I have total contempt for the January 6 Committee. On Thursday, it is going to focus on Mike Pence, for whom I have an incredible amount of respect.
Like Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA), I believe that Pence was right not to go along with Trump's demand that he refuse to certify the 2020 result. While there was a constitutionally-coherent argument that Pence had the authority to do it, the argument against doing so was far stronger. Moreover, Pence was not going to tear the country apart. It is simply not in his nature to act that way.
But also like McClintock, I reject completely the one-sided and constitutionally invalid proceedings of the January 6 Committee, which has abused Congress's authority and the basic civil liberties of those whom it has targeted for abuse.
Supposedly, according to Democrats, and according to some very vocal Trump supporters, you have to choose: if you support Pence, then you are some kind of traitor, siding with the January 6 Committee; if you oppose the committee, then you are a co-conspirator in an "insurrection." Somehow, I suspect many people actually agree, quietly, with the position McClintock explained today.
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.
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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
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