Jeff Birnkrant

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CPAC expectations unreliable

American foreign policy continues to lack strength under Obama

Gun control advocates continue to lack validity

Many people love to oppose guns, as they are our society’s weapon of choice. However, this opposition is rooted in pure fallacy. More than half of the households in the United States own a gun and many people without a weapon feel as if this endangers them or provides an unnecessary threat. On the other side of the argument, one can envision someone in the south in a rocking chair chewing tobacco while holding a 12-guage simply waiting for the first sight of his land being trespassed. This is not exactly a great ideal for what people should think about when looking into gun control.  But, as it turns out, you are safer living next to the crazy man in the south than in certain parts of Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and other big cities. 

Voters are partially to blame for polarized political system

The people will always get the government they deserve. I’m aware of two ways to rebel against our government, the first being an armed rebellion (not a good idea), and the other being our ability to elect who we wish. So when I see people upset with the way their government is functioning, or in this case, not functioning, it asks the question; can we be upset with our government when we are the ones electing them? It’s awful, of course, to think we have caused polarity to get the best of us. Unfortunately, I wasn’t alive when your candidate choice didn’t define you and who to choose was an intelligent, informed decision. As our polarity increases, the candidates are becoming more and more incapable of covering the needs of their constituents. Whoever has the best rhetoric has become easier to elect than someone who approaches situations without bias and can make an informed decision instead of a predetermined one. I believe primaries have played a massive role in this loss of true democracy.

Obama continues to disappoint in second term in office

It takes one a long time to come to a conclusive decision on the success of a presidency. Many people, however, jump right in and have no problem protesting the president even on day one despite the president’s lack of time to accomplish the administration’s goals.  That’s OK, but it doesn’t mean it’s intuitive, well-mannered or well-analyzed. 

The Tea Party poisons America's political system

Ron Paul was great. He was witty, cynical and most importantly, extremely consistent. I loved his ideas as much as anybody, particularily states’ rights on social issues with free market economics. It was a respected platform that had been reminiscent of Barry Goldwater’s ideology to, in essence, keep the government out of our decision-making process within our respective communities and states. Of course, I’m talking about Libertarians. I used to be one, and then I woke up. There is a rather dark side to this ideology in that many of its arguments can be used to cover up discrimination and other reasons for wanting complete privacy. Lets face it  —not everyone who wants privacy is a pothead. The unintended consequence of the reemergence and popularity of his ideals is that once again they have been skewed and exploited by the Tea Party.

Prison growth lacks moral fortitude

Religion has no place in party politics

To hear my country was a Christian nation from the beginning and that the Founders intended it to be so forever is utterly ridiculous. Politicians say these things in order to keep their people happy however I doubt they are their own personal religious standards. And to every other person who is not of that faith, you are basically cut out of the picture. Many issues return to our own misunderstanding of our country’s founding principles. Yes, freedom of religion is virtually rule number one. However, the hate that has been instilled amongst people who follow different religions or no religion at all is even more graspable in some cases than in past times. Republicans saying what they need to in order to obtain or keep votes instead of saying something that is factually accurate is not OK, but what else is new? This issue strikes a deep cord with me because so many people are not informed about the topic and make such rash generalizations and conclusions. 

Shutdown shows a silver lining

It seems the tides are turning. We just came out of a shutdown with fingers pointing in every direction at every political figure imaginable. Congress has an approval rating similar to that of Zagat’s rating of McDonalds. To borrow a quote from one of my favorite yet still youthful films I say, “The night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you, the dawn is coming.” Yes that’s Harvey Dent from “The Dark Knight” and no, I don’t care what people think about the fact I used that quote.

Republican Party needs to get back to the basics to remain relevant

Political views kept private are no views at all, just mere thoughts. Until one takes action and speaks out, then you’re truly not doing yourself justice. I recently decided to take matters into my own hands, as it seems the Republican Party is going down in flames. The only true way progress can be made on strengthening a party that is so divided is by speaking the truth to those of the party who ruin it for the rest of us. What happened to the Republicans who ended the Vietnam War and started welfare programs across the country? They have vanished or switched parties. Now we are left with this moderate, pragmatic type of Conservative who really embodies no views of his or her own and will adapt to public opinion for votes. Or you have your run-of-the-mill extreme Conservative who takes cover under a Libertarian umbrella whenever accosted. Almost like how Jon Stewart can hide behind his comedic veil when ripping politicians to shreds.