Dr. Jean-Marie Makang reveals his views on poverty
Each panelist in the forum presented on a different concern in relation to economic justice. The following summarizes each presenters message:
·
The Elephant (and Donkey) in the Room: Property Rights
and Rent-Seeking
Dr. Neral launched directly into
his topic by defining property rights. He was quickly interrupted by Dr.
McCoskey, who in conjunction with Dr. Neral participated in a brief skit to
demonstrate the unfairness in attaining property rights. Needless to say the
audience was stunned. More importantly, the audience walked away with an idea
of how easy something can be in one’s possession and be taken entirely by
another. As Dr. Neral continued, he used various charts and graphs to show why
the rich are still getting richer, and the poor are still struggling.
Dr. McCoskey, in a rapid and
energetic fashion, informed the audience of the ins and outs of the corporate
and industrial relationships. In this presentation were the tactics and
loopholes that create companies that rip-off the underdog and greatly increase
their profit. Dr. McCoskey also taught that the middle class and upper class
suffer financially because of the lack of financial oversee; many of the middle
and lower class members are unaware of the structure and execution of the
financial world.
·
The Consequences of the Growing Economic Divide on
U.S. Political and Social Stability
Dr. McCoskey was followed by
political scientist Dr. O’Rorke. Dr. O’Rorke claimed that what America’s
economy is witnessing is a generational shift. In this generational shift,
things move slightly to where they used to be. For instance, the Republicans would
fill most of the previously Democratic seats in Congress. Dr.O’Rorke continued
to explain that this is because of the aging of the children in political
families. As the children come of age, they seek (and often obtain) places of
power, in the political realm. He then went on to discuss the social
equilibrium. This idea exposed the importance of religion, personal ideals,
community beliefs, and how when these topics are approached the outcome is
often disagreement and chaos.
·
The Eradication of Poverty In 21st Century
America: A Moral Imperative
Last to present was Dr. Jean-Marie
Makang. He approached his topic without fancy power-points, pie-charts, or
pieces of theatre. Instead, Dr. Makang discussed the United States’ problematic
issue of poverty and the idea that it is an issue faced by all social classes.
In his presentation there were references to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Michael Harrington, and Dr. Cornel West. Throughout his passionate speech he
grabbed the attention of the audience
suggesting ideas to prevent poverty. Dr. Makang believes that society
bears responsibility as a group. Poverty is not an individual issue. It is not
the issue of the poor man.
Following
the series of individual panelist presentations was the moderated question and answer session from the audience. Dr. Michael Mathias served as moderator and
facilitated the questions from students and staff members of Frostburg State
University. The forum ended right before the third presidential debate, leaving
many things for the voters to think about.
The forum roused up the audience just in time for the debate. It served as a sort of preview or precursor to the debate that seemed more like reality tv by the end of the night. Both candidates in the presidential debate charismatically answered the questions of the audience. At times the candidates even argued like the cast of MTV's The Real World. Needless to say, the presidential debate was very entertaining.
Politicians wear many hats. On that night the candidates wore their acting hats. Through proper diction, articulation, vocal resonance, and connection with the audience, each candidate recited the facts (or monologues if you will).
Politics is theatre. The best actor wins.
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