I said in March 2020 that the right thing to do on coronavirus was take every reasonable precaution without shutting down our lives, and learning to live through the pandemic until it was behind us. The Democrats and the media, partly because of genuine fear but largely for political reasons, refused that common-sense approach. The pandemic was a unique opportunity to remove Trump through destroying the economy -- which had, until then, defied the left's "hopeful" predictions of recession -- and the social fabric. Some even insisted Trump step down or yield power to a panel of so-called experts.
A year into Biden, and the pandemic is worse than ever (in terms of cases, not deaths), and the Democrats and the media are suddenly telling us we can't go too far with restrictions; we have to learn to live with the disease; we can't destroy the economy. What changed? Well, for one thing, people are used to the danger and it's no longer quite as terrifying; but the real motivation, if I want to be cynical about it, is to protect Biden, who promised to end the pandemic. Now Democrats want us to put a brave face on it all, and move on.
It's the right approach, but it's two years, and trillions of dollars, and an unfair election, too late. We should have done this right from the very start.
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
