Connecting today’s news with the research & opinion you need

On the Side of Justice

What to Know: A man with a lengthy criminal record has been arrested for the horrific ambush shooting of two Los Angeles Sheriff’s deputies on Sept. 12.

The TPPF Take: We must all choose sides between chaos and the police.

“If your first impulse is to burn down the city after any use of force by the police, before any information comes out on the justification (or lack thereof), then you have chosen your side,” says TPPF’s Randy Petersen. “Our other choice is to choose the rule of law and to accept the responsibilities required for a civil society. We can remain vigilant in our requirement that government be held accountable for its actions while still supporting law enforcement as a core function of that government.”

Open Government Closed Until Further Notice

What to Know: Some Texans have been denied their right to access public information in the wake of COVID-19. Governmental entities are refusing to be transparent despite being open for business.

The TPPF Take: It’s abusive for government to simply declare itself exempt from the Public Information Act.

“Government transparency is the cornerstone of a democratic society. Without access to public information, Texans have no way of knowing what their elected officials are doing or when to hold them accountable,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “Open government must not remain closed any longer.”

If I Can Make It There…

What to Know: New York’s comptroller says up to 50 percent of New York City’s bars and restaurants could close—permanently—within the next six months, because of the COVID-19 lockdowns.

The TPPF Take: The damage to our economy from the pandemic is primarily government-inflicted. But there’s hope.

“The disruptions caused by fear of COVID-19 and the shutdowns ordered by state and local governments have dramatically changed our lives,” says TPPF’s Vance Ginn. “But we can look to that roaring economic situation in February for guidance in finding the path to increasing our freedoms and flourishing now. This begins with responsibly ending the shutdowns ASAP.”