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
Why Americans Should Be Truly Thankful
Many Americans still believe in this nation’s enduring principles. It’s easy, alas, for our gratitude to become perfunctory—more something we say than something we feel. But take it from someone who has traveled to many countries: A look at what some people around the globe endure can make your appreciation genuine. Examples abound, but consider… -
opinion
‘Saints and Strangers’ Gives the Real Story Behind Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, Americans are preparing to give thanks for what Abraham Lincoln called “the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies.” In keeping up this tradition, Americans are hearkening back to the example set by the pilgrims and the members of the Wampanoag tribe almost 400 years ago. In the fall of 1621,… -
opinion
1943: A Bloody Thanksgiving in the Pacific
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, take a moment to remember the many Americans who gave their last full measure 72 years ago in the attack on the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands. Almost two years after Pearl Harbor, the assault by the 2nd Marine Division on a Japanese-held stronghold started on Nov. 20, 1943, five… -
news
Food Stamps Won’t Buy Soda and Candy If This State Gets Its Way
Some taxpayers consider it a sweet idea: Trim the purchase of soda and candy from the benefits provided to food stamp users. The state of Maine wants to do just that. To ban food stamp recipients under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from purchasing specific unhealthy items, state officials have to get approval from the… -
opinion
Giving Thanks for Second Chances: Coming Back From Spiritual Poverty
While the nation’s attention focuses on a day of thanksgiving, there are some who embrace each day with gratitude for a second chance at life through the revitalization of fundamental relationships and an opportunity to fulfill their potential. The uplifting and inspiring stories of such men and women have been captured in the “Comeback” series… -
opinion
Brian Kilmeade: How America Fought Her First War Against Terrorists
America’s battle against terrorists originating in the Middle East is nothing new. Our first war as an independent country was against the Barbary states—the four Muslim powers of Morocco, Tunis, Algiers, and Tripoli. Fox News Host Brian Kilmeade tells that story in his new book “Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War… -
news
Terrorism Fears Fuel Debate Over Government Program That Allows US Travel Without a Visa
The Paris terror attacks have jolted Congress to consider ways to make it more difficult for people outside the country to enter the United States. After the House last week passed legislation toughening security checks on Iraqi and Syrian refugees, some lawmakers argue that the real threat is a terrorist using a program that allows… -
opinion
The Lessons We Must Learn From Paris
In the wake of the Paris attacks, U.S. authorities should seek to glean lessons from the European experience. This will ensure we are best prepared for similar threats against the U.S. homeland. Several federal departments and agencies are likely already individually focused on this task. For example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is examining the… -
opinion
Why George Washington Thought the Practice of Gratitude Was Essential for the American Character
Our two greatest presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, respectively thought Thanksgiving sufficiently important to initiate its national celebration and to later revive this tradition. Our accepted convention is that Thanksgiving is about family togetherness and feasting. Surely this is part of it—but perhaps a more refined notion of what this nearly ancient holiday should… -
opinion
The Man and the Magazine That Launched a Movement
As 1954 ended, the future of the “American Right” looked bleak. Sen. Robert Taft, “Mr. Republican,” was dead of cancer; Joe McCarthy had been censured by the U.S. Senate; the Democrats had retaken Congress after a brief Republican interregnum; President Dwight Eisenhower had morphed into a modern Republican; and Barry Goldwater was an unknown junior… -
news
‘It’s a Lonely Time’: What This Formerly Homeless Man Does for the Homeless on Thanksgiving
Jeff Tooles is looking forward to working a 12- to 14-hour-long shift on Thanksgiving Day. On Thursday, the senior food services manager of Central Union Mission—an emergency shelter that offers a Spiritual Transformation Program (STP) for Washington, D.C.’s homeless men—will celebrate his twentieth Thanksgiving preparing and serving dinner at the shelter. Tooles will cook roughly… -
news
Law Enforcement Took More From Americans Last Year Than Burglars. But It’s Not That Simple.
The federal government, by taking Americans’ property through civil forfeiture, raked in more money last year than burglars did. According to crime data from the FBI, and highlighted by the blog Armstrong Economics, federal law enforcement agencies took in more money through the proceeds of cash, property, and houses seized through civil forfeiture in 2014… -
news
Lawyers Suing Farmers for Refusing to Host Same-Sex Wedding Compare Case to ‘Race Discrimination’
The case against the owners of a small farm in upstate New York—who were ordered to pay $13,000 for refusing to host a same-sex wedding—moved forward Monday. Attorneys for the same-sex couple argued that the case is about the “same issues” as racial discrimination. “We’ve been through this with race discrimination 40 years ago, and… -
opinion
Are Violent College Protests a ‘Wonderful, Beautiful Thing’? One Ivy League Administrator Thinks So
In recent weeks, tensions have been high across college campuses. Different activist groups have spoken out against perceived injustices facing their campus communities. As seen in the recent examples of the University of Missouri and Yale, student activism can quickly become threatening. Dartmouth College was the latest school added to the growing list of protests… -
opinion
‘Clock Kid’ Demand for $15 Million Goes Too Far
On Sept. 14, Ahmed Mohamed took what he calls a homemade clock to MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas. Apparently believing that Mohamed sought to scare students and teachers with a “look-alike” bomb in violation of the Irving School District Student Code of Conduct, the school called in local police. Mohamed was taken to a… -
news
Lawsuit: This Planned Parenthood Affiliate Should Return Taxpayer Money It Took for Body Parts of Aborted Babies
A lawsuit filed in Colorado alleges that Planned Parenthood accepted taxpayer funds from Colorado State University in exchange for the body parts of aborted babies. Faith & Freedom Coalition of Colorado, the group behind the lawsuit, wants to force Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains to return the money, Nick McIntyre, executive director, said in an interview with The… -
news
‘Grow Up’: Commentator Ben Shapiro Crashes Mizzou Protesters’ Safe Space
To the apparent consternation of students demonstrating for racial justice at the University of Missouri, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro crashed their so-called “safe space.” “Welcome to America, where people get to say what they want,” Shapiro said during a Thursday night speech at Mizzou. Shapiro, 31, senior editor-at-large at Breitbart News and editor-in-chief at DailyWire.com,… -
news
Princeton Grad Disappointed Administrators Gave in to Student ‘Bullying Tactics’
For years, Darren Geist walked up the steps of Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs almost daily. After class, he’d meet with his senior thesis advisor Christopher L. Eisgruber, who Geist said at times, served as more of a “mentor” than an advisor. In 2005, Geist would go on to graduate… -
news
Anti-India Protests in Kathmandu Reflect Frustration With Blockade of Nepal
KATHMANDU, Nepal—Protesters here vented their frustration with India’s ongoing trade blockade of Nepal, which has created a nationwide fuel and medicine shortage and slowed the country’s economy to a standstill. Hundreds of protesters filled Lazimpat Road on Friday, marching toward the Indian Embassy, shouting anti-Indian chants and carrying signs in both English and Hindi that admonished India…