Amazon Shuts Down Affiliates in Response to California’s Use Tax Law

As you probably know, sales tax is typically not assessed on internet sales crossing state lines.  Under the Supreme Court’s Commerce Clause doctrine, states are generally prohibited from requiring out-of-state retailers from collecting “use” taxes for sales to in-state residents. … Continue Reading

Painting Conservatism Out of the Corner: A Review of William Voegeli’s Never Enough: America’s Limitless Welfare State

Andrew Sullivan’s recent apologia—or, perhaps, obituary—of conservatism makes at least one very good point:  Modern conservatism has painted itself into a corner.  Concerning the poor and uninsured, for example, Mr. Sullivan rightly observes that “in a society that won’t let… Continue Reading

The Role of the Prison Guards Union in California’s Troubled Prison System

Jailing is big business.  California spends approximately $9 billion a year on its correctional system, and hosts one in seven of the nation’s prisoners.  It has the largest prison population of any state.  The number of correctional facilities, the amount… Continue Reading