Political Stupidity

Political Stupidity: Unpacking the Phenomenon and Its Consequences

Introduction:

We've all witnessed it: the baffling pronouncements, the illogical policies, the sheer bewilderment that sometimes accompanies political discourse. This isn't about disagreeing with a particular ideology; it's about the demonstrably foolish actions and decisions made by political figures and, perhaps more concerning, the voters who support them. This post delves into the complex phenomenon of "political stupidity," exploring its various manifestations, underlying causes, and far-reaching consequences. We'll move beyond simple name-calling and examine the psychological, sociological, and systemic factors that contribute to irrational political behavior, ultimately aiming to foster a more informed and critical understanding of the political landscape. Prepare to challenge your own biases and assumptions as we dissect this often-overlooked aspect of political life.


1. Defining "Political Stupidity": Beyond Simple Dismissal

The term "political stupidity" is inherently loaded. It’s not about labeling individuals as inherently unintelligent. Instead, it refers to actions and decisions demonstrably lacking in rational thought, foresight, and consideration of consequences within the political realm. This includes:

Ignorance and Misinformation: A lack of accurate information, often fueled by biased sources and intentional disinformation campaigns, leads to poor decision-making.
Cognitive Biases: Confirmation bias (seeking information confirming existing beliefs), in-group bias (favoring one's own group), and availability heuristic (overestimating the likelihood of events easily recalled) all contribute to irrational political choices.
Emotional Reasoning: Decisions driven by fear, anger, resentment, or tribalism, rather than objective analysis, frequently lead to counterproductive outcomes.
Short-Term Gain Over Long-Term Vision: Prioritizing immediate political advantages over sustainable, long-term solutions.
Failure to Understand Systemic Complexity: Oversimplifying complex issues, leading to ineffective and even harmful policies.


2. The Role of Media and Disinformation in Fostering Political Stupidity

The modern media landscape plays a crucial role in shaping – and sometimes distorting – public perception of political events. The proliferation of misinformation, "fake news," and echo chambers online allows for the unchecked spread of inaccurate and inflammatory narratives. Algorithms prioritize engagement, often rewarding sensationalism and outrage over factual accuracy, further contributing to political polarization and the acceptance of demonstrably false information. This creates an environment where critical thinking and reasoned debate are actively undermined.


3. The Psychology of Political Tribalism and its Impact on Rationality

Political tribalism – the strong identification with a particular political group or ideology – can severely impair rational decision-making. Once individuals align themselves with a group, they are often more likely to defend its actions, even when those actions contradict evidence or common sense. This can lead to the dismissal of opposing viewpoints as inherently wrong or malicious, stifling productive dialogue and hindering the search for common ground.


4. Systemic Factors Contributing to Political Stupidity: Gerrymandering, Campaign Finance, and Voter Suppression

The very structures of our political systems can exacerbate political stupidity. Gerrymandering (manipulating electoral district boundaries), the influence of money in politics (campaign financing), and voter suppression tactics all contribute to an environment where rational policymaking is less likely to occur. These systemic issues create an environment where politicians are incentivized to cater to narrow, often extreme, segments of the population, rather than focusing on the broader public good.


5. The Consequences of Political Stupidity: Erosion of Trust, Policy Failures, and Societal Division

The consequences of political stupidity are far-reaching and detrimental. Erosion of public trust in government, ineffective and even harmful policies, increased social division and polarization, and ultimately, a decline in the quality of life for citizens are all potential outcomes. The longer these patterns persist, the more difficult it becomes to address pressing societal challenges effectively.


6. Cultivating Political Wisdom: Promoting Critical Thinking and Informed Citizenship

Combating political stupidity requires a multi-pronged approach. Promoting media literacy, critical thinking skills, and civic education are crucial steps. Encouraging open dialogue, fostering empathy, and working to create a more inclusive and representative political system are equally vital. Individuals must actively seek out reliable sources of information, question their own biases, and engage in constructive conversations with those who hold differing views.


Article Outline: Political Stupidity: A Critical Analysis

Name: Political Stupidity: Understanding and Combating Irrationality in Politics

Contents:

Introduction: Defining political stupidity and its scope.
Chapter 1: The Manifestations of Political Stupidity (Ignorance, Biases, Emotional Reasoning, Short-Term Focus, Systemic Misunderstanding).
Chapter 2: The Role of Media and Disinformation in Amplifying Political Stupidity.
Chapter 3: The Psychology of Tribalism and its Impact on Rational Political Discourse.
Chapter 4: Systemic Factors Contributing to Political Stupidity (Gerrymandering, Campaign Finance, Voter Suppression).
Chapter 5: The Consequences of Political Stupidity (Erosion of Trust, Policy Failures, Societal Division).
Chapter 6: Cultivating Political Wisdom: Promoting Critical Thinking and Informed Citizenship.
Conclusion: A call to action for a more informed and rational political landscape.


