Recent Politics Commentaries

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November 18, 1963
Fifty years ago no one had a clue how the week would end and how it would change us forever. Fifty years later, the mythology surrounding President John F. Kennedy has only grown. In a recent Gallup Poll (Nov. 15), Americans gave Kennedy their highest approval rating, 74 percent, over any of the last 11 presidents since Eisenhower. “That includes,” Gallup writes,...
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November 18, 2013
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Sign Here…
Last Friday, October 11, a full-page ad appeared in most national papers. Printed on a graphic of a paper coffee cup were these words: Sign the Come Together Petition  To our leaders in Washington, D.C. now’s the time to come together to: 1. Reopen our government to serve the people 2. Pay our debts on time to avoid another financial crisis....
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October 16, 2013
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Loose Lips, Conclusion
In 1898, an exchange took place between Frederic Remington and his boss, William Randolph Hearst. Hearst had sent the artist to Havana to sketch pictures of hostilities purportedly taking place in Cuba. Remington wired, “Everything is quiet. No trouble here. There will be no war. I wish to return.” Hearst responded, “You furnish the pictures… I’ll furnish the war.” While...
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October 10, 2013
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Give ’em Heck, Barry!
“I fired him because he wouldn’t respect the authority of the President. I didn’t fire him because he was a dumb son of a bitch, although he was, but that’s not against the law for generals. If it was, half to three-quarters of them would be in jail.” Harry Truman was well known for telling it like it was regardless...
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October 9, 2013
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Loose Lips…
Okay, boys and girls, it’s ethical dilemma time! Last week, two politicians were caught, on an open mic, sharing strategy points. Moments before Senate Minority Leader McConnell was due to be interviewed on MSNBC, this brief conversation occurred with Senator Paul: McConnell (as Paul walks up): I’m all wired-up, here. Paul: I just did CNN, and I just go over and over again,...
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October 7, 2013
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Shutdown: The Zogby Analysis
John Zogby is a friend and colleague who does a lot of homework when it comes to issues and individuals that matter. Founder of the Zogby Poll, he has accurately predicted several presidential races. His analytical expertise can be found on the opinion pages of The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Financial Times. However, what I appreciate most about John...
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October 4, 2013
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The New Capulets and Montagues
Two households, both alike in dignity,  In fair [Washington], where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.  — William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, prologue They should’ve been happy. After the budget sequestration took effect, which lowers spending by about $1.1 trillion over 8 years,  » Read more about: The New...
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October 2, 2013
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Breaking Bad
“Chemistry is the study of matter,” Breaking Bad’s Walt White says. “But I prefer to see it as the study of change.” AMC cable series Breaking Bad, which ended its five-year run last night, tells the story of disaffected high school chemistry teacher Walter White who, after discovering he has inoperable lung cancer, decides to go into the drug business...
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September 30, 2013
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Presidential Decision Making
“We are probably going to have to bomb them,” the President said after looking at the U-2 photographs. He then turned to his special assistant, Ken O’Donnell. “You still think the fuss about Cuba is unimportant?” “Absolutely,” O’Donnell snapped. “The voters won’t give a damn about Cuba.” During my August break, I spent time reading Richard ReevesProfile of Power, a...
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September 16, 2013
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Where Peace is Possible
This is what inspiration looks like. Malala Yousafzai, the 16-year-old Pakistani girl who survived an assassination attempt by Islamic extremists for campaigning for women’s education, delivered another moving speech at the opening of a library in Birmingham, England. In a voice both settled and soothing, the young woman spoke to a small crowd with simple, confident words. In light of...
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September 13, 2013