David Frum's Blog, page 199

Paul Ryan's Voice

Will Rahn at the Daily Caller has a fine appreciation of my old comrade Matthew Scully, Paul Ryan's new speechwriter:

The Future of Cable News

In my column for CNN, I make the case for major changes in the cable news model.

The Return of the 'Great American Desert'

Crop insurance is a key way for farmers to prevent the financial disaster that once resulted from bad harvests caused by drought and unseasonal weather. This year, an epic drought in the Midwest has the potential to trigger an usually high number of those policies. In the process, insurance companies stand to incur billions in losses:

Reality Check: Libertarianism Can't Cure Racism

During the Republican primaries, Texas Republican Rep. Ron Paul came under fire for his association with a series of noxious newsletters, many of which featured racist overtones. Paul's defense? "Libertarians are incapable of being a racist."

A Consumption Tax for Conservatives

There is an joke about why America doesn't have a consumption tax:

The Myth of the Independent Voter

National Public Radio does a valuable service by doing yet more reporting to show that so-called "independent voters" are not really independent at all.

More Evolution Needed on GOP Marriage Platform

A recent Washington Post poll shows that 29 percent of Republicans (and 58 percent of independents) support marriage equality. Yet despite the gains for this position, the Republican Party itself still has a ways to go.

Vladimir Putin: Culture Warrior

Russia's growing middle-class is causing considerable discomfort for Vladimir Putin, the recently re-elected President who has ruled in that capacity (or as Prime Minister) since 1999. After over a decade of rapid economic growth, one considerably driven by high petroleum prices, many citizens are chafing at Putin's authoritative ruling mannerisms.

So What Would I Do About China?

Here were some responses to my post defending Niall Ferguson's arguments about China:

No Free Sex-Changes For You!

Dave Weigel captures the mood of a senior citizen who really likes Ryan's Medicare plan: