2012 is a pivotal time for the United States. The decisions we make and the actions we take in this election year and in the remainder of this decade will determine the future of America and the American dream. Some might want to call this a tipping point, a turning point or a talking point. We strongly prefer the term "pivot point." Let us explain why. In science, a tipping point is the "point in which a system is displaced from a state of stable equilibrium into a different state." A … [Read more...]
The Politics of Division and Subtraction
Much has been written over the past few years about the partisan polarization of our two major political parties. It is unquestionable that both parties have become more partisan -- one much more so than the other. We think, however, that an equally appropriate description for what is going on is "the politics of division and subtraction." That's because as the parties have polarized they have grown the divide between them and subtracted a large number of registered voters from their rolls. … [Read more...]
Bain Capitol?
Over the past few weeks, the main debate in the political arena has centered on what would it mean if Washington, D.C., became a Bain Capitol after the November elections. Would it be worse or better for job creation and the economy? The Romney campaign began the debate by claiming that Mitt Romney's experience at Bain Capital made him extremely qualified as a job creator who would be able to turn the economy around because of his business experience. The Obama campaign countered this assertion … [Read more...]
Renew America: It’s the Econometrics, Stupid!
Although they disagree on much, there is one thing on which President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican candidate for president, seem to agree. That is it is time to renew America and the American Dream. President Obama made his view explicit on his Afghanistan visit when he proclaimed, "Let us... reclaim the American dream that is at the heart of our story." The president called for unleashing innovation and creating new jobs as part of his formula for reclaiming the … [Read more...]
The Buffett Rule
It's time to invoke the Buffett Rule. That's Jimmy's, not Warren's. Let us explain why. The Buffett Rule, as put forward by President Obama, was an attempt to raise the minimum tax paid by a person earning more than a million dollars a year to a minimum of 30 percent. The president developed the rule in response to billionaire investor Warren Buffett commenting in writing andinterviews that he thought wealthy folks like him should be willing and required to pay more taxes. Three national … [Read more...]
Rush to Judgment
Rush Limbaugh has apparently apologized for his intemperate remarks regarding Sandra Fluke. Or, has he? On March 3, Mr. Limbaugh issued a formal apology to Ms. Fluke after companies such as Quicken Loans, Legal Zoom, and Citrix pulled their sponsorships and groups of citizens from across the country advocated boycotts of both the show and those who advertise on it. With his acknowledgement of misbehavior, it appears that Rush has been called to judgment. Let's freeze frame and examine why and … [Read more...]
Clash Warfare
Class warfare? Not really. What we have had over the past several months -- as frequently happens during political debates and almost always during a national election period -- is the substitution of red-hot rhetoric and hot button phrases for a meaningful discussion on the American condition and what is acceptable or unacceptable. We have had sound bites rather than substance, personal attacks rather than policy arguments, and ideology rather than ideas. While this form of "clash warfare" … [Read more...]
In Good We Trust
In God we trust. So proclaimed the United States House in November when it overwhelmingly passed a resolution to reaffirm that statement as the official motto of the United States. Congressman J. Randy Forbes, (R, VA), the resolution's sponsor, said the measure was needed because of a "disturbing trend" of ignorance regarding the motto and to "firmly declare our trust in God" as the nation faces "challenging times." This is another example of misplaced Congressional priorities and … [Read more...]
You Can’t Get There From Here
Our nation's Capitol is a misdirected place. That's true not only on a political but on an experiential level as well. Trying to drive anywhere in or around the city proves that the transportation grid is simply a reflection of the gridlock that dominates the debates or lack thereof in political circles. You can't turn left on a light -- or an issue. You can turn right -- from either side of the aisle, at any time. You can make a U-turn anywhere you want -- that's what's called Washington … [Read more...]
Occupiers or Liberators?
When the United States military invaded Iraq in 2003, many of that nation's citizens looked at and referred to them as "occupiers". We preferred to see and call ourselves "liberators." Today a group in the United States that labels itself "occupiers" has taken up temporary residence on Wall Street and major streets in other cities across the country. In our opinion, these so-called occupiers also deserve the appellation "liberators". Unlike our military, this rag tag army is a motley crew. … [Read more...]