Passionate political partisans and political analysts who do not mince words and take no prisoners. However, unlike their cable television and radio talk show counterparts, these political anaylsyst state their case in a straightforward, unabashedly journalistic commentary that speaks to Americans. Well articulated debate that informs gives readers -- frustrated by politics-as-usual, radio talk show hosts and cable television outlets -- a political perspective from all sides http://www.ihavenet.com/politics.html http://www.ihavenet.com/images/newlook_logo.gif http://www.ihavenet.com/politics.html Want to find out what is happening in Politics and Society. Check out iHaveNet.com for social and political commentary 127 50 If you are Exxon Mobil, Verizon or General Electric, chances are filing taxes over the past few years has been significantly less painful than for the average American http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Companies-Save-Big-On-Corporate-Taxes-With-the-Help-of-Lobbyists-USN.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST We're now celebrating the first anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden and arguing whether President Obama, who gave the order, deserves political credit for it http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Bin-Laden-Killing-Happy-Anniversary-or-Partisan-Boasting-JW.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST If there's one thing political strategists fear and detest, it's losing control of the message of their campaign. That's why the current super PACs that are the rage his year are at best a mixed blessing for the candidates http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Losing-Control-of-the-Message-to-Super-PACs-JW.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST With the Supreme Court taking up Arizona's 'show me your papers' immigration law, we're once again thrust into a useful debate over the role of the government and the obligations of the citizen -- and non-citizen http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Arizona-Immigration-Law-My-Papers-No-Thank-You-JG.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST We can thank inequality for America's inadequate -- and increasingly unsafe -- basic infrastructure http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Pothole-Nation-OW.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST So far your election strategy can best be summed up as: 'We're on the right track, my economic policies are working, we still have a long way to go, but stick with me and you'll be fine.' I'm afraid this won't be enough to win you the election http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Obama-Why-Being-On-The-Right-Track-Is-not-Enough-RR.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST There are places where basic food, shelter, health care, and good schools are available to everyone, but not here in the United States http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-Poor-as-Collateral-Damage-OW.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST Keeping interest rates low on student loans is a good thing, but it does not answer the real question: How do we make college or advanced training affordable for the young? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-Real-Deal-About-College-Costs-JJ.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST The damage Santorum inflicted on the GOP brand in the process leaves Romney leading a divided party in which he remains an uncomfortable fit http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Damage-to-the-Republican-Brand-JW.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST The only change the Supreme Court's majority believes in is change that takes us back to the 18th century http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Supreme-Court-and-The-Freedom-to-Fear-OW.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST As Mitt Romney continued to build his delegate count, his new campaign slogan proclaimed: 'A better America begins tonight.' The message seemed to announce that the November election was all but over http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Mitt-Romney-and-his-Presumption-JW.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST Mitt Romney's choice of a Reagan administration relic for judicial guidance offers a scary glimpse of his plans for America http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Mitt-Romney-Borking-Strategy-OW.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST Robert Bork is Romney's pick to co-chair his presidential campaign advisory committee on the law, the Constitution and the judiciary. Bork is one scary choice as a presidential adviser http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Mitt-Romney-Courts-the-Right-Threatens-Equality-with-Robert-Bork-RB.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST Like ugly on a hog, Mitt Romney just can't hide the depth of his personal wealth http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Mitt-Romney-The-GOP-Money-Man-OW.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST The question remains as to why so much doubt lingers about Mitt Romney. A central concern seems to be that he's just too rich to understand the problems of the rest of us http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Mitt-Romney-The-Curse-of-Romney-Wealth-and-Millions-JW.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST A novel aspect of the Republican campaign for the party's presidential nomination has been the importance placed by some candidates, their admirers and some voters on the Catholic religion http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Catholicism-and-the-GOP-An-Awkward-Tangoe-WP.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST It was going to happen anyway, but Mitt Romney's wealth doubly assures that this year's presidential campaign will see a return in spades to good old 'class warfare' http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Mitt-Romney-More-Class-Warfare-to-Come-in-Presidential-Campaign-JW.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST Mitt Romney could challenge the country to look deep inside its Puritan DNA and rediscover the principle of the three L's: limited government, liberty, and living within our means. Give 'em 'L,' Mitt! http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Mitt-Romney-Give-them-L-Mitt-CT.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST The trick for Romney isn't to pander to young voters. He'll never beat Obama and the Democrats at that game. But Romney can turn things to his advantage http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Mitt-Romney-In-Battle-for-Young-Voters-Romney-Should-Play-It-Uncool-JG.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST Marco Rubio is on the wrong side of too many issues that matter to Latinos http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Marco-Rubio-False-Promise-OW.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST Marco Rubio, Florida Republicans' golden politician, has served as the state's Junior Republican Senator. Born into a Cuban immigrant family, Rubio himself has weighed in with his opinion on the immigration reform issue http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Marco-Rubio-Walks-on-Eggs-Not-Water-COHA.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST Mitt Romney has ample time to consider his options for a running mate, and to make a responsible choice. However, that doesn't guarantee that he will do so http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Mitt-Romney-Taking-His-Measure-JW.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST As the campaign year heats up, the politics of umbrage already is in full swing. But some offenses are worth getting outraged about more than others http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Redbait-and-Switch-An-Arms-Race-of-Outrage-CP.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST Just as President Barack Obama's campaign was enjoying a big favorability advantage with women, a prominent female ally tripped over an old unwritten rule: Lay off your opponent's kinfolk http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Drafted-into-the-Mommy-Wars-CP.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST We trot out flowers and overdone pancakes every Mother's Day, but the truth is we don't value our mothers enough http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-War-on-Mommies-OW.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST Virtually everything said and done in a presidential election year distorts the truth, much like concave and convex mirrors in a carnival attraction alter one's true reflection http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Latest-Salvo-Fired-in-Mommy-Wars-CT.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST The Romney campaign smartly pounced on Rosen's comments as a way to turn the tables on the Obama campaign http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Mommy-Wars-Issues-vs-Distractions-JG.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST Too bad Santorum decided to suspend his campaign. If he had followed up on calling Obama a 'snob' for encouraging students, he might have exposed the conservative war on the young http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-The-Republican-War-on-the-Young-JJ.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST The simple fact is that Obama is the stay-the-course candidate stuck with a team, a record and an economy ill-suited for a stay-the-course strategy http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Obamas-Problem-His-Record-JG.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST Administration meltdowns are hardly novel. In almost every presidency there comes a moment when sheer chaos takes hold, whether self-induced or as a result of an outside crisis http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/When-Administrations-Implode-VDH.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST In a new twist on stimulus spending, the government's General Services Administration laid out more than $822,000 for a rocking mega-party at a gambling resort near Las Vegas http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Stimulus-Spending-for-Party-Animals-CH.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST The 'Buffett rule' policy is not a serious policy initiative designed to solve an actual problem, but is the worst type of political ploy http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Buffet-Rule-Is-a-Hypocritical-Political-Ploy-USN.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST It is a national disgrace that millionaires pay effective income tax rates substantially lower than middle class taxpayers do http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Buffet-Rule-Moves-Us-in-the-Right-Direction-USN.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST The irrelevance and incompetence of the American vice president is enjoying a rerun. In the new HBO comedy series, Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays Selina Meyer, the well-meaning airhead of a fictional administration http://www.ihavenet.com/Television-Veep-Entertains-But-Does-not-Hold-Mirror-to-Reality-of-Office.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST A work environment where relatively few people do astoundingly well while everyone else worries that their economic lifeline could be pulled away at the next downturn is not a solid foundation for long-term, broadly shared prosperity or human fulfillment http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Worker-First-Philosophy-All-Too-Rare-RB.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST It is a good day for working-stiff schadenfreude when top executives at Citigroup are told by company shareholders that they don't deserve millions of dollars in compensation. Hurray for the 99 percent http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Say-on-Pay-Votes-Battle-Back-Against-Income-Inequalities-RB.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST The nation faces two giant deficits. Unless the rich pay their fair share of taxes, both will only become worse http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Why-Fairness-is-Essential-for-the-Economy-Economic-Growth-RR.html Wed, 9 May 2012 09:55:00 EST Families and small businesses pick up the tab for egregious tax loopholes exploited by corporations http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/How-Everyone-Else-Pays-for-Big-Business-Tax-Breaks-USN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Citizens United and super PACs have had an ugly effect on this election, but they may be the evil of two lessers http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/No-Easy-Solutions-for-Big-Money-in-Politics-USN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST For all their sins of ineptitude, infighting, cynicism, and even occasional name calling, it is not the Democrats who have gone off the ideological deep end http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/GOP-That-Great-Enemy-of-Reasonn-LPJ.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Mitt Romney may end up out of luck if economic news continues to stay positive http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Mitt-Romney-Presidential-Run-in-Peril-if-Economy-Keeps-Improving-USN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Mitt Romney's trying to talk his way out of his gender gap, but, take it from me, women like guys who listen. My wife told me that http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Mitt-Romney-Woman-Woes-CP.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Recent polls show Barack Obama growing his lead over Mitt Romney among swing state female voters http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Can-Republicans-Regain-Women-Voters-USN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Some very good news for President Obama out of a recent USA Today/Gallup poll: Independent voters in 12 key swing states prefer him to Mitt Romney http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Independent-Ladies-Pick-President-Obama-USN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Women are concerned with Obama's handling of the budget deficit and healthcare--issues the GOP can win http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Republicans-Can-Close-the-Gender-Gap-With-the-Economy-USN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST In his Wisconsin victory speech, Mitt Romney said, 'Washington has to become an ally of business, not the opposition of business.' This to me is a more worrisome statement than his advisor's Etch A Sketches gaffe http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Free-The-Markets-Mitt-Romney-JG.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST In order to win the presidential election in November, both Republican front-runner Mitt Romney and President Obama must answer the same question: How do they connect with working class voters? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Obama-and-Romney-Struggling-With-Working-Class-Voters-USN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Mitt Romney addresses newspaper group and sets his sights on the general election http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Mitt-Romney-Turns-Attention-to-Contrasts-With-President-Obama-USN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST With Mitt Romney now confident enough of the Republican nomination that he can turn his focus against President Obama, the guessing game on selection of a running mate is already in full swing http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-The-Mitt-Romney-Veepstakes-Begin-JW.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST The GOP is launching its secret weapon. The one with an ethnic persona and an assumed comfort level with a coveted demographic, along with boyish good looks and tea party credentials for added charm. Good luck, Marco Rubio. You will need it http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Tool-or-Hero-What-Role-Will-Marco-Rubio-Play-MS.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Call me a cynic, but it's been my experience that when politicians say they're going to lower your taxes, it's not your taxes they're talking about http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Paul-Ryan-Chairman-of-the-Con-Man-Committee-OW.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Of all the hot air in Washington, Paul Ryan's hackneyed Medicare scare is the hottest http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Paul-Ryan-Medicare-Hot-Air-OW.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST We're a diverse nation of many religions and each has the same rights as any other group, including the right to be left alone http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Republicans-Grand-Old-Pedagogy-OW.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Are there no limits on government's power, no place where it cannot go? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/For-New-York-City-Government-No-Limits-CT.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Timing is everything. Even when it comes to solving the nation's biggest and most daunting problem -- fixing the looming debt crisis, which has been a black cloud over the economy http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Parties-Begin-Staking-Out-Ground-For-a-Budget-Deal-USN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST It's time for wealthy people like me to become more responsible and pay our fair share of taxes. http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Rich-Freeloaders-OW.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST The author of Pity the Billionaire discusses Rick Santorum as class warrior, the appeal of Occupy Wall Street, and the Republican Party's road to the right http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obama-Will-Not-Stand-Up-for-His-Party-Politics-USN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Withdrawal rules provide big tax breaks to the retirees who need them the least http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/How-the-Rich-Welch-on-Retirement-Taxes-OW.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST The 'job creators' that House Speaker John Boehner doesn't want to tax aren't creating many jobs http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Invoking-Fake-Job-Creators-to-Cut-Taxes-on-the-Rich-OW.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Brace yourself, for this really is a shocker: Wall Street bonus payments are down http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Down-and-Out-on-Wall-Street-OW.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST In 2008, a mostly unknown Barack Obama ran for president on an inclusive agenda of 'hope and change.' Four years later, none of those promises will be themes of his 2012 re-election campaign http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Enemies-of-the-People-VDH.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST In the coming weeks, millions of Americans will take to the streets as part of the '99 percent spring,' echoing last year's 'Arab Spring' http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-99-Percent-Spring-OW.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Luxury retailers are smiling. So are sellers of upscale cars and personal coaches. For them and their clients the recession is over. But the rest of America isn't enjoying an economic recovery http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/The-Most-Lopsided-Economic-Recovery-On-Record-RR.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Aside from the numbers, what has it been like to experience the Massachusetts health care system since 2006? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Massachusetts-Health-Care-Reform-from-the-Front-Lines-AHN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST With a bit of political jujitsu, President Obama could turn a potential health care defeat into a victory for a single-payer health care system -- Medicare for all http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Health-Care-Jujitsu-Medicare-for-All-RR.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Mitt Romney will run an ideological campaign calling for smaller government and fewer taxes against an equally ideological President Obama, who wants more government and higher taxes http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Freedom-or-Fairness-in-2012-VDH.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Obama still says he's in favor of an all-of-the-above energy policy, but that hasn't slowed him down in his pursuit of his very-few-of-the-above policy http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Obama-Energy-Policy-Very-Few-of-the-Above-JG.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST In times like these, they soon might prefer even an oilman in the White House to an ideologue whose opposition to new oil development seems more religious than empirically based http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Obama-Faith-Based-Energy-Policy-VDH.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Politicians of both parties have occasionally suffered from open-mic syndrome, saying something when they thought the microphone was turned off they wished had not been made public http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Obama-Unleashed-CT.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST To ensure long term prosperity, Obama needs to be smarter about tax cuts, stimulus spending, and his rhetoric towards business http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Five-Economic-Mistakes-Obama-is-Making-USN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Many American kids are getting a fine education these days, but plenty more are stuck with lousy schools. This disparity shouldn't come as a shock http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Better-Public-Schools-Require-a-Stronger-Safety-Net-OW.