Here’s a preview of the week ahead in Washington.

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=JzXN6A6LYOM[/youtube]

Late last year, the House passed by a large margin a bill that allows federal recognition of “Native Hawaiians” as a distinct group, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has promised some floor time this year. This legislation would establish a governing body to represent Native Hawaiians in negotiations with the federal and state governments. All Americans should be treated equally; different ethnic groups shouldn’t get special treatment.

Heritage will be hosting an event, “Green Gone Wild: Elevating Nature above Human Rights,” on May 13 at noon. M. David Stirling will discuss his book that examines clever marketing and public relations schemes that elevates nature above human rights and infringes on citizen’s private property rights.

Heritage’s James Gattuso says efforts by the Federal Communications Commission to liberalize rules to allow radio and TV stations to own newspapers are a good first step in deregulating an industry that is operating on outdated rules made more than 30 years ago. Conservatives want more deregulation of the newspaper business and want rules that reflect the realities of the 21st century. Deregulation is good.