#035 | Kamala to Lead Biden's New Federal Office for Gun-Violence Prevention
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#035 | Kamala to Lead Biden's New Federal Office for Gun-Violence Prevention
All of the top stories 📰 of the week to keep you in the know
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It’s FRIDAY, September 22! YAY
This week’s stories:
Biden's New Federal Office for Gun-Violence Prevention
Colony Ridge: A National Security Blind Spot Exposing the Failures of Biden's Border Policy
Eagle Pass Meltdown: Texas vs. Biden's Border Blunders
Merrick Garland's Hunter Biden Investigation: Why Are We Left Scratching Our Heads?
U.S. Revamps Cold War-Era Maritime Spy Network to Monitor China's Rising Submarine Power
Boston University's Antiracist Research Center Under Scrutiny: Ibram X. Kendi's Think Tank Faces Layoffs and Investigation
Biden's New Federal Office for Gun-Violence Prevention
News broke recently that President Joe Biden plans to establish the first-ever federal office for gun violence prevention on Friday afternoon. Vice President Kamala Harris will be taking the lead on the new office. This office aims to work with various leaders and advocates in reducing violence. Gun safety activists have been pushing for this office since Biden and Harris' term began.
Touted as a significant step toward implementing stricter gun laws, the announcement has left critics asking whether this new government entity will be effective or just another layer of bureaucracy.
The Announcement: Under the Microscope
The Washington Post first reported the news, citing unnamed sources briefed on the executive action. While gun control advocates view this as a hard-fought victory, skeptics question the need for yet another federal office. Even in its nascent stage, it's crucial to examine the motives behind the formation of this office and the implications it may have on Americans' constitutional rights.
Key Players in the New Office: Cause for Concern?
Stefanie Feldman, a top aide to Biden and a longtime Biden policy aide who has worked on the firearms issue for years, is set to lead this new office. Also slated for involvement are Greg Jackson from the Community Justice Action Fund and Rob Wilcox of Everytown for Gun Safety. These affiliations alone signal that the new office may not be as impartial as we'd like, potentially serving as an echo chamber for pro-gun control policies rather than a neutral arbiter.
Political Agendas: The Writing on the Wall
Since entering office, Biden has been under increasing pressure from gun-control advocates to take executive action on firearms. Notably, 117 gun-control groups penned a letter to the White House earlier this year, demanding the establishment of an office dedicated to gun violence prevention, among other things. But one has to wonder: will this new office truly be objective in its mission, or will it result in government overreach?
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act: A Closer Look
In June 2022, Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first gun-control legislation in about 30 years. This act expanded background checks for gun buyers under 21 and earmarked funds for mental health and school safety programs.
The Current State of Gun Violence: A Perspective
More than 500 shootings in the U.S. have occurred this year where four or more people were injured or killed. While alarming, introducing another bureaucratic layer doesn't guarantee an effective solution. Instead, we must consider other methods of addressing this issue that respect citizens' rights while also aiming for public safety.
Conclusion
While the establishment of a federal office for gun violence prevention may seem like a promising step, it's vital to scrutinize its potential effectiveness and impartiality. Given the individuals involved and their affiliated organizations, critics are concerned that this new office could be more of a political tool than a means to address a complex issue. As citizens who value safety and freedom, we must demand a more balanced approach over an increase in bureaucracy.
News of the Week
Colony Ridge: A National Security Blind Spot Exposing the Failures of Biden's Border Policy
Have you heard about Colony Ridge? It is a growing community near Houston, Texas, generating a lot of buzz, not the good kind. The Daily Wire broke the story on a growing population of suspected illegal immigrants. This "little city" is becoming a massive concern for national security, law enforcement, and legal governance. And if you're wondering how the Biden administration's border policy plays into this, let's say it's not helping.
Alarming Population Surge: Why Isn't This on the Front Page?
Colony Ridge is different from your average housing development. It sprawls over 60 square miles—almost the size of Washington, D.C. Population estimates range between 50,000 and 75,000, and it's already dwarfing well-known southern cities like Fayetteville and Asheville. Here's the kicker: Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has had enough. He's planning to ask Governor Greg Abbott for a special legislative session solely to deal with this development, which has effectively become a sanctuary for illegal immigrants. "This is not what America was built on," Patrick said in a recent interview with Texas radio host Michael Berry.
Loose Financing: Bait for Illegal Immigration
The developer, William "Trey" Harris, has interesting ways to lure buyers. Forget the usual requirements like credit scores or proof of citizenship because Harris offers owner financing at as high as 50% interest. According to Todd Bensman, a National Security Fellow, this could be downright dangerous. Patrick also pointed out the risk: "We can't have entire cities of people who are here illegally with basically no law enforcement, in some cases, I'm told no running water; it's a very dangerous place to be."
Targeted Marketing and Cartel Concerns
Marketing exclusively in Spanish, the development attracts buyers using WhatsApp. It's so effective that Lieutenant Governor Patrick fears Colony Ridge has become a strategic center for Mexican cartels. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) also echoed these concerns, describing the situation as "highly concerning" and stating that it's a continuation of wide-open border policies.
