Students Voice Their Own Opinions on Election

By Victoria Baptiste

America is a country that has habitually been regarded as the top nation in the world. Yet recently, America’s status as the “envy of the world” has declined greatly. To Democrats, as well as several disenfranchised conservatives and a great majority of the rest of the world, George W. Bush’s controversial two terms as president have signified a rapid decrease in the vibrancy and vivacity that once made this country so incredibly unique and loved.

Yet, it seems as though with the historical election of Barack Obama, the majority of the country is once again invigorated and the majority of the world is happy and hopeful for the future.

The night that Barack Obama won the United States presidency was a night like no other. Many of his supporters sobbed openly in wonder. Others, like me, stared at their television screens in disbelief. As I watched people of all races and ethnicities raise their American flags and chant the optimistic slogan, “Yes We Can”, I could not help but realize once again that American truly is a country where anything is possible.

Although his victory was no doubt one of the greatest moments of American history, as President-Elect, Barack Obama faces challenges that critics claim are impossible to overcome with wishful thinking alone. However, Obama has already proven himself to be an excellent organizer and an effective leader with the brilliant handling of his presidential campaign. As the McCain campaign flung baseless attacks and involved themselves in demagogic tactics instead of focusing on the hardships of everyday Americans, the Obama campaign proved itself to be a steady champion of the rights of the middle class. Thus, Barack Obama won the presidency mainly because of his steady hand in economic affairs.

As President-Elect, Barack Obama has already succeeded in surrounding himself with many of the most astute political and economic minds in the nations. He has also stressed the need to “reach across party lines” and draw from the ideas of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats alike. To many, Obama’s political diplomacy is a promising trait for eventual negotiations.

At a time in history when economic and diplomatic turmoil seem to be threatening the very fabric of American society, many Americans have rejected “old politics” and opted instead for a completely new style of governmental leadership. Although the stakes are challengingly high, these Americans believe with conviction that the President-Elect’s strong message of hope will be the ultimate driving force for true economic, foreign, and political reform.

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By Avery Geller

Around the world, dancing, cheering, and jubilation circled the world and the nation, when it was announced on the fourth of November, that an African American man named Barrack Obama would be appointed to the White House. His promise of hope and change from the last eight of years did only impact the nation, but it has influenced the entire international community. Americans once hassled for representing a country run by the Bush Administration now are given hugs on European streets, and in the blink of an eye, the world's opinion of America seems to be on more favorable terms. What is it about Obama's election that is so spectacular to the world? Is it that the man represents policies that are akin to the international community, a more collective, cohesive and stable society, as opposed to the Bush themes of crazy invasions and a looser, more open economy? Is all this fanfare just people being happy that they have another team mate in political ideology?

The Bush Administration was and still is seen as an organization of privateers acting at odds with the moral fibers of the global community, causing unnecessary strife and instability in some crazed pursuit of a perverted American dream of military and political supremacy. Some would even go as far as to claim that the democratic system of the States was flawed, broken, for how could such a villan take power. Alas, the night of November 4th changed their thoughts in a flash, their fear turned to hope as they saw more like themselves, more moderate and sane than his predecessor. Seeing as how America is far right to begin with, as compared to Europe and the world at large, anything in the right direction would be a positive sign to these bystanders. But Obama is not just a step, the man is mountainous leap in their political direction, and they have expressed their cheer as a measure of the man's charisma and international popularity. Furthermore, their recognition that is was the people and public of the United States that brought such a hero to power, has brought about a reverse in their opinions of the American political system, and its voters. Perhaps this is the start of a new age, one of humane pro-activeness and civil cooperation that the rest of the west, otherwise known as Europe, has been breeching this generation. Could this be a a new American era, after eight long years of what many internationals and Americans describe as a failed and reckless administration? Is this a generational shift that Europe has been waiting for the Americans to catch up with, in terms of political evolution? Time has not yet granted the people such a verdict, and time will be a fickle mistress before we see where the new Obama white house will lead the free world.

Even through the ideological differences, opinions and debating, one particular of this election that can not be understated however, as pitiful and pathetic as it should be, is the defeat of racial bigotry, not only in the halls of political party, but in civilian America. It was not just a more tolerant Washington that allowed a man of minority to rise to the top, but the American people, who's country was one of the last to abandon slavery after a devastating civil war, were able to see through the blinds of hate and the irrationality of racism. Their verdict is a testament to how far the nation has come, from a land of belligerents fighting each other at Bull Run and Gettysburg, to a land where the age old saying, "You can be whatever you want to be", is true and proven so, as a creed that has ascended past hate and prejudice. Another component of international approval is stemming from this concrete symbol of our acceptance and civil maturity, having pushed ourselves beyond the boundaries of racism.

No matter the reason, the world seems to be captivated and delighted at the election. America too, so far free of any accusations of detrimental election foul-play seems to be taking the change of power in stride. While no one is going to claim the upcoming years will be easy, most Americans, and most of the watching world, appear to be confident that we are heading in the right direction, even if it's left.

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By Ashley Valla

At the beginning of the election I fell into the category of kids right before the legal voting age who think to themselves, "why does it matter who I vote for, I'm not of age yet"? I then realized that a lot of my friends were able to vote, and that I'd like to take part in their conversations, mostly surrounding the upcoming election. As an opinionated person I wanted to chose a side that I could defend to the death, but with further investigation I found that difficult to do. So this year, I considered myself part of the independent group.

Like every other human, I can be a bit fickle. I will sway with whatever way the wind blows, or in this case with the wind of candidate's ideologies. I didn't want to subscribe to a specific candidate's side too early in the race, so I kept myself at a neutral standpoint right in the middle of the two. Between the pros and cons, it balanced itself to the center for me anyway.

