How Can the U.S. Constitutional System Cope When Big Fracking Bucks mean Big Toxin Dumping?

With New Forms of Toxic Waste from the Fracking Bonanza Piling Up, What Must Be Done? I really like the PBS documentary mini-series Constitution USA, because it brings forward the constitutional arguments that are so relevant to the problems we face in our country today.  It explores a worthy cross-section of important legal/constitutional debates with … Continue reading “How Can the U.S. Constitutional System Cope When Big Fracking Bucks mean Big Toxin Dumping?”

“No bribe?” [the Congressman] said, “why am I taking this meeting?!”

If you haven’t heard last year’s Planet Money on campaign fundraising (I refer to this as campaign bribetributions, a hybrid of campaign contributions and blatant bribery) then you should: Planet Money wrote: [The Congressman] said, “I have put in two calls to your PAC director and I haven’t received any returned phone calls. Now why … Continue reading ““No bribe?” [the Congressman] said, “why am I taking this meeting?!””

Boardwalk Empire, Corruption, And Incentives For Public Servants

Like described by Abby Jean on the Feminists with Disabilities blog recently, I’m obsessed with public policy. It’s true. I am a policy wonk. I am endlessly interested in it. I read about it, think about it, talk about it and … write about it. (As in, what I’m doing right now.) And I do … Continue reading “Boardwalk Empire, Corruption, And Incentives For Public Servants”

Republican Revolution II: Electric Bugaloo

Terrifyingly far-right candidate Carl Paladino crushed state GOP-endorsed Rick Lazio Tuesday night and won the Republican nomination for Governor, meaning he will go head-to-head against Democratic nominee Andrew Cuomo for Governor of New York in the November 2nd election. Paladino is known for his “controversial” bigoted comments and extremist stances on the issues. Here’s a snippet of … Continue reading “Republican Revolution II: Electric Bugaloo”