The Modi story reminds me of a classic Soviet/Russian joke. Here's a current version: A Russian gets drunk and begins marching around the Kremlin shouting, "Putin is a madman! Putin is a ma… (View Post)

Off topic, but so important I think many of you will want to know this: 'Sometimes in the midst of a crisis it is helpful to go back to basics and ask the most fundamental and obvious question. … (View Post)

On sales taxes in the United States: As is so often true, it depends on the individual state and, often, localities. For example: Washington state has no income tax but a fairly high sales tax, which… (View Post)

Credit where due: Recently, the local Episcopalian church held a fund raiser for humanitarian relief for Ukraine. https://www.stjohnskirkland.org/ (I missed the services, but stopped by their office … (View Post)

On primaries in the US: There are different types of primaries in the US. In general, I favor "semi-closed" primaries which are open to registered party members -- and independents, but not… (View Post)