Yesterday, I had the chance to listen to California state treasurer John Chiang at a lecture sponsored by the Berkeley Forum and the Goldman School of Public Policy. At first, … Continue reading John Chiang, Pragmatic Progressive
Category: American Politics
Articles on the politics of the United States.
Vanquished, Not Vanished
“Stronger Together” was the slogan that Hillary Clinton had chosen for her election campaign. It was a firmly inclusive message, but it was an ironic one for the candidate. She … Continue reading Vanquished, Not Vanished
In Defence of Free Speech
“I don’t agree with a word you say”, wrote Evelyn Beatrice Hall, “but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” The quote is often misattributed to Voltaire, … Continue reading In Defence of Free Speech
Conspirator in Chief?
“What did the president know, and when did he know it?” This was the question asked by Senator Howard Baker who worked on the Senate committee investigating the Watergate Scandal. … Continue reading Conspirator in Chief?
Welfare State Woes
What do Mitch McConnell and Prayut Chan-o-cha have in common? Not much at first glance. One is the Republican Senate Majority Leader of the United States, a masterful tactician who … Continue reading Welfare State Woes
The Myopia of the Trump Administration
Donald Trump’s administration is incredibly myopic. This is the main takeaway from the president’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate change agreement. Let us first make … Continue reading The Myopia of the Trump Administration
Rationalising the Irrational
Vox recently published an article, written by David Roberts, titled “We overanalyse Trump. He is what he appears to be“. In it, Roberts discusses the concept of a “theory of … Continue reading Rationalising the Irrational
