Amnesty’s Shift Toward Authoritarianism: A Call to Ban the Mask and Other Insights
Rights Watch: Amnesty’s Shift Towards Authoritarianism
“Amnesty International can operate in Israel, but Amnesty Israel faces restrictions from the parent organization,” quips Seth Mandel from Commentary regarding the news that AI has suspended its Israeli branch for dissenting with headquarters. Context: Last month, the parent organization issued a flawed report claiming Israel was committing genocide in Gaza, a report that “openly acknowledged redefining genocide to fit the narrative against Israel.” Additionally, “Amnesty’s Israel team—its own on-the-ground researchers—publicly contested the findings and pointed out they had not been consulted on the report concerning Israel.” Following this, the suspension ensued for criticizing central management’s actions. Essentially, “the so-called ‘human rights’ organization now operates on authoritarian lines.”
Legal Desk: Reinstating the Mask Ban!
“New York State had the nation’s longest-standing anti-masking law, which was repealed during the pandemic,” writes Ilya Shapiro at The Free Press, noting the “catastrophic outcomes for cities like New York.” Take, for instance, the “mob of anti-Israel demonstrators” that “took over a Columbia University building last April,” holding two maintenance workers hostage. Or consider the case of “health insurance executive Brian Thompson,” “brutally murdered by a masked assailant who swiftly escaped the city.” “This incident was preventable.” “Mask bans proved effective against Klan members, preventing them from concealing their identities and evading justice.” The same applies to current violent extremists and criminals. Indeed, such laws “promote a society where individuals are held accountable for their actions.”
Conservative Viewpoint: Republicans Need to Bring Change
“With control of the White House and Congress, albeit by a slim margin, Republicans must collaborate effectively,” states Ingrid Jacques from USA Today. They have a two-year window “to demonstrate what conservative principles can achieve.” Kicking off the new Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson “gave a compelling reminder of our nation’s foundation—and how conservative values can preserve its greatness.” Senator John Thune, the new Senate majority leader, remarked, “We possess a genuine opportunity to deliver for the American populace, focusing on sustained tax relief and border security.” “Americans have entrusted these Republicans with the responsibility to produce outcomes,” argues Jacques, expressing hope that “they won’t falter.”
From the Right: Disputing the Trump Case
As President-elect Trump faces sentencing in the Manhattan hush-money case this Friday, “the pivotal question is whether [Judge Juan] Merchan will follow through on his statements,” writes Byron York from the Washington Examiner. Merchan has indicated that “an ‘unconditional discharge’ appears to be the ‘most feasible resolution,’” which would mean that the case concludes, with Trump being labeled an officially convicted felon, though it would also permit him to appeal. “Merchan could impose community service, jail time, or various other measures, but they would all merely be political gestures,” as enforcement would be nearly impossible. Thus, “it’s challenging to dismiss the notion that the Manhattan case, from inception to sentencing, has been nonsensical.” Merchan’s decision on Friday will likely follow suit.
Global Politics: Progressives in Downward Spiral
“Several fundamental aspects of the progressive-liberal policy agenda are waning in developed countries as voters and officials gravitate towards more sensible, practical, and fiscally sustainable solutions,” observes Merrill Matthews at The Hill. “Growing concerns regarding immigration and asylum protocols” have bolstered right-wing parties across France, Germany, Italy, and Austria. The disastrous repercussions of green energy policies have compelled the UK Labour Party to reconsider, while “German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left coalition has disintegrated.” Furthermore, “Europe is reevaluating” its stance on gender transitions for minors. These represent three progressive stances facing not just national but international voter backlash. If Democrats seek to pinpoint the reason for their November setbacks, they should analyze their own policy positions closely.
— Compiled by The Post Editorial Board
