Scandal at the IRS
Posted by Sheila Kennedy in Public Policy and Governance on May 18th, 2013
I’ve been reading a variety of reports about the allegations that the IRS singled out Tea Party tax exemption applications for extra scrutiny. So here are a few random observations, culled from those reports and accusations: 1) It’s worth noting that condemnation has been utterly bipartisan. Liberal blogs and Democratic commentators have been highly critical [...]
And Now a Word from the Doctor
Posted by Sheila Kennedy in Public Policy and Governance on May 16th, 2013
I’m relinquishing my space today to my cousin the cardiologist. As he notes, it should be possible to legislate restrictions that will save lives without running afoul of the 2d Amendment. Unfortunately, in our current bipolar political environment, where every issue is painted in black and white –where complexity and shades of gray are “elitist [...]
If Dick Cheney Were Capable of Shame….
Posted by Sheila Kennedy in Random Blogging on May 16th, 2013
Darth Cheney has emerged again from whatever hole he occupies, to proclaim the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Bengazi “the worst disaster” he can recall, and to assert that it is evidence of the incompetence of the Obama Administration. Leaving aside the fact that the Republicans in Congress engineered significant cuts to the budget [...]
Just a Cost of Doing Business
Posted by Sheila Kennedy in Public Policy and Governance on May 15th, 2013
The Indiana Supreme Court has issued yet another unanimous ruling in a case that legal observers considered–at the very least–a close call. A few weeks ago, the Court upheld the use of the state’s educational voucher program to pay parochial school tuition, despite language in the Indiana Constitution that prohibits the payment of state dollars [...]
Follow the Money
Posted by Sheila Kennedy in Local Government on May 14th, 2013
Many years ago, when I was practicing real estate law, I represented the developers of the Indianapolis Westin. I still remember a meeting with a mortgage broker from New Jersey; he asked me how long it took to pull a building permit, and I responded “About a day.” He looked at me as if I’d [...]
And the Beat Goes On…
Posted by Sheila Kennedy in Random Blogging on May 13th, 2013
Frank Bruni’s Op Ed in yesterday’s New York Times reinforces a theme that has become all too common on this blog–a lament, really. He titled it “America the Clueless.” Did you know (I didn’t) that despite the incredible amount of media devoted to “Obamacare” over the past few years, that forty percent of Americans don’t [...]
On Mothers’ Day…
Posted by Sheila Kennedy in Random Blogging on May 12th, 2013
That Was Quick…..
Posted by Sheila Kennedy in Random Blogging on May 11th, 2013
Heritage Foundation analyst Jason Richwine, the co-author of a study claiming the immigration reform bill pending in the Senate would cost taxpayers $6.3 trillion, has decided to spend more time with his family. Or something. His departure from Heritage was hasty, to say the least. Among other things, Richwine’s “study,” which was widely panned (even Paul Ryan [...]
The Quotes Tell the Story
Posted by Sheila Kennedy in Racial Equality on May 10th, 2013
Charles Blow has a must-read column in the New York Times, in which he foregoes characterizing for quoting. That is, rather than attributing attitudes to political figures like Romney, Gingrich, Ryan, et al, he simply quotes them. It’s devastating.
Will He or Won’t He?
Posted by Sheila Kennedy in Local Government on May 9th, 2013
I believe today is the last day Governor Pence can veto the “Imperial Mayor” bill. (If he fails to either sign or veto it, it becomes law without his signature.) Leaving aside the numerous problems with the bill itself (the provisions eliminating the At-Large Councilors have gotten most of the attention, but they are the [...]
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