Conservative Politics
Frank Monaldo
Articles
Evidence accumulates of significant pre-war Iraq and al Qaeda connections.
Why does the Left believe that young girls can make a decision for an abortion witout the notification of her parents, yet believe that somehow 18-year olds choosing military service are being snookered?
Cindy Sheehan transforms from a grieving mother to a bitter partisan.
Religious Test for the Supreme Court
Liberals show uncharactistic intolerance and question Johns Roberts' qualifications based on his religious beliefs
The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) passes. However, its narrow victory demonstrates the lack of a consensus on free trade.
Unsolicited Advice on the Roberts Nomination
Roberts seems like a sure confirmation for the US Supreme Court. Liberals and Conservatives would do best to keep the temperature down on the rhetoric.
The federal debit load is leveling off and will perhaps decrease in 2005.
The intense struggle over Supreme Court nominess indicates the failure of Liberal jurisprudence.
Mending Mistakes by the High Court
Congress moves to correct the US Supreme Court mistake in Kelo v. New London
Court Empowers the State to Help the Politically Powerful
In Kelo v. the City of New London, the Supreme Court expands the power of local governments to use the awesome power of eminent domain. The likely consequence is the use of eminent domain on the half of the powerful at the expense of small land owners.
Fathers should be thankful on Father's Day.
The extension of Federal power to regulate agriculture during the Great Depression now serves to prevent private cultivation and use of marijuana in states that permit it.
Do we need balanced reporting or are some issues so settled that no balance is necessary?
Anti-Military Bias in the Media
Linda Foley of the Newspaper Guild seems to charge the US military with the targeting of journalists.
Democrats roll Republicans again on the filibuster deal. Why are Democrats so politically relentless and Republicans chumps?
Public Schools and Common Values
Litigation has made it difficult to reflect consensus values in the schools. Vouchers offer and alternative.
End the Filibuster of Judicial Nominees
Republicans have little to loose in restoring the tradition on judicial nominees.
Elimination of the Inheritance Tax
The chief argument against the inheritance tax is not economic
Clumsy Coverage by the Washington Post
Perhaps because of political passion the Washington Post misplaces it usual competence in political coverage.
FOCUS and charter schools in Washington, DC.
The filibuster is an accidental rule whose existence is a political decision. This observation is becoming more important as Democrats use the filibuster so that a minority can block judicial nominations.
The Maryland legislature tells Wal-Mart to spend more money on health care for its employees.
The late John Paul II taught important lessons on how to guide young people
Close Call on Abortion Decision
The recent decision by the US Supreme Court not consider a case where the Ninth Cirucit Court of Appeals overturned an Idaho law requiring parental notification for minors seeking abortions is not as significant as some worry.
New Questions on Long-Term Care
The Terri Schiavo case raises questions about the extend of individual autonomy.
The questions around the Terri Schiavo case are sufficiently serious that there is every reason to insure that the decision to remove Ms. Schiavo's feeding tube is given further considersation.
But for a few small changes, Reagan would have won the presidential nomination in 1976 and the world would have been different.
Decision on Juvenile Death Penalty
The Constitution has become so revered that it is now burdened by the popular perception that everything that is good must be mandated somewhere in the Constitution and that the Constitution must prohibit all that is bad...
In order paint Bush as a religious zealot, quotes need to be taken out of context.
Faith-Based Presidency or Faith-Based Criticism
Ron Suskind criticizes Bush's faith-based presidency but reveals more about his notions of faith.
The Case of Ward Churchill and Academic Tenure
Professor Ward Churchill of the University of Colorado spews forth viciously unkind statements about the victims of the 9/11 attacks and evokes quetions about academic tenure.
During the Iraqi election we saw the example of an authentic human shield protecting his fellow countrymen.
Despite the cynicism of some, the Iraqis show that they aspire to democracy.
Strong Conservative Government
Despite the apparent contradiction, Ron Chernow describes how Alexander Hamilton used energetic and vigorous government in the service of Conservative values.
In Bush's Inaugural Address, he not only swings for the fences, he, like Babe Ruth, points to the fences before he even swings
Writing in The Nation, Robert Scheer exhibits a foolish consistency.
Corey Pein in the Columbia Journalism Review comes down harder on bloggers than CBS in the document forgery case.
Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth
UN gets its shorts in knot about US giving.
Washington to Erect a Cathedral
The calculus of city financing of a baseball stadium is more complex than a straightforward economic calculaiton.
Will Liberals come to offer a credible alternative to fight the long-term War on Terror, or will they continue to charge at windmill?
Bill Moyers Retires Just In Time
Upon his retirement, Bill Moyers reflects the frustration of the Left and lashes out against he media.
While those in Europe criticize the US for captial punishment, enthanasia in the Netherlands goes on with far fewer safeguards.
Joseph Ellis's new book, His Excellency, describes a George Washington with some character traits in common with George Bush.
The ACLU continues its legal war on the Boy Scouts while the scouts help those who make the world safe for the ACLU.
