We all owe a debt of gratitude to our country’s Founding Fathers. Their drive and tenacity put into place the longest surviving constitutional republic in the world. The Constitution is nothing short of inspired; stitched together through compromise and collective experience. I do not believe it is chance that such an extraordinary group of individuals… Continue reading Today’s Founding Fathers
Author: Matty Ice
Arizona’s Medicaid Expansion
Today brought a conversation that many of my fellow LDS Democrats hear on a regular basis. Midway into the morning I received a phone call from my wife who was clearly energized by her subject, and began to inform me of an organized petition that a church member asked her to sign. Here is our… Continue reading Arizona’s Medicaid Expansion
Political Food Stamps
A great example of our nation’s partisan politics is the careless discussion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps. Lately there have been several measures passed by the House of Representatives which feed on misinformation or play upon voter’s perceptions. As citizens we are left to dissect rampant talking points and blatant… Continue reading Political Food Stamps
GOP is Not Reagan’s Party
The end of today’s Republican Party is near. Just ask Bob Dole, previous Republican presidential nominee and Senate Majority Leader who’s recent appearance on Fox News has created a stir, “I think they ought to put a sign on the national committee doors that says ‘closed for repairs’ until New Year’s Day next year — and spend… Continue reading GOP is Not Reagan’s Party
The Constitution Hangs by a Thread
“You will see the Constitution of the United States almost destroyed. It will hang like a thread as fine as a silk fiber…. I love the Constitution; it was made by the inspiration of God; and it will be preserved and saved…” – Attributed to Joseph Smith, May 1843 Across congregations of the Mormon Church… Continue reading The Constitution Hangs by a Thread
Background Checks Work
Recently the US Senate fell short of passing the most reasonable gun control measure ever brought to the Congressional floor by six votes (54 votes — just a few shy of blocking a filibuster). The legislation was centered on closing background check loopholes involving private sellers at gun shows and through online sales. The legislation… Continue reading Background Checks Work
The Primary Concern
The primary election process is the greatest cancer on our political landscape. They have become a moral issue, driving politicians to make choices based on survival instead of reasonable policy and personal conviction. Primaries have driven moderate thinking out of the mainstream, and created an environment where compromise is the new four letter word. Primaries… Continue reading The Primary Concern
Understanding the US Budget
The United States budget can be broken into two groups, DISCRETIONARY spending and MANDATORY spending. About 7% of the budget is interest paid on our debt – which will only increase, but should also be considered mandatory as defaulting is not an option. As you can probably guess mandatory spending is outside of the President’s… Continue reading Understanding the US Budget
Sorting Out the Benghazi Mess
What is the motivation for President Obama to lie about the Benghazi incident? The entire premise of the right’s argument of cover-up falls apart with this simple question. In a court of law motive is everything — any case lacking motive is deemed a weak position. In the case against Obama’s handling of Benghazi, motive… Continue reading Sorting Out the Benghazi Mess
Come on Exxon, Be a Leader!
Procter and Gamble is a great American company. In 1837 two immigrant brother-in-laws combined their soap and candle business to start what would eventually become the largest consumer products company in the world. Their early beginnings are a testament to American capitalism, and just as important, patriotism. In 1860 on the brink of Civil War,… Continue reading Come on Exxon, Be a Leader!
Reagan vs. Obama on Unemployment
For those of you who read my posts on a regular basis you know I have a deep respect for President Reagan. Not the Reagan fantasized by the Tea Party today but the real Reagan that negotiated with the left instead of holding them hostage, was liberal on social platforms, and used religion only as… Continue reading Reagan vs. Obama on Unemployment
One More Reason to Support Obamacare
I am constantly criticized by my Republicans friends about the apparent contradictory position of being a pro-life Democrat. To them this position is contradictory and dishonest. To me voting with this political platform is irrelevant and insignificant. Why? Because whether or not someone is pro-life is a moral argument, and these kind of arguments are… Continue reading One More Reason to Support Obamacare
Don’t Call Me a Republican
I am not a Republican. I believe in marriage between a man and a woman. I am a gun owner. I am a senior manager in the middle of corporate America. I detested the Occupy Wall Street movement. I believe unions stifle business growth and drive productivity out of the marketplace. My car is powered… Continue reading Don’t Call Me a Republican
Political Neutrality – Church Website
Since we constantly are barraged with questions in regards to the Mormon Church’s stated political positions, this should serve as a reminder: The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in… Continue reading Political Neutrality – Church Website
Politics and Mormonism Q&A
I was asked a series of questions about Mormonism and the progressive wing of American politics by a UK periodical. I typically try to separate religion and politics in my essays, but given this election and the nature of our blog, I thought these responses should be shared. Written to Denis Campbell, Editor in Chief,… Continue reading Politics and Mormonism Q&A
What is Driving Unemployment?
With the presidential election heating up there is one soundbite we hear from both sides on a regular basis – unemployment. Although each side will lay out persuasive stories to drive awareness to their positions, unemployment is an elusive number driven by multiple levers. Using only one measure to judge economic health is not only… Continue reading What is Driving Unemployment?
Stop the Madness!
With November right around the corner our country is bracing for a barrage of political attacks, skewed data, and faulty logic. It is our job as citizens to vet these political distortions and hold our politicians accountable. Forwarding emails, trolling on Facebook, or posting links from partisan blogs does little to support positions and creates… Continue reading Stop the Madness!
Are You Pro-Life? Really?
Since the Supreme Court case of Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, there have been an estimated 50 million abortions. This number is greater than the current population of any state, including California. This number is greater than the populations of major countries such as Spain, Canada, and England. While it is true that… Continue reading Are You Pro-Life? Really?
No More Oil Subsidies!
I smile every time a pundit tries to link escalating gas prices to our president. Not because I am satisfied with the erroneous connection, but out of amused exasperation at the hypocrisy that continually plagues polarizing talking heads. Gas pricing is a function of market dynamics, meaning that it is driven by supply, demand, and speculation. Any action… Continue reading No More Oil Subsidies!
Prioritizing Immigration Reform
Last year I lived in Arizona for the polarizing discussion around SB1070, a law that requires immigrants to carry proper documentation at all times. The reaction from across the nation was mixed; the anti-illegal immigration crowd championed the legislation as a win for citizens, and the civil rights movement charged Arizona with racism. Although the true… Continue reading Prioritizing Immigration Reform