Farmers & Ranchers & Astrophysics

In 2008, the world's largest array for detecting ultra-high energy cosmic rays -- the most energetic particles in the universe -- was completed in Argentina by the Pierre Auger Observatory. Now the Observatory is hoping to build a new array in the northern hemisphere: a tremendous undertaking. To be based in Colorado, the array would consist of a network of 4400 tanks, each 12 feet in diameter, placed 1.4 miles apart to cover 8,000 square miles (20,000 square kilometers). “As far as size goes, it’s really amazing,” says Angela Olinto, an astrophysicist who is part of that consortium, as well as a member of the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics. “You have to drive for hours to cross from one side to the other.” Size, however, is only one key to its success; the network of tanks will also crisscross farms and ranches. This means scientists need more than ingenuity; also important is recruiting communities -- including farmers and ranchers more interested in agriculture than astrophysics -- to become partners in exploring the sky. In Colorado, along with organizing and participating in a range of community meetings, scientists have set up tanks at community centers around southeastern Colorado so farmers and ranchers could actually see what the scientists plan to build. This way “they can kick it and they can see that it is smooth and it won’t hurt their livestock,” says John Harton, an Auger Observatory scientist at Colorado State University who serves as a liaison with the local community...read more

This Land Ain’t your Land; this Land Is my Land

Since the Kelo decision, the debate over eminent domain has only grown more heated. Proponents of eminent domain claim that its use for economic redevelopment is a valuable tool for local policy makers and that a blanket ban on using eminent domain to foster economic growth would tie the hands of government officials in their ongoing battle against blight. Opponents argue that economic redevelopment does not constitute “public use,” which the Constitution requires governments to show in order to justify takings. They argue that increased takings weaken private property rights due in part to the lack of a bright-line standard on what specifically constitutes “public use.” They also note that eminent domain takings are inherently politicized, so local governments may be biased in favor of larger, politically connected property owners and interests, at the expense of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and homeowners—particularly those at the lower end of the income scale. Moreover, use of eminent domain circumvents market processes that could better promote economic development...read more

Montana eases wolf-killing regulations

Montana’s top wildlife official acknowledged Friday that the state has too many wolves on the landscape, so he’s implementing a new strategy that will allow problem wolves to be killed more quickly by federal agents. In a hearing before the Environmental Quality Council, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Joe Maurier said federal Wildlife Services agents no longer need FWP authorization to kill wolves at or near confirmed livestock depredation sites. The agents also will be able to immediately kill any wolves that are trapped when they return to those sites to feed on dead livestock. “For the amount of conflict we have in all sectors today, we probably have too many wolves on the landscape,” Maurier told the council. “We had tolerable conflict on the landscape; now it’s intolerable. Now we have to go back to the point where it’s tolerable at all levels but we still have a viable population.” He noted that Montana’s wolf management plan allows them to make revisions when needed, as long as the state meets certain population levels. Maurier added that he expects the wolf hunting quota to be increased next season from the initial statewide quota of 75 as another way to lower the wolf population. Initial estimates put Montana’s wolf population at 500 animals this year, which is about the same as last year...read more

Rumors of wolves have some in Colorado howling

The news had scarcely gotten out that a western Colorado rancher suspected he had wolves on his land when the phone started ringing at state wildlife offices. "Get rid of them, and do it quietly," one caller said. "You need to make sure no one is trying to shoot these wolves," another offered. No one has confirmed yet whether a pack of wolves has taken up residence at the High Lonesome Ranch in De Beque, nearly 200 miles west of Denver, but even the prospect has created a stir in a state that hasn't seen a regular wolf population in 70 years. Wildlife officials say both sides are reacting prematurely to a claim that could prove groundless. Wolves were exterminated from Colorado by the 1940s, although in recent years, lone wolves occasionally have forayed into the state from the Northern Rockies. Two years ago, High Lonesome Ranch owner Paul R. Vahldiek Jr. hired biologists to survey his land for, among other things, evidence of decline in aspen stands. What they found was evidence of what he believes to be more than one wolf: droppings, sightings and howls...read more

