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.
Penn State Officials Acted To Protect Sandusky Amid Child Abuse Allegations
Jerry Sandusky is in jail, but the evidence of the crimes that were committed to protect him continues to mount.
Yes, The GOP Can, And Likely Will, Repeal ObamaCare in 2013 If They Win In November
If the GOP wins in November, there will be very few actual barriers in the way if they really want to repeal the PPACA.
Did Roberts Contradict Himself On The Tax Issue?
Is there a logical flaw in the way Chief Justice Roberts addressed the tax issue in his opinion? Not really.
The Roberts ObamaCare Decision: The Epitome Of Judicial Restraint
In his ruling on the ObamaCare cases, Chief Justices Roberts reached back to a judicial philosophy with roots in men like Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. and Felix Frankfurter.
A Different Take On The Roberts “Switched Vote” Hypothesis
There is another explanation for the sometimes confusing nature of the dissent in the ObamaCare case.
The Political Impact Of The Supreme Court’s Health Care Ruling
Who benefits from the Supreme Court’s ObamaCare ruling?
House Of Representatives Holds Eric Holder In Contempt
Congress has found Eric Holder to be in contempt. I am not entirely sure what that accomplishes.
The Supreme Court’s New Limits On The Commerce Power
While it upheld the Affordable Care Act today, the Supreme Court also placed some clear limits on Congressional power. That’s a good thing.
Can The GOP Deliver On Its Promise To Repeal ObamaCare? And What’s The Replacement?
The Republican strategy on health care in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision needs some tweaking.
Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Care Act In Its Entirety
Thanks to a surprising decision by Chief Justice Roberts, the Affordable Care Act has survived the Constitutional challenges against it.
The 2012 Election And The Future Of The Supreme Court
Regardless of how the Court rules on the Affordable Care Act, the upcoming election has the potential to reshape the Court for decades to come.
Gas Prices Set To Fall Below $3.00/Gallon, GOP Not So Suprisingly Silent
As gas prices fall, the politics of fuel prices are changing.
A Different Take On Fast & Furious
A Fortune Magazine investigation puts a new spin on Operation Fast And Furious, but questions still remain.
Justice Scalia’s Odd Dissent In Arizona v. United States
Justice Scaiia’s dissent in Arizona v. United States included many odd forays into areas that had nothing to do with the case before him.
Debunking The Fast & Furious Gun Control Conspiracy
There’s no evidence that Fast & Furious, whatever it was, was a conspiracy to lobby for tighter gun control laws.
Is The Supreme Court A “Threat” To Democracy? Of Course Not
In advance of tomorrow’s ruling, some pundits on the left are displaying some very odd views on the role of the law in American politics.
Four Game College Football Playoff Approved, Will Start With 2014 Season
After years of calls for a College Football playoff, we’ll finally get one. Let the criticism begin.
Obama Leading In Three Swing State Polls
Three swing state poll results should be raising some real concerns among Team Romney today.
The War On (Some) Drugs Has Killed More Mexicans Than Fast & Furious
America’s Drug War has caused more problems for Mexico than Fast & Furious ever will.
Sandra Fluke Not So Much A Fan Of Free Speech, Apparently
At least one law student needs a refresher course in the First Amendment.
Jimmy Carter: U.S. Under Obama Is A “Widespread Violator Of Human Rights”
From one Nobel Peace Prize winner to another.
Congress, Insider Trading, And The 2008 Financial Crisis
More evidence of the extent to which Members of Congress have profited from the inside information they receive.