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About this Blog

During the semester, I shall post course material and students will comment on it. Students are also free to comment on any aspect of American politics, either current or historical. There are only two major limitations: no coarse language, and no derogatory comments about people at the Claremont Colleges. This blog is on the open Internet, so post nothing that you would not want a potential employer to see. Syllabus: http://gov20h.blogspot.com/2023/08/draft-introduction-to-american-politics.html

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Supreme Court Stays Execution

Tonight the Supreme Court granted a stay on an execution that was supposed to take place tonight in Mississippi. In January the Supreme Court will see a case regarding the constitutionality of lethal injection, and they granted a stay on the execution until that decision is made. This decision obviously signals to lower courts to put a hold on executions until the January decision is made.
Does this mark a turn away from capital punishment? I have a hard time believing that the Supreme Court, with its current political majority, will vote against the use of lethal injection...

The article can be found here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/31/washington/31execute.html?hp

Republicans Losing Support

According to an Oct. 6 Rassmussen Poll, the trends Governor Schwarzenegger referred to in his Sept. 19 speech can be seen very clearly.

If the Congressional Election were held today, 48% of American voters say they would vote for the Democrat in their district and 36% would opt for the Republican. While that’s a bit closer than last months 18-point advantage, it’s the third straight month Nancy Pelosi’s Party has enjoyed a double-digit lead.

While Democrats lead among all age groups, their biggest advantage remains among the young. Among those under 30, Democrats lead by a 62% to 30% margin. They also have a five-point edge among white voters along with an enormous lead among minority voters.

The 48% support this month and 50% support last month have been the highest levels enjoyed by the Democrats this year. Prior to reaching these past two months, support for Democrats had stayed in the 45% to 47% range for six consecutive monthly surveys.

Though the reason for this erosion cannot be reduced to a single cause, but many in the news media mirror Schwarzenegger's analysis.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Stephen Dubner blogged about a recent study on party affiliations at a local level at the NY Times Freakonomics blog.

Using empirical data, two Wharton economists found that party affiliation does not correlate with spending, crime rates, etc. at a local level (of course, this doesn't apply to national politics).

The study can be found here.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Bush and Arnold Working Together

I found this article in the New York times and I thought it was interesting. It discusses how Bush and Arnold worked together to deal with the current fires in southern California. Also, there is a quote from Pitney in it! So of course I had to share...

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/26/us/26bush.html

Where's the Party?

In the United States, there is no such thing as a unitary political party. As we shall discuss, "party" can mean the party in the electorate, party organizations, and party in government. Federalism, bicameralism, and the separation of powers further complicate the picture.

There are different approaches to party strategy and tactics. Governor Schwarzenegger recently made a case for the pragmatic "big tent" approach. (You can skip the first four minutes, a litany of thanks to other politicians.) On the Democratic side, Markos Moulitsas (founder of the Daily Kos) has argued for a more ideological approach. Note that each qualified his remarks, with Schwarzenegger nodding toward "values" and Kos mentioning the need to accommodate regional differences. For written alternatives to each view, see the text of the speech by Tom McClintock (Schwarzenegger's nominal running mate in 2006) and an article by Al From and Bruce Reed, the mavens of Democratic moderation.

Where'

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Michelle Malkin on the Need for Campaign Money Reform, and Wild Fire Derrangement Syndrome

Very classy response to the diaper donors and shaddy Chinese money. She also talks about the mainstream media's love of Gotcha politics.

I've been a huge fan of Malkin's since Hotair.com went up. (She's blogged about some of the stuff I've sent her.)

By the way, could anyone tell me how to upload videos from Youtube onto Blogger?

