What role does religion play?
Student opinion
Obama/McCain Presidential race
National Election
Where does Edina fit?
Local elections
INSIDE
Election Issue October 20, 2008
Who can vote on November 4?
Purple Survey Ground results
Cannot vote Can vote
Who will we vote for?
A few weeks ago, Purple Ground sent out a survey to see what EHS students thought about the election on November 4th. Here are the results:
What national issue most concerns you? Economy Environment Other Gay rights Health care
Barack Obama John McCain Unsure None Third Party
Sophomores gain ‘familiarity’ with politics Anders Lindquist staff writer In just a few weeks the battle for Edina’s state Representative will come to a close. Both Republican Keith Downey and Democratic Kevin Staunton have children in the tenth grade at Edina High School. Sophomore Jack Staunton’s father is the Democratic nominee. “It’s pretty cool and different,” said Jack Staunton. “He’s gone much more, and I’m helping him out by door knocking and setting up yard signs. I really hope he wins; he would do a good job and wants good things to happen for the country and the state of Minnesota.” Staunton’s website says that he wants to fund more early childhood education, prepare students for the modern marketplace, and provide more funding for colleges in order to lower tuition costs. He would also like to invest in alternative energy and transportation, continue stem cell research, and bring balance back to the budget and taxes. “I will do what made America great in the last thirty years in the next thirty,” announced Staunton. “I also plan to have well-educated communities and to contain health
care costs. I think that my message is getting through because I am well received.” Hannah Downey’s father, Keith Downey, is running on the Republican ticket. “His running for state Representative hasn’t changed my daily life a whole lot,” said Hannah Downey. “But it is weird to see the name all over the place. I also show up at a lot of social events with him.” Downey’s website said that he plans to reduce the control of big health care providers over our health care decisions and spending, and increase health care coverage competition. The site also stated that Downey supports alternative energy other than ethanol. Downey grew up in Edina, and when he went to college, he felt like he was a year ahead because of the academic excellence he had experienced here. According to his website, he wants to continue this trend by increasing collaboration between high schools and businesses to improve workforce readiness. “The big programs of the fifties and sixties are starting to show cracks,” commented Downey. “Government shouldn’t be a first look for society’s problems. You also can’t think that government can spend its way to safety. I come from a business backround and Kevin Staunton was a lawyer, and we don’t need another lawyer in government. I am cautiously optimistic about our future, but we need to be good stewards.”
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Zephyrus Volume 29 October 20, 2008
Senate Economy republican (incumbent)
•Keep gas prices low by suspending gas tax for a driving season •Address globalization’s effect on jobs.
independent
Norm
state elections E duc at ion •Provide financial aid to make higher education available to everyone and provide quality education at early childhood and elementary levels •Lower prices of textbooks •Provide more opportunities to study abroad
Envi ronment He alt h c a re oil
•Lower dependence on foreign
•Move country to energy independence •Protect resources by preventing the selling of forests and restoring water habitats.
•Guaranteed health care, even to sick •Higher quality, lower cost system more accessible in rural Minnesota •Patients, not insurers, make decisions
Coleman
•Cap government spending •Fund new programs by reducing funds elsewhere •Oil replaced with Minnesota’s alternative energy resources
No information provided on website.
•No information provided on website.
•Medicare opened to all Americans •Reduce health care costs and make available to everyone
Barkley Franken
democrat
Dean
Al
•More employee access to paid leave •Raise funding for child care •End dependence on foreign oil by investing in renewable resources •Strongly opposes federal gas tax
House
Economy
republican (incumbent)
•Prevent future bail outs and tax increases •Lower taxes; overtime work should not be taxed
•Improve public schools by completely funding with smaller class sizes, paying teachers more, eliminating activity fees, providing more funding for special ed. •Eliminate or seriously change No Child Left Behind (NCLB) •Provide every child a fair chance to good education
E duc at ion •Dramatically improve NCLB •Provide schools with necessities to improve learning and teaching
•Fund Minnesota’s alternate •State funded quality energy resources to eliminate de- health care for all residents pendence on foreign oil. •Use biofuels, solar power, and wind power and conserve through energy efficiency and the light rail.
