An American Tradition: Constitutionalism

Does an “American tradition exist? And if so, what does it entail? The great Tom Fleming at the Fleming Foundation posted several paragraphs on social media over last several days about tradition. This was a Socratic exercise in finding value to words such as “conservative” or “traditionalist.” Dr. Fleming argued that “conservative” has no meaning in…

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Federal Proposal to Regulate Electric Power Rates Largely Unconstitutional

A proposal to expand federal regulation of electric power rates is largely unconstitutional. On Sept. 28, 2017, the U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz proposed new rulemaking to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Under the authority granted the secretary under the Department of Energy Organization Act, RM18-1-000, he proposes that the FERC should use…

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Atlanta Decriminalizes Marijuana; Takes Step Toward Nullifying Federal Prohibition in Effect

ATLANTA, Ga. (Nov. 16, 2017) – Last month, the Atlanta City Council unanimously voted to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana within the city limits, a step toward effectively nullifying prohibition in practice. Councilman Kwanza Hall sponsored the ordinance. The legislation reduces the penalty for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana to a $75 fine. Instead…

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Florida House Committee Passes Bill to Expand Healthcare Freedom

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Nov. 15, 2017) – Yesterday, a Florida House committee unanimously passed a bill that would help facilitate healthcare freedom outside of government regulatory schemes. Rep. Daniel Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) prefiled House Bill 37 (HB37) on Aug. 23. The legislation specifies that direct primary care agreements (sometimes called medical retainer agreements) do not constitute insurance, thereby freeing doctors…

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Big Step Forward for Sound Money: Location for Texas Bullion Depository Now Official

AUSTIN, Texas (Nov. 15, 2017) – The Texas Bullion Depository took a step closer becoming operational earlier this month when officials announced the location of the new facility. The creation of a state bullion depository in Texas represents a power shift away from the federal government to the state, and it provides a blueprint that…

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Maine Gov. LePage Supports Status Quo; Vetoes Bill to Facilitate Marijuana Sales

AUGUSTA, Maine (Nov. 14, 2017) – Maine Gov. Paul LePage vetoed a bill that would have created a structure to license the commercial cultivation of sale and marijuana in the state, leaving the state’s voter-approved marijuana legalization efforts in limbo. Maine voters legalized marijuana in the state through a referendum in November 2016. The legislature…

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Under Proposal, New Hampshire Would Opt Out of Federal Program that Militarizes Local Police

CONCORD, N.H. (November 13, 2017) – A bill prefiled in the New Hampshire House would opt the state out of a federal program that facilitates the sale or transfer of certain military equipment from the federal government to state and local law enforcement. A coalition of eight legislators introduced HB1431 (HB1431) for the 2018 session,…

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