Many thanks.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Israel, Syria clash over "North Korean style" nuclear facility

While the Turkish raids were meant to be dominating the news Wednesday, Israel managed to steal the show again.  According to a report written by David Albright of the Institute for Science and International Security, Israel may have destroyed a "North Korean style" nuclear facility in Syria during an airstrike Sept. 6.  Speculation that the attacks were on "nuclear facilities" had begun earlier this month in the New York Times and the Washington Post, but it was not until today that any expert of official would put his or her name behind the accusation

Though Iran, Iraq and North Korea were dominating the nuclear news for a few years, Syria may have been on its way to becoming the next rogue nuclear state.  Of course, all Syrian officials have denied that the photos showed a reactor, but let us not forget that Syria is one of the three countries that the State Department added to the "Axis of Evil."

Israel has remained quiet about the airstrike for over a month.  The only official statement indicated that an Israeli aircraft struck a target deep inside Syria.  All of the details remain classified and Israel remains quiet.

Within the next month, Syria the International Atomic Energy Agency should announce its analysis of the imagery, but until then we can only wonder:  Did we miss the weapons of mass destruction by just a few hundred miles?

Interest Group Politics

One example of a 501(c)(3) is the American Council on Education. Also see the sidebar on related groups.

NOW is actually a conglomerate of groups.

Data on 527 groups are here.

The Armenian National Committee of America is a good example of what Huntington calls a "diaspora interest group." It has recently had some friction with the Anti-Defamation League over the Armenian Genocide.

A follow up to my in-class commentary..

I have found on Real Clear Politics an excellent global warming article which highlights scientific research and opinions ignored or invalidated by the media. Definitely worth a read, here are some of my favorite excerpts:

"In "An Inconvenient Truth," Gore says that "sea levels worldwide would go up 20
feet." But the group that shared last week's Nobel Prize, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, says in a hundred years, the oceans might rise 7 to 24 inches."


"[W]hile man's greenhouse gasses may increase warming, it's not certain
that man caused it. The most impressive demonstration in Gore's movie is the big
graph of carbon-dioxide levels, which suggests that carbon levels control
temperature. But the movie doesn't tell you that the carbon increases came after
temperatures rose, hundreds of years later"

Monday, October 22, 2007

Kurdish are Terrorist-ish

A group of Kurdish militants have been raiding Turkey, but another Kurdish group has also been invading Iran as well. Although they identify themselves with different names (P.K.K. fight turkey; P.J.A.K. fight Iran), they essentially seem to be the same. Nevertheless, according to the article, "In Iraq, Conflict on a Second Kurdish Front" in the New York Times:

Guerrilla leaders said the Americans classify the P.K.K. as a terrorist group because it is
fighting Turkey, an important American ally, while the P.J.A.K. is not labeled as such because
it is fighting Iran.

Is U.S. interest the ultimate determinant when labeling terrorism? Should the U.S. be consistent when fighting terrorism, or should it just look out for itself? Is there a possibility that the U.S. is secretly cooperating with P.J.A.K.?

The guerrillas are also interesting since Americans usually associate terrorism with ideology opposed to American values. The Kurdish militants reject Islamic fundamentalism and promote women's rights. But I guess their support of "scientific socialism" wouldn't garner them much sympathy from Americans.

What do you think?

Kasparov on Putin

Kasparov talked about Putin and Putin's fascist coalition. He sees the cracks forming, but still worries about his own security. The irony is that the only way to get his word out is through US and European TV. He is tired of the state-run media, understandably.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Victory for Bobby Jindal!

Despite all the racism and sectarianism that the Democratic Party tried to play up, Bobby Jindal dominated the 12-way race with 53% of the vote.

The race is significant for America politics for several reasons:
  1. Jindal won in a heavily Democratic state that tolerates corruption, defeatism, and cronyism.
  2. Jindal, at 36, is now the youngest governor in the country.
  3. Jindal is the son of Indian immigrants and his victory puts down the age-old lie of the Democratic party -- that the GOP is just a club for old, white men.
I have long had this theory about how the future of the G.O.P. will be with Asian-Americans, who facing increasing discrimination from the Democratic party and the diversity crowd, will join up with the rest of the G.O.P's pro-business, pro-family wing. Americans of Asian descent are the second fastest growing ethnicity, one of the wealthiest, and one of the most politically unaligned in the U.S. and the G.O.P. has deftly understood their political power. The G.O.P, for instance, is the only political party to consistently put Asian-Americans in positions of power. Elaine Cho, secretary for energy and there are numerous candidates we've fielded. The question is, how do we get their message out, while simultaneously raise more money.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Funny Moral Blackmail on SCHIP (With Video!)

