Political Issues for the American Voter - Case Study Example

Part Introduction There were numerous political and activist movements in the history of the US from fifties to the seventies. One of the conflicts that suffocated the climate of political and activist arena was on Vietnam War and racial segregation. Women awareness on their role and contribution to the society through feminist movements had also heightened. Chicago Protest Chicago student protest was among the various stages that were used to channel grievances. The Chicano student protest was characterized by young teenagers taking adult decision to end segregation and fight for quality education which was a worthy course. That was brevity beyond their years. The system was so discriminatory in that some skills were preserved for a particular race. Those students with Mexican origin were perceived to be only perfect in manual work manipulated by the hands. The Supreme Court had given a directive towards the call for desegregation yet even the teachers presumed that the colored students were predestined to work with their hands and not their brains. The white students did not participate in the protest apparently because their conscious might have blinded them that they were superior to other student races. In fact, the system of segregation favored them. Parents to multi-cultured students had lost hope to ever witnessing their children possessing titles (Minnesota Historical Society). Walt’s participation will therefore demonstrate his awareness and consciousness to the grievances of the society. Solidarity is crucial in the fight for civil rights. Examination of Kennedy, McCarthy, Humphrey, Wallace or Nixon campaigns McCarthy was a seasoned politician whose ideologies resonated with capitalism. He wedged a fierce campaign against communism and would criticize the government by claiming the existence of communist sympathizers within the government ranks. That was a platform that elevated him to higher political stature. What leaves more questions than answers is that was his aggravation for anti-communism driven by self-political interest or inner intuitions on the ideal system (Michael 31). On the other hand, Kennedy was a political realism. His sudden change of decision to support civil right movement during his presidential campaign must have been prompted by the need to lure the black vote. He had promised to act swiftly on discriminatory acts within the country if elected (Michael 33). Humphrey was politically liberal minded. Even though he attempted for the second time to vie for presidency, he had always been lenient to civil right movement and called for an end to racial discrimination (Minnesota Historical Society). Wallace believed in white supremacy. He had adhered himself to a particular group (as his constituent of voters) by supporting segregation. His famous quote elaborated his giving the segregation was their then; it was to be there the following day and in the future as well. He had also promised to end the Vietnam within the 90 days of assuming office (Minnesota Historical Society). Finally, Nixon during the presidential campaigns strategically portrayed himself as a stability figure due to the increasing outrages in the country. His slogan was resonated as a social conservative. He never elaborated his claims and strategies on how he would end the Vietnam War (Minnesota Historical Society). From all the above named political personality, Walt should participate in Humphrey’s campaign since Humphrey he demonstrated maturity and great attitude by not being cowed by his failure to clinch power. Moreover, his fight for not only civil rights but also an end to racial segregation was unquestionable. Demonstration outside the Democratic National Convention The nation was outraged by the happenings before the Democratic National Convention. The killings of prominent personality such as Martin Luther King Jr (a civil right activist) and Robert Kennedy (a politician who had just won an election) coupled with the calls for an end to war on Vietnam were some of the leading causes of the nasty protest that was witness worldwide. President Johnson was perceived to be playing divisive politics created disunity among the Democrats in the Democratic Party. In addition, Humphrey was also perceived to have the president’s backing who despite his declining popularity had a considerable influence in the party. Besides, many Democrats were concerned about the ongoing Chicago telephone protest or strike to impact logistically on the planned presidential nomination exercise (Michael 36). Walt should participate in the demonstration as the leaders holding powerful positions through the mandate of the citizens did not demonstrate their willingness to listen to its citizens. Weathermen/Weather Underground In 1969, the weatherman underground largely associated with Student for a Democratic Society (SDS) was driven by the desire to overthrow the government throw a revolutionary party. It was also related to the black power and the anti-Vietnam War protest. Besides, their other stances were to engage in the struggle for a free prejudice or discriminatory society (Michael 34). Even though the ideologies of the movement sounded realistic, destruction of property as some of its members viewed as a means of letting the government attend to them was so outrageous. It is for this reason that Walt should not join the movement. The largest anti-war demonstration ever in Washington on November 15, 1969 President Nixon in his election campaign promised to withdraw US troops in Vietnam. However, by November 15, that had not happened. The Moratorium