Author Archives: floegel

Why Are We All So Scared?

Tom Tancredo, the Republican congressman from Colorado is running for president, but he’s not running for president. He has no chance of winning the nomination; he’s running to inject his racist, vindictive views on immigration into the debate. One-issue candidates seeking to shift the dynamic of a race are nothing new, but they’re rarely as […]

Impeachment Now!

In Zen Buddhism, there is the idea that while enlightenment can takes years of meditation and discipline, it can also happen in a flash. Suddenly, the mind becomes clear and everything makes sense. In Zen, it’s called satori, which means “kick in the eye.” I had one of those Monday when a local blog quoted […]

No One Asked JFK That Question….

Turns out, Mitt Romney may have a religion problem in his presidential quest after all. Talking Points Memo this morning reports that at least three Republicans and two publications are quoting Mr. Romney as saying he would not consider appointing a Muslim to his cabinet, if elected president. Two of the Republicans paraphrased Mr. Romney’s […]

Stuck in Neutral

This is why we’re doomed when it comes to global warming. The science in clear and abundant, sensible options for reducing emissions of carbon dioxide are many and available – although each will require some inconvenience and cost. Our leaders, however, who can see no interest beyond their own terms of office, will only commit […]

…and a chicken in every pot?

Cambridge Energy Research Associates is likely to release the 2008 edition of its “Gasoline and the American People” report soon. Before they do, I’d like to call attention a telling statistic from the 2007 edition: Number of cars per thousand of population: United States: – 1,148 India – 11 China – 9 It’ll be interesting […]

Once Again, with Better Stats

The WaPo’s Eugene Robinson has similar thoughts about the American dream and the disappearing middle class, but has a better bunch of stats to back it up. (Hey, he gets paid for doing this…)

Working Class Middle Class

Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you’re enjoying the day away from work and with family and friends. On our semi-secular holiday, we give thanks not only for what we have, but also for the blessings we anticipate in the year to come. We anticipate blessings, both small and large. Someone in the family may be looking […]