After this election the Left has shown little of the patience for the long-term, a patience that is part of the ethos of baseball.
Moral Values in the 2004 Election
Exit polls in the last election showed that "moral values" was an important issue for voters. The thesis here is that the term "moral values" was much broader for voters than code-language for the pro-life position of a rejection of same-sex marriage.
Prediction in the Presidential Race
Presidential election prediction on Sunday morning October 21, 2004
How I know I raised my daughet right.
The Democratic Party eagerness to contest an the upcoming election amounts to an assault on democracy.
When Richard Nixon showed more class that Al Gore.
In retrospect, Joe Lieberman would have had a better chance against Bush, but the deep-seated animosity against George Bush made a moderate choice less possible.
Kerry wins the debate, but are the seeds of his own destruction laid by his own words.
Kerry's desperate longing for French and German validation and help is embarrassing and perhaps counterproductive.
The recent flap over forgered documents broadcast on CBS represent one more step in the descent of broadcast network news.
A secret conversation from Republican Headquarters.
Norman Podhoretz makes the case for the Bush Doctrine.
Failure of Campaign Finance Reform
The emergence of 527 groups in this election cycle makes clear the inherent failure of campaign finance reform attempts.
Despite outward similarities, Ron Reagan Junior displays a lack of decency uncharacteristic of his father.
Diverging Employment Indices and Politics
There are two diverging statistics on employment, the payroll survey and the household survey. This divergence has proved politically useful.
What to make of the questioning of Kerry's war record.
Decent Respect for the Opinions of Mankind
The US did show a "decent respect for the opinions of mankind" in the liberation of Iraq.
Republican Quest for African-American Votes
Why are African Americans the exception to the rule that people who attend church or temple regularly vote overwhelmingly for Republicans.
Former Clinton National Security Advisor is under investigation for walking out of the National Archives with high-classified material. The reaction to the investigation is almost as interesting as the investigation itself.
Another Anti-Bush Slander Debunked
Joseph Wilson anti-Bush charges collapse in the wake of two reports.
In Search of an Election Surprise
In the New Republic John Judis suggests that the Bush Adminsitration is not only going after AL Qaeda terrorists, it has planned the annoucement of such a capture during a three-day window during the Democratic National Convention. For that to be realistic, the Pakistanis must have already captured a "high value ...
Democrats are sometimes having trouble staying true to their obligations a the loyal opposition. Michael Moore is making it a little more difficult.
New Bush ad takes advantage of extreme anti-Bush rhetoric.
The national media is embarrassed again as the radically misrepresent the conclusions of the preliminary staff report of the 9/11 Commission.
A gentleman always tries to do the right thing. Jacques Chirac's refusal to attend Reagan's funeral displays a lack of class.
Ronald Reagan, an American hero, slips the surly bonds of earth.
Editorial Discretion in Publishing Images
"It is the thesis here that the saturation airing of photographs showing prison abuse at Abu Ghraib prison are an attempt to drive public sentiment out of proportion to the entire context of events in Iraq."
Personal Biases in News Consumption
Not only are there biases in the news, we all suffer from biases in news consumption.
A call for a Rumsfeld resignation at this time is a shallow exercise in political opportunism.
Lynne Truss in "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves" impresses on us the importance of punctuation. Punctuation can also be important in politics.
Reconciling pre-war assessments of WMD and the latest information is difficult. "Still Confused" asks for help from Abby.
Scandal follows the UN's Oil for Food Program. What does this say about the natur of the UN?
People have to learn how to listen to Bush's rhetoric. The recent Bush press conference provides an example how the press cannot quite understand Bush.
Potential Turning Point in Iraq
For better or for worse, have reached a potenital turning point in Iraq.
The "Dog that did not bark" about the "Passion of the Christ."
Shame on Richard Clarke for politicizing the 9/11 Inquiry
The Spanish surrender to terror.
Kerry boasts of endorsements by foreign leaders. What about the preferences of our enemies?
Will campaign reform laws turn around and bite Democrats in the tail?
Thoughts on *The Passion of the Christ*
The somber and reverential reactions of audiences with regard to "The Passsion of the Christ" fortunately puts to rest the fear that the movie might engender anti-Semitism.
Same Sex Unions and the Political Process
It is like that society is moving in the direction of some sort of recognition of same-sex unions. It is important that any such decisions are the result of the political process and not imposed by judicial fiat.
A prominent Frenchman, Jean Francois Revel, warns explains and warns of the danger of European anti-Americanism.
The problem with the halftime show at Superbowl XXXVIII was its intrusiveness.
Can we learn from intelligence failures?
Edwards is the sleeper candidate the Republicans have to fear most.
Some of the Democratic candidates seem to be questioning the patriotism of those who disagree with them.
Pete Rose comes clean in an attempt to rescue his chances of admission to Baseball's Hall of Fame
Complacent at the end of the Cold War, America largely ignored the threat posed by rising Islamic extremism. The history of this complacency is docuemnted int Gerald Posner's "Why America Slept"
The US Supreme Court decision in McConnell v. FEC whittles away at the freedom of speech.
