EU may require Trump’s ‘tough love’ to avoid disrupting Senate confirmations
Elex desk: Don’t Break Senate Confirmations
Max Stier at The Hill strongly argues that Donald Trump’s demand for the Senate to go into recess to allow his top appointees to take office without a confirmation vote would be a complete abdication of the chamber’s constitutional advice and consent responsibility..
It is acknowledged that the confirmation system is broken, with the Senate often taking too long to review and vote on presidential appointees. This not only deters qualified nominees from government service but also fails to work for the Senate itself.
Abdication is not the solution. Senators should consider reducing the number of positions subject to confirmation and changing rules to prevent a single senator from single-handedly stalling the confirmation process.
It is emphasized that fixing the current system is in the public interest, while disregarding it will not serve anyone well.
Foreign beat: EU May Need Trump’s ‘Tough Love’
Walther Russell Mead of The Wall Street Journal observes that Europe has had a tough year, with stagnant economies and a dire security situation. He suggests that Europe may be the biggest loser from Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
The root cause of Europe’s problems is identified as its failure to build an economy, tech industry, political system, or security strategy that meets the demands of the 21st century. Europe is viewed by much of the world as an example of what not to do.
The fragility of Europe contributes significantly to the global crisis. Perhaps America has been too much of a helicopter parent, fostering dependency. Some believe that Trumpian tough love might be exactly what Europe needs.
Liberal: SciAm’s Shameless Trans Coverage
Jesse Singal at Reason criticizes former Scientific American Editor in Chief Laura Helmuth for promoting a political agenda that has turned the magazine into a laughingstock. The magazine has been accused of taking activists’ word on treatments related to gender medicine without sufficient evidence, effectively perpetuating medical misinformation.
The suggestion is made that Scientific American can set things right by hiring an editor who prioritizes science over progressive political goals.
Conservative: Make America Responsible Again
Heather Mac Donald of City Journal scoffs at the idea that Americans’ genes have changed in a way that causes weight gain. Some argue that obesity is largely a genetic disorder beyond the control of its victims.
The suggestion is made that to make America healthy again, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may need to challenge this misconception. Rather than focusing obsessively on chemicals due to his background in environmental litigation, it is proposed to end food-stamp subsidies for unhealthy foods and promote healthier eating habits.
Blaming external forces for personal decisions is criticized as a left-wing impulse. Taking personal responsibility is emphasized as the key to restoring health and well-being.
Culture critic: Free Speech for Haters, Not Jews
Seth Mandel of Commentary highlights the challenges faced by Jews in exercising their right to free speech, especially in the face of violence from others. The system is criticized for allowing violence to regulate speech without intervention or punishment by authorities.
The reality for Jews is that their speech will always be restricted by the violence of others, and this is seen as an accepted norm by many in the free world.
— Compiled by The Post Editorial Board
