Author: rafflaw

Constitutional Law, Free Speech, Justice, Media, Politics, Society

What Price Would You Pay For Your First Amendment Rights?

Respectfully submitted by Lawrence Rafferty (rafflaw)-Guest Blogger

I have watched the Occupy Wall Street marches and protests and the recent protests in Wisconsin and Ohio with great interest.  In my opinion, these protestors are on the front line in the battle to protect our First Amendment rights.  As we have seen, some of them have paid a heavy price when they have been beaten and gassed and eventually arrested.  Some States and cities are now attempting to raise the cost of defending your First Amendment rights by charging protestors for the cost of police “protection” and the use of city services!  In Wisconsin, the embattled Governor, Scott Walker, has issued new rules that may actually take this trend of restricting our First Amendment rights to a new low.  Continue reading “What Price Would You Pay For Your First Amendment Rights?” →

Congress, Politics, Things That Tick Me Off, Uncategorized

The Stimulus is Still Stimulating

Respectfully submitted by Lawrence Rafferty(rafflaw)-Guest Blogger

Now that I have digested some wonderful Thanksgiving food and celebrated my grandson’s first birthday, it is time to get back to work.  In light of the recent calls by Rep. Paul Ryan, Rep. Eric Cantor and former Speaker and current GOP Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich to terminate the non-partisan Congressional Budge Office (CBO), I couldn’t help but wonder why the Republicans have a problem with the CBO?  The CBO has been critical of both parties legislation in the past when the numbers just didn’t add up.  Could this latest announcement by the CBO that the Obama Stimulus package of 2009 is still stimulating the economy be the last straw for the Republicans in their support of the Congressional Budget Office? Continue reading “The Stimulus is Still Stimulating” →

Congress, Constitutional Law, Courts, Politics, Supreme Court

Conservative Take on Obamacare

Respectfully submitted by Lawrence Rafferty(rafflaw)-Guest Blogger

Ever since the legal challenges to the Affordable Care Act, or as it is better known, Obamacare began, the pundits have kept a scoreboard on which courts have approved of the individual mandate to buy insurance, and which courts have disapproved of the constitutionality of the mandate.  The latest Appellate Court to come down with its decision was the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.  It may not surprise anyone that the court came down in favor of the legislation approving the individual mandate, but it may surprise you just who comprised that appellate panel. Continue reading “Conservative Take on Obamacare” →

Congress, Constitutional Law, Courts, Free Speech, Justice, Media, Politics, Society

A Decade of Misplaced Patriotism

Submitted by Lawrence Rafferty (rafflaw)-Guest Blogger

A milestone passed by most of us this past week.  It seems that the Patriot Act birthday cake added a 10th candle this week and there was no party!  The infamous Patriot Act turned 10 this week and a decade of attacks on our personal liberties went unnoticed by our Main Stream media.  You can probably remember that the act passed with little opposition in the House and with only 1 member of the Senate in opposition. Continue reading “A Decade of Misplaced Patriotism” →

Congress, Constitutional Law, Courts, Free Speech, Justice

The Unholy Marriage Between the CIA and NYPD

Respectfully submitted by Lawrence Rafferty (rafflaw)-Guest Blogger

If you think the Government is allowed to spy on Americans too much already, this next story will increase your blood pressure.  It was recently disclosed by the Associated Press that a CIA undercover operative has been directly advising the New York Police Department for at least 3 months.  I could have sworn that it was illegal for the CIA to spy on Americans, but nothing has been done to curb this possible violation and abuse of American’s privacy. Continue reading “The Unholy Marriage Between the CIA and NYPD” →

Courts, Criminal law, Justice, Religion

CATHOLIC BISHOP INDICTED

Respectfully Submitted by Lawrence Rafferty (rafflaw)-Guest Blogger

I was surprised when I read an article yesterday that reported the news of an indictment that was handed down in Jackson County, Missouri.  You may be asking what is unusual about one more  indictment in the State of Missouri?  The news worthy aspect of this indictment is the person and organization that was indicted.  The Grand Jury in Jackson County indicted the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph as well as its Bishop, Bishop Robert Finn!  Continue reading “CATHOLIC BISHOP INDICTED” →

