Posted October 03, 2024in Morain
Most Americans believe in democracy – or say they do. The United States operates as a representative democracy. That means we elect leaders to do the work of governing, and we get to vote for those offices on a regular basis. If we like what our leaders are doing, we’re
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Posted September 26, 2024in Morain
This is a nostalgia column. When you’re 83, you’re allowed some nostalgia, provided you can remember what you’re nostalgic about. And that it has some relevance to the current moment. (See conclusion.) I’ve been thinking about the late Bob Ray, Governor of Iowa from 1969 to 1983. He was the
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Posted September 19, 2024in Morain
I’ve been muddling through some thoughts about national politics after the November 5 election. I will no doubt have more, but this week I have one for each party. FOR REPUBLICANS: Presidential candidate Donald Trump is already strongly suggesting that if he loses to Kamala Harris, it will be
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Posted September 12, 2024in Morain
The fatal school shootings in Perry in early January took place eight months ago. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has concluded its investigation of the tragic incident and turned it over to Dallas County Attorney Jeannine Ritchie. Ritchie refuses to make the report’s findings public. That choice deprives
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Posted August 22, 2024in Morain
Republicans, who control the Iowa House, the Iowa Senate, and the Iowa governorship, make no secret of their intent to entirely eliminate the state’s income tax. It probably won’t happen this coming year or the next, but the plan is now on a glide path. If the Iowa GOP remains
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Posted August 15, 2024in Morain
Did the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Trump v. United States hold that American Presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for all actions they take while in office? No. But it certainly has made it difficult for a prosecutor to prove a criminal case against a President. The decision
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Posted August 08, 2024in Morain
During the “Progressive Period” in American history—two decades or so, from roughly 1896 until 1917—a number of states adopted the “initiative” and “referendum” as part of the way their governments operated. Many of those states were in the American West. Iowa was not among them. What would it be like
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Posted August 01, 2024in Morain
Question: When is a bribe not a bribe, but a thank-you gift? Answer: When it’s paid after the fact, not before. So says the U.S. Supreme Court. Here’s the setup: In 2012 James Snyder, who had big debts and was behind on his taxes, was elected mayor of Portage, Indiana.
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Posted July 25, 2024in Morain
American government officials and political players regularly declare something to be “unacceptable.” Russia’s attack on Ukraine is unacceptable. Hamas’ attack on Israel is unacceptable. Israel’s killing of 38,000 Gaza residents is unacceptable. China’s threats against Taiwan are unacceptable. Mass killings in the United States are unacceptable. Attacks on American political
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Posted July 18, 2024in Morain
You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, Know when to fold ‘em, Know when to walk away, And know when to run. ——Kenny Rogers, “The Gambler” “The Gambler” should be the current theme song of the Joe Biden campaign. “Know when to walk away, and know when to run”:
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