If you’re happy that Rush Limbaugh has been giving headaches to Republican leaders trying to find a popular political stance for their shrinking party, you’ll be thrilled to hear about the migraines that a conservative-libertarian talk radio duo named John…
Author Archive for Michael D. Fox
Prop 8: What’s Really at Stake for the California Supreme Court
by Michael D. Fox • • 2 Comments
The primary legal issue at tomorrow’s hearing before the California Supreme Court on the same sex marriage Prop 8 case is the narrow and extremely arcane question whether Prop 8 is an amendment to the state constitution or a revision of the state constitution. But appellate cases – and especially high profile and controversial appellate cases — are rarely decided on such narrow and arcane questions of law, even though lawyers and judges must pretend that they are. What’s really at stake in the Prop 8 case – and what will probably be the real deciding factor in the California Supreme Court’s decision – is the power and prestige of the California Supreme Court itself.
Four Obama Inspired Lessons for California Democrats – Part Two
by Michael D. Fox • • Comments Off
Last week I wrote that the Obama campaign should serve as a master class in winning elections for Democrats, but, unfortunately, not enough California Democrats are playing attention to the Obama campaign’s most important lessons. We’ve dealt with the first two lessons — (1) Blame Republicans and Present a Democratic Solution, and (2) Use the Internet. The remaining two Obama inspired lessons are (3) Expand the Electorate, and (4) Champion the Middle Class. Let’s tackle them now.
End California’s Hostage Crisis
by Michael D. Fox • • Comments Off
On this morning’s radio talk shows, following the early morning passage of California’s budget, Democratic legislators have finally taken up the political fight against the Republicans and are urging revision of the state’s dysfunctional budget process. This is a budget the GOP can be proud of, because it’s a profoundly conservative budget. Because they hold a conservative veto over it. And they get the best of both worlds – they don’t have to vote for the budget en masse so they don’t have to own it. In short, the hijacking worked. This is the most important issue facing California – and it’s time for a change.
Let California Fail
by Michael D. Fox • • 11 Comments
Since the proposed budget is bad (too many cuts in the wrong places), why should Democrats support it? Why isn’t the state Democratic Party telling the voters that this disaster has been caused by the Republicans? Why are the Democrats not seizing the ideological moment by calling this budget disaster a Republican disaster? We ought to insist now on a budget that is fair — and if that fails, we ought to go to the voters and tell them that the Republicans have caused their state government to fail.
Only then will we have the chance to get real change in California.
Gunfight at the OC Corral
by Michael D. Fox • • 4 Comments
There’s a gunfight brewing in Orange County that would make a great John Wayne movie. But the plot of the movie depends on your political perspective and your view on gun control.
Five Ways that Obama Should NOT Emulate Lincoln
by Michael D. Fox • • Comments Off
Much has been made of Barack Obama’s identification with Abraham Lincoln. Of course, Lincoln makes a powerful role model for any president, especially in troubled times. But there are at least ways in which Obama should not follow Lincoln’s example, and five corresponding ways in which Lincoln should serve Obama as an example of what NOT to do.