The irrational animosity directed at Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton helped insure their re-elections. Perhaps the same destiny is in store for George Bush.
Disciminating Against Religioius Instruction
The case of Locke v. Davey will test whether the state is required to maintain neutrality with respect to religion.
Imperial Judiciary Decides on Religious Instruction
A judge decides on appropriate religious instruction for a child.
Bush's Infuriating and Ennobling Moral Clarity
Principles draw bright lines and for this reason some people find Bush infuriating and others find him ennobling.
Dealing with Combatants in Guantanamo
The capture of irregular forces in Afghanistan poses some interesting questions about appropriate application of the rules of war. Congress should step in and step up an appropriate protocol.
More Pieces in the Puzzle of Pre-War Iraq
Interrogations of pre-war Iraqi leades is yielding useful insights.
The Supreme Court by the Numbers
What does a statistical analysis of US Supreme Decisions tell us.
A discussion of the whether the phrase "under God" is unconstitutional in the context of recitation as part of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Bravo show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" embarks on a conservative enterprise.
A Hero and Some Villians from the California Recall
Picking a hero and a few villians in the unprecedented recall of California Governor Gray Davis.
A Secure and Accurate Voting System
A proposal for a secure and accurate voting system.
The Left is beginning to loose it collective mind in its growing hatred of Bush.
Zogby Poll Helps Provide Context to Iraq
The American Enterprise Institute sponsored a revealing poll of the Iraqi people conducted by Zogby International.
E. J. Dionne Jr. represents a lost Democrtic tradition on Labor Day.
The Display of the Ten Commandments and the Incorporation Doctrine
The flap over the display of the Ten Commandments masks a far more important quarrel over the incorporation doctine.
Zakaria on the Possibility of Too Much Democracy
Fareed Zakaria, International Editor of Newsweek, considers the extent to which democracy and freedom are in tension. Unfortunately, it is very possible to have an illiberal democracy.
Conservatives Fall for the Allure of the Davis Recall
Despite the prospect of a political victory over Davis, Conservatives and Republicans ought to be less than sanguine about disrupting the normal political process and yielding to populist impulses.
We consider a couple of interesting developments. First, the Reuters News Services puts a negative spin on a story and refuses to honor the request of the original author to remove her byline. Second, the a study led by professor from UC Berkeley finds that conservative typically have certain character traits. ...
Having been overseas for a week it is nice to get back to more balanced news coverage. I can even appreciate CNN-US and MSNBC more than I used to.
Don't dare post a flier for a Conservative Speaker at the Multicultural Center of Cal Poly. Ask Steve Hinkle.
Billy Beane applies statistics to baseball and upsets the baseball market. It is an interesting case of a new idea upsetting what should be a mature market.
Eroding the Fourteenth Amendment
The logic of the US Supreme Court in two University of Michigan cases will serve to undermine the Fourteenth Amendment.
European Paradise and American Power
In a short book, that is more an essay than a book, Robert Kagan of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace tries to explain the how the growing difference in American and European military power drives preceptions on how do deal with world threats.
Please don't make me read Hillary's new book.
BCRA Assault on the First Amendment
The Bi-Partisan Campaign Reform Act represents an assault on the First Amendement.
Morals maven William Bennett's excessive gambling reveals more than a little hypocrisy. It is reminds us of the ease with which it is possible to fall into hypocrisy.
Unlike other empires, the American Empire is one of ideas.
Political versus Parlimentary Tactics
Republicans would be unwise to use parlimemtary legerdemain to circumvent the filibuster of judicial nominees by Senate Democrats.
Are Political Parties Growing Apart?
The record of roll call votes reveals a trend toward political polarization of the parties. Will issues of national security decrease this polarization?
Charging General Franks with War Crimes
One of the authors of a brillilant war plan that minimized civilian casualties faces the possibility of being charged with war crimes by the Belgians who assert "universal jurisdiction." And they call Americans arrogant.
The anti-war rhetoric of churches before the Iraq war minimic similar criticism before World War II.
After the fall of Iraq, CNN admits that it was entirely forthcoming with regard to news out of Iraq.
It is important to engage in the difficult task of nurturing democracy in Iraq.
Relapse of the Vietnam Syndrome
In the first few days of the Gulf War II, we see some relapse in the media of the "Vietnam Syndrome." Columnist R. W. Apple of the New York Times provides a clear example.
Lawrence Kaplan of The New Republic and William Kristol of the The Weekly Standard bring the Left and Right together to articulate the case for the war over Iraq.
Tommy Franks' Press Conference
Tommy Franks' is appropriately polite to belligerent questions from the foreign press. Imagine what it would be like to answer such questions unconstrained by diplomatic considerations.
The Left and anti-war activists have foolishly allowed others to embrace the symbolism of the American flag.
Jimmy Carter and Just War Theory
Jimmy Carter offers a rather childish representation of Just War Theory and its application to Iraq.
