There's a new conventional wisdom emerging that the January 6 Committee show trial might be helping Republicans, in two ways.
First, it is showing just how grotesque this cohort of Democrats has become in its willingness to subvert the Constitution and basic principles of civil rights and due process.
Second, it is reminding voters -- including Republican primary voters -- that Donald Trump comes with a lot of baggage. That is the purpose of the whole charade, after all: to marginalize Trump. And some Republicans are glad -- even publicly -- that the Democrats are doing that job for them, or trying to do so.
I don't know if that's really the effect. I think Trump is marginalizing himself, by fixating on 2020 rather than talking more about the issues voters are facing.
But the committee probably has made it easier to criticize Trump, without fear of a backlash, not because of anything it is revealing about January 6, but because it is using Trump's former aides and even family members against him.
That is, no doubt, causing some consternation at Mar-a-Lago. And it is also providing cover for those -- and they are a growing number -- who want the party to thank Trump for his service but keep him out of the way in 2024.
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