I raq •Increase national defense to protect against foreign enemies
He alt h c a re •Doctors and patients contro decisions, not insurance companies •Make health care companies focus on helping patients rather than paper work
PAULSON
ERIK democrat
•Increase incentives to drive alternatively fueled cars; create a more green economy
ASHWIN
•Make college more affordable with scholarships and loan forgiveness •Improve teacher quality •Revise NCLB •Improve childhood education and special education
•Remove troops gradually •Solve problems politically
•Lower costs through new billing practices and stronger preventive care •Cost of extra coverage proportional to income •Simplify Medicare, support mental health care
MADIA
photos by Campaign Websites
state elections Mayor (incumbent)
democrat
•Pro-choice •Supports equal rights for all minorities; full civil rights for gays •Favors infrastructure spending, especially transportation
hovland AZAR •“Responsible Growth, Responsible Spending” •Maintain Edina’s civic pride and community spirit
republican
3
W hy shou ld you choose h i m? Va lue s, goa ls, a nd prom is e s •Ran as a Republican last election, now running as a Democrat •Enhance citizens’ lives through government’s power
JIM
Zephyrus Volume 29 October 20, 2008
• Limit building new “affordable” housing that will overpopulate Edina •Keep class size small • Decrease property taxes
daniel state
E duc at ion
•Strengthen economy through reasonable taxes; limit government’s growth and spending •Strengthen jobs
•New funding for public schools, early and special education. •More funding for higher education
•Preserve environment by protecting clean air and water •Use alternative resources to become energy independent
•No information provided on website.
•No information provided on website
•Make early education and higher education accessible and affordable for everyone •Provide adequate funding •Encourage innovative learning; up to date curriculum
•Preserve Minnesota’s natural resources •Address global warming; level up research on alternate energy sources
•Lower costs and improve quality •Give patients choice over health care decisions •Supports pro-choice and stem cell research
erhardt
democrat
ron
Envi ronment He alt h c a re
Economy
staunton CONgress Economy
republican
Kevin
Keith
•Enhance Minnesota’s competitiveness by increasing research policies •Encourage University of Minnesota to become a leader in business and medical ethics •Use local resources, convert ethanol to hydrogen
•Less government control over schools •Enhance NCLB to focus on fundamentals •Adjust school funding to inflation and student population
republican
(incumbent)
republican
representative
•No information provided on website.
•Reduce cost and improve coverage •Eliminate big providers; encourage new insurance providers to enhance competition
downey photos by campaign websites
4 Barack Obama Zephyrus Volume 29 October 20, 2008
Foreign a ffa i rs China:
Will enforce all standing trade agreements with China Plans to reduce the amount of U.S. debt held by Beijing
Cuba:
Plans to ease restrictions on familyrelated travel and on money CubanAmericans can send to their families in Cuba Will be open to meeting with Cuban leader Raul Castro without preconditions Plans to ease trade embargo if Havana “begins opening Cuba to meaningful democratic change”
Iran:
Plans to offer economic inducements and a possible promise not to seek “regime change” if Iran stopped interfering in Iraq and cooperated on terrorism and nuclear issues Believes that forging a relationship with Iran through diplomatic meetings would help stabilize the area
Ta xes Plans to raise income taxes for $250,000+ earners Supports raising taxes on capital gains and dividends Plans to give middle and low-income earners $500/individual or $1K/family tax credit Supports eliminating all income taxes for seniors earning less than $50K. Opposed summer gas tax holiday Supports tax incentives for companies that keep jobs in the US
national election Immig rat ion
Supports more renewable energies, and wants to look into clean coal uses to move the U.S. away from foreign oil dependency Voted for renewable energy and with the Senate effort to extend an investment tax credit to solar and wind energy projects (the bill failed to pass by one vote) “As president, I will set a hard cap on all carbon emissions at a level that scientists say is necessary to curb global warming - an 80% reduction by 2025”
Stem-cell rese a rch Supports embryonic stem-cell research
He a lt h c a re Supports universal health care Believes government should buy prescription drugs in bulk to reduce costs Wants hospitals to be graded on performance
Gu n cont rol
Supports Second Amendment. Supports ban on assault weapons and concealed weapons
BOTH Obama and McCain support: Providing a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the US Crack-downs on employers who hire illegal immigrants Creation of a guest-worker program that protects many immigrants from the threat of deportation or employer abuse
