A recent opinion piece in The New York Times, “Tax the Rich and Their Heirs … more fairly,” was both reassuring and refreshing. It was reassuring to know that policy debates about relatively prosaic public policy issues continue to be … Continue reading
The Institute for Faith & Freedom pays tribute to one of the major Christian spiritual leaders and writers of the last 75 years—J. I. Packer, who died July 17. Like many of us who are Christians, I first came in … Continue reading
The COVID-19 coronavirus is a novel virus, and everybody who claims they have it figured out is living under an illusion. Our knowledge is growing, but it is still very fragmented. Our local politicians have been cautious because of the … Continue reading
Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared at TheParagon.net. I’m a Protestant and my friend, Joe, is Roman Catholic. Occasionally, when I discover someone is Catholic, I joke, “Hey, our spiritual ancestors burned each other at the stake.” … Continue reading
Editor’s note: This article first appeared at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Last weekend I overheard two recent grads (both musicians) discussing America’s greatest composers. The usual names were raised: Copland, Gershwin, Bernstein, Sousa … Foster. “Who?” said one. “Stephen Foster,” replied … Continue reading
The 181-year-old religious order, the Little Sisters of the Poor—unlikely litigants before the high court—finally got a victory. For over six years this charitable order has had to defend itself against the federal government under the Obama administration and, more … Continue reading
Editor’s note: This article first appeared at American Greatness. Twitter’s decision to ban the viral Trump meme creator Carpe Donktum from its platform last week precipitated an unexpected development in the normally stagnant, crippled marketplace of Big Tech: a departure. Thousands of users, sick … Continue reading
Sometimes, the facts of a case have an emotional appeal in addition to a strong constitutional basis. Espinoza v. Montana certainly qualifies. Kendra Espinoza, a hard working (three jobs) and determined single mom, decided to take her two daughters out … Continue reading
“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 quote requires no citation for those in my age bracket. These are, in fact, the only words … Continue reading
Editor’s note: This article first appeared at thegospelcoalition.org. The storm surrounding J. K. Rowling’s tweets on women and menstruation is as predictable as it is depressing. That her gracious response has, if anything, exacerbated the fury simply underlines the way civil debate is now … Continue reading
When we think of the Fourth of July, we often think of backyard barbecues with friends, baseball, and maybe a beer or two. This year, with COVID-19, maybe we can at least have the beer. But Independence Day was originally … Continue reading
As I approached the county courthouse for jury duty, my unfocused mind was in many different places, including being sincerely burdened by the state of our nation. I had filled out the eligibility questionnaire, made arrangements with my employer, and … Continue reading
Here is an economic riddle that has been puzzling many people: Why has economic growth in the United States remained below three percent for so long? The growth of US gross domestic product (GDP) going all the way back to … Continue reading
The Supreme Court has just rendered historic decisions in three cases concerning Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Justice Neil Gorsuch and Chief Justice … Continue reading
The current worldwide protests against racial injustice and inequality spurred by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 have prompted attacks on individuals who sold and owned slaves and defended the abominable practice of slavery. It has … Continue reading
On May 28, President Donald Trump issued an executive order charging federal agencies to “consider taking action … to prohibit unfair or deceptive acts” by social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. At issue is Section 230 of the Communications … Continue reading
Suppose that suddenly a new disease X appears to be spreading rapidly and killing people. The symptoms of X are very similar to those of Y and Z, but X may have a far higher fatality rate than Y and … Continue reading
Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared at National Catholic Register. In July 1969, three American astronauts landed on the moon. It wasn’t just a great technical triumph. It was a much-needed respite amid social and political chaos. … Continue reading
The apostle Peter instructs Christians: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Beginning with the disciples and the apostle Paul, countless Christians … Continue reading
The streets were empty. No one marching. The bands weren’t playing. No music, no 21-gun salutes. Where were the old-timers hobbling along in their military uniforms? The flags flew at the courthouse and lined the streets, but the sidewalks weren’t … Continue reading
