For those who missed today's House hearing but would like to take a look, the video is here. Although the Task Force is interested primarily in examining the proliferation of non mens-rea crimes as the regulatory state gets bigger and nastier, today's hearing was about the mandatory minimum debate. The Congressmen make their opening statements, followed by the witnesses, of whom I was called upon first, starting at about minute 29:00.
I thought the four witnesses did a good job of summarizing the arguments on both sides. Having been a participant, I don't want to grade my own paper, so I'll make only two observations: First, Ranking Member Conyers was the same complete gentleman he has always been to me, but might have ruined my reputation by accusing me of sounding reasonable. Second, I have to admit I was happy to see that I have more hair left than anyone at the witness table, and practically any man in the room.
At my age, you count everything.
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