The Observer is a student-run, daily print & online newspaper serving Notre Dame, Saint Mary's & Holy Cross. Learn about us.
-27 posts tagged "Democracy"
Holden Perrelli | Friday, March 22, 2019
Following the publication of his and Daniel Ziblatt’s book “How Democracies Die” over a year ago, Harvard professor of government Steven Levitsky visited campus to deliver a lecture on the current political climate of the United States. Levitsky spoke as a part of a larger series titled “Perspectives on World Politics,” sponsored by the Kellogg
Letter to the Editor | Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Attitudes like those expressed by Jeff Murphy in his Feb. 25 column are the kindling with which democracies burn. I do not mean to suggest, though, that Mr. Murphy seeks the dissolution of American democracy. Moreover, I doubt that Donald Trump is on track to overthrow America’s democratic institutions. Rather, I contend that Mr. Murphy’s willingness
Letter to the Editor | Friday, November 30, 2018
Single-issue voters dominate the U.S. political system, voting for candidates that pass their litmus test whether it be healthcare, abortion, immigration or gun control. Unfortunately, the winner of most elections are already decided due to a combination of legislation that skews the vote one way or the other; democracy is a prerequisite to representative policy,
Letter to the Editor | Monday, November 19, 2018
It all started with Gwen Stefani. Donald Trump was mad NBC was paying “The Voice” star more than he was getting paid for hosting “The Apprentice,” so he decided to run for President — his second time after a half-hearted attempt in 2000 — and booked two venues to follow his now infamous ride down
Raymond Ramirez | Tuesday, November 6, 2018
All the best poetry is true, even if it describes landscapes of fantasy populated by imaginary beings. It is true when it reveals something real about the human condition, and educates us about mankind’s potential for good while taking a focused look at the harsh realities of our limitations. Poets have dedicated their lives to
BridgeND | Wednesday, September 19, 2018
BridgeND hosted a discussion on Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation several weeks ago. This topic prompted what has proved to be a recurring debate on the place of political power in American democracy. This is a transcript of the basic ideas we’ve exchanged over the last few weeks. Sarah: Why do you trust institutions more than people?
Drew Lischke | Monday, September 17, 2018
Normally, I would refuse to start an argument by posing a question riddled with oversimplification and abstraction to which a fundamental answer is nearly universally accepted. Anything that fits these characteristics is generally a cliché (and I don’t like clichés). With that being said, though, my refusal only exists in normalcy. In case you haven’t
BridgeND | Wednesday, September 5, 2018
I felt a surprising sense of loss when I heard that John McCain had died. Of course, I was saddened by the passing of a great American, but it went deeper than that, and I wasn’t quite sure why. Coming from a very blue state, I saw the 2008 campaign as a constant stream of
BridgeND | Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Too often people focus on how decisions in the government affect important issues and ignore how decisions might impact the most important issue: upholding democratic institutions. With a sense of childish hubris, we assume that democracy is not fragile and institutions do not require constant reaffirmed support. To deny Brett Kavanaugh a confirmation would be
Raymond Ramirez | Tuesday, August 21, 2018
“I pledge allegiance to the flag … and to the Republic, for which it stands. …” Here was the situation: politics had moved beyond philosophical discussions of how a group of people should be governed to heated exchanges and threats of physical violence. The populace had coalesced around two camps: those in power claiming to