Trump as the Anti-Oligarch: UK’s Battle Against Prayer Restrictions and More Commentary

From the Right: Trump, the Anti-Oligarch

As Rob Wasinger notes at The Hill, “the so-called deep staters” are reacting with fury towards “the most populist president of our lifetimes,” labeling him as an authoritarian who threatens the democratic framework.”

“Is Trump employing legal strategies to target his political adversaries? Is he undermining academic freedom? Is he jeopardizing press freedom? Is he representing a danger to judicial independence?”

Absolutely not: “Entities engaged in the anti-democratic agenda of suppressing voters’ choices are now pointing fingers at Trump’s resistance as the actual threat to democracy.”

The “deep state,” having grown “complacent in their power over Washington,” finds its “reaction to Trump’s genuine assault on their previously unchecked authority” to be laughably absurd.

Speech Desk: UK’s Anti-Prayer Tyranny

Josie Appleton from Spiked argues, “There should be no restrictions on expressing views regarding abortion, silent prayer, or merely being present outside an abortion clinic.”

In the UK, however, Public Spaces Protection Orders are enabling local councils to impose considerable limitations, leading to pro-life activists being arrested for silent prayers, holding signs, or anything that might be interpreted as an opinion on abortion.

The standard should be whether activists cause any harm to others or obstruct them from carrying out their lawful activities, not the suppression of beliefs.

“Freedom cannot be safeguarded through tyranny. Once the government gains the authority to regulate our thoughts, everyone will inevitably be affected, regardless of their opinions on abortion.”

Econ Watch: Dems Faking on Free Trade

“It’s amusing to observe the newly backed Democratic free-traders,” remarks Allyisa Finley from The Wall Street Journal.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is merely performing for them; meanwhile, Senator Liz Warren detests Trump’s tariffs but committed to employing “economic patriotism to transform our trade policies” during her 2019 campaign.

It’s even more ironic that “Democrat-led states could easily argue that Trump’s tariffs exceed presidential authority,” but there’s been no lawsuit filed. Why? Perhaps it’s to keep options open for a potential carbon tax, or due to support from their “Big Labor allies.”

It’s time for Warren, Newsom, and others to “take their case to court” if they’re genuinely invested.

From the Left: Oakland’s New Insurgent

According to Leighton Woodhouse at The Free Press, Oakland mayoral candidate Loren Taylor “is not a populist figure” but is nevertheless “the insurgent candidate” contesting against the party establishment’s choice, former Rep. Barbara Lee.

The election unfolds amidst soaring crime rates, businesses exiting the city, and growing frustration among residents.

It’s hardly surprising that The San Francisco Chronicle has endorsed Taylor, nor that he has exceeded Lee in fundraising efforts.

Former Mayor Sheng Thao’s disastrous tenure concerning police funding and public corruption has become a significant liability for Lee, who is supported by several individuals from her previous campaign: Even liberals now point at “activists for the city’s decline.”

“Oakland voters previously revolted” against the Democratic machine by recalling Thao, now they may very well act on their indignation by rejecting Lee.

Conservative: Don’t Start a War With Israel

Brett McGurk, a former National Security Adviser, succinctly states that “Don’t start a war with Israel” should be the world’s takeaway from the events of October 7, 2023, per Seth Mandel from Commentary.

Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria have all previously attempted military actions against Israel and faced resulting negotiations for lost territory. Egypt “had to negotiate to recover its land.”

The Assad regime realized that “the opportunity to defeat Israel in war had vanished long ago,” while Lebanon continues to struggle.

Groups like Hamas and Hezbollah that initiate conflicts with Israel are acutely aware of the ensuing devastation they invite.

Ultimately, “the only motivation to engage in war with Israel is to worsen the conditions of both their own populations and those of Israelis.”

— Compiled by The Post Editorial Board