(Each chapter would then be expanded upon with detailed explanation and examples as illustrated above in the main article.)


FAQs:

1. Is political stupidity the same as political disagreement? No, political stupidity refers to demonstrably irrational behavior, not merely differing opinions.

2. Can political stupidity be overcome? Yes, through promoting critical thinking, media literacy, and systemic reforms.

3. Are all politicians guilty of political stupidity? No, but instances of it exist across the political spectrum.

4. How can I avoid falling prey to political stupidity? By critically evaluating information, diversifying your news sources, and engaging in reasoned discourse.

5. What role does social media play in fostering political stupidity? Social media algorithms often prioritize engagement over accuracy, spreading misinformation and reinforcing existing biases.

6. What is the impact of political stupidity on democratic systems? It can lead to erosion of trust, ineffective governance, and societal division.

7. How can education combat political stupidity? By fostering critical thinking, media literacy, and civic engagement skills.

8. What are some examples of political stupidity in recent history? Numerous examples exist; examining specific historical events can illustrate this concept.

9. Is there a difference between individual and systemic political stupidity? Yes, individual actions contribute, but systemic issues like gerrymandering amplify the problem.


Related Articles:

1. The Psychology of Political Polarization: Explores the cognitive and emotional factors driving political division.
2. The Spread of Misinformation in the Digital Age: Examines the role of social media and algorithms in disseminating false information.
3. The Impact of Campaign Finance on Political Decision-Making: Analyzes the influence of money on policy outcomes.
4. Gerrymandering and its Effects on Democratic Representation: Discusses how manipulating electoral boundaries undermines fair elections.
5. Voter Suppression Tactics and their Consequences: Examines strategies used to limit voter participation and their impact on democracy.
6. Media Literacy in the 21st Century: Provides tools and resources to help individuals critically evaluate information sources.
7. Critical Thinking Skills for Informed Citizenship: Offers strategies for making rational decisions in the face of conflicting information.
8. The Importance of Civic Engagement in a Democracy: Highlights the role of citizen participation in shaping political outcomes.
9. Building Bridges Across the Political Divide: Explores strategies for fostering constructive dialogue and understanding across political lines.


