In the wake of prevalent mass shootings in this country, we all too often hear sentiments that suggest that now is not the time for change or discussion. It’s too soon. Not the right time. That now is the time for thoughts and prayers. And although time for mourning and reflection and remembering those who […]
Op-Eds
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Strongmen have a new playbook for consolidating power
NEW YORK — The news out of Saudi Arabia has been startling. A country famous for its stability to the point of stagnation is watching a 32-year-old crown prince arrest his relatives, freeze their bank accounts and dismiss them from key posts. But on closer examination, it should not be so surprising. Mohammed bin Salman […]
advertisement
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Why are we OK with mass shootings?
I hate mass shootings. Everybody hates them, of course: innocent death, fathers, fiances, best friends, and sons snatched violently away, sudden carnage crashing ordinary days. But I hate them for an additional reason. When things like this happen, you see, it’s my job to have something to say. And I’ve got nothing. More accurately, I’ve […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
America needs higher, not lower, taxes
WASHINGTON — We Americans are having the wrong debate. Almost all the arguing over the Trump administration’s proposed tax cut centers on two issues. Will the tax reduction stimulate faster economic growth? And is the proposal too generous toward the wealthy and too stingy toward the middle class and poor? Interesting questions, to be sure […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
The real beneficiary of Trump's tax plan
In Hawaii, “aloha” also means “goodbye.” President Trump could not have missed the less-than-enthusiastic greeting during his brief touchdown in the U.S. state where — facts are facts — Barack Obama was born. Demonstrators there seemed to be following a new pattern among Trump foes, replacing raw anger with mockery. His fans, meanwhile, were greatly […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
The Saudi Arabia-Iran war escalates
On November 4, a U.S.-made Patriot missile intercepted an Iranian-manufactured Burkan H-2 short-range ballistic missile as its warhead plunged toward the international airport outside Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital. Though the missile was launched from Yemen, with good reason Saudi leaders called the attack an act of “aggression” by Iran. A human rights organization said the […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Technology provides a better way to connect with doctor
If you’re tired of the dysfunction in Washington — the backbiting, the questioning of motives, the failure to agree on much of anything, the one-upmanship, the allegations about a “stolen” presidential election, Russian “collusion,” the posturing and boorish behavior, how about focusing on something that is working and benefits a growing number of people? Consider […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Where will ‘Jay’ Powell lead the Fed?
WASHIINGTON — It will be Powell’s Fed. Assuming he’s confirmed by the Senate, Jerome (“Jay”) Powell will become the 16th chairman of the Federal Reserve Board in early 2018. Almost by definition, he instantly becomes the most important economic policy-maker in the world. But who is he? Outside economic circles, hardly anyone knows. So let’s […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Hey Dems, a better tax plan isn't going to write itself
By Steven Pearlstein The Washington Post As my Washington Post colleague Dana Milbank recently shared (cribbing a line from former Israeli foreign minister Aba Eban): Democrats never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. That is was proven again this past week on the issue of tax reform. Along with everyone else, Democratic leaders have […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Collins, Pence and Trump: Wall Street collaborators
Late last Tuesday night, as most Mainers were heading to bed, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Vice President Mike Pence voted to help Wall Street steal from Main Street consumers. At issue was whether customers who have been ripped off or scammed by a bank, credit card company or lender have the right to go […]