Republicans, Go on Offense Against the National Popular Vote — Now!

Overview of the National Popular Vote Scheme

- The push to replace the Electoral College with a national popular vote scheme faced setbacks in Maine, a traditionally blue state.

- There is a growing divide among Democrats, with some supporting the National Popular Vote (NPV) compact and others aligning with Republicans.

- Progress made by Republicans indicates some Democrats are reconsidering their support for the NPV scheme.

Impact of 2024 Election Results

- President Donald Trump’s win in the popular vote during the 2024 election challenged the belief that Republicans were a minority party.

- It’s urged that Republican legislators dismantle the NPV compact, emphasizing the value of the Electoral College for American democracy.

- If the compact had existed in 2016, Hillary Clinton could have won the presidency without winning the required states.

Nature of the National Popular Vote Compact

- The compact is designed to ignore state votes and give electoral votes to the national popular vote winner.

- Currently, 209 electoral votes are involved in the compact, with some states capable of pushing this number above the threshold needed to effectively eliminate the Electoral College.

Motivation Behind the Compact

- The compact emerged after George W. Bush won without the popular vote in 2000 and gained traction following Trump's 2016 victory.

- It is perceived as a partisan strategy to secure Democratic power in future elections by bypassing the traditional electoral system.

Challenges to the Compact

- The NPV initiative requires bipartisan support, but efforts to convince Republican legislators have met resistance.

- Past attempts included using flattery and luxury trips to persuade legislators about the benefits of the NPV.

Electoral College's Role in American Democracy

- The Electoral College protects federalism and supports a diverse representation of states and citizens.

- A direct popular vote could lead to regional imbalances and neglect rural voters and smaller states.

- Critics of the Electoral College argue that it makes votes in non-swing states irrelevant, but the system encourages broader strategies.

Moving Forward for Republicans

- It is vital for Republicans to advocate for maintenance of the Electoral College as a bipartisan effort.

- Recent voting patterns in states like Maine suggest potential for Republican gains against the compact.

- Republicans should take action in compact member states to ensure a fair electoral process and avoid future scenarios where electoral votes contradict popular vote outcomes.

- Trump’s electoral success illustrates the diminishing effectiveness of the NPV compact, and Republican legislators are encouraged to capitalize on this sentiment.

- Emphasizing the importance of the Electoral College will help maintain representation for diverse voter bases across the political spectrum. 

https://spectator.org/republicans-go-on-offense-against-the-national-popular-vote-now/

OBBBA receiving final Medicaid, IRA edits from Senate before imminent vote

Overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

- U. S. Senate prepares for final vote on multitrillion-dollar package.

- Package codifies the expiring 2017 tax cuts and raises the debt ceiling by $5 trillion.

Republican Strategy

- Republican leaders striving to gain support for the budget reconciliation bill.

- Bill funds Trump's energy, border, and defense agenda and aims for $1. 6 trillion in federal savings.

Concerns from Fiscal Hawks

- The bill's $3. 3 trillion ten-year cost and new cost-scoring methods alarmed some Republicans.

- Opposition exists over Medicaid reforms and changes to the SALT deduction cap.

Senate Edits and Compromises

- Last-minute edits made to appease Senate holdouts.

- Majority vote needed for the bill's passage.

Changes to Energy Subsidies

- Bill repeals $517 billion in unobligated IRA funds.

- Eligible energy projects must be operational before 2028.

- Less restrictive on nuclear, geothermal, hydrogen, and hydropower energy.

- Metallurgical coal added to tax credit eligible sources until 2029.

Tax Implications

- New tax on wind and solar projects using materials from foreign entities, notably China.

- Immediate termination of electric vehicle tax credits; phased out credits for EV chargers by mid-2026.

Challenges from Fiscal Hardliners

- OBBBA uses current policy baseline for tax cuts, which might not satisfy all critics.

- House version extended tax cuts for ten years with budget changes.

