TheVanderbilt Political Review
AMERICA’S CROSSROADS
Obama’s second term
Fiscal crisis
Education policy
New Republicanism
The Future of the Exclusive Interview with Interview with Republican Party Senator Mitch McConnell David Maraniss Pages 8-9 Pages 14-17 Pages 3-5 PAGE 2 VPR / WINTER 2013 TheVanderbilt VPR|winter 2013 Political Review Editorial Staff Table of Contents
President Libby Marden 3 David Maraniss Talks Politics with VPR Director of Content Nicholas Vance Interview conducted by Online Director Sid Sapru PR Director Austin Brown Sufei Wu and Kevin Schoelzel Managing Editor Ryan Higgins 6 Modernizing the Campaign Katie Miller Senior Editors Natalie Pate 8 The Future of the GOP Michael Zoorob KristinVargas Editorial Board Alak Mehta 10 Passport to Success: The Complexities Alex Torres of School Voucher Programs Alison Shanahan Ryan Higgins Allia Calkins 12 America’s 51st State? Brooks Cain Alex Torres Christopher Jerrolds Hannah Godfrey 14 Senator McConnell Molds History Hannah Jarmolowski with Henry Clay Harrison Ebeling Julie Babbage Julie Babbage 18 Marijuana Legal Battle: Headed to Kate Harsh Washington? Katie Miller Alak Mehta Kevin Schoelzel Kristin Vargas 20 China’s 18th Party Congress Liesel Burks Sufei Wu Noah Fram 22 Affordable Care Act: The Future of Ryan Higgins American Healthcare Sarah Staples Harrison Ebeling Sufei Wu Violet Martin 24 The Predatory Justice of America’s Sex Offender Senior Designer Allia Calkins Michael Zoorob 26 From VPR Online: Africa Rising Layout Team Kate Harsh Ryan Higgins Minhee Jo 27 From VPR Online: Roe Revisited Faculty Advisor Joshua Clinton Katie Miller 28 Inauguration 2013 Photo Essay
Vanderbilt‘s first and only non-partisan political jour- nal, the Vanderbilt Political Want more exclusive content from VPR? Make Review is a proud founding sure to check out member of the Alliance of Collegiate Editors. VPR ONLINE PAGE 3 VPR / WINTER 2013 DAVID MARANISS TALKS POLITICS WITH VPR INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY KEVIN SCHOELZEL AND SUFEI WU This month, VPR had the opportunity to sit down with David Maraniss, an associate editor at The Washington Post. In addition to Barack Obama: The Story, Maraniss is the author of five critically acclaimed and bestselling books. Maraniss is a three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and won the Pulitzer for national reporting in 1993 for his newspaper coverage of then-presidential candidate Bill Clinton. He also was part of The Washington Post team that won a 2008 Pulitzer for the newspaper’s coverage of the Virginia Tech shooting. He has won several other notable awards for achievements in journalism, including the George Polk Award, the Dirksen Prize for Congressional Reporting, the ASNE Laventhol Prize for Deadline Writing, the Hancock Prize for Financial Writing, the An- thony Lukas Book Prize, the Frankfort Book Prize, the Eagleton Book Prize, the Ambassador Book Prize, and Latino Book Prize. Maraniss is currently the writer- in-residence at the Martha River Ingram Commons and the College of Arts and Science. He is co-teaching Political Biographies in the Department of Political Science.
What brings you to Vanderbilt?
Several things. I am teaching two courses. One a seminar in political biog- raphy and another a seminar on Sports and Society, two broad themes that I am deeply interested in, [and that] I’ve have written several books about. And Vanderbilt invited me to come. I also by happenstance have a son and family here, including a two year-old granddaughter, so it was very nice to relocate for a while closer to them.
Your writing tends to focus on sports and political figures. What simi- larities do you see between these two arenas?
You know people often think that I move from the seriousness of sports to the triviality of politics. Like going from what’s important to the toy store. I don’t look at it that way at all. I think that some politics can be trivial and some sports can be sociologically important and vice-versa. So when I’m looking at whatever I’m writing about, there are sort of cultural themes that move through American life in sociology. And you can see many par- allels between politics and sports. On a superficial level, they’re two aspects of life were there are clear winners and losers: you win a game, you win an election. People who go into those two professions tend to have an uncom- mon will to succeed. You often find among the leaders of both sports and politics imbalances in their lives because of that uncommon will. And you see in both of those arenas, as I said earlier, really fascinating ways to PAGE 4 VPR / WINTER 2013
explore the transformations of alcoholic. Along with Richard dealing with that conflict with different eras in American life, Nixon, who had a strong mother, conflict between idealism and and the sort of forces that shape a weak father. Newt Gingrich the ambition. people and this country. same way. You find that it has nothing to do with ideology; it Do you think part of that dif- You have written biographies has to do with sort an impulse to ficulty arises from being more on Presidents, both Clinton, achieve. I think the other com- in the public eye and all of their Obama, Vice President Al monalities in these politicians actions are scrutinized? Gore, and house speaker Newt include, as we said earlier, has Gingrich along with countless to do with a certain imbalance. Part of it is that you see it all other heavy hitters in American A will to prevail that can create more rawly. I have said of Bill Democracy. You have gotten some other imbalances in their Clinton that he exhibits all char- VPR:to Could see a lotyou of explain leaders the up Vander close,- telllives. about Whether what the it’s public in their is thinkingfam- acteristicsVPR: Do youof humanity think that just SuperPACs in an biltget YouGov to understand project? them, What andily life,whether or in their the wayreaction they is treat one way incrediblyhave had exaggerateda significant influencesense, for on common traits do you see orother another. people. Often you’ll find betterad-making, and worse. or to someI think extent that’s on the JG: amongThe Vanderbilt these politicians? YouGov ad rat As- with politicians, and this is not trueparties’ for a messages? lot of politicians you ingyou project said is likean effort in sports to provide there are VPR:to be Does completely negative critical advertisement of them, see it more clearly. 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It’s almost as if adsI are find kind two of ansort elite archetypes game where of Negativewith them. ads Youare morewill find likely that to be a FocusingSuperPACs—because on Obama, wein hisdon’t think journalistspoliticians. or academics Generally or speak pundits- aboutlot of issuesthem athave the whatpresidential they might level. secondof them term as SuperPACs, he laid out we his call vi them- makeing, an they assessment go into ofpolitics them. withAnd a They’resay are moreten thousand likely to beacquain specifically- sionRomney’s in his inauguralSuperPAC oraddress. 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Do in the we inactually the politicians now have Ithe have ability written to issues,most fascinatedif you trust by,Gallop is that and tug-of- other youfuture anticipate because anything they’re kind that of disor- showabout, people without ads through getting Internet too deeply sur- indicationswar in every of whatpolitician are the between most theganized general right public now. mayOne offind the thingsa veys,into let psychobabble,them see the ads, or andinto then it importantidealism andissues. ambition. And finally Every there’s surprise?that Fred Davis said [when he spoke let themall. But respond just studying to them. their So in lives,some documentation.human being has Those that are in four them things at the First Amendment Center] I waysyou we’re find democratizing that they are the trying process to thatsomewhere, normative the theorists urge to say do should good be Wellthought the conventional was really smart, wisdom and he said by lettingredeem a fatherssample ofwho 600 either Ameri failed- inand a campaign; the urge to we prevail. want issue-based, And the ona hisbunch second of things inaugural that were address fun. One cans—aor were representative lost. [It was] sample—so certainly specific,notion ofevidence-driven an integrated campaigns. life is to wasof themthat it was was that a liberal SuperPACs mani -hadn’t you have the right number of Latinos, It seems like a reasonable thing. The really coordinated…were inefficient, true with Bill Clinton, who lost find ways to make those not to festo, and to some degree that’s women, all the kinds of demographic irony is if you really want that, you re- [and] hadn’t done really good ads, but characteristicshis father before you want. he wasWe alsoborn; have his allycompete are a fan against of negative one another. ads; you In just true.he thought It was a [that] clear byexpression [2016] they of would an oversamplestepfather was of 200 an purealcoholic. indepen With- don’tpolitics know that’s it. very difficult, and theget world their asacts he together. wants it to be. I dents,Barack which Obama, are kind whose of the fatherequiva he- there are different steps along have often said that he had this lentnever of swing knew. voters, Similarly so that with we can Ron - the ways where you see any training as a community orga- ald Reagan, whose father was an politicians of whatever ideology nizer where the first lesson was PAGE 5 VPR / WINTER 2013 imagine the world as you want I think that was the emotional The Republicans have, if you it to be, deal with the world as it center of the speech and there want to use that sports analogy, is. And his first inaugural ad- will be more advancement there. they have some major leaguers, dress was rather bleak; it was just I think in terms of surprises my but no superstars. The Demo- dealing with the world as it at perspective is that his governing crats actually have fewer major that moment with the financial style won’t change that much, he leaguers, but they have the three crisis. The second inaugural he will be more confident and more superstars. But, I think that in felt freer, even though the public clear about what he wants, what the most important respects, I was less excited about his reelec- he believes. A little tougher in would give it more to Obama tion and his inauguration and his negotiations with the oppo- than to Clinton. I think that Bill had gone through four difficult sition, but that he is essentially Clinton was an incredibly ca- years of promises either met or someone who wants to find a pable politician, and I think he VPR:unmet, Do you but think not ifexactly Governor the Romhope- whocommon you sleep ground. with; II don’tdon’t think think wasand beparticularly just fine, same good with at certain Obama. neyand loses change the election sensibility there that will hebe hethat cares is goingabout theseto change. social Soissues. I I aspectsI think these of the guys presidency are surprisingly that a changehad promised. in the GOP? 