Category Archives: Uncategorized

How Democracies Die

Posted on March 30, 2018 by politicaloptic

How Democracies Die (2018), a book by two Harvard political scientists, is a sober view of liberal democracy’s vulnerability in today’s world. The book has achieved attention for focusing on the troubling political forces now at work in the United … Continue reading →

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Trump-Nixon Parallels: Is History Repeating Itself?

Posted on May 25, 2017 by politicaloptic

In the unfolding inquiry into the Trump campaign’s Russian connections, one can’t help but see Trump-Nixon parallels. Trump’s firing of James Comey in the middle of an ongoing investigation bears obvious similarities with Nixon’s firing of Watergate investigator Archibald Cox. Not only do we … Continue reading →

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The Man Who Stood Up to Donald Trump: The Lesson of Michael Forbes

Posted on June 29, 2016 by politicaloptic

Most Americans have probably never heard of Michael Forbes. And perhaps that’s understandable since the man resides in far-off Scotland and is not a typical celebrity. Forbes is an elderly Scotsman who owns a family farm in Aberdeen province and works hard to … Continue reading →

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What Does Bernie Sanders Mean by Socialism?

Posted on April 17, 2016 by politicaloptic

Perhaps one of the most refreshing aspects of Bernie Sanders’ campaign has been his willingness to use the word socialism, one of America’s long-standing taboos. Of course, associating himself with socialism was always going to be a tricky move for Bernie in the U.S. political framework, even though … Continue reading →

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Liberty, Libertarianism, and Solar Power

Posted on June 17, 2015 by politicaloptic

Self-described libertarians David and Charles Koch consistently present themselves as defenders of freedom and choice. Thus Americans For Prosperity, the Kochs’ political arm, states on its website that “free markets make free and prosperous people” and that its objective is “getting government to clear … Continue reading →

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Andrew Breitbart’s Role in the Media War

Posted on May 9, 2012 by politicaloptic

The American right has been waging a campaign against the so-called liberal media from as far back as the Nixon era. It mostly began in the late 1960’s and early 70s with concerted attacks on news organizations by Nixon’s vice president, Spiro … Continue reading →

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