What is Public Politics
What is Public Politics?
What my friends told me.
Margaret E. Holt
March 22, 2005
At 4:13 p.m. on March 9, 2005, I asked 65 (a few days later I added two more) friends by email the following:
I'm working on a project where a concept is called public politics. I am writing just in the early stages of this to ask you what this means to you. It may be an expression that means nothing to you or it may have a meaning. I am not posing the question in a way that suggests such a thing as a right or wrong answer. So if you would be so kind, please respond to the inquiry: What is public politics? I am also not attributing any names to what anyone says. I just want to get a sense of what many people think when they hear the words "public politics". Thanks, Margaret
By 8.53 p.m. on March 19, 2005 I had 38 replies. (See attachment A for all the replies.)
Eight who wrote back told me they didn’t know what this meant. Public politics was an unfamiliar term.
Damned if I know, Margaret. I wonder if I (when my brain cells were alive) ever did have a definition of public politics. I'm sure everyone you sent this query to will be eager to learn from you what you have come across in this survey. I am.
Four told me it was redundant.
The two word phrase is redundant to me. Politics is public, except for
the "behind the closed " varieties. I don't conjure up much response.
A couple of people expressed their belief in the august virtues of the term:
One said it was the purest form of politics. Another said it was: The mother tree from which branches of conservatism, liberalism, and other ideologies spring. The Puritans of Salem's "public politics" -- what people knew by observation was their priority-- was influenced by their belief in theocracy, whereas the Virginia Planters' based their public politics on a more materialistic ideology: owning land and slaves, acquiring wealth. Out of these diverse "public politics" come the difference between a Massachusetts Democrat of 1965 and a Southern Democrat of the same era.
Some saw public politics as the issues and concerns that were widely exposed in the public spotlight, but several with the same idea were cynical about the whether these were truly the issues important to the public:
"Public politics" are those issues and concerns that really seep to the forefront and are discussed widely by the general public on a day to day basis. Issues or concerns that have been discussed widely in a community, nation or worldwide as a whole. These are the politics or issues that you hear on the news or see on the ballot. Public politics is the spin or issues that are part of the mainstream rhetoric about what we as citizens should think are important issues -- gay marriage, supporting our troops, etc. Yet, this person wished it would be instead be a true dialogue across the different views including a discussion about what issues are really important to me as a citizen - Patriot act, power of transnational corporations, education.
Many of my friends are cynical. They believe what we call public politics means being politically correct, and actually what our policymakers want us to believe but that is not necessarily true. Some saw public politics as a “face” government puts on politics:
I'm guessing that it's the "face" of politics that is exposed to the media and the public. The face a government puts on its policies that may not be an accurate representation of reality (what they want the public to believe because it will be more acceptable.) Political "facade", where what goes on behind the scenes is 180 degrees different from what is said politically in public. Carl Rove shenanigans, for example, and political ads like "Swift Veterans for Truth". Orwell's "Double Speak" in 1984The term public politics is striking to me because the first thing it appears to do is establish a dichotomy between public politics and private politics. Unfortunately, this leads me to think there are a set of "politics" that aretrue and private and then there is a public face to our politics, which may be
anything but truthful, but is how we wish to be known in the world. It hits me like political correctness. Public face: that which the politician wants the public to see - will promise about anything in order to garner votes; Private face: the behind the scenes "dirty politics" that the politician wishes to keep hidden from public view.
The topic that was mentioned the most was “transparency.” Many people believe public politics means doing things “in public”, in the open. Here are some examples of responses:
Political opinion or statement/positions which are transparent, explicit, and articulated and shared.
