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POPSDemocracy Saves America's Reputation The great thing about America is not that we are a perfect country, but that we are always a redeemable one. We have a certain mercurial charm (not to mention idiosyncratic way of doing things) that somehow manages to bring us back from the brink. The world will never truly hate us, because we can and do change. And somehow, America has a knack for putting its best foot forward at just the right crucial moment. Roger Cohen, also, is a shining example of editorial journalism in an age of glib semi-literate rants. He takes in the whole world, and manages to make sense of it, noticing all the right details.
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POPSTaiwan's Interesting Democracy A democracy, you say? One where the people are concerned about the appearance of impropriety, you say? Impossible, I say, impossible! But it's true! And it's in Taiwan. They actually raise valid concerns about conflicts of interest in high government officials - before the corruption scandal, not after! How come we never thought of that? This blows a giant hole in the "Asian Values" argument, that dictatorship and corruption are inherent elements of "The Asian Mind" that cannot be changed. (Go suck on that one, Lee Kuan Yew!) But seriously, given the track record of the current Taiwanese first-lady, I would say it's better that Chow keeps her job, because this way she won't have to embezzle from the government when she wants to buy new earrings!
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POPSIn Defense of Caucusing
I am disappointed that nobody is making the obvious counterpoint to all of Hillary's sour grapes over the caucuses. As I see it, caucuses represent one of the best functions of democracy. Why? Because it entails community dialog. I think more voting should be done like this. If I vote privately, I don't have to think about what I'm doing, or its repercussions on the community, and I don't need to justify my decision. As a result, voting by ballot often becomes a selfish, isolated and disconnected experience. In a caucus you discuss your position with your friends and neighbors and, drawing on that communal wisdom, reach a consensus. Imagine if all voting were conducted this way? We would be a much more conscientious nation as a whole. However, this is specifically ill-suited to Hillary's "I'm right, to hell with you" vision of leadership. Perhaps she is losing caucuses because it is hard to justify voting for her. Anyway, Democracy always works better with free pizza!
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POPSA Misunderstanding of Democracy Mr. Dobson clearly misunderstands democracy, typical of many of his clique of evangelical conservatives. Our country is governed by the consent of the people, which also means by the consensus of those representing the people. It is not mere mob rule, and slim majorities cannot and should not be allowed to determine important policies. Just as the peculiar religious convictions of a vocal few should not over-ride the will of the majority of Americans, no matter how sanctimonious their proponents. Our system of checks and balances, though complicated and at times frustrating, is what keeps our nation from descending into a dictatorship of the proletariat. It is sad that his nuanced and praiseworthy understanding of this principle may cost John McCain votes, but on the other hand, who wants votes from the likes of Dobson to begin with? A Message for Dobson: If you don't like democracy, then leave America! (You aren't helping anyway!)
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POPSHow to Win the War on Terror This is the perfect evidence of what many people, myself included, have been saying all along. A muscular foreign policy approach only empowers extremists and terrorists. It gives them justification; it gives people reason to believe them. Why has democracy failed to take hold in Iraq? Why do the extreemists still control the country? Could it be directly linked to the US military presence that empowers the extremists? After all, in a time of war it is the most radical elements that are able to shout down the voices of reason. This also shows why an invasion of Iran, or military action against the country would be idiocy, and possibly suicide. When faced with an outside enemy, the Iranians are no different from Americans: they will unite to defend their country. If we attack Iran, the Iranians will unite against us, and we will only empower the most brutal element of society. As long as we fight against them, they will fight against us. When we stop fighting, progress begin
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POPSThe Cost of the Iraq War: A Pundit's Guilt This is a stark moment of humanity for Christopher Hitchens, who I must admit, is not always a lovable character. He has had to soberly (or, maybe not soberly!) face the consequences of his punditry. Political opinions do not exist in a vacuum. These are not simply ideas we are talking about. This nation is overwhelmed with flippant armchair strategists on both sides who have no real understanding of what is actually going on. The Iraq War isn't a failure of American ideals, it is a disaster of well-meaning ignorance.
