News of the Week for Oct. 15th, 2017
- Gun Rights
- Hide the Decline
- Obamacare
- War & Terror
- National News
- Economy & Taxes
- International News
- Opinion
Gun Rights
Theory of the Case
On Friday morning I started the day on the curvy couch with “Fox & Friends” to discuss the latest developments in the Las Vegas attack and the Democrats’ push for “gun control”. The perpetrator of the deadliest single-shooter massacre in US history is so unlike his predecessors that it seems to me that nothing in his history is coincidental: there is a reason for everything, even if we will never know it – all the way down to, for example, such peripheral details as the fact that he owned property in both Mesquite, Nevada and Mesquite, Texas.
After Being Shot, Rep. Steve Scalise Still Opposes More Gun Control
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who is still recovering from his wounds after a gunman opened fire on Republican members of Congress in June, told Chuck Todd in an exclusive interview for “Meet the Press” that he still stands behind the unlimited right to bear arms.
Yes, the Bubbas Can Beat Uncle Sam
History shows that an armed citizenry can, in fact, challenge a government it sees as unjust.
Bret Stephens’ Fetishism for Gun Control
Right after the Las Vegas massacre, New York Times columnist Bret Stephens demanded that the Second Amendment be repealed. Mr. Stephens recently left the Wall Street Journal’s conservative editorial page, where he had been a hawkish voice on foreign affairs, and this burst of constitutional punditry has led to accusations that he is pandering to his new audience.
UNH prof tells class that US should ban all guns
Following the tragic shooting in Las Vegas, a professor at the University of New Hampshire suggested to her students that the U.S. should ban private ownership of firearms.
New Bipartisan Bump Stock Bill Would Actually Ban All Semi-Automatic Rifles
A new congressional proposal to ban bump stocks in the wake of the Las Vegas mass shooting would actually ban all semi-automatic rifles and parts.
Your Bipartisan Bump Stock Ban Has Arrived
The bill, sponsored by both Republicans and Democrats, would ban much more than just bump stocks.
Hide the Decline
Environment &
“Green Energy”
President Trump Nominates Kathleen White to Environmental Quality Chair
President Trump has nominated a climate skeptic who credits the rise of fossil fuels for the end of slavery to head the Council on Environmental Quality.
Obamacare
Government in Healthcare
HHS to Define Life as Beginning “at Conception”
The Department of Health and Human Services has published a draft strategic plan for 2018-2022 that includes some, shall we say, controversial language.
Trump’s Health-Care Action
Response To… Executive Unilateralism on Health Care There is nothing wrong in principle with executive orders that clarify how the executive branch is going to exercise the discretion that statutes legitimately give it. Executive orders that rewrite the law in the guise of interpreting it are another matter. The Affordable Care Act granted the executive branch a fair amount of leeway. It was written in a way that, in my view, moves too much policymaking authority from the legislative to the executive branch. Given that the law was written this way, though, I’m in favor of Trump’s using that leeway in the interest of better health policy.
Trump executive actions on health care unlikely to have immediate impact
With Republicans in Congress unable to pass a bill to overhaul the Obama health law, President Donald Trump on Thursday took a first step to force change, approving a series of executive actions which he says will allow Americans to buy less expensive health insurance policies in the future, though the exact details of the new plans from the Trump Administration must still be developed, and won’t go into effect immediately.
Trump declares Obamacare payments illegal; deals second blow to health law
Without payments, insurers say they would jack up premiums, upending the underpinning of the ACA
Obamacare – When Facts Don’t Matter
Former White House COS and current Mayor of the Windy City has been quoted as saying “Never let a serious crisis go to waste.”.
War & Terror
Coptic Priest Murdered in Cairo in Latest Anti-Christian Sectarian Attack in Egypt
As I’ve reported here at PJ Media, the Coptic Christian community in Egypt — the largest Christian community in the Middle East — has been under siege. It suffered multiple suicide bombings of churches this year on Palm Sunday, and the massacre of a busload of Coptic pilgrims on their way to a monastery just hours before the beginning of Ramadan.
