On February 1, 2013, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on its contraception/abortifacient mandate. HHS claims the proposed rules adequately “accommodate” religious liberty by exempting employers who are religiously-affiliated, such as … [Read more...]
‘No Discrimination of Abortion Rights’ a Dangerous Policy
Dan Smyth | February 15, 2013
New York could soon shut down Catholic and other health care providers for not offering or referring for abortions. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, with enough support in the New York state legislature, could sign a reproductive health act (RHA) this year. Among other actions, the act … [Read more...]
Government Classes Needed for Civic Literacy
Pat Cuadros | February 6, 2013
In December 2012, the District of Columbia State Board of Education (DCSBOE) released a final draft of proposed revisions to high school graduation requirements in Washington, D.C. If DCSBOE approves the revisions in March 2013, then D.C.’s high schools would no longer require students to take a … [Read more...]
Front Yard to Fork: Grow Your Own and Be Free
Brad Jordan | February 1, 2013
Food rebels are planting seeds of independence in their front and backyards all over America, despite oppressive laws enforced by local officials. From Florida to Michigan to Montana, people are visiting grocery stores less and growing their own food as an affordable alternative to get fresh, … [Read more...]
Plan B in the Vending Machine? No Surprise There
Maggen Elizabeth Stone | January 31, 2013
Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania is now providing Plan B, an emergency contraceptive that sometimes acts as an abortifacient, to its students through a vending machine. And the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves of this practice. When the news broke tweets and re-tweets relating … [Read more...]
Our New Congress: Revisiting Larry Sabato’s “A More Perfect Constitution”
Pat Cuadros | January 24, 2013
Last week, my brother and I were having lunch with a longtime friend when politics entered our conversation. Because Congress may soon pursue budget cuts and a higher debt ceiling, our friend had strong opinions about members of Congress. She believes Congress is taking too long to resolve these … [Read more...]
2013’s March for Life: C’mon, Libertarians!
Dan Smyth | January 15, 2013
With 2013’s March for Life in Washington, D.C., approaching on January 25th, I ask: Will many libertarians attend? A recent Cato Institute study said 37% of libertarians are pro-life, versus 31% of Democrats, 45% of independents, and 68% of Republicans. Many libertarians believe the false claims … [Read more...]
O Hobby Lobby, Art Thou a Religious Employer?
Dan Smyth | January 3, 2013
Last week, Hobby Lobby, a Christian-owned chain, said it will defy the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)' contraception/abortifacient mandate. The owners, who oppose abortifacients but not contraceptives, claim that the abortifacient part of the mandate violates the owners' and … [Read more...]
Miss Venezuela’s Answer: Conservatism or Libertarianism?
Dan Smyth | December 23, 2012
During last Wednesday’s Miss Universe 2012 competition in Las Vegas, a judge asked Miss Venezuela Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, "If you could make a new law, what would it be?" To many news outlets' amusement, Miss Venezuela, whose second language is English, gave the following answer: I think … [Read more...]
Land of the Pilgrims’ Pride: A Christmas Gift of Liberty
Pat Cuadros | December 20, 2012
If your family celebrates Christmas, then you probably know Christmas is five days away. If you are a conservative or libertarian and have a young child, maybe you’re searching for a gift to give him or her about liberty and our nation’s history. Look no further than Land of the Pilgrims’ Pride, … [Read more...]
