Marx and Globalization

The idea of a communist revolution happening here and now seems ridiculous to us. Why? Because we believe that capitalism has evolved to a point at which there is no longer a bourgeoisie oppressing the proletariat, and instead, a large middle class that functions without oppression, through the principles of self-advancement, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Jobs [...]

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The Misuses of Disaster

In her essay, “The Uses of Disaster”, Rebecca Solnit extensively outlines the degree to which people respond positively and admirably to disasters. She asserts that catastrophic events have the capacity to unify the populace, inspire civility, and bring about “good sense”. While she points to multiple examples and quotes credible sources, I believe that she [...]

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NBA/WNBA Merger?

Recently in my discussion class, my classmates were arguing about the merits and limitations of integrating women into classically male institutional sports (such as the NBA) and into more gender diverse sports (such as running, swimming, etc.) in the context of Mill’s ideals about gender equality. While thinking about how women would fare if such [...]

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The Overreaching Power of the Executive

In the Federalist papers, the Federalists seem to be most concerned with the Legislative branch exercising too much power. Today, people are more concerned with the Executive branch abusing its power, which seems easier to do. The power of the Executive branch is consolidated to one person, making it easier to act quickly. Furthermore, the [...]

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John Stuart Mill’s The Subjection of Women and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

John Stuart Mill’s arguments for defense of the rights of women could also be used to defend homosexuals against the policy which currently bars them from serving openly in the military.  Mill says “the generality of a practice is in some cases a strong presumption that it is, or at all events once was, conducive [...]

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Everything is Good in Moderation?

Recently, I stumbled upon an article in the Michigan Daily called “Moderate this” by Chris Koslowski. Intrigued by the title, I read further and realized it was describing the reasons for the downfall of the Republican Party—post-Reagan—and the increasingly popular liberal ideology. After reading over his various explanations, I realized his solution could not have [...]

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Politics and Religion in America

Politics and Religion in America: Where is This Religious Tolerance I Have Heard About? Section 011 I have decided to post this blog this late in the term because it does not directly correlate to any of our readings, however, I do believe this is an important political issue that should be discussed. How many [...]

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Were Marx and Engels Wrong?

In their writings, Marx and Engels observe a society where an upper class holds almost absolute power. They describe their society as “the epoch of the bourgeoisie” (799), a society that has “simplified class antagonisms” (799). They observe that “society as a whole is more and more splitting up into two great hostile camps, into [...]

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Machiavelli on “stimulating the economy”

Machiavelli opposes helping people.

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J.S Mill and the “Right to Die”

J.S Mill and the “Right to Die” The legality of assisted suicide is an often debated topic, which periodically receives a large amount of media coverage. Often referred to as the ‘right to die,’ assisted suicide is simply suicide aided by another person. The issue is most often brought up in the context of hospitals [...]

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