America of good character was revealed in Cleveland
Opinion Column
We could use some good news, and Cleveland gave it to us. I’m referring, of course, to the dramatic escape and rescue of three young women in Cleveland who were kidnapped and held captive for a decade. There are so many lessons from this experience we’ve just witnessed as a national family.
Neglect, incompetence endanger us most
Opinion Column
In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing, lawmakers are demanding answers from the FBI. They want answers not only about the Tsarnaev brothers — Did they act alone? Why did they do it? — but also about our security and intelligence operations.
How the GOP learned to love taxes
Opinion Column
Republican governors across the United States have discovered a new tool to deal with budgets bleeding red ink: Taxes.
Hope springs with spring
Opinion Column
Winter wore out its welcome early this year. It wasn't hard; it was inconsistent, alternating days that seemed almost warm with cold snaps. It rarely redeemed itself with large, wet, fluffy flakes that coated everything in a snowy wonderland.
Sandberg book advice in reaching for stars
Opinion Column
Sheryl Sandberg’s book “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead,” has sparked a debate about the role of women in America — and everywhere else. She’s a self-described feminist who has been pilloried by the professional feminists for what she’s written.
Right to vote not a ‘racial entitlement’
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Shelby County v. Holder — a challenge to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, specifically Section 5, which requires states and localities with a history of voting discrimination against racial and language minorities to get “pre-approved” by the federal government before changing how elections are conducted or voters are registered.
It's time for real change
Before a grieving audience packing an auditorium, sitting in a cathedral-like hush, President Obama spoke perhaps the most important words of his presidency: "We can't tolerate this anymore. These tragedies must end. And to end them, we must change."
Who will blink first in the fiscal cliff negotiations?
How are the "fiscal cliff" negotiations going? Reportedly, Republican leaders and President Barack Obama are in a stare-down. However, many rank-and-file Republican members have blinked, apparently ready to fold a demonstrably losing hand.
It's time for a mandate for change
Opinion Column
"We're all in this together," President Obama said on election night. "That's how we campaigned."
Paul Ryan is the token conservative
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney's selection of House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan -- the leader of the Republican Party's rigid economic conservatives -- as his running mate has been described as "bold." Bold can be good, such as "to boldly go where no man has gone before." Or, bold can be not so good, as in "boldly deceptive."
Dog days of summer dog Romney
We are in the dog days of summer, and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney finds himself in the dog house
Tempest in a teapot
I don't think a national convention from either party has decided major issues, or had any suspense about who would be nominated, since the 1980s.
Obama's actions show steel in his spine
Let's establish a fact straight off: The killing of Osama bin Laden was a risky, yet unqualified success for America.
Ads create a river of resentment
During Al Gore's Campaign back in 2000, we raised and spent close to $100 million (with matching funds) to win the primary, then received about $60 million in government funds for the fall campaign to get out our vote.
A Time for Peace and Withdrawal
I write this in anger and in frustration. And I must begin with words better than my own: "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies ... a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower
Hopefuls should stop undercutting Obama
But warmongering is good politics. It appeals to patriotism, fear, nativism, fear, wannabe warriorism, fear, panic and, yes, fear. War (whether threat or execution) elects presidents. Rattle the saber outside the polling booth, and the voters will tremble inside it.
Game time is getting close
It’s political preseason. Early predictions about performance, issues, swing votes, turnouts, independents, debates, states-in-play, etc., must be tempered by the political equivalent of “injuries” — such as gaffes or scandals — and “sleepers emerging.” Wasn’t President Obama a sleeper just four years ago?
Memorial a 'stone of hope'
The Martin Luther King Jr. memorial, a fitting addition to the National Mall, might perplex those who remember only the opening of "I Have a Dream."
Rick Perry a divider for United States
Gov. Rick Perry of Texas announced last week that he would run for president.
Greed will devour America
Recent news coverage may have left you with the impression that the most important issue affecting the American economy is government spending. Yet government spending isn't what got us into this mess, and cuts alone aren't going to get us out of it. We can't lose sight of the real role of government -- to protect Americans from unchecked greed -- if we want to build a recovery that is beneficial to all Americans.- Donna Brazile, syndicated columnist
GOP should be answering to constituents
The summer's political blockbuster has ended. After weeks of reading and hearing about the "economic Armageddon," the debt ceiling was raised. Everyone in Congress has taken off to enjoy time away from the daily grind. Despite weeks of high drama, political leaders hailed it as a victory for their causes and for their nation. Most Americans don't see it that way. They just wanted it to be over -- and wanted the adults in the room to prevail.- Donna Brazile, syndicated columnist
Drop politics! Help this nation!
Well, it's come to this: The world is watching us destroy our good name and credit over the promise of cutting a few billion dollars in future budgets and appropriations.- Donna Brazile, syndicated columnist
Debt debate no place for teenagers
Ruth Graham, the wife of evangelist Billy Graham, once was speaking before a large women's group about what it was like to be a minister's wife.