Wild-horse controversy headed to federal court on April 30

Americans were outraged two years ago when federal officials threatened to kill more than 10,000 wild mustangs running free throughout the West. So when Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced last fall that the Obama administration had no intention of carrying out the Bush administration's proposal to slaughter the "living legends," horse lovers throughout the nation cheered. Since then, the applause has died down as Salazar has continued the controversial practice of rounding up mustangs and putting them in corrals and pastures hundreds of miles from their rangelands. The ongoing debate underscores the challenges of managing rapidly growing herds and finding a lasting solution to a problem that is costing American taxpayers millions more each year. The conflict is set to come to a head April 30, when a federal court will hear arguments from wild-horse advocates that the Interior Department and Bureau of Land Management are violating the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act by rounding up horses and putting them in expensive holding facilities. A final decision in the case, brought against the government by a California-based nonprofit group called In Defense of Animals, is expected May 26...read more

Rio Grande Foundation Demands Majority of Environmental Improvement Board Recuse Itself

Paul Gessing, President of the Rio Grande Foundation, has demanded that the majority of the Environmental Improvement Board recuse itself because of conflicts of interest and substantial questions about their fairness and impartiality. The demand was made at the March1, 2010, hearing to receive public comment on the petition by New Energy Economy asking the EIB to issue a rule capping CO2 emissions at 25% of 1990 levels. Gessing told the EIB he that the very integrity of the process, aside from the merits of the issue, was undermined because “there was more than a reasonable basis to question the impartiality and fairness” of these members of the EIB in considering this petition. Those questions arise from financial and employment ties between Green and the petitioner New Energy Economy and his representation as a lobbyist on energy and environmental issues for four parties to the NEE peitition who have hired him through the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy. Gollin and Dillingham are, respectively, an officer and director of organizations that are allied with NEE in promoting the very same emissions cap they are being asked to impose upon New Mexico as members of the EIB...read more

Northern aplomado falcon ruffles feathers at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park

A rare winged visitor is causing a stir at the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park. The endangered bird, a Northern Aplomado Falcon, was first sighted last week by a park employee and has been drawing attention ever since, said Mesilla Valley Audubon Society President David Griffin. "There are some guys coming down from Santa Fe to see it if it's still here; people are coming up from El Paso," he said. "There's a guy from Tucson. Even someone from California was supposedly flying in to look for it." The falcon is noteworthy because it lacks a leg band, meaning it likely didn't come from any of several breeding programs aimed at restoring the species. It would be the first such sighting locally since 1999, Griffin said. The falcon has been moving between the east and west sides of the Rio Grande, from the Mesilla Bridge, south to the park's visitors center...read more

Sioux Tribe settles tax debt with IRS, buys back land

The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe has settled its tax debt with the IRS and lined up a loan that will enable it to buy back the 11 square miles of land the IRS sold at auction in December, the tribal chairman said. A stipulation filed in court last week indicates the tribe will dismiss its lawsuit, which sought to prevent the IRS from selling the Hyde County land. That will cancel a May 4 trial. The IRS took the unusual step of seizing and selling the land because the tribe refused to pay $3.12 million in employment taxes, penalties and interest it racked up since 2001. At $2.58 million, the winning bid did not fully satisfy the debt. But tribal chairman Brandon Sazue, who met with government officials in Washington last week, said the IRS is forgiving what's left. "We don't owe the IRS anything at this point in time, as long as we drop the lawsuit," Sazue said. A spokesman for the Department of Justice's tax division acknowledged a deal was struck but could not provide any detail...read more

Rescued hiker on mission to find lost dog Zulu

Bob Sumrall is a man with a mission. On Saturday, Feb. 27, Sumrall came back to the area where he was lost in the wilderness for six nights and almost died in late November and December, looking for the dog he says saved his life. Zulu, a black lab mix Sumrall and his wife Jan have had since it was a puppy, has still not been found. Sumrall practically dismisses the story of his ordeal - getting lost in the Black Range during what was supposed to be a few-hours-long hike, spending six freezing nights in the wilderness, surviving a raging snowstorm that dropped as much as 10 inches of snow on the mountains, and being found - near death - lying on the ground in an arroyo by two ranchers heading out to round up their cattle, Zulu at his side. When he was found, by Melba and Tom Parra, Zulu was laying on Sumrall's back. But as soon as the ranchers stopped their truck and opened the door, the dog took off and no one has been able to get her back or lure her in...read more

