A space for observation, discovery, and growth
Wait Until You See the Reasons Some Think Not
A Short History of the DC Conundrum
There are lots of factors and nuances around the creation of the District of Columbia, but if I may be allowed the short version, the founders thought it important that the national capital be independent of any state, and so created DC. There was some concern about the risk of an errant governor (Geez, seen any of those lately?) holding the capital hostage in some way.
The founders were, all in all,
Two M’s + one N Spell Some Interesting Conclusions
Today We Wander a Bit
Three unconnected thoughts seemed to fill my head over the last few days and so I thought I might share them with you. Let’s talk about Two M’s (Mechanics and Morality) and a single N (Nunes). Here we go.
M for Mechanics
Like much of America, I have been interested in the discussion about Senate mechanics, especially but not exclusively the filibuster. It seems pretty clear that throughout our history,
The Covid Relief Bill is a Great Accomplishment. Voter Protection is at Least as Important
Well Done, on Several Counts
The COVID relief legislation was a master class in legislation and political management. Many of us were concerned that Biden, so desirous of bipartisan results, would delay and weaken the package dramatically. Worse, there was fear that he would have nothing to show for that gift. We have been to this dance before.
We need not have worried. He never gave up on bipartisanship, but he did not become a hostage to it. When it was obvious that Republican so-called leaders had no interest in supporting anything and had no substantive inputs to offer,
Join the discussion at: One Big Victory Accomplished. The Next One is Even More Important
Republicans are Now in Three Camps. Time to Make Some Choices and Settle Up
How Many Types of Republicans are There? Let’s Count Them
At this point, one wonders why anyone would claim to be a Republican, but that is another conversation. Deciding who might carry such a mantle forward is important for all of us, as will be discussed shortly. Time for the principles to face off and settle matters. By my math, there are three groups that claim at least sometimes the title of “Republican.”
Group I is what we used to call Rockefeller Republicans.
Join the discussion at: It’s Shoot Out at the OK Corral Time for Would-Be Republicans
But Serious Danger Runs Deep and Wide – This Will Not Go Away on Its Own
A Country Divided? It’s Worse Than We Feared
For a long time, many of us felt that the country was not as divided as many said. The problem was so-called leaders who thrived on conflict; beyond them, people agreed on more than was apparent. I count myself among that chorus. It appears we were wrong.
If this past election taught us anything, it is that not only is the divide real, it is based in alternate realities.
Join the discussion at: The Country is On a Hopeful New Path, But…
A Series on Priorities for the Biden Administration
It’s Primary Day in Georgia
We are all tuned into Georgia now for sure. Who could have ever foreseen this turn of events? Certainly not I. It has been quite the roller coaster. How that set of races go will determine how much will be accomplished.
Too close to call and it still feels like a pair of Hail Mary passes, but it is at least possible. I have new respect for Tracy Abrams as an organizer. What they have done in Georgia is nothing short of remarkable.
Join the discussion at: Pillars for a Better America, Chapter 6
You and I Shared 141 (!) Blogs This Year – Here are My Favorites (and maybe yours, too)
The Tradition of the Year End Review
Many writers and publishers do a Best of the Year publication at the end of every year. It’s a normal response to the turning of the calendar page into a new year. I have often suspected they did this to save the work of writing yet one more blog on the day the review is published. Having done this a couple of times now, I know better. It’s more work than one might expect going through your own work with an eye toward grading the outcomes.
Join the discussion at: The Pick of the Litter for 2020 – Useful for 2021, Too
Vignettes from the Current Election Give Reason to Hope
This is a Tough Year to Vote
We all know the stories. One drop-off box per county in Texas. Slowdowns in mail delivery around the country. Not enough polling sites, especially in poor and rural areas. Intimidating demonstrators close to polling places. Changing rules, sometimes weekly, as different courts weigh in on one issue or another.
Some local and state officials clearly determined to minimize opportunities to vote. Threats of legal hurdles after the votes are in. In person voting carries a risk to health and life for many.
Join the discussion at: When It Counts, The People Show Us the Way
A Biden Administration Should Go Big and Go Long
By the time you read this, the Barret hearings will history. As if we needed reminders, the way we choose Supreme Court justices and most other judges is a mess. We can do better. We have discussed a couple of these concerns before, but this is a good time to take inventory.
What are the Issues?
There are many, not all of them obvious. I will note the main ones here. For a fuller discussion, I recommend a recent posting in the blog The Weekly Sift.
The Next Three Weeks Could Get Ugly – Don’t Flinch
An Introductory Note About “Militias”
These groups that call themselves militia are not a new phenomenon. Legitimate groups existed in our earliest history. They evolved into state organizations, then into the National Guard.
What we see running around now is something very different. There was an explosion of such groups following President Obama’s inauguration. Gee, that must have been a coincidence…. They began growing again and got more visible with the encouragement of Donald Trump.
For an excellent look into militias,
Join the discussion at: At the Intersection of Domestic Terrorism and Voter Intimidation
