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.

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.

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.

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.

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.