The Privileged Position Of Business Essays - Political Terminology

The Privileged Position Of Business THE PRIVILEGED POSITION OF BUSINESS Hudson first states what he believes to be the central assumption of the Pluralist description of American politics that there is no one dominant group in American Society. He argues that there is a dominant group, business. I agree that the pluralist ideology is wrong and that business is very dominant in our political society. He continues by stating that there are two faces of the political privilege of business. The first involves business actively manipulating the political system to obtain their political objectives. Hudson starts by stating that the first aspect, that of the active manipulating of the political system by business to obtain political objectives, can be divided into three aspects, business predominance in lobbying policy makers, the role of business in financing elections, and messages favorable to business in the media, schools, and universities. I will first discuss his views on the predominance of business in lobbying policy makers. He argues that the pluralist theory is wrong in determining the significance of representativeness of these groups and should instead see the extent to which these groups represent one societal interest that of business. I agree that there are many interest groups but a majority of them are in some way lobbying for business. I also believe that the majority of the people know that this is going on and dont like it and would like to see a change. Next Hudson discusses the businesses role in providing finding for elections. The business that contribute money can expect to be heard by the elected officials they have helped. He states that business dominates lobby groups as well as dominates the universe of campaign contributions. I believe that this gives businesses a huge advantage and also I believe that this is the major reason business predominates over politics in our society. And the more closely you look at this issue the more clearly you see the money these businesses contribute to candidates who are in effect already pro-business then they become even more for business when they know this will in all probability get them re-elected. I definitely agree that this poses a real problem and needs to be dealt with. In addition, business controls citizen access to information through ownership of the media. I agree with this completely. I was surprised to read that most of the mass communication industry is now concentrated in about twenty giant holding companies. The idea that newspapers and television are businesses themselves and project pro-business views is a given. But also other businesses pay for them through advertising. I do agree that this is going on but I am not sure of the effect that it has. Hudson then describes the second face the more subtle of the faces of which most of us fail to think about. This face is the power we give to business to make societies crucial economic decisions. He states that leaving important societal decisions to the market means dividing authority for important social decisions between two sets of rulers and that in any capitalist market system government officials and businessmen rule. Where we can somewhat control our government officials we cant control businessmen. I again agree that this is a problem which needs to be dealt with. But I really had never thought of this before. And I agree that this places business above government in making economic decisions which the public should have a lot more say so in. Lastly, Hudson discusses why business privilege is a threat to democracy. He sets out four ways in which it is a threat. First, is that the full range of political interests in society are not equally represented. I definitely agree that this is a threat because ordinary people even people associated with non-business related interest groups are overlooked because business has more money and therefore more power to persuade politicians. Second, business power restricts the agenda of policy alternatives seriously debated and discussed when public policy is formulated. Third, business power undermines the development of an effective citizenry. And, fourth business privilege results in substantive policies that are contrary to the needs and interest of a majority of Americans. Political Issues

Gore vs Bush on Education essays

Gore vs Bush on Education essays Vice-President Al Gore and Governor George W. Bush are both running for president, and they both have very strong views on education in the United States. Their positions on education are very different, but they both offer some good plans on reforming education. The main differences are seen in the topics of college, testing of students and the voucher program, teacher qualification, and character and discipline issues. Vice-President Gore and Governor Bush have different plans on how to boost early education and how to hold schools accountable for the success of students, but it is evident that they both feel that these issues need to be addressed firmly. Governor Bush feels that college students will succeed more easily with advanced science and mathematical knowledge. He says that he proposes a $1000 increase in individual Pell Grants to encourage high school students to take advanced college preparation courses in both subjects. Bush stated that, Theres no reason for us to be next to last in the world in math, and theres no reason for us to be last in physics. Gore too believes in the importance of college, but doesnt say math and science are the key elements to attending college. He notes that money is what keeps kids away from college. He proposes to make it easier for parents to save for their childrens college tuition with tax-free and inflation free savings, the National Tuition Savings program. Gore wants to make two years of college free with more student loans with lower costs, and expanding Pell Grants. Gore says he believes that in the knowledge- based economy of the 21st Century; everyone who is willing to work for it must have the chance to go to college. George W. Bush pretty much feels that existing teachers that are no longer qualified to teach effectively should simply be trained further, and he proposes to give the states money to do ...

Talk about my quality and school life time Personal Statement

Talk about my quality and school life time - Personal Statement Example Throughout my educational background I have worked hard to prove my capability. Mathematics had always been a strong subject of mine. During my middle school in Taiwan, I have been honored with an award of Mathematics excellence in the 7th grade. Later on while completing my high school in America I was presented the Academic Awards Of excellence in Mathematics in the freshman year. My hard work has always proved to be fruitful and the encouragement in the form of these awards had always motivated me to thrive and flourish in the career I had always desired for. Moreover, I have been actively taking part in Mahjong competitions since I was sixteen. Mahjong is game of strategy, skill and calculation that involve a certain level of luck. As I have played many Mahjong games, I have gained experience in tackling complicated problems with ease and fortunately have always managed to rank between the first five positions. Mahjong has sharpened my skill to think logically and since my childhood it had always been my area of expertise. Being a practical person I believe in what I see and observe around me. This trait in my personality has led me to analyze the never-ending use of computers and my increasing awareness of their use in every occupation and profession have led me to opt for a career that involves the extensive application of computers. My fascination with computers have grown to be more profound and passionate since I had the fortunate chance of being exposed to this most modern equipment that science has put into the hands of the manki nd. Mathematics and computer science had always been interlinked as I came to realize that different concepts of mathematics such as vectors, logarithms and algebra are extensively used in computing. With the fine blend of computing and mathematics, I believe I can discover the unfamiliar for the betterment of the mankind. As Gail Devers said â€Å"Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything