Conservative Party: Beijing wins on TikTok deal
The recent TikTok agreement allows China’s ByteDance to keep a 19.9% share in the platform. Jim Geraghty from National Review expresses his dissatisfaction, labeling the move as a “total violation of the law” when it comes to enforcing a complete sale.
This decision essentially “sells out U.S. national security,” as it still permits the Chinese government to leverage the app for “spreading anti-American rhetoric and quelling dissent against Beijing.”
According to critics, granting a U.S. “license” for the algorithm doesn’t get to the core issue. A “license isn’t ownership, and surveillance doesn’t equate to control.”
While the agreement may appear to be a compromise, some argue that it amounts to surrender.
There are suggestions that President Trump supported this deal amid ongoing national security worries, perhaps hoping to gain favor among younger Americans who are active TikTok users.
Look to Europe: It’s snowing in China
Drew Allen from American Spectator critiques the U.S. for being “reckless, decadent, morally unserious,” whereas he claims China has learned from Europeans to be “realistic, necessary, and sophisticated.”
Interestingly, many Europeans who label America “authoritarian” seem reluctant to cast harsh opinions on the world’s “most powerful authoritarian regime.”
This isn’t merely ignorance; there’s an incentive. China “doesn’t challenge the European establishment” and tends to “coddle” it.
In contrast, the U.S. is “doing the opposite,” standing its ground against Europe’s perceived moral authority, which seems to frustrate the continent’s elites, who prioritize their own interests over those of the European populace.
Europeans should be cautious; “regaining freedom can be very challenging once it’s gone.”
Liberals: Democrats’ culture war addiction
Louis Teixeira of Liberal Patriot mocks Democrats for their ongoing struggle with “culture denialism.”
For instance, they find it difficult to take a firm stance on whether minors should have access to puberty blockers or hormones.
It appears that within the Democratic Party, there’s a belief that “cultural issues aren’t real issues.” Instead, they often emphasize affordability while not significantly altering their cultural positions.
If the company performs well in November, it could maintain its momentum. Yet by 2028, circumstances might shift, possibly pushing the party to confront underlying vulnerabilities to win a high-turnout presidential election.
We’ll see if “like Ulysses,” a courageous Democratic candidate can “tie himself to the mast” and resist the allure of culture denialism.
Campus Watch: Discipline of American Hate?
Many scholars analyzing America’s extensive history struggle to present a “balanced” view of it, as noted by Thunder Richard D. Kahlenberg and Leif Lin in the Wall Street Journal.
Of the 96 articles published in American Studies between 2022 and 2025, 80% were critical of America, only 20% were neutral, and none were positive.
These articles often focus on themes like racism and imperialism, neglecting to mention that the U.S. is viewed as the “most desirable destination for immigrants.”
This bleak perspective about America resonates with many young individuals. Congressman Ritchie Torres remarked, “A country can’t endure if its youth are being taught to hate their country.”
From the right: Virginia Democrats go tax crazy.
Joseph Karl from the Washington Times satirizes Virginia Democrats, stating that it took them just five days to see the budget surplus and think, “You know what this state needs? Less money in taxpayers’ hands.”
Following their recent electoral gains, Democrats in the state capital have jumped into action, targeting citizens’ wallets.
Right after taking office, Democratic lawmakers proposed over 50 new taxes, and that list keeps growing.
If you plan to buy “firearms and ammunition,” “retail” them, or invest your money, brace yourself for new taxes. Even things like dog walking, dry cleaning, and car repairs are now deemed taxable luxuries.
“Welcome to the new Virginia. Save your money.”
