Author Archives: Stephen Littau

Fred Thompson on Federalism

Election '08, Federalism, General, Government Regulation, Politics, Quote of the Day, Separation Of Powers, The Bill Of Rights, Theory and Ideas

More here on Thompson’s essay on federalism

I don’t know a whole lot about Fred Thompson’s record at this point, but I do like most of what he has to say about federalism. He’s at least speaking my language:

Before anything else, folks in Washington ought to be asking first and foremost, “Should government be doing this? And if so, then at what level of government?”

Among the candidates who actually have a chance of winning the nomination, who else is even asking this question? Giuliani? McCain? Romney? Huckabee? I think not. As I have said before, the perfect candidate is not in this race. Fred Thompson is by no means a libertarian either (but neither was Ronald Reagan). Brad has raised some legitimate questions about Thompson which also need to be fleshed out.

I’m by no means endorsing Fred Thompson at this point but as far as I can tell at this moment, he may be the least worst choice. We should at least hear him out and take a look at his record before writing him off.

Stephen Littau
http://fpffressminds.blogspot.com/

Nifong Goes to Jail; Exonerated Players Seek Settlement and Reform

Crime and Punishment, General, Legal, Police Watch

RALEIGH, N.C. – The prosecutor who led the now-discredited Duke lacrosse rape case reported to jail Friday to serve a 24-hour sentence for contempt of court. The city, meanwhile, was in settlement talks with the three exonerated players.

According to a person close to the case, attorneys for the three players are seeking $30 million from Durham and reforms in the legal process.

If the terms aren’t met, they will sue early next month, the person told The Associated Press on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the proposed settlement wasn’t complete…

[…]

Attorneys Brendan Sullivan and Barry Scheck met Wednesday with Durham officials to discuss a possible settlement to avoid a lawsuit. The lawyers stressed that the money — about $10 million each for David Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann over five years — must be accompanied by legal reforms, the person close to the case told AP.

Obviously, I am very disappointed that Michael Nifong is only serving one day in jail for his disgraceful criminal behavior and even more disappointed that that lying whore Crystal Mangum who made the false charges in the first place is apparently getting a pass. But in the grand scheme of things, if these young men are successful in receiving their settlement and force reforms in the legal process, maybe future cases like this will be handled more carefully. As I have mentioned before, it should be very expensive for governments which make mistakes such as this when someone’s freedom is at stake.

Stephen Littau
http://fpffressminds.blogspot.com/

That Sam Brownback Sure Can Draw a Crowd!

Church and State, Dumbasses and Authoritarians, Election '08, General, Humor, Individual Rights, Politics, Privacy, Religious Liberty, Reproductive Rights, The Nanny State

https://i2.wp.com/x7d.xanga.com/ee3c0210c0c32145919714/m108165385.jpg?w=860

This photo just warms my heart. Here we have the Christian Right’s dream candidate Sam Brownback drawing…let’s just say a less than impressive crowd in New Hampshire. Could it be that his vision of government imposed family values isn’t resonating even within the G.O.P.? Could this be a sign that maybe, just maybe the Christian Right is losing some if its control over the party? That would probably be too optimistic of an assessment but hope springs eternal.

Related:
Not Even to Save the Life of the Mother

Stephen Littau
http://fpffressminds.blogspot.com/

Jimmy Justice: Policing the Police

Crime and Punishment, Dumbasses and Authoritarians, Equal Protection, Media, Police Watch, Technology, The Surveillance State

As a general rule, I believe that most police officers are brave, respectable, and truly do their best to honor their mission statement: to serve and protect. As with any organization, there are some bad apples, however. And what happens when a police officer abuses his or her badge to break the law or harass a citizen? If it goes to court and it’s the citizen’s word against the police officer’s, unfortunately, many judges and juries will give the police officer the benefit of the doubt.

As Doug has pointed out in several of his posts, cities are considering adding surveillance cameras on city streets to keep an eye on the citizens. One man who calls himself Jimmy Justice is turning the tables and is doing some surveillance of his own on police officers and government officials who abuse the power given to them by the public.

As you might expect, some of these government officials don’t appreciate their bad behavior filmed and later broadcast on the internet for the whole world to see. Jimmy Justice’s work has put public pressure on the respective government agencies to investigate these incidents further and take disciplinary action.

In a time where government is taking more and more control over our lives, its refreshing to see that everyday citizens have the will and the technology to serve as a check on government abuse of power. This first clip is a news story on Jimmy Justice and his mission to police the police.

This second video is Jimmy Justice confronting a police officer who parked in front of a fire hydrant (if an average citizen were to do the same thing he or she would be ticketed and fined). Notice the contempt this woman and her friend have for the citizens; it’s both disturbing and revealing.

WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS PROFANITY. IF YOU ARE OFFENDED BY PROFANITY DON’T WATCH.

Stephen Littau
http://fpffressminds.blogspot.com/
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