Franke: The Warts of Democracy
The Warts of Democracy by Mark Franke Is the United States a democracy? According to a strict definition of the term, the answer is “no.” Citizens don’t vote on proposed legislation, with the exception of infrequent ballot initiatives and perhaps in some small New England towns. We vote for people to represent us when they Read the full article…
Zoom Meeting
WE ARE PUTTING TOGETHER a group to think about campaigning, both political and civic. We call it “Foothold,” and your participation in an upcoming Zoom meeting is important. As you know, the electorate is roiling, especially at the local level and within the Republican Party. There is doubt that the old campaign rules apply. The consultants we know Read the full article…
The Outstater
Argument by Emotion REGULAR READERS KNOW that last year this page banned the use of “hypocrisy,” a perfectly innocent word of the most respectable Greek origin. Why? This generation of politicians has rendered it meaningless. Our work, however, is not done. We on the copy desk of life are trying mightily to eliminate what grammarians call “modal verbs.” Read the full article…
Morris: Tracking ‘the Big Lie’
by Leo Morris All this mindless partisan taunting across the political divide really is becoming tiresome, isn’t it? If there is a hint of fresh air in the garbage heap known as social media, it is the occasional sign that the snarkers themselves might wearying of the game. Consider the recent Big Lie goof by Read the full article…
The Outstater
Squaring the Roundabout THE ROUNDABOUT, a traffic design to control intersections, is being used more frequently here these days. Yes, they are stylish. Paris has had roundabouts for a long time but they were originally incorporated into the city’s spoke-and-wheel street design so that Napoleon could better position his cannons to level any crowds of unhappy Read the full article…
Schansberg: Be Careful Assessing Abortion Law
by Eric Schansberg, Ph.D. Ball State economist Michael Hicks recently wrote an op-ed expressing concern about the economic impact of Indiana’s new restrictions on abortion — particularly on colleges and businesses. He predicts “far fewer” students from a “substantial decline” in out-of-state students and a reduction of in-state students — as well as “fraught disadvantages” Read the full article…
