I went to the bank yesterday to get a document notarized, and struck up a great conversation with the lovely associate manager, Roxana. Noticing an Eastern-European accent, I asked her about her background, and she said her family came to the United States from Romania in the 80’s, fleeing the […]
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Top 3 Takeaways from the 2020 New Hampshire Primary
What does last night’s New Hampshire primary tell us about the developing 2020 presidential race? Here are my top three takeaways: The chances of a brokered (i.e., contested) convention have never been higher Trump demonstrated record turnout for an incumbent, suggesting a core of enthusiasm which has expanded since 2016 […]
Read MoreMitt Romney: I Agree.
I’m with Mitt Romney: I’d vote YES on Article I and NO on Article II. The enormous powers of the Executive Branch should not be marshaled or weaponized to damage, investigate or monitor political opponents. That’s a terrible precedent. This goes for a president coaxing foreign allies either with favor […]
Read MoreWealth Tax Reality Check: It’s Unconstitutional
The Constitution’s apportionment clause makes wealth taxes clearly unconstitutional. That’s not to say a wealth tax is impossible. Just as when federal income taxes were enacted, there is a way to have a legal wealth tax: the Constitutional Amendment process. But to pass an Amendment, the Constitution first requires two […]
Read MoreThe Staggering Costs of Sanders, Warren Federal Plans
The costs of the Sanders and Warren Plans are staggering. Sanders and Warren Would Each More than Double the Size of the Federal Government.
Read MoreCongratulations to Seattle’s New City Council
There’s a new City Council in Seattle. If human beings actually behave as our new City Councilmembers seem to believe, we’re in for some major improvements.
Read MoreThe First Whistleblower Law in the World
Esek Hopkins was the brother of Stephen Hopkins, Governor of Rhode Island and Signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was appointed the first Commander of the Continental Navy in 1775. A few months later, the Continental Congress declared independence, and Commander Hopkins suddenly became the most powerful naval officer […]
Read MoreSeattle Primary: Preliminary Cost/Vote
On average, campaigns directly spent $21.96 per vote in the August 6th Seattle City Council Primary Election. Which Seattle City Council Primary candidates spent the most/least per vote? Based on preliminary numbers of direct expenditures and votes counted as of 8:00PM last night, here’s a chart. Names in bold are, […]
Read MoreA Candidate Opts Out
Today, I received an official request, via the confirmed Twitter candidate address, from D2 candidate Christopher Peguero to opt out of ALIGNVOTE. Within an hour, per his request, his listing was changed from stances-known — even though he had previously confirmed all of his stances to voters — to “cleared […]
Read MoreCandidates, Have Your Say
New ALIGNVOTE Feature: Candidate Voices Immediately upon launch of the candidate-facing preview of ALIGNVOTE last Wednesday, I heard a great feature request from D4 candidate Heidi Stuber. Paraphrasing our exchange: “I understand why multiple choice is great for finding a match, but often, multiple choice questions have a need for […]
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