Cass Sunstein Update
September 17, 2009 at 11:50 AM |
7 comments
Despite the combined forces of Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and frightened farmers everywhere, legal scholar Cass Sunstein has been confirmed as Obama’s regulatory czar.
A small victory for facts over fear. Also known, in contemporary politics, as a miracle.
The Senate approved Sunstein by a vote of 57 to 40.
EN said on September 17, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Gosh, why would anyone think someone appointed as a “Czar”, by (The ACORN affiliated) Obama and his minions, would be a constitution destroying communist? After all, there’s no precedent… or is there? Of course the “conspiracy nuts’ will point to Van Jones, but that was a misunderstanding. Lying about your past and present beliefs in the Obama administration won’t be tolerated… or will it?
To be honest, what is this “Birther” thing about? After all, his mom was a citizen, even if he was born outside the US. The only thing they could really get him for is lying and we’ve a long tradition of lying presidents and they didn’t lose there job over it. However, once Liberals such as yourself start denigrating the right it’s time to look more closely. And it’s misrepresentation to insinuate that objections to health care are coming from the “Democrats-will-euthanize-granny crowd”. It’s obvious they don’t intend to euthanize grandma, since it might be too costly. They’ll give her some vicoden (or more likely aspirin since it’s cheaper and Vicoden is no longer approved) and a cup of tea at the hearings.
Buzz Hill said on September 18, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Rupert’s wing nuts are what they are. Taking out the garbage is a process not an event. Get used to it. Our president has.
Go Amanda!
Joni said on September 22, 2009 at 11:39 am
Wait, is this the same guy that co-wrote the AMAZING book “Nudge” ? I loved his ideas of libertarian paternalism, especially because they were almost totally nonpartisan. A rare thing to find in politics these days.
...That said, I think I prefer the Unthinkable blog when it’s non-political. There is so much to be learned about plane crashes, swine flu, etc. no matter what party you vote.
Gunther said on September 26, 2009 at 2:23 am
The economy is still in the tank, Iran has a second nuclear facility and we’re about to change the way we manage health care, 1/6th of our economy.
Tell me again why I should care who the regulatory czar is
Amanda said on September 28, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Thanks all for the lively comments. Good times. You’re right, Joni, his books are almost bizarrely nonpartisan. I don’t always agree with him, but he doesn’t strike me as ideological.
Meanwhile, the reason we should care, Gunther? Well, I see what you mean. We’ve got problems… But one could argue, I suppose, that the lack of nonpartisan, intelligent regulation led directly or indirectly to the implosion in our economy. So Cass Sunstein may matter more than we think.
Gunther said on September 29, 2009 at 4:33 pm
That’s a good observation, Amanda.
Tell me, how does a regulatory czar express his ideas? Are they part of the legislative process? Or, do regulations come from groups like the SEC, FCC, etc.? I’m trying to see how a ideas turn into action in the regulatory space. Or, to put it another way, who does Cass Sunstein have to persuade to turn ideas into action?
games said on November 20, 2009 at 10:01 am
Great observation, Amanda.