The concept of power was further expanded on by sociologist Steven Lukes who argued there are actually “three dimensions of power” the first being political decisions (Dhal), the second is framing (Bachrach and Baratz), and the third is power to influence values or social norms.  Lukes argues it is ultimately what people consider to be right or wrong, or normal, that will influence what choices are available and what decisions are made.  In political science one way to interpret and measure political values is to conduct public opinion polls.  A small sampling of a few thousand people are given a questionnaire to fill out, the results of which are combined and calculated in a way that is believed to reflect the general attitude of the entire population.  Modern public opinion polls were created by George Gallup in the 1930s who also founded the organization that bears his name, still generally considered the most influential company that conducts these polls.  Polls also help shape discussions by identifying what important issues are, and thus also exercise power.  The results of this poll and commentary reflect the general negative opinions that Americans have towards the government.  Negative attitudes towards the government would mean that choices for government action will be limited.  Overall the poll shows that people are distrustful of the government but are also skeptical of taking away too much government power.  In terms of political parties when a party is in power their supporters clearly support more government intervention, than when they are out of power.

I chose this passage because I feel very strongly about the public opinion.  Some people say that it doesn't matter what we say because we are the little people but at the end of the day our vote and Potential candidates rely on polls to determine who is in front of the race and what is pushing forward.  We are the people and our opinion counts.

Our opinion counts we are the people we choose our government leaders and we have the right to state what is wrong and right.  We have to have our word be heard in more ways than one. For starters have more minorities at the Polls is great way to start this movement. 

Personally choose this passage because I know a person that for 20 years of his life his opinion and his vote didn't count. He was incarcerated for 20 yrs and he didn't have the luxuries that we afford ourselves when we are free.  As a free person as a contributor to our society, he wants to have the right to vote or to state his opinions of the issues and the candidates that are representing us as a people.  Polls are very important to our voting system.  Polls can determine who our next leader might be.  Or who we want in that position. But being a felon and a parolee has denied him this opportunity, this constitutional right to pull the lever.

That’s power to exclude a section of the population from voting!  Reminds of a point in history before the year 1920, when a section of our population was not permitted to vote.  Women were that target.  Is history repeating itself? American has to substitute and fine someone else to oppress in the name of POWER?

by Raul Burgos