Monthly Archives: January 2018

Homeland Security’s Multibillion-Dollar Comedy Show

"What does the United States have to show for tens of billions of dollars of Homeland Security antiterrorism spending by local and state governments? Michael Sheehan, former New York City deputy commissioner for counterterrorism, observed, 'I firmly believe that those huge budget increases have not significantly contributed to our post–9/11 security.' But the war on terrorism has been an unmitigated victory for Leviathan and politicians at every level of government."

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New Jersey Requires a Permit To Preach In Public

"The preachers sued, arguing they were deprived of their right to free expression. They also claimed they were discriminated against on the basis of religion. But true to form, the New Jersey government closed ranks and doubled down on their position. As a state agency, New Jersey Transit argued that they have immunity from civil claims of rights violations. And the worst part is, a U.S. circuit court of appeals agreed with the state of New Jersey. They said state permitting laws trump basic rights like free speech."

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To Lower Healthcare Costs, End The “Certificates Of Need” Racket

"Everybody needs food, but the government does not require entrepreneurs to obtain a certificate of need before opening or expanding a grocery store. Everybody needs healthcare at one time or another, but the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and 35 states require hospitals to obtain certificates of need (called CONs) before they open their doors or expand. Certificates of need tend to favor large non-profit operations, which are now blocking competition while scamming patients and taxpayers alike."

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Illinois Bill Would Take Steps Toward Rejecting Federal Militarization of Local Police

SPRINGFIELD, Ill (Jan. 23, 2017) – A bill introduced in the Illinois House would significantly limit the impact of federal programs that militarize local police. Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) introduced House Bill 4286 (HB4286) on Jan. 19. The legislation would prohibit police from procuring any of the following equipment from a federal military surplus program. (1)…

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West Virginia Bill Would Legalize Marijuana; Foundation to Nullify Federal Prohibition

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Jan. 23, 2018) – A West Virginia bill would legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Passage of the bill would take another step toward nullifying federal cannabis prohibition in effect in the state. House Bill 3035 (HB3035) was introduced by Del. Sean Hornbuckle (D-Cabell) on Jan. 10. The legislation would allow adults 21…

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Tennessee Bill Would Allow Customers to Opt Out of Smart Meters, Undermine Federal Program

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 23, 2018) – A bill introduced in the Tennessee Senate would allow customers to opt out of installing “smart meter” technology on their homes and businesses without penalty. Passage of this bill would enable Tennesseans to protect their own privacy, and it would take a step toward blocking a federal program in effect.…

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Arizona Bill Would Take Another Step to Support Sound Money

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 23, 2018) – An Arizona bill that would take another step toward establishing gold and silver as money passed its first committee hurdle last week. Passage into law would help undermine the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on money. Rep. Mark Finchem (R-Tucson) introduced House Bill 2013 (HB2013) on Jan. 9. The legislation would…

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There Will Be No Viking Longboats Cruising the Mississippi

"Switzerland-based Viking Cruises, which wanted to build and send small cruise ships up the Mississippi River, leaving new tourism dollars for river towns in its wake, is backing off its plan. Our own federal laws are to blame. More specifically, President Grover Cleveland's Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA). The 1886 law requires that in order to ferry passengers between ports in the United States, the ship must have been built in the United States and be owned and operated by Americans."

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Give Haircuts To Homeless Veterans, Receive Threats From Licensing Board

"A cosmetology license requires '25 weeks [of training], more than an EMT, certified nursing assistant or truck driver.' Ducey views the cosmetology board as 'bullies' and is urging the passage of Ugenti-Rita’s bill, which would make it easier to obtain a license."

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