2008 Woodie Awards
Changes in federal government
Jessica Gagnon
Issue date: 12/7/06 Section: News
On Nov. 7, 2006, the Nation cast its vote in the midterm elections. With the election, the Democrats took over both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The question becomes, how significant is this change and how will it effect us?
Dr. Richard Wixon, Offenhiser Professor of History and Political Science, in an interview with the Lakeland Mirror commented on this. Wixon responded, "The change is marginal, since it is only a slight shift in favor of the Democrats."
Wixon continued, "The shift could be significant if the Republicans are disorganized and the Democrats are united. However, historically Democrats aren't very united and are, in fact, usually divided."
Lakeland College Junior Mike Muhs, a Biology major, also commented on this, "I think there will be a refreshing change in rhetoric but not as drastic of a change in policy, because of the lack of complete control."
Some Lakeland students felt that they aren't informed enough to make such predictions. Freshman Jocelyn Jackett, an Early Childhood Education major, responded, "I voted in the November elections, but I don't follow politics that closely."
Senior Kasey Peschke, a Psychology and Biochemistry major, commented on the representatives that ran in the election, "What people say and what people do are very different."
Lakeland students also commented on what changes they would like to see in the government. Peschke also stated, "I think there needs to be more people like Barack Obama, because I think he is the type of person that is forthright with people. He has a certain way of speaking to the people that is very inspiring."
In addition, Junior Ashleigh Becker, a Business Education major, responded, "I would like to see an end to abortion, and see a change in policy against illegal immigration."
Wixon added, "There is no way of knowing for sure what the government will do, but what will get done will depend on how both sides vote."
With this comment, Wixon said he felt some bipartisan policies are likely. "I think we will see an increase in minimum wage and a change in policy on Medicare," said Wixon.
Wixon continued, "With the Medicare program there are really two problems: The government cannot negotiate lower prices, and there is a donut hole." A donut hole is a window of prices where Medicare does not pay.
Wixon said, "The revision will probably take place where the government can negotiate lower prices for the drugs and bipartisanship will probably be seen."
On the resignation of Donald Rumsfeld, Wixon responded, "The departure of Rumsfeld was caused by the policies that have not been successful, and he is very loyal to the President."
With the situation in Afghanistan and Iraq deteriorating, a bipartisan commission has been created. Wixon commented, "The commission will most likely find a bipartisan solution to the situation."
Dr. Richard Wixon, Offenhiser Professor of History and Political Science, in an interview with the Lakeland Mirror commented on this. Wixon responded, "The change is marginal, since it is only a slight shift in favor of the Democrats."
Wixon continued, "The shift could be significant if the Republicans are disorganized and the Democrats are united. However, historically Democrats aren't very united and are, in fact, usually divided."
Lakeland College Junior Mike Muhs, a Biology major, also commented on this, "I think there will be a refreshing change in rhetoric but not as drastic of a change in policy, because of the lack of complete control."
Some Lakeland students felt that they aren't informed enough to make such predictions. Freshman Jocelyn Jackett, an Early Childhood Education major, responded, "I voted in the November elections, but I don't follow politics that closely."
Senior Kasey Peschke, a Psychology and Biochemistry major, commented on the representatives that ran in the election, "What people say and what people do are very different."
Lakeland students also commented on what changes they would like to see in the government. Peschke also stated, "I think there needs to be more people like Barack Obama, because I think he is the type of person that is forthright with people. He has a certain way of speaking to the people that is very inspiring."
In addition, Junior Ashleigh Becker, a Business Education major, responded, "I would like to see an end to abortion, and see a change in policy against illegal immigration."
Wixon added, "There is no way of knowing for sure what the government will do, but what will get done will depend on how both sides vote."
With this comment, Wixon said he felt some bipartisan policies are likely. "I think we will see an increase in minimum wage and a change in policy on Medicare," said Wixon.
Wixon continued, "With the Medicare program there are really two problems: The government cannot negotiate lower prices, and there is a donut hole." A donut hole is a window of prices where Medicare does not pay.
Wixon said, "The revision will probably take place where the government can negotiate lower prices for the drugs and bipartisanship will probably be seen."
On the resignation of Donald Rumsfeld, Wixon responded, "The departure of Rumsfeld was caused by the policies that have not been successful, and he is very loyal to the President."
With the situation in Afghanistan and Iraq deteriorating, a bipartisan commission has been created. Wixon commented, "The commission will most likely find a bipartisan solution to the situation."
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