07/18 -- Bangladesh Faces Nationwide Shutdown as Jobs Protest Escalates; Tariffs Are Bipartisan Enemies of Freedom
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Thomas L. Knapp
Jul 18, 2024, 6:25:21 AM (9 days ago) Jul 18
to Freedom News Daily
Freedom News Daily, 07/18/24
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Produced by the staff of Rational Review News Digest
https://news.rationalreview.com/
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Today's Freedom News:
1) Bangladesh Faces Nationwide Shutdown as Jobs Protest Escalates
2) Poll: Almost two-thirds of Democrats want Biden to step aside
3) Palestine: Israeli forces bombard central Gaza as tanks advance deeper into Rafah
4) Prosecutors Appeal Dismissal of Disgraced Former President’s Classified Documents Case
5) Germany: Regime plans to halve military aid for Ukraine
6) Musk says SpaceX and X will relocate HQs to Texas
7) Germany: Regime nets $2.8 billion in sale of stolen Bitcoin
8) “Rust” armorer wants conviction tossed in wake of dropping of Baldwin charges
9) TN: State won’t purge voter rolls of people who disregard letter asking to prove citizenship
10) Schiff calls on Biden to exit presidential race
11) US mortgage refinance demand jumps to two-year high as interest rates drop
12) Iran: Regime rejects accusations it was involved in plots to assassinate disgraced former US president
13) House Oversight panel subpoenas Secret Service director to testify on assassination attempt against disgraced former president
14) Oil prices steady amid falling US inventories, weak dollar
15) Thailand: Cyanide found in blood of Bangkok hotel victims
16) Russian, Ukrainian regimes free 95 POWs each in latest prisoner exchange
17) AK: US judge suspends Cook Inlet lease, pending additional environmental review
18) Neo-Nazi leader indicted for plotting to kill minorities in NYC on New Year’s Eve
19) Democrats consider expelling Menendez from Senate after conviction in bribery trial
20) UK: Charles III unveils Keir Starmer’s plans for Britain, in state opening of new parliament
Today's Freedom Commentary:
21) Tariffs Are Bipartisan Enemies of Freedom
22) The Civil War Simulation
23) Why the Right Lies About Cities
24) Americans always need an existential threat. This time, it’s each other.
25) Living with Perpetual Violence
26) The Framers knew presidential duties didn’t include electoral vote counts
27) Tyrannicide: An American Value?
28) The most important 42 miles in American politics
29) Why I am Skeptical of Market Failure Corrections
30) Powerful Speeches From Americans Suffering Under Biden
31) The Convert
32) The Coming Coeval Age
33) What Biden’s “Rent Cap” Is, and Isn’t
34) Investors are Not to Blame for the Priciest Housing in History
35) Federalism Could Heal a Divided Nation
36) The Infinitely Plastic J.D. Vance
37) Republicans Have the Wind at Their Backs
38) A Libertarian Perspective on Recent Political Developments: RNC, DNC, and the Silence on LNC’s Chase Oliver
39) AI, Guaranteed Income, and the “Which Way Is Up?” Problem Afflicting Our Elites
40) Trade, Ambition, and the Rise of American Empire
41) The Supreme Court’s License for Presidential Vengeance
42) The Slope of Service
43) The US Continues To Undermine Its Own Interests in Iran
44) We can’t trust politicized FBI to handle probe of Trump assassination bid
45) Biden attacks on SCOTUS not “protecting democracy” but undermining it
46) Does Economic Growth Increase Air Pollution?
47) Voters Take Vengeance on the Tories
48) Decision 2024 (III): Nationalism, Illiberalism, and Identity Politics
49) America’s political crisis & war in Gaza more intertwined than you might think
50) Sacre Bleu! Sporting Events and Stadia Don’t Drive Economic Development
Today's Freedom Podcast and Video:
51) Conflicts of Interest, episode 637
52) The Vital Center, episode 69
53) Reason Interview: Corey DeAngelis
54) The Bryan Hyde Show, 07/17/24
55) Quillette Podcast, episode 243
56) Serious Trouble, 07/17/24
57) DMZ with Bill Scher and Matt Lewis, 07/17/24
58) The Fifth Column, episode 437
59) Antiwar News with Dave DeCamp, 07/17/24
60) The Political Orphanage, 07/16/24
61) The Libertarian Angle, 07/16/24
62) The Tom Woods Show, episode 2518
63) Hubwonk, 07/16/24
64) Politics Politics Politics, 07/16/24
65) Liberty at Night, 07/16/24
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_____ Today's Freedom News _____
1) Bangladesh Faces Nationwide Shutdown as Jobs Protest Escalates
Source: Bloomberg
“Bangladesh student protest leaders have pushed for a full-day shutdown of transport networks and businesses from Thursday, piling pressure on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to abolish the government’s job quota system as demonstrations earlier this week turned violent. No establishments, except for hospitals and emergency services, will be open, and no vehicles are allowed on the roads, Asif Mahmud, one of the student protest organizers, said in a statement on Wednesday. The organizers called for all educational institutions to join in the protest after clashes with the police and government supporters on Tuesday left six dead and scores more injured. The strikes are a response to the authorities closing all public and private universities as protests gained steam over government job quotes, which include a 30% allocation for family members of veterans from the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan.” (07/18/24)
https://archive.is/eCw9E
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2) Poll: Almost two-thirds of Democrats want Biden to step aside
Source: Axios
“A whopping 65% of Democrats believe President Biden should withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and let the party pick a different nominee, according to an AP-Norc poll out Wednesday. The findings add more evidence to the damage done by Biden’s disastrous debate performance last month, which highlighted longstanding concerns about his age and fitness for office. The results based on a survey of 1,253 adults also fly in the face of Biden’s own claim that the ‘average voter’ wants him to stay in the race. Overall, 70% of U.S. voters want Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race, while only [sic] 57% want to see former President Trump withdraw.” (07/17/24)
https://www.axios.com/2024/07/17/democrats-biden-drop-out-2024
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3) Palestine: Israeli forces bombard central Gaza as tanks advance deeper into Rafah
Source: Reuters
“Israeli forces bombarded the Gaza Strip’s historic refugee camps in the centre of the enclave and struck Gaza City in the north on Thursday, killing at least 13 people, and tanks pushed deeper into Rafah in the south, health officials and residents said. … The armed wing of militant group Hamas and its allies said they fired mortar bombs at Israeli forces in southwest Rafah on Thursday. More than a million people had sought shelter in Rafah from fighting further north, but most have scattered again since Israel launched an offensive in and around the city in May. The fighting has pushed the 60-bed Red Cross field hospital in Rafah to the brink of capacity, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said in a statement on Thursday.” (07/18/24)
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-bombards-central-gaza-tanks-advance-deeper-rafah-2024-07-18/
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4) Prosecutors Appeal Dismissal of Disgraced Former President’s Classified Documents Case
Source: US News & World Report
“U.S. prosecutors on Wednesday formally appealed a federal judge’s decision to throw out the criminal case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith accusing Donald Trump of illegally holding on to classified documents following the end of his presidency. Smith’s office filed a notice indicating it would ask an Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to revive the case and reverse the July 15 ruling by Florida-based U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon that Smith had been unlawfully appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland. Cannon, who was appointed to the bench by Trump in 2020, ruled that Smith’s 2022 appointment violated the U.S. Constitution because Congress did not authorize Garland to name a special counsel with the degree of power and independence wielded by Smith.” (07/17/24)
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-07-17/prosecutors-appeal-trump-classified-documents-case-dismissal
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5) Germany: Regime plans to halve military aid for Ukraine
Source: BBC News [UK state media]
“Germany is planning to nearly halve military aid for Ukraine next year, from around €8bn (£6.7bn; $8.7bn) to around €4bn, according to a draft budget approved by the government. Finance Minister Christian Lindner said Ukraine’s financing was ‘secure for the foreseeable future’ due to a G7 group of rich nations scheme to raise $50bn from interest on frozen Russian assets. Germany is Ukraine’s second biggest military donor, after the US. In 2024, Berlin’s budget for Kyiv is set at nearly €7.5bn. The planned aid cut comes amid fears in Ukraine and among its European allies that US funds could be slashed or even stopped if Donald Trump wins the presidency in November’s election.” (07/18/24)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0kr91zqp0lo
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6) Musk says SpaceX and X will relocate HQs to Texas
Source: Ars Technica
“Elon Musk said Tuesday that he will move the headquarters of SpaceX and his social media company X from California to Texas in response to a new gender identity law [sic] signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Musk’s announcement, made via a post on X, follows his decision in 2021 to move the headquarters of the electric car company Tesla from Palo Alto, California, to Austin, Texas, in the wake of coronavirus lockdowns in the Bay Area the year before. Now, two of Musk’s other major holdings are making symbolic moves out of California: SpaceX to the company’s Starbase launch facility near Brownsville, Texas, and X to Austin. The new gender identity law [sic], signed by Governor Newsom, a Democrat, on Monday, bars school districts in California from requiring teachers to disclose a change in a student’s gender identification or sexual orientation to their parents without the child’s permission.” (07/17/24)
https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/07/elon-musk-says-spacex-and-x-will-relocate-their-headquarters-to-texas/
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7) Germany: Regime nets $2.8 billion in sale of stolen Bitcoin
Source: CoinTelegraph
“The German government has confirmed a multi-billion emergency sale of Bitcoin that began in June. An official statement from the state of Sachsen acknowledged on July 17 the sale of approximately 49,858 Bitcoin between June 19 and July 12, 2024, in cooperation with the Federal Criminal Police Office. Proceeds from the sale amounted to 2.6 billion euros (~$2.8 billion) and have been temporarily held by the Leipzig Regional Court as part of the ongoing criminal proceedings in the ‘Movie2k case,’ notes the statement. The funds are not yet considered a final state asset and must wait until a court decides whether it can be permanently [stolen]. According to the Dresden Public Prosecutor’s Office, an emergency sale is legally required whenever there is a significant risk of value loss of 10% or more before the conclusion of ongoing criminal proceedings. … Movie2k was a platform known for streaming pirated content.” (07/17/24)
https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-sale-nets-german-government-2-8-billion
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8) “Rust” armorer wants conviction tossed in wake of dropping of Baldwin charges
Source: CBS News
“The armorer on Alec Baldwin film ‘Rust’ filed Tuesday to have her conviction for involuntary manslaughter overturned, days after the Hollywood star’s own trial over a fatal on-set shooting collapsed due to withheld evidence. Baldwin was holding a revolver during a rehearsal for the low-budget Western in October 2021 when a live round was fired, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding the film’s director. Hannah Gutierrez, as the film’s armorer, was responsible for providing dummy and blank rounds to the movie set. … during Baldwin’s separate trial in Santa Fe, New Mexico, last week, it emerged that police and prosecutors had suppressed potentially significant evidence that could have explained how live rounds ended up on set. … Baldwin’s case was immediately tossed by the judge, who said the ‘intentional and deliberate’ withholding of evidence was ‘highly prejudicial to the defendant.'” (07/17/24)
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rust-armorer-hannah-gutierrez-seeks-conviction-overturn-alec-baldwin-charges-dropped/
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9) TN: State won’t purge voter rolls of people who disregard letter asking to prove citizenship
Source: SFGate
“Tennessee election officials who sent letters last month to 14,375 registered voters asking them for proof of citizenship now say the recipients won’t be kicked off voting rolls if they don’t respond. The state clarified the position in a follow-up letter to all those didn’t respond to the first correspondence. Nearly 3,200 have provided evidence of U.S. citizenship, and more than 300 have requested to be removed from the voter rolls, according to the state elections office. … The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation informed the state late last month of plans to sue in response to the letters and argued that election officials had to tell voters they wouldn’t lose their voter registration by ignoring the request for proof of citizenship.” (07/17/24)
https://www.sfgate.com/news/politics/article/tennessee-won-t-purge-voter-rolls-of-people-who-19579599.php
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10) Schiff calls on Biden to exit presidential race
Source: The Hill
