Brexit began as a referendum on the economic sovereignty of the United Kingdom and its future with the European Union. It was a referendum on globalization and international governance as well. It has since become a political drama that threatens the future of the British economy, the integrated European economy, and international trade. Unfortunately, Brexit has also become a source of partisan paralysis that could create a constitutional crisis and drive a permanent wedge between political factions in Britain. The inability of British lawmakers to forge a deal acceptable to EU member states highlights how difficult it can be to represent the will of a People in a globalized world.
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Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old environmental activist from Sweden, has become a literal poster-child for the climate change movement. After attracting international attention through her own personal protests and a well-regarded speech at the United Nations, the teenager was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Thanks to her, thousands of young demonstrators have been inspired to participate in coordinated protests across the globe. Global warming, and climate change in general, is an existential threat to the human race. It is certainly a far greater issue for younger generations. Unfortunately, the current generation of global leaders has not even begun to confront the challenge and younger Americans understand that. At the same time, children do not have the answers. The reality that children are taking the lead is truly a reflection of the multiple failures of adults.
Sex abuse scandals have become a fixture of modern society. Stories involving children are particularly troubling. The fact these kinds of crimes are receiving an increasing amount of attention shows progress is being made. What is especially encouraging is the fact that the wealthy and powerful no longer seem to enjoy the level of immunity that has allowed them to blatantly commit horrific and depraved sex acts against the vulnerable. A deluge of sex scandals surrounding highly influential entertainment, business, and religious figures began with startling revelations, but accountability has become the prevailing theme. The conviction of Cardinal George Pell serves as one notable example. The trial of R. Kelly is another. The conviction of Bill Cosby is yet another. The Harvey Weinstein revelations and the Jefferey Epstein scandal also show the world that powerful figures face accountability. The question now, however, is how does society cope with revelations and convictions involving highly popular, culturally significant figures.
“I want to talk about the political influence in this country that says it is OK for people to push for allegiance to a foreign country….” were the words that plunged US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar into a racially-charged controversy. On the surface, her statement appears innocent enough, even patriotic to some degree. From the perspective of those who have been struggling with persecution and racism for centuries, it is a slight against American Jews and Israel. Because Congresswoman Omar is a Muslim, the statement and criticism of Israel certainly hold a great deal of weight in the eyes of those who have felt the sting of anti-antisemitism. Congress has passed a resolution condemning antisemitism and Islamophobia, which has been criticized for failing to single out Omar, but the situation requires more than just a reaction based on political instincts and the desire to avoid political backlash. Given that Omar’s statement is not overtly racist, the fact that people found it so offensive should elicit thoughtful reflection and debate, but it did not.
The US House of Representatives under the leadership of Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic Majority has passed the For The People Act of 2019. The aim of H.R. 1 is “…[T]o expand Americans’ access to the ballot box, reduce the influence of big money in politics, and strengthen ethics rules for public servants, and for other purposes.” Democrats have hailed the bill as a major victory for voting rights and ethics. There is, however, no victory. The For The People Act is dead on arrival in the Senate under the leadership of Mitch McConnell. Labeling the bill the “Democrat Politician Protection Act,” Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his fellow Republicans are attempting to frame the legislation as a “power grab” and socialist initiative. Although the legislation features some solid policy options, the flawed legislative process has tainted what could have been a well-supported effort to reform America’s political system.
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April 2020
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