Medicaid Provider Tax and Additional Funding

- Gradual lowering of Medicaid provider tax cap from 6% to 3. 5%.

- $25 billion hospital stabilization fund included after negotiations.

- Opportunity to vote on amendment to double the fund with a new tax bracket.

SALT and Deduction Cap Adjustments

- Temporary increase of SALT deduction cap to $40,000 until 2030; reverts to $10,000 thereafter.

- Senate OBBBA compromises failed to become permanent cap as proposed in the House.

Voting Dynamics

- Only one more Republican vote can be lost for bill passage.

- Introduction and voting on amendments scheduled for Monday; final vote expected Monday night. 

https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_0cd28056-becd-4e7c-9b7a-ac0390bbf32a.html

DOJ Concludes Illegal Entrants Can Be Prosecuted Anywhere in the U.S.

June 21 Legal Opinion by the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC)

- OLC issued an opinion on "eluding inspection" under section 275(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

- This allows prosecution wherever illegal aliens are found, potentially causing self-deportation and undermining local sanctuary policies.

- Claims that illegal aliens aren't criminals are challenged by this interpretation.

Section 275 of the INA

- Makes it a crime for an alien to enter the U. S. illegally.

- Penalties include fines or imprisonment up to 6 months for first offenses and up to 2 years for subsequent offenses.

- Most prosecutions occur at the local level; it's commonly charged under section 275(a).

Details on Criminal Charges

- Every illegal entry can lead to potential charges under section 275(a)(1) and (2).

- Paragraph (1) charges are more straightforward; paragraph (2) raises questions about completeness of the offense once an alien eludes inspection.

Section 279 of the INA

- Defines jurisdiction for civil and criminal cases under INA.

- Prosecutions can occur anywhere in the U. S. where a violation may happen or where the person is apprehended.

U. S. v. Wissel Case

- A 1978 case previously stated that offenses under section 275(a)(2) were complete upon illegal crossing.

- This restricted prosecutions to locations where crossings occurred.

New OLC Opinion

- The 1978 opinion lacked independent examination of section 275(a)(2) as a continuing offense.

- The new opinion reversed the previous stance, allowing for prosecution beyond border areas.

- It acknowledges the ongoing duty for aliens to submit to inspection.

Judicial Warrants and Sanctuary Jurisdiction

- Sanctuary jurisdictions claim to comply with ICE but often impose burdensome requirements.

- ICE can obtain judicial warrants for criminal offenses like "eluding examination. ”

- Local ICE offices can now seek warrants from their area federal judges.

- This could change how local police respond to ICE requests.

Impact on Immigration Enforcement

- The opinion implies that illegal entry remains a criminal act until aliens are caught or self-deport.

- Increased prosecutions for section 275(a)(2) offenses expected across the U. S.

- Sanctuary jurisdictions may have to comply with judicial warrants, giving ICE more enforcement power.

- The potential for imprisonment may encourage illegal aliens to self-deport. 

https://cis.org/Arthur/DOJ-Concludes-Illegal-Entrants-Can-Be-Prosecuted-Anywhere-US

The West Still Doesn’t Get Islam

Destruction of Iran’s Nuclear Infrastructure

- Israel and the U. S. destroyed Iran’s nuclear weapons infrastructure.

- This action is seen as a restoration of America’s deterrent power.

Misunderstanding of Islam

- A cease-fire imposed by President Trump shows the West's misunderstanding of traditional Islamic beliefs, particularly the use of violence through religious mandates.

- Ayatollah Khomeini stated that the call to spread Islam should reach the whole world.

Historical Perspective on Jihad

- Ibn Khaldun noted that holy war is viewed as a religious duty for Muslims.

- Islamic conquests were driven by the ambition to convert others to Islam, a sentiment that persists today.

- Secularism in the West has diminished religious influence, leading to a general ignorance about Islam among many people.

