Dictatorship

     We have the privilege of living in a country with freedom. Our constitutional republic allows for the people to have some say in government. However, throughout history and in modern day there have been countries that prevent freedom from their people.Specifically, there have been dictatorships established throughout this world that prevent people from enjoying the simple luxury that we have. Freedom.
  A dictator can be described as someone who has complete authority over an area, and does as he pleases. There have been many dictators throughout history. To name a few notable dictators there has been Fidel Castro of Cuba, Saddam Hussein of Iraq, and Kim Jong-il of North Korea. These dictators have imposed total control on their respective countries by themselves. This power coming from a single person shows us how bad singular control of a government can be. We in the United States have been exposed to a government where all of us have some say in it. But the people who live under dictatorships are under the complete control from a single person. The three examples that were stated earlier are all example of dictatorships from different times. North Korea is currently under a dictatorship. Its people currently have no freedom and it is a current example of this problem. On the other hand, Iraq is an example of the past. Over time, its people have led the country towards a democracy. The most interesting example is Cuba. Cuba has been in a dictatorship since the late 50's. However,  this year Cuba has relinquished some control over its people. It still holds government control, but outside of that its power has diminished. These examples can all be focused on current dictatorships and hopefully show that they can be abolished. There is hope for freedom for all.  

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.