Personal attacks in academic discourse

Chapter 2, and Chapter 4  Download Chapter 4from Erica Grieder’s book, “Big, Hot, Cheap, and Right: What America Can Learn From the Strange Genius of Texas.” After reading the chapters from this book, please respond to the following questions:

1. What does a “small government” state entail? What would you expect to see if you lived in an environment characterized by a philosophy of “small government”?
2. What are the pros and cons of living in a state that has a government that takes a hands-off approach to governing? What are the pros and cons of a government that is more hands-on?
3. In your opinion, has Texas done an effective job maintaining its reputation—and desire—as a state that has a government that stays out of people’s lives? Why, or why not? Name some examples.

Nuts and Bolts of the Assignment

1. Respond specifically to all questions asked, using what you have read and what we have discussed in our group meetings as context for your responses. A paragraph or two is a good length for your responses to each question, and your answers must be supported by your reasons for that answer;
2. Respond to at least one posted answer of a classmate for this discussion board. Your response should reflect not only agreement or disagreement with what your classmate has said, but the specific reasons for your response, in a paragraph or two;
3. Post the responses in (1) and (2) above by the deadline, and use complete sentences with correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation (use a narrative style, as opposed to responding in bullet points). If you disagree with a classmate’s position, which is of course allowed, make sure that you write your response in an appropriate, respectful manner. Personal attacks of any kind are not acceptable in academic discourse.