The Responsibility Question

On Monday I was a guest at the Southland Chamber of Commerce luncheon, which featured a debate for the office of Illinois Treasurer between Robin Kelly and Dan Rutherford. A great question came from the audience which highlights the difference between the candidates in this race, but also is a larger example of the problem that we have in America.  At the end of the debate, a woman stood up expressing... [Read more]

“It’s Complicated”

No, this post isn’t about the movie by the same name.  This post is about the surprisingly astute commentary by Jon Stewart on The Daily Show.  For my more sensitive readers, please forgive the name of the video and periodic colorful language (Jon’s writers, not my idea).  At about the three-minute mark, Stewart begins addressing the response from Washington to the BP spill in the Gulf. Here’s... [Read more]

Complexity and Regulation

Conventional wisdom says that as the world becomes more and more complex, the case can be made for increasing government regulation.  After all, in a world of increased complexity, how can the innocent be expected to be protected?  Who, in other words, looks out for the little guy? I was asked recently which version of the financial reform bill I thought was better, the House’s or the Senate’s. ... [Read more]

Jefferson on Original Intent

Originalism is a topic that requires its own fully-developed post, and one which I think I’ll address in the coming days, but I saw this quote this morning which I wanted to share. There’s an important distinction to be made between “original intent” and “original meaning” but suffice it to say for now that one is more geared towards understanding history and government,... [Read more]

The “Living Constitution” argument

It’s important – if we want to win the battle of ideas – that we understand the other side’s arguments. Once we do, we can begin to answer their objections. It is my belief that while there are some people who will never see the world the way I do, there are others, more numerous, who just have objections that can be overcome; and that overcoming those objections is a very important... [Read more]