Bring Climate Idealism Down to Earth
by Dan Croak
The global cap and trade approach directed at achieving the rapid emissions reductions enshrined in the Kyoto protocol could be ineffective or even counterpoductive by substituting for more realistic approaches to the problem.
Articles
Keep Them Fearful
by Anna O'Leary
05.01.07 | Jon Stewart analyzes American politicians in a serious interview with Bill Moyers.
Mike Gravel, Fiery Unknown
by Dan Croak
05.01.07 | The only Democratic candidate to receive much media attention after the South Carolina debates was former Senator Mike Gravel. In this video, he talks about political courage and excoriates current Senators and Congressmen, particularly Harry Reid for not doing enough to end the war in Iraq.
2008 House Prospects Encouraging for Democrats
by Anna O'Leary
04.30.07 | Private House Democratic polls of the 50 most competitive congressional districts project a gain of 9 to 11 seats in the 2008 elections that would be an unprecedented further surge by the party after its 2006 gain of 30 seats to win control of the House.
The Right to Work
by Dan Croak
04.29.07 | How are 17 states, 276 cities and towns (including the District of Columbia) and 433 companies of the Fortune 500 more advanced - daresay, more civilized - than the federal government? They all prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. It's about time Congress allowed the nation to catch up - and maybe it will, now that the Employment Non-Discrimination Act has been reintroduced in the House.
Rent Extraction
by Dan Croak
04.28.07 | Politicians often introduce legislation designed to scare wealthy industries into contributing to their campaigns. The process is called "rent extraction" and the bills introduced are alternatively called "milkers," "fetchers," or "cash cows."
The Reform of Health Care
by Dan Croak
04.28.07 | The early Presidential campaigning season is replete with complaints, discussions, and proposals concerning the health care system, widely regarded as broken. It is true that health costs are rising faster than the inflation rate. But rising costs, even of "essential" products and services, such as food, health care, and national defense, do not necessarily demonstrate the existence of a problem.
It's not the uninsured, Stupid
by Dan Croak
04.27.07 | Today marks the beginning of Cover the Uninsured Week. Funded by a conglomeration of unions corporations and foundations the goal of this campaign is to provide health insurance to all of the estimated 47 million Americans who lack it.
Iranian assimilation in Beverly Hills
by Ben Spaulding
03.14.07 | Amidst America's great debate regarding immigration, long-time Americans cry out for immigrants to assimilate and to be part of society. However, in Beverly Hills there is a fascinating situation where legal immigrants from Iran have been members of society for years. Yet some "Americans" seem to be afraid of this "foreign force."
Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007
by Dan Croak
02.06.07 | Last week, Senator Barack Obama introduced binding legislation reversing President Bush's plan for a "surge" of US troops in Iraq. The Democratic leadership in Congress has so far ignored this legislation, instead focusing on yet another nonbinding resolution. Meanwhile, the press has been virtually absent on coverage of this legislation, which would bring home every U.S. soldier in Iraq.
Politicians and the Web: New Medium, Old School Tactics
by Erin Teeling
10.09.06 | Our recent study on the use of the Internet by Senate campaigns makes it clear that candidates perceive the Web as a necessary component to their campaigns, as 97 percent (all but two) of this year’s Senate candidates have active websites. Despite an increase in Web activity by politicians, however, our research shows that candidates are failing to use the Web to engage in conversations with voters. Instead, they are using it to hand out orders.
Selling the Iraq War under false pretenses
by Dan Croak
08.17.07 | Dick Cheney sums up in 80 seconds exactly what resulted from our military actions in 2003-2007. If the administration knew this was going to happen, at the very least how could they betray the trust of the public by not giving us a fair opportunity to weigh the true costs?
Africa's Horn Ready to Blow
by Anna O'Leary
04.29.07 | Africa's most volatile region appears to be coming apart at the seams. New outbreaks of violence in Somalia and Ethiopia raise fears of a wider war and create a perfect haven for terrorist groups.
The Return of Big Tobacco
by Dan Croak
05.01.07 | The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act will authorize the FDA to regulate tobacco. However, it will not help "prevent smoking" nor it will "control tobacco" favorably for public health. Phillip Morris strongly supports the legislation and the head of the FDA opposes it. Something is wrong here.
Markets
What is this?John Edwards will win the Democratic nomination
Barack Obama will win the Democratic nomination
Hillary Clinton will win the Democratic nomination