The Common Thread What to know: President Joe Biden is still avoiding questions about the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan—or anything else, for that matter. The TPPF take: The common thread to the Afghanistan crisis, the border crisis and others? Too many in Washington seem uninterested in defending America. “The bad news is the crisis in...
Parents Aren’t OK; The Kids Aren’t All Right, Either What to know: Writing in the Atlantic, one parent admits that the pandemic has “broken” him. Though he wrongly calls for more government intervention, he’s not wrong about the effects of the pandemic. COVID-19—and government responses to it—have left deep scars. The TPPF take: Now, more...
It’s a Gas Gas Gas What to know: California will open five new natural gas-powered generators to stave off rolling blackouts, officials say. The plants will be “temporary.” The TPPF take: California has starved itself of electrical generation. “California’s grid is increasingly unstable, resulting in a frequent need to import electricity in the late afternoon,”...
Backing the Blue—Finally What to know: A number of cities, ranging from Portland, Oregon to Austin, Texas, are backtracking on their “defund the police” movements and desperately trying to refill their ranks amid spiking crime rates. The TPPF take: Cities that have long disrespected their police will find it difficult to find replacements. “With police...
Decline and All What to know: What does China make of the chaotic U.S. pullout from Afghanistan? Opportunity. The TPPF take: The U.S. focus on Afghanistan helped China to become our No. 1 threat. “The two biggest national security challenges of the post-Cold War era—China and the response to 9/11—have been gravely mishandled by America’s...
Just Keep Digging? What to know: Congressman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) writes that the “reconciliation” budget will be a disaster for Americans, noting, “We cannot inflate our way out of inflation or spend this country into prosperity.” The TPPF take: This big-spending bill should be rejected outright. “President Biden and Congressional Democrats have proposed roughly $6...
I Hear the Train A’Coming What to know: A new poll shows that support for Voter ID rules is growing, even as Democrats in Texas and Washington attempt to undermine them. The TPPF take: That poll shows that support for Voter ID is up 13% among Black voters, even. “In Texas, Republicans want to extend...
Lighten Up, Roger What to know: In the New Statesman, Roger Crisp wonders, “Would extinction be so bad?” He cites ongoing “suffering on Earth.” The TPPF take: We’re worried about you, Roger. Maybe get outside, get some sunshine? “The fact is, suffering on Planet Earth is rapidly decreasing,” says TPPF’s Katie Tahuahua. “Infant mortality is...
An Unhealthy Policy What to know: The New York Post says that the surge of COVID-19 cases in Texas has largely been caused by bad policies at the border—where tens of thousands of migrants, 80% of whom are unvaccinated and untold numbers are COVID-positive, are entering each month. The TPPF take: The border crisis—and its...
Maybe Pick One What to know: Teachers who say they’re not teaching critical race theory also say that the ban on teaching CRT will prevent them from teaching things like history and government. The TPPF take: CRT also threatens the ability of Texas students to develop their own opinions and practice civil discourse. “As a...
He Said It Out Loud What to know: Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged in leaked audio that the border crisis is “unsustainable.” The TPPF take: The toll in death and human suffering is rising. “The Biden administration calls Trump policies ‘irrational and inhumane,’” says TPPF’s Ken Oliver. “But its own approach is far worse—it...
It’s Critical for Children What to know: Texas schoolkids are heading back to the classroom, but the controversy over critical race theory is far from settled. The TPPF take: Lawmakers passed a bill banning elements of critical race theory; they are now working to extend that ban more fully. “Critical race theory is a divisive,...