Observations

“How did it happen? How did our national government grow from a servant with sharply limited powers into a master with virtually unlimited power? In part, we were swindled. There are occasions when we have elevated men and political parties to power that promised to restore limited government and then proceeded, after their election, to expand the activities of government. But let us be honest with ourselves. Broken promises are not the major causes of our trouble. Kept promises are. All too often we have put men in office who have suggested spending a little more on this, a little more on that, who have proposed a new welfare program, who have thought of another variety of ‘security.’ We have taken the bait, preferring to put off to another day the recapture of freedom and the restoration of our constitutional system. We have gone the way of many a democratic society that has lost its freedom by persuading itself that if ‘the people’ rule, all is well.” —Barry Goldwater (1909-1998)

“Joe Biden’s White House science adviser just announced his resignation for bullying his staff. That’s ironic, but fitting. The Biden Administration has been abusing science to bully the American people!” —Gary Bauer

“A racist is a person Democrats don’t like. Misinformation is an opinion Democrats don’t like. Inclusivity is the exclusion of people and opinions Democrats don’t like.” —Seth Dillon

“Seems like we’re on a path where we’re going to have two of everything, depending on one’s political ideology: segregated websites, financial systems, even charitable giving, the result of systematically banning non-liberals. Seems like that leads to a bad and dark place.” —Glenn Greenwald

“Bottom line as regards … all the … crap constantly flaring up is this: the questions & thoughts of ½ of America are not allowed in the public square, period. Stop pretending otherwise. You do not live in a ‘free society’ & it’s laughable to say otherwise.” —Matthew J. Peterson

Re: Joe Rogan

“No, he shouldn’t have apologized. I mean, you see what happens? The mob will come after people, and they’re targeting Rogan because he’s threatening to upset the apple cart on some of the things that they’re holding dear. And with COVID, he’s just bringing opposing views. He’s letting people decide. … I think a lot of the legacy outlets and I think the left fear the fact that he can reach so many people, and so they’re out to destroy him. … Stand up and tell them to pound sand. If you do that, there’s really nothing that they’re able to do to you. The only way they have power is if you let them get your goat.” —Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

“[Rogan] is a perfect example of how the left demands TOTAL allegiance. There is zero tolerance for differing opinions or disobedience. Rogan supported a literal socialist for president. But he embraces free speech, common sense, and individual liberty so he must be silenced.” —Bongino Report

“Rogan’s sin was not so much misleading his listeners about Covid but merely having acquired listeners without the left’s permission. How dare that meathead walk into our pulpit and depart from the holy script we expect everyone with an audience to read! How dare he embolden Covid vaccine skeptics by interviewing accomplished doctors who are questioning the current coronavirus corporate consensus!” —Hans Fiene

“Joe Rogan has the most popular podcast in the world. Tucker Carlson has the most watched cable news show of all time. It’s no coincidence the two of them have been in the crosshairs of the social media gatekeepers more than anyone else.” —Greg Price

“CNN is lucky to pull 500,000 to 1 million viewers during primetime. Joe Rogan averages more than 10 million listeners an episode. THAT, not ‘misinformation,’ is why they want him banned and shut down.” —Brad Polumbo

“Joe Rogan has more daily listeners than CNN, Fox, and MSNBC’s primetime shows COMBINED. Literally. The push to cancel him isn’t just randomly happening. It’s a plot to take out a threat.” —Cabot Phillips

“We’re living in 1984 and things aren’t going to get better unless people fight back. Quit cancelling people. Quit going after comedians. Stop censoring. If you don’t like Rogan, listen to something else. I’m sure there are a lot of good knitting channels out there.” —Mikhaila Peterson

Friendly Fire

“[Stacey Abrams] messed up taking a picture with these kids without a mask, giving aid and comfort to the other side. … I’m surprised at her.” —"The View’s" Joy Behar

“It’s an unforced error. … I think it was really hypocritical actually — her statement. First of all, this has nothing to do with Black History Month. The point is she was not wearing a mask when she is one of those proponents of mask mandates.” —"The View’s" Sunny Hostin

“Stacey Abrams claimed the critics of her hypocrisy are ‘pathetic, transparent and silly.’ But the only pathetic, transparent and silly one in this unedifying story is the gubernatorial candidate preaching one thing and doing another. And for her to then play the race card to try to get herself off the rap is as reprehensible as her outrageous hypocrisy.” —Piers Morgan

The Big Demo Pivot

“With the rapid decline of Omicron, pandemic restrictions will be lifted sooner rather than later. In considering when to do so, health officials must factor in natural immunity, not just vaccination rates.” —Congressman Ted Lieu

“In the coming days, we will see many Governors and local leaders lift mask mandates. This is the right step, and marks a needed shift from government-imposed requirement to individual decision. It helps to preserve public health authority for when it’s needed again.” —CNN medical analyst Dr. Leana Wen

And Last…

“Make no mistake: the data on omicron and masking and vaccines didn’t change. The politics did. Any Democrat pretending otherwise is lying.” —Ben Shapiro