Elie Wiesel's life reminds us "...to remain silent and indifferent is the greatest sin of all..."
Supreme Court Refuses to Extend RICO to Protestors
In Scheidler v. NOW, the US Supreme Court refused to to extend the RICO law to anti-abortion protestors and helped keep maintain the tradition of nonviolent civil disobediance.
Srebrenica provides an important lesson to consider when dealing with Saddam Hussein's regime.
The Cause of French Intransigence
French intransigence with respect to Iraq is not principled but a manifestation of national aspirations to grasp atlong lost importance.
The fact the Powell was able to persuade some says more about the persuaded than about Powell.
The response of the public to the Challenger accident was a decreasing NASA budget. The way to honor the loss of the Columbia crew is an invigorated space program.
The Irrelevance and Decline of France and Germany
France and Germany mark another step in their political decline and irrelevance and they refuse to enforce the UN resolution they voted for a few short months ago.
The Obligations of Supreme Command
In the book Supreme Command, Eliot Cohen argues that rather than allowing the military to run wars, civilian political leadership has an important ovresight obligation. In the words of Clemenceau, "War is too important to be left to generals."
A Democrat that Republicans Should Worry About
Presidential aspirant John Edwards, Democratic Senator from North Carolina, promises to repeat the electoral success of former President Bill Clinton.
How the Left-ward lean of college campuses helps Conservatives.
Racial Preferences Case to be Heard
The US Supreme Cout as agreed to a hear an important racial preferences case. The University of Michigan was sued for its admissions policies. The Court will decide to what extent skin pigmentation is a relevant criteria for college admissions.
Time for Lott to resign his leadership position.
Should the President Ever Lie?
This essay argues that a President should never lie
- given that he concept of a lie properly
understood. Is conclusion true, or has the definition
of a lie been cleverly redefined?
Protecting the First Amendment
The fight against the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act
is a fight to protect the First Amendment.
Daschle does not seem to be up to criticism he is
receiving and he lashes out at talk radio.
Facing Mecca in a Modern World
The inability in some in the Islamic culture to accept modernity reflects a deep insecurity.
Democrats have to decide what they stand for.
There two historic analogies to consider. In the
case of Nazi Germany the policy of "appeasement" was a
disaster. In the case of the Soviet Union, "containment"
proved successful. Which analogy is appropriate in
the case of Iraq?
Paul Wellstone leaves us in a tragic plane crash.
The Nobel Committee awards Jimmy Carter the Nobel Peace Prize as a political statement.
Is the Dow Jones Industrial Average Where It Ought to Be?
If the stock market had grown at 10% per year for the last seven years, the Dow would be approximately where it is now.
Does Daschle Want Some Cheese With His Whine?
Senate Leader Tom Daschle storms to the Senate floor
claim that Bush is politicizing the Iraq debate. The
problem is that the issue should be a topic for debate
and even politicizaiton
The role of children's soccer referee is not much different from role we all have in providing role models for the next generation.
Democratic Reluctance to Address Iraq
Despite words to the contrary, the conscience of the Democratic Party, with some exceptions, is profoundly anti-military.
In "What's So Great About America,"D'Souza argues
that only by nurturing individual freedom is a
virtuous society possible.
Desperate Efforts of Anti-Choice Forces
The NEA and other anti-choice forces run to the courts to keep lower-income students trapped in schools they would rather not be in.
Ann Coulter in "Slander" writes about "Liberal lies about the American Right."
In Defense of the War on Terrorism
A group of Americans pen an open letter to the world to describe the moral basis for the war on terrorism. Some Americans and Europeans responde.
The recent Time Magazine article about a secret Clinton Administratin plan to attack al-Qaeda reveals more about those behind the story than it does about military planning.
The Making of the Modern Middle East
Michael Oren's "Six Days of War" chronicles the 1967 Six Day War. Lessons relevant to the present situation there can be learned
Photographs provide a little measure of immortality for the common man. Does digital photography endanger this?
The Pearl Harbor and Flight 93 Memorials
The Pearl Harbor Memorial and the site of the Flight 93 crash evoke similar feelings and emotions.
A clean environment and economic growth are not incompatible. Indeed, growth may be necessary.
The Islamic World has been in decline for the past several hundred years. Bernard Lewis describes this decline and the reasons for it.
Provision for Legal Detention of Unlawful Combatants
A proposed way to Constitutionally hold illegal combatants.
Dishonesty in the Service of Higher Goals
Dishonesty is accepted far too often. Biologists plant Lynx hairs to makes lands inaccessible to development. Students cheat and a teach who gives them a zero ends up resigning. A large energy company fails because of dishonest accounting practices.
Brian Tubbs is the Contributing Editor of the "American Revolution and Founding Era" topic area here at Suite 101. Here, Brian explains how the "shakedown" is being exploited by PETA and others.
Thoughts of a Father on Father's Day
Is there an inherent conflict between fathers and sons?
