New ethics law bites hard in Louisiana

I’m absolutely delighted to be able to tell you that the new ethics laws in Louisiana are biting very hard indeed. This State has long been a by-word for political corruption, nepotism and inefficiency. Newly-elected Governor Bobby Jindal campaigned on a promise of government reform, and despite a few mis-steps while he finds his feet,… Continue reading New ethics law bites hard in Louisiana

Has anyone ever called this guy a SOB?

How about ‘trash’? Or ‘gutter scum’? Or ‘worthless POS’? If they haven’t, I can only admire their self-control. That, ladies and gentlemen, is Representative James H. Fagan of the Massachusetts state assembly. If you want to know why I’m pissed off at him, you can read this Fox News report. My buddy Lawdog has also… Continue reading Has anyone ever called this guy a SOB?

Politicians and the price of gasoline

If you’ve been wondering about why gasoline prices are so high, the answer’s not difficult to find. The superb Ed Wallace has published two articles that give the background to the rampant speculation in oil futures that’s driving up the prices we pay at the pump. The problem isn’t supply and demand, as so many… Continue reading Politicians and the price of gasoline

Soweto, 1976

Today, June 16th, is the anniversary of the Soweto uprising in South Africa in 1976. This was an extraordinary day in that country’s history. The schoolchildren of Soweto, near Johannesburg, the country’s largest city and its commercial hub, rose in rebellion against a requirement of the apartheid government that they learn in Afrikaans, the ‘language… Continue reading Soweto, 1976

Marriage annulled on the grounds of non-virginity

There’s a legal storm brewing in France. The French government said it will appeal a court decision to grant a marriage annulment to a Muslim on the grounds his wife lied about her virginity, after the verdict sparked a public uproar. Justice Minister Rachida Dati has asked state prosecutors to file an appeal against the… Continue reading Marriage annulled on the grounds of non-virginity