Morris: Yes, Politics Is a Joke
by Leo Morris In preparation for the upcoming general election, how about an awful political joke? What’s the definition of a presidential pork sandwich? Answer: a slab of Benjamin Harrison between two slices of Grover Cleveland. OK, you were warned it was awful. But, consider a little background, which has the added benefit of explaining Read the full article…
The Outstater
At Last, a Law for our Times A FRIEND THIS WEEK introduced me to Brandolini’s Law, known on the Internet as “the bullshit asymmetry principle.” First, though, some background. Many years ago the foundation had the good fortune to commission a brilliant woman, a nationally known economist. We asked her to analyze the budget submitted that year by Read the full article…
McGowan: ESG Investing, Virtue and Policy
by Richard McGowan, Ph.D. My wife and I often disagree on political issues. She tends toward Aristotelian thought and toward Platonic thought. Aristotle’s book, “Politics,” analyzes structures of government and argues for a democracy, more or less. Plato’s dialogue, “The Republic,” stresses the character of those who would rule. The dialogue concludes by opposing “the Read the full article…
Franke: The Blame Game as National Pastime
by Mark Franke So what do you think about . . .? Before you even finish the question, expect to hear a litany on everything that is wrong with our country and who is to blame. Granted, there are a lot of things going wrong these days as we geezers are well aware. It just Read the full article…
The Outstater
Public-Private Cronyism IF YOU QUESTION the shedload of economic-development projects in your city, you are a bad citizen, a naysayer. We are guilty, of course. The president of our local redevelopment commission said as much recently, publicly rebuking our city councilman. The councilman, a former banker, had dared wonder if all the fiscal work-arounds designed to win a council majority Read the full article…
Morris: Thoughts on a Mayor’s DWI Arrest
by Leo Morris Here’s how it happens. You have a drink with your meal at a favorite restaurant, then drive home with no problem. Then, sometime later, you’re at another restaurant, and you think, well, one drink was no problem. What can be wrong with two drinks? And if you can drive safely with two Read the full article…
