Recent Stories
The politics of media name-calling
Practical Politics
We are all aware that once the media, in one form or another, labels something or someone, and that label sticks, it’s relatively impossible to uncork that particular genie. Truth and facts have nothing to do with it.
The politics of blind-eye focus
Practical Politics
Many of us have friends or acquaintances who say and/or do things that eventually ensnare us in trouble they caused. Often our defenses against the ensuing criticisms and controversies just deepen the hole we find ourselves in, and we stand or sit stalled in place trying to figure out what the hell happened.
The politics of representing a constituency
Practical Politics
One of the most cherished and distinctive ingredients of American democracy is the right of constituents to expect their elected representatives to have a residency among them. That has been part of a belief from the outset that in order to properly represent citizens and residents of an electoral district or territory, one must know the issues and challenges of that geographical area. The best way to do that is to live, or at least have a legal residency, in the territory one runs to represent.
The Politics of State Mitosis
Practical Politics
Since California became a state in 1849, there have been attempts to divide its territory into smaller areas: In those days, the major issue was to have a non-slave state North California, and a slave state South California. That battle was lost by the slave staters. Since then, there have been at least 219 more proposals to divide California into smaller states.
The Politics of Troubling African Waters: Part II
Practical Politics
’m usually a strong supporter of President Barack Obama. I’m sure when all is said and done, he will go down in history as one of America’s best presidents. Of course, how well the Democrats organize their base to get out for the November 2014 Congressional elections will have a big influence on the president’s legacy, one way or the other.
The Politics of Getting Africa Out of Trouble
Practical Politics
This is a hard column for me to write this week. Africa is in trouble. That’s not a comment that is hard to believe or one that is new to make.
The Politics of Public Integrity and Ethics in Office
Practical Politics
This is not the first time this column has discussed public integrity and ethics in elective office in California, and it probably won’t be the last. But, gosh, another California State Senator indicted on federal charges of corruption, fraud, and even gun-running? And another democrat, too? Is it raining California political crooks now? Water, we certainly do need, but this is more like hot, moldy lard streaming greasily down onto our heads. Is this one of the pitfalls of living in the California paradise? You can’t trust the folks who take an oath to promote your best interests?
The Politics of Easters Past and Presen
Practical Politics
Okay, I’ve got a bone or two to pick. Given that Easter Sunday is the quintessential Christian holiday/commemoration, why is it designated on different Sundays every year? In other words, which actual Sunday did Jesus arise? Isn’t that important? The Resurrection on floating Sundays? That’s simply not logical. Where is the hew and cry about this apparent anomaly? I can’t be the only poor pew-sitter who sees this as an issue?
The Politics of Claiming Residency and Crying Foul When Caught
Practical Politics
State Senator Rod Wright, a former staffer for Congresswoman Maxine Waters and a veteran California lawmaker, has this February been convicted of being a law breaker. That’s relatively old news. The new news is that California State NAACP president, Alice Huffman, is convinced Wright has been selectively targeted and wrongly convicted. As such, she feels, we, the public, should continue to stand behind and support Senator Wright and agitate for his conviction to be overturned.
The Politics of Points of Order
Practical Politics
As more and more of the Black Arts generation abruptly slips into the grave, the issue of the readiness of the Millennials for the next generation of leadership forces itself forward.
