___________________________________________________________________________
Power [pou-er]:
(1) great or marked ability to do or act; strength; might; force
(2) the possession of control or command over others; authority
___________________________________________________________________________
Government
"Is governmental power growing so strong that it will one day threaten our freedoms?"US governmental power continues to increase and it may grow so strong that it will threaten our individual freedoms. The US government has become so strong that it recently made demands and went head-to-head in court proceedings with one very powerful company, Apple. In regards to the recent Apple dilemma Ryan Porter comments, “The fact that the FBI can even consider demanding this of a private company is proof enough, and would have been utterly unthinkable to the United States in its infancy.” Do you think that the US government is growing too strong in power?
People
"Just one individual can bring the world together, for better or for worse."
Today, it would seem that we're bound to rules and regulations laid down by the governments and big corporations like Google and Microsoft. We depend on them for many things: safety, security, finances, technology, and others. Although we rely on the big boys for many things, I contend that change usually stems from a single individual. These individuals have power to affect change either because they are visionary, charismatic, or simply have information that others don't. Individuals drive corporations and governments. We have seen examples like Edward Snowden, who leaked information about the NSA, sparking a huge debate and raising the awareness of the public regarding national surveillance. Just one individual caused the entire world to be more paranoid about security. Just one individual can bring the world together, for better or for worse.
Corporations
"What happens when corporations become more powerful than governments?"
Corporations are increasing in power in 3 essential areas: political power, social power and legal power. Through Lobbyists, corporations influence national policy and many other aspects of the legal system. Through their power over the media they have gained incredible power. We have seen recently that corporations have the legal power to stand up to the government itself. Corporations are employing less and less employees every year, and yet they are making more money than ever.
_________________________________________________________________________________
About the AuthorsWho is Tommy?
Tommy Williams is a Senior studying Computer Science at Brigham Young University. He has always been interested in where all material goods come from. When he discovered that corporations supplied all material goods as well as all consumables he began to pay more attention to corporate power. In the last few years he has noticed an increase in corporate power as corporations have expanded internationally and have been able to escape the power of the national government. He continues to watch corporations and to try to discover each corporation's motives so that he can better understand corporate environments and how these corporations influence the world.
Who is Adrian?
Adrian Foong is a Senior studying Computer Science at Brigham Young University. He enjoys observing people -- why and how they do the things they do. In his observations, he has come to realize that people can do amazing things, under the right circumstances. He firmly believes that any individual can be a force for great good or great evil. It is up to the individual, for with great power comes great responsibility.
Katherine Baird is a Senior studying Chemical Engineering at Brigham Young University. She recently participated in her local caucus and discovered a new found interest in politics. Some of her ancestors were the original founders of this nation. Her love for America is infused in her blood and shows in her individual argument on governmental power in the United States.
No comments:
Post a Comment