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Government policies and spending primarily support industrialized agriculture and the giant farms and corporations that profit from it http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Catching-up-to-the-Local-Food-Revolution-OW.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Undocumented immigrants consistently contribute to the government's coffers through payroll, sales, property, and income taxes http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Taxation-without-Representation-Undocumented-Immigrants-OW.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST A Congressional hearing to discuss new illegal detainee standards turned into a heated partisan argument http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Partisanship-Bickering-Hangs-Over-Immigration-Hearing-USN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST The contraceptive mandate is uniting people of all religious and political stripes against Obama's ever expanding government http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Women-Agree-With-the-GOP-on-Birth-Control-USN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Some accuse Barack Obama of challenging Supreme Court authority in his comments on its ruling on his healthcare law http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Has-Obama-Gone-Too-Far-in-His-Rhetoric-About-the-Supreme-Court-USN.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Given that North America in general and the United States in particular might soon be completely autonomous in natural gas production and within a decade without much need of imported oil, life as we have known it for nearly the last half-century would change radically http://www.ihavenet.com/World-The-Second-Oil-Revolution-VDH.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Is the United States in decline? You would certainly think so from the new books written by determined neo-conservatives resisting indictment for complicity in causing the decline http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-An-America-in-Decline-WP.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST The way the world works now, and the way Russia has inserted itself into absolutely everything, it's impossible to avoid dealing with them on virtually any international issue http://www.ihavenet.com/World-Europe-Romney-Russia-Remarks-and-the-Dangers-of-Dumbed-Down-RM.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST Shifting public opinion will play a crucial role in the year ahead and beyond as the relationship between government, business and society re-balances http://www.ihavenet.com/World-Volatile-Times-Uncertain-Futures.html Mon, 23 April 2012 15:15:00 EST The moral crisis in America isn't a breakdown in private morality. It's a breakdown in public morality http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-Crisis-in-Public-Morality-RR.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST You've got to hand it to Democrats and the Obama re-election campaign. Democrats have managed to divert our attention http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Where-is-The-Hope-CT.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Some Republicans are predicting that an improving economy, ironically, will re-focus the attention of voters on Obama policies which remain unpopular http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Rising-Economic-Tide-Lifts-Obama-Fortunes-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Warning: What you are about to read is a deeply cynical view of the 2012 election http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Politics-A-Never-Ending-Game-of-Hot-Potato-JG.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Elections are decided by the people who show up at the polls. In the United States, the oldest citizens are the most likely to cast their ballots, which gives them political clout beyond their numbers alone http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Why-Older-Citizens-are-More-Likely-to-Vote-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Paul Ryan's budget plan -- which slashes everything from Medicare to corporate tax codes -- may not sit too well with both Democrats and Republicans http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Ryan-Budget-Plan-Could-Cause-Problems-Within-Both-Parties-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST The 2012 stakes are high for President Obama -- it could transform his status in the minds of historians from average to one of greatest presidents of all time http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Obama-Re-election-Could-Put-Obama-in-Top-4-All-Time-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST There should be little doubt that President Obama deserves credit for what recovery we are seeing, although he also must share in the blame for it not being faster http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obama-Deserves-Credit-for-the-Economic-Recover-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST The author of The Escape Artists discusses the mistakes the White House made implementing the economic recovery http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obama-How-Obama-Could-Have-Better-Fixed-the-Economy-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST President Obama insists that his policies are producing a robust economic recovery. However, public opinion polls and recent election results underscore a very different perception http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obama-Policies-Have-Not-Turned-the-Economy-Around-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST The short answer is yes, the economy has improved due to the policies President Obama implemented with the support of Congress http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obama-American-Recovery-and-Reinvestment-Act-Has-Been-a-Success-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Obama's economic policies have proven instrumental in generating and sustaining a recovery http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obama-Policies-Revived-the-Economy-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST We can hold the president at least partially responsible for an extraordinarily weak and slow recovery http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obama-Has-Tried-All-the-Wrong-Policies-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST John McCain picked Sarah Palin, a 'game-changing' vice presidential candidate, but political analyst and writer Charlie Cook hopes Romney takes a different path in 2012 http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Should-Pick-Mainstream-VP-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST In the swing state of Virginia, even the state's own Gov. Bob McDonnell can't help Mitt Romney win in November http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Even-Beloved-Bob-McDonnell-Cannot-Save-Romney-in-Virginia-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST True believers are a growing and tenacious segment of the Republican base. The old moderation in the GOP, into which the earlier Romney would have fit snugly, has all but vanished http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Misplaying-the-Political-Game-JW.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Mitt Romney's backers decided to sully U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor's good name. It was one of their latest jabs against GOP opponent Rick Santorum -- and another craven attempt to prove their candidate is the 'true conservative' http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Sad-Search-for-Authenticity-MS.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Republican front-runner Mitt Romney is so unpopular among Hispanic voters that he would have a hard time winning the November elections http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Hispanic-Problem-is-Serious-AO.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST The Republican Party seems to live in a different reality. Here we are, smack in the middle of a presidential race, and the right is busy trying to undo everything the women's movement has accomplished in the last 50 years http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Candidates-Woman-Troubles-The-Republicans-Bizarre-Quarrel-with-Reality-MS.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST By focusing on the right issues, the Republican Party could be the home of independent women voters http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-How-the-GOP-Can-Woo-Women-Voters-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST There's an elephant in the room in this year's presidential campaign that nobody seems willing to talk about. It's the continued American pursuit of nation-building in Iraq and Afghanistan http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-The-Trap-of-Nation-Building-JW.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST If the government is going to give anyone tax breaks, they should give them to people like me before I became an entrepreneur http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Job-Killing-Tax-Breaks-OW.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Republican wishful thinkers like to rationalize away the damage being inflicted on their party by the intramural mudslinging among its unimpressive field of presidential candidates http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Candidates-False-Comparisons-JW.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Rick Santorum deserves credit for his impressive primary victories in Mississippi and Alabama. Romney still has a substantial lead in delegates, but lags in one vital category: enthusiasm http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-What-now-for-Republicans-CT.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Despite the stated wishes of Santorum and Gingrich, a brokered convention just won't happen -- unless the GOP decides President Obama deserves a second term http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Brokered-GOP-Convention-Would-Ensure-a-Second-Obama-Term-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Santorum doesn't have much of a chance of forcing a 'brokered convention.' But he could get the vice presidential nod http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Candidates-Rick-Santorum-Could-Use-Convention-Influence-to-be-Romney-VP-Pick-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Even if Romney doesn't reach 1,144, there remains the matter of those 123 Republican National Committee superdelegates. If Romney signals he will give them a seat at the head table, a majority will push him over the top even http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Brokered-GOP-Convention-Improbable-Even-If-Superdelegates-Get-Floor-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Can Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich force Mitt Romney into a brokered convention? I hope so. http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Conservatives-Must-Force-an-Open-Convention-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Rick Santorum has an inability or unwillingness to focus on core issues while emphasizing titillating dead-end ones. Incredibly, I'm not talking about birth control but instead teleprompters http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Candidates-Rick-Santorum-Obama-Teleprompter-Republicans-Dumbest-Attack-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST As the Republicans continue to fret over Mitt Romney's authenticity or lack thereof, the Democrats unleashed their version in Ohio the other day by sending Vice President Joe Biden to a United Auto Workers hall in Toledo http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-In-Search-of-Authenticity-JW.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST What if the real compromise isn't in forcing the left and the right to heel. What if instead the solution is to disempower the national elites who think they've got the answers to everything? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Politics-The-Federalist-Solution-JG.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Can the United States survive $5-a-gallon gas? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Pumping-Gas-Prices-for-All-They-are-Worth-OW.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Is democracy a luxury good in America, discarded when the going gets rough? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Democracy-A-Right-Not-a-Luxury-JJ.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST The uncharted waters of Super PACs just became a bit murkier http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Obama-Super-Super-PAC-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST The public outcry over his vulgar and sexist remarks about Georgetown University law student Sandra Fluke is about a volcano of anger from women http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Rush-Limbaugh-and-the-Live-Volcano-OW.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Law enforcement officials say the number of violent encounters with anti-government 'sovereign citizens' is rising http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Hate-Groups-Spread-Lies-and-Kill-Cops-OW.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Isn't it time for Newt Gingrich to fold his tent and get out of the presidential race? By the Gospel According to Newt, the simple answer is: No http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Candidates-Why-Newt-Gingrich-Stays-In-JW.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Americans want and deserve a more rational system for selecting our president, but a national primary with every state participating on the same day is a bad idea http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Presidential-Primaries-A-National-Primary-Would-not-Work-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST That we are discussing the need for a national presidential primary a century after the idea was introduced in 1911 illustrates both Americans' dissatisfaction with the political status quo and the enduring merits of a reformist idea http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-We-Need-to-Re-imagine-Our-Democracy-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST A national primary would negate many virtues of the current method http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Presidential-Primaries-The-Current-Primary-System-Promotes-Deliberation-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST We are probably witnessing the worst presidential primary campaign ever, but that is no reason to embrace a national primary http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Presidential-Primaries-Tough-Primary-Battles-Forge-More-Resilient-Nominees-USN.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST The new Bruce Springsteen album, 'Wrecking Ball,' captures more raw emotional truth about the state of the American Dream than any politician ever could http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Bruce-Springsteen-Captures-The-State-of-America-LPJ.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST Today's corporate elites should stop pushing for austerity for the many and prosperity for the few and embrace Henry Ford's strategy of shared prosperity http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/What-is-Good-for-the-CEO-May-Be-Bad-for-Business-OW.html Tue, 3 April 2012 12:30:00 EST If voters wish to predict the 2012 election, one investment firm is instructing them to push polls aside, ignore political pundits, turn off the debates, and follow the Dow http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Stock-Market-Picks-90-Percent-of-Presidential-Elections-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST This mentality explains in part why our political leadership is a revolving door of characters -- tacticians rather than visionaries -- with no depth at which to drop an anchor, as they blow around from one political storm to the next http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Twitter-Mentality-a-Threat-to-America-RM.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Religion has always played a role in U.S. politics. But these days, as religious influence hits a high-water mark, something strange is happening: Americans are abandoning the pews in record numbers http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/God-and-Caesar-in-America-Foreign-Affairs.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST There have been many 'gaps' in modern politics. There is the gender gap, the generation gap and now the God gap, which is the gulf between people who take God's instructions seriously and those who don't http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-The-God-Gap-CT.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST The author of 'The Last Great Senate' discusses the Carter years of the Senate, when lawmakers were courageous and willing to compromise http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/When-the-Senate-Worked-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Compromise may finally be coming back in style on Capitol Hill http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-Congressional-Thaw-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST House Speaker John Boehner cannot get his party to pass a bill that has historically been a no-brainer http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Failed-Highway-Bill-Shows-Just-How-Fanatical-GOP-Has-Become-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST America is already making it harder for young people of modest means to attend college. Public higher education is being starved, and the middle class will shrink even more as a result http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Starving-Public-Universities-Shrinks-the-Middle-Class-RR.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Olympia Snowe's retirement, Barack Obama's comeback, and Mitt Romney's close call in Michigan bode poorly for Republican 2012 hopes http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-Republicans-Worst-Week-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST He's a Catholic Cuban, but that's where the similarities between Marco Rubio and Latino voters end http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Why-Marco-Rubio-Cannot-Save-the-Republican-Party-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Americans Elect, backed by $5 million from the head of a private investment firm, wants to shake up the two-party system http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Third-Party-Group-Wants-Internet-to-Pick-Presidential-Candidate-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Buddy Roemer, the former Louisiana governor whose bid for the Republican presidential nomination has been largely ignored, announced he will seek an independent ticket for the 2012 election http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Buddy-Roemer-to-Seek-Third-Party-Presidential-Nomination-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST A growing number of Americans are unable to pay their bills, and it may affect how they vote http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Debt-Baby-Debt-Americas-Newest-Voting-Bloc-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST A new report estimates that all the Republican candidates could make the debt situation even worse http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Could-All-Add-to-Federal-Deficit-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST The fight for the Republican presidential nomination seems to have gotten down to an argument over which candidate is the true conservative http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Who-is-the-True-GOP-Conservative-JW.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST In the person of Rick Santorum, the GOP may have stumbled upon a presidential candidate who can speak their language with a forceful authenticity that simply can't be programmed into Mitt Romney http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Rick-Santorum-GOPs-Unelectable-Soul-Mate-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Even after 20 or more televised debates among the Republican presidential candidates, the voters seem to have learned more about why they don't care for them than why they do http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Getting-to-Know-Them-JW.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST As the four surviving Republican presidential aspirants fight over which of them is the 'true' conservative, are any of them aware that millions of moderates and, yes, quite a few liberals will also be voting in November? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-No-Republican-Middle-JW.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Playground antics come to mind when watching the remaining GOP candidates take aim at the sitting president http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Braggadocio-Is-Not-Leadership-MS.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Rick Santorum's incendiary rhetoric on social issues and 'preachy' temperament may appeal to some evangelical conservatives within the Republican Party, but it repulses independent and moderate voters http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Rick-Santorum-Repulses-Independent-and-Moderate-Voters-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Lately, we've been hearing a lot about what Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum has not been saying http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-What-Rick-Santorum-Has-Been-Saying-And-Not-Saying-RB.