Podcast: Freedom of Speech and the First Amendment

In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head I talk about the First Amendment, its relation to freedom of speech, and more generally the importance of free expression in a free society. The shutdown of a Donald Trump rally in Chicago generated a lot of discussion about freedom of speech. I keep hearing people say,…

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Signed by the Governor: Nebraska Law Expands Health Freedom

LINCOLN, Neb. (March 31, 2016) – Yesterday, Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a bill into law to help facilitate healthcare freedom, an essential component of any strategy to reject Obamacare. Sen. Merv Riepe (R-Omaha) introduced Legislative Bill 817 (LB817) back in January. The legislation specifies that direct primary care agreements (sometimes called medical retainer agreements) do…

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Now In Effect: New Oregon Law Expands Hemp Market, Sets Stage to Further Nullify Federal Prohibition

SALEM, Ore. (March 30, 2016) – Oregon Governor Kate Brown has signed a bill into law that relaxes state hemp licensing requirements, making the crop more like other agricultural products. The measure opens up the hemp market to small and individual farmers, paving the way for faster development of Oregon’s hemp market, and further nullifying federal…

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Tennessee Subcommittee Maintains Unconstitutional Status Quo, Kills Medical Marijuana Bill

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Mar. 30, 2016) – Tennessee Lawmakers killed an important medical marijuana bill in 2016, effectively maintaining the unconstitutional status quo of federal prohibition in the state. Introduced by Rep. Sherry Jones (D-Nashville), House Bill 561 (HB561) would have allowed qualified patients would be able to use marijuana for medicinal purposes, something which is illegal…

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Utah House and Senate Leadership Block Five Opportunities to Advance Liberty

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (March 30, 2016) – Utah State House and Senate leadership maintained the status quo and enabled unconstitutional federal overreach during the 2016 legislative session, killing five bills that would have blocked the enforcement of unconstitutional policies. Several of the bills never even received a vote. A rundown of key legislation that…

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New Wyoming Asset Forfeiture Law Sets Bad Precedent, Keeps Massive Federal Loophole

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (March 30, 2016) – Some recent news headlines trumpeted asset forfeiture reform in Wyoming as a potential “game-changing precedent.” It could indeed be game-changing – like getting stopped on the goal line in the fourth quarter of a football game. Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead signed Senate File 46 into law on Feb. 29. It…

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Federal Asset Forfeiture Program Already Back In Business

WASHINGTON (March 30, 2016) – The federal government’s Asset Forfeiture Equitable Sharing Program is back in business, proving once again that depending on the federal government to limit itself is a fool’s errand. Equitable Sharing allows state and local police to collect up to 80 percent of asset forfeiture proceeds when they hand cases off…

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Mississippi Senate Passes Bill for Constitutional Carry and Setting Foundation to Reject Some Federal Gun Control

JACKSON, Miss. (Mar. 29, 2016) – Today, the Mississippi Senate passed a bill that not only allows unlicensed, “constitutional carry,” but also sets the foundation to reject and end new federal gun control regulations and executive orders.  Originally introduced as a church security bill to allow those with a concealed carry permit to have a…

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