Bad science makes bad law. Increasingly, science is ignored in the rush to protect consumers from phantom menaces: trace chemicals in our bodies, minuscule pesticide residues on foods, electromagnetic radiation from power lines, and so forth. A recent example of this type of thinking is embodied in a California legislative proposal that would ban an important class of chemicals.
As New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg pushes for state approval of his congestion pricing plan, the state insists on double taxing nonresidents who telecommute to New York.
Before the state finalizes a traffic reduction plan - and before the federal government finances it - the state should take a consistent stand on traffic and pollution by abolishing the telecommuter tax.
Now that telework is recognized as part of the solution to such diverse challenges as global warming, pandemic flu and homeland security, it makes sense to encourage it. That’s why federal lawmakers have re-introduced the Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act – legislation that would abolish the penalty tax threatening Americans nationwide who telecommute to out-of-state employers.
Sunday, 29 April 2007 00:00
Written by Judge Richard A. Posner
The early Presidential campaigning season is replete with complaints, discussions, and proposals concerning the health care system, widely regarded as broken.
One candidate, Democratic Senator John Edwards has proposed a comprehensive reform that he calls "Universal Health Care through Shared Responsibility.
Though Judge Posner finds the plan "commendable for its detail and clarity," he sees "an element of fantasy" in the reforms proposed.
Thursday, 15 February 2007 00:00
Written by Irwin R. Kramer
For a politician, talking out of both sides of one's mouth can turn off voters.
For lawyers, inconsistent or "alternative arguments" can be a way of life. Yet, LTVN's Irwin Kramer finds that, even in the courtroom, lawyers who rest on them may lose votes from jurors ...
LEGAL TELEVISION NETWORK FILLS PROGRAMMING GAP
Public policy in California parodies itself yet again.
Now that telework is recognized as part of the solution to such diverse challenges as global warming, pandemic flu and homeland security, it makes sense to encourage it. That’s why federal lawmakers have re-introduced the Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act – legislation that would abolish the penalty tax threatening Americans nationwide who telecommute to out-of-state employers.
The early Presidential campaigning season is replete with complaints, discussions, and proposals concerning the health care system, widely regarded as broken.
For a politician, talking out of both sides of one's mouth can turn off voters.