Customs Border Protection Agent Brian Terry was just doing his job when he was killed in an Arizona shootout in December 2010 by assault weapons sold illegally to Mexican drug cartels – guns sold under the supervision of the U.S. government. The undercover weapons trafficking, widely known now as “Operation Fast and Furious” was overseen by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The shady details surrounding the operation – along with the inadequate response by the Obama Administration – are a disservice to Terry’s memory. As …
Catching you up on clips, commentary and news of the day. Sign up for the daily email update from Scribe. Time for a red-tape rescue – Ed Feulner Debate continues on balanced budget amendment – Trish Choate Test cheating rooted in centralization – Lindsey Burke Bill Clinton Does ‘Jim Crow’ – WSJ Let’s hope N.C.’s voter ID bill lives to fight another day – Pat McCrory Pakistan racing to placate China: An analysis – Seema Sirohi Levin and McCain: We have no idea how much debt deal cuts defense – Josh …
In recent months, Nigeria’s infamous Islamist militant group Boko Haram has increased its attacks against the Nigerian government and its people. Instead of addressing Boko Haram’s attacks through a bold counterterrorism strategy, last weekend Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan announced plans to negotiate with the organization. Founded in 2002, Boko Haram attracted significant attention in 2009 when it initiated a violent uprising that resulted in the deaths of 700 people. Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf was shortly thereafter taken into custody and shot by security forces, and his body was displayed …
The congressional enactment of the Budget Control Act to increase the national debt limit was mostly a triumph of process, not substance. But substance cannot be avoided. The looming question is how this process will deal with the biggest entitlement challenge: Medicare. On Medicare, Congress has only two options: (1) serious but careful structural reform, or (2) blunt across-the-board cuts that will make matters even worse. After almost 30 years of tiresome debate on this issue, studiously ignoring the findings of independent analysts and presidential commissions alike, Congress has yet …
If you happened to be in Washington, D.C., last weekend, you may have run into the “Save Our Schools Rally”—perhaps more accurately titled “Maintain the Status Quo in Education Rally.” The folks over at Reason TV were on hand to talk with participants of the rally and created this short video (language warning) that highlights the left’s misunderstanding of the problems in America’s education system today. For example, Matt Damon, who spoke at the rally, scoffs at the idea of providing incentives to high-performing teachers or firing poorly performing teachers. …
According to the U.S. State Department, since 2003 over 32,000 illicitly held and loosely secured shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles have been destroyed. More commonly known as MANPADS (man-portable air defense systems), these weapons can shoot down civilian and military aircraft. It is estimated that since the 1970s over 40 aircraft have been shot down by the shoulder-fired missiles. Because they are small, lightweight, and inexpensive, they are a favorite weapon among terrorists. Nearly every country maintains a stockpile of them, including the U.S. Thus, there are serious concerns when weak states …
Americans have lit a fire under Washington. At town-hall meetings, Tea Party events, and the ballot box, citizens are making their voices heard. On October 7–9, thousands from across the land will gather at the Values Voter Summit to speak out on the issues that matter and listen in as leaders address current events that impact our freedoms, families, national security, and traditional values. The Values Voter Summit always features high-caliber speakers, and this year’s lineup is no different. Already confirmed are several Members of Congress, including House Speaker John …
Across the country, lawmakers are working to limit illegal immigration and reform policy so that more individuals can honorably and legally become American citizens. Last year’s notorious immigration battle in Arizona was met with hostility from pro-illegal immigration forces who misunderstood the Founders’ intent for a legal and meaningful naturalization process into America. Now, the same kind of battle is heating up in Alabama. With an estimated 120,000 illegal immigrants (according to the Pew Hispanic Center), Alabama leaders felt the federal laws weren’t protecting the state adequately. Considering the population …
Last month’s employment report from the Department of Labor offered more dismal news about the U.S. economy. And while many areas of the country continue to struggle, there are a few bright spots. Gov. Scott Walker happens to be presiding over one in Wisconsin, which added a net of 9,500 new jobs in June — more than half the 18,000 created nationwide. Wisconsin’s resurgence comes after three years of job losses — more than 150,000 jobs were lost in the three years before Walker became governor. Since he took office …
Now that President Obama has signed the Budget Control Act into law following weeks of grueling debate, lawmakers are packing their bags and heading home for August recess. Both houses of Congress return the first week of September, but neither passed a formal adjournment resolution, denying Obama the opportunity to make recess appointments. Lawmakers wrapped up their work without finalizing an agreement on the Federal Aviation Administration funding bill. Thousands of civilian employees and construction workers have been out of work since the partial FAA shutdown last month. Heritage welcomes Roger …