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Santorum has been able to speak to Americans' concern that for our nation to regain its strength, we must address fundamental cultural issues http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Rick-Santorum-Only-Santorum-Addresses-Values-Issues-that-Concern-Voters-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Rick Santorum's ideology is far too right and his campaign organization far too weak to win the presidency http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Rick-Santorum-Appeals-to-Only-a-Minority-of-Voters-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST If Mitt Romney continues to run solely on his biography and carpet-bombing his opponents with negative ads, he will not have provided the base with sufficient reason to support him http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Is-More-Electable-But-Needs-to-Clean-Up-Campaign-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Who is more electable? A: Mitt Romney or B: Rick Santorum? The correct answer would be C. None of the above http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Both-Mitt-Romney-and-Rick-Santorum-Disappoint-Conservatives-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST As the citizens of America interview Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, I believe they are wrestling with an internal, if not overtly audible question, 'Can I trust him?' http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Cannot-Be-Trusted-So-Rick-Santorum-Is-More-Electable-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST If Mitt Romney becomes the next president of the United States and honors his latest vow to turn the Arizona immigration law into a "model" for the entire country, life in America could become quite unpleasant http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Arizona-Law-Model-Would-Hurt-All-Immigrants-AO.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Suddenly, manufacturing is back -- at least on the campaign trail. But don't be fooled. The real issue isn't how to get manufacturing back. It's how to get good jobs and good wages back. They aren't at all the same thing http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-The-Manufacturing-Myth-RR.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Republican presidential candidates are channeling George W. Bush -- one of the most embattled wartime presidents -- by vowing to strike Iran before it fields a nuclear weapon http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Revive-Bush-Pre-emption-Doctrine-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Obama hopes the bailout will lead him to victory, but voters remain divided http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-Tricky-Politics-of-the-Auto-Bailout-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Conservatives are moving once more to suppress the vote, part of a concerted effort across the country to pass voter ID laws and other measures that make it harder for the poor, the elderly and minorities to vote http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Protesting-Todays-Threat-to-Voting-Rights-JJ.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Why do Americans so often vote against their own economic interests? Here's my answer to that often-perplexing question http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Turning-a-Blind-Eye-to-Government-Benefits-CP.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Obama says 'Drill baby, drill' is a bumper sticker, not an energy strategy http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obama-Fights-Back-on-GOP-Gas-Price-Attacks-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST How has an election year that was supposed to be all about economic recovery suddenly become all about sex http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-How-Sex-Hijacked-Election-Talk-CP.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Welcome to the weird world of Rick Santorum, the latest challenger to rise to the top of the Anybody-But-Mitt-Romney side of the Republican presidential race http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Rick-Santorum-Reverse-Snobbery-CP.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST "If we could just take a little bit from each of them." I've lost track of how many people I have heard say some version of this. The 'each of them' refers to the combatants for the Republican nomination http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Mr-Right-Eludes-the-GOP-JG.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST American politicians have a Latino problem. And it isn't the stereotypical immigrant patting tortillas, singing corridos in Spanish or sneaking across the border http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Latino-Voters-to-Candidates-What-Are-We-Chopped-Chorizo-MS.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Turnout among GOP voters has been tepid. Hordes of commentators, me included, have argued at length that this apathetic grumpiness reflects a deep dissatisfaction with the Republican field http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Lack-of-Enthusiasm-Is-not-Just-a-GOP-Problem-JG.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST So what happens if this quartet of presidential wannabes hangs in, with none of them catching fire but each of them picking up a share of the national convention delegates as the process proceeds? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-A-Brokered-GOP-Convention-JW.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Among modern presidents going back to Eisenhower, Obama has proven uniquely incapable of working with his political opponents http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obama-Cynicism-for-Me-Not-for-Thee-JG.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Americans praise civility, but we constantly reward rudeness. That annoying fact of life helps to explain why the blessings that Rush Limbaugh brought to the Republican base recently turned into a curse http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Brash-Limbaugh-CP.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST The Supreme Court's conservative faction that stopped the counting of ballots in Florida in Bush v. Gore, and opened the floodgates on corporate money in politics in Citizens United, is now intent on politicizing racial justice http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-Supreme-Court-Politicizing-Justice-JJ.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST The havoc that its 5-4 ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission has already wrought on temperate discourse in American politics is being displayed daily http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Muddying-the-Playing-Field-JW.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST All this mud is getting thrown at the president's fiscal stewardship, and yet it was the last Republican president who teed up the current challenges http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/National-Deficit-Result-of-Wars-and-Bush-Tax-Cuts-RB.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST With an election year upon us and a hyperpartisan congress at work, there a number of different ways to look at the president's tax deal http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Five-Ways-to-Spin-Obama-Tax-Plan-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST The rise of the culture wars in national politics dates from the social unrest of the late 1960s. Since that time, Republicans have won 7 of the last 11 presidential elections http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Social-Issues-Bring-in-Popular-Vote-for-Republicans-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST If the GOP focuses on the deficit, the debt, tax reform, it can win http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Republicans-Can-Win-on-Economic-Issues-Not-a-Culture-War-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Broken families mean a broken society that can be fixed only by a GOP restoring traditional values http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Social-Issues-Are-at-the-Core-of-Our-Problems-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST While a focus on social issues may benefit Rick Santorum during the GOP primaries, if Republicans want to win this fall they'd be smart to keep a laser focus on economic issues http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Republicans-Should-Focus-on-the-Economy-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Every day the Republican Party is talking about social issues is a bad day for the Republican Party. The 2012 elections will be decided on the traditional issues that define presidential elections -- foreign policy and the economy http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-GOP-Needs-to-Rethink-Positions-on-Economy-and-Foreign-Policy-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST In their effort to appeal to angry right-wing voters on social issues, the GOP candidates' positions are driving them away from most Americans http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Republican-Mean-Streak-Could-Leave-GOP-Out-in-the-Cold-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST The current surge in gas prices has almost nothing to do with energy policy. It doesn't even have much to do with global supply and demand. It has most to do with America's continuing failure to adequately regulate Wall Street http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Extra-Dollars-Paid-At-Pump-Going-To-Wall-Street-Speculators-RR.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST With the costs of oil and coal rising, the United States needs to wean itself off fossil fuels. The task might seem quixotic, but it actually will not require miracles http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-A-Farewell-to-Fossil-Fuels-Foreign-Affairs.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST We need to prepare for a world with permanently higher gasoline prices http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Cannot-Control-the-World-Oil-Market-USN.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST China and the United States may not, in the end, be able to transcend the forces pushing them toward conflict. But they owe it to themselves, and the world, to try http://www.ihavenet.com/World-Asia-Future of United-States-China-Relations-Foreign-Affairs.html Thu, 15 March 2012 07:00:00 EST Key manufacturing states are also swing states that could make or break Obama's reelection http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-If-American-Manufacturers-Keep-Jobs-So-Does-Obama-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Rick Santorum's taking on frontrunner status and it's keeping some Republicans up at night http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-GOP-Will-Lose-in-2012-if-Social-Issues-Take-Center-Stage-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Forget putting out policy platforms and detailed descriptions of stances: What candidates really need are good looks http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Why-Looks-Are-Everything-in-a-Presidential-Election-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST 'The Swing Vote' author Linda Killian discusses how independents are left out of the electoral system and why they shouldn't be ignored in 2012 http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Swing-Voters-Need-a-Champion-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Sorry Mitt Romney. Businessmen like Warren Harding, Herbert Hoover, and the Bushes went on to be some of the worst presidents http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Good-Businessmen-Rarely-Make-Good-Presidents-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Despite the Santorum speed bump, it seems certain now that Mitt Romney will be the eventual nominee http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Primaries-Mitt-Romney-Un-Presidential-Primaries-OW.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST For Rick Santorum, the right to privacy doesn't exist http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Primaries-Rick-Santorum-Inside-Rick-Santorum-Head-OW.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST The improving economy is aiding the incumbent, President Barack Obama, rather than spelling his demise http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Improving-Economy-Driving-Independents-Back-to-Obama-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Despite all the political jockeying, the budget is essentially meaningless to the president, Congress http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-Federal-Budget-Is-a-Myth-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST The debate between the Great Man theory of history and those who put more faith in the broader economic and political forces that shape our world continue without end. Nowhere is this debate more salient than in the history of the American presidency http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Do-not-Expect-Too-Much-of-the-Next-American-President-TWT.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST The former VP candidate's CPAC performance is a reminder of why many hoped Palin would make a White House run http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Still-Potential-for-Sarah-Palin-Presidency-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Scott Helman, co-author of a new biography of Mitt Romney, discusses the candidate's changing positions, Mormonism, and generosity http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Understanding-the-Real-Mitt-Romney-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Nearly 30 years later, as his putative political offspring attempt to claim his mantle, it is obvious by many measures that none of them is Reagan http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Pointed-Comment-on-Ronald-Reagan-Legacy-LPJ.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Tim Tebow becomes a figure of national fascination, consternation and controversy because he takes a knee and bows his head in a gesture of Christian faith? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Tim-Tebow-Public-Faith-vs-Private-Faith-LPJ.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has insulted the generations of men and women who put their lives on the line for equal rights http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Distorting-Civil-Rights-History-New-Jersey-Governor-Chris-Christie-OW.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST The Obama campaign is betting the President will win the largest percentage of the Latino vote in any presidential election to date http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Obama-Campaign-Will-Win-Largest-Latino-Vote-Percentage-Ever-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Pain at the pump could mean pain at the polls for President Obama http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-High-Gas-Prices-Hurt-Obama-Reelection-Campaign-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST The latest anybody in what could be called the Anybody But Romney Campaign is former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Rick-Santorum-Now-the-Santorum-option-JW.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Lo and behold, Rick Santorum bursts into the motel room, knocks the gun from reality's hands and puts reality in a chokehold http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Rick-Santorum-The-GOP-Race-Gets-Messy-JG.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Well before the Republicans have nominated their standard-bearer, buyer's remorse already appears to be setting in about their apparent but not inevitable front-runner, Mitt Romney http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Buyer-Remorse-Already-JW.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Mitt Romney appears to have all the foreign-policy savvy of someone who once visited Euro Disney, and it's freaking me out http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-is-Dangerously-Naive-on-Foreign-Policy-RM.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney created a firestorm for saying that 'I'm not concerned about the very poor' http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Concerning-the-Poor-and-Mitt-Romney-JJ.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST In a democracy, nothing is supposed to matter more than the will of the people. It wasn't a recall vote or scandal that did it. No, the people's will was overturned by a gun http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/For-Worse-or-For-Worst-Guns-Rule-LPJ.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST As Mitt Romney labors to clear away the political fallout from his declared concerns about the well-being of the middle class as opposed to the very poor, none other than Donald Trump has come to his rescue http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-The-Donald-Backs-The-Mitt-JG.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Mitt Romney hasn't cracked the problem yet. He speaks conservatism as a second language, and his mastery of the basic grammar of politics is often spotty as well http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-The-Case-for-Mitt-Romney-JG.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST The peril for Mitt Romney unrelenting harping on the one-term president battle cry is that he risks appearing to root for a continuation of the economic doldrums http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Running-Against-Economic-Recovery-JW.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST He's the only Mormon in the presidential race, but that doesn't mean Mitt Romney is the only candidate Mormons support. Another favorite White House hopeful? Ron Paul http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Ron-Paul-Appealing-to-Mormons-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Instead of firing teachers, closing libraries and senior centers, and cutting bus routes, let's put the Pentagon on a diet http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Pentagon-Defense-Spending-Playing-with-Fire-OW.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST A two-war strategy is like a two-car garage -- you'll own two cars sooner or later http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Profiting-from-the-Pentagon-OW.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST It is past time we the people demanded corporate cash be banned from politics, and that all candidates be required to accept public financing http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Super-PACs-Hypocrisy-and-Necessity-LPJ.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST How many billionaires does it take to buy a presidential election? We're about to find out. The 2012 campaign is likely to be a battle between one group of millionaires and billionaires supporting President Obama and another group supporting his GOP rival http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-The-Sad-Spectacle-of-Obama-Super-PAC-RR.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST I can't believe that I actually agree with something President Obama has done. http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obama-Has-It-Right-on-Birth-Control-RM.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST GOP lawmakers are howling to overturn the EPA's mercury regulations http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Save-the-Babies-OW.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST All the Republican candidates for president promise to repeal it. Ironically, most of these same politicians enjoy the benefits of government health care - and don't complain about it http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Republicans-Enjoy-the-Health-Care-They-would-Deny-to-the-Rest-JJ.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Ronald Reagan believed a strong defense was a safeguard against enemy attacks and the best hope of victory should America go to war. President Obama is taking the opposite approach http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/War-Through-Weakness-CT.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST If you're not with us, you're against us. The irony is that few worldviews better describe the general liberal orientation to public policy and the culture war. It's all a farce http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Liberals-are-the-True-Aggressors-in-Culture-Wars-JG.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST One of several casualties of the vitriolic name-calling between Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich is what to do about Iran http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Nearing-a-Decision-on-Iran-CT.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST It was a classic Bill Maher riposte. Maher noted that Newt Gingrich likes to throw Alinsky's name around with lines like, 'The centerpiece of this campaign is American exceptionalism versus the radicalism of Saul Alinsky' http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-Alinsky-Claims-Miss-Their-Mark-RB.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Saul Alinsky is a name most people don't know, so why does Newt Gingrich drop his name at every opportunity without explaining who he is? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-Secret-Alinsky-Love-CT.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Obama's favorability in the polls falls when he is himself -- overexposed, hard left in his press conferences, and boastful about legislative achievements. Then a strange thing happened http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/President-Obama-The-un-Obama-VDH.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST The National Prayer Breakfast has been a nonpolitical event where speakers put aside their earthly biases and focus on a Higher Authority. Recently, President Obama departed from that tradition http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/President-Obama-Social-Gospel-CT.