Un(en)titled Opinion

Posting this link for two reasons:

1. Google juice for the link – it’s important that as many people see the post as possible.
2. Because I really think that what OnBoard Midwest is attempting to do is morally wrong.

OnBoard Midwest is attempting to blindfold American taxpayers by promoting high-speed rail as a sacred cow, while actually proposing a route that generates an enormous amount of ‘pork’ for a few small towns along the Mississippi, while excluding Minnesota’s #1 and #3 cities, Minneapolis and Rochester.

Alternate routes DO exist that are likely eligible for federal stimulus funding; I just hope that lawmakers are not seduced by OnBoard Midwest’s hype and vacant threats about the viability of these other plans.

Please read my thoughts about OnBoard Midwest’s efforts to misappropriate federal money, and please link to the post in any blog posts you write of your own! Continue reading

Competition and dissent in politics are good — they ensure that no single party or idea becomes so entrenched that it ceases to evolve. The 2008 presidential primaries have been an enormous boon to American political thought because they have forced candidates and the public to think about policy issues with a differentiating eye. The more numerous and better qualified presidential candidates are, the healthier American politics will be, in spite of the sub-party divisions that these races create.

In a sense then, it is unfortunate that the Republican nomination is all but confirmed for McCain – not because he doesn’t deserve our votes and respect, but because his presumptive win will stifle further debate among Republicans about what they desire from their candidate. Meanwhile, both Obama and Clinton have been strengthened by their fight for dominance, and although the Democratic party is momentarily fractured, it will emerge from this race with a sounder grasp of itself and of the will of the American people than it has possessed in many years.

With that in mind, let’s turn to the General Election, where political debate can generally be reduced to two questions: ‘Do you prefer red or blue?’ and ‘Do you like to win?’
Continue reading