As we all know, the integration of a new president has brought about new laws, bills, and even some controversial tariffs that have impacted many people’s day-to-day activities. As a current senior at PHS affected by these tariffs, I wanted to find out if I was alone in this or if others at my school felt the same way.

First, I interviewed a fellow classmate who chose to remain anonymous. In response to Question 1, which asked if he watches the news, he replied that he “doesn’t watch the news but follows it through different forms of media, so he is still well-informed.” Question 2 asked if he gets involved with politics; his answer was, “Yes, because of our current president. I don’t agree with some of his decisions.” For Question 3, which inquired about his opinion on the new bills and laws recently passed, he expressed that he was “concerned and worried about the future.” Question 4 asked what new laws, bills, or tariffs affect him, to which he said the new tariffs on everything not produced in the United States and the new immigration laws. When asked if he agrees with how the government is currently operating, he replied, “No, because prices have gone up on everything.”

The second person I chose to speak to was a teacher whose identity will remain confidential. For Question 1, asking if he or she watches the news, the answer was, “Yes, occasionally, to stay up to date with things happening around us.” Question 2 inquired if they get involved with politics, and their response was, “Yes, I attend school board meetings to discuss subjects I don’t agree with or to support topics that help improve the community.” For Question 3, regarding their feelings about the new bills, laws, and tariffs, they said, “I’m okay with them for now; we’ll just have to wait and see how they play out over time.” When asked if they agree with how the government is currently running things, they replied, “Sorta, because it has dramatically changed the stock market. Both sides don’t agree with each other, and they want whichever side they’re on to dominate, which isn’t a fair exchange of power between both sides.”

The last person I interviewed was a staff member from Pasco High School. For Question 1, asking if they watch the news, the answer was, “Sometimes; I prefer to stay in touch with local news, since national news is often more sensitive.” Question 2 asked if they get involved with politics, to which they responded, “Yes, I vote and express multiple opinions at school board meetings.” Question 3 inquired how they feel about the new bills, laws, and tariffs, and they stated they feel overwhelmed by them because they are hurting the American economy more than helping it. Lastly, when asked if they agree with how the government is operating, they responded, “No, I believe the government isn’t working for the citizens, but rather for those in power and wealth.”