I conjure up thoughts of empowerment, community, and grassroots efforts for change. I would think the antithesis would be the good ole boy politics that takes place behind closed doors or private country clubs and places that support the hegemony of the modern era.· Politics open to the public as opposed to 'good ole boy politics' or back room dealing. Now, I also believe that there is much that happens that is not public politics i.e. Tom DeLay and his behind the scenes actions which is where most of politics takes place. · Politics is public, except for the "behind the closed " varieties. All politics are public, but some are more public than others...· Politics that are performed so that the people can see what is going on. Not hidden vs. secret negotiations. The public have a right to know.· Open for the public to be aware of, which allows the public to be active and involved in. No behind the scenes meetings or sneaky stuff, where after the plans/decisions are made, it is too late to do anything about.· "Public Politics" to me means the appropriate degree of transparency in all the requisite functions performed by government. I say appropriate because there needs to be some degree of secrecy in terms of national defense and security. That said, transparency needs to exist in the spheres of public health, the environment, land management, food security, education, and all levels of government (the judicial, executive and federal levels). I believe this concept goes to the heart of public accountability.· The first thing that comes to mind is the word "public" verses "nonpublic". So it makes me think of what goes on in public as opposed to what goes on behind closed doors.· Public politics has two meanings. First, it means full disclosure to the public of the wheeling and dealing of our political representatives. I look at the phrase as saying that "politics" should be open to the "public." It is essential to our democratic process for "average citizens" to know the rationales behind creating the laws that govern our society. After all, those laws are created for us by people we select to represent us in the legislature. We have a right to know the give and take that affects the ultimate outcome of proposed legislation.· Public politics is transparent but very complex. Public politics does not happen behind closed doors and it is not done in the "interest" of the people without their involvement
Public politics are the politics discussed in the media as opposed to "behind closed door" politics.
There is nothing inherently "public" about politics.
Not to worry . . . many spoke of the meaning of the direct engagement, involvement and participation of citizens in civic life:
Issues that are discussed and debated with a diverse group of people from all walks of life in a public forum.
Learning from each other· People involved in politics like a grassroots organization- keeping politics in the hands of the people· Some connotations of civic engagement -- with the public being involved in politics.· Politics for the people as in a democracy. · Politics where public dialogue has a great influence· Politics occur in public settings. How you act politically is informed by private and personal experience and processes, but it seems to me politics occurs in the exchange between two or more people.· Public politics means the right of American citizens (the public) to take part in the political process, either by working on a political campaign, becoming a political candidate, lobbying for an organization, or volunteering for a non-profit entity. In this sense, I look at the phrase as the "public" has a right to enter "politics." A foundation of American democracy is that there is no government-endorsed class system as compared to countries such as Great Britain. The fact that there is no government-sponsored class system means that Americans who wish to be President can do so if those people work hard and devote their time to political life. Additionally, political life is multi-faceted. There is no one way for a person to impact politics. Political ideas that can eventually become laws start with the public's likes and dislikes. If someone gets behind the ideas they seem to be in favor of and manages to persuade other members of the public to join in, things can be accomplished.· Some sort of town meeting where the people play a role in the development and implementation of public policy such as in Colonial America. The term probably harkens back to the Roman Tribunal whereby an official in Rome was chosen by the public to protect their rights against the patricians.
· People grappling with issues, confronting problems, having civil disagreements, reaching compromises, and engaging in democratic processes· It is done by the people, for the greater common good. · Public politics requires taking heads out of the sand and talking back to paternal and patronizing and co-opting forces. It requires listening, talking, and disagreeing in civil ways. It also requires faith that public politics moves mountains and that the lack of it buries us under the mt.· Happens in forums, study circles
Public Politics may also be issues discussed " around the water cooler" with in the work place or around the dinner table at home or discussion in bars and restaurants.· Some connotations of civic engagement -- with the public being involved in politics.
One mentioned the centrality of considering different perspectives
Some thought it meant what the public truly wants rather than what media and big companies say it wants
One said it was wherever people gather to talk about what they want
Occasionally people described public policy more as what policymakers do:
Gearing polices to meet public needs
Politics that effect the public
Politics that relates to different segments of the public
One saw it as issues that apply only to lower/middle class citizens
A few saw the policymakers and public together in discussions
Issues that are discussed and debated with a diverse group of people from all walks of life in a public forum.
