Many Americans are frustrated by the gridlock and lack of cooperation in Washington. Some blame Republican “obstructionists” in Congress, while others point to an insular and dysfunctional White House. There have even been attempts to lay our current troubles at the feet of James Madison, Father of the Constitution. But does it really have to … Continue reading Conflict, the Constitution, and Compromise: Six Takeaways from Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
Category: Politics
We Need More than a Strategy for ISIS
By Lauren Gillespie In what may come to be regarded as a low point in his presidency, Obama admitted at a press conference last week that “we don’t have a strategy yet” for dealing with ISIS. It’s bad enough to witness the leader of the free world golfing and fundraising while barbarians are beheading American … Continue reading We Need More than a Strategy for ISIS
Some Thoughts on Ferguson
What has been your reaction to the recent events in Ferguson, Missouri? Did you feel grief that a teenage boy was killed? Anger at the cop who pulled the trigger, the reaction of the Ferguson police, or the racism of the “system?” Did you feel frustration at the rush to judgment? Sadness at the divisions laid … Continue reading Some Thoughts on Ferguson
Answering Israel’s Critics
By Lauren Gillespie We all do things when we are fifteen that we later regret. In my case, in addition to the usual suspects, this was to draw a false moral equivalence between Israelis and Palestinians during the Second Intifada. In 2002, I wrote an op-ed for the Roanoke Times blaming leadership on both sides … Continue reading Answering Israel’s Critics
No Surprise Obama Is Checking Out
By Lauren Gillespie “The degree to which Barack Obama is now phoning it in – sleepwalking perfunctorily through his second term, amid gold rounds and dinner parties – is astonishing,” writes Matt Lewis for the British Telegraph. “The only thing that makes sense is that he is exhausted and, perhaps, has checked out of the … Continue reading No Surprise Obama Is Checking Out
We Need More Compassion, Less Government
Compassion is a term that seems to get tossed around with increased frequency these days. We are told to show compassion for Central Americans illegally crossing into the United States and Palestinians being killed by Israeli air strikes in Gaza, as well as the poor and suffering in our own communities. But what does it … Continue reading We Need More Compassion, Less Government
Claims of Compassion and Racism on Immigration Policy
It was the end of yet another long day. The final bell would ring in less than five minutes. Staving off exhaustion, I leaned back in my chair and listened to the bright young man before me describe his big plans for the future. “In a few years, I’m gonna have my own business, and … Continue reading Claims of Compassion and Racism on Immigration Policy
Why You Need to See Dinesh D’Souza’s “America”
Go see Dinesh D’Souza’s movie “America: Imagine the World without Her.” See it as soon as you can. Take your kids. Take your parents. Take your conservative and religious friends who likely already believe its message. Take your liberal and secular friends who may need more convincing. It is truly a film everyone should experience. At the end of … Continue reading Why You Need to See Dinesh D’Souza’s “America”
Your Contraception Is Your Responsibility
Women can buy houses on their own. They can purchase cars without help from their bosses. Women can grocery shop, book vacations, save for retirement, and in general run their family’s finances—as most do—without assistance from their employers. But they can’t purchase birth control on their own. At least, this is the message of Ruth … Continue reading Your Contraception Is Your Responsibility
Lessons on Honesty from Hillary
I don't often use this blog to lambast the character flaws and shortcomings of individual politicians. There are usually three good reasons to avoid this: 1. It is too easy. (See: Shooting fish in a barrel.) 2. You set yourself up for charges of hypocrisy, as no party or movement can claim a monopoly on virtuous people. 3. … Continue reading Lessons on Honesty from Hillary
The Front Porch Philosopher 