Straining Public Services: Who's Footing This Bill?
The Cleveland Independent School District is overwhelmed, seeing over 100 new enrollments every month, which led to a $300 million bond for new schools. Given the lack of law enforcement and essential utilities like running water, as Patrick pointed out, this place is on the verge of becoming a "third-world shanty town" (I think calling it ‘Bidenville’ would be fitting), a description corroborated by footage from The Daily Wire and the Center for Immigration Studies.
Lawsuits and Inaction: A Troubling Stance from Governor Abbott
Colony Ridge has faced various legal battles, from flooding to sewage issues. Governor Abbott’s office claims they've deployed "Department of Public Safety troopers to Colony Ridge." However, many find this response insufficient, especially given that Abbott's campaign received $1.4 million from the developer. Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX) argues that this is a pressing problem that needs immediate attention for the safety of every American.
Will Texas Take Action?
While Governor Abbott is expected to convene a special legislative session next month to address education policy, it remains to be seen whether the Colony Ridge issue will be added to the agenda. Nevertheless, Lt. Gov. Patrick insists that action must be taken, placing the ball firmly in Abbott’s court.
The Frightening Bigger Picture: A Result of Failed Policies
The rapid expansion of Colony Ridge and its potential as a cartel hub has experts sounding the alarm bells. J. Michael Waller from the Center for Security Policy even termed it a "national security time bomb." Dan Patrick bluntly attributes the community’s alarming growth to the Biden administration's flawed border policies, asking, "Where does Biden think the millions of people he has let into the country live?"
Conclusion
The situation at Colony Ridge isn't just a local problem; it's a national crisis. As Lieutenant Governor Patrick succinctly puts it, Congress must pass strong immigration laws and reimburse Texas for the expenses they've incurred "doing the Federal Government’s job." Given the gaping loopholes in our immigration system and the apparent lack of action from Governor Abbott, one thing is clear: This should be a wake-up call to address the glaring flaws in the Biden administration's border policy. Otherwise, Colony Ridge won't be an anomaly; it'll be a preview of what's to come.
Eagle Pass Meltdown: Texas vs. Biden's Border Blunders
Eagle Pass, Texas, has declared a state of emergency because they're drowning in a flood of migrants. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is stepping up, but guess who's cutting him off at the knees? The Biden administration. And it's not just about razor wire, folks. This is about so much more—federal vs. state, national security, and human lives.
The Surge and Eagle Pass at its Wits' End
The Mayor of Eagle Pass, Rolando Salinas, says the town's resources are totally drained. They are dealing with stretched police forces and firefighters. Eagle Pass is just one example. Cities along the border are pushed to their absolute limits.
Abbott's Border Plays: Razors and National Guard
Gov. Abbott is deploying the Texas National Guard and using razor wire to protect the border. However, he's getting pushed back by the Biden administration.
Abbott says the Biden administration *literally* cut the razor wire he had put up in Eagle Pass. It's almost like the federal government is rolling out the red carpet for illegal immigrants.
The Price Texans Pay: It's More Than Just Money
Abbott says, "Texans are paying the price for your failure." And it's not just a financial price. We're talking vandalized ranches, unsafe homes, and even dangerous drugs like fentanyl sneaking into Texas. This isn't just a Texas problem; it’s overwhelming metropolitan cities throughout the United States.
Washington vs. Austin
The state of Texas putting up buoys and razor wire has landed them in legal hot water with critics and the DOJ. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to have the buoys removed. However, Texas has been granted a temporary stay until a hearing on October 1. Even some Texan politicians, like Democratic state Sen. Roland Gutierrez, who's gunning for Ted Cruz's Senate seat, are calling these measures "inhumane."
Conclusion
Eagle Pass is just the tip of the iceberg. We're seeing a full-blown battle between Texas and the Biden administration, and it's not just about this one town. It's about our country, our security, and what kind of future we're paving.
Eagle Pass is a snapshot of the larger mess that's U.S. immigration and border security. Clearly, politicians arguing over how to slap on a Band-Aid won't heal the wound. And while they dispute, border communities like Eagle Pass are left holding the bag.
Merrick Garland's Hunter Biden Investigation: Why Are We Left Scratching Our Heads?
Attorney General Merrick Garland sat before the House Judiciary Committee and left everyone with more questions than answers—especially on the whole Hunter Biden investigation saga.
The top takeaways from Garland’s testimony
What's Up with the Special Counsel's Power, Anyway?
Garland gave mixed signals about special counsel David Weiss. One minute, he's saying Weiss had full authority to charge Hunter Biden anywhere, anytime, and the next minute, he's talking about Weiss possibly needing a special waiver to indict Hunter in a different district. This flip-flopping makes you wonder how much freedom Weiss really had to steer the ship.
Jurisdictional Gymnastics
Garland claims Weiss "had the authority to turn no one down" but also says Weiss could've asked for a special waiver to charge Hunter elsewhere—remember, previous testimony from IRS whistleblowers and FBI agents indicate Weiss did not have such authority.