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I’m Inot themVPR: Oneon board more questionand just aboutthe sort the theywas will the feel last vindicated; trap of his moderation life, and surethink that’s he right,will. but it’s where he’s ofeffect behind-the-scenes of the media’s role politics in propa - does not win! So that’s the big prob- natural, and the fact that he didn’t gating these ads. You’ve mentioned lemhe that had the gotten Republicans through face, the so most the have to play this kind of [role]… thathow hethere loved has andbeen lives a sharp for. spike Clin -in ironydifficult is that Romney policy agendacould lose— he want- seeObama what people and Clinton didn’t think are theabout two tonthe mediais the sharkand ads… that never stops whiched, ifwhich you have was awith quarter healthcare, you bet insuperstars the debates, in and Democratic I hadn’t thought poli- moving in the waters of politics, on andObama, had but survived not much the moreeconomic — abouttics. it Newsweek at the time recentlyeither, is thatran ina andJG: Particularly Obama would negative just asads, soon and so butdownturn. I think if Romney And so, loses, he feeling not only thecover Republican proclaiming primaries Obama he had “The goif you off want on land free coverageand get out of anof it.ad doeswas the freer. economy So I thinkget better, that butwith toDemocrats’ face other social Ronald conservatives Reagan” [Obama]you’ve got wants to go negativeto accomplish because thethe Republicans second term, will probablyhe laid out be so inWhereas an audience Doyle that McManus wanted him in to an things,people don’tbut he cover doesn’t positive have ads, that so angrywhat that he they’ll wants nominate to happen some and- beOp-Ed really conservative,for the LA Times so he hadearlier to samethey’ve deep inverted love theof politics. incentives. But And onehow crazy he and envisions Democrats it. It dominate was a very bethis something year claimed that he that really “Clinton wasn’t. inthe terms irony ofis thedefining news media eras, isClin trying- politics,important on the statement presidential in level, terms for of [However]is to the Democratsin these debates as Ronald he can go tonto vet was these more ads in and a transitional trying to protect anotherequality. eight Obama years or grew so. But up youtoo late toReagan the center is toand Republicans: he’s just happy [in as period,us from andnegativity, Obama and really ironically hit a don’tfor know, the Civil right Rights now the movement, political a thatclam! he He’s is] goodthe president at it! And Ithey’re hadn’t morethey’ve transformational led to it. And that’s period, been a as scienceand formodels political tell me reasons, that Obama I would thoughtall nostalgic this through for.” How until dothis you time; didthree Ronald year campaign Reagan. onSo myI would part to is goingsay that to win conflict [and] I’vebetween been thinkideal-- he’ssee a the better two candidate. Presidents It’s legaciesnot just compareget journalists those to two think more about than that, ingism Romney’s and ambition, going to hewin made for a it theplaying practice out? for Isthe there debates. room He’s for in Billand andstill they’reReagan. reluctant because, of while,sound just asbecause though his he argument was evolving is a themspace that’sboth tojust have more that comfortable, mantle, course, it’s an indictment on them. easier to make… I’ve interacted with and he went toe-to-toe with Obama, Peter Overby of NPR, [I] thought I on gay rights. My presumption as a Democratic icon or can him twice¬—he is fundamentally and it’s not easy to go toe-to-toe with had him in 2010 to write this story, notis ideological. it was a political He’s a businessevolution, guy, thethere President be only of theone? United States. Theand he interview said, “Basically was conductedyou’re asking he butwants not to asolve personal things, one, he wantshe was to It’s not easy, and he did it. I’ve been Thursday,me to write aJanuary story about 31. whyThe I’m an fix alreadythem, that’s there what because he wants his wholeto do. sayingI think for there a long are time, three if hesuperstars wins, fullidiot,” text and and I said, a video “Not ifof you’re the the I don’tlife hadthink been he gives centered a damn around about peoplein American should go politics. to sleep There at night are interviewfirst one to willsay it!” be available on the opportunity of equality. So the two Clintons and Obama. vanderbiltpoliticalreview.com PAGE 6 VPR / WINTER 2013 MODERNIZING THE CAMPAIGN: Social Media’s Role in Presidential Elections
win the modern election. sion advertisements or appearances. How social media is In many ways, the internet revolu- Essentially, then, the trend towards changing the way tion is a parallel to and extension of personalizing the campaign process television’s emergence in the 1960 through technology that was set America does elections presidential election. Much like John into motion in 1960 was expanded KATIE MILLER F. Kennedy won the election thanks upon and redefined in 2008 through in large part to his appearance on the Obama campaign’s use of social For many modern college stu- the first set of televised debates in media. dents, logging onto Facebook is history, President Obama’s victory While Obama’s use of social media a daily routine as ingrained as in the 2008 election marked a turn- was undoubtedly superior in 2008, showering or eating breakfast. Ap- ing point for social media’s role in the election itself represents a turn- proximately sixty-nine percent of the presidential campaign (Miller ing point in social media’s role in the American adults ages 18 and older 2008). After 1960, television became use some form of social media, up a hallmark of the presidential cam- “In 2008 Barack Obama substantially from thirty-seven per- paign and began the personalization cent in 2008 (Pew Politics + Internet/ further modernized the process of political information con- Tech 2012). Although social media sumption; by covering the campaign campaign process through has undoubtedly rewritten the con- on a medium once reserved for his strategic use of social cepts of “friendship” and many other strictly entertainment, the presiden- social norms, its impact on other media, which helped to tial campaign instantly became more facets of society is equally signifi- spur a record-breaking relatable to the mass public (Web- cant. In particular, social media has ley 2010). Likewise, in 2008 Barack grassroots movement that contributed to a transformation of Obama further modernized the ultimately carried him to the modern presidential campaign, campaign process through his strate- perhaps most strikingly by the extent victory.” gic use of social media, which helped to which it has facilitated a more to spur a record-breaking grassroots campaign. Dubbed the “Facebook personal appeal to voters by the can- movement that ultimately carried Election” by some, the 2008 elec- didates. Essentially, this personaliza- him to victory. While television was tion marked the first in history that tion takes the form of the immense groundbreaking in its engagement all candidates utilized some form of amount of data social media websites of segments of the population that social networking website in their collect about their users in addition had previously not been involved in campaigns (Fraser & Dutta 2008). to social media’s role as a form of politics, as a medium it was and still For example, seven out of the sixteen self-expression for many users, both is limited in its scope. Social media candidates announced their candida- of which have allowed presidential as a campaign tool, on the other cies on YouTube, and MySpace.com candidates to target more specific de- hand, allowed the Obama campaign hosted online “town hall” meetings mographics through their advertis- to tap into an immense amount of wherein users could submit ques- ing than traditional forms of media information about online voters that tions to be answered by the candi- like television could inherently offer. was then used to tailor the ads run dates. Barack Obama, however, set As a result, social media has become and emails sent by the campaign to the standard by hiring Facebook co- a vital tool for candidates to reach a members of different demographics founder Chris Hughes to his online wide and diverse audience and create (Scherer 2012)—a considerably more staff, reinforcing the significance of the grassroots support necessary to targeted approach than that of televi- a relatable and targeted social me-
Images: http://www.morgantownwv.gov/ (RSS), http://www.greencountyga.gov/ (Youtube), http://serve.dc.gov/ (Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Tubmlr) PAGE 7 VPR / WINTER 2013
dia strategy (Takaragawa & Carty tweeted” news (Pew 2012). With social media and the resulting pres- 2012). its short character limit, tweets are sure for candidates to appeal per- Obama’s personal appeal through to the point and often much more sonally to voters will actually result social networking in the 2008 elec- casual than anything published in in an electorate with stronger ties tion went far beyond his utilization an official news outlet—and while to their elected officials is difficult of Facebook, however. The Obama there are certainly drawbacks to this to surmise, however. As seen most campaign also created its own social more informal method of com- notably in both of the Obama cam- networking site, myBarackObama. munication, it is effective for one paigns, while social media strate- com (MyBO), which enabled online primary reason: direct and personal gies may be more relatable to voters users to show their support for voter engagement (Murphy 2012). than a television ad, the strategies and get involved in the campaign. In the 2012 presidential election, themselves are still tightly orches- Additionally, the Obama campaign both President Obama and Gov- trated. Perhaps more than anything unveiled innovative strategies like ernor Romney took advantage of else, the rise of social media in the its “Be the First to Know” website, this trend in news consumption by campaign process will and already which sent a text message to sub- appealing to voters through Twit- has emphasized the significance of scribers when he announced his ter. As in 2008, however, the Obama a strong grassroots support over the running mate, and an iPhone app campaign appeared once again to backing a smaller group of political called “Obama08” that organized have the upper hand in its engage- and financial elites. voters’ contacts according to vot- ment of voters through social media ing district, allowing them to call outlets like Twitter. In June 2012, WORKS CITED friends in key battleground areas for example, the Obama campaign Cruz, L. 2012, September 3. 2012—The Social Media Election?. Cisco.
