Category: Political Writing

CHOKE POINTS IN DEMOCRACY By T.R. Harry Part II In part I of this rumination, I highlighted that as things stand today in our society, America is out of Balance, Balance—with a capital “B”.  This Balance —with a capital “B”—was defined at that point. This imbalance prevents us from moving closer—even from moving in the right direction—to becoming more of a good society.  And in a somewhat circular argument, I…

 The American family Gazette  Volume II, 1009 Part I of II   In an earlier post this month I commented on an article by Eric Alterman in The Nation magazine.  Therein he raised the issue of “choke points” in politics that inhibit, or negatively affect, the workings of democracy.  I believe he’s right; they exist, and merit more than passing comment or acknowledgement.  They merit correction or, if they can’t…

 The American Family Gazette Volume II, 1009 Eric Alterman, a champion of and advocate for a progressive, or just liberal political agenda—I’m not quite sure which— recently penned an article in the magazine The Nation (August 30/September 6) bemoaning the fact that the results of the Obama Administration after eighteen months in office are somewhat of a disappointment in his eyes (which from his presentation I generalize to the eyes…

“Unbundle the Welfare State” is a polemic by James “Jim” Manzi in the December 20,2010 issue of National Review. Mr. Manzi is a recognized representative of the conservative establishment, whose views reveal a libertarian tilt. This isn’t a value judgment, simply a description of the political philosophical leanings, the way the wind blows, for the author. An article such as this in one of the leading general-public conservative weeklies represents,…

The American Family Gazette Vol II,  0610   Just what do we mean, a political Independent?  Most people would say they know, but do they, really?  Do you? Technically, an Independent is anyone who, when registering to vote, declares him or herself as “politically independent”, or who declines to indicate a political preference. It’s that simple: a self-declaration.  Just what does registering oneself as a political independent really indicate, or…

The American Family Gazette Vol II, 1210   The definition of an optimal tax system depends upon whether you are a tax payer or a tax collector. In the real world, both parties have to be considered. So far, I can’t recall hearing of a proposal that totally satisfies either party. What does seem apparent to someone on the outside looking in is that tax policy is primarily considered from…

The American Family Gazette Vol III, 0011   Few  issues are national issues that aren’t first of broad local concern. Here’s one that certainly fits that description; one that affects each and every one of us: how our taxes dollars are spent. An apologetic for military might, “Peace Doesn’t Keep Itself,” appearing in Monday’s WSJ advocates continued high—even increased—US military and defense spending. This it recommends over “throwing our money…

The American Family Gazette Vol II, 1110   At dinner last evening with friends, the subject of US employment (unemployment!) came up and the usual suspects were discussed.  Among them, of course, was the now well established practice of sourcing overseas in lower labor-cost countries .  One among the group said he had recently discussed this with a friend in a management position with one of the unions.  His—my friend’s—suggestion…

The American Family Gazette Vol. II, 1010   There is a great deal of finger pointing at what we call political ideology today. We often define it along the lines of partisanship, and it’s a term that has come to have pejorative connotations. We content that government is unable to govern in large degree because of partisanship, because of opposing ideologies. We see ideologies as incompatible views of what government…

The American Family Gazette Vol. II,  1010   What would you say if I told you about sixty percent (60%) of voters currently do not have a political party that adequately represents their views of society? That translates into your having just a two-in-five chance that one of our existing political parties’ agenda is compatible with your view of how American society should look. Would you say that that is…