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POPSInteresting turn of events at climate talks There are way too many facts and statistics that i'm too ignorant to understand, so i really can't weigh in on what specifically should happen here. But i do hope and believe that the world is getting much smarter about the energy we consume and it's affects on the environment. I definitely believe that the first third of the 21st century will be the energy revolution. New sources of power that are renewable, clean and more efficient. And new means to distribute that power via a brand new, state of the art, power grid. What was done for telecommunications at the end of the 20th century now needs to be done for the power industry.
5
POPSHugo Chavez walks the walk. The only other politician I've seen who really does act on their beliefs was Pepe Figures in Costa Rica. Consider this: even Paul Wellstone ran for another term! I gotta say, Chavez must have some REALLY strong beliefs, because when you are the defacto dictator of America's largest oil-producer, it's gotta be a tough blow to have to give it all up. Looking to the future, we'll soon see if Putin has the cojones grandes of Senor Chavez, or just the frijoles pequeñas of a petty dictator. I'm betting on the beans.
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POPSOops! Yahoo! could get me tortured! So apparently Yahoo! is named after the noise a journalist makes when the Chinese police break his arms in prison. Way to go you guys! Serriously, I don't know how these people sleep at night. I'll never use Yahoo mail and I don't suggest anyone else do it either. If they'll turn you over to the secret police in China, don't be surprised if they're willing to do it in your country too.
4
POPSExtremists and Democracy: Pakistan, Jordan and New Hampshire It's interesting to compare these perspectives from Pakistan, Jordan, and New Hampshire. The use of the word "extremism" is noteworthy. I just got back from a conference on Chinese-Middle-Eastern relations, and the diplomats from Israel, Egypt, Turkey, and Sudan all phrased their ideologies in terms of "moderates" battling "extremists." But doesn't this raise the question: does democracy inherently empower extremism? Consider not just New Hampshire and Iowa, but the general trend in American electoral politics? The party that becomes the most radicalized, the most extreme, normally is the one that succeeds in asserting it's agenda, and the party willing to compromise gets steam-rolled. Think of the Republican Revolution in the 1990s, or the current Democratic surge, or even the New Deal! Is it possible that democracy not only empowers extremists, but needs them in order to work? Is the centrist-democracy a myth?
6
POPSTalking Sense: An Alternative to Sanctions and Bombing These days it seems most people can only think in terms of either sanctions or bombing. If we cannot bomb them, then use sanctions; if we sanctions don't work, we must bomb! This is a horrific false dichotomy. Bombing and Sanctions are both barbaric and uncivilized. They hurt average people, and in the history of civilization, neither has proven particularly effective. A true diplomat thinks of ways to resolve problems through helping people, not hurting them. Diplomacy appeals to humanity, rather than brute appeals to force, be they military or economic. Bernard Kouchner is the first real diplomat I've seen in a long time. Hats off to you! This should also remind us that our plan to sanction/bomb Iran is totally futile and simply leading us down the garden path to our own destruction. Has America learned nothing from the way Bush manipulated us with Iraq? Why are people falling for the same trick again with Iran?
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POPSCuban Reactions to Bush's Condemnation It's hard to explain how out-of-touch the Bush administration and the right-wing in general is with the rest of the world. Bush was surprised that the Cubans didn't rise up when Castro retired, and wonders why the Islamic world rejects our "democracy" (so long as you elect a pro-American buisness leader) but he never thought to ask why? Why does he know so little about the rest of the world? Why do so many people hate the political principles he holds dear? Why has the rest of the world turned against America diplomatically under his leadership? Time to stop lying to ourselves. Now!
3
POPSThe Separation of Church and State and the Dinner Table This is very interesting, since Israel falls somewhere in between secular democracy and theocracy. Since the notion of the state is intrinsically linked to the religious identity (even when not practiced) this creates a unique dilemma when the interests of the state come into conflict with the interests of the faith. Perhaps this is the true threat to the "Two State" solution. Israel is becoming embroiled in economic and political struggles that undermine the ideology that lies at the bedrock of its foundation. Perhaps it is time to realize that a modern secular state simply cannot coexist with the demands of an official religious ideology. Look at Bush for another example: although he talks about his faith, he has done comparatively little to advance the Christian agenda. This should be of note for Christian Conservatives who dream of making America a Christian nation: in the context of Euro-American culture and politics, a religious state has become impossible.
