Democracy | Jotup

Talking to Americans reveals the diversity behind the shared opinion ‘the country is on the wrong track’

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Friends, ABC, Democracy, Tax, Second, Ipsos, Gender identity, Politics, Michigan State University, Opposite, Public opinion, Ageing

One ABC News/Ipsos survey in November 2023 showed three-quarters of Americans believed the country was on the “wrong track.” Only 23% believed it was headed in the “right direction.” And the survey was not an outlier.

Key Points:

One ABC News/Ipsos survey in November 2023 showed three-quarters of Americans believed the country was on the “wrong track.” Only 23% believed it was headed in the “right direction.” And the survey was not an outlier.
Poll after poll shows a sizable majority of the nation’s residents disapprove of its course.
Have Americans – long seen as upbeat, can-do optimists – really grown dour about the state of the nation and where it’s headed?

An ‘astonishing finding’

“Do you feel things in the country are generally going in the right direction, or do you feel things have gotten off on the wrong track?” That question or one very much like it is well known to anyone who has glanced at a poll story or studied the data of a survey in the past 50 years.

These public opinion surveys, often sponsored by news organizations, seek to understand where the public stands on the key issues of the day.
Political parties and candidates often conduct their own surveys with a version of the “right direction/wrong track” question to better understand their constituencies and potential voters.
In 2023, we worked with Ipsos to survey more than 5,000 people across the country in all those community types.
One of the big ones: In every community we surveyed, at least 70% said the country was on the “wrong track.” And that is an astonishing finding.

Agreement for different reasons

The community types we study are radically different from each other.
Some are full of people with bachelor’s degrees, while others have few.
Some of the communities voted for President Joe Biden by landslide numbers in 2020, while others did the same for Donald Trump.
Given those differences, how could they be in such a high level of agreement on the direction of the country?
In 2020, Biden won 86% of the vote in big metropolitan Manhattan, and Trump won 60% in aging, rural Chenango.

Opposite views in same answer

There may be some value in chronicling Americans’ unhappiness with the state of their country, but as a stand-alone question, “right direction/wrong track” is not very helpful.
It turns out that one person’s idea about the country being on the wrong track may be completely the opposite of another person’s version of America’s wrong direction.

Dante Chinni receives funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for his work on the American Communities Project and is a contributor to the Wall Street Journal. Ari Pinkus receives funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for the American Communities Project.

Don’t trust politicians? That may not be such a bad thing

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Dictator, Democracy, Government, Tax, Climate change, Disagreement, Trust, History, AI, Judgement, Eye, OECD, Democrat, Distrust

But if you’re one of the distrustful majority, that may not be such a bad thing.

Key Points:

But if you’re one of the distrustful majority, that may not be such a bad thing.
In a 2021 survey, just 24.5% of respondents across OECD, countries said they trust political parties.
National polls repeatedly show similar results, particularly in the wake of scandals involving politicians misbehaving.
Self-evidently, trustworthy leaders are preferable – but that doesn’t mean trusting them unconditionally once they’re in power.

Trust isn’t a ‘thing’

But there’s no optimal survey result, and no one should expect complete trust.
People talk metaphorically of “building” trust, but trust isn’t a “thing” that’s literally broken and rebuilt.
Political trust is about an underlying “deal” that keeps a society together and functioning.
People disagree about whom to trust, and judgment will partly depend on which politicians promote the policies people prefer.

Government is a work in progress

But leadership and government are themselves problems about which people have debated for millennia, with still no universally agreed solution in sight.
It’s worth noting, for example, that in China, most people tell pollsters that they trust their government.
There may be disagreements about how best to govern, but all states practice, by necessity, some form of government.

As there’s no handy administrative formula for political trust, such personal and political self-examination has to persist.
Telling surveyors that you don’t trust politicians is a gentle and valid form of political resistance.

Grant Duncan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Shifts in how sex and gender identity are defined may alter human rights protections: Canadians deserve to know how and why

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Recent education policy changes and protests about sex education reveal increasing concern and polarization over how sex and gender identity are taught in public schools in Canada.

Key Points:

Recent education policy changes and protests about sex education reveal increasing concern and polarization over how sex and gender identity are taught in public schools in Canada.
They also expose the significant role now played by school boards in constructing the meaning of gender identity and gender expression.
Changes in how words and terms are used can impact our ability to know about people’s lives and protect their rights.
Significant shifts are taking place around how we define and understand sex and gender in education and public policy in Canada.

Sex, gender and law

Yet sex, gender identity and gender expression are not defined in human rights legislation in Canada.
They should be able to express their concerns and participate in open discussions about the meaning of words we share.

