Washington Affairs

29 September 2003


Judicial Abuse Halts Don't Call Registry
Not content to let the 9th Circuit monopolize the laughter of judicial critics, US District Judges Lee R. West in Oklahoma City and US District Judge Edward W. Nottingham in Denver decided to call a halt to the "Do Not Call" list that the Federal Trade Commission was about to implement and that would prevent telemarketers from interrupting the dinner of 50 million Americans who signed up. Judge Lee let the Direct Marketing Association off the hook saying that the FTC didn't have the authority from Congress to act. Judge Nottingham decided the registry was a violation of free speech. Both judges are plain wrong. Click here to read more.

Bush Bores at UN
Tuesday of last week saw a heavy downpour in New York and the arrival of President Bush, a combination that made the morning commute unbearable for many. Given what Mr. Bush said at the UN, he was less welcome than the rain. His speech was a melange of wooly-thinking, unconnected themes and unconditional defiance. Staying in Washington and snubbing the UN would have done less harm to American diplomacy. Click here for more.

The California Circus Goes on TV
Five of the 132 candidates for Governor of California held a joint chat on Wednesday night last week. It was called a debate, but that is far too grand a word for the event. The questions were announced in advance, the answered sounded canned because they were, and former child actor and candidate Gary Coleman was not present to use his famous tag line "What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?" The circus is in town until October 7, to be replaced by a new farce. Click here to read on.