Reflection Paper 1

Submitted By sillana
Words: 439
Pages: 2

Reflection Paper http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/27/opinion/zelizer-six-ways-to-fight inequality/index.html?hpt=po_c1 In this article, “Six ways to Fight Inequality,” the author, Julian Zelizer suggests six steps that President Obama could propose that would effectively fight economic equality. Obama is striving to reach his goal of reinstalling the fundamental value of “hard work” using the power of his presidency. By “rebuilding the middle class and the ladders into the middle class, and reversing the trend toward economic bifurcation in this society,” (Zelizer) he hopes to eliminate the divide between the rich and the poor in America. The six steps include: raising minimum wage, expanding Medicare, and extending jobless benefits. Equality is defined as an idea that all people are to be equally protected under the law. Equality means equal rights for every individual regardless of differing factors they may have. Economic equality refers to an economy in which all individuals have equal financial wealth, societal status, and same opportunities. Power is the ability to influence the behavior of others or influence situations to result in one’s favorable outcome. Political ideologies can be defined as a body of ideas that reflect the interests and beliefs of society, government, and human nature. In the article, Zelizer refers to Obama’s concerns over the lack of economic equality and his aim to address and resolve the issue. He states, “…growing inequality and lack of upward mobility that has jeopardized middle-class America’s basic bargain—that if you work hard, you have a chance to get ahead” (Zelizer). Six proposals are provided that have the potential to help Obama achieve his goal of restoring economic equality in