Autiello: Will True Christianity Please Stand Up?
Nick Autiello, Contributor
The notion that homosexuality is a sin and un-Christian is one that is less than a hundred years old. It is wrong, and has no basis in scriptural or historical reality.
SASSO: The Coming New Year
James Sasso, Associate Editor
As the tumultuous 2011 comes down to its final day, this column could contain an obnoxious summary of the year’s extraordinary events. Rather than once again discussing the protests around the world, the death of Osama Bin Laden, Fukushima, America’s political ineptitude, Europe’s demise or the increasingly frightful weather patterns, here I attempt to predict what 2012 holds in store.
SASSO: Kicking the Can
James Sasso, Associate Editor
For one of the first times in his tenure as Speaker, John Boehner has made a statement with which every American, Republican or Democrat, should fully agree; the two-month Senate bipartisan extension of the payroll tax cut fails to fix the nation’s problems sufficiently. Providing a short-term band-aid to a long-term dilemma contradicts what a responsible government should accomplish, but fits the pattern of contemporary American politicking.
CIOCCI: A Foolish Consistency
Mitt Romney is guilty of serial hypocrisy, Newt Gingrich is guilty of being a public intellectual constantly scrutinized by the media and others, and Ron Paul never ceases to remind me about one of my favorite quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Essays: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.”
AKMAN: Jon Huntsman’s Meaningless Campaign
Josh Akman, Columnist
Jon Huntsman did not participate in the CNN Debate in Las Vegas on Tuesday night. Short of his family and small (and getting smaller) campaign staff, no one really noticed. In a bizarre and counterproductive effort to impress New Hampshire voters Huntsman skipped the debate to protest Nevada moving its caucus ahead of New Hampshire’s, which has always been the nation’s first primary. It’s bizarre because no one else skipped the debate. It’s counterproductive because right now, Jon Huntsman is polling 6% in New Hampshire.
SASSO: The 99% Rising
James Sasso
Associate Editor
For the past month a movement has grown out of Zuccoti Park in New York with the potential to grab at the very heart of America’s problems. “We are the 99%” is not simply a catchy phrase used by frustrated jobless Americans , but a commentary on the disgraceful economic inequality that has arisen in the United States since the 1970s.
PETERSON: Time to Press Refresh on Congress
Tim Peterson, Associate Editor
The first in series of posts discussing the role of politicians. They claim to be incrementalists even though their functions are reactionary; they deign to preserve rather than progress, even to the point when that which they are preserving is themselves, to our detriment.
BILBO: A Teachable Downfall
Tyler Bilbo, Columnist
In 2007, Alabama Congressman Artur Davis became the first non-Illinois politician to publically endorse Barack Obama. Longtime friends from Harvard Law School, Davis and Obama share a lot in common. As youthful black politicians whose aspirations take them beyond majority-black constituencies, the two have de-emphasized traditional minority issues for the sake of building multi-racial and politically viable coalition.
NEAL: The Party of ‘No’ Nonsense
Malik Neal, Conservative
There is something noble and necessary about saying “no” in Washington. The GOP should continue to say “no” to excessive pork barrel projects and irresponsible spending. By saying no to nonsense, the Republicans can have numerous victories in the upcoming mid-term elections. When elected the GOP must say yes to prudent policies such as advocating for smaller government, lower taxes, and responsible spending.
BILBO: Every Democrat Should be Thankful for Bill Halter
Tyler Bilbo, Yellow Dog Democrat
Blanche Lincoln’s vulnerability transcends the ideological preferences of Arkansas’s conservative electorate. For the sake of keeping Lincoln’s seat in Democratic hands, Bill Halter cannot afford to feed into an ideological dichotomy that distracts voters from Lincoln’s corrupt presence in Washington. Even if Halter does play into this liberal vs. conservative game, however, his primary will ultimately help Lincoln by making her appear more conservative in the general election.
BARON: What Progressive Strategy?
Noah Baron, Religious Progressive
I would much rather have one more moderate Democrat in the Senate and a Democratic majority than a failed progressive Democratic candidate, and no majority at all.
McCAFFREY: High Speed to Rubio 2010
Kathleen McCaffrey, Libertarian
Obama’s odd paradox of saving money amidst a record federal deficit and unnecessary high-speed rail proposals should make Marco Rubio’s job easier in 2010.
HOLLINSHEAD: A To-Do List for Obama, Dems
Kevin Hollinshead, Progressive
If an anti-reform Republican was able to win the seat of universal health care’s greatest champion, what do this November and November of 2012 hold for Democrats? Unless the Obama administration shakes things up, they’re on thin ice.
ROGERS: They Forgot Poland – Now Terrorism, Too?
Conor J Rogers, Republican
In failing to swiftly respond to the attempted Christmas bombing, Obama missed his first chance to redefine what it means to be an anti-terror Democrat.
MARIN: Stimulus Bashing – The GOP’s Best Weapon in 2010
by Paul Marin, Liberal Republican
In the context of double-digit unemployment that is unlikely to significantly decrease by election day 2010, stimulus bashing, if wielded properly, can become a potent political tool for the GOP.
ROGERS: The Best, The Worst & The Rest of the Decade in Politics
From impressive comebacks, humiliating let downs, memorable quotes and big surprises, here’s a look at some of the decades most notable people and events.
ROGERS: Obama’s Presidency Meets Dukakis – In the Tank
Obama better hope things change by 2012, or we might end up with a new President we can believe in.
BILBO: The Political Geography of ‘Palin Politics’
Sarah Palin’s unique appeal to Western and Southern voters will assist the GOP in 2010.
PANDYA: Grand Ol’ Strategies for 2010
Why the recent Republican victories do not guarantee victory in 2010 (and how they can).
Floyd: Obama’s Stake in Paterson’s Reelection
Has the President put himself and the Democrats on the political defensive in 2010 by asking New York Governor Paterson to not seek reelection?
BILBO: Senate 2010 – Not So Fast, GOP.
Despite the favorable environment, Republicans may not even net a single seat in the Senate.