Posts by Doug Mataconis

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.

Immigration And Crime: Facts Are Stubborn Things

The link between immigration and crime rates that many immigration opponents point to simply does not exist

Charles Rangel Hit With 13 Charges Of Ethics Violations

It was another bad day for Charlie Rangel, but something tells me he’s going to be just fine.

Lindsey Graham Takes Aim At “Anchor Babies”

Immigration “moderate” Lindsey Graham is suddenly sounding not so moderate.

ObamaCare Becoming More Popular ? Don’t Be So Sure

A new poll claims that the health care reform law is now supported by a majority of Americans. Don’t believe it.

Key Portions of Arizona Immigration Law Blocked By Federal Judge

Less than 24 hours before it was set to take effect, a Federal Judge has put a hold on most of the key provisions of Arizona’s immigration law.

Democrats Lack Votes For Filibuster Reform

Much to the disappointment of Ezra Klein and others, it’s unlikely that Democrats will have the votes necessary to change the filibuster when the 112th Congress convenes.

Senate Tables DISCLOSE Act, For Now

Thanks to a united Republican Caucus, the Senate failed to take up a deeply flawed campaign finance “reform” bill.

Abigail Thernstrom: New Black Panther Case Is “Small Potatoes”

Conservatives aren’t as united over the “outrage” of the New Black Panther Case as you might think.

Poll: Palin Endorsement Hurts Candidates In New Hampshire

51% of New Hampshire voters overall say they’re less likely to vote for a candidate endorsed by Palin to just 26% who say a Palin endorsement would make them more inclined to be supportive.

Tennessee Lt. Gov.: No Religious Freedom For Muslims

The Lt. Governor of Tennessee suggested recently that religious freedom possibly shouldn’t apply to Muslims, but he’s only part of the problem.

Has The Internet Ruined Political Discourse ?

The Internet has given us many good things, but it’s also led to a decline in political discourse that we’d do well to reverse before it’s too late.

WikiLeaks Documents A 21st Century Pentagon Papers ?

Will the Wikileaks document dump give even further impetus to the growing sentiment that the United States needs to leave Afghanistan ?

Debunking The “White House Wanted Libyan Bomber Released” Story

Today’s outrage of the day comes in the form of a new report claiming that the United States supported the release of the only man accused. But the report itself proves that isn’t what happened.

Maureen Dowd: There Aren’t Enough Blacks In The Obama Administration

According to Maureen Dowd, Barack Obama’s biggest problem is that there are too many white people in this picture.

Not Every Soldier Is A “Hero”

Contrary to what you read on bumper stickers, retired Lt. Col William Astore argues that not every soldier is a hero. He’s right.

Political Fight Over Expiring Bush Tax Cuts Heats Up

Congress and the White House are starting to stake out sides in the upcoming battle over extending the Bush tax cuts.

Young Voters Abandoning Obama

Barack Obama was a big hit on college campuses in 2008. Two years later, those same young voters seem to be having second thoughts.

Blogger Ethics And The Breitbart/Sherrod Story

There are some lessons for the blogosphere in this week’s Andrew Breitbart dust-up.

Pentagon Budget Cuts ? Yes, Why Not ?

With everyone concerned about the budget deficit, the idea of cutting military spending is finally gaining traction on Capitol Hill.

Michelle Bachmann Suggests Republicans Make The Same Mistakes All Over Again

If Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann gets her way, the 112th Congress will feature a lot of committees “investigating” the Obama Administration.

Leading Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Protester Discharged From Army

Recently Lt. Dan Choi chained himself to the White House fence to protest Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Yesterday, he found out that he’d been discharged from the Army because he’s gay.

Charles Rangel Facing Ethics Charges

Charles Rangel, who recently stepped aside as Chairman of House Ways And Means Committee, is facing ethics charges.