Timothy Troutner

Libertarian writer and student focused on economics and politics. Contributes to IVN analyzing the connection between ideas and current events, with emphasis on civil liberties, foreign policy, and economic liberty.

Judge Halts Controversial Pennsylvania Voter ID Law

Michael Bryant / The Philadelphia Inquirer For months, a battle has been raging in Pennsylvania parallel to the presidential race. It is a battle over the rules governing the election itself.

By Timothy Troutner

/ October 5, 2012

Judge Halts Controversial Pennsylvania Voter ID Law

Rocky Anderson's Fight For Ballot Access

Credit: voterocky.org As Romney and Obama march toward November, all eyes are focused on the two parties and their battle for the White House. Many Americans are unaware of

By Timothy Troutner

/ September 10, 2012

Rocky Anderson's Fight For Ballot Access

Difference Between Republicans and Democrats on Medicare: None

As November approaches, the political debate in this nation is focused on issues parties hope will resonate with voters. All too often, these issues are not central to the ideological

By Timothy Troutner

/ September 5, 2012

Difference Between Republicans and Democrats on Medicare: None

Judge Upholds Hotly Contested Voter ID Laws in Pennsylvania

Todd Wiseman / Texas Tribune It is election year in America. This means that voters and potential voters are deluged with all the muck PACs and action groups can dig up.

By Timothy Troutner

/ August 16, 2012

Judge Upholds Hotly Contested Voter ID Laws in Pennsylvania

Debt and Pensions Overwhelm California Municipalities

Reuters / Kevin Bartram Now approaching 16 trillion, Washington DC's debt casts a shadow over federal elections and politics. Perhaps more concerning is the debt facing cities and states

By Timothy Troutner

/ August 9, 2012

Debt and Pensions Overwhelm California Municipalities

The Olympics: A Glimpse into North Korea

Photo: Reuters The Olympics have always been a conflict of two trends. The games bring us together. As people across the world watch the opening ceremonies, we celebrate the culture

By Timothy Troutner

/ August 2, 2012

The Olympics: A Glimpse into North Korea

The Olympic Uniform Controversy: An Independent Perspective

Ralph Lauren / Reuters As the Olympic Games draw near, Americans prepare for weeks of cheering on their favorite athletes, and patriotism becomes more popular than ever. The eyes of the

By Timothy Troutner

/ July 26, 2012

The Olympic Uniform Controversy: An Independent Perspective

Public Opinion and the Supreme Court

Steve Petteway / Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States The Supreme Court is the forgotten branch of our government. Our nation celebrates the democratic process that yields our

By Timothy Troutner

/ July 19, 2012

What State Nullification of "Obamacare" Really Means

In each presidency there is a watershed moment. For some, it is a positive triumph that defines the presidency. Wartime presidents like Lincoln and FDR cemented their legacy by leading

By Timothy Troutner

/ July 12, 2012

What State Nullification of "Obamacare" Really Means

Independent Voters and The Legacy of 1776

In the midst of Independence Day fireworks, picnics, and barbecues earlier this week, our culture celebrated our political system. Our Founding Fathers made us free, so we celebrate our current

By Timothy Troutner

/ July 6, 2012

Independent Voters and The Legacy of 1776

'Voters First' Initiative on Redistricting Sends Mixed Signals

Political redistricting is an issue that stirs up partisan bickering like no other. Each side wants to draw up the districts in a way that ensures the best possible scenario

By Timothy Troutner

/ June 28, 2012

'Voters First' Initiative on Redistricting Sends Mixed Signals

Eric Holder and the Abuse of Executive Privilege

In the past few weeks, the "Operation Fast and Furious" scandal has not only stirred up partisan bickering, but also turned the spotlight on a controversial presidential power:

By Timothy Troutner

/ June 25, 2012

Eric Holder and the Abuse of Executive Privilege