  political stupidity: Stupidity in Politics Nobutaka Otobe, 2020-10-11 Stupidity permeates our perception and practice of politics. We frequently accuse politicians, bureaucrats, journalists, voters, elites, and the masses for their stupidities. In fact, it is not only populist politicians, sensational journalism, and uneducated voters who are accused of stupidity. Similar accusations can be, and in fact have been, made concerning those who criticize them as well. It seems that stupidity is ubiquitous, unable to be contained within or attributed to one specific political position, personal trait, or even ignorance and erroneous reasoning Undertaking a theoretical investigation of stupidity, this book challenges the assumption that stupidity can be avoided. Otobe argues that the very ubiquity of stupidity implies its unavoidability—that we cannot contain it in such domains as error, ignorance, or post-truth. What we witness is rather that one’s reasoning can be sound, evidence-based, and stupid. In revealing this unavoidability, he contends that stupidity is an ineluctable problem not only of politics, but also of thinking. We become stupid because we think: It is impossible to distinguish a priori stupid thought from upright, righteous thought. Moreover, the failure to address the unavoidability of stupidity leads political theory to the failure to acknowledge the productive moments that experiences of stupidity harbor within. Such productive moments constitute the potential of stupidity—that radical new ideas can emerge out of our seemingly banal and stupid thinking in our daily political activity.
  political stupidity: The Stupidity of War John Mueller, 2021-03-04 This innovative argument shows the consequences of increased aversion to international war for foreign and military policy.
  political stupidity: Stupidity in Politics Nobutaka Otobe, 2020-09 Stupidity permeates our perception and practice of politics. We frequently accuse politicians, bureaucrats, journalists, voters, elites, and the masses for their stupidities. In fact, it is not only populist politicians, sensational journalism, and uneducated voters who are accused of stupidity. Similar accusations can be, and in fact have been, made concerning those who criticize them as well. It seems that stupidity is ubiquitous, unable to be contained within or attributed to one specific political position, personal trait, or even ignorance and erroneous reasoning. Undertaking a theoretical investigation of stupidity, this book challenges the assumption that stupidity can be avoided. Otobe argues that the very ubiquity of stupidity implies its unavoidability - that we cannot contain it in such domains as error, ignorance, or post-truth. What we witness is rather that one's reasoning can be sound, evidence-based, and stupid. In revealing this unavoidability, he contends that stupidity is an ineluctable problem not only of politics, but also of thinking. We become stupid because we think: It is impossible to distinguish a priori stupid thought from upright, righteous thought. Moreover, the failure to address the unavoidability of stupidity leads political theory to the failure to acknowledge the productive moments that experiences of stupidity harbor within. Such productive moments constitute the potential of stupidity - that radical new ideas can emerge out of our seemingly banal and stupid thinking in our daily political activity--
  political stupidity: Unusually Stupid Politicians Kathryn Petras, Ross Petras, 2009-03-12 Kathryn Petras and Ross Petras, bestselling authors of the scathingly funny Unusually Stupid Americans and Unusually Stupid Celebrities, now set their bipartisan sights on the hallowed halls of the United States government. Unusually Stupid Politicians exposes the mind-boggling but true political mishaps, missteps, and miscues that have even the savviest spin doctors shaking their heads and saying “No comment.” Sections include • Extreme Hairsplitting–such as when Florida governor Jeb Bush, after being accused of hiding in a closet from rampaging Democrats, denied the allegation completely, stating that “it was actually a boiler room” • Brilliant and Innovative Ideas from The Pentagon– like their groundbreaking Gay Bomb, their Bad Breath Inducing halitosis weapon and their plans to enlist The Three Stooges in the fight against terror. • Creative Political Excuses——such as “I just discovered I’m Jewish and it’s a Holy Day,”——used by Senator George Allen, who, after learning of his Jewish heritage, got out of a Senate hearing to “observe” Yom Kippur • The Most Egregiously Large Political Egos–measured in standard Chuck Schumer Ego Units (CSEUs) This hilarious and eye-opening exposé gives awards for “How I Blew My Campaign” and “Worst Campaign Ad,” and shares a list of candidates “endorsed by God,” as well as a list of those who lost because of Satan. So turn off C-SPAN and quit text-messaging congressional pages–you’re about to learn what the definition of “is” is.
  political stupidity: Stupidity Avital Ronell, 2002 Avital Ronell's work studies the fading empire of cognition, modulating stupidity into idiocy, puerility, and the figure of the ridiculous philosopher instituted by Kant. Investigating ignorance, dumbfoundedness, and the limits of reason, Stupidity probes the pervasive practice of theory-bashing and related forms of paranoid aggression. A section on prolonged and debilitating illness pushes the text to an edge of a corporeal hermeneutics, at the limits of what the body knows and tells.--BOOK JACKET.