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST The cartels are extremely sophisticated in their intel and operations. And their raison d'etre is not violence but making money http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/War-Against-Mexican-Drug-Cartels-Needs-New-Focus-MS.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Obama believes government has a vital role in creating good jobs in America. Romney and Gingrich say American business will create good jobs here if their taxes are lowered and regulations eased. The facts are on the president's side http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Globalizing-Private-Sector-Government-Overwhelmed-by-Corporate-Money-RR.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST For many Americans, the Constitution is an almost sacred text. Asking them whether the fundamentals of their Constitution are still right for their country seems not only pointless - it smacks of heresy. Or so I thought http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-American-Constitutional-Paralysis-The-World-Today.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Mitt Romney is just one person representing a larger group. As our country asks, 'Should the rich pay more taxes?' it would be useful to know how much the rich currently pay http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/When-It-Comes-to-Taxes-No-One-Has-Defined-Fair-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Many problems exist in the tax code, but we should remember that it is in our national interest for people like Mitt Romney to keep their money http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Type-Americans-Want-to-Empower-Economically-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST The class-warfare crowd is predictably outraged that Mitt Romney supposedly paid just 13.9 percent of his income to the crowd in Washington. Surely this is a sign of both inequity and iniquity http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Flat-Tax-Is-the-Answer-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST If we want more tax-paying millionaires like Mitt Romney, we should support the tax policies that encourage that outcome http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Punishing-the-Rich-Is-a-Mistake-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Making Mitt Romney pay more in capital gains taxes would both help slow the alarming growth of inequality and, if offset by a decrease in the corporate tax rate, help keep capital and investment within our borders http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Increase-Capital-Gains-Tax-Decrease-Corporate-Tax-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Warren Buffett is right. People like him, and Mitt Romney, should pay more to support the society that made their fabulous fortunes possible http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Warren-Buffett-Is-Right-USN.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST The eurozone crisis needs to be contained. If it isn't, a deep European recession could dash the slight upturn in the US economy http://www.ihavenet.com/World-Europe-Needs-a-Marshall-Plan-The-World-Today.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Alan Philps catches up with Niall Ferguson to talk about being Scottish, the game of Russian roulette being played in the US Congress and why he is quitting England for America http://www.ihavenet.com/World-Views-Niall-Ferguson-Interview-The-World-Today.html Mon, 27 February 2012 09:00:00 EST Congress gets virtually all of the public's scorn for the sour economy and Washington gridlock http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Public-Blames-Congress-Not-Obama-For-Sour-Economy-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Former Wisconsin Rep. Dave Obey shared some frank insights about the pugnacious state of politics during an event at the Urban Institute http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Congress-is-Paralyzed-Until-More-Americans-Speak-Up-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST A funny thing happened to the First Amendment on its way to the public forum. It was hijacked. According to the Supreme Court, money is now speech and corporations are now people. Yet when real people without money assemble to express their dissatisfaction with the political consequences of this, they're treated as public nuisances http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-Hijacking-of-the-First-Amendment-RR.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST The one-time presidential candidate discusses what it means to be a 'McGovern Liberal' http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/George-McGovern-Barack-Obama-Democrats-Need-a-Backbone-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST House Republicans are pushing to dismantle what's left of federal public financing for presidential elections by offering legislation that would finally eliminate the program established during the post-Watergate reform era http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Is-Public-Financing-for-Elections-Finished-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Mitt Romney's failure to push many of his popularity polls above 25 percent as rivals have come and gone marks a concern that he can't energize the Republican base, something backers of Newt Gingrich claim he could do http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-Backers-Say-Newt-Gingrich-Will-Energize-Base-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Buoyed by his recent televised debate appearances that he has converted into a showcase of how smart he is, Gingrich has vowed to take the high road, at least against fellow Republicans http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Presidential-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-The-New-Mr-Nice-Guy-JW.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST This is the Republican presidential hopeful who is rising in the polls. A man whose bloated ego is only matched by his antipathy for the plight of others http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-Might-Want-to-Take-a-Bath-Himself-RB.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST The lie is found in Romney's first television ad. It's so breathtakingly cynical it should cause us to question whether a candidate who would put it forth is fit for any public office -- let alone the presidency http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-An-Attack-on-the-Truth-AH.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Nominating Mitt Romney is sort of like taking grandma's castor oil. Republicans are dreading the thought of downing their unpleasant-tasting medicine but worry that sooner or later they will have to http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-The-Castor-Oil-Candidate-VDH.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Supporters say that despite a surge by Newt Gingrich and continued threats from his right flank by his GOP nomination rivals, Mitt Romney should stick to his guns and keep hammering at the president while largely ignoring the Republican field http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Should-Focus-on-Obama-and-Ignore-his-Rivals-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST In the 2012 presidential campaign, Mitt Romney's Mormon faith will play an important role, but party allegiance would likely ultimately win out in a general election http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Mormon-Faith-Likely-a-Minor-Issue-in-General-Election-DK.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST There's a certain irony in the latest squabble in Republican ranks over immigration http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-The-Price-of-GOP-Orthodoxy-JW.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Now we're in the middle of the 2012 presidential campaign and candidate Newt Gingrich has called for a 'humane' policy on illegal immigrants. Gingrich wants illegal residents who have been in America for 25 years to stay, so as not to 'separate families' http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-Compassionate-Conservatism-The-Sequel-CT.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST In former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's latest bid to remake his image and become the next Republican presidential nominee, is he just a hardhearted conservative with an inner softie trying to get out? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-Bleeding-Heart-JW.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Finally, there is a voice of reason on immigration among the front-runners for the Republican nomination, who until recently seemed to be competing with one another to see who could take the craziest stand against Hispanic immigrants http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-Brings-Common-Sense-to-Immigration-Debate-AO.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Newt Gingrich was right to have an honest discussion on immigration, and to include the moral questions facing the nation on this important issue during the presidential debate http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-Right-to-Bring-Morals-to-Immigration-Debate-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Newt Gingrich's approach to immigration is identical to that of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy and Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama: promises of enforcement in exchange for an illegal-alien amnesty and unlimited future immigration http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-Plan-Would-Mean-More-Illegal-Immigrants-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST While Newt Gingrich's proposal is extremely limited and far from an adequate policy answer to our broken immigration system, he has played an invaluable role in isolating the key question: What do we do with the 11 million undocumented immigrants currently settled in the United States? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-On-Immigration-Right-Questions-Wrong-Answers-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST So why do presidential candidates stay in the race long after their fate is obvious? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Why-Losing-Presidential-Candidates-Stick-it-Out-RM.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Securing the most endorsements doesn't guarantee you're going to get the most votes. But they can help legitimize, energize, and monetize campaigns from time to time. But the most curious number is zero - that's how many of Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann's colleagues have backed her run for the White House http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Michele-Bachmann-Comes-Up-Empty-With-Congressional-Endorsements-RM.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST After nearly a dozen Republican presidential debates in advance of the 2012 election designed to inform the American people about their choices and possibly narrow the field, neither objective has yet been adequately satisfied http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-GOP-Debate-Mania-JW.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Joe the Puppeteer may be for Democrats what Joe the Plumber was for the GOP http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Democrats-Courting-Joe-the-Puppeteer-JG.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST This is a story about the underbelly of American society today, but it begins by reference to an essay written a long time ago http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-Spike-80-years-later-Paul-Kennedy.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST What should the federal government be doing to help those less well off? It's an appropriate question as the nation enters the season of giving, when even the grumpiest among us silence the inner Scrooge and drop a few coppers into the donation kettle http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Most-Americans-See-Through-Humbug-About-Taxes-and-Spending-MS.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST If history tells us anything, the rise of sometime-historian Newt Gingrich to Republican presidential frontrunner is a sign that the tea party movement is destroying itself http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Blow-Taps-for-the-Tea-Party-CP.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST While the Tea Party undoubtedly remains influential within the party, for a number of reasons it won't have the same driving, central role in GOP primary politics. Indeed, if 2010 was the year of the Tea Party, 2012 is shaping up to be the cycle in which the establishment strikes back http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-Decline-and-Fade-of-the-Tea-Party-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Rep. Allen West thinks nothing of the new Pew Research Center poll that indicates growing disagreement with the Tea Party movement -- even in districts represented by the 60 members of the Tea Party Caucus, which Rep. Michele Bachmann started in the lead-up to the 2010 elections http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Tea-Party-Icon-Allen-West-Discounts-Pew-Poll-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Why do Republicans resist what should so obviously be part of any balanced solution to balancing the budget? Because 279 members of Congress -- 238 representatives and 41 senators -- have signed a pledge to lobbyist Grover Norquist http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Republicans-Put-Loyalty-to-Norquist-Over-Country-BP.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST The decision of Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts to retire next year after 32 years in the House is a blow to the Democratic Party, to the cause of liberal politics and to the effort bring public responsibility to Wall Street http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Democrats-Retiring-May-Portend-Gloom-in-2012-Congressional-Elections-JW.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST When somebody complains about how politicians are a bunch of corrupt, lazy, no-account bums, Barney Frank has been known to reply with a wry grin: 'Y'know, the public is no bargain, either.' That's what I'm going to miss about the Massachusetts Democrat who has announced he's not running for re-election http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/A-Followership-Crisis-CP.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST The pathetically predictable failure of the House-Senate debt 'super committee' to do as ordered and produce $1.2 trillion in spending cuts over 10 years has sent top Pentagon officials scrambling to morph their futuristic and modestly budgeted war strategy into a Kmart blue light special that could jeopardize the nation's safety http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Pentagon-Warns-of-Smallest-Force-Since-WWII-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST How small-minded is Congress? How tangled-up in a right-wing ideological knot is it? How subservient to corporate lobbyists is it? The answers to these three questions are: pizza, tomato paste, and spuds http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Congress-Catering-to-the-Frozen-Pizza-Lobby-OW.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Whatever view one takes, ending the Fed is a goal much more easily stated than accomplished. But if Fed bashers got their wish, here are a few snapshots of how the country might change http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/What-Happens-If-We-End-the-Federal-Reserve-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Republican frontrunner suspends his bid for White House after allegations of 13-year affair http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Herman-Cain-Drops-Out-of-the-Race-for-Presidency-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Governmental corruption - grand and petty forms of theft, bribery and rent-seeking by public officials - is strikingly common in democracies around the world. This raises a host of questions http://www.ihavenet.com/World-Global-Corruption-Party-Systems-and-the-Control-of-Politicians-The-World-Today.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Most Americans are now waking up from the bruising battles of a failed congressional 'supercommittee' with a giant hangover. The hangover results from the lack of clear answers to the most important question facing most of us: Where are the jobs that our children, our communities, and our nation so desperately need? http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/A-Main-Street-Jobs-Agenda-OW.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST For most of the last century, the basic bargain at the heart of the American economy was that employers paid their workers enough to buy what American employers were selling. That basic bargain created a virtuous cycle of higher living standards, more jobs and better wages http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Restore-the-Basic-Bargain-RR.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST When the final receipts are tabulated, consumers are expected to have spent a record $1.2 billion on Cyber Monday. And, say some groups and lawmakers, state budgets will have missed out on large sums of tax dollars to which they are rightfully entitled http://www.ihavenet.com/Technology-Online-Shopping-Deals-Hurt-State-Budgets-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Michele Bachmann wants to end the payroll tax cut, but most of her competitors favor extending it http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Payroll-Tax-Cut-GOP-2012-Candidates-Split-on-Payroll-Tax-Cut-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Extending and expanding the payroll tax cut will directly help working families while boosting our economy overall http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Payroll-Tax-Cut-We-Need-to-Focus-on-the-99-Percent-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Payroll taxes for working Americans have been reduced by 2 percentage points, putting about $1,000 extra in the pocket of typical household. If Congress does not act by year's end, the full payroll tax of 6.2 percent will be restored to everyone's paychecks, increasing taxes on 160 million Americans http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Payroll-Tax-Cut-A-More-Permanent-Solution-Is-Needed-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Lawmakers are considering extending temporary payroll tax cuts. But the policy is based on faulty Keynesian theories and misplaced confidence in the government's ability to micromanage short-run growth http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Payroll-Tax-Cut-Keynesian-Policies-Have-Failed-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST The U.S. economy remains vulnerable, and with new spending off the table, the only road to fiscal stimulus is through the tax code http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Payroll-Tax-Cut-Many-Time-limited-Tax-Breaks-Never-Die-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Congress should enact a range of policies that expand the payroll tax cuts http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Payroll-Tax-Cut-A-Strong-Recovery-Remains-Elusive-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST There has been more than the usual amount of rhetoric, noise, and confusion regarding the Senate Democrats' bill that pairs a payroll tax holiday with a permanent surtax on millionaires. It is essentially the 2012 version of cash for clunkers http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Payroll-Tax-Cut-An-Economic-Loser-in-the-Long-Run-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Not all tax cuts are created equal. The payroll tax is an example of exactly why that is the case http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Payroll-Tax-Cut-Extending-Payroll-Tax-Cut-Will-Extend-Debt-USN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST The White House debunked the efforts from the Republican lawmakers to introduce a payroll extension plan with the Keystone pipeline project in it with a statement lambasting the Republican efforts as harmful to millions of Americans http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/White-House-Reiterates-Urgency-to-Renew-Payroll-Tax-Cut-Bill-AHN.html Mon, 12 December 2011 13:40:00 EST Many expect Congress to change or undo the automatic budget cuts -- called 'sequestrations' in Washington lingo -- but the fight over how to do that will likely be a difficult, complicated, and long battle. Here are some ways that it could affect Americans across the spectrum http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/So-the-Super-Committee-Failed-How-Will-That-Affect-You-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST The failure of the 'Super Committee' to reach a budget compromise appears to have set off a race to the bottom of popular opinion polls for lawmakers http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Supercommittee-Failure-Brings-Little-Hope-for-Congress-Popularity-AHN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST Further cuts to defense spending probably are necessary, both politically and arithmetically, to make substantial progress toward eliminating deficit spending and reducing our federal debt. Our indebtedness is the greatest national security vulnerability America has http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Deficit-Is-Greatest-Security-Threat-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to switch spending for defense to more sensible priorities while optimizing educational, public infrastructure, and environmental needs. Except for a few politically necessary expendables, however, the military-industrial complex will prevent what should be a slam dunk obvious answer http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Cutting-Back-on-Defense-Spending-Will-Make-the-World-Safer-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST It is time to discipline defense, along with the rest of the federal budget, and target tax and spending policies for an economic recovery. The defense budget has more than doubled over the past decade http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/It-Is-Time-for-Discipline-Defense-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST Cutting defense spending is not necessary to reduce the federal budget deficit and the national debt. Focusing on defense ignores the central causes of growing deficits and debt: lower tax revenues and expanding entitlement programs http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Defense-Spending-Not-to-Blame-for-Deficit-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST Defense budget cuts are being implemented now. They've been going on for the past two years, and many more are planed in the near future http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Military-Already-Underfunded-Thanks-to-Obama-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST Not only are U.S. military leaders facing monumental budget challenges backed by minimal strategic guidance, they face shrinking forces armed with aging equipment that often fails to meet basic readiness standards http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Cutting-Defense-Spending-Is-Short-sighted-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST The defense budget should and can be reduced significantly without harming national security. In fact, a sensible reduction will actually increase national security http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Reasonable-Ways-to-Cut-Defense-Budget-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST When asked about my intention to cut the U.S. defense budget, I am always quick to clarify that I want to cut military spending, not defense http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Ron-Paul-Cutting-Military-Spending-Does-Not-Mean-Cutting-Defense-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST As long as elected leaders continue down this doomed path, cuts to the defense budget are inevitable http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Cuts-to-Defense-Budget-Might-Be-Inevitable-But-Pentagon-Knows-Best-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST Republicans may be heading toward complete control of Washington -- maintaining the House, taking the Senate, and likely capturing the White House -- if Election Day 2012 unfolds as Charlie Cook, acclaimed vote counter, predicts http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Elections-Charlie-Cook-Sees-GOP-Winning-Big-in-2012-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST Grover Norquist's Anti-Tax Pledge, which he administers on behalf of his group Americans for Tax Reform, could be even stronger now than ever, campaign finance experts say http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Grover-Norquist-Influence-Anti-Tax-Pledge-Strengthened-by-Campaign-Spendingy-RM.