9
POPSClueless On Cuba US foreign policy has long hinged on the rather shaky presumption that we are always right, and that those who disagree with us must be universally reviled. With such a perspective, Bush is no doubt very confused as to how someone like Fidel Castro could have maintained power, overlooking the fact that a lot of Cubans actually LIKE their communist government. Delusional egotism is no basis for foreign policy. Americans have an increasing reputation (since the beginning of the cold war) for being willfully out of touch with reality and utterly oblivious to inconvenient truths. Bush simply continues to prove that stereotype correct. The real danger lies in that we might soon apply the same naive optimism to a very dangerous war that we WILL lose in Iran. Sad to say, America is such a great nation, the only people who can destroy it are the Americans themselves. Unless we wise up and start taking the rest of the world seriously, we are doomed.
31
POPSThe Biggest Threat to the West Lies Within Itself, Not with Islam Simon Jenkins on threats to peace and democracy. This defeatism led the American Congress to allow its president to authorise torture and detention without trial in what Senator Robert Byrd called “the slow unravelling of the people’s liberties”. It enabled a British Home Office to curb free speech and habeas corpus. It arms police, fortifies buildings and impedes the free movement of citizens. It makes every Christian suspicious of every Muslim.
3
POPSCut, but Not Run for Gordon Brown Cut yes, Run no. It seems like a peculiarly British form of democracy that holds elections at the leisure of the elected officials. And isn't it in bad taste to dodge an election right as you are pushing a controversial agenda? Way to wuss out of an election Gordy. You just got my "Political Pansy of the Week" Award. Turns out he's just another spineless New-Labor nerd.
7
POPSBURMA NOW! This is the state of affairs in Myanmar - the following sites are but a few please explore the web many Burmese are our there raising their voices.
5
POPSProtests in Burma VIDEOS In case you've been wondering what its like on the ground over there here are some videos of the monks protests - followed by a clip BBC did on the topic. Its important to note that the military regime has long justified its rule through its heavy associations with the Buddhist Sangha (community), while the monks have not really been supporters of the Regime they've been forced into an awkward political position for quite some time now. For them to rise up in protest is perhaps the most potent symbolic attack upon the regime (and as seen as such by locals) - and has only happened on a few occasions before (like the big democracy movement between 1988-1990). In the past they've protested by turning over their alms bowls to military leaders (denying the leadership any merit) which would be analogous to say a pastor refusing to let a corrupt or violent politician into church (in protest).
2
POPSWhy the GOP Gerrymanders Better It should be an important question: why the GOP plays the political game of controlling our country better than the Democrats. One reason that occurs to me is elitism. These days the Grand Old Party is heavily entrenched in the milieu of the elite, or as Bush calls them, "his base." When placed in the uppermost echelons of any social body, it is easy to develop a distorted sense of entitlement. This mentality of elitism and entitlement is inherently resistant to the chaos of democracy and seeks to establish a predictable order in the system. Thus as long as there has been democracy in America, there have been those seeking to diminish it. Elbridge Gerry, for whom gerrymandering is named was a Founding Father who signed the Declaration of Independence. In the end, the question is not about left and right, or Democrat and Republican. The question is who has critical momentum at this point? The forces of order of the forces of reform?
1
POPSA Melancholy Bush Legacy Although opinions may very, I personally don't think Bush will have any significant legacy at all. Most of his best ideas were either glib comments in State of the Union addresses (Hydrogen Cars, Mars etc.) or things he talked about but never followed through on (the promised funding for AIDS research and even some assistance to 9/11 victims has yet to actually be allocated.) Empty promises may be impressive now, but they won't be in a hundred years when the rhetoric has faded. So what will people say of Bush once he has passed out of living memory? Conservatives seem to cling to him as a symbol of the strength of their ideas, because he won't compromise and doesn't blink when he continues to push the conservative agenda against mounting popular opposition. But he won't be a conservative rallying cry forever. What actual achievements will last in the record of history?