Federal regulators launch probe of big agriculture

Some Obama administration officials have made clear their unease with the increasing control a handful of corporations have over the nation's food supply, and this week in Iowa they could show whether they are serious about changing the system. The first joint workshops on agriculture by regulators at the U.S. Justice and Agriculture Departments is expected to give farmers, lobbyists, executives and academics a strong indication of where the Obama administration stands on consolidation in agriculture. Administration officials said the meeting Friday in the Des Moines suburb of Ankeny will give antitrust attorneys and farm regulators their first chance to work side-by-side and examine the concentration of power in rural America. The Iowa meeting will be followed by four other gatherings held later in the year. The series of workshops will run through December, looking at the seed, dairy, poultry, beef and crop industries. At issue will be the practices of industrial agriculture's biggest players, such as grain processors Archer Daniels Midland Co. and Cargill Inc., meat companies Tyson Foods Inc. and JBS SA and biotech seed firms Monsanto Co. and DuPont...read more

Action star Matt Damon on saddling up for remake of western classic

MATT DAMON has revealed how he is saddling up to follow the Oscar-winning trail of legendary American hero John Wayne. The 39-year-old star - best known for playing super-spy Jason Bourne - will pull on a Stetson and buckle on a pair of Colt 45s for the big screen remake of western classic, True Grit. Damon, who also won an Oscar for the screenplay of Good Will Hunting, teams up with Jeff Bridges and Josh Brolin for an even grittier version of the cowboy tale of revenge, first filmed 41 years ago. The new film is being made in New Mexico by the Coen Brothers, the team who walked off with three Academy Awards for No Country for Old Men. Bridges will step into John Wayne's boots to play Rooster Cogburn, the overweight, boozing, one-eyed marshal who is way past his sell-by date. Damon plays the straightarrow Texas Ranger La Boeuf, played by country singer Glen Campbell in the 1969 film...read more

Poor Texas cowhand became one of area’s first millonaires

For his time, Daniel Webster Wallace was a phenomenon. He began driving cattle along a Texas trail in 1875 as a 15-year-old penniless cowboy, and died in 1939 with a ranch-based estate reported to be worth more than $1 million. One of the houses he built in Nolan County on his 12-section ranch that extended into Mitchell County is now among the historic structures at the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock. Schools and other government facilities have borne his name in Colorado City. He was favored in the eyes of the 19th century ranchers, and seemed always to be in the right place at the right time. But if he ever squandered even one of the breaks he was given, it isn’t recorded. His integrity was legendary. Mary Wallace, as a slave, had been purchased in 1860 by Mary O’Daniel three months before Webster was born. His mother had a bit of education, and became a servant and confidante to O’Daniel, who also was the mother of an infant son. Mary Wallace attended both children in the O’Daniel home in Victoria County...read more

It's All Trew: Sheep often taken for granted

My favorite sheep story took place after the railroads arrived allowing livestock to be shipped to market by rail. Special facilities were built to load herds onto rail cars. Dust clouds rose to the skies during shipping season as crews worked around the clock to load the animals. Almost every sheep loading facility featured a very important employee living nearby, usually a pet ram who was raised on a bottle by a young boy. Most were named "Sancho" and called a Judas Goat, the animal was used to lure the sheep and goats aboard the rail cars. When ready to fill a car Sancho was turned into the pen to be loaded. He milled around to get acquainted then led the herd into the car. When full, the doors were closed and Sancho worked his way back to the door to be let out to load the next car. The owner of this talented, hard-working animal was given a dollar, maybe, for the service and the star of the show was given a "chaw of tobacco or a few tailor-made cigarette butts" which he purely relished. Now just how cheap can wages get?...read more

Song Of The Day #255

Ranch Radio will get your foot stompin' this Monday by heading to the sixties. Hank Thompson & The Brazos Valley Boys will entertain us with A Fooler, A Faker (1960) and Oklahoma Hills (1961).



Both tunes are available on his 20 track CD Vintage Collection.

Timed Event Championship: Peek Is The World Champion

COLORADO’S JOSH PEEK FINALLY GETS THE GOLD BUCKLE

Adversity doesn't stop Josh Peek of Pueblo, Colo. It never has. A year ago, Peek was leading the Wrangler Timed Event Championship of the World at the Lazy E Arena with one run left. He took a 60-second time in the steer roping, the equivalent of a no-time at the WTEC, and dropped to a fourth place finish. On Sunday, he was again leading the average with one run remaining. This time, the 30-year-old tied his steer down in 18.4 seconds to clinch the title of 2010 Wrangler Timed Event Champion of the World with 315.2 on 25 runs. He is the 11th man to win the title in the 26 years of the WTEC.

