The Outstater: ‘An Age of Envy’
(For the use of the membership only) “The envious man thinks that if his neighbor breaks a leg, he will be able to walk better himself.” — Austrian folk saying “Just saying . . .” This was an urban phrase for a few seasons. Its meaning evolved into an expression of willingness to think outside, Read the full article…
Schansberg: The ‘Cliffs’ in Two Parts
by ERIC SCHANSBERG, Ph.D. Part I (762 words) As the daily headlines attest, President Obama has some crucial business with this “lame-duck” session of Congress before he begins his second term. Because of temporary tax cuts, previous budget deals and procrastination in dealing with the debt, the country now faces a “fiscal cliff” on New Read the full article…
Neal: Lincoln Film Portrays the Politics of Principle
For release Dec. 5 and thereafter (650 words) by Andrea Neal Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln couldn’t have come out at a better time. With congressional leaders hunkered down in fiscal-cliff negotiations, the film offers a useful example of politics based on principle. Lincoln did what was necessary to achieve his goals of saving the union and Read the full article…
Schansberg: ‘The Other America’ Is ‘Coming Apart’
For the use of the membership only by Eric Schansberg Published 50 years ago, Michael Harrington’s The Other America provided a sweeping description of poverty in the United States. His book is given credit for awakening the nation to the plight of the poor and forwarding the idea that the federal government should become heavily Read the full article…
Bohanon: Now to Tax You ‘Rich’ With Minimal Hissing
by Cecil Bohanon, Ph.D. The 17-century French finance minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert is reported to have said “the art of taxation is plucking the feathers from the goose with as little hissing as possible.” With this in mind consider a “rich” taxpayer that we’d like to pluck “just a little bit more.” Let’s set up a shill Read the full article…
Neal: Voters Didn’t Renounce Education Reform
For release Nov. 21 and thereafter (668 words) by Andrea Neal It’s ludicrous to equate Tony Bennett’s defeat in the school superintendent’s race with public rejection of a school reform agenda, as many in the education bureaucracy are trying to do. The public wants better schools, which is why Glenda Ritz, the teacher-Democrat who upset Mr. Read the full article…