Images: http://www.morgantownwv.gov/ (RSS), http://www.greencountyga.gov/ (Youtube), http://serve.dc.gov/ (Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Tubmlr) PAGE 8 VPR / WINTER 2013 THE FUTURE OF THE GOP The Republican Party is faced with becoming more politically viable in an increasingly liberal society KRISTIN VARGAS
The reveltion of the Republican Party (Diamond, 1995). Exemplifying that these vote of 59% of non-Hispanic White vot- platform at the national convention this values have not changed, the strong mili- ers (Hallowell, 2012). Despite the fact that past September was greeted with criticism tarism that first materialized in fighting Romney won the White male vote by an from the entire political spectrum. Some Communism abroad 60 years ago can now overwhelming margin, this group of vot- called the platform too conservative; be seen through the dedication to fighting ers is diminishing over time. White males others accused it of not being conserva- terrorism today. Other examples are nu- composed 46% of the electorate in 1972, tive enough. Regardless of the conten- merous but all essentially point to the fact dropping to 34% this past year (Hallowell, tions made by an attentive public, what is that the basic principles of the Republican 2012). These statistics provide us with an undeniable is that the platform proved to Party have not shifted over the years, but idea of how our society is changing, which be unsuccessful for Mitt Romney and the instead the issues that surround them have. can be further emphasized when consid- GOP during the 2012 election. In a soci- When looking at the official Republican ering that in 2012, more minority babies ety that is becoming less white and more platform from the most recent election, were born than White babies (Hallowell, socially liberal, the Republican Party must there are few surprises. The platform called 2012). Although, at present, minorities strategically regroup by reassessing some for a smaller government, a dedication to make up 36% of Americans, during this of its key policies to become more com- free market economics, and a strong belief century they will compose a majority of petitive with the Democratic Party. This in the right to bear arms (Republican Party, the population (Hallowell, 2012). These does not require the party to abandon 2012). As far as social policy, the party took statistics show that America is gradually its principles but merely to remold them a strong pro-life stance, while it proclaimed but undoubtedly in transition from be- to fit society as it exists today in order gay marriage to be “an assault on the foun- ing a nation that is composed primarily of to restore its status as a serious electoral dations of our society” (Republican Party, White individuals to a nation that is com- contender. 2012). This platform did not appeal to the posed primarily of minority individuals. The basic tenets of Republican ideology American public during the election, and This shift in demographics is greatly im- have been consistent for quite some time the reason for this is no secret. Due to the portant for the way that electoral politics now. However, the consistency of the plat- changing demographics of America, many will play out and the consequences this will form that historically resulted in a rise of policies that the Republicans put forth have for specific policy areas in the future. right-wing dominance has also led to the were seen as undesirable in the eyes of the Take for example one basic tenet of Repub- diminished electoral influence of the GOP growing minorities of the nation. In the lican ideology: the small role of govern- at present, which can be examined more year 2000, nonwhite voters composed 20% ment. Although 60% of White voters think closely through a brief look at the party’s of the electorate compared to 28% of the that the government should have a smaller past. The Republican Party as it stands to- electorate this past year (Hallowell, 2012). role, 58% of Hispanics and a striking 73% day materialized in the post-World War This growth in nonwhite voters was impor- of African-Americans think the opposite II era, championing strong militarism, tant to electoral outcomes, as Obama won (Hallowell, 2012). Further, the issue of im- supporting a smaller federal government, 80% of the nonwhite vote in both 2008 and migration is hugely relevant to Hispanic- and upholding traditional family values 2012, compared to Romney, who won the Americans, who are very much opposed 35% 1 28% Of Americans GOP presidential popular vote Of Americans identify as Democrats victory since 1992 identify as Republican PAGE 9 VPR / WINTER 2013 ID quotes “We can do a better job of selling “Democrats are continuing to win big what we stand for and explaining with the demographic groups that to people what we stand for and are growing; Republicans are still why what we believe in is better struggling to increase support with for them and for their hopes and shrinking base voter groups.” dreams than what the Democrats are offering” Marco Rubio James Carville (R-FL) Democratic Strategist
to the Republican stance on the issue. whose policy positions are slowly shift- However, it is important that, at the very These are only a few examples of policy ing in the opposite direction of the status least, the GOP appear to be somewhat approaches that have diverging prefer- quo. For this reason, the party needs to compassionate towards those individu- ences based on racial or ethnic identifi- reform its agenda in order to retain its als affected by these policies. Gaining a cation. status as a competitive electoral force. reputation for acceptance and tolerance Aside from ethnic and racial shifts in This does not mean that the party needs would be a huge gain for a party that can the demographic, changing trends in to abandon its long established ideologi- be at times perceived as uncompassion- marriage and divorce have lead to an cal basis. Instead, the party can alter its ate (The Associated Press, 2012). increased influence of single female vot- view on social issues by retaining the ba- A shift in the Republican Party plat- ers. Currently, 54% of single women are sic principles of the right wing but from form would not be without conse- Democrats compared to 36% of married a slightly different perspective that is quences. The risk of alienating the far women (Hallowell, 2012). Because wom- more favorable among a larger number right is a very real one, and Democrats en are now getting married later and are of voters. This is not an impossible task, would undoubtedly find a way to por- getting divorced more frequently, they as it is something the party has done in tray a party shift in policy in a negative are growing as a proportion of the elec- the past. Many in the Republican Party light. However, these costs are minor torate, up to 23% in 2012 from 19% in of the 1960s were staunchly against Civil compared to the detrimental effects of the previous election (Hallowell, 2012). Rights legislation. Clearly, the party has leaving the platform unchanged. A di- This is an especially important piece of moved away from these outdated views minished influence would benefit no evidence when considering the impor- as society came to accept the equality one in the GOP. There is much more to tance of women’s rights issues, namely of all citizens regardless of race, gender, be gained by simply being more open to abortion, as Republicans have a stance or sexual preference. This did not come a changing America. At this point there that opposes this increasing group of with an abandonment of fundamental is little for the Republican Party to lose, liberal leaning female voters. right wing principles but rather with a and perhaps this electoral failure is an All of these demographic shifts result change in perspective and an effort to opportunity for a restoration of its for- in a society with an increasingly liberal conform to a society with shifting values. mer success and subsequent right-wing outlook, which is especially evident in The party therefore needs to change its dominance. It is now up to the Party, and light of the recent election. The legal- platform on various fronts, namely its time itself to tell. ization of recreational use of marijuana stance on immigration in order to at- in Colorado and Washington as well as tract Hispanic voters, its position on gay WORKS CITED ballot initiatives in Maine and Mary- rights and abortion in order to appear The Associated Press. 2012. “Republicans Say Party Needs to Get with the Times.”
Referendum shows more can War. However since then Puerto that has been accepted by many Rico has changed in many ways and until now. For the first time since support for U.S. statehood, has become more Americanized than these referendums began, Puerto but questions remain people might think. While all native Rico voiced that its current status Puerto Ricans speak Spanish, many as a commonwealth was no longer ALEX TORRES speak English, and English is now a sufficient relationship. The two On November 6th Americans taught in schools to the same level of questions that remain are: why this across the country were glued to education as Spanish. Puerto Ricans change, and what do the citizens of their TV screens watching updates have their own culture, but McDon- Puerto Rico want? of the presidential election that was alds are everywhere. The same TV Being a commonwealth makes taking place. But in Puerto Rico, a programs that are aired in the U.S. Puerto Rico in some ways better commonwealth of the United States, are aired there, and everyone roots off, but in others worse. One main there was also an important refer- for the New York Yankees. Puerto example is federal taxes. Puerto endum occurring, a question that Ricans are considered citizens of the Ricans for the most part do not pay had been asked many times: should U.S., and while they cannot vote for an income tax, but they still must Puerto Rico become a state? The the president, they still have a non- pay taxes towards Social Security and results were surprising. According to voting representative to Congress Medicare (IRS 2013; Brumbauch). the Puerto Rico election results web- and can vote in presidential prima- While they receive numerous federal site, 52% of voters did not want to ries. grants, Puerto Ricans do not get the continue with the current situation, Puerto Rico’s status with the U.S. full benefits of Social Security and while 61% of voters voted for state- has been constantly evolving. Af- Medicare that citizens of states do. hood (El Nuevo Dia, 2012). This is ter winning Puerto Rico from the Even with the help they receive in a first major step towards statehood, Spanish, the island was initially a grants, they are still a far cry from but the path will be much longer and territory, more or less completely the economic status of states. When more difficult than this referendum. controlled by a U.S.-imposed gov- compared to the lowest-ranked U.S. For some the idea of Puerto Rico ernment. In some ways it was almost state in terms of median income becoming a state might seem too a colony. Over time the U.S. gave (Mississippi), Puerto Rico lags far far-fetched because of the cultural it its own constitution, a governor behind at just $17,184 compared difference. It is true that Puerto Rico chosen by the people and even its to $32,938 (United States Census was a Spanish territory for a number own flag (Welcome to Puerto Rico!, Bureau 2005). Furthermore they of years before it was won by the U.S. 2013). Since 1950 it has maintained lack some basic voting rights–most in 1898 during the Spanish Ameri- the status of commonwealth, a status notably they are unable to vote for What about the flag? The Stars and Stripes are the hallmark of America. How will a 51st state change this? PAGE 13 VPR / WINTER 2013
the president and have no repre- political status is a matter of self- between left or right for Hispan- sentation in Congress, besides one determination for the people of ics), are fairly religious, and have non-voting member. Puerto Rico” (U.S. News & World voted both for governors that lean Seeing some of this evidence Report. 2012.). Presidents speak- right and left. If a large group of might make it clearer why some ing in direct support of statehood people who all carry U.S. passports Puerto Ricans want change, but the for Puerto Rico is not uncommon, are considering statehood or some election results show how divided so for President Obama to be so type of increased representation, the island still is in what direction lackluster in his support must have Congress needs to listen. While to take. While 61% of those who been disappointing for those con- you might not have to worry quite answered the question opted for sidering statehood (United States yet about purchasing a new fifty- statehood, this number does not Council for Puerto Rico State- one star flag, Puerto Rico has taken give the full picture. If you look at hood). its first step on what is sure to be a the overall results 45% of voters long road to statehood. voted for statehood, 25% percent “This is a major step left the question blank, and 24.5% towards statehood, but WORKS CITED elected for a hybrid form of state- Welcome to Puerto Rico!. 2013. History. < http://www.topuertorico.org/history6.shtml> hood (El Nuevo Dia. 2012). the path will be much (Accessed January 27, 2013) The next step is deciding where U.S. News & World Report. 2012. Despite Ref- erendum, Puerto Rico Statehood Unlikely Until to go from here. Legally speaking, longer and more difficult At Least 2015. < http://www.usnews.com/news/ articles/2012/11/07/despite-referendum-puerto- statehood is not a complex issue. than this referendum.” rican-statehood-unlikely-until-at-least-2015> With a majority vote in both hous- (Accessed January 28, 2013) United States Council for Puerto Rico State- es and a presidential signature, It does not seem likely that we hood. Presidents of the United States on Puerto Rico: A Legacy of Support fot Human Rights and Article IV of the U.S. Constitution will see Puerto Rico becoming a Self-Determination.
