Politics

Washington Moves to Replicate the California Exodus with Millionaires Tax
Across the country, Democrats are moving forward with millionaire taxes to tap wealthy taxpayers to address budget shortfalls. We have previously discussed how such wealth taxes are unconstitutional (in my view) in the federal system. However, state constitutions have been interpreted to allow such taxes. More importantly, there is no constitutional barrier to imposing huge increases in income taxes on wealthy taxpayers. That is what just happened in Washington as Democratic legislators seek to reproduce the exodus of wealth from California. Continue reading “Washington Moves to Replicate the California Exodus with Millionaires Tax” →
Constitutional Law, Politics

Minnesota Democrats Move to Ban Semiautomatic Rifles While Requiring Home Inspections for Current Owners

Across the country, Democrats are moving to ban popular semiautomatic weapons as well as magazines holding more than 10 or 15 rounds of ammunition. That includes, most recently, Virginia, which has careened to the left after the election of Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D). However, the most chilling such legislation may be in Minnesota, where state Sen. Matt Klein has introduced SF 4290. The law not only bans semiautomatic rifles and magazines with more than ten bullets, but also allows citizens to keep prior purchased weapons only if they agree to allow the police to enter their homes to inspect storage and safety conditions.

Continue reading “Minnesota Democrats Move to Ban Semiautomatic Rifles While Requiring Home Inspections for Current Owners” →

Travel Blog

A Visit with the Historic Jonathan Club

I am on a book tour for Rage and the Republic in California this week that began with an event at the 131-year-old Jonathan Club. The building and collection of the club are a delight for anyone who, like me, relishes historical preservation. It is filled with incredible art, antiques, and period designs. I wanted to share some pictures from my visit. Continue reading “A Visit with the Historic Jonathan Club” →

Constitutional Law, Courts, Politics

Seventh Circuit Delivers Sharp Rebuke to Chicago District Judge Over Her “Constitutionally Suspect” Orders Against the Trump Administration

There has been an ongoing struggle between district court judges and the Trump Administration over a variety of policies. In the first year, some district court judges issued nationwide injunctions that were largely rejected by the Supreme Court and appellate courts. These conflicts have continued and the intracourt tensions have increased. That was evident with the recent decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which delivered a virtual haymaker in reversing Judge Sara Ellis, an Obama nominee. The panel criticized Ellis for limiting the operation of federal officers in Chicago, saying that she “effectively established the district court as the supervisor of all Executive Branch activity in the city of Chicago.” Continue reading “Seventh Circuit Delivers Sharp Rebuke to Chicago District Judge Over Her “Constitutionally Suspect” Orders Against the Trump Administration” →

Columns, Constitutional Law, Politics

From Redcoats to Robots: AI and Robotic are Challenging our Republic’s Future

Below is my column in The Hill on the recent announcements of additional layoffs due to AI and robotics. The economic and political impact of this technological revolution is a focus of my new book Rage and the Republic. We are already watching this unfold, including the adoption of Universal Basic Income programs around the country. These changes will constitute one of the greatest challenges to our Republic on the 250th anniversary of our independence.

Here is the column: Continue reading “From Redcoats to Robots: AI and Robotic are Challenging our Republic’s Future” →

Congress, Constitutional Law, Politics

Democratic Leaders Struggle to Explain Their Past Support for Unilateral Presidential War Powers

In Rage and the Republic, I quote former Rep. Jaamal Bowman (D., N.Y.) as capturing the essence of an age of rage when a colleague asked him to stop yelling outside of the House floor. Bowman responded, “I was screaming before you interrupted me.”

Bowman’s statement came to mind this week when Democratic members were miffed when they were interrupted in tirades over war powers with questions about their prior support for unilateral attacks by Democratic presidents. Leaders like Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D., Cal.) and Sen. Adam Schiff (D., Cal.) struggled to explain their prior support for President Barack Obama in doing precisely that in Libya with embarrassing results. Continue reading “Democratic Leaders Struggle to Explain Their Past Support for Unilateral Presidential War Powers” →

Constitutional Law, Courts, Free Speech, International

Prosecution of Maltese Man for Discussing Transition from Homosexuality Ends in Acquittal

