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Iran and the Shortcomings of International Human Rights Law

I have misgivings about making laws we cannot enforce. We cannot even enforce the CAT in our own country. I think these issues are probably better addressed through political and economic avenues. “While atrocities since June have horrified people ...

From ILYA SOMIN, The Volokh Conspiracy,  13 Mar 2010

Related Topics: US Marine Corps,  The Daily Beast,  New York Times Company,  Eleanor Roosevelt,  U.S. Democratic Party

“Obama Effect” Spurs Record Number of Nobel Peace Prize Nominations

Choosing Vaclav Havel would certainly go a long way to restoring the reputation of the prize. Although the President mitigated the damage with his Nobel lecture, the importance and symbolism of the Peace Prize was badly damaged a year ago, perhaps ...

From ILYA SOMIN, The Volokh Conspiracy,  12 Mar 2010

As Predicted, New Justice Department Policy Didn’t Stop Federal Medical Marijuana Arrests in States Where Medical Marijuana is Legal Under State Law

Or, he can continue to comply with his oath of office to see that the laws passed by Congress be faithfully executed until such time as Congress deems it appropriate to change them. Title 21 still makes it a felony to cultivate or distribute marijuana. ...

From ILYA SOMIN, The Volokh Conspiracy,  11 Mar 2010

Related Topics: Barack Obama,  U.S. Congress,  George W. Bush,  Chris Bell

Democracy and the Appeal of Socialism

I’ve always considered the New Socialist Man position to be not just weak, but absurd. Ever heard of Darwin? People are selfish because of billions of years of evolution, not capitalism. End of story... I take hindsight bias seriously. Many mistakes ...

From ILYA SOMIN, The Volokh Conspiracy,  10 Mar 2010

Related Topics: Barack Obama

Do We Need to Subsidize Homeownership to Preserve Our National Identity?

For decades, the federal government has subsidized housing — particularly owner-occupied housing. This has been especially true during the continuing financial crisis, with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration propping up the ...

From ILYA SOMIN, The Volokh Conspiracy,  9 Mar 2010

Related Topics: Fannie Mae,  Federal Housing Administration,  U.S. Democratic Party

Could National Juries Alleviate the Problem of Political Ignorance?

Some will complain that this system would disenfranchise most of the population. It would not, because every adult would be eligible for random selection. Why not pick a person at random and make them absolute dictator? Some might say a dictatorship ...

From ILYA SOMIN, The Volokh Conspiracy,  9 Mar 2010

Related Topics: Barack Obama,  Kelly Clarkson

Political Ignorance and the Proliferation of Elected Offices

Ultimately, the best way to increase democratic accountability to voters is to have less government. Isn’t that like lopping off our arms and legs to cut back on our medical expenses? Texas has so many officials because the state government has taken ...

From ILYA SOMIN, The Volokh Conspiracy,  4 Mar 2010

Related Topics: Glenn Beck,  Tom DeLay,  Bob Packwood

Utah May Try to Use Eminent Domain to Take Federal Government Land

I’m not certain about Utah and it’s admission but would the rules be different for the Articles fo Confederation states which were sovereigns before the US came into existence and the US is only has sovereignty through their acts? Likewise would the ...

From ILYA SOMIN, The Volokh Conspiracy,  3 Mar 2010

Related Topics: U.S. Congress

Married Women’s Property Rights and the Privileges or Immunities Clause

Yay! I’m the first commentor! It’s rather silly questions like Ginsburg’s that really really make me question the wisdom Marbury v. Madison. “So, is it your position that only a married woman has the right to keep and use a firearm?” Ginsburg is right. ...

From ILYA SOMIN, The Volokh Conspiracy,  2 Mar 2010

A New Rebel Mascot for a New South — Admiral Ackbar May Replace Colonel Reb at Ole Miss

Fewer than 10% of Mississippi’s white males voted for Obama: Because when you don’t have anything intelligent to offer, throw the race card out, right Orca? Why don’t you post a map of how many black men voted for McCain? Let me guess, that’s different ...

From ILYA SOMIN, The Volokh Conspiracy,  2 Mar 2010

Related Topics: Barack Obama,  U.S. Democratic Party,  George Lucas,  David Brin,  Mark Field

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