The IRS announcement that tax filing season is about to begin despite the partial shutdown sent a strong message to taxpayers about what we are good for in Washington’s eyes. We are here to fund our lawmakers’ government at their whim with no guarantee that they won’t deny us what we pay for.
Government Ethics
Big Money Plutocracy Less Damaging Than Partisan Lies
Despite optimism from the House of Representatives we are never going to rid ourselves of the influence of big money in politics. In America big money is politics. No matter what we do to reform the campaign finance system little will change because there are too many ways to get the word out.
Most Dangerous Drugs in U.S. Lose to an Illegal Favorite
The Brits beat us to it. The United Kingdom announced its healthier drinking guidelines two years ago after the New Year’s holiday. It’s just a matter of time before our own safe drinking rules undergo an overhaul to fall in line with a growing neo-prohibition trend that parallels our acceptance of marijuana as America’s illegal favorite.
Warren Anti Corruption Act Raises Integrity Questions
S. 3357 seeks to cut the rotten parts from our political system by addressing an Elizabeth Warren crisis. The buzz has been growing about her possible run for the White House, so we should ask how much of what the senator wants in this doomed to fail anti-corruption legislation is about her political campaign, how much is about Democrats taking down a president, and whether either one justifies proposing this sweeping ethical boondoggle that clearly targets conservatives.
This Is Not Who We Are: Dems Seek Gain from New Tragedy
Politicians frequently tell us what we believe and what we stand for. Often their remarks are preceded by something like “this is who we are” or “this is not who we are.” What they really mean is “this is how you should think.” The tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh yesterday gave us examples of each. A few stand out to unequivocally show what “this is not who we are” means.
Civility Rules? House Commitment Signers Choose Hostility
Can we politely agree that political losers don’t have any reason to be civil? That includes minority House Democrats who signed a commitment yet play by their own unique set of civility rules that don’t place outright hostility and disrespect off limits, especially when they are directed at the president.
Sentencing Reform Bills Won’t Help the Guilty by Accusation
The current push for sentencing reform bills is a lucky thing for felons who have secured a voice on Capitol Hill even though they are locked up and can’t vote. It doesn’t do anything for the most maligned figures of all, those unfortunate individuals caught in congressional crosshairs because they have been tapped by the president for a prized appointment. In our social climate of de facto guilt for white males accused of sexual impropriety it is very easy to be tried, convicted, and ruined without ever being charged with a crime. Just ask Brett Kavanaugh.