How we communicate and why it matters
Week 47: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Arab Spring
Maybe it was political. Maybe she decided the Ds couldn't focus on the economy, democracy or fairness with Al Franken in the picture. Maybe the NY Sen. just had enough - she's been on this issue for years. The Senate is a hierarchy, but she didn't wait for permission...
Week 46: Return to regular order
Inexplicably, John McCain praised the tax bill for following regular order, a process designed to promote consensus-based decision making that includes public hearings and multiple votes. What happened last week was ugly. A SOBERING LOOK AT RESISTANCESince January,...
Week 45: 1/2 The worst, most cynical bill
Sherrod Brown nailed it. So desperate to pass something - anything - the Rs abandoned any pretense that their tax bill helps anyone but their donors. Will it pass? Sen. Brown says it depends on how much the pubic raises its voice.MATH GAMESThe bill's sponsors...
Week 45: Crunch time for Congress, or not
The Senate has 15 working days before 2018. The House has 12. A government shutdown looms. December is crucial. Yet it feels like it's felt all year. Congress could make progress on many issues if enough MoCs summons the fortitude to act. History says bipartisan...
Week 44: How the Senate tax bill became a healthcare repeal bill
In order to pass a bill that doesn't require a single D vote, Rs had to come up with more $$ to cover the cuts they've promised. Cancelling the mandate that says everyone has to buy health insurance will save billions - money that would have been used to subsidize...
Week 43: This is what happens when the people vote
Every week since January we've been searching for news about grassroots groups, what they're doing and how it's working. Until last week it was slim pickins. Last week's elections don't tell us what will happen. Just what could.OHIO GERRYMANDERINGSuccess in gathering...