Essex Republicans Blog

       The 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, fundamentally altered the way U.S. Senators are chosen, leading to significant changes in the balance of power between the states and the federal government. Before the 17th Amendment, Senators were appointed by state legislatures, but it introduced direct popular election of Senators.       The first proposal to amend the Constitution to elect senators by popular vote was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1826, but the idea did not gain considerable support until the late 19th century when several problems related to Senate elections had become evident. In some cases, state legislatures deadlocked over the election of senators, leading to Senate vacancies lasting months and even years. In other cases, political machines gained control over state legislatures, and the Senators elected with their support were dismissed as puppets.  While it aimed to enhance democratic representation...

       "Unsettled" by Stephen Koonin is a thought-provoking and timely book that delves into the complexities of climate change and its broader impact on society. Koonin, a renowned physicist and former top Department of Energy official, challenges the prevailing narrative surrounding climate change, offering a fresh perspective backed by scientific evidence and rigorous analysis.      In "Unsettled," Koonin confronts the commonly held assumptions and alarmist claims about global warming. He argues that while climate change is indeed occurring, the current discourse often exaggerates the severity and certainty of its consequences. Drawing on extensive research and data, Koonin presents a nuanced view of climate science, encouraging readers to critically assess the available information rather than succumbing to fear-driven narratives.      The book tackles a range of climate-related topics, such as extreme weather events, rising sea leve...