Posts by Doug Mataconis
About Doug Mataconis
Doug Mataconis held a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University and J.D. from George Mason University School of Law. He joined the staff of OTB in May 2010 and contributed a staggering 16,483 posts before his retirement in January 2020. He passed far too young in July 2021.
Is Social Security A Ponzi Scheme?
Whether it’s a “Ponzi Scheme” or not, Social Security has serious systemic problems that must be addressed.
Obama Jobs Speech Tough On Rhetoric, Light On Substance
Not surprisingly, there was very little about the President’s jobs speech to write home about.
Rick Perry And The Third Rail of American Politics
Rick Perry took a stroll down the third rail of American politics last night.
Fourth Circuit Tosses Challenges To Affordable Care Act, Declines To Rule On Merits
Both Virginia lawsuits challenging the Affordable Care Act have been dismissed by a Federal Appeals Court.
Cheering For Death At The Reagan Library Debate
There was a somewhat disturbing moment during last night’s GOP Debate.
The “Green Jobs” Boondoggle
America is discovering that throwing money at an industry in the hope it will create jobs doesn’t work.
Reagan Library Debate Winners And Losers
There were eight people on the stage last night, but the GOP field has narrowed significantly.
Past Comments On Social Security Could Pose Problems For Rick Perry
Rick Perry’s big mistake may have been putting his opinions about Social Security on paper.
Mitt Romney Unveils Economic Plan To Mixed Reviews
Mitt Romney’s jobs plan is detailed, but it doesn’t seem to be impressing anyone.
Have Conservatives Finally Had Enough Of Sarah Palin?
The Sarah Palin bloom seems to be off the rose.
Democrats Fear Obama’s Jobs Plan Will Be Too Little, Too Late
Democrats are fearing the President’s jobs plan will be underwhelming. Based on initial reports, it looks like their fears are well-placed.
In Defense Of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Everyone has rights, even the person accused of the most vile of crimes.
Will Obama’s Perceived Weakness Cause Republicans To Overreach?
Assuming that the President is easy to beat could cause Republicans to move too far to the right.
President Obama’s Job Ratings Sink Amid Economic Pessimism
With most of the public looking at the future and not seeing anything good, the President is suffering
Acting BATF Director Reassigned In Wake Of Gunrunning Scandal
Why was the ATF allowing thousands of weapons to be smuggled to Mexican drug gangs?
Rick Perry Holds Commanding Lead In GOP Race, But Obama Still Competitive In General Election
Is the GOP race really down to just two men at this point?
Betting With The Public’s Money: The Lessons Of The Solyndra Bankruptcy
The Solyndra case is a classic example of what’s wrong with “government investment.”
Can A President Become Irrelevant?
No matter how weak he becomes, no President will ever be completely irrelevant to the political process.
The “Responsibility To Protect” Doctrine After Libya
What does the apparent outcome of the war in Libya mean for the so-called “Responsibility To Protect” doctrine?
When You’ve Lost Maureen Dowd And Frank Rich……….
The bloom is off the rose for some of the President’s most ardent 2008 supporters.
Sarah Palin Continues To Tease Supporters In Largely Pointless Speech
Sarah Palin’s much-anticipated Tea Party speech in Iowa was, in the end, much ado about nothing.
Rick Perry’s Immigration Stance Not Exactly Hard-Line Conservative
Rick Perry’s position on immigration-related issues could be a problem for the same conservatives who have been getting behind him.
Obama Adminsitration Backtracking On Smog Rules Angers Environmentalists
Environmentalists are upset by President Obama’s decision to abandon stringent new smog regulations, but he made the right decision.
The Absurdity Of Anti-Bullying Laws
The latest push for laws against bullying is another example of the Nanny State rum amok.
