D e l b a r t o n ’ s The Forum
Volume 1 1 2 Writers in this is Issue O n T h e P r e s i d e n t i a l E l e c t i o n
Ben Janacek ‘14 In his article, Janacek analyzes Jack Lynch ‘14 In direct opposition to the anal- the history of taxes, and the effects of raising ysis and reasoning that Gambetta gives, Lynch and lowering taxes on United States citizens. attacks voter ID laws as illegitimate and mali- He applies this analysis to the different policies cious. He notes that voter fraud seems to make of candidates for the presidential election, and up such an insignificant number of actual votes, strongly sides with Mitt Romney. He assesses and the number of disenfranchised voters that lowering Capital Gains Tax stimulates the caused by voter ID laws far outweighs any gains economy, and that the history of tax cuts ulti- that the laws allow for. In the end, Lynch notes mately shows that the wealthy already pay their that these laws, therefore, are only supported by “fair-share”; he therefore sides with Romney in Republicans because they would prevent Demo- this election. crats from being elected. Kevin Conn Mr. Conn notes several unfor- Augie Atencio ‘14 Somewhat contrary to what tunate facts that exist in our current political Mr. Conn argues in his article, Augie explains system. Although we would like to believe that his forced change in presidential candidate sup- we have the ability to choose our leaders, poli- port. He argues that, while the two candidates ticians have banded together to drastically re- are by no means perfect, the existence of third strict our choices. Their actions severely limit parties only takes away from those of Mitt Rom- what we can do with our country, and obliging ney. Because elections for third parties are in- by voting for someone in the two-party system deed thrown away, he thinks it is better to cast a only gives to them the legitimacy that they de- vote that makes a difference, even if it is not for sire. In order to destroy that legitimacy, he sug- the best candidate. Thus, he supports Romney, gests something rather uncommon: vote for a because he acts as a means to removing Presi- candidate that you know can’t win. dent Obama from the White House. Matthew Chuckran ‘13 Building on Mr. Ryan Teehan ‘14 Instead of arguing that Mr. Conn’s points on presidential debates, Chuck- Obama’s “you didn’t build that” was out of con- ran digs even deeper into the issue. He notes text, Teehan instead argues that he was com- that presidential debates only allow for the ig- pletely correct in his assertion. No one achieves success on their own, in his mind. Teehan delves norance of the lazy voter, and that they fail to into some philosophical matters, and relates construe a true image of what candidates will that it is, therefore, the duty of the rich to ac- actually do if elected. He argues that the de- knowledge their advantages, and give back to bates are actually counterproductive: that is, the less fortunate. Therefore, President Obama they work strongly against the democratic pro- is a wise choice for the President. cess. Kabbas Azhar ‘14 Kabbas criticizes the super- Matthew Gambetta ‘14 In his article, Gam- ficiality of American citizens in his article. He betta argues that voter ID laws are a necessary notes the flaws of many of our best leaders, part of the presidential election. He notes that but also recognizes that such flaws do not de- valid ID’s are very common, and are also very tract from their ability to lead. The media of the easy to obtain. In defense, he notes that photo- present day only harms the election, because it ID’s are needed for many things beyond elec- creates a popularity contest instead of a valid tions, yet they are, firstly, not considered dis- election for a political office. He laments the po- criminatory, and, secondly, not as important as tential that is lost with the tendency of the com- a federal election. The election is too important mon citizen to dislike someone because of how to allow fraud, so voter ID laws are necessary. they look or sound. 3 4 Contents Letter From the Editors
You’ve probably noticed by now interesting. Each article gives a and he is expected to continue that the school has begun a new thorough, informative explana- to make similar articles every 21 publication, which you are read- tion of the issue and then the month in that section. ing. This is The Forum, the new writer’s unique opinion on it. We decided to create this political magazine of Delbar- We will have other sec- publication to give Delbarton 7 ton. What you are about to read tions here, too, besides articles. students a medium to dissemi- contains the interesting, erudite The “Popular Opinions” section nate their messages and ideas. analyses of current events, poli- will explain a few of the most We have opinions from all parts 14 tics, and philosophy, not news. well-known opinions from fig- of the political spectrum, and Here we present opinions and ures in the public sphere about we hope you find them interest- 18 ideas, not news or reporting, the main theme of that issue ing. If you are interested in the which is the job of The Courier. (this section is not in this issue, things that our writers say, and Each issue of this maga- though, because it isn’t exactly would like to contribute simi- On the Election zine will have its own theme, or compatible with the theme). larly, we are always looking for 17 13 5 - It’s the Carrot, Not the main topic. For this first pub- We also present some of the more writers with new and in- Stick lication of this school year, the key events of this month, which teresting ideas. Any student or Ben Janacek ‘14 theme will be the presidential gives a nice summary of what’s teacher may write articles, and 7 - Vote for Someone Else - election, and it will therefore happened recently. Last, but all you have to do is contact one Anyone Else! be slightly different from its certainly not least, there is Kab- of the editors to get involved. Kevin Conn typical format. Typically, a few bas’ Korner, the last article of ev- We look forward to your in- 10 - Debates: Why Everyone articles in the issue will be fea- ery issue. This section is unique volvement, and hope you enjoy Watches Them, But no one tured articles that pertain to the to the opinions of the one, the the articles. Should main topic, but many others only, Kabbas Azhar, whose arti- Matthew Chuckran ‘13 are on completely separate top- cles have such a unique feel that - Matthew Chuckran and Conor Ryan ics—whatever the writers find they need a separate section, Editors in Chief 5 The Presidential Election 13 - Voter ID Laws = Common Sense F o r e w o r d Laws In the United States, elections have served as the foundation for our democratic ideals. While we Matthew Gambetta ‘14 14 - Suppressing the Vote: The do not vote directly on laws, we elect representatives to do so; such people include Washington, Jef- Darker Truth of Voter ID Laws ferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Reagan. Two hundred years ago, elections were controlled mostly Jack Lynch ‘14 by legislatures and the Electoral College. Today, elections are much more accessible, with televised 17 - Voting to Make a Difference, speeches, debates, and advertisements. This new type of election has brought with it partisanship, Not a Point and loyal party devotion among people regardless of their candidate is not uncommon. This month, Augie Atencio ‘14 we present you a wide array of opinions concerning this upcoming election, including opinions on the 18 - “You Didn’t Build That,” and 9 candidates, the system, and the future. Enjoy being bombarded by our continuous and extreme bias Other Political Truisms as you read these featured articles. Ryan Teehan ‘14 21 - President of What!? 10 Kabbas Azhar ‘13 - Matthew Chuckran and Conor Ryan Editors in Chief 5 6 increased after the tax cuts were taxes, President Obama believes lace. The problem in this country implemented.1 That is because, everyone should be paying their is not that people are overtaxed; although the tax rate was lower, “fair share”––his signature phrase. it is that the government spends more people were incentivized to Here are the facts: the top 1% in too much of the money. invest their money because they America take home 17% of the Instead of instituting the were not facing as burdensome country’s income, but pay 37% largest tax increase on the middle class in world history, which the President has done with Obam- acare, the Governor proposes lowering the tax rate of the middle class.4 In fact, he wants to lessen every marginal tax rate by 20%.5 Some say that this will cause too sharp a decrease in tax revenue to the government, and that this plan cannot be implemented without raising the deficit. That is wrong for many reasons. These projections do not take into ac- count the increased growth in the economy from lowered tax rates. Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush both saw success when they cut income taxes. In 1980, revenue from individual income taxes was $244 billion dollars. By 1990, after Reagan’s income tax cuts, the revenue from individual income taxes was $467 billion. When George W Bush cut taxes a tax. President Obama is in fa- of the income tax. The top 5% in 2003, millions of jobs were cre- It’s the Carrot, Not the Stick vor of increasing the capital gains take home 31% of the country’s ated, median household income B e n J a n a c e k tax, which would stifle invest- income, but pay 59% of the in- increased, poverty fell, and the “It’s the carrot, not the stick,” is government take it. By keeping of their own money. President ment, decrease revenue to the come tax. The top 10% make 43% federal budget deficit was cut by 6 an old phrase dating back to the taxes at a low, reasonable rate, the Obama believes it belongs to the government, and hamper eco- of the nation’s wealth, but pay 61%. times of horse-drawn carriages. government incentivizes busi- government. nomic growth. Governor Rom- 70% of the total income tax. The Cutting taxes is the right The rationale behind the phrase nesses to hire and expand, caus- The Capital Gains Tax is a ney proposes keeping the rate at bottom 47% of the country pays plan to grow this economy and to 3 is that one would be better able ing people to spend more. When perfect example. It is essentially a 15% for everyone making above almost zero federal income tax. get America working again. Gov- to move the horses by hanging more people are employed, the double tax. People earn their in- $200,000, but eliminating it for One would think that when the ernor Romney believes in this, 2 a carrot in front of them, rather total tax base increases, and reve- come, which is taxed, and then people making less than that. President says people should pay but President Obama thinks that than hitting them from behind nue increases because more peo- some invest their money, and This makes sense since most peo- their “fair share,” he is referencing people owe more to the govern- with the stick. In other words, ple are paying taxes. Additionally, their returns on their investments ple investing their money make a tax cut. This, however, is not the ment. He thinks that drastically incentivizing garners better re- when people spend their extra are then taxed. Bill Clinton cut over $200,000. Eliminating the case; the President believes that increasing taxes on the middle sults than punishing. The same money, that money is inserted the Capital Gains Tax from 28% tax for people making less than the nation’s top earners need to class, small businesses, and up- is true when it comes to taxation. into our economy, thereby grow- to 20% in 1997 and George W. that would greatly incentivize pay even more. The “fair share” per income earners will somehow It is much more beneficial to the ing and strengthening it. Gover- Bush cut it again from 20% to 15% more investment into the econo- argument from the President is create more jobs and increase country to let people keep more nor Romney believes that peo- in 2003. In both instances, rev- my, though it still would not de- not only bad economics, but it economic growth. Fortunately for of their money than to have the ple should be able to keep more enue to the government actually crease revenue. is a flat out lie and it relies on an Governor Romney, facts and his- When it comes to income uninformed and divided popu- tory are both on his side. 7 8 Voting for a third-party campaign organizations.” The and Democrats can gain the or independent candidate may result: the parties got the kind national exposure that debates seem quixotic, at best, and both of debates they wanted when bring. Republicans and Democrats the Commission on Presiden- While Democrats and want voters to have that impres- tial Debates (CPD), a nonprofit Republicans pretend that their sion. Indeed, the two major par- organization created by mem- nominees are the best the na- ties do everything in their power bers of both major parties took tion has to offer, that is almost to make third-party or indepen- over the management of the never the case. The primary dent candidates irrelevant, in- debates.8 system espoused by both the cluding systematically exclud- Thus the two parties connived Republican and Democratic ing them from the presidential to make the debates both exclu- Parties has the effect of mak- debates through the bipartisan sive and less meaningful. They ing sure that candidates who (not non-partisan) Commission serve not as valid discussions of display originality and innova- on Presidential Debates. As important issues, but little more tive ideas have little chance of PBS explains, the current presi- than opportunities for the two becoming the party’s nominee. dential debate format arose to party nominees to pose as wise Any deviation from orthodoxy ensure that the debates them- statesmen, giving rehearsed an- is controversial, and primaries selves would be as meaningless swers to softball questions. serve today as a means of mak- as possible, and only Democrats Third-party candidates ing sure that candidates kowtow and Republicans would appear. receive little or no attention to the hardline ideologues of The two parties colluded in from the media, usually with the party base. Yet the potential 1988 to marginalize or exclude the excuse that they do not nominee must also be “elect- the League of Women Voters, a have enough support to justify able,” which means he must also nonpartisan organization that any attention. Of course this have the moral, ideological, and had sponsored the debates of excuse denies third-party can- linguistic vagueness to appeal 1976, 1980, and 1984: didates the exposure necessary to the electorate at large in the The Democratic and Repub- for either them or their ideas to general election. Additionally, lican parties signed a secretly gain widespread support. Even would-be nominees must spend negotiated “memorandum of an independent candidate with an enormous amount of time Vote for Someone Else - understanding” that dictated sufficient money or fame to raising funds from donors, most everything from selection of gain widespread support finds of whom expect access to the the panelists, to the makeup of himself excluded from the de- political process in return. (If, the audience, to banning fol- bate process by “standards” that as many claim, interest groups Anyone Else! low-up questions. When they perpetuate a two-party system. give money to those candidates K e v i n C o n n had agreed on all the details, After Ross Perot made a strong whose positions they already