Washington, D.C. - October 2nd, 2009 A few weeks ago, the 4th version of the "Did you know" videos was released. There are many lessons and insights to be taken away from it, but the one that made the biggest impact on me is the importance of new media literacy. There are so many tools to be used, but do we know HOW to use them? Everyone is obsessed with amassing Twitter followers and Facebook fans, but do we know how to cultivate meaningful and useful relationships with those people and through those tools? In 2009, to build valuable social capital, we all need to be fluent in new media communication and best practices. If you want to work at the top of the political world, this will be crucial to your success. So after you watch this amazing video, check out some of the links below. They are resources that have been a big help for me. 1. Mashable 2. FastCompany 3. The Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet 4. Pew Internet and American Life Project
On Sunday, September 6th, Dean of The Graduate School of Political Management Chris Arterton spoke about The Graduate School and the meaning of "bi-partisanship."
We sat down with dozens of political professionals to ask "what does it take to make it in politics?"We have put many of the interview clips up on PoliticsUnder30.org
Tonight at 8:00 p.m. EDT, President Obama will address a joint session of Congress. His address will offer a more comprehensive look at his stance on a public option for Americans.
Just this morning, on "Good Morning America," Mr. Obama told ABC's Robin Roberts in an interview, "I,out of an effort to give Congress the ability to do their thing and not step on their toes, probably left too much ambiguity out there, which allowed then opponents of reform to come in and to fill up the airwaves with a lot of nonsense ...."
"So, the intent of the speech .. is to ... make sure that the American people are clear exactly what it is that we are proposing ... to make sure that Democrats and Republicans understand that I'm open to new ideas, that we're not being rigid and ideological about this thing, but we do intend to get something done this year. And ... to dispel some of the myths and, frankly, silliness that's been floating out there for quite some time."
I was talking to a prospective student today, and she made a great point -- after a month of debate back and forth about health care, she has no idea what is really on the table.... How can that be?
I told her I think she is right to be confused; there certainly was a lot of discussion in August on health care, but I am not sure we made much progress. In fact, Daily Kos noted that even with all of the contentious town halls and tons of money advertising, there nearly no movement in polling for or against health care reform as a result.
The Graduate School of Political Management is excited to announce a new scholarship for North Dakota residents. Funded by adjunct faculty member and former U.S. Senate staffer, Robert Foust, The North Dakota Public Service Scholarship assists state residents in their efforts to enter politics and achieve their goals in government and public service. The school will award this merit-based scholarship to any North Dakota resident accepted to a degree program at GSPM. For more information about this scholarship and other merit-based resources, please click here.
In the early 1970's, liberal leaders were criticized for their failure to condemn in the strongest possible terms the disruptive activities of radicals, some of whom went so far as to take over campus building, plant bombs and rob banks. Responsible political leaders of all stripes have a moral obligation to restrain the aggressive behavior of the extremes among their followers. Thus did John McCain move to tamp down aggression when anti-Obama sentiment in the fall campaign began to boil with the threats of violence. All societies - particularly those undergoing both rapid social change and economic dislocation - produce angry, violent elements. Every nation has its equivalent of biker gangs and hoodlums. At times, these groups have even come to the point of taking over the coercive authority of the state, often abetted by politicians who were then easily swept aside. Certainly this phenomenon cannot be ignored in the United States. We should be worried when anger begins to crowd out rational discussion of public policies. Democracy weakens when such groups intrude on civil debates. The Second Amendment notwithstanding, armed citizens showing up at meetings with duly elected public officials should be condemned, especially by those staunch defenders of the Constitution, the National Rifle Association. Policy by intimidation is their intent, not self-protection and certainly not open discussion, compromise and balanced representation. Rather than abetting, encouraging or tolerating disruptive anger and threats of violence, leadership demands that politicians lead their followers toward civil conduct. Frank Rich's column in the New York Times expresses this view even more pointedly as does the conservative writer David Frum.
In my humble opinion, the bars here in Washington, D.C. are unlike any other bars in the country. Where else can you consistently find CNN always on, the conversation unusually wonkish, and the majority of clientele in suits? It is a different world to be sure.
In these uncommon environments, there hasn't been a single time that I have met someone without the subject of social action and activism coming up. DC residents are passionate. Whether it is the environment, the economy, the deficit, abortion, marriage, or any number of issues, the common thread of spirits in DC is a passion for doing.
A few weeks ago, the 4th version of the "Did you know" videos was released. There are many lessons and insights to be taken away from it, but the one that made the biggest impact on me is the importance of new media literacy. There are so many tools to be used, but do we know HOW to use them? Everyone is obsessed with amassing Twitter followers and Facebook fans, but do we know how to cultivate meaningful and useful relationships with those people and through those tools? In 2009, to build valuable social capital, we all need to be fluent in new media communication and best practices. If you want to work at the top of the political world, this will be crucial to your success. So after you watch this amazing video, check out some of the links below. They are resources that have been a big help for me. 1. 