Author Archives: Gary LaMaster

Extreme Representation.

Posted on August 29, 2013 by Gary LaMaster

Arizona’s Legislative District 6 (LD6) is populated by mostly moderate, sensible people. So Democratic Perspective asked, “Why is it represented in the state legislature by a trio of right wing extremists, otherwise known as Rep. Brenda Barton, Rep. Bob Thorpe … Continue reading →

Posted in Anti-Federalism, Arizona Law Enforcement, Arizona Politics, Bigotry, Conservative Paranoia, Conservatives and Reactionaries, Constitutional Issues, Environment, Firearms Legislation, Government, Gun Control, Health Care, Local Politics, Sustainable Development | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Extreme Representation.

What You Should Know About Health Care And The Affordable Care Act.

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Gary LaMaster

On August 5 and August 12, Democratic Perspective tackled the very complicated subject of health care. We began by listing some statistics about the U.S. health care system. They’re anything but reassuring. For example: In the U.S. we spend more … Continue reading →

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A Realistic View Of US Foreign Policy In The Middle East.

Posted on August 6, 2013 by Gary LaMaster

On July 29, 2013, Democratic Perspective hosted Stephen M. Walt, professor of international affairs at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Professor Walt is an author, a widely respected expert on foreign policy and a leading proponent of … Continue reading →

Posted in Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Government, International Relations, Middle East, Middle East Policy, Palestinian/Israeli Conflict | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on A Realistic View Of US Foreign Policy In The Middle East.

Immigration Nation.

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Gary LaMaster

On July 22, 2013, Democratic Perspective took on the politically-charged subject of immigration policy and Senate Bill 744, the Immigration Reform Bill that recently passed the US Senate. It seems almost everybody has an opinion about immigration. But many lack … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona Politics, Department of Homeland Security, Drug Trafficking, Government, Immigration, Law Enforcement, Legal Issues, National Politics, National Security | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Immigration Nation.

This Explains Everything.

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Gary LaMaster

Ever wonder why conservatives often seem to vote against their self-interest? Why people who are struggling financially vote to protect the wealthy? Why conservatives dislike government programs even though they benefit from them? Why the wealthy and the powerful believe … Continue reading →

Posted in Capitalism, Class Conflict, Conservative Paranoia, Democratic Governance, Economic Theory, Entitlements, Government, Interviews, National Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on This Explains Everything.

Our Genetically Modified Planet.

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Gary LaMaster

GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) crops and foods are becoming one of the most important controversies of our time. Are we creating a better and more stable food supply to better feed the world? Or are we poisoning ourselves and eliminating … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Genetically Modified Organisms, GMOs, Government, National Politics, Regulatory Agencies, Supreme Court | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Our Genetically Modified Planet.

The IRS And The Tea Party: Another “Scandal” Manufactured By Conservatives.

Posted on July 6, 2013 by Gary LaMaster

On July 1, 2013, Democratic Perspective examined the so-called “scandal” involving the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and conservative groups seeking non-profit status. Although, there have been many claims by Republicans – most notably, Darrell Issa – that the Obama administration … Continue reading →

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More Questions About Edward Snowden And The NSA.

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Gary LaMaster

Now that NSA (National Security Agency) snitch, Edward Snowden, is on the run from Hawaii to Hong Kong to Moscow and parts yet to be determined, his actions have raised even more questions. Democratic Perspective addressed many of these on … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Issues, Domestic Terrorism, Foreign Affairs, Government, Legal Issues, Mass Media, National Politics, National Security, Surveillance Programs | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on More Questions About Edward Snowden And The NSA.

NSA, Edward Snowden And The 4th Amendment.

Posted on June 21, 2013 by Gary LaMaster

On June 17, 2013, Bill Timberman, Mike Cosentino and Steve Williamson of Democratic Perspective examined implications of Edward Snowden’s revelations about the National Security Agency. At issue is whether or not the NSA’s surveillance program is unreasonable as defined by … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Issues, Government, Homeland Security, Intelligence Agencies, Legal Issues, Surveillance Programs | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on NSA, Edward Snowden And The 4th Amendment.

Real Utopias. Real Democracy.

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Gary LaMaster

On June 10, 2013, Democratic Perspective hosted University of Wisconsin Sociology Professor, Erik Olin Wright about his book, Envisioning Real Utopias. Asked to define the term “utopia” Wright said, “It’s meant to be a provocative oxymoron. The Greek roots mean … Continue reading →

Posted in Capitalism, Democratic Governance, Economic Policy, Economic Theory, Government, Interviews, Jobs and Employment, National Politics, Political Theory, Tax and Investment Policy | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Real Utopias. Real Democracy.