Blog Entries by Kent Greenfield
The New Federalism Attack on DOMA: Does the Supreme Court Really Care About States' Rights?
For almost 20 years, one of the pivotal debates on the Supreme Court has been the role of states' rights in limiting the power of the federal government. In cases ranging from nuclear waste disposal, the possession of handguns in school zones, and violence against women, the conservatives on the...
The Supreme Court, Empathy, and the Science of Decision Making
1 Comments | Posted May 25, 2009 | 11:16 PM (EST)
It looks like we may be in the home stretch of President Obama's search for a replacement for David Souter on the Supreme Court. Once the nominee is named, the political battles will be focused and all-consuming. Before that happens, it is worthwhile to pause for one final word...
Of Big and Small Tents: Arlen Specter as a Dem, and the Obama Storm at Notre Dame
22 Comments | Posted May 1, 2009 | 01:32 PM (EST)
I have been thinking about Arlen Specter's switch, President Obama's upcoming speech at Notre Dame, and the size and shape of tents.
Arlen Specter's defection from the Republican party was big news this week. Jack Cafferty wondered if the Republican Party is on the "brink of irrelevance."...
Who's Presumptuous Now? McCain Articulates U.S. Foreign Policy in Georgia Conflict
Posted August 15, 2008 | 05:55 PM (EST)
Barack Obama caught flak a few weeks back when he traveled to the Middle East and Europe. Apparently, he was just too presidential. After eight years of George Bush, that wasn't too hard. He refrained from giving neck rubs to European heads of state and had the audacity to...
I Want To Be Too Big To Fail
Posted July 14, 2008 | 05:49 PM (EST)
News comes today of a proposed government rescue of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the nation's largest finance companies. Investors are deserting the companies as they have become increasingly alarmed that the companies do not have enough capital to cover losses brought on by the reeling housing market. Treasury Secretary...
Mukasey's Defense of Professional Irresponsibility
Posted May 29, 2008 | 11:47 AM (EST)
Don't ask Attorney General Michael Mukasey to speak at a graduation ceremony if you want a milquetoast speech extolling the virtues of community service, sun screen, or calls to your mother. He came to Boston College Law School, where I teach, last Friday and offered a substantive, and deeply troubling,...
Red Sox and Blue Voters
Posted October 11, 2007 | 05:09 PM (EST)
Blue State voters: get behind your Team of Destiny in the baseball playoffs, the Boston Red Sox. Rooting for the Sox this year is akin to recycling, giving to Oxfam, and hoarding old "No Nukes" buttons in your desk drawer. Joining Red Sox Nation is no longer merely an expression...
Posted July 9, 2009 | 10:50 PM (EST)