In case you missed it…
Communism:
Left-wing journalist Vivian Gornick published an op-ed in the New York Times this week, nostalgically recalling the days when many Americans were seduced by the promises of Communism. “America was fortunate to have had the communists here,” she quoted her mother as saying. “They, more than most, prodded the country into becoming the democracy it always said it was.” Her praise for American communists in the early 20th century didn’t stop with her mother’s words. In fact, throughout the piece, Gornick celebrated the communist movement — the very political ideology that was responsible for nearly 100 million deaths in the 20th century alone. (Read more)
Government corruption:
New York City’s expensive, convoluted and decidedly arbitrary system for issuing handgun permits is already a gross infringement on New Yorkers’ Second Amendment rights. As it turns out, however, it is also ripe for corruption. As with most overly bureaucratic, heavy-handed government entities, New York’s handgun licensing department has been plagued with scandals. In one of the most recent cases, handgun permits were essentially up for auction to the highest bidder — often being given to known criminals while the agency routinely denied permits to law-abiding citizens. (Read more)
Climate and environmental:
It comes as no surprise that the Nevada legislature is, yet again, going to try to micromanage the energy market through a variety of new renewable energy mandates and subsidies. Sadly, it is even less of a shock that there is little-to-no pushback against these initiatives. After all, just look at the way the climate-change lobby labels anyone who questions their policies as a “climate denier.” The truth is, however, these environmentalists are more about cronyism than they are about saving polar bears or preserving the environment. (Read more)
Education:
It’s worth repeating: Among parents, educational choice is not a partisan issue. According to a recent study, about 60 percent of Californians support the idea of school choice — including about half of self-described liberals. The results echo an earlier survey done in 1998, where 58 percent of California residents supported the concept. And yet, school choice initiatives have been repeatedly blocked in the state, thanks to massive campaigns funded by the California Teachers Association and other public unions. Which is also unsurprising — unions, after all, aren’t paid to represent the interests of children, parents or students. (Read more)
Fiscal and taxes:
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s national war on sugary drinks lost another battle this week. After pouring $1.5 million into an initiative campaign to impose a “soda tax” in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the billionaire saw voters come out in droves to soundly reject the nanny-state measure. The voter turnout was higher than the previous mayoral election, and 58 percent of voters rejected the 2 cent per ounce proposal. (Read more)