Editorial

Candid, passionate and even angry debate is an essential feature of a free and democratic society. The First Amendment establishes an inviolable space for Americans to express their views and to “peaceably assemble.” Rallies, protests and marches are all protected by those guarantees. What the Constitution doesn’t protect is the right to intimidate or engage in violence against those with different views. Harassment, even if technically not against the law, is wrong and corrosive to discourse. When advocates stop trying to persuade … [Read more...] about When ‘peaceful protests’ turn violent

At this rate, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy will be lucky if he isn’t arrested and tried for treason before a people’s tribunal. According to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, DeJoy is a “complicit crony” aiding Trump’s efforts to sabotage American democracy. She believes the two have hatched a plot to delay mail-in voting and disenfranchise countless Americans prior to the election. In tried-and-true fashion, President Trump has stoked suspicions by saying that he opposes a $25 billion Postal Service bailout in the latest Democratic … [Read more...] about Post office paranoia

“Phony Kamala and Slow Joe.” That was President Trump giving nicknames to the opposition after Joe Biden picked Kamala Harris to share the Democratic ticket with him. Of course, Trump threw in “extraordinarily nasty,” but he always describes those who oppose him as “extraordinarily nasty.” A couple of days later, he tried to hint that Kamala Harris was not eligible to be vice president, a sad reprise of the “birther” campaign he led against Barack Obama. How pathetic. I have to ask: Is that the best Trump can do? Has he lost a step … [Read more...] about Smear campaign begins

A diplomatic path opens in the Middle East. The constant churn of our own politics obscured last week an event that should have gotten more attention in the U.S. because it was a moment of hope for a more peaceful future. We are talking about the historic agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, a piece of classic diplomacy that signals progress toward lasting peace in the Middle East. The accord between the two countries promises full normalization of relations in exchange for Israel ending the contested plan … [Read more...] about Hope for a more peaceful world? We got some from the White House last week

This summer marks the 75th anniversary of the worst disaster in the history of the United States Navy — the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. Three hundred men died in the initial catastrophe on July 30, 1945, then the survivors cast into the sea suffered unimaginable horrors, abandoned for days without food or water in shark-infested waters. As long as tales of the sea move human hearts, the story of the Indianapolis will shock and inspire. She was a heavy cruiser, in between a larger battleship and smaller destroyer. Sleek, … [Read more...] about The Immortal Indianapolis

By LEE H. HAMILTON I’ve lost track of the times over the years I’ve heard a politician say, “This is the most important election of my lifetime.” In fact, I’ve said it myself. And I’m sure we all believed it at the time. But in my case, at least, I know I was wrong in the past. Because this year’s election is the most important of my lifetime. Elections are the crown jewel of a representative democracy. We do at least three things when we vote. First, and most obviously, we vote for our preferred candidates. Second, by doing … [Read more...] about The faith we place in our elections

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's bid to be Joe Biden's running mate on the Democratic presidential ticket ended Tuesday with his selection of California Sen. Kamala Harris for that position. Whitmer would be right in feeling flattered to make it to the very final rounds of the VP sweepstakes. As a first-term governor who only recently emerged onto the national stage, it is a genuine honor for her to receive such serious consideration. In vetting a vice president, the 77-year-old Biden knew he also may have been screening the next … [Read more...] about In picking Harris over Whitmer, Biden bows to Dem base

By JASON HAYES On June 9, a unanimous ruling from a three-judge, appeals-court panel dealt another blow to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s prolonged campaign to permanently close the Line 5 pipeline. But on June 25, Ingham County Circuit Court Judge James Jamo ordered the line to be temporarily closed, leaving people wondering about the cost and supply of energy they need to heat their homes and run their businesses. For the good of the entire state, it’s time to recognize that the disputed law, which allows Canadian … [Read more...] about It’s time to build the Line 5 tunnel

No other group has shown as much contempt for its own work during the coronavirus crisis as teachers. Their unions are actively fighting to keep kids out of the classroom, and also to limit remote instruction, lest it require too much time and attention from people who are supposed to be wholly devoted to educating our children. This has been a wrenching time in the U.S. labor market, with tens of millions thrown out of work, and also an inspiring one. Not only have doctors and health-care workers put themselves on the line, … [Read more...] about Shame on America’s teachers unions

President Donald Trump was in one of his whiny moods. He was talking about Dr. Anthony Fauci, who’s been the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for 36 years. “He’s got this high approval rating,” grumbled the president. After all, he’s followed some of Fauci’s recommendations. “So why don’t I have a high approval rating?” Indeed. Tony Fauci threw out the first pitch at Washington Nationals’ opening day and it was wild, to put it mildly. Nevertheless, Topps, the guys that make baseball cards, made one … [Read more...] about Dr. Fauci’s pitch vs. Trump’s pitch