All Senate Democrats co-sponsored a resolution disapproving of President Trump’s pardons for January 6th rioters who assaulted Capitol Police officers. While symbolic and lacking practical effect, the resolution condemns Trump’s action, which pardoned numerous individuals convicted of such crimes, excluding only those charged with seditious conspiracy who received commuted sentences. Republican support for the resolution was absent, with some voicing disapproval of the pardons while others, such as Vice President Vance, defended Trump’s decision. The resolution highlights the partisan divide surrounding Trump’s clemency and the ongoing debate about the January 6th events.
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The US’s recent pause on planned tariffs and sanctions against Colombia following an agreement on migrant deportations has sparked a flurry of reactions, ranging from cautious optimism to outright outrage. The situation itself is relatively straightforward: the US, under its current administration, threatened Colombia with economic repercussions if it didn’t accept the return of its citizens who had been deported from the US. Colombia initially balked, citing concerns about the method of transport. The disagreement seemed to revolve around the use of military versus civilian aircraft for transporting the deported individuals.
This initial refusal led to the threatened tariffs and sanctions, creating a tense standoff.… Continue reading
A prevalent misunderstanding of American capitalism fuels much of the current political climate, marked by a belief in an inherent right to prosperity. This misconception, fostered by politicians and a lack of journalistic rigor, ignores the inherent inequalities of capitalism and the limited influence presidents have on factors like inflation and supply chain issues. The author argues that this flawed understanding, particularly prevalent among MAGA supporters, stems from a potent blend of feelings and mythology, rather than a reasoned analysis of economic realities. Consequently, many Americans mistakenly blame liberalism for the shortcomings of capitalism itself, overlooking the role of offshoring and other inherent capitalist practices. Ultimately, this lack of economic literacy hinders productive political discourse and effective policy solutions.
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Despite campaigning as a working-class champion, President Trump’s inaugural address omitted key issues affecting working families. Senator Sanders criticized this, highlighting the lack of discussion on healthcare costs, prescription drug prices, the housing crisis, and income inequality. Trump’s subsequent actions, including attacks on immigrant families and environmental protections, further underscored this disconnect. Sanders urged focusing on substantive issues with broad public support, such as universal healthcare and addressing climate change, rather than reacting to Trump’s pronouncements.
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A measure to make California an independent country has been cleared to begin gathering signatures. This is a repeat of a 2019 effort, and while it’s framed as a vote of no confidence in the US government, it ultimately holds no legal power to change California’s status. The process would involve a ballot initiative requiring 50% voter participation and 55% affirmative votes to trigger a non-binding declaration of intent.
This initiative, while generating considerable buzz, is a divisive distraction. The cost, estimated at $12 million, raises questions about its practicality and the potential benefits versus the expense. The political implications are substantial.… Continue reading
Several controversial Trump nominees, including Pete Hegseth for Department of Defense and Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, exemplify a pattern of prioritizing loyalty over qualifications. While some nominees might face setbacks due to scandals (e.g., sexual misconduct allegations), their replacements are likely to be equally extreme ideologically. This pattern extends to other choices like Linda McMahon for education secretary and Brendan Carr for the FCC, highlighting a disregard for traditional governance norms. Finally, Tom Homan’s appointment as border czar underscores this trend with his aggressive immigration enforcement plans.
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This week’s survey of state-level news begins with the firing of Milwaukee meteorologist Sam Kuffel from WDJT-TV after she criticized Elon Musk on social media. Next, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves’ prioritization of social media pronouncements over a major snowstorm highlights the state’s political climate. Missouri grapples with the escalating costs of cleaning up a radioactive waste landfill, with costs rising to $392 million due to expanded cleanup efforts. Finally, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s proposal to re-establish the Oklahoma State Guard raises concerns about the creation of an unregulated state militia.
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President Trump ended Dr. Anthony Fauci’s federal security detail, following the termination of protection for several other former Trump aides who have become critics. This decision comes despite ongoing threats against Fauci and others, with Trump stating he feels no responsibility for their safety. Trump’s justification cited the individuals’ financial abilities to secure private protection, a stance at odds with the Biden administration’s continuation of security for these individuals due to credible threats. This action follows similar revocations of security for former officials like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton.
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Trump’s plan to “crush the academic left,” as it’s often framed, isn’t merely about silencing dissenting voices; it represents a broader strategy to reshape higher education, potentially with far-reaching consequences. It’s a calculated effort to control the narrative and limit access to information and critical thinking.
This perceived attack isn’t about specific political ideologies within academia; rather, it’s about dismantling any intellectual resistance to a particular worldview. The term “academic left” itself seems to be a deliberately vague label, designed to encompass anyone who challenges prevailing conservative narratives. This allows for a sweeping purge of anyone deemed “unacceptable,” without the need for precise definitions.… Continue reading
The bishop’s plea for mercy towards marginalized groups, directed at a former president, has sparked considerable debate. The bishop’s courageous act of speaking truth to power, regardless of potential backlash, has garnered significant attention and admiration from many. This bold move has elevated her status among a large segment of the population, showcasing a powerful example of faith-based advocacy.
However, the underlying tension highlights a deep-seated polarization. The call for compassion was met with anger and outrage from certain quarters, illustrating the chasm between different ideologies and belief systems. The fact that such a plea is met with hostility underscores the challenges faced by those seeking to advocate for the vulnerable and marginalized in the current political climate.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood