Friday miscellaneous (7/6)

Chief Justice Roberts is taking lots of criticism for upholding the constitutionality of the individual mandate tax. But even when it was passed, the taxing power was a parallel justification. And by limiting the power to coerce the states, Roberts may have made the entire reform even more unworkable. And here’s an interesting (albeit liberal) article distinguishing between politics on the Court and politicization of the Court. And the argument that Roberts’ decision was influenced by his medication makes Dr. Grumpy even more grumpy.

However, despite what you have heard in internet rumors, the healthcare reform is not invalidated because it all tax bills need to originate in the house. It did originate in the House. Here’s the legislative history.
 
If cookie bake-offs are any indication, Romney should win this fall.(Although the Redskins predictor is still more accurate).

This week we celebrated the 4th of July. So it’s appropriate to share this examination of our national anthem. And here’s what G.K. Chesterton has to say about patriotism.

In 1984 a clever seventh-grader decided he wanted federal funds to help clean his room (which his mother had just declared a disaster area). So he wrote to President Reagan. And Reagan replied.

Math and science are hard to teach because they are hard. And technology keeps getting in the way.

Here are Sherlock Holmes’ tips on Biblical interpretation.

Last week the House voted to hold AG Holder in contempt. The problem is that it’s the DOJ’s responsibility to pursue that action. It won’t.

The US Government has confirmed that there is no evidence for mermaids. Does anyone else sense a coverup?

Have you ever wondered what snacks would look like if their labels told the truth? Or how many legos it would take to reconstruct your house? Now you know.

And finally, now you know what’s really inside the Washington Monument.