Select an interest group (AARP, AHIP, Coalition for Health Services Research, Emergency Nurses Association, Pharma)
Discuss how they are pushing their agenda (i.e., mechanisms used to influence policy makers), key obstacles, and spending (consult the Center for Responsible Politics, www.opensecrets.org)
Investigate the interest group’s website and review their position statements, testimony, and consult media reports to obtain more information on the group’s lobbying efforts.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Interest Group Analysis: AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)
Introduction
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a significant interest group in the United States, representing individuals aged 50 and older. AARP focuses on issues such as healthcare, retirement security, and social welfare policies. This report examines how AARP pushes its agenda, the obstacles it faces, and its spending on lobbying efforts.
Mechanisms Used to Influence Policymakers
AARP employs a variety of strategies to influence policymakers and advocate for its agenda:
1. Lobbying
AARP engages in direct lobbying at both the federal and state levels. The organization employs a team of lobbyists who meet with lawmakers, provide testimony at hearings, and advocate for specific legislation related to healthcare, Social Security, and Medicare.
2. Grassroots Mobilization
AARP mobilizes its members and the public through grassroots campaigns. This includes organizing letter-writing campaigns, phone banks, and rallies to encourage members to contact their representatives about critical issues. They leverage their large membership base to create a unified voice on key policy matters.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns
AARP runs extensive public awareness campaigns to educate both members and the general public about pressing issues affecting older Americans. These campaigns often utilize social media, newsletters, and community events to raise awareness and garner support for their positions.
4. Research and Position Papers
The organization regularly publishes research reports and position papers that provide data-driven insights into issues affecting seniors. By presenting evidence-based arguments, AARP strengthens its advocacy efforts and persuades policymakers to consider their recommendations.
Key Obstacles
Despite its extensive resources and influence, AARP faces several challenges in promoting its agenda:
1. Political Polarization
The current political climate is highly polarized, making it difficult for AARP to gain bipartisan support for some initiatives, especially those related to healthcare reform. This division can stall legislation or lead to compromise solutions that may not align with AARP’s goals.
2. Opposition from Other Interest Groups
AARP often encounters resistance from other interest groups that advocate for different priorities or legislative agendas, such as the pharmaceutical industry or insurance companies. These groups may have their own lobbying resources and strategies that can counteract AARP’s efforts.
3. Changing Demographics
As the demographics of the aging population shift, AARP must adapt its messaging and strategies to address the diverse needs and concerns of different segments within the older population. This includes addressing issues relevant to younger seniors versus older seniors.
Spending on Lobbying
According to the Center for Responsive Politics (www.opensecrets.org), AARP is one of the largest spenders on lobbying efforts in the United States.
1. Lobbying Expenditures
In 2022, AARP reported spending approximately $8 million on lobbying efforts. This expenditure is indicative of their commitment to influencing policy decisions that affect older Americans.
2. Political Contributions
AARP also engages in political contributions through its political action committee (PAC). In recent years, the PAC has contributed funds to candidates across party lines who support their policy positions, thereby increasing their influence in electoral politics.
Review of Position Statements and Media Reports
Position Statements
AARP’s website features comprehensive position statements on various issues impacting older Americans. For example:
– Healthcare: AARP advocates for affordable healthcare options, including preserving Medicare benefits and lowering prescription drug costs.
– Social Security: The organization supports protecting Social Security from cuts and ensuring its long-term viability.
Testimony
AARP frequently provides testimony at congressional hearings, emphasizing the need for policies that enhance the quality of life for seniors. Their testimonies typically include personal stories from members and data that highlight the importance of specific legislation.
Media Reports
Media coverage often highlights AARP’s role in significant legislative battles, such as efforts to lower drug prices in recent healthcare reform discussions. Reports have noted that AARP’s advocacy efforts have been instrumental in shaping public opinion on these issues.
Conclusion
AARP plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights and interests of older Americans through diverse mechanisms such as lobbying, grassroots mobilization, and public awareness campaigns. While they face challenges such as political polarization and opposition from other interest groups, their significant lobbying expenditures reflect their commitment to influencing policy outcomes. By leveraging research and engaging their vast membership base, AARP continues to be a powerful voice for older adults in the United States.
References
– Center for Responsive Politics. (n.d.). AARP. Retrieved from www.opensecrets.org
– American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). (n.d.). Position Statements. Retrieved from www.aarp.org
– Various Media Reports covering AARP’s lobbying efforts and activities related to healthcare reform and social security initiatives.
