As President Barack Obama completed his first 100 days in office, he faced the unenviable task of calming the fears of a nation torn by war and economic turmoil, while convincing people he has the answers they need.

Few would dispute the United States is cresting a new horizon. However, is the country's new direction a march toward Utopia or a slippery slide in the direction of Socialism? Both nationally and locally, opinions are as diverse as they are strong.

In an April 14 piece, Most Americans OK with Big Government, at least for now, USA Today writer Susan Page said, "In (a) USA Today poll, solid majorities support administration programs that direct money close to home, including aid to struggling homeowners, school districts and road-building projects. But they oppose the plans to bail out banks and automakers...Views are mixed and sometimes conflicting. Support for temporarily nationalizing banks that are struggling has increased in recent weeks - the public is now evenly divided- but there's no increased support for a government-run health care system. Fifty percent say the government "is trying to do too much"; 42 percent say it should be doing more."

The debate over the size and scope of the federal government is as old as the nation itself. U.S. presidents have dramatically sought to increase its power (both Roosevelts, Lyndon Johnson) and some wanted to make significant cuts (Calvin Coolidge, Ronald Reagan). Regardless, a new crisis will inevitably force many to examine their preconceived notions.

In a February 7 Newsweek cover story, We Are All Socialists Now, Jon Meacham and Evan Thomas said, "The answer may indeed be more government. In the short run, since neither consumers nor business is likely to do it, the government will have to stimulate the economy. And in the long run, an aging population and global warming and higher energy costs will demand more government taxing and spending."

Of course, for those who advocate smaller government, such rhetoric is quite disturbing. This was seen vividly on tax deadline day, April 15, when a national network of "Tea Parties" staged protests in more than 800 cities throughout the country. Drawing on the heroic imagery of the 1773 tea tax revolt in Boston Harbor, these activists sought to show their displeasure with excessive taxation and spending. While the movement's effectiveness remains to be seen, the passion and dedication of the participants was difficult to dispute.

East Tennesse, a generally conservative region, certainly has critics of the president. According to the Knoxville Police Department, the local Tea Party drew roughly 1,700 people. Nonetheless, there still seems to be an attitude of cautious optimism.

"As far as the economic downturn goes, Knoxville has certainly felt it, but not as bad as the nation as a whole," Garrett Wagley, director of communications and government relations for the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, said. "The stimulus money coming to Oak Ridge is great news to our local economy. There are millions of stimulus dollars going to Oak Ridge for research purposes. That has great potential for the local economy."

Even so, local charitable organizations have shown some reservation. According to Ben Landers, executive director of the Greater Knoxville United Way, "There was a proposal to limit the amount that people could deduct from their taxes. That was a concern of many non-profits. To my knowledge, that has not made it through Congress, but that was our biggest worry."

Ultimately, only time will reveal the impact of Obama's plan. While he continues to enjoy high approval ratings, his opposition continues to steadily organize. Regardless, we are undoubtedly witnessing a historic moment for our nation which will provoke discussion and debate for decades.