  political stupidity: Insane Clown President Matt Taibbi, 2017-01-17 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Dispatches from the 2016 election that provide an eerily prescient take on our democracy’s uncertain future, by the country’s most perceptive and fearless political journalist. In twenty-five pieces from Rolling Stone—plus two original essays—Matt Taibbi tells the story of Western civilization’s very own train wreck, from its tragicomic beginnings to its apocalyptic conclusion. Years before the clown car of candidates was fully loaded, Taibbi grasped the essential themes of the story: the power of spectacle over substance, or even truth; the absence of a shared reality; the nihilistic rebellion of the white working class; the death of the political establishment; and the emergence of a new, explicit form of white nationalism that would destroy what was left of the Kingian dream of a successful pluralistic society. Taibbi captures, with dead-on, real-time analysis, the failures of the right and the left, from the thwarted Bernie Sanders insurgency to the flawed and aimless Hillary Clinton campaign; the rise of the “dangerously bright” alt-right with its wall-loving identity politics and its rapturous view of the “Racial Holy War” to come; and the giant fail of a flailing, reactive political media that fed a ravenous news cycle not with reporting on political ideology, but with undigested propaganda served straight from the campaign bubble. At the center of it all stands Donald J. Trump, leading a historic revolt against his own party, “bloviating and farting his way” through the campaign, “saying outrageous things, acting like Hitler one minute and Andrew Dice Clay the next.” For Taibbi, the stunning rise of Trump marks the apotheosis of the new postfactual movement. Taibbi frames the reporting with original essays that explore the seismic shift in how we perceive our national institutions, the democratic process, and the future of the country. Insane Clown President is not just a postmortem on the collapse and failure of American democracy. It offers the riveting, surreal, unique, and essential experience of seeing the future in hindsight. “Scathing . . . What keeps the pages turning in this so freshly familiar story line is the vivid observation and original turns of phrase.”—San Francisco Chronicle
  political stupidity: Politics and the English Language George Orwell, 2021-01-01 George Orwell set out ‘to make political writing into an art’, and to a wide extent this aim shaped the future of English literature – his descriptions of authoritarian regimes helped to form a new vocabulary that is fundamental to understanding totalitarianism. While 1984 and Animal Farm are amongst the most popular classic novels in the English language, this new series of Orwell’s essays seeks to bring a wider selection of his writing on politics and literature to a new readership. In Politics and the English Language, the second in the Orwell’s Essays series, Orwell takes aim at the language used in politics, which, he says, ‘is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind’. In an age where the language used in politics is constantly under the microscope, Orwell’s Politics and the English Language is just as relevant today, and gives the reader a vital understanding of the tactics at play. 'A writer who can – and must – be rediscovered with every age.' — Irish Times
  political stupidity: The Psychology of Stupidity Jean-Francois Marmion, 2020-10-06 We need books like this one. --Steven Pinker At last, stupidity explained! And by some of the world's smartest people, among them Daniel Kahneman, Dan Ariely, Alison Gopnik, Howard Gardner, Antonio Damasio, Aaron James, and Ryan Holiday. And so I proclaim, o idiots of every stripe and morons of all kinds, this is your moment of glory: this book speaks only to you. But you will not recognize yourselves... Stupidity is all around us, from the coworker who won't stop hitting reply all to the former high school classmate posting conspiracy theories on Facebook. But in order to vanquish it, we must first understand it. In The Psychology of Stupidity, some of the world's leading psychologists and thinkers--including a Nobel Prize winner and bestselling authors--will show you... why smart people sometimes believe in utter nonsense; how our lazy brains cause us to make the wrong decisions; why trying to debate fools is a trap; how media manipulation and Internet overstimulation make us dumber; why the stupidest people don't think they're stupid. The wisdom and wit of these experts are a balm for our aggrieved souls and a beacon of hope in a world of morons.
  political stupidity: Profiles in Ignorance Andy Borowitz, 2022-09-13 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER *WASHINGTON POST BESTSELLER * Andy Borowitz, “one of the funniest people in America” (CBS Sunday Morning), brilliantly “chronicles our embrace of anti-intellectualism” (Walter Isaacson) in American politics, from Ronald Reagan to Dan Quayle, from George W. Bush to Sarah Palin, to its apotheosis in Donald J. Trump. Andy Borowitz has been called a “Swiftian satirist” (The Wall Street Journal) and “one of the country’s finest satirists” (The New York Times). Millions of fans and New Yorker readers enjoy his satirical news column “The Borowitz Report.” Now, in Profiles in Ignorance, he delivers “a wittily alarming polemic that tracks the evolution of American politics from grounds for gravitas to festival of idiocy” (The New York Times). Borowitz argues that over the past fifty years, American politicians have grown increasingly allergic to knowledge, and mass media have encouraged the election of ignoramuses by elevating candidates who are better at performing than thinking. Starting with Ronald Reagan’s first campaign for governor of California in 1966 and culminating with the election of Donald J. Trump to the White House, Borowitz shows how, during the age of twenty-four-hour news and social media, the US has elected politicians to positions of great power whose lack of the most basic information is terrifying. In addition to Reagan, Quayle, Bush, Palin, and Trump, Borowitz covers a host of congresspersons, senators, and governors who have helped lower the bar over the past five decades. Profiles in Ignorance aims to make us both laugh and cry: laugh at the idiotic antics of these public figures, and cry at the cataclysms these icons of ignorance have caused. But most importantly, the book delivers a call to action and a cause for optimism: History doesn’t move in a straight line, and we can change course if we act now.
  political stupidity: The Stupidest Things Ever Said by Politicians Ross Petras, Kathryn Petras, 1999 ...A nonpartisan hall of shame featuring the idiotic utterances, ridiculous slogans, mixed metaphors, and lame excuses that have fallen from the mouths of our fearless leaders around the world, and from the present and past (because stupidity knows no age).
  political stupidity: Thought Under Threat Miguel de Beistegui, 2022-01-18 Introduction -- On stupidity -- On superstition -- On spite -- Conclusion.
  political stupidity: A Short Introduction to the History of Human Stupidity Walter B. Pitkin, 1932
