What are some good sources for increasing my own political awareness?

Question

I've never been good when it came to politics.

I'm interested in medicine and science and subjects like that.

But i don't want to be ignorant of politics...

So what are some good sources for information?

I want to learn about all areas of the political spectrum.

Answer 1

Read your local paper. As your local politics becomes second nature to you, you will understand national/world politics.

Volutneer at the political party headquarters of your choice.

Volunteer for a candidate you believe in...

VOTE!!!!

Answer 2

There is a lot of dis-information out there. Like someone else said, multiple sources. Sounds like you are a thinker, so don't waste your time with right-wing radio talk shows, as they are the least credible source of information and they all read from the same talking points. Fact check everything any partisan, Democrat or Republican, says. When there is a contradiction between scientists and politicians, the scientist tends to be right almost every time, but beware that some industries have so-called scientists that will say anything for them if the price is right. You can read The Onion, The Nation, The Weekly Standard, and a couple other mags to get decent information, but read both sides, do the fact-checking, and then make up your own mind.

Answer 3

If you're into medicine and science, you're already leaning left...lol.

It's hard to point you anywhere, honestly. You'll find very quickly that there is absolutely nothing in the world of politics that reaches you unspun. There's no objectivity, no right or wrong, no true or false about anything. The apparently simplest issues become impossible to consider intelligently once politicized. In fact, politics, especially our 2-party system here in America, is really just a substitute for thinking. You don't consider "issues" themselves, you consider how your party stands on them.

The best you can do is remain independent, and, in all honestly, cynical. Read what's out there, but avoid partisanship with any given author at all costs.

Personally, the only pundit I've ever found myself agreeing with on nearly everything is Bill Maher. And I'm sceptical of myself for that - I feel like I must be missing something! But he's generally a very independent, common-sense voice.

Answer 4

Search (via search.blogger.com or technorati or some other tool) for blogs about medicine, or about specific medicine-related subjects that interest you. Just don't do a search with the words "science" and "politics" - you may end up with political science postings, which is a different thing altogether.

It's a good idea to learn about all areas of the political spectrum. Even if you have a specific set of political beliefs, it's wise to understand what those of other political beliefs are thinking, and what is motivating them.

Answer 5

I find that you need as neutral a source to get the best coverage.

Some stations and publications are blatently slanted to one side fo the spectrum of the other and it is very hard to find impartiality, especially with the political field.

As an example:

Rush Limbaugh calls Michael J Fox a phony, as he didn;t take his medication and really showcased the ravages of Parkinson's.

Is Rush right in his assertions? Is Fox right in trying to get across a valid point in a riveting manner?

Do you listen to Fox News or CBS News?

And depending on which way you lean can also color your judgment

Answer 6

The resources I use to stay current are Fox news, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and for a Liberal prospective I listen to NPR.

I chose the talk show hosts because they are both very knowledgeable but they are also entertaining. They are not popular among Liberals but they never seem to get at their facts, they just do name calling. Since it has an entertainment aspect you can listen to it yet still form your own opinions.

NPR is very left wing but their reporting is top notch. Because they do such a good job on "All Things Considered" I can listen, get my information without feeling like I am in indoctrination camp. Allen Colmes has a great show for a liberal prospective as well. I admit he has gotten me a few times. Air America commits the cardinal sin of being boring.

Steer clear of network news. They couple their agenda drive with poor reporting and boredom

Get information from various sources and think for yourself.

Answer 7

Look it all up at various news sources. CNN, MSNBC, and the various political party websites are a good place to start.

As far as everything else, learn about propoganda and redirection. Many poloticians do this to influence your voting and thoughts. Learn the issues important to you and then listen to the answers you get from the people involved.

Answer 8

Mainstream news sources are good, but I'm partial to Airamerica, which is available online or on satellite radio. Check out the Jim Lehrer news hour, tune in when the President gives his State of the Union address, and VOTE. All of those should help. :)

Answer 9

"Harper's" magazine is a good one. "Atlantic Monthly" is good sometimes. Even "Rolling Stone" and "GQ" usually have interesting political pieces from time to time. The best advice, I think, is to just try to sample all of it and make the decisions for yourself. Read something like "Mother Jones" that leans decidingly left, and then listen to someone like Sean Hannity on the AM dial that slants strongly right. Become informed from all of the different slants, and draw your own conclusions.

Answer 10

Well in order to have a base understanding of politics and how the US is run you should first find an accurate history of this country, that will give you a good working knowledge of who controls things.