Riots are wrong. I opposed the hundreds of "Black Lives Matter" riots across the country in 2020, including at the White House, which were an effort to force political change. And I opposed the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot (and rally).
Democrats only opposed the latter; they encouraged the former, despite a few perfunctory statements against violence. Then they impeached Trump for the Capitol riot. When that failed, they launched the January 6 Committee.
The committee has arguably done more damage to democracy, and to our constitutional system, than the riot. The riot could never have reasonably hoped to seize or hold power. But the committee's effects could be long-lasting.
The committee was one-sided, composed only of Trump opponents. It abused the civil rights of its witnesses and targets. And several members of the committee were themselves guilty of denying previous election results.
The public didn't need to be told that January 6 was bad. People knew. But the media played along with the committee, allowing it to violate due process and the separation of powers. It is a Star Chamber, a constitutional abomination.
I have argued that the Republicans should keep the committee and call Nancy Pelosi as a witness to find out why the Capitol was undefended. But the GOP is more inclined to dump the whole thing. Good riddance to a terrible scourge.
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
