Biden’s decision to drop out is one of the most patriotic moments in a long life of service
I’m sure it doesn’t feel this way to President Joe Biden now, given the fighter he is, but stepping down was the right thing for him to do.
Your Views for July 23
The case of the missing pocketknife
Secret Service director must answer for Trump near-assassination
Thomas Matthew Crooks should never have been able to get on a roof fewer than 150 yards from former President Donald Trump, let alone take several shots at him — almost killing him, wounding two rallygoers and murdering a third. The shot was an inch away from a national and international catastrophe, and the institutions tasked with securing the event must be held accountable.
The Supreme Court is a threat to American democracy
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was a wake-up call for Americans who had grown complacent about their rights and freedoms. The court’s decision was just the beginning of a series of rulings showcasing its alarming readiness to influence almost every facet of American life.
Your Views for July 21
Trump ‘is a waste of perfectly good oxygen’
Federal debt: The ticking bomb in your wallet
If you don’t think the interest on the federal debt is a problem, try this quick exercise. Grab your pay stub for June and see how much you paid in federal income tax, then realize that over 75% of that was effectively your contribution to interest on the debt last month. No roads, schools, military or hospitals — just interest. Houston, we have a problem.
Irwin: Campus competition
A couple of decades ago, universities entered a new kind of competition. In addition to the academic programs, campuses were enhancing their living and recreation facilities. I still remember the first time I heard about the lazy river installed at Louisiana State University in 2017 that spelled out “LSU,” but they were by no means the only university that sought to woo students based on out-of-class amenities. Water parks, giant spa pools, aquatic basketball, etc. popped up at several large campuses. Predictably, there was also backlash from faculty and citizens, especially concerning these projects at public universities (see the NY Times opinion piece “No College Kid Needs a Water Park to Study”). Still, despite these amenities, students still come to universities to learn and to gain the credentials to make a good living, support their families, and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
I know what a true hillbilly is, and it’s not JD Vance
From the moment I learned about hillbillies as a child, I was entranced.
Senators’ push to investigate Justice Clarence Thomas is entirely appropriate
In sending a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland asking for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Justice Clarence Thomas’ many undisclosed gifts as possible criminal ethics and tax violations, Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse and Ron Wyden are standing by their duty to protect the legitimacy of the federal government and the balance between the branches.
Right-wing politicos must relinquish their violent rhetoric
Sadly, political violence is as old as politics itself, around the globe and, yes, in the United States. However, the last decade has seen a marked increase, especially in the United States.
Assassination attempt will not be the end of leftist violence
Details are still emerging about the attempt to kill Donald Trump — about the shooter and how it was possible, and also what it says about America.
Your Views for July 19
Save Keauhou Bay from development
Your Views for July 18
Concerns about non-native bees
Despite Trump’s denials, he and Project 2025 are close
Project 2025 is the staffing and policy planning organization led by the Heritage Foundation. It published “Mandate for Leadership,” a 900-page document of policy recommendations, for the next Republican administration. Project 2025’s numerous unpopular conservative policy positions, such as its proposal to ban most abortion procedures nationwide, have come under fire.
Collective security works — NATO at 75 has been a success in keeping the peace
Overshadowed by the wonderings about President Joe Biden’s vigor was the actual purpose of the NATO alliance’s 75th anniversary summit in Washington last week. It marked three quarters of a century since Harry Truman hosted leaders of 10 nations from Western Europe, as well as Canada, to create a new, permanent defense pact in 1949.
Down on the farm: Sidling up to the trough
The Biden saga has roiled Democrats and gripped the Beltway, but Congress marches on doing what it does best: wasting other people’s money. Consider the ongoing stalemate involving the $1.5 trillion farm bill.
JD Vance is red meat for Trump’s MAGA base
J.D. Vance once called Donald Trump “America’s Hitler,” likening him to “cultural heroin.” On Monday, the Ohio senator was named the former president’s running mate.
Popularity of private school choice is booming
There’s little debate that school choice programs have been booming in popularity in recent years.
Nuclear energy gets a much-needed boost
President Joe Biden, as you’ve no doubt heard, has had a rough few weeks. Yet last Tuesday, he signed a bill into law that could well prove transformative for America’s energy future. Here’s hoping — whatever happens in November’s election — that more progress lies ahead.
Congress can still do the right thing on bump stocks
Arecent Supreme Court decision striking down the Trump administration’s ban on bump stocks was a setback for public safety, but only a temporary one — provided Congress still has the courage to do the right thing.