A Glimpse of the Primaries

At a Santorum event, there was a man that was screaming for attention, without saying anything at all. HOW COULD HE POSSIBLY DO THAT? you may ask me but its quite simple:

Walking around with his fun-looking hat and his poster board that express his feelings toward Santorum’s views on Same Sex marriage, this silent protester caught a lot of people’s attention including the Republican candidate. I remember Santorum telling his speech and as soon as he seen the sign, he gave a double look and rolled his eyes. Hilarious.

Prior to this trip, I have been following the Occupy movements which included Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Philly. These people believe in economic justice and human equality and through affirmative action, by protesting, they can get through to the government and perhaps contribute to change. There are many Occupy people and there is at least one occupy group for each state in the country.

While researching the things that i can possibly do here in New Hampshire, an article came across about the anticipated protesters, Occupy The New Hampshire Primary who were planning to protest during the candidates events and even hold their own events and protest. THIS SHOULD BE INTERESTING. i looked into their events and I found a real good event: A funeral for the American Dream. Pure comedy.

My opinion about the Occupiers? Very simple: There intentions on protesting on what they believe in are clearly shown. But as far as executing a proper protest (as if there is a “proper protest”) isn’t so well. Occupiers should take a look at successful movements and affirmative action rallies and really study how organized and prepared they should be when they are bringing a large amount of people together and fighting a cause. The Civil Rights movement, for example, is a great reference to look back on with protest. Until then, these Occupiers are just going to be “the crazy people screaming and protesting for no reason”

Hey, at least i got this cool button

As soon as we reached Nashua, we wasted no time and dashed out to the first event. Ron Paul, one of the Republican candidates, was expected to speak at a nearby airport and from the looks of the crowd, he seemed to be a very popular one. The event began with Paul’s son giving an introduction, immediately followed by his father giving his persuading speech.

This was my FIRST political (meaning dealing with politics and presidential candidates) rally that i have ever been to and I must say that it was very interesting. I have been to a couple events that supported a specific cause usually followed by a protest or some sort of affirmative action portion but never like this. Although these two gatherings are clearly different from each other, this Ron Paul rally showed how support and telling people what they want and how you can improve it, can create an environment where everyone can potentially happy. Hence, the promise of a rally.

Even though Ron Paul sound very convincing and persuading, he couldn’t honestly do anything for me. Being a college student is very important, and I need a president that can present some type of plan to college students after they graduate that includes some type of reform for Student Loans or even  better government aid during the time I’m in school. Ron Paul doesn’t even believe in the Education system in America, proposing that Homeschooling should get more aid in the near future. What can that do for the students are already in these education institutions? NOTHING.

After 30 minutes of riding down the turnpike, it hit me: You’re leaving Jersey and going to New Hampshire. HOW DID THIS HAPPENED? I don’t think i ever wrote “New Hampshire Trip for the Primaries” in my bucket list. This is definitely going to be a different experience for me, I thought to myself, but its all gonna be worth it.

As a Communications Studies/ Africana Studies dual major student, i never really thought that Politics were very important in my studies; I was far from right. These candidates  have potential to set future policies and laws that can effect the Black community and my further knowledge and research on the issues of minorities in society.

The New Hampshire Primaries will expose me to a different environment and overall give me a glimpse of politics, campaigning, and knowledge of examining candidates and what they have to offer. I THINK I’M READY!