Editorial #5

Summary: In this editorial, the editor talks about how Obama's overhaul of education is a step in the right direction, but it doesn't go far enough. Instead it should require all high school graduates to attended two years of college and for the government to make that financial accessible. He believes that this is necessary for America to keep up with other countries. While some may be skeptical because of our countries growing national debt, the editor shows that the trillion dollars that has been spent of wars could easily begin to fund this new education system and take the burden off of state and local governments.

Opinion: I think that the editor's idea of all high school graduates being required to go to college for at least two years is a very good idea. Having more college graduates will help make our country more productive and successful. However, I don't think that the editor's idea of how to get his idea to happen is very realistic. The wars we are currently fighting won't just suddenly end and we aren't able to get any of the money back that was spent on them, so that leaves the government without much of any money to fund this new college program. If Obama could find a way to create a program of this sort, he greatly improve the success of his presidency.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2010/03/column-obama-education-plan-doesnt-go-far-enough-.html#more

Source for Editorial #4

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2010/03/column-how-old-is-too-old-for-drivers-license.html#more

Editorial #4

Summary: This editorial talks about the dangers of older drivers being just as great as those of young drivers. The editor says that as a senior citizen he realizes that mental and physical dexterity diminishes. He says that this loss happens in a person's 60s and 70s. The editors solution is to require driving tests for senior citizens when they get their licenses renewed and for drivers licenses to be taken away at 100.

Opinion: I definitely agree with the editor of this article. Senior citizen drivers can cause just as much, if not more, danger as teen drivers can cause. As people age, they become less alert and their reflexes begin to slow, making them less effective and safe drivers. I think that drivers test for senior citizens is good idea. They would just make sure that the onsets of old age aren't effecting their driving abilities too much. While it would be unfortunate for some senior citizens to lose their license, they may not have the ability to drive in a manner that is as safe as it should be.

Opposing view: Stick to troop timetable

Summary: The editor believes that no matter what way you look at the U.S. presence in Iraq, it has been unsuccessful. It has cost our country many lives and a lot of money. Since we can't go back in time and avoid sending troops to Iraq, the editor believes that the current timetable for the removal of troops should continue to be followed. The timetable says that all combat troops will be removed by August and all troops will be removed by Dec. 31, 2011. If this timetable is followed, the negotiations to improve the Iraqi government will finally be able to be carried through.

Opinion: I agree with this editorial. I think that the presence of U.S. troops has been unnecessary. There are a lot of things that the money going towards combat in Iraq that could have been used in the U.S. to make improvements. If troops were never sent to Iraq, then our economy may not be having so many problems. The timetable needs to be followed because the only way we can know if the new Iraqi government will be successful is by leaving and watching.