NJ S.Ct. Changes Rules on Eyewitness ID's.

Faulty eyewitness identifications are one of the main causes of wrongful convictions. The NJ Supreme Court tightens up the rules on such testimony. Overall, I think this is a good move.

Left-wing Attack on Constitutional Rights

These proposed federal rules are an example of left-wing political correctness that diminishes constitutional protection. Welcome to the Obama version of the Constitution. To paraphrase an old saying: Eternal vigilance as to attacks from both the left and right is the price of liberty.

County owes over $4.1 BILLION

Yes folks, you read it correctly, a COUNTY owes at total of over $4.1 BILLION. That's Billion with a "B," not Million with an "M." I bet there are some NATIONS out there that don't owe that much. This is mind-boggling! According to the Dallas Morning News, the county's "problems arise from a mix of outdated sewer pipes, the economy, court rulings and public corruption". (Sat. Aug. 13, p. 5A, col. 1-4.) The biggest debt is $3.1 for the sewer system. Looks like the the strategy of buying votes by spending but not raising taxes adequately has finally caught up with some folks. These county leaders need to think about running for Congress! Where do the voters find these people? It looks like irresponsible spending exists at all levels of government (U.S. California, Jefferson County). For more see link.

More on the "entitlement mentality"

Let's not forget about small town newspapers as sources of insight.

Challenge to law forbidding taping cops in public

ACLU v. Alvarez. Even if you are not an ACLU fan, this suit needed to be brought. Hopefully the statute will be struck down. This is the type of law you come to expect from one of nations most corrupt states.

Great piece from Thomas Sowell

Great article by Thomas Sowell. Although I do not always agree with him, and use of the term "degeneration" may be a little strong, in all 3 parts of this series he pretty much hits the nail on the head. Especially relevant is his statement: "Our elites often advise us to learn from other countries. They usually mean that we should imitate other countries. But it may be far more important to learn from their mistakes -- the biggest of which may be listening to fashionable nonsense from the smug intelligentsia.These [western European and Mediterranean] countries show us where that smug nonsense leads. It may be a sneak preview of our own future". Please read the prior two parts. Part Two is here.

Great website on Mexican and Border Problems.

M3 Report is a great website for those interested in Mexican and border problems. Scroll down to subscribe.

My apologies to Followers

The followers list has disappeared from my and other blogs. I have not deleted you. Blogger has been working on a fix since July 28. However, no fix yet. If anyone knows of a fix, please let me know.

Great Report on Gun Control

Great report from CRS regarding gun control. See esp. the rate data on p. Although the number of firearms in the U.S. increases each year, the rate of firearms murders has been declining since 2006. See also "gun-related statistics" on p. 4 regarding lack of evidence on a causal connection.

Same Sex Marriage and the Supreme Court

Excellent article. In the end, the Supreme Court will rule that states must recognize same-sex marriage.

Interesting First Amendment Case

Chaos in California. Is this country starting to slip into a police state mode? It's BART again!

11th Circuit strikes down individual mandate in Obamacare

The 11th Circuit has found the individual mandate in Obamacare unconstitutional. I agree with the decision. If the idea of enumerated powers and a government with Art I limits on its powers is to remain meaningful, this has to be done. Lower courts have split about 50/50 on this. This will be the big case for the 2011-2012 term.

Trouble in paradise

Rioting in the British socialist paradise.

Good piece on Obamacare & the Constitution

Good short piece on Obamacare, the Supreme Court and the Constitution. Scroll down to find it if necessary

Polygamist leader Warren Jeffs found guilty.

FLDS church leader Warren Jeffs was convicted of child sexual assault and faces up to 119 years in prison. Is it just me or does it seem that there's something wrong with those who believe that a man in his 50's can get to heaven by having sex with young girls?

Danziger Bridge Cops Found Guilty

Five curent and former New Orleans cops found guilty in the death of 2 on NO's Danziger Bridge during the Katrina aftermath. Some of the convictions involved attempts to cover up the truth of the incident. Jurors found the officer guilty on almost all counts. Sentencing will be in Dec. All officers face long prison sentences Glad to see the courts sending a message to the police, public and the victims.

Findlaw's top 5 recent S.Ct. decisions

Findlaw's five top Supreme Court decisions of 2010-11 term. I agree with #1 (Snyder) and #3 (King). I have mixed feelings about # 4 (Brown) It is well established that minors get less First Amend. protection. The argument that parents will protect their children is a joke. Interestingly, one very liberal (Breyer) and one very conservative (Thomas) Justice dissented. Don't know enough about 2 and 5 to express an opinion. What do you think?

NRA & others call for AG Holder's Resignation

The outrage over Operation Fast and Furious and other "missteps" by the USDOJ has led to calls for Obama's Attorney General to resign. Not likely to happen with elections coming up next year. Resignation would be interpreted as a sign of culpability.

Latest on Notorious 1971 Skyjacker "D.B. Cooper"

One of the most famous unsolved American crimes was the 1971 skyjacking by "D.B. Cooper." Here's the latest.

More Second Amendment Challenges to Ill. Gun Law

Illinois has some of the most restrictive gun control laws in nation. They are increasingly coming under legal attack. Stay tuned.

Officer Charged in Taser Incident

A Pa. police officer faces multiple charges involving use of a Taser. I don't know if it is an artifact of more complete reporting, but it seems to me that criminal charges against police officers seem to be more common in the recent past than in the prior 11 years.

Video Honoring Slain Border Patrol Agent

New video honors slain Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.