Monthly Archives: November 2019

Opinion Polls and Manufactured Popularity
In the Zeitgeist

Opinion Polls and Manufactured Popularity

One day prior to the November 20 Democratic debate, The Hill released an article titled “Buttigieg surges to ten-point lead in New Hampshire: poll.” Two days later, another article by The Hill stated that a poll showed Buttigieg held a seven-point lead in Iowa. Upon closer examination, however, the samples of the two polls cast considerable doubt on their reliability and statistical significance.

Comments Off on Opinion Polls and Manufactured Popularity
November 27, 2019
Corporate Virtue Signaling: Ally Theater’s Highest Stage
In the Zeitgeist

Corporate Virtue Signaling: Ally Theater’s Highest Stage

On November 18, Chick-Fil-A, America’s most popular chicken sandwich restaurant chain, announced it would no longer support two charitable Christian organizations, The Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), which have been criticized by LGBTQ+ rights activists for their opposition to same-sex marriage.

1 Comment
November 27, 2019
To Nominate or Not to Nominate — Britain vs. the EU
In the Zeitgeist

To Nominate or Not to Nominate — Britain vs. the EU

When Ursula von der Leyen, the incoming president of the European Commission, first announced her list of proposed commissioners in September, it did not include a British commissioner. She and her commission were scheduled to take office on November 1st, and the UK was scheduled to officially leave the EU on October 31st, so it didn’t seem necessary to appoint a British commissioner who would never serve.

Comments Off on To Nominate or Not to Nominate — Britain vs. the EU
November 19, 2019
Trump’s “Amazing Deal-Making Skills” Tested in East Africa
In the Zeitgeist

Trump’s “Amazing Deal-Making Skills” Tested in East Africa

The White House announced that on November 6, U.S. President Donald Trump had held diplomatic consultations with foreign ministers and other senior officials from Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia. The meeting was reportedly mainly focused on resolving the dispute over a new dam Ethiopia is building on the Nile River.

Comments Off on Trump’s “Amazing Deal-Making Skills” Tested in East Africa
November 19, 2019
Change for the Better? The UK’s New Speaker
In the Zeitgeist

Change for the Better? The UK’s New Speaker

The US House of Representatives and Senate are as rife with bitter partisan division as any governmental system that exists in the world, yet decorum is sacrosanct. Members will politely address the chair to be recognized and are acknowledged with a sober, scripted response often read to the chair by the parliamentarian. The House of Commons in UK’s Parliament, however, is a different story.

Comments Off on Change for the Better? The UK’s New Speaker
November 12, 2019
Tension and Anxiety 30 Years After the Wall Fell
In the Zeitgeist

Tension and Anxiety 30 Years After the Wall Fell

On November 9, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other European leaders gathered at the Berlin Wall memorial with roses to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the wall’s fall. On what is usually a day of celebration, Merkel cautioned: “The values on which Europe is founded — freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, human rights — they are anything but self-evident and they have to be revitalized and defended time and time again.” German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s remarks reflected her cautionary words: “Liberal democracy is being challenged and questioned.”

Comments Off on Tension and Anxiety 30 Years After the Wall Fell
November 12, 2019
To Solve Bad Lending, India’s Banks Need to Privatise
In the Zeitgeist

To Solve Bad Lending, India’s Banks Need to Privatise

At the start of the 20th Century, China and India were in the same economic positions: both nations have their own share of troubles trying to boost their respective national GDPs whilst trying to build a more robust system of accountability for their banks. The majority of banks in both nations are largely owned by the state.

Comments Off on To Solve Bad Lending, India’s Banks Need to Privatise
November 5, 2019
TikTok Threatens US National Security
In the Zeitgeist

TikTok Threatens US National Security

TikTok, a video creating and sharing app, has the potential to be a national security threat. The lip-syncing and comedy app is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese internet technology company that has recently been under scrutiny for data collection.

Comments Off on TikTok Threatens US National Security
November 5, 2019