If you want to prevent certain people from voting, you’ve got a lot of options. Some are legal; some are not. Most of us
Author: Gloria Shur Bilchik
Gloria Shur Bilchik is a freelance writer and community volunteer in St. Louis, Missouri. She is the editor of Occasional Planet. She views the preservation of democratic values and progressive programs as vital to making the US a humane, livable place for her children and grandchildren.
Democrats should hold “rump” hearings on Merrick Garland
Republicans have clearly stated that they won’t even hold a hearing on President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland. But that obstructionist stand should
Trump’s rise: How “legitimate” people and institutions become enablers
Don’t kid yourself: With help from people and institutions viewed by the voting public as “legitimate,” Donald Trump could win. Many mistakes of omission
From Obamacare to Medicare for All: Easier said than done
A Medicare for All health system [aka “single-payer”] would be a great step forward for the US. But how difficult will it be to
Debunking Trump: He’s as phony as the Wizard of Oz
Donald Trump reminds me of the Wizard of Oz. All bluster and bombast, no substance, and no one to question his power or his
Supreme Court nominees who were rejected: Lessons from history
In the 227-year history of the Supreme Court, about 80% of nominees have been confirmed. But the road to confirmation can be rocky, and
“Where to Invade Next:” Michael Moore’s film makes its points, annoyingly
Michael Moore’s new film has a coy title, “Where to Invade Next.” And that’s where the trouble begins. Based on the title, you might
Do Supreme Court appointees vote the way Presidents think they will?
How would a successor to Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia vote? If President Obama manages to get a hearing on a nominee, will he
Democratic [and Republican] caucuses are not very democratic.
What’s so [small-d] democratic about this year’s [capital D] Democratic and Republican caucuses? Not much. The first time I caucused–back in 1972, in Missouri–I
We need a new presidential primary system, ASAP
The 2016 presidential primary season has started for real–kicked off by the Iowa caucuses. But our current presidential primary system is a disaster for