The Cass Sunstein Question

As a Cato Institute benefactor, a NRA Life Member, and a member of the Federalist Society, I have a keen interest in the 2^nd and 10^th Amendments. The principal author of the Constitution, James Madison, wrote that the powers of the federal government were “few and defined.” The 10^th Amendment made clear that any powers not specifically granted to the federal government were reserved to the states or to the people.

President Barrack Obama has named radical Chicago Law School Professor Cass R. Sunstein to head the White House Office of Information & Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). This office reviews every regulation submitted by each of the federal agencies.

In the April 2009 edition of America’s 1^st Freedom, Marshall Lewin writes about “The Word According to Cass,” citing a keynote speech at a 2007 Harvard University conference, in which Sunstein opined, “We ought to ban hunting…. That should be against the law. It’s time now.” In Animal Rights: Current Debates and New Directions, Cass writes, “Animals should be permitted to bring suit.” Mr. Lewin continues, “Sunstein also wants to require every animal product-whether it’s chicken from KFC or ground round for your grill-to be packaged with pictures and descriptions of how that animal was processed.” In a truly alarming and graphic outline, Lewin points out, “In addition to freedom of speech, freedom of religion and the right to be secure in their person, houses, papers, and effects, Americans should also have rights covering nearly every want, as well.” To that end, Sunstein’s The Second Bill of Rights would guarantee every American a right to “a useful and remunerative job, a good home, a good education, adequate medical care, and the opportunity to enjoy good health.” Finally, Mr. Lewin alerts readers that Sunstein once even called for regulations that would require every Internet site to contain links to sites with an opposing point of view.

Fed up yet or just speechless? I’ve ordered Sunstien’s 2004 book The Second Bill of Rights and will have a summary review for you soon. As Marshall Lewin concludes, “If you don’t want Cass Sunstein to sign off on federal agencies regulating your rights out of existence, you need to get informed, you need to get involved, and you need to be in the game.”

One final sleep-disturbing note: I’ve heard Sunstein being talked up as a Supreme Court nominee. In that there is now certain to be a vacancy soon, a Sunstein nomination would be a truly appalling thought.