Premium Essay

“Political Action: the Problem of Dirty Hands”

In: Social Issues

Submitted By ida3
Words 1205
Pages 5
“Political Action: The Problem of Dirty Hands”

POLI 2200-001
Dr. Darin Nesbitt
Ida Zaeri (300175666)
September 24th, 2014
Words: 1189

Michael Walzer took it upon himself to explain the problems within politics, a problem that is often neglected by society and the public until it is too late. The thesis of this article is quite clear and it something that he believes is important for all political scientists to read and consider thoroughly. The topic of this article is set forth through several questions: can politicians achieve good without getting their hands dirty? Is it necessary to get your hands dirty for the greater good? If a good man gets his hands dirty is he still a good man? What should the consequences of getting your hands dirty be? The thesis is clearly stated as: “whether or not a man can ever face, or ever has to face, a moral dilemma, a situation where he must choose between two courses of action both of which it would be wrong for him to undertake” (160). Walzer puts forth a compelling argument that this “dirty hands” dilemma is a common dilemma in present day politics. This problem is considered to be an issue mostly for democracies since these are the governments claiming that we are all free and equal and our leaders represent the citizens’ choice and opinions that are moral and ethical. In Communist governments and other types of suppressive governments the public has no say in the decisions of the governments and “Hoerderer in Satre’s play of that name: “I have dirty hands right up to the elbows. I’ve plunged them in filth and blood. Do you think you can govern innocently?”” (161). Walzer believes it is not possible to govern without getting your hands dirty, and that those who govern are not innocent even if their actions are the right thing to do.
Walzer uses Machiavelli to further discuss this matter that good people can do

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

When, If Ever, Is It Legitimate for Politicians to Lie

...The honesty of our democratically elected politicians is constantly scrutinised by their constituents, peers, the press and the nation as a whole. The recent expenses scandal provides an example as to why national and global societies have suspicious feelings toward the intentions of politicians. This essay will highlight the fact that the role of a professional politician, where instant decisive and important decisions need to be made, and the context sometimes require democratically elected politicians, engaged in a social contract with the electorate, to lie to safeguard the greater good of national and global citizens. Due to the volume of theory and discourse related to this topic, it would not be practical to analyse all aspects to this question. However, this essay will examine the following: first, it will look at the unique nature of the role of a politician, followed by an overview of the social contract theory and the contributions made to it by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Rawls. Then, the work of Niccolo Machiavelli and the notion of Reason of State will be examined, followed, in turn, by Utilitarianism, commenting on the contributions of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. This will be done before going onto balance the essay by introducing a counterargument offered by Idealism. Finally, to contextualise the thesis, there will be a contemporary example given of a world leader having to lie for the greater good of global citizens for...

Words: 2124 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

The Dirty Harry Syndrome/ the Code Silence

...ABSTRACT: This paper will discuss the different types of forced that is used in law enforcement as well how officers demonstrate unethical behaviors, corruption, and crossing the line of misconduct. The Dirty Harry Syndrome and Code of Silence will also be discussed in this paper. As early as twenty-five years ago the primary tools were shot guns, small caliber guns as well limited chemicals sprays and hand guns. Night sticks and black jacks also known as Billie clubs have been in existence for many years and were once the only weapons that were used by law enforcement. As criminal activity has advanced so has technology to fight it. Things such as stun guns, martial arts, aerosol sprays which we know as pepper spray as well as more powerful hand guns are weapons that have been introduced and given to the law enforcement agencies we have today. Even with the latest technology in weapons that is offered agencies still have great difficulty in being able to adequately use them. Due to budget constraints training is not always available and when agencies don’t receive proper training it results in lawsuits due to officers mistakes and possibly misconduct. When an agency cuts back on training lives are lost as well as careers, moral is weakened and overall everyone is impacted. Knowing when and how much force to use is a question and concern many agencies face and often have many dilemmas about. The given avaible technology...

Words: 866 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Community and Health Psychology Assignment 1

...Introduction This assignment is about critically comparing and contrasting the community psychology and public health approaches to social problems. Firstly I will define the concepts involved, secondly I will briefly discuss historical context of both community psychology and public health and lastly I will discuss approaches. . The comparison will be based upon prevention and health promotion, empowerment, individual wellness and citizen participation 2. Definition of concepts Community psychology is all about how individuals relate to the society in which they live. Public health on the other hand is defined as being concerned with preventing disease and distress. Public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals. On the other hand, community psychology is fundamentally concerned with the relationship between social systems and individual well-being in the community context. Community psychology aims to promote human welfare. Community psychology focuses on economic, environmental, political and social factors that influence the way in which people all over the world live their lives. It also focuses on social issues which contribute to, or cause, problems in various societies. In contrast to community psychology, public health incorporates environmental health, community...