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST Many remain optimistic about the Occupy Wall Street movement, despite the evictions that plague not only New York, but 'Occupy' protests in Dallas, Portland and elsewhere across the country http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Will-Occupy-Wall-Street-Survive-Eviction-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST As the Occupy Wall Street protesters are swept out of their encampments around the nation, many are asking what the movement's next step will be and whether the police actions might actually help the two-month-old populist outburst grow. But a more instructive question might be: What is Occupy Wall Street, anyway? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Misrepresenting-Occupy-Wall-Street-OW.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST I've got a suggestion for the people in this movement who are facing foreclosure from their permanent homes, rather than eviction from those tents and tarps that are increasingly banned: Occupy the bank that originally loaned you the money for your house http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Occupy-Your-Bank-OW.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST This virtual abandonment of local economies by Wall Street exploded when Uncle Sam bailed out the big banks http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Big-Banks-are-Doing-Just-Fine-Thank-You-OW.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST America's 'Class War' is nearly over. The rich are now just mopping up. They recently tied up a few loose ends when Congress finally passed those long-stalled, job-killing 'free trade' agreements. Now if they can just privatize Social Security and Medicare, the whole conflict will be over http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-Class-War-is-So-Over-OW.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST Voters in 2012 will have a clear choice, as Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley sees it. They can support Republicans, who have pursued what he called 'impractical and extreme, right-wing ideology' or Democrats, who have balanced budgets and created modest job growth http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Top-Democratic-Governor-Accuses-Republicans-of-Neglecting-Economy-RM.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST With the primary season kicking off on Jan. 3 in Iowa and no runaway leader in the polls, the race is ripe for candidates go negative http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-GOP-Presidential-Race-Poised-for-Mud-Slinging-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST Romney should offer thanks for the weak 2012 GOP field and Barack Obama should be grateful for Romney http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Why-Republicans-and-Democrats-Should-Be-Thankful-for-Mitt-Romney-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST Newt Gingrich, the latest Republican presidential candidate to rocket to the top of polls, has his work cut out for him if he's to succeed in ousting heir-apparent Mitt Romney for the party's nomination http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-To-Win-Gingrich-Needs-Cash-and-Discipline-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST Will Newt Gingrich's past and personality discount his recent bump in the polls? Pundits speculate that they might, but presidential experts disagree http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-Likeability-Unlikely-to-Derail-Gingrich-MJK.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST It's no secret that Ron Paul is no fan of the Federal Reserve, but recently he likened the system to drug addiction -- something that feels good at the time but will end in destruction http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Ron-Paul-Federal-Reserve-is-Like-Drug-Addiction-USN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST It looks like voters across the country are having second thoughts about the tea party agenda, now that they have seen what it actually means in practice http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Tea-Party-Buyers-Remorse-OW.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST With a little under a year remaining until the next U.S. presidential election, a coherent and sustainable area policy toward Latin America remains absent from the campaign literature and both parties' electoral strategies http://www.ihavenet.com/World-Latin-America-Call-for-an-Enlightened-Foreign-Policy-toward-Latin-America-COHA.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST The National Security Complex is forever (at least as its managers see it). Despite modest rumblings in Washington about the Pentagon and intelligence budgets and the deficit, it's not just considered too big to fail, but generally too big to question, and too deeply embedded to think much about http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Is-the-National-Security-Complex-Too-Big-to-Fail-FPIF.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST A federal judge's decision this week to block part of a tough Alabama law against illegal immigration is casting doubt on whether the law will survive a court challenge http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Alabama-Law-Against-Illegal-Immigration-Suffers-Setback-AHN.html Mon, 28 November 2011 10:12:00 EST If a store in town has to collect the sales tax, so should online companies http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/A-Fair-Tax-That-Really-Is-One-PG.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST Once again, rage in the streets has captured the nation's attention, as it did during the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Revolution of the 1960s. Now it is the turn of the tea party and Occupy Wall Street movements. But the latter two have not achieved the numbers, the intensity or the success of first two http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Tea-Party-and-Occupy-Wall-Street-Movements-On-Harnessing-the-Rage-JW.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST Now that the Occupy Wall Street movement has been prevented from sleeping in public spaces in New York City, it is time to take stock of what was accomplished http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Without-Park-to-Sleep-In-Occupiers-Should-Change-Strategies-RB.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST The program to oust the Occupy Wall Street movement from its sites of occupation is now underway. The Occupied, who own the police, have grown tired of the Occupation http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-End-of-Park-Occupation-Raises-Questions-About-Future-WP.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST You know who I blame for the terrible tone in American politics? Tom Brokaw. No, not the man himself, but what he represents http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Blame-It-on-Tom-Brokaw-JG.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST A perfect example of a sensible, widely praised idea that has nevertheless gone nowhere is Right-to-Rent http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/An-Idea-Dysfunctional-Washington-More-Than-Happy-to-Let-Die-AH.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST Congratulations, average American! It's your turn to be blamed for President Obama's -- and America's -- problems. Being the root cause of our dire national predicament puts you in some very august company indeed http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Dear-Average-American-Its-All-Your-Fault-JG.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST Obama can more or less do whatever he wishes abroad. If he chooses to bomb a country that poses no direct threat, like Libya, or to assassinate a U.S. citizen-terrorist, like Anwar al-Awlaki, the Left will keep mum. And the Right probably will, too. What, then, should we expect abroad in the waning months of Obama's four-year term, with continuing economic bad news at home? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Foreign-Policy-Obama-Unbound-VDH.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST What Mitt Romney won't tell you is that what he really knows how to do is create massive amounts of wealth for himself. Jobs, however, are another matter. Romney co-founded the private equity firm Bain Capital and owned 100 percent of the firm from approximately 1992 to 2001. During that time, he made a fortune while thousands of employees in some of the businesses Bain acquired lost their jobs http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Savvy-at-Profiting-Off-of-Layoffs-and-Bankruptcies-RB.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST Despite what the Supreme Court and Mitt Romney say, corporations aren't people http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-The-Corporate-Pledge-of-Allegiance-RR.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST As the 2012 presidential campaign revs up, the lack of candidates who talk like adults grows conspicuous. There's a surplus of presidential hopefuls, but a shortage of serious ones http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Wanted-Adult-for-President-PG.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST It's a measure of the leadership bankruptcy in the Republican Party that Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker chased from that illustrious post years ago by a combination of ethical lapses and personal hubris, should find himself politically resurrected in some public-opinion polls http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-The-GOP-Leadership-Bankruptcy-JW.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST There is something inherently democratic about this season's Republican primary: each candidate, in turn, gets his or her turn at the top of the pile as the 'anybody-but-Mitt' flavor of the week. First Donald Trump, remember, followed by Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry and Herman Cain. And now Newt Gingrich is enjoying his 15 minutes at the top http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-Enjoys-His-15-Minutes-at-the-Top-BP.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST Why has former House Speaker Newt Gingrich suddenly surged in the polls from near-oblivion to the top tier of Republican presidential hopefuls? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-Why-Newt-Gingrich-is-Back-for-Now-CP.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST He's baaack! Newt Gingrich is back in the saddle after falling off his horse at the starting line http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Newt-Gingrich-Real-Target-Is-Obama-JG.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST In an apparent effort to make himself sound more Republican than the other contenders, Mitt Romney declared that the Obama administration is 'the most political presidency we have seen in modern history.' Romney's allegation was a strange one in light of the president's track record over the last three years http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Latest-Pitch-JW.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST Do we ask too much of our presidential candidates? That seems a question raised by business executive Herman Cain in his uphill struggle to establish that he knows enough to be President of the United States http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Herman-Cain-Clearing-the-Knowledge-Bar-JW.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST Seldom has a major political figure shot himself in the foot, or in the mouth, so conspicuously before a nationwide audience. What made matters worse for Rick Perry was that the CNBC debate otherwise was perhaps the most expansive and substantive exploration of the eight participating candidates' views on how to right the sagging economy http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Rick-Perry-The-Politics-of-Self-Destruction-JW.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST The biggest question in America these days is how to revive the economy. The biggest question among activists is how to strike back against the nation's almost unprecedented concentration of income, wealth and political power in the top 1 percent. The two questions are related http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/The-Coming-Economic-Collision-RR.html Tue, 22 November 2011 07:05:00 EST The boom-and-bust popularity cycle of the GOP presidential candidates probably has as much to do with their amateurish campaigns as much as it does with conservative concerns about Mitt Romney http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Rookie-GOP-Candidates-Lead-to-Campaign-Blunders-RM.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST I was out of the country for a couple of weeks and came back to be greeted by yet another Republican presidential debate. I was so pleased. I hadn't realized how much I missed that goofy bunch of crazy kids http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Republican-Presidential-Debates-OW.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST During a recent speech in Washington, GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney argued that federal employees are making too much compared to their private-sector counterparts, and as president he'd work to even the score http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Goes-After-Federal-Employees-in-Fiscal-Plan-JR.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST How the debt panel plans to slowly raise taxes and cut the growth of Social Security http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/On-the-Super-Committee-Menu-Social-Security-Cuts-and-Tax-Hikes-AMP.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST When the idea of the so-called super committee was first suggested, it earned jeers of derision from pundits and observers who questioned why a panel of leadership-selected lawmakers could somehow trim the deficit in ways that President Obama and Congress couldn't. Now, with the committee's deadline to find those cuts approaching, it has done little to shake that impression http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Super-Committee-Looking-Stalled-AMP.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST Bipartisan budget experts urge the super committee to look at revenues and think big. Will they? http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Grim-Warnings-for-the-Deficit-Super-Committee-AMP.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST The supercommittee's members shouldn't accept campaign contributions from lobbyists representing foreign governments or companies http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Foreign-Influence-Inappropriate-for-Lawmakers-Tasked-with-Shrinking-Deficit-OW.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST The theme of most political and social commentary is that things are more complicated than you think. For once, I wish to write that things are simpler than you think. This concerns two matters at the core of the present American political crisis http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/United-States-of-America-One-Nation-Gone-Awry-WP.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST The richest 1 percent is doing us in. People are getting sick as a result of the system's collapse. Poverty and financial demise are engulfing communities while the wealth of a tiny minority continues to grow http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Tax-Wall-Street-to-Heal-America-OW.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST Is the United States in decline? With protesters in the streets, Washington in gridlock and our economy on life support, it's easy to understand why the question is being asked a lot these days. But, as an old saying goes, where you stand depends on where you sit http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/United-States-in-Decline-If-We-Allow-It-CP.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST The nation has grown and changed dramatically in the 125 years since the Statue of Liberty started her welcoming watch over New York's harbor on Oct. 26, 1886, but one thing hasn't: Americans' mixed attitude toward immigration, at the same time welcoming and rejecting http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Statue-of-Liberty-Turns-125-Old-Immigration-Attitudes-Alive-as-Well-MJK.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST The Obama administration, which is currently deporting a record 400,000 people each year, took a minor step to protect immigrants. Now many Republicans are accusing him of treason http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/GOP-Empty-Rhetoric-on-Obama-Immigration-Record-OW.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST Hispanic farm laborers who had been taking jobs from hard-working Americans have been fleeing Alabama like a foreign language film with subtitles. As a result, there is now lots of work available in the exciting field of ... Well, fields. As in fields of vegetables and fruit http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-Jobs-Crisis-is-Over-LPJ.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST 'We can't wait.' Finally, President Obama has had enough of what he rightly calls an 'increasingly dysfunctional Congress.' Over the past week, he has begun to use his own authority to issue executive orders to move reforms the country desperately needs. 'Where they won't act, I will' http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/President-Obama-We-Cannot-Wait-JJ.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST Who's the most befuddled Wall Streeter of all? The richest guy on the Street. In assessing the spreading public protest against the rampaging greed of today's financial elite, John Paulson turns out to be as confused as a goat on Astroturf http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/John-Paulson-Plaintive-Plea-OW.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST There's only one way the Occupy Wall Street movement can become like the tea parties, and that's for Barack Obama to lose in 2012. Why? Because Obama is the most divisive figure in American politics today http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Why-Occupy-Wall-Street-Needs-a-Republican-President-JG.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST It's time to launch Occupy Wall Street, Phase II. The part where the movement articulates what it wants, wins over a large bloc of the public, and fights to get its demands enacted. So, who's got some ideas? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Turning-Point-for-Occupy-Wall-Street-Does-It-Have-a-Political-Strategy-MS.