I raq wa r Supports capping troop levels, and wants full US withdrawal While not a Senator at the time, he opposed the war from the start
E duc at ion
Supports rewarding good teachers with better pay and expanding summer learning programs Wants to increase federal grants for college education
M inimu m wage Voted for increase in minimum wage
Envi ronment
Believes global warming will bring devastating consequences if it is not stopped. Supports capping emissions with incentives to corporations that cut greenhouse gases Supports interests of the American Wilderness Coalition and the interests of Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund
S a me-sex ma r riage Supports civil unions, but not same-sex marriage
Social secu rity
Supported interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans
Abort ion Pro-choice
photo courtesy of HighSchoolJournalism.com
Zephyrus Volume 29 October 20, 2008
national election
5
john mccain Foreign a ffa i rs China:
Believes that their economic boom is a concern Believes that the current rise of China and Russia warrants a stronger US military
Cuba:
Wants to ease restrictions on Cuba once he is “confident that the transition to a free and open democracy is being made”
Iran:
Will not permit the government to threaten the safety of Israel Opposes unconditional diplomatic talks with Tehran and would work with allies to stop Iran’s dealings in Iraq
Russia:
“The United States should respond harshly to Russia’s anti-democratic actions” Urged President Bush to attend the Group of Eight summit of industrial nations in St. Petersburg, Russia, in July
Ta xes Believes nation can’t ignore global warming. Supports cutting emissions through market forces that will bring about cleaner technology Wants to make the Bush tax cuts permanent, eliminate the AMT (for a $2,700 savings for a family of four), ban Internet and new cell phone taxes, and create a summer gas tax holiday Supports lowering taxes to help small businesses
Energ y Supports alternative energy, and wants to look at nuclear possibilities
Stem cell rese a rch Supports embryonic stem-cell research
He a lt h c a re Supports importing prescription drugs to lower costs Opposes universal health care
Gu n cont rol Supports background checks for gun buyers
Im mig rat ion BOTH Obama and McCain support: Providing a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the US Crack-downs on employers who hire illegal immigrants Creation of a guest-worker program that protects many immigrants from the threat of deportation or employer abuse
I raq wa r Supports current Administration plan Supports surge, and calls for more additional troops than Bush recommends
E duc at ion Supports sending federal dollars directly to local schools
M inimu m wage Voted both for and against minimum wage bills an equal number of times
Envi ronment American Wilderness and Wildlife Action Fund and the league of Conservation Voters give McCain scores at or near 50 percent
S a me-sex ma r riage
Opposes same-sex marriage (believes it’s a state issue)
Socia l secu rity Will allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts which they manage themselves
Abort ion Anti-abortion (believes it’s a state issue)
photo courtesy of HighSchoolJournalism.com
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Zephyrus Volume 29 October 20, 2008
student opinion
Politics and Prejudice Megan Evans staff writer
Victoria Woodhull would no doubt have something to say about the elections today. In 1838 Woodhull was the first woman to run for President. Now, 170 years
photo courtesy of campaign website
later, women are again making a big break for office. But why is this such a big deal? Shouldn’t America, that shining beacon on a hill, have had many women as political leaders? Michelle Obama, when interviewed for “The View,” said Hillary Clinton has made “18 million cracks on a ceiling” and that “we need to keep pushing it and pushing it…so that…my girls, when they come along, won’t have to feel it as badly.” She was referring to an invisible barrier that many women feel when trying for positions of higher power. When Zephyrus asked students what they thought of sexism in the current presidential race, 58 percent said they saw sexism, especially in the media. One student said, “People get too excited if there’s a lady candidate…just because she’s a woman.” Another student complained that “people think women are moody, indecisive and shouldn’t be in charge of the country.” Several of the students polled said that they saw sexism mainly coming from vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Not all students observed sexism in the current political race. One such student noted, “The opposite parties
photo courtesy of highschooljournalism.com make it seem like the other one is sexist.” Another student claimed, “If anyone is against Palin, it’s because she has no experience, not because she’s a woman.” Altogether, 38 percent of female students said they saw sexism in the current race, while 37 percent of males said the same. However, 35 percent of males said they did not see sexism, while only 17 percent of girls agreed.