  political stupidity: Democracy and Political Ignorance Ilya Somin, 2013-10-02 One of the biggest problems with modern democracy is that most of the public is usually ignorant of politics and government. Often, many people understand that their votes are unlikely to change the outcome of an election and don't see the point in learning much about politics. This may be rational, but it creates a nation of people with little political knowledge and little ability to objectively evaluate what they do know. In Democracy and Political Ignorance, Ilya Somin mines the depths of ignorance in America and reveals the extent to which it is a major problem for democracy. Somin weighs various options for solving this problem, arguing that political ignorance is best mitigated and its effects lessened by decentralizing and limiting government. Somin provocatively argues that people make better decisions when they choose what to purchase in the market or which state or local government to live under, than when they vote at the ballot box, because they have stronger incentives to acquire relevant information and to use it wisely.
  political stupidity: The Racial Logic of Politics Thomas P. Kim, 2007 As he systemically studies the barriers that Asian Americans face in the electoral and legislative processes, Thomas Kim shows how racism is embedded in America's two-party political system.Here Kim examines the institutional barriers that Asian Americans face in the electoral and legislative processes. Utilizing approaches from ethnic studies and political science, including rational choice theory, he demonstrates how the political logic of two-party competition actually works against Asian American political interests. According to Kim, political party leaders recognize that Asian Americans are tagged with ethnic markers that label them as immutably foreign, and as such, parties cannot afford to be too closely associated with (racialized) Asian Americans. In publicly repudiating Asian American efforts to gain political power, Kim asserts, party elites are making rational, strategic calculations.Although other commentators have blamed the diversity of the Asian American population for its lack of political success, Kim argues convincingly that race itself is the chief barrier to political participation—and it will not be overcome simply by electing or appointing more Asian Americans to political office.
  political stupidity: The Hijacking of the American Political System Kodzo Mawusi, 2010-08-31 Mr. Kodzo Mawusi is a charismatic Roman Catholic Evangelist and Theologian. He is an active member of St. John Bosco parish, a member of the Parish Council, Stewardship Committee and, leads their Prayer and Bible Study group. After graduating and working for years in engineering, decided to pursue theological studies. He received his Bachelor of Theology degree from Newman Theological College in 1998, and the Master of Theology degree from St. Andrew’s College, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon in 2003. He is an inspiring speaker on social and religious or spiritual issues and, have authored books on these subjects. He is an ordained minister of the Gospel and, an affiliate of the Hunter and Joan Hunter Ministries. His interest in social justice led him to take a closer look at the impact of politics on our social lives globally. The central theme of his message to all politicians is to transform their lives into real leaders capable of standing for morality and personal dignity in society. To refrain from their hypocritical behaviours, and show proper leadership qualities to make the world a better place for all.
  political stupidity: Idiot America Charles Pierce, 2010-05-04 NATIONAL BESTSELLER The three Great Premises of Idiot America: · Any theory is valid if it sells books, soaks up ratings, or otherwise moves units · Anything can be true if someone says it loudly enough · Fact is that which enough people believe. Truth is determined by how fervently they believe it With his trademark wit and insight, veteran journalist Charles Pierce delivers a gut-wrenching, side-splitting lament about the glorification of ignorance in the United States. Pierce asks how a country founded on intellectual curiosity has somehow deteriorated into a nation of simpletons more apt to vote for an American Idol contestant than a presidential candidate. But his thunderous denunciation is also a secret call to action, as he hopes that somehow, being intelligent will stop being a stigma, and that pinheads will once again be pitied, not celebrated. Erudite and razor-sharp, Idiot America is at once an invigorating history lesson, a cutting cultural critique, and a bullish appeal to our smarter selves.
  political stupidity: Stupid People and Why You Cannot Have Nice Things Ciliguse Stultus, 2020-11-17 Stupid people are everywhere, constantly ruining everything. Politics, religion, science, and social interactions are broken by stupid behavior so often that good sense is the exception rather than the rule in any of them. Sometimes we are the stupid people doing all of that. Even the allegedly brightest among you have likely reduced much of the world down to an overly simplistic all-or-nothing mentality that will only get you so far (at most to the presidency). This book is evidence-free, refusing to scare you with any pesky research that you will not understand. After luring you in, I will kick you in the pants and insult you mercilessly because nobody else has ever told you the plain old truth about anything. Seriously, somebody should tell you No! and mean it at least once a day. If you are already a parent who really takes part in raising kids, you can disregard this last part. This book refuses to fix you, because digits and pieces of paper do not do such things. Instead, I will explain why you may be unhappy due to your unquestioning acceptance of incredibly stupid childish assumptions. If you are unhappy, you may find reasons for happiness here, but that will be mainly because you will notice how much better you feel after the kicks in the butt have stopped.
