by Gary Galles | Malibu
Whenever political correctness fades from the headlines, another example pops up. The latest installment comes from Washington State Senate President pro tem Rosa Franklin. She has proposed replacing 54 references to “at risk” or “disadvantaged” children in state law with the term “at hope,” so negative labels won’t undermine their ability [...]
by Gary Galles | Malibu
Twice, Congress has passed a State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) expansion that was vetoed by George Bush. Now, with a new President who will sign it, House Energy and Commerce Committee chair Henry Waxman said “We want to get this to the President as quickly as possible; therefore we’re going [...]
by Gary Galles | Malibu
After a bitter and divisive election, Democrats have regained the presidency and widened their control of Congress. Now they are making the usual political victors’ calls for unity. But unfortunately, Americans’ often diametrically opposed preferences for what they want government to do guarantees disunity under our current approach to [...]
by Gary Galles | Malibu
The prospect that Democratic dominance could reinstate the fairness doctrine were heightened by Senator Jeff Bingaman’s recent public support, given that many of his party’s leaders have endorsed the idea. Even Barack Obama’s attempt to mollify concerns fell far short of promising to veto such legislation, while advocating alternatives that [...]
by Gary Galles | Malibu
In this year’s presidential campaign, some have used Barack Obama’s middle name—Hussein—to fan fears. But if we are looking to names for guidance, John McCain’s middle name—Sydney—would be better.
The reason is that Algernon Sydney, put to death for treason 325 years ago for insisting that the British king was not [...]
by Gary Galles | Malibu
As election day nears, America’s quadrennial get-out-the-vote frenzy is trying to browbeat voters into exercising their franchise. Unfortunately, the arguments used reflect seriously flawed logic.
“If you don’t vote, you don’t have a voice in government.” This is one of many arguments based on the premise that your vote will [...]
by Gary Galles | Malibu
The word marginal sometimes means “barely adequate, if that.” Americans don’t lack marginal politicians in that sense. But marginal also means focusing on the actual trade-offs involved (typically not all-or-nothing, but somewhat more of one thing and somewhat less of another) in changes from the current situation. [...]
by Gary Galles | Malibu
September 17 is Constitution Day, marking the 1787 date when delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed their handiwork. This momentous day deserves to be widely celebrated, particularly to commemorate the contributions of James Madison, “the father of the Constitution,” for no one had a greater role in its construction and [...]
You are currently browsing the archives for the Galles category.
