Category: Society

“Difference, Power & Oppression”: OSU Requires Students to Take Courses on How to “Disrupt” the “Systems of Oppression” in the United States”

As many criticize higher education for pursuing indoctrination over education, Oregon State University (OSU) appears to be doubling down on a mandatory woke curriculum. The university is under fire for its mandatory undergraduate courses on “Difference, Power & Oppression” (DPO). Much of the rhetoric on the university’s website reads more like the platform of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) than an institution of higher education. Continue reading ““Difference, Power & Oppression”: OSU Requires Students to Take Courses on How to “Disrupt” the “Systems of Oppression” in the United States””

Browbeaten: Woman Forced Out of Virginia Salon Over Her Support for Israel

There is a disturbing controversy in Northern Virginia where Jessica Walton alleges that she went to Karimi Salon in Alexandria to get her eyebrows trimmed, only to be pushed out of the salon after the owner, Fatana Karimi, learned that Walton is Israeli. The incident raises a prior issue discussed on this blog: the right of business owners to refuse service based on political or religious beliefs as a matter of free speech. Walton posted a full account and a video on social media. Karimi, however, may not have a constitutional claim to defend against a discrimination complaint. Continue reading “Browbeaten: Woman Forced Out of Virginia Salon Over Her Support for Israel”

For the American Left, Nothing Succeeds as Much as Failure

Soviet-style poster of a woman holding an ermine with red star, gears, and wheat in background

Below is my column in The Hill on the familiar bust-and-boom cycle of socialism, where failure is used to call for even more radical changes. While House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries this week reaffirmed that Democratic Socialists are part of the Democratic Party, radical figures are demonstrating how extreme this agenda is for some. For example, Socialist State Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher has declared that stealing should be legal for those in need. If socialism takes hold in New York, many will indeed need five-finger discounts in the Big Apple.

Continue reading “For the American Left, Nothing Succeeds as Much as Failure”

Poll: Almost 60 Percent of Democrats Have a Favorable View of Socialism

Recent polls show steady growth in support for socialism among Democrats. A new CBS poll shows how popular it is, with 58 percent holding a positive view of socialism—26 points more than the 32 percent with a positive view of capitalism. This may explain why House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, while rejecting core parts of its platform, embraced Democratic Socialists this week as part of the Democratic Party. In addition to a variety of anti-Semitic figures within its ranks, the DSA wants to get rid of the presidency, the Senate, the Supreme Court, and other institutions (as well as borders, immigration enforcement, and much of private property). Yet, Jeffries still believes they share values and wants them to be part of the Democratic party. In other words, there are many “fine people” in the DSA despite being committed to the destruction of our core institutions.

Continue reading “Poll: Almost 60 Percent of Democrats Have a Favorable View of Socialism”

Gavin Newsom, the DSA, and the Danton Delusion

This week, Gavin Newsom made his latest pitch to the mob by proclaiming himself “an established insurgent.” It was vintage Newsom in trying to be everything to everyone, part of the establishment and part of the revolution. Like a violent pacifist or a preservation arsonist, it makes no sense to anyone else. However, with the victory of radicals across the country, Newsom is trying to join other armchair revolutionaries in seeking to lead the far-left mob. He believes that he can use a class war that will spare him while destroying his enemies. Call it the Danton delusion. Continue reading “Gavin Newsom, the DSA, and the Danton Delusion”

UK Politicians Call for More Speech Regulation After the Murder of Ann Widdecombe, Who Opposed Such Measures

The murder of British conservative icon Ann Widdecombe was barely reported when the usual suspects gathered to use her death to call for even greater censorship in the United Kingdom. The move follows Rahm Emanuel’s principle that you “never want a serious crisis to go to waste.” We saw similar moves after the killing of free speech advocates, including the Charlie Hebdo massacre.  For some of the anti-free speech figures on the left, there must be a quiet sense of satisfaction to use the murder of Widdecombe, long a critic of censorship and speech regulations, as an excuse for even greater crackdowns on social media and the Internet. Continue reading “UK Politicians Call for More Speech Regulation After the Murder of Ann Widdecombe, Who Opposed Such Measures”

The Rise of the Champagne Socialists: Democratic Leaders Join Socialists in Criticizing Capitalism

Below is my column on Fox.com about the growing condemnation of capitalism in the Democratic Party as establishment figures such as Gov. Gavin Newsom pander to the extreme left of their party. It is a rising mantra among those who ignore the economic foundations of liberty in our Republic, a connection expressly made by the Framers in their embrace of Adam Smith at the time of our founding. Like a game of musical chairs, champagne socialists are rushing to find a seat before the music stops in the coming elections. Ironically, only in the United States are socialist figures in the top percent of earners and own multiple homes from Bernie Sanders to Abdul El-Sayed. As Yakov Smirnoff would say, “What a country!”

