To start things off...

My name is Stephanie and I am a 20 year old student. Up to this point in life my political ideology was based on what my parents or teachers told me. After moving away from the very small town I was raised in and taking some college courses, I started to realize that things are not as simple as they seem; they are definitely not what is always represented on the mainstream media. I am learning a lot, and ready to find out more about government's roles/intentions, their limits, our powers, and others thoughts on the subjects.

BUT: If I had to pick a side (it's easier to divide and conquer... keep that in mind) I'm going to go with the Democrats. I love people and progress over profits (or the lesser of two evils) :) However, my entire family and 95% of my coworkers are right-wing Republicans. My brother is on his second or third tour in the Middle East, and his wife, 3 kids, mother, and myself, among many others, all miss him greatly. I want this oil war to be over and a solution be brought about for a sustainable future. 

I am happy to see a Democrat in office, however, most of his actions are leaning towards the middle-right, not very progressive at all if you ask me. My main belief is that money controls everything. And money is the root of all evil. I'm growing extremely concerned with the unending war and Bushs' war crimes and the torture issue and Guantanamo, the Patriot Act and hiring private mercenaries.... the basic assault on our civil liberties.

I am taking this class to gain knowledge (and hopefully acceptance into some university again someday). I am also taking an Environmental Science course this semester, and I'm looking forward to finding out more about the devastation and destruction we've brought about our Earth. 

I took the PEW quiz and scored a whopping 69%, 10 out of twelve questions. Better than 69% of the general public. I scored slightly better on the Civics Quiz- 25 correct out of 33... 75.76%!