Constitutional Law, Courts, Justice, Media, Politics

Second Amendment Boogey Man

Respectfully Submitted by Lawrence Rafferty (rafflaw)-Guest Blogger

 

When it comes to the Second Amendment and guns, it seems that President Obama can’t make anyone happy.  Ever since Obama announced his candidacy for the Presidency, the NRA has screamed that Obama will be taking away the guns. This scare tactic continued when Obama defeated John McCain for the Presidency.  Just what has Barack Obama done to make the NRA and gun owners frightened for their guns?  The simple answer to this question is nothing. Continue reading “Second Amendment Boogey Man” →

Constitutional Law, Courts, Criminal law, International, Justice, Military, Politics, Society, Supreme Court, Things That Tick Me Off

Recent American History According to Cheney

Respectfully submitted by Lawrence Rafferty(Rafflaw)-Guest Blogger

 

I admit that I get a headache when I read any news about former Bush administration officials, but it seems that former Vice President Dick Cheney is in the news again and I am left scrambling for my migraine medicine.  He has written a book detailing all the wonderful things he accomplished as Vice President under George W. Bush.  Unfortunately for Mr. Cheney, in his efforts to explain his work as Vice President under George W. Bush, he may have provided an admission of some of the alleged lies that critics claim were being spread by Cheney and the Bush administration in the lead up to war in Iraq.  Continue reading “Recent American History According to Cheney” →

Congress, Military, Politics, Society

Where Do We Get The Jobs Needed To Ignite The Economy?

Respectfully Submitted by Lawrence Rafferty (rafflaw) – Guest Blogger

 

In light of the news yesterday that the economy created zero net new jobs in the month of August, I began to think of ways that jobs could be created.  I know a little thinking on my part is dangerous, but I came across an article that, in my opinion, really hit the nail on the head.  The article discusses a study by professors at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst that suggests that more good paying jobs are created by the government when the money is put towards health care, education and clean energy and even tax cuts as opposed to runaway military spending. Continue reading “Where Do We Get The Jobs Needed To Ignite The Economy?” →

Congress, Environment, Justice, Politics, Religion, Things That Tick Me Off

Why Don’t Politicians Want to Pay for Disaster Relief?

Respectfully Submitted by Lawrence Rafferty (rafflaw)-Guest Bogger

 

It is a big deal when you read that New York City is shutting down their transit system and ordering evacuations due to the impending hurricane that is making its way up the Eastern coast.  It also concerned me because my daughter is now in NYC and is unable to get out before Monday.  I can only imagine the devastation that will occur all the way from the Carolinas up to the Northeast due to Hurricane Irene.   When you read the stories and see the pictures of the havoc and sometimes death that is the result of these kind of natural disasters, it is hard to understand why some politicians are clamoring that the government should not pay for relief unless there are corresponding spending cuts! Continue reading “Why Don’t Politicians Want to Pay for Disaster Relief?” →

Congress, Politics, Society

The Unofficial Turley Blog Job Creation Plan


Respectfully Submitted by Lawrence Rafferty-Guest Blogger

We have heard both sides of the aisle claim that they have the next big idea to bring jobs back to Main Street. Recently President Obama, according to an article from former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, has claimed that he will be submitting a Jobs Bill to Congress when they return from their 5 week summer hiatus.  Continue reading “The Unofficial Turley Blog Job Creation Plan” →

Congress, Constitutional Law, Courts, Justice, Politics, Society, Things That Tick Me Off

An Example of Why We Need Health Care Reform

Submitted by Lawrence Rafferty-Guest Blogger

 

With the recent news of an appeals court decision that struck down the individual mandate portion of the Health Care Reform act, the problems with our Health Care system is on the front page again.  While we hear politicians claim that the market place should decide all health care cost and access issues, millions are without coverage and the costs Americans pay for health insurance is staggering. Continue reading “An Example of Why We Need Health Care Reform” →

Congress, Justice, Politics, Society

Is An Economic Revolution Possible in the United States?

Respectfully Submitted by Lawrence Rafferty-Guest Blogger

 

After the news over the past few months about the global uprisings against tyrannical and non-responsive governments, I have pondered why the United States has not had more people in the street protesting the economic inequality that we are facing here at home?  Continue reading “Is An Economic Revolution Possible in the United States?” →