We Don’t Need a Secretary of Militarism

We Don’t Need a Secretary of Militarism

The chicken hawks are out in force these days, attacking Chuck Hagel, President Barack Obama’s choice for Secretary of Defense. He’s too reluctant to use force, they say. He favors negotiation over sanctions and sanctions over bombs, they say. He...
Let’s Pay Our Bills

Let’s Pay Our Bills

Sometimes when I get a bill I don’t feel like paying it. But I do, because I’m a responsible adult. If I don’t pay my bills, I get in trouble. It’s true for a family and for a government. Republicans in Congress are creating another...
On to the Next Cliff

On to the Next Cliff

The now infamous “fiscal cliff” Congress averted just hours before the New Year’s deadline left most Americans with more questions than answers. Though the deal covers some of the most contentious tax issues, it leaves open the possibility that...
The Dropped Ball

The Dropped Ball

Millions of Americans watched the ball drop on New Year’s Eve. The glitzy one in Times Square symbolized joy and hope for the New Year. Just a few hundred miles to the south, Congress dropped another ball — one that no doubt sent champagne glasses clinking among...
Inequality-Fighting Lawmakers Win Big

Inequality-Fighting Lawmakers Win Big

Members of Congress who earned good marks in an Institute for Policy Studies “report card” on inequality fared well on Election Day. We awarded “A+” grades to the 12 House members who did the most to narrow America’s economic divide over...