On the anniversary of the Bill of Rights, we have the Anti-Federalists to thank
On this day 234 years ago, the Bill of Rights was officially ratified. With two centuries of examples showing us how willing governments are to ignore even these enumerated rights, it's astonishing that those first ten amendments almost didn't make it into the Constitution at all. If not for a small group of determined Anti-Federalists—and the ...
Reason : They Built a Hemp Business in Good Faith but Washington Is About To Crush It
As the Senate prepared to vote on the funding bill to reopen the federal government earlier this month, Sen. Rand Paul (R–Ky.) warned that passing the legislation would "regulate the hemp industry to death." Buried deep inside the continuing resolution was a provision that would completely reverse nearly seven years of industry progress—and pot ...
Fourth Amendment rights should not depend on your proximity to the border
International travel can be a stressful experience. Between remembering passports, language barriers at foreign airports, and customs, it's enough to frustrate even the most seasoned travelers. After a long journey, there is no greater relief than landing safely back in America, clearing customs, and heading home. But that relief turned to horro ...
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 ...