  political stupidity: The Political Consequences of Thinking Jennifer Ring, 2012-02-01 In this book, Jennifer Ring offers a wholly new interpretation of Hannah Arendt's work, from Eichmann in Jerusalem, with its bitter reception by the Jewish community, to The Life of the Mind. Departing from previous scholarship, Ring applies the perspectives of gender and ethnicity to investigate the extent to which Arendt's identity as a Jewish woman influenced both her thought and its reception. Ring's analysis of Zionist and assimilationist responses to century-old antisemitic sexual stereotypes leads her to argue that Arendt's criticism of European Jewish leadership during the Holocaust was bound to be explosive. New York and Israeli Jews shared a rare moment of unity in their condemnation of Arendt, charging that she had betrayed the Jewish community—the kind of charge, Ring contends, often leveled against women who dare to speak out publicly against prominent men in their own cultural or racial groups. The book moves from a feminist analysis of the Eichmann controversy to a discussion of Jewish themes in the structure and content of Arendt's major theoretical works. Ring makes a powerful contribution to an understanding of Arendt, and of multiculturalism, demonstrating that Arendt's most sustained philosophical work was influenced as much by her Jewish heritage as by her German education.
  political stupidity: The Blunders of Our Governments Anthony King, Ivor Crewe, 2014-09-04 With unrivalled political savvy and a keen sense of irony, distinguished political scientists Anthony King and Ivor Crewe open our eyes to the worst government horror stories and explain why the British political system is quite so prone to appalling mistakes.
  political stupidity: Rationality in Politics and its Limits Terry Nardin, 2017-10-02 The word ‘rationality’ and its cognates, like ‘reason’, have multiple contexts and connotations. Rational calculation can be contrasted with rational interpretation. There is the rationality of proof and of persuasion, of tradition and of the criticism of tradition. Rationalism (and rationalists) can be reasonable or unreasonable. Reason is sometimes distinguished from revelation, superstition, convention, prejudice, emotion, and chance, but all of these also involve reasoning. In politics, three views of rationality – economic, moral, and historical – have been especially important, often defining approaches to politics and political theory such as utilitarianism and rational choice theory. These approaches privilege positive or natural law, responsibilities, or human rights, and emphasize the importance of culture and tradition, and therefore meaning and context. This book explores the understanding of rationality in politics and the relations between different approaches to rationality. Among the topics considered are the limits of rationality, the role of imagination and emotion in politics, the meaning of political realism, the nature of political judgment, and the relationship between theory and practice. This book was originally published as a special issue of Global Discourse.
  political stupidity: El Centrolista 2012–2015 Arturo Cortez, 2016-02-08 El Centrolista20122015 is written to inspire Yes we Can Hispanic Si se Puede Republican, Democrat, and liberal political warriors to register, participate, and vote for human-first American politics in America today. The text in this book consists of my cyberpolitical advice and correspondence to and from President Barack Obama in our effort to dignify humanity by way of Hispanic political power as I see it.
  political stupidity: The Spectator , 1868
  political stupidity: Enlightenment 2.0 Joseph Heath, 2014-04-15 The co-author of the internationally bestselling The Rebel Sell brings us slow politics: promoting slow thought, slow deliberation and slow debate. Over the last twenty years, the political systems of the western world have become increasingly divided--not between right and left but between crazy and non-crazy. What’s more, the crazies seem to be gaining the upper hand. Rational thought cannot prevail in the current social and media environment, where elections are won by appealing to voters’ hearts rather than their minds. The rapid-fire pace of modern politics, the hypnotic repetition of daily news items and even the multitude of visual sources of information all make it difficult for the voice of reason to be heard. In Enlightenment 2.0, bestselling author Joseph Heath outlines a program for a second Enlightenment. The answer, he argues, lies in a new “slow politics.” It takes as its point of departure recent psychological and philosophical research that identifies quite clearly the social and environmental preconditions for the exercise of rational thought. It is impossible to restore sanity merely by being sane and trying to speak in a reasonable tone of voice. The only way to restore sanity is by engaging in collective action against the social conditions that have crowded it out.
  political stupidity: The Role of Law in International Politics Michael Byers, 2001 This interdisciplinary volume examines the highly topical issue of the role international law plays in international politics today.
  political stupidity: Markets Never Forget (But People Do) Kenneth L. Fisher, 2011-11-08 Sir John Templeton, legendary investor, was famous for saying, The four most dangerous words in investing are, 'This time it's different.' He knew that though history doesn't repeat, not exactly, history is an excellent guide for investors. In Markets Never Forget But People Do: How Your Memory Is Costing You Money and Why This Time Isn't Different, long-time Forbes columnist, CEO of Fisher Investments, and 4-time New York Times bestselling author Ken Fisher shows how and why investors' memories fail them—and how costly that can be. More important, he shows steps investors can take to begin reducing errors they repeatedly make. The past is never indicative of the future, but history can be one powerful guide in shaping forward looking expectations. Readers can learn how to see the world more clearly—and learn to make fewer errors—by understanding just a bit of investing past.
  political stupidity: Comparative Politics Jeffrey Kopstein, Mark Lichbach, 2008-07-21 Now in its third edition, this unique textbook remains a favourite for introductory undergraduate courses in comparative politics. It features twelve theoretically and historically grounded country studies that show how the three major concepts of comparative analysis - interests, identities, and institutions - shape the politics of nations and regions. Written in a style free of heavy-handed jargon and organized to address the concerns of contemporary comparativists, this textbook provides students with the conceptual tools and historical background they need to understand the politics of our complex world. This third edition introduces completely new chapters on the European Union, France, and Nigeria.
