Irving Kristol makes a solid argument for why the political institutions of America are successful. However, there are some large gaps within the logic that can be argued. It is true that many feel strongly about the American way of life, and that this may be in our bones. But, this does not prove the effectiveness of political institutions. Instead, it proves the effectiveness of our culture’s ability to socialize those within. The socialization through culture is a specific area of study for Anthropologists, arguably proving this to be a true aspect of society, especially in America. Thus, to draw a connection between strong attitudes of American culture with the success of a political system is ambiguous.
Further, Kristol argues that the aspect of republic within our democracy is what saves the will of the people. These representatives are more than common men and a little more elevated than we are. As an ideal, yes Kristol is correct, but in reality, especially today this is far from the truth. Today, America is watching an election where super delegates are over running the democrat campaign, handing the nomination to a person who most find to be dishonest and untrustworthy. On the other hand of the spectrum, the Republican nominee stirs up so much controversy, particularly over his character, that many would not find him to be elevated among the common man, In fact, many would probably argue that he is quite well below. To go further, there are political scandals almost yearly, where our representatives prove themselves to not be above the common man.
Considering all of this, how are democracy and the republic working in our favor? It appears that the ideals are not the reality of America. There is rampant social inequality, tied deeply within economic inequality. If this was not true, why are so many statistics seen drawing the connection between poverty and minority races? Anyone who’s head is not stuck deeply in the sand can see that America is in a continuous struggle with social inequality today, battling immigration reforms, education gaps, drug addiction, homelessness and instances of police brutality.
Delving deeper into Kristol’s argument, he makes some valid points, Such as the importance of federalism and separation of powers. These are still strong and true today, as seen by the slow process of passing legislation. If one party had all of the power, there would be no delay. But, this leads into the idea of Capitalism. The virtue of Capitalism is the foundation of America and our economy. Yes, it does support the liberty of the people, however, is still encourages class strife. Kristol argues that without economic growth, class strife is evident. But, is class strife not inevitable unless in a utopian society? Communist governments are constructed to dissolve all boundaries or illusions of class, yet they suffer greatly from class strife. Thus, if an economy that is built to resist this strife still suffers from it, how could it be true that a Capitalist structure would manage without it? Capitalism strives on class strife. Without those on the bottom, willing to pick away at a job for a minimal living, there would be no one higher up, and even higher up yet. The success of those at the very top has to be supported all the way down to the very bottom.
This leads to a key point made by Lazare that reform is necessary, and that we as Americans need to realize that we are the only ones who can maneuver our society through the storms. It is hard to debate that over time, politics have grown more irrational and self-defeating, as Lazare puts it, with the price of a good life skyrocketing. Look at politics over the last few decades, Nixon was seen to be a catastrophe of a scandal, with Watergate. And now, Hillary Clinton’s e-mail mischief, which has proven to be a national security concern, is brushed under the rug. Mitt Romney was feared as the downfall for the Republican party as it’s nominee, fearing all opposed as to what would happen with him in office. And yet, today Donald Trump in the nominee, who is a much harsher candidate overall. Today there is such a strong pull for an anti-establishment candidate. Wouldn’t this indicate that the public is sick of how things are going? Yet, the candidates fighting for this cause still lose. The Founding Fathers are not solving these issues for us today, thus, as Lazare states; we need to start looking into ourselves for the solution.
The alternative to change is what Lazare indicates as the certainty of decline. This is inevitable. We have already witnessed the decline of our political system, as our ideals of democracy and republic are not a realistic circumstance of today. There is economic and social inequality throughout America, and divisions of class are very real. If this were not true, why do some live so lavishly and others maintaining the bare minimum for survival? Why are areas of poverty struggling to maintain clean water, thus further implicating them to a lower quality of life? Looking to the Founding Fathers is not solving our problems. They set these ideals for us; they built America on the virtues of Capitalism. But, they did not leave blueprints on how to salvage the political system today. The character of our representatives in on the decline, and they are no longer living to the standard set, as above the common man. Politics have grown more outrageous, benefitting the media who capitalizes on this. Those fighting against the establishment are not appearing to be winning, and the outlook on the presidential candidates appears to be more and more dismal every cycle. Thus, the public needs to search within themselves as to why this is. Reform sounds to be devastating, but it is necessary. The foundations set by the Founding Fathers are not solving our predicaments of today. Leaving us, the American society to face the reality of our collapsing political system and search within and among ourselves for the solution.
Gaps Within Kristol’s Logic: Example Argumentative Essay By An Expert Writer To Follow
Type of paper: Argumentative Essay
Topic: United States, America, Today, Politics, Political, Class, Strife, Social Issues
Pages: 4
Words: 1000
Published: 03/30/2023
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