Top Political Stories of 2011

Whenever a year comes to a close, it is important to recall the biggest stories of the past twelve months in any field —but in 2011 it is particularly important to take note of the biggest political stories because of the significance these headlines will play in the coming year. There have been many hugely influential events in the past year, but the following five stories matter most not only because they dominated the media, but also because of the strategic role they will play in the near future.

1. Budget Ceiling/National Deficit
The national deficit is steadily growing, and with countries abroad going bankrupt while China questions America’s ability to repay bonds, the cause for concern was rightly at an all time high this year. The height of these tensions climaxed in August when the US government nearly defaulted because of a divided Congress. At the root of this issue lies a fundamental disagreement as to how to solve the problem: Republicans refuse to take additional revenue from people or corporations and Democrats will not modernize outdated and costly entitlements. This topic will be a key talking point in the 2012 elections and will dictate the future of US progress.

2. Arab Spring
Across the typically volatile region of Southwest Asia, Arab citizens have risen against oppression, ousted their dictators, and made giant leaps towards freer societies this year. The movement has roots in personal freedoms, but is at odds with power-hungry successors, radical Islamists, and ambiguous militaries. Trends toward liberty are always good, but the conclusion for this tale could be a dangerous one. Again, this will certainly be as vital a subject for the next year as it was for this one.

3. Occupy Movement
The now-waning national protest was the focal point of the media for months and brought up crucial questions concerning the financial and political institutions of this country. The effects are still unknown, but look for the protests to start up again in the Spring and to last through November 2012.

4. Unions in America
Culminating in Wisconsin where Governor Scott Walker and the State Congress voted to lessen teacher’s union pensions, politicians tackled entitlement spending in a controversial place this year: public sector unions. The argument was that these state employees were making much more than their private sector counterparts and therefore their pensions should be downsized. This has a mixed consensus thus far; it caused protests in Madison but citizens of the state voted in support of it after demonstrations brought on a vote.

5. A Lackluster Presidential Field
President Obama had some of the lowest approval ratings of any President in their first term a few months ago (those numbers have since risen) mostly because of economic missteps, some unpopular proposed legislation, and bad luck. Critics accuse Obama of being a poor leader, but as of right now no challenger seems to be inspiring enough for the masses to flock to. Within the next year we will see if Obama or one of the Republican hopefuls can rise above the rest.

- Kit

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December 30th, 2011 | Dan | Comments Off |