“Rep. Adam Schiff (Calif.) on Wednesday became one of the most prominent and high-ranking Democrats to call for President Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. Schiff, who is running for California Senate, said in a statement first reported by the Los Angeles Times that while Biden ‘has been one of the most consequential presidents in our nation’s history,’ he noted that ‘our nation is at a crossroads.’ ‘A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November,’ he explained. ‘While the choice to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone, I believe it is time for him to pass the torch,’ he continued.” (07/17/24)
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4777560-adam-schiff-biden-race-trump
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11) US mortgage refinance demand jumps to two-year high as interest rates drop
Source: CNBC
“Mortgage rates dropped to the lowest level since March last week, sparking swift demand in refinancing. Homebuyers, however, seemed unimpressed. Applications to refinance a home loan jumped 15% last week, compared with the previous week, to the highest level since August 2022, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index. Demand was 37% higher than the same week one year ago when mortgage rates were exactly the same. While the increase last week was large, it is coming off a very small base. Refinance demand is still more than 70% lower than it was in early 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.” (07/17/24)
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/17/mortgage-refinance-demand-jumps-to-a-2-year-high-as-mortgage-rates-drop.html
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12) Iran: Regime rejects accusations it was involved in plots to assassinate disgraced former US president
Source: ABC News
“Iran has rejected accusations regarding plots to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump, while citing legal action for the 2020 assassination of a revered general by U.S. drone, the state-run IRNA news agency reported Wednesday. IRNA quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying Iran ‘strongly rejects any involvement in the recent armed attack on Trump or claims about Iran’s intention for such an action.’ Kanaani added, ‘The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to pursue legal action against Trump for his direct role in the crime of assassinating Martyr General Qassem Soleimani.'” (07/17/24)
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/iran-rejects-accusations-involved-plots-assassinate-trump-112021441
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13) House Oversight panel subpoenas Secret Service director to testify on assassination attempt against disgraced former president
Source: SFGate
“Rep. James Comer, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, has issued a subpoena to Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle compelling her to appear before the committee on Monday for what is scheduled to be the first congressional hearing into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Comer said initially that the Secret Service committed to her attendance but that Homeland Security officials appear to have intervened and there has been no ‘meaningful updates or information’ shared with the committee. Comer said the ‘lack of transparency and failure to cooperate’ with the committee called into question Cheatle’s ability to lead the Secret Service and necessitates the subpoena. Cheatle has said the agency understands the importance of a review ordered by Democratic President Joe Biden and would fully participate in it as well as with congressional committees looking into the shooting.” (07/17/24)
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/homeland-security-inspector-general-investigates-19578963.php
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14) Oil prices steady amid falling US inventories, weak dollar
source: Reuters
“Oil prices rose on Wednesday, a day after benchmark Brent hit a one-month low, as a decline in U.S. oil stockpiles and a weaker dollar overshadowed signs of weakening demand in China. Brent crude oil futures were up 55 cents, or 0.7%, at $84.28 a barrel by 1242 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 75 cents, or 0.9%, at $81.51. In the United States, the world’s largest oil producer and consumer, crude oil inventories fell by 4.4 million barrels in the week ended July 12, market sources said, citing data from the American Petroleum Institute. Analysts polled by Reuters estimated crude stocks would fall by 33,000 barrels.” ()7/17/24)
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-prices-steady-slowing-demand-offsets-tightening-supply-2024-07-17/
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15) Thailand: Cyanide found in blood of Bangkok hotel victims
Source: BBC News [UK State Media]
“Cyanide has been found in the blood of all six people who died in a luxury hotel suite in Bangkok, say doctors after examining their bodies. Based on the initial post-mortem examination, they say there is ‘no other cause’ that would explain their deaths ‘except for cyanide.’ But further tests are being carried out to determine the ‘intensity’ of the deadly chemical and to rule out any other toxins. Forensic investigators had earlier found traces of cyanide on the teacups used by the victims, all of whom are of Vietnamese origin including two with dual US citizenship. Police suspect that one of the dead was behind the poisoning and was driven by crushing debt — but have not said who.” (07/17/24)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3g64ljwp2go
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16) Russian, Ukrainian regimes free 95 POWs each in latest prisoner exchange
Source: France 24 [French state media]
“Russia and Ukraine have released a total of 190 captured soldiers in the latest prisoner exchange between the two sides, officials in Moscow and Kyiv announced Wednesday. Thousands of POWs have been freed in more than 50 individual exchanges throughout the war – an area where the two sides have been able to strike rare agreements since Russia invaded in February 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russia’s defence ministry each said Wednesday that 95 of their soldiers had been freed.” (07/17/24)
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240717-russia-ukraine-free-95-pows-each-prisoner-exchange
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17) AK: US judge suspends Cook Inlet lease, pending additional environmental review
Source: Associated Press
“A federal judge has suspended the lease stemming from a 2022 oil and gas sale in Alaska’s Cook Inlet basin after finding problems with the environmental review it was based on. U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason, in a decision Tuesday, found the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management failed in its analysis of the impact of ship noise on Cook Inlet beluga whales, which are listed as protected under the Endangered Species Act. She also found problematic the agency’s lumping together of the beluga whales and other marine mammals when weighing cumulative impacts, noting that the Cook Inlet belugas ‘have been impacted differently than other marine mammals in Cook Inlet by past actions’ and that the agency should have considered cumulative impacts of leasing activities on them separately.” (07/17/24)
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/us-judge-suspends-alaska-cook-inlet-lease-pending-additional-environmental-review/ar-BB1qaf25?ocid=BingNewsVerp
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18) Neo-Nazi leader indicted for plotting to kill minorities in NYC on New Year’s Eve
Source: United Press International
“The leader of an Eastern European neo-Nazi White supremacist group has been indicted in the United States for planning to kill minorities in New York City by having a recruit dress up as Santa and hand out poisoned candy on New Year’s Eve. Michail Chkhikvishvili, a 21-year-old Georgian national who went by the name Commander Butcher, was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury in Brooklyn, N.Y., on four counts stemming from soliciting hate crimes and acts of mass violence, the Justice Department said in a statement. He was arrested July 6 in Chisinau, Moldova, under an Interpol arrest warrant. … The indictment accuses Chkhikvishvili of being the leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, which federal authorities said promotes violence against racial minorities and those it deems ‘undesirables,’ including members of the Jewish community.” (07/17/24)
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/07/17/neo-Nazi-group-leader-indicted/5301721201636/
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19) Democrats consider expelling Menendez from Senate after conviction in bribery trial
Source: SFGate
“Sen. Bob Menendez has shown no sign he will voluntarily resign from the Senate following his conviction on bribery charges, leaving Democratic senators contemplating an expulsion effort to force him from office. While Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, has six months remaining in his term, Democrats have made clear they don’t want him in office any longer. Within minutes of the guilty verdict on Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for his resignation and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who would name Menendez’s replacement, said that the Senate should expel Menendez if he refused to step down. Expulsion, which requires a two-thirds majority, is an exceedingly rare step in the Senate. The last time it was even seriously considered by the chamber was almost 30 years ago, and only 15 senators — almost all during the Civil War — have ever been expelled.” (07/17/24)
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/democrats-consider-expelling-menendez-from-the-19580159.php
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20) UK: Charles III unveils Keir Starmer’s plans for Britain, in state opening of new parliament
Source: CNN
“Britain’s new Labour government promised to end an ‘era of politics as performance’ in Wednesday’s ceremonial King’s Speech, unveiling a sweeping agenda that targets house building, crime and illegal migration and grapples with a breakdown in trust that was exposed during the country’s general election. At a grandiose event that brings together Britain’s royal pageantry and political class, King Charles III formally opened a new parliament by reading out the plans of his new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, whose landslide election win earlier this month brought a 14-year era of Conservative rule to an emphatic end.” (07/17/24)
https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/17/uk/king-charles-iii-unveils-keir-starmers-plans-for-britain-in-state-opening-of-parliament/index.html
_____ Today's Freedom Commentary _____
21) Tariffs Are Bipartisan Enemies of Freedom
Source: Libertarian Institute
by Jim Bovard
“President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump both portray tariffs as magic wands to create national prosperity. Trump is calling for a 10% across-the-board tariff on imports, while Biden is imposing selective tariffs that he portrays as miracle cures for any economic malaise. But tariffs have always been and always will be an enemy to prosperity and individual freedom. … Every trade barrier undermines the productivity of capital and labor throughout the economy. A 1984 Federal Trade Commission study estimated that tariffs cost the American economy $8 for every $1 of adjustment costs saved. Restrictions on clothing and textile imports cost consumers $l.00 for each one cent of increased earnings of American textile and clothing workers, according to the London-based Trade Policy Research Centre. Tariffs are either a bailout to perpetuate uncompetitive American industries, or a license for efficient American industries to gouge their customers.” (07/17/24)
https://libertarianinstitute.org/articles/tariffs-are-bipartisan-enemies-of-freedom
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22) The Civil War Simulation
Source: Consent Factory, Inc.
by CJ Hopkins
“Every new totalitarian system is preceded by some sort of civil war. You can’t just implement totalitarianism out of nowhere. In order to impose totalitarianism on society, you need to tear society apart, pit the masses against each other, foment fanaticism, mass hysteria, and hatred. Above all you need to foment fear. Once you have torn society apart and whipped the masses into a mindless paroxysm of fear and hate and murderous rage, you can implement your new form of totalitarianism fairly easily, as people will be desperate for the restoration of ‘order.’ … the coming civil war (or the threat of civil war) is absolutely real, and is also a simulation concealing the fact that there is no coming civil war.” (07/17/24)
https://consentfactory.org/2024/07/17/the-civil-war-simulation/
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23) Why the Right Lies About Cities
Source: Reimagining Liberty
by Aaron Ross Powell
“If you listen to the American right, our cities are unlivable hellscapes of crime and despair. If you listen to people who live in our cities, they’re actually pretty great. But the right is committed to an argument that without strong churches at the center the community, without strong traditional values, and without a strong sense of one’s place in a ‘natural’ hierarchy, you can’t have a functioning society or a flourishing people. They argue that you need society organized around right-wing preferences for society to function. … Thus the right lies about cities, knowing they are the perfect counterexample to their claims. They have to construct a narrative that city culture doesn’t work, and then convince their tribe to believe it.” (07/17/24)
https://www.reimaginingliberty.com/p/right-lies-cities
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24) Americans always need an existential threat. This time, it’s each other.
