Politics | The Ben Franklin Follies

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SOPA & PIPA Blackout

January 18, 2012

I oppose the proposed SOPA & PIPA legislation currently under consideration in the U.S. Congress. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Samuel Adams and many others would also oppose this legislation. It’s the antithesis of everything our Constitution and Bill of Rights represents and protects. Resources You’ll find excellent infographics and links to ways to […]

Rick Perry & Rod Blagojevich

September 4, 2011

Anyone else see a physical resemblance between Rick Perry & Rod Blagojevich? Blago could be Perry’s younger, even more well-coifed, brother.

Political Compromise: The Original, Orginalist Thinking

July 19, 2011

In 1788, we had politicians who saw the need to compromise for the future of the Republic. Today we have politicians who pledge allegiance to Grover Norquist.

Water: The Resource We Can’t Take For Granted

July 13, 2011

Alabama is a water-rich state. Alabama has 77,000 miles of rivers and stream and ranks sixth in the nation for the most continuously-flowing streams. Our waters sustain us physically, recreationally and economically.

Elizabeth Edwards (1949-2010)

December 7, 2010

I’m saddened by the news of the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. Can’t say it better or differently than I wrote here: From my Facebook post yesterday, Dec. 6, when I first learned of Elizabeth Edwards’ poor prognosis: Elizabeth Edwards is a woman of strength, class and grace and I hope, when faced with life’s challenges, […]

Food, health and the I-want-mine-now mindset

October 13, 2010

As Poor Richard, Ben Franklin popularized the ancient adage: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” We all know that an apple a day isn’t going to prevent all health problems. But the general principle is sound. Fruits and veggies should be at the center of our diets. It surprises me that the importance […]

Celebrate the power of an idea made manifest

July 4, 2010

“… We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the […]