Aug 23 2009
Some Classic Hits
I present 20 of my favorite articles from the past year at Politics 2000. I’ve written more than 300 posts here. Thank you for taking the time to read them if you have done so. Perhaps you’ll find a chance to do so soon if you’ve missed some.
I’ve Found My Calling–Master of the Slate Mailer
I’m just looking at some campaign literature from the March 2008 California primary. As a likely voter, I get mail from everyone. I should open my own slate mailer company. I’d make a lot of money each election. I’d collect cash for local and statewide candidates who want their names on my mailer.
Capitalism Best Way to Help Common Good
I believe in utilitarianism. I’ll be the first to admit I don’t always live that way but I think it’s the right way to live. The needs of the many should outweigh the needs of the one or the few. For instance, eminent domain is a good thing. Private property is great; I want to have plenty of it. I’m not a hermit though. I don’t live in a vacuum. I wouldn’t complain if my city wanted to buy some of my property one day for fair-market value in order to build schools or highways to benefit the greater society. To be a part of a successful group, some sacrifices have to be made by each individual. Otherwise, anarchy reigns.
Personal Philosophy Extends to Politics
I’m surprised by the number of times I’ve heard lately that politicians should be bipartisan in their efforts to solve problems. It’s cliche to say there isn’t a Republican or a Democratic way to be a dogcatcher. The thing is, the cliche is wrong.
Nude Calendars Featuring Athletes on Sale
I heard today about a nude calendar that’s about to be distributed by five members of the Canadian biathlon team. You can read about more about the calendar here. The Web site is safe for work. Biathlon combines cross-country skiing with target shooting. Europeans tend to do well at the sport and North Americans have historically struggled at it.
Today’s Republican Party is comprised of four wings. Winning national elections will require unifying the disparate parts much more than we saw in 2006 or 2008.
Obama Must Hold Dems’ Four Wings Together
Now that the Democrats have won the White House, the hard part begins. Governing while keeping the party’s four wings on the same page will be tricky for President-Elect Barack Obama. His balancing act has already started.
Who Decides Which Victims to Spotlight?
In a way, I guess it’s fitting that the Adam Walsh case was officially closed the same week that Caylee Anthony’s body was positively identified. Both children were killed and much media attention was devoted to their stories.
High-Class: An Inside View of Escorting
You likely heard about New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s fall from grace when he was caught paying for sex with Ashley Dupre as part of a prostitution ring. There are news reports about escorts. More so about less-expensive prostitutes.
A few years ago, the Dixie Chicks were the hottest country-music act in America. You may recall their first hit single, Wide Open Spaces.
Really. It’s true. Al Gore’s book, An Inconvenient Truth, won Category 79–Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Story Telling)–within Field 19 (Spoken Word) of the 51st Grammy Awards Sunday.
GOP Must Work Between “Me Too,” “No”
Being in the political minority is tough. One must oppose the majority’s agenda while not seeming obstructionist.
Vote No on California Ballot Measures
There’s a special election in California Tuesday. I’m going to oppose the package of six initiatives. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says the propositions shouldn’t be treated like an ala carte menu. They should be treated as a group.
Everyone is extreme about something. Perhaps cooking, cars, career or children. If you don’t care about anything to go the extra mile because you are driven to do so, I’m sad for you.
Reports: Caroline Kennedy Won’t Be U.S. Senator
Caroline Kennedy won’t be appointed to replace Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate for New York, according to various media reports. Clinton was confirmed, 94-2, Wednesday to be Secretary of State. She then officially resigned her Senate seat.
Sixty Prime Age for U.S. President
Hillary Clinton worked so hard to win the Democratic Party presidential nomination because, at 61 years old, she is facing the end of her prime. John McCain faces long historic odds to become the oldest-ever man elected to the office.
Talent Trumped by Desire on Road to Success
I regret not taking a lot of things seriously enough early in my career. There are many things I’d do differently but most of them revolve around not doing my best.
Politics: Career Path Like Any Other
I started college as an English major. During my sophomore year, I became an English-political science double major. Granted, I was at a community college then and I was taking mostly the general education courses first- and second-year students anywhere in America would be taking. I perceived myself as one with a major or two.
Get Enough Support, Not Too Much
Members of Congress think they were diminished by George W. Bush so they’re reasserting their equal role in government. The balance of power between the president, Congress and the courts is usually tilted toward one end.
Politics Make Strange Bedfellows and Family Units
Some people have a strange concept of “family.” You’ve heard players talk about their team as a family. Maybe your company talks about the “Joe’s Inc. family.” If you are not related to me by blood or by marriage, you are not my family. My cousin is really into genealogy. She researched our family tree about 10 years ago. If you’re not on it, you’re not my family.
Vick Edges Closer to Second NFL Chance
Michael Vick was conditionally reinstated to the National Football League today. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will monitor Vick’s activity during the next few months and could reinstate Vick fully in early October.
I look forward to the next year. May you have a wonderful week. I’m pleased to hear from you.
