Court’s Right to End Racialized Voting and Other Commentary
Liberal commentator Joe Klein argues that the Supreme Court’s decision to limit racial gerrymandering is an exercise in anti-racism, as it eliminates the need for racial distinctions in voting. Klein notes that the Voting Rights Act, enacted to combat racism, has become a law that sustains racialism, and that wholesale discrimination against black voters no longer exists in the US. He believes that black elected officials should have to gain the approval of some white voters to retain their seats, and vice versa.
The ‘Wasted Potential’ Lie
Conservative commentator Liana Graham warns about a new trend spreading across social media, where young women are told that marrying young, settling down, and having children is a waste of their potential. Graham argues that this messaging is based on the “having it all” myth of feminism, which promises regret-free independence but actually carries real opportunity costs, such as anxiety and depression. She notes that an emerging generation of women is attracted to traditional gender roles and values love and mutual dependence over independence.
Climate Beat: Stop the Pseudo-Science
Roger Pielke Jr. comments on the retraction of a influential climate economics paper by the scientific journal Nature, which was used to justify aggressive climate policies. Pielke Jr. notes that this retraction is not an isolated incident, but rather a crack in the foundation of climate research. He argues that researchers are pushed to publish headline-grabbing results, and that debunked and outdated scenarios persist in an academic culture that prioritizes climate advocacy over scientific rigor.
Fed Watch: Say Goodbye Already, Jay
Lawrence Kudlow comments on the upcoming departure of Federal Reserve boss Jay Powell, whose term ends on May 15. Kudlow notes that Powell’s tenure was undistinguished, marked by high inflation and unimpressive growth. He welcomes the expected confirmation of new chairman Kevin Warsh, who understands the importance of low tax rates and deregulation in restraining inflation and fueling productivity.
From the Right: UCLA Law vs. Free Speech
Jonathan Turley comments on the failure of UCLA School of Law to hold students accountable for disrupting a recent Federalist Society event. Turley notes that the school has threatened to discipline the Federalist Society if it identifies the students who disrupted the event, rather than punishing the protesters themselves. He argues that this is a surreal position that violates UCLA’s free-speech policies and imposes coercive censorship to protect the protesters.
These commentaries offer a range of perspectives on current issues in US politics, from voting rights to climate research to free speech. They highlight the ongoing debates and challenges in these areas, and the need for nuanced and informed discussion.
