To me David Brooks of the NYTimes is the most prominent writer in America on right of center Centrism. He comments “>here about how the Republican Party has lost its way, and along with it, moderate conservatives. But the GOP can get them back by getting back to basics and proposing centrist policies which he lists in the article. In passing he suggests that members of the GOP form a Republican Leadership Council along the same lines as the Democratic Leadership Council. The DLC gave a...

From over at the New Democrat Network “Among other things, hopes increased today for raising the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour. Senate Minority Leader-elect Mitch McConnell look prepared to work with Democrats on a number of things. From The Washington Post: Senate Minority Leader-elect Mitch McConnell (Ky.) described as “easy stuff” much of the Democrats’ opening agenda, including a proposal to boost the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour and a congressional...

Congress will consider authorizing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices. As discussed in this article. In response, the drug industry argues that reducing their profits will reduce the number of new drugs they can develop. I wonder if compromises like these have been considered?: Can we continue to allow the market to determine most medicare drug prices, but also authorize Medicare to negotiate for those drugs that resist market forces such as those still under patents and for which there is...

Democrats are giddy with excitement about a burst of legislative progress in the opening of the next Congress in January. But I am concerned that they may overreach and alienate potential allies. I am concerned that pride of ownership may scuttle many reasonable hopes and dreams. Many of the organizations have staff that need to justify their jobs. They need to show progress. But some may confuse this with taking the credit. I hope that the more diplomatic heads in the new Congress understand the...

So far I have avoided watching Michael Richard’s racial rant because I like watching Seinfeld and didn’t want to contaminate my innocent joy. I find the situation ironic because the Kramer character was the symbol of open mindedness, with friends who were small, Cuban, oriental, fat, rich, and poor. Likewise is my reaction to Mel Gibson’s meltdown. But the public recurrence of this controversy inspires me to reveal that I am a racist in recovery and have been one most of my life....

Today three prominent articles on Centrism. Can the GOP Find Its Center? By E. J. Dionne Jr. “Pro-market libertarians and pro-family social conservatives are more aware than ever that their respective values and interests do not coincide.” “>GOP must return to its centrist roots By Governor Christine Todd Whitman “President Bush has to lead the Republican Party back toward its traditional, philosophical roots of respect for and belief in the individual, fiscal responsibility,...

I am inspired by Governor Schwarzenegger’s sense of possibilities, independence, self discipline, adaptability and vision. As an executive it is hard to imagine a better role model for any Centrist Governor or President. Here are some excerpts from his recent visit to Meet The Press. RUSSERT starts with a quote: ““Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 17-point victory alone commands some attention, since it is easily the most impressive score by any Republican in a Democratic-leaning...

Israel sweetened its offer to the Palestinians. If miraculously Hamas accepts, then the wise course is to reward the Palestinians with overwhelming aide and support. This is to help promote moderation in their community and to help make a peaceful prosperous future look more attractive than the violent past.

Thomas Barnett is an international strategist with a growing fan base. He recently commented on an article by Henry Kissinger about negotiating with Iran. He agrees that to a great extent, “all the talks need to do is buy us time and a forum for starting what will inevitably be a long-term forum for regional security discussion, much like the The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe …No, this forum won’t magically make our rapid departure from Iraq possible, and...

In Florida’s 13th Congressional District Vern Buchanan, the G.O.P. candidate, is narrowly defeating Christine Jennings, the Democrat. The problem is that the official vote count isn’t credible. In much of the 13th District, the voting pattern looks normal. But in Sarasota County, which used touch-screen voting machines made by Election Systems and Software, almost 18,000 voters — nearly 15 percent of those who cast ballots using the machines — supposedly failed to vote...

It is hard to read this NY Times article about appropriations and earmarks and not get at least a little agitated. The bi-partisan collusion to manipulate the allocation of public funds is deep in the DNA of any legislature. Gaining control of the treasury is essentially the point of winning office. The Blue Dogs have a tough fight ahead of them. Unless they can change the geometry of the problem. Instead of trying to stop earmarks perhaps we just alter the process. We have already heard about...

Politicians and spectators are on the edge of our seats to see how the Democrats manage their new and surprising influence. Will they wisely steer as close to the center as possible or will they veer left and risk alienating the moderates who voted merely to give them a chance, not a mandate. While it appears that the Democrats have wisely moved towards the center vacated by the GOP they can still blow it if they lose control of their wingers. So is the GOP preparing to leap into the breach? Apparently...