Summary: We watch the campaign to learn about the candidates. But we too are a key part of the game. We help set its rules, style, and form. It reveals much about us, and the New America now under construction on the ruins of the America-that-once-was. During the 1960 campaign against Nixon someone had asked …
Our choice of a leader reflects our true self. What does 2012 tell about America? Read More »
Summary: Americans today are easily led by fear, as our leaders well know. Commies and Islamo-whatevers under the bed. Global warming.  Alar on apples (see Wikipedia).  Repetition makes it so, the secret to successful propaganda. Today we look at at a favorite of conservatives seeking political advantage:   inflation (scary even if imaginary). See the links at the end …
Inciting fear of inflation in our minds for political gain (we are easily led) Read More »
From the transcript of American Morning, CNN, 17 May 2010: CAROL COSTELLO: Sarah Palin is back in the spotlight taking the stage in Phoenix this weekend with Arizona’s Governor Jan Brewer (R). Both women have a message for the man in the White House. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) PALIN: It’s time for Americans across this great …
Two contrasting views of the Republican Party Read More »
Exhibit 1 Excerpt from “Just Like Ike (on Deterrence)“, Campbell Craig (Pro of international politics at Aberystwyth U), op-ed in the New York Times, 8 April 2010 IN the spring of 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower made a sweeping change in the American approach to nuclear war. Henceforth, the United States would rule out waging nuclear …
Summary: Does the American government retain the consent of the American people?  What does that mean? The possibility of hard times ahead makes these theoretical questions of great practical importance. Polling data shows widespread dissatisfaction. Glenn Reynolds gives one interpretation, suitable for a nation for whom “it’s not my fault” has become the national mantra.  But perhaps we should …
Does the US government have the American people’s consent to govern? Read More »
