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.
California Town Fines Couple For Holding Bible Study In Their Home
Does the state have the right to regulate how many people you invite to your home?
Despite Controversy And Doubt, Troy Davis Was Executed In Georgia Last Night
The execution of Troy Davis brings back to the forefront the reasons why the death penalty is inherently flawed.
Immigration Deportations Under Obama On Pace To Far Exceed Those Under Bush Administration
Based on the numbers, Barack Obama is an immigration hawk.
Initial Rick Perry Boomlet Fading, Opening An Opportunity For Romney
Rick Perry has faltered, and that has given Mitt Romney an opening.
At U.N., Obama Says There Are No Shortcuts To Peace
President Obama explained his position on the Palestinian statehood resolution today, but one wonders if anyone listened.
Rick Perry’s Odd And Alarming Critique Of U.S. Mideast Policy
Rick Perry’s speech criticizing the President’s policies in the Middle East raised more questions than it answered.
Polls Indicate Strong Public Support For President Obama’s Jobs And Tax Proposals
The public supports the Presidents tax plans, but will that matter on Election Day?
Putting Obama’s Job Approval Numbers In Historical Perspective
President Obaama’s poll numbers are lower than where Reagan and Clinton were at this point, but not by very much.
Conservative Pundits Continue Their Obsession With Chris Christie
Some pundits on the right can’t seem to quit Chris Christie.
Rick Perry Leading GOP Field, But Electability Concerns Make Him Vulnerable
Rick Perry is still the GOP frontrunner, but his status far from secure.
Obama Threatens Veto If Deficit Plan Doesn’t Include Tax Increases
The second half of the President’s political strategy is in place. Don’t mistake it for a serious legislative effort.
What’s Really Behind The Netflix/Qwikster Split?
The decision to split Netflix into two companies makes no sense. Unless you look behind the scenes.
Chicago Tribune Editorial Board Member Calls On Obama To Forgo A Second Term
Yes, Barack Obama is running for a second term.
Does The 2012 Election Really Matter? Probably Not As Much As You Think
The cable networks and the political parties will tell you otherwise, but the 2012 isn’t quite as important as they’re saying.
Most Tax Breaks Go To Middle Class Households, Not “The Rich” Or Corporations
We won’t solve our fiscal problems by soaking “the rich.”
“We’ll Fight Against America For A Thousand Years If We Have To”: The Folly Of Afghanistan
The U.S. War in Afghanistan sounds disturbingly similar to the Soviet one.
Michele Bachman’s Connection To The Company That Makes Gardasil’s Only Competitor
Is there another explanation for Michele Bachmann’s decision to keep bringing Rick Perry’s HPV vaccine order up?
Perry Continues To Lead GOP Field
We’re getting close to the point where only two people on this stage will matter.
Obama’s Job Approval, And Favorability, Slip On Economic Woes
The economy continues to drag the President down.
Palestinians To Go Forward With U.N. Statehood Resolution
Foolishly, the Palestinians are going forward with their effort to get Palestinian statehood recognized by the United Nations.
You Can Be Compassionate Without Supporting Big Government
Contrary to what Eugene Robinson and Paul Krugman argue today, compassion does not require one to support government social welfare programs.
What Explains The Rise In Public Distrust In Government Institutions?
Far from being an existential crisis, the recent rise in public distrust in government is easily explained.
President Obama’s Jobs Bill Would Make It Illegal To Refuse To Hire The Unemployed
One provision of the President’s jobs bill would give an ill-advised right to the unemployed.
James Carville To Obama: Time To Get Tough And Fire Some People
James Carville has some advice for Barack Obama. It boils down to “be like Bill Clinton.”
FBI Using Anti-Muslim Literature To Train Counterterroism Agents
The FBI has been using some odd materials to train its counterterrorism agents.
Did The White House Pressure A General To Change His Testimony To Help A Campaign Donor?
More pay for play at the White House?