A Broken System?
A popular target of this year’s media criticism was lawmakers’ stubborn immobility, awakening memories of Truman’s notorious “do-nothing” Congress. Some blame filibusters for gridlock and idleness. A master of this tactic, McConnell has used filibusters McConnell sits down with Julie Babbage for an exclusive interview. throughout his career. Should they be Provided by Julia Babbage banned to speed up the process? PAGE 15 VPR / WINTER 2013
“There isn’t anything wrong with After 24 hours, it was clear to An Undeniable Connection the rules of the Senate,” asserted McConnell that talks with Reid were Leader McConnell. “They’ve been the going nowhere. “And that’s when I Greatness is understood by study- same for a long time.” went to the floor on Sunday afternoon ing the greats— how they made deci- And they have changed slightly and said, “I’m looking for a dance sions, how they survived adversity, when necessary. He referenced partner,” said McConnell. He and how they prevailed. Woodrow Wilson’s term, which made Biden, having been successful in past Leader McConnell, whose im- it possible to end filibusters with clo- negotiations, started talking Sunday mense admiration for Henry Clay ture, later changed from two-thirds to afternoon and reached an agreement is no secret, has studied The Great three-fifths in the 1970s. “What that in the wee hours of the morning… or Compromiser, the topic of his under- means,” said McConnell, “is unless so he thought. At 6:30 a.m., the danc- graduate thesis and the theme in sev- one side has a really, really big mar- ing duo had “a snag” (McConnell, eral speeches throughout his political gin… [they] have to deal with the personal interview, 2013) that was career. In 1999, McConnell secured other side. So the Senate has tended finally resolved late New Year’s Eve. passage of a resolution to perpetu- to force things to the political cen- At 2:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day, the ally reserve Clay’s desk in the Senate ter because unless you have a really Senate voted to pass the measure. Chamber for future senior Kentucky dominant position, you can’t get your Had McConnell and Biden not senators (Congressional Record Vol- own way, you have to compromise succeeded in their efforts, “the Presi- ume 145, Issue 59. April 28, 1999). with others.” dent would successfully blame us for Perhaps his latest tribute to Clay is That is exactly the situation Con- taking everybody right off the cliff,” the fiscal cliff negotiation. “Both men gress found itself in this December. said McConnell. Although imperfect, were more intent on putting doc- A Democratic Senate and President McConnell acknowledged portions trine before philosophy to get the job forced to reason with a Republican of the deal that marked significant done,” said McConnell’s biographer House. Only, these differences didn’t GOP success, like making 90% of the John David Dyche in a telephone meet in the political center. Polarized Bush tax cuts permanent. Unable to interview, who discovered McConnell and extreme, compromise appeared do this with a Republican-controlled to be “more a reflection of the Re- out of reach for the 112th Congress. House, Senate and the White House, publican Party than a philosophical Enter Leader McConnell. When McConnell says that achieving tax cut conservative.” asked in the interview if it was up to permanency is certainly “nothing to Similarities between Leader McCo- him to solve the problem, he replied, be apologetic about.” nnell and Henry Clay are abundant. “Well, I was the only one left.” You would think after such Neither are Kentucky natives; Clay a grueling week, especially during a was born in Virginia, McConnell in Save the Last Dance holiday “break,” the Senator would Alabama, and both moved to Ken- rest up. Wrong. A University of Lou- tucky at the age of 14. It takes two to tango, but Leader isville alumnus, he left the following They share law degrees and brief McConnell found himself in a solo act. day for the Sugar Bowl to watch his law practice, political ambition from After the Plan B blunder, a defeated beloved Cardinal football team upset an early age, a rise to international Speaker John Boehner tossed respon- Florida to win the Sugar Bowl. This prominence, and long-lasting politi- sibility to the Senate, saying he would ultimate display of fanhood from a cal careers. Henry Clay completed be happy to take a look at whatever senator is worthy of its own ESPN decades of service at the federal level, they could create. “So I went back to “This is Sportscenter” commercial. just one year shy of a half a century. Washington December 27th, which is From passing breakthrough legis- Mitch McConnell, elected to the Sen- a Thursday…. I remember all of this lation to witnessing an epic athletic ate in 1985, is rapidly approaching his very well,” recalled Leader McConnell. match, McConnell’s extreme devotion 30-year congressional anniversary. In a White House conference with to do what needs to be done, even President Obama, Vice President when it is unpleasant or inconvenient, Diverging Traits Biden, Speaker Boehner, Nancy Pe- is one just one of many attributes that losi, Harry Reid, and Leader McCon- have made him so successful. Some- Parallels aside, there are several nell, the President recommended that one else who possessed this same ways in which the Republican Leader McConnell and Reid team up to try “do-whatever-it-takes” mentality was and The Great Compromiser diverge. and reach a decision. Senator Henry Clay. Clay is remembered as a spellbind- PAGE 16 VPR / WINTER 2013 ing speaker, verbose and passionate, nation of attributes, he lacked several What Lies Ahead who never used notes. traits that make Leader McConnell a McConnell is not known for his congressional powerhouse. The most Leader McConnell listed three oratory skills. As Dyche puts it, “Mc- striking is their approach to learning. approaching leverage points for the Connell’s political style is not po- Clay was intelligent, but was “more a minority party. One is the sequester: etry… although he has given some reader of men than a reader of books “An effective but mindless reduction very eloquent speeches… The better (McConnell, 2012). of spending that was established after metaphor for his method may be that Leader McConnell is an avid scholar. the 2011 Supercommittee failed,” says of the bullet-point memorandum or He voraciously consumes newspa- McConnell. Another is the request to executive summary. He uses a few pers, books, and any other informa- raise the debt ceiling. The last is “the memorable phrases, perfect for relent- tion available to him, making him an continuing resolution – in other words, less repetition, to drive his message authority on several important issues. the government is funded through home in a manner that makes the core “When you come to D.C., you vote the end of March and that needs to concept automatic and unforgettable” on many issues but you can only be be done again,” McConnell explained. (Dyche, 7). an expert on a few things… Senator However, “the single biggest issue, Clay was undeniably charismatic. McConnell has prioritized campaign confronting the country in my opin- So much in fact that even John C. finance reform, reform in Burma, ion,” said McConnell, “is the amount Calhoun, one of his biggest rivals said, voting rights, [along with] the rules, of debt we’re leaving behind for people “I don’t like Henry Clay. He is a bad Senate procedure and how it operates,” like you.” man, an imposter, a creator of wicked said a McConnell senior staffer in a Republicans are not hiding their schemes. I wouldn’t speak to him, but, telephone interview. agenda. “I can tell you quite frankly by God, I love him” (Cheney, 2004). McConnell’s sense of timing is what we want,” said McConnell as Rather than magnetic, McCon- another essential piece missing from he described in detail the need for nell’s personality could be described Clay’s repertoire. He possesses an in- substantial in federal entitlement as serious and concentrated. During credible “political antenna,” an aware- programs, namely Social Security, the interview, he spoke in a precise, ness of all that is happening around Medicare and Medicaid. “We’re not thoughtful manner, more instructive him. The senior staff member likened advocating doing this because we think than entertaining. “Part of the reason this “political antenna” to a football it’s popular, we’re advocating doing his career has enjoyed longevity [is the] quarterback’s instinct. “An average this because if you don’t you’re going overwhelming respect for McConnell quarterback drops back to pass and to tank the country.” And often times, as someone who is totally confident sees clutter… but a good one will see these changes are not so revolutionary and going to make smart decisions on the one opening that others don’t see.” as the public believes. For instance, facts and circumstances,” remarked McConnell navigates the chaos, finds McConnell spoke of the Reagan- former McConnell Chief of Staff Billy the right opening and timing to strike, O’Neill decision to raise retirement Piper in a telephone interview. and acts accordingly. In the case of the from 65 to 67 in a series of phases. “I Both Clay and McConnell were fiscal cliff, that meant waiting until it was running for Senate the next year witty men and feared foes. If you insult was appropriate for him to become in- and nobody ever asked me about it… Leader McConnell, you’d better do so volved and take the lead. “He couldn’t they raised the age of social security carefully. His breadth of knowledge have pulled it off earlier,” observed the and nobody asked me about it!” and steadfast beliefs enable him to senior staff member. McConnell noted the continued, retaliate effectively without hesitation. In contrast, Clay’s poor timing fruitless efforts of Republicans to One of his mottos is, “If someone flicks caused him several political missteps engage with the Democrats on entitle- a pebble at you, you hurl a boulder and a 0-and-4 record in his attempt to ment alterations. Only one person can back” (Dyche, 113). gain the Presidency. loosen resistance: President Obama. The same could be said of Clay. The Ultimately, the Republican Leader’s The most influential Democrat in the difference is, McConnell keeps his edge boils down to two things: “focus country, “he’s the only person who can cool in tense moments, whereas Clay and tenacity” – qualities McConnell deliver members of his party to vote was prone to outbreaks of emotion; has openly identified as keys to success for it,” states McConnell simply. think tennis stars Roger Federer versus in life, says the senior staff member. Consider the death tax provision Rafael Nadal. Leaders often show one but not the of the McConnell-Biden deal that While Clay possessed a rare combi- other. McConnell has mastered both. provides a $5 million exemption per PAGE 17 VPR / WINTER 2013 person. “The Democrats hated that, just hated it. But it was something I got in the negotiation with Biden,” said McConnell. