For those who like to know the constitutional issues involved when politicians call for more regulation.

Continuing the conversation on HB 1711, "Against the Grain" investigates the rationale and justification for licensure laws, with emphasis on the economic ramifications and the constitutional questions involved. This is part one of two.

Concluding our interview with Bonnie.

As noted by the Conspiracy, HB 1711 would require anyone handling propane or natural gas to be trained and licensed. Hear Representative Mitchell defend her proposal, as broadcast on WNTK on 1/31/06.

Pinpointed by the Samurai Appliance Repairman (www.fixitnow.com), HB 1711 was discussed on "Against the Grain", on January 30, 2006.

The bill is warmly called "Amelia's Law", which, much like the insurance regulatory bill "Michelle's Law", is a bit premature. Like Michell's Bill, Amelia's Bill has a very strong chance of being passed, but that remains to be seen as of this writing.

The story behind Amelia's bill can best be described by Scott, the Samurai:

"This is House Bill 1711 which, in keeping with the current trend, is named after a little girl, Amilia's Law. The story is tragic"

Bush and Osama, um, Obama, on the very important issue of domestic surveillance.

George Bush's desire that Iran not have "nucular" weapons seems an easy prescription to fill. Stopping Iran from getting NUCLEAR weapons may be more difficult.

According to the Associated Press, members of the UNH Public Interest Group (a splinter of MassPIRG, the leftist organization about which we long-time residents of NH often heard in Boston news, and which we were happy was not in our state) protested today over the drastic "cuts" in federal student loan assistance. The AP tells us that nearly 13 billion Dollars will be "cut" in loan programs and the federal budget would be cut an overall $40 billion if this Republican proposal becomes law. The only trouble is, there ARE no cuts. Aggregate Federal spending will merely not increase as much as some would like. The budget will INCREASE by 7.3% rather than 7.5%.

Downsizing the Federal Goverment

On Sunday, January 29, 2006, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist appeared on Meet the Press, with Tim Russert. During his appearance, he tried to defend the Bush Administration's domestic surveillance program. He tried to overlook the fact that the US is not officially at war, and also tried to overlook the strict parameters of the 1978 Federal International Surveillance Act. Frist will be visiting NH on February 3rd. Let's give him a nice "live free or die" welcome when he arrives to pursue his presidential dreams.

Congratulations, Josh. Your statements on EZ pass are worth recognition.

For more information on private road systems, see these pieces:

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1568/is_n4_v28/ai_18684663

http://libertariannation.org/a/n029b1.html

This is particularly good: http://www.fee.org/publications/the-freeman/article.asp?aid=2494

Please ask your local grocer about this fantastic new treat!

Mac Johnson, regular contributor for Human Events Online, is frequently featured on "Against the Grain". His articles also appear at his own website. Check it out, whatever your political persuasion!

Mac Johnson, columnist for Human Events Online (www.humaneventsonline.com) joined EL G Grande recently to discuss the economics of the Kyoto Global Warming Treaty. Mac's analysis of the treaty is excellent. Hear him discuss it in this and part two, and read his article here: http://www.humaneventsonline.com/article.php?id=11798

The Skeptical Environmentalist: Measuring the Real State of the World

Enviro-Capitalists: Doing Good While Doing Well (The Political Economy Forum)

As reported on "Against the Grain", New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin's comments about his desire to make certain that the municipality is rebuilt as a "chocolate city", were welcome in certain areas because it inspired people to pick up the song of the same name by Parliament.

Others were annoyed because they thought it reverse racism.

A few more thought it was funny.

Whatever the opinion, it has inspired something to tickle the funny bone -- a new tee shirt featuring Mayor Nagin as Willie Wonka, in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". Check it out, it makes a great gift for the dieter in your life.

James Bovard, recognized as one of the most respected writers defending individual liberty and the US Constitution, recently joined Gardner Goldsmith on "Against the Grain" to discuss his latest book. This new work is a searing indictment of politians in the Bush Administration, and their supposed foes in Congress and the Senate. Hear the conversation here, and in part 1.

Attention Deficit Democracy

James Bovard, recognized as one of the most respected writers defending individual liberty and the US Constitution, recently joined Gardner Goldsmith on "Against the Grain" to discuss his latest book. This new work is a searing indictment of politians in the Bush Administration, and their supposed foes in Congress and the Senate. Hear the conversation here, and in part 2.

Attention Deficit Democracy

On Thursday, January 19, Gardner Goldsmith debated state Representative Marcia Moody, of Newmarket. Representative Moody is the prime sponsor of HB 1704, which would force businesses with 1500 or more employees to devote 8% of their payrolls to securing health insurance coverage for their employees. Hear the exchange between El G Grande and Representative Moody in this audio file from "Against the Grain".

Peter Ames, Director of Advocacy for the American Cancer Society, and Sheila Evans, Campaign Coordinator for "Clean Air Works for NH" continue their conversation with Gardner Goldsmith, on "Aganst the Grain."

Thank You for Smoking