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We stand to lose in Hegstad's war on diversity

National Columnists

Is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth resegregating the military? I hear that question a lot since the news broke that our nation's current secretary of defense has actively blocked or delayed the promotions of dozens of senior military officers – with women and people of color disproportionately affected. The Pentagon's recent track record on promotions is in keeping with broader efforts by the Trump administration to push back DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) policies in government, academia and the private sector. It also comes at a time when the Trump administration has made ...

Mamdani doesn't have victory yet

National Columnists

Yes, Mayor Zohran Mamdani's socialist picks just knocked off some Democratic incumbents in New York City. They included surprising defeats, especially that of Rep. Adriano Espaillat, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Espaillat lost to Darializa Avila Chevalier, whose social media swims with past calls to abolish the police, free prisoners and stop deportations for any reason, presumably including murder. It's not like Espaillat's district was dominated by the young professionals who flocked to Mamdani. His electorate is 52% Hispanic and includes such non-hipster ...

War and constitutional indifference

National Columnists

Since its inception, the government of the United States has inexorably exceeded its powers under the Constitution. All three branches have been complicit in a consistent pattern of constitutional indifference. Congress has regulated in areas of governance nowhere articulated in the Constitution. Its general regulatory powers were granted to address interstate commerce, but during the FDR years, the Supreme Court ruled that Congress can regulate events that affect interstate commerce. This has resulted in federal regulation of matters too infinitesimal to measure, that are not ...

When political rhetoric meets strategic reality

National Columnists

One of the dangers of war is that political rhetoric often collides with strategic reality. After military strikes, escalating tensions and a conflict that many believed would fundamentally alter the balance of power in the Middle East, we appear to be arriving at a familiar destination: negotiations, concessions and an Iranian regime that remains standing. That reality deserves a serious conversation. Supporters of the administration will rightly point out that Iran has suffered significant military and strategic setbacks. Key facilities have been targeted. Military assets ...

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

MSU’s innovation engineering will benefit ND Loren W. Anderson Minot Minot State University, Minot, Ward County, NW North Dakota, and indeed the entire state, stand to benefit from the Innovation Engineering Program currently under consideration at MSU. North Dakota, and specifically the university community, is fortunate to prosper from the excellent thinking and action of an outstanding president who understands the future as well as the current value of education and is responsive to the economic and professional needs of our state and nation. The Magic Fund exists to provide ...

Will China ever be held accountable?

National Columnists

Kudos to the Trump administration and Sen. Rand Paul for persevering in holding Dr. Anthony Fauci's feet to the fire. Fauci allegedly covered up the origins of COVID-19 as 1.1 million Americans died from the virus. But what about the biggest culprit, China? For seven weeks or more, starting in the winter of 2019, Chinese officials violated their international commitments and ethical obligation to prevent a domestic epidemic from becoming a global pandemic. They muzzled and even jailed Chinese doctors and journalists, allowed international flights to carry infected ...