Policy Is For Lovers (Page 8)

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One Easy Policy Resolution for a Better Democracy

The grocery store was cheek to jowl. Lines of people with full carts, passing the time on their phones. I unloaded yogurt and hummus, red grapes, miles of cat food, overpriced cat litter (dogs, they say, have owners; cats have staff). My mind was already home, making lunch. The cashier

Why A Few Bills Become Law & Most Don't

"Teamwork makes the dream work!" is not a common refrain in the halls of Congress. Capitol Hill is 535 small businesses (100 Senators and 435 Congresspeople) that each have - with few exceptions - one main political motivation: reelection. The reason meaningful gun control is so hard to

Policy Holiday

Hello Wonderful Reader! Like so many of us right now, I'm a bit under the weather. And I love that Lily Tomlin line, "For fast acting relief, try slowing down." So I'm taking a policy holiday this week, but wanted to send you off

There Are Two Types of Politicians

At a conference I was once at, a man started his talk by saying, "There are two types of people. Those who think there are two types of people and those who don't." Of course, I like to think that I'm the enlightened latter.

How to Call a Politician's Bluff

A great many politicians are in the business of introducing bills. A much smaller number of politicians are in the business of passing them. Last Congress, 17,817 bills were introduced. Congress has two-year sessions that start the January after an election. Each session is called - and they brought

Two Minutes for a Healthier Democracy

A few months ago, I was out for a walk with a buddy of mine who's a State Representative. We were talking shop and I asked him how many phone calls he got from constituents on issues. He represents about 9,000 folks, not exactly small potatoes here

Understanding a Politician's Mind

Should you find yourself with a spare moment one afternoon. And should you think to yourself, I will use this spare moment to watch a bit of C-SPAN. And should you happen to turn it on when there is a Tough Vote on the floor of the House of Representatives,