I realize this is an essay, and I realize that it intentionally takes the normative over the positive, but there really needs to be some [citation needed] tags

I realize this is an essay, and I realize that it intentionally takes the normative over the positive, but there really needs to be some [citation needed] tags all over the place. There are always some liberties that can be taken when you speak from a position of authority, but this is like listening to a presidential debate. If you are trying to influence the policy and not the election, you need to be able to influence people that can read past your authority and posturing.