Every four years, television news crews from New York to Los Angeles set up camp in the frigid cornfields of rural Iowa. The Iowa Caucuses, held in early February, represent the first chance for regular Americans from both major political parties to show support for a presidential candidate. The national press covers every minute of pre-caucus excitement as presidential hopefuls spread out across all 99 Iowa counties to shake hands at local diners and give stump speeches in elementary school gyms. … [Read more...] about What’s the Difference Between a Caucus and a Primary?
10 Big Questions About Buddhism, Answered
As a religion major in college, you'd think I would know more about Buddhism, but apparently the info I learned in that Intro to Buddhism class I took 20-(cough) years ago wore off a while ago. Like many Americans, I find Buddhist teachings at once comforting and scary. I have no problem agreeing that life would be much easier if we could free ourselves from greed, hate and other wrong-headed desires. But I also don't think that I'm ready to be reborn a couple of thousand times. Whether or not this life was a reward for past skillful actions, I feel like I've been dealt a pretty good hand. One lifetime is plenty for me, thanks. … [Read more...] about 10 Big Questions About Buddhism, Answered
Homeless Americans Can Vote, But It Isn’t Easy
And despite the daunting bureaucratic hurdles facing homeless voters, there are a handful of states that specifically offer exemptions for homeless citizens, a trend that hopefully continues. In Indiana, for example, which is a strict photo ID state, you can register and vote without an ID if you claim "indigent" status. And in Oregon, homeless voters can use the county election office's address as their mailing address. … [Read more...] about Homeless Americans Can Vote, But It Isn’t Easy
