Jamie Bell 2010-11-13

Based on the information we were given and the lessons we were taught about the political and

economic spectrum, I would position myself on the “right” side of the spectrum where the

Conservatives lie. If change is too occur it must be thought out deeply and they must discuss a solution if

plans were too fail. If things are going smooth in society there is no need to change the way things are, if

change shall occur it must be for valid reasons.

The equality of equal opportunity is an important part of the society. If everyone has the same

chance to succeed and fail it comes to be very important in the competition of careers and quality of

consumer goods. For example, if people are all given the chance to become doctors and they possess

the correct qualities, our society would grant the best doctor the position and because everyone has

equal chances doctors would gradually become better and better because they have to compete against

each other for the top position. In a Conservative society because individuals have more freedom to

choose what they want to do, it is expected they live with the consequences of their decisions. I have

grown up with this expectation in my family and understand the meaning behind it. If an individual

makes a mistake and has to live with the consequences by themselves they tend to learn their lesson

and know for next time to make the better decision. It also teaches the individual decision making skills

of how to assess the situation and think of all the consequences before they make a decision. People

who have learned from their consequences tend to be more mature because they know how to handle

things in tough situations and can respect other feelings if they are involved. This is an important step in

life that many kids need to experience to become more mature. The right side of the spectrum believes

largely in private ownership because when you personally own anything it is in your best interest to take

care of it. This statement is underestimated in society until you have a child who works and saves up

their money to buy something they have always wanted and they take the biggest precautions when

handling it because they earned it themselves. In a society it is the same, people who put in long hours

at work to purchase something are more likely to better care of it because they don’t want to waste

money on buying it again if they don’t have to.

On the left side of the spectrum people support the idea that all members of society bear some

responsibility for the quality of life for all members. This means that the government will provide higher

taxes to the wealthiest individuals to help the less fortunate. I believe that the wealthy should have a

choice whether they want to help out the less fortunate or not. If the wealthy work hard for their money

by working extra hours or because they went to school longer to get a high paying job doesn’t mean

they don’t deserve to keep the money they earn. If they feel as if they are ab le to redistribute their

wealth they should have a choice rather than being forced by the government. Also on the “left” side

crime is dealt with as a social problem because they believe some causes are beyond individual control. I

disagree because it seems as though many individuals are using insanity, medical issues or poverty as an

excuse to commit crimes even if they aren’t experiencing any of those symptoms. If they get off easy

because they state they have those issues we are putting everyone’s lives in danger again because you

let this individual off easy. The rule of law states that all individuals are subject to the law equally so I

believe that all criminal offences should be dealt with equally regardless of the conditions of the person.

Jamie Bell 2010-11-13

I value equality because this allows people to choose what appeals to them. As a woman I value

equality because it allows me to choose jobs that may have been classified as “male” jobs in the future

and complete them with respect and confidence from everyone around me. This maybe because I have

grown up to be a very independent person and tend to avoid asking for help if I know I complete

something. I value the freedom to choose. This allows me to make decisions which I believe are best for

me and to learn from my mistakes so I can avoid making them again in the future. This allows me to be

more independent as well. My mother has taught me how to deal with my consequences and I believe it

has helped shaped me into who I am today. I value private ownership because it i s rewarding knowing

you worked hard to achieve something that is actually yours. It is an incentive to working! Private

ownership taught me how to look after my things better. I have learned this from experience, I got a pair

of sunglasses for my birthday and then I left them in Edmonton so I had to buy my own pair and they

meant a lot more to me because I had to pay for them.