The topic of climate change continues to be the subject of much debate. The debate, though, seems largely unwarranted. Experts in climate science are near unanimous in agreement that the current changes to the Earth’s climate are driven by increases in CO2 and other greenhouse gasses (gasses that trap heat), and the subsequent increases in … More Climate Science, Expertise, & Skepticism
It has been 16 years since the towers fell, the Pentagon was damaged, and Flight 93 crashed en route to a fourth target. It has been nearly as long since the US first invaded Afghanistan, where US (and multinational) troops continue to fight. The attacks carried significant emotional weight for the collective US psyche, … More 16th Anniversary of the September 11 Terror Attacks in the US
Should we be fearful of this new North Korean capability? What is the US’s response to this threat? … More The only thing to fear is fear itself from North Korea.
During the visit to Texas in response to Hurricane Harvey, there were a few somewhat unkind discussions on social media and in the news referencing FLOTUS’s decision to wear stiletto heels to a disaster area. Admittedly, that seems out of synch with the reason for the visit, and functionally inappropriate for the flooded terrain. But, … More Floods and Shoes
What is the relationship between fact and public policy? Or, what should be the relationship? It seems perfectly reasonable that factual information should inform policy recommendations and decisions. It follows, then, that policy recommendations that are not factually based should not move forward. It is therefore necessary that problems be correctly diagnosed prior to making … More Policy and Facts
This is about nuance. It is also about racism. We are all too often prone to drawing hard distinctions within complex topics that require nuanced understanding. We see things in black and white, if you will, where many shades of grey should exist. The topic of free speech is one where there is room for … More Black and White
Originally posted on The View from the Armchair:
When someone says, “I’m not a racist, but…” there is a 100% chance that the next utterance out of that person’s mouth will be racist. This is how people are starting to sound who say, “Voting for Trump doesn’t make me a bigot…” I suppose, technically, that…
Post “miniaturized nuclear warhead” and “fire and fury” statements there has been much discussion about both the threat from North Korea and the tone of the US response. We have already discussed the latter, and to a lesser extent the former. We have a couple of additional comments on the former. That North Korea might … More North Korean Nuclear Threat
Originally posted on The View from the Armchair:
In the simplest of terms, No…Aggression is not the way to get what you want from North Korea. North Korea has been actively pursuing and developing their nuclear weapons capability for at least the last 15 years. The whole reason for this is to make the US…
The POTUS endorsed a proposed bill today that would drastically revise decades-old immigration policy and limit immigration. The legislation will propose limits such as reducing avenues for permanent resident status for extended family members of citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents, giving preference to English-speakers, and reducing the number of immigrants allowed to enter. This will … More RAISE Act: Blatantly Discriminatory
