Against the Electoral College I: Disparity Amongst Citizens

The first in a multi-part series on the Electoral College.

ADL Condemns “Ground Zero” Mosque Bigotry, Sides With The Bigots

The Anti-Defamation League has taken an unfortunate stand on a issue involving religious tolerance and bigotry.

Debating In A Civil Society

Screaming at one another and treating political opponents as enemies doesn’t seem to be getting us anywhere. But is there a realistic alternative?

Why Obama Brought Less Change Than Hoped

Why I wasn’t fooled by Barack Obama’s campaign promises to curb presidential power.

Wonkery vs. Reality

The concentration of policy wonks in the Washington-New York-Boston corridor produces skewed analysis.

Massachussets Approves Electoral College Bypass

Massachusetts will become the latest state to join the National Popular Vote movement, a compact wherein states throw their Electoral College votes to the nationwide winner once enough states agree to ensure that outcome.

Balancing Secrecy and Democracy

“I don’t condone leaking secrets. But nor do I condone a policy that can only work in secret.” – Bernard Finel

Has The Internet Ruined Political Discourse ?

The Internet has given us many good things, but it’s also led to a decline in political discourse that we’d do well to reverse before it’s too late.

Lather or Rinse, Repeat As Necessary

Contrasting the treatment of two DOJ stories is a case study in media bias.

Human Rights and Cultural Relativism

Some principles transcend political borders.

Andrew Sullivan Dives Right Back Into Trig Trutherism

Andrew Sullivan is back from vacation and back obsessing over the birth of a two-year old kid in Alaska.

Why Paved Roads Are Being Converted to Gravel

Is the left to blame for unpaved roads?

Wal-Marting of Weed

Oakland marijuana growers worry that regulation will turn their product from a niche specialty to a mass market commodity.

The Coming Republican Crackup

Will a debate over foreign policy tear apart the GOP ? Probably not.

Human Brain Threat to Democracy?

The evidence that humans are irrational continues to mount. What does this mean for self-governance?

Professor Fired for Catholic Beliefs?

The Fox News headline “University of Illinois Instructor Fired Over Catholic Beliefs” is grossly misleading.

Democratic Poll Brings Bad News For Democrats

Another new poll brings bad news for Democrats and the President.

Pundits and Politicians

David Brooks and Gail Collins debate the proper role for pundits.

Jefferson Changed ‘Subjects’ to ‘Citizens’

Thomas Jefferson took great pains to hide the word he originally used for “citizens” in the Declaration of Independence.

Hitler Comparisons and Bad History

Contrary to popular belief, Adolf Hitler didn’t come to power by democratic means or because of his ability to whip the public into a frenzy.

Praise for the Military

While praise for the military often goes overboard, the reaction to the McChrystal flap shows our armed forces at their finest.

Time For A Fat President ?

Is it time to elect a President that doesn’t have that “lean and hungry look” ?

Tyranny Yields to Lowly Judge

Americans on both sides of the aisle throw around words like “tyranny” and “fascism” about our system. But there are constant small reminders we are under the rule of law.

Obama and the Road to Tyranny

President Obama is following the example of his predecessors in abusing his power to enact his preferred policies. Has he gone too far?