Few aspects of American politics are as ridiculous and dangerous as the right-wing urge to substitute macho posturing for foreign policy. That irrepressible habit surfaces constantly now that President Obama is in the Oval Office, most recently when he shook hands with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez at the Summit of the Americas, a smiling moment Read More
If President Barack Obama’s response to the economic crisis is imperfect, as he acknowledges, and if the Congressional Democrats leave much to be desired as well, then Americans can at least be thankful that the nation’s fate has not been consigned to the frozen minds on the other side of the aisle. Things are bad, Read More
Once upon a time, our conservatives liked to say that “ideas matter.” They attributed this pithy slogan to their idol Ayn Rand, venerated author of Atlas Shrugged and The Virtue of Selfishness, and they tried to live by it, generating books, papers and legislative proposals by the dozen. Although many of their theories later proved Read More
Once upon a time, our conservatives liked to say that “ideas matter.” They attributed this pithy slogan to their idol Ayn Rand, venerated author of Atlas Shrugged and The Virtue of Selfishness, and they tried to live by it, generating books, papers, and legislative proposals by the dozen. Although many of their Read More
At the brink of global ruin, many Americans suddenly seem willing to consider sensible ideas that were always deemed unthinkable, and to reject foolish notions that were once deemed brilliant. Soon we may be mature enough to observe how other developed countries solved problems that have baffled us for generations.
Nationalizing major Read More
At the brink of global ruin, many Americans suddenly seem willing to consider sensible ideas that were always deemed unthinkable, and to reject foolish notions that were once deemed brilliant. Soon we may be mature enough to observe how other developed countries solved problems that have baffled us for generations.
Nationalizing Read More
With President Obama’s signature affixed to the economic stimulus bill, his landmark victory can be put in proper political context. Regardless of that bill’s manifest imperfections and the messy legislative process, the new administration achieved a difficult objective on the tightest possible schedule. His Republican opponents congratulate themselves for remaining unified in defeat and whine Read More
Having allowed his Republican opponents to dominate the economic debate for two weeks as his stimulus proposal languished, President Obama used his first news conference to rebut them—coolly and civilly, yet without leaving any doubt that he can strike back harder if necessary. He drew the lines that had to be drawn, calling out the Read More
Ignorance and mythology are out-shouting facts and wisdom in public discussion of President Barack Obama’s plan to stimulate the depressed economy. Excessive airtime is devoted to the prejudices of cable hosts and radio personalities who regurgitate ideas they barely understand and who haven’t entertained an original thought since the Reagan era. Urgent action that could Read More
DAVOS – Within days of Hillary Clinton’s confirmation as secretary of state, her husband already appears to be applying his skills and connections in the service of the new administration’s diplomacy.
Upon arriving here on Wednesday afternoon, he conducted a series of quiet meetings with foreign leaders that culminated in an intense late-night discussion with Read More
