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.
Wait, I Thought The President Said “No Boots On The Ground” In Libya
Remember when President Obama said there would be “no boots on the ground” in Libya? You didn’t actually believe that, did you?
A Brief History Of Federal Government Shutdowns
History tells us that if there is a shutdown tonight, it will most likely be a short one.
Cynical Political Games, Military Pay, And Government Shutdowns
For the past day or so, America’s fighting men have been pawns in a cynical political game.
Government Shutdown Now Seems Inevitable
There are still three days left, but it’s looking less and less likely that a budget deal will be reached in time to avoid a government shutdown.
Paul Ryan Unveils Plan To Cut Federal Spending By $6 Trillion Over Ten Years
Paul Ryan unveiled an ambitious plan to cut the deficit today. The question is whether it will be the beginning of a debate, or an opportunity for Democratic demagoguery
Obama Administration To Abandon Plans For Civilian Trials For 9/11 Plotters
The Obama Administration has given up on the idea of trying the September 11th suspects in a civilian court. Considering how much that trial would have perverted the justice system, that’s a good thing.
Was There Really An Imminent Humanitarian Crisis In Libya?
President Obama says he acted in Libya to avert an imminent genocide, but there’s no evidence that any such thing was about to occur.
Make A Budget Deal, And Move On To The Bigger Fight
Rather than fighting over the remnants of the FY 2011 budget, the GOP should make a deal and get ready for the bigger, and more important, battle ahead.
Blame The Afghan Rioters For Murder, But Condemn The Demagogues Too
The only people responsible for the murders in Afghanistan are the people who committed them, but the demagogues like Terry Jones deserve condemnation as well.
