American society, celebrated for its diversity and innovation, is paradoxically plagued by an enduring problem: a deeply entrenched culture of gun ownership and violence. The right to bear arms, enshrined in the Second Amendment of the Constitution, is as fiercely defended by many Americans as it is ardently contested by others. This polarization extends beyond constitutional interpretation to encapsulate the very values, fears, and aspirations of a nation.
Capitalist Evangelicalism, at its core, combines the fervent religious convictions of evangelical Christianity with the principles of unregulated capitalism. This marriage of faith and economics is not new, but its recent surge and consequential impact on society are worth an in-depth analysis. As faith becomes entwined with the economic system, the potential for manipulation increases dramatically, manifesting in forms as varied as public policy influence to exploitation of the faithful's goodwill.
Setting the Stage for Spectacle The cobblestone streets of New York City, 1835, echoed with the clatter of horse-drawn carriages and the constant hum of merchants, hawkers, and onlookers. On every corner, something extraordinary vied for attention: from traveling entertainers juggling fire, to street preachers proclaiming salvation, to peddlers offering miracle cures. Yet amidst this...
Income and prosperity disparities have long characterized the socio-economic landscape of America. At the heart of this issue lies the growing chasm between the compensation packages of chief executive officers (CEOs), the dividends of shareholders, and the stagnating wages of the average worker.
The handling of crucial matters such as the AIDS epidemic, criminalization of homosexuality, arms deals, and mental health policy, further compound the complex legacy left by his presidency. The objective of this work is not to vilify Reagan, but rather to critically analyze the long-term effects of his policies and actions, fostering an understanding of how they continue to impact our socio-economic and political landscape to this day.