Here is the column: Continue reading “The Rise of the Champagne Socialists: Democratic Leaders Join Socialists in Criticizing Capitalism”

The DSA and the Myth of Scandinavian Socialism

This week, Darializa Avila Chevalier was asked if there has ever been a “successful model of socialism anywhere in the world outside the United States in terms of both human rights and widespread economic justice.” The member of the Democratic Socialists of America responded by citing Sweden and Norway. It is a common false claim made by socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders and others. I address the claim head-on in Rage and the Republic Continue reading “The DSA and the Myth of Scandinavian Socialism”

The Push for a Robotic Workforce: Chris Murphy Introduces Bill for Massive Minimum Wage Hike

Sen. Chris Murphy has finally found a constituency that truly gets him. Robots and automated systems around the country likely whirled and beeped with approval as he introduced the Senate version of the Living Wage for All Act. At a time when workers are being replaced at record numbers due to the cheaper labor of automated systems and AI programs, Murphy moved to price out millions of more workers by increasing their costs. Continue reading “The Push for a Robotic Workforce: Chris Murphy Introduces Bill for Massive Minimum Wage Hike”

“What Then Is This American?”: America Celebrates 250 Years as a Free People

Below is my column in The Hill on our 250th Anniversary. Most of us will be celebrating with fireworks and cookouts today. Yet, some will celebrate not with fanfare but fury today. Rep. Al Green was asked whether he was proud to be an American on this holiday on the steps of the Capitol. He responded, “I am very proud to tell you that impeachment is an option to remove a reckless, ruthless, lawless president. I’m proud that it exists.” Well, at least he is celebrating something. For the rest of us, we celebrate a unique Republic that has brought prosperity and freedom to generations of Americans. Happy Fourth of July to all of the patriots across our political spectrum. E pluribus unum.

Here is the column: Continue reading ““What Then Is This American?”: America Celebrates 250 Years as a Free People”

Survey: Democrats Turning Heavily in Favor of Socialism

Soviet-style poster of a woman holding an ermine with red star, gears, and wheat in background

For many of us who were raised in liberal, Democratic families, the infusion of socialist, anti-free-speech, and anti-Semitic elements into the party has been alarming. The party was always in favor of social welfare programs but remained ardently committed to free markets and free speech. Now, we have CNN anchors openly questioning whether candidates are too Jewish-looking for the Democratic base as socialists sweep away establishment candidates. A recent poll reaffirmed that trend with a vast majority of Democrats saying that they are prepared to support the socialists.

Continue reading “Survey: Democrats Turning Heavily in Favor of Socialism”

“You Cannot Kill the Beast Until You Name it”: Democratic Politician Denounces the Declaration of Independence

Pennsylvania state and socialist Chris Rabb, the Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District, has joined the growing chorus of Democrats denouncing the founding documents and core institutions in the country on our 250th anniversary. The Democratic socialist is running unopposed for Congress and will almost certainly be a member of Congress after November. Continue reading ““You Cannot Kill the Beast Until You Name it”: Democratic Politician Denounces the Declaration of Independence”

Celebration Without Representation: Blue States Refuse to Join in the 250th Anniversary Celebration on the Mall

This morning, I discussed the upcoming Supreme Court decisions from the temporary Fox studio on the Mall, surrounded by the state pavilions. I was buoyed by the enthusiasm of the young National Guard members from Puerto Rico and Alaska. They are thrilled to be part of our 250th celebration. The only disappointment was the decision of 10 states—Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Pennsylvania—to decline to participate. Pennsylvania’s governor, Josh Shapiro, refused, but the state’s two senators stepped in to ensure their representation.  It is an utter disgrace for these states and another manifestation of our age of rage.

Continue reading “Celebration Without Representation: Blue States Refuse to Join in the 250th Anniversary Celebration on the Mall”

‘You’re Next!’: Democrats Discover the Mob has a Mind of its Own

Below is my column in The Hill on the Democratic establishment struggling to fend off attacks from the far left in their party. After years of fueling the mob, leaders from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are finding that the mob has its own ideas about revolutionary change that do not include them.

Here is the column: Continue reading “‘You’re Next!’: Democrats Discover the Mob has a Mind of its Own”

Chicago Teachers Seek Billions in Special Session for “What We Are Owed”

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has long been one of the most radical labor organizations in the country from its insistence on teachers being subsidized in political protests to members praising the former Communist regime in Venezuela. Now, with the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the CTU is demanding yet another massive public infusion of money despite the dismal performance of its members in actually improving scores for Chicago children. They are calling for a special session and billions in more funding. Continue reading “Chicago Teachers Seek Billions in Special Session for “What We Are Owed””

Res ipsa loquitur – The thing itself speaks