In addition to winning $50,000 for the average, Peek, the two-time PRCA Reserve All-Around World Champion, placed twice in the fast rounds and exited the Lazy E Arena this weekend with $58,000. "I was more prepared this year," he said. "Before I got here, I believed I was going to win." Again, he's faced adversity before. When Peek was 9 years old an old nail pierced the skin of his right foot. In a lot of cases, the story might have ended with tetanus shot. But Peek had stepped on this nail while in a pig pen. The child would undergo four surgeries, almost lose his foot and spend about a month in the hospital. In that span he would be given some antibiotics and that's what he's told induced epilepsy.

That didn't stop him. "Without adversity, you'll never achieve success," he said Sunday. "There will always be road bumps and you'll need the Lord and your family, but you also have to believe in yourself."

The WTEC annually takes 20 of the world's toughest cowboys to battle the clock and tests their talents in a marathon of team roping - heading and heeling, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and steer roping over five rounds for a share of a $150,000 total purse.

Peek went to the lead in the third round on the 14th run of the weekend. However, on the 19th run a fast running draw led to a 27.5 in the steer wrestling. He would end the fourth go in second place. In the fifth round, Peek dropped to third. The team roping - heeling shuffled the deck as K.C. Jones of Burlington, Wyo., a four-time WTEC Champion, dropped to third. Trevor Brazile of Decatur, Texas, the six-time WTEC Champion, moved to the lead in the average and Peek went to second after 23 head. In the steer wrestling, Brazile had a tough steer, suffering a 60-second time. So, Peek tossed his draw in 4.1 seconds for 296.8 on 24 and the lead, with one run remaining. Jones was second. In the steer roping, Jones was 18-seconds for 343.0 on 25. Peek needed to be 46.1 for the win and was 18.4.

Jones finished second in the average for $25,000, while Jo Jo Lemond was third at 358.3 seconds for $15,000. Brazile claimed fourth with 364.9 for $10,000 and fifth was Chance Kelton of Mayer, Ariz., 367.6 for $7,500. Kelton also had the fastest round with 48 seconds in the second go for and additional $10,000.

Not long into Sunday's action, fans witnessed something never before done at the WTEC, as Jo Jo LeMond of Andrews, Texas, along with the assistance of World Champion Randon Adams, shattered the WTEC team roping - heading record with a 4.5-second run. The previous record was a 5.1-second run by B.J. Campbell in 2002. LeMond also holds the WTEC team roping-heeling record with a 4.9-second effort with Matt Sherwood in 2009.

The Ironman event of ProRodeo returned to the Fabulous Lazy E Arena this weekend in Guthrie, Oklahoma. For over two and a half decades, this one-of-a-kind event has showcased world champions and a cast of ProRodeo’s most elite cowboys competing in the most unique event in rodeo – the WTEC.

New in 2010, the Wrangler Timed Event Championship will be aired as a special on RFD-TV’s “Beyond Rodeo Show with Susie Dobbs”. The WTEC is proud to be partners with “Beyond Rodeo” and RFD-TV. Original air dates for the 2010 WTEC will be Wednesday, April 29th at 12:30PM Central and 10:30PM Central. Be sure and tune into RFD-TV and catch the action of this years WTEC event! Also new this year, the Lazy E was proud to have the WTEC broadcasted live on numerous radio stations across the country and on the web at ProRodeoLive.com. As always, fans can also re-live all the runs at the WTEC on DVD by ordering the entire show from Rodeo Video – don’t miss a run of your favorite WTEC competitor at Rodeo Video.

The 2010 Wrangler Timed Event Championship was sponsored by Wrangler in conjunction with, Ariat Boots, Priefert Ranch & Rodeo Equipment, Jack Daniels, Cross Bar Gallery, Dodge, Relentless Ropes by Cactus, John Vance Motors, Coca-Cola, Cinderella Horses.com, Corona Light, R.K. Black, Inc., Gist Silversmiths, Spin to Win Magazine, Cactus Saddlery, Hot Heels, Clear Channel Radio, The Oklahoman, Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, CSI Saddlepads, the Best Western Edmond, and the Fairfield Inn & Suites – Edmond.

