care
Obama will lower health care costs and make health care available to all Americans with no questions asked.
Homeland Security
Obama will work towards defeating terrorism worldwide by working to cripple al-Qaeda and similar organizations with a 21st century equipped military. He’ll also prevent nuclear terrorism through foreign relations and improved tracking of nuclear materials. Along those lines, he’ll strengthen American bio-security to ensure America’s safety for years to come.
Immigration
Obama’s immigration plan has 3 parts: securing our borders, improving the immigration system, and bringing people out of the shadows. He’ll provide resources to close our borders, work to detect illegal immigrants through the bureaucracy, and help to give documentation to illegal immigrants in good standing.
Social Security
Obama will work to continue the social security system and make sure it’s available (along with health care) to all people. He’ll make prescription drugs cheaper and strengthen Medicare to ensure our senior citizens are taken care of.
Taxes
Obama’s tax plan will cut taxes for most middle to low income families and provide them with federal monetary help. He’ll cut small business taxes and reward investments towards innovation. Wealthier Americans will receive no tax breaks.
War
Obama will methodically withdraw troops from Iraq, effective immediately and encourage political accommodations so that Iraq’s leaders can manage their country independently. He will also try to stabilize Iraq’s economy and address the refugee situation.
Welfare
Obama wants to promote welfare and cut poverty in half in 10 years through federal funded social programs. He’ll create many more public housing developments throughout America as a means of promoting home ownership.
Works Cited
"Barack Obama." Election Center 2008. 2 Nov 2008. CNN Politics. 2 Nov 2008
"John McCain." election Center 2008. 2 Nov 2008. CNN Politics. 2 Nov 2008
"Issues." McCain-Palin. 2 Nov 2008. McCain-Palin 2008. 2 Nov 2008
"It's Your Choice." Obama-Biden. 2 Nov 2008. Obama for America. 2 Nov 2008
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