The Rational Politics series is a family of posts that collectively define my point of view on the American democracy and the role of government. What follows is my bias, if you will, with no punches pulled. It is through the clear expression of my point of view that I hope to coax all of you into sharing your own. This blog will stand or fall on the diversity of its community, and the respect given by all the members towards competing points of view. Welcome to the RM!
Rational Politics Chapter One: The Government
An exploration of government, our relation to it, and the notion of democracy.
Rational Politics Chapter Two: The Federal Budget
A critical look at the federal budget and the campaign strategies related to it. This essay breaks down a candidate’s budget promises mathematically in order to demonstrate the true scale of the document.
Rational Politics Chapter Three: The Courts and Judicial Activism
An essay exploring the political notion of judicial activism and the role of the courts in our democracy.
Rational Politics Chapter Four: Our Democracy And Financial Markets
Money and power; the role of capitalism and the Street in our democracy is discussed in this essay.
Rational Politics Chapter Five: Bias, Balance, And The Media War
Political branding, notions of bias, and the absurdities of media labeling form the backbone on this essay’s look at the modern political process.
Rational Politics Chapter Six: Liberty, Terror, And Schizophrenia
This essay discusses the role fear has played in our nation’s late dismantling of personal liberties. It also looks at the cultural denial with which we the people approach the notion of freedom.
Rational Politics Chapter Seven: Energy
AN essay on the pursuit of 21st Century energy, and the cultural and commercial forces that stand in opposition.
Rational Politics Chapter Eight: The Environment
Re-framing the environmental movement in apolitical terms is a goal of this essay.
Rational Politics Chapter Nine: National Sovereignty
The concepts of American identity and immigration are discussed in this piece written in the wake of the Arizona Immigration Flap. The place of the U.S. in the world is also profiled.
Rational Politics Chapter Ten: National Security
This essay looks at defense spending and the drivers of U.S. policy.
