The Constitution of the United States of America has endured over two centuries. It remains the object of reverence for nearly all Americans and an object of admiration by peoples around the world. Unfortunately, the assault by 20th century liberal theorists and activist judges has seriously undermined respect for America’s core principles, denigrating some constitutional rights they disagree with and making up others. Fortunately, there has been a renewed interest in the Constitution in recent years, as Americans seek to understand the founding principles and enduring truths that form the bedrock …
On the 10th anniversary of the tragic 9/11 attacks, we must remain vigilant and avoid losing the advances we have made in the long war to keep America safe and secure. Today, as we remember the nearly 3,000 fellow citizens who lost their lives in the attack, Heritage offers tributes about 9/11. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), actor Gary Sinise and tea party activist Billie Tucker are among those who share their thoughts on the horrific events that unfolded on Sept. 11, 2001, and how America responded. View more at our …
Last week’s presidential debate at the Reagan Library elevated Social Security as a national issue that could reshape the 2012 campaign. Candidates spent the week trading blows about the role of the 76-year-old social insurance program. Leaving aside the political rhetoric, one thing is certain: Social Security needs to be reformed or America will face a dismal future. As one of the three major entitlement programs — along with Medicare and Medicaid — Social Security is contributing to a very dire long-term budget outlook. Spending on the three entitlement programs …
Today, we join America in honoring the anniversary of September 11, 2001, when terrorists killed nearly 3,000 of our fellow citizens. In the days after 9/11, Americans stood together as one, setting aside partisan fervor and recognized a common enemy in Islamist terrorist groups, particularly al-Qaeda. National security was rightfully restored as our nation’s highest priority. Ten years later, Osama bin Laden is dead, delivering to victims’ families and the rest of America a bit of justice for the heinous acts we all witnessed. But one terrorist’s death does not …
Five years ago ABC aired “The Path to 9/11,” a five-hour docudrama that explained how terrorists plotted to attack America on that frightful September morning in 2001. The movie sparked protests and attempts to stop ABC from showing it. Former President Bill Clinton was among those most displeased. As America marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the movie remains under lock and key at ABC. The network never released it on DVD. In fact, last week’s screening at The Heritage Foundation was the first public showing of the film since its …
Will securing our US-Mexico border solve our country’s entire illegal immigration problem? Of course not, but neither will turning a blind eye by a providing a pathway to citizenship for everyone who broke the law by immigrating to our country illegally. Unfortunately at a time when politicians are expected to give a 30 second sound bite to the press, it is easy to fall back on platitudes and generalities. In fact, it is just this trap that politicians should look to avoid when talking about immigration as my colleague James …
At 8:50 a.m. on September 11, 2001, second period began. Four minutes earlier, American Airlines Flight 11 had crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center. At that moment, however, the students and teachers at my suburban Ohio high school remained blissfully unaware. On that cool, fall morning my gym class went outside to play tennis. When we came back we heard that an announcement had been made over the loud speakers- two planes had crashed into the World Trade Center, both towers were on fire. Amongst the …
Reflecting back on September 11, 2001 as we reach the 10th year anniversary of that date, I am reminded – as we all are – of where we were on that day. I was actually a state legislator in Florida, and I was sitting in the Capitol when these events were unfolding. I think even though we knew what was happening was an important moment in American history, it was impossible 10 years ago on that day to fully comprehend the impact it would have on our lives for so …
President Obama’s plan for turning America around is big on new spending, with insincere promises of budget cuts to come later. In particular, the President called on Congress to spend an additional $5 billion on federal subsidies for the salaries of local police officers and firefighters. The additional $5 billion would be allocated to the “hiring” grant program operated by Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program administered by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). We’ve seen this playbook before. In …
The Obama Administration has been seeking advice on how to calibrate its messaging on the 10th anniversary of September 11, conscious of how it may play in the media both domestically and internationally. The conclusion that seems to have been reached by the White House speechwriters is that prudence calls for two different messages, one domestic and one foreign. Now, most politicians speak differently depending on whether their audience is domestic or foreign, but those who speak from conviction do not speak from both sides of their mouths. This momentous …
