A couple weeks ago out of curiosity, I traveled to the New Hampshire Institute of Public Politics to hear Speaker Newt Gingrich in an open policy forum. The former speaker discussed substantive solutions to the nation's various problems for over an hour and a half. While you can disagree with...

While politics appear to be as divisive in nature as ever, Americans have managed to reach a consensus around one concept: government is broken. Citizens now view their federal government as nothing more than an ineffective institution, incapable of solving the nation's more serious problems. This sentiment is found...

There is something inherently American in the desire to be number one. Even with a lagging economy and seemingly endless Mideast wars, Americans are still committed to the idea of "American exceptionalism." Despite certain areas with poor global standing including education and energy, Americans remain persistent that with the...

Besides the voluminous amount of references to Ronald Reagan, the only topic that unites the GOP more is their abhorrence for First Lady Michelle Obama's nutrition program "Let's Move" and her vegetable garden. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney recently derided the White House for making Americans eat "organic cake," while...

Building off the FDA's recent requirement for all cigarette packaging to be marked with large and bold warning labels to discourage potential smokers, the Department of Transportation should consider similar measures in regards to halting the continued influx of SUV buyers. Imagine if each gas-guzzler sold in the U.S....

While there has been much debate over proposed stimulus plans for our lethargic economy, little attention has been given as to what exactly we are trying to stimulate. The Great Recession has exposed a major flaw in the American economy beyond risky derivatives and Hoover-esque regulations. This crisis has...

In light of recent events sparked by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), there has been much debate and discussion over the importance of balancing civil liberties with national safety. There is no doubt that this is an important conversation worth having in regards to issues like military tribunals or...

For a country of such diverse opinions, there appears to be a broad agreement in two areas of thought. First, the United States is facing serious challenges. Second, our legislators are simply not up to the task in dealing with them. While the media spends a great portion of time...

This past year, trade between the United States and Vietnam rose to its highest level ever. Since the signing of the 2001 Bilateral Trade Agreement between the United States and Vietnam, American trading with its former enemy has grown 700% to a staggering figure of 15.4 billion dollars. Trailing only...

Over the past several weeks and months, there has been much discussion over the controversial idea of a public option for Americans without health insurance. While the merits and the flaws of such a health care plan have been tirelessly debated, we can all agree that it is time to...

A recent New York Times/CBS poll found that 75 percent of Americans disapprove of Congress' job performance. This cynicism is not so much directed at a specific party (although each carries Hoover-like popularity), but rather at the overall Washington environment. Sen. Evan Bayh's (D-Ind.) recent announcement of retirement only underlined...

In arguing in favor of a surge in Afghanistan, President Obama cited the importance of investing in the country's infrastructure as a mechanism for strengthening democracy. Our Commander-in-Chief has currently approved the pouring of billions of dollars into Afghani schools, clinics, roads, and bridges. In addition, the United States has...

It is David vs. Goliath. It is corporate America vs. small business. It is the ongoing struggle between One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) and Intel.

MIT professor Nicholas Negroponte founded OLPC, a non-profit organization, in the hope of expanding educational opportunities through the spread of personal computers to children in...

Henry Waxman is one of the most prominent Democratic members of the United States House of Representatives. For over 30 years, Representative Waxman has focused his tenure on health care and environmental issues. As Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, he is one of the major players in...

For over three decades, Michael Dukakis dedicated his life to public service. He is most remembered as the Democratic Nominee in the 1988 presidential election. Dukakis would ultimately lose the election to George H.W. Bush in a bitter campaign. However, he will be forever associated with the state of Massachusetts....

Last week, I conducted an interview with Mr. Walter Mondale. The discussion allowed Mr. Mondale to reflect on his distinguished political career, while also providing him an opportunity to voice his opinion on current problems confronting the United States.

Walter Mondale was one of the most influential American politicians in...

Recently, I held an interview with Rev. Jesse Jackson in which we discussed a wide variety of issues including economics, civil rights, and the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. has been involved in the civil rights movement for over 40 years. He has dedicated his life in the pursuit...

Dr. Ron Paul is currently the Representative for Texas's 14th district in the United States House of Representatives. However, Paul's influence on American politics extends far beyond the boarders of Texas. He has run for president on two separate occasions, most recently in 2008. Paul is considered to be the...