Banned Seven Words: Censorship or Good Strategy?
After a federal official told staff not to use certain words in budget documents, the pushback was huge. But there might have been a method to this madness.
What Smart People Are Saying About the Tax Bill
The final version of the GOP tax bill is about to be voted on by Congress. But what’s in store for the American people? And does even Congress know? Here are some short takes from around the web that we found insightful.
The Democrats’ Danger of Outrage Overload
The recent roll-back of net neutrality rules by the FCC, the daily Trump tweet scandals, and the looming GOP tax bill have some Democrats feeling fatigued. But with the 2018 elections on the horizon, they need to stay focused if they want to succeed.
How Politicians Try to Shut Down Debates Following Tragedies
In the wake of a national tragedy, we often hear politicians insisting the other side not “politicize” the event. Having national debates can be hard, but should there be limitations to what can be discussed and when?
Nobody Is Lifting a Finger to Protect US Democracy
US democracy is under attack from foreign and domestic forces. Why is nobody doing anything about it?
Will Government Grind to a Halt December 8?
December 8 is the deadline for working out a budget deal. It is always tough for the two parties to agree on spending. Reaching agreement this year may be particularly challenging, even though Republicans control Congress and the White House.
No Profiles in Courage as Senate Tax Bill Moves Forward
Some Senate Republicans, previously critical of their own party’s controversial tax bill, were silent as they helped move it out of committee to the floor — apparently unmoved by the dozens of protesters who shouted “shame” as they voted.
Can Americans Trust Big Tech to Do the Right Thing?
The tech titans of Silicon Valley view themselves as a new type of entrepreneur. But their commitment to “doing the right thing” seems to end when their bottom line is in jeopardy. So how different from Big Oil or Big Tobacco are they really?
GOP ‘Tax Reform’: A Caricature Becomes Reality
It’s easy to make fun of the GOP as a party that helps billionaires at the expense of everybody else. But the Republican tax bill shows that the joke is on regular Americans while the rich will be laughing all the way to the bank.
What Could Have Been — JFK in His Own Words
On the anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, let’s not forget the man who was lost that day and think about how much he could have changed the world.
Can the Two-Party System Survive Internal and External Divisions?
Is the two-party system in the US nearing its end? Increasing partisanship and intra-party fighting are signs that the time may have come for the two major parties to break up.
House Tax Bill Throttles Renewable Energy, Hugs Big Oil
The House of Representatives votes on Thursday to approve its tax bill, which slashes tax benefits for wind, solar, and electric vehicles, and retains billions in tax benefits for fossil fuels.
Veterans Continue to Pay Long After Serving
While the cost of the War on Terror in terms of taxpayer funds is enormous, it’s US veterans who are paying the highest price.
Big Chicken Rules Roost in Trump White House
Ex-boss of USDA Food Safety “retires,” then reappears working for meat production company. Coincidence? Or fat cat in the hen house?
As Weiner Enters Jail, Outlines of Anti-Clinton Scheme Emerge
Anthony Weiner heads to prison today. Still unaddressed: Was Weiner — with his known weaknesses — targeted as part of a successful effort to derail Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign?
Impeachment Is Fool’s Gold for Democrats
Democrats need a plan that goes beyond calling for President Donald Trump’s impeachment if they want to win back the House of Representatives — or any election.
The Boat People’s Long Shadow
Many of the reasons why Americans want to keep Syrian refugees out of the US will sound particularly familiar to the Vietnamese boat people who have heard it all before and proved the critics wrong.
Kelly Does Trump’s Dirty Work and Stains His Reputation
When President Donald Trump goes to the gutter, his staff is expected to go with him. And they do — even the “adults in the room” such as General John Kelly.
Will Spiraling Debt Produce Another Financial Meltdown?
US debt is out of control. Government debt is more than the total GDP, and individual Americans are burdened by mortgage, student loan, and credit card debt, while seeing little improvement in their wages. Can the course be corrected?
Are Americans Beginning to Care about Election Integrity?
While experts are relieved to see some states finally taking cyber threats seriously, they say the nation as a whole still isn’t where it needs to be to prevent future interference by foreign or domestic forces.