Cease the slanderous smear campaigns Ghris Greeno ed/op editor It’s a Thursday night, and I’m sitting on my couch flipping through the channels. The news is supposed to be on, maybe I’ll catch a minute or two of “The Office,” but mostly I’ll be trying to tune out the tube to get something else done. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I notice blaring block letters spelling out statistics, legislations, and most glaringly: insults. Yes, campaign season is here yet again and so are the mudslinging ads that explode onto my otherwise peaceful television. Rather than promoting the ideals and platforms of the candidates, these plugs rip apart the opposing nominee with everything from personal scandals to unimportant legislative votes from years past. Really, does it matter if “Democrat A” once voted for a pro-life bill or if “Republican B’s” daughter didn’t really conform to traditional conservative values? Will that affect how a candidate will run the country? I think not.
These ads and their “arguments” (if they can even be raised to that level) give the American public a misguided view of what the politicians are all about as they prepare to run the most powerful country in the world. Average citizens know little enough about politics, so why can’t we try to educate them on the issues rather than such unimportant concerns as votes on no-name bills and social lives? Since candidates are spending upwards of $300,000 for each 30 second primetime spot, shouldn’t they at least focus on their values and the affairs of their country? The money could even go directly towards these problems and their causes. It seems, however, that the average American will not get an objective view on politics from their television any time soon. This sad reality requires voters to figure out the nominees for themselves and to disregard the many slanted messages. If the population steps up and refuses to harbor the ignorance that seems so desired by the candidates and begins to realize what these mudslinging advertisements are saying (and that their message is by no means credible), it can be assured that our future will be in better hands.
Demystifying political jargon Sean Carney staff writer Amendment: Changes the language of a bill. Can be offered in committee or during legislative session. Incumbent: A person who is currently holding a political office. An incumbent seeking re-election is more likely to win than the opponent. Platform: A formal written statement of principles, objectives and policy of a political party or candidate. Initiatives: Public policy questions that are initiated by the people (usually by petition) and decided by voters Chamber: Can mean the Chamber of Commerce or the legislative chambers used by both the House and Senate for session.
Committee: Legislative body that handles assigned issues prior to consideration by the full legislative body. Swing Voters: People whose votes are more difficult to predict because they do not identify with a specific party. These voters may “swing” the outcome of an election especially in “swing-states” (Minnesota joined the list of “swing-states” this election season though we usually lean towards the Democratic Party). Floor: Refers to either House or Senate session. When a bill is actively being considered it is “on the floor.” Veto: The expression of opposition by the President or Governor, which cancels the action of the legislature. Veto’s can be overridden by a 2/3 vote of both houses – these rarely occur, though the DFL-controlled Minnesota Legislature overrode Governor Tim Pawlenty’s veto of a transportation bill in February, 2008 for the first time in Minnesota history.
