Assigned Readings
Grids (Writer's Notes)
Assigned Readings |
Additional Readings to Relate to Civic Stances |
Introductory material on Civic Stances (PDF)
Conservatism Readings (PDF)
Liberalism Readings (PDF)
Libertarianism Readings (PDF)
Part of the Introductory material in HTML
Conservative Readings in HTML
Liberalism Readings in HTML
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The Myth of ‘Best In The World.’Sharon Begley Mar 31, 2008. Newsweek
Depression, You Say? Check Those Safety Nets; [Week in Review Desk]
Charles Duhigg. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Mar 23, 2008. p. WK.1
The Free Market: A False Idol After All?
Peter S. Goodman. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Dec 30, 2007. p. 4.4 A National Gut-Check: Who Lives Better?
Timothy Egan. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Jul 5, 2007. p. A.13
Supreme Court and Business regulations|
Jeffrey Rosen "Supreme Court Inc"
School Board to Pay in Jesus Prayer Suit
Neela Banerjee. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Feb 28, 2008. p. A.15
Noonan, David. "Every Breath They Take." Newsweek. 3/3/08: 15.
An Unpleasant 'Surprise': Higher Risks from Pollution
The Seattle Times (Seattle, WA) Feb. 2, 2007; Lexile Score: 1220 ; 5K, SIRS Researcher
Summary: "Air pollution has long been known to be bad for the lungs. But new University of Washington research, involving thousands of older women in dozens of cities nationwide, shows that it also raises the risk of women dying from heart disease or stroke." (The Seattle Times) This article discusses the increased health risks associated with air pollution.
More Than Half of the Biggest U.S. Factories Violate Clean Water Act
Gannett News Service March 23, 2006; Lexile Score: 1090 ; 5K, SIRS Researcher
Summary: This article revels that "more than 60 percent of the nation's biggest factories and sewage plants have violated the Clean Water Act by spewing pollution into the nation's rivers, lakes and bays" (Gannett News Service) .
Good Jobs Are Where The Money Is; [Op-Ed]
Bob Herbert. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Jan 19, 2008. p. A.19
Abstinence-Only: Does It Work?
Jane e. Brody. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Jun 1, 2004. p. F.7
Science at Risk; [Editorial]
New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Mar 17, 2008. p. A.18
Debunking the Reagan Myth; [Op-Ed]
Paul Krugman. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Jan 21, 2008. p. A.19
The Age Of Ambition; [Op-Ed]
Nicholas D. Kristof. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Jan 27, 2008. p. WK.18
Socialized Compensation; [Editorial]
New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Mar 21, 2008. p. A.22
Recent Links (Spring 2008
US | April 5, 2008
Health Database Was Set Up to Ignore 'Abortion'
By ROBERT PEAR
Popline, the world's largest database on reproductive health, once again will accept the term “abortion” after being programmed to ignore it since February.
WASHINGTON | April 6, 2008
Drug Makers Near an Old Goal: A Legal Shield
By GARDINER HARRIS and ALEX BERENSON
The Supreme Court appears to be on the verge of endorsing a doctrine that the F.D.A. should not be second-guessed by courts.
OPINION | April 5, 2008
Editorial Observer: The Already Big Thing on the Internet: Spying on Users
By ADAM COHEN
If George Orwell had lived in the Internet age, he could have painted a grim picture of how Web monitoring could be used to promote authoritarianism.
BUSINESS | April 6, 2008
Executive Pay: A Special Report: A Brighter Spotlight, Yet the Pay Rises
By CLAUDIA H. DEUTSCH
This was supposed to be the year of shareholder victory on the executive compensation front, but true links between pay and performance remain scarce.
Headline: The sting of poverty
Date: March 29, 2008
"IMAGINE GETTING A bee sting; then imagine getting six more. You are
now in a position to think about what it means to be poor, according to
Charles Karelis, a philosopher and former president of Colgate
University."
