Rights and Democracy
A Plan for the Democratic Party
Until the votes are cast and counted, no one, no matter how smart or well-connected, can predict with certainty the outcome of the 2012 elections. And yet, Democrats and some Republicans are already forecasting that President Barack Obama will win re-election, and Democrats will maintain control of the Senate and pick up new House seats.
The Problem with Craig Romney and his Padre
Mitt Romney’s son, Craig, has become known as Mitt’s ambassador to Latino voters. He stars in Spanish-language TV and radio ads for his father. He spoke directly to Latinos in Spanish at the Republican National Convention. He talks to Hispanic groups nationwide.
The Corporate Court’s War on Women
When President George W. Bush nominated John Roberts and Samuel Alito for the Supreme Court, women’s groups mobilized to no avail. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid refused to filibuster either nomination despite personal pleas from feminist leaders. Our main worry was reproductive freedom.
Just Don’t Let the Other Side Vote
In some nations, the government is committed to getting everyone out to vote. Some of our states, like California, have special voter protection acts aimed at the same goal. But elsewhere, it seems, the fewer voters who turn out at the polls, the better.
What Not to Do on Camera
Romney’s words may have left us with the impression of a debate win, but he failed to restrain his signature off-putting smirks.
The Biggest Losers: Big Bird and the American People
Who won the first 2012 presidential debate between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama? If you ask the Twitterverse, Big Bird nailed an easy victory.
The Roots of Voter Suppression
When I hear conservatives like Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, Alabama State Senator Scott Beason, and Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Representative Mike Turzai try to rationalize their bid to disenfranchise minority, elderly, and student voters, I pivot quickly to memories of the terror I witnessed in the early 1960s.
A New American Dream
This election season, both Republicans and Democrats are repeatedly reassuring us that our country is the best. In many ways, America surely is. But it’s important to be honest with ourselves.
America’s Rocky Road Away from Homophobia
It’s been one year since Congress officially repealed the archaic “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. A new wave of LGBT cadets is entering training academies without the burden of silence — well, almost. While the military has made progress toward freeing men and women in uniform from the closet, members of the armed forces who identify as transgender were left entirely out of the equation.
Romney’s Losing Bid to Win the Latino Vote
It’s hypocritical for Romney to blame the DREAM Act’s failure on Obama when Romney himself has vowed to veto it. No wonder National Public Radio noted a “polite if tepid” applause from the Chamber’s members during the Republican nominee’s speech.