the campaigns p r e s e n t e d support, then why do many cor- In the current political climate, in recent years; some would say matic expansion of governmen- showing in the 1992 debates, the document to the League. shaking up the race and win- porations donate to both Re- elections are treated as mere that it has not worked for a long tal power at the expense of the Accusing the two major parties ning 19% of the popular vote in publican and Democratic can- popularity contests between the time. Our current national debt protections afforded by the Bill of perpetrating a “fraud on the general election, the CPD re- didates, often to both major two major parties. Both Repub- is over $16 trillion, with roughly of Rights. The nation’s ideals, the American voter,” the League fused to allow him to participate candidates for the same office?) licans and Democrats, aided by $1 trillion being added each year economy, and political stability exposed the secret memo to in the 1996 debates.9 The policy By the time the public goes to most of the major media out- by massive deficits. Our -cur are perilously close to implo- the public. The struggle ended the polls, therefore, both major lets, portray each election as a rent unemployment rate stands sion, and the best candidates with the League of of exclusion became official in candidates are usually beholden two-horse race, in which a vote at 7.8%, and that statistic does that the two-party system can Women Voters withdrawing as 2000, when the CPD established to their large donors in the way for anyone other than one of not include the millions who come up with are Barack Obama sponsor of the general election a 15% minimum showing in pre- eighteenth-century British MPs the two major-party candidates have simply given up looking for and Mitt Romney, neither of debates, refusing to g i v e debate polls for a candidate to were usually obligated to their is a wasted vote. Yet this two- work.7 We are fighting a “War whom has innovative ideas in ei- its name to an event “controlled appear. This policy essentially wealthy patrons. party approach has not worked on Terror” that has led to a dra- ther domestic or foreign policy. and scripted by the candidates’ ensures that only Republicans 9 10 The current political sys- vote are indifferent to the pro- While both parties ap- Given that many people tem is broken, and therefore a cess, and therefore they have pear content with winning a Debates: Why Every- use the debates as their sole vote for either major-party can- no strong feelings against either plurality of the American elec- source of election information, didate is simply a vote to main- nominee. Therefore not voting torate as the system now stands, it’s essential that candidates tain the status quo. Both par- also perpetuates the current sys- if they are faced with the pros- one Watches Them, speak the truth while they are at ties blame the other for all the tem, as neither party feels pres- pect of an electorate that is pre- the podiums. Unfortunately, de- misfortunes the country has sure to change. pared to vote, but not to vote for bates are only another means for ever suffered, and both promise Voting for another can- them, major parties have much But no one Should candidates to spout meaningless that they will bring immediate didate, however, does offer a greater incentive to change their and sometimes factually incor- positive change, yet experience real alternative. If a significant tactics to appeal to dissatisfied M a t t h e w C h u c k r a n rect blather for the sake of a few shows that the positive change number of voters were to vote voters. Neither party is terribly plaudits. In the first debate of this has not come. If the definition for a third-party candidate, it concerned about those who will Televised presidential debates are comfortable, young, and clearly election year, Mitt Romney lied a relatively new aspect of our elec- better looking. Thus, many peo- of insanity is repeating the same is highly unlikely that any of not vote, but they do want to both about his own tax plan and tion process; it wasn’t until 1960 ple were influenced by the looks actions in the same circum- those candidates would win the ensure that people who do vote about Obama’s healthcare poli- that the idea caught on. People and mannerisms of Kennedy, not stances, expecting a different presidential election. After all, choose their candidates at every cy. His denial of his own stated were looking for a new outlet be- his arguments. outcome, then voting once again there are numerous third-party election. Political parties exist policy went unopposed, however, sides radio to hear all of the can- Today, people watch de- as Obama never called his bluff for a Republican or Democrat is candidates on the ballot, rang- in order to get their candidates didate’s pitches. The first tele- bates because they believe that an example of insanity. Thus the ing from the Libertarians, to the elected, and the prospect that and newsmen praised his perfor- vised debate was between John F. hearing the candidates can pro- mance after the debate was over. voter is left with only two plau- Green Party, to a party that calls an aroused electorate will rally Kennedy and Richard Nixon, and vide accurate information that sible choices: don’t vote, or vote itself “NSA did 9/11.”11 There behind another candidate is un- One thing cited by commentators it had unsurprising effects on the will aid in voting. Debates are was Romney’s demeanor; while for an alternative candidate. is little likelihood that voters settling, to say the least. The election. Radio listeners thought seen as one-stop shops for all he looked at his opponent as he Certainly many Ameri- would unite behind any single most common response the two that Nixon won the debate, while necessary information—excuses spoke, Obama tended to look cans choose not to vote at all. third party, given their widely parties have historically exhibit- those watching on television for not reading the news or doing down or at the moderator. Is this Only 64% of registered voters diverging political views. Yet ed, therefore, has been to co-opt though that Kennedy won hands- research. On top of that, debates really a factor in who is worthy of cast a ballot in 2008, and thou- that is not, however, the point. the programs of third parties in down. Why? Nixon had refused are the most entertaining way to the presidency? Is it really more sands of Americans don’t even The sole reason for voting for an hopes of gaining an advantage makeup, causing him to look pale compare two candidates. How- important how someone acts 10 bother to register to vote. Yet alternative candidate is not to in the next election. and sick. The room was hot, and ever, it’s my belief that these de- than what they say or believe? while not voting withholds sup- get that candidate elected, but This is precisely the chief Nixon’s sweat was clearly visible. bates only work against democ- If Romney had upheld the same port from one candidate or an- to show the major parties that virtue of voting for a third-party Kennedy, on the other hand, was racy. tax plan he advocated during his other, it is certainly plausible they no longer represent the candidate, then. While a Gary campaign for the nomination, he to assume that those who don’t choice of the American voters. Johnson, a Jill Stein, a Jeffrey would have been booed vigorous- Boss, or one of the other candi- ly. All it took was some simple de- dates has little chance of victory, nial for him to dig himself out of votes for them collectively can that hole, and everyone believed deny the Republicans and the him. Democrats the legitimacy and Just as I don’t believe that mandate that each party would televised performance should like to claim, and it can perhaps have won Kennedy the election in force more imaginative policies 1960 (or, for that matter, Obama and better candidates in the fu- in 2008), I don’t believe that Mitt ture. Perhaps it is an idealistic Romney should be getting any stance, but “business as usual” boost for his better acting in this has not been serving us well. debate. America would be better On that first Tuesday in Novem- off if people stopped getting their ber, go to the polls and vote, but facts directly from the mouths of vote for someone else – anyone politicians and started research- else. ing instead. 