There exists an interesting dilemma in democratic society involving a citizenry’s ability to make intelligent decisions in how society should be governed. Kay Lehman Schlozman explores this at some length in her piece “Vox Populi: Public Opinion and the Democratic Dilemma,” namely how democratic societies find an appropriate balance between governance based on citizen preferences … Continue reading
The 52nd State
Now that Puerto Rico might break our 53-year streak of a 50-state Union, who should bear the torch as the proverbial 52nd state? I suggest the Mariana Islands. Most of you are asking, “But James, where is that?” This is an island chain in the Pacific currently made up of two political entities you may … Continue reading
Handicapping 2016: the Republicans
With the 2012 election mere weeks in the rear-view mirror, many would say it’s too soon to begin talking about 2016, and they’re right. But I’m going to do it anyway. Why? Well, because I’m bored and because 2016 looks like it may finally be some Republican light at the end of a long, long … Continue reading
Cult of Uncertainty: The Catalytic Hysteria Surrounding the Fiscal Cliff in Europe
The attention surrounding the Fiscal Cliff has escalated it from an issue of domestic panic to international concern. While the direct impact of the event involves strictly domestic policies, the resulting uncertain economic forecast stateside has created detrimental consequences for European markets that are reliant on the United States for trade. The suggested calamity results … Continue reading
Fast Food, Obesity, and Marketing to Children
Why are fast food chains so prominent in the United States? One answer is that Americans love to buy a well-marketed product. Heck, we love to buy any product. Fast Food also supports convenience and efficiency that we anxious and busy Americans so dearly appreciate. Lastly, America houses an “on-the-go” culture in which the drive-through … Continue reading
Is Egypt the next Iran?
Recent events in Egypt are reawakening the discontent that ended in the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak. Last Thursday, November 22, newly elected President Mohamed Morsi declared that Egypt’s courts cannot overturn decisions he’s made since entering office in June or over the next six months, nor can they alter the makeup or work of … Continue reading
Tax Expenditures: Why the GOP should Abandon Grover Norquist
The impending American debt crisis has almost nothing to do with taxes. If the Democrats get their way on the expiration of the high-end Bush tax cuts, roughly $65 Billion in revenue would be raised (assuming that this tax increase would have zero negative effect on economic growth – a disputable point, to be sure). … Continue reading
The Land of the Free
According to a recent Gallup poll, Americans have started to remember what our country was founded on. The United States of America was created to be a place of freedom and liberty, separate from tyranny and oppressive monarchs. It was built on the expectation of limited government, and the opportunity for individuals to build the … Continue reading
Our Healthcare Isn’t As Bad As We Think
The other day, I encountered this tweet by a Swedish pop band: If you would need to go to the doctor in sweden, remember to exagerate your condition x 10, otherwise they wont help u. — Lo-Fi-Fnk (@LOFIFNKOFFICIAL) November 13, 2012 I was then led to reflect on the attitude many Americans take when comparing … Continue reading
The National Debt: Ranking the Presidents
In the first part of this series on the history of the national debt, we looked at what factors caused the national debt to grow or shrink in the short-term. This week, we will take a step back and focus on how successive presidential administrations have affected the national debt over time. As we discovered … Continue reading
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