Candidates, Students, and the Economy

written by N.A. • October 30, 2008 1 Comment 

OPINION

In the first presidential debate, Senator Barack Obama said, “We are in a very defining moment in our nation’s history. We are in two wars and in one of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression…”

“And you’re wondering, ‘How’s this going to affect me? How’s it going to affect my job? How’s it going to affect my house? How’s it going to affect my retirement plan? And how’s it going to affect my sending my children to college?”

The economy affects a lot of things. But how does it affect students?

One way the economy affects a student or child is the amount of their allowance. Number one, he or she gets cut on it. Or number two, he or she might not get it at all anymore. Another way it affects them is their college fund.

There are other ways to be affected in this drowning economy. At the top are adults. Their stocks aren’t worth much anymore. They may be losing their homes. Or worse, they may have lost a lot of money because the banks have closed down.

So what are the presidential candidates’ views on the economy?

Republican candidate Senator John McCain’s position is he’ll hold people accountable for their actions and reward people who succeed. And about how he warned about corporate greed.

I think that Senator McCain’s position is unclear to me. Maybe some other people think that too. And if I can’t understand his answer to the question, I most likely wouldn’t for him.

Democratic candidate Senator Obama’s position seems he wants to help the vulnerable people in this economy today. Like homeowners, people who are retiring, and families without a college fund for their children.

Senator Obama’s position is a little more clear, so I think I can understand what he means. Like a good Samaritan, Obama always wants to help the people who are in trouble. But he does not explain how he’ll do what he says.

I think both candidates need to explain what they are going to do to solve the problem with the economy. That would help people make a better decision when they vote.

If I could vote, I’d vote for Obama.

by Naomi Ashford, 6th grade
Staff Writer / THE LION LEDGER