Political Cartoon #4

This cartoon depicts Ron Paul with an ax next to two huge tree trunks, each labeled respectively as Newt and Romney.

This cartoon most likely has to do with the fact that Ron Paul's support shot up incredibly the past week or so in Iowa, overtaking Romney and being only one point behind Gingrich, leading many to believe that the 76-year old just might have a chance and snatching the nomination from these two powerhouses. (erm, well looking at Romney, not so much, but you know what I mean)

If not taking the nomination, then Paul's support could significantly alter the outcome who gets the nomination as he is stealing supporters from both Romney and Gingrich, skewing whoever is truly a frontrunner.

The cartoonist is probably someone who has an interest in Paul's surprising popularity, and might even support him, leaving them to be a bit of a right-winger; though admittedly, their view is hard to tell from this cartoon.

Favorite Holiday Memory

Being a Muslim, the only holidays my family and I really celebrate are Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid--ul-Adha.

Now the both of these more or less pass along in the same manner.

1) Wake up at the crack of dawn

2) Enjoy Eid porridge (cleverly coined my my mom) for breakfast

3) Get ready

4) Wait for my mom to take ten million years getting ready

5) Finally depart to a nearby place for the Eid Prayer

6) Pray and mingle with whoever we see

7) Come home and have lunch

8) Random people come over all day

9) We go over to random people's houses all day

10) Come home and sleep

That's basically Eid for me in a nutshell. To say in the least, there hasn't ever really been anything stand-out-worthy. Though I do enjoy seeing my friends and family, and enjoying delicious cooking all day long.

Political Cartoon #3

This political cartoon is a parody of the movie Brokeback Mountain, in the scene where one of main characters expresses his frustration in not being able to break up with the other character. This cartoon shows Rick Perry expressing his own desire to "be quit" of homophobia.

In short, this cartoon is making fun of the recent Rick Perry campaign ad, where he touted prayer in school and seemed to make a snub to gays serving in the military, which many interpreted as his own homophobic feelings.

The cartoonist who illustrated this most likely has a moderate or left-leaning political ideology judging from their disparaging view on Rick Perry, a Republican candidate hopeful. (well, not really..but yeah)

Obama Update

Recently, Obama seems to be facing the downward trend in support that most presidents face towards the end of their terms; public support for him is in the minority compared to the disapproval rates.

Many Americans feel that Obama isn't doing enough for the economy, though admittedly, it's hard to do anything with the Republicans in Congress blocking him at every turn, leaving us in a constant state of gridlock.

In terms of reelection chances, a Republican nominee needs to actually be chosen before one gauges Obama's hopes in winning another term. Despite Gingrich being a clear front runner now, Republican "flavors of the month" come and go, leaving only speculation as to who will actually win the nomination.

Personally, I feel that Obama really needs to step his reelection campaign into high gear if he hopes to win over the increasingly despondent public. With some hard campaigning, Obama just might yet manage to snatch the presidency from the GOP candidate.

Political Cartoon #2

This cartoon shows Newt Gingrich telling a bunch of kids working in what appears to be a dilapidated and caged in field that he hopes they're "learning the value of good hard labor." This cartoon is obviously centered around the Repub. race, and focused on the fact that Newt Gingrich thinks it's fine to repeal Child Labor laws. The cartoonist is most likely a moderate or liberal as they drew Gingrich's views in a disparaging way. 

Question of the Week #2: Mitt Romney's Chances

Though Mitt Romney has been a clear front-runner in the race for the Republican nomination, it is dubious as to whether or not he can actually secure the nomination.

Why? Mitt Romney's Mormon faith has many questioning about whether he can effectively lead the U.S. without his religious beliefs playing any role in his decision making. Secondly, Romney has been declared as a little bit too moderate for many people's liking; such as his stance on abortion and gay rights. Gingrich, Romney's main rival as of now, is a staunch conservative, something incredibly appealing to the Republicans mulling over their candidacy choice.
Romney has also shown to be a bit of a flip-flopper, especially his stance of abortion (pro-choice, turned pro-life) and is seen as being a bit of a people pleaser, something that puts him at odds with the famously blunt Gingrich. Many Americans want a leader who will tell them the truth rather than want they want to hear.

However, Romney has been a clear front-runner for awhile now, while other "flavors of the month" (i.e.- Perry and Cain) have come and gone, he has remained. He has also played it safe (maybe a little too safe--we're losing you there Romney) and not made any slip-ups or scandals.

 All in all, only time will tell if Gingrich is yet another flavor, or will overtake Romney and secure the nomination.