I just got a phone call from the Democratic committee to reelect President Obama. The campaign representative went through the usual schpiel, thanking me for my past donations, pointing out that the Republicans are launching a $20 million ad campaign, and that the Democrats and the Obama reelection campaign needs to be prepared to respond…
I just finished reading Robert Heinlein’s “Logic of Empire” in the March 1941 Astounding* and there were two quotes that jumped out at me as particularly apropos to current events in the Federal government today. First quote: “I suppose you’re a radical now?” Doc’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Not at all. Radical and conservative are terms for…
Two ridiculous things for a Monday: Congress. I’m reminded of the old joke: if “pro” is the opposite of “con” what is the opposite of “progress”? Kids wearing diapers at Disney World. Kids mind, you, not toddlers. The Little Man is in the very early stages of potty training. So naturally, Kelly was searching online…
Dear Washington Politicians, Please do something–anything–other than worrying about how whatever “it” is will play for reelection. Your constituents would appreciate the reminder that government can do something and that we are not better off replacing our politicians with marble statues (which at this point would seem equally effective). Got that? Thanks! Most sincerely, Jamie…
I was paying unusually close attention to the news this week, this big story of course being the thread of a government shut down. I had two reasons to be interested in this: Kelly is an employee of the Federal Government and a shutdown would have a direct affect on our bottom line. I like…
It’s about time. This was a terrible policy from the outset and it is to Congress’s shame that they can’t seem to learn from history. There was a time in the U.S. military when certain races were excluded and the thought of integration was repellant for similar reasons given by the military today, that it…
I’ve never gotten economics. It’s one of those subjects which my simple brain isn’t designed to handle. Economists are like mystics in my mind. I mention this as a preface to what follows because you have to know where I’m coming from. Yes, I took an economics class back in college. No, I didn’t do…
I had my fill of politics during the four years in which I obtained my degree in Political Science. (A degree, I might add, which I promptly put to good use by becoming a software developer.) The problem with political science is that it is far more political than it is scientific. In fact, there…
Am I the only one who thinks that the United States is once again embarrassing itself with its sudden posturing on illegal immigration? In my mind, Arizona has become the laughing stock of the nation, to say nothing of the world. And now, Republicans seem to want to amend the Constitution to undo the citizenship…
Overall: a pretty good speech. There were things I wanted to hear, like a focus on jobs, getting out of Iraq, working to pass health care reform, and repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. I liked that President Obama seemed feisty at times, as when he criticized the Supreme Court for their recent decision in Citizens…
While reading Frederik Pohl’s autobiography, The Way the Future Was last night, I was struck by the following remarks he made in the first chapter: Hoover did not plant the seeds [of the Great Depression], they were sown over the boom years of the 20s, in easy credit buying and mad stock swindles I realize that…
I don’t care if you are a Republican, Democrat or something in between, if you are going to lead people, you have to lead by (good) example. If you can’t do that, then you shouldn’t lead. Period. Not paying income tax is leading by poor example and it should automatically disqualify someone from serving as…