Political Property Management

August 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment
NYSE
Image by brian glanz via Flickr

Micromanaging is the bane of all executives. Whether it be a movie, a business, or a Scout camp, people who try to keep track of and run every aspect of an enterprise will wind up pulling their hair out. That’s why the roles of assistant directors, vice presidents, and other middle management exist, to share the load of the people who are in charge.

With property management, a management group will take care of a property for the real owner. They keep up the maintenance, make sure everything runs smoothly, and, like their job title says, manage the property.

In a sense, that is what the President of the United States does. He isn’t the owner of the property, but he is entrusted with it, looks after it, and makes sure everything runs smoothly. While it is obviously a more difficult job, the same principles apply. A President cannot, and should not, micromanage. That’s why there is a presidential cabinet, staffers, and teams of lawyers. Take, for example President George W. Bush’s approach to women’s issues. While the President certainly took a stand on these issues, he also had others spearhead his agenda. Although Bush was in charge, he delegated the tasks to others who could perform the job best and be “out front” on many of these controversial issues.

This is a good example of management. Macro-managing is not dodging responsibility. Rather, it’s delegating specific tasks to those the leader can trust. It’s like a film director who relies on the director of photography to handle the cinematic aspects of the movie. It is a good way to make sure that the best work gets done, with one person in charge and the experts getting their hands dirty and accomplishing the tasks.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: , , ,

The Stigma of Feminism

August 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The symbol of Anarcha-feminism.

Image via Wikipedia

Feminism has obtained somewhat of a stigma to some individuals.  This is unfortunate and important to consider, in order to see the value and importance of feminism in society. Much of the stereotypes surrounding feminism are drawn from more radical feminists.  For instance, some men see feminist attempts as those that try to undermine the rights and well-being of men, as consistent with such movements.
Others see the relentless attempts of scholastic feminists to undermine certain ideologies and contexts.  This is unfortunately a popular occurrence in post-secondary education, where students are forced to try to comprehend certain feminist arguments in literature when the students are not able to see the complete picture.  It is easy for them to draw such stereotypes in haste and from frustration.

These stigmas are unfortunate for the state of feminism and what it stands for in society.  It is important to gain understanding of the role of feminism in society. The best way to combat such stereotypes is to take time to learn about feminism and women’s issues.  Historically feminism began not too long ago, but has definitely made a huge impact in a relatively short time.

Feminist literature can be a great way to learn about a particular issue.  There is no shortage of original works in feminism, as well as overriding commentaries that can catch you up to speed, if you are not up-to-date on certain issues, or need a more general work.

Perhaps the key to overcoming negative preconceived notions is in learning.  Learning about feminism is a great way to enhance your understanding and begin to see the meaning and effect feminism has had, and still continues to have, in society. From such efforts the true value and place of feminism can be learned.  Over the years and in the future, feminism has remained a vital part of society, establishing change for women’s issues and rights in many contexts.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Feminism, Society

Making an Effort to Keep up with Politics

August 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
LONDON - FEBRUARY 12: Queen Elizabeth II stud...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

For many who lead busy lives, it can seem overwhelming to keep up with everything.  Busy work schedules and family-related time constraints can be just the beginning for many. In this some things get left out.  For some, it is the ability to keep up with the news, events, and other topics that surround politics.  It is not uncommon for one to lose touch with the presence of politics due to different circumstances.

However most will agree that politics is something that should be important in one’s life.  Certainly those that take their civic duties seriously agree that one should make attempts to do just that. How can it be done with such little time?  Is there a way to condense it down when time is of the essence?

Although it is very good to be as active as possible, it is not reasonable that one can make every community meeting, and see every speech given by national leaders.  Yet it is possible to make attempts to stay updated when life gets overwhelming. Quite often it is easy to make the news part of your routine.  Even if you are busy doing work at home, having the news on can keep you up-to-date with events in your community and around the world.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the Internet.  As most have time to check one’s e-mail, it can also be reasonable to assume that a quick stop at a website to read about events can be done as well.  You could bookmark your local news station or something with more widespread coverage.  You could also sign up for a service to deliver news alerts to your e-mail as well.
Consider what you can do to make an effort to keep up with politics when time is at a premium.  Often with a few simple considerations you can make it part of your day in order to stay up-to-date with what is going on in your community and around the world.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: , ,

Women or Men at Home – A New Transition

August 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment
We Can Do It poster for Westinghouse, closely ...

Image via Wikipedia

One of the most noticeable transitions relating to genders is the transition away from women as homemakers.  Of course, this is not to say that it doesn’t happen anymore, which would be very far from the truth.  However, times are changing. Some time ago it was common for a woman to be at home.  As a caregiver or homemaker, women were often responsible for such a role.

Additionally, it was often expected for women to fulfill this duty.  It is not too long ago when women started breaking this preconceived notion regarding work status, and playing a major role in the workplace. This took place to a large extent in World War II.  As men left the country to fight, particularly in the United States, the country saw a large number of women as responsible for working.  In the aftermath of that, feminism established a more consistent basis to women being in the workplace.

