I am supporting Josh Penry in his effort to become Colorado's next governor.
Governor Ritter is a good man who has been very kind to me, but I feel that it is time to reduce government spending and stop the rise in fees and taxes in this state. I moderately approved referendums C & D. I disapprove some aspects of TABOR (while supporting it in principle). Still, we do not use money to properly fund our schools while hundreds and hundreds of new state employees got on the payroll. Senator Penry has been an advocate for education reform.
Senator Penry is a moderate who is not a zealot and right wing ideologue. He will represent both the western slope and the front range well. Having personally met him and seen him in action I am very impressed by his tone and work.
I am looking forward to a gubernatorial race where two good men can debate their ideas without all the political noise and backstabbing. This will give voters a good chance to weigh the issues and have a policy focused election.
At Senator Penry's website you can donate your money or your time so we can have a respectful election in 2010. Even if you support Governor Ritter I hope you at least support Senator Penry's nomination.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Rational arguments on Health Care
I am fairly undecided about the best way to solve the health care problem in this country and there is all kinds of crazy talk out there such as "death panels" or "medicaid and medicare are not government run." So in the spirit of good argument and fact here are a couple of good commentaries about health care.
On the left, this one argues some of the merits while acknowledging the disadvantages of the Canadian health care system.
On the right, we have John Mackey CEO of Whole Foods giving his well reasoned arguments.
I will say I find Mackey's arguments fairly appealing. The biggest one being "Repeal all state laws which prevent insurance companies from competing across state lines."
Since states basically allow health insurance monopolies you get no real competition and no incentive to reduce costs. Honestly, we live in a mercantilist/state sponsored business health care system rather than a true capitalist or socialist system.
Still I will concede that Canada's system isn't bad.
On the left, this one argues some of the merits while acknowledging the disadvantages of the Canadian health care system.
On the right, we have John Mackey CEO of Whole Foods giving his well reasoned arguments.
I will say I find Mackey's arguments fairly appealing. The biggest one being "Repeal all state laws which prevent insurance companies from competing across state lines."
Since states basically allow health insurance monopolies you get no real competition and no incentive to reduce costs. Honestly, we live in a mercantilist/state sponsored business health care system rather than a true capitalist or socialist system.
Still I will concede that Canada's system isn't bad.
Friday, August 7, 2009
DC interns
Not sure if I posted on this but this has to be one of my favorite blogs:
http://dcinterns.blogspot.com/
Nice way to lighten up the day.
http://dcinterns.blogspot.com/
Nice way to lighten up the day.
I'm back
Sorry for the lack of updates. I was in Russia. I returned last week but got a little lazy. Anyway here's a few tidbits about Russia.
Russians read like crazy and are very well educated. Book stores are always packed (unlike America) and you can hardly walk anywhere without seeing someone reading.
Russia is a horribly corrupt country full of many contrasts. You can find the fanciest things out there but there is a lot of poverty and general sketchiness. John Edwards' two Americas comments seem like hyperbole compared to Russia.
Russians love to talk about politics. They are hesitant to talk about Russian politics but they will after they loosen up. Russians love to ask questions about America and President Obama. Russians are big fans of Obama (bizarre considering how racist Russia is).
The biggest thing in my mind is that young educated Russians are very frustrated. They are frustrated with corruption and they feel like they can't use their skills to get ahead. Many want to move to America. I have a feeling Russia is going to go through a massive transformation in the next few years as the college class is Russia gets more frustrated. Russia will either adapt and grow or there will be one heck of a revolution going on. Its up to Prime Minister Putin to make this decision as it will have long term historical consequences. A third possibility is a Russian brain drain as Russians leave their country to Europe and America to seek more economic opportunities.
Anyway, I will throw in more tidbits on my experiences in Russia but hopefully I will get back to what I do best and that's discuss politics!
Russians read like crazy and are very well educated. Book stores are always packed (unlike America) and you can hardly walk anywhere without seeing someone reading.
