The first day of college…..at 26.

I have to be honest…..this feels a little weird. Today, I started my studies at The University of Alabama. These studies will eventually lead to my earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, with focuses in American Politics, Comparative Politics, and Public Administration. I really could not wait to start them, since it is [...]

Importance to Civics

Being an educated citizen is probably one of the most important things that a resident of the United States should be. A high school diploma is commendable, a college degree admirable, but being knowledgeable and fluent in civics and current events. By civics, I mean the basic understanding the rights and duties of citizens. For this post, I will [...]

why meeting carl wilkens made me geek out.

Fellow Progressive Life-rs: I am currently working out of San Diego, as a “roadie” intern for Invisible Children. The experience has been, thus far, indescribably amazing. There have been beautiful moments, heartbreaking ones, and times when I have questioned the sanity of the world around me. I feel constantly reaffirmed in what I am doing, [...]

Bachmann garners narrow win in Ames Straw poll, Perry surprises and Pawlety is Toast!

So the results from the Iowa GOP are in. . .

Ames Straw poll picks

In a little over an hour we will be getting the results of the Ames straw poll. But for those of you planning to watch preseason football tonight and who therefore can’t be distracted by hitting the refresh button for the next hour, I have the results early for you! Please remember this straw poll is democracy GOP style. . . [...]

The road trip musings of a young Black man.

Today I drove from my new home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (roll tide) to Virginia Beach, Virginia, which is where my mother lives. This is a semi-ritualistic trip (semi because there are occasional gaps, and this is my first time back in Virginia in two years) as it always occurs around the time of my mother’s family reunion, [...]

New political education columns coming to MPL!

Yesterday, I stated that one way I would contribute to moving progressivism forward would be to simply inform potential readers of this blog on the ways that government works. This blog post will provide a rough outline as to how that will work, as well as introduce a new feature that will occasionally grace My [...]

The conclusion of the debt ceiling fiasco, and the appropriate progressive response.

So the debt crisis appears to be nearing its end. With the deal that was reached last night between all four legislative leaders between the House and the Senate, it appears that a potentially crippling default will be avoided. There are still votes to be taken and, given the nature of the Republican caucus, one [...]