https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh en-us 2022-08-10 17:08:31 UTC 2023-03-14 17:20:31 UTC hello@padlet.com edwardsolorio https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261619802 Two of the most valued ideals that we hold here in America are freedom of speech and the freedom to vote, both are a crucial part of our democracy and are amazing ways to move forward in a great formed society built for the people and for the people.
Having the ability to speak your mind on a particular topic or event is a powerful tool to have in your arsenal. It is of utmost importance as it is essential to not only preserve the human rights we currently hold but to allow ourselves to progress as a society. It allows one to speak their truth while feeling comfortable and safe. Be it through peaceful protest, social media, written articles, radio, television, works of art, and much more.
What reinforces the large value of freedom of speech is that not everybody in other countries has the right to speak out for themselves. Many take the liberty of speech for granted, but the truth is that many people outside the country aren’t able to enjoy the benefits of this basic right. Namely in countries such as North Korea, Russia, Mexico, etc, where the freedom of speech is limited or just nonexistent.
America was built upon the idea that the average citizen can have the power to control what goes on in their country. To rid of the monarchy that was the British Empire and establish their democracy. Thus, voting is undoubtedly one of the more important central core concepts of democracy, it's the connection of the average citizen to the overall direction their country is headed towards. The main point of democracy in America is to allow every citizen the right of electing the candidate they see fit that matches their core philosophy. It also prevents a dictatorship because the people can decide who stays in power. 

]]> 2022-08-15 22:32:15 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261619802 edwardsolorio https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261620396 The first amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof”. The first amendment allows everyone residing in America to practice their own religious belief with the law protecting everyone from religious persecution. However, it's important to mention that religious beliefs often influence how people may interact with one another.

]]> 2022-08-15 22:33:44 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261620396 edwardsolorio https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261620721  Landmarks in America have an important role in history as they often represent or symbolize our changes and progression. They are there to ensure that our history is carried on. Take for example the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial, it’s a landmark that symbolizes the struggle of the civil rights moment to fight for justice and equality.

]]> 2022-08-15 22:34:26 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261620721 edwardsolorio https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261621220 Holidays are imperative to mention when looking at a culture. Holidays in America are packed full of information from our history. For instance Juneteenth,  Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Memorial Day. these holidays were created to either honor and or celebrate our past in a respectable manner.

]]> 2022-08-15 22:35:35 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261621220 edwardsolorio https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261621780 There are three unwritten rules that I personally deem the most important among others. The first one is maintaining eye contact when speaking to someone as it shows that you are interested in the conversation. Next, being punctual is important when making plans with someone and it might be a good idea to show up a few minutes early to show you are looking forward to the meet-up. Lastly, make sure to leave a tip at a restaurant you dined at as that's how waiters and waitresses make their money and is considered rude if you don't leave anything.

]]> 2022-08-15 22:36:51 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261621780 edwardsolorio https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261622343 Chase Cope and Raleigh Anders 
Me-What does America/Being American mean to you?
Raleigh- (jokingly) What American means to me is that I can enter a Walmart at the age of 18 and buy as many guns as I want 
Me: essentially just having the ability to do as you chose to?
Raleigh: yes
Me: what do you like about America 
Chase-We can express ourselves in more ways than in certain countries and we can be who we are without judgment.
Me: what do you wish to change about it?
Chase- more gun control laws
Chase and Raleigh: We would change the political party system 
Me: could you be more specific? 
Chase- Have more than just two main political parties so that more people can feel represented or perhaps get rid of them.
Me: do you think that the election process should be changed?
Raleigh: I think it’s a little outdated but I think the election process is fine as it is.

]]> 2022-08-15 22:38:07 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261622343 edwardsolorio https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261695917 Three things I like about America are the food, entertainment, and the people. The reason I enjoy the culture of American food is that it is full of diversity. Take for example soul food, traditional dishes created by and associated with African Americans. Other types of food are Southern, Northern, corn-based foods, and as well as Texmex which is a wide mix of cultures mixed together. The reason I love American entertainment is because of the number of classics that were made here. Such movies are Twelve angry men, the God Father, Do the Right Thing, west side stories, etc. It’s movies like these that make American entertainment quite a wonderful thing. The reason that I put why I enjoy the people is that America has a greatly diverse population. On top of that fact is the fact that people are willing to lend a hand to you despite if you and that person have different views.
The three main things I would wish to change about America would be the healthcare system, increased funding for public schools, and restricting where energy companies can and cannot mine. I would change how the healthcare system functions by making it a free healthcare system and by making it more accessible to people who need it and can't get it regularly. The reason I would like to increase the funding given to public schools is that if they were to receive more then teachers would be able to create a nice environment for students while having the necessary supplies to further increase the education of students. The last thing I would like to change about America is where energy companies are allowed to obtain their resources, because when they are allowed to mine in areas such as the Kentucky mountaintops then it comes at the expense of the life and conditions of the area.

]]> 2022-08-16 00:29:53 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261695917 edwardsolorio https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261697421 Andrew Solorio
Me: What does America/Being American mean to you?
Andrew: What does it mean to me?
Me: yes
Andrew: Tough question, because I’ve never been satisfied with the simplistic view on these kinds of things, there's no promise, and there's nothing you can say that can represent everyone equally because often this place is painted as a vast land of riches that isn't open to everyone. 
Me: What is good about America
Andrew: People are nice sometimes even If I disagree with their core ideals. 
Me: What would you change about America
Andrew: I would make free healthcare. I’d get rid of people owning medicine because people die that way. I would revolutionize healthcare and make it more accessible to people.
Me: how does it feel being above the age of 20 in your prime in America?
Andrew: I think you grow to realize that not everything is black and white. You begin to realize that everything is undoubtedly complicated but you just have to suck it up and think long and hard about tough topics.
Me: thank you for your time

]]> 2022-08-16 00:32:15 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261697421 edwardsolorio https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261698236 Mia Plumeri
Me: What does America/Being American mean to you?
Mia: It’s alright, I enjoy the fact that I have the freedom to do what I want
Me: can you explain?
Mia: I value freedom because here I more or less get the rights as a woman that I deserve.
Me: what is good about America
Mia: I like freedom of speech because I enjoy speaking my mind with comfort
Me: what do you want to change about America 
Mia: I’d like it if the government allowed me to have full control over my body rather than put that control in the government.
Me: What is it like being a caucasian woman living in America?
Mia: my entire life I have never really had an issue living here with many struggles but I understand that not everyone is as fortunate to live in the same comfort as I have.
Me: thank you for your time.

]]> 2022-08-16 00:33:37 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsolorio/v5ab8g5vp2ly2kh/wish/2261698236