This is the best place to see what’s new in any of the “habits” by which I classify posts. If you want to focus on a particular habit, find it in the menu above.
New posts are now at Substack, including the one arguing that Kamala Harris should already be president, because democracy
I’ve moved The Freedom Habit to Substack; it’s better for distribution, especially e-mail distribution. I’ve relied for years on lists…
The Non-Easter Proclamations, the President, and the Election
In view of Friday’s proclamations, who is running the White House and, by extension, the country? Is it the President? And why is the White House willing to offend Christians in a presidential election year?
Charles Osgood, the Last of My Radio Three, Is Gone
In memory of Charles Osgood, with mention also of Ronald Reagan, Paul Harvey, and Rush Limbaugh, and an appreciation of KSL’s Jeff Caplan, who is very much alive.
2024: What I Want, Expect, and Wish For – Part 2
More things I want, expect, or wish for in politics and government in 2024, but likely won’t get, and a few more things Americans can do in this election year.
2024: What I Want, Expect, and Wish For – Part 1, Presidential Candidates
What I want in 2024, part 1: presidential candidates. Also what I expect, some wishful thinking, and some things we Americans can do.
And the Devil Laughed
Of course the devil laughed. To watch Hamas raping and killing women and babies is to see evil. To defend it, celebrate it, or apologize for it is to be evil.
My Privilege, My Blessings
Thoughts on two related activities: counting my blessings and checking my privilege. Both have moral and civic value, but there are risks.
Let’s Read the Declaration of Independence Together
David Rodeback reads the Declaration of Independence aloud, including the names of the signers.
Human Purpose and Identity, the Judeo-Christian Tradition, Independence Day, and the Left
The first pages of Genesis are enough to explain the Left’s natural hostility to the Judeo-Christian tradition in American culture and government.
2022 Election Results and Reflections
A look back at some races and issues in the 2022 election, including the defeat of a bond proposal in the Alpine School District.
Annette Bean says:
Do you have any commentary on the candidates in the upcoming Republican primary election in Utah?
David Rodeback says:
Annette, thanks for asking. I haven’t planned anything for the Republican primary, since I usually only post on elections in which I can vote, and I left the GOP eight years ago. I have a few thoughts on the names I’d like to see from the GOP on my November ballot; I just haven’t had (or taken) the time to delve deeply enough into all of them to write confidently.
Governor: I mostly like Spencer Cox. I’m to the left of a large segment of Utah Republicans (still a fascist on the spectrum some of my New York friends), and Cox is somewhat to the left of me. I’d say overall he’s still well right of center on my rather broad spectrum. That’s about where I like my Utah governor to be, for two reasons, not necessarily in order: First, he’s the governor of all Utahns, not just the vocal right. Second, we have a perennial, often veto-proof Republican majority in the Utah Legislature, and they’re not all mainstream Republicans. I don’t care which party has it; a perennial majority is profoundly unhealthy. A Republican governor who is more toward the center is a necessary restraint on the ideological excesses and outright foolishness of a nearly one-party legislature.
US Senate: I’ve been a fan of John Curtis for years. He’s generally conservative but conscious of all his constituents; his approval rating as mayor of Provo was stratospheric. As a Member of Congress, he’s been willing to listen and learn, to understand complex subjects. He strikes me as a workhorse, not a showhorse, and that has made him, for me, a breath of fresh air after the years I spent being represented by his predecessor. I hope I get to vote for him in November. One or two other candidates might also be an improvement on the incumbent, and maybe some of them have politics even closer to mine — but I’ll stick with the known workhorse who has proven he offers more than righteous, button-pushing conservative talking points.
U.S. Congress: I don’t know the other candidates, but John Dougall is a friend, and I’ve generally liked him as my state legislator and State Auditor. He and I agree a lot more than we disagree — but when we disagree, he listens and considers, even if we still disagree at the end. I like how his mind works, and I like him personally. I’ve hoped he would run for Congress.
One guy’s opinion.
Annette Bean says:
THANKS so much, this helps!