Mike Pilewski writes about life, politics and culture in the United States
In presidential elections, Republicans face an uphill battle. Changing demographics mean that, over time, fewer Americans are identifying with the party. To win the White House, the Republicans need a candidate who appears centrist enough to pull in independents and conservative Democrats. At conservative events in non-election years, party insiders study and groom potential candidates. Their choice this time is … >>
You’ve just turned 17. You’re at your dad’s fiancée’s house, watching a basketball game. There’s a break, so you take a walk out to the local convenience store to buy some Skittles and a can of iced tea. On your way back, you notice a stranger in a car is watching you. You walk away from him, but he follows … >>
Every little girl wants to be a princess — and my five-year-old niece is no exception. If she had her way (which she often does), she’d wear a fancy dress and a tiara every day. It goes without saying that she’d always be the center of attention. There’s something deep in the female psyche that responds to fairy tales — … >>
Barack Obama calls it “a massive and potentially unprecedented environmental disaster”. The explosion on a BP drilling platform on April 20 has led to an outpouring of oil from the sea floor which threatens not only wildlife, but also the important fishing and tourism industries, in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Visiting Louisiana on Sunday, Obama said that “the federal … >>