This is the page at which we collect columns written by regular, irregular and one-time contributors to PoliGazette. With this page, we want to make it easier for readers to find columns they liked, without them having to go through dozens of pages in order to find it. 

UNITED STATES

“Dividing America.” Liberal Democrats have charged in recent days and weeks, argues Marc Moore in this column published Oct. 18 2008, that conservatives and especially the Republican Party are trying to ‘divide the country.’ However, it are not conservatives but progressives who do so, Moore says. And inherent part of the progressive ideology is that one divides society into separate groups which all fight with each other for power. Progressivism created a class system, which is non-existent in conservative or moderate ideology.

“The Role of the Government in Times of Crisis.” In this column published October 17 2008 PoliGazette editor-in-chief Michael van der Galien argues that the role of the government in times of crisis should be limited. Unlike what progressive columnists argue, van der Galien writes, the government’s sole goal should be to prevent the economy from collapsing suddenly, not preventing it from heading into a recession at all. Above all else, van der Galien goes on to write, the government should be pragmatical and practical. During times of crisis, ideology has to take the backseat. 

“Obama’s Strength.” Michael van der Galien argues in this post published October 16 2008 that one of Barack Obama’s major strengths is his appeal to foreigners, especially Europeans. Although Americans may not consider such an appeal important, van der Galien writes, the reality is that no country in the world can ‘go it alone’ and completely disregard what foreign governments and peoples think. Especially when it comes to the United States and Europe, both sides’ interests often intersect, meaning that both sides are better off if they work together to protect said interests.

“Partisan War on… Well, Everyone.” PoliGazette managing editor Jason Steck argues in this column published October 15 2008 that partisans on both sides have engaged in a tremendous war on… everyone. No one is safe, no one gets away. Ideological opponents are silenced, as are moderates, and even those who do not completely fall in line with the party line as propagated by their own party are in danger of being attacked, brutalized, abused and blacklisted. This partisan war on everyone has caused both candidates for president, Barack Obama and John McCain, to create websites dedicated only to one thing: disputing allegations, distortions and downright falsehoods used against them. The political debate, meanwhile, is neglected.

“Where McCain Went Wrong.” Assistant editor Michael Merritt argues in this column published Oct. 12 2008 that Senator John McCain made three major mistakes, all of which costing him dearly. The first mistake was his inability to understand that the main issue of this year’s campaign would be the economy. As Bill Clinton’s campaign once said: it’s the economy, stupid. Foreign policy, McCain’s strong suit, had to take a backseat, because reality kicked in. Secondly, Merrit argues, McCain’s campaign did not vet Sarah Palin, his running mate good enough. She should have been vetted better, for there is too much dirt on her, and she is not qualified or even competent enough to be vice president. Lastly, McCain has been a horrible campaign manager. 

INTERNATIONAL

“The Stick, the Carrot and North Korea.” Michael van der Galien believes that the main mistake of the White House with regards to North Korea has been that the stick has been used a little bit too often, and the carrot (shown) not quite often enough. North Korea decided to reopen its nuclear plants, van der Galien argued Oct. 14 2008, because of the U.S.’ refusal to take the country off the terrorism blacklist. Once the U.S. did what it had promised to do for years, the North quickly closed those plants down. The lesson learned: don’t just apply the stick, also reward countries that do cooperate.

“Who Backs Persian Gulf’s Name Distortion?” By Iranian journalist Kourosh Ziabara. In this column, published Oct. 12, 2008, Iranian journalist and freelance writer Kourosh Ziabara argues that the ‘Persian Gulf’ should keep its name. According to Kourosh, Arabs and Israelis together have distorted the name into “Arabic Gulf” in order to claim it for themselves. This while the Gulf has been considered part of Persia, present day Iran, for centuries.

“Set Pakistan Free.” By Michael van der Galien, Oct. 4 2008. Although it was logical for the U.S. to keep a check on Pakistan, to make it dependent on American aide in order to let it protect American interests in the region, the time has come for Pakistan to pursue its own plan, its own policies and its own destiny. New President Asif Ali Zardari’s main goal should be protect his own country’s interests, rather than those of others. He will have to break with the United States, and end his country’s dependence on foreign aide, if he wants Pakistan to prosper.