Words: 1323 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Burning of Fossil Fuels

...EDSST 1 RESEARCH AND ACTION PLAN SUBMITTED BY: ABIGAIL A. DELA SALDE SST 1 STUDENT CHRISTINE MAE SALAS SST 1 STUDENT LAVIÑA ALCOSIBA SST 1 STUDENT SUBMITTED TO: PROF. JACKSON SISON ED SST 1 PROFESSOR INTRODUCTION This research enhances the idea of every student on how to deal different economic and nature problem of the society or of the world. The research paper refers to the surveys and observation of every individual in a group. It is one way of showing the outputs of every member in order to create great research with a knowledgeable content. The possible outcome of a research reflects the ability of every student on how to observe particular problem. The topic that we have chosen is burning of fossil fuels (effects, causes and prevention). It opens our hearts and minds on the possible effects or outcomes that may happen in our environment if these thing will continuously arise. The damaged has been done in several parts of the world. The only thing we must do is to initiate other ideas that may convert the effects of burning of fossil fuel into a suitable one. The next pages of this research will explain other alternative ways to get energy or electricity without using or burning fossil fuels. As we continue to understand these things in this world, let’s put in our mind first that the imbalance of our nature can affects great percentage of our life not just here in the present but also to the next generation to come. OBJECTIVES:...

Words: 1539 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

The Official Language Movement

...their actions, often show a hypocritical double standard when it comes to bilingualism. On one side, they show pride and encourage a natural born American citizen that studies abroad learning a foreign language and becoming bilingual, at the same time they expect that all immigrants stop using their native languages and use only the English language to communicate. (Porter 1998) Much of the debate over bilingual education stems from an unrealistic expectation of immediate results. (Jim Cummins 2002). The public automatically believe that students should immerse themselves into the American culture and learn English and forget about their previous cultural background. Although many studies have shown that bilingual education provides a positive environment during the learning and social growth of many language-minority students, the opposition while mostly politically motivated has shown to have the upper hand when it come to most states debates. Many believe that being able to speak multiple languages in politics produces confusion among the citizens of a country. Any individual living in the United States whether by legal or illegal entry should not have the rights to vote until they become legal citizens. Bilingualism in politics gives people an impression that the state has allowed all the illegal immigrants, a right to vote. (Ana Garza, LA times 2010). These type of debate has many times cause unwanted reaction and outburst that has cost politicians their political seat...

Words: 399 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Ethics Essay

...Section I. Introduction Ethical dilemmas in public administration are commonplace. Whenever there are people, money, and power, there is an opportunity for corruption amongst public administrators. One of my favorite movie scenes comes from Tom Cruise’s The Last Samurai, circa preindustrial Japan. A modern western corporation is vying for the regimes favor through a seedy relationship with the emperor’s chief of staff, Omura. The corporation presents the regime with an opportunity to build cross-country railroad systems and supply advanced technologies to the Japanese monarchic. The 1800’s traditional, agricultural centered populace is wary and suspicious of the western industrial corporation emissaries causing public conflict and discord. There is a war between the traditional samurai and the monarchs’ army because of the imposing changes. The technologically advanced army, using machine guns and cannons, slaughters the sword carrying samurai in battle. In the final scene only one samurai remains. Wounded and limping, he comes before Emperor Meiji to expose the truth behind the “sweat deal” with the western corporation. He informs the emperor that his trusted aide was secretly paid money to lie and sway approval for the corporation’s goals. Emperor Mejia angrily glares at Omura. The following passage occurs: Logan (2003) writes in the script as follows: Emperor Meiji: For what wealth have you caused great conflict and strife to my people. Omura, you have done quite enough...

Words: 2204 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Men Who Play Analysis

...Seeing that it goes deeper than simply having only a positive or negative impact on the world. Sheba George the author of “Dirty Nurses” and “Men Who Play” gives an example in which you can see globalization has its ups and downs. Informing us that due to globalization, women now have more opportunities then they ever would have. In places like Kerala becoming a nurse gave women the chance to help support their families by adding to their family income. In Kerala the women have become the breadwinner, the husbands now left with lower respected jobs and low self-esteem turn to church to gain back their male chauvinism. The Syrian Christian church congregation gives men a sense of leadership and power over women, stirring inequality within gender. Complications that follow along globalism making it more complex, is how the environment is being impacted. Due to the rapid increase of development and technologies the ecosystem has taken a great hit. Inflammation in endangered species, deforestation and in greenhouse gasses are all effects of the globalization process. Huwart’s “What is the impact of globalization on the environment?” suggests that without immediate change the ecosystem will undergo serious damage and harm. If we are able to use new and upcoming technology to improve methods of globalization then environmental conversation can go hand in hand with globalization and its developmental change by implementing safer ecofriendly...

