Outside the Beltway

The Paycheck Protection Program protected some interesting paychecks.

Republicans passed a tax cut bill in December they hoped would help in the midterm elections. It has turned out to be a big dud.

Milo Yiannopoulos was a troll and a peddler in offensiveness, but the fact that he became a star on the American right was the result of a transformation of American conservatism that has been entirely unhealthy.

Thwarted by the legislature, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal used his executive power to take action that seems directed more toward evangelicals in Iowa than anything happening in his home state.

Our tax system is so complicated that whether we’re filing our returns correctly is a known unknown.

Conservatives have their own Kennedy myth to compete with the myth of Camelot.

Are we headed for another Federal Government shutdown, or will Congress actually do its job this time?

Conservatives are doing what the criticized JournoList for doing—even though JournoList didn’t.

Forget about the budget deficit and spending. The Tea Party apparently now considers stopping immigration reform to be its most important task.

The days of tax-free online shopping are coming to an end.

Rand Paul’s filibuster is one that all American’s should thank him for that.

The Chinese are hacking Washington institutions to unearth the secret plan under which the town operates.

Representative democracy is a process of delegation of power to agents who act on behalf of citizens. The process of delegation matters.

Grover Norquist has seriously undercut the credibility of the ATR anti-tax pledge.

The latest offer from John Boehner includes a significant concession.

Conservatives seem to be viewing the Fiscal Cliff through rose-colored glasses.

As we approach the fiscal cliff, there are signs that House Republicans may not be as rigid as they were the past two years.

Republicans will have some choices to make if President Obama is re-elected.

The Defense of Marriage Act is under challenge through a unique angle: estate taxes.

Alex Pareene’s quip that “Aaron Sorkin is why people hate liberals” has gone viral.

The main problem is governing should be different than simplistic rhetoric.

How would modern Republicans treat Ronald Reagan and his Vice-President?

Jeb Bush is the latest Republican to eschew GOP tax orthodoxy.

Alan Simpson is imparting wisdom to his fellow Republicans. I doubt they will listen.

While I’ve expressed my dissatisfaction with the degree that CPAC has embraced the worst elements of the conservative movement in recent years, it does appear that there is a line.

Could things possibly get worse on Capitol Hill? Grover Norquist seems to relish the possibility.

Grover Norquist has become the target of blame for problems that are far more deep than just one man.

Grover Norquist isn’t conservative enough for WND.

Rick Perry’s tax plan isn’t very impressive.

Herman Cain’s 9-9-9 double talk is starting to show

Now that he’s a top tier candidate, it’s hard to see how Herman Cain’s tax plan can withstand serious scrutiny.

Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA) took to the floor yesterday to lambaste Grover Norquist and his influence over the GOP.

President Obama is proposing a special tax rate for millionaires.

Today is Cost of Government Day, at least for those who can’t do math.

The main issue driving the downgrade appears to be lack of faith in the political parties to act responsibly and compromise over entitlements and revenues.

The job approval numbers for Congress are at historic lows, but will that matter in 2012?

The cuts to Pentagon spending in the new debt deal are further revealing a split in the GOP over foreign policy and military spending.

You thought you’d seen the worst of Congress in July? Oh, you silly American you.

Now that America’s political leadership have probably averted a self-inflicted global economic calamity, it’s time to assess the winners and losers.

How the reelection incentive and parliamentary procedure are affecting the debt ceiling debate in Congress.