Discusses whether the politics of individual practitioners actually influence the causes they adopt and therefore the outcomes; describes research that reinforces the argument that no such congruency exists; and argues that barriers to radical community work are such that its major impact is to strengthen pluralism while making minimal…

Probabilistic risk assessment has been promoted within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as a means of judging risk to the public and of determining regulatory measures. Interviews with engineers and other technically trained personnel reveal the difficulties created by expectations that this form of assessment should be applied. (TJH)

The confusion among weary Chinese students protesting government policies is mirrored in the top levels of government, where an intense power struggle is occurring. (MSE)

Contends that aging interest groups should give consideration to broadening the politics of aging by emphasizing justice between rich and poor and advocacy for all age groups. Claims such a politics would provide continued support for universal programs and be based on the principle that those most able to contribute to societal progress bear the…

Explores the political influence of 100 organized agriculture and rural interests, as perceived by 195 Congressional staff, lobbyists, and organization officials. Finds that organizational influence is related to high activity and policy involvement within the Congressional agricultural establishment and to perceived usefulness to the policy…

Remarks on recent articles and books regarding literacy and reading in America. (SR)

Examines a rumor stemming from a newspaper article (attributed at the time to Thomas Paine, though he denied having had anything to do with it) that outlined a plan for Revolutionary France to take over the newly independent United States. Looks at the article's diplomatic origins, the evidence of its attribution, and its path in the American…

Describes how the Speech Communication Department at the University of Nebraska was targeted for elimination and survived. Addresses why it is necessary for the communication discipline to take an advocacy role, and provides thoughts about how departments can defend themselves from future attacks. (SR)

Proposes that communication and the effective use of symbols are crucial and often overlooked aspects of the political competition between interest groups. Analyzes a highly polarized conflict over an old-growth forest in Oregon's Siskiyou National Forest to illustrate the significant role that symbolism and communication play in the nature and…

Discusses the common assumptions and the political underpinnings of three approaches to literacy: imperial, colonial, and liberatory literacy. (SR)

Suggests that the first task of writing program administrators is to invite students to play along a spectrum of rhetorical occasions. Notes that, once students begin to negotiate these roles, then the opportunity exists to explore the diverse power of "the political" as opposed to the banalities of mere "politics." (RS)

Discusses political correctness and cultural studies, dealing with cultural studies and the left, the conservative assault on cultural studies, and political correctness in the university. Describes some of the underlying changes in the university, largely unaddressed in the political correctness debate, that provide the deep structure to the…

Points out that (1) there is no reason to believe that media coverage of the "political correctness" issue is firmly anchored in social reality; (2) the news media's approach reflects and reinforces a longer-term shift in the ways journalists cover the university; and (3) if coverage of political correctness has been misinformed and…

Compares the documentary film on Harlem drag and "voguing" balls, "Paris Is Burning," to the ritual drama of dominant and subordinate (headlining academic conservatives) being staged on elite university campuses. Points out the flat refusal of the anti-PC campaign to acknowledge the existence and significance of power relations…

Argues that separation of language rights from cultural rights in South Africa is necessary for individuals' full participation in political, social, and economic affairs of the country. Clauses from the African National Congress' (ANC) draft Bill of Rights and suggested amendments presented to the Constitutional Committee of the ANC are included.…