Committee therefore staged the largest anti-war protest in the US, which was largely peaceful in the US capital. Interestingly, other cities also staged protest on that particular day with little violent activities being witness. The main reason behind the protest was to pressurize the government on the need to withdraw its troop from Vietnam (Michael 36). Walt joining the demonstration which was peaceful is vital as it shows solidarity among citizens and awareness of the happenings of the happening of the American society. It was a worthy course. Judge Hoffman’s courtroom-the Chicago 8 trial Following the Chicago protest, eight individuals were reprimanded and tried before Judge Hoffman for instigating riots and violence. Some of those on trial were Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin (hippie leaders), Tom Hayden and Rennie Davis (activists), Bobby Seale (Black Panther Party leader), and David Dellinger (liberal). The trial later became Chicago seven as Seale was later released. The population had perceived the trial as uncalled for since the protest in question was in good faith for the progress of the nation (Michael 35). Watching the court proceedings at times can be essential as litigation over issues in court tend to provide individuals with adequate information of the true picture of the issues under discussions. This is an act the Walt should embrace. Black Panthers movement The Black Panther Party was a radical group which had been instituted to help in the struggle against racial discrimination as well as a movement to monitor the brutality of the police force in the US. Moreover, it also played a significant contribution in the calls for ant-Vietnam war. One of the major channels of acquiring resources (funds) was through conducting fundraisers (Minnesota Historical Society). This body provided a means through which the authorities (police) were held accountable for their actions. Since Walt is from a multi-cultured community, he should join the movement’s fundraiser as he is capable of being a culprit too. Implications of protest The dark sides of the various protests were often characterized by heinous acts such as the destruction of property. An example that illustrates that is the burning down of the Istla Vista’s Bank of America by students. Participation in the destruction of property can be detrimental to economic growth as it lowers the investors attitude towards investment thus it will not only be unethical but also uncalled for. There are other ways of communication than destruction of property. The other implication was the Kent State shooting and the Cambodia incursions. These were the repercussions of an era that was characterized by protest (Michael 32). Walt’s should participate in the demonstration against these incidences since human being have an inherent right to life as well as protection by the state. However, the shooting and incursion suggest otherwise. President Nixon through Henry Kissinger began creating a relationship with the Chinese government. The main intention was to counter the communist ideologies that had grasped most parts of China through the Communist China (Annenberg Para 20). International diplomacy is important in not only promoting international cohesion but also strengthening ties with countries involve hence Walt working as Kassinger’s staff will be a good decision if he is interested in serving the country at that capacity. During the sixties to seventies the wave of feminism had consumed the country. By 1971, the media had illuminated a buzz of activities that indicated the growing awareness of the women liberations which was a step towards the right direction. Another scenario that characterized 1971 was the White House Plumber (commonly referred to as plumber). It consisted of the White House special investigation that was enacted during President Nixon’s tenure to prevent leakages. However, this was a bad precedent as the government has an obligation mandated to them by their citizen (Michael 38). Joining calls for feminism too will be a good idea for Walt since the role of women is a crucial facet in the nation building. From the above elaborate narration, the best year for Walt’s arrival was 1968 (April). The year was characterized with a lot of negativity that contributed to the shaping up the country’s politics. It was one of the worst years in the American calendar (Minnesota Historical Society). Part 2 Review of elections from 1956 to 1972 Introduction In a democratic society, people should vote based on their convictions by sieving their opinions on candidates running for offices in the screen of reality and truth. One’s candidate may not be popular, but that should not sway anybody to vote contrary to his or her beliefs. Remember better leaders are normally elected by those who turn up for voting. The elections from 1956 to 1972 1n the 1956 presidential election, the candidate that emerged victorious was president Dwight D. Eisenhower. This was despite health-related conditions that the president had suffered from. He must have obtained a lot of sympathy votes. However, the US political system proved futile as it was next to impossible to challenge an incumbent president. The incumbents were usually accused of using state resources to consolidate power in their re-election bid. The democrats and the republicans have always dominated the presidential system interchangeably. It has become almost impossible for other candidates outside these two parties to acquire power however much nutritious a candidate’s policy is (Michael 35). I would have urged Walt to rally his support behind President Eisenhower in order for him