Some might attribute it to modern cultural decadence, what with all the internet porn and stuff, but premarital sex has been the norm for a long time. Continue reading…
Is It Back to Business as Usual With China?
I had hoped that Trump’s trade war with China might be the beginning of something new. An era where China’s abuses and malfeasance mattered as much as how many widgets we could sell them. Continue reading…
When Cops Break the Law Criminals Go Free and Innocent People Are Hurt
MINOT, N.D. — Back in November, I mentioned in a column the frequency with which drug cases, originating from traffic stops made by North Dakota cops, were being tossed because of evidence suppressed by judges. Suppressed because North Dakota cops need a refresher course on the Fourth Amendment. Continue reading…
Plain Talk Podcast: Congressman Armstrong Talks Impeachment, Trade, Facial Recognition, and the Astros Cheating Scandal
On this episode of Plain Talk, Congressman Kelly Armstrong joins me to talk about impeachment as the House delivers the articles they passed to the U.S. Senate. He reacts to recent revelations from the Government Accountability Office, and associates of Rudy Giuliani, and what bearing they have on the impeachment process. We also covered trade,…
What if Universal, Government-Backed Health Care Doesn’t Actually Make Poor People Healthier?
MINOT, N.D. — Every single Democratic candidate for president in 2020 backs expanding access to health care through some form of a government program. Per the Washington Post, some of the candidates want everyone in the Medicare program. Others want a sort of public option for health coverage. The basis of these policy positions is…
Who Is Actually Going to Enforce the New Age-21 Smoking Law?
People who are 18, 19, or 20-years-old are adults. Our government can draft them into the military, train them to use powerful weapons to kill our nation’s enemies, but they can’t be trusted to make a decision about vaping? C’mon. Let’s live in the real world. But set that question aside for a moment. Let’s…
NDGOP Candidate for Treasurer Says He ‘doesn’T Doubt’ Controversial Facebook Posts Are His
MINOT, N.D. — Screencaptures of distasteful and, at least in one instance racially-charged, social media posts by an account shared between Rep. Dan Johnston (R-Kathryn) and his wife Wendi are likely real. Continue reading…
Jamestown Republican’s Move to Edgeley Will Set Off Competition With Incumbent Republicans
“Ellendale is actually home to me,” he said. “That’s where I grew up. My folks still live there.” Continue reading…
North Dakota DOT’s Use of Suspended Director’s Signature to Authenticate Records Goes Before State Supreme Court
MINOT, N.D. — In February of 2019, Glenn Jackson, then the director of the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s Driver’s License Division, was placed on paid administrative leave, pending an investigation into his behavior with subordinates. The investigation revealed some behavior that, at least in the eyes of this observer, was completely inappropriate. Jackson ultimately…
Football Isn’t What Makes a University Great
MINOT, N.D. — It’s a great thing that the North Dakota State University football team has brought home yet another championship. Though not a football fan myself, I understand why so many people are excited. It’s a remarkable achievement. Less great, though, is NDSU President Dean Bresciani’s opinion that football excellence is the proper measuring…