Declining party identification - ‘no preference’ on a survey of political attitudes - is a general phenomenon in advanced democracies, but the proud self-designation ‘Independent’ does not have a counterpart in other places.
Ms Rosenblum, author of On the Side of the Angels: An Appreciation of Parties and Partisanship.

‎”What we have today is a far cry from what the Founders intended. George Washington and James Madison both warned of the dangers posed by political parties…The problem is not division but partisanship—advantage-seeking by private clubs whose central goal is to win political power.” - Former Congressman Mickey Edwards

This week, the Commerce Department imposed modest tariffs on Chinese solar panels due to their unfair state subsidies. The tariffs range from 2.9% to 4.73%. Trade wars usually do start out small but have a nasty habit of escalating. Additional tariffs may be coming in May after a ruling on Chinese dumping of solar panels.

While the legislature is in session, the National Federation of Independent Business/California will be profiling anti-small business bills and initiatives and the adverse effect they would have on California’s job creators.  This is the second column of the 2012 series.

By John Kabateck

NFIB/CA Executive Director

Characterized by uncertainty and indecision, we’re all getting a little weary of the Republican Primary this election. Yesterday, IVN gave you 3 reasons why, despite the prolonged election season, the Illinois primary matters:

1. Rick Santorum’s Electability

2. Mitt Romney’s Momentum

3. Obama’s stomping ground