Sen. Bernie Sanders and a Republican Congress

It has been interesting to watch the way that support for Bernie Sanders as the Democratic party candidate for president in 2016 has grown so dramatically during the last several months. Many people, especially young people, seem to like his far left-leaning philosophy. They like his proposal to bring universal government-funded health insurance to America, and they like his proposals…

Michigan Elections Board Approves Wording of LGBT Ballot Initiative

On December 29, 2015, the Michigan State Board of Canvassers approved wording of a petition to amend Michigan’s state constitution to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. What is the likelihood that this petition drive for civil rights will be met with the same type of opposition as was recently used in Houston? In fall of 2015, the opponents…

Several GOP Presidential Candidates Back New “Religious Freedom” Bill

According to the Advocate and Think Progress, the majority of the GOP candidates for president are terribly confused about religious freedom and civil contract law. Six of those candidates (Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee) have backed the First Amendment Defense Act. This is essentially a federal-level “RFRA” (Religious Freedom Restoration Act) bill…

Michigan Legislator Proposes Harmful Anti-Gay Bills

I gave the MLive/Grand Rapids Press article covering Michigan State Rep. Cindy Gamrat’s proposed legislation some very serious thought. And I concluded the following: Michigan State Rep. Gamrat said, “Now, more than ever, Christians and those who do not embrace the homosexual lifestyle will need protections, legally and also from being forced to violate their deeply held convictions as clearly…

Texas GOP and Its Anti-Homosexuality Party Platform Plank

The following Texas Republican Party platform language was adopted at the Texas GOP convention the week of June 2, 2014. It reads like something straight out of the late 1950s or very early 1960s: “Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable alternative lifestyle, in public policy, nor should family be redefined to include homosexual couples. We believe there should be no…

SCOTUS, McCutcheon and Campaign Finance Implications

This week the Supreme Court of the United States handed down an important decision in the McCutcheon v. FEC case. The decision will have an impact on campaign finance and the influence that voters, supporters, individuals and entities (companies and organizations) have on the political process. To help understand the role the decision will likely have, it may help to compare financial…