I was a strong supporter of Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election. I promoted his supply side economic message (Reaganomics) especially aggressively. I made speeches to anyone who would listen about its absolute brilliance. I presented “proof” that demonstrated graphically how reducing taxes on the wealthy and corporations, combined with free international trade, would unleash previously unimaginable economic growth. That in turn would raise the living standards of the middle class and bring in substantially more federal revenue than the higher tax rates then in effect. I could not even imagine how anyone could not see the wisdom of what Reagan was proposing.
Author: Mark
I Worry About the Health of Our Democracy
I recently received two Facebook posts blaming President Clinton for Trump’s hard line separation of immigrant families. I replied to both senders that the posts themselves were dishonest hate literature intentionally misrepresenting the truth. In response one of the senders accused me of being a socialist. Not sure exactly how he drew that correlation but it is a perfect example of trying to shift the debate from facts to political bias. Regardless, I decided to outline some of my real fears and frustration with Trump specifically and the Republican Party more generally in this and two companion blog posts.
Where’re the Immigration and Healthcare Plans??
We desperately need a moderate and rational leader to win the Presidency in 2020. The destruction, both economic and diplomatic, already done to America’s international leadership by President Trump will take a generation to repair. We have equally pressing problems to solve here at home while the president stokes racist, white supremacist, and anti-immigrant hate to keep us divided.
Carry a Gun in Ohio With No Firearms Training!!
We all know that insanity pervades the Trump Administration. But now it’s obvious state government is infected as well. Ohio case in point:
Amy Klobuchar for President
My comments in this post are relative to the field of potential Democratic presidential candidates. It is clear that short of some catastrophic event or much more insane and/or authoritarian behavior than we have already seen, the Republicans will nominate and the Russians will support Donald Trump for re-election.
America’s Democracy is at a Crossroad
Over the Memorial Day weekend I spent a lot of time contemplating the history and future of our country. Reflecting on the current reality left me feeling very uneasy. The world order seems to be breaking down. Radical populists are gaining strength on both extremes but especially on the right side of the political spectrum. And just when American leadership is needed most, the US is withdrawing from the stabilizing role it has played since World War II.
Trump’s Trade War With China
I was distressed to hear Senator Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader in the Senate, encourage President Trump to continue his trade war with China. I had thought Schumer was smart and sincere. It makes me wonder if the Democrats are any more fit to govern than the Republicans. I share his and Trump’s desire to hold China accountable for unfair trade practices. But in his heart-of-hearts Schumer must know that Trump’s is an insane strategy for achieving that objective.
Trump’s New Threat to World Peace
Sadly, it seems the US is preparing for yet another war, this time with Iran. The Trump Administration has turned up the rhetoric in the past couple of weeks about a developing military threat from Iran, has ordered State Department people out of Iraq, and dispatched a carrier group and air wing to the Middle-East.
Book Reviews
A few weeks ago I met a new friend. As we discussed books over lunch I told him that I had begun to write brief summaries of the key elements of the books I read. My intent is to occasionally review my summaries to refresh my memory of the volumes.
Kavanaugh will be Confirmed for the Supreme Court
Though I desperately want to be wrong, I predict: Professor Christine Blasey Ford will testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday morning about sexual assault on her person; Judge Kavanaugh will then be confirmed for the Supreme Court by the Senate majority that same afternoon, or Friday at the latest. It will matter little what Professor Ford says. Republican Senators clearly have no interest in truth, only confirmation.
Black, White, or Gray?? 