Source: Washington Post
by Matt Bai
“There was a brief moment, after the terrorist attacks of 2001, when our political leaders seemed to cast radical Islam as the new Soviet empire — a global nemesis that might fill the gaping hole in America’s self-image. But it wasn’t long before we realized how remote the threat actually was, and how damaging our response. Conditioned as we were to find meaning in existential conflicts, we whipped out a howitzer to do battle with a wasp. Our need for some existential contest, however, remained. And we seem to have found it in the collision of cultures in our own cities and towns …. The further we get from the Cold War-era consensus, the more inclined we are to see political adversaries as a force hellbent on destroying us. We find our national purpose now in online communities whose common theme is binary conflict; either your side wins, or soon it will cease to exist.” (07/17/24)
https://archive.is/gJsdc
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25) Living with Perpetual Violence
Source: Future of Freedom Foundation
by Jacob G Hornberger
“Notwithstanding the near-assassination of former President Trump, I could not help but find a bit of humor in the response of Republicans, Democrats, and mainstream-press commentators to the shooting — the response that says that there is no room for political violence in American society. Are they kidding? How can any reasonable person not guffaw at that statement? Ever since the U.S. government was converted into a national-security state form of government after World War II, perpetual political violence — as well as the threat of political violence — has formed the basis of America’s governmental system.” (07/17/24)
https://www.fff.org/2024/07/17/living-with-perpetual-violence/
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26) The Framers knew presidential duties didn’t include electoral vote counts
Source: The Hill
by Jane Manners & Melissa Lane
For a purportedly originalist Supreme Court, the majority opinion in Trump v U.S. was notably light on the long disquisitions on ‘history’ that have become common in the court’s rulings. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, leaned on what he labeled the ‘constitutional tradition’ of separation of powers to establish the president’s immunity from criminal prosecution for ‘official acts.’ Among these official acts, he concluded, was former President Donald Trump’s alleged effort to pressure Vice President Pence to reject the electoral votes of key states. Roberts reasoned that even though the president has no role in Congress’s electoral vote count, the vice president has a statutory and constitutional duty to preside over the process …. By design, the Constitution omits any mention of a presidential role in this process.” (07/17/24)
https://thehill.com/opinion/judiciary/4775500-trump-us-supreme-court-immunity/
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27) Tyrannicide: An American Value?
Source: CounterPunch
by Kary Love
“The US has a long, chequered relationship with assassination. On one hand, the myths of 1776 recount of a nation born through resistance to the tyranny that it holds at the core of its identity. Values legitimizing tyrannicide can be imputed from the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence. On the other hand, the US has followed the international prohibition against assassination beginning with the Lieber Code (1863), and General Order No. 100 that declared assassination ‘a relapse into barbarism.’ Despite this, the use of assassination in American covert operations has been frequent and many have argued that the US should be exempt from such prohibitions in times of war, and, as against foreign forms of tyranny. … With Trump v US assassination as national policy is probably immune. The irony is slaying me.” (07/17/24)
https://www.counterpunch.org/2024/07/17/tyrannicide-an-american-value/
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28) The most important 42 miles in American politics
Source: Washington Examiner
by Salena Zito
“The drive between Butler, Pennsylvania, and the Ohio village of East Palestine is less than 42 miles long. In between are the villages and boroughs of Lyndora, Connoquenessing, and Evans City on the Pennsylvania side before you cross the state line directly into the village of East Palestine. It is a stretch of geography that includes bucolic rolling pastures, the gentle slopes of the Appalachian Mountains, traces of what once was powerful Steel Valley between New Castle, Pennsylvania, and Youngstown, Ohio, and a mix of decay of what once was and a rebuilding of what may be. It is what is often referenced to by coastal elites who have never driven through this very Americana scenery as ‘flyover country’ or ‘the middle of nowhere.'” (07/17/24)
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/3086867/the-most-important-42-miles-in-american-politics/
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29) Why I am Skeptical of Market Failure Corrections
Source: EconLog
by Jon Murphy
“In just about any economics textbook, one will find a discussion of market failure. The conversation will usually go something like this: markets are great, but sometimes they fail. If transaction costs are low, then no government remedy is needed. But if transaction costs are high, then the government can (and should) step in to correct the failure. One of the most common methods advocated to correct a market failure is the original from British economist Arthur C. Pigou: taxes. A Pigouvian tax is a tax designed to fix a specific market failure: negative externalities. … you have many economists taking the need for Pigouvian taxes as a given. I, however, am very much in a minority. While I understand the logic behind Pigouvian taxes, I reject them as a practical solution; I do not think they are a 1st-best, or even 12th-best solution to market failure.” (07/17/24)
https://www.econlib.org/why-i-am-skeptical-of-market-failure-corrections/
-----
30) Powerful Speeches From Americans Suffering Under Biden
Source: The Federalist
by MD Kittle
“Oh, they’re friends again. It was reconciliation night Tuesday, day two of the Republican National Convention. Many of the GOP rivals that former President Donald Trump has mercilessly beaten in two Republican Party primaries took to the convention stage to tell American voters why they now love Trump. Or at least can plug their nostrils long enough to vote for the GOP nominee — in the case of Trump’s former United Nations Ambassador and defense industry darling Nikki Haley. All that was lacking from the prodigal sons and daughters segment was Dr. Phil. ‘Tricky Nikki,’ as Trump once nicknamed Haley, joined Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (Ron DeSanctimonious or Meatball Ron, if you prefer), U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (‘Lyin’ Ted,’ as Trump once labeled him), U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (Little Marco), and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy (Young Vivek Ramaswamy) to talk up Trump and urge unity.” (07/17/24)
https://thefederalist.com/2024/07/17/rnc-unity-night-features-powerful-speeches-from-americans-suffering-under-biden/
-----
31) The Convert
Source: Notes From The MiddleGround
by Damon Linker
“It can be a comfort and consolation to believe one’s political opponents don’t really mean what they say. They’re liars. Hypocrites. Shameless opportunists who will say and do anything to gain power. It’s impossible to take them seriously. So it’s been with the reaction of Democrats to news that the Republican nominee Donald Trump has chosen Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. Because Vance was once a ferocious Trump critic and changed his views around the time he launched his Senate campaign in 2021, it’s easy to conclude that everything he’s said and done since then has been a cynical ruse. He’s just saying what he thinks he must in order to get ahead in a Trumpified GOP. None of it’s real. He’s faking it from top to bottom. I think that’s wrong — and Democrats affirm it at their peril.” (07/17/24)
https://damonlinker.substack.com/p/the-convert
-----
32) The Coming Coeval Age
Source: Isonomia Quarterly
by JN Nielsen
“Of the many scenarios we can entertain for the future of civilization, the most expansive is that which projects human civilization onto the cosmos at large, with humanity building new settlements for itself in far flung outposts of the solar system, then other stars, and even other galaxies. A macro-civilizational expansion in which civilization itself will be iterated on other worlds in other planetary systems with no prior human history would constitute a pristine re-founding of civilization with each new settlement established, whether on another world, or some artificial construction in space. What happens to a civilization when it distributes itself on a cosmological scale? How must its institutions adapt to cosmological expansion?” (07/17/24)
https://isonomiaquarterly.com/archive/volume-2-issue-2/the-coming-coeval-age/
-----
33) What Biden’s “Rent Cap” Is, and Isn’t
Source: In These Times
by Rebecca Burns
“On a trip to Las Vegas, where rents climbed twice as fast as wages last year, President Biden is pitching a plan for national rent stabilization — sort of. The plan wouldn’t directly cap rents — despite a growing freakout from the lobbying groups that fight tooth and nail to oppose rent controls — and it would need the approval of Congress. But while acknowledging its limitations, tenant organizers and advocates see Biden’s announcement as a rare acknowledgement that the federal government could wield its vast power to shape the housing market on behalf of tenants. The announcement is one of several populist economic policies Biden has recently endorsed as progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) circle the wagons around the embattled president while making the case that his path to victory lies through pro-working-class policy.” (07/16/24)
https://inthesetimes.com/article/bidens-rent-cap-progressive
-----
34) Investors are Not to Blame for the Priciest Housing in History
Source: American Institute
by Joel Griffith
“As the housing affordability crisis drags on, politicians and pundits are increasingly blaming investors for the rise in prices and dearth of supply. This misdiagnosis, though, threatens to exacerbate the crisis while ignoring the root causes: federal mortgage subsidies, interest rate manipulation, central bank MBS purchases, rising construction costs, and local land-use restrictions.” (07/17/24)
https://www.aier.org/article/investors-are-not-to-blame-for-the-priciest-housing-in-history/
-----
35) Federalism Could Heal a Divided Nation
Source: Reason
by JD Tuccille
“Anybody expecting politicians’ empty promises that they’ll savage one another more politely in the future to settle the country’s tensions is dreaming. Vicious rhetoric by candidates may fan the flames of political hatred, recently fueling the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. But those flames were lit long ago. To damp those fires, the best way to reduce the likelihood of Americans with opposing views battling for political control is to reduce the power of government — starting with the feds.” (07/17/24)
https://reason.com/2024/07/17/federalism-could-heal-a-divided-nation/
-----
36) The Infinitely Plastic J.D. Vance
Source: The Dispatch
by Kevin D Williamson
“Whatever one makes of Vance as a potential future president, he is nonpareil as a candidate for the vice presidency. He has no legislative record to speak of, and — if we can set aside the fact that he once very publicly held the view that Donald Trump is an amoral lunatic utterly unfit for office — his rhetorical record isn’t much trouble, either. Not that he hasn’t said a lot of outrageous and stupid things. … But nobody takes anything he says seriously — he is so transparently a man who will say whatever his betters require him to say to get what he wants from them. Telling people with money and power what they want to hear is the only consistent throughline in his career, from Hillbilly Elegy to the present day.” (07/17/24)
https://archive.is/BJNQL
-----
37) Republicans Have the Wind at Their Backs
Source: Town Hall
by Betsy McCaughey
“Republicans are launching their presidential race with the wind at their backs, and it’s not because of President Joe Biden’s mental incapacity or even former President Donald Trump’s courageous, fist-pumping response to an attempted assassination. Voters are switching allegiance out of disgust with the Democratic Party’s pro-inflation, pro-criminal, open border [sic] policies. More voters identify as Republicans or say they lean Republican than identify or lean Democrat. It’s a stunning development. After trailing for seven years, the GOP has the edge: 47% to 46%, according to Pew’s latest data, collected before Biden’s disastrous June 28 debate and Sunday’s assassination attempt. The Republican brand is leading over the Democrat brand. The left-wing [sic] media are apoplectic.” (07/17/24)
https://townhall.com/columnists/betsymccaughey/2024/07/17/republicans-have-the-wind-at-their-backs-n2642034
-----
38) A Libertarian Perspective on Recent Political Developments: RNC, DNC, and the Silence on LNC’s Chase Oliver
Source: Palm Beach Examiner
by Karl Dickey
“While the two-party system continues to drown out diverse voices, the recent activities of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) have once again showcased the surprising similarities of left and right ideologies while trying to convince the public they are vehemently opposed to one another. Yet, the Libertarian Party, which prides itself on individual freedom and minimal government intervention, seems to have fallen into an echo of silence concerning its presidential nominee, Chase Oliver. This absence raises important questions about the party’s strategy and commitment to its principles.” (07/17/24)
https://palmbeachexaminer.substack.com/p/a-libertarian-perspective-on-recent
-----
39) AI, Guaranteed Income, and the “Which Way Is Up?” Problem Afflicting Our Elites
Source: Beat The Press
by Dean Baker
“According to [a New York Times piece, OpenAI CEO Sam] Altman and other tech types who share his views, are concerned that AI will lead to mass unemployment and further increase the gap between rich and poor. While this concern is voiced frequently in elite publications it is 180 degrees at odds with almost everything else they write. First and foremost, if AI is going to lead to massive job loss there is zero reason to worry that declining birth rates will lead to a shrinking workforce. … This issue also comes up with immigration. We are regularly told that we need immigrants because we have a shortage of native-born workers. … we can’t believe both that AI will lead to a massive loss of jobs and we also need immigrants to do our work.” (07/17/24)