The 2010 Wrangler Timed Event Championship is a Lazy E Production. For more information on the Wrangler Timed Event Championship or other Lazy E events, contact the Lazy E Arena, 9600 Lazy E Drive, Guthrie, OK 73044, (405) 282-RIDE, (800) 595-RIDE or visit www.lazye.com.

26th Annual Wrangler Timed Event Championship – Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, OK March 5-7

Fastest Go-Rounds

1. Chance Kelton – Mayer, AZ 48.0 seconds set in 2nd go $10,000

2. Josh Peek – Pueblo, CO 49.6 seconds set in 3rd go $ 6,000

3. Trevor Brazile – Decatur, TX 50.8 seconds set in 3rd go $ 5,000

4. Kyle Lockett – Visalia, CA 51.3 seconds set in 2nd go $ 4,000

5. JoJo LeMond – Andrews, TX 52.2 seconds set in 4th go $ 3,000

6. Josh Peek – Pueblo, CO 52.4 seconds set in 5th go $ 2,000

Average (total on 25 head of cattle over 5 go-rounds of competition)

1. Josh Peek 315.2 seconds $50,000

2. K.C. Jones – Burlington, WY 343.0 seconds $25,000

3. JoJo LeMond 358.3 seconds $15,000

4. Trevor Brazile 364.9 seconds $10,000

5. Chance Kelton 367.6 seconds $ 7,500

6. Beau Franzen – Sidney, MT 367.9 seconds $ 5,000

7. Kyle Lockett 388.0 seconds $ 4,500

8. Jimmie Cooper – Monument, NM 391.8 seconds $ 3,000


Arena record broken for $3,000 Lazy E Arena bonus

Team Roping - Heading

JoJo LeMond 4.5 seconds in 5th go breaking the 5.1 seconds of B.J. Campbell from 2002

WTEC Notes from 2010

Winning $58,000 Josh Peek’s cumulative Timed Event earnings total $79,500 for three years

Winning $25,000 K.C. Jones now totals $388,500 for 19 years

Winning $15,000 Trevor Brazile now totals $579,500 for 15 years

Winning $8,500 Kyle Lockett now totals $156,500 for 10 years

Cowgirl Sass & Savvy

How high's the water, Momma?

by Julie Carter

Dan and Donnie were working on the Tierra Verde Ranch one exceptionally wet spring.

It had rained repeatedly. Deep mud prevailed and the ground was saturated to the hilt.

The duo had an old pickup they used to get around the ranch for feeding or whatever else needed doing. This relic had four-wheel drive, big tires, a good strong engine and a back window that was broken out.

Because of the rain and the fact that it could go most anywhere, the truck was christened Noah.

Cold, wet spring weather motivated them to acquire a new back window for Noah, which required an entire day of their time to install. The new window had a sliding glass opening which was just perfect for the special needs of cowboys, including but not limited to spitting and reaching the cooler strategically placed within reach.

The boss was gone one Saturday so Dan and Donnie decided to go to the Stephenville Horse Sale.

They didn't have any business going since individually or combined, they could not come up with $10. Nevertheless, they loaded Noah with their cooler and headed out.

When they arrived, they visited with friends, watched the sale and got caught up on the news.

On the way home, they had to pass the Ranch House Restaurant, where they noted that the parking lot was crowded with pickups. They figured it was just some of the sale barn crowd and so they decided to stop and continue the day's good time. But when they got inside, they discovered the crowd belonged to a wedding reception.

Nobody threw them out and there was food, beverage and pretty girls all dolled up in the wedding attire. Being the suave and debonair type of cowboys, they got one gal sorted out and soon had her agreeing to go with them for a ride in Noah.

The girl was a bridesmaid - fancied up in a full length formal gown that is required for such an affair. They took off in Noah with the girl in the middle, a cowboy on each side and the cooler just through the sliding window.

They were all getting along just fine. The roads were slick and the rain still falling when they came to a creek where water was rushing over the top of the road crossing.

Dan stopped the truck and a consultation was held. Donnie told Dan he had complete faith in Noah and to just take off.

Dan launched Noah into the creek and the rushing water promptly took them off the crossing and floating down the creek. Dan could feel the wheels touching bottom occasionally. It felt like the water wasn't too deep, so he didn't worry.

Eventually the girl became concerned that they might go too far down the creek. Dan climbed out Noah's sliding window, dropped a catch rope over the trailer ball and snared a big oak on the bank.

