Why Mexico City Is the Capital of California’s Future

The New Constitution of Mexico’s Capital Inspires Badly Needed Democracy and Local Sovereignty

For more than two decades of the 19th century, Mexico City was California’s national capital.

I wish it could be again.

Over the past two years, I’ve visited Mexico City regularly while planning a global conference on direct democracy there for 2021. I’ve been struck by how well the Mexican capital’s sprawling greatness fits California. I also wonder if Mexico City’s recent advances in democratic sovereignty might serve as an inspiration to California, as we struggle to defend our own state democracy against the federal government in Washington, D.C.

Mexico City, with …

Why ‘Relentless Positivity’ Now Dominates America’s Youth Sports | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian

Why ‘Relentless Positivity’ Now Dominates America’s Youth Sports

From Silicon Valley, a Philosophy of “Positive Coaching” Has Caught on Across the Country   

California has failed to contain the excesses of its technology executives. But Californians have made progress in curbing the worst impulses of another group of would-be dictators: Little League coaches.

For …

Unreal Just How Awful Real ID Is | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian

It’s Unreal Just How Awful ‘Real ID’ Is

A New Federal Standard for Driver’s Licenses Threatens Our Basic Freedoms

Do you love this country, this state, and your freedoms?

Then show it. Defy your state and national governments—and refuse to get a “Real ID.”

There are bad ideas. There are very …

Why We Will Never Elect a Joe | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian

Why We Will Never Elect a Joe

Biden’s (and the Columnist’s) First Name Is Just Too Average for a Nation as Aspirational as Ours

As California’s March 3 presidential primaries approach, I survey the field of candidates and ask myself: Will this country really accept a president who makes history, a president who breaks …

Why Fresno Is on the Leading Edge of a ‘Wave’ of Political Change | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian

Why Fresno Is on the Leading Edge of a ‘Wave’ of Political Change

A Progressive, Technocratic, and Majority-Latino City Council Points to a Larger Transformation in California

Looking for the biggest wave in California? Go to Fresno.

It’s not just that fast-growing Fresno is emerging as the Golden State’s next great city. Fresno is also undergoing dramatic—and overdue—changes …