Chandler Denhart

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Lack of bipartisanship is detrimental for our government's efficiency

Government shutdown, a looming debt ceiling deadline and constant bickering between parties has become the standard in American politics. The term “bipartisan” has been thrown to the wind to be replaced with party lines and personal interest.  The entire definition of politics is being rewritten everyday as our officials drift further away from constituent interests and closer to partisan goals and party ambitions.  This trend has not benefited the American people. Politicians today have diverted from the path of bipartisan responsibility and chosen instead to pursue their own agenda.  This shift can only be rectified by ushering in a new age of politicians. These politicians need to be aware of the strife caused by a lack of bipartisanship and understand that there’s only one way to change things: by being the change. Ever since the recession that hit the American economy, politics has been a struggle.  The economic crash led to unrest within our government, unrest that led to both parties resisting collaboration.  This behavior has led to a lack of reaching across the aisle, something that’s required to provide the best governance of our society.  Congress’ approval rating currently stands at 11 percent; the president’s rating is 44 percent, 10 percent less than the average for presidents.  Without engaging the other side, no strides can be made without back-door deals and political games between parties. This lack of cooperation is not only detrimental to progress, but also the legitimacy of the United States on the world stage. 

US must shift focus to domestic issues

Commonly heard sayings in our country these days include, “‘Murica,” “We’re the best”, and “America, hell yeah.” Often, phrases echoing the same idea are declared by the many proud citizens of the United States. We inhabit the world with a slightly raised chin, and perhaps rightfully so. The idea of America being the greatest country on Earth has been prevalent for quite some time, continually being reinforced by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, response to national tragedies like the Twin Towers attack and other unifying events such as natural disasters. Why is it that we are so great? Is it because we are ranked No. 17 in global education as reported by the International Business Times? Perhaps it is due to our No. 174 ranking in infant mortality? I think the fact that we spend the second-most money on Healthcare compared to the world, yet are ranked No. 51 in life expectancy, is a contributing factor. Don’t take my word for it, though, let us look at the facts.

Getting the music to Madison

N. Korea sanctions imposed

The same weekend the United Nations' Security Council unanimously decided to impose sanctions on North Korea in response to its alleged Oct. 9 nuclear test, some leading experts on East Asian issues took a historical approach in debating the future '