Words: 774 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Lanahan Essay

...voter turnout is a direct danger to our democratic practices and the result of the elite pushing their special interests over the interests of the common man. Essay numbers sixty-six through seventy all deal with voting issues, showing the expanding flaws of American democracy in our modern world. First discussing the Exhibition season and the importance of the New Hampshire primary in grass roots politics, Dante Scala in Stormy Weather asserts that the first presidential primaries either give or take away a candidate’s momentum with the influence of the media fishbowl. Reading number sixty-seven No Place for Amateurs by Dennis Johnson focuses on the effect of political consultants on a candidate’s campaign for election. Discussing negative campaigning, reading sixty-eight Going Dirty by David Mark gives detail on political marketing, 527 groups and the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform of 2002. Reading number sixty-nine Why we vote by David Campbell highlights the different reasons why people vote. Finally, reading number seventy How Barack Obama Won by Chuck Todd and Sheldon Gawiser discusses the landmarks leading up to the 2008 election and the possibility of an alignment of the democrats. In Stormy Weather by Dante Scala the author describes the first stage of the election process as the exhibition season and the second stage as the media fishbowl. Scala describes the exhibition season as “the period that extends from the morning after a general presidential election...

Words: 2189 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Controlling Organized Crime

...person falls on, some part of what they believe will be correct, and part will not. During the course of this paper, the author will look at organized crime, identify the problems presented and the various relationships established by organized crime, and describe the legal limitations associated with combating organized crime, including a critique of major federal laws and strategies that support this effort. Finally, the author will suggest a realistic solution to control organized crime by discussing and evaluating the effectiveness of organized crime prosecutions. Problems with Organized Crime The problem with organized crime is that it often infringes on people’s basic rights and destroys economic structure, and political and civil development, on a global scale. Transnational organized crime rears its ugly head in many different forms, ranging from the trafficking of drugs and people to illegal arms. This is often accomplished by using unsuspecting individuals to transport goods and clean dirty money through legitimate businesses. The large sums of dirty money often impact communities because it is used to buy political power through funding campaigns of political supporters and bribing officials to push illegal agendas of organized crime. Every year, countless individuals lose their lives at the hands of criminals involved in organized crime,...

Words: 2487 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Cuba Missile Crisis

...Introduction The Cuban Missile Crisis is one of the most complicated conflicts in the history that faced two superpowers of the world, the United States and the Soviet Union. The discussions and negotiations on the various issues that directly or indirectly affected the crisis will be evaluated in detail in the discussion section; but it should primarily be said that the crisis period was very dense and it longed only 13 days. The negotiating styles, interests and communication efficiency of the parties that are concerned, were well enough to reach a wise agreement in a very short time relative to the conflict. All the parties’ interests, even the ones which demanded by the indirectly affected parties; such as Turkey, were taken into consideration; and a resolution that pleased almost every sides of the crisis. Avoiding a world war, which would possibly include nuclear weapons, is a fact that will show the succession of the negotiations during the crisis. Discussion There are several parties that concerned by the Cuban Missile Crisis directly or indirectly. The significant ones are the United States and the Soviet Union which were directly involved in the crisis and actively participated in the negotiations. Additionally, Cuba and Turkey concerned by the crisis because of their role of holding the missiles of the Soviet Union and the United States in their own soil; and Germany was indirectly concerned because of the possible attack of the USSR to Berlin (1). At the outbreak...

Words: 2772 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

Mpob

... ➢ Power empowerment ➢ Objectives Of Power & Politics ➢ Defination of power ➢ Types of power ➢ Graphical Representation of power ➢ Defination Of Politics ➢ How power and politics means in corporate sector? ➢ Relate power and poltics ➢ Methodology ➢ Conclusion INTRODUCTION Power and Politics have been described as the last dirty words. People who got power but they supposed to deny and sometimes they misuse their power and they want it not to try and not look like they are seeking it, and those who are good at getting it are secretive and how they have to do so. Politic also plays an important role in corporate sector. All things should mentioned below, how they supposed to use their political work in an organization. By harassing the employees and specially the ladies for their sexual harassments. And they also made a group and create problem for other employees and also for an organization. Defination Of Power “power is a capacity that person has to influence the behavior of other persons so acts in accordance with that particular person wishes. » The potential to influence others » People have power they...

