So apparently McCain’s strategist, Steve Schmidt, is recommending that Republicans drop their rabid opposition to gay marriage. I think the “rabid” part is right; it’s certainly not netting them any votes. Strategically, however, I think it’s wise for them to not just give in entirely; it’s hardly as though there’s a clear majority of Americans … Read more
It’s hardly surprising to learn that after Congress demonstrated in 2008 that there were no penalties for overstepping the bounds of domestic spying, the NSA continued to overstep the bounds of domestic spying. In the summer of 2008, Congress passed the FISA Act, which immunized telecom carriers for their past violations of privacy, and ex … Read more
When former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao spoke at Harvard as a visiting fellow, I hoped she would spark debate on everything from white collar overtime regulations to pension assets. I attended her study groups and can attest to the fact that she did this and more. Ms. Chao was engaging, provocative, and thoughtful, the … Read more
It is time for the United States government to address the most threatening nuclear proliferation threat of our day: Lehman Brothers. The former investment bank is sitting on enough raw uranium to make an atomic bomb comparable to the Hiroshima weapon. There is no question as to how the US government should respond: prompt and … Read more
Yesterday, The New York Times reported that Obama is considering removing the condition that Iran cease its nuclear enrichment before the U.S. negotiates with Iran on nuclear matters. By any standard, this would be a monumental policy shift from the Bush Administration, which demanded Iran cease enrichment as a precondition to negotiation. It’s also, potentially, … Read more
The Australian government announced last week a massive 8-year, $31 billion investment in broadband that would leave the land down under with the most impressive internet infrastructure in the world. Not only does the plan promise tenfold faster download speeds (imagine streaming multiple HD movies at once), but promises to bring that speed to over … Read more
America’s policies towards Cuba have been total, unmitigated failures, so it’s really good to see Obama making some important, initial changes. The entire premise of our embargo — that isolation will weaken the regime, which in turn will trigger an overthrow — is based on a major fallacy. In reality, isolation strengthens authoritarian regimes. It … Read more
Goldman Sachs reported profits of $1.6 billion for the first quarter of 2009, and is hoping to put their newly demonstrated strength to use, by paying back their TARP money and getting that pesky federal government off their backs. Quick thoughts: In that quarter, how much have they taken in government money, either direct (TARP) … Read more
8:28 Dylan asks, “Are you on the side of workers or management?” 8:30 Matt replies, “Are you on the side of dichotomies or expanding pies?” I’m on the side of logic, Matt. Logic says that you pay a woman more or less, that you let a union form or not, that a worker is hired … Read more
So if you didn’t get it from the liveblog below, Elise and I went to a debate between Harvard Republicans and Harvard Democrats about various labour questions: Lily Ledbetter, card check, Harvard layoffs. In debate terms it was pretty standard fare. The Democrats argue that card check is necessary to protect against management intimidation, the … Read more