President Bush should seek Congressional authorization if he decides to attack Iraq.
We suffer from the loss of scientist and author Stephen Jay Gould.
The Weakness of the International Criminal Court
Joining the International Criminal Court would be a big mistake.
Carter's speech in Cuba, while adequate, was a disappointment.
Grade inflation at Harvard is one symptom of falled efforts improve education for poor minority students.
The growth of disk space is forcing us to ponder the infinite.
Retaining a sense of moral superiority by creating the myth of the unsophisticated American cowboy blustering unthinking into the world acts as a mild analgesic to European frustration at self-imposed impotence
The West and the Rest - A Race
The developing world needs to adopt a Western economic and political model before their increasing populations cause global political instability. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one example of this problem.
Twenty years ago, Israel robbed Hussein of nuclear weapons and the world cried foul. Cries of foul by world opinion with respect to Israel have lost their saliency.
Preserve, Protect, and Defend the Constitution
President George Bush neglects his duty to defend the Constitution by signing the campaign reform bill.
Stephen Ambrose, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Michael Bellesiles run into ethical questions about their books.
Vouchers and Anti-Catholic Bias
Vouchers for education are clearly Constitutional and the Supreme Court will likely decide so shortly. In the 19th century prohibition of funds to "sectarian" primary and secondary schools was the result of anti-Catholic bias.
American forces provide a necessary demonstration of valor in Gardez.
Long-time CBS correspondent Bernard Goldberg argues that the national media has a Liberal Bias. This is old news that has new saliency since it comes from the inside.
On the ball toss as a simple measure of a child's growth.
When Chapter 11 Does Not Mean Bankruptcy
In a PBS progam, Bill Moyers worries about the infamous Chapter 11 of the NAFTA agreement.
Assault on the First Amendment
Campaign finance reform as currently structured is an assault on the First Amendment.
A Conservative Not a Libertarian
President George Bush is a Conservative not a Libertarian.
What to make of all the flags sprouting up.
The British press gets a cause of Foot-in-Mouth Disease
The reaction to the Enron collapse says as much about observers as it does about Enron. In addition, we discuss two matters from the back pages: The flap over a statute to firefighters in New York and the ACLU opposition to citizenship requirements for airport screeners
Despite a growing ability to kill each other off, we do not appear to be doing so.
A look back at Bradbury's book Fahrenheit 451.
Daschle scuttles a stimulus package.
Friedrich A. Hayek's book "The Road to Serfdom" provides important lessons as to the dangers of collectivism and the similarity between Socialism and Fascism.
Excessive solicitousness of minority wishes can allow a vocal few bully others.
The recent terrorist suicide attacks on Israel, following the events of September 11, has renewed American empathy for Israel.
Review of "The Skeptical Environmentalist." Bjørn Lomborg makes a close examination as to the environmental "state of the world." Things are getting better.
The Violent German Left Comes of Age
The German foreign minister Joschka Fischer is a metaphor for the transition of the violent German Left.
Crackdown on Student Who Defends America
San Diego State University admonishes student who reportedly challenged four Saudi students who rejoice in terrorist acts.
A new Justice Department policy nibbles away at the the Sixth Amendemnt's guarantee to have the advice of counsel.
The Tide Comes In For John Adams
With David McCullough's new book, the reputation of John Adams comes into ascendency.
Unafraid to Identify Islamic Terrorism
Political correctness is atttempting to drive journalism away from the truth.
The era of high bandwidth will force the music industry to change its economic model.
Between those who believe in just wars and devout pacifism lies the disreputable squishy pacifism. This squishy pacifism is beginning to appear in the wake of "September 11."
Michael Kinsley of Slate Magazine falls short in is attempts to determine when racial profiling in "Okay."
The War on Terrorisms will require patience and persistence. President George Bush may have precisely the right temperament to conduct such a war.
In the wake of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, there are some who find solice in the fallacy of root causes
The attack on the World Trade Center and on the Pentagon have given our generation a collective purpose higher than personal indulgence.
The fact is that journalists in the national media are dominantly Liberal. The question is what effect does this have.
The fiction of the Social Security lock box keeps both Republicans and Democrats from focusing on low economic growth.
The fight against drilling the Artic National Wildlife Reserve is another example of "feel good" environmentalism.
People who are 50 years old need to make careful retirement plans. Social Security receipts will not cover outlays when they retire.
Is Bush Becoming an Artful Dodger
The Bush Administration has struck a careful balance in its decision on stem cell research. Recently, the Administration decided to support ethnic set asides in Federal contracting. Is Bush compromising principle or striking necessary political balance?
Diversity as a Core Requirement
Universities and colleges shore up enrollment in "diversity" courses by requiring them for graduation.
Permit Federal Funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research
The abortion and embryonic stem cell research debates revolve around the same issue.
The movie The Dish reminds us of the sense of collective purpose during the early Space Age.
Canadian Health Care and Growing Dependence on the State
A discussion with Canadians about their health care system results in a depressing realizaton of how easy it is to accept an intrusive, if benevolent, state.
