What’s Worse? Boring Mayor Nutter or Tax-Happy Mayor Nutter?

Why Philadelphia isn’t living up to its world-class city potential.

I swore I was done. I promised I would never waste another column writing about how pathetic Philadelphia is. And how its complacent residents and businessmen get exactly what they deserve. Washing my hands of all things Philly, I pledged to never again comment on Michael Nutter, who is, without a doubt, America’s most clueless and excruciatingly boring mayor. But I failed. It is simply impossible not to rip into Tweedledee's latest efforts to drive the final stake into the heart of a once-great city by trying to impose, yes, more taxes! But this isn’t a column about how astronomical taxes actually decrease revenue and further a city’s demise. Michael Nutter has never, nor will ever, understand that, so why bother? It’s much more fun to look at Mayor’s “legacy” to date and marvel about how bad he really is.

A Farewell to Margaret Thatcher, Last From a Great Era

How the Iron Lady and Ronald Reagan made the 1980s an unforgettable decade.

There is a fascinating book by Irving Stone entitled, They Also Ran, the story of men defeated for the presidency. Stone, an historian, also analyzes the races to determine if the voters chose wisely. It’s a fascinating concept, as readers are left pondering how history may have been altered had there been a different outcome—and how history would have changed had the winner not been victorious.

Not So Fast With Your Dreams of Cheap Wine, Philly

Corbett’s liquor privatization bill won’t give Pennsylvanians lower prices and better selection at the liquore store.

Tom Corbett and the Republican-controlled PA House are either very smart, or very dumb. As they push their liquor privatization bill through Harrisburg, they are either trying to pull a fast one on Pennsylvanians who expect better selection and lower prices (which they know cannot happen with this bill). Or they’re very dumb, and actually believe the bill they’re peddling will accomplish those things.

The New Pope Is Old. He Better Make Every Second Count.

What Francis could learn from Ronald Reagan.

Who says the Catholic Church can’t change? By electing Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina, the conclave of Cardinals just made history.  The list of “firsts” is impressive:

Why the New TSA Knife Policy Is Scary

Four reasons air travel will become less safe.

If the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) could compete for an Emmy, it would definitely be a winner. Its “Security Theater” has become a cutting-edge soap opera, replete with comedy, drama and ultimately, tragedy. And the latest episode is making the biggest headlines yet. The TSA is now permitting passengers to carry knives onto planes.

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