Relevant and even prescient commentary on news, politics and the economy.

Why vote?

On our trip to Colorado for Thanksgiving, the boarding announcements for each flight began with an invitation to active service people and veterans to board first, always followed with “thank you for your service.” People join the military for many reasons. Some out of a sense of patriotism, others because that was the best-paying job […]

Open Thread June 28, 2023 SCOTUS closing out the year.

Important Cases to be decided by SCOTUS. Affirmative Action, Student Loans, Gay Rights, Religious Rights, and some Voting (still remains). Some important issues left which will either please or displease many people. Open Thread June 24, 2023 SCOTUS and Standing, Angry Bear, Angry Bear Blog

“our sacred right to vote”

A bold step forward yesterday as taken by a Federal Judge striking down much of the new election law passed by the Florida legislature, after the 2020 election, and under the guise of nonexistent fraudulent voting activity in Florida. The main thrust of passing this bill was to make it harder for minorities and others […]

Waldmann’s thoughts on voting districts

by Robert Waldmann I think this is the best post I have read so far on the topic by Kathleen Geier.  Just go read it before reading my comment below. Of course I have my usual comments: Thank you Kathleen Geier  for your excellent post based on good shoe leather (OK leather ear to the phone) reporting.  I […]

For anyone who ever thought they were too busy to vote

For anyone who ever thought they were too busy to vote, meet 21-year-old Galicia Malone. The south suburban Dolton mom-to-be was spotted at her polling place Tuesday morning on her way to give birth at a local hospital. Cook County Clerk David Orr said Malone’s contractions were five minutes apart when she showed up around […]

Ok class, let’s review before the exam (election)

I’m sure you are all feeling kind of blah. You have this final exam for this session and I can tell by your performances on the quizzes that you are still confused. The problem solving portions of the quizzes have been very telling. So lets review.   You’re taxes are not too high. It’s your […]

So much for GOP Siren of voter fraud

Maybe the appropriate title for this is: Do as I say and not as I do…. Just listening to Thom Hartman and he noted something that struck a cord (chord?) with me: voter ID, electronic ballots. In the caucuses last night, the Republican party did not require and ID, they allowed onsite registration and hand […]

Wonder why we can’t solve problems? Consider BP’s latest ad, what you heard and the word “risk”.

By Daniel Becker An ad I’ve been seeing recently aired by BP is promoting how much work they are doing to clean up the oil spill. It is designed to leave you feeling comforted that they are on top of it, they are cleaning it up in a massive effort. Say, 29 million gallons of […]

Election Story Interlude

In contrast to Mankiw’s attitude (see cactus’s post below*), my favorite election story of the year comes from Ms. Mochi_tsuki: So they started explaining to me what an absentee ballot is and how to fill one out. I pointed out that I’d spent 11 years of my adult life overseas and was very familiar with […]