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Arguing to Persuade

Perhaps the least helpful criticism I have ever received on my writing went like this (caps in the original): "THANKS FOR ANOTHER GREAT LIBTARD RANT. IF YOU ARE SO SMART AND HATE AMERICA SO MUCH, WHY DON'T YOU INVENT A TIME MACHINE AND HELP THE BRITISH WIN." I replied the only way one could possibly respond to such a statement: I said, "You're welcome."

I am not going to go on from here and talk about civility. Clearly, those who use words like "libtard" (or comparable epithets like "Repugnican") do not give any thought to being civil.

Pope Francis Calls Out Media, Politicians, and even Religious Leaders

Most of the media and political commentary surrounding the

Exhortation of Pope Francis (full transcript below) has focused on his direct condemnation of pure "trickle-down" economics and the need for a more inclusive religious institution.

7 Black Friday Facts: Billions Spent and Lawmakers React

The Black Friday phenomenon that unofficially marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season began in the 1930's. Today, it has become a widespread tradition in America to get the best deals on products right after your stuffing of turkey. Here are 7 Black Friday facts that highlight the growth of this consumer holiday:

Senator King to Election Commission: Don't Forget Independent Voters

Last week, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) sent a letter to the Presidential Commission on Election Administration with a simple message: protect the rights of independent voters.

Most states have an electoral system that favors the two mainstream political parties and denies millions of voters a meaningful and equal voice at the voting booth.

GOP Can Still Stall Presidential Nominees Despite The Nuclear Option

On November 21, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D – Nev.) followed through on a threat he had issued more than once this year to use procedural maneuvers to end filibuster on presidential appointees. In doing so, Harry Reid may have shut down what little remains of the legislative process.

Shortly after the 52-48 vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee met to consider the nominations of ten judges, an assistant attorney general, two U.S. marshals, and four pieces of legislation.

If There Is A War on Any Holiday -- It's Thanksgiving

I must confess disappointment when CNN featured an article published on the Daily Beast by Dean Obeidallah with a similar concept and the exact same headline I was going to use for an article I was in the process of writing -- The War on Thanksgiving. It is always reassuring, however, that there are like-minded individuals who feel as driven to make a very valid point about the holiday season.

Independent Voter Project Conference: What California Really Needs for Economic Development

California lawmakers put aside party labels this week to engage in an informed conversation with representatives from the tech and manufacturing industries on the need for a comprehensive plan for economic development in California during a panel discussion at the Independent Voter Project Conference.

Independent Voter Project Conference: The State of Health Care in California

Last week, lawmakers and health care industry leaders representing a variety of interests participated in a roundtable discussion with the Independent Voter Project on the challenges to California's health care system.

Independent Voter Project Conference in Hawaii, the Inside Scoop

Business and labor leaders joined with legislators from three states last week to participate in the Independent Voter Project Conference in Hawaii. Marking the fifth annual meeting, Joined by industry and labor representatives, lawmakers engaged in extended round table discussions on a broad range of subjects.

This year, the panel topics focused on 5 key issues: Public Safety, Energy, Bioscience and Innovation, Healthcare, and Economic Development.

NSA Spying Scandal Creates Uncertain Relationship with Brazil

As of July 2013, American journalist Glenn Greenwald has published several accusations against U.S. authorities, such as the National Security Agency, who have allegedly spied on not only American citizens, but Brazilian officials and citizens as well.