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The Smithsonian’s patriotism problem

"Warning: The exhibits in this museum were prepared by people who don't want you to love your country." That's a disclaimer every entrance to the National Museum of American History ought to display, according to a new report by the White House excoriating the Smithsonian Institution and its flagship museum. But it doesn't take a 160-page report to show what's wrong with the Smithsonian -- just walk into any of its museums. With a bit of time on my hands in the Chinatown area of Washington, D.C., last year, I decided to take a stroll through the National Portrait Gallery. The ...

Cartoon for 7-8

Mamdani still seducing confused voters

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has chalked up more notable victories. His candidates won three crucial Democratic primaries -- candidates who are supporters of the Democratic Socialists of America, as is Mamdani -- defeating three Democratic Party establishment candidates, two of whom are sitting members of Congress. Discussing with ABC's Jonathan Karl, Mandani's eyes twinkle; he is calm, controlled and articulate. I think of Sade's song "Smooth Operator." AI tells us that smooth operator is "the charmer, the masterful strategist, the manipulator (deceiver)." He speaks ...

Mamdani ignoring centuries of economic lessons

Last week, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a citywide freeze on rents. The response from economists can be summarized as "oy." Economists are famous for arguing "on one hand" this and "on the other hand" that. This is why President Truman famously wanted to hire a one-handed economist. Nonetheless, there are few issues that enjoy a broader consensus among economists than the conclusion that rent control is counterproductive. Surveys of leading economists going back nearly four decades confirm this. A 1990 poll of 464 economists found that 93% of American respondents ...

Editorial Cartoon

Edtorial Cartoon

Tarp Skunks post Friday victory

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — When the Jamestown Tarp Skunks jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings and a 6-0 lead after four Friday night, it looked like they would cruise to an easy win. In the end, it was anything but easy. Reliever Jack Santi stranded the tying run at third base with an ...