R Pez
@ricopez.bsky.social
Thirsty for civil, principled, practical, and centrist perspective.
Reform is critical when our political system no longer allows for those in the middle to be heard and taken seriously.
Reform is critical when our political system no longer allows for those in the middle to be heard and taken seriously.
"When the American government appears to favor a company over rival companies, that distorts the marketplace..It means that other firms have less incentive to compete on innovation, which is sort of the opposite of how a free market is supposed to operate,"
"It's just bad for the economy."
"It's just bad for the economy."
How Trump's 'crony capitalism' has shaken up U.S. business
His policies are picking winners and losers — and blurring the lines between business and government.
www.npr.org
January 20, 2026 at 10:00 PM
"When the American government appears to favor a company over rival companies, that distorts the marketplace..It means that other firms have less incentive to compete on innovation, which is sort of the opposite of how a free market is supposed to operate,"
"It's just bad for the economy."
"It's just bad for the economy."
"State capitalism. MAGA Marxism. Crony capitalism."
Trump is rewriting the rules of the economy…is it ‘crony capitalism’? : Consider This from NPR
President Trump has spent his first year back in office blurring the lines between business and government. The administration has bought shares in private companies like Intel, NVIDIA, and others inv...
www.npr.org
January 20, 2026 at 9:59 PM
"State capitalism. MAGA Marxism. Crony capitalism."
Denouncing is one thing. Acting is another. It is long past time for Congress to do its job to stop Trump’s reckless behavior. Pass a bill to block Trump’s use of military force and tariffs in any way related to Greenland.
Republicans Condemn Trump's Greenland Tariffs Threat
“It's great for Putin, Xi, and other adversaries who want to see NATO divided,” said one Republican lawmaker.
time.com
January 20, 2026 at 1:57 PM
Denouncing is one thing. Acting is another. It is long past time for Congress to do its job to stop Trump’s reckless behavior. Pass a bill to block Trump’s use of military force and tariffs in any way related to Greenland.
Reposted by R Pez
Blanche won’t investigate the killing of an innocent woman on camera but they’ve got all hands on deck for a church service being interrupted
January 19, 2026 at 9:28 PM
Blanche won’t investigate the killing of an innocent woman on camera but they’ve got all hands on deck for a church service being interrupted
Reposted by R Pez
Freezing immigrant visa processing for 75 countries will ban nearly half of all legal immigrants to the US. “These legal immigrants would have benefited the United States, paid taxes, reduced the deficit, and increased economic growth,” Cato’s David Bier explains.
January 14, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Freezing immigrant visa processing for 75 countries will ban nearly half of all legal immigrants to the US. “These legal immigrants would have benefited the United States, paid taxes, reduced the deficit, and increased economic growth,” Cato’s David Bier explains.
Reposted by R Pez
According to data from the US Sentencing Commission, the number of noncitizen benefits fraud offenses declined 57% from 2015 to 2024, while the number of fraud cases involving US citizens increased 63%.
Here’s the analysis from Cato Institute’s David Bier ➡️
https://ow.ly/CHhV50XWPQ5
Here’s the analysis from Cato Institute’s David Bier ➡️
https://ow.ly/CHhV50XWPQ5
January 14, 2026 at 10:00 PM
According to data from the US Sentencing Commission, the number of noncitizen benefits fraud offenses declined 57% from 2015 to 2024, while the number of fraud cases involving US citizens increased 63%.
Here’s the analysis from Cato Institute’s David Bier ➡️
https://ow.ly/CHhV50XWPQ5
Here’s the analysis from Cato Institute’s David Bier ➡️
https://ow.ly/CHhV50XWPQ5
Reposted by R Pez
From the nation’s first president, a reminder that openness to those seeking freedom has been part of the American idea from the beginning.
January 14, 2026 at 11:00 PM
From the nation’s first president, a reminder that openness to those seeking freedom has been part of the American idea from the beginning.
Reposted by R Pez
The State Department’s new immigrant visa ban bars nearly half of legal immigrants and even targets close family members of US citizens and legal permanent residents.
Congress needs to reassert its control over the legal immigration system, Cato’s David Bier writes.