Russia is a horribly corrupt country full of many contrasts. You can find the fanciest things out there but there is a lot of poverty and general sketchiness. John Edwards' two Americas comments seem like hyperbole compared to Russia.
Russians love to talk about politics. They are hesitant to talk about Russian politics but they will after they loosen up. Russians love to ask questions about America and President Obama. Russians are big fans of Obama (bizarre considering how racist Russia is).
The biggest thing in my mind is that young educated Russians are very frustrated. They are frustrated with corruption and they feel like they can't use their skills to get ahead. Many want to move to America. I have a feeling Russia is going to go through a massive transformation in the next few years as the college class is Russia gets more frustrated. Russia will either adapt and grow or there will be one heck of a revolution going on. Its up to Prime Minister Putin to make this decision as it will have long term historical consequences. A third possibility is a Russian brain drain as Russians leave their country to Europe and America to seek more economic opportunities.
Anyway, I will throw in more tidbits on my experiences in Russia but hopefully I will get back to what I do best and that's discuss politics!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Non-Interventionist
I am pretty pleased with Obama when it comes to Iran. Obviously, I think a few statements against the crack down are warrented but otherwise best to keep distance.
Ron Paul has actually a pretty good idea when it comes to foreign policy. Trade is far better than war.
In fact, I came up with a little slogan "Don't invade, trade!"
Best to trade and foster good relationships that way. Sharing our ideas and cultures is the best way to create more understanding and less conflict. Plus, it strengthens American's image and improves the economy.
Of course everyone thinks I'm crazy but I rather be crazy than wrong.
Ron Paul has actually a pretty good idea when it comes to foreign policy. Trade is far better than war.
In fact, I came up with a little slogan "Don't invade, trade!"
Best to trade and foster good relationships that way. Sharing our ideas and cultures is the best way to create more understanding and less conflict. Plus, it strengthens American's image and improves the economy.
Of course everyone thinks I'm crazy but I rather be crazy than wrong.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Some short thoughts
Well I was hoping to do a couple of updates but I am working on two fairly good stories for the paper before I leave. One is a player from my college who got drafted by the Phillies and the other is about a new student ID/Visa check card program.
That plus my finals are holding me back a little.
A couple of thoughts though on recent political events:
Though Letterman's joke was tacky I still blame Palin for dragging her daughter into it. The fact that she constantly drags her children into political debates or photo-ops is in my opinion disturbing.
I have been following the Iranian election quite a bit. Fivethirtyeight.com has some good stuff on it. I need to learn more about Iranian politics but it looks to me to be blatant voter fraud. The Iranian people are more modern and liberal than the media portrays them.
Wrote a speech for my class on why democracy and voting is wasteful. I don't particularly believe this myself but I love playing devil's advocate. Check out Brian Caplan's book The Myth of the Rational Voter.
That plus my finals are holding me back a little.
A couple of thoughts though on recent political events:
Though Letterman's joke was tacky I still blame Palin for dragging her daughter into it. The fact that she constantly drags her children into political debates or photo-ops is in my opinion disturbing.
I have been following the Iranian election quite a bit. Fivethirtyeight.com has some good stuff on it. I need to learn more about Iranian politics but it looks to me to be blatant voter fraud. The Iranian people are more modern and liberal than the media portrays them.
Wrote a speech for my class on why democracy and voting is wasteful. I don't particularly believe this myself but I love playing devil's advocate. Check out Brian Caplan's book The Myth of the Rational Voter.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Lack of Updates
On a side note to any of my readers, I will be traveling out of the country at the end of June and will not return until the beginning of August.
I will periodically update the blog until I leave however any updates will be few. Still I may update the blog once or twice while I am away so feel free to keep checking.
I will periodically update the blog until I leave however any updates will be few. Still I may update the blog once or twice while I am away so feel free to keep checking.
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