With all its cold, dark hours and lingering gloom at the start of the year, January might be called The Monday of Months. This year, many of our democratic traditions will be reflected in major events taking place during this long month of Mondays. The 117th U.S. Congress is sworn in today. A vote in … Continue reading The Longest Monday
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Fly America… Call the Philippines
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 … Continue reading Fly America… Call the Philippines
We Have Seen and We Have Said
Last month we were treated to countless rounds of being talked down to by law enforcement from Broward County, Florida after yet another completely avoidable massacre at the hands of an American citizen exercising his right to bear an AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifle. 'If you see something, say something,' Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said … Continue reading We Have Seen and We Have Said
Stick it to Them Before Congress Sticks It to You
You don't have to bend over and take this legislative middle finger right up the center, America. Vote with a phone call, and if it goes wrong, vote your Senator out. Wapo's Dana Milbank explains the smoke screen.
Congressional Call to Order
Prayers, check. Silence, check. Guns, Amen.
‘Tough Guy’ Rights
Representative Chris Collins is acting tough. “Here’s what’s not up for debate,” the New York Republican wrote in Monday’s Washington Post. “From now on, I’ll be exercising my Second Amendment right to carry a firearm as I travel my district.” Collins has some right to feel the need for protection. A gunman went ballistic last … Continue reading ‘Tough Guy’ Rights
We, the People from U.N.C.L.E.
Enough! The past eight days has brought just too much to keep up with. How do you address and condemn one awful imposition on our sanity without condoning all the others by omission? And how can you possibly write up all that condemnation?! This quandary has me in a state of total paralysis. Let me … Continue reading We, the People from U.N.C.L.E.
The Run
My son's offering his services as my campaign manager. More than the trappings of power, I think the third grader's hooked on creating slogans. 'Want the Best? Vote the Beast.' Beast is a nickname I picked up in Jr. High. It was my sister's fault. A clever P.E. teacher pegged her first initial against her … Continue reading The Run
Calling Mr. Robot
If the leadership really wants to improve our healthcare insurance, they should start with a phone call to Blue Cross Blue Shield. In 12 seconds or less they'll learn that legislating insurance can only make America great again if it kills the robots taking our calls. I’m sorry, I did not understand your response. 'That’s because you’re a … Continue reading Calling Mr. Robot
New Fiction @Revolution John
Thanks to Sam Slaughter for posting my latest fiction at Revolution John. Warm yourself up with this excerpt, then head on over and read the whole thing, a romp through patriotism, office life, and federal worker morale in the face of congressional dysfunction. In God We Trust (excerpt) Towards the head of the table Howard Graves … Continue reading New Fiction @Revolution John
Ben East Books 