Category: Government

The False Dichotomy of the Two-Party Political System in the U.S.

Posted on by K.E. Creighton in Democracy, Government, Party Politics

It’s no secret that two-party politics has been dividing our country for decades now, if not longer. 

It’s also no secret that many of the founders of the U.S. warned against warring two-party political factions centuries ago, as we can see without a doubt now, for very good reason. 

Over the last decade or so, the U.S. has experienced a noticeable increase in voters who claim party independence. [1] But how many of us independent voters truly speak about the two-party system as if it is indeed a false dichotomy (or, false choice) in our everyday lives?[2] And is a democratic political system even possible without this dichotomy, whether or not it serves us well, and whether or not it is ultimately a figment of our collective political imagination? 

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Musings: President Joe Biden’s Inaugural Address

Posted on by K.E. Creighton in Current Affairs, Democracy, Government

Joe Biden’s inaugural address was one filled with sincere hope and held a sincere call for unity. And it also offered a realistic view of the challenges that Americans face today and the road we now have before us. 

Here are a few lines from the address that struck me as important to remember for many years to come. Today I just want to reflect on them and what they mean. Tomorrow, I’ll offer some annotations.

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Regarding Tomorrow’s Inaugural Event

Posted on by K.E. Creighton in Current Affairs, Democracy, Government

Tomorrow, Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States of America. And Kamala Harris will be sworn in as Vice President of the United States of America. She will also be the first woman and first woman or person of color to be elected to the office of Vice President in our nation’s history.  

I’ll be tuning in to see the coverage of the historic event and hear everyone’s speeches and addresses. I’ll also attempt to continue to process a lot of what’s been going on over the past few weeks. To say that there’s been a lot going on lately in the U.S. is a gross understatement. 

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Musings: One Week After the Insurrection of the U.S. Capitol

Posted on by K.E. Creighton in Current Affairs, Government

A week ago yesterday, hundreds of individuals formed a violent mob and entered the U.S. Capitol building by force in the afternoon as Congress assembled to address the vote count for the 2020 presidential election that declared Joe Biden the next president of the United States of America. I’m still attempting to process my thoughts and feelings around the unprecedented and terrifying event and what I witnessed. And all I can come up with at the moment is a list of images and statements that are forever seared in my memory and a list of questions and concerns to consider. I feel as if I am still in limbo, processing this event and what it means, as well as what it portends. 

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