Trump and Pence: Pass Me the Dice
The difference between Donald Trump and Indiana Governor and Trump VP pick Mike Pence is the difference between a Saturday night jazz singer and the member of the church choir. Trump will sing How High the Moon 27 different times 27 different ways. Pence will be singing Rock of Ages the same way in the same pew his grandaddy did two […]
How to Keep America Safe
The number one priority of our federal government is to keep America safe. That requires bold, balanced, and smart leadership. With geopolitical threats from Russia, North Korea, and Iran and terrorist threats from radical Islam, it is essential our nation has both a strong defense and maintain a robust offensive capacity. As a U.S. Senator, […]
Flint and East Porterville — Equivalent Public Health Risks; Vastly Different Responses
Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton used her entire closing statement at the January 17 Democratic presidential debate to highlight the lead-poisoning crisis in Flint, Michigan’s water supply, a racially tinged health and public policy disaster that the Democratic front-runner casts as an urgent catastrophe requiring immediate attention. Clinton’s debate prose sought to shame Michigan’s Republican governor […]
Downton Abbey Syndrome
On Sunday, Cheryl and I joined millions of Americans to watch the Season Premiere of Downton Abbey. As we are drawn to their lavish 1920’s lifestyle, we also retain a degree of detachment, knowing that it soon will come to an end. Unfortunately, in too many ways the England of Downton Abby is too similar […]
An Open Letter to GOP Presidential Candidates
Dear Republican Presidential Candidate: We look forward to seeing you at the Presidential Debate at the Reagan Library on the16th. As a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Barbara Boxer, I thought you might be interested in what I have learned spending the year traveling this incredibly diverse state of over 38 […]
Another Political Battle Waged At Expense Of Working Families
This past week we have seen what will happen if we allow the professional political class to continue to run Washington: Nothing. On Friday Congress failed to pass a key component of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a bi-partisan trade bill that is important to the hard working families of California. Almost one out of every […]
Step One, Start Being Honest
Many years ago when I was teaching Sunday School I asked the kids why it was important to tell the truth. I remember this young boy immediately raised his hand and waived it so vigorously I was afraid his arm would pop out its socket. “Yes,” I asked, “Why is it important to tell the […]
Many Liberals Believe They Hold The Moral High Ground
Many on the far left believe they hold the moral high ground and if only others would stop (a) being so prejudiced and (b) making things up, we all could move forward together. Recent experience has shown me the truth is far more complicated. In terms of liberal prejudice, in a recent post I noted […]
Standing Against Discrimination Within Your Own Party
When I read something a politician said I sometimes raise an eyebrow, occasionally shake my head and infrequently yell out to no one in particular, “This person is crazy” (or if it is really out of line, a Chicago version of the above). But there are times a person from my party says something so […]
Education Fix Requires Change in Teacher Firing Law
First, I want to thank John Wildermuth for making my daily afternoon can of Diet Coke so unnecessary. His column in F&H yesterday provided me with one jolt after another. I cannot hold John totally responsible for some of what he wrote. In some circles you just are not taken seriously unless you compare Republicans […]