Opinion

GUEST COLUMN, Star Parker

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed this past week, at the invitation of House Speaker Mike Johnson, a joint session of Congress.

The prime minister's job that night was to make clear to the Congress, to the nation and to the world the "what" and "why" of Israel's operation in Gaza, following the murderous attack by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023, and why Americans should identify with and support Israel's struggle.

GUEST COLUMN, Vance Ginn, Kansas Policy Institute

The recent performance of the U.S. economy presents a complex picture for Kansans. The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized pace of 2.8 percent in the second quarter of 2024, fueled largely by consumer spending, which rose by 2.3 percent. However, this growth masks underlying weaknesses critical for states like Kansas to consider.

The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, excluding volatile food and energy prices, increased by 0.2 percent in June and remained at 2.6 percent year-over-year, indicating persistent inflation above the Federal Reserve’s target of 2 percent. The Federal Reserve has tried to curb inflation by reducing its balance sheet from $9 trillion to $7.2 trillion, which includes most U.S. Treasury debt, mortgage-backed securities, and federal agency debt. But its balance sheet remains significantly higher than the pre-pandemic $4 trillion, indicating substantial inflationary pressures remain as too much money is chasing too few goods and services.

GUEST COLUMN, Dick Morris

Candidate Kamala Harris is busy promoting Biden’s plan to weaken the Supreme Court.  She regularly attacks JD Vance’s views on childless women.  She stridently articulates her support for abortion and regularly emphasizes her commitment to DEI.

But where is she on the economy?

GUEST COLUMN, Glenn Brunkow, Kansas Farm Bureau

I admit it, I am a political junkie, and I have not been able to stop listening to the radio, watching the TV or reading about recent events, all of which can be best described as unprecedented. They are coming fast and furious. I told someone the other day it was like coming up to a wreck on interstate and not wanting to look but not being able to stop myself from looking. All I can say is the election isn’t here yet, so you better buckle up and expect the unexpected.