Politics series

Every election season, I create a new collage about the candidates and their platforms for my Politics series.

In 2016, seasoned politician Hillary Clinton faced businessman Donald Trump, an unlikely Republican front-runner. Name-calling in the primaries sounded more 'reality' TV show than politics as usual; the media loved the ratings. The country's racial tension, gender wars, political correctness, and a lack of passion for either candidate, were constant themes for the general election.

One year later, what has changed?

Politics 4: Leaders

In the 2012 election, Obama faced Romney as the housing market crash sent many into bankruptcy, including entire states. The top '1 percent' of wealthy Americans were blamed, which reflected poorly on Republicans. Osama bin Laden's death and automaker Ford's bailout were considered Obama's successes. Democrats also reintroduced the DREAM act, putting Immigration into the political mix.

Politics 3: Obama vs. Romney

In the 2008 election, Obama promised change while McCain offered experience. Debates on the Iraq war, healthcare, immigration, energy, and employment (due to the pre-election financial meltdown) were heated. Obama defeated Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries before appointing her Secretary of State after winning the general election.

Politics 2:  Obama vs. McCain

In the 2000 election, Bush and Gore supporters never stopped jockeying for first place. The presidency was ultimately decided--a month after the election--by a vote recount in Florida and a final decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. Interestingly, Bush's father had served as 43rd president from 1989 to 1993.

Politics 1: Bush vs. Gore

Iraq series

Osama Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan on 5/1/2011, almost 2 years after fighting returned to Afghanistan to target the Taliban (who originally protected Bin Laden after the twin towers fell on 9/11/2001). Early on, critics charged Bush with going to war in Iraq to finish--by killing Saddam Hussain--what his presidential father started and to secure access to gas resources. With both men gone, I don't feel any more secure.

Iraq 1:  Before the War

Iraq 2:  After the Fall

9-11 series

Watching that first attack on American soil (since Pearl Harbor) constantly repeated on every news channel brought tears to my eyes; it still does. We're back on our feet now and the fighting continues abroad 15 years later. Is it time to "Rethink Everything"?

9-11:  Capitalism vs. Terrorism

9-11:  Patriotic Spirit

9-11:  Promises to Keep

9-11:  Back on Our Feet

9-11: Rethink Everything