In an op-ed for The New York Times, former Oregon secretary of state Phil Keisling says we should scrap the party primary system and replace it with a "fully open/top two" primary. The goal: reducing partisanship. All candidates would run in a first round, “qualifying” election, with the top two finalists earning the chance to … Continue reading Opinion, please: scrap party primaries
Category: National
Perriello rocks
At the annual Jefferson Jackson dinner last Saturday night, I heard Congressman Tom Perriello speak for the first time. Agree or disagree, Perriello demonstrated the courage to vote his conscience. That his family - in particular his brother - is paying a price for that vote seems unreal. The idea of disagreeing with someone without … Continue reading Perriello rocks
Health care reform passes: what passes for conversation these days
Although I stayed up last night to watch the historic vote on health care, I have to admit that this bill was not what I wanted it to be. I get it - politics is the art of the possible - but that doesn't mean that I can't be disappointed. Like many others, I support … Continue reading Health care reform passes: what passes for conversation these days
Margolies: “vote your conscience”
This article, which was reprinted in today's Virginian-Pilot, should be required reading for not only Rep. Glenn Nye but anyone running for or already in elected office. It's that there are times in all our careers when we must ask ourselves why we're here. I decided that my desire for public service at that moment … Continue reading Margolies: “vote your conscience”
When was the last time 80% of America agreed?
I can't remember. I'm guessing it was when The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. Maybe not even then. But Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that 80% of poll respondents disagree with the Supreme Court ruling that allows "unfettered corporate political spending." The poll reveals relatively little difference of opinion on the issue among … Continue reading When was the last time 80% of America agreed?
Dear Sarah: Please run
In an article reprinted in today's Virginian-Pilot, Leonard Pitts of the Miami Herald urges Sarah Palin to run for president. Pitts wants her to run, not because she's a weak candidate, but because it would force "a desperately needed moment of truth." ... you represent the latest iteration of an anti-intellectualism that periodically rises in … Continue reading Dear Sarah: Please run
Coffee Party
As opposed to the Tea Party From an email I received: The Coffee Party Movement gives voice to Americans who want to see cooperation in government. We recognize that the federal government is not the enemy of the people, but the expression of our collective will, and that we must participate in the democratic process … Continue reading Coffee Party
The struggle toward inclusiveness
This op-ed appeared in the Virginian-Pilot on Sunday, February 14, 2010. I’VE BEEN thinking about the subject of race in an ideal society, a world where we talk about race without making everything about race. It’s something I long for, something I once thought was not only possible but just around the corner. I’m no … Continue reading The struggle toward inclusiveness
Ford, Merrill Lynch broke the law
Call it whatever you like but Harold Ford, Jr. broke the law when he worked in New York and didn't pay taxes there. But he couldn't have pulled this off without some help from Merrill Lynch. Merrill Lynch was aware that he was working in New York. As his employer, they were responsible for withholding … Continue reading Ford, Merrill Lynch broke the law
Another who supports DADT repeal
It is my personal belief that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would be the right thing to do. -- Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen I had the opportunity Wednesday to spend some time with a retired military officer, one whose background and experience I consider unique to the question of the repeal … Continue reading Another who supports DADT repeal
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 