Essays


  • Arp: Trump, Holcomb Step on Mom-and-Pop Property

    by Jason Arp Private property, a foundation block of western civilization, is under attack on many fronts in today’s America. It’s not surprising that the radical left-wing rioters have been calling for further progress on the road to implement Marx’s plan for a socialist utopia.  Signs calling for abolition of rent and destruction of property are standard fair at a Black Lives Matter rally. But perhaps the greatest blow against our right to own private property…

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  • Morris: Zoeller and GOP Duality

    by LEO MORRIS Hoosiers are, unfortunately, used to politicians who say one thing here and then become someone quite different out of town. They leave their three-piece suits in the condo when they visit home, donning jeans and plaid shirts while chatting with the common folk from the cabs of their shiny pickup trucks. Still, we have to marvel at the boldness of former Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller, who not only takes such political…

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  • Protected: Black Lives Need to Matter

    There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

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  • Franke: Ballot Harvesting

    by Mark Franke One needs a sense of irony to read the news headlines these days. Or maybe a suspension of disbelief. I have been trying, unsuccessfully, to follow the debate over voting issues in the upcoming election. Here’s my take: The Democrats are convinced Donald Trump will order the Post Office to slow down delivery of mailed-in ballots, but apparently only in Democrat strongholds and thereby stealing the election. The Republicans are equally convinced the Democrats…

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  • Morris: COVID and a Timid Future

    by LEO MORRIS Growing up, I had two things that shaped not only my childhood but much of my adult life as well: asthma and a protective mother. I almost wrote “overprotective,” because that’s the attitude a restrained child adopts. But that would have been unfair to my mother and counter to the way the world works. It is the job of the parents to set limits and of the child to test them. So…

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  • Schansberg: The ‘Militarization of Mayberry’

    The ‘Militarization of Mayberry’ by Eric Schansberg Radley Balko’s “Rise of the Warrior Cop: The Militarization of America’s Police Forces” is must reading for those interested in police reform. Balko is careful to say that his book is not anti-cop — but rather, anti-policy and anti-politician. When politicians pass policies that create strong incentives, you can blame individuals, but you should start with the system.  Balko discusses “no-knock” warrants — like the one used in…

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  • The Outstater: But Where Are the Republicans?

    “‘I think this (rioting) is a blind spot for Democrats. I think Democrats are ignoring this problem or hoping that it will go away, and it’s not going to go away,’ he added before arguing the violence needs to be addressed by Biden before the election.” — CNN anchor Don Lemon quoted by The Hill, Aug. 26, 2020  THE RECENT VIDEOS of restaurant customers being surrounded and threatened by protesters appear to be sticking in the collective…

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  • Franke: Conventional Thinking

    by Mark Franke I gave up watching political conventions decades ago. The never-ending primary season ruined for me the suspense and excitement of the convention floor voting. “The proud state of Ruritania casts 12 votes for her favorite son . . .” Once all the states got through the first ballot, the smoke-filled back rooms kicked into gear and trades were made. In those days delegates were bound for the first ballot only and then could work the best…

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  • Morris: Get Ready for Drive-in Mania

    by Leo Morris I love my car. Not driving it. I am one of life’s designated passengers. Driving is somewhere between tedious and terrifying on the annoyance scale. It is impossible to stop fixating on the destination and simply enjoy the journey. There are too many details to attend to, and I can never forget that there are other drivers out there trying to kill me. But I love being in my car, once it…

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  • Franke: I’ve Had Enough Negativity

    by Mark Franke I am sick and tired of all the negativity, the vitriol, the hatred, the divisiveness, the assault on everything I believe in. Having said that, I now feel much better. And I will make my small contribution to helping others like me feel positive, encouraged, optimistic and thankful to be Americans. Sure, no matter what I write here will do nothing to cancel the Cancel Culture movement or find a cure for COVID-19. But…

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