Gillespie gives a quick – but representative – expression of libertarian thinking on where the GOP went wrong. There was much about which to disagree over Pres. Obama’s policies, but in the three areas Gillespie mentions, a decidedly more libertarian direction (truly smaller, less intrusive government) would have helped Republicans. As for social conservatism, profound…
Politics
43rd Assembly District, Law, Open Government, Politics
Choosing Wrongly
by JOHN ADAMS •
A new legislator starts out with a promise of independent thinking, and with a clean slate before him. One hears that he’ll represent only his constituents, regardless of party, buck his own party whenever necessary, and stand only on principle. He’s photographed signing the legislator’s book, attending some civic events, and touts some (but not…
43rd Assembly District, Politics, Press
Gazette Endorses Rep. Andy Jorgensen in 43rd Assembly Race
by JOHN ADAMS •
In today’s Janesville Gazette, one finds that the paper endorses Andy Jorgensen for the 43rd Assembly District. That’s a change from the 2010 election, when Wynn received the paper’s endorsement. The endorsement is in the print edition; I’d encourage readers to purchase a copy to read the full text. Here’s just a part, that describes…
Crime, Freedom of Speech, Politics
Simple Standards of Political Discourse
by JOHN ADAMS •
One may express a few principles of political discourse succinctly: 1. Don’t destroy property. 2. Don’t use force against political opponents, either immediately or while destroying property. Over the last two years, countless Wisconsinites have voted, assembled, and protested with scarcely any property damage or violence. In this way, we have been a good example…
City, Politics
Whitewater-Area League of Women Voters October 2012 Newsletter
by JOHN ADAMS •
The Whitewater-Area League of Women Voters’ October 2012 Newsletter has arrived, featuring articles and a calendar of upcoming events. This latest edition is available as a link on my blogroll, and is embedded below. Upcoming events: Date: October 13th (Saturday) Event: LWVWI Issues Briefing Where: Crown Plaza Hotel, Madison Date: October 18th (Thursday) Event: Public…
City, Planning, Politics
The Extraordinary Ordinary
by JOHN ADAMS •
Two recent meetings illustrate the simple, routine workings of government in the city: the 9.10.12 Planning Commission meeting, and the 9.11.12 Common Council session. I have embedded both below. You’ll find, I’d say, nothing extraordinary in either. Instead, it’s just the routine business of city planning, and the preparations for interviewing candidates to be Whitewater’s…
Politics, Presidential race 2012
Does Mitt Romney Really Want to be President of the United States?
by JOHN ADAMS •
I don’t think so. All America has seen the surreptitious recording of Romney at a Boca Raton fundraiser, answering donors’ questions, and in one clip opining that almost half of America is a vast, parasitic class. Some conservative activists think Romney’s right to have said this, but most pundits (regardless of ideology) think it’s a…
America, Federal Government, History, Holiday, Law, Liberty, Politics
Happy Constitution Day
by JOHN ADAMS •
Politics
Gallup: Americans Split on Need for Third Party
by JOHN ADAMS •
It’s 46% for a third-party option, 45% against. Gallup finds that result a lower level of support for a third party than in previous polls: Support for a third party has varied substantially since Gallup first asked this question in 2003. It was highest in 2007 and 2010, at 58%. In between those peaks, however,…
City, Politics, Press
What Bill Clinton Correctly Teaches (and What Local Leaders Can Learn from It)
by JOHN ADAMS •
I’m not a Democrat, but I have always admired and respected Bill Clinton’s rhetorical power, a power on display again last night in Charlotte. In a time when few politicians are persuasive, Clinton stands out even more. James Fallows, writing in the Atlantic, in a post entitled, Why Bill Clinton’s Speeches Work,” posits that it’s…
43rd Assembly District, Politics
The 43rd District Assembly Race
by JOHN ADAMS •
In this exciting season of politics – where Americans from one end of this continent to another will peacefully choose their federal, state, and local leaders — one of the many compelling local contests will take place here, in Wisconsin’s 43rd Assembly District. It’s a bad habit to believe that one’s own circumstances are unique…
Nature, Politics, Weather
The Exciting Season
by JOHN ADAMS •
The Ancients saw (as some peoples still see) autumn as the beginning of the year: one’s calendar started when one reaped the harvest. The year began not in the bleak months of winter, but amid the earth’s bounty, made greater through cultivation. Even now, our school year traditionally begins in deference to an agricultural schedule.…
History, Open Government, Politics, Wisconsin
Then and Now
by JOHN ADAMS •
Consider these remarks, from a Wisconsin politician: What is it that is swelling the ranks of the dissatisfied? Is it a growing conviction in state after state, that we are fast being dominated by forces that thwart the will of the people and menace representative government? Do you not know people who feel, as perhaps…
Politics, Poll, US Senate Race 2012, Wisconsin
Questions about the WISGOP Senate Race
by JOHN ADAMS •
Public Policy Polling, a solid pollster, has a poll out today that puts Eric Hovde (28%) in the lead for the GOP Senate race, with Mark Neumann and Tommy Thompson (25%) tied closed behind. There are two weeks to go, and these are close findings, with more campaigning and money yet to be spent. Still,…