Las Vegas police now say critical 6-minute shooting gap doesn’t exist
Police and hotel still don;t agree on some details.
U. S. Condemns Terror Attack In Somalia That Killed At Least 230
Calls attacks “cowardly,” vows to continue fight against “scourge of terrorism”
National
This die-hard Democratic city is about to turn Republican
If John Persinger wins the mayoral race in Erie, Pa., next month, it just might be the greatest local political upset in America this century. A Republican candidate has not been elected mayor here since 1961, when JFK was president.
Weinstein Co. terminates Harvey Weinstein following sexual harassment allegations
Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has been terminated from his position as co-chairman of The Weinstein Company after allegations of sexual harassment were made against him.
California Sheriffs Call on Congress to Stop Their “Sanctuary” State
Law enforcement: New law could provide safe harbor to MS-13
‘I was born bad’: Las Vegas prostitute who romped with mass killer Stephen Paddock says he enjoyed violent rape fantasies as she reveals he boasted he had always been evil
Stephen Paddock known to have hired prostitutes on regular visits to Las Vegas
Twitter blocks Senate candidate’s ad for referring to “stopp[ing] the sale of baby body parts”
Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn’s Senate campaign announcement ad has been blocked by Twitter over a statement the abortion rights opponent makes about the sale of fetal tissue for medical research.
Twitter Bans Marsha Blackburn’s Campaign Announcement Video for Discussing PP Sale of Baby Body Parts
“deemed an inflammatory statement that is likely to evoke a strong negative reaction”
“Credible threats” lead to removal of pro-colonialism article
A peer-reviewed academic journal article defending colonialism was removed due to threats of violence against the editor just days before Columbus Day
Pro-colonialism article taken down after journal editor receives “credible” death threats
Death threats against author, too
Texas State seeks math profs with “social justice” commitment
Texas State University has two new job openings for Math Education professors, but wants applicants to have a demonstrated commitment to social justice.
University of California hands out massive pensions, hits students with higher tuition
System claims tuition hike “was not done in response to pension costs”
States embrace Obama administration’s Title IX rules in the face of Trump changes
Some prefer “preponderance”
Feinstein’s Reelection Bid Faces Opposition From the Left
‘She continues to cling to office as a voice for the status
Southern Oregon University’s sexual misconduct policy keeps innocents on file for five years
University justifies record-keeping practice by citing unclear state law
Professors warn academic intolerance for dissenting views is reaching new highs
Donald Trump “has made [conservatism] a bad word”
Hotel spokeswoman questions the timeline offered by Vegas police
Las Vegas police made a dramatic change to the official timeline of the shooting Monday, stating for the first time that hotel security guard Jesus Campos was shot by Stephen Paddock before the attack on the concert began, not after. Tuesday a spokeswoman for the owner of the Mandalay Bay hotel questioned the accuracy of the new timeline.
Project Veritas Releases Second New York Times Video
Project Veritas released its second New York Times video Wednesday, featuring now-familiar audience strategy editor Nicholas Dudich.
U.S. to withdraw from Jewish-history-denying Islamic-supremacist-promoting UNESCO
Promotes a Pallywood version of history.
Progressives Frustrated With Democrat Establishment Target Feinstein
They want to go as far left as possible.
Court lifts restraining order against Berkeley CR president
A California court has dismissed an Antifa leader’s temporary restraining order against University of California-Berkeley College Republicans president Troy Worden.
Survey: 30% of undergrads think it’s okay to shut down a speaker with violence
This is the third poll in less than a month on this unnerving topic and the second to survey college students specifically.
School Gives Kids ‘Shooting at Trump’ as Option in Multiple-Choice Quiz
“Dad, they crapped on everything I believe in.”
UCLA law professor: Affirmative action hurts more minority students than it helps
Affirmative action hurts more minority students than it helps.
This College Professor Is Under Siege for Challenging Transgender Orthodoxy
A Boise State University professor recently learned what happens when you challenge left-wing social narratives on college campuses.
