As Madison quoted Montesquieu in Federalist 47, "When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person or body, there can be no liberty, because apprehensions may arise lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws to execute them in a tyrannical manner."
SALEM, Ore. (June 24, 2015) – In the face of federal threats to withhold millions of dollars, Gov. Kate Brown signed a bill Tuesday that allows to opt their children out of standardized Common Core testing more easily. Introduced by Rep. Chris Gorsek (D-Troutdale) along with six Democrat and seven Republican cosponsors, House Bill 2655 (HB2655)…
RALEIGH, N.C. (June 24, 2015) – Yesterday, the North Carolina state Senate gave final approval to a bill that would effectively nullify in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that prevent terminally ill patients from accessing experimental treatments. The vote was 14-0. Introduced by State Reps. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke), Mike Hager (R-Rutherford), Donny…
Here is a speech I recently gave at the Minnesota Tea Party Alliance’s quarterly event. The topic was “Powers of the President,” where I compared the original constitutional understanding of the executive with the behavior of modern presidents. Spoiler Alert: there is a stark contrast between the two.
LANSING, Mich. (June 23, 2015) – Last week, a bill was filed in the Michigan state House that would end would end mandatory government licensing of marriages in the state, effectively nullifying in practice both major sides of the contentious national debate over government-sanctioned marriage. Introduced by Rep. Todd Courser (R-Lapeer) and Rep. Cindy Gamrat (R-Plainwell),…
On Saturday, June 27th, I’ll be speaking at Liberty on the Rocks – Los Angeles. If you don’t know about the group, it’s a pretty cool concept. I made this short video to introduce people to the event. If you’re in the area, see you there! (RSVP Here)
SALEM, Ore. (June 22, 2015) Last week, the Oregon state Senate gave final approval to a bill that would prohibit law enforcement from obtaining information from electronic devices without a warrant in most cases, sending it to the Governor’s desk. The proposed bill would not only protect privacy in Oregon, but would also address a…
AUGUSTA, Maine (June 21, 2015) A Maine bill that would drastically restrict the use of drones by state and local law enforcement and serve to thwart one aspect of the federal surveillance state was approved by the full legislature last week. It will now go to the Gov. LePage’s desk where he can sign it…
In a referendum that could ultimately have national implications, Missouri voters will go to the polls Aug. 5 with the opportunity to add protection for electronic communications to their state constitutionAmendment 9 would give “electronic data and communications” the same state constitutional protections as “persons, homes, papers and effects.” This would eliminate any constitutional ambiguity…
Did you know the NSA enters into partnerships with colleges and universities? Schools that partner with the NSA earn the Orwellian sounding designation of “Centers for Academic Excellence.” Depending on the nature of the partnership, these universities serve as either training and recruiting ground for future spies. Or they take on NSA funded research projects…