We need more doctors and scientists in Congress. But not Dr. Oz.
| |

We need more doctors and scientists in Congress. But not Dr. Oz.

Dr. Oz, the cardiothoracic surgeon and TV personality, is running for an open US Senate seat in Pennsylvania. He’d be one of the worst possible choices, because his “medical recommendations” are generally bullshit. Members of Congress need to discern the truth, not make it up. What’s wrong with Dr. Oz? Dr. Oz is a famous…

Who’s afraid of critical race theory (or anything that sounds like it)?
|

Who’s afraid of critical race theory (or anything that sounds like it)?

For a lot of conservatives, “critical race theory” is a dangerous concept that will pollute the vulnerable minds of children in schools. And because actual sightings of critical race theory in schools are so rare, groups like the Texas Public Policy Foundation are warning us of its other insidious names, like “diversity” and “identity.” What…

The most important book you will read this year: “Our Common Ground” by Diane Hessan
|

The most important book you will read this year: “Our Common Ground” by Diane Hessan

Diane Hessan’s new book Our Common Ground: Insights from Four Years of Listening to American Voters should be required reading for every voter in America. It’s an amazing document that will open your eyes to unsuspected truths. I’ve known Diane Hessan for over a decade. She founded, grew, and sold a Boston-area company called Communispace…

“I was allowed to believe things that weren’t true” — Marjorie Taylor Greene

“I was allowed to believe things that weren’t true” — Marjorie Taylor Greene

Most uses of passive voice are lazy, thoughtless, or evasive. But the “allowed to believe” statement from Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s speech is in another category: in just nine words, Greene declares her own idiocy and ignorance, and then blames unspecified forces for highjacking her brain and her fingers. If there is a passive voice…

The impeachment brief as a virtual clinic in passive voice

The impeachment brief as a virtual clinic in passive voice

The lawmakers from the House of Representatives sent a brief to the Senate about the single count of impeachment they’re about to try. For the most part, it’s clear and straightforward. But an analysis of the 115 instances of passive voice in it reveals a lot about what lawmakers — and former president Trump —…

Orderly transition of power my ass

Orderly transition of power my ass

After the Congress certified Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election, Donald Trump pledged an orderly transition of power. It wasn’t. And it likely won’t be. Here’s the statement, posted on the Twitter account of Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino (because Twitter had suspended the President’s @realDonaldTrump account for inciting violence): Even…

Analyzing Trump’s bill-signing tantrum

Analyzing Trump’s bill-signing tantrum

Donald Trump reluctantly signed the bill that provides Coronavirus relief payments and funds the government for the next nine months — but released a petulant statement along with it. The statement’s a little confusing, so I’ll provide a translation. First, some context. Democrat and Republican congressional leaders negotiated the bill with Steven Mnuchin, Trump’s Treasury…