The opinion poll has become commonplace in politics and typically reveals public desires for greater government social welfare assistance, such as more aid for education or health care. These statistics seem to proclaim the welfare state’s enduring popularity. Though sincere, these desires largely reflect how questions are asked. Unfortunately, polls usually lack basic economic restraints. There are no costs, risks or disasters in the world of polling. Market-based solutions are routinely excluded. This book works to reveal these shortcomings and clearly demonstrates why a government ruled by the vox populi would be folly.
I was born in New York City and attended public schools there until I was twelve. My family moved to New Jersey and I eventually graduated from Teaneck High School in Teaneck, NJ. I received an AB degree from Bard College and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since 1969 I have taught political science at Cornell University, the University of Illinois-Urbana and am currently an adjunct professor of politics (graduate) at New York University.
I have written eleven books, the most recent are Political Tolerance, The Politics of Empowerment, Polling, Politics and Public Opinion, The Limits of Civic Activism and Pernicious Tolerance. Professional articles have appeared in the major political science journals plus more general publications such as Society and The Weekly Standard.
Many recent education-related writings are on the web, especially The American Thinker.com.
These include:
The Futility of American Education Reform (March 24, 2009) http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/03/how_todays_failed_educational.html
Demand, Not Supply Drives Educational Achievement (April 26, 2009) http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/04/demand_not_supply_drives_educa.html
The Long March of Kevin Jennings (October 6, 2009) http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/10/the_long_march_of_kevin_jennings.html
The Liberal Plot Against American Education (December 28, 2009) http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/12/the_liberal_plot_against_ameri.html
Should the Worst Schools Get the Best Teachers (January 20, 2010) http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/01/should_the_worst_schools_get_t.html
Obama and Education: Pork You Can Believe In (February 3, 2010) http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/02/obama_and_education_pork_you_c.html
Uplifting the Poor One Lie at a Time (March 28, 2010) http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/03/uplifting_the_poor_one_lie_at.html