The definition of moral blackmail. Thanks Democrats!

I laughed for two minutes straight.

Colbert for President

Last night comedian Stephen Colbert announced his candidacy for President. Colbert says he will file as a Democrat and a Republican in his home state of South Carolina. Has anyone ever registered to run for both parties simultaneously? Will he generate more grassroots support than Ron Paul? Will he steal votes from Obama? If Fred Thompson's reruns got pulled from NBC, will Comedy Central be force to cancel the Colbert Report? How seriously will the FEC take his candidacy? Stephen Colbert already blurs the line between his on-screen and off-screen persona, so he might take this campaign more seriously then we all think.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/16/AR200710
1602462.html

Media Politics and Stories Relevant to the Course in General

See my media page for many links.

See John Kerry's Iraq gaffe in Pasadena (Sabato reader, pp. 161-162).

George Allen's "Macaca" gaffe (Sabato reader, pp. 159-160, 179) circulated on YouTube and became a MSM story in The Washington Post. Reporter Mike Shear is a CMC alum (class of 1990). Mike recently videotaped a controversial remark by Fred Thompson and posted it on the Post website.

Some other recent items relevant to the course:

Monday, October 15, 2007

Public Opinion and Ideology

The delicate issues of abortion and same-sex marriage reveal the need for careful analysis of survey data.

The Pew typology of political ideology is here. An alternative typology is here.

Pew recently looked at the issue of political knowledge. An update is here.

For more on how comedy shows influence public opinion, see the Pew survey in this week's readings, as well as this article (not required for class).

Friday, October 12, 2007

Efforts to Curb Illegal Immigration and Affirmative Action

It looks like Huntingtonian issues have come to the foreground in several states: affirmative action and illegal immigration.

Nobel

And this year's Nobel Peace Prize goes to.... the man who invented the internet. This time for "[putting] climate change on the agenda". Well, congratulations Mr. Gore, and woooooo sensationalism!

Tell me if I am wrong and, even though thinking about the environment is important, and taking steps to preserve natural resources and wilderness areas is of utmost importance for us as a race, I still sense a hype. Not only does global warming not exist (we are 11:59:55pm on the geological timeframe, and the world was once covered in water) but are there not more worthy candidates? How about Gandhi, who never won because he reportedly was "neither a real politician nor a humanitarian relief worker".

The effect on American culture and society is this--a documentation of the international growth of sensationalist do-goodery. The massive uprising of the upperclass "eat vegan and organic and live well" lifestyle which promotes an all-around good mantra, yet feels like forced karma.

Well, I suppose we all could use better karma. But I wish we were more straightforward and cared about the world because we cared, not because it is fashionable. Then again, who cares WHY we give back, as long as we give back, right? Right... until the fashion trends turn again. If only sensationalism would stay to Hollywood.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

The Laboratories of Democracy

These items will suggest some of the ways in which each state has its own character:

Monday, October 8, 2007

Federalist Fred

Here is Fred Thompson's take on federalism.

Here is the Saturday Night Live take on Fred Thompson.

More Writing Tips

1. Always introduce your quotations by identifying the speaker or writer in your text. Do not force your readers to go to the endnotes to figure out the origin of the passage that you quote.

2. The CMC Writing Center, in Bauer 32, offers writing advice – in half-hour sessions – to all CMC students in need of help. Its hours are as follows:

Sunday 1-5 p.m., 7-10 p.m.
Monday 9 a.m. - Noon, 1-5 p.m., 7-10 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m. - Noon., 1-5 p.m., 7-10 p.m.
Wednesday 9-Noon, 1-5 p.m., 7-10 p.m.
Thursday 9-Noon, 1-5 p.m., 7-10 p.m.
Friday 9-12 a.m.