US | April 3, 2008
Weak Economy Sours Public's View of Future, New Poll Finds
By DAVID LEONHARDT and MARJORIE CONNELLY
Americans are more dissatisfied with the country's direction than at any time since the New York Times/CBS News poll began asking about the subject in the early 1990s.
Older (yet still relevant) issues (Some of these links may no longer work -- check with me for broken links)
Class in America (Good essay that shows how differences in income effects health, education, social mobility, and other aspects of life)
Your Taxes At Work (gov't regulation)
Abstinence Only: Does it Work (On Sex Education Programs)
Male Bass in the Potomac Producing Eggs Pollution Suspected Cause of Anomaly in River's South Branch (Pollution which equals gov't regulation)
Our 'Kindness Deficit' of Care (Health Care)
“A Living Wage That Works” (Living Wage/minimum wage - gov't regulation of economy)
Staring Across A Great Divide. (Differences in income in America)
Can Disabled People Be Forced to Crawl Up the Courthouse Steps?; [Editorial] (State's Rights v. citizens -- mentions conservative and liberal views of federal gov't and provides examples)
If you're having trouble understanding the stances, try this additional explanation of them
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30 Issues in 30 Days
A great site for thoughtful, reasoned interviews on current topics for Civic Stances. If you want to catch up on what's been going on in the world while you were writing the last two essays, this is the place to go
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On Economics and Wages |
On Individual Rights |
Government Regulation |
Grounded by an Income Gap (Note that words "liberal" "conservative" and "libertarian" are used in this essay)
Is the American Dream Still Possible?
Class in America
“Poverty and Inequality are Serious Problems in the United States”
“Why Decry the Wealth Gap”
"Still Movin' On Up"
The Rich, The Poor, and the Growing Gap Between Them: Inequality in America
The most recent report (June 2006) Economist
The Rise of the Super Rich
The mostest recentest report (July 2006) New York Times
Census Reports Slight Increase In '05 Incomes
Rick Lyman, Helena Andrews contributed reporting for this article.. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Aug 30, 2006. p. A.1
What Is a Living Wage?
Jon Gertner. New York Times Magazine. New York: Jan 15, 2006. p. 38 (11 pages)
Polarized Between the Rich and the Poor: America's Bleak Jobs Future
Paul Craig Roberts: Counterpunch
Forced to Work Off the Clock, Some Fight Back
Steven Greenhouse. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Nov 19, 2004. p. A.1
Welfare's Cozy Coat Eases Norwegian Cold
Ibrahim, Youssef M. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Dec 13, 1996. p. A.1
Poverty Causes Crime
Poverty Does Not Cause Crime
Various Theories on the Causes of Poverty
Capitalism Creates Poverty
A Lack of Individual Responsibility Causes Poverty
A Lack of Opportunities Causes Poverty
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Libertarians Join Liberals in Challenging Sodomy Law
Linda Greenhouse. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Mar 19, 2003. p. A.23
Spooked
Fredric Alan Maxwell. New York Times Magazine. New York: Apr 27, 2003. p. 116 (1 page)
Enforcement of Civil Rights Law Declined Since '99, Study Finds
New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Nov 22, 2004. p. A.17
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Not So Frivolous; [Op-Ed]
Bob Herbert. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Jun 18, 2004. p. A.31
Government Programs Help the Poor
Government Programs have Not Helped the Poor
Government Support of Faith Based Initiatives can Help Reduce Poverty
The Government Cannot Rely on Faith-Based Charities to Help the Poor
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Okay: two great articles (cause and effect), kinda connected to education, but with broader ramifications.
Cause
Greetings from Idiot America
IF LINK DOES NOT WORKTo access article, 1) go to Library Links; 2) click Ebschost databases from list; 3) click "All EBSCO databases; 4) Academic Search Premier; and finally 5) type AN 18624951 into the search line
Effect
Are U.S. Innovators Losing Their Competitive Edge?
