Let’s Make a Deal
What to Know: American and Mexican diplomats are set to begin the fourth round of formal discussions between the two countries as part of an ongoing review of the USMCA trade agreement.
The TPPF Take: The entwined economies of Texas and Mexico, a phenomenon going back to the Spanish settlement of the eighteenth century and the old Camino Real, affect lives and livelihoods on both sides of the border.
“We are in the midst of the most grave crisis in U.S.-Mexico relations in nearly a century,” says TPPF’s Greg Sindelar. “The Mexican government has tied itself into knots resisting, avoiding, and obscuring accountability for the indicted narco-politicians in its ranks. On the other hand, the very same government has also delivered on operational and tactical cooperation with the United States. Bringing the cartels and corrupt politicians to justice may seem unimaginable now, but imagining it is the first step to doing it.”
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China Summit
What to know: President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House last week for a three-day summit on U.S.-China relations.
The TPPF take: Nobody wants World War III, of course, but that doesn’t mean America can’t stand up for itself.
“China is the second-most powerful nation on Earth, and they’re undergoing the most rapid military build-up we’ve ever seen,” says TPPF’s Chuck DeVore. “I don’t expect any agreements that come out of this summit to be enforceable, nor do I expect the Chinese not to cheat on them. We must make it clear that there will be consequences for crossing our people or our allies.”
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One Is Too Many
What to Know: In a recent congressional hearing, Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Jamie Raskin dismissed concerns about noncitizens voting in elections.
The TPPF take: Any vote cast by a noncitizen dilutes the vote of an American citizen. Elections are decided by a handful of votes all the time.
“When a single vote can determine who takes office, an ineligible vote is not a harmless mistake. It can change the outcome and undermine public confidence in the voting process,” says TPPF’s Josh Findlay. “That is why what happened in New Jersey is so jarring. Approximately 6,600 noncitizens were registered to vote, and nearly 400 reportedly cast ballots.”