Political Actors and Issues

128 Pages·2008·3.73 MB·English

1982-83
Institute of Politics
John F. Kennedy School
of Government
Harvard University

PROCEEDINGS
Institute of Politics
1982-83
John F. Kennedy
School of Government
Harvard University

FOREWORD
An active and informed populace creates a political atmosphere within which
the democratic process may thrive. Issues are debated by citizens in local meeting
halls as well as in the halls of Congress. Change is sought or the status quo
defended by involved people who affect events locally^ nationally and interna
tionally. Grassroots movements address global issues such as the nuclear arms
race and protection of the environment, debates ensue about continuing
national problems like the economy, unemployment and poverty, and public
concern is expressed about our proper role in international affairs, especially in
Central America and the Middle East. Questions continue about the success or
failure of the policies of the Reagan Administration, about how best to address
the continuing inequality of women and minorities, and about the relationship
between the media and government.
The Institute of Politics participates in the democratic process through the
many and varied educational programs it sponsors during the year — fellow
ships and study groups, conferences and debates, internships and research
projects — and provides a setting for formal and informal political discourse.
Students, politicians, teachers, activists, theorists, observers gather together to
break bread, study, and debate issues of public policy at informal suppers and
luncheons, seminars and training programs, and in the ARCO Public Affairs
Forum. This fifth issue of Proceedings contains a selection of readings excerpted
from speeches, articles and discussion panels and a complete roster of 1982-83
programs and participants. The readings section provides a sense of the
personalities encountered and the issues discussed; the programs section
demonstrates both the variety and scope of the Institute's undertakings.
Anne Doyle Kenney
Editor
L
I. Readings
Readings
CONTENTS
POLITICAL ACTORS AND ISSUES
9 Singing For Their Supper
by John O'Sullivan
11 Falling Presidents
by Daniel Patrick Moynihan
14 The Freeze in Political Context
by Jonathan Moore
17 Words From the State House
by Mike Sonnenhlick
THE MEDIA
19 Media Coverage of Nuclear Weapons Issues
by Michael Getler
23 Press and Government: Some Reason for Optimism
by Lewis W. Wolf son
27 Bruise
by Kenneth O. Hartnetl
30 Government, Networks, or Politicians
from Television and the Presidential Elections
EXAMINING THE ISSUES
33 The State and the Poor in the 1980's
by Samuel H. Beer
35 Trade Policy and Industrial Policy
by Robert B. Reich
38 Thinking For Dollars
by Robert /. Yarbrough
40 A Case Study
by Susan Bitensky
WOMEN AND POLITICS
42 Women in Leadership
by Madeleine M. Kunin
45 Women, Religion and Social Change
by Jean Zaru
REFLECTIONS ON POLITICS AND DEMOCRACY
48 New Patterns of Modern Democracies:
Public Opinion and Communication
by Valery Giscard d'Estaing
51 Politics and War
by Oriana Fallaci
53 Politics, The Noble Profession
by Jim Wright
54 In Defense of Democracy
by l.F. Sione