Columbia 1A Institute silent after protesters shut down speaker
The Knight First Amendment Institute, an on-campus think-tank at Columbia University dedicated to “defending the freedoms of speech,” has been remarkably quiet as students have sought to censor conservative speakers.
Taboo Truths About the Comanche
Were Native Americans really kinder, gentler and more spiritual?
Massachusetts public school assignment simulates Hajj to Mecca
Separation of church and state apparently doesn’t apply when political correctness is being pushed.
California officially declares “State of Emergency” over Hepatitis A outbreak
California’s continuous requests for additional vaccine is running into limit of what federal resources can supply.
Economy & Taxes
Britain could join USA, Canada and Mexico in new free trade area after Brexit
Britain could become an “associate” member of the North American Free Trade Area after it leaves the European Union, it has emerged.
International
Catalonia is behaving like a banana republic
“Let them vote” is a response to matters of public interest which has proved irresistible across time and place. The Enlightenment philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, inspired by the assembly-prone Swiss, saw direct democracy as the natural channel of expression for the general will.
Turkey Now Targeting Academic Freedom in Europe
Turkey’s targeting of dissident academics seems to have crossed the borders of the country. Academic freedom in Europe and in the U.S. is being stymied by the Turkish government and nationalist groups.
Spain on edge before possible Catalan secession declaration
The focus of the deepening clash between Catalan separatists and Spanish authorities is shifting to the regional parliament for a key session likely to include a historic declaration of independence that Spain has pledged to crush.
Catalonia stops short of formal independence declaration to allow talks
Catalonia’s leader stepped back from a formal declaration of independence from Spain on Tuesday, claiming a mandate to launch secession but saying he would delay doing so to allow time for talks with Madrid on the region’s future.
Man slams British Transport Police over recruitment workshops for minority groups
An aspiring police officer has criticised the force for wanting to employ more women and people from ethnic minorities.
Cracks Widen in Catalonia Sean Keeley
In the days since Catalonia’s unsanctioned referendum on independence from Spain, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont has found himself in a trap of his own making. Torn between pressures to declare independence unambiguously and to negotiate with Madrid, the Catalan leader has decided to split the difference. In a muddled speech to the regional parliament on Tuesday, Puigdemont asserted Catalonia’s right to become an independent state before calling on parliament to “suspend the effects of the declaration of independence so that in the coming weeks we may begin a dialogue.”
Spain gives ultimatum to Catalonia: Back down or be punished
Spanish authorities gave Catalonia’s separatist leader five days to explain whether his ambiguous statement on secession was a formal declaration of independence and warned Wednesday that his answer dictated whether they would apply never-used constitutional powers to curtail the region’s autonomy.
German Soccer Team Kneels in Solidarity with NFL
The German soccer team Hertha Berlin linked arms and knelt before their match with Schalke as a show of solidarity with NFL players.
Council apologises for banning woman for selling Knight Templar mugs
The mugs at the centre of the row, featuring a crusader knight and the order’s motto, raised concerns Muslims might be offended.
Austrian election: Sebastien Kurz who wants to cut all benefits for foreigners and halt EU meddling declares victory
The leader of Austria’s right-leaning People’s Party has declared victory in a national election that puts him on track to become the world’s youngest leader.
PETA wades into pronoun minefield with “species-ism” lecture
We’re told we need to be careful with pronouns, but because it’s 2017 and the animal rights movement has taken a sharp left turn, it seems we also have to mind our pronouns when referring to animals.
Sebastian Kurz: Austrian conservative set to become world’s youngest leader
Austria’s conservative People’s Party, led by 31-year-old Sebastian Kurz, is set to win the country’s general election, projections suggest.
Opinion
How Leftist Indoctrination Ruins a School System
I wrote here about left-wing indoctrination in the Edina, Minnesota public schools. As a local story, it has been explosive. As a national story, it is a warning to normal parents and students everywhere. Leftism in the Edina schools is the subject of the cover story in the current issue of Thinking Minnesota. I highly recommend the article, written by veteran Twin Cities columnist Kathy Kersten.
