American Politics

(and Public Policy)

Books

The Parable of the Tribes: The Problem of Power in Social Evolution, see the "Epilogue to Book I: Power and Choice in Our Time" for a discussion of the difficulty for American policy makers of holding in their minds both the bitterness and the truth of the bitter truth that the world is an arena for the struggle for power.

The Illusion of Choice: How the Market Economy Shapes Our Destiny, see Chapter 4, Reining in the Market, as well as the last section "Getting Hold of the Steering Wheel" at the end of Chapter 10.

Op-Ed Articles

"Dishonest Politics, A Mirror of Ourselves," published, Christian Science Monitor, 12/96. Text of piece

We blame our politicians for their dishonesty with us, but the fact is that it is we, the American people, who determine that only those leaders who tell us what we want to hear, not those who give us straight talk, who will get our votes and thus be allowed to hold public office.

"People Who Live in Glass Houses," published, Baltimore Sun, 10/22/96. Text of piece

An argument shows that the Republican complaint about union dues being spent for political purposes not agreed to by every union member applies equally to the use of corporate money being used for political purposes not agreed to by every shareholder.

"Political Opportunism or Political Strategy?" unpublished, 1996. Text of piece

With a political leader --Bill Clinton, for example-- it can be very difficult to tell whether his compromises are merely opportunistic or constitute a strategy the better, ultimately, to serve principle. Even for the politician himself it may become difficult to know.

"Searching for a Level Playing Field," published, Christian Science Monitor, 4/4/95. Text of piece

Both sides of the affirmative action debate have their blind spots.

"Why Clinton is Hated," published, Christian Science Monitor, 11/1/94. Text of piece

An interpretation of the source of the virulence with which President Clinton is hated by many on the right.

"Time to Close the Door," published, Baltimore Sun, 9/28/93.

For environmental reasons --both national and global-- having to do with the problem of overpopulation and its impact on the earth, and not for the kinds of selfish and bigoted reasons that have usually underlay opposition to immigration, the United States should now substantially close the door to further immigration.

"A Virginian Ponders His Senate Choices," published, Christian Science Monitor, summer, 1994. Text of piece

Setting aside the nature of Oliver North's political positions, what we know about North's character is sufficient reason for me to prefer any of the other possibilities for the Virginia Senate seat being contested in the 1994 elections.

"Family Leave: Give Us a Break," published Baltimore Sun, approx. 1991. Text of piece

Uses the upcoming veto by President Bush of family leave legislation to deplore how resistant Americans are to looking at other places in the world for new ideas and for evidence of how they might work here.

"The Problem with the Process," published, Baltimore Sun, 1991. Text of piece

A look at the root problem underlying the ugliness of the judicial confirmation process: the nomination of judges has become more ideological, and because the Senate seems to feel that it is not entitled to refuse to confirm on ideological grounds, the opposition becomes mired in unseemly scandal-mongering.

"Imagine Peristroika in America," publishing history uncertain Text of piece

A call for America, at the successful conclusion of the cold war, not to indulge itself in mere self-congratulation but rather to look at the ways that our own ways of conducting our political economy might be usefully reconfigured. Contrary to those who say that our system represents the "end of history," there are various ways in which we are living beyond our means, and undermining our own future.

"Let Them Eat Hate," publishing history uncertain. Text of piece

A critique of the cynical manipulation of African-American opinion by the backers of the Clarence Thomas nomination, and by the nominee himself.

Radio Shows

"In Praise of the Private Financing of Public Elections," broadcast, Monitor Radio, 1995. Text of piece

A piece satirizing those who oppose the public financing of elections.

"The Virtues of Citizenship," began broadcast call-in conversation on WSVA Radio, 1996. Text of piece

Getting beyond all the blaming of government for the difficulties in our political system, what are the responsibilities of us as citizens, and how well are we fulfilling them?

"In our Politics, is it 'Vox Populi' (Voice of the People) or 'Money Talks'?" began broadcast, call-in conversation on WSVA Radio, 1995. Text of piece

Frames a discussion of the role of money in American politics, and its erosion of the democratic process.

"The Proper Role of Government," began broadcast call-in conversation on WVSA Radio, late 1994.

Lays out questions for a discussion of the question: What role should government play in American society today?

"Schooling Issues," began broadcast call-in conversation on WSVA Radio, 1995. Text of piece

Let's talk about what our schools are (and should be) teaching our kids, and how they are (and should be) teaching it.

See also: "Some Passions of Mine You May or May Not Share," under "Social Justice."

"'Vox Populi' or 'Money Talks'?" under "Social Justice"

"Sacrifice" under "Contempoary Moral Culture"