Interview of a friend

Government Cheese from 1960s-1990s

I'm excited to share with you all what I learned while interviewing my friend James Johnson (named changed at his request). James was raised in the inner city, and at 14 didn't see much of a future for himself, or his friends. He came from a blue color family that was always struggling. Even though both his parents worked full time jobs they had a hard time making ends meets. James remembers various instances where his mother and father were laid off from work and had nothing to fall on. These where tough times but the government was there to help with food stamps and government cheese. James attended various high schools, but they weren't safe or stimulating , and like many of his peers he dropped out. He decided to signed up for a government program called Job Corps (www.jobcorps.gov) . This is a program that helps disadvantage youth earn an education, and a trade, so they could become productive citizens. That was another way which government helped James in his life.





James considers himself an independent with a strong liberal tendency. Although he considers himself an independent , he hasn't voted once for the republican parties benefit. When asked why he stated that" he was more aligned to the democratic party" in the belief that government has a duty to ensure that all citizens have equal opportunities, and that system treat everybody fairly , and equally. James said, "I'm more for the people than for businesses. People have morality and value life, while the majority of business only value their bottom lines." James also stated that he could relate to some ideals of the republican party such as the death penalty, personal responsibility, and individual liberties, but was turned off by their rigid views on abortions, homosexuality, marriage, global warming, science, gun-control, support for a massive military and their eagerness to wage war. In my opinion James political views revolve around social justice and fairness.

Democrat's common logo

My political views are also on the left side of the spectrum. I see myself as an independent and just like James I do favor the Democratic party over the Republicans. Like James, my political views where defined by my culture and social standing early on in childhood. My family received similar services as James, with a lot more complications. I didn't have a two parent family that was able to make ends meet. My siblings and I were part of a system that cared for children without homes ,at the time named (DSS) now known as (DCF) , and is funded by the government ,and without that system I would've never made it. That system was part of a social safety net that liberals believe in and support. That's not to say that I have total faith in the system. I believe the leadership of our system is failing it's people. There is a sentiment of injustice and a unbalance of power. In this country those with power stay in power and those with money make more money ,while the rest of us barely make ends meet. We need leaders that can work together for the common good of the country through consensus and true desire to build a pathway to the middle class again and bring a level of equality to all.

Throughout this interviewed I was reminded that people have strong political views that are based on their experiences. That their political beliefs are often molded by not only their family, but their upbringing and experiences. Had James been from a middle class family in the Midwest or had his parents not needing the support from the government his views would've been different. However, because he did depend on those programs as did I ,our views where shaped by those events and ideals. Talking to James confirmed my views about politicians and politics in general. There's good to be done in this country, but if we let the career politicians pretend to care and do the job ,the job will never be completed for our people.

The questions asked

1. How did you vote in the last election? Why? 
2. Do you consider yourself a liberal, conservative, or independent? 
3. What life experiences have shaped your political values? 
4. What key issues are most important to you, when it comes to US policy? 
5. Who will you likely vote for in the future? Are you happy with your party?
6. How do you feel about the Tea Party and are they effective?
7. Do you think immigration reform should be passed? Should there be amnesty?
8. How do you feel about a flat tax?
9. Now that two states have legalized the use of Marijuana do you think the federal government should also make it legal?
10. If you could mandate one change in our political system what would that be?