Politics, how can I gain more knowledge?

Question

I am 16 years old and I am very into politics. I often find myself getting into heated conversations with adults about different matters in our country and in our world, however I often get shot down due to my age and obvious lack of knowledge about the war and our polititcal system in the United States.

I was wondering if there is a magazine I could subscribe to or a newspaper that is dedicated to politics so that I may get a better understanding of how our country works and who all of the important politicians are in our country.

please help me out.

thanks.

Answer 1

If you're interested in seeing a worldwide perspective on politics and news, I recommend The Week - an excellent news magazine. They reprint news and opinions from newspapers around the world. The focus is on the US, but they cover international events as well.

For daily news I like to use Google News to read articles from a variety of sources; while most places aren't as bad as Fox, everyone has bias, so it's good to get your news from multiple sources.

Beware that most political magazines (and websites) are heavily biased, as is talk radio. However, there are two political websites that I do read, one liberal and one conservative; I've linked to them in the sources.

Answer 2

Most magazines are apart of the "drivebymedia". You can great a better perspective by listening to radio. There are radio programs that represent all sides. I would start with
AM radio. This my give you a better understanding where adults are coming from. For a different perspective try NPR radio. Both have great programming. I had a hard time at your age, but you will mature and be able to make a decision on your own when you are older. I know you hate hearing that....but so did all of us who were once your age. Just listen....don't argue.....don't try to defend a topic until you are ready. You will get your point across when ready! Study, listen, be patient. Your questions reveals about you that you will someday be contributing to this wonderful country. Keep asking questions! That's what is great about you!

Answer 3

You should watch a variety of news programs. Not just one that's liberal or conservative. You watch both. I do that to gain a clearer picture of what is happening. Also, read your newspaper. I wouldn't subscribe to magazines, they tend to be very biased, especially those dedicated to politics. You can also buy some books. By some books about current events and about our current president and past president. Try to find books that target more the issue than one that was written by an obvious liberal or conservative. You won't be able to avoid all bias, but that should help. You just have to read and listen. Then form your own opinion about current events. Don't let others tell you you are wrong, no one is ever 100% right.

Answer 4

I would say that U. S. News & World Report would be a good place to start. But here is the problem - most media does have a bias whether it's Liberal, or Conservative. You , as a student of politics must learn the difference. On any given topic that you don't understand you can google it and you will likely get a lot of good information and you should definately use that resource a lot.

Answer 5

Watch LOU DOBBS & Glenn Beck they are full of the latest current events. They are on starting at 3pm satellite news here.

Answer 6

Watch FOX news--Not!

Answer 7

start reading newspapers.

Answer 8

it's too late for you to get help.

Answer 9

Don't watch CNN.