to continue with the projects he had initially initiated in his initial term. The 1960 election was interesting since despite Nixon winning the in the popular vote, J.F Kennedy won through the Electoral College system. Kennedy’s victory was due to the economic recession witnessed during the previous Republican tenure. This impacted negatively on the Republican policies as Nixon was perceived as an incumbent of the previous system. During the campaigns of 1960, Kennedy’s greatest impediments appeared to be on his faith and youth. The previous president had the fatherly figure before the American population while Kennedy was just 43 years and had never been tested at the word arena. On his faith, Kennedy was a catholic and so he had the task of convincing all the Protestants on the role of all churches and relationship with the state (Michael 36). In 1964, the death of President Kennedy catapulted the election of President Lyndon B Johnson whose main competitor was Barry Goldwater. President Johnson had smeared Goldwater to be an extremist and conservative. Moreover, it proved difficult for Goldwater to wedge a serious campaign against a candidate that had relied on the slain charismatic (J.F Kennedy) presidents policies (Michael 37). Barry’s main let downs during this electioneering period were his inability to marshal support from his party and his leniency on conservative political situations. In addition, President Johnson had assumed office a year after the assassination of Kennedy thus was able to consolidate state support for his candidature (Michael 38). In 1968, the main presidential contenders were Richard Nixon-Republican, Hubert Humphrey-Democrat, and George Wallace-American independent. Wallace ascendancy was next to impossible as he was an extremist as he had earlier supported the segregation policy. That was an act that had put him in conflict with other races that were aggravating for social justice. Besides that, the history of the US election rarely favored candidates outside republican or democrat parties. It was unfortunate for Humphrey to lose the elections as he was previously vocal on the calls for an end to racial segregation and also fought for the protection of civil rights. However, the election was so close and despite Wallace knowing he would not win, he had convictions that he would use his status of the election as a bargaining leverage to decide the victor (Michael 37). President Nixon’s domestic policies during the election stipulated the need for a unified country, creation of amicable relationship between the government and its citizens, poverty as its ugly manifestation on the American people, the need to invest in the youth, change in the education, and focus on the development of the who human person among others. His policies were geared towards luring the middle class of the American population who were perceived to be the silent majority (Michael 39). For the 1972 election, the main candidates were Richard Nixon the incumbent and Senator George McGovern, who were a republican and a democrat respectively. President Nixon won a resounding victory as George was not only perceived to be an extremist but also his foreign policies did not resonate well with the American population (Michael 38). Senator George McGovern during this election was dealt with a major blow of selecting Thomas Eagleton who had a history of mental illness. He later on dropped Eagleton thus the America population labeled him indecisive. On the other hand, the year was the best for Nixon’s political life since the American diplomatic mission in Beijing China had succeeded through Kissinger. The other significant contributing factor in the various elections from 1956 to 1972 was the choice of running mate. The presidential candidates had the nightmare of choosing the candidates that would compliment them to victory (Michael 40). Conclusion Walt as a citizen of the country has an obligation to participate in all the democratic processes of the country. He has no option but to vote in every election since leadership of a nation is vital in shaping the lives of its citizens. In 1960 election, I would have persuaded Walt to vote for Kennedy who was a young exuberant youth full of brains. Kennedy’s responses towards the perceived impediments (faith and youth) were adequately tackled coupled with the need to change leadership regime from the Republicans. When a political party stays unchallenged for long, it tends to lose touch with its citizens. In 1964 elections, Walt voting for Johnson would be ideal. Goldwater who was Johnson’s main opponent had failed to solidify his party thus unifying the country behind him would have been futile. However, in 1968 Hubert Humphrey would have been the best candidate for Walt as the candidates had throughout his politics aggravated for the rights of civil rights and racial discrimination since Walt was from a multi-cultured society. Finally, in the 1972 election, despite President Nixon failing to fulfill his promise of withdrawing troops from Vietnam, he would be the ideal candidate compared to the main opponent ( McGovern) who proved to be indecisive as demonstrated with his choice of running mates. Work Cited: Minnesota Historical Society. The 1968 Exhibit: Desktop Timeline. Web 09th March 2015< http://the1968exhibit.org/1968-timeline/desktop> Michael, Margolis. From Confusion to Confusion: Issues and the American Voter (1956– 1972). American Political Science Review 71, 1 (1977): 31-43.Print Annenberg. Getting to Beijing: Henry Kissingers Secret 1971 Trip. Web 09th March 2015 < http://china.usc.edu/getting-beijing-henry-kissingers-secret-1971-trip> Read More