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi begged Mc- Connell to nix it, claiming it would cost Democrat votes. However, when the President decided to do the deal, only 16 House Democrats and three Senate Democrats voted against it. Thus, even if it is a decision they are not in favor of, Democrats will do what the President agrees to, such as increasing the age for Medicare, something McConnell supports wholeheartedly. “If the President McConnell shows his third grade portrait in which he proudly sports an “I like Ike” button. makes the deal,” he said, “the Demo- Provided by Julie Babbage crats will fall in line.” So if entitlement money is slowly ably, some Democrats have said they also a courageous act of raw humil- destroying our economy, why isn’t would help fund this insurgency, ity. Henry Clay once said, “Let him everyone rushing to address the proving vividly that politics always who elevates himself above human- problem? makes the strangest of bedfellows. ity… say, if he pleases, ‘I will never “It’s very difficult to do… unless It is normally unthinkable that compromise,’ but let no one who is you do it on a bipartisan basis,” Mc- long-time incumbents have Primary not above the frailties of our com- Connell explained. challengers, mon nature disdain compromise.” but now this is increasingly Employing the tested art of com- Lessons Learned in Bipartisanship becoming the new model in many promise as reflected two centuries states. For their purposes, Demo- ago, Leader McConnell borrows Mitch McConnell and Henry Clay crats have encouraged popular from the past to shape the future, teach us that the root of bipartisan- actress Ashley Judd, who says she is molding history with Henry Clay. ship is partisanship, literally and thinking about seeking the nomina- figuratively. They were not living in tion. Judd’s family is deeply rooted WORKS CITED no-man’s-party land. in Kentucky, but she does not live in “Having the reputation of being the state. Billy Piper, personal interview, January 10, 2013. ‘partisan’ can be an advantage… Major newspapers in Lexington Clay, H. 2012. “Henry Clay Quotes.” January when Leader McConnell signs on and Louisville regularly rail at Mc- 10. http://thinkexist.com/quotes/henry_clay/. something, it often gets the Republi- Connell, a practice Cheney, R. 2004. Vice President’s Remarks at Speaker Hastert’s Annual Mega Event An Amer- can support” said the senior staffer. covering his entire time in office, ica Rally. Speech presented at Northern Illinois However, “there are only so many but the drumbeat is as loud as if the University Convocation Center, Dekalb, IL. Dyche, J. D. 2009. Republican Leader. Wilming- times he can make a deal like this,” election were ton, DE: ISI Books. he cautioned. Landmark, last-second days away. Thus, while it may seem Heidler, D. S. & Heidler, J. T. 2010. Henry Clay: deals can’t happen on a regular basis. like an ideal solution, the after- The Essential American. New York: The Random House Publishing. Compromise is like a tie ballgame. math of compromise can be brutal. John David Dyche, personal interview, January No one is happy. Wounded egos seek retribution; 10, 2013. Lincoln, A (1852). “Eulogy on Henry Clay.” Jan- Back at home there is constant careers are put in jeopardy. uary 12. ll, personal interview, January 9, 2013, and hot, even mounting, criticism of In his eulogy of Clay, Abraham Louisville, KY. McConnell. Lincoln called Clay his “ideal of a McConnell, M. Henry Clay: Kentucky Titan. September 2012. Speech presented at the Univer- Most notably, splinter groups of man” understanding the contribu- sity of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. Tea Party Republicans are promising tion and sacrifice of the statesman. Senior Staff Member for Leader McConnell, per- sonal interview, January 9, 2013. a “true Conservative” opponent for Compromise is not random chance U.S. Congress. Senate. 1999. Designating the McConnell’s 2014 Primary. Remark- but a deeply calculated decision. It is Henry Clay Desk. 106th Cong, 1st sess. 28 April. PAGE 18 VPR / WINTER 2013 MARIJUANA BATTLE: Headed to Washington? commerce? Should Congress remove poll conducted by CBS News, 47% Government responses to some federal funding from these states of Americans stated that they think the issue of legality to enforce compliance with federal marijuana use should be legalized, a ALAK MEHTA law? Should the Justice Department slight rise from 45% a year before (CBS and Drug Enforcement Agency enforce News, 2012). Moreover, while a major- In landmark moves on Election Day federal law (read: arrest users) in these ity of voters over the age of 65 oppose 2012, voters in Washington and Colo- states or not? Is recreational marijuana legalization, a majority of voters under rado passed referendums legalizing legalization good or bad public policy? 45 support legalization—a sign that the recreational marijuana use for adults As of now, the Justice Department trend of increasing public support for over the age of 21. Although Wash- has not taken a stand against either legalization will only continue (CBS ington’s Initiative 502 and Colorado’s state, but it has stated that the depart- News, 2012). Proposition 64 legalized the use of ment will continue to enforce federal Advocates of legalization advance a marijuana, its sale will still be banned law even in Colorado and Washington. variety of arguments. Foremost among until the states codify the rights and Obama, however, has stated that the these is the fact that medically speak- create systems for licensing, regulating, federal government would not enforce ing, marijuana is a relatively benign and taxing commercial retailers who marijuana laws, at least against recre- drug that, unlike tobacco and alcohol, will distribute the substance, a process ational users: “It would not make sense does not kill under ordinary circum- that is expected to take almost a year. stances; indeed, it is used as a pain The passing of these referendums “...it is simply too dif- reliever for cancer patients, and some will inevitably lead to a clash between ficult to reconcile the research has even found that it can the federal government and state au- slow the onset of Alzheimer’s and help thorities, as marijuana is still a Sched- criminalization of mari- fight depression (International Business ule I controlled substance under the juana with the legality Times, 2012). Additionally, marijuana, Controlled Substances Act. Colorado of tobacco and alcohol.” unlike tobacco and alcohol, may not be governor John Hickenlooper described physically addictive (merely psycho- this situation with a bit of levity in a logically addictive). for us to see a top priority as going after statement after the passage of Proposi- Moreover, legalization would be a recreational users in states that have tion 64: “The voters have spoken and boom for business; economists have determined that it’s legal … We’ve got we have to respect their will … That estimated that the marijuana busi- bigger fish to fry” (Washington Post, said, federal law still says marijuana is ness could expand into a $100 billion 2012). Consequently, there seem to be an illegal drug so don’t break out the industry, a huge boost to an American three options that the federal govern- Cheetos or Goldfish too quickly” (ABC economy still recovering from the ment could take in response to this News, 2012). Great Recession (International Busi- issue. To fully understand the federal ness Times, 2012). Legalization would The first would be for Congress to government’s quandary, it is important also generate significant tax revenues amend the Controlled Substances Act to keep a few key issues in mind. Does and savings for the federal government. and legalize recreational marijuana. the sort of federalism displayed by Jeffrey Miron, a Harvard economist, Proponents of this response perceive Washington and Colorado undermine has estimated that legalizing marijuana the referendums as a sign that public the authority of the federal govern- would reduce government expenditure opinion toward legalizing recreational ment? Will the effects of marijuana by $5.3 billion at the state and local marijuana is changing and on the legalization within these states spill level and $2.4 billion at the federal rise, and believe that the current drug over into other states and interfere level (i.e. police, legal, and corrections policy is outdated, overly stringent, with Congress’ regulation of interstate budgets due to marijuana), while gen- and detrimental to society. In a recent PAGE 19 VPR / WINTER 2013 erating $6.2 billion in tax revenue if it respects states whose citizens do not regulate interstate commerce (Oyez marijuana were taxed at rates compa- support marijuana legalization, such 2004). Similarly, it is likely that mari- rable to those on alcohol and tobacco as Oregon where a similar legalization juana legalization within Colorado and (Miron 2005). Billions of federal tax referendum failed to receive approval Washington would affect interstate dollars used to finance an unsuccess- this past election. This response is in commerce, so the courts may simply ful experiment to deter marijuana use harmony with the ideals of federal- strike down the new propositions, ren- could instead be put to more produc- ism and popular sovereignty; when a dering moot any action by the federal tive uses, like paying down the deficit. majority of states legalize marijuana, government. Legalization would also relieve the the federal government would finally The likely and most practical re- penal system and law enforcement of submit to the will of the people and sponse by the federal government is the significant burdens of enforcing legalize marijuana. However, there is the second option: to condone legal- marijuana laws. Annually, more people a drawback to this approach—namely ization in Colorado and Washing- are arrested on marijuana charges than the fact that legalization in certain ton while enforcing marijuana laws all violent crime arrests combined states will inevitably affect other states elsewhere. The transition period will (Huffington Post, 2013). Competent, and their attempt to uphold federal law be tricky, especially with the nature of non-violent marijuana users will as access to marijuana becomes much marijuana commerce to traverse state no longer be treated like criminals, easier. Additionally, this is a dangerous lines and the federal government’s lack making society more prosperous on position by the federal government of enforcement of its own laws. Never- the whole. Additionally, the Drug because it would consciously not be theless, this dualistic approach upsets Enforcement Agency could focus on enforcing federal law in certain states. the least number of people because it fighting more dangerous drugs like The last and most stringent possible combines some preservation of federal cocaine and heroin. Marijuana legal- response would be for the federal gov- drug policy with respect for the rights ization could even save many lives in ernment to continue enforcing federal of states. It is clear, however, that this the Mexican Drug War---which has law and crack down on Colorado and will only be a bandaid fix as growing claimed more than 50,000 lives and is Washington’s attempts to undermine numbers of states challenge marijuana spilling over into the United States--- federal policy. In fact, this is the cur- prohibition. In the long run, legaliza- since almost half of the cartels’ income rent position of the Justice Depart- tion is inevitable; it is simply too diffi- comes from marijuana (Beaubien ment and DEA. Other advocates of cult to reconcile the criminalization of 2010). As with alcohol prohibition, the this approach state that the federal marijuana with the legality of tobacco war on marijuana has not destroyed government should not let states set and alcohol. the demand for the drug but has a precedent for undermining federal handed over its supply to gangs in the policy, as, according to the Supremacy WORKS CITED black market. Clause of the U.S. Constitution, federal CNN. 2012. “Pot Smoker2/12/05/us/washington- Despite all these potential benefits, laws always take precedence over state marijuana-legalization/index.html. ABC News. 2012. “Colorado, Washington Become Congress and President Obama are laws. Furthermore, advocates of this First ecreational-marijuana/story?id=17652774#. unconvinced, and national legaliza- position state that legalizing recre- UNYzpLTFV68 Guarino, Mark. 2012. “How Will Feds Deal with tion is unlikely. Fortunately, there is ational marijuana is a slippery slope Marijua a second, more moderate option. The toward the legalization of all drugs and CBS News. 2012. “Poll: Nearly Half Support Le- galization of Marijuana.” November 29. ort-legal- Justice Department could turn a blind will thus have a negative effect on the ization-of-marijuana/ eye for now to activity in states where welfare of the nation. International Business Times. 