1. Universal voter ID for universal vote-by-mail: Republicans could offer to accept some of Democrats' proposals for universal vote-by-mail, early voting, etc. as a nationwide standard -- if Democrats also accepted universal voter ID, either through photo ID or some other unique personal identification number.
2. A border wall for DACA: Democrats would agree to fund the border wall, in return for Republicans agreeing to give permanent legal residency to anyone brought into the U.S. as a minor before a certain date (it would have to be prior to this administration, though, since Biden is bringing in any and all comers).
3. Permanent residency in exchange for no vote: Republicans could agree to give permanent leal residency to the millions of illegal aliens in the country, on the condition that anyone who willingly entered the country illegally is never able to exercise the right to vote, ever. You can stay/work but you can't govern.
4. A carbon tax in exchange for the elimination of payroll taxes: Republicans could agree to a tax on carbon -- i.e. on the use of fossil fuels for energy of all kinds -- if Democrats agree to drop the payroll tax, which is a tax on work. Discourage waste instead of work. Encourage efficiency, reduce emissions.
5. Reparations in exchange for an end to affirmative action: I'm just playing with the idea here, but what if Congress agreed to some form of reparations payout, no questions asked, on condition that affirmative action be barred by an amendment to the Constitution, much like California's Proposition 209?
There are a lot of these. They don't get done because part of the business of politics as a career is making sure there are still disputes to fight about.
This is the final edition of THE AGENDA -- finished a few days early!
This week's portion elucidates some of the first laws and principles of the Torah that follow the Ten Commandments, including -- a message particularly relevant to freed slaves -- the Jewish restrictions on indentured servitude.
God also provides the basic civil laws of Jewish society, governing almost every area of life -- in this one portion! -- as well as several basic principles of faith and religious observance. Moses then ascends Sinai for 40 days.
One of the laws God gives is the law against taunting a foreigner. This is different from allowing people to enter your land illegally; it is about showing respect, however, for people from other lands and other groups.
I am reminded of the importance of this principle because of the rhetoric lately attacking Elon Musk, a fellow South African-turned-American, for his foreign roots -- often by people who favor illegal immigration, ironically.
...
Since the Palisades Fire on January 7, my posts have been fairly sparse. I have just been so busy -- fighting the fire, covering the fire, helping neighbors, and launching a new podcast, "Three Homeless Guys," with two local friends.
Things are up and down. My family is still displaced, and we haven't resolved our living situation. We are awaiting answers from the insurance company (State Farm) on what they will cover, including alternative living expenses.
There are some incredible opportunities opening up -- more on that later -- and our kids are generally doing well, though this has been hard for them as well (especially the two middle kids, who miss their friends and their house).
The emotion of it all hit me yesterday. Today I feel wrung out. But I also feel that, in a way, going through the fire has been a process of refinement, of re-casting in a new mould, to face new challenges. And to win each new day.
So much to talk about, once again, as the Trump administration continues at breakneck pace. From DOGE chewing through the federal bureaucracy, to Marco Rubio heading out on his first missions for Trump, there's so much...
Special guests:
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio -- on the L.A. fires and reforming CA insurance
Matt Boyle -- Breitbart News political editor, on DOGE and confirmations
Jamie Paige -- founder of the Westside Current, on L.A. politics and the fires
Frances Martel -- Breitbart News foreign editor, on Rubio and Russia/Ukraine
Rob Hersov -- South African commentator, on SA's fight with the White House
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call in: 866-957-2874