Not Invented Here
Article suggesting that America better watch it's educational back Additional Readings
Articles from Opposing Viewpoints database
NATIONAL | May 13, 2006
Full Tanks and Empty Wallets Put Squeeze on Working Class
By ROBIN POGREBIN
As many drivers struggle to cope with soaring fuel prices, working-class people who commute long distances are suffering the most
Businessweek: "Working and Poor" May 31, 2004
Halstead, Ted. "The American Paradox." Atlantic Monthly Jan. 2003.
Poverty Causes Crime
Poverty Does Not Cause Crime
Various Theories on the Causes of Poverty
Capitalism Creates Poverty
A Lack of Individual Responsibility Causes Poverty
A Lack of Opportunities Causes Poverty
Government Programs Help the Poor
Government Programs have Not Helped the Poor
Government Support of Faith Based Initiatives can Help Reduce Poverty
The Government Cannot Rely on Faith-Based Charities to Help the Poor
Low Wage Earners Trapped in Poverty
The Myth of Widespread American Poverty
Some People Cannot Work Their Way out of Poverty
Articles from New York Times Database
Tax Cut Showdown; [Editorial]
New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Dec 9, 2005. p. A.36
Poverty in U.S. Grew in 2004, While Income Failed to Rise for 5th Straight Year
David Leonhardt. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Aug 31, 2005. p. A.9
Complete series on Class In America
Class in America: Shadowy Lines That Still Divide; CLASS MATTERS: First article in a series.
Good overview of current status of economic class in America.
Life at the Top in America Isn't Just Better, It's Longer; CLASS MATTERS: Second article of a series.
Janny Scott. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: May 16, 2005. p. A.1
Up From the Holler: Living in Two Worlds, At Home in Neither; Class Matters
Tamar Lewin. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: May 19, 2005. p. A.14
A Marriage of Unequals; CLASS MATTERS: Third article of a series.
Tamar Lewin. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: May 19, 2005. p. A.1
On a Christian Mission to the Top; CLASS MATTERS: Fourth article of a series.
LAURIE GOODSTEIN and DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: May 22, 2005. p. 1.1
The College Dropout Boom; CLASS MATTERS: Fifth article of a series.
David Leonhardt. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: May 24, 2005. p. A.1
15 Years on the Bottom Rung; CLASS MATTERS: Sixth article of a series.
ANTHONY DePALMA. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: May 26, 2005. p. A.1
When the Joneses Wear Jeans; CLASS MATTERS: Seventh article of a series.
Jennifer Steinhauer. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: May 29, 2005. p. 1.1
The Five-Bedroom, Six-Figure Rootless Life; CLASS MATTERS: Eighth article of a series.
Peter T. Kilborn. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Jun 1, 2005. p. A.1
Old Nantucket Warily Meets the New; CLASS MATTERS -- Ninth of a series
Geraldine Fabrikant. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Jun 5, 2005. p. 1.1
In Fiction, a Long History of Fixation on the Social Gap; CLASS MATTERS: Tenth of a series.
CHARLES McGRATH. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Jun 8, 2005. p. E.1
Angela Whitiker's Climb; CLASS MATTERS: Last of a series.
Isabel Wilkerson. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Jun 12, 2005. p. 1.1 Articles From SIRS database
Current Population Reports
April 2005 , pp.1-9
Summary of article: Dynamics of Economic Well-Being: Moving Up and Down the Income...
"From year to year, the financial well-being of most Americans changes. Summary measures, such as median income, reflect the overall net gain or loss in income, but do not indicate the amount of movement up and down the income ladder. This report focuses on the issue of movements within the income ladder using data that represent the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States as measured by the 1996 panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP)." (Current Population Reports)
New York Times (New York, NY)
Aug. 27, 2004 , p.A1+
Summary of article: More Americans Were Uninsured and Poor in 2003, Census Finds
"The ranks of the poor and those without health insurance grew in 2003 for the third straight year, the government reported on Thursday [Aug. 26, 2004], in a sign of the lingering pain being caused by a long slump in the job markets. Those trends, spelled out by the United States Census Bureau, signaled a clear shift in the way the 2001 recession and its aftermath have spread across the country. The economy's troubles, which first affected high-income families even more than the middle class and poor, have recently hurt families at the bottom and in the middle significantly more than those at the top." (New York Times) This article discusses statistics showing an increase in the national poverty rate and how "depending on their political beliefs, economists tend to place varying portions of blame for this on a rise in single-parent families, a withering of good jobs for people without college degrees and a shift away from anti-poverty programs by the federal government."