https://cepr.net/ai-guaranteed-income-and-the-which-way-is-up-problem-afflicting-our-elites/
-----
40) Trade, Ambition, and the Rise of American Empire
Source: Law & Liberty
by Samuel Gregg
“The United States’[s] march across North America to establish a transcontinental republic seems, in retrospect, almost preordained. In the American Revolution’s aftermath, there was no shortage of Americans who looked westwards and envisaged the new country’s eventual expansion to the Pacific. Indeed, one factor contributing to the outbreak of the War of Independence had been Britain’s attempts to prevent American colonists from settling in the North American territories acquired from France following Britain’s victory in the French Indian War and the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The story of how America eventually acquired these territories, and the economic, political, and constitutional questions that required navigation before this massive expansion of the American republic could occur, are addressed comprehensively in a new book by the historian Susan Gaunt Stearns.” (07/17/24)
https://lawliberty.org/book-review/trade-ambition-and-the-rise-of-american-empire/
-----
41) The Supreme Court’s License for Presidential Vengeance
Source: The American Prospect
by Paul Starr
“The full implications of the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity in Trump v. United States will take time to sink in. By failing to rule on the case expeditiously, the Court had already effectively shielded Donald Trump from prosecution before the next presidential election for trying to overturn the last one. The shock from the decision was less the protection it gives Trump for what he did in the past than the protection it gives him and others for what they may do as president in the future. … To shield the president from criminal prosecution is to put everyone else, and all of our institutions outside the government, at greater risk of abuses of power.” (07/17/24)
https://prospect.org/justice/2024-07-17-supreme-courts-license-presidential-vengeance/
-----
42) The Slope of Service
Source: Common Sense
by Paul Jacob
“‘Heads should roll at Secret Service,’ I declared on Monday. That was before I stumbled upon Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle explaining to ABC News the strategic situational thinking employed by the agency in determining not to place agents on top of the roof of a building where the assassin fired multiple rounds, hitting former President Trump in the ear, killing a man attending the rally with his family and seriously wounding two others. Director Cheatle offered that ‘the Secret Service was aware of the security vulnerabilities presented by the building Crooks took a sniper’s position on to aim at Trump,’ Fox News reported. ‘However, a decision was made not to place any personnel on the roof.’ So much for ‘awareness.’ And why was this decision made?” (07/17/24)
https://thisiscommonsense.org/2024/07/17/the-slope-of-service/
-----
43) The US Continues To Undermine Its Own Interests in Iran
Source: Antiwar.com
by Ted Snider
“The American-led isolation of Iran is springing leaks all over. It seems that wherever Iran knocks, everyone answers. Except the United States. Instead, the U.S. continues to close the door, following a long pattern with Iran of undermining its own interests.” (07/17/24)
https://original.antiwar.com/ted_snider/2024/07/16/the-us-continues-to-undermine-its-own-interests-in-iran/
-----
44) We can’t trust politicized FBI to handle probe of Trump assassination bid
Source: JimBovard.com
by James Bovard
“President Biden on Sunday announced an FBI investigation into the Secret Service’s astounding failure to protect Donald Trump at the rally in Butler, Pa., promising the probe would be ‘thorough and swift.’ But it’s folly to trust a federal law enforcement agency to obliterate interagency niceties by exposing all the foibles and flubs of fellow G-men. Instead, we’ll likely see a vintage DC investigation along these lines: Please tell us if you screwed up. Also, is there someone else we can blame?” (07/16/24)
https://jimbovard.com/blog/2024/07/16/n-y-post-we-cant-trust-politicized-fbi-to-handle-probe-of-trump-assassination-bid/
-----
45) Biden attacks on SCOTUS not “protecting democracy” but undermining it
Source: New York Post
by Isaac Schorr
“For all his bluster about safeguarding the American system, President Biden expends a great deal of energy undermining it. In the coming days, Biden will reportedly endorse a sweeping ‘reform’ agenda for the Supreme Court by calling for term limits and a new code of ethics. This is the culmination of an outrageous, long-winded left-wing attack on the judicial branch that should offend Americans of all political stripes. When he presents them to the public, Biden will doubtlessly describe these measures as a way of depoliticizing the court. But in truth, their mere proposal is meant to have the exact opposite effect.” [editor’s note: Well, it might be helpful for SCOTUS members to stop accepting bribes then gaslighting the public about those bribes when they get caught – TLK] (07/17/24)
https://nypost.com/2024/07/17/opinion/bidens-attacks-on-supreme-court-isnt-protecting-democracy-its-undermining-it/
-----
46) Does Economic Growth Increase Air Pollution?
Source: Foundation for Economic Education
by Saul Zimet
“Many people believe economic growth means ever-larger amounts of pollution, but the reality is a bit more nuanced than that.” (07/16/24)
https://fee.org/articles/does-economic-growth-increase-air-pollution/
-----
47) Voters Take Vengeance on the Tories
Source: Brownstone Institute
by Ramesh Thakur
“Two weeks ago, I wrote about the rise of the New Right and its challenge to the liberal consensus on social, economic, and environmental policies; the displacement of the old left-right ideological divide by that between the inner city managerial-technocratic elite and the inhabitants of Hiluxland; and the growing disenchantment with democracy because of the distortions through which voter preferences fail to translate into political representation. All three propositions have been confirmed by the British election. Never in democratic history have so many been elected by so few. The punishment of the Tories by enraged former supporters who have been waiting for elections with baseball bats to the ready did not equate to an endorsement of Labour.” (07/16/24)
https://brownstone.org/articles/voters-take-vengeance-on-the-tories/
-----
48) Decision 2024 (III): Nationalism, Illiberalism, and Identity Politics
Source: Notablog
by Chris Matthew Sciabarra
“In yesterday’s post, ‘Decision 2024 (II): The Battle for New York,’ I expressed my profound disenchantment with the current state of the presidential campaign. I highlighted a recent article by David Brooks in the New York Times, ‘The Deep Source of Trump’s Appeal.’ In today’s post, I delve more deeply into Brooks’s article and the broader issues it raises about a key problem in American politics. … The argument goes like this: American culture has rested upon an historical tension between the Enlightenment, which extolled the virtues of individual reason, liberty, deliberation, and democracy — and Religion, which places its faith in a moral order. … In the 1960s, as religion waned, moral authority disintegrated into a form of secular relativism and ’emotivism.’ Americans became increasingly disillusioned with both sides of the divide and in their search for meaning, they embraced identity politics.” (07/16/24)
https://notablog.net/2024/07/16/decision-2024-iii-nationalism-illiberalism-and-identity-politics/
-----
49) America’s political crisis & war in Gaza more intertwined than you might think
Source: Christian Science Monitor
by Mark Sappenfield
“The very same day that Donald Trump was shot in an assassination attempt, another deadly military strike hit Gaza. The two sides disputed the cause and the consequences. Israel claimed a successful strike on a legitimate military target, Palestinians claimed large numbers of women and children among 90 dead. A brutal war showed no signs of abating. The two events were separated by thousands of miles and widely different circumstances. But they are interlinked. Understanding why they are interlinked is crucial not just to the course of the United States or the war in Gaza, but to the faltering progress of global democracy. The lesson of this moment is only gathering in force. Understanding it begins with understanding how dramatically American politics has changed during the past 30 years.” (07/17/24)
https://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/From-the-Editors/2024/0717/Trump-assassination-attempt-Gaza-war
-----
50) Sacre Bleu! Sporting Events and Stadia Don’t Drive Economic Development
Source: Show-Me Institute
by Patrick Tuohey
“The Telegraph reminds us that big sports events usually fail to meet the promises made regarding their impact on economic development. The Paris Olympics, set to open in less than two weeks, was supposed to be a grand event to boost tourism, revive the city, and kick-start France’s sluggish economy. The reality is starkly different, and we shouldn’t be surprised. Historically, the economic benefits of hosting the Olympics have been dubious, and Paris is proving no exception.” (07/16/24)
https://showmeinstitute.org/blog/subsidies/sacre-bleu-sporting-events-and-stadia-dont-drive-economic-development/
_____ Today's Freedom Podcast and Video _____
51) Conflicts of Interest, episode 637
Source: Libertarian Institute
“Biden’s Biggest Lie Ever?” (07/17/24)
https://libertarianinstitute.org/kyle/coi-637-bidens-biggest-lie-ever
-----
52) The Vital Center, episode 69
Source: Niskanen Center
“The conservative vision of Edward C. Banfield, with Kevin Kosar.” (07/17/24)
https://www.niskanencenter.org/the-conservative-vision-of-edward-c-banfield-with-kevin-kosar/
-----
53) Reason Interview: Corey DeAngelis
Source: Reason
“The Parent Revolution author on lockdowns, teachers unions, and voter rage.” (07/17/24)
https://reason.com/podcast/2024/07/17/corey-deangelis-the-school-choice-wave-sweeping-america/
-----
54) The Bryan Hyde Show, 07/17/24
Source: The Bryan Hyde Show
“With all the craziness going on, it’s easy to lose sight of the positive developments. Paul Rosenberg reminds us that the times they are a-changing for the better, in many ways.” (07/17/24)
https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-xi3fb-166facb
-----
55) Quillette Podcast, episode 243
Source: Quillette
“The Freedom to Blaspheme.” (07/17/24)
https://quillette.com/2024/07/17/podcast-243-the-freedom-to-blaspheme/
-----
56) Serious Trouble, 07/17/24
Source: Serious Trouble
“Bad Week for Prosecutors.” (07/17/24)
https://www.serioustrouble.show/p/bad-week-for-prosecutors
-----
57) DMZ with Bill Scher and Matt Lewis, 07/17/24
Source: Bloggingheads.tv
“Trump Picks J.D. Vance.” (07/17/24)
https://bloggingheads.tv/videos/67816
-----
58) The Fifth Column, episode 437
Source: The Fifth Column
“Alive from the RNC!” (07/17/24)
https://www.wethefifth.com/p/437-alive-from-the-rnc
-----
59) Antiwar News with Dave DeCamp, 07/17/24
Source: Antiwar.com
“Biden Says He’s Done the Most To Help Palestinians, Vance: Iran Needs To Be ‘Punched Hard,’ and More.” (07/17/24)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_8b6ZnoGXY
-----
60) The Political Orphanage, 07/16/24
Source: The Political Orphanage
“So Who’s this Vance, Then?” (07/16/24)
https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/so-whos-this-vance-then
-----
61) The Libertarian Angle, 07/16/24
Source: Future of Freedom Foundation
“SCOTUS Decision on Presidential Immunity.” (07/16/24)
https://libertarianangle.libsyn.com/scotus-decision-on-presidential-immunity
-----
62) The Tom Woods Show, episode 2518
Source: The Tom Woods Show
“After the Assassination Attempt.” (07/16/24)
https://tomwoods.com/ep-2518-after-the-assassination-attempt/
-----
63) Hubwonk, 07/16/24
Source: Pioneer Institute
“Candidate Selection Breakdown: Presidential Primary Primacy or Determined Delegate Detour.” (07/16/24)
https://pioneerinstitute.org/featured/candidate-selection-breakdown-presidential-primary-primacy-or-determined-delegate-detour/
-----
64) Politics Politics Politics, 07/16/24
Source: Politics Politics Politics
“LIVE from MAGA Kingdom: The Trump-iest Place On Earth (RNC Night One).” (07/16/24)
https://shows.acast.com/politicspoliticspolitics/episodes/live-from-maga-kingdom-the-trump-iest-place-on-earth-rnc-nig
-----
65) Liberty at Night, 07/16/24
Source: Liberty at Night
“Trump almost assassinated :: Secret Service Failures :: Political Violence :: Corey Comperatore :: Conspiracy Theories :: Spike Cohen Interview :: 2024-07-16 Hosts: Nate and Chuck.” (07/16/24)
https://soundcloud.com/freetalklive/liberty-at-night-2024-07-16
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https://news.rationalreview.com/
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Today's Freedom News:
1) Bangladesh Faces Nationwide Shutdown as Jobs Protest Escalates
2) Poll: Almost two-thirds of Democrats want Biden to step aside
3) Palestine: Israeli forces bombard central Gaza as tanks advance deeper into Rafah
4) Prosecutors Appeal Dismissal of Disgraced Former President’s Classified Documents Case
5) Germany: Regime plans to halve military aid for Ukraine
6) Musk says SpaceX and X will relocate HQs to Texas
7) Germany: Regime nets $2.8 billion in sale of stolen Bitcoin
8) “Rust” armorer wants conviction tossed in wake of dropping of Baldwin charges
9) TN: State won’t purge voter rolls of people who disregard letter asking to prove citizenship
10) Schiff calls on Biden to exit presidential race
11) US mortgage refinance demand jumps to two-year high as interest rates drop
12) Iran: Regime rejects accusations it was involved in plots to assassinate disgraced former US president
13) House Oversight panel subpoenas Secret Service director to testify on assassination attempt against disgraced former president
14) Oil prices steady amid falling US inventories, weak dollar
15) Thailand: Cyanide found in blood of Bangkok hotel victims
16) Russian, Ukrainian regimes free 95 POWs each in latest prisoner exchange
17) AK: US judge suspends Cook Inlet lease, pending additional environmental review
18) Neo-Nazi leader indicted for plotting to kill minorities in NYC on New Year’s Eve
19) Democrats consider expelling Menendez from Senate after conviction in bribery trial
20) UK: Charles III unveils Keir Starmer’s plans for Britain, in state opening of new parliament
Today's Freedom Commentary:
21) Tariffs Are Bipartisan Enemies of Freedom
22) The Civil War Simulation
23) Why the Right Lies About Cities
24) Americans always need an existential threat. This time, it’s each other.
