When President George Bush appointed John Roberts as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court in 2005, the Court began twenty-years of protecting the powerful over individual citizens. This trend was cemented with the blocking of an Obama appointment in 2016 and the Trump first-term appointments, Neil Gorsuch, Brent Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney-Barrett. A prime […]
The Roberts court protects the powerful over individuals Read Post »
On June 16, Governor Mike DeWine called on the state legislature to repeal the death penalty or initiate a ballot measure, stating “It is impossible to make the case that the death penalty is a deterrent.” I welcome the Governor’s statement and want to highlight facts he did not mention. Ohio’s death penalty consumes enormous
The death penalty hurts Ohio’s business reputation Read Post »
Former Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Gary Mohr presented his view yesterday to the Vanguard News Group on the many shortcomings in our criminal justice system. Besides being a critic of the criminal justice systema, he is also an opponent of the death penalty. Gary has a unique perspective on the
Our criminal justice system is missing the ball Read Post »
Having abandoned their responsibilities almost immediately after President Donald J. Trump was inaugurated and continuing to relinquish their authority, Senate Republicans have cemented their place in history as moral failures. Their first failure came with confirming the appointments of nominees who were woefully unqualified and continues with the Iran war. Department of Homeland Security Secretary
They will leave a legacy of shame Read Post »
With the U.S. Supreme Court deciding a number of cases on its emergency docket in favor of the Trump administration, it might appear we are seeing a shift in the Court. In reality, the Court’s decisions have generally reflected the prevailing biases of the time, and the Court has “largely rul[ed] to defend the interests
The Supreme Court has almost always put people last Read Post »
Article II allows the president to grant pardons for any offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. The presidential pardon power is among the most absolute authorities granted in the Constitution, and President Donald Trump has abused it. It has been just over a year since Trump issued pardons to the 1500
President Trump has abused the presidential pardon Read Post »
Legislation passed in 2025 evidences that we have evolved only slightly since the days of lords and serfs, when one class enjoyed wealth, and the other struggled. Before looking at examples, let’s look at the numbers. The U.S. Census Bureau reported the nation’s poverty rate in 2024—annual income of $31,812 for a family of four—was
Low income citizens just don’t matter Read Post »
“Dear Editor—I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Grinch. Papa says, “If you see it in the Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Grinch. Virginia O’Hanion Virginia, your friends are wrong. They do not believe except what they see, and because they do
Yes, Virginia, there is a Grinch Read Post »
Is money the determining factor for whether school districts produce students who perform well? Surprisingly, the answer is no. If money alone were the key, a small town like Steubenville, Ohio, in the Rust Belt, would not be able to outperform Upper Arlington, Ohio, an affluent community, but Steubenville did. No doubt, adequate funding is
Why do some school districts produce good results, while others don’t? Read Post »
It’s hardly a news flash that Republicans in Congress have failed to confront President Donald Trump about the wrecking ball he is wielding. Maybe they should watch “Band of Brothers” and take stock of the late Senator John McCain’s courage, which I’ll discuss in a minute. First, let’s review what’s going on. Republicans have been
Politicians are enamored with prestige and forget their duty Read Post »
The Medicaid work requirement in the budget bill recently passed by a Republican majority in House of Representatives brings to light political expediency, that is, when you have to make cuts, choose an easy target. The work requirement is based on a sentiment that goes back years. Former Congressional Budget Office director, Douglas Holtz-Eakin, wrote
Medicaid recipients easy targets for GOP lawmakers Read Post »
By way of executive orders, President Donald Trump has accused several of American’s largest and most prestigious law firms of substantial misconduct and is punishing them. The firms are left with a Sophie’s choice: either capitulate and strike a deal or risk losing their clients. It’s self-preservation versus standing up to an unprecedented threat to our
It’s a shakedown. Trump is going after “enemy” law firms with relentless vengeance Read Post »