Category Archives: Politics

The New Johnson (Trump?) Image

Posted on June 25, 2017 by David B. Smith

    It seems all Presidents, not just Donald Trump, are endlessly fixated on “How am I doing? Do the people worship me?” Early in his political career, Lyndon Johnson squeaked out a 1948 Senate primary victory with a scant … Continue reading →

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Lesson For Kim

Posted on November 2, 2015 by David B. Smith

This story thankfully wound itself down a few weeks ago, but the odd “summit meeting” between Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis and Pope Francis reminds me of a story Billy Graham confesses in his autobiography, “Just As I Am.” As … Continue reading →

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A Healthy Dose of Ambition

Posted on November 29, 2014 by David B. Smith

This is a readable autobiography describing Sotomayor’s improbable rise to the highest court in the land. Her descriptions of life as an immigrant child are colorful and revealing; this is a briskly-paced tale, interesting to read with a few lagging … Continue reading →

Posted in 2012 election, Barack Obama, Books, Civil Rights Movement, Courtroom Drama, First Amendment, Legal system, Politics, SCOTUS, Supreme Court | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

“The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt”

Posted on March 16, 2014 by David B. Smith

  When this book first came out, the Miami Herald observed that any writer would envy this towering achievement. Absolutely true! This is a riveting, colorful tale of one of America’s most larger-than-life heroes. Every chapter is filled with the … Continue reading →

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It’s DRAMA Obama

Posted on December 1, 2013 by David B. Smith

“The Center Holds” packs a lot of insight into one volume. Alter is a seasoned journalist who admits his own passions and biases. This election account is essentially told from the Democratic perspective, but he diligently chides Obama for the … Continue reading →

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Book Review: “The Winds of War”

Posted on October 13, 2013 by David B. Smith

Herman Wouk’s tale is a huge masterpiece: sweeping in terms of plot, character, and history. His knowledge of WWII is staggering; years of research are evident in the story. He also has the rare gift of literary poetry, with imaginative … Continue reading →

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Book Review: “The Brethren”

Posted on August 16, 2013 by David B. Smith

  Woodward does his usual brilliant reporting. It is fascinating to read the play and interplay regarding huge multi-year cases like Roe v. Wade and busing. But it is almost impossible to conceive of how the Court continued to function … Continue reading →

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“Come Together”: The Congressional Remix

Posted on August 11, 2013 by David B. Smith

Here’s the pop album cover I’d like to see. Walking across Constitution Avenue in D.C., these four rock-and-rollers: Harry Reid, Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi, and John Boehner. Striding confidently left to right, one of them barefoot, a nondescript Volkswagen bug … Continue reading →

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Anthony Weiner – Get Off the Stage!

Posted on August 9, 2013 by David B. Smith

So what kind of forgiveness do Christians offer when sex-scandal sinners like Anthony Weiner and San Diego mayor Bob Filner want to give a quick media mea culpa and then remain in the race – or hold onto their position? … Continue reading →

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