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Proportional Representation Gives Parties Even More Power over Elections

NATIONAL -- There are numerous systemic problems with proportional representation (PR).These are rarely ever discussed when comparing and contrasting the U.S. system with most European systems. Oftentimes dissatisfied voters in the United States look longingly toward European systems as the answer to their problems. Unfortunately, proportional representation is not all its cracked up to be.

Supporters Say New Ill. Marijuana Laws Would Lift Heavy Burden off Taxpayers

Marijuana reform has picked up support in Illinois and may be moving toward a new stage.

In January, State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat, introduced Illinois House Bill 218 to amend the Cannabis Control Act. If passed, the amendment would eliminate criminal penalties for marijuana possession of up to 30 grams and replace them with a $100 fine.

Republicans Support Steve Glazer for Calif. Senate District 7

CALIFORNIA -- On Friday, March 6, the California Republican Party (CRP) filed a trademark infringement complaint against the Asian American Small Business PAC, claiming that it unlawfully used the Republican trademarked elephant image in a mailer supporting Michaela Hertle (a Republican) in the special election for Senate District 7.

Growth in Income Inequality vs. Growth in Total Debt

A recent study on the growth of wealth inequality instantly drew the usual finger pointing and denials between hardcore political opponents even though the chart clearly shows a steady trend across all administrations of either party.

As a result, the usual arguments about the failure of trickle-down economics and the failure of tax and spend policies fall short. But the bickering continues.

Report: Support for Marijuana Legalization Jumps 19 Points in 10 Years

Civics and Elections: Saving Our Democracy Begins with Young Voters

In Athens of antiquity, the inventors of democracy set up a law that required every person to vote. Anyone found not voting would be publicly marked and labeled an idiot; someone who thought their own personal needs trumped those of the society around them, wrote Isaac DeVille.

I begin here by asserting that the one certain measure of any democratic society is the measurement of those who vote and those who don't.

The Legal Background and Argument for Net Neutrality

In the net neutrality issue, both sides have laid claim to the First Amendment, but our free speech law is not really the issue. The core element is a shift in policies represented by the

Communications Act of 1934 and our Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Farmers, Industry Leaders Excited About Future of Industrial Hemp in Kentucky

KENTUCKY -- Kentucky Hemp is coming back. Fiber, seed, fuel, oil, and artisan products are simmering in the recently revived hemp industry.

Is Obamacare Holding Down the Costs of Health Care?

NATIONAL -- One of the primary selling points for the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was affordable insurance premiums with guaranteed issuance. Guaranteed issuance is great for unhealthy people, but is also seen as having the potential of increasing health care costs.

Lower premiums are enticing to healthy people, but anyone who has to use their insurance knows: total cost = premiums + co-pays + deductibles.

As Congress Closes Curtain on One Funding Crisis, It Sets Stage for the Next

CAPITOL HILL -- The U.S. Senate failed to override President Obama's veto of the Keystone XL pipeline on Wednesday, missing the two-thirds threshold by 5 votes in a 62-37 vote. It was the first time the U.S. Senate voted to override a veto from Obama.

Republican lawmakers are still determined to pass Keystone in 2015. However, on its own, there are not many avenues for success, which means it will need to be attached to a must-pass bill to have a fighting chance, and supporters have already decided what bill they will attach it to.