June 28, 2013
So What Happened? (View from the Right)
The unexpected twists of the RI House budget debate indicate much deeper changes in Rhode Island's political landscape, and voters should pay attention.
June 27, 2013
Private Schools Are Not Just for the Kids of Government Employees/Retirees
A letter writer opposing school choice legislation fails to mention circumstances of his career (and young retirement) that might be relevant to his opinion.
06/26/13 – House Floor, Budget Round 2
Justin’s back at the State House for round 2 of the House budget debate.
June 25, 2013
Employment in May: Steady as She Doesn't Go
Rhode Island's employment picture is still stagnation, but with plenty of evidence that the state could slingshot back to life if it would stop holding itself down.
June 24, 2013
Roosevelt Society and the Right's Biggest Challenge
The Roosevelt Society's inaugural event, featuring "conservative black chick" Crystal Wright, raised the central challenge of the American Right... even though nobody seemed to see it.
June 22, 2013
For Lack of a Cri de Coeur
Some thoughts on the obligation to be cranky and contrarian in modern day Rhode Island.
Dollars in the Court Room, Here Come the Judge
A short new addition to the proposed budget creates a slush fund for the judiciary and raises a whole series of questions.
June 21, 2013
Pension Reform Debate: Painkilling Spin About Fantasies
Continued debate about Rhode Island’s pension reform is disconnected from the reality of the pension system, not to mention the steps that the state really has to take to resolve its problems.
Budget Process Reflection
Experiencing the state budget process firsthand gives perspective on what’s wrong with Rhode Island and the apparent illusion of self-governance in the state.
06/18/13 – House Finance Committee (Budget Introduction)
Justin writes live from House Finance on budget-introduction night.
June 14, 2013
The Good of Public Education
The school choice debate comes down to philosophy and priorities, and the education of the public, in its vast diversity, should come first.
June 13, 2013
Watchlist for the Freedom Index
The RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity has released the full list of the 551 bills (so far) that are likely to be on its General Assembly Freedom Index 2013 if they receive floor votes.
Lardaro Should Watch His Credibility Attacks
Len Lardaro's attack on the credibility of the RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity ought to come with doubts about his Credibility Index.
June 12, 2013
Portsmouth Institute 2013 Conference: “Catholicism and the American Experience,” Day 1, Peter Steinfels
Peter Steinfels offered some intellectually challenging opposition to conservative Catholics at the Portsmouth Institute conference on "Catholicism and the American Experience."
June 10, 2013
Portsmouth Institute 2013 Conference: “Catholicism and the American Experience,” Day 1, Robert George
Robert George’s opening talk at the 2013 Portsmouth Institute conference on “Catholicism and the American Experience” argued for the necessity of religious freedom, in opposition both to theocratic imposition of doctrine and secular exclusion of existential searching.
