The Dallas-based Institute for Creation Research is seeking state approval to train science teachers. This is one of those ideas that should be left on the shelf, right next to Lynne Spears’ book on parenting.
Author Archive | Jonathan H. Adler
The Archivist Who Challenged Cheney:
Newsweek has an interesting interview with J. William Leonard, until recently director of the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) in the National Archives, and his conflicts with the Vice President’s office over the classification of government documents. The veteran National Archives official challenged claims by the Office of Vice President (OVP) to be exempt from […]
Bowden on the Waterboarding of Abu Zubaydah:
Agree with his conclusions or not, Mark Bowden is always worth reading. His reporting on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism efforts, from Black Hawk Down to his articles on torture and interrogation methods in The Atlantic (see here and here) are riveting, thought-provoking, and often unsettling. Few, if any, journalists have covered these issues and events with […]
Does It Matter EPA Staff Opposed Waiver Decision?
Several news outlets report that EPA career staff recommended that Administrator Stephen Johnson approve California
Candidate Views of Executive Power:
The Boston Globe surveyed the presidential candidates on their views of executive power, and nine of the candidates (three Republicans, six Democrats) responded. The story and links to the survey are here.
Sunday Song Lyric:
The Pogues‘ song “Fairytale of New York” is a very popular Christmas song across the pond. In 2004 it won a poll as the best Christmas song of all time. This year the song is the source of controversy, however, as the BBC is editing the lyrics when playing it on the air. BBC
What Next for Federal GHG Emission Rules?
Does the new energy legislation and the EPA’s decision to deny California a waiver under the Clean Air Act have any effect on the federal government’s plans to adopt federal controls on vehicular emissions of greenhouse gases? Perhaps. A key provision in the new energy bill requires an increase in automotive fuel economy over the […]
Alternative Views of the EPA Waiver Decision:
My interpretation of the Act and relevant language places me at odds with some of the folks cited in this Washington Post story about the EPA’s decision to deny California a waiver of Clean Air Act preemption. For example: “By refusing to grant California’s waiver request for its new motor vehicle standards to control greenhouse […]
EPA’s Decision to Deny California’s Waiver Request:
In my view, the EPA
EPA Denies California’s Waiver Request:
Earlier today, the EPA denied California’s request for a waiver of preemption under the Clean Air Act for California’s regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles. Based upon the EPA release, the passage of a federal energy bill that will impose more stringent automobile fuel economy standards is one of the justifications for […]
Entertainment Rating Systems:
Speaking of movie ratings and the MPAA, William Ford has an extensive post on entertainment rating systems on the Empirical Legal Studies blog. His post was prompted by this study concluding that governmental entertainment rating systems are not necessary, and that private systems tend to be superior.
Administration Backtracks on JAG Proposal:
Today’s Boston Globe reports “The Bush administration is dropping a plan to take control over the promotions of military lawyers, following an outpouring of alarm over the independence of uniformed attorneys who have repeatedly objected to the White House’s policies toward prisoners in the war on terrorism.” Among other things, the story notes that the […]
Saudi Prince Pardons Rape Victim:
The AP reports: A woman sentenced to prison and a public lashing after being gang-raped has been pardoned by the Saudi monarch in a case that sparked an international outcry, including rare criticism from the United States, the kingdom’s top ally. . . . With the pardon, Abdullah appeared to be aiming to relieve the […]
Brig. Gen. Hartmann Responds to Col. Davis:
In today’s Los Angeles Times, Air Force Brigadier General Thomas Hartmann responds to the recent op-ed by former Gitmo prosecutor Col. Morris Davis alleging that the military tribunal process was unfair and unduly politicized. My former colleague Amos Guiora finds Hartmann’s essay unresponsive and unpersuasive.
MPAA Rejects Documentary Poster for Hood Image:
The MPAA has deemed the one-sheet for the documentary “Taxi to the Dark Side” too provocative for general audiences. Why? The poster for the documentary on torture depicts a hooded prisoner walking between two soldiers. Apparently the MPAA does not allow posters with hoods of this sort. An MPAA spokesman said: “We treat all films […]