Every year since 2008, I’ve written a for whom I voted and why piece (2008, 2012, 2016). I confess — this year I’m completely baffled. I don’t understand how it’s possible that any reasonable person could consider voting for Donald Trump — there’s just so many things to completely exclude him as a viable candidate. I’m at such a loss …
Income Equality and Standard of Living | Are you Better Off if Your Neighbors Aren’t?
In this article, we will take a look at countries with high income equality AND inequality and ask the question: Between these two, which leads to a better standard of living for the whole? I recently wrote an article about socialism in Sweden. With Joe Biden promising higher taxes on those making over $400,000 if he wins the presidency, the …
Second Stimulus Proposal – the HEALS ACT- In Danger of Collapse
While Americans continue to wonder when they’ll receive their second stimulus check, the Republican-filled Senate continues to argue over the details of their new stimulus package called The HEALS Act. If you are wondering about how much a second stimulus check would be, the answer is that it would be roughly the same amount as the first stimulus check from …
Trump: “Very Generous” Second Stimulus Check [Watch Video]
In an interview yesterday, President Donald Trump said that there will be a very generous second stimulus check of 2020 forthcoming. What we don’t know is this: was he telling the truth and when would a second stimulus happen? There are several factors that may indicate he was not telling the complete truth. (We now know the truth. Yes, Donald …
Is Sweden A Socialist Country?
This morning I was investigating whether Sweden is a socialist country. Why? Well, having just seen many accusatory commentators on Fox News claiming that we are “becoming a socialist country like Sweden”, I decided to put on my investigative cap and do some research. The first question that came to my mind was: Is being like Sweden a bad thing?
The Instructive Election of Donald Trump
Election Day 2016: I am so proud to be an American today! It is seldom that I realize we have so much opportunity — opportunity to learn and become a better nation. Based on our collective decisions last night, I realize these new roads await. What are these new roads and opportunities? Let’s get started: I now realize that many …
How Has 9/11 Changed Your Life?
How has 9/11/changed your life? I’ll tell you how 9/11 has changed my life. Driving home late last night, I noticed many flags along the road at half-mast. Hmmm, why is this? Then I remembered the significance. Today is the anniversary of 9/11.
The Economy: A Definitive Answer?
After being a country for nearly 250 years, and seeing examples throughout history, is there not yet a definitive answer for the U.S. as to what makes the economy work? I ask this on the heels of viewing Christiane Amanpour on CNN on a recent Sunday morning. On the episode, we had the same old tired rhetoric with the stodgy …
Will America Elect a Black President?
I wrote this article back in June of 2008 prior to the upcoming elections [look how young Barack looks in the photo!]. I was a big Barack Obama fan (read The 2008 Presidential Election: For Whom I Voted and Why?) but I was concerned that America would be reluctant to elect a black president.
Hillary’s Hypocrisy
Did Hillary Clinton fail in her Presidential bids because people found her hypocritical? I wrote this piece back in 2008 when she was running against Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination. We all know what happened in 2008 … and then again in 2016, when we witnessed the instructive election of Donald Trump. Some people find Hillary dislikable, others disingenuous, …
A Millennial Meltdown? Sony’s The Interview, North Korea, and the USA
Sony’s The Interview has exacerbated what were already strained relations between the USA and North Korea. As aged pundits discuss the fallout of Sony’s decision not to release The Interview, we ask: Is this a Millennial Meltdown?
Video: Watch the Jon Stewart Bill O’Reilly Debate Online Here!
The debate between The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart and Bill O’Reilly of Fox News took place on October 6th, 2012. You can watch the full debate below. The debate, known as the The Rumble in the Air-Conditioned Auditorium, was initially a pay-per-view for charity but there were many technical problems with the streaming of the debate so they have put …
The 2008 Presidential Election: For Whom I Voted and Why?
Every four years, I write about a For Whom I Voted and Why piece. This is the essay I wrote for the 2008 Presidential Election. I usually never discuss who I vote for. There is a reason for that: As a Republican-leaning independent, I would normally vote Republican. Having lived in San Francisco for many years, you could not have …
Political Conversations: Barack Obama, Jack Bauer…and Vicky’s Father
I first wrote the essay below in 2008. In just reviewing it now 2020, it seems almost more applicable today after our 2016 election and the upcoming 2020 election. Enjoy. Cheers, Richard “He’ll have you be a Communist before you leave this house,” Vicky’s mother said to me as I entered their house for a weekend stay in Paysandu, Uruguay. …
Republican/Democrat Extremists: You’re Not Good For the Country!
This morning, as I sit and watch the Sunday morning talk shows, I have one thought, for both Democrats and Republicans: Get On Board or Get Out! Americans want to be strong again and they are absolutely tired of political squabbling.