Impact of Western Influence

- Responses to Western presence in Muslim countries often focus on Islamic faith and community challenges.

- The idea that Islam has a divine mandate for world domination has not faded with modernity.

Islamic Movements and Jihad

- After the Ottoman Caliphate ended in 1924, the Muslim Brotherhood was founded to advocate for Islamic purity and jihad.

- Sayyid Qutb, an influential jihadist theorist, emphasized the need to revive true Islamic teachings against modern distortions.

Consequences of the Iranian Islamic Revolution

- The Iranian Islamic Revolution reignited ambitions for Islamic imperialism.

- The destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities did not eliminate these ambitions but merely delayed them.

Geopolitical Ramifications

- The role of Islam in politics remains strong in the Muslim world, unlike declining influence in many Christian countries.

- Israel has faced consistent violence and remains a target for jihadist groups like Hamas.

Western Reaction to Violence

- Many in the U. S. are unaware or indifferent to the ongoing violence against Israel.

- Left-wing factions often support groups like Hamas, misconstruing their actions and engaging in antisemitic rhetoric.

Importance of Military Action

- Israel’s opportunity to significantly weaken Iran’s military capabilities was interrupted by a cease-fire, limiting its effectiveness.

- Future diplomatic efforts should not overlook Iran’s aggressive intentions, viewed by many as weakness from the West.

Iran’s Economic Support and Threats

- Allowing Iran to sell oil to China could fund the rebuilding of its military capabilities.

- Historical contexts show that the U. S. has intervened militarily to protect international shipping routes, which could be relevant now.

Ongoing Nuclear Threats

- Although significant steps were taken to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, residual threats remain from stocks of enriched uranium.

- Assistance from regimes like China and North Korea could enable Iran to revive its nuclear ambitions.

- The potential for further military action against Iran exists if they attempt to advance their nuclear weapons program again.

- It is crucial to recognize the complexities of engaging with deep-rooted religious motivations in foreign policy. 

https://www.frontpagemag.com/the-west-still-doesnt-get-islam/

The FTC Has the Chance to Rein in Big Pharma

Overview of Big Pharma's Control of Medicine

- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) needs to monitor Big Pharma's control over necessary medicine.

- Large pharmaceutical companies are exploiting the diabetes and obesity crises for profit.

- Companies like Novo Nordisk are capitalizing on the success of treatments such as Ozempic and Wegovy.

- In 2023, Ozempic sales reached approximately $13. 9 billion in the U. S.

- Novo Nordisk reported significant sales increases, with 58% growth in GLP-1 diabetes sales and 154% in obesity care.

Market Concentration Concerns

- The GLP-1 market is dominated by two manufacturers: Lilly and Novo Nordisk.

- Lilly holds at least a 56% market share, while Novo Nordisk has 44%.

- There is a risk in being overly reliant on two suppliers, particularly with Novo Nordisk being a non-American company.

- Economic decisions by these firms impact consumers and competitors significantly.

Lilly's Telemedicine Deals

- Lilly's recent agreements with telemedicine providers raise concerns about competition.

- At a Goldman Sachs conference, Lilly spoke about reducing patient costs and improving consumer experiences.

- The company admitted to behaviors that may be anticompetitive, including exclusive contracting with telehealth providers.

- Lilly's actions may limit generic access to GLP-1 drugs and enhance its price control.

Novo Nordisk's Regulatory Maneuvers

- Novo Nordisk's decision to end its partnership with Hims caused a significant drop in Hims' stock.

- Novo claims that Hims cannot sell a generic version of Wegovy because of FDA regulations, despite no actual shortage.

- The company is pushing Hims to stop distributing personalized doses of semaglutide, despite FDA rules allowing provider discretion.

- Hims argues that Novo is improperly using the FDA designation to steer patients towards branded drugs.

Call for Investigation

- The potential anticompetitive effects of these practices warrant an investigation by the FTC.