Of course there is the obvious; Obama's acclaimed speaking skills and then McCain's decades of experience. In my social studies class I had the chance to watch parts of bios about both candidates which were very much insightful. I watched McCain's less than fortunate luck in the Vietnam war, and Obama's struggle to find out who he was when he was my age. These videos did help me relate to the candidates on an eye-to-eye level, but I was still not convinced.

Finally I considered their proposed plans for the country. I like Obama's energy and environmental plans, but I liked McCain's economic and war policies. I threw in thoughts like, "who will lead the country in a better direction so that in 20 years I'll be okay" or "what will the new president offer to the independents who are caught in the middle of the Republican and Democratic races"?

In the end I did make a decision, but I believe it was more important to realize that although I couldn't vote, I should still be on my toes in regards to who might be running the country where I live next. I think staying an independent is a wonderful idea, because there are more options when it comes to voting and keeping an open mind. Because in the beginning, wasn't this country based on independence anyway?

Our Mission

To the left, website manager at work.

The Roundup has dedicated this website to becoming more interactive for the students of Hills West and our community.

With this website, we look to make it a bit easier for students to find information of what's currently going on in the lives and minds of the people of our school, while of course finding great ways to interest them. We have consistent polls for students to participate in, and anyone interested in submitting work or reaching an editor or adviser may do so at the click of a link.

We're here to speak and inform you, and we'd like nothing more.

Obama Wins

by Victoria Baptiste

cnn.com
To the left: Sen. Obama and his family stand wave happily
to all of his voters in Grant Park, Chicago.

Grant Park, Chicago was the meeting place for thousands of supporters of Barack Obama. In an emotionally charged atmosphere, Americans from all walks of life, the young and the old, watched as their candidate was announced the 44th President of the United States of America.

Indeed ELection Day on Nov. 4 marked a day of historical precedents. A record number of Americans exercised their civid duty by voting for their new president. The whole world watched in awe as Brack Obama clinched the coveted title of the first African-American "President-Elect" in quite the victory.

As the polls continued to close across the nation, Senator John McCain's chances at winning the presidency chances at winning the presidency diminished rapidly. News networks projected that Obama would win several historically Republican states like Virginia and North Carolina. In addition, he won several crucial battleground states including Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida. Well before the votes were finally counted, exit polls and various news reports showed that Obama won overwhelmingly among black voters and young voters, held the majority of female and Latino voters, and also carried a slight lead among white voters. Over 200 years of polical tradition shattered with this symbolic election.

To many, Obama truly symbolizes the nation that the American dream is not exclusive to any race, creed, or religion. His election to the White Huse exemplifies what he called in his victory speech, "the dawning of a new era in American democracy."

Although the race for the presidency has been long and bitter, Barack Obama will face even greater challenges in the office.

CNN Goes Star Wars

by Alessandra Malito



To the left: CNN hosts election coverage with surprising holograms.


As fans turned on their television sets to the array of Election Day specials, they were all blown away by the electoral maps. NBC held their coverage from Rockefeller Center in New York City, where the ice rink was used as an electoral map. It was organized by staff, instead of being digital.

CNN surprised many of their viewers by presenting holograms, including ones of real people interviewed by Wolf Blitzer.

Playoff Upset, Colts Bow Out Early

by Greg Picker




To the left: Senior Colts go after the ball in their intense game.

Last year, the Half Hollow Hills West Varsity Soccer Team made an improbably run to the New York State Semi-Finals, which went down as one of the greatest sports achievements in Hills West History. In the fall of 2007, the Colts were the number four seed in the Suffolk County AA Playoffs. This year, as the number three seed, the Colts were awards with a home game to begin the playoffs against the number fourteen seeded Northport.

After the game was pushed back a day due to inclement weather, Hills West hosted the Tigers on Oct. 29. The cold and cloudy afternoon most likely prevented more students from attending the game, but a large crowd still showed up to cheer on the Colts.

Although there were many chances in the first half, neither team was able to get on the scoreboard before halftime. Fifteen minutes into the second half, however, Hills West would strike first. Junior Michael Blumenthal scored off a throw-in by senior Johnny Matzelle to put the Colts up 1-0. Northport's best chance to tie up the score came with about eight minutes to go. After a flurry in front of the net, sophomore goalkeeper Michael Primiano was able to preserve the lead with a diving save. With the crowd chanting down the final seconds of the game, Hills West moved on to the county quarterfinals.

Following an upset of the number six seeded Centerreach, the number eleven seeded North Babylon Bulldogs earned a spot in the quarterfinals against the colts. Just as in the previous game, the first half remained scoreless by both the Colts and their opponents. There was still no score late in the second half, and the game seemed destined for overtime. This all changed with 2:56 left in the game. A North Babylon forwards took a pass, drove towards the net, and put the ball past a diving Primiano for a goal.

In an attempt to tie it up and continue the season, all the Colts on the field were brought up to the offensive half of the field. This gave Hills West a few close chances, including a shot which went off the side of the net with just two minutes remaining. However, the Bulldogs defense held on and upset the Colts. North Babylon's key to the game was being able to limit the opportunities of Hills West senior Stefan Carter, Long Island's leading scorer this season.

Although it ended prematurely, the 2008 season can still be considered a year to remember. The Hills West Colts once again maintained the title of League Champions.

Most notably, Stefan Carter's prolific high school career came to an end. The Boston COllege bound-senior became the all-time Hills West leading scorer this past fall.