Archive for September, 2010

September 28 roundup

Beer lobby fighting California pot initiative

The California Beer & Beverage Distributors has contributed money to defeat the marijuana-legalization measure, as have police groups. One consideration that might shed light on the latter stance: “Police forces are entitled to keep property seized as part of drug raids and the revenue stream that comes from waging the drug war has become a significant source of support for local law enforcement.” Surprisingly, the politically active prison-guards union has not (yet) thrown its weight onto the “no” side, though prison supervisors have. [Ryan Grim, HuffPo via Tabarrok]

“Handicapped man sues Tampa strip club”

In Tampa, the Mons Venus strip club “is being sued for its alleged uninviting nature to people with disabilities.” Kendrick Duldulao, who uses a wheelchair, says there are no suitable ramps, “the hostess stand is too high, and the toilets and jukebox are inaccessible.” [BayNews9.com] More: Radley Balko (“Reached for comment, other Mons Venus patrons replied, ‘There’s a jukebox?'”)

Standing and the left-right divide

With cases like the ObamaCare challenge, it’s less clear that broad constitutional standing necessarily advances “liberal” political goals, and advocates on both sides may be adjusting their positions (even) farther toward a tactical or instrumental view of standing controversies. (Ilya Somin; Somin v. Kerr on the merits); Linda Greenhouse, NYTimes “Opinionator”.