25) Living with Perpetual Violence
26) The Framers knew presidential duties didn’t include electoral vote counts
27) Tyrannicide: An American Value?
28) The most important 42 miles in American politics
29) Why I am Skeptical of Market Failure Corrections
30) Powerful Speeches From Americans Suffering Under Biden
31) The Convert
32) The Coming Coeval Age
33) What Biden’s “Rent Cap” Is, and Isn’t
34) Investors are Not to Blame for the Priciest Housing in History
35) Federalism Could Heal a Divided Nation
36) The Infinitely Plastic J.D. Vance
37) Republicans Have the Wind at Their Backs
38) A Libertarian Perspective on Recent Political Developments: RNC, DNC, and the Silence on LNC’s Chase Oliver
39) AI, Guaranteed Income, and the “Which Way Is Up?” Problem Afflicting Our Elites
40) Trade, Ambition, and the Rise of American Empire
41) The Supreme Court’s License for Presidential Vengeance
42) The Slope of Service
43) The US Continues To Undermine Its Own Interests in Iran
44) We can’t trust politicized FBI to handle probe of Trump assassination bid
45) Biden attacks on SCOTUS not “protecting democracy” but undermining it
46) Does Economic Growth Increase Air Pollution?
47) Voters Take Vengeance on the Tories
48) Decision 2024 (III): Nationalism, Illiberalism, and Identity Politics
49) America’s political crisis & war in Gaza more intertwined than you might think
50) Sacre Bleu! Sporting Events and Stadia Don’t Drive Economic Development
Today's Freedom Podcast and Video:
51) Conflicts of Interest, episode 637
52) The Vital Center, episode 69
53) Reason Interview: Corey DeAngelis
54) The Bryan Hyde Show, 07/17/24
55) Quillette Podcast, episode 243
56) Serious Trouble, 07/17/24
57) DMZ with Bill Scher and Matt Lewis, 07/17/24
58) The Fifth Column, episode 437
59) Antiwar News with Dave DeCamp, 07/17/24
60) The Political Orphanage, 07/16/24
61) The Libertarian Angle, 07/16/24
62) The Tom Woods Show, episode 2518
63) Hubwonk, 07/16/24
64) Politics Politics Politics, 07/16/24
65) Liberty at Night, 07/16/24
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_____ Today's Freedom News _____
1) Bangladesh Faces Nationwide Shutdown as Jobs Protest Escalates
Source: Bloomberg
“Bangladesh student protest leaders have pushed for a full-day shutdown of transport networks and businesses from Thursday, piling pressure on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to abolish the government’s job quota system as demonstrations earlier this week turned violent. No establishments, except for hospitals and emergency services, will be open, and no vehicles are allowed on the roads, Asif Mahmud, one of the student protest organizers, said in a statement on Wednesday. The organizers called for all educational institutions to join in the protest after clashes with the police and government supporters on Tuesday left six dead and scores more injured. The strikes are a response to the authorities closing all public and private universities as protests gained steam over government job quotes, which include a 30% allocation for family members of veterans from the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan.” (07/18/24)
https://archive.is/eCw9E
-----
2) Poll: Almost two-thirds of Democrats want Biden to step aside
Source: Axios
“A whopping 65% of Democrats believe President Biden should withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and let the party pick a different nominee, according to an AP-Norc poll out Wednesday. The findings add more evidence to the damage done by Biden’s disastrous debate performance last month, which highlighted longstanding concerns about his age and fitness for office. The results based on a survey of 1,253 adults also fly in the face of Biden’s own claim that the ‘average voter’ wants him to stay in the race. Overall, 70% of U.S. voters want Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race, while only [sic] 57% want to see former President Trump withdraw.” (07/17/24)
https://www.axios.com/2024/07/17/democrats-biden-drop-out-2024
-----
3) Palestine: Israeli forces bombard central Gaza as tanks advance deeper into Rafah
Source: Reuters
“Israeli forces bombarded the Gaza Strip’s historic refugee camps in the centre of the enclave and struck Gaza City in the north on Thursday, killing at least 13 people, and tanks pushed deeper into Rafah in the south, health officials and residents said. … The armed wing of militant group Hamas and its allies said they fired mortar bombs at Israeli forces in southwest Rafah on Thursday. More than a million people had sought shelter in Rafah from fighting further north, but most have scattered again since Israel launched an offensive in and around the city in May. The fighting has pushed the 60-bed Red Cross field hospital in Rafah to the brink of capacity, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said in a statement on Thursday.” (07/18/24)
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-bombards-central-gaza-tanks-advance-deeper-rafah-2024-07-18/
-----
4) Prosecutors Appeal Dismissal of Disgraced Former President’s Classified Documents Case
Source: US News & World Report
“U.S. prosecutors on Wednesday formally appealed a federal judge’s decision to throw out the criminal case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith accusing Donald Trump of illegally holding on to classified documents following the end of his presidency. Smith’s office filed a notice indicating it would ask an Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to revive the case and reverse the July 15 ruling by Florida-based U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon that Smith had been unlawfully appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland. Cannon, who was appointed to the bench by Trump in 2020, ruled that Smith’s 2022 appointment violated the U.S. Constitution because Congress did not authorize Garland to name a special counsel with the degree of power and independence wielded by Smith.” (07/17/24)
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-07-17/prosecutors-appeal-trump-classified-documents-case-dismissal
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5) Germany: Regime plans to halve military aid for Ukraine
Source: BBC News [UK state media]
“Germany is planning to nearly halve military aid for Ukraine next year, from around €8bn (£6.7bn; $8.7bn) to around €4bn, according to a draft budget approved by the government. Finance Minister Christian Lindner said Ukraine’s financing was ‘secure for the foreseeable future’ due to a G7 group of rich nations scheme to raise $50bn from interest on frozen Russian assets. Germany is Ukraine’s second biggest military donor, after the US. In 2024, Berlin’s budget for Kyiv is set at nearly €7.5bn. The planned aid cut comes amid fears in Ukraine and among its European allies that US funds could be slashed or even stopped if Donald Trump wins the presidency in November’s election.” (07/18/24)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0kr91zqp0lo
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6) Musk says SpaceX and X will relocate HQs to Texas
Source: Ars Technica
“Elon Musk said Tuesday that he will move the headquarters of SpaceX and his social media company X from California to Texas in response to a new gender identity law [sic] signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Musk’s announcement, made via a post on X, follows his decision in 2021 to move the headquarters of the electric car company Tesla from Palo Alto, California, to Austin, Texas, in the wake of coronavirus lockdowns in the Bay Area the year before. Now, two of Musk’s other major holdings are making symbolic moves out of California: SpaceX to the company’s Starbase launch facility near Brownsville, Texas, and X to Austin. The new gender identity law [sic], signed by Governor Newsom, a Democrat, on Monday, bars school districts in California from requiring teachers to disclose a change in a student’s gender identification or sexual orientation to their parents without the child’s permission.” (07/17/24)
https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/07/elon-musk-says-spacex-and-x-will-relocate-their-headquarters-to-texas/
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7) Germany: Regime nets $2.8 billion in sale of stolen Bitcoin
Source: CoinTelegraph
“The German government has confirmed a multi-billion emergency sale of Bitcoin that began in June. An official statement from the state of Sachsen acknowledged on July 17 the sale of approximately 49,858 Bitcoin between June 19 and July 12, 2024, in cooperation with the Federal Criminal Police Office. Proceeds from the sale amounted to 2.6 billion euros (~$2.8 billion) and have been temporarily held by the Leipzig Regional Court as part of the ongoing criminal proceedings in the ‘Movie2k case,’ notes the statement. The funds are not yet considered a final state asset and must wait until a court decides whether it can be permanently [stolen]. According to the Dresden Public Prosecutor’s Office, an emergency sale is legally required whenever there is a significant risk of value loss of 10% or more before the conclusion of ongoing criminal proceedings. … Movie2k was a platform known for streaming pirated content.” (07/17/24)
https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-sale-nets-german-government-2-8-billion
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8) “Rust” armorer wants conviction tossed in wake of dropping of Baldwin charges
Source: CBS News
“The armorer on Alec Baldwin film ‘Rust’ filed Tuesday to have her conviction for involuntary manslaughter overturned, days after the Hollywood star’s own trial over a fatal on-set shooting collapsed due to withheld evidence. Baldwin was holding a revolver during a rehearsal for the low-budget Western in October 2021 when a live round was fired, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding the film’s director. Hannah Gutierrez, as the film’s armorer, was responsible for providing dummy and blank rounds to the movie set. … during Baldwin’s separate trial in Santa Fe, New Mexico, last week, it emerged that police and prosecutors had suppressed potentially significant evidence that could have explained how live rounds ended up on set. … Baldwin’s case was immediately tossed by the judge, who said the ‘intentional and deliberate’ withholding of evidence was ‘highly prejudicial to the defendant.'” (07/17/24)
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rust-armorer-hannah-gutierrez-seeks-conviction-overturn-alec-baldwin-charges-dropped/
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9) TN: State won’t purge voter rolls of people who disregard letter asking to prove citizenship
Source: SFGate
“Tennessee election officials who sent letters last month to 14,375 registered voters asking them for proof of citizenship now say the recipients won’t be kicked off voting rolls if they don’t respond. The state clarified the position in a follow-up letter to all those didn’t respond to the first correspondence. Nearly 3,200 have provided evidence of U.S. citizenship, and more than 300 have requested to be removed from the voter rolls, according to the state elections office. … The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation informed the state late last month of plans to sue in response to the letters and argued that election officials had to tell voters they wouldn’t lose their voter registration by ignoring the request for proof of citizenship.” (07/17/24)
https://www.sfgate.com/news/politics/article/tennessee-won-t-purge-voter-rolls-of-people-who-19579599.php
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10) Schiff calls on Biden to exit presidential race
Source: The Hill
“Rep. Adam Schiff (Calif.) on Wednesday became one of the most prominent and high-ranking Democrats to call for President Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. Schiff, who is running for California Senate, said in a statement first reported by the Los Angeles Times that while Biden ‘has been one of the most consequential presidents in our nation’s history,’ he noted that ‘our nation is at a crossroads.’ ‘A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November,’ he explained. ‘While the choice to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone, I believe it is time for him to pass the torch,’ he continued.” (07/17/24)
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4777560-adam-schiff-biden-race-trump
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11) US mortgage refinance demand jumps to two-year high as interest rates drop
Source: CNBC
“Mortgage rates dropped to the lowest level since March last week, sparking swift demand in refinancing. Homebuyers, however, seemed unimpressed. Applications to refinance a home loan jumped 15% last week, compared with the previous week, to the highest level since August 2022, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index. Demand was 37% higher than the same week one year ago when mortgage rates were exactly the same. While the increase last week was large, it is coming off a very small base. Refinance demand is still more than 70% lower than it was in early 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.” (07/17/24)