2012. “Marijuana Legalization Benefits Now Includude-profit-poten- marijuana has been legalize, while It is also possible that this conflict tial-wall-street-investors-report-887146 Congress delays legalizing marijuana will end up at the Supreme Court. In Beaubien, Jason. 2010. “www.npr.org/templates/ story/story.php?storyId=126978142 until a majority of states have approved the reigning precedent of Gonzalez Newport, Frank. 2012. “Americans Want Federal referendums like those in Washington v. Raich (2005), the Supreme Court Gov’t Out of State Marijuana Laws.” December 10. http://www.gallup.com/poll/159152/americans- and Colorado. In fact, 64% of Ameri- held that Congress can criminalize the federal-gov-state-marijuana-laws.aspx cans believe that the federal govern- production and use of homegrown Time. 2012. “Incarceration Nation.” April 2. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/arti- ment should not enforce marijuana cannabis for medical reasons even in cle/0,9171,2109777,00.html laws in states where marijuana is legal, states where medical marijuana has Washington Post. 2012. “Obama: I’v/obama-ive- got-bigger-fish-to-fry-than-pot-smokers/ a significant portion of whom do not been legalized. The Court expressed Miron, Jeffrey. 2005. “The www.prohibitioncosts. support federal legalization of marijua- the concern that homegrown cannabis org/mironreport/ Huffington Post. 2013. “Marijuana Possesession- na (Newport, 2012). This option would would affect interstate markets and arrests_n_2490340.html be more democratic than the first, as thus infringe on Congress’ power to Oyez. “Gonzalez v. Raich.” PAGE 20 VPR / WINTER 2013 CHINA’S EIGHTEENTH PARTY CONGRESS reform due to recent scandals, includ- Many Chinese elites have criticized What does China’s new ing the disgrace of Bo Xilai, so far Hu Jintao for what they consider to leadership mean for the the 17th and 18th Party Congresses be a decade of stagnant moderniza- have delivered only encouraging tion in both economic and political nation and the world? rhetoric, and both the background systems while under his rule, despite SUFEI LI WU of the new Standing Committee and China’s rapid GDP growth. Perhaps recent military advancements suggest recognizing these critics, Hu de- For one week in November, secu- a divergence between language and clared in his final address that “global rity was especially tight in Beijing, actual intent that belies the possibility cooperation is expanding at multiple particularly around the capital city’s of real reform. levels and on all fronts. Emerging Great Hall of the People. More than Some have noticed the rhetoric of market economies and develop- 2,200 delegates of the Chinese Com- the Standing Committee soften to ing countries are gaining in overall munist Party Congress met to select include various references to change, strength, tipping the balance of inter- the 205-member 18th Central Com- particularly in President Hu Jintao’s national forces in favor of the main- mittee, the largest part of the Russian final state-of-the-nation address. tenance of world peace” (Hu 2012). Doll that is a Chinese political orga- He called for serious political and Hu’s recognition of globalization and nization. This Central Committee, economic reforms, emphasizing China’s international presence stands considered in charge of policy, in turn heavily the threat of corruption to in stark contrast from his report to appointed a 25-person Politburo, or the party and nation as a whole, the 17th National Congress in 2007 executive committee of the Commu- referring to the promotion of politi- that focused much more on cen- nist Party. Finally, seven members of cal integrity as “…a major political tralization, describing the theme of the Politburo are selected to the Po- issue of great concern to the people the congress “to hold high the great litburo Standing Committee, which [and]…a clear-cut and long-term banner of socialism with Chinese is effectively the supreme council of political commitment of the party” characteristics” (Hu 2007). the Communist Party and dictates (Hu 2012). Both the dangers of cor- Hu’s sentiments of world peace and economic and foreign policy (Chen ruption and the need to reform were global cooperation were somewhat 2012). A change in leadership hap- recurring themes in statements given undermined by the formal unveiling pens only once every ten years while the party congress is held about once “The discrepancy between noble-sounding statements every five years. However turnovers, and shrewd realities is the hallmark of this once-in-a- especially to the Standing Commit- tee, have the potential to significantly decade transfer of power.” alter Chinese foreign and domestic policy. Given China’s marked ad- by both Hu and newly appointed of China’s first aircraft carrier just a vancements over the last decade, General Secretary of the Chinese week or so earlier. Although the US, ranging from military developments Communist Party and Chairman of Japanese, and British navies have to economic growth, this transfer the Central Military Commission included aircraft carriers for nearly of power sets the tone of foreign Xi Jinping, who is also expected to a century, China’s “first generation diplomatic relations for the next ten replace outgoing President Hu Jintao multi-purpose carrier-borne fighter years. While there have been calls for (Wong 2012). jet,” (CNN Wire Staff 2012) or J-15 PAGE 21 VPR / WINTER 2013 million China spent on broadcast news channels in English, Russian, and Arabic. Al-Jazeera goes as far to call this push of China’s im- age abroad as its “greatest export” (Chan 2012). While both Hu and Xi have recognized and called upon the damage corruption has caused the state, and have ap- peared to make rhetorical strides towards increased globalization PARTY CONGRESS and cooperation, their actions point to a different narrative al- Hu and Xi discss policy in the Chinese congress together. From a showy flexing of Forbes.house.gov military power to glorified ad buys, dreams of a reformed China will serves a far greater symbolic pur- there are some indications that have to wait. China remains, above pose. In an assessment of Chinese this would be possible due to the all else, committed to its rise as a military capability done by the US broader range of support enjoyed global power, and the new faces of military, it was determined that by Xi. Even so, much of Xi’s ex- the 18th Congress will not change the carrier is still a few years away perience and intellectual thought the old ambitions that precede it. from combat capabilities. Regard- can be traced back to his time less, as an Economist correspon- spent in the rural villages of the dent noted, “after all, what are car- Shaanxi Province, where he was WORKS CITED riers for if not to project power?” sent at age 15, a common form of Branigan, T. (2012, February 13). The Guard- ian Profile: Xi Jinping. The Guardian. Retrived (M.J.S. 2012) While the U.S. still re-education used during the years from http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/ enjoys its status as the only navy following the Great Proletarian feb/13/xi-jinping-profile-china Chan, M. (May, 2012). China: Soft power or with more than one aircraft carrier, Cultural Revolution, which was a hard sell? Al-Jazeera. Retrieved from http:// such advancement does nothing ten year campaign by Chairman www.aljazeera.com/programmes/listening- post/2012/05/201251814636528565.html to ease the tension with Japan over Mao Zedong to prevent what he Chen, Z. (2012, November 12). China party the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyutai viewed to be China’s move away congress wraps up ahead of leadership unveiling. BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/ islands in the East China Sea and from socialism to capitalism that news/world-asia-china-20321386 certainly does not promote “global stressed a politicized education of CNN Wire Staff. (2012, November 26). China lands first jet on aircraft carrier. CNN. Retrieved cooperation.” youth that emphasized ideologi- from http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/25/world/ Xi comes to power in the face cal purity. Xi admitted these roots asia/china-aircraft-carrier-landing/index.html Higgins, A. (2012, February 12). For Xi Jinping, of these mounting pressures, and of his “pragmatic thinking” in an set to become China’s next leader, father’s past is much of his background seems to essay published in 2003, which are sensitive. The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pa- indicate a more progressive fu- among the reasons many in the cific/for-chinas-next-leader-the-past-is-sensi- ture for the 18th Party Congress. west are skeptical of his intentions. tive/2012/02/10/gIQAdJZ09Q_story.html Hu, J. (2007, October 15). Hu Jintao’s report at Although Xi is described as a However, he is still very much a 17th Party Congress. Retrieved from http://www. “princeling” by some because his creature of the party, having used china.org.cn/english/congress/229611.htm father was a very well respected his family’s extensive political con- Hu, J. (2012, November 17). Full text of Hu Jintao’s report at 18th Party Congress. Re- top party leader, Xi seems to em- nections to attend the prestigious trieved from http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/ brace parts of Western culture that Tsinghua University (Branigan special/18cpcnc/2012-11/17/c_131981259_12. html the more parochial Hu did not. Xi 2012). M.J.S. (2012, September 26). 58,500 tonnes of co- is a fan of World War II movies, is The discrepancy between noble- incidence. The Economist. Retrieved from http:// www.economist.com/blogs/clausewitz/2012/09/ well-travelled, and has a daughter sounding statements and shrewd chinas-aircraft-carrier who attends Harvard (Higgins realities is the hallmark of this Wong, E. (2012, November 14). Ending Con- gress, 2012). Critics of Hu continue once-in-a-decade transfer of China Presents New Leadership Headed by Xi Jinping. NYT. Retrieved from http:// to encourage Xi to aggressively power. Perhaps nothing quite so www.nytimes.com/2012/11/15/world/asia/ pursue a more transparent politi- aptly sums China’s real intentions communists-conclude-party-congress-in-china. html?pagewanted=all&_r=2& cal and economic status quo, and for the future than the reported $6 PAGE 22 VPR / WINTER 2013 AFFORDABLE CARE ACT The Future of American Healthcare
