January 10, 2021 Pearl River These are some rough days for putative democracies. Some political scientists have dusted off the notion of something called “democratic assemblies,” as a possible shot in the arm to revive some level of credibility and legitimacy to the process. Maybe, but I doubt it. Here’s what they are according to …
The Different Worlds of the Pandemic
January 9, 2021 Pearl River For a change of pace, let’s talk about the different worlds of Covid-19 globally. In the US, it’s impossible to pick up a paper or listen to the radio without hearing people speculate about the permanent changes the pandemic. People talk about whether they will always work remotely, whether restaurants …
Capitol Police Asleep at the Switch
January 8, 2021 New Orleans One of the late-night comedians noted that these early resignations from White House staff and cabinet officers with less than two weeks before Biden’s inauguration are almost meaningless expressions of johnny-come-lately-principles that were more like “leaving early to beat the traffic.” Twenty-fifth Amendment and impeachment talk are mainly …