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST A few months ago, we began hearing of the '1 percent' who are responsible for the current economic mess. 'They' apparently make all their money at the expense of the other 99 percent. Are they the same as last year's villains, who had not paid 'their fair share' in making over $200,000 in annual income? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Who-Are-These-Fat-Cat-Few-at-the-Top-VDH.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST If you turn on your local evening news, you may not notice anything out of the ordinary. But if you change the channel, you'll think you've entered a parallel universe http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/The-Great-Local-News-Heist-OW.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST Once again, temporarily at least, scandal has mesmerized American politics. This time the target is Herman Cain, the up-from-nowhere restaurant executive who is battling back against the latest sexual harassment or misconduct allegations that have frequently intruded on presidential campaigns in recent memory http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Scandal-in-Presidential-Politics-JW.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST The rule in politics is to get the damaging news out early and be done with it, and it's one Herman Cain and his team are learning the hard way http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Herman-Cain-Bungles-Scandal-Management-101-LF.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST This is how Ann Coulter put it on Fox 'News' while defending Herman Cain against sexual harassment charges that threatened to engulf his campaign last week. 'Liberals,' she said, detest black conservatives, but the truth is, 'our blacks are so much better than their blacks' http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Ann-Coulter-Our-Blacks-vs-Their-Blacks-LPJ.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST We knew something would eventually derail the Cain Train. We just never suspected it would be this. Herman Cain is by no means the first to be accused of sexual harassment. We don't know whether he's guilty or not. We still don't know all the facts. But what we do know doesn't look good http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Herman-Cain-Sexual-Harassment-Has-Nothing-to-Do-with-Race-BP.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST When it comes to sex, the media apply different standards to Republicans and Democrats http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Herman-Cain-Gauntlet-BP.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST I see the makings of another of another best-seller in the recent travails of presidential candidate Herman Cain. This one might be titled, 'Owning Up To The Past: How My Failed Bid for the White House Taught Lessons in Humility and Self-Awareness' http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Herman-Cain-Herman-Agonistes-MS.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST Presidential candidate Herman Cain came to Washington to talk about his tax plans but ended up talking about sex. Welcome to the life of the top-tier candidate, Mr. Cain http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Herman-Cain-Scandal-Pain-CP.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST Herman Cain's reaction to the allegations of sexual harrassment against him, that 'I really know what it feels like to be No. 1,' has as much truth as humor in it http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Herman-Cain-Raising-Cain-JW.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST Politics often being a contest of survival at all costs, it's not surprising that Herman Cain, harassed by allegations of sexual harassment, has tried to pin the blame on the camp of Republican presidential nominee rival Rick Perry http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Herman-Cain-Blaming-the-Opposition-JW.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST Looking back on the events of 2011, do you think former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has regrets for his bad decisions? All Pawlenty did was blow his entirely plausible shot at the presidency. But one thing is clear: He misread his moment http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Tim-Pawlenty-Lost-Chance-JG.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST You can call it 9-9-9, the Perry two-step, or a national sales tax. But the various flat tax plans being proposed by Republican candidates, right-wing think tanks, and media commentators share some common characteristics that should worry most middle-class Americans http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Cutting-Taxes-for-the-Rich-Never-Ends-Well-US.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST America's No. 1 problem is sluggish job growth. No. 2 is the explosive growth in the income gap between the favored few and the broad middle class. Fairly taxing income from wealth could make progress on both fronts http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Equal-Taxation-for-Wealth-and-Work-OW.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST Millionaires, who are the target for paying more, want us to think that any changes in the tax code will mean that we'll all be paying more too http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Not-All-Taxes-Have-to-Hurt-OW.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST While simplicity is generally desirable in a tax code, it has nothing to do with the tax code being flat. And being flat would be the opposite of being fair, unless people think it is unfair that they don't pay more taxes http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Secret-of-the-Flat-Tax-US.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST The flat tax is a good idea because it saves time, provides choice, and restores fairness to the tax code http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Current-Tax-Code-Is-Confusing-US.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST Do you agree that billionaires should pay the same as janitors? If you do, then the flat tax is for you. It's also for you if you find our current tax code to be complicated, unfair, inadequate in terms of bringing in enough revenues, and a burden on both families and businesses http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Flat-Tax-Would-Eliminate-Crony-Capitalism-US.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST It's a bit of a trick question, isn't it? Because in the United States, even if we decided that it was a good idea, we'd never actually embrace a pure flat tax http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Flat-Tax-Would-Introduce-New-Problems-US.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST America should move toward a single-rate income tax that taxes consumed income one time at one rate as rapidly as politically possible. A single tax rate puts all citizens in the same relationship with their government http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Flat-Tax-Unites-Americans-US.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST Americans should embrace the flat tax for a number of reasons. It cuts taxes for Americans in every income group, increases the standard deduction to $12,500, and retains deductions for mortgage interest, charitable donations, and state and local taxes http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Flat-Tax-Unleashes-Economic-Growth-US.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST The latest political rhetoric centers on the various proposals for a 'flat tax,' which can be used to describe any type of system that provides only one tax rate. But the U.S. system is a progressive tax system, where we ask those who can afford to support the government to pay a higher rate http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Flat-Tax-Shifts-Burden-to-the-Middle-Class-US.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST Conservative politicians support tax increases. Not for their wealthy donors, but for the poor and middle-class Americans who would pay more under the so-called 'flat tax' proposals that were touted by Dick Army and Steve Forbes in the 1990s and are gaining currency again http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Flat-Tax-Will-Benefit-Only-the-Rich-US.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST After the banks made wildly risky bets with our money, we bailed them out. Congress enacted financial reform (the Dodd-Frank law). But Wall Street lobbyists immediately set about diluting it, along with its regulations. Dodd-Frank is now riddled with so many exemptions and loopholes that the largest banks are back to many of their old tricks http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Wall-Street-Is-Back-to-Its-Old-Tricks-RR.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST The immediate progenitors to Occupy Wall Street are international: from Tunisia and Egypt to Wisconsin http://www.ihavenet.com/World-The-World-Is-Finally-Fighting-Off-the-Infection-of-Neoliberalism-FPIF.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST Why is Medvedev bothering to symbolically make this distinction in denouncing the federal bureaucracy? The answer to this question is highly instructive to those of us in the Western world, particularly as we implode economically under the weight of public-sector costs, among other things http://www.ihavenet.com/World-Russia-America-Now-More-Pro-Civil-Service-Than-Russia-RM.html Mon, 14 November 2011 10:00:00 EST A fundamental war has been waged in this nation since its founding, between progressive forces pushing us forward and regressive forces pulling us backward. We are going to battle once again http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Rise-of-the-Regressive-Right-and-the-Reawakening-of-America-RR.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST The Buffett Rule is bad tax policy. Taxing the rich has more to do with societal 'fairness' than job creation http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Buffett-Rule-Is-Bad-Tax-Policy-JL.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST The Buffett Rule is an important part of President Obama's deficit reduction proposal http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Without-Buffett-Rule-Middle-and-Lower-Class-Will-Suffer-JF.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST The Pentagon is scrambling to protect its flank in these budget-cutting times http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Defending-Bloated-Military-Spending-OW.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST The Herman Cain 2012 campaign released an ad titled 'Now is the time for action!'. The video features Cain's chief of staff Mark Block speaking directly into camera while smoking http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Smoking-Herman-Cain-Campaign-Ad-Brilliant-or-Bizarre-AMP.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST Rick Perry was in desperate need for a reboot, or maybe just a boot. This week, Perry beefed up his staff with some new national political talent, released an economic plan to some applause, and went on the attack against his political rival http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Rick-Perry-Relaunches-2012-Campaign-AMP.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST Simplicity, as with Herman Cain's '9-9-9' proposal sells on the campaign trail but it's hard to pull off in Washington http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-GOP-Tax-Proposals-Nothing-Is-Simple-As-It-Seems-AMP.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST In his effort to reboot his struggling presidential campaign, Texas Gov. Rick Perry made a statement with a starkly conservative flat tax proposal. The plan would set personal income and corporate taxes at 20 percent, would eliminate the capital gains and estate tax http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Rick-Perry-Ups-Ante-With-Flat-Tax-Plan-AMP.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST The Tea Party would go much further than the House Republicans, the Simpson-Bowles Commission and the congressional super-committee with its new deficit cutting plan, pushing reductions of $9 trillion over 10 years by eliminating several major programs and agencies http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Tea-Party-Budget-Cuts-9-Trillion-Dollars-PB.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST The most pressing question isn't whether or not the super committee will meet the deadline. It's whether anyone will really be surprised -- if it matters, even -- if they do not http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/If-Super-Committee-Fails-Will-Anyone-Care-MS.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST The so-called 'flat tax' is all the rage among Republican presidential hopefuls. Herman Cain was the first. Now, Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich have come up with their own flat-tax proposals. The flat tax is a fraud. It raises taxes on the poor and lowers them on the rich http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Flat-Tax-Fraud-and-Why-America-Needs-a-Truly-Progressive-Tax-RR.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST Mitt Romney leads the Republican field both in the number and the geographic variety of his endorsements, demonstrating, experts say, that he may have the unifying power that the party needs http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Endorsements-Give-Mitt-Romney-a-Winning-Edge-JR.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST It's official; Mitt Romney is not the Tea Party's favorite http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Tea-Party-Disses-Mitt-Romney-LF.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST For weeks, Mitt Romney cruised through the GOP primary with an odd advantage. Even though everything, including poll numbers and endorsement, was going his way, the divided Republican field wasn't treating him like a front-runner. Too preoccupied with battling each other, Romney's opponents let his weak spots go untargeted. That changed in Las Vegas http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Finally-Gets-the-Front-Runner-Treatment-AMP.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST Michele Bachmann is a staunch fiscal conservative, consistently advocating for balanced budgets and reining in spending. But her presidential campaign has taken the opposite tack in recent months, spending money faster than they have raised it in hopes of scoring a victory in Iowa http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Obama-and-Perry-Spend-Big-But-Huntsman-and-Bachmann-Spend-Fast-JR.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST Poor Newt Gingrich must be wondering what he's got to do to get his moment in the spotlight as the not-Romney of the moment http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-When-Cain-is-Not-Able-Will-Gingrich-Be-Next-In-Line-RS.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST In 2004 Barack Obama said, 'There is not a black America and a white America and Latino America and Asian America -- there is the United States of America.' Those were welcome and commendable words. Unfortunately, they appear to be only words. Since then, Obama has divided us along race and class lines more than any modern president http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Obama-Vote-For-Obama-Because-He-is-Black-CT.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST It may not rank highly in polls of voters' priorities compared to the jobs and the economy, yet immigration has taken on a central role in the 2012 presidential campaign drama http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Obama-Immigration-Border-Blues-CP.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST The gloves are off now in the 2012 Republican presidential nomination fight, as viewers saw in the recent two-hour CNN debate in Las Vegas. Seven of the eight contenders got in on the bare-knuckle brawl, but most of the telling blows were exchanged between Mitt Romney and Rick Perry http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Hardball-JW.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST Resourceful young people have lit our pathway out of the morass http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Dispatch-from-Occupy-Wall-Street-OW.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST Despite surface similarities there are some very real differences between the two movements. The Tea Party is fundamentally a regressive movement with little ambition to move society forward. The Occupy Wall Street movement, on the other hand, has the potential to be genuinely transformative in a very different way http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Looks-Forward-Tea-Party-Looks-Backward-LM.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST The Occupy Wall Street demonstrations have spread. In 2009 and 2010, Tea Parties turned out hundreds of thousands in protests against the Obama administration's policies and eventually gave him the largest midterm rebuke since 1938. All of these protests, of course, are vastly different -- or are they really? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Railing-Against-Reality-VDH.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST There are two important and unrecognized facts about the Occupy Wall Street movement in the United States and the so-called 'indignados' protests that began in Spain at the end of last summer and have spread through much of Western Europe http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-and-Tea-Party-Movements-More-Alike-Than-Not-WP.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST While both protest movements give voice to a powerlessness increasingly felt by many Americans, the similarities pretty much end there. The Occupy Wall Street phenomenon is not inherently divisive like the Tea Party, and less likely to be co-opted by operatives and lobbyists who don't share the real interests of the grass roots http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Less-Likely-to-Be-Co-Opted-GD.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST Occupy Wall Street has many of the same sentiments that led to the creation of the Tea Party -- frustration and anger at a system that is failing many of its citizens, desire for a better way of life, and the belief that ordinary Americans can bring about change to the status quo. Yet Occupy Wall Street is a movement based solely on emotions http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Occupy-ers-Seek-Social-Awareness-Not-Policy-Change-RA.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST The Occupy Wall Street crew picks up on the Tea Party anger directed at the use of the government to make the rich even richer. While it does not have a coherent program or list of demands at this point, the vast majority of the Occupiers understand that there is something seriously wrong in this country http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-The-Real-Tea-Party-DB.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST Having personally attended hundreds of Tea Party events across the nation, and having had direct conversations with thousands of Tea Partyers, I can tell you that these two groups of people could not be more different http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Unlike-Occupy-Wall-Street-Tea-Party-Knows-What-It-is-Protesting-MM.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST To be sure, like the Tea Party movement, Occupy Wall Street is an expression of frustration that our democratic system is not working in the way voters would like http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-ers-Seek-Dissolution-of-Democracy-End-of-Capitalism-DS.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST Will Occupy Wall Street hold together long enough to cut to the deep chase? Will it find a voice to articulate not merely the pain of the struggling middle class but the endemic unfairness and racism of inescapable poverty? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-The-Abandoned-Class-RK.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST A month ago a colorful band of rag-tag protesters descended on Zuccotti Park in New York's financial district and vowed to 'Occupy Wall Street' until its, as yet unspecified, demands were met. They were ridiculed. They were dismissed as irrelevant. They were condemned as communist agitators. But here's the funny part: They're still there http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Becomes-Occupy-America-BP.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST After spending an afternoon with Occupy DC, the District of Columbia's branch of the Occupy Wall Street movement, I now understand why they avoid formal leaders. For one thing, when things go wrong, it's easier to spread the blame around. That's something the young radicals have in common with the folks on Wall Street and in Washington http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Protests-Simplicity-Matters-CP.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST Young people are graduating from college into the worst jobs market since the 1930s while carrying record levels of student debt. The sad truth of Occupy Wall Street is that for many of the young activists, Wall Street occupied them first http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-The-Student-Debt-Threat-JJ.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST The Occupy movement is only a little over a month old. It is a new colt, still wobbly on its legs, yet some of us want it to already be Seabiscuit http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Next-Move-Crucial-For-Occupy-Movement-LPJ.