December, 2011
Most Americans fear big government, so why are conservatives compromising?
Im no fan of big labor, and Im certainly no fan of big business. I believe in the traditionally conservative axiom that the concentration of power, whether public or private, is always a recipe for mischief and disaster. But, historically speaking, big labor and big business generally only cause problems when they are working in [...]
The New Politics of Energy
American energy policy has always been messed up. It was most messy when the main source of energy was animal muscle and the streets were full of animal by-products. When fossil fuels gradually replaced animal-based energy and the streets got cleaner, public health improved. For the hundred years or so when coal was king, the [...]
Ringmasters at the Corzine circus
The circus begins today at 1 o’clock. I am, of course, referring to the congressional ritual known as the “no-cost inquisition.” Others will appear, but Jon Corzine is the star attraction. Sometime during the afternoon he will raise his right hand, swear to tell the truth, and then be subjected to impressive cross-examination by the [...]
SPIN METER: GOP debates nonexistent dust rule
Dec 6, 2011 WASHINGTON (AP) — The issue may be dust in the wind, but Republicans are still moving to block it. Environmental Protection Agency officials have said — over and over again — that they won’t propose new regulations to limit dust kicked up by farm equipment. But anti-regulation sentiment is strong this year [...]
The vote bazaar
I agree with most of the comments in the Dec. 11 letter Money and votes about Democrats buying votes with taxpayer money, but the writer should have added Republican politicians to the list. Want corporate welfare? Vote Republican. Want hidden tax subsidies even if your company is making tons of money? Vote Republican. Want to [...]
Directing Some Light At The Real Problem
Action taken by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners last week epitomizes what is wrong with our current government. Not county government, or even state government, but every level of government. The Guilford County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a new regulation that is supposed to reduce light pollution from businesses. Light pollution sounds bad [...]
Marchers head to Capitol to pray, protest
Congress Republicans.JPEG: House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Dec. 2, 2011. With a vote planned for Friday on the second of two anti-regulation bills, House Republicans have launched their most ambitious, pro-business effort yet to rein in Obama administration regulators. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) rel=dcgallery class=grouped_elements>
Is the City really under threat from Europe?
The City is under continued regulatory attacks from Europe David Cameron claimed yesterday promising to demand new safeguards when the European summit starts today. What are those regulations, why is Europe enacting them, do they constitute a threat and what part might they play in this weeks negotiations? The claim My colleagues Nick Watt and [...]
Massive Cloud Computing Company Takeouts, Government Regulation of Social …
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Dec 06, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) – 2011 has been an incredible year for the IT industry with highlights including mainstream adoption of cloud computing, unprecedented social media participation and Big Data growth. But as another momentous year comes to a close, many are left to wonder what 2012 has in store [...]
Media regulation made simple
Find More Stories 22 December 2011 Media regulation made simple 107 Comments Mark Pearson The solution to the news media regulation problem lies in two or three simple words, depending on whether you choose to hyphenate: responsible truth-telling. Those words should replace the myriad of codes of ethics, codes of practice, and statements of principles [...]