360 Degrees: Congress, Democrats and Republicans

In just a couple of days, the 2010 midterm elections will be upon us. It is important to note that some of these key races will have a significant impact on our future. Currently, it can be said that Congress is a problem. It has been incapable of making significant change since the last elections, and it is clear that the situation that we are currently in is not positive. Therefore, the upcoming elections will have a significant impact on how Congress can move forward. But what exactly are the problems that are causing Congress to be unproductive? A close examination of all angles can possibly clue us in on what is wrong.

At quick glance we always hear about the conflict between Democrats and Republicans in Congress. This is an obvious problem. Simply, the Democrats are blaming the Republicans and vice-versa. However, the issues are far more complex and go much deeper. Democrats are blaming Republicans based on their past. Democrats say that the Republicans have put this country in a hole that no one can get out of. This causes the bases of the argument. Republicans in turn counter and say the Democrats have been unable to bring any significant and immediate change this country needs. This argument goes back and forth with Democrats saying that even they cannot do anything because the problem so large and Republicans admitting yes we created this problem, but let us fix the mess that we started. Republicans say that they know most about the situation while Democrats say enough is enough, you had your chance and you let it slip away. This constant divide does not let our Congress currently do much that is productive. It has been so rare for bipartisan success, that it is now considered a miracle when it does happen. This relationship between the two parties is a problem.

When looking at this problem, many questions arise. We ask ourselves, "Should we fix this problem?" "Can we even fix this problem?" and if we can even answer any of these questions, we will end up asking ourselves "How can we fix it?" and "What can we do?" It shows us that this problem is so complex that we may even be unable to fix it ourselves. Does this problem belong to be solved by the people who have caused it? Our Congress? I would like to think that the people that we have elected into office can and will do something about this problem. But, with the recent inactivity and inability to do so, I believe that they cannot. What I see is that Congress has abused its power and it is time for the people to step in. Maybe we can finally do something about it.

Metacognition: The Kite Runner Essay

     The assignment that we were given was to write a multi-paragraph thesis driven essay on The Kite Runner. Our first task was to write out possible thesis statements that would be looked at by Mr. Allen. After looking at these thesis statements, Mr. Allen made some comments on which direction we would like to take this essay towards. It was then up to me to talk to Mr. Allen to tell him what I was trying to tell my audience through my thesis statement. After a couple revisions I finally got my set thesis statement. Our next task was to write out our evidence plan. We had to find 4 possible examples from the story that support our thesis and then explain why the evidence supports the thesis. After finding the examples and explaining the reasons, I found out that my evidence was solid. However, I needed to revise my thesis statement a little. It is important to note that you should always think back to the past and think how you can improve that. That is exactly what I did. After adding the final touches to my evidence plan, I was told to write my essay.
       When writing my essay I noticed multiple tendencies about myself. First of all one major thing that I like to do is just write and write and write and write... It is afterwards that I look back at my paper and start fixing it not only for grammar and spelling, but also for content. It is not until after I write my paper that I realize what needs to be condensed and what needs to be added. This is something that I would like to start doing at the same time as I write my paper. However, what surprises me is that I do extremely well in explaining my reasons for something. If I am given evidence, I can back my claim up and explain it real well. I may sometimes over explain it and need to condense it, however after doing a revision I get my point across. I also like the creativity of my writing. I do not use clear cut examples that are right in front of our faces. I like to use more deeper ideas and connections and then be able to connect them. I also like the questions that I ask myself and my teacher while writing my paper. These questions are valuable towards my writing and their answers often improve my writing in a great way. Aside from working on condensing my papers, I would also like to work on my introductions. This starts with the opener, but goes through with the thesis and bridge. The introduction is the most important part of the paper because it describes what is to come and therefore I would like to perfect my introductions. Overall however, the process of writing this essay was extremely beneficial.