An American citizen is being held by the Chinese government and the US government does not appear to be doing enough to secure his freedom.
Fourth Amendment Searches with Thermal Imagers
The Supreme Court rules that the use of thermal imagery of private homes is a search under the terms of the Fourth Amendment and thus requires a warrant.
An Indiana university allows the showing of a play suggesting that Jesus and his disciples were gay. Does this represent academic freedom?
Americans appear to be happier than Europeans and less concerned about economic inequality. Is this a consequence of social mobility?
President George W. Bush brings a belief in American exceptionalism as he goes to Europe.
Stephen Carter's writes a seminal book on the relationship between church and state.
Jeffords leaves the GOP at a time of maximum personal political advantage.
I offer a few thoughts as my second son ventures graduates from high school. Parents in a similar situation may empathize.
The Impact of Free Trade on the Soul
Free trade makes repressive regimes more like us. It can also make us more like the regimes we detest.
In Search of a Black Republican
Republicans need to learn from the experience of black Americans.
The same people who are concerned about the effect of pesticides on children do not seem as concerned by the effect of day care.
Insistence on the creation of majority black districts helps Republican chances in Congressional elections.
The Lexus Runs Over the Olive Tree
The forces of globalization help free the 24 American crewman held by the People's Republic of China.
International Speech Codes and the Internet
Is the Internet the last great hope for international free speech or will it too be regulated?
Racial Profiling in College Admissions
A court finds that the University of Michigan engages in racial profiling in law school admissions.
This essay considers Bob Woodward book Maestro about Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan.
Is it an unreasonable search for the state to monitor your house with a thermal imager without a warrant?
A discussion on evolution and the origin of the universe.
An essay on the boring Clinton pardons.
The University of California is continually trying to sneak into the college admissions process perferential treatment on the basis of race.
Judge Clarence Thomas urges us to "Be Not Afraid"
Happy Birthday to Ronald Reagan at 90
A poem dedicated to Ronald Reagan on his 90th birthday.
Partnership With Faith-Based Communities
Commnents on Bush's initiative to enlist the help of faith-based communities to provide social servives.
"Clinton's tawdry behavior made it seem that this last week a mature adult was taking over the presidency from a clever, but narcissistic adolescent. As people remember what it is like to have a President whose character one can respect, they will wonder why they were ever satisfied with less."
How an Attorney General Enforces the Law
The Senate committee that considered the confirmation of John Ashcroft for Attorney General missed the point.
This essay offers ways for Bush to make in roads in the African-American community.
The political odyssey of David Horowitz contains important lessons about the Left and Right,
The Case for the Electoral College
The last presidential election reinforces the case for the Electoral College.
Venice has lost its dominance of the Occidental World over the last 500 years. This decline provides important lessons.
A short poem capturing the disappointment of Al Gore's supporters at the election results.
The Kangaroo Court Jumps Again
The Florida Supreme Court rules again.
The subjective evaluation of ballots in the recount conducted in selected counties in Florida is apt to inadvertently comply with the prejudices of those who perform the evaluation. The consequence is the "mismeasure of the vote."
Usurpation by the Florida Supreme Court
The Florida Supreme Court usurped powers properly granted to other branches of government when it set a new date for election certification.
Please, someone convince me that votes are not being manufactured for Al Gore.
As soon as a final count comes in Florida, the losing presidential candidate should concede.
Prediction of the outcome of the US Electoral College outcome.
Bush 309, Gore 229. Prediction posted at Sat Nov 4 13:09:58 UTC 2000.
Networks Blow Coverage of Texas Educational Achievement
The national media displays it Democratic bias in its coverage of a new RAND issue paper on Texas education.
Yasser Arafat's refusal to recognize Israel's place in the Middle East is the obstacle to peace.
The Sea Change Caused by RU-486
The advent of drugs to induce abortions makes it practically impossible ban abortions. Anti-abortion advocates should change tactics.
English Immersion Works In California
Advocates for bilingual education are stunned by recent results in California.
The Zogby and Battleground Polls are the ones to watch.
Kisses as a symbol of dependency.
Read the subliminal messages.
Some Reasons to Vote For George Bush
Some serious and some humorous reasons to vote for George Bush this fall.
The US Supreme Court rules in favor of the First Amendment Right to expressive association.
A discussion of the social implications of the popular CBS series Survivor.
The mathematics of the Electoral College increases the importance of winning California, especially for Al Gore.
The Consequences of Group Think
The NAACP properly rebukes one of its own.
The issue in this election cycle is authenticity not gravitas.
Himmelfarb's De-Moralization of Society
Gertrude Himmelfarb argues that the Victorian emphasis on virtue has a positive effect on both the material and spiritual lives of English citizens.
The case that this election season will not be a referendum on impeachment.
Where You Can't Speak Your Mind
The US Supreme Court rules that limiting speech in front of abortion clinics does not violate the First Amendment.
What can be learned by coaching girls and boys in baseball.
