Co-Branding America’s Wonders

Co-Branding America’s Wonders

While Americans celebrate the 100th anniversary of our National Park Service, America’s so-called “leaders” are aggressively converting these jewels of the common good into just another corporate cash cow. This commercialization started with...
Government by Bagmen

Government by Bagmen

When Dennis Hastert was indicted for trying to cover up some $3.5 million in hush money payments to a man he’d allegedly sexually abused decades ago, Washington was shocked. I wasn’t. I was shocked that Hastert, who’d spent the better part of his life in public...
A Quiet Corporate Coup on Capitol Hill

A Quiet Corporate Coup on Capitol Hill

Being a Congress critter isn’t the cushy job many people assume. After all, they must draft laws, organize hearings, write speeches, round up votes, and do all sorts of other things. Oh, wait… my mistake. Members have staff to do all that, including telling the...
How Shy People Stole Our Elections

How Shy People Stole Our Elections

A big surprise from this year’s elections is that American politics has become dominated by the least likely of participants: shy people. That’s strange, since running for office is an ego game, attracting those comfortable with self-promotion. But the hot...
Driving Government Out of Business

Driving Government Out of Business

Republican operative Grover Norquist used to quip about shrinking government to the point where it would get small enough to drown in the bathtub. You probably thought he was kidding. His joke could be on us all soon enough. Pollsters say the Republican Party is...