Free Republic

Will Washington's regulators do more harm than good?

Corporate abuse may lessen politicians' willingness to support personal retirement accounts, but the government's reaction to that abuse poses the far greater threat to reform.

For the first 18 years of his congressional career Dick Gephardt (D-MO) served in the majority. For every single year of Gephardt’s bright career in the majority, the federal government ran a budget deficit. Most of those years, the government hid the size of the deficit by using Social Security payroll taxes to pay for government expenses other than Social Security. It was WorldCom style accounting.

Why are conservatives so afraid to stand up and fight? When I ask Congressional staff or members why they won’t fight for what they believe in I am told that things would be different if it was me that had to stand up in front of hundreds of my constituents and explain why it isn’t good for America to provide carte blanche access to every drug possible to every senior citizen.

By focusing too much attention on the nuts and bolts of accounting, Democrats threaten to undermine real economic activity.

Will Washington's rush to regulate corporate accounting improve corporate governance?

Come hear national and state leaders like White House Political Director Ken Mehlman discuss the politics and issues of the 2002 elections. Orlando, August 10th and 11th-- register online today!

Does anyone in America want their kid to grow up to be just like Ken Lay, Bernie Ebbers or Jeffrey Skilling? Hopefully, after the civil suits strip these and other corporate thieves of their stolen wealth and criminal courts make them spend real time in a real jail, the lasting price these people will pay is that their names are forever synonymous with sleaze. Click here for complete article.

We're all angry at the lies and self-dealing of many corporate leaders these past five or so years. It turns out, the conduct, behavior, and moral tone of our leaders really does matter. Where were all of these liberal critics when Bill Clinton was setting the tone with abuses of office, perjury, and irresponsible behavior?

CSE is launching an Election challenge game-- pick the winners of 15 key Senate and Gubernatorial races-- and you get real time odds, similar to sports betting! Currently, the system is in beta test-- I'd love to get some feedback and suggestions for improvement from fellow freepers! Thanks! Go to the game

Hear John Wayne recite the Pledge of Allegiance!

Hi fellow Freepers, I need your suggestions for the ten worst bills this Congress, in terms of their cost to taxpayers, damage to the economy, and just general outrageousness. They could be pending or have already passed. I work at Citizens for a Sound Economy and we're launching a new top ten vote system to let people vote on which bill they think is the worst. You can check out what we have so far at the site and post your comment here, or just email me your suggestions at ckinnan@cse.org. Many thanks and have an enjoyable and reflective Memorial...

Senate vote on permanent repeal is coming-- sign the petition today! Sign the Petition

Senate Republicans, led by Phil Gramm (R-Tex) and John Kyl (R-Ariz) played hardball with Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and won. They stuck together and forced Daschle to agree to a vote to eliminate the Death Tax. Permanently. This is a big tactical victory and now we must rally the troops, organize and mobilize the grassroots and turn this process victory into a policy victory for America.

The Senate is blocking the nomination of Miguel Estrada. An American success story, Estrada is an immigrant from Honduras who worked his way up through Harvard Law School to the pinnacle of the legal profession. Estrada's experience far exceeds that of the average nominee (he has argued 15 cases before the Supreme Court), and he has bipartisan support from a broad range of groups and individuals. Just as important, Miguel Estrada favors judicial restraint and will uphold the Founding Fathers' vision of the U.S. Constitution. He deserves a hearing from the Judiciary Committee and a prompt confirmation.

Congress is taking advice from a stuffed puppet. They finally found someone on their own level.

The inside scoop on how class action lawsuits and other frivilous lawsuits are damaging our economy and the rule of law.

The staff of CSE have launched a new feature: the D.C. Political Blog! It's off to a shaky start but it is worth watching.

States are struggling with budget deficits as the economy slows. Greedy governments are raising taxes by going after smokers, hitting low income Americans hardest. Full story is here

Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places Elected or appointed to serve the public interest, state attorneys general often serve their own interests by using their authority to earn media attention, corporate and trial lawyer patronage, and higher elected office. Full Story