Here in the United States, per data that is readily available, a two political party system has been in decline. Parties remain relevant. However, the biggest percentage of citizens polled by Gallup are those who do not classify as a Democrat or a Republican, evidently preferring attention to each issue or candidate. Pertaining to democracy, there are associated occurrences in other parts of the world as well, such as the European Union (EU), Hong Kong (HK) and the United Kingdom (UK). While it is clear that Hungary is now an “Illiberal state” within the EU, system of governance issues may be topical to the peoples of HK and the UK.
I have recently obtained a copy of a perhaps-dated tome on politics, with attention to thought or philosophy, published in 2001. Despite my never having been a member of a political party, the author is identified with offering or supporting notions of democracy. Data indicate that status as a Democrat was of greater importance approximately 20 years ago.
The book, Tocqueville Between Two Worlds, by Sheldon S. Wolin, is probable to require extensive effort to read. There may not be any immediate reward if it is successfully completed–it is safe to assume that most Democrats have never heard of it. With the absence of wider relevance, acts such as blogging about the task(s) ahead could make it so that there is a higher probability of finishing them.
The title has won a David Easton Award. It has only been personally familiar for a month or so, pursuant to researching the commentary of Cornel West, Ph.D. Dr. West, in a 2007 Afterword written following the death of the author, describes the Tocqueville book as Wolin’s “Masterpiece.” Though Dr. West is obviously a Democrat, with socialist leanings, his endorsement, of itself, might have been sufficient incentive to obtain a copy.
However, it is published by a university’s press, and a reasonable perspective might not be as sanguine as in the past. Universities, as most are aware, keep increasing the rates they charge for tuition (and can maintain enormous endowments, which are a small percentage of global wealth, although substantially less than that of sovereign wealth funds). Faculty, which are known for identifying with the political left, are typically supposed to carry on activities that further the names of their employers–or superiors–who may remunerate highly, by accomplishing things such as research or publishing. These aims and ends may not always be completed or performed well.
Incidentally, it appears that Wolin ceased his own work as a professor in 1987; and may be better identified with something he published when actively teaching in 1960.
After searching for an inexpensive or free copy of the tome–everything is complimentary through gutenberg.org and virtually all the titles there could rightly command a higher priority–it has been pleasing to find a scarcely-used paperback at a relatively cheap price. My purchase supports the bookseller as well as the shipper, the USPS. While neither are likely to save the world, I somehow feel closer to them than the publisher.
Anyhow this posting, again, has the intent of increasing the likelihood that I can complete pages that may require extensive dedication above and beyond most other books. Maybe a review or summary can follow in future months. In the meantime, there should be all sorts of things to write down. Still, motivation may be hard to come by.
I have recently obtained a copy of a perhaps-dated tome on politics, with attention to thought or philosophy, published in 2001. Despite my never having been a member of a political party, the author is identified with offering or supporting notions of democracy. Data indicate that status as a Democrat was of greater importance approximately 20 years ago.
The book, Tocqueville Between Two Worlds, by Sheldon S. Wolin, is probable to require extensive effort to read. There may not be any immediate reward if it is successfully completed–it is safe to assume that most Democrats have never heard of it. With the absence of wider relevance, acts such as blogging about the task(s) ahead could make it so that there is a higher probability of finishing them.
However, it is published by a university’s press, and a reasonable perspective might not be as sanguine as in the past. Universities, as most are aware, keep increasing the rates they charge for tuition (and can maintain enormous endowments, which are a small percentage of global wealth, although substantially less than that of sovereign wealth funds). Faculty, which are known for identifying with the political left, are typically supposed to carry on activities that further the names of their employers–or superiors–who may remunerate highly, by accomplishing things such as research or publishing. These aims and ends may not always be completed or performed well.
Incidentally, it appears that Wolin ceased his own work as a professor in 1987; and may be better identified with something he published when actively teaching in 1960.
After searching for an inexpensive or free copy of the tome–everything is complimentary through gutenberg.org and virtually all the titles there could rightly command a higher priority–it has been pleasing to find a scarcely-used paperback at a relatively cheap price. My purchase supports the bookseller as well as the shipper, the USPS. While neither are likely to save the world, I somehow feel closer to them than the publisher.
Anyhow this posting, again, has the intent of increasing the likelihood that I can complete pages that may require extensive dedication above and beyond most other books. Maybe a review or summary can follow in future months. In the meantime, there should be all sorts of things to write down. Still, motivation may be hard to come by.