Not content to let the feds have all the fun, local governments are increasing their surveillance of citizens.Details
So much for the idea of the federal government reforming itself.
During the so-called government shutdown, Politico reported that the NSA’s surveillance panel, supposedly established to remedy the agency’s illegal behavior, went on hiatus.
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper was slated to head up the panel. You might remember he infamously lied under oath about spying allegations. Now that the government is back open for business, it still remains uncertain when, or if, the panel will resume operations.
And even if it does convene, does anybody actually think Clapper and company will do anything to protect the people?Details
At the National Constitution Center’s “Constitution Daily” blog, Doug Kendall and Tom Donnelly (Constitutional Accountability Center): Big Battles Brewing over the Constitution’s Original Meaning. From the introduction: For decades, debates over the Constitution divided along familiar lines. Progressives professed faith in a “living Constitution,” while conservatives claimed fidelity to originalism. In recent terms, however, this dynamic…Details
Does nullification work?
Some argue that it does not. Sometimes they call it ineffective political posturing. Sometimes they claim we simply can’t overcome a powerful government through nullification strategies. Sometimes they don’t even have a reason; they just swear it won’t work.
But here’s the thing…it has!
First we need to understand the goal of nullification. Ultimately, we simply want to render a law unenforceable and irrelevant. It doesn’t matter if the law remains on the books. If the authorities can’t or simply won’t enforce it any more, we can claim success.
But does it really work?