No, I do not support a "purity list" of qualities that politicians must meet to be Republican candidates. I support the message that such a list is divisive, polarizing and will lead to more Republican defeats - not victories.
Principles are fine. Party platforms are fine. The Contract With America [...]
Yes, the old standard. "How do you know a politician is lying? His lips are moving."
John Stossel on how they continue to lie to us. And, the money quote:
Medicare is already $37 trillion in the hole. Yet the Democrats proudly cite Medicare when they demand support for the health [...]
Tomorrow, I will be leaving on a jet plane for San Diego. There, I will spend 10 days with my bridge friends around the world, competing, photographing, writing stories - everything I love!
May your Thanksgiving holiday be filled with warmth and appreciation for all that is good in your life.
When one considers that public sector employment has ranged since the 1950s at between 15% and 19% of the population, the makeup of the current cabinet — over 90% of its prior experience was in the public sector — is remarkable.
[...]A most refreshing column today in the Wall Street Journal - and signed by a Democrat, too!
President Barack Obama has launched "Race to the Top," a competition that is parceling out $4.35 billion in new education funding to states that are committed to real reform. This program offers us [...]
This past year, I heard David Brooks speak in Minneapolis. As you can tell from his writing, Brooks is witty and smart, funny and thoughtful. He also, as far as I'm concerned, is incredibly wrong on some issues.
When Brooks says "the health care debate is fundamentally a debate about values" [...]
Amazing article that I found at my friend Andrew Tobias' blog this morning. A doctor in India is able to perform quality heart surgery at a fraction of the cost in the U.S.
In a second-floor operating room one October morning, Dr. Shetty finished [...]
The United States is distinct from many other nations on the planet. Only a few people can claim that they have descended from ancestors who have been here for centuries.
For the rest of us, we are immigrants. Our parents or grandparents or great grandparents [...]
Suppose someone on the Titanic had warned of an iceberg ahead. Suppose they had issued that warning in time to avoid the sheep careening into it.
People can see that iceberg, and they are telling us to steer clear.
The planned deficits will have destructive consequences [...]
A man who shines light on what it means to be an American, and on doing what one must to strive and succeed.
Born in 1975, Mebrahtom (his full name means "let there be light") grew up in an Eritrean village with no electricity and [...]
Are you a Democrat? Are you a Republican? Are you libertarian or conservative or liberal or progressive or moderate or far this or that? As an American, it is your right to hold the beliefs that make the most sense to you.
Whether you are black [...]
What do you do if the data for your theory seems to contradict it? Do you do more research? Re-check your efforts and conclusions? Revise and reshape your beliefs?
No.
If you're among some who subscribe to man-made global warming, you just lie.
Controversy has exploded [...]
My friend Christopher Fountain may be a Realtor. That does not mean, however, that he can't be an expert on Real Issues outside of Real Estate. Here is but one.
Number of AP reporters assigned to story:
• ObamaCare bills: 2
• Palin book: 11
Number of pages in document being [...]
How do you know a politician is lying? His lips are moving.
Ten weeks after 9/11, Senator Schumer said this:
There are also those prisoners of war who we have captured and will capture in Afghanistan and other countries who will receive a trial of some sort. It is clear we [...]
So you're young and starting out, and you'd like to get experience, knowledge and skills - even if it means making a very modest wage. Or, you've been out of work, and you'd like an employer to take a chance on you at an price - in the hopes that [...]
We learned the other day that it took eleven AP reporters to fact-check Sarah Palin's new book, Going Rogue. Understandable, given the high level of importance to the public! (Ahem.)
But - where, oh where, are the multitudes of reporters when our Nobel prize winning [...]
I'm a huge believer in as much transparency as possible in government. (Defense and intelligence are areas where it is tough.)
Still - this is a bit too much transparency, doncha think?!
Here's a stimulus success story: In Arizona's 9th congressional district, 30 jobs have been saved [...]
No, I am not casting slurs at our president. I am only following through the logic of Representative Jim Moran of Virginia, who claims that "It is un-American to hold anyone without a trial" - and apparently that sort of trial must be one in our federal courts. Military [...]
Criticism of any country should always be entertained and examined.
This, however, is pure, unadulterated anti-semitism.
Introduced amidst a chorus of boos, Ayalon had scarcely delivered his eighth sentence when various students began shouting obscenities at him and delivering impromptu sermons on their view [...]
And I use the phrase "at work" advisedly.
• Three of every four stimulus grants, contracts and loans approved in Michigan created or retained one job or less.
• Fewer than 700 awards had received some money, and nearly half of those -- 327 -- had created one job or less, [...]
Might THIS be contributory??!
After working for the state department of education for more than a decade, Reich went into private practice, specializing in education law, Newsday recounts. But at the same time that his law firm collected millions of dollars for representing school districts, Reich was simultaneously reported to [...]
