Posts by Doug Mataconis

Doug Mataconis
About Doug Mataconis
Doug Mataconis held a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University and J.D. from George Mason University School of Law. He joined the staff of OTB in May 2010 and contributed a staggering 16,483 posts before his retirement in January 2020. He passed far too young in July 2021.

Obama’s Diminished Standing Among Women Is Hurting Democrats In The Midterms

To a large degree, the Democratic Party’s supposed advantage among women voters appears to not exist this year.

green road signs intersection church st and state st green road signs intersection church st and state st

Idaho Ministers Threatened With Jail For Refusing To Perform Same-Sex Wedding Ceremonies

A collision between marriage equality and religious liberty, but it seems clear that religious liberty should win this one.

Good News On The Ebola Front In The U.S., But The Real Battle Is In Africa

America’s “Patient Zero” doesn’t appear to have spread Ebola very far, but continued vigilance is called for. And, we need to focus on the part of the world where there really is an Ebola Crisis.

Maine Yet Again Likely To Elect A Governor Who Most People Didn’t Vote For, And That’s Okay

For the ninth time since 1974, the next Governor of Maine will likely be elected with less than 50% of the vote.

Supreme Court Allows Texas Voter ID Law To Remain In Effect Pending Appeal

Another pre-election stay ruling from the Supreme Court.

Most Americans Support Supreme Court Decision, Expansion Of Same-Sex Marriage

The Supreme Court’s expansion of same-sex marriage seems to be sitting well with the American public.

US Capitol Rotunda US Capitol Rotunda

Political Pressure Grows For An Ebola Travel Ban, But The Argument For One Remains Weak

A travel ban sounds like a simple solution to a complex problem. Like most simple solutions, though, it becomes far less appealing when you think about the details.

Obama Names ‘Ebola Czar,’ Doesn’t Explain Why We Need One

President Obama has appointed an “Ebola Czar,” but it’s unclear why we need one when there are already people who are supposed to be in charge of the Ebola response.

It’s Time To End The U.S. Embargo Of Cuba

The U.S. embargo of Cuba, and our lack of diplomatic recognition of the government in Havana, is an outdated relic of the Cold War. It’s time to end it.

F.B.I. Director Hints At Regulatory Action Against Apple, Google Over Encyrption

Law enforcement remains unhappy about the recent changes that will make it harder to break into a locked smartphone.

Second Ebola Nurse May Have Shown Early Symptoms Longer Than First Reported

More Ebola news that could have a negative impact on public opinion.

The Supreme Court Has A First Amendment Problem Right At Its Front Doorstep

The Roberts court has been very good on First Amendment issues, but it needs to address the First Amendment issue right outside its front windows.

CBS Announces Streaming Service, And Cutting The Cord Starts To Become Easier

One day after HBO, CBS announces its own streaming service. And the future approaches just a little bit faster.

Arkansas Supreme Court Strikes Down Voter ID Law

A victory for the opponents of Voter ID laws that will be untouchable by the Supreme Court.

green road signs intersection church st and state st green road signs intersection church st and state st

Houston Backs Down On Subpoenas Directed At Pastors Opposing Gay Rights Law

A not surprising outcome to a move that have had motives entirely unconnected to litigation.

Problems With The Response To Ebola, And A Little Perspective

We’ve become aware of failures in how we’ve handled the Ebola situation. The response is to figure out what went wrong and do our best to fix it, not to panic.

HBO To Launch Stand-Alone Streaming Service In 2015

The start of a trend? Probably.

green road signs intersection church st and state st green road signs intersection church st and state st

Houston Seeks To Subpoena Sermons Of Pastors Opposing Gay Rights Law

Someone needs to remind the City of Houston that the First Amendment applies to them.

Another War, Another Pentagon Cover-Up

A new report from the New York Times confirms the adage that, in war, the first casualty is the truth.

Sandwich Shop Workers Forced To Sign Non-Compete Agreements

A national sandwich chain makes its employees sign a very restrictive covenant not to compete. It’s probably not enforceable.

Fifth Circuit Allows Texas Voter ID Law To Remain In Effect

After a setback, Texas will be allowed to enforce its Voter ID law. At least for now.

Second Dallas Health Care Worker Tests Positive For Ebola

Another health care worker in Dallas is being treated for exposure to the Ebola Virus.

Forecast For Ebola In West Africa Worsens

Sobering news from the World Health Organization.

Turkish Forces Bomb Kurdish Positions

The Turks have entered the conflict in Syria. Unfortunately for the United States, it’s not on the side we would prefer.

Ann Romney Says No To A Third Romney Run

Mitt Romney 2016? Not as far as his wife is concerned.

Texas Attorney General Makes A Particularly Silly Argument Against Same-Sex Marriage

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has made an incredibly weak argument in favor of his state’s ban on same-sex marriage.

Democrats Starting To Worry About Turnout In The Midterms

Democrats are starting to worry that low turnout could turn a good year for the GOP into a very good year.

Court Rules That “Creepy” Photos Taken in Public Aren’t A Crime

A District of Columbia Judge has ruled that photographs of women taken in public do not violate the law.

Texas Health Worker Tests Positive For Ebola, But That’s No Reason To Panic

A second case, and the first person to apparently contract Ebola on U.S. soil. But, that’s no reason to panic.

Federal Judge Strikes Down Texas Voter ID Law

A victory for opponents of Voter ID in Texas, but it’s not likely to stand up on appeal.