A Humble Poltician is a Good Politician

Link: Political Notebook by Daniel Scarpinato : Farley gets singed on procedural misstep. "After avoiding a possible ethics violation Thursday, state Rep. Steve Farley spent the rest of the day doing some soul searching and meditation. The whole incident started when Farley, D-Tucson, grabbed his mic on the House floor and complained that Rep. Andy … Read more

RenziGate Roundup 3/2

The House ethics committee has decided to open their own investigation into allegations of embezzlement and extortion against Dick using a 4-member, bipartisan sub-committee. The panel does not have the power to require Renzi’s expulsion from the House, although they can recommend this action and the House could unseat Renzi with a 2/3rds vote • … Read more

The Presumption of Innocence and the Assumption of Guilt

Innocent until proven guilty. If ever there were a legal motto that is observed more the breach than in the main, this is it. The Presumption of innocence is a nice formality, but everyone, and especially conservatives, are generally ready to lock up a criminal who is merely charged with a crime. Regardless of the … Read more

Still Think You Live in the Most Free Country on Earth?

Police routinely abuse their authority and discretion in the face of peaceful exercise of civil rights. We need to demand better training and more accountability when violations like this one occur. At least they weren’t beaten, pepper-sprayed, arrested, held without charge or trial, tortured and/or killed. This time.