Words: 2084 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Leadership Myth #4 - Great Leaders Are Expert at Playing Politics

...Do great leaders play politics? Is that a good thing to do? Is it morally right? Is it smart? We are surrounded by politics at all times. How we deal with political situations has a huge impact on the quality of our lives. Webster defines politics in an organizational setting as: "scheming and maneuvering within a group." Immediately, the word is given a negative connotation. If we are practicing politics, something bad is happening. We can all identify with the negative aspects of politics. We have encountered Machiavellian individuals who would take credit for the work of others or somehow undermine others' efforts in order to enhance themselves. You can undoubtedly picture a highly political individual in your mind as you read this page. What gives rise to political thought? All of us have a set of wants, needs, and desires. For example, most of us would like to get our hands on more money, thinking it would allow fewer problems in our lives. Most of us wish the world would slow down so we could relax once in a while and enjoy the ride. None of us like to feel we have been taken advantage of in any kind of interchange, whether it be a co-worker goofing off while we toil away, or our boss forgetting the raise we were promised. In short, most of us want more of the "good stuff" in life, and we want to be assured we are not disadvantaged by someone else hogging more than his or her share. You have a vested interest in getting your share in life: what you have worked...

Words: 2180 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Love

...not give happiness. It provides man the basic amenities and materialist comforts of life. But money can't give the emotional and spiritual satisfaction. There are some others who seek power to gain happiness. Different means can be adopted to attain power. One may attain power in the political sphere. One may even try to become a dictator after gaining power. Some try to establish their superiority over others. But even such powers don't give happiness. With power one can force others to do certain things but there is a world of difference between the action forced and spontaneous action. In the present age, many people are striving for happiness in sex, fashion, drinks and drugs. They wish to escape from the problem-ridden world into a world of dreams. They try to derive pleasure from these areas. But thy realize that these are temporary pleasures. These things may help people to forget their worries for a limited period of time but not forever. Most of them are harmful rather than advantageous. There is a difference between happiness and what we describe as joy and pleasure. One a warm day what a glass of cold lemon juice gives you is pleasure because it is a momentary joy. On the other hand happiness is experienced in the mind and is therefore infinitely more powerful. Only a few know the secret of true happiness. It is love that makes man happy. It is love between children and parents, wife and husband, brother and sister, lover and his beloved, the teacher and the student...

Words: 821 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Dramatic Analyses of Antigone

...OF THE PLAY ANTIGONE BY JEAN ANOUILH Dramatic analysis is the process of identifying the elements of the structure of a dramatic work such as a play, or film. There are six elements used when analyzing a drama which includes: exposition, inciting incidence, rising action, climax, falling action and the resolution. The exposition provides the background information needed to properly understand the story, such as the problem in the beginning of the story. It introduces the characters and the basic conflict in a play. Inciting incidence is an incidence which comes after the introduction of the characters and the basic conflicts. The rising action is when the basic internal conflict is complicated being the introduction of related secondary conflicts including various obstacles that frustrate the protagonist attempt to reach his goal. Climax, also referred to as turning point marks a change for the better or the worse in the protagonist affairs. Falling action therefore, is a moment of reversal after the climax. The conflict between the protagonists unravels with the protagonist winning or losing against the antagonist. Denouement, resolution or catastrophe comprises the event between the falling action and the actual ending scene of the drama. It serves as a conclusion of the story where the conflicts are resolved. Jean Anouilh’s Antigone is an adaptation of Sophocles’ tragic play of the same title. Written in 1942, when Nazi forces occupied France, the story revolves...

Words: 1408 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Communism vs Democracy

... Democracy, on the other hand, promotes capitalism, which allows economic freedom, which helps political freedom; efficiency, economic growth, and everybody having the opportunity to start the business that he or she desires. Communism and democracy are two different ideologies that have each had a great impact in the world. Communism can be defined as a socioeconomic structure that stands for the establishment of classless, egalitarian and stateless society. Democracy, on the other hand, is a political system of governance either carried out by the people directly or by elected representatives. “Democracy may not be the perfect form of government, but sure it is way better than communism” said Jones in his journal, Power and Democracy Education Every single human being in the world knows that this is not true. Everybody knows that communism is a secret weapon that the rulers in the countries where communism is practiced use it to enrich themselves, their families and their friends. Communism is a political ideology that is based on a common ownership, mainly concerned with equality and fairness. In communism, the power is accredited to a group of people who decide the course of the action. It is this group of people who decide on the activities of the entire public. These specific groups of people may come into conflict with the public of others. On the other hand, democracy is rule...

Words: 1908 - Pages: 8