A few of the people who replied wanted to emphasize that public politics was focused on “everyone”, the general good, the welfare of all. Three mentioned public politics affects us all (for the good of all, general well-being):
I'd think it might be dealing with what the public at large think about politics in general rather than a shared political view. And, what the public thinks about politics is very different from each individual's political view or each person's perception of political leaders. Finally, these are what some who responded to the question what are public politics said were some examples:
To me, public politics evokes a sense of doing and changing for the better. It is former President Jimmy Carter, and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, people who wanted to do the right thing for the people...even if the people may not agree with it. It is Roy Barnes standing up for an unpopular flag referendum, Bush Sr increasing taxes only because it was needed, and Judge Roy Moore standing for his right to put up the ten commandments until he was fired because he thought it was right for the people· Perhaps an example of public politics would be the organization moveon.org (http://www.moveon.org/front/) whose catch phrase is "Democracy in Action". I also think of the community action agencies that sprang up in the 1960s as a means to collectively and collaboratively address the disparities and inequities in our nation. Move-On is an organization that I think of when I hear the phrase "public politics"· So America's government and economic system allow Americans to impact political life through serving as lobbyists for organizations established to promote the interests of a certain segment of the population (i.e. The American Medical Association). This advocacy aspect of public politics is not limited to for-profit organizations but is open to non-profit organizations as well.· In America I think we have public politics because we do elect our public political officials. They are not born into their position like members of a royal family are in other parts of the world. We may not like our choices but we did get to go through the democratic process of choosing them. I also just got stuck with jury duty and I guess I consider that part of public politics since members of the public get to sit in judgment of others.
Howard Dean’s campaign (tapped a nerve that surfaced public response)
Summary
Believe it or not, I am encouraged by what I learned from my friends after asking them what they thought was meant by the concept “public politics”.
For sure, I found cynicism in what many had to say, but at the same time I found a sense of what “should be” and “could be”. There were many more statements about the public being full players than I expected, and not so many about the policymakers controlling public life. I share the concern about transparency. I wish to thank my email colleagues (dear friends) for the insights they have provided me. In addition, I hope this “informal and preliminary” investigation will inform everyone who is concerned about public engagement and civic life in our country.
What my friends told me.
Margaret E. Holt
March 22, 2005
At 4:13 p.m. on March 9, 2005, I asked 65 (a few days later I added two more) friends by email the following:
I'm working on a project where a concept is called public politics. I am writing just in the early stages of this to ask you what this means to you. It may be an expression that means nothing to you or it may have a meaning. I am not posing the question in a way that suggests such a thing as a right or wrong answer. So if you would be so kind, please respond to the inquiry: What is public politics? I am also not attributing any names to what anyone says. I just want to get a sense of what many people think when they hear the words "public politics". Thanks, Margaret
By 8.53 p.m. on March 19, 2005 I had 38 replies. (See attachment A for all the replies.)
Eight who wrote back told me they didn’t know what this meant. Public politics was an unfamiliar term.
Damned if I know, Margaret. I wonder if I (when my brain cells were alive) ever did have a definition of public politics. I'm sure everyone you sent this query to will be eager to learn from you what you have come across in this survey. I am.
Four told me it was redundant.
The two word phrase is redundant to me. Politics is public, except for
the "behind the closed " varieties. I don't conjure up much response.
A couple of people expressed their belief in the august virtues of the term:
One said it was the purest form of politics. Another said it was: The mother tree from which branches of conservatism, liberalism, and other ideologies spring. The Puritans of Salem's "public politics" -- what people knew by observation was their priority-- was influenced by their belief in theocracy, whereas the Virginia Planters' based their public politics on a more materialistic ideology: owning land and slaves, acquiring wealth. Out of these diverse "public politics" come the difference between a Massachusetts Democrat of 1965 and a Southern Democrat of the same era.
Some saw public politics as the issues and concerns that were widely exposed in the public spotlight, but several with the same idea were cynical about the whether these were truly the issues important to the public:
"Public politics" are those issues and concerns that really seep to the forefront and are discussed widely by the general public on a day to day basis. Issues or concerns that have been discussed widely in a community, nation or worldwide as a whole. These are the politics or issues that you hear on the news or see on the ballot. Public politics is the spin or issues that are part of the mainstream rhetoric about what we as citizens should think are important issues -- gay marriage, supporting our troops, etc. Yet, this person wished it would be instead be a true dialogue across the different views including a discussion about what issues are really important to me as a citizen - Patriot act, power of transnational corporations, education.