Another dimension to this has changed stereotypes and popular notions.  In recent years it has become more common for men to stay at home, taking care of children and other duties. This dynamic has altered society quite noticeably.  Within a relatively short time in the history of society, it is now not uncommon for women and men to stay at home.
As guidelines along these notions continue to swing to either effect, this remains one of the more successful areas that relate to women’s issues.  While not perfect, it is now socially acceptable for men and women to either stay at home or work.  It is common for both spouses to work, or for a man to stay at home.

This is an important achievement in regards to redefining more traditional gender roles.  A level of equality has certainly been gained. Overall this new transition is one of the defining points in modern society.  As with other advances that are seen in gender-related issues, the redefining of gender roles in the home and workplace is one of particular note.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Society Tagged With: , , ,

Reading Political Philosophy

August 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

It is often the classic works in history that enables one to develop an understanding, appreciation, and enhance one’s interest in the subject.  It is true for readers who enjoy novels to read Mark Twain, scientific minds reading Albert Einstein, and every other imaginable subject. So too does this apply to politics.  Individuals who have even the slightest interests in politics can enjoy reading the classics in this category.
Political philosophy is one of the many rich and diverse fields in history and in regards to different types of philosophy.  Western political philosophy has existed since ancient Greek times, at least academically.  Political philosophy in the East has existed since the time of Confucius, Mencius, and others, from ancient China and India following that of Greece.
It may seem irrelevant to consider some of the oldest works in politics as reading material in today’s society.  However, it is actually much more relevant to consider.
Perhaps the most prominent work in this field, Plato’s Republic, is the most influential work in political theory and philosophy.  Its influence is hardly matched by any other, and has paved the way for even modern political ideologies.

Furthermore, such works are an amazing way to spark your interest.  Perhaps the Communist Manifesto may not be relevant to your interests within politics, but its perspectives and influence on some parts of the world is undeniably of interest. Take some time to look into some of the classic works in political philosophy.  If you have no experience in philosophy, don’t worry about it being over your head; for example, Plato is perhaps the most engaging writer in philosophy, and it is not difficult to follow.
Political philosophy can bridge modern ideologies with their roots.  Even for matters outside of comfort zones and of relevancy, such classic works provide insights and intrigue into the vast dimensions of politics, across cultures and belief systems.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: , , ,

Bush Took us to the Poker Tables

August 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Cover of "W. (Widescreen)"
Cover of W. (Widescreen)

If you are old enough to remember the beginning of the George W. Bush (also known as Bush II) presidency, you might remember that he just barely won the initial race against Al Gore. How our world would look now if that particular coin flip had gone differently, we may never be able to imagine. But the fact is, old Dubya accomplished a lot of things in his presidency that have drawn a lot of heat (and a lot of embarrassment) to the American people. When your leader nearly calls the British queen 200 years old in front of everyone, it does not say great things about your political or educational systems.

During Bush’s first few months in office, he was something of a non entity. He spent several months at his ranch, taking a vacation that some would argue he did not deserve in the first place. Shouldn’t a person do a lot of work, before they reward themselves with a vacation? But of course, after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, Bush beat the drums of war, and our revenge (which is showing no signs of slowly down 9 years later) began in force. Whether Bush performed a noble and necessary action, or simply took our national credibility to the poker tables and lost most of it, will be debated in scholarly circles until the end of time. But he certainly did create a lot of gold star Army mothers.

From the very beginning, the two fronted war that has expanded throughout Iraq and Afghanistan seemed like a massive use of American resources. Aside from simply making our entire country seem like a child flailing angrily at unseen enemies in the shadows, many young lives have been lost to this war. And the fact that the American people are paying billions of dollars to do so is yet another sad legacy of Bush.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: ,

Emotion and Politics

August 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment
WASHINGTON - APRIL 16: Protesters denounce th...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

It is an all too often occurrence when emotion and politics mix.  This unfortunate matter lessens the integrity of politics and undermines one’s ability to voice displeasure in some manner. This occurs at any given time.  For example, there is almost always a level of displeasure regarding the President of the United States of America.  There is nothing wrong with this, in itself.

Yet for some individuals, displeasure is voiced in such a way that integrity is lost.  For example, it is not uncommon to see Internet message boards spammed with racial slurs, profanity, and depictions of the absence of worth for such a figure. Regardless of the level of displeasure, such action degrades the integrity of politics and creates an unfortunate situation.  No one wins when insults are thrown around without end.

The effects of such displays are to no end.  For instance, it is reasonable to state that such action makes others hesitant to be involved in politics.

After all, who wants to follow such unfairness and topics that are filled with that much anger?  Overbearing emotional outbursts also stigmatizes politics, creating a topic that is met with some disdain.
An analogy could be made to the Catholic Church.  Due to the previous scandals that has affected the Church, such outburst and unreasonable universal stereotypes has created a negative association with the Church.  Is this, or has this happened, with politics?
It possibly has.  Yet one must remember that lack of restraint in emotional outbursts will get nowhere.  Change isn’t made by losing control of one’s emotions and criticizing others in a manner that doesn’t produce results.  In all truth, in many cases this is the end result, which is nothing but negativity.

In politics, just as in anything, as seen in the previous example, there are events that might seem worthy of such disdain.  However, care must be taken to voice such opinions in a constructive manner that will produce results, and not stereotype politics into something negative, which will create further negative implications.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Politics