The big surprise in the latest indictment of Donald Trump is that it actually contained no surprises -- that it was a rehash of the Jan. 6 committee, which was a rehash of the second impeachment trial.
There is still no evidence of incitement; no evidence of sedition; and, crucially, no direct evidence that Trump knew he was lying about the election, though Special Counsel Jack Smith may wish otherwise.
The indictment looks like a political document, rather than a good case. Even commentators inclined to give Smith credit for his other indictments in the "documents" case were shocked at this one.
Smith damaged his credibility -- and, as Jonathan Turley pointed out on Fox News, that of Attorney General Merrick Garland. But why? And why go for charges that even include a potential death penalty?
My speculation is that the DOJ is firmly inside the DC bubble and that most of the staffers do not have a broad diet of news. They read the New York Times and the Washington Post and listen to NPR.
They don't know how the rest of the country feels; they don't even know that things they may believe are facts really aren't. They think they are saving the Republic. They can't see that they are hurting it.
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