Garland's "I Don't Know" Routine
Garland pleaded ignorance on nearly all aspects of the Hunter Biden investigation but, in the same breath, assured us that Weiss faced zero roadblocks. You can't have it both ways. Either Garland's playing dumb, or he's genuinely out of the loop—either way, not a good look.
Who Wrote Weiss’s Emails?
Attorney General Garland mentioned three letters authored by Weiss and sent to Congress this year. He cited them as evidence of Weiss acting independently in the Hunter Biden investigation. However, recently obtained emails through a FOIA request cast doubt on whether Weiss composed his own responses to Congress. These heavily edited emails suggest significant involvement by the Justice Department in crafting a response to a congressional letter directed to Weiss last year.
The Expiring Clock of Justice
Despite Republicans pushing for answers, Garland was tight-lipped on why the statute of limitations had expired for alleged violations stemming from Hunter Biden’s Ukraine dealings—even when IRS whistleblowers said there was enough evidence to indict.
All Eyes on Hunter, But What About Joe?
Let’s not forget the elephant in the room: President Joe Biden. While Republicans grilled Garland mainly on Weiss and Hunter, they didn't dive deep into Joe Biden's role.
Will Weiss Ever Talk?
To top it off, Garland hinted Weiss won't even testify before Congress until his final report is out, pulling a Robert Mueller move. Just one more thing keeping us all in the dark.
Conclusion
Garland's testimony did little to clear the fog around the Hunter Biden investigation. It only muddied the waters on issues like jurisdiction, special counsel roles, and—let's face it—the Justice Department’s transparency and intentions.
U.S. Revamps Cold War-Era Maritime Spy Network to Monitor China's Rising Submarine Power
The U.S. Navy has decided it's time to bring back to life an old maritime spying network that's been gathering dust since the Cold War. And guess what it's for? To keep an eye on China's submarine glow-up, which now includes nuclear-powered subs that are more difficult to spot and can launch attacks on land.
What's the Big Deal with IUSS?
In response to China's improvements in undersea warfare, the U.S. Navy is going all-in on a hush-hush project called the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System, or IUSS for short. We're talking state-of-the-art underwater listening tech, advanced comms systems, and billions of dollars.
The Evolution of the Spy Network: From Analog to AI
The original version of this spy network is old, like 70 years old. Back in the day, they laid out a massive maze of underwater cables to keep tabs on Soviet subs. But now, thanks to 21st-century tech, the network is smaller, smarter, and loaded with AI that can sift through data like nobody's business.
Welcome to the Age of Robot Submarines and AI
The revamped IUSS is gonna have all kinds of fancy gear, like underwater drones that patrol the depths and portable underwater sensors that act like satellites. And here's the kicker: AI software will chew through all that collected data and spit out crucial intel. The U.S. is also planning to share this spy tech with its friends. First up is Australia.
China’s Playing the Game Too: Meet the Great Underwater Wall
China isn't just sitting around. They're building their own version of an underwater spy network called the Great Underwater Wall. Picture this: a ton of underwater cables fitted with listening devices, all focused on the South China Sea, a place that’s already a geopolitical hot potato.
Conclusion
The U.S. and China are basically locked in an underwater spy race. Both are throwing money and tech into being the boss of undersea surveillance and warfare. It's like the ocean floors have become the newest chessboard for geopolitical one-upmanship.
Boston University's Antiracist Research Center Under Scrutiny: Ibram X. Kendi's Think Tank Faces Layoffs and Investigation
Ibram X. Kendi, author and academic focused on antiracism, and Boston University's Center for Antiracist Research are under investigation. Layoffs have happened, and there are serious questions about how the place is run. With Kendi being such a big name in antiracist discussions, this is something we all need to keep an eye on.
Where's the Research, Guys?
The Washington Free Beacon recently pointed out that there's not much research coming out of this center. Funny enough, Kendi faced similar issues with his previous antiracism center at American University. The center has received massive financial backing, including $10 million from Twitter's Jack Dorsey and $140,000 from George Soros's Open Society Foundation. So what's going on? Why isn't that money translating into action, especially when they have grand ambitions like tackling racism?
Workplace Drama and Money Woes
It's not just a question of output, either. The center is also under fire for its workplace culture and how it manages its grants. Nearly half of the center's 45 staff members were shown the door recently. Boston University says Kendi made the call, not because they were strapped for cash. Some of the folks who used to work there have even gone public, talking about a "dysfunctional work environment."
Cashing In But Not Delivering?
Kendi isn't short on cash. He grabbed a $625,000 "genius" grant last year from the MacArthur Foundation. Plus, he charges a hefty sum, between $20,000 to $32,500, just to give a talk. When you're raking in that kind of dough, and your center isn't producing much, people start asking questions. Social work professor Phillipe Copeland even called the layoffs an "act of employment violence," sparking more scrutiny on whether this center is really about fighting racism or just boosting Kendi's profile.
Conclusion
Founded after George Floyd's death in 2020, the center claimed to be all about "building an antiracist society." Now they're saying they're moving to a "fellowship model," whatever that means.
Could this be a repeat of the BLM and Patrisse Cullors? What did Kendi dow with the money or was this all just be a big scam? Likely.