The Media + Social Distancing + Religious Freedom + Homeschooling

THE MEDIA

"The media's liberal slant is likely a major factor contributing to the decline of newspaper circulation and broadcast news ratings. It is all so predictable that people don't need to waste their time (or money) reading and watching."  Cal Thomas, Townhall, 4/23

STEWARDSHIP

"If you believe that God created the Earth (which I do) and you believe that humans were entrusted to take care of God's creation (which I also believe), then the question of how we should interact with the environment becomes a question of stewardship. How do we best take care of the Earth, which was given to us by God?"  Jackie Cushman, Townhall, 4/23

SOCIAL DISTANCING

"Surfers and bikers are the least of our worries. Yet, there is a segment of American opinion that takes it as its responsibility to scold and shame anyone who dares go out and get a little fresh air."  Rich Lowry, National Review Online, 4/24

URBAN PROGRESSIVES

"Meanwhile, it is not hard to find examples of urban progressives looking at rural America with a combination of contempt, disdain, pity, smug superiority . . . heck, it’s not hard to find urban progressives who see suburbanites as somehow inferior and worthy of scorn, never mind residents of small-town America."  Jim Geraghty, NRO, 4/24

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

"During a White House conference call with more than 500 faith leaders on Thursday, Attorney General William Barr assured the participating priests, rabbis, and ministers that the administration is on guard against overzealous state governments intent on “singling out” religious groups with punitive coronavirus lockdown measures.

"(Attorney General) Barr, who spoke for roughly ten minutes, told the religious leaders that, while “Draconian measures” were initially necessary to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, the administration is now working to ensure that those measures are not extended unnecessarily, and will be particularly aggressive in combating efforts to apply them disproportionally to religious organizations."  Jack Crowe, NRO, 4/24

HOMESCHOOLING

"Some parents choose homeschooling because they feel that their children will be discriminated against in the public schools, denied disability accommodations, or bullied.38 Some choose homeschooling because they want their children to have the flexibility to pursue demanding commitments in dance, sports, or theater, or because they live in remote areas with no nearby schools, falling into a category characterized as “practical” or “convenience” homeschooling. Some choose homeschooling, as did the original progressive wing, because of the flaws they see in traditional education, such as an overemphasis on rote learning and testing. Some believe that they can provide their children a superior education because of the limitations of their local schools or because of the parents’ advanced qualifications, ability to engage superior tutors, or access to online learning opportunities."  Daniel Buck, Townhall, 4/24