3
POPSDemocracy and War: From deTocqueville to Pepe Figueres I was thinking about Pepe Figueres the other day, and wondering if war was our destiny because we lacked the courage to disarm ourselves. For reference, the opening quote is from Alexis deTocqueville's Democracy In America, Book II Chapter 22 (I couldn't clip the title, but the whole book is on this website! Super cool, and useful for finding or checking that deTocqueville quote that's right on the tip of your tongue. The site also has a clever bit about how politicians have miss-attributed numerous deTocqueville quotes.)
6
POPSIslam, Turkey, and Why We Should Be Worried... By "Centers of Evil" General Buyukanit is referring to the likely future president of his country, as well as the majority of their parliament. Now I know that calling a President evil has become kinda banal lately for most Americans, but I think this guy sounds like he means business. (Although what 'evil' means to a secularist is up for grabs, I guess!) What will the US do? On the one hand we might fall into the old pattern of supporting a military coup over an inconvenient democratic election. (We've done it before... a lot!) This would just re-confirm for the rest of the world their belief that America is anti-democratic and imperialistic. It would send a disastrous message to the Afghans and Iraqis, forever damaging our ability to convince them that we are not invaders. What is more, it would confirm for many that the US is anti-Islamic. But on the other hand, does anyone have the political stones to embrace and protect an Islamic Democracy?
5
POPSThe Armor of Justice and the Totalitarian State This is more fun from the libertarians at the Mises Institute. Well worth a read. Is not democracy a controlled and formalized form of anarchy? (Or at least, it must be the greatest step towards decentralizing power yet taken by mankind.) In such a state the role of the theory of justice and the concept of natural rights becomes very important. Attempting to balance Machiavellian moral equations in the absence of such core moral conceptions inevitably leads to the dehumanization of the citizens by their own government. As many seek to persuade us to give up our rights in exchange for security we must wonder if we are not in fact giving up both!
10
POPSRupert Murdoch Loves The Communist Chinese Government Does politics really make strange bedfellows? Is it so odd that Murdoch should support another corrupt, brutal and authoritarian goverment? We should read this and ask ourselves: what is it that Rupert Murdoch and his ilk really believe in? Are they really conservatives or simply autocrats mascarading behind a "small government" agenda? What is meant by "small" anyway? From one angle, the smallest government possible is a single dictator, while the largest government possible is a democracy where everyone holds equal share in the governance of their society.
6
POPSIs China Developing? This raises the next important question: is China's economic growth real or just a neo-liberal fantasy? Friedman and others have said that China is catching up to the US, but is that really the case? Certainly, they are making money, but without a free and dynamic society, it seems to me that it will be impossible for China to ever take the lead. It will continue to make money as the world's factory for a bit, but eventually it will become to expensive and the jobs will move elsewhere. To survive that transition, (which even America is struggling with right now) the country will have to step forward with innovations and new ideas of their own. I don't believe China is ready to do this, nor will it be in the forseeable future. Thus, the idea of a "flat" world is a dangerous day dream. China's rapid development is a siren song luring the greedy but not savy into an investment disaster.
10
POPSIs India really developing? This raises an important question: is India developing or just getting richer? Foreign Affairs called it "a roaring capitalist success story" but I wonder if that's accurate. As I understand it, capitalism is about free and open competition in a fair marketplace. How can there be true competition when half the population (or more) lives in abject poverty. I would call this "mercantilism" not capitalism. If you ask me, the gap between rich and poor is anti-competitive, it insulates and entrenches the extremely wealthy, and thus erodes the dynamic elements of competition that are necessary for capitalism to function properly. Just because someone operates for profit doesn't make them a capitalist. Just because a country is making money right now doesn't make them a success. (We should also be asking these same questions about China. The long-term Growth potential we dream of in these countries may be limited by their failure to develop a middle class.)
11
POPSOn War and Rhetoric: From Hungary to Iraq It has always been striking how Bush has used similar rhetoric to imperialist dicataorships when rationalizing the war in Iraq and lionizing himself. This is no where more alarming then when the obliviously echoes the rehetoric of the Soviet Union and its invasion of Hungary in justifying his own invasion of Iraq. The Soviets and Bush would no doubt hate each other, but there is a common strain in their ideology: they are all true believers, who have convinced themselves that they can do no wrong. Can a country remain a democracy even as its leaders talk like dictators?
