Five Pillars of the Rock Obama- April 25, 2009 

(link under News Articles)

summary

A recent Times article discusses the Barak Obama administration over its first 100 days. Apparently, the success or failure of a presidency can be determined within this first window of time. Obviously, the new presidency has a lot to handle, maybe more than any other before this. Therefore, the article explains that this traditional predictor may not be accurate, seeing there is so much to improve. Despite these statements, the article still praises Barak Obama’s work. The President’s speeches have moved from poetry to prose, as he stated in his speech at Georgetown University. In his speech he describes the current conditions as a house built on sand, but the new house will be built on rock with five pillars–”new rules for Wall Street, new initiatives in education, alternative energy and health care, and eventually budget savings that would bring down the national debt” (Klein). Moreover, the author compares these efforts and prose to that of the Franklin Roosevelt administration, who “reinvented American government in the 1930’s” (Klein). Later stating, the situations of the two Presidents contrast since Obama has much more than an economic depression within the first period of office. Ultimately, the article suggest a grand run as President, one with more crisis than ever, a species unlike any since the Franklin Roosevelt administration, a president who intends to deliver all five of his pillars on rock.  

Reflection

Overall, it seems as though Barak Obama is holding true to his promising campaign. He is suggesting changes in idea and hope for the people. I’m very glad to see that one of the pillars is alternative energy (all of the pillars really). It seems fair to say that one can’t accurately judge the success of this Presidency within this period of time. This Presidency is different than any other, since it has many more crisis. Furthermore, this president is different than any in the past. It seems this president is genuinely sincere and passionate about his goals for the nation, not to diminish any past presidents. Obama is direct, switching from poetry to prose, implying trustworthiness. Even though, the speeches are just rhetoric the demeanor he provides radiates and infects his audience with confidence. Ultimately, one can tell the youngest president is intense in achieving all five of his purposes–all of which are needed/wanted positive changes by the people–his hair is already beginning to gray. 

Poetic Resort of Sedation-March 23, 2009

summary

In current news, poet Sylvia Plath’s son commits suicide. Nicholas Hughes, also the son of the poet Ted Hughes, ended his long struggle with depression following his mother. Plath gassed herself with oven fumes 46 years prior to this event. In this tragedy her two children were in the home, yet she aimed to protect them sealing off the door with towels. Consequentially, the article discussed the possibility of heredity in suicide. Furthermore, the article explained that while there may lie a pattern in suicide and depression within families, some trends are psychological.

Reflection

Despite the tragic conditions of this event, I found some intrigue. It made sense to find pattern in family bounds for suicide/depression. Seeing that depression is of chemical imbalances in the body, the genetic carry-over to off-spring seems to hold definite possibility. Although most view suicide as selfish, it is selfish to see it as anything other than a last resort. Though it may not be for some, for most the person is so miserably depressed, alone, low that there is no up or possibility of happiness. If they continue to live they will only continue to have nothing except the chronic state of sedation. But, it is not the best solution. Ultimately, the feelings attached to depression are low and prolonged; today, even if chronic, modern medication may help to recover those who are suffering.

(see link under News Articles)