OP: Justice & the Good Life @oliver--price - Tumblr Blog

Heroism

At the beginning of this course, I chose to broadly define heroism as, “the intent to do right for others.” As a re-examine this definition in the context of modern life as well as for the greeks and romans and even a little bit of Shakespeare I would shift my definition only slightly. Plato in particular stood out in his definitions of heroism and influenced how I thought about the topic. It’s not about just doing right for others, but for all others. We cannot choose to protect those close to us only and dismiss opposing viewpoints- as we have learned that is tyranny. Heroism and justice isn’t about power, but about how we use it and how we hold them accountable.

#pols383

Standing Out

As we conclude our time in Dr. Kohen’s lovely POLS383 course, I compare what I know now to what I did at the start of the semester. I certainly did not know what I was expecting coming into this class, but the comparisons between greek and modern politics has taught me pleasant and challenging lessons. What stood out most to me was this recurring theme that death was not to be feared. It seems less comparable to modern day but the idea that finding honor, heroism, and hope even in death resonated with me. I definitely don’t invite death after learning of this view, but to me it spoke volumes to the distance people were willing to go to grant their souls honor in the afterlife. It made the idea of being a hero less important, their lives boiled down to finding kleos in any corner possible. Perhaps we laugh at this idea now, but we too are in constant search of meaning in our lives. Perhaps we are more similar than we first thought

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bluefieldorganizer

In The News 11/11/2020

The state of Georgia has flipped blue this year which is historic in its own right. Georgia flipping blue sealed the election for Vice President Biden and propelled him to victory. This victory may be due in large part to former Democratic gubernatorial nominee in Georgia, Stacey Abrams. Stacey registered over 800,000 new voters in Georgia almost all of which voted blue. Her heroic efforts were for the good of her state and country, not herself. Staceys selfless actions and hard work may have just started a new blue wave in the country and not just in the White House. Georgia has 2 highly contested Senate seats that very well could flip blue as well. This would be huge for the Democratic Party and the people of America. I applaud Staceys heroic efforts and thank her for all of her hard work in getting Trump out of office.

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https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1247281

"She was determined to show what Georgia really could be," said Michael Collins, the longtime chief of staff for Rep. John Lewis. "And I thi

oliver--price

The fact that progressives won this election for Joe Biden is an important one to note, and one I think we are quick for forget as the new administration forms their Cabinet of likely moderates and republicans to call for unity. The Democratic Party, like Brutus, is seemingly at war with itself. As Biden comes into office, it is just as important to mend the divide in the party as it is to mend the divide in America. For four years the entirety of the left was ignored and dismissed, and the rush to make peace with those who used power to completely dominate politics before giving to those who fought so hard for equality is dangerous and an injustice to the American people.

#pols383 #inthenews

Kasich claims the left harmed Democrats. Wrong. Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and movements boosted turnout and helped swing key states.

As the election draws to a close we are beginning to see what a Biden administration plans to look like, the clash between moderates and progressives continues to dominate the Democratic party’s fears. As the party swings right to win centrists and independents, many take Kasich’s line of thinking that garnering progressive support is useless, and it is those in the center who won this election. And even while Kasich did virtually nothing to win Ohio this election, and progressives like Ilhan Omar and Stacey Abrams did in fact deliver in their states, they are still ignored. Just like Coriolanus, Kasich aided the opposing side of the war- but will still return to his own party afterwards. The. damage is done, and in the name of unity we are likely to see the powerful ideas that won this election ignored.

#pols383 #inthenews

Exile on Mainstream?

To feed Dr. Kohen’s recent obsession with our music taste, I think that if I where to be in Coriolanus’ shoes and exiled from my homeland I would choose the Exile on Mainstream album by Matchbox Twenty to listen to. Fitting in both name and lyrics, the album has been a personal favorite of mine for years.

#pols383

Donald Trump and Joe Biden each need 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. Follow here for the latest updates on voting and election results.

As the election dominates our news posts and generates such anxiety among the public, what I find the most intriguing is the notion that the results are suddenly fraudulent as they turn against the President. As the tides of the election have turned in swing states from day of votes for Trump to mail in votes for Biden, the President and the Republican Party are claiming that the votes that have turned up were injected into the election from seemingly nowhere. A claim with no facts, context, or proof- it is a last ditch effort to save face and it is embarrassing. The President claimed victory even, and now as we count every vote the reality is setting in the the President takes contempt for the general population. Just like Coriolanus, he is vain, manipulative, and dangerous.

