Category: Politics and Government

Turning the Page

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No, This is Not About Politics or Philosophy; It’s About Music (Mostly…)

What May Seem Small Can Count a Great Deal

I have attended two classical music concerts in recent days and watched one on Youtube. All three reminded me that seemingly small contributions can have great value and are worthy of our attention.

In this case, I speak of the humble Page-Turner (that is the actual title of such an individual), the individual who stands next to a performer playing an instrument, turning the page on the sheet music at the right moment.

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That Was Quite a Year!

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Politics (and Its Many Step-Children) Never Had a Dull Day This Year

The Year That Was

I was tenuous about writing this, since when you receive it we will still have five days left in the year and anything could happen. Still, it is almost a wrap for 2022.

Lots of other publications are doing The Year in Review this week. This one is more modest – we are just going to recall a very few but very important things from this year in politics. What a year this has been.

What a year 2023 is likely to be.

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December 20, 2022

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Farewell to the January 6 Committee

 

The January 6 Committee closes out its work this week, with one last public session and vote on referrals to DOJ, release of their Executive Summary and shortly, their full report. We owe this group a lot. This was, in my view, a model of how an investigative Congressional committee should operate. They were focused, professional, and productive. They did an even better job than did the Watergate Committee. Over time, I expect we will recognize they informed the public and shaped public understanding of the threats faced, and they did so to a greater degree than many expected (or still recognize).

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December 6, 2022

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The Georgia Runoff

By the time you read this, it will be election day in Georgia. Most polls indicate Warnock looks likely to get reelected, but it’s generally within the margin of error. Four observations:

  • Voter turnout has been just amazing. Warms the heart to know people care and they are determined not to be ignored. I note that so far officials have not arrested anyone for giving water or snacks to people in line for hours. They could try it – instant riot.
  • President Obama hosted a rally in Georgia this weekend and he was in his best form.

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Tis the Season of Politics, Family, Science – and More

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Assorted Issues and Observations to Share

Thanksgiving

 I can never think about Thanksgiving without remembering the now iconic column written by journalist/humorist Art Buchwald, explaining the holiday to the French (he was assigned to Paris at the time, with the Herald Tribune). He closed the column with two very true observations – this is the one day of the year almost the entire country eats the same things and – it is the one day of the year Americans eat better than the French.

I made a harvest pie this year for thanksgiving,

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Observations on Occurrences of Note

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The Past Week or So Left Us a Lot to Think About

Pelosi and Team Step Down

Not unexpectedly, Speaker Pelosi announced this week that she was stepping down as party leader in the House after a 20 year run. Her two key deputies did the same. A few points to highlight:

  • It was a gracious and classy speech.
  • This marks the end of what could well be the most effective Speakership ever. She has been a remarkable leader because, as is often said, she does so many things so well.

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About Those Midterm Elections

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It Was the Best of Times; It Was the Worst of Times…

Well, That Was Interesting

 Much still going on out of the elections and important matters yet to be decided. Still, we know some important outcomes from all this. First of all, at least two people were right – Joe Biden and me (forgive the hubris on this one).

Biden went straight to the country in hammering home two points. One, this is not a referendum on himself – it is a choice on what we do and who we are as a country.

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It’s Election Day, America – Hold Your Breath, Cross Your Fingers

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We Will Know Shortly What Our Fellow Citizens Have Decided About America’s Future

Well, Here We Are

I suppose at this point we are all, whatever our political persuasion, tired of hearing and saying that “This is the most important election of our time.” But once again, this one does seem to qualify.

This blog is being posted on Election Day. Many millions – a record number for midterm elections – have already voted, by absentee and through the mail. Millions more will vote today, in person. We honestly do not have much of a clue of how the election will go,

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Abortion vs Forced Birth in America

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Hard to Believe We Are Where We Are – But There Are Some Hopeful Signs

First, The No Surprises List

In anticipation of this Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, a number of outcomes were forecast. So far, all have come true.

  • The Trump appointees to the Court all lied when they said in their confirmation hearings that they respected precedent and considered this settled law. This revelation should have surprised absolutely no one.
  • If Alioto was to write the majority opinion, it would be poorly written. True to form, his decision is a terrible read and short on logic or legal foundations.

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As The Election Approaches, People Worry About the Economy. That is Normal

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Some Think the Republicans Can Manage It Better. That is Not Normal – Nor Accurate

What are the Main Issues?

There seems to be four main issues at large:

Inflation: The economic devil that threatens all, especially the middle class. Remember the early 198’s and 18% mortgages? Once out of hand, this is a tough one to beat into submission.

Fuel Prices: The first element of inflation always called out. Affects everyone. If we were further along with electric or hybrid cars and trucks, this would be less of an issue but at this moment,

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