CENTER FOR INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM 01/19/2014

Submitted by: Suzanne

	January 17, 2014 COMMENTARY
	Obama's Unexceptionalism: U.S. Plummets from Economic Freedom Index Top 10 for First Time Remember how Barack Obama, following his inauguration in 2009, infamously disparaged the concept of American exceptionalism? ... Five years hence, his presidency has succeeded in degrading America toward the unexceptional status in which he held it all along. A vivid illustration of that lamentable reality arrived this week, as The Wall Street Journal and the Heritage Foundation released their annual Index of Economic Freedom. What it revealed is disturbing and alarming, to put it mildly. Read more now.
	Will the Supreme Court Rein in Obama's Lawlessness? In office, Obama has demonstrated an attitude toward the Constitution that could generously be described as dismissive. More accurately, it has revealed an instinct for the kind of lawlessness one would expect of a tin-pot dictator. ... All is not hopeless, however. A case argued before the Supreme Court earlier this week presents the prospect that Obama may finally be brought to heel for his lawlessness. Read more now.
EDITORIAL CARTOONS View more of Michael Ramirez's latest cartoons now. FREEDOM MINUTE Watch this week's Freedom Minute video now.
PODCAST Podcast: Arctic Vortex and Finger Pointing Interview with Myron Ebell, Director of Energy and Environmental Studies at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Listen to the interview now. QUESTION OF THE WEEK Which one of the following treaties formally ended the American Revolutionary War? A) Treaty of Yorktown B) Treaty of Ghent C) Treaty of Paris D) Treaty of Washington Get the correct answer now.
	JESTER'S COURTROOM Just Don't Do It An Oregon man is suing Nike trying to get the athletic apparel powerhouse to foot some of the bill for his actions. According to news reports, Sirgiorgiro Clardy used his Nike Air Jordans to stomp the face of a "client" after the victim refused to pay for the services of his "escort." The man required stitches and plastic surgery, and Clardy was found guilty of second-degree assault, as well as other charges. Clardy is suing Nike for $100 million, claiming the shoes should have come with a warning that they could be used as a dangerous weapon. Read more now.
	QUOTE OF THE WEEK Daniel Henninger, The Wall Street Journal, On the Media's Coverage of the New Jersey Bridge Scandal: "There haven't been so many reporters chasing a story in Trenton, N.J., since Washington crossed the Delaware. But compared with the methods the Democratic Party is using now to take down its opponents, Chris Christie looks like Little Bo Peep. ... "The Christie bonfire has burned for a week. In that same week, The Wall Street Journal reported that the FBI found nothing in the IRS's targeting of conservative political groups that warrants criminal charges. ... "Thus, two of the most powerful public institutions in the U.S. - the FBI and the IRS - have concluded no harm, no foul, and the memory hole swallows the Obama administration's successful kneecapping of the GOP's most active members just as they prepared to participate in the 2012 presidential campaign. Many - ruined or terrified by the IRS probes - shut down. Mr. Obama won." Read more of this week's notable quotes now.
	FREEDOM LINE HIGHLIGHTS Rove: ObamaCare's Latest Lie More Women than Men Signing Up for ObamaCare A Few Thoughts on the Christie Scandal Obama's "Pen-and-Phone" Strategy Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Constitutionally Suspect Recess Appointments Case Free Trade Negotiations Offer Opportunity to Improve Intellectual Property Protections Ramirez Cartoon: The Commander In Chef