Heed wanted to find out what YOU thought about some of the major issues surrounding politics right now. So we went out on the street and asked 3 questions.
What do you think of the idea that Obama is a “messiah?” (The American Heritage Dictionary defines Messiah as “one who is anticipated as, regarded as, or professes to be a savior or liberator.”)
Do you think the Bailout was a good idea? Did it stop the country from crashing into a depression?
A growing number of people in this country are turned down for healthcare due to a previous condition, or cannot afford it. How should the country resolve this issue?
Here is what YOU had to say.
Carrie Yonekawa, 31, actor, Brooklyn, NY
1) I don't see our political system that way. No one person can save us from ourselves. I think we need to take personal responsibility for change. Change operates on a person-by-person basis.
2) I think it might have saved some peoples jobs even if it benefitted those that were already rich. The fact that it helped people that may have otherwise been homeless is a good thing. I'd rather my money went to the bailout then to the war.
3) I don't know the BEST way for us to do it but I think it is our responsibility to help people live healthy productive lives. I think it starts with education and prevention. A healthy society starts with a healthy community and family. You can write out all the prescriptions you want, but by then it's almost too late.
Demetrius Bottoms, 27, mother of 5 (including 1 year old twins), Baltimore, MD
I would have to agree that Obama can be labeled as a messiah. He has already accomplished so much and he will continue to do so.
I believe the Bailout was a good idea. It helped our economy from going further into a depression.
The government should have free healthcare for everyone, especially children. It works in other countries, why not here?
Justin Myers, 31, Recruiter, Baltimore, MD
Who actually came up with the idea that Obama is a messiah? I think that is a bit over the top. However, I can slightly understand the concept of having such a radical individual step into such an influential position that can change the face of the country we all know it to be. When Jesus was born many people at the time (thought) this child, soon to be man, was nothing but a false prophet. It wasn't until his death that many were able to see the truth. My reasoning would love to think this Black man we have elected President of the United States is nothing more than just a leader with completely different ideologies than his formers, however; how do we know what lies ahead in the future. I am not implying we need to worship him, but rather take the time to listen and respect what he has to say.
 I think the Bailout was an absolutely horrible idea. We are giving millions, or should I say probably billions of dollars to companies who did a poor job with managing their finances prior to the bailout and (continue) to mismanage their finances. Those companies still did layoffs and it did not put the country in any better of an economic stance.
 I am no expert on this topic, however; Europe seems have found the magic answer to this situation. Their "free" healthcare program has provided benefits for everyone. It helps to regulate the cost that doctors/physicians charge for services and it minimizes the costs that tax payers must put out for the population that cannot afford healthcare and delay visits until it is too late.
You heard it right here at Heed. The word on the street is that Obama is the man with the plan, the bailout was good for some and bad for others, and healthcare is a right for all, not a privileged few. These are amazing times we are living in and anything is possible. Keep hope alive on the street. Word. |