function. Especially for doctors, the system (Japsen 2012). Such a system How will Obamacare ACA will lead to decreased freedom sounds intelligent and profitable, impact healthcare and increased governmental interfer- but it may also motivate hospitals to ence in private practices as well as increase revenue by caring for their professionals? the discontent of many patients who patients on a minimalistic basis. HARRISON DEVRIES EBELING enjoy a system of care driven by the Indeed, it may encourage hospitals consumer. to spend less on patients for simply Americans spend an incredible The Affordable Care Act will drive financial reasons, as “a Health Affairs amount yearly on healthcare--$8,233 healthcare providers away from their report wasn’t able to show statistically on each individual, more than two- current consumer-driven system. For significant results” (McNickle 2012) and-a-half times that of most devel- instance, if a citizen wants an expen- to conclude that ACOs may improve oped countries (Kane 2012). What’s sive and perhaps needless scan for a the quality of care for patients and more, the U.S. healthcare system brain tumor, a physician will order drive down costs for providers. eats up 17.6 % of the GDP, about the scan if the patient insists on it. If Such a view paints an intensely eight percentage points more than the patient is a Medicare patient, for negative view of ACOs that are only the average of the Organisation for instance, the expense is billed to the just getting off the ground. Cer- Economic Co-operation and De- taxpayer with little out-of-pocket cost tainly, the idea of the coordination of velopment (OECD 2012). Clearly for the patient. After 2014 the health- medical care to provide patients with something must be done to reduce care system will move away from this better care at reasonable costs is an the cost of healthcare in America. The consumer-driven system to a more ef- extremely attractive proposition that federal government, led by President ficient system of controlled, less costly providers will improve upon and re- Obama, enacted the Affordable Care care driven by Accountable Care fine continually. Indeed, a collabora- Act in March 2010 in an attempt to Organizations. These ideally provide tive accountable care model showed correct America’s healthcare system. “groups of doctors, hospitals, and oth- “favorable trends in the total medical Liberals have hailed this attempt as a er health care providers, who come costs and quality of care” (McNickle significant reform of a faltering health together voluntarily to give coordi- 2012). Providers can certainly find care system. Conservatives have nated high quality care to the Medi- ways to adapt and become more ef- denounced it as the rise of socialized care patients they serve” (Centers ficient, but such efficiency can only medicine in America. Some Ameri- for Medicare and Medicaid Services exist with a dramatic change to the cans view this change to be too long- 2012). Essentially, ACOs are groups system of medical practice—for both awaited, or too rapid—and unconsti- of hospitals, physicians, post-acute doctors and patients—that many doc- tutional. From a medical perspective, care facilities, and similar providers tors and especially older patients may the act will fall in between the great- who communicate and work together find displeasing and coercing. est fears of conservatives and the to eliminate unnecessary care and The organization of medical care will greatest hopes of liberals. Politicians improve health outcomes beyond the dramatically change the landscape of can bicker about and politicize the initial medical operation. medical practice as doctors will lose law, but all can agree that this act will However, ACOs have a fatal flaw: the a good deal of their autonomy. The dramatically alter the landscape of motivation of revenue. If healthcare implementation of the ACA will “not American medicine in years to come. providers like hospitals “achieve bet- allow doctors to be necessarily inde- The act will significantly affect how ter outcomes, they divvy up money pendent” (Cosgrove 2012). Doctors doctors practice medicine, how pa- saved with the health plans” with the will be forced to develop relationships tients are treated, and how providers government through the Medicare with hospitals and other providers. PAGE 23 VPR / WINTER 2013
Since hospitals will coordinate and payment rate by 26% to save federal the decision-making abilities that consolidate their operations, they funds. However, Congress has by- formerly rested in the hands of phy- will want to employ many more passed the sustainable growth rate sicians and patients in an effort to doctors (Cosgrove 2012). Thus, few- to ensure that these cuts do not go reduce costs. This will lead to more er physicians will remain in private into effect (Herman 2012). With the responsible, cost-effective spending practice or start their own practices MSGR looming over the heads of on patients—to the dismay of some as young doctors. In essence, the physicians and healthcare providers, who demand aggressive, excessive role of doctors may change drasti- providers must attempt to reduce medical care. cally due to the loss of some control their costs. Certainly, America needs to re- over patient care. Whereas once a Perhaps the most important form its healthcare system, which doctor could take charge of a pa- change from the ACA is the effect eats up 17.6 percent of the GDP tient’s treatment in private practice, on insurance now provided through (Kane 2012). However, the current if employed by a hospital, a doctor one’s employer. Many healthcare Affordable Care Act will constrict would be constricted by the hospi- providers fear that businesses will doctors and patients too much. tal’s decisions on how to treat the no longer insure their employees, Coercing doctors into joining the patient. driving many people to govern- ranks of larger health care pro- Ideally, though, this system will ment health insurance exchanges viders and burdening them with reduce the costs of healthcare as and decreasing competition be- regulations will not solve America’s providers become more efficient at tween private health insurance healthcare problems. America suf- providing care and cut out patients’ companies and government-run fers from medical issues that cannot excessive medical demands. The exchanges. Cleveland Clinic CEO be solved by providers alone. For added financial benefit for the suc- Delos Cosgrove sees that, increas- instance, 21% of the beneficiaries of cess of ACOs certainly provides ingly, “people think that in 10 years Medicare have five or more chronic motivation to organize and consoli- you’re going to have 75% of the conditions, such as diabetes and date “on a much bigger scale, across health-care costs paid by the fed- heart disease, and caring for them the country” (Cosgrove 2012). Like eral government” (Cosgrove 2012). consumes 79% of Medicare spend- a nation-wide supermarket, the idea Small businesses will most likely be ing (Wessel 2012). More efficient is that connectedness and organiza- the first to drop their coverage, but care cannot hope to solve such life- tion on a national level can reduce “the first time some big player does style and health crises; that requires costs. This outcome is not assured, that, it’s going to fall like dominoes. cultural education and change. however. The Cleveland Clinic, for What that does is drive everybody Altering the U.S. healthcare system instance, has consolidated all of to the exchanges” (Cosgrove 2012). could lead to great benefits to a gen- their operations, yet that has not With so many Americans previ- erally failing system, but it should translated to any lower price for ously insured privately, then insured not happen at the cost of doctors’ private insurers (Cosgrove 2012). through the government, the state and medical providers’ freedom and In fact, hospitals’ motivation for of healthcare will simply change. success. unifying divisions stems from the With so many government-run fact that “we know that the payer is healthcare plans, healthcare provid- going to pay us less [in the future], ers will become driven toward high- WORKS CITED so we’re getting ready” (Cosgrove volume patient care, devoting less Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs): General Informatiotives/ACO/index.html> 2012). The fear is that the govern- time to each patient. At the same (Accessed December 29, 2012) ment will pay less for Medicare and time, they will use less qualified Herman, Bob. November 2, 2012. CMS to Cut Physicians’ Medicare Payments 26.5% Medicaid in the future, leading to medical workers like nurse prac- Japsen, Bruce. November 26, 2012. Obam- acare’s Accountable Care Approach Reaches greater financial issues for strug- titioners and physician assistants, 1 in 10 In U.S. Forbes.countable-care-ap- proach-reaches-1-in-10-in-u-s/> gling hospitals. These hospitals have instead of doctors, for basic respon- Kane, Jason. October 22, 2012. Health reason to be concerned; Congress sibilities in an effort to reduce their Costs: How the other-countries.html> (Ac- cessed December 30, 2012) has been prolonging its judg- operating costs. As regulatory pres- Mathews, Anna Wilde. December 18, 2012. Cleveland Clini ment on the Medicare Sustainable sures increase on physicians, more McNickle, Michelle. November 19, 2012. Growth Rate, which was enacted by will turn to hospitals to employ Do Accountable Care Organizations I Organisation for Economic Co-operation the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, them, leading to serious healthcare and Development. 2012. OECD Hea12.pdf> (Accessed January 29, 2013) since 2003. Essentially, the MSGR changes. ACOs and hospital ad- Wessel, David. October 4, 2012. No Easy will unfairly cut the physician ministrators will take away some of Answers. PAGE 24 VPR / WINTER 2013 THE PREDATORY JUSTICE OF America’s Sex Offender Laws
cies in all fifty states and did not find cult, particularly for jobs that require Are America’s current sex significant reductions in sex crime. A mobility. Sex offenders are commonly offender laws adequate? meta-analysis of sex offender registries fired or not hired because an employer and notification laws showed that they learns their status (Tewskbury 2005). MICHAEL ZOOROB have not reduced sex crime incidence This may be antithetical to public (Levenson & Tewksbury 2009). safety as stably employed sex offend- Congress mandates and all state leg- Research is inconclusive, but sex ers were 37% less likely to recidivate islatures require the public registration offender policies may increase re- following their release from prison of sex offenders, a sanction imposed cidivism by hindering offenders’ (Kruttschnitt, Uggen, & Shelton 2000). on an estimated 750,000 Americans reintegration into society (Prescott & Thirty states restrict sex offenders (National Center for Missing and Rockoff 2011). The contingencies of from being near schools, daycares, and Exploited Children 2012). Registra- sex offender status, including rela- parks (Meloy, Miller, & Curtis, 2008). tion usually entails public notifica- tionship problems, insecure housing, These restrictions limit where regis- tion and a variety of restrictions on unemployment, and social isolation tered sex offenders and their families residency, employment, and mobility. correlate with recidivism (Levenson & can live; in Miami, for example, 95% Legislators enact these policies to Tewksbury 2009). In the 1990s, states of living spaces are within 1,000 feet of protect children from sexual preda- that required registration had slightly schools, parks, daycares, and bus stops tors, constrain recidivism, and punish higher sex offender recidivism than (Zandbergen & Hart, 2006). Addition- offenders (Letourneau 2010; Lester other states (Agan 2011). That sex of- ally, 20-40% of registered sex offenders 2006). Through reviewing the schol- fender laws have neither constrained report having been evicted after land- arly literature, I find that sex offender overall sex crime incidence or recidi- lords learned their status (Levenson laws fail in the first two goals, though vism provides a prima facie case for & Tewksbury 2009, 3). Consequently, registration does