Changes in the definition of sex

The Charter of the United Nations prohibits sex discrimination.
The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights precludes discrimination based on sex.

Changes since 2018

Since 2018, the word sex is increasingly defined by the federal government as something that is “assigned at birth.” But there is no consistency across federal departments and agencies. Some continue to define sex as a biological question of male or female. Those that define sex as assigned at birth do not consistently explain how sex is assigned or by whom.

Conceptual shifts around word ‘woman’

Similar conceptual shifts are taking place around the word woman.
The word woman was formerly linked to sex and used to refer to female people.
Now, government departments including the Department of Justice increasingly use the word woman to refer to all people who identify as women.

Defining gender identity

When gender identity was added to federal human rights legislation, the Department of Justice defined gender identity as:
“each person’s internal and individual experience of gender.
A person’s gender identity may or may not align with the gender typically associated with their sex.”
“A person’s internal and deeply felt sense of being a man or woman, both or neither.
A person’s gender identity may or may not align with the gender typically associated with their sex.”

School boards define terms differently

Researchers have identified that secular boards across Ontario define gender identity and gender expression differently from one another.
Some school boards now define gender identity as something everyone has.

Data collection shifts away from sex towards gender

A shift away from sex and towards gender (identity) has occurred in data collection practices at the federal government level.
In 2018, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and the Department of Justice Canada recommended “ways to modernize how the Government of Canada handles information on sex and gender.” They recommended that “departments and agencies should collect or display gender information by default, unless sex information is specifically needed.” They used “sex” to refer to biological characteristics, and “gender” to refer to a social and personal identity.

Open discussions are overdue

As Canadian society shifts to accommodate the legal recognition of gender diversity, there will be tensions. Ultimately, courts will be tasked with deciding how some of those tensions are resolved, when sex, gender identity and gender expression are all protected in human rights laws. In the meantime, as a society, we need to openly and transparently grapple with some increasingly important questions:
First, how will foundational concepts such as sex, gender identity and gender expression be defined and given effect in education, law, public policy and beyond?
Second, how will tensions between experiences, interests and rights associated with sex and those associated with gender identity and/or gender expression be resolved?
Third, who is best placed to decide how these questions are answered in education, law, public policy and beyond?
Everyone who may be impacted by the answers to these questions should be included in the conversation.
Debra M Haak receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Canadian Bar Association Law for the Future Fund, and the Queen's University Faculty Association Fund for Scholarly Research.

Renowned Florida Trial Attorney Joe Osborne Interview: Coffee With Q Releases Exclusive Interview by Legal News Reporter Rene Perras

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Critical Role, News, Interview, Democracy, Coffee, Seventh Amendment, Civil

Grand Cayman-based Coffee With Q is a platform that interviews subject matter experts on various topics. Florida Trial Attorney Joe Osborne is a Real Tough Lawyer known for his tireless advocacy.

Key Points:

Conducted by veteran legal news reporter Rene Perras, the interview illuminates the complexities of the legal system and the unwavering commitment required to seek justice for those wronged.
The Critical Role of the Civil Justice System: The interview explores how the American Civil Justice System acts as a fundamental protector of citizens, deterring negligence and misconduct.
A Personal Mission: Beyond his legal achievements, Osborne reflects on his role as a father and husband and how personal values influence his professional commitment.
For an in-depth understanding of Joe Osborne's impactful career and perspectives on the Civil Justice System, readers are encouraged to explore the full interview by Rene Perras.

BlockDAG Network Releases DAG Paper V2, Changes the Blockchain Game

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Bitcoin, Ethereum, DAG, BDAG, Democracy, Algorithm, Directed acyclic graph, Risk, Technical, Blockchain, Ecosystem, Miner, Mining, Cryptocurrency

London, UK, April 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The recent release of BlockDAG Network's Technical Whitepaper– DAG Paper V2 , marks a significant milestone in the blockchain industry.

Key Points:

London, UK, April 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The recent release of BlockDAG Network's Technical Whitepaper– DAG Paper V2 , marks a significant milestone in the blockchain industry.
BlockDAG Network emerges as a solution to this trilemma by introducing a protocol that diverges from traditional linear blockchains.
By amalgamating the benefits of blockchain and DAG architectures, BlockDAG offers high throughput and fast transaction speeds while maintaining robust security measures.
The BlockDAG Network team invites blockchain enthusiasts, developers, and stakeholders to join their journey towards a more inclusive and efficient blockchain ecosystem.

Internet Webpages Newspaper, Inc. (IWN) Joins Forces with RaveVenn App to Empower Young Voters and Fight Fake News

Retrieved on:

Monday, April 1, 2024

Cloud, IWN, Democracy, Partnership, Internet, Social media, News, Women's History Month, Google Cloud Platform, Movement, Teaching, Ridesharing

Internet Webpages Newspaper, Inc. (IWN), an Illinois-based, minority-owned business, is joining forces with the game-changing RaveVenn app.

