(Part 1 of a 4-part series) America was conceived as a country of limited government. We rejected monarchy and authoritarian rule, and instead chose to distribute power among three branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Our Constitution also established a set of checks and balances to ensure that each branch stays within its…
(Part 2 of a 4-part series) In this article we focus on proposals from Trump and the conservatives that give rise to concerns about dictatorial and authoritarian rule. We’ll touch on why Republicans view the proposals as necessary to correct for abuses of the Left and an out-of-control federal government. Then, after enumerating the major…
(Part 3 of a 4-part series) Part 2 of this series explores the Right’s recommendations to expand presidential powers. The analysis reveals that many of these proposals are dictatorial or authoritarian in nature. Several also conflict with the Constitution. And, finally, if implemented, they will threaten our democracy. Trump and the Republicans maintain that increased…
(Part 4 of a 4-part series) In this series we explore recommendations from the Right seeking to expand presidential power in the direction of dictatorial rule. This gambit is the latest in an escalation of tactics designed to win elections and seize control of policymaking. Our country has devolved from one where political parties work…
Republicans and the conservative media began blaming Joe Biden for skyrocketing inflation and gas prices just a few months into his presidency. Who doesn’t recall the incessant rebukes for creating the “highest inflation in 40 years” and gas prices in excess of $5 per gallon? Republicans point to excessive spending by Biden and the Democrats…
The news these days is rife with stories about officials being accused of “weaponizing” the federal government for political purposes. Ironically, most of these stories have their genesis in hyper-partisan politics. For example, here is what House Speaker Kevin McCarthy had to say about the Department of Justice (DOJ): “If you are the president’s leading political…
Make no mistake—the fentanyl epidemic in the United States is a problem that is real, serious, and getting worse over time. Given the hyper-partisan approach that dominates America’s policymaking, Republicans have placed primary blame on Joe Biden and the Democrats. Today we’ll apply some research and analysis to gain a deeper understanding of the fentanyl…
In prior posts I have lamented that America is deeply divided, exploring in particular how the media has exacerbated the problem. I have concluded that our current situation is a “no win” not only for the country, but also for Republicans, Democrats, and citizens in general. I promised to explore what we need to do…
I believe that the way we practice politics in this country is a major reason why Americans are divided, angry, and frustrated. What I dub as the “hyper-partisan, blame game rubric” has, in recent years, become the predominant way we make policy and govern. The harm goes beyond sewing division and anger, as our elected…