2
POPSNo Special Treatment for Paris Hilton: Democracy Lives! The core principle of democracy: that we are all equal partners in the governance of our country on the basis of our intrinsic human worth, not on accumulated power and wealth, is a principle constantly under siege. When a cute, famous, and outlandishly wealthy blond gets released from prison when in the same situation I would have to stay, that errodes the fundamentals of our society. I had promissed myself I wouldn't clip this Paris Hilton garbage, but Judge Michael T. Sauer deserves a medal as citizen of the year for using his power to enforce the principle of equal treatment under the law, even for Paris Hilton.
10
POPSThe Next Crisis: PAKISTAN - Musharraf is losing his grip... Although I can appreciate what he is trying to do... simultaneously keep both the US and Al Qaeda from bombing his country, I think Musharraf is loosing his grip. A lot of these scenes seem very familiar. I watched them happen in Nepal as King Gyanendra struggled, and ultimately failed, to keep control of Nepal. Musharraf's government feels very close to a dangerous tipping point. This should be a big concern for everybody, because the results will leave no one unaffected. Making sure Pakistan remains stable and progressive should be a first-class diplomatic priority for all of the world.
8
POPSDemocracy at work: Unity in Contempt Just as Clinton galvanized the GOP into the unified organization that took back congress, and then the white house, Bush now does the same for the left. So it's time for the pendulum to swing the other way... ...and you can't even get off it, even if you get dizzy!
3
POPSObservations on Democracy & Despotism: Thai Mai Rak Thai! Once again, we see a leader use democracy to gain autocratic power. We see a man claim to love his country but instead use his power only for his own beniffit. How can we improve a democratic system in a practical way so that it will be less subject to these kind of manipulations.
3
POPSIraq is more than just an election issue! At this point we really should be asking ourselves: what is the real objective of the Bush administration? Is he actually trying to win the war? Or simply trying to keep it going until he is out of office? Isn't the troop surge perfect evidence of this? The new strategy amounts to nothing more than simply committing more men and material to the problem without a significant re-evaluation of our overall strategy, or its shortcomings. Unfortunately, the impractical Democrat bill on spending, and their quick retreat from that position also seems to suggest that many Democrats think that an ongoing war in Iraq might be a convenient election issue next year. I will vote for no candidate who plays politics while people's lives are on the line.
7
POPSThe Danger of Single Party Rule This brings to fruition the threat that Japan's political stagnation has always posed. The LDP (Even though they are called Liberal Democrats, they are the conservative party in Japan) has controlled the Japanese government for all but six months of the last 52 years (since their Constitution was approved in 1955) Now, they take steps to advance their own militaristic agenda without the checks and balances of internal debate, and a healthy multi-party system. Pay close attention: many 20th century dictatorships have sprung from democracies. The militarization of an unopposed ruling party is always a very alarming event.
7
POPSDemocracy Inaction This does raise an interesting question, namely, does voting make a government Democratic? Consider Japan, which is heavily jerrymandered, and the entire political process has been engineered to promote incumbents. Despite regular voting, the same party (the LDP) has controlled the country for all but about 6 months of the last 50 years. And what of America, where far less than half the eligible voters participate in elections? Can we say that it is truly a democracy if none of the people vote? In fact, we should be very worried about the existence of a "Voting Class," and be very concerned about what are the social characteristics of the large group of people who do not vote. To write them off as slackers dismisses the inequities that are alarmingly inherent in our society.
1
POPSOn Appeasement and Democracy This poll represents a very interesting trend. It would appear to signify a major shift in the prevailing ideological winds of the American Right. It eerily echoes the concerns heard on the left during the 2004 Primary, where in candidates perceived as "Radical" (Howard Dean) were eventually pushed to the back, while John Kerry was eventually nominated because people thought "he could beat Bush." They myth of the middle was a strategy Republicans exploited for years, frightening Democrats out of taking a stand by demanding moderation. The truth is elections are governed by passion. (Perhaps this is why so few Senators win the Presidency.) A candidate who stands up passionately for what their party believes will win. When they pick a candidate with the other party in mind, how can they expect to generate the kind of energy that they need to win? By picking a candidate who they don't agree with just because they think Democrats will vote for them, the Republicans have already lost.
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