Recently, 47 US Senators, including North Dakota’s own John Hoeven , wrote a letter “to the Leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran” explaining the US Constitution and the role of the President as compared to the role of the US Senate. Many of my friends on the left are very upset at this, and…
From The Left: Kevin Cramer Is Wrong About Common Core
Every week, before I sit down to write my weekly post for this blog, I assist my 8 year old son with his homework. This may not be his favorite part of the day, as he would rather play Minecraft or read his “The Flash” comic book he picked up over the weekend. However, I…
From The Left: Why Hemp But Not Medicinal Marijuana?
Last week, the North Dakota House voted 87-5 to legalize hemp farming in the state. Hemp, is a variety of the Cannabis plant. It can be used to produce many products, including fiber, oil, and seed. It is believed that the production of hemp in the United States will produce hundreds of new products, will create a $500…
From The Left: There Is A Long History Of Allowing Religious Organizations To Discriminate
Last weekend, Rob ran a post in which he asked “If Discrimination Isn’t A North Dakota Value, Why Does Anti-Discrimination Bill Allow It? I respect, even though I disagree with, Rob’s libertarian view on anti-discrimination laws. It is not my intention to get into a tit for tat with Rob regarding the need for this…
From The Left: School Gun Bill Seems Appropriate
I may surprise a few people this week, but after closely studying House Bill No. 1195, I am inclined to support it. The bill give school districts the authority to designate an individual to carry a concealed weapon on school grounds, but only after undergoing background checks, additional training on both firearms and violence prevention,…
From The Left: Why Are ND Republicans Promoting A Constitutional Convention?
Every two years, when the North Dakota Legislature meets, they have the opportunity to promote Constitutional Amendments to the United States Constitution through a process of Concurrent Resolutions. Each year, the North Dakota Legislature, which is very conservative, will send messages to congress saying they need to spend less, tax less, and do other things…
From the Left: Defending North Dakota's Brand Of Conservatism
This will not come as a surprise for anybody who pays attention, but North Dakota conservatism is not the same as conservatism in other parts of the Country. I believe that frustrates many people on both sides of the political aisle. Those on the right become frustrated because of a perceived lack of party purity…
From The Left: Will North Dakota Tribes Legalize Marijuana?
Last weekend, it was announced that first term Rep. Pamela Anderson (D) District 41 would be introducing a medical marijuana bill in the North Dakota Legislature. The proposed amendment would be very similar to the Minnesota and Montana laws which allow cannabis to only be available in pill form and require a prescription by a…
From The Left: Does North Dakota Need Sentencing Reform?
This week, Leann Bertsch, director of the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in North Dakota, announced she will ask the Legislature to adopt a county-by-county allocation at state prison facilities using a formula based on the population of each county. The problem, according to Bertsch, is some counties are using the state prison system…
From The Left: No Falling Sky In North Dakota
A story was relayed to me by a Fargo area Republican Legislator during the 2009 North Dakota Legislative session. As that session’s budget was being debated in the house, the North Dakota GOP caucus had a meeting with an economist they respected. He came in to analyze the economy of North Dakota, and compare it…