How should I become more politically aware?

Question

With the election right around the corner, I have started to realize how apathetic and uninformed I am about politics - in particular, our presidential candidates. How should I educate myself more? What resources should I use? Where should I look to watch and listen? What should I read? As a high school student, it is often difficult to get outside.

Answer 1

ontheissues.org will tell you about every issue, and every major politicians stance on that issue. It will even tell you if they ever flipflopped on that issue.

Answer 2

While you are learning about politics try to keep an open mind and remember 99% of what you hear from the media and other outlets will be false. The media has buyist view and it leans to the democratic side. They will say things that are lies and dramitized when talking about a republican mix it with one truthfull thing, and some people believe everything they said is true. Talk radio is mainly buyist as well and leans toward the republican side so don't get any info their. Go to the library and read books that are writen by authors that are creditble and unbuyist. Good luck and stay clear of false propaganda.

Answer 3

I would also suggest that you start reading the alternative press that is out there.

Answer 4

Rush Limbaugh is a good information source for conservative views.  I'm not sure where you should turn for liberal views as most media gives a liberal slanted news approach.

Answer 5

First and foremost it is no excuse to be uninformed just because you are a high school student. As I high school student, I am very informed of the candidate and those issues pertinent to my well-being during the election. There is a daily resource at your fingertips in the form of the daily news and the internet. All of the candidates have websites, and if you need to do research on their stance on the issues I would advise you to visit them from time to time. Read the newspaper and other news media with a grain of salt, careful to understand that MOST of these outlets aren't objective anymore but biased in their reporting. I advise you not to pay attention to newspaper endorsements. They were one time illegal, and I believe that they still interfere with having a fair election in this country. Also pay very close attention to what one candidate says about the other, Candidates obviously can and will smear the truth to their advantage. I believe that CSPAN is a very good resource because it shows candidates and their speeches. You don't have to listen to the after comments either, and they don't comment during the speech. Other stations like CNN, ABC, CBS, and NBC are all biased. Most news media shows a favorable side on democrats b/c our President is a Republican. And despite FOX news declaring that they report fairly, It is VERY conservative (Republican). In short, Research, Research, Research and don't believe anything you hear without checking it out because voting is a very important civic duty.

The most important step would be to register to vote. If you are going to be 18 before the general election in your state then you are probably eligible to vote in the primary election. That is the rule in most states.  You must register to vote 30 days before the election. If you get a chance go to events in your area.

Answer 6

Study the constitution of the United States of America.  Try to gain an understanding of what it really says, not what some politically oriented teacher claims it says.  What are the duties and responsibilities, expressed in the constitution, of our elected national officials?

Read and study the voting records of the representatives and senators we have elected to our national congress: how did they vote on national interest issues (military funding, taxes, welfare issues, and other national policy)?  Are those you can vote for or against voting they way you would vote?

Be very cautious of those who want to limit or revoke your liberty and freedoms, regardless of their reasons.  

I respect your devotion to wanting to decrease, by one, those who are ignorant with respect to politics; self-serving politicians thrive on the ignorance of our population, and such ignorance will be, in time, the downfall of this nation.

P.S. Study the papers of the founding fathers regarding the drafting of the constitution for a better understanding of their intent and purposes.  

Example of an issue you may want to study, and decide for yourself what to think:  Some issues, like some of the environment causes, are, in my opinion, a hoax, designed to support individual and corporate bandwagon business opportunities and pseudo-research now ongoing our country.  This is something that true science has, according to my research regading the laws of nature and uncontrollable acts of nature, much disagreement with, therefore, I classify it as a hoax, at this time, and will, in my opinion, remain as such, until proven otherwise.  When our money (tax payers money) is earmarked to aid an industry that cannot counter the damage incurred by the uncontrollable acts of nature, including, but  not limited to that incurred by the cycles of the ocean, sun, and valcanoes, I don't see it as a priority, let alone something man can control. I don't have the answers, only the concern from reading true scientific data which disputes the environmental claim made by major environmental interst groups.

Answer 7

I believe the previous writer means "biased", not "buyist"!  I would love to know where he comes up with the statistic that 99% of what you read in the media is a lie.  I can tell you a lot of what you read on open forums such as this is sadly misinformed drivel.  The best thing you can do is READ from reliable sources.  I find PBS is an excellent source.  Ask yourself questions and don't be afraid to challenge yourself and admit you might be wrong.

Answer 8

Read, read, and read some more.  And don't rely on only one source. You will be shocked by the differences of opinion and how different sources twist the truth to give a slant to the news that they want you to believe.

I think it's great that you are mature and actually care about the future. So many young people don't.

I remember the first time I voted...it really IS a big deal..and a big responsibility.

Answer 9

Make sure you understand the Constitution and what it means, and the concepts it was written to codify into law as stated in the Declaration of Independence. Then examine the voting records of the candidates on the various bills, and how those bills stack up against the Constitution. All of this should be available on line.

Answer 10

I suggest you to read a few newspaper and newsmagazine. Personally I like to read the Wall Street Journal and Time. Also I suggest you to be selective in choosing articles to read. To make an informed vote, I would look for general political tendencies rather than detailed election pledges. Also check how  well each candidate support their arguments. Though if I were you, I would not start the reserch untill both the Democratic and Republican nominees are confirmed.

Answer 11

READ!  In addition to Time, The Wall Street Journal I would add The Nation.  The Nation is entirely independent.  Remember that the big media is interested in selling issues, not necessarily informing you.  

I would also suggest that you read up on the Constitution.  FindLaw is a good resource.  Figure out what principles are important to you and follow your interests in becoming educated.

Last, for I would argue that Rush Limbaugh is not a place to get quality information of any kind.  He is an ideologue and more interested in making money than informing people with facts . . . he regularly either distorts or outright lies (check mediamatters.org).