A discussion as to why the viewership of national news broadcasts has declined.
Review of a David Brooks' book on the new upper classes.
The Internet is changing political campaigns in a radical way. A Republican conference on the issue brings home the point.
On Predicting Presidential Elections
Be advised. Take predictions of presidential election results with a large grain of salt.
The potential disbarment of President Clinton is only symbolic, but it does remind us of several important lessons.
A modest proposal to have the NEA fund Dr. Laura's planned television show.
It is All in the Name or in the Initials
A unique county wastes in energy on hypersensitivity.
Some new information about Jefferson's Letter to the Danbury Baptists focuses our attention on the original understanding of the First Amendment. Thank you to Dana Decker for bringing this issue to my attention.
The lack of balance in news coverage by the national broadcast media is creating a Tower of Political Babel.
Gays come to the defense of Boy Scouts.
The Voucher Left and a New Proposal
Matthew Miller in an Atlantic Monthly article describes the little known
"voucher Left" and offers a new voucher proposal.
The political attacks on Rudolph Giuliani serves to exploit racial differences to serve political ambitions.
An argument to move the Elian Gonzalez case to a state court to determine what is in the best interest of the youngster.
The US Supreme Court ruled that student activities fees to political and ideological organizations do not violate First Amendment Free Speech rights. This essay examines this decision.
This article offers a political strategy for the NRA.
A new study finds that children of divorce provide less care to the elderly parents.
States Taxes on Interstate E-Commerce
The growth of e-commerce raises questions about the application of state sales taxes on interstate transctions.
In creating complex systems, it seems to be better to make plenty of correctable mistakes, than to be a genius.
Racial Preferences and Racial Profiling
In an effort to pander to minority groups the debate between Al Gore and Bill Bradley failed to recognize the affinity between racial profiling and racial preferences.
McCain's popularity arises from his membership in the Patriot Party.
A two-for-one special. This week we have a review of Fat Man in the Middle by Jack Germond plus the story of low-grade biological warfare against the Gary Bauer campaign.
Classic Clinton on Wage Discrimination
This essay discusses classic Clinton tactics with regard to gender-based wage discrimination.
The Stars and Bars have taken on such a negative symbolism, it should probably not be flown over the South Carolina State House.
By definition, publishing and air news involves decisions that reflect bias.
A discussion of long-term trends in Federal Spending
The Political Prosecution of Linda Tripp
A discussion of the political motivations behind the prosecution of Linda Tripp
Amnesty should be granted to Preston King.
Some thoughts on the end of William F. Buckley's Firing Line.
This is the second of two articles based on a conversation with William Kristol. This conversation focuses on Social Security, preferential treatment, and economic inequality.
Part 1 of an interview with William Kristol. We discuss magazine The Weekly Standard and the the 2000 presidential elections
A review of Edmund Morris's biography of Ronald Reagan, Dutch
The use of law enforcement as the means to curb drug use has not succeeded.
Solicitation of questions for interview with William Kristol.
Silencing Harry Potter and Scout
An examination of the attempted suppression of Harry Potter books and To Kill a Mockingbird.
A discussion of Stephen Jay Gould's book Rocks of Ages that tries to reconcile the magisteria of science and religion.
Senate Shows Political Courage
The Senate shows political courage and foreign policy acumen by rejecting the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
Military Spending and Social Security
The GOP House is not supporting military spending and blew a golden opportunity with regard to social security.
Examples of the creative use of social statistics.
Examination of recent issues with regard to Patrick Buchanan. Should Buchanan run as a Reform Party candidate? What should be the reaction of the GOP. Is Buchanan an anti-Semite?
What is the role of economic freedom in prosperity?
The Rights of Parents of College Students
Can parents of college students examine student records of dependent children?
Looking at contemporay culture looking at itself.
Discussion on the presidential clemency of terrorists.
Clarence Thomas should be the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
After deinstitutionalization the severely mentally ill are sometimes slipping through the cracks.
Kansas demonstrates uncharactistic foolishness as the State Board of Education elects not to require a knowledge of evolution from its high school students.
In a choice between Communist China and Taiwan, we should be on the side of the democracy.
Does the ACLU turns a blind eye to political allies?
With humble apologies to the Bard, this short parody discusses Hillary Clinton's flirtation with New York Democrats.
Can we extend the Kosovo War experience elsewhere?
30 Years After the Sea of Tranquility
Thoughts thirty years after man's first steps on the moon.
The Conservative Compromise on Economic Liberty
This essay describes the necessity for a tradeoff between economic liberty and common provision for the indigent.
Stories of political wackiness on campus.
Why Election 2000 has especially high stakes.
The Other Clinton Embraces Clintonism
Hillary Clinton seems to have difficulty with even small truths.
Article arging that there is an emerging consensus that many social problems are associated with a paucity of values.
This essay looks into the question of whether college and universities breed liberals.
Consideration of the War in Kosovo and Just War Theory
Cassie and Valerie's Moral Choice
Discussion of moral choices made my two victims of the Columbine shootings.
