Outside the Beltway

We, as Americans, tend to have a limited knowledge of the institutional variation that exists across democratic systems around the world.

Yes, it is too hard to amend. A few quick thoughts on the subject.

Did the Founding Fathers make it too hard to amend the Constitution? No, they didn’t.

Will more knowledge bring an end to the public debate over evolutionary theory? Don’t count on it.

Mitt Romney continues to keep Donald Trump close. It makes no sense, but it isn’t likely to matter in the end.

How can opinion shift quickly on a given topic?

Meet Flame. A cyber threat that makes Stuxnet seem like child’s play.

Political disagreements about war are no reason to dismiss the sacrifices of those who have died for our country.

Alan Simpson is imparting wisdom to his fellow Republicans. I doubt they will listen.

For the first time in 68 years, neither major party candidate for President has served in the military. Does this matter?

Contrary to what you’re hearing, the Facebook I.P.O. was a huge success.

Cave quid dicis, quando, et cui.

Thirty-Five years ago, an adventure began.

A new book about the President details his marijuana use in High School and at Occidental College.

Illinois wants to solve its Medicaid problem by hoping its citizens smoke more cigarettes.

The Obama campaign’s focus on Mitt Romney’s years at Bain Capital don’t seem to be working.

Michael Fumento becomes the latest prominent conservative to criticize what conservatism has become.

China’s economic engine may be sputtering.

The phrase “American Taliban” is usually off the mark. However, sometimes it is closer to the mark than we might like.

The City of Detroit appears ready to abandon vast sections of itself to the metaphorical jungle.