In the Public Interest

Sarah McClendon turned eighty in November. To most Americans who watch the television news, she is known as the reporter who asks Presidents the most pointed, down to earth questions at White House press conferences. To her colleagues and to Washington’s bureaucrats and politicians, she is much more than this impression of directness. She is…

This is an open letter to Postmaster General Anthony Frank: Dear Mr. Frank: Soon after you took office, you indicated that the Post Offices around the country could be used to increase voter registration. Although you have not persisted with this sensible suggestion, which remains an idea, you do need to focus on the ability…

The principle that power will prevail over law until the law generates the citizen power to prevail over the special interests’ power came true in California’s recent election where four progressive referenda were defeated by the voters. Four initiatives (or referenda) to advance the environment, preserve virgin forests, reform campaign finance and place a tax…

A weakened economy invites more influence by foreign companies and their dealers or commercial agents in U.S. election campaigns. The latest display of money in politics is AUTOCAP — a political action committee funded by dealers who sell Japanese cars. AUTOCAP’s mode of operation is to wait until the last week or days of an…

If there was ever a sign that the “avaricious Eighties” were over at Law Schools, a news conference by law students from law schools across the country a few days ago should be it. Hailing from Harvard to the University of Hawaii, these students announced they were “fed up” with the pretense that there is…

Contrast Dinkins with Foley. New York City’s government is deep in deficit. It has to tighten its belt. The new mayor, David N. Dinkins, decided this month to set an example for the necessary austerity budget. He cut his own pay and the pay of nearly 700 other senior city government officials by five percent.…

You’ve probably seen House Speaker Torn Foley on television recently answering a question or two on the progress of the budget negotiations with the White House. He looks like a graying, friendly uncle who is a voice for moderation and kindliness toward even his political opponents — the Republicans. That’s the public Tom Foley. The…

In all the press reports about government giveaways, bailouts, willful non­enforcement of the laws and other contradictions of the public trust, little is written about the government lawyer. What standards of competence and ethics should apply to attorneys for these agencies, departments and commissions? Who is the client of these attorneys? First, let us start…

It appears, at this writing, that Mr. Bush and Congressional leaders have reached an agreement on the thorny subject of budget cuts. These cuts will affect millions of Americans in not a happy way. But standing above these reduced program services — many in the health, education, safety and housing areas — are the top…

Can’t afford to live with it, can’t live without it: That’s how far too many people feel when it comes to the subject of insurance. in fact, consumer dissatisfaction with the insurance marketplace is at an all time high. People are frustrated and feel impotent in the face of high prices, complicated insurance jargon intended…