  political stupidity: The Boss and the Machine: A Chronicle of the Politicians and Party Organization Samuel Peter Orth, 2021-04-25 The Boss and the Machine: A Chronicle of the Politicians and Party Organization by Samuel Peter Orth. Published by Good Press. Good Press publishes a wide range of titles that encompasses every genre. From well-known classics & literary fiction and non-fiction to forgotten−or yet undiscovered gems−of world literature, we issue the books that need to be read. Each Good Press edition has been meticulously edited and formatted to boost readability for all e-readers and devices. Our goal is to produce eBooks that are user-friendly and accessible to everyone in a high-quality digital format.
  political stupidity: Dionysus and Politics Filip Doroszewski, Dariusz Karłowicz, 2021-05-30 This volume presents an essential but underestimated role that Dionysus played in Greek and Roman political thought. Written by an interdisciplinary team of scholars, the volume covers the period from archaic Greece to the late Roman Empire. The reader can observe how ideas and political themes rooted in Greek classical thought were continued, adapted and developed over the course of history. The authors (including four leading experts in the field: Cornelia Isler-Kerényi, Jean-Marie Pailler, Richard Seaford andRichard Stoneman) reconstruct the political significance of Dionysus by examining different types of evidence: historiography, poetry, coins, epigraphy, art and philosophy. They discuss the place of the god in Greek city-state politics, explore the long tradition of imitating Dionysus that ancient leaders, from Alexander the Great to the Roman emperors, manifested in various ways, and shows how the political role of Dionysus was reflected in Orphism and Neoplatonist philosophy. Dionysus and Politics provides an excellent introduction to a fundamental feature of ancient political thought which until now has been largely neglected by mainstream academia. The book will be an invaluable resource to students and scholars interested in ancient politics and religion.
  political stupidity: Understanding Criminal Justice in Hong Kong Eric Wing Hong Chui, T. Wing Lo, 2013-05-13 Understanding Criminal Justice in Hong Kong provides a much-needed overview of the criminal justice system in Hong Kong. It is designed to be used as a text for students studying this subject as part of a wider course in criminal justice, police studies, law or social work, and for practitioners working in Hong Kong in the police, prisons, probation, voluntary agencies and other criminal justice personnel. It will also be an invaluable source of information about how criminal justice operates in Hong Kong in the context of broader courses in comparative criminal justice. This book outlines the basic concepts of criminal law in Hong Kong, and analyses the process of the criminal justice system, ranging from the report of a crime through to the correctional system. At the same time it examines how the criminal justice personnel or actors work in practice, and how they deal with the offenders and victims during the criminal justice process. Throughout the book readers are also encouraged to consider the arguments and debates that surround the controversial issues in the Hong Kong criminal justice system.
  political stupidity: Applied Ethics Ruth F. Chadwick, Doris Schroeder, 2002
  political stupidity: Why I Write George Orwell, 2021-01-01 George Orwell set out ‘to make political writing into an art’, and to a wide extent this aim shaped the future of English literature – his descriptions of authoritarian regimes helped to form a new vocabulary that is fundamental to understanding totalitarianism. While 1984 and Animal Farm are amongst the most popular classic novels in the English language, this new series of Orwell’s essays seeks to bring a wider selection of his writing on politics and literature to a new readership. In Why I Write, the first in the Orwell’s Essays series, Orwell describes his journey to becoming a writer, and his movement from writing poems to short stories to the essays, fiction and non-fiction we remember him for. He also discusses what he sees as the ‘four great motives for writing’ – ‘sheer egoism’, ‘aesthetic enthusiasm’, ‘historical impulse’ and ‘political purpose’ – and considers the importance of keeping these in balance. Why I Write is a unique opportunity to look into Orwell’s mind, and it grants the reader an entirely different vantage point from which to consider the rest of the great writer’s oeuvre. 'A writer who can – and must – be rediscovered with every age.' — Irish Times
  political stupidity: We Are Not One Eric Alterman, 2022-11-22 A bestselling historian uncovers the surprising roots of America’s long alliance with Israel and its troubling consequences Fights about the fate of the state of Israel, and the Zionist movement that gave birth to it, have long been a staple of both Jewish and American political culture. But despite these arguments’ significance to American politics, American Jewish life, and to Israel itself, no one has ever systematically examined their history and explained why they matter. In We Are Not One, historian Eric Alterman traces this debate from its nineteenth-century origins. Following Israel’s 1948–1949 War of Independence (called the “nakba” or “catastrophe” by Palestinians), few Americans, including few Jews, paid much attention to Israel or the challenges it faced. Following the 1967 Six-Day War, however, almost overnight support for Israel became the primary component of American Jews’ collective identity. Over time, Jewish organizations joined forces with conservative Christians and neoconservative pundits and politicos to wage a tenacious fight to define Israel’s image in the US media, popular culture, Congress, and college campuses. Deeply researched, We Are Not One reveals how our consensus on Israel and Palestine emerged and why, today, it is fracturing.
