Pope Francis, a Friend of the Left?

Amanda Marcotte argues in Salon that Bernie Sanders “has to accept that Pope Francis is not a friend of the left.” http://www.salon.com/2016/04/14/bernie_sanders_must_accept_that_pope_francis_isnt_a_friend_to_the_left_the_pontiff_cant_be_a_true_humanitarian_with_his_anti_woman_and_anti_lgbt_views/ According to Marcotte the Pope is no humanitarian, because, among other things, he has not embraced LGBT rights, apparently a sine qua non of laying claim to humanitarianism. While Pope Francis hasn’t managed … More Pope Francis, a Friend of the Left?

Francis and Bernie

Has Pope Francis just effectively endorsed Bernie Sanders by inviting him to the Vatican on the eve of the NY primary?  One could make a case that Pope Francis is trying to boost Sanders’ chances. The two men are on the same page, at least on issues of economic justice. Each in his own way … More Francis and Bernie

Oh please, God, let Trump win the nomination…

Anybody who cares about the future of the United States should start to worry that the Republicans will somehow wiggle out of nominating Donald Trump as their presidential candidate. Why should every sane person on the planet, not just angry Trump voters and savvy Democrats, hope Trump is the GOP candidate? With the rise of … More Oh please, God, let Trump win the nomination…

The Trump/Sanders Ticket

In a stunning development, Donald Trump has offered the second spot on a Trump ticket to Bernie Sanders, and Sanders has accepted. “This will be a coalition the likes of which we have never seen,” said Trump campaign manager Corrie Lewandowski on a break from his trial for battery. Indeed, some political pundits believe that by … More The Trump/Sanders Ticket

Trump the Fascist?

Is Donald Trump a fascist?  A historian friend of mine thinks Trump is a fascist only if you define fascist as simply “a political opponent.” He said this in answer to his wife’s insistence that Trump is a fascist.  It does seem preposterous to claim that Donald Trump has thought seriously enough about political philosophy … More Trump the Fascist?

Three Political Truisms that Actually Aren’t True and One that Is

Money can buy elections. Former Governor of Florida and prominent member of the Bush political dynasty Jeb Bush spent $130 million on his campaign for the nomination and had to drop out of the race after coming close to last in most of the primary contests. Reportedly, the right-wing billionaire Koch brothers spent $86 million in … More Three Political Truisms that Actually Aren’t True and One that Is

Five Good Things About Donald Trump

He does not suffer from low self-esteem. http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/self-esteem/consequences-of-low-self-esteem/#.VvjI7DzbJjo He has the courage to be himself. https://raam.org/2010/find-the-courage-to-be-yourself/ He is not embarrassed by saying and doing really stupid things. http://lifehacker.com/how-can-i-stop-getting-so-embarrassed-when-i-do-somethi-1695888523 He is a good family man and a good provider. http://www.drphil.com/articles/article/347 He will never be President. http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2016/02/16/obama-trump-president_n_9247852.html