Charter Schools: Revolutionary or Racist?
America / Education / Politics / U.S. Domestic Policy

Charter Schools: Revolutionary or Racist?

The educational landscape of New Orleans, my hometown, has changed rapidly since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city almost nine years ago. The Recovery School District (RSD), by far the city’s largest school district, closed its last five traditional public schools in May to become the nation’s first all-charter school system. During the 2013-14 school year, 92% of New Orleans … Continue reading

Political Waffling Beats Cantor, Not Immigration
America / Gov. Officials / Immigration / Politics / U.S. Domestic Policy

Political Waffling Beats Cantor, Not Immigration

As the House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) lost in the primaries to relative unknown Tea Partier Dave Brat, many are claiming that the complex relationship between Cantor and Immigration reform resulted in a sort of political murder-suicide. Cantor’s support of immigration reform lost him his seat, and the loss of Cantor’s seat seemingly ended … Continue reading

Volcker and The Capital Asset Pricing Model: Enforcing Ineffective Regulation Since 2013?
Economy / Fiscal policy / Regulation / U.S. Domestic Policy

Volcker and The Capital Asset Pricing Model: Enforcing Ineffective Regulation Since 2013?

One fundamental principle of financial markets is the relationship between risk and return. This tenet is reflected in the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), the workhorse of security pricing, where the return required by investors is measured by adding the risk free rate (such as a treasury bond) to a market risk premium, adjusted for … Continue reading

The Common Core Mystique
America / Education / Politics / U.S. Domestic Policy

The Common Core Mystique

Critics from both ends of the spectrum have attacked the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for a number of reasons. “They are a ploy for the federal government to spread its agenda, pollute the minds of children, and diminish teachers’ role in educating!” “They eliminate teacher autonomy and creativity in the classroom!” “They give corporate … Continue reading

Common Core Doesn’t Make Common Sense
Constitution / Education / U.S. Domestic Policy

Common Core Doesn’t Make Common Sense

Every student in American schools is taught that the Constitution is the law of the land. So, why doesn’t the federal government understand this? The Department of Education has been working to institute a national common core on what is taught in schools around the country. This national common core usurps a state’s right to … Continue reading

The Government is Making Money Off Students; Is that a Good Thing?
Economy / U.S. Domestic Policy

The Government is Making Money Off Students; Is that a Good Thing?

The last thing anyone expects the government to do is make money. Every day congressional lawmakers lament budget deficits, and the inability of the federal government to cover its spending with tax revenue is a perennial issue. But while Washington continues to struggle with the debt, there are a few government-affiliated organizations that are actually … Continue reading