I certainly haven’t read the stimulus bill. Few have, since it wasn’t posted as promised, and its length is extraordinary. But here’s a summary of its provisions that makes chilling reading. It illustrates why people (including me) were so incensed … Continue reading →
In the buildup to last November’s election I wasn’t an Obama fan, as anyone who reads this blog knows. But I was actually less concerned about Obama in the White House than about Obama in the White House plus the … Continue reading →
What’s the problem with the stimulus? According to Jeanne Cummings of Politico, it’s all about spin, and Obama doesn’t have the resources he used to command to get his message across. Say what? As President of the United States, he’s … Continue reading →
As the stimulus bill becomes more and more unpopular with the American public, the Republican Party seems for the moment to be the unexpected political beneficiary, because of their opposition to it. I haven’t read the bill myself, since it’s … Continue reading →
When governors have been called on to appoint senators in the past, they’ve tended to stick with party regulars and other established politicians. But I suppose, after the serious consideration given to neophyte Caroline Kennedy to replace Hillary Clinton, it … Continue reading →
I applaud yesterday’s attempt to inject poetry into the inaugural proceedings. But the poem that Elizabeth Alexander composed and read was trite, the sort of thing that helps me understand why many people decide they hate poetry. When I took … Continue reading →
I noticed this too: Joe Biden has been unusually invisible, even for a Vice-President elect. Usually, Vice Presidents are forgotten after their terms in office. Biden seems to be on track for being forgotten before he even takes office. His … Continue reading →
As you probably know, Illinois governor Blagojevich made a speech yesterday in which he conceded nothing and stated his intention to fight “until I take my last breath.” He also quoted that useful old chestnut, Kipling’s “If.” He says the … Continue reading →
It came as a surprise to me to hear that Caroline Kennedy is pushing to be appointed as the replacement for New York Senator Hillary Clinton. I had always been under the impression that Caroline was a quiet and retiring … Continue reading →
USA Today is eager to point out that Illinois is not the state with the highest number of elected officials convicted of corruption per capita. That dubious honor goes to North Dakota, with Alaska and Louisiana not far behind. Of … Continue reading →
At this point we can safely say that Governor Blagojevich of Illinois is outrageously corrupt in an almost-comic book—or textbook, if you prefer—sort of way. The proof is in the wire. It’s not a case of “he said, she said.” … Continue reading →
After 2000, there were many calls for voting reform. Same in 2004, and now again. Voting fraud—or even the perception of it—can’t help but undermine trust in the legitimacy of the government, and that’s not good. So one would think … Continue reading →