Written

Norman Rockwell Freedom of Speech

Let’s not pretend the Biden administration’s attack on local parents is out of character.

By Justin Katz | October 8, 2021 |

Whenever we have the opportunity to watch some other country gradually be taken over by left-wing fascists (Venezuela comes first to mind), the headlines always have me shouting at the computer screen — like a movie-watcher might shout at the TV when the hero is ignorant that his friend is the villain and is acting…

A water drop and ripples

Modern autocracies are benefiting from the Sparta spin.

By Justin Katz | October 8, 2021 |

In an EconTalk episode, Russ Roberts evoked a fascinating response from University of North Carolina historian Bret Devereaux when he asked why, considering that the Spartans were so evil by today’s standards and also mediocre at warfare, they’ve enjoyed such a positive legend: The Spartans get really good press in our ancient sources. And part…

A sonogram.

Mendes’s problem is that she wasn’t pro-selling-baby-parts?

By Justin Katz | October 8, 2021 |

Providence Journal reporter Katherine Gregg has posted one of the social-media shares from state senator and Rhode Island Political Cooperative candidate for Lieutenant Governor Cynthia Mendes that has gotten her in trouble with her fellow progressives.  All she did was share a post from somebody else linking to one of the famous undercover videos of…

A water drop and ripples

Fading vaccine effectiveness shows the foolishness of confidence.

By Justin Katz | October 8, 2021 |

One of (the many) aspects of our public arguments around COVID-19 and the vaccine is the confidence with which everybody is asserting their positions.  This affects both sides, but I’m thinking in particular of the pro-vax people who assert that we know that naturally acquired immunity fades after a few months.  Frankly, the virus hasn’t been…

A water drop and ripples

When it comes to energy, public outcry is the only control.

By Justin Katz | October 8, 2021 |

Jon Caldara makes an excellent point about energy in Colorado that applies in Rhode Island, as well: … the Public Utilities Commission’s job was (key word there) to fight for the least cost energy while protecting our environment. That mission has been turned on its head. Least cost is the PUC’s very last priority. This…

Pawtucket William Blackstone statue

WPRI promotes division, declaring a new holiday in solidarity with progressives.

By Justin Katz | October 8, 2021 |

Don’t bother looking on your calendar as you attempt to interpret this headline on an Eli Sherman article on WPRI: William Blackstone statue rally planned for Indigenous Peoples Day in Pawtucket By “Indigenous Peoples Day,” WPRI means Columbus Day.  It’s just that radicals looking to divide our nation have been insisting we change the name of…

A water drop and ripples

The problem with Rocky V is the ending.

By Justin Katz | October 7, 2021 |

Rocky IV was iconic when I was young, and for decades I’ve heard what a let-down Rocky V was.  I finally got around to watching it tonight (while cleaning the kitchen, lest you think I’m a couch potato or something).  It actually wasn’t bad, and I think the promo summary has done it harm all these years…

A water drop and ripples

The Cultural Revolution comes to UMass Amherst.

By Justin Katz | October 7, 2021 |

It’s not a good sign when vague, anonymous allegations on the Internet against an unnamed member of a group lead to violent attacks on that group’s residence: Recent online sexual assault allegations against Theta Chi at the University of Massachusetts Amherst resulted in raucous protests that included flipping a car and injuring a member of…

A water drop and ripples

A kidney patient and her willing donor are being denied the operation because they aren’t vaccinated.

By Justin Katz | October 7, 2021 |

The world has gone mad.  Disclaimer: I’ve been vaccinated and think other adults should be, too.  But this is ridiculous. This is concerning at the baseline level. This becomes even more concerning when you overlay that both the kidney donor and the transplant patient are unvaccinated and aligned without issue. The hospital is refusing the…

Multiracial hands on a table

Clarity about what we’re being asked to believe about race is essential.

By Justin Katz | October 7, 2021 |

It’s been frustrating to listen to Charles Murray discuss his latest book, Facing Reality: Two Truths About Race in America, on conservative podcasts, like this episode of Andrew Klavan’s show.  The experience is of watching two friends have a disagreement when they’re missing some obvious common point, and you’re unable to jump in and point…