Graham Paragraph

"The View from E-Street"

Herbert Block better known as “Herblock” was a cartoonist for the Washington Post for the second half of the twentieth century. From the Post’s E Street offices, Herblock describes his perspective of DC. The district’s history of segregation, the inefficiencies of government, and the lack of federal representation for district citizens are all mentioned. His list of grievances should not be misinterpreted as pessimism. The essay mentions the progress and improvements that affected not just the district but the nation. I share this sense of patriotic scrutiny with Herblock. During hard times, many people express their discontent regarding the state of the nation. The population’s failure to be satisfied with the status quo is what fuels the pursuit of ‘a more perfect union.’ Washington is a very imperfect place but for all its shortcomings, the government still functions exceptionally well because it allows motivated groups to improve it.