AltWeeklies Wire
On Sheila Dixon: A Liberal's Lament for What Might Have Beennew
Perhaps my original expectations of Mayor Sheila Dixon had been so low that mere competence had moved me into her cheering section. But she'd gone beyond competence. At the very least, her administration was really good at managing public perceptions, which is a crucial skill in governing a morale-challenged city.
Baltimore City Paper |
Tom Chalkley |
01-19-2010 |
Commentary
Reading The Bills: Health Care Reformnew
The government of the United States is not trying to kill your grandmother. Or at least, if it is, no one saw fit to include that detail in the broad proposals for the reform of the American health-care system. Putting aside the name-calling for a moment, here's a look at some of the major proposals in the House and Senate versions of the bill.
Baltimore City Paper |
Chris Landers |
09-08-2009 |
Politics
Black: The Color of the GOPnew
I've always known that, contrary to popular belief, the African-American community is very conservative, but it's really starting to dawn on me that I'm surrounded by people who would probably be Republicans if they weren't black. And, frankly, I wish the GOP would get its stuff together so that my brethren and sistern can just follow their hearts and join.
Baltimore City Paper |
Vincent Williams |
12-02-2008 |
Commentary
The Strange Tradition of Washington's Political Turnovernew
Presidential transitions are odd times any time there's a change of parties in power, but after the last eight years, this one may be even more so.
Baltimore City Paper |
Brian Morton |
11-25-2008 |
Commentary
Libertarian Party Fills Maryland's Ballot with Candidatesnew
The Libertarian Party of Maryland may not win any elections in November, but its victory is in its full complement of candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives--the most of any third-party effort in Maryland in at least 30 years. The party is fielding eight candidates for eight seats.
Baltimore City Paper |
Edward Ericson Jr. |
11-04-2008 |
Politics
Despite Little Competition, Baltimore's Congressmen are Flush with Cashnew
The incumbents, all Democrats -- U.S. representatives Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, and Elijah Cummings -- are household names in the Baltimore area and won easy primaries in February. Their opponents have hardly any name recognition and even less money to buy traction with voters. Nonetheless, the incumbents' formidable fundraising operations haven't missed a beat.
Baltimore City Paper |
Van Smith |
11-04-2008 |
Politics
Election '08: We Enter the Fourth Quarter of the Ground Gamenew
How much of the GOP's defense will work in a year when the Democrats are fielding an offense for the ages? And how much of the field has already been tilted due to the work of Gonzales, Bush, and the Justice Department? The clock runs out on election day.
Baltimore City Paper |
Brian Morton |
10-28-2008 |
Commentary
The 'Ownership Society,' Circa 2008new
In 1969, the top tax rate was 69 percent, and we sent a man to the moon. Now it's under half of that, and bridges are collapsing at the same time the economy is, but we've spent eight solid years funneling money to the privileged classes and Wall Street Masters of the Universe.
Baltimore City Paper |
Brian Morton |
10-07-2008 |
Commentary
Sarah Palin and Personality Politicsnew
"This election is not about issues," John McCain's campaign manager recently said. If the McCain/Palin campaign gets its way, it probably won't be. Because if the American people start thinking about real issues -- the ones we've been dealing with for the last eight years -- the GOP ticket won't stand a chance.
Baltimore City Paper |
Brian Morton |
09-16-2008 |
Commentary
John McCain's POW Crutchnew
Being a former POW means something. Unfortunately for John McCain, that "something" doesn't answer a single question about him becoming president, no matter how often he brings it up.
Baltimore City Paper |
Brian Morton |
09-09-2008 |
Commentary
Why It's Easy for Jesse Jackson's Critics to Mock Himnew
Literally, in a matter of months, he's gone from the It guy in black America to a supporting player.
Baltimore City Paper |
Vincent Williams |
07-22-2008 |
Commentary
What Political Reporters Wantnew
In the end, what the media wants is A Story. How they get it is determined by little things that most often don't really matter. Which is why the AP last week ran a story on how its joint poll with Yahoo! News shows that among pet owners John McCain beats Barack Obama 42 percent to 37 percent. Which doesn't mean squat.
Baltimore City Paper |
Brian Morton |
07-22-2008 |
Commentary
Since When Does the President Have the Power to Silence People Who Want to Talk?new
It's fascinating to see the various uses George W. Bush's administration has made of the phrase "executive privilege." Most recently, Karl Rove has ignored a subpoena from the House Judiciary Committee to testify about the prosecution of Don Siegelman, the former governor of Alabama, a Democrat who also happened to be that party's best chance to regain the governor's mansion. (Rove has already brushed off a subpoena from the Senate.)
Baltimore City Paper |
Brian Morton |
06-10-2008 |
Commentary
What McCain and the GOP Really Mean When They Say They 'Support the Troops'new
One of these days, the American public is going to wake up and see that just because a candidate like John McCain can talk a good game about the military, and show off his pictures from the Vietnam days, it doesn't mean life will get any better for troops serving now.
Baltimore City Paper |
Brian Morton |
05-20-2008 |
Politics
Obama on My Mindnew
I almost wrote a whole column on Willie Tyler and Lester because, like a great many of us, my entire life has been consumed by Barack Obama, and what I really want to do is write yet another column about the presumptive Democratic nominee. But I'm trying to pace myself with the Obama stuff for a few reasons.
Baltimore City Paper |
Vincent Williams |
05-20-2008 |
Commentary