11 12 Seeing as this magazine is effectively a political Hugo Chavez wins again seem willing to give up. their success in promoting peace magazine (or, at least an “Op-ed,” as we like to On October 7th, Hugo has not equated to economic Recent call it; give us biased opinions, and you’ll get pub- Chavez won his fourth elec- Sudan and South Sudan reach improvement. With struggles lished), we thought that it seemed pertinent to tion as president of Venezuela. Partial Agreement in Portugal, Greece, Spain, and take up some space to point out important events While official reports claim the Sudan and South Sudan Ireland for over a year, Angela that happened around the time of the issue. While longtime president won the elec- have recently opened up more Merkel of Germany and Francois World this list is by no means a complete, it is an impor- tion with a 10% margin, many talks and a joint security com- Hollande of France have yet to tant list, and it serves its most important purpose contend the election’s fairness. mittee crafted a plan that would create a lasting solution for the by helping us to remember what happened in our Perhaps a Wall Street Journal ar- increase oil production and devalued currency. According history, as we are always living in history. We in- clude events from September and October here. ticle on October 8th put it best: trade between the two coun- to European Central Bank chief Events - Matthew Chuckran and Conor Ryan, “We’ll never know exactly what tries. While a somewhat peace- Mario Draghi, no major plans Editors in Chief part of Mr. Chávez’s vote share ful settlement has been reached will be enacted until as late as was due to dirty tricks, and what since the secession of South Su- January of 2014. part to genuine popularity. No dan just over a year ago, there Unemployment Rate officially began with the first ly $1.5 billion on marketing for doubt a fairer process would is still much work to be done, Myanmar Seeking Change According to the Bureau presidential debate on October Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, have yielded a different result.” especially in regards to the vio- After a tumultuous his- of Labor Statistics, the current 3rd and the first and only vice and its critically acclaimed tab- lent and controversial region of tory, Myanmar seems like it is US unemployment rate is 7.8%, presidential debate on October let, dubbed the “Surface,” which Abyei. finally ready to move forward in a decrease from an 8.1% unem- 11th. While the effectiveness of will debut in direct competition the right direction. Finally break- ployment rate in August. This the debates are questioned by to the iPad. Microsoft is making China still on the rise ing away from the longstanding was the first time during Presi- many, including a certain editor big moves, and it hopes the suc- While the rest of the tradition of military rule, demo- dent Obama’s presidency that of a certain political magazine, cess of these products will help world continues to struggle with cratic elections for the legisla- the unemployment rate has debates about the debates have the company rebound from its economic woes, China has had ture took place in April. Thanks dipped below 8 percent, but not been quite heated. For all those current state. nothing but success. In Septem- to ties with the United States all were so excited by the num- questioning the passion of Del- ber, China’s overseas shipments and Japan being reinstated, and bers. In a tweet on October 5, barton students, please refer to What’s going on in Syria? increased by approximately foreign bans being eased, Myan- 2012, Jack Welch, former CEO the many Facebook conversa- For over a year, the people 9.9%, 5.5% more than what was mar’s future looks bright. of General Electric, accused the tions involving Ryan Teehan vs. of Syria have made it quite clear expected. Despite concerns of president and his administra- all. that they will not stop revolting a slowing economy, overall im- Leader of the Zeta Drug Cartel tion of faking the unemploy- until their dictator Bashar Al- ports have only increased by 2.4 Killed in Mexico ment rate. As he tweeted, “Un- Microsoft Prepares for Big Assad is deposed. Despite a clear percent, which has amounted to According to the Mexi- believable jobs numbers..these Changes message from the populace, the over 27.7 billion dollars in sur- can Navy, Heriberto Lazcano, Chicago guys will do anything.. Microsoft is expected to international community has plus. the notorious leader of the Zeta can’t debate so change num- release an update to its popular Pakistani Girl Fights the Taliban done very little in assisting the gang, was reportedly killed in bers.” operating system on October 26. After Malala Yousafzai, a rebellion, a sentiment echoed early October. The Zeta drug Windows 8, they claim, is one of Pakistani children’s rights activ- by the Turkish prime minister. cartel is considered one of the the largest changes they have ist, was critically wounded being After the UN Security Council most dangerous cartel organiza- ever made to the operating sys- attacked by the Pakistani Tali- failed to create a plan to end the tions in the world and has been tem. Having seen mixed reviews ban, thousands rallied behind war in Syria, Prime Minister Re- linked to the deaths of hundreds for preliminary versions of the the 14-year-old and condemned cep Tayyip Erdogan harshly crit- of Mexicans. Two months be- operating system, many people the actions of the Islamic mili- icized their inaction. A UN joint fore the end of President Calde- are ambivalent to these sup- tant group. While there have mission has so far been stalled ron’s administration, a presiden- posed improvements. Microsoft been strong reactions, the as- mostly because of the efforts of EU Economic Crisis Still Not be- cy centered around promises of is also releasing Windows Phone sailants responsible for her at- China and Russia, two major al- ing Addressed decreased violence, the death of The Debates have begun! 8, which it hopes will make a tack are yet to be found and lies of Syria. While the future of While the European Lazcano is considered a major With the election just large impact on the phone mar- punished. Syria remains unclear, neither Union may have recently been victory in the war against drugs. a month away, the debates of ket. It was recently rumored that the government nor the people awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the 2012 presidential election Microsoft will be spending near- 13 14 everyone reading this article Voter ID Laws = now has $25 (or probably more) Suppressing the Vote: The in their wallets.16 In a society such as ours Common Sense Laws that has a focus on ID for things Darker Truth of Voter ID Laws M a t t h e w G a m b e t t a like buying alcohol, boarding a J a c k L y n c h plane, opening bank accounts, As we all know, another presi- the Brennan Center of Justice’s or even renting a movie, voter At the very heart of the American have large numbers of deceased to win the state of Pennsylva- dential election is coming in the study showing that 11% of vot- ID laws just make sense. ID is political system is the basic idea or non-resident people