In the past, state Senate redistricting in Upstate New York favored the Republican Party. Now, the loss of GOP control in the Senate will significantly reduce upstate’s influence.
Government & Politics
Reflections from Bush 41’s chief speechwriter
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As the nation paid tribute to the 41st president, Alex Zapesochny spoke with Curt Smith, Bush’s chief speechwriter and author of “George H.W. Bush: Character at the Core,” about the man he knew. Listen to their conversation.
Government & Politics
The achievements of George H.W. Bush
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Robert Zapesochny’s family emigrated from the former Soviet Union. President George H.W. Bush’s policies helped many of his relatives and friends do the same. From the reunification of Germany to the Gulf War, Bush has had a far-reaching impact on history.
Beaconomics
How do we measure poverty?
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The official poverty threshold is equal to three times the cost of a minimum food diet in 1963, adjusted for family size. Is it an adequate measure?
Government & Politics
Corruption matters
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Corruption—legal and illegal—undermines faith in government. Public officials often dismiss small ethical lapses, but that paves the way for worse misconduct with bigger consequences.
Government & Politics
Don’t blame the Electoral College
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The “winner take all” system for guiding the votes of a state’s electors is responsible for most of difference between the national popular vote and the Electoral College result. The blame, however, rests with the states, not the Constitution.
Government & Politics
The money trail
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Candidates in the 25th and 27th District congressional races collectively boosted their campaign coffers with $1.5 million in special interest money. Who were the biggest donors?
Beaconomics
Industrial recruitment poker
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Though Amazon says publicly that the Long Island City site for “HQ2½”—half of Amazon’s proposed second headquarters—was not determined by state incentives, would Long Island City have won its bid without them?
Government & Politics
Mr. Morelle goes to Washington
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Any attempt to exemplify decency and civility in Washington is likely to be mocked as naïve and Capraesque. As he heads to Congress, does Joe Morelle have the courage to champion civility?
Government & Politics
Candidates disagree on Trump influence
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The candidates vying to represent Monroe County in the 25th Congressional District, Democrat Joe Morelle and Republican Jim Maxwell, had very different approaches to President Donald Trump’s policies in two recent debates. But their positions on non-Trump issues generally fell along party lines.
Government & Politics
The intersection of faith and politics
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The constitutional agnosticism about religious belief (or unbelief) has spurred a creedal pluralism and religious vitality that is unique among Western nations. As the mid-term elections approach, the Beacon invited two perspectives on the intersection of faith and political engagement.