A letter to my son upon his high school graduation. Every child is special in his parents' eyes. This is my attempt to get in a few last few comments before he leaves for college.
The movement to school choice appears to be gaining momentum.
Essay discussing the effect of the baby boom echo on college enrollment.
Discussion of the search and seizure implications of the recent Supreme Court decision in Wyoming v. Sandra Houghton.
Concealed Weapons and Violent Crime
Discussion of John Lott's study showing a decrease in violent crime when citizens are permitted to carry concealed weapons.
Lessons from Nanking to Kosovo
A rememberance of the "Rape of Nanking" and some thoughts on implications for Kosovo.
A review and commentary on All Too Human by George Stephanopoulos.
Suggested criteria for US military intervention.
The US Post Office censors cigarettes on postage stamps to its embarrassment.
The Social Security Surplus should be returned to the contributors.
A review of Tom Wolfe's A Man in Full.
My thoughts on the recent passing of Steve Kangas.
Commentary on the recent Supreme Court ruling prohibiting the use of sampling for apportionment.
An argument against censure.
Washington DC suffers under the tyranny of hyper-racial sensitivity.
Conservatives Should Stop Complaining and Liberals Should Start
Why Liberals should be more upset than Conservatives.
Painting Moderates as Extremists
Essay on media complicity in painting Conservatives as extremists
Presidents are remembered in their own words.
An assessment of some of the predictions I made last year.
An argument for unencumbered private encryption.
A grudging thank you to the American Civil Liberties Union and the People for the American Way.
We should give Clinton the benefit of the doubt with regard to the attack on Iraq. However, we have missed the major issue of President authority to take us to war.
A proposed compromise on impeachment closure.
A discussion of the implications of Gödel's proof.
The story of a first grader's free speech.
New digital technology for music replication makes (1)copyright enforcement difficult, (2) creates a freer creative market, (3)
stresses the social fabric.
A tongue-in-cheek essay talking discussing the Conservative beautiful blondes.
Assessment of the November 3, 1998 mid-term elections.
Discussion of John Stuart Mill's essay On Liberty.
Essay on Matt Drudge and the media.
Essay comparing dogs, cats and governance.
Essay discussing the fact everyone looks at facts in the context of their world view.
Essay on Russell Means' autobiography Where White Mean Fear to Tread.
Essay describing the effect of campaign finance reform on political parties.
Remembered Educational Lessons
Essay on work by Andrew Coulson on the relationship between free educational choice an positive education outcomes as seen in history.
Essay discussing the historical nature of impeachment in relationship
to President Clinton.
Essay discussing Scott Ritter's resignation as an arms inspector because of the lack of committment on the part of the US and the UN.
Essay describing the concept of original understanding in the interpretation of the US Constitution.
This essay compares the sense of betrayal upon realizing that Clinton like Nixon directly lied to us.
The theory of comparative advantage.
Essay that uses a comparison of the Lost in Space movie and television series to comment upon the culture in the 1960s and 1990s.
Essay on Carl Sagan's search for a proof of God.
Effective Feminist Influence on Policy?
Esaay discussing Nina Burleigh's offer to the President.
Review of Brain Storm by Richard Dooling.
Uneasy truce between Libertarians and Social Conservatives.
Essay in favor of enumeration instead of sampling for Census 2000.
The Temptation of Social Science
Essay discussing the dangers of bias in social science.
Why the World is the Way It Is
Review of Review of Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond
Discussion of the Justice Department suit against Microsoft.
The Deep Impact of Barry Goldwater
Remembering Barry Goldwater who just died.
Essay supporting Proposition 226 in California.
Essay suggesting that the survival of the Jewish people depends on the survival of Israel.
Airline Deregulation: Free Market Success
Asn essay in praise of airline deregulation.
Essay applying Occam's Razor in sorting out the Clinton vs Starr charges.
Essay describing lessons that can be learned from Lisa Graham Keegan
efforts to nurture charter schools in Arizona.
Criticism of the Crimson newspaper's concern that its editorial staff has too
many Jews.
Book Review and Analysis of Spin Cycle by Howard Kurtz
An essay discussing the courage displayed by Senator Patrick Moynihan in
proposing reform of Social Security.
Essay concerning Vice President Gore's proposal to put up a satellite to
view the Earth
Distributed Computing and Markets
Guilty of Gross Gender Generalizations About Gift Giving
The Case for National Standardized Tests
When Numbers Aren't What They Appear
Income Disparity and the Mississippi River
Objective Studies and School Choice
Blacks Barred From Special Programs
Reagan's Victory in the Cold War
Campaign Finance Reform in a Free Society
Creating Ants From Grasshoppers: Toward Privatizing Social Security
The Re-Awakening of the NAACP: A re-evaluation of its policies m
President Clinton's Legacy: Clinton may be his own worse enemy.
Computer Decency: What We Really Should Be Discussing
Genuine Communication: When Dialogue Is Not Dialogue