Category Archives: American Politics
Misplaced Union Envy
Millions of Americans have lost their jobs and homes since the financial collapse of 2008. Tens of millions more are in fear of losing their jobs and homes. Conservatives and tea party activists have chosen to blame the government and … Continue reading
Job Killing Republican Budget Cuts
The Republican onslaught continues. Public sector employees are just the current manifestation of an effort by Republicans to get back into power — to retake the House of Representatives, the Senate, and ultimately the White House. Central to the Republican … Continue reading
What Kind of America Do We Want to Live In?
The lesson of the events in Wisconsin for progressives is clear. When you let the opposition set the political agenda and frame the political discussion, losing is inevitable. The conservative, tea party narrative asserts that government has been living beyond … Continue reading
The America I Love
The America I love is a tolerant place. It’s a place where we see diversity all around us. We don’t worry about the race or religion or sexual preference of our neighbors. And we treat one another as fellow Americans … Continue reading
Time to Stand Up for Our Teachers, Police, and Firefighters
State governments across the US are facing record budget deficits in the upcoming fiscal year (FY) 2012 that begins July 1, 2011 in most states. Altogether, total state shortfalls could exceed $140 billion in FY 2012. The biggest deficits look … Continue reading
Re-Engaging in the Health Care Debate
The Obama Administration does not appear ready to re-open the health care reform debate any time soon. Having paid the political price for focusing on health care reform instead of job creation during his first two years in office, President … Continue reading
Growing Our Way To American Jobs
Despite all the rhetoric these days about tax and budget cuts, the reality is that we will only see real improvement in employment prospects for our nation’s workers if we start seeing strong economic growth. What’s needed is the kind … Continue reading
Blaming the Middle Class
Deficit reduction will need to be high on the legislative agenda of the 112th Congress. Government is borrowing too much — current policies are just not sustainable. The solutions are simple — spend less, increase revenues, or both. The politics … Continue reading
The Lack of Civility
Thinking back over the past year, and on the events in Tuscon, AZ this weekend, I found myself reflecting back over some things I wrote this summer. We don’t yet know the motives of the deranged mind of Jared Loughner … Continue reading
The 111th Congress Leaves A Legacy
As members of the 111th Congress leave town for the Christmas holiday, it’s a little sobering that despite the appearance and reality of partisan gridlock, the outgoing Congress was among the most productive in decades. A partial listing of legislative … Continue reading