Many of my friends are cynical. They believe what we call public politics means being politically correct, and actually what our policymakers want us to believe but that is not necessarily true. Some saw public politics as a “face” government puts on politics:
I'm guessing that it's the "face" of politics that is exposed to the media and the public. The face a government puts on its policies that may not be an accurate representation of reality (what they want the public to believe because it will be more acceptable.) Political "facade", where what goes on behind the scenes is 180 degrees different from what is said politically in public. Carl Rove shenanigans, for example, and political ads like "Swift Veterans for Truth". Orwell's "Double Speak" in 1984The term public politics is striking to me because the first thing it appears to do is establish a dichotomy between public politics and private politics. Unfortunately, this leads me to think there are a set of "politics" that aretrue and private and then there is a public face to our politics, which may be
anything but truthful, but is how we wish to be known in the world. It hits me like political correctness. Public face: that which the politician wants the public to see - will promise about anything in order to garner votes; Private face: the behind the scenes "dirty politics" that the politician wishes to keep hidden from public view.
The topic that was mentioned the most was “transparency.” Many people believe public politics means doing things “in public”, in the open. Here are some examples of responses:
Political opinion or statement/positions which are transparent, explicit, and articulated and shared.
I conjure up thoughts of empowerment, community, and grassroots efforts for change. I would think the antithesis would be the good ole boy politics that takes place behind closed doors or private country clubs and places that support the hegemony of the modern era.· Politics open to the public as opposed to 'good ole boy politics' or back room dealing. Now, I also believe that there is much that happens that is not public politics i.e. Tom DeLay and his behind the scenes actions which is where most of politics takes place. · Politics is public, except for the "behind the closed " varieties. All politics are public, but some are more public than others...· Politics that are performed so that the people can see what is going on. Not hidden vs. secret negotiations. The public have a right to know.· Open for the public to be aware of, which allows the public to be active and involved in. No behind the scenes meetings or sneaky stuff, where after the plans/decisions are made, it is too late to do anything about.· "Public Politics" to me means the appropriate degree of transparency in all the requisite functions performed by government. I say appropriate because there needs to be some degree of secrecy in terms of national defense and security. That said, transparency needs to exist in the spheres of public health, the environment, land management, food security, education, and all levels of government (the judicial, executive and federal levels). I believe this concept goes to the heart of public accountability.· The first thing that comes to mind is the word "public" verses "nonpublic". So it makes me think of what goes on in public as opposed to what goes on behind closed doors.· Public politics has two meanings. First, it means full disclosure to the public of the wheeling and dealing of our political representatives. I look at the phrase as saying that "politics" should be open to the "public." It is essential to our democratic process for "average citizens" to know the rationales behind creating the laws that govern our society. After all, those laws are created for us by people we select to represent us in the legislature. We have a right to know the give and take that affects the ultimate outcome of proposed legislation.· Public politics is transparent but very complex. Public politics does not happen behind closed doors and it is not done in the "interest" of the people without their involvement
Public politics are the politics discussed in the media as opposed to "behind closed door" politics.
There is nothing inherently "public" about politics.
Not to worry . . . many spoke of the meaning of the direct engagement, involvement and participation of citizens in civic life:
Issues that are discussed and debated with a diverse group of people from all walks of life in a public forum.
Learning from each other· People involved in politics like a grassroots organization- keeping politics in the hands of the people· Some connotations of civic engagement -- with the public being involved in politics.· Politics for the people as in a democracy. · Politics where public dialogue has a great influence· Politics occur in public settings. How you act politically is informed by private and personal experience and processes, but it seems to me politics occurs in the exchange between two or more people.· Public politics means the right of American citizens (the public) to take part in the political process, either by working on a political campaign, becoming a political candidate, lobbying for an organization, or volunteering for a non-profit entity. In this sense, I look at the phrase as the "public" has a right to enter "politics." A foundation of American democracy is that there is no government-endorsed class system as compared to countries such as Great Britain. The fact that there is no government-sponsored class system means that Americans who wish to be President can do so if those people work hard and devote their time to political life. Additionally, political life is multi-faceted. There is no one way for a person to impact politics. Political ideas that can eventually become laws start with the public's likes and dislikes. If someone gets behind the ideas they seem to be in favor of and manages to persuade other members of the public to join in, things can be accomplished.· Some sort of town meeting where the people play a role in the development and implementation of public policy such as in Colonial America. The term probably harkens back to the Roman Tribunal whereby an official in Rome was chosen by the public to protect their rights against the patricians.