Is Fantasy Congress biased towards left-wing Democrats?

Well, is it? I've come to the conclusion that Fantasy Congress is an imperfect analysis of House and Senate.

I think it is biased against conservative Republicans. I've always been a believer that the government that governs least governs best and to that end, the pieces of legislation you author or support, don't determine the quality of your governance. In fact, working behind the scenes to defeat legislation is oftentimes more in the interest of the electorate especially given that so many interest groups are the ones writing the legislation and the Senator just attaches his or her name.

On the question of federalism, a congressman who has a narrow view of what Congress ought to be legislating, isn't likely to win points.

What's more, there are very few Republican Senators running and therefore they are much less likely to make the news than the traditionally executive oriented politicians. (Oh how I long for the Goldwater days when you would actually resign your Senate seat than go campaigning for President at the same time you were in office as a Senator, but I digress.)

As more attendance, you can horse trade and being on the Senate floor or House floor isn't always that important. What's more important is what goes on in committee.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Some Writing Tips

1. Should you refer to the Democracy in America guy as Tocqueville, deTocqueville or De Tocqueville? The BBC provides an answer that applies to French names in general:
The rule is this -- a "de" attached to a single-syllable name stays no matter what. Anything longer, and removal of the honorific means removal of the "de." So you read de Gaulle's books, but you peruse Tocqueville's works -- and Villepin's, as the minister is also an author. And "de,"by the way, is NEVER capitalized. [Editorial note: I have used American spelling and punctuation.]
2. What do you do when your endnotes cite a work more than once? Here is the answer:
In your essay’s footnotes or endnotes you will only need to use the full citation form once for a specific source. All subsequent citations of that same source will use either the Latin abbreviation “Ibid.” or a shortened citation. [More detail here.]

3. Superscripts follow punctuation marks (except a dash) in text and appear outside a closing parenthesis.

4. Do not dangle your modifiers.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Jurisprudence and Political Considerations Addressing Jus Soli

Forgive me, but I've sort of been thinking about this one.

There is apparently another means by which we can restrict the phenomenon of "anchor babies" outside the purview of constitutional amendment: Supreme Court decision.

In the case, U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark, the Court held that enemy aliens were not entitled to jus soli just as the children of foreign nationals hostile or occupying England (and by extension the U.S.) were not American citizens. Justice Grant opined and cited the precedent history of English common law. This is the most important case I can find addressing the immigration component of the 14th Amendment and underlying current interpretation.

Given that the Mexican government has aided and abetted people from making illegal entrance into the United States, a statute could clarify that such actions constituted "hostility" or "allegiance." Grant in Wong Kim Ark alluded to precedent when he outlined how the Court's view of allegiance fit within the context of jus soli.

The words 'not subject to any foreign power' do not in themselves refer to mere territorial jurisdiction, for the persons referred to are persons born in the United States. All such persons are undoubtedly subject to the territorial jurisdiction of the United States, and yet the act concedes that, nevertheless, they may be subject to the political jurisdiction of a foreign government. In other words, by the terms of the act, all persons born in the United States, and not owing allegiance to any foreign power, are citizens.

The allegiance of children so born is not the local allegiance arising from their parents merely being domiciled in the country; and it is single, and not double, allegiance. Indeed, double allegiance, in the sense of double nationality, has no place in our law, and the existence of a man without a country is not recognized.

But it is argued that the words 'and not subject to any foreign power' should be construed as excepting from the operation of the statute only the children of public ministers and of aliens born during hostile occupation.

Barring statute, states could argue that national states of emergency constitute declaration of hostility and therefore fulfill the burden met in Wong Kim Ark. Similarly, the President could argue that the national security interests incumbent upon a secure border justify curtailment of this right.

Apparently, according to The Washington Times's Stephen Dinan, the House is fast at work addressing this very issue:

Most legal scholars say the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship to almost everyone, with the exception being children of diplomats or children born to enemies in time of war. But new legal scholarship says that's not the case, and Congress could pass a law to change citizenship rules.