still regis- nia.”21 His comments parallel a next few weeks. Barack Obama ing age Americans do not have that every citizen should have a tered to vote, voter fraud is a clear darker truth about these ID laws: 12 needed for many things in vot- and Mitt Romney are both in it government-issued IDs. An- ers’ day-to-day lives, so why not say in government. Being able to danger. The actual occurrence of they are meant to suppress Dem- to win it, and that means every other paper in the Harvard Law use it for an important civic duty, elect a mayor, governor, congress- such fraud, however, is incredi- ocratic-leaning voting groups vote counts; voter ID laws must and Policy Review concluded too? Those who say that voter man, or president is a right that bly rare. According to ABC News, and give Republican candidates be in place to make sure that the that voter turnout in states with ID laws are discriminatory must most Americans take for granted. in the past decade, the state of an advantage in national elec- election is fair. Opponents of voter ID laws is low, and that also agree that those who deny New voter ID laws, which would Texas (another state considering tions. require all voters to show a form voter ID laws) has indicted only Simply put, voter ID Laws such laws mainly view them as communities with large Hispan- alcohol, boarding passes, bank of photo identification at the vot- four people for in-person voter are a dangerous and unneces- discriminatory and cite the Vot- ic and Asian-American popula- accounts, and movies to individ- ing place, have been proposed in fraud.19 On a national level, a De- sary threat to democratic values. ing Rights Act of 1965 (which tions had stunningly small turn- uals without ID are discrimina- 13 many states by Republicans, and partment of Justice study found In the interest of stopping an outlawed discriminatory vot- out. The problem with these tory too. After all, they do ask for are a clear threat to the fair elec- that of the 197 million votes cast imaginary problem that has little ing practices), or view them as statistics, however, is that they ID, and if you’re denied because a type of disenfranchisement. I just don’t add up. In 2010, there toral process. in federal elections from 2002 to to no effect on the outcome of of that, then you must be get- Republicans claim that 2005 there were 40 indictments. national elections, Republicans argue that both of those claims were 186.9 million registered ting discriminated against. Why 14 these laws will reduce “in-person In other words, voter fraud cases want to prevent an estimated 9% are simply untrue, and that vot- voters in the US. The Depart- show proof to make sure you’re er ID laws really are the way to ment of Transportation report- voter fraud”—people voting un- made up 0.00000013% of votes of Americans, more than 21 mil- not a minor buying booze, or a der a name that is not truly theirs. cast.20 lion people, from voting. Just like go for fair and democratic elec- ed in 2009 that there were 205.8 name on the no-fly list, or open- tions. million valid driver’s licenses.15 Yet, evidence that such fraud ac- For whatever reason, Re- literacy tests and other measures ing a fraudulent account, or tually takes place in more than publicans have determined that that were taken during the civil Many opponents of voter That’s 19 million more licenses buying an explicit movie when a few sporadic instances is lack- the only way to stop the negli- rights movement to suppress ID laws use arguments about than voters. Clearly photo ID is you’re underage? We institute ing. What these laws will do is gible amount of voter fraud in the black vote, voter ID laws are discrimination, disenfranchise- relatively easy to obtain. In ad- such ID laws because they are disenfranchise large numbers of the United States is to prevent clearly an unfair, unjust, and un- ment, and lower voter turnout at dition, most IDs only cost about common sense. It is worth not- eligible citizens simply because millions of people from voting democratic method of voter sup- elections. They commonly cite $25 dollars, and I’m sure almost ing that nearly 75% of Americans they do not possess government- in the first place. Most of the pression, based very lightly on support voter ID laws (57% sup- issued identification. In Pennsyl- people that voter ID laws would realistic threats and much more porting fervently), and that this vania, one state in which voter ID harm are minorities, very young so on politics. is not a partisan issue, as many laws are being seriously consid- or very old voters, and the poor: Americans feel (and rightfully ered, it is estimated that about groups that overwhelmingly vote so) that voter fraud can be all 9% of eligible voters do not pos- Democrat. Many believe that too real. Liberal leaning states sess the level of identification the reason conservatives have like Washington and Michigan, that would require them to vote. suddenly become so concerned conservative leaning states like That’s roughly 759,000 voters, about stopping voter fraud is that Texas and Alabama, and even well over half a million people voter ID laws help stop the elec- 18 swing states like Ohio and Flor- unable to have their voice heard. tion of Democratic candidates. In addition, the fraud that Pennsylvania House Republican ida all have voter ID laws in ef- these laws are supposed to be leader Mike Turzai openly stated fect today. If fact, 30 states in preventing is widely considered in a speech to the Republican total already have voter ID laws to be of no threat to the national state committee that the passing in place.17 The justification for election process. Many Republi- of voter ID laws in Pennsylvania voter ID laws is clear: common cans claim that since many states would “allow Governor Romney sense. 15 16 When we decided that the main topic for our political Where do the figures of the 2012 Presidential of political questions, the Forum’s writers re- magazine would be a political election, we thought it would be interesting to see what our writers’ political be- Election stand? ported their scores, as plotted in green in the Statistics on liefs are. Thomas Hartke let us know that he didn’t want 1. President Obama, democrat – right au- above picture. to write, because he had nothing to say on the election. thoritarian. Make of these results what you will, but I Then we remembered that he is kind of good at math and whatnot, so we thought he would be the perfect per- 2. Mitt Romney, republican – right au- believe there are a few noticeable points to ad- son to do this sort of statistics gathering and analyzing. thoritarian. dress concerning our results: Our Writers He used a test from www.politicalcompass.org to do so. 3. Gary Johnson, libertarian – far right, 1. Our distribution of scores and average T h o m a s H a r t k e Here is what he has to say. - Matthew Chuckran & Conor Ryan, Editors in Chief neither libertarian nor authoritarian. score both lie significantly lower than the main- stream international, and even domestic, distri- These figures must be held in context of butions. Perhaps this reflects a societal change What is the Political Compass Test? How are the scores of politicians currently alive or the assertion that “the Political Compass chart occurring in our nation’s youth, or it may simply According to www.politicalcompass.org: long deceased determined? represents the whole spectrum of political opin- reflect an inherent bias in the test results when “Both an economic dimension and a “In our early experience, politicians taking ion, not simply the range within a particular taken in questionnaire form as opposed to ana- social dimension are important factors for the test often responded in ways that conflicted nation or region. The timeless