Sources: ChannelOne.com, www.DetroitChamber.com
student opinion
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Zephyrus Volume 29 October 20, 2008
Where does God fit in? Anna Waldo news editor
“Faith reminds us of our common humanity and our essential equality,” said Senator John McCain in the August Time Magazine. Perhaps religion unites Americans to a certain degree, but it will also make them think twice when it’s time to vote in this year’s presidential election. In recent surveys, religion has proved to affect how voters choose their candidates. In a poll conducted by CNN earlier in October, Obama was in the lead by 53% to McCain’s 45%. However, statistics also show different results among specific religious groups. For example, in a poll by Time, white evangelicals favored McCain with 70% to Obama’s 19%. And it’s not because evangelicals specifically like McCain; they have been the second most supportive religion of the Republican Party after Mormons since 1988. Such a staggering difference in statistics can only prove one thing: Religion influences people’s opinions. “A lot of my religious ideals are political,” said junior Ruth Fogg. “I think that applies to other people too. All my relatives are Mormon and have conservative beliefs, so they’re all voting for McCain.” The candidate’s religion also influences voters. According to a USA Today poll conducted in June, 95% of voters would vote for a Roman Catholic for president, 72% would vote for a Mormon, and only 45% would vote for an atheist. However, for the 2008 election, the candidate’s religion should matter little, as both Obama and McCain are Christian. “I think people want their religious beliefs and values to be respected,” said junior Hannah Mirman. “So I think people vote according to that.” Religion effects voters based on social values that religion inspires. However, this year there are many
photo courtesy of Highschooljournalism.com other factors that people find more important than social values. “This year I think people will be more concerned with the economy and Iraq,” commented Mirman, “the economy because it affects everyone and is such a big deal, and Iraq because it’s been a problem for so long, and people want to see it resolved finally.”
As Obama said in Time magazine, “The next President will have to lead Americans of all religious and secular backgrounds and will navigate a range of tough values issues.” Both Obama and McCain fully understand the diversity of America’s people and the responsibility he has should he be elected President.
What do teenagers care about? EHS students voice their opinions about the major issues Corrin Carlson staff writer After being bombarded with campaign ads for the past whoknows-how-many months, November 4 is almost upon us. Many students at EHS are excited to voice their political opinion through voting. They started to express this through a Survey the Purple Ground group sent out, which polled 1,131 EHS students. Fifty-two percent of students polled in the Survey said they were at least somewhat involved in politics, and 6% are eligible to vote. Ben Streeter, one student who can vote, said, “It is important for teens to vote because we are at a time in our lives where we are trying to be mature. Voting allows us to take advantage of an opportunity to speak out.” So what issues are most important to teens in deciding which candidate to vote for? The Survey polled students on which international issues they were the most concerned about. The oil crisis was ranked as the number one concern,
with 36% of those polled. It was closely followed by Iran/Iraq with 33%. “The war is a big concern to me because it is draining our economy,” explained senior Amanda Stefanik. “We’re trying to fix their country when we really need to be fixing our own.” The economy was ranked as the top national issue with 42% of students concerned about it. Students who were interviewed also said that education is an important issue for them. “The US is currently falling behind in science and math,” said senior Margot McKlveen. “In order to continue being a leader in the world and raising aware citizens we must be properly educated. Our current policies don’t foster educational improvement as they should.” Students want to see public education improved by lowering the cost of colleges and reevaluating the No Child Left Behind Act. This issue is vital for many students because “it is affecting us now,” commented Stefanik. When voting begins November 4, students will be joining teens all over the country in taking a part in politics. “We need to vote so that we can convey our opinions to the rest of America,” stated Stefanik. “Only then will we take control of our buttons courtesy of campaign websites own future.”
