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A big part of being rational—even radically so—is a willingness and ability to separate one’s heart from one’s brain.  Like many of you, my heart is with The Dreamers.  My brain is with Judge Andrew Hanen.

He got it right under the law, in my view.  Hanen, a Texas federal judge appointed by W, ruled yesterday that new DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) applications must be suspended. The ruling is based on the premise that President Obama lacked legal authority to independently institute the program in 2012. Judge Hanen acknowledged the good the DACA program has done, and expressed support and compassion for the “Dreamers” who are here. Renewal applications will continue for the foreseeable future. No one is getting deported as a result of this ruling. This simply means that new applications are being suspended going forward until Congress does its job and works it out. (Yeah, I know, good luck with that.)  This is a Congressional issue, not an executive one. You know, separation of powers, and all of that good stuff we were all supposed to learn in the fifth grade.

This one is headed back to SCOTUS, which last year blocked Trump’s attempt to suspend DACA, but did so because it ruled the administration procedurally botched its legal filings. (You mean Trump didn’t follow the rules? Or didn’t know there WERE rules?) DACA may not fare as well in front of The Robes this time.

This is an emotional issue. I get that.  The very term “Dreamers” is emotionally loaded, and even manipulative. “What? You’re anti-Dreamers?”

No.  I’m pro-law. Hanen gets paid to think with his brain. He got this one right. Hanen is already facing some blistering attacks.  Not from me. He simply said this is a Congressional issue, not an executive one. Because it is.  DACA is a good program. Let’s make it a legal one as well.

Yeah, I know.  Some of you just read this and hope I will now shut up and retire. Nope. Justice Breyer and I will both let you know when we’re ready.  Ain’t gonna be today. Prolly not tomorrow, either…

One more thing.  Trump better hope Calamari clams up. 

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Paul's Bio

I clearly have the attention span of your median fruit fly.Look! Airplane!

Sorry. I’m back.

It’s both a curse and a blessing. I’ve never bought this stuff about, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” But I do think that a wide range of life experiences helps us grow as people, and helps us better relate to other people. I’ve been fortunate. And I am beyond grateful.

I show up on time. I go like hell. I’m a good listener. I hold myself accountable. I own my mistakes. And I have a natural and an insatiable curiosity. I’m never afraid to say, “I don’t know,” when I don’t. But then I try to find out.

The flip side is I’m a lousy ballroom dancer and my clothes sometimes fit me funny.

Stuff matters to me. I care. But while I take that stuff seriously, I try hard to never take myself seriously. As a result, I have sometimes been told, “Paul, it’s hard to tell when you’re serious and when you’re just having some fun. Which is it? Serious or fun?”

My answer is “yes.” But I think that is a legitimate criticism. I promise I’m going to work on that.

This has been the quickest and strangest half-century I’ve ever experienced. During that period, I’ve been afforded amazing opportunities in news and sports journalism across all platforms. I have taught wonderful students at the high school and collegiate level. Always, I learned more from them than they did from me. I’ve been a high school administrator. I spent ten seasons as a high school varsity football coach. I’ve been an advertising executive. I’ve hosted nationally syndicated television entertainment shows. In maybe the biggest honor I ever received, I was selected by NASA to be “Chet The Astronaut” for the “Land The Shuttle” simulator at Space Center Houston. (All I can say there, is “Do as I say, not as I do.” I put that thing in the Everglades more often than not.) Most recently, I just wrapped up a decade as a television news director, during which time our teams distinguished themselves in holding the powerful accountable, achieving both critical and ratings success.

What does all that mean? It means I am profoundly grateful. It also means I’m ready for “next.” So here we are. Radically Rational. It’s an idea I woke up with in 2017. I scribbled “Radically Rational” on a piece of notebook paper and used a magnet to stick it on our refrigerator. I saw it every day, and it just would not leave me alone.

I am second in charge at Radically Rational, LLC. My wife, Jo (also known as BB), is the president. Clearly, I have failed in my attempt to sleep my way to the top of this organization.

I hope you will learn that I’m loyal as a Labrador. But I will admit that this doggie can bite every now and then. My promise to you? I will show up on time. I will go like hell. I will listen to you earnestly and attentively. I will hold myself accountable. I will never be the least bit hesitant to say, “I don’t know,” when I don’t.

But then I’ll try to find out. Let’s do it.