Key Points:

Internet Webpages Newspaper, Inc. (IWN), an Illinois-based, minority-owned business, is joining forces with the game-changing RaveVenn app.
This is a match made in election heaven, designed to empower young voters and kick fake news to the curb.
This app is about giving young voters reliable info and the tools to spot the lies, so they can cast informed ballots.
Their tech skills and passion for Black businesses are why RaveVenn is ready to help young people own their power."

Strategic Acquisition of Cicero Brings Comprehensive Legislative Data Toolset to Melissa

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Democracy, Organization, Database, Cicero, Partnership, Acquisition, Politics, Collection, Government

Melissa , already a leading provider of global data quality tools that allow candidates to gain insight into and reach potential voters and constituents, has acquired Cicero, the most accurate database of elected officials and legislative districts in the world.

Key Points:

Melissa , already a leading provider of global data quality tools that allow candidates to gain insight into and reach potential voters and constituents, has acquired Cicero, the most accurate database of elected officials and legislative districts in the world.
“Since their inception, Cicero’s mission has been aligned with Melissa’s; this acquisition brings about a natural partnership that gives us the ability to play a more significant role in democracy,” said Ray Melissa, president and founder of Melissa.
Cicero’s custom ‘Data Licensing’ packages are custom data license packages built for the enterprise and based on an organization’s individual needs.
To connect with members of Melissa’s global intelligence team and learn more about the Cicero acquisition, visit www.Melissa.com or call 1-800-MELISSA.

The Forward Party of Pennsylvania Announces Support of Cameron Schroy in His Bid to Oust Doug Mastriano from the State Senate

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Forward, Democracy, Face, Pennsylvania State Senate, Human, Running, Party, Government, Senate, Democrat

GETTYSBURG, Pa., April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Forward Party of Pennsylvania today announced the affiliation of Cameron Schroy, the presumptive Democratic nominee for PA Senate District 33. The lifelong resident of Franklin County hopes to unseat Doug Mastriano so that the people of the district can be represented by someone looking to solve the problems they face every day.

Key Points:

Christian Fyke, Chair of the Forward Party of Pennsylvania, said, "The Forward Party rejects political extremism and has, as a core value, the defense of the rule of law.
It's important for us to support candidates when they're running against elected officials who have attacked the basis of our democracy."
Schroy said of the affiliation, "I am running as a Forward Democrat because we must move our country forward.
Forward Party candidates are accountable to the voters, and they will focus on solutions, not partisan fighting, in order to serve their constituents better.

MIT Technology Review's signature AI conference, EmTech Digital, comes to London April 16-17, 2024

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time MIT Technology Review brings its signature AI conference, EmTech Digital, to Europe from 16-17 April in London, United Kingdom. Joining MIT Technology Review's editorial experts on the stage are leaders from Google DeepMind, Meta, BT, the Alan Turing Institute, the European Parliament, and the UK government. This conference will look at harnessing the power of AI and innovation through the lens of safety and global challenges.

Key Points:

MIT's largest AI conference comes to London for the first time, as generative AI continues to dominate the public consciousness and questions surrounding ethics and responsibility grow.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time MIT Technology Review brings its signature AI conference, EmTech Digital , to Europe from 16-17 April in London, United Kingdom.
Joining MIT Technology Review's editorial experts on the stage are leaders from Google DeepMind, Meta, BT, the Alan Turing Institute, the European Parliament, and the UK government.
The two-day conference will be in-person in City of London, London and on-demand for attendees from around the world.

Planet Word and Journalist Emily Hanford Partner for Literacy Residency

Retrieved on:

Monday, April 8, 2024

WASHINGTON, April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Planet Word, the museum of language, announces that Emily Hanford, the acclaimed host of the influential podcast "Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong," will serve as its first Journalist-in-Residence. Through this new initiative, Hanford and Planet Word will curate dynamic public dialogues that address low literacy in America, a problem that impacts approximately 1 in 3 children and influences every aspect of American life.

Key Points:

- Ann Friedman, Founder & CEO of Planet Word
"As a journalist covering education, I've seen firsthand how a lack of literacy holds many children back.
That's why I'm thrilled to partner with Planet Word," said Hanford, whose work has been credited with spurring policy change in 15 states .
"With this residency, Planet Word and Emily are working together to ignite new conversations and promote the goal of literacy for all."
In addition to her curatorial role, Hanford will advise Planet Word on literacy-related topics and programs, including projects at the nexus of civics and literacy.