March Madness

An earthquake and tsunami recently hit the nation of Japan and devastated its homes, roads, and coastal villages; the Japanese are calling this the worst disaster since Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. The expression “when it rains, it pours” seems to be relevant if a viewer were to turn on CNN any time during the day. News is pouring out of all parts of the world. A nuclear power plant meltdown may add to the devastation in Japan. The Middle East chaos seems to be a metaphorical tsunami, with attempted government overthrows and hesitant United States involvement. Right here in our own backyard, Wisconsin union workers are causing uprising and dismay. It is times like these where the President of the United States seems to be pressured the most. President Obama, will you create a “no-fly zone” over Libya, a no-fly zone that could potentially cause war? President Obama, will you send billions of dollars the country does not have to relieve Japan? President Obama, what will you do about Wisconsin? President Obama, President Obama, why aren’t you doing things fast enough, President Obama.

The political cartoon I found ties in March’s theme of college basketball “March Madness” to the literal madness that has been going on so far in the month of March. It takes the concept of the “bracket” (predicting which teams will advance and eventually win the March Madness NCAA tournament) and using it for the President’s life/job. The cartoon portrays President Obama as visibly confused and overwhelmed, supporting the previous statement that the country’s leader may have too many things on his plate right now. In terms of relating the cartoon to discussion in Mr. Sweeney’s class, it goes back to the balance of powers between Congress, the President, and the Judicial Branch. The President may not have his entire power behind the creation of laws, but it is clearly evident that the President’s power exceeds Congress’ and more responsibilities must be accounted for as President of the United States.