Editor and contributing author for IVN. B.A. in Government from Claremont McKenna College. Born and raised in San Diego. Registered Independent who leans libertarian on most issues.
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Like George W. Bush, President Obama promised to unite a nation deeply divided by partisan politics. However, a year into Obama's first term, America is more polarized than ever according to a Gallup Poll. President Obama's first year stands as the most polarizing on record since
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California lawmakers continue to offer their opinions of the upcoming Top Two Open Primary initiative in June. Assemblyman V. Manuel Perez briefly presented his views in a recent Q&A session with The Desert Sun. Perez stated, "I am not convinced this proposal will support the type of
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According to Tom Herman at the Wall Street Journal, if Congress does not pass legislation this year, then millions of additional Americans will be caught in the throes of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Last year, Congress was able to pass legislative relief, but the legislation was only valid for
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Despite recent electoral events in Massachusetts, California Democrats voted to push forward a highly controversial proposal to establish a single-payer, state-run healthcare system. Governor Schwarzenegger has twice vetoed similar proposals and vows to veto it a third time if a bill hits his desk before his term expires. Proponents argue
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As a wave of populist anger sweeps the nation, the latest investigation by California's Fair Political Practices Commission is sure to ignite further grassroots discontent. As a result of the exhaustive investigation, at least twenty-six legislators from both parties, have admitted to failing to disclose lucrative gifts from
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Independent voters continue to set the tone across America. In last night's upset GOP victory in the Massachusetts special election, independents made their presence felt as they shocked the Democratic establishment. This is a trend that commenced with GOP gubernatorial victories in New Jersey and Virginia last year,
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If enacted, California could be disproportionately affected by a proposed annual tax in the national health overhaul legislation. A fine-print provision in the Senate bill would tax health insurers, such as Kaiser Permanente, while exempting plans offered by large employers who pay their employees' medical claims. Don Crane, chief
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In 1957, the Soviet launching of Sputnik shocked the United States into action on the science, technology, and education fronts. As the nation attempts to slowly rebound from a prolonged, severe recession, perhaps China will be America's 21st century Sputnik. In a recent op-ed at the New York
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According to two University of Delaware economists, the $300 million rebate and energy-saving program will likely waste money and potentially even increase energy usage. Focusing their analysis on refrigerators, Abrams and Parsons calculated that the $50-$200 appliance rebates will produce a net loss for taxpayers. And in some cases,
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Although he has not officially announced his candidacy for Governor, State Attorney General Jerry Brown filled his exploratory committee coffers with over $12 million in 2009. And he's tapping into Governor Schwarzenegger's VIP billionaire donor base along the way. Los Angeles billionaire developer, Rick Caruso, has
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According to various reports, Sarah Palin may be getting paid at least $75,000 to speak at the nation's first, official Tea Party Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. If confirmed, such a development would fuel skeptics who have long criticized the motivation and make-up of the movement. While Palin&
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Though official filings have yet to be released, a CBS News correspondent estimates a substantial tab for the US Congressional delegation's presence at the recent Copenhagen Climate Summit. The bipartisan group, including family members and staffers, is estimated to have required 3 military jets, 321 hotel bookings at