What’s the Matter With Kansas? Class, Corporations, and Values

Chapters 2 and 3  For purposes of exam and discussion you should understand the conceptions and symbolism of the “Two Nations” or “Red State vs. Blue State” metaphors.  How much of this is empirically true?  How much is the Play for Power manipulation of populist tendencies?

Urban vs. Rural  Empirically, there has always been some tension between rural and urban areas on cultural issues. Urban areas tend to be more liberal Urban areas tend to be more diverse culturally. Suburban areas tend to be wealthier than rural.

Urban vs. Rural: Populism PPopulism tends to be more of a rural trait than urban, perhaps. PPopulists are typically more socially conservative than urbanities, but economically liberal. HHence, we see Frank’s puzzle!

 Is it coincidence that many populists are now social conservatives, many of whom vote GOP?  No. It is intentional, long-term, play of power strategy to use symbolism and persuasion as strategy of gaining influence, and thus more electoral strength to control institutions that allow for greater authority.

Symbolism of Red Staters  Red America is the Real America  Red staters are: Humble, non-elitist, regular, reverent, courteous, loyal, patriotic, the producers that make the country run, and authentic. Tactic used by conservatives to persuade people of these symbols: Think Tanks, media, direct-mail campaigns.

The role of class in American politics: Form Discussion Groups  Is David Brook’s high school cafeteria metaphor (p. 26) correct in that we self-select into the groups of people with which we interact, or are there real class divisions?  If there are class divisions, then what are the political implications?

The role of class in American politics  American Dream is true: there is social mobility and the USA operates as a meritocracy to higher degree than many countries.  This does not mean though that class divisions do not exist.

Frank’s values on class/capitalism?  We need to separate values from facts.  Frank has a negative view of capitalism. Refers to capitalism as “borderline criminal” p. 47. Mission Hills anecdote of “cupcake land”  How typical are the gaited communities and country clubs?

Wealth and Politics: Facts 1.Political elites of both parties tend to be wealthy 2.Many politicians, majority of Congress, are millionaires: lawyers and business people. Not many professors 3.Yet, Republicans tend to be wealthier on average than Democrats, and this is reflected in party contributions.

Play of Power and Class: Tactic  FDR’s New Deal Coalition was redistributive, taking income from rich and spreading to others in social programs.  Note that this is intentionally undermined today by removing the word class as a legitimate concept. If liberals try to discuss it, they are committing class warfare, as if those that are rich do not use their resources for their own political ends.

God, Meet Mammon  Mammon is a word that comes up in the Bible as a deity or god for money, an enemy of Christians, usually referred to as a symbolic competitor to God, leading people to sin.  First Commandment: “Though shall not have any gods before me (thee)”

God, Meet Mammon  In Frank’s conception of the problem, what is the organizational mechanism of capital that has typically had influence on the GOP and today may be responsible for making Kansans poorer?  The Corporation

God, Meet Mammon  Group Discussion: In what ways do corporations potentially benefit or harm the USA?  Frank’s issues: 1.Conglomerates such as Archer Daniels Midland or Walmart undermine small farmers and businesses. 2.Corporations buy influence in politics with large contributions. See Freedom to Farm Bill

Symbolism and Power of Words  Note the title of laws that imply more freedom but restrict or hamper certain individuals.  Right to Work: Anti-union laws in states like Texas.  Freedom to Farm: Ends subsidies to small farmers, leaving them in production glut trap, which favors corporate farming.

God, Meet Mammon  Hence, Frank blames corporate America, especially the agribusiness firms but also others, for gutting Kansas economically.  Frank’s point is that lower income conservatives are voting for politicians that favor the upper class with their fiscal policies.  Do Kansans blame corporate America?

The Modern GOP: Factions/groups 1.Fiscal conservatives: less regulation and taxes. 2.Libertarians: less government intervention in everything. 3.Social conservatives 4.Combination of 1 and 4, fiscal-social conservatives. Which group does Frank think controls the GOP?

Con Men and the Mod Squad  Frank presents us with a case study of sorts regarding politics in Kansas.  Conservatives have seemingly taken over the state’s GOP party. This is an important point – conflict occurs within parties!!  Moderate Republicans, such as Bob Dole and Nancy can no longer easily win office in some GOP primaries, depending on the state.

The Modern GOP: Factions/groups  Though many in GOP are both conservative fiscally and socially, social issues have tended to take a back seat to fiscal issues.  Discussion question: Is President Bush serious about social conservatism to the extent that he will push this as prime policy goals, especially now that the election is over?

Let’s see how the Kansan Senators introduce themselves   tm tm  Frank is offering a testable thesis  Look through these websites and try to identify or assess who is serious about social conservatism.

Kansas Reps in Congress  htm htm     Who is Conservative? 