➡️ https://ow.ly/UP0n50XX2a7
Congress needs to reassert its control over the legal immigration system, Cato’s David Bier writes.
➡️ https://ow.ly/UP0n50XX2a7
January 15, 2026 at 12:11 AM
The State Department’s new immigrant visa ban bars nearly half of legal immigrants and even targets close family members of US citizens and legal permanent residents.
Congress needs to reassert its control over the legal immigration system, Cato’s David Bier writes.
➡️ https://ow.ly/UP0n50XX2a7
Congress needs to reassert its control over the legal immigration system, Cato’s David Bier writes.
➡️ https://ow.ly/UP0n50XX2a7
Reposted by R Pez
Our justice system has pushed mercy aside. Judges Bibas and Sullivan recently discussed the historical role of juries in bringing common sense and compassion to punishment. Restoring juries back to that role would make justice more human—and more just, says Matthew Cavedon. https://ow.ly/TirV50XWqCv
Recovering Mercy by Restoring Jury Power: Lessons from Judges Bibas and Sullivan
Justice without mercy is incomplete, and the community’s conscience, carried by 12 ordinary jurors, deserves a central place in sentencing.
ow.ly
January 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Our justice system has pushed mercy aside. Judges Bibas and Sullivan recently discussed the historical role of juries in bringing common sense and compassion to punishment. Restoring juries back to that role would make justice more human—and more just, says Matthew Cavedon. https://ow.ly/TirV50XWqCv
Reposted by R Pez
Maria Corina Machado and her team have detailed plans for the transition in Venezuela and a comprehensive reform agenda. It would be wise for the US to work with Machado, says Cato’s Ian Vásquez.
➡️ https://ow.ly/uAvY50XZcuA
➡️ https://ow.ly/uAvY50XZcuA
January 18, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Maria Corina Machado and her team have detailed plans for the transition in Venezuela and a comprehensive reform agenda. It would be wise for the US to work with Machado, says Cato’s Ian Vásquez.
➡️ https://ow.ly/uAvY50XZcuA
➡️ https://ow.ly/uAvY50XZcuA
"Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself."
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
January 19, 2026 at 7:08 PM
"Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself."
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"A two-thirds majority of Americans say the federal government is intentionally holding back some information about the Epstein case that should be released,"
CNN poll: Just 6% of Americans satisfied with how much US has released from Epstein files so far | CNN Politics
Few Americans are satisfied with the amount of evidence released in the Jeffrey Epstein case, a CNN poll conducted by SSRS finds, with most saying they believe the government is intentionally holding ...
www.cnn.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:07 PM
"A two-thirds majority of Americans say the federal government is intentionally holding back some information about the Epstein case that should be released,"
"President Trump once insisted he had "nothing to do with Project 2025," the right-wing policy plan that became a key flashpoint during the presidential campaign."
Trump has rolled out many of the Project 2025 policies he once claimed ignorance about
Some of the 2025 policies that have been implemented include cracking down on immigration and dismantling the Department of Education.
www.npr.org
January 19, 2026 at 7:03 PM
"President Trump once insisted he had "nothing to do with Project 2025," the right-wing policy plan that became a key flashpoint during the presidential campaign."
"Cardinals Blase Cupich of Chicago, Robert McElroy of Washington and Joseph Tobin of Newark, N.J., warned that without a moral vision, the current debate over Washington’s foreign policy was mired in “polarization, partisanship, and narrow economic and social interests"
US Catholic cardinals urge Trump administration to embrace a moral compass in foreign policy
Three U.S. Catholic cardinals have urged the Trump administration to use a moral compass in foreign policy.
apnews.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM
"Cardinals Blase Cupich of Chicago, Robert McElroy of Washington and Joseph Tobin of Newark, N.J., warned that without a moral vision, the current debate over Washington’s foreign policy was mired in “polarization, partisanship, and narrow economic and social interests"
Reposted by R Pez
Donald Trump is looking for any excuse to invoke the Insurrection Act, giving him the power to deploy federal troops in Minneapolis. The Insurrection Act hasn't been used since 1992 and is absolutely not appropriate to be used in this scenario. It’s all one big power play.
youtu.be/HgW9-9rdshU?...
youtu.be/HgW9-9rdshU?...
