The Essential Paul Simon: Timeless Lessons for Today's Politics

Contents

v Contents Foreword xvii David Yepsen Introduction xix 1. The Early Days Editor’s Note 1 Introductory Columns in the Troy Tribune “Trojan Thoughts,” July 1, 1948, volume 1, no. 2 3 “Trojan Thoughts,” July 15, 1948, volume 1, no. 4 4 “An Open Letter to Austin Lewis, State’s Attorney,” June 16, 1949 5 “‘Closed’ Houses of Prostitution Again Operating,” October 20, 1949 6 Mr. Simon Goes to Springfield and Washington “The Illinois Legislature: A Study in Corruption,” by State Senator Paul Simon as told to Alfred Balik, Harper’s Magazine, September 1964 8 “Announcing P.S./Washington, a Weekly Column by Congressman Paul Simon, the 24th Congressional District of Illinois,” February 2–8, 1975 16 2. American Government and Politics Editor’s Note 18 The Constitution “Defending the Constitution: A Constant Vigil,” P.S./Washington, June 28–July 4, 1987 22 vi Contents “Simon on Flag Issue: Why I’ll Fight to Defend the Constitution,” P.S./ Washington, June 24–30, 1990 23 On the Size and Role of Government “The Size of the Federal Government,” P.S./Washington, August 15–21, 1976 25 “Government Regulation,” P.S./Washington, February 18–24, 1979 26 “Air Bags and Government’s Role,” P.S./Washington, January 13–19, 1991 27 Congress: The Duties of a Congressman “Your Congressional Office,” P.S./Washington, April 20–26, 1975 28 “Congress: Reality Better Than Image,” P.S./Washington, October 9–15, 1977 29 “Travel More, Not Less,” P.S./Washington, April 27–May 3, 1980 30 The Presidency “The Presidency: How Strong Should It Be?,” P.S./Washington, September 28–October 4, 1975 32 “Congress or the White House: Who Sets Foreign Policy?,” P.S./Washington , August 24–30, 1986 33 On Making Nominations to the Supreme Court “The Supreme Court: An Easy Target,” P.S./Washington, July 10–16, 1977 35 “Advise and Consent: What Does It Mean?,” P.S./Washington, August 3–9, 1986 36 “No on Rehnquist, Yes on Scalia,” P.S./Washington, August 17–23, 1986 37 “Statement of Paul Simon: Senate Judiciary Committee,” September 4, 2001 39 State Government “For an Open Meetings Act,” Sidelights from Springfield, by State Representative Paul Simon, February 17, 1955 41 “For Open Primaries,” Sidelights from Springfield, by State Representative Paul Simon, May 15, 1957 42 “Facing Reapportionment Problems,” Press Release from Illinois State Senator Paul Simon, January 17, 1965 44 “Ombudsman,” From the Statehouse, by Lieutenant Governor Paul Simon, February 10, 1969 45 Contents vii “Income Disclosure: The Time Has Come,” From the Statehouse, by Lieutenant Governor Paul Simon, September 29, 1971 46 American Campaigns and Elections: Campaign Finance, Negative Campaigning “A Threat from the Far Right,” P.S./Washington, July 26–August 1, 1981 47 “The Soaring Costs of U.S. Elections,” P.S./Washington, December 26, 1981–January 1, 1982 48 “Today’s Biggest Scandal,” P.S./Washington, November 17–23, 1985 49 “Campaign Finance Reform,” NPR Commentary, February 26, 2002 50 American Campaigns and Elections: The Role of Newspapers and Other Media in the Electoral System “Improving Statehouse Coverage,” Columbia Journalism Review, September –October 1973 51 “A Flawed System for Electing Presidents,” P.S./Washington, September 30–October 6, 1979 57 “Modern-Day Witch Hunting,” P.S./Washington, January 9–15, 1983 58 3. Guidance on Continuing Problems and Issues Editor’s Note 60 Health Insurance “Where Government Can Help,” P.S./Washington, February 17–23, 1980 64 “Hot Topic on Town Meeting Circuit,” P.S./Washington, February 18–24, 1990 65 “Americans Back Basics of Clinton Health Plan,” P.S./Washington, May 1–7, 1994 66 “Americans Must Speak Out on Health Care Reform,” P.S./Washington, August 21–27, 1994 67 “Profiteers’ Victory over the Public in Health Reform May Be ShortLived ,” P.S./Washington, September 18–24, 1994 69 “Robin Williams, Christopher Reeve, and the U.S. Health Care Muddle,” P.S./Washington, January 28–February 3, 1996 71 “A Patient We Can Cure,” Commentary, Chicago Sun-Times, August 29, 2000 72 viii Contents Education and Literacy “Campus Disorders: What’s the Answer?,” From the Statehouse, by Lieutenant Governor Paul Simon, April 2, 1969 74 “Bad News on the Education Front,” P.S./Washington, February 7–13, 1982 75 “Good News from Oilton, Oklahoma,” P.S./Washington, May 2–8, 1982 76 “The Key to a Strong Industrial Base,” P.S./Washington, August 15–21, 1982 77 “Strength through Education,” P.S./Washington, February...