The United States is the world's premier democracy, so how does it stand up? Nowhere other than in democracy can you find such legal devotion to the ideals of equality and opportunity, but as it is pointed out in The Politics of Power, that legality does not guarantee your equality or opportunity (Katznelson, Kesselman, and Draper 6). The shadow of capitalism, long a partner of democracy here in America, looms long and dark, and, when poorly regulated, its ability to stifle opportunity are undeniable. Large disparities between classes exist; the richest 20 percent of the nation makes 12 times as much as the poorest 20 percent, and while it is possible to consider that money is not the key to happiness, the upper tiers of society live longer, healthier lives, as well (3).
Another unmistakable factor in contemporary American politics is the omnipresence of money. Money means everything in the politician's game nowadays, and it takes the citizen out of the picture. Once that happens, what does democracy even mean anymore? As Katznelson, Kesselman, and Draper put it, politics has become a spectator sport (12).
Thomas Hobbes once warned that democracy creates a situation where political apathy runs rampant through the masses, which then undermines the sense that politicians have for the common good; the result being that many politicians then become demagogues, manipulating the people and creating detriments for the state. That was a theoretical problem posed in the 16th century, but the problem is very much real today--particularly in that not only is there political apathy, but political ignorance, as well. In America, almost anyone over the age of 18 can vote, and it is largely true that the people do not know what is good for the nation, especially when political discourse is embroiled in bipartisan wars.
At what level of the American institution of government is reform necessary?
What can be done to make our system more conducive to progress?
Peer review of your blog:
ReplyDeleteI chose to review Bennet Meyers’ blog, http://discoursepolitic.blogspot.com/. With the exception that it was missing the most recent post, I found it to be the only blog that I was actually interested in reading, so kudos! It is very clear that this blog is for a class, being that it is professional and academic, but it isn’t boring.
I think the main strength of this blog is its professionalism. I really enjoyed the fact that this blog did not have any glaring typos or grammatical errors like many of the other ones I looked at. This blog kept me interested in the topic, while also presenting many good points in an academic voice. I liked this person drew their reader in with the opening sentence, “Democracy is a rather slippery beast.”
I think the main improvement that could be made to this blog is the addition of some images or things like video and political cartoons. The requirements for our blogs do say to add things like that for each posting, and I think that they would be an excellent edition to this blog. Also, I would like to see their critical questions bolder and/or clearer/easier to find. They should make sure they have all of the postings up to date, and add citations. (There are citations in text, but no bibliography to refer to at the end of the post). This person mentioned something from the text at one point, but it was my understanding that we were to have 3 citations from the text and 1 outside source. Where are these?
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this blog. It provided me with new information about the topic while also keeping me engaged. It could be improved by keeping current, and by the edition of some images and other things. Citations should be added as well as up to date posts and the clarification of their critical questions. Great job, keep on bloggin’!
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ReplyDeleteI chose Mr. Bennet Meyers’ blog to review because I found a certain cynicism and intelligence behind his writing. I believe that Mr. Meyers sees beyond what conventional thinking affords most American citizens. Throughout his blog I found an enlightened perception of contemporary events coupled with good research behind his arguments. Overall I think that the blog showcases Mr. Meyers awareness over the current political climate and how ridiculous our American governmental system really is.
ReplyDeleteI think that the greatest strength the blog has is it’s language. The verbiage used not used with a sense of arrogance nor is he obviously a teenager using the newest iteration of Microsoft’s synonym tool. I found that the quotes he used were well placed properly cited and relevant to the argument.
I can only hope to be as insightful and professional with my expressions throughout this course.
The only areas I found that could be improved was the inclusion of better art or links to fun political websites. I find that intelligent messages conveyed through comedy can influence more people then through conventional communication.
Overall I found that Mr. Bennet Meyers’ blog was insightful, intelligent and fun to read. It proves to me that he has a good awareness of what is really happening in America and that the media machine hasn’t affected him like so many other people in college. His blog showcases his skill with language and more importantly is fun to read. Much more so then the other blogs I read from our other classmates.
Peer Review
ReplyDeleteAgain, in looking for a blog to review the url address grabbed my attention. Pulling the definition of “discourse” from online it states the “formal, and orderly, and usually extended expression of thought on a subject.” The blog does have a clear “mission.” I had a hard time coming up with a good url address.
The blog’s strength other than aesthetic (because I do like the color, and style) is the addition of current event “The Happenings.” Adding the links to things going on in the world is a definite plus for example “Egypt needs an economic revolution - and the ” is fantastic. I have been glued to everything “Egypt.” I find it absolutely fascinating that a country wants democracy so bad, something that we in the US take for granted. Adding the links makes the page someplace to go for additional content.
Things that could use some strengthening are there seems to be some numbering (3) to cite references that aren’t posted; and maybe some addition of pictures. However, I have not been able to add pictures myself so I have a hard time critiquing something which I cannot figure out. And it is still early in the semester so there is plenty of time to “flesh out” the blog.
In conclusion the blog is very well done. The postings are well thought out, and I like Bennett’s point of view. The overall concept achieves the desired result.