The Harvey Weinstein Democrat Bonfire
Just five months ago, Harvey Weinstein was hanging out with Hillary Clinton at Planned Parenthood’s 100th anniversary gala
Freedom of Speech Is Genocide and Other Lessons From the 21st-Century University
Edith Macias became infamous a couple of weeks ago when a viral video showed the University of California-Riverside (UCR) student stealing a “Make America Great Again” cap from another student. An ethnic studies major, Macias demanded that the hat’s owner be punished. At one point during the video, when the hat’s owner Matthew Vitale cited his First Amendment free speech rights, Macias said: “Your f–king freedom of speech is genocide, homeboy.” After a UCR employee took the hat from her, Macias said: “We’re in a country where literally people of color are getting genocide, they’re getting killed.”
Signs Liberalism’s Slow Suicide Is Finally Complete
Campus protests against the ACLU are a sign that American “liberalism” is being destroyed by the forces it unleashed and its own inherent contradictions.
The “American Idea” Share
In The Atlantic, Yoni Appelbaum has a thoughtful and at times depressing reflection on the crisis of “the American idea.” He summarizes the 19th-century preacher Theodore Parker’s articulation of this “American idea”: “that all people are created equal, that all possess unalienable rights, and that all should have the opportunity to develop and enjoy those rights.” Now, warns Appelbaum, that trinity of equality, rights, and opportunity is under attack. The Left subscribes to “a strange sort of universalism, focusing on America’s flaws while admiring other nations’ virtues.” Meanwhile, the Right has begun “to define American identity around culture, not principles.” Appelbaum notes many real challenges in his essay (such as a deteriorating commitment to some of the core principles of a free society), and he traces the powerful call toward a principle-driven politics that weaves through American history like a bright red, white, and blue ribbon. A brutish national chauvinism is a poor foundation indeed for the American republic.
Why Do Socialists Hate Women? How @Caycilia Became a “Thought Criminal”
Remember last month when transgender activists attacked a woman at a feminist gathering in London? That incident has had enormous impact in calling attention to an internecine conflict on the Left which, like the Harvey Weinstein scandal, the liberal media have been desperately trying to ignore for years. This battle in the transgender war on women was described by Canadian feminist Meghan Murphy.
The Anti-Male Feminism of @abzdafab: Negating the Opinions of Fathers
Men who believe in the inferiority of women are called “sexists.” Women who believe in the inferiority of men are called “feminists.”
ACLU Silent on Gay Coffee Shop Owner Who Kicked Out Pro-Lifers
The American Civil Liberties Union has remained silent on the issue of a gay coffee shop owner kicking out a group of Christians, despite multiple requests for comment from The Daily Caller News Foundation.
The unfunniest senator
The Autumn 2017 issue of City Journal is forthcoming from the Manhattan Institute. It carries my short column “The unfunniest senator.” The column is about Al Franken and his McCarthyite ruminations on two of President Trump’s judicial nominees. Given Franken’s contribution to the blue slip controversy this week, the editors have made the column available online this afternoon. Please check it out.
Boy Scouts Admit Girls and Go Full Social Justice Warrior
Starting in 2018, Boy Scouts will allow girls to join Cub Scout dens. On top of that, they’ll also concoct a way for older girls to earn the highly-prized Eagle Scout rank.
California secessionists think their path to independence is easier than Catalonia’s
The world has been watching the play-by-play of Catalonia’s bid for independence from Spain, but one group is tuning in more closely than most: California secessionists.
Masculinity Is the Solution to Weinstein-Like Scandals in Hollywood
The allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein are stomach-churning. The idea of one man having so much power that women were terrified to speak out or even to say “no” for fear their careers would be over sounds bizarre to most people, but apparently that’s Hollywood.
Were the Vikings Really Muslims?
Just as every news story must now be put into the current political context — what’s the Trump angle? — so must every other story somehow be framed by its relationship with Islam.
Maddness And (The lack Of) Civilization
In light of the Harvey Weinstein mess, more and more Hollywood people are starting to fall.
Are We All Unconscious Racists?
No: there’s scant evidence to support the trendy implicit-bias theory.