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST We don't speak for Occupy Wall Street, but we at the AFL-CIO are standing hand to hand with its followers. We have been inspired by their energy and creativity. I've personally been moved by the young people leading the way in this movement. And working people applaud the relentless focus on what (and who) truly threatens America, a gasping economy crashed by Wall Street elites http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-ers-Know-Who-Truly-Threatens-America-ES.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST Occupy Wall Street is exciting those on the left who have hoped for their own Tea Party-esque groundswell of frustration. But is it the next Tea Party movement? Not quite http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Movement-Lacks-Clear-Objectives-KS.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST The Occupy Wall Street movement is a more profound challenge to the current way of doing business than the Tea Party was or aspired to be http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Movement-Purposely-Has-No-Single-Set-Demand-RW.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST In a year of bitterly partisan battles over the budget, debt, and anything else with a deadline, the Senate hopes to break through congressional quagmire to replace the wildly unpopular No Child Left Behind education policy. But the effort will not be easy http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/States-Rights-at-Heart-of-New-No-Child-Left-Behind-Debate-MJK.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST I've become concerned with the growing arteriosclerosis of American institutions. Iraq was not an exceptional case. It was a vivid symptom of a long-term trend, one that worsens year by year. The same ailments that led to the disastrous occupation were on full display in Washington this past summer, during the debt-ceiling debacle http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-The-Broken-Contract-Inequality-and-American-Decline-Foreign-Affairs.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST In the wake of the Cold War, U.S. foreign policy underwent a profound transformation as American ambitions spilled over their former limits. Today, however, U.S. power has begun to wane. As other states rise in prominence, the United States' undisciplined spending habits and open-ended foreign policy commitments are catching up with the country http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-The-Wisdom-of-Retrenchment-America-Must-Cut-Back-to-Move-Forward-Foreign-Affairs.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST What is true is that we fought a war we did not have to fight. Iraq cost at least $806 billion and more than 36,000 American casualties, including 4,400 deaths. So there are mixed emotions that President Obama has decided to withdraw virtually all U.S. troops from Iraq. There is elation, of course, thankfulness that American troops will be home for the holidays http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Iraq-Mixed-Emotions-as-the-United-States-Leaves-Iraq-LPJ.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST After watching the 2,407th Republican presidential candidate debate, this one LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, I feel it's time to incorporate youth softball rules into the contests. Something needs to be done http://www.ihavenet.com/humor/Little-League-Rules-for-Big-League-Debates-Greg-Schwem.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST For the Arab Spring it was Twitter; for the summer riots in London it was BlackBerry Messenger. The latest technology is helping to accelerate 'information cascades', where people make decisions based on what they see other people doing -- and getting away with http://www.ihavenet.com/World-Riots-and-Revolutions-in-the-Digital-Age-EVOX.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu says the U.S. shouldn't cut aid to Israel and offers her state's help for the country's nascent energy industry http://www.ihavenet.com/World-Israel-United-States-Senator-Landrieu-Do-not-Cut-Aid-to-Israel-AHN.html Wed, 2 November 2011 17:15:00 EST One county dared to stand up to the military-industrial complex. The complex has fought back http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Resolution-Against-the-Machine-FPIF.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Politicians play small ball and duck big issues like taxes, spending, entitlements, and jobs http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Obama-and-2012-GOP-ers-Need-More-Urgency-on-Americas-Future-MKC.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST According to Intrade, the online trading market where users bet on upcoming news events, Obama stands only a 47 percent chance of being re-elected and the GOP is favored by nearly 50 percent to win. Here are the latest odds and predictions from Intrade http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-a-Sure-Bet-for-GOP-Nomination-PB.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST With the so-called super committee acting mostly in secret, guessing how they'll come up wit at least $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction has become one of D.C.'s favorite guessing games. Without any outside signs of progress from the 12-member committee, lobbying has begun, with Democrats and Republicans pushing certain cuts while defending their own special interests http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Super-Committee-Lobbying-Begins-in-Earnest-AMP.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST I have a new hero today: the sage of Omaha. I've never met him. I don't own, nor could I afford, even one share of stock in his company, Berkshire Hathaway. But I think Warren Buffett's the perfect hero for today because he reminds us that being an American is not all about greed. And he's willing to put his money where his mouth is http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Warren-Buffett-A-Hero-For-Our-Times-BP.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST While the occupation of city squares all over the nation is inspiring many people, others are (understandably) a bit perplexed. But I think people understand more than they know. Something is very wrong with our country and our world http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-What-I-have-Learned-Occupying-Wall-Street-and-DC-OW.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Varying forms of inequality pervade the American economy, whether people are underrepresented, underpaid, or just suffering disproportionately. Here are a few more groups with reason to join Occupy Wall Street on the front lines of protest http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Not-Just-Anti-Wall-Streeters-That-Have-Grounds-to-Protest-DK.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Occupiers in over 80 countries took to the streets in protest. Here's how the 'Occupy Wall Street' protests have emanated out of a small park in the Financial District and captured the world's attention http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-How-Occupy-Wall-Street-Started-and-Spread-BG.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Remember Howard Beale? He was the crazed TV anchorman in 'Network,' who called on Americans to throw open their windows and shout to the world: 'I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going take this anymore!' Well, he's figuratively back in the skyscraper canyons of Manhattan, and in financial centers of other major American cities http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Is-Mad-as-Hell-Enough-JW.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Occupy Wall Street protests have now spread to some 800 cities. Conservatives have fallen over themselves rushing to side with the top 1 percent against the rest. But class warfare is the reason Occupy Wall Street has struck such a chord http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Do-not-Sleep-Through-the-Revolution-JJ.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Occupy Wall Street feels like the right thing at the right time, like the harbinger of a new Zeitgeist -- though not everyone is convinced http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-The-Beginning-of-Something-Big-Maybe-LPJ.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Brian Phillips is the head of communications for the NYC General Assembly, the group primarily responsible for occupying Wall Street. He's not advocating violence or dictatorship. No, he just wants the government to work on the same non-hierarchical, consensus-based, extremely deliberative form of direct democracy that they're using down in Liberty Plaza http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Sorting-Out-the-Extremists-JG.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST First it was the teachers occupying the statehouse in Wisconsin to highlight the importance of collective bargaining rights to their middle-class existence. Now throngs of young people and their supporters have organized a sleep-in at America's epicenter of greed to push their grievance that our country is run by and for plutocrats http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Protestors-Return-to-Nations-Roots-RB.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST The Occupy Wall Street protests have turned into a cluster-hug of groups and causes. A collective of union members, antiwar activists and young people with apparently nothing better going on have gathered to vent their frustrations. Here's a thought for the protesters: Why not just ignore Wall Street, the government and wealthy people, and live your own life? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Wall-Street-and-Its-Occupiers-Both-State-Welfare-Junkies-RM.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Fed up with those comparing the Tea Party with the 'Occupy Wall Street' movement, the largest Tea Party branch today labeled the anticorporate protesters as 'lawbreaking troublemakers who want to ruin the nation' http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Tea-Party-Stop-Comparing-Occupy-Wall-Street-To-Us-PB.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST The president's jobs effort is too little, too late, and too political, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus writes http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obama-Trade-Deal-Delays-Have-Cost-Jobs-RP.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Here's why Rick Perry -- one of most successful politicians in the one of the country's largest states -- has stumbled so badly on the national stage http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Rick-Perry-Why-Rick-Perry-is-failing-and-his-Texas-Success-Is-not-Translating-AMP.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Rick Perry's minister ally Robert Jeffress might think Mitt Romney's church is a cult, but a new documentary on the presidency and Mormonism suggests that Romney could snag the nation's top job despite the religious feud between Christians http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Mormon-Expert-Religion-Will-not-Stall-Mitt-Romney-LF.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST A frequent target of the other GOP hopefuls, the previously benign Mitt Romney dealt with them this time like the knowing adult in the roomful snappish school kids http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Takes-Charge-at-Dartmouth-College-Debate-JW.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Surging Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain's populist-sounding 9-9-9 tax plan would crush retirees, taking up to a third of their savings as they spend their way through retirement without any offsetting help from Cain's radically low 9 percent income tax. Here's how http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Herman-Cain-9-9-9-Tax-Plan-Could-Hurt-Retirees-PB.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Is there anybody in the general audience willing to bet his first-born, or even second or third, that Herman Cain will be the Republican Party's nominee next year, let alone be sitting in the Oval Office come January 2013? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Raising-Herman-Cain-JW.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST This is for those who keep asking what I think of Herman Cain. I might eat the plate of crow those folks proffer if I'd ever actually made that claim. Modern social conservatives, in my experience, do not hate black people en masse http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Herman-Cain-On-Race-and-Herman-Cain-A-Darker-Shade-of-Wail-LPJ.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Americans love a catchy slogan, whether it's a bromide about good ol' American values or a sappy sales pitch for soda pop. And there you have an explanation of Herman Cain's moment in the sun. http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Herman-Cain-A-Slogan-in-Every-Pot-MS.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST If Ron Paul becomes president, he would cut his own salary to less than $40,000 a year, end five cabinet-level departments, audit the Federal Reserve, end all foreign wars, and trim the federal workforce by 10 percent. These and other cuts are part of Paul's 'Plan to Restore America' http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Ron-Paul-1-Trillion-Dollar-Cut-Plan-Targets-Five-Cabinet-Departments-MJK.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST So Chris Christie said no. This should not have been a surprise. The New Jersey governor has said 'no' repeatedly. But it also raises other questions. The fact that it is still cajoling potential candidates at this late date suggests a restiveness in the Grand Old Party. The Republicans are looking for someone to love http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Republicans-Looking-For-a-Candidate-to-Love-LPJ.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST What makes conservative pastors think their church members are so ignorant that they need to hear from them before deciding for whom to vote? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Politics-and-Religion-2012-Version-CT.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Robert Jeffress introduced Rick Perry at the Values Voter Summit. He started a great big hullabaloo by asking, 'Do we want a candidate who is a good, moral person, or one who is a born-again follower of the Lord Jesus Christ?' http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Morality-Not-Theology-JG.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Now that those two objects of Republican affection, Chris Christie and Sarah Palin, have decided not to come to the 2012 dance, the suitors in the stag line will have to choose from the remaining partners, none of whom has really made their hearts beat faster http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-The-GOP-and-Mitt-Romney-Dilemma-JW.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Herman Cain demonstrated how out of touch he is when asked his opinion about the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations now gripping New York and other cities around the country. Many of the protesters are young people from middle class backgrounds and with college educations http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Herman-Cain-Its-the-Oligarchy-Stupid-MS.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Tea partiers are delighted that their support for Herman Cain proves they don't hate black people. Unfortunately, judging by some of his statements, Cain doesn't seem to like black people very much, either http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-GOP-Candidates-Herman-Cain-Anti-Race-Card-CP.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Mitt Romney and Ron Paul both sought to convert skeptics at the Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C. Romney gave a decent speech which seemed presidential but ignited little passion, while Paul's speech had religious themes but was mostly a sermon to the already converted http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-and-Ron-Paul-Aim-to-Soothe-Skeptics-AMP.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST In this, President Barack Obama's autumn of discontent, a new and potentially disastrous media narrative is emerging about him: He's the kind of liberal who loves humanity but hates people. http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Obama-Lonely-Presidency-CP.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Dodd-Frankenstein is a deeply flawed bill that contains many different laws thrown together, some good and some bad. Congress should have taken the time to consider -- and vote on -- each title in the law separately http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Dodd-Frank-Reconsider-Dodd-Frank-Piece-by-Piece-JA.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST The calls for repealing the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill are more than a little bizarre. It was only three years ago that the whole financial system was at the brink of collapse http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Dodd-Frank-Brings-Transparency-to-Financial-Industry-DB.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST We should not repeal Dodd-Frank. Although far from perfect, it goes a long way towards fixing many of the problems revealed by the severe financial crisis from which we are still recovering http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Dodd-Frank-is-More-Right-than-Wrong-DE.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Last year's Dodd-Frank Act is essentially a trash-compactor collection of unrelated provisions thrown together in the mad rush to pass a bill, any bill. Rather than creating a comprehensive, well considered law that responded to the actual causes of the crisis, Congress included such disparate -- and counterproductive -- elements http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Dodd-Frank-Is-a-Counterproductive-Mess-DJ.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST It was only a few years ago that our economy was hit by a financial crisis created by reckless behavior on Wall Street and a lack of consumer protection. It is shocking how quickly some in Washington have forgotten the painful consequences of inadequate regulation -- though the millions of Americans who lost their jobs, homes, or retirement savings surely have not http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Dodd-Frank-Repealing-Dodd-Frank-Would-Put-the-Economy-in-Danger-TJ.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Fox News started as an idea hatched by Rupert Murdoch, who hired GOP campaign strategist Roger Ailes to run the new channel. Ailes set out to build from scratch a network that resembled a newspaper: news and opinion. And the formula hasn't changed http://www.ihavenet.com/Television-Fox-News-5-Years-On-The-Secret-of-Fox-News-Success-PB.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Should Republicans and Democrats at loggerheads over how to fix the economy just get out of the way? http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Is-the-Economy-Better-Off-Without-Washington-MH.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST There's plenty of blame being thrown around Washington between Democrats and Republicans. But conveniently for both parties gearing up for election mode, there's also a scapegoat outside the American political system: China http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Economic-Woes-Put-China-in-the-Political-Crosshairs-JR.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Each time the market plunges, rarely will you see a story asking why the market risk is born by individual workers; it's just an assumed sub-text that we all must rely on the market, because employers no longer can afford to provide traditional defined benefit pensions. Ellen Schultz isn't buying it http://www.ihavenet.com/Personal-Finance-Vanishing-Pensions-Another-Case-of-Corporate-Greed-MM.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Calling Michael Moore or Charles Ferguson. America's premier muckraking documentary filmakers are needed for another expose. This time, they can reveal how companies across this country have cheated millions of their workers out of a secure retirement, while enriching executives at the top http://www.ihavenet.com/Personal-Finance-Pension-Raiding-Epidemic-Worthy-of-Condemnation-RB.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST America is once again getting the upper hand in this long war against Middle Eastern terrorists with the use of Predator drone targeted assassinations that the terrorists have not yet an answer to. In systematically deadly fashion, Predators are picking off the top echelon of al-Qaeda and its affiliates http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Predator-in-Chief-VDH.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Americans are law enforcement officials for stopping an alleged Iranian terror plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador. Thanks to them, no harm was done to Ambassador Adel Al-Jubei or bystanders. So, without having to struggle with collateral damage, lawmakers and the Obama administration can now focus on ratcheting up the pressure on Iran http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Congress-Administration-Discuss-Next-Steps-on-Iran-JR.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Should we bomb Iran for plotting to blow up a Washington, D.C., restaurant in order to assassinate the Saudi ambassador? Probably not. Should Iran be worried that we might? Absolutely http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Iran-and-The-Diminishing-Returns-of-Reasonableness-JG.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Foreign policy expert urges caution before assuming alleged plan to kill Saudi official was arranged by Tehran http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Iran-Terror-Plot-Mystery-Link-to-Iran-JR.