(Click HERE to go directly to the column archives, or better yet, have a little patience and read my introduction.)

I think it was in 1988, when I first began picking through my father's stack of Newsweek magazines, that I took the first step down the road to political junkiedom. Random memories include Ollie North and Iran-Contra, Jesse Jackson in the Democratic primaries, a pathetic Dukakis in a tank, and Bush Senior's turgid, Lee Atwater-driven campaign to victory. Since then I've been a bonafide CNN/C-Span/cable news addict. More importantly, I've grown to appreciate the political opinion column as a high art form.

After reading hundreds-if not thousands-of columns over the years, and doing some writing of my own in other fields, I decided to give it a shot in May of 2000. That was when Rich Pike, webmaster of content-driven site None For You Dear, contacted me to see if I'd be interested in contributing in any way. I said sure-but I want it to be political. Surely this was not what he had in mind, but to his credit he agreed anyway. I managed eight NFYD columns between May of 2000 and March of 2001. Most dealt with the election and strictly political analysis thereof. All gave me greater appreciation for those who do it regularly.

What makes me qualified to issue authoritative commentary on such things? Absolutely nothing. I took a PoliSci course at Berklee College of Music (insert laughter here), I've read a lot, and that's about it. But I'm a writer, I have opinions, and it's a form I'm interested in pursuing. You're free to hit the back button at any time.

Still reading? My literary heroes in this field are Christopher Hitchens, Maureen Dowd, and-most of all-Michael Kinsley on the left; and Andrew Sullivan, Jonah Goldberg and George Will on the right. Where do I stand? In several places. Socially, I'm hardcore libertarian and very anti-group think of any form, especially religion when it intersects with politics. Economically I'm right down the middle. Don't call me a supply-sider or a socialist; the situation, rather than the dogma, dictates the solution. I'm very hawkish on the war but no John Ashcroft fan. I generally dislike Republicans more than Democrats, but the latter makes significant advances every year. I'm a blue state baby-in both origin and mindset-Iiving in a red state area of California by avid choice. Bottom line: my philosophies are more forming than firming.

But enough about what I think I'm thinking. Listed below are the few attempts I've made at political columns, as they were posted at NoneForYouDear.com (major thanks to Rich Pike), with a brief description of what I thought I was thinking at the time.

The Elephant In The Room
Posted April 15th, 2002

The smartest people in the United States government can't figure out a solution to the age-old question of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East. Or maybe they already know what's coming, and they're afraid to do anything about it.

Freedom and Unity
Posted September 16, 2001

As close as I'll ever get to a moment of clarity on the day that changed America forever.

 

The Perfect Triangle
Posted March 15, 2001

President George W. Bush and former job-holder Bill Clinton have something in common-an appreciation for playing both ends of the political spectrum against the other. Guess who benefits?

 

A Choice Never Made?
Posted November 7, 2000

Months of agonizing over a choice in the 2000 presidential election unexpectedly led to this: a short-notice, emergency trip across the country. Where to? Broward County, Florida. (Also posted as Act 38 of The Life Of Bryan.)

 

The Denouement Of Al Gore
Part 1: As His Own Man
Part 2: Choice and Consequences
Posted November 1, 2000

It takes over 3,000 words and two parts, but in the end I walk away from the guy who should have had my vote for the taking. Here's why.

 

Tie Goes To The Runner?
Posted October 5, 2000

An analysis of the first of three presidential debates, as in who won and who lost. It turned out to be my first lesson in how silly one can look when making proclamations such as these.

 

One Nation Under God
Posted August 17, 2000

The Republican presidential candidate declares "Jesus Day" in Texas, while the Democratic vice-presidential aspirant kicks off speeches with Jewish prayers. (Talk about blue state vs. red state.) When sermons spew forth from the mouths of politicians, it's time to separate the money-changers from the temples.

 

Perception Is Reality
Posted July 30, 2000

In a fight to hold the perceived sensible center, Gore should have had the natural advantage over Bush, who had John McCain to deal with in his party's primaries. But, like everything else he was handed, Gore blew it. How Bush exceeded expectations and took the middle for good.

 

All Things In Moderation
Posted May 14, 2000

My first political column, in which I exceed any reasonable word count, analyze the primaries, and declare that extremism in the pursuit of moderation is no vice.