Jan 8, 2018 Posted by Heather Hastie

Orin Hatch: An Example of Money in Politics (plus Tweets)

One of the tweets Ann German sent me today was about Senator Orrin Hatch. He’s a Republican senator from Utah who’s been in the job for over forty years. His retirement at the end of his current term means he’s getting a bit of attention at the moment. Hatch is a strong supporter of Trump, but there’s a pretty good chance that former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney will run... read more

Jun 29, 2017 Posted by Heather Hastie

Americans Want Universal Healthcare

When US Affordable Healthcare Act (Obamacare) was introduced in March 2010, it was unpopular. Healthcare affects everyone, and is a very emotional subject. Even though almost nobody thought the previous situation was satisfactory, there was natural fear about what the changes would mean. Republicans also did their best to take advantage of that fear. In fact Obamacare was probably the main reason they did... read more

Apr 25, 2017 Posted by Heather Hastie

Making Excuses for Islam and FGM

Across the world, around 200 million women and girls in thirty countries are the victims of female genital mutilation (FGM). Most of them become victims of the practice before they are old enough to object. A majority of the victims are Muslim but likewise, a majority of Muslims don’t practice FGM. However, within those Muslim communities that carry it out, it is seen as part of the religion. A... read more

Mar 25, 2017 Posted by Heather Hastie

Simon’s Cat: Camouflage Challenge and Comments on American Health Care

What a combination! I should probably be opining on the fate of the American Health Care Bill. However, it’s getting wall to wall coverage on every news channel and you’re probably sick of it already. Of course, my opinion is that its failure is the best result. A Quinnipiac poll that came out a couple of days ago put the Bill’s approval at only 17%. The disapproval rating was a massive... read more

Oct 27, 2016 Posted by Heather Hastie

America’s Healthcare Problem

It’s less than two weeks before election day and it’s just been announced that Obamacare premiums are increasing significantly next year. In a normal election cycle this would have been the October surprise that could have sunk the Clinton campaign, but Donald Trump has already damaged his own campaign so much that it’s likely to make little difference to the final result. However,... read more