Column
Should the West Seek an Off-Ramp in Ukraine?
How does the war in Ukraine end? This is precisely the question no one is supposed to ask these days. The supposition by our thought leaders seems to be that if we keep up the pressure on Vladimir Putin in Ukraine, he'll fold and go home; his threats to use tactical nuclear weapons on the battlefield are nothing more than saber-rattling. He will then retrench on the domestic front, resolidify…
Free Speech vs. Banning Jews
The University of California, Berkeley is known for many things, some good and some very bad, even outrageous. In 1964, a ban on campus political and religious activities launched what was called the free speech and academic freedom movement that quickly spread to other campuses. To many of an older generation, it quickly got out of hand.
Meloni Baloney From the Left
Italy has elected its first female prime minister. Normally that would be cause for celebration by those who promote diversity, but press reaction in Europe and the United States is treating Giorgia Meloni as the second coming of Italian dictator and Adolf Hitler ally, Benito Mussolini. The leftist press labels those whose policies they oppose as “right wing,” “extremist” and in Meloni’s case…
Students Finally Winning the School Choice Fight
Finally! Now more states will let parents use their tax money to educate their kids at a school they choose. In Arizona, families can get $6,500 to spend on private school, tutoring or even home schooling. The education establishment is horrified -- especially teachers unions. They don't want competition. But competition makes us all better. The Ford Model T was a breakthrough. But it's lousy…
Adam Carolla on Free Speech, Cancel Culture, AOC and Covid Hysteria
Performers censor themselves -- fearing they might offend. Those who offend Hollywood lose work. Some lose friends. Adam Carolla doesn't care. That's why he's the subject of my video this week. Carolla is one the most successful performers in America. His books are bestsellers. His comedy shows sell out. He hosts one of America's most-listened-to-podcasts. Recently, Carolla dismissed Rep.…
Monarchs of the American Big City
WASHINGTON -- The enormous outpouring of affection for Queen Elizabeth II has recently demonstrated to the world that monarchy is not dead. Now attention will turn to King Charles III, and we shall see how he will do. As I intimated last week, I think he will do very well. I said his initial speech to his subjects and to the world was “brilliant.”
Looks Who’s Talking, Justice Kagan
Supreme Court justices return to work next month following a tumultuous last session in which the majority issued some controversial rulings, most notably the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Liberals in general and Justice Elena Kagan in particular, are upset by the decisions of the conservative majority. Justice Kagan recently spoke at Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago.…
MRC Honors Cal Thomas With Bulldog Award for Lifetime Achievement
Wednesday night during the Media Research Center’s 35th anniversary gala, we were honored to present our friend, legendary conservative columnist, TV commentator, and longtime MRC Gala attendee Cal Thomas with the first annual Bulldog Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Immigration and Roosting Chickens
The saying “the chickens have come home to roost” seems to apply to the immigration policies of the Biden administration, sanctuary cities and states. Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) and Gov. Doug Ducey (R-AZ) have been sending hundreds of people who have illegally crossed the border into their states to Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., and Delaware. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) sent 50 migrants to…
How Can You Befriend a ‘Semi-Fascist’?
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, at a recent event with a liberal audience, praised Justice Clarence Thomas, her ideological adversary. Sotomayor said, “He is a man who cares deeply about the court as an institution.” She added that while the two often disagree over judicial decisions, “We share a common understanding about people and kindness towards them.”
California Dream Could Become a Nightmare
“Well, they’re out there a-having fun In that warm California sun” – (1964 song by The Rivieras) California has become an example of what a state looks like when it is controlled by a single party – in this case Democrats – who are trying to impose a green energy secular religion on their people. State officials have banned the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035, but a preview of the…
Unserious Leadership in a Serious Time
We live in a deeply serious time with deeply unserious leaders. Historian Niall Ferguson has written that the "extreme violence of the twentieth century" was precipitated by three preconditions: "ethnic conflict, economic volatility, and empires in decline." It is difficult not to see such preconditions repeating themselves in this century. The West is currently tearing itself apart over…
Is the ‘Red Wave’ Fading?
People who follow politics are familiar with the scenario. When a Republican “wave” appears likely, or a Republican presidential candidate develops a significant lead over the Democrat candidate, the media begin reporting “stories” that the wave is receding, and the Democrat is gaining ground. Television networks prefer close races because it adds to ratings. For once influential newspapers,…
Progressives, Not the Pandemic, Hurt Kids’ Education
“The Pandemic Erased Two Decades of Progress in Math and Reading,” read the New York Times headline. The subtitle declared, “The results of a national test showed just how devastating the last two years have been for 9-year-old schoolchildren, especially the most vulnerable.” But the pandemic is not really to blame. Progressives' preferred policies are to blame. Down where I am in…