Posts by 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 New Carbon Rules Pose Political And Economic Risks For Questionable Benefits
The EPA’s new carbon rules leave much to be desired.
Supreme Court Passes On Appeal From Journalist Threatened With Contempt Citation
The Supreme Court rejected another opportunity to clarify Federal Law on testimonial immunity for journalists.
The Absurdity Of The “Right To Be Forgotten”
The so-called “right to be forgotten” created by Europe’s highest court is unworkable, and ultimately absurd.
Supreme Court: Use Of Toxin In Domestic Assault Case Not Covered By Chemical Weapons Treaty
Using a chemical to commit a purely domestic crime doesn’t make you an international criminal, the Supreme Court correctly decided today.
House Republicans To Move Forward On Immigration Reform This Summer?
Rumors are circulating again that the House GOP may make an immigration reform pitch before the midterm elections.
Obama Administration Pushes Back Against Criticism Of Deal That Led To Bergdahl Release
The Obama White House rejected Republican criticism of the deal that led to the release of the only American Prisoner Of War from the Afghanistan War.
2022 FIFA World Cup Hit With Bribery Allegations
More problems for the planned 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
It’s A Matter Of Trust
It’s no wonder that our politics system is a mess when you realize that people don’t trust each other much anymore.
Far Right’s Rise In Europe Lays Largely In The Failures Of Mainstream Parties
Far right parties are succeeding in Europe because the mainstream parties aren’t offering an alternative.
Reforming Ballot Access Laws
It may be time to rethink the way we make candidates get on the ballot.
The Anti-Vaccination Crowd Gives Us A 20 Year High In Measles Cases
Pseudoscience and hysteria have damaged public health.
House Votes To Protect States That Legalize Marijuana From Federal Raids
A victory for Federalism and sanity in the War On Drugs.
Should We Eliminate The Vice-Presidency?
Does the office of Vice-President serve any useful purpose anymore?
Eric Shinseki Out As Secretary Of Veterans Affairs
Eric Shinseki resigned as Secretary of Veterans Affairs this morning, to the surprise of absolutely nobody.
Hillary Clinton Takes Defiant Tone On Benghazi In New Book
In her upcoming book, Hillary Clinton strikes a defiant tone against conservative’s continued interest in the Benghazi attack.
What Will SCOTUS Do On Same-Sex Marriage?
Sooner or later, the Supreme Court will have to rule on a challenge to state laws banning same-sex marriage.
Obama’s Cloudy Foreign Policy Vision
Once again, President Obama’s attempt to communicate a foreign policy vision falls short.
The Economy Actually Shrank In The First Quarter Of 2014
In no small part because of a brutal winter, the economy shrank in the first three months of the year.
Political Vultures Circling Around Eric Shinseki, Deservedly So
It seems unlikely that Eric Shinseki will have a job for much longer.
Missing Plane May Not Be Where Everyone’s Been Looking
The saga of Malaysian Air Flight 370 continues to be just weird.
Edward Snowden: I Was More Than Just A ‘Data Analyst’
For the first time, Edward Snowden is talking to the American media.
Ideological Purism Is Making American Politics Stupid
The latest chapter in an all too familiar story.
Poet, Author, Civil Rights Activist Maya Angelou Dies At 86
A great American writer has passed away.
Good News For Supporters Of Journalist Shield Laws
Two news items yesterday advanced in some small measure the protection of journalists from having to reveal sources under Court Order.