Archive for September, 2019

Real World Graduation, Question 99: PAC Employees

RealWorldGraduation_Question_99_PAC_Workers   <– PDF

Many members of Congress hire their spouses or other relatives to work on their permanent campaign staff or political action committees [1].   These people are paid by either the campaign funds or from contributions made to the political action committees.  It is not necessary that the relatives, as employees, perform any particular task as part of their employment.  It is legal for members of Congress to put relatives on their payroll for these jobs, but in what ways might it be considered unethical or immoral?

a) If it’s legal, then it cannot be unethical or immoral, so this question is irrelevant.

b) It constitutes nepotism, in which family members get special treatment (good paying jobs) simply for being relatives.

c) It is possible that the relatives are no-shows, simply being paid as a means to enhance the family income without actual work being performed.

d) It is possible that the family member is less qualified than other people to perform these tasks, so the organization is not getting the best talent for the money.

e) Some combination of b), c), and d).

[1]   Dick Morris and Eileen McGann, Outrage, New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2007, pp. 111-115

(The answer is on p. 2 of the PDF.)

Tags:
Posted in Congress, critical thinking, Real World Graduation | No Comments »

Real World Graduation, Question 98: Johnson and Bush

RealWorldGraduation_Question_98_Johnson_Bush   <– PDF

What are the main differences between Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson (36) and Republican President George W. Bush (43)?

a) Bush got the nation involved in foreign war in Iraq which some claim was justified on false pretenses, whereas Johnson responded properly to the attacks made by the North Vietnamese in the Tonkin Gulf Incident.

b) Johnson helped poor and middle class people by encouraging Congress to pass Medicare, while Bush cut taxes for the rich.

c) Johnson became President by defeating Goldwater in a landslide in 1964; whereas Bush defeated Gore by a very narrow margin, which required an extensive recount in Florida and ultimately a decision by the Supreme Court.

d) Bush was born and raised in Texas; in fact he served as Governor of Texas before being elected President. But, Johnson spent nearly his entire life in Washington, DC, although he was born and raised in Texas.

e) All of the above.

(The answer is on p. 2 of the PDF.)

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »