There are village tyrants, as well as village Hampdens, but none who acts under color of law is beyond reach of the Constitution. . . . The very purpose of a Bill of Rights was to withdraw certain subjects from the vicissitudes of political controversy, to place them beyond the reach of majorities and officials, … Read more
These quotes of James Madison are from Wikiquote. More Madison quotes can be found at Notable Quotes. Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes; and … Read more
Sic Semper Tyrannis – Thus ever to tyrants The phrase was recommended by George Mason to the Virginia Convention in 1776, as part of the commonwealth’s seal. The Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia shows Virtue, spear in hand, with her foot on the prostrate form of Tyranny, whose crown lies nearby. The Seal was … Read more
George Mason is known, together with James Madison, as the “Father of the Bill of Rights.” However, George Mason would be better named the “Grandfather of the Bill of Rights” since the basis for the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution was the Virginia Declaration of Rights. That all men are born equally free … Read more
As part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), P.L. 111-148, as amended, Congress enacted a “minimum coverage provision,” which compels certain individuals to have a minimum level of health insurance (i.e., an “individual mandate”). Individuals who fail to do so may be subject to a monetary penalty, administered through the tax code. … Read more
From “Proper Etiquette for When You’re Under Arrest” by Adam Martin, The Atlantic Wire, April 6, 2012 #1: Be polite, respectful, and professional with the cops, even if they’re being jerks to you. #2: Don’t say anything to the cops that you don’t have to. #3: Answer the questions they need to process you. #4: … Read more
From “7 Rules for Recording Police: Courts are expanding rights but cops are cracking down. Find out how to keep your footage, and yourself, out of trouble.” by Steve Silverman, Hit and Run, April 5, 2012 Rule #1: Know the Law (Wherever You Are) Rule #2 Don’t Secretly Record Police Rule #3: Respond to “Shit … Read more
Filibuster / Unlimited Debate Creative Commons License photo credit: PatrickRohe When a senator is recognized to speak on a pending measure, few limitations are placed on her. Debate is generally unlimited on all pending measures. A senator may yield to another senator for a question, but the senator still controls the floor. One of the … Read more
Arresting Your Cash: How Civil Forfeiture Turns Police Into Profiteers The Washington Post has an interesting report about the huge amount of money that Fairfax County spends to go after gambling. The story cites critics who ask “why law enforcement spends valuable time and money on combating sports gambling.” The answer is obvious … Read more
10 Rules for Dealing with Police (Full-Length) 10 Rules for Dealing with Police – “10 Rules for Dealing with Police, the new film from Flex Your Rights, premiered at Cato earlier this week. If you’re interested in knowing more about how to defend your rights during encounters with law enforcement, this is a … Read more