(OPINION) Stark Differences Over Wars, Religion, and Sports

The opinions expressed in this post belong solely to the author and should not be construed to represent the views of Townsquare Media, News-Talk 1340 KROC-AM and 96.9 FM, or anyone else associated with the organizations.

As the world turns, political topics and issues tend to modify, disappear or persist. We shall discuss some of that ebb and flow, below.

Attitudes about wars differ. Some Democrats and world leaders and media disfavor Israel’s Gaza war against brutal terrorists who attacked Israel. Israel is winning that war.

Some of those same entities favor the Ukraine war against Russia, and that war is a stalemate that Ukraine is unlikely to succeed in, without a diplomatic settlement.

President Zelensky’s recent White House visit was a disaster as he attacked Vice President Vance, interrupted President Trump, and failed to thank Trump and the American people for the funds and equipment sent to Ukraine. Some sources say Obama’s former team contacted Zelensky before his visit and told him to interrupt Trump and not agree to his terms. Trump dismissed the session, and a White House meal, and said Zelensky could return to the White House when he is ready to make peace with Russia.

Senator John Thune (Republican, South Dakota) silenced reporters who asked about Trump’s January 6 pardons. Gateway Pundit reporter Mike LaChance wrote that Thune replied, “Biden opened the door on this with his decision to pardon his son Hunter and other family members.”

Powerline pundit John Hinderaker wrote that Minnesota, California, and Maine declared Trump’s Executive Order to prevent men from competing in women’s sports, will not be followed. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison contends the president’s EO lacks the force of law, and he lacks the power to rescind federal funding from educational institutions.

The Department of Education responded that the EO will be enforced. Hinderaker predicts Trump will prevail in a court challenge.

Gateway Pundit scribe Cullen Linebarger covered Vice President Vance’s message to Catholic bishops who challenged Immigration and Customs intention to deport illegal immigrants, and even raid churches to do it. Pope Francis criticized the ICE policies as un-Christian and against Catholic theology. Vance, a Catholic, said alleged profits might be influencing the clerics, and suggested they concern themselves about migrant crime, including sex trafficking.

The Associated Press followed that issue up with a response from U.S. Border Tsar Tom Homan, also a Catholic, noting, “the Vatican is a City-State surrounded by walls…and Pope Francis ought to fix church problems, and leave border enforcement to us.”

Breitbart’s Elizabeth Weibel reiterated Homan’s advice to the Pope, and added this to her column: “In a decree from Cardinal Fernando Vergez, President of the Political Commission for Vatican City State, it was explained that people who enter Vatican territory or air space without permission, can face fines and prison sentences…”

Differing perspectives on the news of the day will continue to enrich discussions and frustrate readers, viewers, listeners, politicians, and analysts.

Pass the popcorn.

Listen to Tom each Tuesday and Thursday morning after the 11 AM news as he joins Andy Brownell for Rochester Today on News-Talk 1340 KROC-AM and 96.9 FM.