It's no secret that Gavin Newsom is cultivating presidential ambitions for 2024 or beyond, and that he is putting himself forward as a Democratic Party leader on social issues by challenging conservative states and their social policies.
But Newsom's focus on other states has always been dubious, given the many problems that California faces, and his poor track record in handling them. And in a new demand that Hollywood boycott pro-life states, he's gone too far.
This business of boycotting states is almost a uniquely Californian phenomenon. It is a form of secession, really: California bars official travel to 22 states, nearly half the country (in San Francisco, the ban extends to more than half the U.S.).
Moreover, Newsom is demanding that Hollywood conform to his government's view of abortion -- a complex and highly contentious issue on which even many people who think they are on one side or the other often have nuanced views.
He is demanding that Hollywood boycott other states while dangling $1.65 billion in tax credits for the industry. The clear message: play along if you want to get your share of the California pie. It's coercion to enforce conformity.
Astonishingly, Newsom then has the chutzpah to claim that going along with his boycott demand means choosing "creativity." It's the opposite: there can never be true artistic creativity when production demands state conformity.
Newsom's effort is partly a protectionist one: he's representing companies and unions in his state who are threatened by competition from other states and countries. But it's also disqualifying in terms of a future presidential campaign.
No one should be president who has deliberately tried to cause economic harm to half the country. And no one should lead any level of government who is this hostile to the First Amendment and the true meaning of American freedom.
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