It's not poor people who are bad. They, like anybody else, are only human.
It's the system that incentivizes them to be poor.
When multiple income-based programs are piled on top on one another, the implicit marginal tax rate can reach or even exceed 100 percent.
The chart above ([...]
Iran, with Ahmadinejad, Holocaust denier, radical Islam and the Koran? Or Israel and democracy?
[...]If the "jobs stimulus" can do this in Massachussets, just imagine what it can do for health care.
“We see $15 million construction projects with no jobs, and a $900 shoe sale that created nine jobs. Both are obviously wrong,’’ said Michael Balsam, chief solutions officer for Onvia, a Seattle [...]
Freedom isn't full without free markets.
The history of the Wall symbolises the truth that a free society, based on private ownership of the means of production, best delivers what people want. May I add that, for Africans, faced with a plethora of trade barriers and protectionist measures which impede [...]
We all know what it is. Continuing to perpetrate the same activity, yet hoping - again and again - that this time, the outcome will be different.
Does anyone really believe what Congress is telling us about the costs of their potential health bill?
No other Big Government program has ever [...]
Is political correctness killing us?
Sadly, the answer appears to be "yes."
Joe Gandelman asks the right question: “If American intelligence agencies missed the signs pre-911 and they missed a big hint pre-Foot Hood, exactly what are they missing now, as you read this post?” I would also add this: [...]
The more you read the fine print of the Democratic health insurance proposal, the more you realize how perverse the incentives and what a truly nutty outcome seems likely to occur due to its details.
Obamacare could have the unintended consequence of raising health insurance premiums and causing a decline [...]
Surely it comprises many, many activities.
But - should threatening Democratic strategists about where they appear and to whom they speak be among those roles?
Fox's audience is by far the largest of the cable networks, with an average of more than 2.1 million viewers in prime-time this year. CNN is [...]
So the Republican health plan would reduce health premiums and cut the deficit.
Compare and contrast to what the Democrats want to do in their almost 2,000 page bill. Then decide: which kind of change do you really wish to believe in?
[...]And no one is around to deliver care?
Dr. Herbert Pardes, CEO of NY-Presbyterian Hospital explains what might happen and why.
The fundamental reason why medical students are not entering primary care on their own is that they can't afford it. Medical-school tuition can cost a [...]
Do you think of yourself and your neighbors as sheep? Do you need the government to tell you how to run your business and where, how and what to eat? Do you need the government to supply you with most of the necessities of life, [...]
Instapundit linked to this post by JD Johannes, someone who has seen war up close and personal.
Begeleiter said, "Taking pictures of the returning casualties to Dover is a measure of the human cost of war. Do you want the government ultimately to have control over what we see [...]
When a president faces enormous economic challenges, or foreign policies challenges - or difficult issues of whatever nature - are they the fault of the President of the Moment?
No matter who is currently president, it goes without saying that what that president must face is in part inherited. All of [...]
The next time that someone tells you "statistics show you" - remember that caution is advised.
If you'd like to see an example of how statistical data can be distorted, then read this.
[...]The House Republican Conference, meanwhile, has gone to the Herculean effort of tabulating the new federal boards, bureaucracies, commissions, and programs that would be established by the House bill--all in the name of cutting [...]
Why do some Democrats choose to appear on Fox?
“They are the most professional network of any I have dealt with,” he said. “If you are a Democrat who wants to deliver mindless talking points on Fox, it’s probably best to [...]
I am not knowledgeable enough about Congress to judge whether the title of this article is accurate or not. But - read through and see what you think.
If it's not the worst, then it certainly is up there on the Hall of Shame!
Here's what Senator Lieberman thinks.
"I'm all [...]
The U.S. and Israel - going in different directions.
[...]This column is partisan and political. Yet, can supporters of this administration tell me why our current administration is justified in ignoring all these assaults on free speech around the globe?
[...]Remember when the Bush administration paid Armstrong Williams to promote "No Child Left Behind" and didn't disclose that this opinion writer was getting paid?
The top Democrat on the House Education Committee, Rep. George Miller of California, called the contract "a very questionable use of taxpayers' money" that is "probably [...]
Why is our current ruling party slipping in polls? Is it particular legislation? Governing philosophy?
Perhaps Michael Gerson says it best: a bottom line, a failure to set a classy example and lead.
The Obama administration has gone after both Rush Limbaugh and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce [...]
Or part of the problem?
Insurance is not part of the solution; it’s part of the problem. Many people—and especially poor people— get too little health care in this country. That’s largely because many other people—and especially rich people—are overinsured. People with insurance demand more health care, which drives up prices. [...]
