Our values are at the core of how we make decisions and navigate our world; they allow us to interpret events at the most fundamental human levels. They are not means to an end; they are ends in themselves. In politics it is through our values that we understand the…
David Heifetz
To many, it might seem like the battle is over. After all, having just ridden voters’ fears about a poor economy and the enthusiasm of a grassroots conservative movement into the House majority, it might seem like mission accomplished. The second half of the story, the more important half, however,…
One of the most honest messages I have been told was by a campaign manager for whom I was volunteering a few years ago. He asked me if I was majoring in Political Science. I answered yes, and he responded with a chuckle, telling me, “there’s no such thing.” I…
The major debate today, as it has really always been in American politics, is about the proper size of government. I’m not causing any earthquakes with that statement. However, the right’s success at perpetuating the lie of a secret socialist takeover makes it exceptionally relevant today. The core philosophical questions…
I did it; I finally took the plunge. I couldn’t get past the guilt, the feeling of hypocrisy. After all, how can you criticize someone if you’ve never given him a real chance? Like many, I have long criticized Glenn Beck. He’s an extremist, encourages division, misinforms, and is inspiring…
Among the most popular diatribes against politics today are those about the corruption of Washington, and the damning influence of money in all things politics, be they elections, legislation, appointments, or judicial decisions. So called straight talkers on TV love having conversations about Washington dysfunction, all of which inevitably circle…
Are we really going to do this again? Can we really afford to fall victim to the same tribalistic tendencies? Is there no one that can stand up and say something? Over the month of August, as a result of the right-wing media’s blatant race baiting and Islamophobia, the story…
For the last two years, in rhetoric and action, Washington has been strangely complacent in the face of crisis. The country has faced a stubbornly high unemployment rate, and a significantly worse underemployment rate, yet the government’s responses have suggested we are facing nothing of such magnitude. From an economic…
If you had told me in January of 2009 that as a result of Barack Obama’s election, there would be a huge group of newly engaged citizens, I would have been thrilled. A whole group of people is sick and tired of feeling not heard by Washington, you might have…
To my dear graduating friends, Every single one of you is uniquely capable of changing the world; do not ever let anyone tell you otherwise. You will graduate with lofty goals, with images of a better world only possible with your help. And let me tell you that the world…