7 Ways to Educate Yourself during Election Season
October 14th, 2010 by Shorty
Image Credit: Good Filipino Make Money Online
As the November 2nd elections quickly approach, it is crucial that you take a critical look at the people who want your vote. Listen closely to what they claim they are going to do for you and your community. And, most importantly, do some research on what they have done. This one single action will make a huge difference. Following are ways to educate yourself about the candidates who want your votes.
1. Check out their websites
All candidates should have websites. Read through them thoroughly. Will you seriously vote for people who don’t tell others what they plan to do if elected? If they don’t have a web site, that’s a big red flag. If the site looks like it was thrown up at the last minute, that’s another red flag. Take the time to do your homework and ask questions. A little work now will save a lot of heartache later.
2. Read political blogs
These are great sources of information about candidates and issues. Some bloggers give opinions; others give facts. Either way, you cannot go wrong. Political blogs will not only enhance your knowledge about candidates, they will increase your political education. You will gain a wide variety of views from a multitude of sources.
3. Go to candidate forums
Forums are held at different locations throughout YOUR community. You will not only get the chance to hear what candidates have to say, you may get a chance to speak with them personally. If some candidates never attend any forums in YOUR community, this is pretty much a sign of your relevance to them. This is an indication of how much they care about you, your community, your issues and ultimately you vote.
4. Do politicians come to your community?
Even though politicians cannot be everywhere, keep in mind that they have a full term to check out your community. Be leery of politicians you only see during election time, especially if they only come to your church and not to schools, community and civic events.
5. Seek the wisdom of elders
If you are not political savvy, speak to elders about past political campaigns. As you know, history repeats itself, and the seniors have experienced many elections over the years. Take time to seek their wisdom to get informed.
6. Hang out on social networking sites.
Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have replaced traditional media as reliable news sources. Like political blogs, you will gain a lot of insight from a variety of sources which can help with your decision making.
7. WVON 1690 AM
The personalities on WVON 1690 AM are very political savvy. This is one of the best resources to learn about local and national candidates and their actions. They are truly “the voice of the nation.”
Ignorance is not bliss, especially when you are putting your life in someone else’s hands – including politicians. Be sure to pick at least one of the ways listed above to educate yourself about politicians seeking your vote. Ultimately, your destiny is determined by your decision to vote or not to vote.
Does Governor Pat Quinn’s Promises Meet Your Needs? – Part 1
October 11th, 2010 by ShortyAs we quickly approach election season, it is imperative we listen to what candidates have to say what they will do for you. Check out this video to determine if Governor Pat Quinn’s promises meet your needs.
Reminder: Tuesday, October 5th is the Last Day to Register to Vote
October 4th, 2010 by Shorty
Photo credit: Raise Your Vote
Your Vote is your Voice
If you are 18 years old or over, register to vote. You can’t complaint or change if you are not registered.
Click here to find out where you can register. And be sure to vote after you register.
Even though it doesn’t seem like voting makes a difference – I sometimes feel that way – it does. Don’t miss the opportunity to get your voice heard.
Please Help Me Get to Blog World Expo – October 14 – 16
October 4th, 2010 by Shorty
Hi All:
I am in need of sponsorship to the Blog World & New Media Expo in Las Vegas from October 14 – 17th. This opportunity will not only allow me to gain the most recent developments in the blogging and social media world; it will allow me to get up close and personal to other bloggers and social media gurus to develop relationships that cannot be done online.
The cost of the Expo is $1195. Right now, the going rates for airfare and hotel for one person is approximately $800.
Donations can be financial; any Vegas hotel or airfare connections you have; or
accumulated points for airfare and hotel. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
In exchange for your sponsorship, I am going to share my knowledge with you via an educational session upon my return. If you are not in Chicago, I will schedule a virtual video educational session.
Please call me at 877.570.5228 if you have any questions or would like to discuss any Vegas or airline connection you have. Otherwise, you can make a donation through PayPal below. Thanks for your help!
Want to Be A Citizen Watchdog?
September 30th, 2010 by ShortyOn the surface, it sounds like somebody who’ll be snitching about what’s going on in the community. And in a way you are. But not like how you would think.
Citizen Watchdogs are people who hold government agencies accountable for their actions. It could be something as small as a pothole or as big as crime, greed and all other actions that are destroying our government.
To learn more about how to hold the government accountable, visit the Better Government Association at www.bettergov.org.
Alderman Expense Accounts – $78,230 a year
September 24th, 2010 by Shorty
Image: Detective ShavedlongCock News
Spoke to the budget department today and learned that aldermen get an annual expense account of $78, 230. Not bad for a sometime position and no job description.
This is on top of their $110,000 salary and a $1 million plus infrastructure budget. And the jobs in which they are allowed to earn wages and other “benefits” that are not recorded.
Keep in mind that all of these figures are multiplied by 50.
Why am I sharing this information? Because voter education is essential. There will be people running this year because they actually care about the community, and others will care more about the salary and the expense account. Especially in a recession.
Don’t let the media sway you on how to vote. You’re smart, so be wise about who you vote for. If you need more information, start at City Hall at 121 N. LaSalle or call 11.
A little education goes a long way.
(If I didn’t just love writing, I would run!)
Shorty’s Visit to City Hall on September 21st
September 22nd, 2010 by Shorty
Following is a summary of my visit to City Hall on Tuesday, September 22nd.
First, Aldermen earn $9213 a month or $110, 556 a year with no job descriptions. What are they getting paid for?
Second, they get an infrastructure budget of over $1 mil dollars and an Alderman budget. I don’t know how much this is. Yet.
Third, we won’t know who’s running for Mayor until November 22nd.
Shorty’s Thoughts
Aldermen jobs have often been called part-time because they are holding the position while working other jobs. This is true in some cases, not all. For those Aldermen who are working two jobs, can they effectively run their wards? Probably not. This means their staff members are running the office. Are these people being paid enough to do this?
One final thought. Do we really need 50 Aldermen in the city of Chicago? What do you think?
Political Updates on Shorty?
September 19th, 2010 by Shorty
I know I mentioned in earlier posts that I am NOT a political person. However, I can spot bull**** when I see it.
I feel inclined to discuss the upcoming circus of a mayor race that was created by Mayor Daley’s decision not to run for re-election. I’m not totally sure, but I’m tempted.
Here’s the thing. I won’t be sharing the intricate details of developments because I’m not politically savvy. And I know I won’t be sharing the most up-to-date information as Shorty is a hobby. But I am interested in knowing what’s going to happen.
In the meantime, if you want to share your thoughts, feel free to be a guest blogger. You probably have more political knowledge than I do, so you are definitely welcome. In the meantime, Shorty is debating about moving into an unknown, yet interesting territory.
Do you think Shorty should discuss political updates in the upcoming political races? Are you willing to contribute as a guest blogger?
Join Shorty in Remembering September 11th
September 11th, 2010 by Shorty
Let us not forget the horrible attacks on America that resulted in the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers of the New York Trade Center in New Your City on September 11, 2001. There was also an attack on the Pentagon in Washington DC.
Many lives were taken, but they will never be forgotten. Let’s continue to pray for everyone who are still affected by those tragic events nearly 10 years ago.
Happy Labor Day from Shorty
September 6th, 2010 by Shorty
Just wanted to wish everyone a safe and blessed Labor Day.