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History and Use of the Phrase: “I Serve at the Pleasure of the President”

On 14 Feb 2017, Trump Administration White House advisor Kellyanne Conway stated on Twitter: “I serve at the pleasure of @POTUS. His message is my message. His goals are my goals.” (source) This oath of obedience was to the backdrop of another White House staff member, Stephen Miller, on the same day proclaiming (at length)… Continue reading History and Use of the Phrase: “I Serve at the Pleasure of the President”

Chart Showing Trump Administration Relationships with Russian Businesses, Government, and Leaders

The chart below is attributed to the Twitter users @khanoisseur and @skeddyruxypin, although there is no recent post by either account with this image. It is available here in JPG and PNG formats. We’ve not fact checked its authenticity or accuracy, but offer it here for reference since the chart has become the focus of some discussion.… Continue reading Chart Showing Trump Administration Relationships with Russian Businesses, Government, and Leaders

ATTN: Paying Attention Video Series with Bill Maher, Robert Reich, George Take, Connor Fanta, Keith Ellison, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren

Summary Courtesy of ATTN, below is the full Paying Attention video series with host Matthew Segal. Show guests include Bill Maher, Robert Reich, George Take, Connor Fanta, Keith Ellison, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (in that order). The video series below begins with the Elizabeth Warren episode posted on 9 Feb 2017. This video is an embedded playlist, so… Continue reading ATTN: Paying Attention Video Series with Bill Maher, Robert Reich, George Take, Connor Fanta, Keith Ellison, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren

Bill Maher With Tomi Hahren, Rick Wilson, Jason Kander, Sam Harris, and Michael Eric Dyson

Video About At a time when politics has become more polarized, and media outlets are picking sides, many people find themselves in ‘echo chambers’ hearing news and discussion that aligns with and validates their own beliefs. This interview from Real Time with Bill Maher brings people from various political camps into one show. This video… Continue reading Bill Maher With Tomi Hahren, Rick Wilson, Jason Kander, Sam Harris, and Michael Eric Dyson

POLITICS – Transcending the Party Divide

As part of a larger project, we’re compiling examples of bi-partisan collaboration. The following is the audio of a discussion with Iowa legislators Jim Ross Lightfoot and Dave Nagle discussing how past cooperation among legislators and civility helped bring progress. This is audio from the Iowa Public Radio show “River to River” with Ben Kieffer and Emily… Continue reading POLITICS – Transcending the Party Divide

News Media – Source Bias Map

Are you getting a ‘balanced diet’ in the news you consume? Consuming news from a few diverse sources helps give you a broader understanding of what’s going on, and what news will likely to be influencing others you interact with. It’s interesting to observe the impact of an election year on the map. Tensions and… Continue reading News Media – Source Bias Map

A 7-Month Analysis of Politics and Social Media

Summary From June 2016 through January 2017, I immersed myself in social media during one of the most contested, controversial, and unconventional elections in recent history. The polarization that normally occurs in elections was amplified due to the nature of the 2016 Presidential election. This meant more people were involved, with greater passion, and more… Continue reading A 7-Month Analysis of Politics and Social Media

Theresa May Speech on 26 Jan 2017 at the Republican Party ‘Congress of Tomorrow’ Conference in Philadelphia (Video and Transcript)

Summary On 26 Jan 2017, Theresa May delivered a speech at the Republican Party ‘Congress of Tomorrow’ Conference in Philadelphia. The video and transcript of that speech are below. VIDEO The video below was posted to YouTube on 26 Jan 2017 by Bloomberg Politics. Press play to begin viewing. If advertising appears during the video,… Continue reading Theresa May Speech on 26 Jan 2017 at the Republican Party ‘Congress of Tomorrow’ Conference in Philadelphia (Video and Transcript)

Donald Trump, Mental Health, and the 25th Amendment of the Constitution

Introduction Over the course of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, some people raised concerns about the mental stability and wellness of Donald Trump. Such claims are probably common during a heated election. Similar concerns about Hillary Clinton’s health and ability to serve were raised by those who opposed her. However, post-election, there continue to be some… Continue reading Donald Trump, Mental Health, and the 25th Amendment of the Constitution

Education, Economy, and National Security

Introduction For several years I’ve been inspired by the TennesseePromise.gov program, a ‘college for all program’ created by a conservative Republican governor Bill Haslam. Making higher education more accessible is a strategy used by conservatives and those in business to promote a greater skilled workforce for industry and economic prosperity. It’s not only good for… Continue reading Education, Economy, and National Security

Donald Trump’s Operational Strategy

Summary This document provides a list of strategic inventories from which he seems to draw from and implement. This information is helpful for those who wish to work with Trump, or understand him better. At the bottom of this page you’ll find insights into Donald Trump’s secret playbook. Distraction, Overload, Chaos Practically every day, using… Continue reading Donald Trump’s Operational Strategy