I shared a thought on Twitter yesterday that led to a rather unusual backlash, one led by a former college friend who has been a troll for years already.
Reacting to a story about CNN blaming Tucker Carlson and "replacement theory" for the horrific mass shooting by a racist gunman in Buffalo, I pointed out that to the extent "replacement theory" is a problem, at least in its non-racial sense, it derives its power from the fact that it provides the best explanation for Democrats' complete refusal to guard the U.S. border.
Boy, did that set the cat amongst the proverbial pigeons. I was called a racist, a white supremacist, you name it. I endured all kinds of abuse, some of which I won't bore you with. But through it all, I had a thought: I bet this isn't an article.
You see, when I screw up, or post something stupid, it almost invariably ends up as an article somewhere -- at Media Matters, or at some other left-wing website. It might still happen, but thus far, nothing: pure crickets.
I had a feeling it wouldn't be an article, you see, because I felt that my critics would not want the whole tweet to get out. Because not only to I allow for the fact that "replacement theory" might be a problem, but I point out that Democrats lack an alternative explanation for their failures. And the fact is that there really are political motives for Democrats' inaction on the southern border.
Sure enough, today: silence. At least so far.
https://twitter.com/joelpollak/status/1525869457435807744?s=20&t=ymm42t69LYc42_TrWr46-A
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