We have been discussing the erosion of free speech rights across Europe, particularly within the European Union. The crackdowns on free speech in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France are often the focus of these columns. However, a recent case shows how smaller countries like Malta have joined this effort with a repressive vigor. Fortunately, the prosecution of Matthew Grech, 33, ended in acquittal this month, but not for a lack of effort by the government. The case should shock the conscience of anyone who values this “indispensable right.” Continue reading “Prosecution of Maltese Man for Discussing Transition from Homosexuality Ends in Acquittal” →

Academia

“A Rousing Defense of Liberty”: Princeton Historian Reviews “Rage and the Republic”

Princeton historian Professor Andrew Fagal has published the latest review of my new book Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution. Dr. Fagal calls the book “a rousing defense of liberty.” Not surprisingly, given his accomplished career, the review in the Washington Examiner is insightful and informative, and I recommend it to readers. These reviews are opportunities for academic exchanges about the book, and Dr. Fagal raises a couple of historical points that I would like to address more fully. Continue reading ““A Rousing Defense of Liberty”: Princeton Historian Reviews “Rage and the Republic”” →

Academia, Free Speech

Virginia Democrats Move to Require Teaching Jan. 6th as an “Insurrection”

Virginia Democrats are moving to require teachers to tell students that Jan. 6th was an “insurrection” and effectively bar them from referencing “peaceful protests” or election irregularities. The characterization of the riot as an insurrection is historically and legally false. However, any parents who want to send their children to Virginia public schools would have to accept this form of indoctrination as part of their children’s education.

Continue reading “Virginia Democrats Move to Require Teaching Jan. 6th as an “Insurrection”” →

Congress, Criminal law

Sanctuary Offices? Moulton Under Fire for “Great American” Hidden in Office

Rep. Seth Moulton appears to have pulled a Hannah Dugan at the State of the Union. Where the Milwaukee judge helped an undocumented immigrant to escape her courtroom, Moulton reportedly hid Marcelo Gomes DaSilva in his office after he fled the SOTU following a text from DHS calling him out by name as being in the country illegally. In the meantime, new reports raise questions about his possible criminal record. Continue reading “Sanctuary Offices? Moulton Under Fire for “Great American” Hidden in Office” →

Politics

From Big Gulp to Big Gasp: Massachusetts Governor Fights for High-Sugar Beverages

Much of politics today seems to be driven by the source of policies. If President Donald Trump or his administration is for it, Democrats are against it. Democrats have pulled 180-degree turns from past support for unilateral military operations by Democratic Presidents to opposing government shutdowns. However, one of the most intriguing has been the opposition to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has launched moves against unhealthy food additives and products. That was evident yesterday when Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) virtually declared war over his effort to press Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks over high-sugar drinks. Continue reading “From Big Gulp to Big Gasp: Massachusetts Governor Fights for High-Sugar Beverages” →

Constitutional Law, Politics, Society

In Loco Parentis: Supreme Court Decision Highlights Growing Problems with Parents in Blue States

In the law, the concept of In loco parentis refers to those who act in the place of parents. The problem is when that authority is taken rather than granted. It is a growing problem in blue states as parents push back on Democratic measures stripping them of notice or consent over their children in public schools. Continue reading “In Loco Parentis: Supreme Court Decision Highlights Growing Problems with Parents in Blue States” →

Constitutional Law, Politics

A Rock and a Hard Place: NY AG James Orders Hospital to Resume Gender-Transition Treatment for Minors

In a rare and controversial move, New York Attorney General Letitia James has ordered a Manhattan hospital to resume offering gender-transition treatment to transgender youth. NYU Langone had discontinued such treatments after funding threats from the Trump administration. It is now caught between the proverbial rock (HHS) and a hard place (NYAG). Continue reading “A Rock and a Hard Place: NY AG James Orders Hospital to Resume Gender-Transition Treatment for Minors” →

Constitutional Law, Courts, Politics, Supreme Court

Supreme Court Delivers Key Victory for Parental Rights in California

The Supreme Court on Monday issued an important order on its shadow docket in Mirabelli v. Bonta. The court granted an emergency appeal filed on behalf of Catholic parents by the Thomas More Society, blocking a state law that barred parental notification that their children had changed their gender identity. Continue reading “Supreme Court Delivers Key Victory for Parental Rights in California” →