Joseph Curl
Columns by Joseph Curl
CURL: ‘Unoriginal Amateur Hour,’ starring Barack Obama
Twenty-five years ago, I started out as a reporter in Prince William County, Va. Back then, a slew of young reporters were cutting their teeth in the hinterland near Washington, D.C. — John Harris, the great Washington Post reporter and editor of Politico; Pierre Thomas, also at the Post then but now senior Justice Department correspondent for ABC News; and the talented Laurie Kellman, a colleague at the Prince William Journal now on the Hill for The Associated Press. Published February 24, 2013
CURL: ‘Amateur Hour,’ starring Barack Obama
Every year, we young reporters in Prince William County would gather at the county's McCoart Administration Center for the annual budget kabuki dance. And quite a dance it was. Every year, the county staffers would ask for much more money — 9, 10, 12 percent increases. The school system, too. Sometimes, the far higher proposed spending budgets would require increases to tax rates. Teachers, union officials and county gadflies would pack the county building for the show. Published February 24, 2013
CURL: On 100th birthday, income tax still going strong
Exactly 100 years ago Sunday, on Feb. 3, 1913, Delaware became the 36th state to ratify the proposed 16th Amendment, making a nationwide income tax part of the Constitution. Published February 3, 2013
CURL: The terrifying mindset of Secretary Clinton
Her words are already long gone from the daily flow; in fact, they never really resonated at all, were all but ignored by the mainstream media, and were characterized more as a feisty in-your-face comeback than what they truly were. Published January 27, 2013
CURL: The petty partisanship of Barack Obama (Term II)
President Obama's second inaugural address turned out to be words of discord and distemper, a lengthy lecture to the half of America that opposed him Nov. 6, 2012, and an arrogant wink of the eye to the half that supported him. Published January 21, 2013
CURL: The besmallification of the presidency
President Obama came in with big promises. But he turned out to be a small man. Published January 20, 2013
CURL: Why you’re right to hate both parties
Seriously, is there anything more sickening than Congress? Published January 13, 2013
CURL: Obama supporters shocked, angry at new tax increases
Sometimes, watching a Democrat learn something is wonderful, like seeing the family dog finally sit and stay at your command. Published January 6, 2013
CURL: Survivor D.C.: You can’t make this stuff up
If America is the greatest country in the world, why does its government stink so bad? Published December 23, 2012
CURL: Freedom is not to blame for Newtown, Mr. President
The depths to which President Obama will stoop to sell his far-left agenda should shock every American, and Sunday's night political speech at an interfaith prayer vigil was by far the most egregious example of his divisive presidency. Published December 17, 2012
CURL: Time to own the election, America
Elections have consequences. So suck it up and own it, America. Published December 16, 2012
CURL: The ‘fiscal cliff’ getaway call
Throughout the "fiscal cliff" ordeal, one thing has become clear: The president is a terrible negotiator. Published December 9, 2012
CURL: The five-word solution to the ‘fiscal cliff’
Don't pay your taxes, America. There. Solved. Next problem. Published December 2, 2012
CURL: Postelection surprise: A slew of bad news
Breaking with tradition, this election cycle bypassed the "October Surprise," unless you count finding out that Donald Trump is a complete idiot. In the end, there wasn't even a "November Surprise." But just two weeks after the election, boy, a lot of surprises. Published November 25, 2012
CURL: Petraeus schools the White House
Ever since CIA Director David Petraeus resigned, one question has risen above all others: Why? There's an easy answer. Published November 18, 2012
CURL: Time for a new Republican Party
The Republican Party did not lose last Tuesday's election. It was obliterated, crushed, slaughtered, massacred, squashed, annihilated — and, let's hope, extinguished. Published November 11, 2012
CURL: Sandy is Obama’s Katrina — but the media look away
A former top official from the George W. Bush White House and I play a game via email. The slug of each message is always — "Imagine If Bush Had " followed by some egregious act by President Obama. The latest email was, of course, about Hurricane Sandy. Published November 4, 2012
CURL: You don’t mess with the CIA
You know who doesn't like getting thrown under the bus? The CIA. You know what the CIA does when you try to throw it under the bus? They get even — quickly, quietly, and with fatal consequences. Published October 28, 2012
CURL: Crowley skews hard for Obama in disastrous presidential debate
Another debate, another debacle for America's media. Published October 17, 2012
CURL: Time to prepare for the ugliest debate ever — ever
Tonight, CNN's Candy Crowley is the media's last chance to protect Their Chosen One. They've got just the right person serving up softballs — a talk show commentator who, after Mitt Romney selected Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate, said the choice reflected a "death wish" for the ticket. Published October 15, 2012