#pols383 #inthenews

importantsheepeagle

In the News 11/3

https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-race-and-ethnicity-virus-outbreak-ad7ce3a5d6502bf73556f55a53b9e3a1

This article is discussing the amount of anxiety that Americans have for the election occurring today. On top of anxiety regarding mail-in ballots, there are so many unknown factors for how the the fall out from the election will be handled. People are afraid that Trump won’t leave peacefully or that there will be violence will occur in major cities. Justice feels like it has reverted to something that feels similar to that of the civil rights movement. Hotlines to report voter intimidation are every where and many cities have had business board up their windows in preparation for rioting. It is hard to see a future of true justice in the United States with another four years of the Trump administration. Biden, though not ideal, appears to bee the lesser of two evils. After tonight Trump or Biden will win but is does not feel like the American people will either way the election swings.

oliver--price

As we patiently await the results of the swing states, anxiety across this nation is at an all time high. Somehow, our nation continues to be divided in fear and convinced by a candidate whose core message is filled with bigotry and hatred. This election, a referendum on the president and the poor state of our nation is defining not just the next four years, but the next forty. Human beings are political animals at heart, and it is no surprise to see such engagement and fear for the results of this election- but we cannot choose to retreat for activity and end the conversation. We must have hope that our democracy survives and that we can repair it after whatever this storm continues to bring

#pols383 #inthenews

eminadounited

In the News 10/28

In rather tragic news, but maybe exciting news depending on who you ask Amy Barrett was officially confirmed this Monday as new Supreme Court Justice. I honestly cannot believe it, but what do you expect with an all red house it was no surprise. Trump has officially found a way to secure a second term by bringing on Amy Barrett as new Justice. “Barrett, who is 48 years old, is likely to serve on the court for decades and will give conservatives a 6-3 majority on the Supreme Court, a shift in its makeup that could have dramatic implications for a range of issues that could come before it, including the future of the Affordable Care Act and any potential disputes regarding the 2020 election” (Barrett, Foran). This is quite concerning that on one of the most important courts in the U.S., republicans have taken a majority lead. This can speak a lot to important issues down the line like Roe v, Wade, ACA, Immigration, Crime, and Civil disputes. “Democrats have warned that Barrett’s confirmation will put health care protections and the Affordable Care Act in jeopardy” (Barrett, Foran). I think by officially having a conservative majority our chances at progressivism to come forward is now being set back. I think sometimes we need conservatism in our economy so help find a balance, but in issues of autonomy not so much. Barrett is a textualist in her religious affairs, and with how she plans to hold her seat on the Court. She is not for the people, lacks the experience to sit on the court, and has said it is not the judges job to ensure public safety. If she chooses to follow Scalia steps in not following views, but strictly applying the words the constitution provides we are in for a whirl. Attempting to scrivener error everything congress does instead of reading things within interpretation can be quite harmful with moving forward as a society. As for now we can only watch and see what will come out of this new appointee. This November will be our first chance since ACA is to make an appearance in front of the Supreme Court for the third time. I hope that the judges will do what is right, and not put millions of peoples healthcare on the line again.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/26/politics/senate-confirmation-vote-supreme-court-amy-coney-barrett/index.html

oliver--price

On top of now Justice Coney Barrett’s confirmation, I think what is fascinating was the push to confirm her even though we do not fully know virtually any of her beliefs. On practically every issue she refused to give any idea of her interpretation of the law. This is the case for every nominee, but Coney Barrett takes it to another level. When asked about climate change she could not answer. When asked about voter intimidation law, she could not answer. When asked about the first amendment she could not even correctly answer. It appears that in the pool of merit, Justice Amy came out with none- and yet we have appointed her to the highest court in the land. It speaks volumes to the divisiveness of our legislature. There is little honor or merit in this Congress and Election Day will certainly be an interesting and nail biting night

#pols383 #inthenews

An era of fanatics

The idea of heroism vs fanaticism is certainly an interesting question, and what we have to realize is that while it is subjective, how we view this question is core to how we view justice and support in our communities.

Chiefly, I think that we often decide who we want to support based purely on their beliefs rather than their actions or substance. In today’s fierce party dichotomy it seems more important to prioritize the candidate of our preferred team than a candidate who may be more effective at representing us. This stems less from our inability to consider outside candidates, and more from our candidates inability to agree on basic ideas. Because basic human rights like healthcare, equality, and housing cannot be agreed on, our representatives do a poor job of representing us. Candidates today seem more concerned with distancing themselves from their opponents than actually doing what is right. What all of this culminates into is that justice no longer represents telling the truth, or doing what is good for society, or even doing good for your friends and harm for your enemy. Justice no longer has a substantive definition of minding one’s own business, but rather one of only minding your opponent’s business. If the 2020 election is indicative of anything, it is that those running for office need not concern themselves with being a good candidate, but only with proving the other is worse.