That view has taken hold in the House, where H.R. 1940, the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2007, has gained 79 co-sponsors. But reception on the campaign trail is mixed.

Here's how the Republican field stands, as far as I am aware. (If anyone knows of any additions and has the supporting documents, send them on it.)

*Reps. Tom Tancredo and Duncan Hunter are co-sponsors H.R.1940.
*Mitt Romney was still studying the issue late last month, according to ABC News' Teddy Davis
*When asked earlier this year, Sen. Sam Brownback said he was going to "fudge" on what he called the "anchor baby proposal," saying it was a constitutional question and out of his hands.
*Giuliani also says it's a constitutional guarantee.
*Rather than letting the constitutional questions be an impediment, Rep. Ron Paul has introduced a constitutional amendment, H.J. RES. 46, to change the 14th Amendment.




Why We Are Religious

I recently came across a 2006 op/ed in the San Francisco Chronicle written by Dinesh D'Souza giving an evolutionary explanation for a religious world:
Now imagine two groups of people -- let's call them the Secular Tribe and the Religious Tribe -- who subscribe to one of these two views. Which of the two is more likely to survive, prosper and multiply? The religious tribe is made up of people who have an animating sense of purpose. The secular tribe is made up of people who are not sure why they exist at all. The religious tribe is composed of individuals who view their every thought and action as consequential. The secular tribe is made up of matter that cannot explain why it is able to think at all.
Should evolutionists like Dennett, Dawkins, Harris and Wilson be surprised, then, to see that religious tribes are flourishing around the world?
This also explains why American Christians won't elect atheist politicians. Why would you trust someone who believes that life has no purpose to govern so many lives? What is his or her purpose in being a politician?


Affirmative Action

The great force driving affirmative action is the want to equalize people of all races. We want to make up to the black people for all of their suffering, allow latinos into high-end schools to receive similar educations to their Catholic-school raised white peers, and simply provide for equality of outcome. However, how equal have we actually made the outcome?

Affirmative action in colleges is a joke--not only does it harm students by a "misfit" (note: Claremont McKenna actually uses "good fit" as a criterion to admit students), but it encourages students to lie to gain an advantage (I have a friend who claimed Puerto Rican blood. This is a lie.) It also discourages students from being proud of their race--either they are guilty for being admitted into schools that their non-minority white peers were denied from (I have friends in this situation) or they find their heritage to be a novelty which boosted them forward (Hah! Sweet, I am an Alaskan Native!)

So what do we do?

Consider this situation: when I was a freshman in high school I took a debate course. The boy who sat next to me was black, relaxed, and a pretty big slacker but was a smart guy nevertheless. Once, someone asked me who sat next to me. I responded "well, he has curly black hair, normally wears Sean John and Rockawear and that sort of thing. He likes debate but is not a big fan of the sciences. He's a junior." Not until I said "he is black" was my friend recognized.

Perhaps we need to rely on ourselves as individuals to halt the misery of poor racial relations and attempts to find atonement for the past. Forget government or social programs. In agreement with the essential American motto, we need to take it upon ourselves as individuals in small communities to bolster the self esteem and love of learning in minority children (community service! Mentor people, mentor!) and set the same high standards of performance for all employees, students, and citizens as a whole.

p.s. Everyone should have a fun little looksee at this puppy right here. Maybe if we weren't so caught up in perfection at all times we could be more effective in our academic pursuits and enhance our virtues.

Doing Research

Nexis will often be your first stop for research. You should do the tutorial on the Nexis start page (password required). You may also look here for search tips and samples.

Google, of course, is a great way to find things on the internet. The trick is to target your search properly and use valid sources. You may find tutorials here and here. My homepage has many links as well.

When you Google, you may find initially promising leads that turn out to be broken links. In such cases, the Internet Archive may come to your rescue.

Oh yes, and beware Wikipedia.