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.
HOLLINSHEAD: The Consequences of Congressional Term Limits
Kevin Hollinshead, Columnist
Proponents of term limits want to take the easy way out by essentially outsourcing their ability to oust incumbents (read: giving up power). Yet, every American eligible to vote has the opportunity to turn this system around. In the end, it’s on us.
RUSHFORD: No Taxes for Old (Wealthy) Men
Stephanie Rushford, Columnist
The deficit is a real concern for many fiscal conservatives of all political parties, but many Republicans, like Senator Kyl, are not making the tough choices to eradicate the national debt. If Congress wants to truly balance the budget, then they must forget about November and start making painful cuts to spending.
BILBO: Arizona, BP and a Golden Opportunity for the GOP
Tyler Bilbo, Columnist
Can the GOP accomplish the herculean task of reclaiming the House and the Senate? Thanks to Obama’s failure to intensify Democrats, it’s looking like they can.
HOLLINSHEAD: Michael Steele Puts RNC in a Bind
Kevin Hollinshead, Columnist
With his latest erroneous comments about the war in Afghanistan, RNC chair Michael Steele has put his party in a tight spot…again. How swiftly should the GOP give him the boot?
LIFSON: Republicans Make the Center a Moving Target
Matthew Lifson, Columnist
If Democrats want moderate bills, they must make liberal arguments and then move to the center only though debate and negotiations. Otherwise, Republicans will just continue to choose new, more conservative positions and move the center with them.
BILBO: The Rise of the “P” Word
Tyler Bilbo, Columnist
As Democrats sit idle, Glenn Beck and the right have turned a neutralizing political label into a pejorative.
THERRIAULT: GOP Opts for a Small Tent
Patrick Therriault, Columnist
As the GOP succumbs to Western Republicanism, Northeastern Republicans may be tempted — or pushed — to join the Democratic Party this fall as it seeks voters to maintain its majorities in Congress.
HOLLINSHEAD: Another Day, Another One-Sided Compromise
Kevin Hollinshead, Contributor
President Obama understands that the only realistic solution to illegal immigration is a comprehensive overhaul that supplements border security measures with a crackdown on illegal hiring and exploitative employers, a requirement that illegal immigrants come forward and meet certain requirements in order to work towards citizenship, and reforms of our legal immigration system going forward. But why, then, does his administration keep following the same failed approach of making unmatched concessions to Republicans and expect a different result?
HOLLINSHEAD: The GOP’s Delusional Quest to Repeal Health Care Reform
Kevin Hollinshead, Progressive
Republicans seem convinced that health care reform, now law, is only temporary. They’re now trying to fire up their base with “plans” for repealing the bill should they regain majorities in both houses of Congress this fall. But such a dream is only a far-fetched fantasy.
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.
BARON: A History Primer for Republicans
Noah Baron, Religious Progressive
Lately, many prominent Republicans have been pretending that the events of September 11, 2001 either didn’t happen, or did not happen during the Bush administration. Sounds like these folks need a brief lesson in recent history.
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.
PANDYA: Is 2012 ‘In Rogue’?
Sarah Palin might get the nomination in 2012, but chances of her winning are very low
BILBO: The Political Geography of ‘Palin Politics’
Sarah Palin’s unique appeal to Western and Southern voters will assist the GOP in 2010.