When fines become weapons : A history of excessive fines
A fine not even a baron could pay King John was cruel, of that there was no doubt. But when he turned on his closest friend and ally, the Marcher lord William de Braose, his brutality knew no bounds. William had won great favor with the King by playing an integral role in helping him secure the throne in 1199. After Richard the Lionheart died, ...
When trail running became a crime : the presidential pardon that set Michelino Sunseri free
This month, record-breaking mountain runner Michelino Sunseri received a presidential pardon, clearing his name after the National Park Service unfairly hit him with criminal charges. The outdoors has always played a big role in Michelino Sunseri's life. The 33-year-old professional mountain runner grew up in North Lake Tahoe, where he and his t ...
The Mayflower Compact : America’s first great experiment
Four hundred and five years ago today, America launched its first experiment in self-government by using a written agreement—rather than a king—to dictate the rule of law. With the signing of the Mayflower Compact, the Plymouth settlers voluntarily agreed to live under laws equally applied to all, the same principles later echoed by the Foun ...
Equality before the law : The cornerstone of every individual right
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal" is arguably one of the most powerful phrases ever written. Before those words were immortalized in the Declaration of Independence in 1776, equality was a subject for philosophers to debate and despots to fear—but it had never served as the moral foundation of government it ...
Nebraska’s cruel crackdown threatens vital care for adults with developmental disabilities
Injustice is lurking around the quiet corners of Lincoln, Nebraska. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is threatening to strip away the proven and personalized care of adults with developmental disabilities, by dismantling the programs that gave them independence and hope. For nearly two decades, Integrated Life Choices ...
When the government strikes : How California sank its fangs into a snake aversion trainer
California-based entrepreneur Jake Molieri has always been sure of one thing: No matter what his future held, it would involve animals. Since he was a little boy growing up in Northern California, he had a deep love for animals, and not just your typical dogs and cats. Jacob is a fan of everything from amphibians to exotic birds—he even owns seve ...
Fighting for 11,000 Customers Left Behind by Tennessee’s Protectionist Law
The State of Kentucky is well known for its smooth, oaky, one-of-a-kind bourbon. But what is less known about the Bluegrass State is its rich history of hemp cultivation that predates the founding of the country. Kentucky even led the nation in hemp production throughout the 19th century, directly contributing to the creation of essential rope, twi ...
Making waves : California surf instructor challenges State Parks’ permit monopoly
California native Helina Beck grew up mesmerized by her big sister Holly's passion for surfing. Holly, who is ten years Helina's senior, didn't just love surfing; she excelled at it. Eight-year-old Helina watched as her sister travelled the world, garnered sponsorships and magazine features and even starred in a reality TV show. When Helina express ...
Patients deserve better : Missouri NP takes stand against barriers to healthcare
Finding a great healthcare provider is like winning the lottery. And Nurse Practitioner (NP) Marcy Markes' patients have hit the jackpot. Since 2003, Marcy has owned and operated the Columbia Allergy and Asthma Specialists clinic in Columbia, Missouri, where she provides vital treatment to about 6,500 grateful patients a year. As a true testamen ...