The Monroe Doctrine Returns
What to know: President Donald Trump is reviving the Monroe Doctrine.
The TPPF take: Trump is right to protect vital U.S. national interests.
“The Monroe Doctrine, America’s fundamental national security imperative, seeks to exclude outside powers from the Western Hemisphere,” says TPPF’s Chuck DeVore. “It is key to protecting the U.S. and our neighbors from China’s malicious designs. Trump understands that Greenland and Panama aren’t merely the key in any potential conflict with China, they are key to deterring China from conflict in the first place.”
For more on the Monroe Doctrine, click here.
Cell Phone Ban
What to know: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed a new law banning cell phones in K-12 public school classrooms.
The TPPF take: The widespread use of personal devices—including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices—has become a significant challenge in schools.
“While technology plays an essential role in education, personal devices often serve as a distraction rather than a learning tool,” says TPPF’s David Dunmoyer. “Studies indicate that students check their phones more than 100 times per day on average, reducing their ability to focus on classroom instruction.”
For more on cell phones in classrooms, click here.
More Than Aesthetics
What to know: TPPF attorneys are suing the city of San Marcos because it has refused to allow a family to remove an offensive symbol from their home. City officials cite its historic preservation ordinances.
The TPPF take: Cities and historic preservation boards don’t have unlimited power.
“For too long, cities have tried to use vague and subjective aesthetic regulations to exert control over homeowners’ private property,” says TPPF’s Christian Townsend. “This decision makes clear that municipalities cannot dictate the appearance of a person’s home without running afoul of constitutional protections.”
For more on the case, click here.