Political realism, change, and reform
“Change” is the catch word in today’s politics, and now “reform” has been added as its companion. To bring about both, real power is required. Why state the obvious? Because good people entering the…
Read MoreLeadership/Communications
Where the power is, and what is needed
A lot of political activists are confused about where the ultimate power lies in Illinois politics and government. Many who run political or issue organizations think they have power – but to paraphrase Shakespeare’s…
Read MoreContrasting Sarah Palin with the Illinois GOP leadership
The Republican National Convention nominated a ticket this week that contrasts strikingly with the Democratic Party’s ticket. The GOP team supports smaller government, lower taxes, consumer driven health care, school choice, and a strong…
Read MoreConvention speeches, follow-through, and reform
With John McCain’s and Sarah Palin’s convention speeches done, the campaign kicks into high gear for the next two months. Both speeches were effective – McCain’s was workman like and Palin’s was historic. Both speeches had in them what…
Read MoreAmong leftwingers, Palin Derangement Syndrome replaces Bush Derangement Syndrome
It’s been fun to watch the political left and left wing media experience a mental breakdown in broad daylight. John McCain’s choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate has caused the Democratic Party, its…
Read MoreThe GOP Convention and the Anbar Awakening
Previously we called for a political “counterinsurgency,” and outlined the parallels between what General David Petraeus did in Iraq and what needs to change in American on the political right. This week the Republican Convention should be about the…
Read MoreHurricane Sarah
Reform supporting Republicans aren’t worried about Hurricane Gustav impacting their party’s convention for several reasons, not the least of which is that they look forward to Louisiana Republican Governor Bobby Jindal providing the nation…
Read MoreObama isn’t ready—you can see it in his face
First I’d like someone to explain to me why Barack Obama’s head was at an angle the entire time he was answering questions from Rick Warren at the Saddleback Church event this past Saturday….
Read MoreThe Stockdale Paradox
In his book “Good to Great,” Jim Collins writes about how a few good companies that made themselves into great companies had to struggle to deal with “a powerful psychological duality”: “On the one…
Read MoreWhat Republican leadership should look and sound like
For Republicans nationally and especially for those of us who call Illinois home it is good to recall what leadership looks like. Videos of President Ronald Reagan serve that purpose nicely. A more updated…
Read MoreIn search of a political defibrillator
The moribund Illinois GOP and its elected representatives in the General Assembly are candidates for political defibrillation. While some of us will continue to outline specific solutions and practical steps that will lead to…
Read MoreIllinois Senate Republicans and “Priorities of Government”
Back in 2006 a small group of Republican reformers had the pleasure of meeting on three different occasions with a member of the Illinois state senate over the course of a few months. This…
Read MorePolitics, Markets and America’s Schools
The title of this column is taken from the important and best selling book written by John Chubb and Terry Moe advancing market-based solutions aimed at achieving genuine school reform. The fact that their…
Read MoreIllinois Senate Republicans and civil unions
Back in January 2005 the Democrats in the General Assembly, with important help from a few Republicans, passed SB3186, which added “sexual orientation” to the list of protected classes in the Illinois Human Rights…
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Counterinsurgency: Resurgence is Possible with New Generals and an Updated Field Manual
John Fund had an article in the Wall Street Journal on July 12th titled, “Obama’s Liberal Shock Troops,” and in it he outlined how big money and big activists are working together on the radical left wing to turn public opinion in their direction.
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