- Commissioner Mark Meador emphasized the need for continuous oversight of competition in healthcare. 

https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-ftc-has-the-chance-to-rein-in-big-pharma/

Here’s Why the Supreme Court Striking Down Nationwide Injunctions Won’t End the Judicial Insurrection

Overview of Trump v. CASA Case

- The Supreme Court case addresses district court judges blocking Trump's policies.

- Justice Amy Coney Barrett criticized nationwide injunctions as violating the 1789 Judiciary Act.

- Nationwide injunctions offer broad relief based on just one successful plaintiff suit.

Key Points of the Ruling

- Justice Barrett’s ruling limits the use of universal injunctions.

- The ruling allows two remaining ways judges could still block Trump’s policies.

- The judicial insurrection continues, showcasing resistance to Trump's administration.

Class Action Lawsuits

- The ruling does not impact class action lawsuits.

- Justice Samuel Alito emphasized adherence to Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

- He warned against judges certifying nationwide classes without strict compliance, which could revive universal injunctions.

Administrative Procedure Act

- The 1946 Administrative Procedure Act provides grounds for district court judges to challenge administration policies.

- A footnote in Barrett’s ruling suggests unresolved questions about the Act’s application.

- Potential lawsuits from leftist groups may challenge Trump’s actions under this Act.

Defying the Supreme Court

- Some district court judges may defy the Supreme Court’s rulings.

- Example: Judge Brian Murphy issued an injunction against Trump administration’s deportation actions despite the Supreme Court’s strike down.

- His actions highlight the authority some judges believe they possess.

Ongoing Legal Issues

- While Trump v. CASA addresses injunctions, questions remain about enforcing federal regulations or executive orders during legal challenges.

- Justice Kavanaugh stressed clarity, stability, and the importance of the Supreme Court’s role in these matters.

- The judicial insurrection remains a threat to Trump's administration and policies. 

https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/06/30/3-ways-judicial-insurrection-may-circumvent-supreme-courts-ruling-against-nationwide-injunctions/

Methodological Individualism in Historical Analysis

 Introduction to Methodological Individualism

- Methodological individualism is notable in economics but often underappreciated in historical analysis.

- It challenges dominant views that attribute historical events solely to collective identities like race or class.

Critique of Collective Interpretations

- Activist historians claim heritage is defined by collective identities rather than individual experiences.

- Groups like the SPLC assert the South's heritage stems from "white supremacy," disregarding individual Southern perspectives.

- SPLC argues that personal beliefs of historical figures do not alter their collective designation, focusing on systemic issues rather than individual differences.

Examples of Historical Interpretation

- SPLC attributes "white supremacy" to all Confederates, regardless of their personal beliefs or actions.

- The SPLC's reasoning is that collective views overshadow individual dissent.

- Similar patterns emerge in attributing characteristics to different historical regions, such as the South and North, based on preconceived notions of collective identity.

Importance of Individual Actions in History

- Jörg Guido Hülsmann emphasizes methodological individualism as crucial in historical research.

- Understanding individuals' ideas and motivations is key to historical inquiry.

- Historical truths should not be dismissed by collective categorizations; they require analysis of individual actions and contexts.

Challenges to Determinism in History

- Historical determinism, as proposed by Karl Marx, is critiqued for being vague.

- Methodological individualism reveals the necessity of examining individual actions and their influences on historical events.

Interrelation of Individuals and Collectives

- Historical analysis must begin and end with individual actions and decisions.

- Values and preferences should not be assumed to stem from collective attributes like race or class.

- Acknowledging the role of individual perspectives allows for a nuanced understanding of history.

Conclusion on Historical Narratives

- The unique experiences of individuals in the American South should not be dismissed; each person's voice contributes to the historical narrative.

- Historians must reject simplistic collective explanations and appreciate the complexity of individual experiences in historical contexts.

https://mises.org/mises-wire/methodological-individualism-historical-analysis