Policy Pitfalls – The Wrong Pocket Problem
Healthcare / Politics

Policy Pitfalls – The Wrong Pocket Problem

A source of frustration for policy makers is that effective policy and feasible policy do not always neatly intersect. Of course the political climate determines the reforms that receive serious attention, but some proposals fail even without ideological opposition. One roadblock for evidence-backed proposals that policy makers must navigate is the “wrong pocket problem”. The … Continue reading

Why the Founding Fathers Would Dislike “Obamacare”
Affordable Care Act / Fiscal policy / Politics / Tax

Why the Founding Fathers Would Dislike “Obamacare”

Among the many popular topics of the 2016 presidential campaigns, healthcare remains a timeless defining issue sparking vivid debate on both sides of the political spectrum. In the 2016 presidential campaign, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – commonly referred to as “Obamacare” – has become the privileged scapegoat. However, beyond the political contention, an aspect … Continue reading

House GOP’s Dodd-Frank Fix: A Market-Based Solution
Politics / Regulation

House GOP’s Dodd-Frank Fix: A Market-Based Solution

When Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan started as Speaker of the House last October, he promised to outline a Republican vision on policies for the 2016 election. Last week, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), began that process by outlining a bill designed to replace the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform … Continue reading

Apple, Inc. vs. Federal Bureau of Investigation: A Legally Dubious Order
Communications / Constitution / Politics

Apple, Inc. vs. Federal Bureau of Investigation: A Legally Dubious Order

Editor’s Note: This article appears as the second of a three-part series dealing with the recent legal battle between Apple and the F.B.I. over a court order requiring Apple to break into the phone of one of the San Bernardino Shooters. Jon examines the legal underpinning of the case.   My colleague Alessandra does an excellent job … Continue reading

Apple, Inc. vs. Federal Bureau of Investigation: An Encrypted Debate
Communications / National Security / Politics

Apple, Inc. vs. Federal Bureau of Investigation: An Encrypted Debate

Editor’s Note: This article appears as the first of a three-part series dealing with the recent legal battle between Apple and the F.B.I. over a court order requiring Apple to break into the phone of one of the San Bernardino Shooters. Alessandra establishes the background and calls on the government to create a commission to address this … Continue reading

Republican or Democrat, Let’s Wait on a Nominee
Constitution / Politics

Republican or Democrat, Let’s Wait on a Nominee

The legal world was shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Supreme Court justice and conservative intellectual giant, Antonin Scalia. Appointed by Ronald Reagan, Antonin Scalia could always be counted on as one of the “conservative” members of the Court, in addition to promoting his “originalist” interpretation of the constitution. After he died, it … Continue reading