Ben East Books

Category: Politics

  • Shutdown Chores

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    Ben East
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    Week one of Government Shutdown 2018 comes to an end, bringing to mind the plot of Patchworks. So why not run a few excerpts from Chapter 12, in which DC’s ‘Fed Buffet’ closes its doors—and its payroll—on a mix of kindly public servants who only wanted to prevent the next great American tragedy. Government intern…

  • Abused

    Abused

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    Ben East
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    We interrupt this abuse of the First Amendment to bring you this abuse of the Second. #MourningInAmerica       ##

  • Vote

    Vote

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    Ben East
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    I’m campaigning for nobody. Not much needs to be said. Just fill in the dot beside the name that stirs the least opprobrium, fold, seal, and send. Guide others to do the same. If possible, do it in person.       ##

  • Bring It

    Bring It

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    Ben East
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    Cory Booker was awesome this morning in challenging a sham senate hearing to vet SCOTUS nominee Brett Kavanaugh. After watching his exchange with John Cornyn of Texas, I pulled up the following published report. Read how the bland senator from Texas chews red tape while his righteous colleague across the aisle breaths actual fire. ‘Bring…

  • American Tabloid*

    American Tabloid*

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    Ben East
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    In one quick blow The AP updates James Ellroy’s 1950’s noir as contemporary political sleaze. National Enquirer hid damaging Trump stories in a safe WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Enquirer kept a safe containing documents on hush money payments and other damaging stories it killed as part of its cozy relationship with Donald Trump… Tabloid…

  • O’er the Ramparts

    O’er the Ramparts

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    Ben East
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    Today we raised the flag. Not just any flag, but the Star Spangled Banner. Today we raised the Star Spangled Banner over Fort McHenry. The breeze set in motion the 15 bands and 15 stars against a perfect blue sky. A perfect morning to raise the flag and relive the moment of Francis Scott Key’s inspiration. O…

  • Fly America… Call the Philippines

    Fly America… Call the Philippines

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    Ben East
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    When your official government travel orders authorize advanced seating to guarantee a seat beside your child during an international move—old home packed, new home empty… …but the airline won’t confirm your seat more than 23 hours before you fly… …and you spend hours on the phone… …talking to the travel agent… …and talking to the…

  • Rhymes with Fake Gnus

    Rhymes with Fake Gnus

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    Ben East
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    1.       Fake shoes. Also called flip-flops. 2.       Fake brews. Non-alcoholic beer. Avoid at all cost. 3.       Fake dues. No payment required. 4.       Fake flues. Actually, you feel quite good but call in sick. 5.       Fake ruse. This is the same thing as telling the truth. 6.       Fake rues. Actually, you don’t care. 7.       Fake poos. Better smelling than the real thing. 8.       Fake…

  • Derek Jeter vs Rudy Giuliani

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    Ben East
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    After three long weeks of high profile media appearances, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani received this warm welcome from his hometown crowd. https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/1001216940365430784 He sought cover from the public rebuke by saying of New Yorkers, ‘They boo you when they love you,’ logic that doesn’t quite square with this round of boisterous huzzahs…

  • Answer Coming Soon

    Answer Coming Soon

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    Ben East
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    When I feel ornery about the state of world affairs, I turn to Dan Whitman for a cure. Because he gifted me a large stack of his books, he doesn’t always know this. Whitman’s essays reflect on wide-ranging issues for the foreign affairs professional. They cut across decades (mostly post World War II) and continents…