Here’s a new way to get people to answer a public-opinion poll: Promise them a free cruise to the Bahamas. This morning, I got
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.
The Fox Effect
A new book, set for release on February 21, 2012, uses leaked emails and Fox Network employees’ own words to show Fox News for
Crowdsourcing helps solve the Super PAC funding puzzle
Under Citizens United, Super PAC donors’ identities are shrouded in secrecy, but The Caucus, a New York Times blog, has begun a savvy effort
Virginia scraps loyalty oath–again–and for the wrong reasons
Cooler political heads have prevailed in Virginia, where a loyalty oath proposed for the March 6, 2012 Republican presidential primary has been sent to
Fallout from Citizens United: We’re losing our way
One day after the Jan. 30, 2012 deadline for candidates, campaigns and committees to file their financial reports for 2011, the democracy-killing impact of
More items to add to your Obama-accomplishment list
One of the most-read posts here on Occasional Planet continues to be “President Obama’s 244 accomplishments.” Since it first appeared in 2010, that post
Wheels to work
If you can’t get to a job interview, you can’t get a job. If you’re homeless and don’t have a car, or if you
The continuing shame of healthcare for Native Americans
American Indians and Alaska Natives die at higher rates than other Americans from tuberculosis (500% higher), alcoholism (514% higher), diabetes (177% higher), unintentional injuries
2012 candidates flunk secularism test
No one will be surprised to learn that many in this year’s crop of presidential candidates think it’s perfectly great—no, essential—to mix religion with
What year is this, anyway?
When the ball dropped in Times Square at twelve o’clock high I toasted and sang, but could not help but sigh. A dozen years