have substantial— reform. homelessness among registered sex of- and excessive—punitive effects. These Meanwhile, the laws’ harmful effects fenders is high. A California task force results justify narrowing the scope and are well-documented. Neighbors often observed a 750 percent increase in breadth of sex offender laws to ame- assault, rob, or even murder registered homelessness among the state’s offend- liorate their deleterious effects without sex offenders (Yoder 2011). Forty- ers following new residency restric- compromising public safety. seven percent of offenders report tions (Yoder 2011). Sex offender laws emerged before being harassed, 27% report being Most states subject minors convicted any research testified to their efficacy; vandalized, and 16% report being as- of sex crimes to the same registra- subsequent to their implementation, saulted (Tewksbury 2005). A majority tion, notification, and restrictions as however, many studies have analyzed of offenders experience depression, adults. In fact, the federal Walsh Act their effect on sex crime incidence anxiety, and hopelessness due to their mandates offenders as young as 14 to (Levenson & Tewksbury 2009; Letour- sex offender status (Brannon 2005). register, though offenders as young as neau 2010). For example, one study Relationship loss and consequent dis- ten have been required to do so (Hu- (Walker 2005) looked at the efficacy of tress were also pervasive (Tewskbury man Rights Watch 2007). Teens have registration in ten states, finding that 2005). become sex offenders after convictions three states experienced significant Nine states and numerous mu- of sexting, public urination, and con- declines in rape. However, California nicipalities explicitly restrict where sensual sex with other teens (Human experienced a significant increase, sex offenders work on such bases as Rights Watch 2007). Juvenile offenders and the remaining six states showed proximity to schools, daycares, and often experience emotional problems, no changes. Another study (Agan playgrounds (Lester 2006). These laws difficulty securing employment, social 2011) examined sex offender poli- make obtaining employment diffi- ostracization, and difficulties at school PAGE 25 VPR / WINTER 2013 (Geer 2008). Teens have been barred enforcement to focus on the most from attending school due to their likely reoffenders rather than thin sex offender status (Feyerick 2009). their attention on a larger pool of THE CURRENT Sex offender laws also unjustifi- lower-risk individuals (Agan 2011; ably harm relatives of sex offenders. Zevitz 2000). Granting offenders SITUATION Many family members report that greater opportunity to find employ- they suffer from social, economic, ment, housing, and social support “... sex offender policies and residential disruption (Levinson may facilitate reintegration into may increase recidivism by and Tewksbury 2009). The majority society and thus reduce the recidi- hindering offenders’ rein- offenders’ children reported isola- vism rate (Prescott & Rockoff 2011). tegration into society” tion, harassment, and ridicule by However, as “the lobby for sex of- their peers because of a parent’s sta- fenders is neither large nor vocal” tus, frequently resulting in depres- (Lester 2006), the probability of such 750,000 sion, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies reforms in the near future is quite THE ESTIMATED NUM- (Levinson and Tewksbury 2009). small. The deleterious impact on youth is BER OF REGISTERED SEX chilling given lawmakers’ intent to WORKS CITED OFFENDERS protect children. Agan, A. (2011). Sex offender registries: Fear without “Legally stigmatizing sex Legally stigmatizing sex offenders function? Journal of Law and Economics, 54(1), 207-239. offenders has unleashed a has unleashed a plethora of harms. doi: 10.1086/658483 Brannon, Y. N., Levenson, J. S., Fortney, T., & Baker, J. N. plethora of harms” However, registries have not miti- (2007). Attitudes about community notification: A compari- son of sexual offenders and the non-offending public. Sexual gated sex crimes. Hence, policymak- Abuse: A Journal of Research & Treatment, 19(4), 369-380. Feyerick, Deborah. 2009. ‘Sexting’ lands teen on sex offend- ers should consider reforms which er list. CNN.
beginning to emerge thirty years ago. In skepticism. African economic develop- AFRICA RISING reducing child mortality, increasing levels ment has fared extremely well in recent RYAN HIGGINS of education, and strengthening infra- years, but the continent still faces extreme structure, Asian countries experienced developmental inequality. Nigeria, for ex- As the rest of the world is still trying rapid development, becoming important ample, has experienced incredible growth, to resurrect itself from economic crisis, economic players today. For example, while nations such as Ethiopia have a new economic player is starting to Asia features 2-3 of the BRIC nations, the struggled through great famines. It is for emerge. Africa is beginning to prove itself new leading economies of the world. this inequality that the generalization of on an international stage, becoming an African nations have apparently learned continental economic growth is unwar- increasingly important force in the world from the example of Asia in targeting re- ranted. Just as the economies of Germany, economy. Its growing economic signifi- sources towards development. Many have, Italy, Spain, and Sweden are entirely dif- cance will have a sizable impact on the however, also been dependent on Asian ferent, so are those of Botswana, Senegal, status quo, but only if this growth can be nations to finance this growth – China in Somalia, and Tunisia. Instead of examin- maintained. particular. The Chinese are notorious for ing these nations as a continent, a regional In 2011, six of the ten fastest growing investing heavily in African infrastructure analysis of growth would better represent economies in the world were in Africa. development projects, especially in West- the struggles and triumphs African na- Inflation has fallen from an average of 15 ern Africa. The motives behind these acts tions are experiencing today. percent in 2000 to eight percent today of assistance are somewhat questionable, Continued growth will not come eas- (Pflanz 2012). The economies of many yet they have definitely contributed to the ily. Even though some researchers feel African countries appear to be expanding, facilitation of African growth. that the continent is poised to continue which is more than can be said of many Similarly contributing to this new- this trajectory, a simple fall in commod- industrialized nations. As Stephen Jen- found growth is the recent reversal in the ity prices could yield disaster for many nings of Renaissance Capital said, Africa notorious African Brain Drain. Educated countries. Similarly, as developed nations “is the only region in the world where Africans are increasingly seeking employ- continue to come out of financial disas- growth is accelerating” (Freeland 2012). ment and innovation opportunities in ters, African commodities and exports GDP growth has averaged 4.9 percent their homelands, and thus the exodus of will face increased competition as the cost from 2000 to 2008, a substantial margin, the educated to Europe and the USA has of imports will rise. Ultimately, overcom- especially for a continent where many diminished significantly (Pflanz 2012). ing poverty on the African continent is countries have been stagnant for years. This retention of brainpower gives African going to take much more than a few years There is even some speculation that Africa nations a better platform from which to of growth. It will require governmental will be the new Asia, as development develop their economies. and societal change, something that has could lift hundreds of millions of people While all these indicators are very been slow-coming in Africa. out of poverty. promising, further WORKS CITED The comparison to Asia investigation Pflanz, Mike. 2012, October 21. Reverse Braindrain: ‘African is particularly poignant. suggests Lion’ economies vs West’s fast track. Christian Science Monitor. Japan aside, many now- there is
http://www.prco.com/uk/destinations-pr/southern-africa-a-diamond-mine-for-hotel-investors/ PAGE 27 VPR / WINTER 2013 vpr online ROE REVISITED KATIE MILLER On January 25, 2013—just days after the fortieth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision— abortion opponents came out in waves for the March for Life rally in Washing- ton, D.C. While thousands attended the Washington rally, including Republican Tennessee Representative Diane Black and http://www.toomey.senate.gov/?p=newsletters&id=637 former Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum (Parker 2013) the results Connecticut decision, which protected not the same as it was in the Roe era. of a recent NBC News/Wall Street Jour- married couples’ right to privacy. The While the controversy surrounding nal poll revealed that Americans are far right to privacy remains at the core of Roe v. Wade likely will not fade any time from one-sided on the issue. In fact, out of the Court’s decision and is an especially soon, one must wonder what the Court’s those polled, seventy percent of Ameri- relevant issue today. decision would have been had the case cans opposed overturning the decision— In an age of increasing globalization been decided today. Because the debate the highest opposition rate the question and technological advancement, the about what it means to be a person and since 1989 (Murray 2013). boundaries that once defined privacy the morality of abortion is undoubt- However, while the same NBC/WSJ poll have become blurred. Because of this, it is edly less black-and-white than issues of reveal that a majority of Americans favor difficult to determine if the standards that constitutional privacy, there seems to be abortion in all or most circumstances, this defined privacy in the 1970s still apply. a plausible possibility that Roe would not is not the whole story. A full 44 percent Many of those who favor upholding Roe be passed today. While the majority of of those surveyed were opposed with or argue that the federal government should Americans oppose overturning the deci- without exceptions, which reveals that sig- not have a say in a decision as personal as sion, many Americans still question the nificant dissonance that still exists. Much abortion. Similarly, those who favor gay historic ruling. Such discord will likely like how public opinion towards gay marriage favor the freedom to choose a grow in the future as both states and the marriage is largely split along partisan and marriage partner without governmental federal government grapple with balanc- religious lines, so too is public opinion intervention. If the prevailing public opin- ing Americans’ expectations of privacy regarding abortion. In the wake of such a ion is shifting in favor of greater privacy, from the government, the decay of per- clear split, the case that has spurred such one question remains: how is privacy to be sonal privacy standards, and the continu- controversy even forty years later should interpreted in an era that is inarguably less ing debate about the ethicality of abortion. be revisited. private than ever before? WORKS CITED While Roe v. Wade does strike at the Roe v. Wade embodies the idea that core of long-held moral and religious Americans should have a constitutional Murray, Mark. 2013, January 21. NBC/WSJ poll: Majority, for first time, want abortion to beliefs involving the definition of person- right to privacy from the government. A be legal. NBC News.
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