universal centre lyzing the actions of politicians at face value. a proper political analysis. By adding the with their actions but conformed to the prevailing should not be confused with merely the present 2. The writers for the Forum disagree social dimension you can show that Stalin mood of the electorate... We rely on reports, parlia- national [Ameri- greatly on econom- was an authoritarian leftist (i.e. the state is mentary voting records, manifestos … and actions can or otherwise] ic issues, but carry more important than the individual) and that speak much louder than words. It takes us a average.” Thus the much the same that Gandhi, believing in the supreme value great deal longer than simply having the politician differences may views on social is- of each individual, is a liberal leftist. While take the test — but it’s also a far more accurate as- seem stark between sues. The standard the former involves state-imposed arbitrary sessment.” Mitt Romney and deviation of our collectivism in the extreme top left, on the Barack Obama to social views scores extreme bottom left is voluntary collectiv- Most governments and political figures the American pub- was less than half ism at regional level, with no state involved.” are plotted on the right. Doesn’t that lic, but this is only the standard de- “Similarly Hitler, on an economic mean that the political center is mis- within the narrower viation of our eco- scale, was not an extreme right-winger. His placed? political spectrum nomic scale scores. economic policies were broadly Keynesian, “The Political Compass chart and to the left of some of today’s Labour of mainstream If you find these parties. If you could get Hitler and Stalin represents the whole spectrum of po- American politics. results interesting, to sit down together and avoid economics, litical opinion, not simply the range I would encourage the two diehard authoritarians would find within a particular nation or region. What about poli- you to explore the plenty of common ground.” The timeless universal centre should tics in general? political compass “Each quadrant contains enormous not be confused with merely the pres- All of the website, and read variability and can accommodate philan- ent national average. The former is States in the US, more about many thropists and monsters, differing in the ex- far more meaningful and informative. when plotted, lie of their interesting tremity of their views.” Where, for example, would the centre within the top right corner of the chart based studies including: a political spectrum of mu- be within the political confines of Hit- upon their Senators political positions, with sical composers, results from past elections in Where do a few prominent people place: ler’s Germany, apartheid South Africa democrats generally falling toward the lower multiple countries, and more in depth explana- 1. Bashar al-Assad, President of Syria – extreme right or the Soviet Union? By showing the left of the authoritarian square, and republi- tions of the processes used to determine place- authoritarian. whole spectrum of political thought, cans generally falling within the area of the two ment. I personally am skeptical of some of the 2. Pope Benedict XVI – centrist authoritarian. we can indicate the width or narrow- presidential candidates. Also, almost all heads results of this test, and some of the questions 3. Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela – left au- ness of prevailing mainstream politics of state from around the world fall in the upper used to determine where someone falls. Per- thoritarian. within any particular country. It also half of the spectrum, with only a few moderate haps if you take the test, you will see for yourself 4. François Gérard Georges Nicolas Hollande, cen- exceptions. if this test is useful, accurate, or biased, and see trist. enables us to chart the drifts one way for yourself where you fall on the political spec- 5. Milton Friedman, free market economist – far or another of various parties, govern- Where do the writers of The Forum stand? trum. right libertarian. ments and individuals.” After taking a lengthy questionnaire full 17 18 Voting to Make a Difference, Not a Point A u g i e A t e n c i o Having been a supporter of Ron perfectly legitimate argument Paul in the Republican prima- that in America there is no such ries, making the switch to sup- thing as a wasted vote, and they porting Romney was very per- are free to vote for whomever sonal. It meant accepting that they want. The only problem Dr. Paul had lost, something with this argument is that, like I was very disgruntled about, it or not, America unofficially given the sheer amount of en- has a two party political sys- Dr. Paul understands that in ergy and passion that was pres- tem. Getting angry and voting order to bring about change in ent in the Ron Paul campaign for another candidate will not this government, you have to up until the very end when he change this. When Ron Paul be able to somewhat work with announced he would no longer supporters say they are voting the establishment. This is why continue. His withdrawal from for Gary Johnson, they are doing he ran as the Republican nomi- the race, however, meant that I it to “make a point”. That’s not nee rather than as the Libertar- had to find a new candidate to what politics is about, however. ian candidate. Is Mitt Romney support. To me that candidate You shouldn’t get into politics perfect? No, but he is a candi- was Republican nominee Mitt to “prove a point”, but instead date who will limit the govern- Romney. Unfortunately, many to make a stronger America, ment’s role in the economy and “You Didn’t Build That,” and of the people who supported where the government is limit- in health care, and start restor- Ron Paul in the primaries are ed, the people are free, and our ing the liberty that we have not leaning towards voting for lawmakers follow the Constitu- lost. Not to mention that his Romney in November. I have tion. Would Gary Johnson be Other Political Truisms selection of Paul Ryan as a run- heard numerous people say that capable of upholding these val- R y a n T e e h a n ning mate solidified his truly they are voting for Gary John- ues? Absolutely. But has Presi- conservative stance. Dr. Paul One of the more famous state- describes the conditions seen in outlook. Out of the two major son, the Libertarian candidate. dent Obama proven capable of ran as a Republican because he ments made by President American society, or rather in candidates in the election, only This angers me greatly. By sup- upholding these values? Not knew it was the best way to beat Obama during his campaign for any society. While many have the current President adopts a porting Gary Johnson, they in the slightest. I don’t believe President Obama, and while he reelection has been, “you didn’t taken the statement to mean view on success that is consis- are voting for a candidate who that Americans should “prove a would have been my choice for build that.” Now, this comment that any and all work is invali- tent with the conditions neces- cannot win and who will only point” by voting for candidates President, now if we want to ac- has drawn a good deal of oppo- dated, that is simply not the case. sary for it to occur. take votes away from Romney, who cannot win, when all that tually beat President Obama, sition from members of the Re- Rather, the claim is that all too One need only look to the which will do nothing but help is going to do is assist President and get back on the right track, publican Party, as well as some often people attribute their suc- basic conditions of success to re- President Obama get reelected. Obama in winning the election, we must put aside our damaged others. This concept, as well as cess solely to