It’s ironic that the question would be raised about a system that has brought economic freedom and prosperity to so many. But the public image of capitalism always suffers during economic downturns. This time, populist conservatives have teamed with traditional enemies to slap around capitalism pretty badly.

The Pew Center on the States, not known as a conservative thought leader, had some bad news for Arizona recently. Our state pension systems are seriously underwater and sinking fast.

The Pew Center on the States, not known as a conservative thought leader, had some bad news for Arizona recently. Our state pension systems are seriously underwater and sinking fast.

Arizona’s public universities recently stepped up to the plate to help improve our state’s sagging economy. No, they didn’t offer to defer or minimize spending since times are tough.

I'll admit it. My heart sank when I read recently that unemployment fell to 8.3 percent. Yes, long-term unemployment and climbing poverty rates are devastating too many families. But we can't afford a cyclical uptick just now if it would mean that Barack Obama might be president for four more years.

Why in America do we defend the right to insulting speech that would be prosecuted in other countries? Why do women in many Muslim countries tolerate being treated as legal inferiors? Why do Asian-American school-children vastly outperform other minorities academically?

Demagogues cry “they’re trying to take away your Social Security” whenever reforms are proposed to this unsustainable program. Years ago, I tried to give up my Social Security but I wasn’t allowed to. I would have been better off without it. Here’s the story.

Last December, 1.3 million Americans received SSI disability payments for “mood disorders.” Yes, that’s right, more Americans than the entire population of San Diego received a monthly check from Uncle Sam to compensate for their suffering from such psychic maladies as sleep disturbance, appetite disturbance, decreased energy and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

I'll admit it. My heart sank when I read recently that unemployment fell to 8.3 percent. Yes, long-term unemployment and climbing poverty rates are devastating too many families. But we can't afford a cyclical uptick just now if it would mean that Barack Obama might be president for four more years.

The Obama administration is pulling out all the stops to kill the naturally occurring oil and gas boom in North America — but it’s not going well. Too much relatively clean, inexpensive fuel has been discovered. We could definitely use the energy and more jobs would be great.  No viable alternatives have appeared.

 As Janet Napolitano leaves Arizona for greener pastures in D.C., we should acknowledge that in many respects she was an innovative governor who changed the culture of her office. But not in a good way — most of the precedents she established need to be reversed as soon as possible.

We're frequently reminded that 47 million Americans lack health insurance. Their number has fluctuated between 14 percent and 16 percent of the population for the past 15 years, yet left wingers insist that only a government-managed universal health care system can resolve this crisis.

We’re frequently reminded that 47 million Americans lack health insurance. Their number has fluctuated between 14 percent and 16 percent of the population for the past 15 years, yet left wingers insist that only a government-managed universal health care system can resolve this crisis.

Barack Obama claims his economic plans are based exclusively on fairness. He doesn't mean that those who work hard and save money are entitled to the fruits of their efforts. No, he proposes to redistribute income, to take more from those who earn it and give it to those with less.

July 29, 2004

Republicans should get out front for once and lead the movement to legalize marijuana. It makes sense any way you look at it.

When I saw the headline for Tom Patterson's Guest Commentary on Feb 12, 2012 (Obama policies have stalled economic recovery) I thought I would at last learn what specific programs and policies that President Obama has instituted that so infuriate Republicans. Alas, all that Patterson provided was more of the same inflammatory generic rhetoric that has propelled Republican opposition for years. All we got was more "Saint Reagan good, Obama bad". There was not one fact provided or Obama policy identified that can be directly pointed as stalling an economic recovery. Instead, Patterson regurgitated the same old lines that seem to be repeated by all Republicans.

The pressure from the Obama administration for Arizona to expand our Medicaid program is enormous. Gov. Brewer is on board and even some legislative conservatives seem to be wavering. But legislators should take one more look before they make what could be a fateful leap.

Arizonans Disappointed With Election Results – an informal coalition which until now was not even named – are back on the ballot this November.

It’s absolutely mind-boggling. President Obama has decided to gut the single most successful public policy of recent decades-- the 1996 welfare reform.

New York City charter schools this year had 51,473 applicants for 12,917 new seats. That leaves almost 40,000 heartbroken families who wanted their children to have a shot at the American dream that only quality education can provide.