Maryland “throws money” at ed and sees gains
by David Safier I don't know the details of Maryland's "Bridge to Excellence" act David Sadker writes about in a Star op ed today. But he says Education Week puts Maryland's schools at the top of their list, which is pretty strong praise. Arizona is, um, let's see if I can remember this . . . … Read more
Arizona Guardian goes legit
by David Safier What had become my go-to source for legislative info, the newly created online Arizona Guardian, has adopted the subscription model. A professional subscription costs $150 per month, a non-profit professional, $120 per month and an individual $30 per month. It's now, unfortunately, my no-to source. I got myself a free login, but … Read more
Dr. Word: Ninja chess master playing rope-a-dope?
by David Safier I'm enjoying the terms being tossed around by pundits who believe that, far from being caught unawares, Obama is playing crafty political games with the Republicans during the stimulus debate, luring them into difficult positions as they tire themselves out with their overblown rhetoric. Putting the images together, Obama is a ninja … Read more
Enemies of the State
Dateline 2.10.09 by AzBlueMeanie Series (War correspondent AzBlueMeanie is embedded with the Freedom Fighters of the Arizona Democratic Resistance in the occupied state of Arizona. This dispatch is filed from an undisclosed location within the liberated territories of Baja Arizona) All officers and employees of the state of Arizona are required to take a loyalty … Read more
This is all they’ve got
by David Safier Here's part of a televised interview George Stephanopolos held with new RNC Chair Michael Steele: STEELE: You’ve got to look at what’s going to create sustainable jobs. What this administration is talking about is making work. It is creating work. STEPHANOPOULOS: But that’s a job. STEELE: No, it’s not a job. A job is … Read more
Can we learn from this in Arizona?
by David Safier It looks like the country isn't overly fond of the Republicans' continued obstruction of the stimulus bill. People want the money out there stimulating the economy, and they want it now. Is there a budget-related lesson to be learned here in Arizona? The Republicans competed their budget hatchet job for this fiscal … Read more
Lessons from an Abortive Populist Coup
Paul Eckerstrom didn't campaign to be elected Democratic Party Chairman in any meaningful sense. He didn't even plan to run. He certainly didn't think it though. He tossed his hat in the ring because he had a passion for the ideas and strategy he wanted the Party to pursue, and which he wasn't seeing from … Read more