That stopped the truck from going any further. Dan sat down on the bank and watched the truck. At some point, Donnie thought Dan needed help, so he climbed out the window and joined in the sitting and watching.

Some later, the bridesmaid yelled at them from the truck. "Hey, did you guys forget something?"

Dan grabbed the rope and hand-over-hand, worked his way to the truck bed. There he rescued the cooler and brought it to the creek bank. He and Donnie had a few cool ones pondering the situation.

At some point, possibly near the end of the beer supply, it became apparent they were going to need some equipment to rescue Noah. They told the girl to stay with the truck while they went to get a tractor.

The general philosophy of "all's well that ends well" applied here. The truck was rescued, the occupant was safe and no harm was done.

However, Dan reports that that was one of the maddest women he has ever seen.

Julie can be reached for comment at jcarter@tularosa.net.

Song Of The Day #254

Ranch Radio's Gospel tune this Sunday morning is Loretta Lynn's 1965 recording of If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again.

The song is available on her 12 track CD Hymns.

Big Brother Wants to Know All About You: The American Community Survey

Over the past several years, I have been barraged with emails from Americans expressing their dismay over the American Community Survey, the latest census form to hit randomly selected households on a continuous basis. Unlike the traditional census, which collects data every ten years and is now underway, the American Community Survey is taken every year at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars. And at 28 pages (with an additional 16-page instruction packet), it contains some of the most detailed and intrusive questions ever put forth in a census questionnaire. These concern matters that the government simply has no business knowing, including a person’s job, income, physical and emotional health, family status, place of residence and intimate personal and private habits. As Beth found out, the survey is not voluntary. Answering the questions is not a polite request from the Census Bureau. You are legally obligated to answer. If you refuse, the fines are staggering. For every question not answered, there is a $100 fine. And for every intentionally false response to a question, the fine is $500. Therefore, if a person representing a two-person household refused to fill out any questions or simply answered nonsensically, the total fines could range from upwards of $10,000 and $50,000 for noncompliance. While the penalties for not answering are outrageous, the questions, as Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) has said, are “both ludicrous and insulting.” For example, the survey asks how many persons live in your home, along with their names and detailed information about them such as their relationship to you, marital status, race and their physical, mental and emotional problems, etc. The survey also asks how many bedrooms and bathrooms you have in your house, along with the kind of fuel used to heat your home, the cost of electricity, what type of mortgage you have, the amount of your monthly mortgage payments, property taxes and so on. This questionnaire also requires you to detail how many days you were sick last year, how many automobiles you own, whether you have trouble getting up the stairs and, amazingly, what time you leave for work every morning and how long it takes you to get there...read more

Feds weigh expansion of Internet monitoring

Homeland Security and the National Security Agency may be taking a closer look at Internet communications in the future. The Department of Homeland Security's top cybersecurity official told CNET on Wednesday that the department may eventually extend its Einstein technology, which is designed to detect and prevent electronic attacks, to networks operated by the private sector. The technology was created for federal networks. Greg Schaffer, assistant secretary for cybersecurity and communications, said in an interview that the department is evaluating whether Einstein "makes sense for expansion to critical infrastructure spaces" over time. Not much is known about how Einstein works, and the House Intelligence Committee once charged that descriptions were overly "vague" because of "excessive classification." The White House did confirm this week that the latest version, called Einstein 3, involves attempting to thwart in-progress cyberattacks by sharing information with the National Security Agency. Greater federal involvement in privately operated networks may spark privacy or surveillance concerns, not least because of the NSA's central involvement in the Bush administration's warrantless wiretapping scandal. Earlier reports have said that Einstein 3 has the ability to read the content of emails and other messages, and that AT&T has been asked to test the system. (The Obama administration says the "contents" of communications are not shared with the NSA.)...read more

The Second Amendment and the States

Imagine you are a visitor from another planet reading the U.S. Constitution. You come to the 14th Amendment, where it says: "No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States." Might you not think this must be a pretty important provision? Now suppose you are told that, for over 135 years, the Supreme Court has, with one exception, entirely ignored that language. Might you question whether Supreme Court justices were bound by the written Constitution? Had you been seated in the Supreme Court yesterday to hear oral arguments in McDonald v. Chicago, your suspicions might well have been confirmed...read more

COMMENT: An informative discussion of the second amendment, incorporation, due process and the priviliges or immunities clause.