-
Is Arizona Law Too Tough on Illegal Immigration?
Tweet Share on Facebook June 29, 2010 Comment (52)The first reaction to Arizona’s new attempt to crack down on illegal immigration was surprise and, in some cases, outrage. The law, which allows police to check the immigration status of anyone suspected of being here illegally, was quickly branded a “police state” measure. President Obama and the president of Mexico denounced it, and there have been hints that the Justice Department might sue to overturn it. But meanwhile, almost two dozen states and many local jurisdictions are said to be considering similar laws. Clearly there’s a disconnect here. What do you think of the Arizona law and Obama’s reaction? Is the law too tough, or will the backlash force new national legislation on immigration? Drop me a line at editor@usnews.com and let’s discuss.
-
Is the Oil Spill Sinking the Obama Presidency?
Tweet Share on Facebook June 22, 2010 Comment (12)I would not be going out on a limb to say that President Obama did not have a good week last week. The problems of the gulf oil spill—environmental and political—continue to mount. And as happens to presidents, the collateral damage may be the real problem. Questions are being raised even among supporters about the competence of the White House. The moribund economy, deepening problems in Afghanistan, and the accumulating oil are raising doubts about who’s minding the store. How do you think the president is doing as we head into what could be a very hot summer? If he’s in a hole, how does he get out? Is it a management problem and is the White House due for a shakeup? Or does the buck stop in the Oval Office? Drop me a note at editor@usnews.com.
-
What Do the Primary Results Say, If Anything, About the 2010 Elections?
Tweet Share on Facebook June 15, 2010 Comment (1)Many of the competitive primaries are now over. Can anybody tell me what happened? A series of statewide races produced a gang of new and unusual political contenders—and made apparent the considerable energy and unrest among voters. But did a pattern emerge? Do the results tell us where we’re going to end up in November? We’ve got corporate women winning as well as Tea Party favorites. Sarah Palin showed endorsement muscle. Big Labor took some hits, as did a bunch of incumbents—but not all. People lost on the left and the right. What’s clear is that the stage is set for some fierce and fascinating contests in the fall. I’d like to hear your thoughts on what the primaries told us about the political landscape and the coming elections. Drop me a note at editor@usnews.com.
-
The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal Deal—A Good Idea?
Tweet Share on Facebook June 1, 2010 Comment (12)That sleight-of-hand military policy known as “don’t ask, don’t tell” is finally getting a full-on public airing. But like the origins of the rule that sort of addressed the issue of gays in the military—officially banned, unofficially tolerated—the outcome may be anything but clear and direct. Democrats in Congress are intent on repealing the prohibition of gays serving openly as soon as possible, fearing the loss of power in November. Much of the current top brass agrees with the principle, but a Pentagon review of the potential impact is not expected until December. So the compromise in play is to vote conditionally on a repeal—pending the report and certification by top officials that the move would not harm recruitment, retention, and combat readiness. It sounds a little like signing the health reform bill before amending it. Does this make sense? Is this the best way to change a controversial policy? Is it a procedural fig leaf that creates more problems than it solves? Or is it the policy itself that was pointless and should be scrapped? Give me your thoughts on the issue at editor@usnews.com.
