American schoolchildren are taught that the United States is a representative democracy, in which citizens vote for their leaders who make laws. The federal government’s executive branch’s leader, the president, and members of Congress (the legislative branch) are elected more or less directly by the people. Congress proceedings are broadcast via CSPAN and the president, being … [Read more...] about One Nation Under Who?: The Supreme Court vs Us.
One Nation Under Who?: You Caused the Government Shutdown
On October 1, 2013, Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution which allocated most government agencies funds for the next fiscal year. As government agencies ranging from national parks to the IRS shut down, Republicans in Congress proclaimed that the Democrats had failed to come to the table to negotiate over funding for Obamacare. Obamacare deserved to be defunded—the … [Read more...] about One Nation Under Who?: You Caused the Government Shutdown
One Nation Under Who?: Which Whistle Do You Hear?
After September 11, 2001, Americans were in a vulnerable state of mind—the threat of terrorists loomed in every large building and airports were no longer simply a place to say farewell to your relatives when everyone was looked at with some suspicion. During this tense atmosphere, laws such as the Patriot Act were passed. As the atmosphere of fear began to dissipate, Americans … [Read more...] about One Nation Under Who?: Which Whistle Do You Hear?
One Nation Under Who? Us Against Big Brother
No one will say that before the Nixon presidency that the American people had complete faith in their government—a libertarian streak has always run through American politics. Americans pride themselves on being independent of the government, with no need for government handouts and an acute sense that people’s privacy should be protected. But at the same time, Americans … [Read more...] about One Nation Under Who? Us Against Big Brother