8 Liberal liars VS Conservative con-men Zephyrus Volume 29 October 20, 2008
student opinion Teddy Hoffman staff writer
Let me start by saying OBAMA BIDEN ‘08!!!! Is it seriously this hard to figure out the right candidate for the next President of the United States of America? It’s high time we stopped focusing on a person who we can “relate to” and start focusing on what’s actually good for the country. I don’t want a President that I’d like to see a basketball game with, for a change I want a President who’s actually smarter than I am. And don’t give me that you-know-what about “inexperience.” Look at Obama’s campaign. That he can put together this strong of a political machine is proof enough that he is able to run a country. Has McCain had any experience as political leader? While it is true that he has been in the Senate for a LONG time, the fact remains that during the past eight years, he voted with Bush 90% of the time. Most agree that that is not a great example of experience. And the GOP VP - ooh don’t get me started! Honestly, if you’re voting Republican strictly because she’s a woman, you shouldn’t be voting. How about we focus on things like political issues and intelligence? It’s the Presidential campaign, for Kennedy’s sake! You’re supposed to be voting for a politician, not good television. Let’s face it, if you go Republican, you’re putting the country one heartbeat away from the hands of a conservative Barbie. There, I said it. Does that make me sexist? Hmmmm, let’s see…do you remember a certain Hillary Clinton, who faced equal (if not worse) cases of sexism? Still not convinced? Take a look into Palin’s past: She said she “sold her jet on Ebay,” but in reality she got rid of it through a photo courtesy of highschooljournalism.com transaction that cost taxpayers $600,000. “Small town values,” yeah right! The town that she governed (whose population doesn’t Robbie Latta even equal the number of students in Edina) is the meth capital of staff writer Alaska, an honor that didn’t change under her rule as mayor. Speaking of Edina, let’s talk hockey. Palin says she wants to stop big government spending right? Let’s take a look back to when How about the next time you Liberals talk, you use these little things called logic and she was mayor and spent $15 of the $20 million she was given reason? Why don’t you rethink some of the traits of your beloved Barack Obama? for an annual spending limit on a hockey rink. No goals scored Come on, this guy has no experience whatsoever. He has been in the Senate for four years, here. The transaction put the town but he’s only actually been in office for in debt and raised taxes around $200 140 days! And the days he has been per person. in office, he hasn’t done anything. It’s And the VP debates? Biden DEfunny how Mr. Obama has the time STROYED her. The only reason to write two memoirs but not a single the Conservatives think she won piece of legislation. If he is going to is because she met the already low bring the change he promises, perhaps standard she didn’t cry, throw up, he should consider getting up from his typewriter and doing something proor run out of the building. Therefore, ductive, possibly work on the economy, she MUST have won. She hardly which supposedly is his strength. answered any of the questions. All Remember that nomination acI heard was “maverick maverick ceptance speech? How about those maverick.” dumb Greek columns: Talk about elitAnother thing that irks me is her ist. It is as if he’s trying to say “I’m tone of voice. I’d rather have “elitist with you,” but he is attempting to be Democrats” speak to me assuming king. And what kind of presidential I’m intelligent than a “Average Joe candidate gives speeches on mountain Hockey Mom” giving me memorized tops? Does he suggest we address him lectures on matters she doesn’t even as “Your Majesty?” know about. She doesn’t sound like Do you want to talk about Sarah she’s relating to us, she sounds like Palin? Let’s talk about Joe Biden. she assumes all who listen to her are During a campaign rally, Biden inas dumb as she is and explains “her advertently asked a wheel-chair bound views” accordingly. Missouri state senator to stand up. Seeing how she did on Katie CouThen, in an interview with CBS, ric shows me a more “true” Palin than Biden spoke about F.D.R.’s televised a prepared debate. Any decent acspeech after the stock market crash tress can put on a show like Palin, of 1929. Two things are wrong with memorizing lines that are written and this picture: Franklin Delano Rooshanded to you. But under pressure in evelt was not in office yet in 1929, and an interview, where there’s no prepatelevision had not yet been introduced ration, I think the real person comes to the American public. out. “Gotcha journalism?” Come on. If Joe Biden is to be Vice President Even a Republican can answer what of the United States, certainly he needs newspaper they read without having a pair of bifocals and a history lesson, a scripted answer. compliments of Brian Simpson. And what’s with all the RepubOne more thing, I’m sick and tired licans and their aggressive smear of your Liberal taxes. Remember comcampaign? Can’t they try debating munism? The idea was trashed back issues instead of personalities for in the 1980s. Get off of my money. Let once? Not that we Liberals are inthe economy do what is necessary and nocent of this, but at least we refer to it will eventually sort itself out. the issues every once and a while. You should listen to people like Seriously, we need to stop this. But John McCain more often. He’s a I refuse to argue any further. Want conservative and conservatives are to know why? Because I’m a Liberal, photo courtesy of highschooljournalism.com and Liberals are always right. always right!