Comments on: APSA’S Regime

By: ceaser

ceaser — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:57:43 +0000

herb reichmann makes a very good observation that the alternative proposed to the present system, which called for the nominating committee to make an additional nomination for each slot, continues the “nanny state” approach. after all, if the nomination committee wants a “Black male from Benin,” it could simply put up two such candidates for the slot, which is likely what it would do. In the article I only reported the proposal of the dissidents without necessarily endorsing it (that’s another article). The main point made dealt with the debate and what many political scientists take to be the criterion for judging democracy and representation. But not to worry; the panel I convened can come up with more solutions to refine the desired outcome of diversity!

By: Herb Reichmann

Herb Reichmann — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 21:14:23 +0000

I was at this meeting and I want to make sure that I understand your point. APSA has about 14000 members. It takes only ten members to nominate someone for any of these positions. Seems pretty democratic to me.

But you seem to be upset because you wanted the nanny state/nominating committee to make additional nominations instead of letting the free market (any ten members) take the lead.

I agree that there was a great deal of pettiness present at the meeting.

By: Peter Lawler

Peter Lawler — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:39:08 +0000

If someone can get this gem properly formatted, I will link to BIG THINK.

By: Kate Pitrone

Kate Pitrone — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:50:19 +0000

It is so depressing reading about the pettiness of the “great minds” of our time. I am sure the website describes the greatness of the event, too. Us mortals ask, “This is how they spend their time? This is what concerns their great minds?” It is a substantiation of the science of politics and certainly clarifies the the current concept of diversity.

It is good of you to do your duty.

By: Peter Lawler

Peter Lawler — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:46:14 +0000

Is a political science spring possible? Can a Ceaser come to power and rule with wisdom or justice? Or is democracy only a dream for those who prefer merit to “socially constructed” quotas? Obviously, we should have gotten involved in this campaign earlier!