In August of 1619, a ship appeared on this horizon, near point comfort, a coastal port in the English colony of Virginia. It carried more than 20 enslaved Africans, who were sold to the colonists. No aspect of the country … Continue reading →
The United States has seen the evolution of civil rights from the abolitionists before the founding to the Civil Rights legislation in the 1960s that gave full legal equality to all races. These civil rights are negative rights: equal protection … Continue reading →
The hyperpartisanism in American politics exists because the founding principle of “consent of the governed” has been circumvented. The US Constitution was designed with checks and balances and a consensus of three-fifths, two-thirds, or three-fourths votes to prevent moneyed interests … Continue reading →
Separation of Church and State Americans are proud of their heritage of separation of church and state enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise … Continue reading →
Voting for Groups Creates Plutocracy Party names on ballots transform a government of the people into a government by groups. Most of the time voters will vote for a group they identify with rather than an individual candidate. After the … Continue reading →
The Republican Tax Bill Makes some changes to the tax code that will help promote jobs and economic growth and reduce taxes on the middle class. However, it fails to address serious loopholes and flaws that serve wealthier people and … Continue reading →
Principled Approaches to Displaying Public Monuments The Charlottesville riots are the result of a poor decision process by the Charlottesville City Council. The right-wing protestors, the left-wing counter-protesters, and the statements by the Mayor, President Trump, and many news reporters … Continue reading →
Drug Price Gouging A few days ago my dermatologist recommended an over-the-counter powder and a prescription cream for athletes’ foot. I bought the powder for about $5 at a local store, then went to the pharmacy who said that 48g … Continue reading →
Unexpected Outbursts Generate Unconventional Reactions President Donald Trump’s tweets and “Trumpisms” have confused many people in both political parties and the media because they are not conventional modes of political or rational discourse. Rather, they tend to be unexpected short … Continue reading →
The Homeland Security News Wire report that “U.K. Security Services missed several opportunities to stop Manchester suicide bomber” is eerily reminiscent of the failure of the FBI in the U.S. to respond to opportunities to stop the 9/11 attackers. Readers … Continue reading →