Candidates are turning themselves into fanatics simply to prove how far left or right they are to their voters, to prove loyalty and strength. Only in the closest races, like Eastman vs Bacon do the candidates seek to prove themselves to the moderates. Even still, the same basic rights of equality and quality healthcare dominate the race- and divide the candidates. As Don Bacon tries to appeal to the center, his record proves he is still a partisan fanatic and not a hero for Omaha. Eastman herself is already somewhat left, but as a foil to Bacon she at least attempts to represent the basic needs of Omaha.

While there are many candidates I passionately support this election, I would not consider many of them “heroes.” Perhaps it has been the long and grueling election season, but I am so tired of such negative politics. It shouldn’t be necessary to advertise for approval of a Supreme Court Nominee on Television ads. It shouldn’t be necessary to paint your opponent as vicious socialist scum. And yet in today’s political climate, so many misleading and dangerous ads have made all of the candidates seem more like fanatics than heroes- and our government suffers as a result. We will never see our government as just or heroic because as long as those in charge continue to cheat their way to power and winning politically, there is no reason to have faith in it in the first place.

#pols383 #argumentative

just4pols

In the News 10/26

https://www.npr.org/2020/10/26/926703808/how-police-national-guard-and-the-military-are-preparing-for-election-day-tensio

With election day almost a week away, tensions all around the United States are building. People on both sides of the aisle are ready to decry the results, whether the claims are voter suppression or voter fraud.

With many states and local governments hiring security to guard polling stations, the claims of voter intimidation have already begun. I think these are valid concerns considering how big of an election this has become. I also understand that things could get violent on election day, and some form of security could be necessary.

When it comes down to it, it is the liberty vs security argument. We can guarantee that voting will be 100% secure, but deny or make it difficult to exercise the right to vote and participate in our republican democracy.

oliver--price

If there is any obvious comparison between voter intimidation and Greek tragedies, Antigone is a fantastic one to draw from. Just as Creon imposed his force and will on his people so is the President in the wake of this election. What is so intriguing to me is the move to suppress voters at the polls, but also the need of the Republican Party to have massive turnout on Election Day in order to win. These moves are strategic, and what path to victory we will see next Tuesday will certainly keep us in suspense.

#pols383 #inthenews

importantsheepeagle

https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-topeka-phil-griffin-kansas-1d391dc693eed0754c33ab83624dad8b

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is again calling for a statewide mask mandate as the coronavirus case count continue

I am from Kansas where COVID-19 cases are rising particularly in rural communities and outside of KC. Governor Laura Kelly called for another statewide mask mandate like she did over the summer. The mask mandate and restrictions on large gatherings was fought by the primarily Republican legislature and eventually went to the Kansas Supreme Court. The court ruled in favor of Governor Kelly. There were a lot of people in rural Kansas how resisted the mask mandate because they felt it didn’t apply to them, but now they are facing the consequences of that. Governor Kelly was trying to do justice by her constituents and do what is best for Kansas, but partisan feelings got in the way. Republicans were willing to allow public health and the mask mandate to be disregarded to please partisan interests and not hurt their approval ratings.

oliver--price

What is especially interesting here is how the Republican Party of Kansas will argue that justice is on their side, and at first glance, it may be. Just as Antigone. defied the law to defend her notion of blind justice, so too will the party of the right and resistant old people defy the mask mandate claiming it is their freedom and power to do so. The reality though is that no part of Greek philosophy is on their side. There is no divine right to not wear a mask, there is no defying of the gods by the Governor. Rather, the Governor is acting selflessly and quite possibly not in her own best interest as this move may hurt her approval. That is the implementation of justice, of what needs to be done in Kansas.

#pols383 #inthenews

For four years, Republican senators have shrugged off President Donald Trump's constant string of controversies and scandals. They've ignored his Twitter outbursts and endless grievances. And they've avoided confronting him, while voting mostly in lockstep for his agenda and protecting him during his impeachment trial.

While I am unsure of where on the regime ladder we currently fall, it is hard to imagine that things can get much worse for the United States. We currently lie in a limbo between Oligarchy, Democracy, and Tyranny and as our elected representatives fear loss in the election, perhaps this will result in real change in our nation. It would be easy, to project spiritedness and selfish desire onto so many candidates. But I believe that with our Western Enlightened education what we must demand is that candidates from all parties act in the interests of the people so that we do not fall further into tyranny.