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/17/mortgage-refinance-demand-jumps-to-a-2-year-high-as-mortgage-rates-drop.html
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12) Iran: Regime rejects accusations it was involved in plots to assassinate disgraced former US president
Source: ABC News
“Iran has rejected accusations regarding plots to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump, while citing legal action for the 2020 assassination of a revered general by U.S. drone, the state-run IRNA news agency reported Wednesday. IRNA quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying Iran ‘strongly rejects any involvement in the recent armed attack on Trump or claims about Iran’s intention for such an action.’ Kanaani added, ‘The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to pursue legal action against Trump for his direct role in the crime of assassinating Martyr General Qassem Soleimani.'” (07/17/24)
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/iran-rejects-accusations-involved-plots-assassinate-trump-112021441
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13) House Oversight panel subpoenas Secret Service director to testify on assassination attempt against disgraced former president
Source: SFGate
“Rep. James Comer, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, has issued a subpoena to Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle compelling her to appear before the committee on Monday for what is scheduled to be the first congressional hearing into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Comer said initially that the Secret Service committed to her attendance but that Homeland Security officials appear to have intervened and there has been no ‘meaningful updates or information’ shared with the committee. Comer said the ‘lack of transparency and failure to cooperate’ with the committee called into question Cheatle’s ability to lead the Secret Service and necessitates the subpoena. Cheatle has said the agency understands the importance of a review ordered by Democratic President Joe Biden and would fully participate in it as well as with congressional committees looking into the shooting.” (07/17/24)
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/homeland-security-inspector-general-investigates-19578963.php
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14) Oil prices steady amid falling US inventories, weak dollar
source: Reuters
“Oil prices rose on Wednesday, a day after benchmark Brent hit a one-month low, as a decline in U.S. oil stockpiles and a weaker dollar overshadowed signs of weakening demand in China. Brent crude oil futures were up 55 cents, or 0.7%, at $84.28 a barrel by 1242 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 75 cents, or 0.9%, at $81.51. In the United States, the world’s largest oil producer and consumer, crude oil inventories fell by 4.4 million barrels in the week ended July 12, market sources said, citing data from the American Petroleum Institute. Analysts polled by Reuters estimated crude stocks would fall by 33,000 barrels.” ()7/17/24)
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-prices-steady-slowing-demand-offsets-tightening-supply-2024-07-17/
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15) Thailand: Cyanide found in blood of Bangkok hotel victims
Source: BBC News [UK State Media]
“Cyanide has been found in the blood of all six people who died in a luxury hotel suite in Bangkok, say doctors after examining their bodies. Based on the initial post-mortem examination, they say there is ‘no other cause’ that would explain their deaths ‘except for cyanide.’ But further tests are being carried out to determine the ‘intensity’ of the deadly chemical and to rule out any other toxins. Forensic investigators had earlier found traces of cyanide on the teacups used by the victims, all of whom are of Vietnamese origin including two with dual US citizenship. Police suspect that one of the dead was behind the poisoning and was driven by crushing debt — but have not said who.” (07/17/24)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3g64ljwp2go
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16) Russian, Ukrainian regimes free 95 POWs each in latest prisoner exchange
Source: France 24 [French state media]
“Russia and Ukraine have released a total of 190 captured soldiers in the latest prisoner exchange between the two sides, officials in Moscow and Kyiv announced Wednesday. Thousands of POWs have been freed in more than 50 individual exchanges throughout the war – an area where the two sides have been able to strike rare agreements since Russia invaded in February 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russia’s defence ministry each said Wednesday that 95 of their soldiers had been freed.” (07/17/24)
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240717-russia-ukraine-free-95-pows-each-prisoner-exchange
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17) AK: US judge suspends Cook Inlet lease, pending additional environmental review
Source: Associated Press
“A federal judge has suspended the lease stemming from a 2022 oil and gas sale in Alaska’s Cook Inlet basin after finding problems with the environmental review it was based on. U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason, in a decision Tuesday, found the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management failed in its analysis of the impact of ship noise on Cook Inlet beluga whales, which are listed as protected under the Endangered Species Act. She also found problematic the agency’s lumping together of the beluga whales and other marine mammals when weighing cumulative impacts, noting that the Cook Inlet belugas ‘have been impacted differently than other marine mammals in Cook Inlet by past actions’ and that the agency should have considered cumulative impacts of leasing activities on them separately.” (07/17/24)
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/us-judge-suspends-alaska-cook-inlet-lease-pending-additional-environmental-review/ar-BB1qaf25?ocid=BingNewsVerp
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18) Neo-Nazi leader indicted for plotting to kill minorities in NYC on New Year’s Eve
Source: United Press International
“The leader of an Eastern European neo-Nazi White supremacist group has been indicted in the United States for planning to kill minorities in New York City by having a recruit dress up as Santa and hand out poisoned candy on New Year’s Eve. Michail Chkhikvishvili, a 21-year-old Georgian national who went by the name Commander Butcher, was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury in Brooklyn, N.Y., on four counts stemming from soliciting hate crimes and acts of mass violence, the Justice Department said in a statement. He was arrested July 6 in Chisinau, Moldova, under an Interpol arrest warrant. … The indictment accuses Chkhikvishvili of being the leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, which federal authorities said promotes violence against racial minorities and those it deems ‘undesirables,’ including members of the Jewish community.” (07/17/24)
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/07/17/neo-Nazi-group-leader-indicted/5301721201636/
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19) Democrats consider expelling Menendez from Senate after conviction in bribery trial
Source: SFGate
“Sen. Bob Menendez has shown no sign he will voluntarily resign from the Senate following his conviction on bribery charges, leaving Democratic senators contemplating an expulsion effort to force him from office. While Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, has six months remaining in his term, Democrats have made clear they don’t want him in office any longer. Within minutes of the guilty verdict on Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for his resignation and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who would name Menendez’s replacement, said that the Senate should expel Menendez if he refused to step down. Expulsion, which requires a two-thirds majority, is an exceedingly rare step in the Senate. The last time it was even seriously considered by the chamber was almost 30 years ago, and only 15 senators — almost all during the Civil War — have ever been expelled.” (07/17/24)
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/democrats-consider-expelling-menendez-from-the-19580159.php
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20) UK: Charles III unveils Keir Starmer’s plans for Britain, in state opening of new parliament
Source: CNN
“Britain’s new Labour government promised to end an ‘era of politics as performance’ in Wednesday’s ceremonial King’s Speech, unveiling a sweeping agenda that targets house building, crime and illegal migration and grapples with a breakdown in trust that was exposed during the country’s general election. At a grandiose event that brings together Britain’s royal pageantry and political class, King Charles III formally opened a new parliament by reading out the plans of his new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, whose landslide election win earlier this month brought a 14-year era of Conservative rule to an emphatic end.” (07/17/24)
https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/17/uk/king-charles-iii-unveils-keir-starmers-plans-for-britain-in-state-opening-of-parliament/index.html
_____ Today's Freedom Commentary _____
21) Tariffs Are Bipartisan Enemies of Freedom
Source: Libertarian Institute
by Jim Bovard
“President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump both portray tariffs as magic wands to create national prosperity. Trump is calling for a 10% across-the-board tariff on imports, while Biden is imposing selective tariffs that he portrays as miracle cures for any economic malaise. But tariffs have always been and always will be an enemy to prosperity and individual freedom. … Every trade barrier undermines the productivity of capital and labor throughout the economy. A 1984 Federal Trade Commission study estimated that tariffs cost the American economy $8 for every $1 of adjustment costs saved. Restrictions on clothing and textile imports cost consumers $l.00 for each one cent of increased earnings of American textile and clothing workers, according to the London-based Trade Policy Research Centre. Tariffs are either a bailout to perpetuate uncompetitive American industries, or a license for efficient American industries to gouge their customers.” (07/17/24)
https://libertarianinstitute.org/articles/tariffs-are-bipartisan-enemies-of-freedom
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22) The Civil War Simulation
Source: Consent Factory, Inc.
by CJ Hopkins
“Every new totalitarian system is preceded by some sort of civil war. You can’t just implement totalitarianism out of nowhere. In order to impose totalitarianism on society, you need to tear society apart, pit the masses against each other, foment fanaticism, mass hysteria, and hatred. Above all you need to foment fear. Once you have torn society apart and whipped the masses into a mindless paroxysm of fear and hate and murderous rage, you can implement your new form of totalitarianism fairly easily, as people will be desperate for the restoration of ‘order.’ … the coming civil war (or the threat of civil war) is absolutely real, and is also a simulation concealing the fact that there is no coming civil war.” (07/17/24)
https://consentfactory.org/2024/07/17/the-civil-war-simulation/
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23) Why the Right Lies About Cities
Source: Reimagining Liberty
by Aaron Ross Powell
“If you listen to the American right, our cities are unlivable hellscapes of crime and despair. If you listen to people who live in our cities, they’re actually pretty great. But the right is committed to an argument that without strong churches at the center the community, without strong traditional values, and without a strong sense of one’s place in a ‘natural’ hierarchy, you can’t have a functioning society or a flourishing people. They argue that you need society organized around right-wing preferences for society to function. … Thus the right lies about cities, knowing they are the perfect counterexample to their claims. They have to construct a narrative that city culture doesn’t work, and then convince their tribe to believe it.” (07/17/24)
https://www.reimaginingliberty.com/p/right-lies-cities
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24) Americans always need an existential threat. This time, it’s each other.
