On Nov. 6, over 119 million people lined up at their local polls to decide the fate of our country for the next four years. While this happened, the social studies department held an election watch from 7-10 p.m. at the Junior High cafeteria. There were two televisions with Fox News and a large projector showing CNN. The teachers provided free pizza, popcorn, soda and even extra credit in some classes.
”I am excited to see the enthusiasm show by students of RHS concerning the election,” social studies teacher Travis Curtis said.
In a political environment, discussion and debate are always no holds barred. Many students were eager to share their views – regardless if they were eligible to vote or not.
“Hopefully our president – Obama – will be able to give us better lunch food,” sophomore Roba Elsheikh said.
Besides having high expectations of the regulations a candidate will put into place, it holds a general importance for the next generation.
“[Elections are] important because it affects our generation’s future economy,” sophomore Paige Newkirk said.
Regardless of political views or country of origin, America’s presidential elections spark interest in everyone.
“I like Obama because he doesn’t want to make the lives of homosexuals difficult, and he comes to Spain in the summer,” senior and foreign exchange student Luisa Calero said.
From the support of the American people, President Barack Obama was able to claim another victory and another term. But, there are still those that don’t agree with his policies.
“I voted for Romney because I dislike universal healthcare; I don’t like the idea of paying for others. [I’m] pro-life and [I believe in] gun ownership. [I] see no hope or change for Obama. [He likes] to focus on the deficit. [He] said if he doesn’t bring [the deficit] down in four years, he shouldn’t be president. [But], he increased it six trillion in four years. George W. Bush increased it only four trillion in eight years with a natural disaster and the worst terrorist attack in American history,” senior Michael Rouse said.
When trying to define what makes a person towards the left or right, it’s important to take into account which part of the country they live.
“It depends on what region of the country you’re in; people in California are more inclined to vote for Obama because he’s pushing for gay rights. California has a large homosexual population and it’s a big state for Electoral College. Obama also targets state’s with large colleges. When he came to MS&T, he pushed free education for circumstances when someone can’t afford college,” junior Turner Rafter said.
Regardless of who voted for whom, or if someone voted at all, it comes down to supporting the candidate that will protect a person’s moral standards and values.
“The way I voted is for protection of rights as a woman and for my friends who may or may not be gay. It shouldn’t matter sexual orientation, race, or gender; they should have their rights protected by law,” senior Lydia Bagnall said.
