“Lawmakers in both major parties and former intelligence officials appeared shocked …” — The Chicago Tribune “U.S. lawmakers of both political parties reacted with shock …” — Voice of America “Some of Mr. Trump’s own advisers privately said they were shocked …” — The New York Times “Shocked?” Really? After almost two years of unending […]
Op-Eds
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
The week that wasn't for anti-Trumpers
Last week was not a good one for anti-Trumpers, who include virtually all Democrats and most establishment Republicans. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein picked last Friday, just three days before President Trump was scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, to announce the indictment of a dozen Russian intelligence agents for their alleged involvement […]
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Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
The $247 trillion global debt bomb
WASHINGTON — The untold story of the world economy — so far at least — is the potentially explosive interaction between the spreading trade war and the overhang of global debt, estimated at a staggering $247 trillion. That’s “trillion” with a “t.” The numbers are so large as to be almost incomprehensible. Households, businesses and […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Yes, the Supreme Court is undemocratic
In an era of partisan polarization, it is rare to get agreement on anything, but about this there should be a consensus: The Supreme Court is an undemocratic institution whose power should be carefully circumscribed. The right has long been of this view, and the left is suddenly and opportunistically partway there. In an essay […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Discouraging civic engagement in town affairs
Civic engagement must be based on the belief that one’s efforts are useful to the community at large and are not going to be summarily sabotaged by an authoritarian bureaucrat. When residents raise serious questions in a public hearing that the committee (or board) cannot, or will not, answer in a sensible manner then the […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
The Brett Kavanaugh nomination
If Alexander Hamilton had been nominated for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court today, Democrats would likely oppose him. About the court, Hamilton said: “[A] limited Constitution … can be preserved in practice no other way than through the medium of courts of justice, whose duty it must be to declare all acts contrary […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Trump knows the GOP base is ripe for an ideological revolution
NEW YORK — President Trump’s trip to Europe is being portrayed by both him and his critics as revolutionary. He tells us that he single-handedly and miraculously got members of NATO to increase their defense spending sharply. His critics claim that he single-handedly wrecked the Western alliance by sowing doubt and discord among America’s closest […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Under unchecked power, no one is safe
They did not have to die. That’s the bitter truth. Katie Sasser and her friend John Hall would likely still be alive if cops and prosecutors in Glynn County, Georgia, had done their jobs. But they were more interested in protecting one of their own. So Sasser and Hall were shot to death in June […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Putin, Trump will put on an empty show
When President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 16, some Americans will watch with apprehension: What if they hatch a plan that’ll harm U.S. interests? What if Trump is meeting with his handler rather than his counterpart? They shouldn’t worry. There’s little doubt that Putin can handle Trump, but not as […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Kavanaugh is a man — and judge — of quality
President Donald J. Trump has continued to show America, and Maine, that he is doing the right things for our people, our country and our democracy. Our economy is booming and good jobs are at last coming back to our shores. Once again, he has kept a campaign pledge. His appointment of Judge Brett Kavanaugh […]