Greenwich Time (Greenwich, CT)
Aug. 17, 2004 n.p.
Summary of article: Income Gap up over Two Decades, Data Show
"Over two decades, the income gap has steadily increased between the richest Americans, who own homes and stocks and got big tax breaks, and those at the middle and bottom of the pay scale, whose paychecks buy less." (Greenwich Time) This article discusses the growing income disparity in the United States.
Christian Science Monitor
Feb. 11, 2004 n.p.
Summary of article: Wages up for the Well-Off, but Not for Others
"Most US workers saw their earnings fall or stagnate last year [2003], with those at the bottom of the income scale hit hardest. The trend, coming alongside a slack job market, explains why many Americans feel left out of the economic recovery--and why President Bush faces a tough sell with his campaign-trail message that there is 'good strong growth.' Democratic rivals point to 'two Americas,' one for the rich, one for the poor." (Christian Science Monitor) This article discusses the widening wage gap between the lowest- and highest-earning workers.
Dollars & Sense No. 254
July/Aug. 2004 , p.25+
Summary of article: Geese, Golden Eggs, and Traps
"The advocates of unfettered capitalism proclaim that inequality is good for the economy because it promotes economic growth. Unequal incomes, they say, provide the incentives necessary to guide productive economic decisions by businesses and individuals. Try to reduce inequality and you'll sap growth. Furthermore, the conservatives argue, growth actually promotes equality by boosting the have-nots more than the haves. So instead of fiddling with who gets how much, the best way to help those at the bottom is to pump up growth. But these conservative prescriptions are absolutely, dangerously wrong." (Dollars and Sense) The author argues that "inequality stifles growth; equality gooses it up. Moreover, economic expansion does not necessarily promote equality--instead it is the types of jobs and the rules of the economic game that matter most."
Why the Poor Don't Soak the Rich
Daedalus Winter 2002; Lexile Score: 1470; 38K, SIRS Researcher
Summary: "Aspirations do not form in vacuums. People must be able to picture realistically the good for which they will strive. If the gap between where a person is and where he or she might hope to be is too great, certain goods are likely to seem out of reach--and hence outside the range of realistic aspirations." (Daedalus) This article looks at why the poor remain poor.
EBSCOhost Articles
Note: for these articles, you need to access the EbscoHost through the Library Link and search for the article using the AN number.
"Still Movin' On Up." (click link to PDF) By: Luskin, Donald. National Review, 7/4/2005, Vol. 57 Issue 12, p31, 3p; (type the following into the EbscoHOST search box: AN 17386827)
"We can and should take action if the earnings of the rich set them apart from society" By: Giddens, Anthony. New Statesman, 9/27/2004, Vol. 133 Issue 4707, p50, 3p; (type the following into the EbscoHOST search box: AN 14488639)
Argues that the new Labor Party in Great Britain needs to embrace an egalitarianism if it is to take further its commitment to social justice. Statement that Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown argues that economic stability and consistent growth are keys to social policy; Claim that social justice goes hand in hand with economic dynamism and job creation; Discussion of Britain's levels of employment in 2004; Reduction of child poverty and pensioner poverty since 1997; Decline of income inequality due to tax and benefit policies; Reference to a report entitled "The State of the Nation," from the Institute for Public Policy Research; Importance of equality of opportunity; Claim that society should not object to the existence of the rich, or seem to punish initiative or success; Cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Web Sites
Win Win online article that argues that all is well, economically, in this great land of ours.
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