· People grappling with issues, confronting problems, having civil disagreements, reaching compromises, and engaging in democratic processes· It is done by the people, for the greater common good. · Public politics requires taking heads out of the sand and talking back to paternal and patronizing and co-opting forces. It requires listening, talking, and disagreeing in civil ways. It also requires faith that public politics moves mountains and that the lack of it buries us under the mt.· Happens in forums, study circles
Public Politics may also be issues discussed " around the water cooler" with in the work place or around the dinner table at home or discussion in bars and restaurants.· Some connotations of civic engagement -- with the public being involved in politics.
One mentioned the centrality of considering different perspectives
Some thought it meant what the public truly wants rather than what media and big companies say it wants
One said it was wherever people gather to talk about what they want
Occasionally people described public policy more as what policymakers do:
Gearing polices to meet public needs
Politics that effect the public
Politics that relates to different segments of the public
One saw it as issues that apply only to lower/middle class citizens
A few saw the policymakers and public together in discussions
Issues that are discussed and debated with a diverse group of people from all walks of life in a public forum.
A few of the people who replied wanted to emphasize that public politics was focused on “everyone”, the general good, the welfare of all. Three mentioned public politics affects us all (for the good of all, general well-being):
I'd think it might be dealing with what the public at large think about politics in general rather than a shared political view. And, what the public thinks about politics is very different from each individual's political view or each person's perception of political leaders. Finally, these are what some who responded to the question what are public politics said were some examples:
To me, public politics evokes a sense of doing and changing for the better. It is former President Jimmy Carter, and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, people who wanted to do the right thing for the people...even if the people may not agree with it. It is Roy Barnes standing up for an unpopular flag referendum, Bush Sr increasing taxes only because it was needed, and Judge Roy Moore standing for his right to put up the ten commandments until he was fired because he thought it was right for the people· Perhaps an example of public politics would be the organization moveon.org (http://www.moveon.org/front/) whose catch phrase is "Democracy in Action". I also think of the community action agencies that sprang up in the 1960s as a means to collectively and collaboratively address the disparities and inequities in our nation. Move-On is an organization that I think of when I hear the phrase "public politics"· So America's government and economic system allow Americans to impact political life through serving as lobbyists for organizations established to promote the interests of a certain segment of the population (i.e. The American Medical Association). This advocacy aspect of public politics is not limited to for-profit organizations but is open to non-profit organizations as well.· In America I think we have public politics because we do elect our public political officials. They are not born into their position like members of a royal family are in other parts of the world. We may not like our choices but we did get to go through the democratic process of choosing them. I also just got stuck with jury duty and I guess I consider that part of public politics since members of the public get to sit in judgment of others.
Howard Dean’s campaign (tapped a nerve that surfaced public response)
Summary
Believe it or not, I am encouraged by what I learned from my friends after asking them what they thought was meant by the concept “public politics”.
For sure, I found cynicism in what many had to say, but at the same time I found a sense of what “should be” and “could be”. There were many more statements about the public being full players than I expected, and not so many about the policymakers controlling public life. I share the concern about transparency. I wish to thank my email colleagues (dear friends) for the insights they have provided me. In addition, I hope this “informal and preliminary” investigation will inform everyone who is concerned about public engagement and civic life in our country.
posted by Margaret Holt | 2:13 PM
1 Comments:
Margherita, this is fascinating research. I believe it reflects the general perception in the country that there is something amiss in our political sphere, that the public is conspicuously absent. It also captures the suspicion that many people rightly feel toward rhetorical or idealized phrases that may make sense in the abstract but don't actually have much to do with the reality we know.
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