The American Family Gazette   Volume II, 1005   It seems almost impossible to dispute that most Americans are not happy with either politics, politicians or government of late. Backing this statement is the recent Pew Research Center public opinion poll finding a historically low 22% of Americans trusting government!  Opinion about elected officials is likewise in the dumps:  Just 25% have a favorable opinion of Congress; 65% an…

Inspired by an article by James Fallows in The Atlantic magazine By T.R. Harry   The by-line, “By James Fallows,” has been a familiar sight to readers for a long time.  He’s been associated with the prestigious Atlantic Magazine for over twenty-five years.  To appreciate the breadth of his activities on the American journalistic scene, just pull-up his name on Wikipedia. His latest endeavor to catch my attention is an…

 The American Family Gazette Volume II, 1002   In The Gathering of the Clan we speak at some length of the tension between capitalism and democracy.  They have very different theoretical beliefs about the proper distribution of power. One believes in a completely equal distribution of power (one man, one vote); the other believes in the accumulation and restriction of power.  Survival of the fittest is not a bad description…

The American Family Gazette Volume II, 1001 I heard a proponent for the right of Gays to marry say on the news tonight, “The majority does not get to legislate the rights of the minority.” This was in connection with the start of the federal court case to over-turn the outcome of California’s Proposition 8 last fall. On the surface, it’s hard to argue with his point. Why? Because, in…

The American Family Gazette Volume I, 0912   This is a subject that overlaps the previous posting about the tail wagging the dog.  There we looked at government in terms of size.  Here we look at government in terms of, for lack of a better term, its input vs. its output.  Or, are we at the point where the cost of government is simply to support and maintain an institution…

The American family Gazette Volume I, 0912   Government is becoming—or has already become—the tail that wags the dog.  We hear that often enough, but just what is that supposed to mean? Usually, that the bureaucracy of government is becoming—or already has become—the end or objective of societal activity, not the means to achieving societal goals.  We’ll talk a bit about this.  It’s a closely related matter, but here, I…

 The American Family Gazette Volume I, 0911   Winston Churchill is quoted as saying, “Democracy is the worst form of government except for all others that have been tried,” or something to that effect.  However, today, I’m not sure I agree with that opinion.  Furthermore, considering how we voters feel about our politics and the quality and results of governments that result from the democratic process—if you can believe the…

The American Family Gazette Volume I, 0911   True or false: Political centrists are a real species. Political bipartisanship is a real possibility.  Political Independents are a myth. If you answered true, true, and true it suggests (a) you’re a pretty average voter, (b) the present political structure’s propaganda is pretty effective, and (c) you haven’t been paying close attention lately.  Let’s take a brief but questioning look at these…

 The American Family Gazette Volume. I,   0911   Two articles in the Wall Street Journal this morning (10/30) caught my attention: The Column Capital Journal by Gerald Seib and an Opinion piece by Peggy Noonan. Seib’s Column was titled “Enduring Partisan Divide Stokes Skepticism of Washington”, and Noonan’s was “We’re Governed by Callous Children.” I usually at least scan Seib, but seldom direct my attention to what Noonan has to…