There is no such principle. It's something the media invented. Then again, some of us believe that because someone wrote something on the internet, it's automatically true.
Kagan did not advocate curtailing civil liberties. She advocated reforming the system.
You don't like the idea of the government funding elections, but that's exactly what they do in Europe and most other civilized countries and it works pretty well.
You also overlook that whether government or private industry funds elections, the expense ultimately rests with you as a taxpayer and consumer. Whether the money is exacted through taxation or fees is arbitrary.
1. Are you seriously going to argue that Kagan would be more anti-civil liberties than Ashcroft?
2. What civil liberties do you believe she is calling to be curtailed?
3. Where do you think funds for campaigns should come from?
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Regulation is not a 'partnership,'
Yes it is. Most business regulation is crafted under consultation with private industry (for better or worse) and ultimately makes for a more competitive economy.
It is because of regulation that our banking system is better than it was during the Great Depression (when there was no law requiring reserve ratios - you know what that is right?) or the Wild West (when banks could literally print money).
It is because of regulation that our food is safer than it was in the days of Upton Sinclair, and labor is treated better than in the days of John Steinbeck.
It is because of regulation that our air is cleaner than it was before the Clean Air Act, and our water is more drinkable than it would be if lye dumping wasn't outlawed.
This doesn't just protect the common good, it makes for better products that sell better. Arguing that the free market will magically work things out is as irrational as arguing that communist ideology and utopian ideals will solve all problems. That is the nature of the partnership: call it "tough love".
What you, like most Americans, fail to realize that the middle-class "American Dream" lifestyle was ultimately enabled by the government laying down regulation. Regulation meant a better life for the common man, which helped industry when it created a society of consumers with money to spend, rather than living hand-to-mouth as they were in earlier times (and still would be if that wasn't illegal).
Regarding partnership: drug, auto and communication companies - every industry - has armies of consultants in DC that work with the government to craft regulation. In fact between the regulatory agencies and the companies they regulate there's something of a revolving door. Flawed and corruption-prone, but it is truly better than nothing.
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Laws aren't supposed to restrict freedoms
Course they are.
You forfeit the freedom to kill.
You forfeit the freedom to swindle.
You forfeit the freedom to slander others' reputations on false pretenses.
You forfeit the freedom to despoil common resources.
You forfeit the freedom to run around naked.
You forfeit the freedom to engage in squatting.
You forfeit the freedom to commit treason.
Show me the law that does not, in some way, restrict freedom.