3 Matching Annotations
  1. Feb 2023
    1. Social science faculties (the political scientist, economist, sociologist and many of the historians) tend to be liberally oriented, even when leftists are not present. This is not a criticism per se, as the need for liberal thought is essential to a balanced viewpoint. The difficulty is that “balance” is conspicuous by its absence on many campuses, with relatively few members being of conservatives or moderate persuasion and even the relatively few often being less articulate and aggressive than their crusading colleagues.

      One thing that I find interesting is that he provides no stats to back up his claims. His claims are mainly based on personal perception. He still has yet to quantify the effects his so called "crusade against business" has had on actual businesses. While I will acknowledge that this is a memo to his friend it, so he might not have felt the need to include stats which are seen in more formal settings.

    2. The role of the National Chamber of Commerce is therefore vital. Other national organizations (especially those of various industrial and commercial groups) should join in the effort, but no other organizations appear to be as well situated as the Chamber.

      This part was especially insidious to me. The fact that the memo was written to his close friend who plays a gigantic role in the Chamber of Commerce is not a coincidence. As a reader it reminds me that politicians are people who can easily be swayed by the people that are around them.

    3. for the wisdom, ingenuity and resources of American business to be marshalled against those who would destroy it.

      By making a clear line between what's good and evil, Powell effectively destroys any room for gray area. The gray area is where a mutual understanding can be reached, but Powell paints a picture that it is too late for discussion. Painting one side as destroyers and the other as defenders leaves very little room for compromise.