Source: Washington Post
by Matt Bai
“There was a brief moment, after the terrorist attacks of 2001, when our political leaders seemed to cast radical Islam as the new Soviet empire — a global nemesis that might fill the gaping hole in America’s self-image. But it wasn’t long before we realized how remote the threat actually was, and how damaging our response. Conditioned as we were to find meaning in existential conflicts, we whipped out a howitzer to do battle with a wasp. Our need for some existential contest, however, remained. And we seem to have found it in the collision of cultures in our own cities and towns …. The further we get from the Cold War-era consensus, the more inclined we are to see political adversaries as a force hellbent on destroying us. We find our national purpose now in online communities whose common theme is binary conflict; either your side wins, or soon it will cease to exist.” (07/17/24)
https://archive.is/gJsdc
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25) Living with Perpetual Violence
Source: Future of Freedom Foundation
by Jacob G Hornberger
“Notwithstanding the near-assassination of former President Trump, I could not help but find a bit of humor in the response of Republicans, Democrats, and mainstream-press commentators to the shooting — the response that says that there is no room for political violence in American society. Are they kidding? How can any reasonable person not guffaw at that statement? Ever since the U.S. government was converted into a national-security state form of government after World War II, perpetual political violence — as well as the threat of political violence — has formed the basis of America’s governmental system.” (07/17/24)
https://www.fff.org/2024/07/17/living-with-perpetual-violence/
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26) The Framers knew presidential duties didn’t include electoral vote counts
Source: The Hill
by Jane Manners & Melissa Lane
For a purportedly originalist Supreme Court, the majority opinion in Trump v U.S. was notably light on the long disquisitions on ‘history’ that have become common in the court’s rulings. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, leaned on what he labeled the ‘constitutional tradition’ of separation of powers to establish the president’s immunity from criminal prosecution for ‘official acts.’ Among these official acts, he concluded, was former President Donald Trump’s alleged effort to pressure Vice President Pence to reject the electoral votes of key states. Roberts reasoned that even though the president has no role in Congress’s electoral vote count, the vice president has a statutory and constitutional duty to preside over the process …. By design, the Constitution omits any mention of a presidential role in this process.” (07/17/24)
https://thehill.com/opinion/judiciary/4775500-trump-us-supreme-court-immunity/
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27) Tyrannicide: An American Value?
Source: CounterPunch
by Kary Love
“The US has a long, chequered relationship with assassination. On one hand, the myths of 1776 recount of a nation born through resistance to the tyranny that it holds at the core of its identity. Values legitimizing tyrannicide can be imputed from the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence. On the other hand, the US has followed the international prohibition against assassination beginning with the Lieber Code (1863), and General Order No. 100 that declared assassination ‘a relapse into barbarism.’ Despite this, the use of assassination in American covert operations has been frequent and many have argued that the US should be exempt from such prohibitions in times of war, and, as against foreign forms of tyranny. … With Trump v US assassination as national policy is probably immune. The irony is slaying me.” (07/17/24)
https://www.counterpunch.org/2024/07/17/tyrannicide-an-american-value/
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28) The most important 42 miles in American politics
Source: Washington Examiner
by Salena Zito
“The drive between Butler, Pennsylvania, and the Ohio village of East Palestine is less than 42 miles long. In between are the villages and boroughs of Lyndora, Connoquenessing, and Evans City on the Pennsylvania side before you cross the state line directly into the village of East Palestine. It is a stretch of geography that includes bucolic rolling pastures, the gentle slopes of the Appalachian Mountains, traces of what once was powerful Steel Valley between New Castle, Pennsylvania, and Youngstown, Ohio, and a mix of decay of what once was and a rebuilding of what may be. It is what is often referenced to by coastal elites who have never driven through this very Americana scenery as ‘flyover country’ or ‘the middle of nowhere.'” (07/17/24)
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/3086867/the-most-important-42-miles-in-american-politics/
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29) Why I am Skeptical of Market Failure Corrections
Source: EconLog
by Jon Murphy
“In just about any economics textbook, one will find a discussion of market failure. The conversation will usually go something like this: markets are great, but sometimes they fail. If transaction costs are low, then no government remedy is needed. But if transaction costs are high, then the government can (and should) step in to correct the failure. One of the most common methods advocated to correct a market failure is the original from British economist Arthur C. Pigou: taxes. A Pigouvian tax is a tax designed to fix a specific market failure: negative externalities. … you have many economists taking the need for Pigouvian taxes as a given. I, however, am very much in a minority. While I understand the logic behind Pigouvian taxes, I reject them as a practical solution; I do not think they are a 1st-best, or even 12th-best solution to market failure.” (07/17/24)
https://www.econlib.org/why-i-am-skeptical-of-market-failure-corrections/
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30) Powerful Speeches From Americans Suffering Under Biden
Source: The Federalist
by MD Kittle
“Oh, they’re friends again. It was reconciliation night Tuesday, day two of the Republican National Convention. Many of the GOP rivals that former President Donald Trump has mercilessly beaten in two Republican Party primaries took to the convention stage to tell American voters why they now love Trump. Or at least can plug their nostrils long enough to vote for the GOP nominee — in the case of Trump’s former United Nations Ambassador and defense industry darling Nikki Haley. All that was lacking from the prodigal sons and daughters segment was Dr. Phil. ‘Tricky Nikki,’ as Trump once nicknamed Haley, joined Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (Ron DeSanctimonious or Meatball Ron, if you prefer), U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (‘Lyin’ Ted,’ as Trump once labeled him), U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (Little Marco), and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy (Young Vivek Ramaswamy) to talk up Trump and urge unity.” (07/17/24)
https://thefederalist.com/2024/07/17/rnc-unity-night-features-powerful-speeches-from-americans-suffering-under-biden/
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31) The Convert
Source: Notes From The MiddleGround
by Damon Linker
“It can be a comfort and consolation to believe one’s political opponents don’t really mean what they say. They’re liars. Hypocrites. Shameless opportunists who will say and do anything to gain power. It’s impossible to take them seriously. So it’s been with the reaction of Democrats to news that the Republican nominee Donald Trump has chosen Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. Because Vance was once a ferocious Trump critic and changed his views around the time he launched his Senate campaign in 2021, it’s easy to conclude that everything he’s said and done since then has been a cynical ruse. He’s just saying what he thinks he must in order to get ahead in a Trumpified GOP. None of it’s real. He’s faking it from top to bottom. I think that’s wrong — and Democrats affirm it at their peril.” (07/17/24)
https://damonlinker.substack.com/p/the-convert
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32) The Coming Coeval Age
Source: Isonomia Quarterly
by JN Nielsen
“Of the many scenarios we can entertain for the future of civilization, the most expansive is that which projects human civilization onto the cosmos at large, with humanity building new settlements for itself in far flung outposts of the solar system, then other stars, and even other galaxies. A macro-civilizational expansion in which civilization itself will be iterated on other worlds in other planetary systems with no prior human history would constitute a pristine re-founding of civilization with each new settlement established, whether on another world, or some artificial construction in space. What happens to a civilization when it distributes itself on a cosmological scale? How must its institutions adapt to cosmological expansion?” (07/17/24)
https://isonomiaquarterly.com/archive/volume-2-issue-2/the-coming-coeval-age/
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33) What Biden’s “Rent Cap” Is, and Isn’t
Source: In These Times
by Rebecca Burns
“On a trip to Las Vegas, where rents climbed twice as fast as wages last year, President Biden is pitching a plan for national rent stabilization — sort of. The plan wouldn’t directly cap rents — despite a growing freakout from the lobbying groups that fight tooth and nail to oppose rent controls — and it would need the approval of Congress. But while acknowledging its limitations, tenant organizers and advocates see Biden’s announcement as a rare acknowledgement that the federal government could wield its vast power to shape the housing market on behalf of tenants. The announcement is one of several populist economic policies Biden has recently endorsed as progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) circle the wagons around the embattled president while making the case that his path to victory lies through pro-working-class policy.” (07/16/24)
https://inthesetimes.com/article/bidens-rent-cap-progressive
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34) Investors are Not to Blame for the Priciest Housing in History
Source: American Institute
by Joel Griffith
“As the housing affordability crisis drags on, politicians and pundits are increasingly blaming investors for the rise in prices and dearth of supply. This misdiagnosis, though, threatens to exacerbate the crisis while ignoring the root causes: federal mortgage subsidies, interest rate manipulation, central bank MBS purchases, rising construction costs, and local land-use restrictions.” (07/17/24)
https://www.aier.org/article/investors-are-not-to-blame-for-the-priciest-housing-in-history/
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35) Federalism Could Heal a Divided Nation
Source: Reason
by JD Tuccille
“Anybody expecting politicians’ empty promises that they’ll savage one another more politely in the future to settle the country’s tensions is dreaming. Vicious rhetoric by candidates may fan the flames of political hatred, recently fueling the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. But those flames were lit long ago. To damp those fires, the best way to reduce the likelihood of Americans with opposing views battling for political control is to reduce the power of government — starting with the feds.” (07/17/24)
https://reason.com/2024/07/17/federalism-could-heal-a-divided-nation/
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36) The Infinitely Plastic J.D. Vance
Source: The Dispatch
by Kevin D Williamson
“Whatever one makes of Vance as a potential future president, he is nonpareil as a candidate for the vice presidency. He has no legislative record to speak of, and — if we can set aside the fact that he once very publicly held the view that Donald Trump is an amoral lunatic utterly unfit for office — his rhetorical record isn’t much trouble, either. Not that he hasn’t said a lot of outrageous and stupid things. … But nobody takes anything he says seriously — he is so transparently a man who will say whatever his betters require him to say to get what he wants from them. Telling people with money and power what they want to hear is the only consistent throughline in his career, from Hillbilly Elegy to the present day.” (07/17/24)
https://archive.is/BJNQL
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37) Republicans Have the Wind at Their Backs
Source: Town Hall
by Betsy McCaughey
“Republicans are launching their presidential race with the wind at their backs, and it’s not because of President Joe Biden’s mental incapacity or even former President Donald Trump’s courageous, fist-pumping response to an attempted assassination. Voters are switching allegiance out of disgust with the Democratic Party’s pro-inflation, pro-criminal, open border [sic] policies. More voters identify as Republicans or say they lean Republican than identify or lean Democrat. It’s a stunning development. After trailing for seven years, the GOP has the edge: 47% to 46%, according to Pew’s latest data, collected before Biden’s disastrous June 28 debate and Sunday’s assassination attempt. The Republican brand is leading over the Democrat brand. The left-wing [sic] media are apoplectic.” (07/17/24)
https://townhall.com/columnists/betsymccaughey/2024/07/17/republicans-have-the-wind-at-their-backs-n2642034
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38) A Libertarian Perspective on Recent Political Developments: RNC, DNC, and the Silence on LNC’s Chase Oliver
Source: Palm Beach Examiner
by Karl Dickey
“While the two-party system continues to drown out diverse voices, the recent activities of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) have once again showcased the surprising similarities of left and right ideologies while trying to convince the public they are vehemently opposed to one another. Yet, the Libertarian Party, which prides itself on individual freedom and minimal government intervention, seems to have fallen into an echo of silence concerning its presidential nominee, Chase Oliver. This absence raises important questions about the party’s strategy and commitment to its principles.” (07/17/24)
https://palmbeachexaminer.substack.com/p/a-libertarian-perspective-on-recent
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39) AI, Guaranteed Income, and the “Which Way Is Up?” Problem Afflicting Our Elites
Source: Beat The Press
by Dean Baker
