I’m thrilled to be working as a campus leader for Americans Elect. This organization presents a huge opportunity for the entire nation — the opportunity to reclaim our government. Break free of the two party system by declaring YOUR political priorities and supporting a candidate you truly believe in (instead of just the ones the mainstream media deems worthwhile). Raise your voice to affect real, substantive change for America.

Kurt Vonnegut (via writingquotes)

(This willingness is precisely what I’m currently trying to find in myself.)

In light of the next GOP debate tomorrow (hosted by NBC and Facebook) I’d like to ponder a few basic and obvious questions that candidates should be expected to answer. Hopefully, given the nature of this particular debate that relies upon Facebook user interaction, we can finally get some clarity.

1. It’s easy to say you’ll “fix the economy.” It’s easy to throw in some charged up rhetoric and get people excited about you. And honestly, it’s easy to lay out your plan to do so, because, as a serious presidential candidate, you obviously have viable solutions up your sleeve. So, clearly and concisely, explain to the American people how you will improve our nation’s economic situation.

2. Let’s talk foreign policy. Explain why it does or does not matter that Iran seeks to proliferate. Explain why we are still obligated to blindly support Israel even as they commit human rights violations (or do they?). Explain why North Korea matters, either as a threat or as an opportunity to help the world or what have you. Explain why we can’t legalize marijuana to reduce border violence with Mexico or lay off sanctions to build a relationship with Cuba. Explain why exactly Hugo Chavez is the enemy.

And no, I’m not kidding about any of that. Our foreign policy should be dynamic, pragmatic, and, most of all, conceived to serve America’s best interests. It shouldn’t be set in stone. Instead it reminds me of this Family Guyclip in which Peter and the chicken realize they don’t even remember why they’re enemies. And even though they start fighting again… at least it’s because of a new conflict.

[see the rest here.]

Thanks to the Iowa Republican caucuses last night, Rick Perry has taken a moment to think about his campaign,the  Michele Bachmann scream machine has grown subdued, and Rick Santorum suddenly seems like alegitimate contender.


This is all so terribly wrong.


In general, I view caucuses/primaries as meaningless — after all, what do the opinions of randos on the other side of the country have to do with me? — but Iowa’s last night shouldn’t affect ANYTHING. 120,000 people in a state of 3 million voted. Even accounting for those ineligible to participate (Democrats, kids who won’t be 18 by November)… clearly only the truly zealous Republicans bothered with it. It should have little to no bearing on the race as a whole.

[Read the rest here.]