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST A fence along the U.S. border with Mexico illustrates a lack of understanding of the logistics and costs, the historical motivations driving U.S. immigration, and ignores a profound systemic change that must be achieved in order to address illegal immigration problems in a sustainable and cost efficient manner http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Mexico-The-Conservative-Case-Against-a-Border-Fence-RR-WK.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST In GOP primary politics, the U.S.- Mexico border fence is an immigration litmus test, but an apparently unhelpful one. Nevertheless, some 2012 candidates continue to find political capital in touting the fence http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Mexico-GOP-Uses-Border-Fence-as-Immigration-Distraction-for-2012-MJK.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST A group of 46 high-profile Mexican politicians and academics from across the ideological spectrum shook this country recently with a daring proposal to end Mexico's political gridlock: forcing whomever is elected president in 2012 to form a coalition government http://www.ihavenet.com/World-Mexico-Learning-From-Mexican-Coalition-Debate-AO.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST China currently is at the center of long-term Washington policy and of its military preoccupations particularly. Today, the United States may still be the world's leading military and economic power, but in both respects the fiery Chinese dragon's breath is felt and feared, with implications being debated. However, the fear is misplaced. http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Fears-Misplaced-When-it-Comes-to-China-WP.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST A new survey shows that a majority of Europeans want the United States to continue exerting 'strong leadership in world affairs.' One wonders why Europe holds so much faith in America right now when Americans, trapped in a deep national malaise, have so little faith in themselves http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Sluggish-America-Can-Still-Be-a-World-Leader-JB.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST The Occupy Wall Street movement is a protest uniquely suited to a generation schooled in social media. There are no leaders: it's crowd-sourced. Nor does it have any specific demands beyond a thorough reorientation of American priorities. It's as if thousands and thousands of people have 'unliked' Wall Street http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Wall-Street-Unlike-FPIF.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST I hate to be one of those old crocks who talks about how things were better in the old days. But you know what? Some things really were better in the old days, including newspapers http://www.ihavenet.com/World-United-States-Newspaper-Nostalgia-OW.html Mon, 24 October 2011 13:45:00 EST Time flies and as 2011 runs to the finishing line, the political parties in the United States are staring at another year of massive campaign fund raising, catchy slogans and hectic efforts to swing voters on the fence to vote for elephants or donkeys http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Time-Running-Out-for-Obama-To-Re-Engage-and-Re-Excite-Voters-AHN.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Presidential candidate Rick Perry is stirring up a firestorm of controversy in Latin America with his recent comment that if he is elected next year he would consider sending American troops into Mexico to fight drug cartels http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Rick-Perry-Proposal-of-American-Troops-in-Mexico-Stirs-Criticism-AHN.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Drug cartels are trying to overcome resistance to their U.S. distribution networks through 'narco-terrorism,' according to the 2012 Republican Presidential Candidates http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Look-at-Narco-Terrorism-Risks-AHN.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Conservatives are trying to restrict and distort the will of the voters in an effort to win the next election before votes are even cast http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-The-Real-Voter-Fraud-Scandal-RS.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Come December, the priorities and role of our government could be drastically and fundamentally altered. Are your views and concerns being heard? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/How-to-Achieve-Transparency-for-the-Supercommittee-OW.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST The biggest debate is over cutting military spending, which has grown 81 percent in since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Instead of looking for opportunities to scrap wasteful military programs, some lawmakers are seeking loopholes to avoid making any defense cuts at all http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Cutting-Military-Spending-Belongs-on-the-Table-OW.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST The United States would need to keep fighting al Qaeda while trimming its weapons buying list and continuing the efficiency drive already instituted by the former defense chief according to the new defense secretary http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Panetta-Outlines-Wide-Range-of-Proposals-to-Cut-Billions-from-Military-Budget-AHN.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST We dodged another shutdown bullet, but the next stopgap bill to keep the government going will run to November 18. And their price for signing on to this one, Republicans say, will be more budget cuts. The kind that make you wonder what kind of country are we living in? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Congressional-Republicans-The-Moral-Question-RR.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST The 'Occupy Wall Street' protests, modeled on the Tahrir Square demonstrations that toppled Egypt's government last spring, popped up in mid-September in New York and have spread to Chicago and other cities across the country http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Flash-Mob-Politics-From-Both-Sides-Now-CP.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST People are turning. The misery is too widespread. The privileged are too brazen. The injustice too apparent. On Wall Street, young students have created a free democratic space in a place they call Liberty Square. They protest that Wall Street has been rescued, but there is no help for most Americans http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Challenges-America-JJ.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Initially written off as a rag-tag bunch of angry co-eds camping out in New York City, the Occupy Wall Street movement has gained attention and traction nationwide since beginning demonstrations three weeks ago. But what exactly are they protesting? And could the movement spark an even larger event? http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-Tries-to-Harness-Anger-on-the-Left-MH.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Occupy America, as the loosely aligned collective has begun calling itself, is laying the foundation for national and, ultimately, global change at the level not of political policy but of human consciousness http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Chicago-Our-Overripe-Moment-RCK.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST The obvious is not easily seen when you don't want to see it. The Wall Street sitdown, and the copycat sitdowns elsewhere in the U.S., were suddenly discovered by the mainstream press http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Occupy-Wall-Street-American-Government-Indifference-to-Popular-Protest-WP.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Once upon a time, loud dissent, filibustering in the Senate and gridlock in the House were as democratic as apple pie http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obamaism-Democracy-New-Discontents-VDH.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Listening to some establishment Republicans grousing about the field of GOP presidential candidates should serve as a warning. Republicans, if they are not careful, are in danger of catching the same virus that infected Democrats in 2008 http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Messiah-Complex-The-Sequel-CT.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Asked about his refusal to raise taxes on corporations while millions of Americans are struggling, Mitt Romney replied, 'Corporations are people.' It wasn't a slip-up. A look through Romney's economic plan shows that, as president, he would care tenderly for big corporations while ignoring the needs of flesh-and-blood Americans http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Believes-in-Corporate-America-OW.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Mitt Romney, a onetime exec at private equity investment firm Bain Capital, is no stranger to Wall Street, and that's beginning to look like a real advantage as he continues his campaign for the presidency http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Why-Obama-Is-Down-and-Romney-Is-Up-on-Wall-Street-JR.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST The GOP primary schedule is a mess. States continue to try to edge past each other to earlier in the race, and now the prospect of the first 2012 contest occurring in late 2011 is a distinct, if still improbable, possibility. The biggest beneficiary of this squabble among the states could be Mitt Romney http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Mitt-Romney-Early-Primary-Jumble-Benefits-Mitt-Romney-AMP.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie probably had more suitors than Portia in Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice' and yet in the end he made the right decision not to run for president. It was the correct decision on several levels http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-New-Jersey-Republican-Governor-Chris-Christie-Right-Decision-CT.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST New Jersey governor's backers may stay on the fence, for now. Much of Christie's appeal lies in his blunt and direct speaking style, which contrasts with that of Romney, who has been accused of using mealy-mouthed talking points to try to reverse stances on social and economic issues http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Chris-Christie-Out-Now-Who-for-GOP-Fiscal-Conservatives-AMP.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST In his first 90 days as president, Herman Cain plans to replace President Obama's health overhaul law with 'Caincare,' institute a new 'Domestic Cain Doctrine,' change the cabinet into a corporate-styled executive committee, and force all agencies to justify their spending http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Herman-Cain-Plan-For-First-90-Days-as-President-PB.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST An absolutely true news item: Herman Cain, former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, has won the Republican presidential straw poll in Florida. My fellow Americans, Welcome to the Herman Cain bandwagon! http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-All-Aboard-The-Herman-Cain-Bandwagon-CH.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST I have decided to endorse Herman Cain to be the Republican Party's candidate for president. No, I am not crazy. I hear the pleas of those who challenge me to give 'The Herminator' a chance. In these angry times on the right, Cain and the Grand Old Party seem to deserve one another http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Vote-for-Herman-Yes-They-Cain-CP.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain's surge since winning the Florida Straw Poll last month has caught fire on the Internet and almost all the buzzing and blogging about him is positive, setting the stage for him to join Mitt Romney and Rick Perry in the top tier of White House hopefuls http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Herman-Cain-Lights-Up-Internet-Bachmann-Goes-Dark-PB.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Herman Cain's moment seems to have arrived. He is surging in the polls, and getting positive notice from a conservative movement still looking for an alternative to Mitt Romney. But, according to several veteran GOP operatives, many Republicans question whether Cain can harness this momentum http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Herman-Cain-Booming-But-Many-GOPers-Still-Leery-of-Bust-LF.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Herman Cain is dreaming if he thinks the public will make him president and Barack Obama's plan of repeating Harry S. Truman's come-from-behind 1948 victory is fatally flawed http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Why-Obama-is-No-Truman-and-Cain-is-No-Eisenhower-PB.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Sarah Palin's erratic process for deciding she won't run for president likely also killed her chances of being picked again as a runningmate or even a cabinet official in a Republican administration. But one thing's for sure: She'll keep making enough money that she'd have to pay President Obama's millionaire's tax http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Without-Sarah-Palin-Unlikely-to-Land-VP-or-Cabinet-Job-Either-PB.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST In her announcement that she will not seek the GOP nomination, Sarah Palin vowed to remain influential in the process saying, 'You don't need a title to make a difference.' In her case that may be true, but for her grassroots supporters, likely to scatter to a host of other candidates, it's unlikely they will be able to do the same http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Without-Sarah-Palin-Followers-Clout-Will-Dissipate-LF.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Will they ever learn? That's a legitimate question to ask about the political operatives in the states who again are playing musical chairs with the dates for the 2012 presidential primaries and caucuses to pick the Republican nominee http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Primary-Madness-Again-JW.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST In official Washington there's been quite a bit of consternation over the reactions elicited by the Republican primary debates. For those sane enough to do something besides watch the pregame show for Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, a quick tally will suffice http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Debate-Reactions-Are-Part-of-Republican-Brand-TNC.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST A few words about Rick Perry's rock. This would be the one at the entrance to a remote Texas hunting ground used by Perry for decades, the one painted with the name of the camp: 'N----rhead.' The Texas governor says his father painted over the ugly name almost 30 years ago, though some locals claimed to have seen it there much more recently http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Rick-Perry-Rock-and-What-It-Says-About-Us-LPJ.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST The past few weeks haven't been kind to Texas Gov. Rick Perry and his dreams of becoming the Republican nominee for president. Weak performances in the debates and a surprising loss in the Florida straw poll has left Perry reeling. Despite his floundering, it may be premature to write Perry's political obituary just yet. Here's why http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Do-not-Write-Rick-Perry-Off-Just-Yet-AMP.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Rick Perry missed his teachable moment. But he shouldn't fret. He'll get another shot at it. Perry chose a defensive posture when fellow GOP presidential candidates went on the attack over Texas's college in-state tuition option for children whose parents hauled them to this country illegally http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Rick-Perry-Needs-to-Defend-His-Sensible-Approach-to-Immigration-Issue-MS.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Today's Republicans are an unhappy bunch. Not only do they not like President Obama; they don't seem to care much for the choices they have for a 2012 candidate to run against him http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Discontented-Republicans-Search-On-for-Mr-Right-JW.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST President Obama's failure to fully achieve the liberal agenda and remain popular in the process is fueling dangerous radicalization in the oddest of places: the media establishment, which considers itself the guardian of the political center http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Centrists-Abandoning-Obama-Ship-JG.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST As President Obama tours the country calling on voters to demand that Congress 'pass this jobs bill right away,' he needs to aim beyond the obstructionist Republicans on Capitol Hill, to the top Democrat in the Senate http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obamas-Relevance-American-Jobs-Act-JW.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST I agree with the Obama administration's decision to kill the American-born al-Qaeda recruiter Anwar al-Awlaki. What I can't fathom is why the administration agrees with me http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obamas-Terrorist-Dilemma-JG.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST The president wants to use taxes and division to tackle the budget deficit. He could do better http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Barack-Obama-Divisive-Class-Warfare-MKC.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST You may not have heard of Ron Paul. That's because the mainstream corporate media mostly blacks him out. No matter how well he might perform in the polls or at fundraising, he's largely a non-person in the press http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Ron-Paul-What-Have-They-Done-with-Ron-Paul-OW.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST Ron Paul wants to cut federal spending by $1 trillion, and he will propose a line-by-line way to do it. He indicated that the plan, which he estimates will be available in a couple weeks, will detail every line item he'd like to cut if he becomes president http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/2012-Republican-Presidential-Candidates-Ron-Paul-to-Release-Trillion-Dollar-Spending-Cut-Plan-MJK.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST The Supreme Court is back in session and the nine justices will consider a number of polarizing and controversial issues, not the least of which will likely be the constitutionality of 'Obamacare' and its mandate that every citizen purchase health insurance http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Supreme-Court-Regrets-They-have-Had-a-Few-CT.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST I have no beef with the student Republicans. Oh, I disagree with them about affirmative action, and probably a dozen other things as well. But I am not troubled -- amused, but not troubled -- by the way they've expressed their view. Unfortunately, others have been less sanguine http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Some-Thoughts-on-a-Half-Baked-Idea-LPJ.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST The Obama administration's quick appeal to the Supreme Court in defense of its signature healthcare law clearly displays White House confidence that it will ultimately prevail in the case, experts say. Whether that confidence is well-placed, though, remains a matter of opinion http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obamacare-White-House-Confident-of-Supreme-Court-Win-on-Healthcare-MJK.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST The Supreme Court kicks off its new term, and perhaps its biggest case in what is shaping up to be a landmark-filled term will concern the constitutionality of President Obama's healthcare overhaul law http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/Obamacare-Healthcare-Law-Path-Through-the-Supreme-Court-MJK.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST As if his earlier proposal to reform Medicare didn't give Republicans a bad case of heartburn, a new health reform scheme from Rep. Paul Ryan to rewrite workplace health insurance and provide universal health coverage through tax credits is starting to give the GOP fits http://www.ihavenet.com/politics/New-Democratic-Attack-for-a-New-Paul-Ryan-Healthcare-Plan-PB.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST With debate about President Obama's American Jobs Act occurring all over Washington, the Progressive Policy Institute held a forum on infrastructure and jobs. Leaders from the White House, Congress, private industry, labor, and the financial sector discussed the National Infrastructure Bank, a $10 billion component of the president's proposal http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/Is-Obama-National-Infrastructure-Bank-the-Answer-on-Jobs-BG.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST The most extensive and dramatic fiscal and monetary stimulus policies in U.S. history have failed to trigger a recovery dynamic where growth can be sustained without reliance on government steroids http://www.ihavenet.com/economy/We-Are-In-a-Modern-Day-Depression-MZ.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST The United States, which has focused for years on North Korea's small but developing nuclear arsenal, has barely been paying attention to the larger developments in Asia http://www.ihavenet.com/World-Asia-Why-2012-Will-Shake-Up-Asia-and-the-World-FPIF.html Fri, 14 October 2011 19:35:00 EST