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Author Archives: politicaloptic
The Cato Controversy: Tensions in Libertarian Land
The Cato Institute is a think tank that is practically synonymous with current-day libertarianism. Those connected with it at one time or another constitute a virtual who’s who of modern libertarians, including Murray Rothbard, the Koch brothers, Milton Friedman, Charles Murray, and … Continue reading
Posted in libertarianism
Tagged Cato Institute, Charles Koch, David Koch, Edward Crane
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The Tale of Two Colsons
In the wake of Chuck Colson’s death, we hear a lot about the two Colsons. The theme usually comes in the form of a stark contrast: the Chuck Colson sullied by his early political misdeeds versus the Colson redeemed by his … Continue reading
Posted in Christian worldview, culture war, Religious Right, secularism
Tagged Charles Colson, Chuck Colson, Francis Schaeffer, theocracy
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The Buffett Rule and Democratic Tactics
Frames are important in politics. The way an issue is presented is sometimes of greater weight than the accuracy of one’s debating points or the clarity of one’s reasoning. What is critical is how one’s argument plays upon the experience of one’s audience and … Continue reading
Posted in economic policy, framing, political strategy
Tagged Buffett Rule, Ryan budget, Tea Party movement
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The Ayn Rand Budget
Paul Ryan, the author of the GOP’s recent budget proposal, is a big fan of Ayn Rand. Ayn Rand is the writer who inspired the young Ryan some fifteen years ago to get into politics. Today, unsurprisingly, her go-it-alone individualism permeates his worldview and guides his policy-making. Her … Continue reading
Posted in economic policy
Tagged Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand, budget, capitalism, Paul Ryan, producers
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The GOP Budget Strategy: Reframing plus Shock Doctrine
Without a doubt, the Republicans seem set upon a high-risk strategy. Their congressional contingent last week decided to put all their chips on the Paul Ryan budget plan (all but ten Republicans voted for it in the House), which if adopted … Continue reading
Posted in economic policy, framing
Tagged framing, gridlock, Medicare, Ryan budget, Shock Doctrine
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“Stand Your Ground” and NRA Justice
Above and beyond the outrageous circumstances connected with the killing of Trayvon Martin, there is something awfully creepy about the “stand your ground laws” being pushed by the NRA (National Rifle Association) and its right-wing allies. Under our system of … Continue reading
For David Brooks, It’s All about Original Sin
Sigh. David Brooks is back at it again on original sin. It seems that whenever a heinous act is featured on the news, Brooks directs our attention to the dark underbelly of our own natures. Back in November, it was the … Continue reading
Posted in culture war, Religious Right, secularism, theology
Tagged David Brooks, original sin
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Why is Santorum Doing Better with Evangelicals than Catholics?
Rick Santorum has been cleaning up in the Bible Belt. Although a practicing Catholic, he has recently won primaries in Tennessee, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Alabama, not exactly Papist strongholds. He has also done well in the rural areas of rustbelt states, where evangelicals predominate. … Continue reading
Posted in Religious Right, theology
Tagged Catholics, evangelicals, Primaries, Rick Santorum
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The Fox Effect
Fox News has found a new public enemy. This time it’s not Acorn, George Soros, or the Occupiers of Wall Street. Instead it’s an entity with a low profile and a tedious job: Media Matters, the watchdog organization that tracks … Continue reading
Posted in book review, journalism, media
Tagged Acorn, Bill Sammon, Fox News, Media Matters, Roger Ailes
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Political Optic 