Discussions

PLEASE NOTE: the MEMBER BLOGS are op-eds directly contributed by the NYCPF members -- therefore, the NYCPF neither endorses the opinions expressed, nor verifies as to the veracity of the factual matter asserted. Basically, the MEMBER BLOGS simply offer one of many perspectives on a given issue directly from the members.

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What the Trump phenomenon teaches us about history and the future threat to American Democracy
Authored by Elliot Cohen
Edition: 1

Some seventy years after the defeat of fascism in Europe, one of the two major political parties in the United States is promoting a presidential candidate who openly advocates the deportation of millions of immigrants and the tracking of millions of other citizens based on their religion.

How could the nation that responded to the global threat of fascism by proclaiming "we have nothing to fear, but fear itself" give rise to a demagogue who used fear to grow such a large and frightening political movement?

During our book club discussion last night, as part of an ongoing reading of Power Broker, a comparison of Robert Moses and Walt Whitman came up. This was in the context of Moses being heralded as the Long Island Parks Commissioner.

Obviously, both men were the antithesis of what each other stood for -- Whitman, who predates Moses admired the scenic bounty of Long Island in its "natural" state. Moses, on the other hand, had a grand vision of building a comprehensive Park System and highways, thereby effectively disturbing the "Great Wilderness to the East," known as Long Island.

Election day is now less than one month away.

Strangely, this doesn't seem like other Election Year. Is this even a close race or will there by an electoral landslide?

Notwithstanding a substance-free election, perhaps we've finally immersed ourselves into the era of "post-truth politics."

PLEASE NOTE: the MEMBER BLOGS are op-eds directly contributed by the NYCPF members -- therefore, the NYCPF neither endorses the opinions expressed, nor verifies as to the veracity of the factual matter asserted. Basically, the MEMBER BLOGS simply offer one of many perspectives on a given issue directly from the members.

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September 8, 2016

In 2014, Pew showed that 72% of Americans think religion is losing its influence in public life and that there's been a recent slight uptick of Americans who say religious institutions should express views on political matters (49%). It further showed that a growing minority (32%) say religious institutions should come out and support political candidates, and 59% think it's important for members of Congress to have religious beliefs. As expected, Republicans lean more towards wanting more religion in public life.