I've been taking a break from posting for the last few weeks. I'd like to get posting again, so I thought I'd start with an easy one.I spent several years working for a defense contractor, during which time I sometimes had to meet with our points-of-contact in the Department of Defense. We'd usually end up going out to lunch, and one thing I learned pretty quickly is that … [Read more...] about Yes, It’s a Bribe
Political Science
Late night thoughts on the current crisis
I've been watching what's happening in the U.S. government with growing dismay. Trump and Musk seem determined to destroy the government's ability to perform certain functions, some of which are very important to the United States, and some of which are very important to the world. And it turns out that many of the safeguards against this destruction are controlled by the … [Read more...] about Late night thoughts on the current crisis
Trump’s dumb attempt to define sex
(When I started to write this post, I thought it would be a neat little think piece about science, policy, and meaning. But given how much more is going on, it now fells a bit academic. Nevertheless, I took the time to write it, so I might as well hit the Publish button...)Trump's anti-transgender executive order[1] has some surprising definitions of terms:Sec. 2.(a) … [Read more...] about Trump’s dumb attempt to define sex
A Heartfelt Message to Donald Trump
Congratulations, Mr. Trump, on your victory in the Presidential election. Your campaign was everything I expected it to be -- and so much more -- and you got the outcome you so very much wanted. I found it truly stunning, in every sense of the word. My fellow Americans have spoken clearly with their votes, and I intend to give their decision all the respect it is due.When … [Read more...] about A Heartfelt Message to Donald Trump
Biden’s Path to Victory – 2024-07-20
As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm looking at some of the election forecast data to try to figure out how things are going for Biden (and by extension Trump) in the battleground states.The ABC News 538 site has only slightly reduced its probability of a Biden victory from 49% to 48% (with Trump holding at 51%), which is essentially no change.[1] The Silver Bulletin, … [Read more...] about Biden’s Path to Victory – 2024-07-20