  political stupidity: For Love of Politics Sally Bedell Smith, 2007-10-23 During their eight years in the White House, Bill and Hillary Clinton worked together more closely than the public ever knew. Their intertwined personal and professional lives had far-reaching consequences–for politics, domestic policy, and international affairs–and their marital troubles became a national soap opera. Based on unparalleled access to scores of Clinton insiders–cabinet officers, top administration officials, close personal friends–and skilled analysis of a vast written record, including previously unavailable private papers, For Love of Politics is the first book to explain the dynamics of Bill and Hillary’s relationship, showing that they are two halves of a unique whole and that it is impossible to understand one Clinton without factoring in the other. Sally Bedell Smith, acclaimed author of Grace and Power: The Private World of the Kennedy White House, offers intimate scenes from the Clinton marriage, with new details and insights into how a passion for politics sustained Bill and Hillary through one crisis after another. With clarity and depth, Smith examines the origins of an unconventional copresidency, explains the impact of the Clintons’ tensions as well as their talents, and reveals how Hillary shifted from openly exercising power in the first two years to acting as a “hidden hand,” advising her husband on a range of foreign and domestic issues as well as decisions on hiring and firing. Smith describes for the first time the inner workings of a White House with an unprecedented “three forces to be reckoned with”–Bill, Hillary, and Al Gore–and shows how the First Lady’s rivalry with the Vice President played out in the West Wing and even more profoundly during the 2000 campaign. As Hillary seeks to follow in her husband’s footsteps, this riveting book will leave readers marveling at what they never knew about Bill’s intensely covered presidency–and wondering what it would be like to have two presidents, both named Clinton, living in the White House.
  political stupidity: Politicians of to-day sir Thomas Wemyss Reid, 1880
  political stupidity: Secrets to Winning at Office Politics Marie G. McIntyre, Ph.D., 2005-07-01 Get Ahead, Gain Influence, Get What You Want Office politics are an unavoidable fact of life in every workplace. To accomplish your personal and business goals, you must learn to successfully play the political game in your organization. Whether you are a new player or a seasoned veteran, Secrets to Winning at Office Politics can help you increase your personal power without compromising your integrity or taking advantage of others. This smart, practical guide shows you how to stop wasting energy on things you can't change and start taking steps to get what you want. Written by an organizational psychologist and corporate consultant, Marie G. McIntyre's Secrets to Winning at Office Politics uses real-life examples of political winners and losers to illustrate the behaviors that contribute to success or failure at work. You will be shown techniques for managing your boss more effectively, improving your influence skills, changing the way you are perceived, and dealing with difficult people. Using these proven strategies for political success, you will then be able to create a Political Game Plan that outlines the steps necessary to accomplish your own individual goals.
  political stupidity: The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity Carlo M. Cipolla, 2021-04-06 A masterly book —Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of The Black Swan A classic —Simon Kuper, Financial Times An economist explains five laws that confirm our worst fears: stupid people can and do rule the world Throughout history, a powerful force has hindered the growth of human welfare and happiness. It is more powerful than the Mafia or the military. It has global catastrophic effects and can be found anywhere from the world's most powerful boardrooms to your local bar. It is human stupidity. Carlo M. Cipolla, noted professor of economic history at the UC Berkeley, created this vitally important book in order to detect and neutralize its threat. Both hilarious and dead serious, it will leave you better equipped to confront political realities, unreasonable colleagues, or your next dinner with your in-laws. The Laws: 1. Everyone underestimates the number of stupid individuals among us. 2. The probability that a certain person is stupid is independent of any other characteristic of that person. 3. A stupid person is a person who causes losses to another person while deriving no gain and even possibly incurring losses themselves. 4. Non-stupid people always underestimate the damaging power of stupid individuals. 5. A stupid person is the most dangerous type of person.
  political stupidity: Why Are Jews Liberals? Norman Podhoretz, 2010-10-05 From the bestselling author of World War IV, a brilliant investigation of a central question in American politics and culture. During his career as a neoconservative thinker, Norman Podhoretz has been asked no question more often than “Why are so many Jews liberals?” In this provocative book he sets out to solve this puzzle. He first offers a fascinating account of anti-Semitism in the West to show the historical roots of Jewish mistrust of the right. But, Podhoretz argues, since the Six Day War of 1967 Jewish allegiance to the left no longer makes sense, and yet most Jews continue supporting the Democratic Party and the liberal agenda. Reviewing the history of Jewish political attitudes and examining the available evidence, Podhoretz argues against the conventional explanations for Jewish liberalism—finally proposing his own.
  political stupidity: Activities of the Mississippi Democratic Committee United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Government Operations, 1951
  political stupidity: Welcome to the Desert of Post-Socialism Srecko Horvat, Igor Štiks, 2015-01-06 This volume offers a profound analysis of post-socialist economic and political transformation in the Balkans, involving deeply unequal societies and oligarchical democracies. The contributions deconstruct the persistent imaginary of the Balkans, pervasive among outsiders to the region, who see it as no more than a repository of ethnic conflict, corruption and violence. Providing a much needed critical examination of the Yugoslav socialist experience, the volume sheds light on the recent rebirth of radical politics in the Balkans, where new groups and movements struggle for a radically democratic vision of society.
  political stupidity: Activities of the Missippi Democratic Committee. Hearings ... S.Res.51 United States. Congress. Senate. Expenditures in the executive Department, 1951