Interview With John Lavery

Hi, my name is Shacora Perkins, and I interviewed John Lavery of Melrose MA.  Lavery’s political values were formed somewhat from what he learned from his parents, as well as what he has witnessed over a lifetime. By being interested in the world around him he has come to a clearer understanding of what he believes the role of government should be in our society. Lavery considers himself an Independent. Lavery believes that we need to have a clearer and fairer system of taxation. As the wealthiest nation in the history of the planet, he believes we have the ability to provide our citizens with a minimum level of services, such as health care, education etc.  This would help maintain our nation’s economic advantage. He states we should be able to provide the same services that less prosperous nations furnish their citizens with.

Lavery also shared that he voted for President Obama’s re-election because the issues that he had prioritized during his first term, such as universal health care, were much closer to his priorities than those put forth by Governor Romney. Who he will vote for depends upon the positions of those who decide to run.  He can see himself voting for Vice President Biden (whom he supported when he ran for President in 2008). Seeing as that he is not registered in either party he would not have to switch although, Lavery most often supports Democratic candidates and he is not supportive of the stands many Republicans seem to be adopting lately. HE believe the president was justified in authorizing the operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden. Because of his actions bin Laden was no different than any soldier on the battlefield. If you are engaged in a military battle you become a legitimate target.

Especially as the parent of three children currently with college loans, He was pleased by the president’s actions. Lavery believe one of the benefits of our prosperity should be that the education necessary to maintain that economic advantage be reasonably available to those who seek it. He States that you have to absorb any information you receive from the media through a filter. And he says we need to be able to separate what is pure fact from the opinions and agenda of the source providing the information.
and if  an individual secure his vote or a public office based upon their pledge to pursue specific policies and they either are not effective in that effort, or worse, Lavery would pursue a completely different agenda, he would certainly attempt to have them voted out of office.

What led me to form a political identity would be based on what I believe should be my rights as a woman.  What influences this is the government trying to pass a bill saying I shouldn’t have the right to have an abortion. I feel is thought it is my body and I should be the only one making decision about it. I haven’t had to experience what this would feel like because this kind of bill has not yet been passed. However, I feel we as people should have a say so when it comes to our bodies and how we use them. What I’m looking for in leadership is fairness from our leader. A leader who understands all parties and has understands why we all fit in different categories which benefit us all in one way or another.

What I learned from this experience is that as much as you think that you and someone else have the same views about life, most often you don’t. What it comes down to is whoever become our leaders can’t please everyone and I’m happy with that, because when it comes down to all this political stuff I feel like who I am doesn’t matter. I can’t speak for everyone but the reason I voted is to have a voice. What drives the voter are concerns about cutbacks, increases and bills passing. As a Democrat my views are challenged not by these experiences, but by everything that’s been going on around me sense 9/11.


7. Do you agree or disagree with the president killing Bin Laden?

 

8. Are you happy with the decision the president made to lower student loans?

9. Do you believe everything you hear and see on the news?

10. Will you change party if they weren’t doing what they said they were going to do while in office?
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