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.
NATO Airstrike Kills Libyan Rebels
A NATO airstrike killed 13 rebel fighters, who were mistaken for Gaddafi’s forces. Apparently, they were shooting at NATO planes.
House Republicans Have Forgotten How A Bill Becomes A Law
House Republicans engaged in a publicity stunt on Friday that displayed a profound misunderstanding of how government actually works in the United States.
Michele Bachmann Takes In More Donations Than Any Other Republican
Michele Bachmann raised more money in the First Quarter of 2011 than any other Republican. Which means that she’ll have to be taken seriously if she decides to run for President.
The Intellectual Silliness Of An Obama Supporter
The ability of people to put aside rational judgment when it comes to political figures is, in a word, puzzling.
John Boehner Doesn’t Want A Shutdown Next Week, But The Tea Party Does
The next week promises to be a battle between John Boehner and the Tea Party over whether or not compromise is a good idea.
Most Of What Americans “Know” About The Federal Budget Is Wrong
The American people have no idea what’s really in the Federal Budget, which makes any discussion about what to cut virtually impossible.
Affordable Care Act Lawsuits On Track For Supreme Court Review In 2012
Given the schedule they’re on in the Courts of Appeals, it is likely that the Supreme Court will rule on one or more of the lawsuits challenging the Constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act just before the start of the 2012 campaign.
Unemployment Rate Falls To 8.8%, A Two-Year Low
Since November, the Unemployment Rate has fallen a full percentage point, a sign that this is more than just a minor recovery.
Study: Rising Gas Prices Don’t Impact Consumption
A new study suggests that increases in the price of gasoline have very little impact on consumer behavior. If that’s true, it has serious implications for energy policy.
Barack Obama’s Imperial Presidency
Like all Presidents before him, Barack Obama is asserting the right to virtually unfettered discretion when it comes to military matters.
U.S. Moves To Aid Libyan Rebels As Evidence Mounts Of Their Ties To Al Qaeda
The U.S. seems to be on the verge of changing war strategies in Libya, even as it becomes clear that these rebels aren’t necessarily our friends.
Obama’s Approval Numbers Back In The Basement
The President’s winter polling bounce is gone, and he’s looking vulnerable again.
Injustice From The Supreme Court, Courtesy Of Justice Thomas And His Fellow Conservatives
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court has told prosecutors that they can get away with withholding evidence that clears an innocent defendant and never have to face the consequences of their action. That is an outrage.
