Opinions Galore

 Over the weekend many seniors as a part of Mr. Van Orden's AP Government and Politics class were asked to write an essay about whether or not they felt George Bush was an effective President.  In this process we were asked to set aside our political opinions and write using a strictly academic approach.  I found this task particularly difficult.  While I come from a Republican family, I do not associate my self with either party, I do not have a strong hate against George Bush or the things he did in office.  I cannot begin to imagine how people how have much stronger feelings on these subjects could possibly write this essay without bringing in their own political beliefs.  This assignment was hard enough for me.  The articles we read in order to prepare for this paper were relatively neutral however, they did mention both the good and the bad. 
    This assignment caused me to think about how this must affect the greater spectrum of politics.  If my peers and I have strong opinions on this matter, then what must the politicians think?  Their opinions on matters are much stronger than my classmates and I.  How does anything in our country get done when we read articles giving us a neutral opinion on a given subject and we are so stubborn we cannot and will not change our minds?  Debates can go on for days in the Senate and nothing will be decided because we as a society cannot come to an agreement on things such as health care.  Our system clearly needs help, yet no one can come up with a way to start the change.  If we could simply come to a compromise many people could be helped.  Maybe someday we will be able to set aside our own personal political opinions and write based on a strictly academic approach, or make a decision using academic strategy. 
 

President Barack Obama's health care appeal failed to break the congressional gridlock Thursday, dimming hopes for millions of uninsured Americans.
Nothings Getting Done