The Right likes to think that intellectuals and academics like Allan Bloom and Dinesh D'Souza spurred the explosive growth of movement conservatism in the 1980s and 1990s, when it was actually mostly Rush Limbaugh. Alex Pareene 1980s1990sacademic share on social
Sen. Rand Paul is a Different Kind of Republican. He will drag the party, kicking and screaming, toward a new kind of conservatism that appeals more to today's youth, who embrace liberty and are skeptical of foreign intervention. Alex Pareene appealconservatismdrag share on social
The late Christopher Hitchens had the professional contrarian's fixation on attacking sacred cows, and rather soon after his cancer diagnosis, he became one himself. Alex Pareene attackcancerchristopher Change image and share on social
There are two important things to remember about 'entitlements': They are hugely popular programs for a very good reason, and actual sensible 'reform' would mean improving them, not sacrificing them at the altar of 'fiscal responsibility.' Alex Pareene actualaltarentitlement share on social
The State of the Union is less written than it is designed, structured and organized around applause prompts and camera cues. Alex Pareene applausecameracue Change image and share on social
We are actually a very rich country with a lot of resources and the ability to do almost whatever we want. We could eliminate poverty in America by spending a fraction of what we spend on defense. Alex Pareene abilityamericacountry Change image and share on social
'The Newsroom' is phenomenally bad good TV. Sam Waterston and Jeff Daniels and Emily Mortimer are all terrific! So is the production, and the direction, and even the editing! Alex Pareene baddanieldirection Change image and share on social
John Boehner was and is an unprincipled ward-heeler who simply couldn't weather the transition of the Republican Party from a corporatist party with a sizable conservative base to a purely conservative party. Alex Pareene baseboehnerconservative share on social
In case you're unfamiliar with TED, it is a series of short lectures on a variety of subjects that stream on the Internet for free. Alex Pareene casefreeinternet Change image and share on social
For the most part, congressional Republicans represent people who are whiter, older and richer than most Americans, and our creaky old political system gives those Americans disproportionate influence over public policy. Alex Pareene americancongressionalcreaky share on social
