Political Commentary & Opinion
Analysis, commentary, and opinion essays on politics and policy from The Daily Signal’s contributors and experts.
-
opinion
Illinois Lawmakers Give Students More Opportunities in Education
In the throes of a debate about how much taxpayer money would go to Illinois public schools, state lawmakers have agreed to provide students more educational options. On Thursday, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s signature created a program that allows for up to $75 million in tax credit-eligible contributions to K-12 private school scholarship organizations. Under… -
opinion
‘Gone With the Wind’ Is Now Too Controversial to Play in Theaters
The Daily Signal’s Facebook Live show “Top 10” features the top news stories of the week, many of which often go underreported by the mainstream media. This week, the film for which the first African-American won an Oscar for, “Gone With the Wind,” is now deemed “too controversial” to play in theaters. And an Indiana… -
news
Texas to Fight on After Federal Judge’s Sanctuary Ruling
A Texas case, in which a federal judge halted the state’s crackdown on sanctuary cities, could serve as a test case for federal sanctions on such municipalities, an immigration law expert said. U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia ruled Wednesday that the part of the Texas law requiring cities to assist federal immigration officials was unconstitutional,… -
opinion
New Study on Electricity Grid Suggests the Need for Market Reforms
The Department of Energy recently released its much-anticipated report on electricity markets and grid reliability. Much like the Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor boxing match, the main event was compelling but completely overhyped. But despite the unnecessary politicization, the study does provide useful information that federal and state policymakers should leverage to implement market-oriented reforms… -
news
23 Powerful Photos of Harvey Rescues This Week
The disaster in Texas brought out the best in us this week. These 24 moving photos prove it: -
opinion
As Houston Reels From Harvey, Here’s Where Relief Funding Stands
As remnants of Hurricane Harvey move northeastward, the U.S. Gulf Coast continues to be drenched. Harvey, which made landfall last Friday night as a Category 4 storm, is the strongest hurricane to hit the U.S. in over a decade, with winds exceeding 130 mph in some areas. But beyond the extreme winds and storm surge, Harvey… -
opinion
Evidence Suggests Charter Schools in New York City Succeeding With Less Funding
In July, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio made a deal with state legislators: The mayor would retain control of city schools for two more years in exchange for a commitment to increase the number of charter schools. It’s no secret to New Yorkers that de Blasio opposes charter schools—public schools that typically operate… -
opinion
In Hurricane Harvey Response, Congress Must Avoid the Mistakes of Sandy
As the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey begin to recede, focus will shift to the costs of cleanup and recovery. There are already rumblings that Congress will look to pass a “Superstorm Sandy” type emergency funding package that could provide billions of dollars in federal aid to affected communities. Anytime a natural disaster or unforeseen crisis… -
news
For 13 Hours, This Texan Helped Rescue Those With the ‘Save Us’ Signal
One Texan spent 13 hours on a tractor Tuesday to help rescue people affected by the flooding from Tropical Storm Harvey, hauling boats toward those still stranded. Citing the morning news, Mark Morrow, a resident of Katy, a Houston suburb, said there were “a thousand houses … under water” in one area. There were some… -
opinion
Keith Olbermann’s Vile Contempt for Conservative Women
Once a woman-hating blowhard, always a woman-hating blowhard. Keith Olbermann, the “new” face of the Democratic resistance on Conde Nast’s digital video platform, is the same old foul-mouthed beast he was on cable TV. Over the weekend, the former MSNBC frother went berserk over Trump Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ anodyne call for prayers “for all… -
news
Wasserman Schultz IT Staffer Banned From House Network Months Ago Still Has Active Account
A former IT aide suspected of stealing equipment and data from Congress still has an active, secret email account on the House computer system, even though he has been banned from the congressional network because of a criminal investigation into the alleged cybersecurity violations, The Daily Caller News Foundation Investigative Group has learned. Imran Awan’s… -
opinion
California Lawmakers Want to Force Doctors, Nursing Home Staffs to Deny Their Consciences
The First Amendment stands as a testament to one of the Founding Fathers’ core convictions: that man has an inalienable right to live out his deeply held religious beliefs, and that government’s proper role is to protect this and other inalienable rights. In the words of James Madison, “Conscience is the most sacred of all… -
opinion
I’m a Conservative Professor. Why My Students Should Never Be Shut Down for Speaking Freely.
Right now, all around the country, millions of students are returning to institutions of higher education for the fall semester, while others will be attending for the first time. In recent months, several universities have seen setbacks for freedom of speech and debate, with speakers being disinvited by administrators fearful of controversy, and others being… -
opinion
Hurricane Harvey Brings Out the Best in Americans
Pictures of destroyed homes and flooded neighborhoods are heartbreaking, but the inspiring images of neighbors helping neighbors and average citizens performing heroic acts has shown Texas, and America, at its best. The eyes of the country have been on Texas as it deals with the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey. Along with coverage of the… -
opinion
In a World of Real Evil, the Left Fights Fake Evil
All my life, I have known this rule about people: Those who don’t fight the greatest evils will fight lesser evils or make-believe evils. This happens to be the morally defining characteristic of the left. During the Cold War, many liberals and nearly all conservatives fought communism, but the left fought anti-communism. The left opposed… -
opinion
The Rise of Gingrich in the Reagan Revolution
The Republican House was divided against itself: President Ronald Reagan, his Crazies, and much of the muscular New Right on one side—the GOP establishment, moderate Vice President George H.W. Bush, and Minority Leader Bob Michel on the other. The Crazies—Reps. Newt Gingrich and Robert Smith Walker—sent a scathing letter to their GOP colleagues, calling for… -
news
3 Scenes From Rescue Effort and Flooding in Houston
Citizens and law enforcement alike in Houston are coming to the rescue of fellow citizens affected by the flooding from Tropical Storm Harvey. “My friends and I we were in pretty good shape as far as our houses, so we just wanted to go out and help other people, so that's what we ended up… -
news
As Surplus Military Equipment Is Used in Houston, White House Changes Policy Enacted After Ferguson
Flat bottom boats were part of the Texas rescue efforts after the weekend flooding, after Hurricane Harvey, noted Ron Hosko, president of the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund. The same is true of rescue helicopters formerly used by the military and high axle vehicles that can drive through water, Hosko added. All are examples of… -
opinion
Why Trump’s Upcoming Decision on Federal Lands Matters
The ongoing controversy about the federal government's role in managing land may soon come to a head. Earlier this month, in accord with a presidential executive order issued in April, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke delivered recommendations to the president on national monument lands that are being reviewed by his department. Details about the report—whether lands…