themselves and not alize the truth that this notion When I talk with people about and cause a countless number feelings about the American po- other related statements, seems to others who helped in the pro- carries. President Obama put their choice to vote for Gary of Americans to suffer under his litical process and cast our vote to be counterintuitive on the sur- cess. Similar statements serve to it best in his event in Roanoke, Johnson, they respond with the policies for another four years. for Mitt Romney. face, while in reality it accurately eliminate a purely self-interested Virginia: 19 20 If you were successful, some- it; it has no intrinsic value. The the will of the collective. When the President’s tax plan, which tion falls from the notion that more pervasive and destructive. body along the line gave you way money comes to have value a businessman sells his product increases taxes on the rich, is success could not be achieved It follows that policies must in some help. There was a great is through a collective intention- for money, he is making a trans- that it takes money away from without the others in a society. some way prioritize those worse teacher somewhere in your ality, when there is a general will action that is only possible be- people who own and deserve it. That notion establishes that at off. This theme is clear within life. Somebody helped to cre- that money is an accepted cur- cause of the other members in How can one really own some- first there must be an equal start- Obama’s policies. While there is ate this unbelievable American rency and thus can be used for society. Given that in American thing in this way if the means to ing point. However, since the still ongoing debate about the ef- system that we have that al- trade.23 This form of construc- society success is, to a certain ex- that ownership can just as easily condition of a poor man who is ficacy of the policies in question, lowed you to thrive. Somebody tion holds for nearly everything tent, based on owning capital, be attributed to another? This deprived of food is much worse debate that will not end until the invested in roads and bridges. of importance within a society; it seems as if the notion of suc- does not have to mean an end to than that of a rich man who has effects have actually been seen, If you’ve got a business -- you from voting to corporations, all cess is inextricably tied to other ownership, since without it soci- some of his money taken away, it it is clear that from an abstract didn’t build that. Somebody socially important phenomena people. To view one’s success as ety would cease to function. It is clear that the priority must go perspective they are geared to- else made that happen. The are grounded in a collective in- only caused by oneself is a clear does mean, however, that politi- to the former. In addition, many wards helping those worse off. Internet didn’t get invented on tentionality to regard them as misunderstanding of what the cians ought to adopt a collective of the poor had failures which For example, while the Afford- its own. Government research such. When a man casts his bal- word entails. stance on issues. John Rawls, a arose from arbitrary conditions able Care Act may very well ben- created the Internet so that lot at the polls it counts as voting Of the two major candi- former Harvard Professor, fur- – conditions which are usually efit the entire society, those in all the companies could make because the society has willed it dates, only President Obama thers the collective view in his another cause of the success of the worst positions will probably 22 money off the Internet. to be so and such traditions have actually adopts and views the book A Theory of Justice. He ex- the rich – and thus it would be benefit the most. A necessity to succeeding in any- been established. This notion world with this type of outlook. plains: wrong to punish them for situ- All things considered, the thing is that there are conditions sheds an interesting light on the Romney’s view is far too char- ations which were out of their popular view of success is inac- available for one to succeed. For question of personal responsi- acterized by his work in the That political rule is founded control. Rawls furthers a similar curate and is completely inade- solely on men’s propensity to example, someone with a talent bility for success in that it means business world; his criticism of notion. He writes: quate for describing the current self-interest and injustice is for business would not make any that the very objects that are Obama’s statement is a clear ex- state of American society, or any a superficial view. For even money without the existence of used to describe or achieve suc- ample of that. One of the most The intuitive notion here is society for that matter. Once among just men, once goods consumers. Another necessary cess can only find grounding in common criticisms leveled at that this structure contains such a view is adopted, it be- are indivisible over large num- step would be the buildings and various social positions and comes clear that only one of the bers of individuals, their ac- institutions necessary for him to that men born into different major candidates adopts and in- tions decided upon in isolation sell his product. Both the work positions have different expec- tegrates this view in his policies. from one another will not lead tations of life determined, in of the individual and other fac- Obama’s actions, even if imper- to the general good. Some col- part, by the political system as tors have the same level of causal fect, come closer toe realizing lective arrangement is neces- well as by economic and social sufficiency for the success of the the duty to justice inherent in sary and everyone wants assur- circumstances. In this way the individual. That is, if either one enacting policies benefiting the ance that it will be adhered to if institutions of society favor cer- had not existed, the individual poor. Those less fortunate are he is willingly to do his part. In tain starting places over oth- would have no concept of suc- still part of the collective neces- a large community the degree ers. These are especially deep cess. Rather than saying that ei- of mutual confidence in one inequalities. Not only are they sary for any notion of success to ther can take full responsibility, another’s integrity that ren- pervasive, but they affect men’s exist, and their misfortune can one must recognize the inter- ders enforcement superfluous initial chances in life; yet they often be traced back to a factor subjective nature of success. is not to be expected. In a well- cannot possibly be justified not grounded in their actions or The argument goes even ordered society the required by an appeal to the notions of merit – in much the same way deeper than that, however. Not sanctions are no doubt mild merit or desert.25 that the wealth of a rich man can only do other people greatly in- and they may never be applied. be found to have the same roots. fluence the ability for one to Still, the existence of such de- Given that both the rich and the The way to balance out the ar- succeed by creating institutions vices is a normal condition of poor can account a certain degree bitrary violations is through a and buildings, but they also al- human life even in this case.24 of their success, or lack thereof, guiding principle which man- low the object by which humans to arbitrary factors, those ends dates that policies must put pref- gauge their success – money – In addition, a view must seek to cannot be said to be their own. erence on the poor and those is to have value. When one actu- benefit those worse off before A just government ought to the worst situations. Only then ally looks at it, money