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Dr. Robert Smith Credit UIS
The following is a commentary from Dr. Robert Smith, Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Illinois Springfield.
It is very difficult, if not impossible, for me to not share some reflections on our general political scene in this country in 2021. Our divisive political environment is alive and well in localities, states and in the nation. There seems no end in sight. And there is a malaise is hanging over our public life these days!
Differences and entrenched beliefs about ones political identification have always existed. That’s why there are Democrats, Republicans and Independents and more! Although there are lots of reasons and research on political identify, I’m going to put my money on one fundamental issue dividing our nation more than any other and forcing them into their political corners!
The following is a commentary from Dr. Robert Smith, Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Illinois Springfield.
As I prepare this commentary President Joe Biden just delivered a reflective talk to the nation about where things stand one year into the COVID 19 pandemic. It gave me hope, not because Biden is a Democrat or had just signed a $1.9 trillion COVID relief package, but because our President said we’re “getting there” and by May 1 all citizens over 18 will be eligible for vaccines and he even spoke about hope for normalcy by July 1. And yes, I believe him.
Dr. Robert Smith is the Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Commentary: As you know, I always try to link my commentaries to a theme and try to do so from a neutral or public affairs perspective that lies at the heart of the mission of my College. That theme today relates to our nationally renowned and much heralded graduate public affairs reporting program. But, it may take me a minute to get there!
On top of an ongoing COVID Pandemic, a still confusing response, a mixed up political world, and a new standard of truisms, and a terrible winter storm that we are only now emerging from. What more can happen?
The January 6
th Capitol riot, Martin Luther King Day Celebrations, the Inauguration of President Biden and the pending Impeachment Trial of Donald Trump. What a start to 2021! What do all four events and days have in common? Nothing some may say, and everything, others may suggest.
I’m in the group that will highlight some important similarities and very real differences between these events. This is not to “force fit” any of these events together, but instead to reflect on
three themes that may serve as an important reminder for those of us who study and practice in public affairs across a variety of roles and disciplines and for every day citizens as well.