Political Thought

A water drop and ripples

Just making sure I understand Progressives governing theory.

By Justin Katz | September 26, 2023 |

Is the idea to consolidate as much power as possible — both incorporating all areas of society and expanding across geographies — and then put it in the hands of the incompetent and corrupt?  That sure seems to be what’s happening at every level of government.

Sketch of wrestlers in a battle royale

Force consideration of the other side rather than messing with ranked choice voting.

By Justin Katz | September 1, 2023 |

Rhode Island has reached the point that election day isn’t election day, and not only because early and mail voting blur the calendar.  As we’re seeing with the special Congressional race currently underway, for all intents and purposes, the Democrat primary is the election.  And with so many candidates vying for that position, one can hear…

Blue gollum fighting a red gollum in a cave

Suppression is always for the other side (especially when they’re conservatives).

By Justin Katz | August 31, 2023 |

A new study by criminology professors from the University of Rhode Island and Rutgers University — Luzi Shi and Jason Silver, respectively — produces some interesting results, although the URI press release is arguably inaccurate. Here are the headline and lede: Americans favor punishing only protestors they disagree with, new research shows Study finds Americans…

"I Voted" sticker in a pile of leaves

Fewer Rhode Islanders are qualifying for the ballot.

By Justin Katz | August 18, 2023 |

Decreasing political participation is unhealthy, limiting voters’ choices, tilting incentives toward corruption, and separating We the People from the exercise of government authority, and campaign regulation reform would be a good place to start looking for a fix.

Animals stampede into a river

Liberation psychiatry could destroy our civilization.

By Justin Katz | August 11, 2023 |

Whether well-intentioned or conspiratorial, prescribing political activism as a form of therapy will inevitably create a destructive cycle.

Norman Rockwell Freedom of Speech

Politics This Week: Failures of Representation

By Justin Katz | June 7, 2023 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz review ways in which the RI elite fail to represent the people.

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence march in Washington, D.C. in 1993

The Dodgers’ disinvitation of a queer anti-Catholic hate group clarifies the cultural stakes.

By Justin Katz | May 19, 2023 |

Presentation of an anti-Catholic hate group as a charity, sartorial evangelism after a school shooting, and taxpayer-funded abortions are warnings of a tightening totalitarian grip on the United States.

Goya Attended by Doctor

Watch the inversion from their responsibility to care for you to your responsibility to die for them.

By Justin Katz | May 16, 2023 |

In recent conversation with Tim Ferriss, Canadian writer-explorer Wade Davis took a slight detour to speak of the community benefits of Canada’s socialized healthcare system: It has everything to do with social solidarity. It has everything to do with every Canadian knowing that they belong, and knowing that if their kid gets sick, they will…

A mother spoon-feeds her adult son

Politics This Week: Rhode Islanders Admit Mommy Government Knows Best

By Justin Katz | May 15, 2023 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz discuss the ways in which Rhode Island is sliding into full dependency.

Lighthouse on Goat Island at sunset with Newport Bridge in the background.

Newport’s character and cost is a matter of choice.

By Justin Katz | April 28, 2023 |

Artsy people’s complaining about gauche wealth-culture is nothing new, but something about this complaint by progressive podcaster and musician Bill Bartholomew struck me as oblivious of the obvious: Working late on Friday to frame out a roof on Ocean Drive 15 years ago, while watching BMWs roll by, I had similar thoughts.  But I also…