Totally non-political and utterly fascinating. Budgie storms in Queensland. Enjoy - Sunny the Budgie sure would! Thanks to niece Jenny for the link.
[...]Ooops; I forgot. We're not even going to be allowed decent lighting much longer....
Thomas Sowell reflects upon the state of the state.
Barack Obama has not only said that he is out to "change the United States of America," the people he has been associated [...]
Arthur Brooks has a column today in the Wall Street Journal about the issue of the day: health care. Mr. Brooks wonders, however, is all the discussion really over health care reform - or something larger?
We will continue to hear both sides of the health-care debate argue about particulars [...]
Liberals howled when they believed that George W. Bush was slicing and dicing the Constitution.
Where are the liberal protests now?
Bush created five new czar positions in five years. Obama created 17 new czar positions in 8 months, only one of which needed Senate confirmation and [...]
From the time I was quite young, this was drummed into my head: "The harder you work, the greater your odds of success." Witnessing this in my life was common. I saw my parents and their peers work full time and attend law school at night. Friends worked 90 hour [...]
Spc. Channing Moss should be dead by all accounts. And those who saved his life did so knowing they might have died with him.
He was impaled through the abdomen with a rocket-propelled grenade, and an aluminum rod with one [...]
Jimmy Rodgers of San Bernadino tells CNN he went three times-a-week to a clinic, receiving $100-a-visit, but little medical care.
"This is just like carte blanche," said Rodgers, holding his red, white and blue Medicare card. "Matter of fact, better than carte blanche. Carte blanche has [...]
The Michael Moore of the New York Times: Paul Krugman.
In a world full of paradoxes, Princeton economics professor and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman has become rich decrying what he deems "income inequality." Only in America could an individual denounce the [...]
This man fought for the principle that we are all created equal.
The video shows the veteran addressing the committee in a faltering voice, saying: “Good morning committee. My name is Philip Spooner. I am 86 years old and a lifetime Republican.”Today it rained, and rained - and then rained a bit more. Not pleasant if you were anticipating a vigorous walk outdoors. But, beautiful and misty in its own way.
A couple of days ago, we'd cleared all the leaves from the front of the house. After today's weather, you'd never [...]
My visit last year to the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg was most educational. At this center for journalism, I learned much about "new journalism," and met a wide variety of people who exposed me to much that I would never see in my (so-called) "normal" life.
Many of these [...]
A most important column about the Middle East - and a perspective that will not please many of the Times' readers.
When I stepped aside in 1998, Human Rights Watch was active in 70 countries, most of them closed societies. Now the organization, with increasing frequency, casts aside its important [...]
When you get home insurance, you are covered if your home burns down, or if a massive storm rips away your roof. If you have an auto and auto insurance, your coverage includes major accidents or a stolen vehicle. Need new carpet? Or a drain is plugged? Have to replace [...]
No, this is not facetious.
A nice performance by the president in Louisiana, and my thanks to Dan Blatt for the link.
Good points by the president that we must remember, despite differences, most of us really are working toward similar goals. No matter what our political philosophy, why should try [...]
After thinking about the blog this week, I realized I'd had many posts about Rush and his "fake, but accurate (ahem)" racist quotes. Yet, what I want my visitors to what if? to appreciate is - the really important underlying issues are Not About Rush.
Please read this Mark Steyn [...]
This poll gives me hope that next election, we will see significant change in our political representation.
Of course, Congress remains with a higher unfavorable rating than President Obama. Yet, we all know that Congress sets a standard of abysmal performance that would be tough for any president to match!
Thank [...]
What do they have in common? This.
Rush Limbaugh himself expounds on what happened to him vis a vis a potential bid to purchase an NFL team. Even if you are not a Rush fan - how would you like it if you were [...]
Racism is a terrible scourge. But - is our nation really having that "honest conversation about race" that Eric Holder said we needed?
Here is a discussion that would serve us all well.
Let’s talk, for starters, about the shocking double standard in the way liberals and conservatives are allowed [...]
We have freedom of religion in our nation. If people wish to practice Christianity, Islam, Judaism - or the Faith of Global Warming, that's their choice.
Just don't foist it on the rest of us.
There was a time when journalists applauded when one of their own spoke truth to power. [...]
"Free" health care in Europe - a letter to the editor.
Ah, but Health Care Is 'Free' in EuropeRegarding "Mrs. Pelosi's VAT" (Review & Outlook, Oct. 8): Several years ago when our children were very young, my wife and I hosted a different European au pair each [...]
My liberal friends demand that tax rates be higher. After all; the government has so many fine programs to fund and so many who need assistance.
Whether my friends are accurate or not about the last statement, we can remain agnostic for the moment. What is a simple fact of life, [...]
