What does 6 billion dollars buy you? Apparently in politics, it buys you an almost unchanged House, Senate, and President. In fairness, out of the 6 billion dollars spent, only – and I say only because in perspective it can be qualified as such – around 680 million was spent by super PACs on independent … Continue reading
Latest Entries
Republicans- The Jury is definitely not still out on science
Rick Santorum was at one time a serious contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012. Now it looks like he may make a run for the nomination in 2016, a year when, according to Santorum, there will be a “real fight as to what the soul of the Republican party’s going to be.” One … Continue reading
Politics of Military Force in the 2nd Gaza War
After the initial phase of Pillar of Defense the situation in Gaza has escalated. Both sides appeared ready to “climb the mountain of conflict”. Looking back, it would be beneficial to understand the mechanics behind this altercation and what possible ramifications developed from the Second Gaza War. Following the assassination of Ahmed Jabari, the … Continue reading
A Democratic Conundrum
There exists an interesting dilemma in democratic society involving a citizenry’s ability to make intelligent decisions in how society should be governed. Kay Lehman Schlozman explores this at some length in her piece “Vox Populi: Public Opinion and the Democratic Dilemma,” namely how democratic societies find an appropriate balance between governance based on citizen preferences … Continue reading
The 52nd State
Now that Puerto Rico might break our 53-year streak of a 50-state Union, who should bear the torch as the proverbial 52nd state? I suggest the Mariana Islands. Most of you are asking, “But James, where is that?” This is an island chain in the Pacific currently made up of two political entities you may … Continue reading
Handicapping 2016: the Republicans
With the 2012 election mere weeks in the rear-view mirror, many would say it’s too soon to begin talking about 2016, and they’re right. But I’m going to do it anyway. Why? Well, because I’m bored and because 2016 looks like it may finally be some Republican light at the end of a long, long … Continue reading
America / Debt / Europe / Fiscal Cliff / Taxes
Cult of Uncertainty: The Catalytic Hysteria Surrounding the Fiscal Cliff in Europe
The attention surrounding the Fiscal Cliff has escalated it from an issue of domestic panic to international concern. While the direct impact of the event involves strictly domestic policies, the resulting uncertain economic forecast stateside has created detrimental consequences for European markets that are reliant on the United States for trade. The suggested calamity results … Continue reading
Fast Food, Obesity, and Marketing to Children
Why are fast food chains so prominent in the United States? One answer is that Americans love to buy a well-marketed product. Heck, we love to buy any product. Fast Food also supports convenience and efficiency that we anxious and busy Americans so dearly appreciate. Lastly, America houses an “on-the-go” culture in which the drive-through … Continue reading
Is Egypt the next Iran?
Recent events in Egypt are reawakening the discontent that ended in the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak. Last Thursday, November 22, newly elected President Mohamed Morsi declared that Egypt’s courts cannot overturn decisions he’s made since entering office in June or over the next six months, nor can they alter the makeup or work of … Continue reading
Tax Expenditures: Why the GOP should Abandon Grover Norquist
The impending American debt crisis has almost nothing to do with taxes. If the Democrats get their way on the expiration of the high-end Bush tax cuts, roughly $65 Billion in revenue would be raised (assuming that this tax increase would have zero negative effect on economic growth – a disputable point, to be sure). … Continue reading
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