last one!

That was fast! I'll begin by saying I really enjoyed this course, more than I ever thought I could. My favorite section of this class was really learning the history of the constitution, and not from the standard view point I have heard a hundred times. It was really refreshing to hear that the founders we're really good at somethings, and not so much at others. I was really interested in literally how they set up the government with the anticipation of the future. And which things were left out that are profoundly affecting the nation today. It just really made you think about history and the people and the lifestyle back then. 

The least interesting topic I think was the media. I mean, I knew everything about the media before we even had a whole class about it. I don't feel like I really learned anything new about how they impact our daily lives. I think we could have gone waaaaaaay more in depth about it and its impacts on the political and social system. I think the medias affects on our lives is so profound that what we covered didn't really do it justice. 

My prior knowledge of the government prior was pretty nil. I knew how the basic government worked, but now I REALLY get it. I know that the people who work in D.C. are really working *hopefully* and I've found a new appreciation for my government. However, with the Social Security and Medicare crisis coming to light, I have a new burden on my shoulders. Which is upsetting, but I'm really glad I took this class now because I feel a lot more prepared then my fellow peers and I know that if there is going to be change in our system its going to take a hell of a lot of people. 

Based on my friends, I think my generation is changing things. I have heated discussions with my friends are we are all art majors, and not so much politically active in anything. (Besides women's rights myself) I think that we are the lest ignorant generation when it comes to hard hitting issues, and we have opinons, and we make them known. I also think that our influence form our parents has alsmot flipped flopped, and we instead strike a note with out parents that things aren't really right in this nation when it comes to prejudices and freedoms. I think that if we were able to put aside all the bullshit imposed on us (school, work, bills, student loans, etc.) we would be able to unite even further and really make change in our legislation. Its nice to say that I today, I can imagine a world where there is legal gay marriage, legal marijuana, racism is on its way out, EQUALITY FOR ALL: the real American dream. We are really changing the way this nation works. I feel proud to be in the Millennium generation.

This class has defiantly inspired me to get out there and join NOW or the women's rights organization on campus. I feel I spend a lot of time bitching and doing nothing. I really want to protest and and get dirty and, dare I say, get arrested, for something I really truly believe is right. I know that I can find a lot of excuses that is keeping from doing these things, but like I said this class, and you Rankin, made me realize that if anything is gonna happen I have to get off my ass and get  a bunch of people together and do something about it. It would be a proud day to see the ERA get passed and know that I did something about that. 

This class was awesome. I feel that you're one of the better teachers out there and I'm glad to have had the experience. You're a definite influence on your students and you speak with force and truth, which is something many many people lack. Thanks for a great 4 weeks and and a new outlook on our nation. :) :) :) :) :) :) :) Rankin for President! 

mclovin mclean

I have to be honest: I had been to the museum before for a previous class. However, the only gallery I saw was the food exhibit and the Vietnam exhibit. Regardless, I enjoyed my visit. I think the most interesting thing I learned was that Lincoln actually practiced law in McLean County. Its really fascinating to realize that the most popular president in U.S. history got his start here in this county. It was also nice to read more about my personal heritage (Irish) and see how they lived back then. It really grounds you and makes you realize that if Bloomington, IL. wasn't such a hub of life back then, where would I be today? It really makes history and politics come together in that sense. Back then life was a lot simpler, however their problems seemed to be much more important. Regarding farming and soil and just general survival methods to the intense segregation not just in terms of race, but ethnicity.  I loved how they discussed the Germans, the Irish, and then the "Americans" Yikes. Living then was probably such a hassle. People were going to judge you just on where you came from. Regardless of who you really are. I can't imagine living like that, having to hang out with "your own kind" This kind of philosophy certainly shaped their politics back then. And then there is the women.

I think that was one of he major things that stuck out to me: the fact that women fought for sobriety before suffrage. To think, what got women really wanting their rights? When their drunk-ass husband would come home and beat the shit out of them. Go figure. Its just really interesting to see how time has unfolded its self. Today, women are "equal" and we can vote, and by all means drink. So the question remains: what were fighting for exactly? To go out in the workplace and make less money and be judged simply because of our anatomy? I really wish I could have been alive then to see Seneca Falls and the protests and just how the general public handled these situations. It must have been crazy. 

I'm really glad we went to the museum. It definitely put Bloomington on the map for me a bit more since seeing its real roots and how they shaped my world as it is today. More importantly it makes me appreciate how wonderful my life is today here in Bloomington-Normal, 2009. 

McLean

I literally know nooootthing about McLean county, besides the heavy Irish immigration. I come from an Irish family and pretty much every time I see my grandpa, he tells me about how some of our family lived in Bloomington ages ago and eventually sold their house to ISU. I really wish I could write more....lets see. The constitution trail used to be a railroad  and the oldest restaurant in town is the Grand Cafe. :) 

I obviously know very little about the county. I can imagine its from my lack of exposure to its history, seeing as how I have only lived here for 1 year. I think it does matter, however. History is what makes us who we are and life happens everywhere. I'm sure this town has held many important people who have done amazing things.

Hey Lama!

I am not surprised at all by my results. I feel that our economy and the capitalism of this nation is RIDICULOUS. Everything is about money and buying shit so we can "pursue happiness" but no one really cares about unfunded programs that better life for millions and millions of people across the world. They just care about how much money does my corporation have to give so I don't look like a complete DICK. Example: wal-mart! 

Or, more recently, GM. What a joke. The fact that they once stood for the stability and greatness of the "American lifestyle" is actually pretty fitting. We consume consume consume cause thats what we are told to do one the T.V. and the radio and the magazines, and fuck! even our parents. "When are you getting married and having babies and getting into debt?" Thats all the American lifestyle really is. How much shit can you get with invisible money? Oh and then when that comes to bite you in the ass, "Government! you gotta help me!"

I'm obviously  a democrat, although sometimes I get to so upset with the entire system I just kinda wanna go Green. Since we looked at the joke of the Republican site today in class, I don' really feel like I need to even go there. But comparing the democrats with the Green party, is really interesting. 

If you had to compare VISUAL standards of the GOP and the D websites: OMG. they are the same. Same colors with the same pictures blah.blah. Um... PROBLEM. What does that even say? Just because the issues are different does that really say anything about what they are ultimately fighting for: money. Now of course, the democrats and the republicans are different parties with very different issues. But when reading the Green party's platform, they make a good argument. 

"The Green Party of the United States is a federation of state Green Parties.  Committed 

to environmentalism, non-violence, social justice and grassroots organizing, Greens 

are renewing democracy without the support of corporate donors.  Greens provide 

real solutions for real problems.  Whether the issue is universal health care, corporate 

globalization, alternative energy, election reform or decent, living wages for workers, 

Greens have the courage and independence necessary to take on the powerful 

corporate interests." 

Interesting. When you compare "We believer every American, whatever their background or station in life, should have the chance to get a good education, to work at a job with good wages, to raise and provide for a family, to live in safe surroundings, and retire with dignity and security." and "Courage in the face of foreign foes.  An optimistic patriotism, driven by a passion for freedom. Devotion to the inherent dignity and rights of every person." K. I want all those things. See where I am coming from? Although the democrat and republican platforms are different, I think they way they run things and get things done are the same! And isn't that the problem? Shouldn't we be looking for different solutions?