Suppose someone made up quotes and asserted that you had said them - when you never did. Suppose these quotes were vile and disgusting. Suppose these same people, when asked for evidence that you said them, responded: "Hey; it's up to you to prove that you never uttered them!"
If you [...]
You can heat your home with natural gas, oil, coal, electricity, solar, bunnies, ....
BUNNIES?!?!
The bodies of thousands of rabbits culled every year from the parks in Stockholm’s Kungsholmen neighbourhood are being used to fuel a heating plant in central Sweden.
You know the old saying: they flock together.
Sometimes, however, others flock together, too.... See it here in a sweet video.
Sent to me by my little sister.
[...]This week, I'm at a bridge tournament in western Iowa. Spirit Lake isn't big, but its small town flavor and lakes throughout the area provide a pretty venue. So far, the bridge has gone well, with the exception of one loss due primarily to darned good luck for the opponents.
My [...]
Potato latkes, lean corned beef, matzoh ball soup and green pickles.
The food of my childhood and Jews everywhere seems to be going bye-bye.
[...]Gulp.
I'm not sure I even understand all the ramifications of this new FTC proposal.
All I know is that I do not want my blogs "regulated." I completely agree with Jeff Jarvis. My blog is my speech. I chat with my friends and anyone who [...]
Ross Douthat has an excellent opinion piece in the New York Times this weekend on inequality. How is it perceived by liberals and by conservatives?
There is, however, one way that a Democrat majority can plausibly bring down inequality: Just let government keep growing.
This is the lesson of Western [...]
The finest mind game ever invented gets a bit more exposure!
Kaplan says that youth bridge also has two formidable advocates in Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, billionaire bridge nuts who regularly attend tournaments where younger players from around the country come to meet and compete. "They have been enormous [...]
If the Democrats have their way, your private insurance will look the way the dodo bird does: dead and extinct.
The Baucus bill includes an "individual mandate" that requires everyone to buy health insurance-but not inexpensive, high-deductible catastrophic health insurance. Instead, [...]
Want to get on a jet? Or cash a check, or purchase a cell phone, or close on a home, or a myriad of other normal activities - and you must show your I.D. People want to make certain you are who you say you are.
But, for some reason, [...]
Well, we all know the answer - don't we?
A fine run down on facts and deception in the President's health care speech last night. Obama surely knows how to give a speech: just the right amount of calm, indignation, righteousness, etc. I am not [...]
Liberal, libertarian, lesbian and Obama supporter Camille Paglia rails about both Democrats and Republicans. Deservedly so....
Why has the Democratic Party become so arrogantly detached from ordinary Americans? Though they claim to speak for the poor and dispossessed, Democrats have increasingly become the party of an upper-middle-class professional elite, top-heavy [...]
Don't let this happen to ours.
Exaggerated self-criticism would be a harmless luxury of civilization if there were no enemy at the gate condemning democracy's very existence. But it becomes dangerous when it portrays its mortal enemy as always being in the right. Extravagant criticism is a good propaganda device [...]
Some I know seem to hate the mainstream media. Not I. Put me down as someone who values the press highly. When performing to the best of their abilities, reporters provide a critical role to democracy and to those who value the truth. Good reporters search for underlying facts and [...]
Attempts to suppress the free speech rights of others is ugly and wrong.
According to Congressman John Conyers, who helped found the Congressional Black Caucus, applying the word apartheid to Israel belittles real racism and apartheid; the word "does not serve the cause of peace, and the use of it [...]
Here is a working definition of fascism, from The Concise Encyclopedia of Economics:
Where socialism sought totalitarian control of a society’s economic processes through direct state operation of the means of production, fascism sought that control indirectly, through domination of nominally private owners. Where socialism nationalized [...]
We should pass Obamacare to avoid bankruptcy due to medical costs - right?!
Dranove and Millenson critically analyzed the data from the 2005 edition of the medical bankruptcy study. They found that medical spending was a contributing factor in only 17 percent of U.S. bankruptcies. They also reviewed other research, [...]
How can the explosion of retail health-care clinics point the direction of real reform for our health-care system? In my latest column for American Issues Project, I look at the implications of two studies done by the Rand Corporation on the impact of these [...]
If you'd like a wide variety of intelligent thought from a thoughtful and creative economist at the Atlantic, check out this post from Megan McArdle - and keep on going back in time.
Perhaps unlike my fellow libertarians, I do not view the government as worse than the private sector at [...]
How can the explosion of retail health-care clinics point the direction of real reform for our health-care system? In my latest column for American Issues Project, I look at the implications of two studies done by the Rand Corporation [...]
Charlie Rangel isn't the only one who has amnesia about declaring income and paying taxes. His staff has big time problems, too. Gotta love these excuses!
Jim Capel, chief of staff for Rangel's personal office, failed to file any such statements for six years.
On [...]