is simply others. The priority must be on minimize the arbitrary factors, can the idea of success be real- a piece of paper with writing on the least fortunate. This obliga- and of the two one is clearly the ized. 21 22 onstration of a winning personali- them through. This is a sad state America is supposed to do and ty rather than any actual capability of affairs because a lot of poten- complete the federal and mili- to handle the affairs of the country. tial for our country is simply lost tary government biography With the media gaining increasing in this manner. That is not to say and autobiography in devel- influence on public perception of that some consideration should opment in Eye Spy Commu- the presidents, some sort of coun- not be made of appearances. For nity-Military Intelligence (All tervailing trend should be accom- example, one of the 2008 Demo- Three) Business and Commerce modated as well. The point is, the cratic candidates, Lee L. Mercer Jr., Intelligence Education across world is filled with other Jeffersons had reasons for candidacy that in- the board National and Interna- who are not considered for presi- cluded: tional.29 dency simply because of a superfi- so that I can do what the Presi- cial evaluation that the public puts dent of the United States of Just don’t vote for that kind of guy. Acknowledgements and Citations Teacher Supervisor - Kevin Conn ber 5, 2012. http://www.pbs.org/now/politics/debatehistory2.html 9. See citation 8. 10. US Census Bureau, “Voter Turnout Increases by 5 Million in 2008 Editors in Chief - Matthew Chuckran ‘13 Presidential Election, U.S. Census Bureau Reports,” United States Census Bureau Conor Ryan ‘13 Website, July 20, 2009, accessed October 5, 2012. http://www.census.gov/news- room/releases/archives/voting/cb09-110.html President of What!? 11. Randy Parker, Our Campaigns.com, accessed October 5, 2012, http:// Magazine Production & Design - Conor Ryan ‘13 www.ourcampaigns.com/PartyDetail.html?PartyID=5136 K a b b a s A z h a r 12. “Voter ID” Brennan Center of Justice at New York University School of Cover Image Design - Austin Crann ‘13 Law http://www.brennancenter.org/content/section/category/voter_idasd 13. Shelley de Alth, “ID at the Polls: Assessing the Impact of Recent State By all accounts, Thomas Jefferson who would ever associate Jefferson the US ever had, would have been Voter ID Laws on Voter Turnout” Harvard Law and Policy Review, Volume 3 (Sep- was a great president and an even with a seemingly vapid personal- likely decried as a public nudist Senior Editors - Kabbas Azhar ‘13 tember 2011).http://journalistsresource.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Voter-ID- Nishwant Swami ‘13 and-Turnout.pdf greater man. Consistently hold- ity? Most of us, it turns out. (he was well known for swimming 14. US Election Assistance Commision, “The Impact of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 on the Administration of Elections for Federal Office 2009- ing a place in the upper echelons While Jefferson could nude in the Potomac River at five Writers on the Election - Ben Janacek ‘14 2010” June 30 2011, http://www.eac.gov/assets/1/Documents/2010%20NVRA%20 of the US presidency, he was an have been an éminence grise in in the morning). John F. Kennedy, Kevin Conn FINAL%20REPORT.pdf 15. Federal Highway Administration, “Licensed Male Drivers, by Age 1/2009” inventor, a writer, and an archi- today’s world, his chances at be- often idolized despite his short Matthew Chuckran ‘13 US Department of Transportation, December 2010 http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/poli- tect, as well as the only president ing elected as a president would term, would have been seen as a Matthew Gambetta ‘14 cyinformation/statistics/2009/dl22.cfm Jack Lynch ‘14 16. Suevon Lee “Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Voter ID to found a University. In fact, John have been slim to none. The rea- rather…prolific connoisseur (you Laws,” ProPublica October 10 2012, http://www.propublica.org/article/everything- Augie Atencio ‘14 F. Kennedy once welcomed 49 No- son for Thomas Jefferson’s per- know what I mean). Kennedy youve-ever-wanted-to-know-about-voter-id-laws Ryan Teehan ‘14 17. “Voter Identification Requirements,” National Conference of State Legis- bel Laureates to the White House ceived inadequacy would have would have been slandered, and Kabbas Azhar ‘13 latures http://www.ncsl.org/legislatures-elections/elections/voter-id.aspx 18. Sophia Pearson, “Pennsylvania Judge Bars Voter-ID Law for 2012 Elec- with these words: been the simple fact that he stut- his career ripped apart before it tion” Businessweek (October 3, 2012), http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012- I think this is the most extraor- tered.27 Immensely shy in a pub- had even started. Lyndon B John- Political Statistics on Writers - Thomas Hartke ‘13 10-02/pennsylvania-judge-bars-voter-id-law-for-2012-election 19. Amy Bingham, “Voter Fraud: Non-Existent Problem or Election-Threat- dinary collection of talent, of lic setting, Thomas Jefferson gave son’s term would have lasted only Back cover image created using Tagxedo.com ening Epidemic?” ABC News (September 12, 2012), http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/ OTUS/voter-fraud-real-rare/story?id=17213376#.UHM1BU3R6So a grand total of two speeches in a few months and his buddy ‘Jum- ______human knowledge, that has 20. Lorraine C. Minnite, “Expert Report of Lorraine C. Minnite” (July 16, ever been gathered at the White his tenure as president, with both bo’ wouldn’t have been seen by Citations 2012), http://www.aclupa.org/downloads/Minnite.pdf 28 1. Ike Brannon “The Cost of Increasing Tax Rates On Capital Gains and 21. Mackenzie Weinger, “Mike Turzai: Voter ID helps GOP with State” Po- House, with the possible excep- being inaugural. He was also in people as much. Andrew Jackson Dividends.” Forbes Magazine, (April 5, 2012), http://www.forbes.com/sites/real- litico (June 25, 2012), http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0612/77811.html tion of when Thomas Jefferson the unfortunate possession of a would have seemed like a lunatic; spin/2012/04/05/the-cost-of-increasing-tax-rates-on-capital-gains-and-dividends/ 22. “Remarks by the President at a Campaign Event in Roanoke, Virginia” Office of the Press Secretary (July 13, 2012), http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press- 26 2. “Tax: Fairer, Flatter, and Simpler.” Romney/Ryan Campaign, http://www. dined alone. weak high pitched voice, which a seemingly senile man who loved mittromney.com/issues/tax office/2012/07/13/remarks-president-campaign-event-roanoke-virginia 23. John Searle. The Construction of Social Reality (New York: Free Press, made him difficult to listen to at guns and dueling more than he 3. David S. Logan, “Summary of Latest Federal Individual Income Tax Data” Tax Foundation, (October 24, 2011), http://taxfoundation.org/article/summa- 1995). Gives a real sense of Jefferson’s ap- the best of times. If he had run did politics. The point here is that ry-latest-federal-individual-income-tax-data-0 24. John Rawls, A Theory of Justice (Cambridge: Belknap Press, 1971). 4. Peter Ferrara, “Obama Promised He Wouldn’t Raise Taxes On the Middle 25. See citation 24. titude, does it not? And who would for the presidential office in 2012, the president now is vastly differ- Class. He Lied.” Forbes Magazine, (July 19, 2012), http://www.forbes.com/sites/ 26. John F. Kennedy, “Address to Nobel Laureates, Dinner for Nobel Prize not want such an erudite man del- he would have been mocked, ent than what the president used peterferrara/2012/07/19/obama-promised-he-wouldnt-raise-taxes-on-the-middle- Winners of the Western Hemisphere,” The American Presidency Project, April 29, class-he-lied/ 1962.