Political Commentary & Opinion
Analysis, commentary, and opinion essays on politics and policy from The Daily Signal’s contributors and experts.
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opinion
In Paris, Our Cathedral Lies in Ruins
PARIS—Many of us Americans have strolled the banks of the river Seine across Île de la Cité, listening to the bells of the famous towers of Notre Dame. It’s been a landmark in Paris for over 800 years, having been built in the 13th century. A center of worship and political triumph, this symbol of… -
news
Why Couldn’t They Put Out the Fire at Notre Dame Cathedral?
Firefighters stood helpless to stem the blaze Monday at Notre Dame Cathedral, likely because of Gothic engineering techniques that waterproofed the roof, consigning it to destruction. The roof and spire of Notre Dame were all but doomed to burn once flames began to spread, possibly begun by a renovation accident, according to Ted Henderson, who studied archaeology… -
opinion
After 100 Days, House Democrats Have Offered Partisanship, Not Solutions
As we pass the 100-day mark of Democratic control of the House of Representatives in the 116th Congress, now is a good opportunity to examine what the American people have to show for it. On issue after issue, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Democratic majority has chosen a path of partisanship, rather than problem-solving. From ignoring… -
opinion
Transgender Athletes Will Spell the End of Women’s Sports
One of the first and most important things we learned in the school yard was the concept of fair play. When running a race, you don’t start before the whistle is blown. In a game of hide-and-seek, you don’t peek to see the location of the other players. Starting the race before your opponents… -
opinion
Correcting Media Distortions About the Electoral College
“The Right Side of History” is a podcast dedicated to exploring current events through a historical lens and busting left-wing myths about figures and events of America’s past. On this week’s episode, hosts Jarrett Stepman and Fred Lucas discuss the various media attacks, and in some cases, outright distortions about the Electoral College. They break… -
news
Illegal Alien Sentenced to Prison for Running Elaborate Prostitution Operation
Luis Bonilla-Hernandez, an illegal migrant from El Salvador, was sentenced to two years of prison on Friday for running a criminal sex operation right in the heart of the Washington, D.C., area. “Bonilla-Hernandez profited from the sexual exploitation of women who found themselves in difficult and vulnerable places,” G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. attorney for the… -
news
How State ‘Birthday Abortions’ Bills Stack Up to Federal Restrictions
Legislatures in liberal states are advancing bills similar to a New York law allowing mothers to abort their babies up to the time of birth. Although legal experts say such “birthday abortion” measures may not directly violate federal restrictions on abortion, the more radical proposals could justify greater federal scrutiny. “Whenever an inalienable right, such… -
news
In Florida, Ron DeSantis Accelerates Conservative Agenda
As his first legislative session winds down, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis—elected five months ago by the narrowest of margins—has soared in popularity while pursuing an aggressive reform agenda that includes reshaping the state’s judiciary, investigating school safety, and enforcing immigration laws. “He’s off to a fast start. He’s a trailblazer throughout the state,” Scott Parkinson,… -
opinion
Today, You Pay Your Federal Taxes. Tomorrow Is the Real Tax Freedom Day.
This year, Tax Freedom Day—the day after which Americans have worked enough days of the year to pay their taxes—occurs just one day after Tax Day, April 15, the deadline for filing federal tax returns. That’s according to the Tax Foundation’s annual “Tax Freedom Day” report for 2019. In total, the report estimates, Americans will… -
opinion
Democrats Want to Rejoin the Paris Accord. Let’s Recall Why It Was Such a Bad Deal.
When the Obama administration negotiated the Paris climate agreement, conservatives argued that it should move through the proper treaty process and be sent to the Senate, where elected senators could weigh in and potentially reject the deal. President Barack Obama didn’t do that. Instead, he unilaterally signed the deal, making it all the more easy… -
opinion
Podcast: The Daily Signal’s Young Reporters Share Their Favorite Stories
On today’s podcast, we’re talking to two enterprising reporters who spent the past few months contributing to The Daily Signal. We hear from Josh Nelson and Mykala Steadman about their Heritage Foundation internship experience, some of their favorite stories, and where they’re headed in the future. Also on today’s show: Mykala Steadman has a story… -
news
10 Years After First Rallies, What’s the Legacy of the Tea Party?
It was Tax Day 2009 when citizens gathered in 850 cities across the nation for tea party rallies protesting the recent $700 billion federal bailouts of banks and automakers, an $800 billion economic stimulus package, and, more broadly, government deficits and debt. On April 15 this year, Tea Party Patriots, one of the largest tea… -
opinion
In 1 Chart, How Your Taxes Are Spent
It's nice to have more money in your pocket. And thanks to the 2017 tax cuts, the typical American is now paying less in taxes. But that's not to say we're not still sending a hefty sum of money to Washington. Tally up all the payroll and other taxes on earnings and income, and you'll… -
opinion
We Hear You: When the Government Goes Too Far
Editor's note: The Daily Signal's audience got steamed reading our coverage of what the EPA did to an elderly veteran in Montana. Some of those responses lead off this week's mailbag. Don't forget to write us at [email protected].—Ken McIntyre Dear Daily Signal: This guy Joe Robertson got screwed by his government and overzealous bureaucrats, as… -
opinion
2 More Terrorist Plots Show How a Proactive Approach Is Vital to Combating Terrorism
In the past few weeks, the U.S. uncovered two more terrorism plots against the U.S. homeland, raising to 109 the number of such plots or attacks since 9/11. While ISIS has been defeated in Syria and Iraq, its vile ideas live on, encouraging others to pursue terrorism. Terrorism plot 108: Rondell Henry of Germantown, Maryland,… -
opinion
US Must Remain Wary of International Criminal Court Even After Decision to Not Target Americans
After nearly 18 months of deliberations, the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court decided on April 12 to reject the request from ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to open an investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Afghanistan since May 2003. This is a long overdue and welcome decision for the… -
opinion
Finally, Assange Will Face the Legal Cases Against Him
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is finally going to face the music. According to many across the political spectrum, he is no hero. To a handful of others, he is. For the last seven years, Assange has avoided accountability for his conduct by holing up in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, at a cost of over $3… -
opinion
Conservatives Need to Reclaim Feminism or Pick a New Word
Are you a feminist? For many conservative women, responding to that question becomes a backbreaking feat—expressing your viewpoint while attempting to dodge the left’s pro-abortion, anti-male infested word trap. For some women, it’s easier to just quickly say no and then endure the oncoming judgement. But a weightier question remains. Should conservatives reclaim the word… -
opinion
Illinois Proposes Taxpayers Pay for Some Gender Reassignment Surgeries
If there’s one thing the far left has excelled at, it’s making you pay for its radical policies, whether or not it has the money for it. In Illinois, a state known for its persistent fiscal troubles, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services recently announced its intention to begin covering gender reassignment surgeries under the state’s Medicaid program….