#pols383 #inthenews

justastudxnt

In the News 10/14

https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-administration-rejects-californias-request-wildfire-disaster-assistance/story?id=73650086&cid=clicksource_4380645_16_hero_headlines_bsq_hed

The federal government has denied California’s request for a disaster declaration for wildfires that have burned swathes of land across the US state since early September. On Thursday evening the request for a major presidential disaster declaration, which would release federal funding, was rejected by the Trump administration. The state plans to appeal the decision. In the meantime, officials are looking for other avenues for federal assistance to support wildfire victims. This is extremely sickening to me, as just last year many individuals lost their lives and their homes due to the wildfires. This is a big issue, not just for the whole state, but for the nation as well. Smog from the fires can affect neighboring states, as well as surrounding wildlife. The government should give some sort of assistance to the state, whether its more money for funding, or sending out more firefighters to help assist. This affects thousands of people and unless we all help and end it, it will only spread and could reach the level of the fires last year.

oliver--price

Actions like these make it evident that the definition of justice described finally by Socrates- minding one’s own business- cannot be correct and may also be dangerous. The government is essentially two classes of diametrically opposed parties, and as each looks out only for their own personal interests we are seeing the repercussions. Trump and the Republican party are refusing help to a state that is literally on fire, for obvious political reasons. In a time of such danger for the people of California, the administration has chosen to focus on itself and ignore the plight of millions.

#pols383

just4pols

In the News 10/12

https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/amy-coney-barrett-supreme-court-senate-confirmation-hearings-day-1-recap/

Today was the first day of hearings for Supreme Court Nominee Amy Coney Barrett. Senators used this time for opening statements; Judge Barrett did not answer any questions.

Several Senators, including Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota, used their time to attack the positions of the nominee. Klobuchar focused on the potential of a Justice Barrett ruling against the Affordable Care Act.

I think that, when it comes to these hearings, its important to not focus on political issues that can lead to “legislating from the bench”. It is more important to focus on their interpretation of the constitution and their judicial philosophy.

Though we all have different definitions of justice, it is important to understand where the means of these decisions come from, not the ends.

oliver--price

As the Senate begins to consider Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination, I think looking at her record and the political issues are exactly what the American people should be doing. Make no mistake, this nomination has been made solely for political purposes. The same party which opposed replacing late justice Scalia with a moderate or liberal justice is now making their case to nominate a conservative to RBG’s seat. The same party which left hundreds of federal court seats empty because they disliked the President is now reversing their stance. Coney Barrett’s nomination is inherently political. People’s fundamental rights are on the line with her nomination. We must emulate Socrates in this moment and consider all of the variables and realities. We should question everything, because the court is politicized- and there is no avoiding that.

#inthenews #pols383

"This effort to have a mass uprising nationally is something that we should be very concerned about because, again, it's not just a Michigan problem, this is an American problem," Dana Nessel said.

It is no secret that political divisions in the United States are at their highest point in modern history. Amidst such extremism and division, a literal plot to kidnap a sitting Governor was unveiled. Such a plot is given legitimacy and spotlight because the leadership of our nation has refused to denounce white supremacy, and these groups have been ignored and tolerated for much time. It seems extreme to blame something this intense on the president, but it comes as a direct result of the theory of justice we have been operating under for the last four years: do harm to your enemies and don’t hurt your friends. When we ignore the inherent contradictions here and do not denounce extremists because they also are those who support us, it shows the fundamental flaw in how we deliver justice in our modern world.

#pols383 #inthenews

I fixed it for ya

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importantsheepeagle

In the News 10/6

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration laid out updated safety standards Tuesday for makers of COVID-19 vaccines after the White

The FDA has warned against the vaccine for coronavirus being expedited for political reasons. The FDA confirmed that the Trump administration had blocked a memo that would announce a two month data requirement for the vaccine. The Trump administration claimed that there was no medical reason for it. This is contrasted with Trump's claim that the vaccine would be approved before the Nov. 3. The FDA still managed to publish the guidelines in a memo for a meeting. This conflict demonstrates a sense of justice on the part of the FDA. They are trying to remove the political element from the virus. The FDA officials were willing to question the authority of the administration for what is best for the community. That is what Socrates talks about in the apology. We must be willing to examine authority and question it when politicians are being self-serving.

oliver--price

Although the FDA is attempting to distance the vaccine from politics, the reality is that it will certainly be used as a tool to do so. The Trump administration is down 16% points nationally, and as the election draws to its conclusion, the vaccine is the only victory the administration seems to have that could swing voters his way. Despite distribution of the vaccine being unlikely until January, we can only expect this to get more heated. Just as Socrates compares himself to Achilles to the disdain of the Athenians, Trump will liken himself to a hero and savior as well- it is up to the American people to judge how true that claim really maybe.

#pols383 #inthenews

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