November 15, 2012
by In The Sieve
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I’ve waited a week to blog about the presidential election. Part of the reason for the delay is that I wanted to have a little perspective on events. The other reason is that I had foot surgery and I’m not sure that my Percocet influenced musings would have made any sense. On the other hand, even in my compromised lucidity I probably would have still offered more substantive insight than much of what I saw being spewed by pundits from across the political spectrum.
September 11, 2012
by In The Sieve
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In a previous post, I reviewed the RNC platform’s key points in comparison to my personal views. I promised to do the same with The Democratic National Convention’s platform, so here it is.
As acknowledged last time, I know that a platform isn’t written by a party’s candidate. The platform tends to be a summary of a party’s traditional positions worded with a nod to current events. I also know that the platform is more of a reflection of a party’s leadership – the insiders – than it is of the thousands of registered members who don’t go to conventions. That’s why it tends to take traditional positions rather than reveal how a party is evolving. Specific points of the platform may or may not reflect Barack Obama’s priorities. My review is not an evaluation of how accurately the platform represents the President or the majority of the Democratic Party, but whether or not I personally would stand on this platform.
August 29, 2012
by In The Sieve
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A platform has been approved at the Republican National Convention. I thought I’d review some of its key points to see how it lines up with my personal views. I’ll do the same when the Democrats approve their platform.
February 24, 2012
by In The Sieve
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I just watched a panel of political pundits on television arguing over which presidential candidate, including the incumbent, would be the best for business. The debate was less about who would make the best president than it was about what the question really meant.
I question how important it is that a president be “business friendly”.
I know I don’t want government to be business antagonistic. It seems there should be some sort of congeniality between government and business. But do they really need to be friends?
November 26, 2011
by In The Sieve
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This image and its attached quote have been forwarded to my email by well-meaning friends who I am sure sincerely believe this a profound and insightful rallying cry for sensible and compassionate Americans.
Other than an “Amen” or a “We need more like him!” there’s no elaboration for why I’m receiving it. I can see from the email thread that recipients are prompted to pass this on if they believe in things like justice, equality, America, or if they’re a Christian.
I appreciate that I know so many people who care enough about our country to take a political stand but it’s a stand that’s confusing to me.
August 11, 2011
by In The Sieve
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I recently posted a blog that offered some advice for the President. I pointed out that the job of being President of the United States is tough enough without screwing up the easy stuff so I offered a few tips on how to handle some of the easy stuff. I’ve gotten some feedback suggesting I was biased. There was a perception by some that I was picking on the current President. Everyone settle down. I’m giving him free advice. This should be appreciated. My references were fresh so it may have appeared that I was targeting Barack Obama. So in the interest of appearing fair and balanced here are some tips inspired by George W. Bush’s administration.
August 5, 2011
by In The Sieve
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I know some people dream of being President of the United States. Maybe they think they have the answers our country needs or maybe they just want the prestige and the power. I have no interest in the job. It looks like a thankless grind. I wouldn’t want the pressure and responsibility.
But I’d like to help this POTUS and any future Commander in Chief with a few tips. So much of the job is staggeringly difficult. Don’t make things harder by bungling the easy stuff.