Donald Kruse examines what went wrong at Camp David and concludes that in a new phase of the peace process, peace can come only after justice arrives for the Palestinians and security is secured for Israel.
Reflecting on the disputed presidential election in Florida, the editor says, "If we do not like the laws that governed the November 7 election, we must appeal to legislators to change them. American democracy is representative democracy, which depends on elected lawmakers and the laws they make."
Public Justice Report editor James W. Skillen reviews Hernando de Soto's new book, The Mystery of Capital, which sets out to explain, in the words of its subtitle, "why capitalism triumphs in the West and fails everywhere else."
In an excerpt from a presentation kicking off a conference on Third World development and civil society, Calvin College economics professor Roland Hoksbergen discusses six historical realities that have "propelled civil society onto the world stage." He also raises several important questions, including "How do rich nations, peoples, and NGOs work with other nations, peoples, and partners in ways that are properly respectful of the dignity and responsibility of everyone?"
In the wake of the November elections, the editor highlights the need for changes in the electoral system--changes that will engage more voters, connect citizens more closely with their representatives, and create more accountable government. The disputed presidential election raised important questions about representation and governance, he argues, although most commentators reduced it to a horse race.
In excerpts from his 2000 Kuyper Lecture, entitled "American Statecraft: A New Art for the 21st Century," CPJ President James W. Skillen argues for the development of a human art of statecraft that is an expression of our very creatureliness. He concludes, "The most urgent need of American politics and government today is to discover the true basis of, and genuine inspiration for, statecraft. For every political community and government on earth stands under the judgment as well as the promises of the One who at present upholds them all and who holds each one directly accountable."
The editor reviews Christians and Politics Beyond the Culture Wars a new collection of essays published by Baker Books.
The editor examines the partisan divisions in Washington, concluding that those who hold the reigns of government should act with the conviction and authority of their office. That may mean wide, bipartisan agreement on some bills and none on others. But Bush should lead and let the chips fall where they may. The way to break gridlock is to exercise leadership in office.