“According to [a New York Times piece, OpenAI CEO Sam] Altman and other tech types who share his views, are concerned that AI will lead to mass unemployment and further increase the gap between rich and poor. While this concern is voiced frequently in elite publications it is 180 degrees at odds with almost everything else they write. First and foremost, if AI is going to lead to massive job loss there is zero reason to worry that declining birth rates will lead to a shrinking workforce. … This issue also comes up with immigration. We are regularly told that we need immigrants because we have a shortage of native-born workers. … we can’t believe both that AI will lead to a massive loss of jobs and we also need immigrants to do our work.” (07/17/24)
https://cepr.net/ai-guaranteed-income-and-the-which-way-is-up-problem-afflicting-our-elites/
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40) Trade, Ambition, and the Rise of American Empire
Source: Law & Liberty
by Samuel Gregg
“The United States’[s] march across North America to establish a transcontinental republic seems, in retrospect, almost preordained. In the American Revolution’s aftermath, there was no shortage of Americans who looked westwards and envisaged the new country’s eventual expansion to the Pacific. Indeed, one factor contributing to the outbreak of the War of Independence had been Britain’s attempts to prevent American colonists from settling in the North American territories acquired from France following Britain’s victory in the French Indian War and the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The story of how America eventually acquired these territories, and the economic, political, and constitutional questions that required navigation before this massive expansion of the American republic could occur, are addressed comprehensively in a new book by the historian Susan Gaunt Stearns.” (07/17/24)
https://lawliberty.org/book-review/trade-ambition-and-the-rise-of-american-empire/
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41) The Supreme Court’s License for Presidential Vengeance
Source: The American Prospect
by Paul Starr
“The full implications of the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity in Trump v. United States will take time to sink in. By failing to rule on the case expeditiously, the Court had already effectively shielded Donald Trump from prosecution before the next presidential election for trying to overturn the last one. The shock from the decision was less the protection it gives Trump for what he did in the past than the protection it gives him and others for what they may do as president in the future. … To shield the president from criminal prosecution is to put everyone else, and all of our institutions outside the government, at greater risk of abuses of power.” (07/17/24)
https://prospect.org/justice/2024-07-17-supreme-courts-license-presidential-vengeance/
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42) The Slope of Service
Source: Common Sense
by Paul Jacob
“‘Heads should roll at Secret Service,’ I declared on Monday. That was before I stumbled upon Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle explaining to ABC News the strategic situational thinking employed by the agency in determining not to place agents on top of the roof of a building where the assassin fired multiple rounds, hitting former President Trump in the ear, killing a man attending the rally with his family and seriously wounding two others. Director Cheatle offered that ‘the Secret Service was aware of the security vulnerabilities presented by the building Crooks took a sniper’s position on to aim at Trump,’ Fox News reported. ‘However, a decision was made not to place any personnel on the roof.’ So much for ‘awareness.’ And why was this decision made?” (07/17/24)
https://thisiscommonsense.org/2024/07/17/the-slope-of-service/
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43) The US Continues To Undermine Its Own Interests in Iran
Source: Antiwar.com
by Ted Snider
“The American-led isolation of Iran is springing leaks all over. It seems that wherever Iran knocks, everyone answers. Except the United States. Instead, the U.S. continues to close the door, following a long pattern with Iran of undermining its own interests.” (07/17/24)
https://original.antiwar.com/ted_snider/2024/07/16/the-us-continues-to-undermine-its-own-interests-in-iran/
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44) We can’t trust politicized FBI to handle probe of Trump assassination bid
Source: JimBovard.com
by James Bovard
“President Biden on Sunday announced an FBI investigation into the Secret Service’s astounding failure to protect Donald Trump at the rally in Butler, Pa., promising the probe would be ‘thorough and swift.’ But it’s folly to trust a federal law enforcement agency to obliterate interagency niceties by exposing all the foibles and flubs of fellow G-men. Instead, we’ll likely see a vintage DC investigation along these lines: Please tell us if you screwed up. Also, is there someone else we can blame?” (07/16/24)
https://jimbovard.com/blog/2024/07/16/n-y-post-we-cant-trust-politicized-fbi-to-handle-probe-of-trump-assassination-bid/
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45) Biden attacks on SCOTUS not “protecting democracy” but undermining it
Source: New York Post
by Isaac Schorr
“For all his bluster about safeguarding the American system, President Biden expends a great deal of energy undermining it. In the coming days, Biden will reportedly endorse a sweeping ‘reform’ agenda for the Supreme Court by calling for term limits and a new code of ethics. This is the culmination of an outrageous, long-winded left-wing attack on the judicial branch that should offend Americans of all political stripes. When he presents them to the public, Biden will doubtlessly describe these measures as a way of depoliticizing the court. But in truth, their mere proposal is meant to have the exact opposite effect.” [editor’s note: Well, it might be helpful for SCOTUS members to stop accepting bribes then gaslighting the public about those bribes when they get caught – TLK] (07/17/24)
https://nypost.com/2024/07/17/opinion/bidens-attacks-on-supreme-court-isnt-protecting-democracy-its-undermining-it/
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46) Does Economic Growth Increase Air Pollution?
Source: Foundation for Economic Education
by Saul Zimet
“Many people believe economic growth means ever-larger amounts of pollution, but the reality is a bit more nuanced than that.” (07/16/24)
https://fee.org/articles/does-economic-growth-increase-air-pollution/
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47) Voters Take Vengeance on the Tories
Source: Brownstone Institute
by Ramesh Thakur
“Two weeks ago, I wrote about the rise of the New Right and its challenge to the liberal consensus on social, economic, and environmental policies; the displacement of the old left-right ideological divide by that between the inner city managerial-technocratic elite and the inhabitants of Hiluxland; and the growing disenchantment with democracy because of the distortions through which voter preferences fail to translate into political representation. All three propositions have been confirmed by the British election. Never in democratic history have so many been elected by so few. The punishment of the Tories by enraged former supporters who have been waiting for elections with baseball bats to the ready did not equate to an endorsement of Labour.” (07/16/24)
https://brownstone.org/articles/voters-take-vengeance-on-the-tories/
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48) Decision 2024 (III): Nationalism, Illiberalism, and Identity Politics
Source: Notablog
by Chris Matthew Sciabarra
“In yesterday’s post, ‘Decision 2024 (II): The Battle for New York,’ I expressed my profound disenchantment with the current state of the presidential campaign. I highlighted a recent article by David Brooks in the New York Times, ‘The Deep Source of Trump’s Appeal.’ In today’s post, I delve more deeply into Brooks’s article and the broader issues it raises about a key problem in American politics. … The argument goes like this: American culture has rested upon an historical tension between the Enlightenment, which extolled the virtues of individual reason, liberty, deliberation, and democracy — and Religion, which places its faith in a moral order. … In the 1960s, as religion waned, moral authority disintegrated into a form of secular relativism and ’emotivism.’ Americans became increasingly disillusioned with both sides of the divide and in their search for meaning, they embraced identity politics.” (07/16/24)
https://notablog.net/2024/07/16/decision-2024-iii-nationalism-illiberalism-and-identity-politics/
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49) America’s political crisis & war in Gaza more intertwined than you might think
Source: Christian Science Monitor
by Mark Sappenfield
“The very same day that Donald Trump was shot in an assassination attempt, another deadly military strike hit Gaza. The two sides disputed the cause and the consequences. Israel claimed a successful strike on a legitimate military target, Palestinians claimed large numbers of women and children among 90 dead. A brutal war showed no signs of abating. The two events were separated by thousands of miles and widely different circumstances. But they are interlinked. Understanding why they are interlinked is crucial not just to the course of the United States or the war in Gaza, but to the faltering progress of global democracy. The lesson of this moment is only gathering in force. Understanding it begins with understanding how dramatically American politics has changed during the past 30 years.” (07/17/24)
https://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/From-the-Editors/2024/0717/Trump-assassination-attempt-Gaza-war
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50) Sacre Bleu! Sporting Events and Stadia Don’t Drive Economic Development
Source: Show-Me Institute
by Patrick Tuohey
“The Telegraph reminds us that big sports events usually fail to meet the promises made regarding their impact on economic development. The Paris Olympics, set to open in less than two weeks, was supposed to be a grand event to boost tourism, revive the city, and kick-start France’s sluggish economy. The reality is starkly different, and we shouldn’t be surprised. Historically, the economic benefits of hosting the Olympics have been dubious, and Paris is proving no exception.” (07/16/24)
https://showmeinstitute.org/blog/subsidies/sacre-bleu-sporting-events-and-stadia-dont-drive-economic-development/
_____ Today's Freedom Podcast and Video _____
51) Conflicts of Interest, episode 637
Source: Libertarian Institute
“Biden’s Biggest Lie Ever?” (07/17/24)
https://libertarianinstitute.org/kyle/coi-637-bidens-biggest-lie-ever
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52) The Vital Center, episode 69
Source: Niskanen Center
“The conservative vision of Edward C. Banfield, with Kevin Kosar.” (07/17/24)
https://www.niskanencenter.org/the-conservative-vision-of-edward-c-banfield-with-kevin-kosar/
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53) Reason Interview: Corey DeAngelis
Source: Reason
“The Parent Revolution author on lockdowns, teachers unions, and voter rage.” (07/17/24)
https://reason.com/podcast/2024/07/17/corey-deangelis-the-school-choice-wave-sweeping-america/
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54) The Bryan Hyde Show, 07/17/24
Source: The Bryan Hyde Show
“With all the craziness going on, it’s easy to lose sight of the positive developments. Paul Rosenberg reminds us that the times they are a-changing for the better, in many ways.” (07/17/24)
https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-xi3fb-166facb
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55) Quillette Podcast, episode 243
Source: Quillette
“The Freedom to Blaspheme.” (07/17/24)
https://quillette.com/2024/07/17/podcast-243-the-freedom-to-blaspheme/
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56) Serious Trouble, 07/17/24
Source: Serious Trouble
“Bad Week for Prosecutors.” (07/17/24)
https://www.serioustrouble.show/p/bad-week-for-prosecutors
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57) DMZ with Bill Scher and Matt Lewis, 07/17/24
Source: Bloggingheads.tv
“Trump Picks J.D. Vance.” (07/17/24)
https://bloggingheads.tv/videos/67816
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58) The Fifth Column, episode 437
Source: The Fifth Column
“Alive from the RNC!” (07/17/24)
https://www.wethefifth.com/p/437-alive-from-the-rnc
-----
59) Antiwar News with Dave DeCamp, 07/17/24
Source: Antiwar.com
“Biden Says He’s Done the Most To Help Palestinians, Vance: Iran Needs To Be ‘Punched Hard,’ and More.” (07/17/24)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_8b6ZnoGXY
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60) The Political Orphanage, 07/16/24
Source: The Political Orphanage
“So Who’s this Vance, Then?” (07/16/24)
https://politicalorphanage.libsyn.com/so-whos-this-vance-then
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61) The Libertarian Angle, 07/16/24
Source: Future of Freedom Foundation
“SCOTUS Decision on Presidential Immunity.” (07/16/24)
https://libertarianangle.libsyn.com/scotus-decision-on-presidential-immunity
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62) The Tom Woods Show, episode 2518
Source: The Tom Woods Show
“After the Assassination Attempt.” (07/16/24)
https://tomwoods.com/ep-2518-after-the-assassination-attempt/
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63) Hubwonk, 07/16/24
Source: Pioneer Institute
“Candidate Selection Breakdown: Presidential Primary Primacy or Determined Delegate Detour.” (07/16/24)
https://pioneerinstitute.org/featured/candidate-selection-breakdown-presidential-primary-primacy-or-determined-delegate-detour/
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64) Politics Politics Politics, 07/16/24
Source: Politics Politics Politics
“LIVE from MAGA Kingdom: The Trump-iest Place On Earth (RNC Night One).” (07/16/24)
https://shows.acast.com/politicspoliticspolitics/episodes/live-from-maga-kingdom-the-trump-iest-place-on-earth-rnc-nig
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65) Liberty at Night, 07/16/24
Source: Liberty at Night
“Trump almost assassinated :: Secret Service Failures :: Political Violence :: Corey Comperatore :: Conspiracy Theories :: Spike Cohen Interview :: 2024-07-16 Hosts: Nate and Chuck.” (07/16/24)
https://soundcloud.com/freetalklive/liberty-at-night-2024-07-16
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