15 years ago in reason.

• Position: Citings - Brief article - Quotation

"It is now fashionable to use the law to 'send messages' and to 'correct' people's attitudes. Although nobody uses the term, the law is seen as a legitimate tool of social engineering, and it is now expected to reach right into people's minds (and homes) to effect change."

--Helen Searls, "Trial by Fury"

"Even when the laws Republicans pass actually have teeth, Republicans apparently are afraid to use them. Also in 1996, Congress approved a requirement that each new rule created by a federal agency be submitted to Congress for review. Since 1996, federal agencies have sent nearly 13,000 rules to Congress. Not a single one has been...