OPINION — At least the bill was approved on a voice vote. That was the bill that would make lynching a federal crime, passed in the Senate late last week — in 2019. Let that sink in. The legislation still must be approved by the Democrat-controlled House, which is expected to happen with no problem, and be signed […]
Why politicians, and everyone, need to think about legacy Read More »
OPINION — The lessons of this February’s Black History Month commemorations have already veered far beyond the usual ones that begin and end by quoting a snippet of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech — the part about judging folks not by the color of their skin but by the
How Ralph Northam is spending his Black History Month Read More »
OPINION — “The state of our union is strong.” It is the line that is prominently featured in the speech of every president when he (and so far, it’s been a he) stands before Congress for a political ritual that remains impressive. Political theater? Sure, and why not. A country without a monarch craves a little pomp
Trump was trying to channel Reagan. He sounded more like Nixon Read More »
OPINION — Move over Beto O’Rourke, the candidate who brought Texas Democrats closer than they had been for years in his eventually unsuccessful Senate race against GOP Sen. Ted Cruz last year. Will he or won’t he run for president? That’s the question that’s been following him during his postelection adventures. But another Democrat who caught the attention of
Stacey Abrams has already delivered her message Read More »
OPINION — Of course, a reporter asked Kamala Harris how she would describe her identity. The California senator, a new entry into a crowded and growing Democratic field to challenge Donald Trump next year, answered simply, “I describe myself as a proud American.” It’s a question no other candidate has been asked, and one that Harris will no doubt be asked again
A Kamala Harris candidacy is a test, and not just for the candidate Read More »
OPINION — “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Identifying the politician offering that idealistic advice is not so hard — President John F. Kennedy at his Jan. 20, 1961, inauguration. But that’s not all the 35th president had to say about the promise and
Very much up for grabs: this year’s profile in courage Read More »
OPINION — Dueling teleprompter speeches and a high-drama walkout: This is what it looks like when our country’s leaders debate the best way to meet the challenges at the border and whether shutting down the government is the best way to settle it. If no one budges this week — and the way talks have
If Trump is looking for a national emergency, he should try these ones instead Read More »
OPINION — Though his two terms have ended, it is a tradition that former President Barack Obama has continued: providing his year-end list of favorite books (and films and music). This year, not surprisingly, his book of the year is Michelle Obama’s “Becoming,” already a best-seller. That makes sense, since she is not only his wife and
Trump’s reading list: Start with dictionary, look up ‘wall’ Read More »
OPINION — In television shows, the cliffhanger is a bit of a cheat, putting a lead character in jeopardy so fans will have a reason to tune into the new season. Those (including me) who have labeled the current president and his administration something of a reality show — with its surprise guests, plot twists
For 2018 Trump Starred in Best (Worst?) Reality Show Yet Read More »
OPINION — Sen. Tim Scott, Republican from South Carolina, was optimistic after the Senate passed an amended bill this week that makes bipartisan progress on an issue — criminal justice reform — that has divided lawmakers for years. Scott, an original co-sponsor of the bill, said in a statement: “By cutting recidivism, encouraging job training, education
The Criminal Justice Bill Shows Where the GOP Is on Race Read More »
