Iowa, a state many Americans spend very little time thinking about, was front and center this week, as it hosted America's first primary, or caucus, an event months in the making, and yet still nine months away from the day on which we'll vote for president.
Under such intense scrutiny Iowans have an uneven recent track record. On the one hand, they selected a guy named Barack Obama in 2008. On the other hand neither of their past two Republican picks ended up as the nominee.
On Monday, Iowans selected Ted Cruz as their Republican choice, and, like many Democrats, seemed undecided between Hillary and Bernie. Primacy of place gives Iowans a loud voice in shaping the electoral field, so in their wisdom we trust.
As always, happy Wednesday and happy reading.
This Day in History
1994 - Bill Clinton lifts the 19 year trade embargo on Vietnam. A year later, full diplomatic relations between the US and Vietnam were restored. It's like a 1990's flashback to the recent events with Cuba. It's also a great proof point for why the indefinite ire of the US - likely resulting in estrangement from much of the world - does not lead to outcomes that are in the best interest of America, or the nation in question. It only took us 19 years to lift an embargo on a nation in which over 50,000 Americans lost their lives. Within a very short period of time that nation was fully open for both American business and American tourism. Contrast Vietnam with Cuba, a nation only 90 miles from our shores in which no Americans died, and yet has stagnated economically because we've refused to play with them for six decades.
President Obama deserves much credit for his willingness to reevaluate and reset our relationship with Cuba. Normal relations between our countries will benefit both nations, and it is likely that Cuba will improve quickly because of our engagement, improvements that 60 years worth of animosity did nothing to foster.
It makes one wonder about how to approach Iran.
Debuting Ptolemy
Before delving into the realm of politics, I'd like to introduce you to Ptolemy. Ptolemy is Willful Intent's new mascot, commentator, and curmudgeon. You can follow Ptolemy's updates from his perch on Willful Intent. Be sure to check out Ptolemy's Perch from time to time for opinions on policy, world affairs, and the absurdity of it all.
Polling Matters Most
Or does it? There are some sophisticated models out there for trying to figure out how the chips will fall, but the metrics and methods are not foolproof. Check out these predictions for Iowa and New Hampshire for an interesting and in-depth look at how some of the best polling analysts do their job, and the imperfection inherent within it (from FiveThirtyEight).
With all its successes, failures, and volatility, polling remains the best means for determining election outcomes based on empirical data. It is interesting and a bit unnerving to think about how campaigns collect and use this sort of data to shape narratives and influence outcomes.
American Oligarchy
According to polling, most Americans believe there is too much money influencing politics. This is encouraging, but the flood of money needs to be stemmed quickly. Already "free speech" is turning electoral politics from the ultimate public endeavor into a full time private sector industry.
Fortunately there are real solutions to this problem (from NYTimes). True democracy is the power of the people, but the domination of moneyed interests turns us into an oligarchy, run by only a few.
Among the swift and necessary overhauls to our political system must be a limit on private financing, and term limits for more elected officials to further break the stranglehold of money on the system.
Meet Milo!
Hello, Milo! Small in stature, yet big in personality, Milo hails from Boston where he lives with his humans Rachel and Eric. Milo is a puppy, so he's just learning to deal with his angst when his humans leave the house, but fortunately he's a quick learner, and is equipped with numerous chew toys to help ease his loneliness.
Like many dogs his size, Milo is feisty, and not to be trifled with. His bark is certainly worse than his bite, however, and once you get to know him, Milo is as sweet and playful as they come. Bond with him too quickly, and you'll likely find yourself in an intense game of tug-o-war with a very small opponent.
Oh, and don't worry about Milo's band-aid. He had to get a puppy shot the day this pic was taken, but as you can see, he's already over it, and looking forward to his next meal. Big thanks to Rachel and Eric for sharing Milo!
Will's Weekly Trivia!
There is a new opt-in form online, so please send to friends, and don't forget to fill out the feedback form if you have any recommendations or want to share an article link or dog. Thank you to those who have!
IF you choose to answer the question, respond to staton.will@gmail.com with your answer. Please note that by competing you are giving me permission to publish your first name in the trivia leader board each week.
TRIVIA!
Last Week: What is the oldest college/university in America? (Hint: there are three schools that make this claim, so any one of those institutions is an acceptable answer). One point will be awarded for each correct answer (up to three points max if you get them all).
Answer: The three colleges/universities that claim to be the oldest in America are Harvard, William & Mary, and UPenn.
This Week: What is the name of the 2010 Supreme Court case that allowed the creation of Super Pacs? One point for the commonly referenced name of the case (i.e. Dred Scott Decision), and two points for the more formal name (i.e. Brown v. Board of Ed).
LEADER BOARD
The ever expanding Leader Board now lives HERE on Willful Intent. Is your name on it?
