Commentaries and Essays

Putting the "Riot" Back in Patriotism
Chicago Public Radio (WBEZ)
Commentator Gwen Macsai takes a look at the notion of patriotism and the feelings it evokes: loyalty, respect and devotion, apathy, skepticism, and desertion. She comes to the conclusion that it's a lot like marriage. (02:07)

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Is Democracy Monolingual?
KERA - Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Marisa Trevino points out that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 still leaves many non-English speakers disenfranchised, when practical steps are not taken to help them at the polls. (03:20)

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Armchair Citizens
KERA - Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Commentator James Mardis's experiences teaching young people about citizenship illustrate how America has become a society of reactionaries rather than citizens who create solutions. (03:45)

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Money and Politics
KERA - Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Commentator Chip Pitts notes that money in politics undermines the democratic process and recommends some improvements. (02:57)

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