January 15, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Donald Trump is looking for any excuse to invoke the Insurrection Act, giving him the power to deploy federal troops in Minneapolis. The Insurrection Act hasn't been used since 1992 and is absolutely not appropriate to be used in this scenario. It’s all one big power play.
youtu.be/HgW9-9rdshU?...
youtu.be/HgW9-9rdshU?...
Reposted by R Pez
This isn’t inevitable.
A few Republicans in Congress could still stop a reckless annexation or attack on Greenland — right now.
Silence is a choice.
A few Republicans in Congress could still stop a reckless annexation or attack on Greenland — right now.
Silence is a choice.
January 17, 2026 at 8:56 PM
This isn’t inevitable.
A few Republicans in Congress could still stop a reckless annexation or attack on Greenland — right now.
Silence is a choice.
A few Republicans in Congress could still stop a reckless annexation or attack on Greenland — right now.
Silence is a choice.
Reposted by R Pez
Sen. Murkowski: “When you ask the American people whether or not they think it is a good idea for the United States to acquire Greenland, the vast majority, some 75%, will say, we do not think that that is a good idea. This senator from Alaska does not think it is a good idea.”
January 16, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Sen. Murkowski: “When you ask the American people whether or not they think it is a good idea for the United States to acquire Greenland, the vast majority, some 75%, will say, we do not think that that is a good idea. This senator from Alaska does not think it is a good idea.”
Reposted by R Pez
Donald Trump’s approach is beset by problems. Commercial prowess is no longer about securing access to the most oil or other natural resources. Instead it comes from innovation and intangible capital
America’s gunboat capitalism will make the world poorer
And Donald Trump’s use of companies as a tool of state will make it no safer
econ.st
January 17, 2026 at 12:40 PM
Donald Trump’s approach is beset by problems. Commercial prowess is no longer about securing access to the most oil or other natural resources. Instead it comes from innovation and intangible capital
Reposted by R Pez
Since taking office, Trump has canceled or halted enforcement actions against 166 corporations accused of illegal conduct.
At least a third of those companies have close ties to his administration, including over 30 that have donated to Trump's ballroom.
The "law and order" president.
At least a third of those companies have close ties to his administration, including over 30 that have donated to Trump's ballroom.
The "law and order" president.
January 16, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Since taking office, Trump has canceled or halted enforcement actions against 166 corporations accused of illegal conduct.
At least a third of those companies have close ties to his administration, including over 30 that have donated to Trump's ballroom.
The "law and order" president.
At least a third of those companies have close ties to his administration, including over 30 that have donated to Trump's ballroom.
The "law and order" president.
Reposted by R Pez
Reposted by R Pez
The EU-Mercosur deal is the biggest element of a wider attempt to strengthen ties with Latin America and diversify European trade and supply chains
Europe and South America seal a trade pact for the Trump era
The EU-Mercosur agreement is a big deal in the world of geoeconomics
econ.st
January 16, 2026 at 10:20 PM
The EU-Mercosur deal is the biggest element of a wider attempt to strengthen ties with Latin America and diversify European trade and supply chains
Reposted by R Pez
Voters should be able to vote for candidates who reflect their values. Candidates should choose the ballot lines on which they run, and parties should nominate the candidates they want. When those rights are denied, democracy suffers, and voter participation drops.
January 12, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Voters should be able to vote for candidates who reflect their values. Candidates should choose the ballot lines on which they run, and parties should nominate the candidates they want. When those rights are denied, democracy suffers, and voter participation drops.
Reposted by R Pez
Fusion voting. Why it matters, how it reshapes party power, and what it could unlock beyond our rigid two-party system. If you care about real competition and choice, this one resonated with us for a reason. 🗳️ @leedrutman.bsky.social @newamerica.org substack.com/home/post/p-...
Reflections on the five most popular Undercurrent Events of 2025
And the one piece I had the most fun writing. A year in review, Undercurrents style
substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Fusion voting. Why it matters, how it reshapes party power, and what it could unlock beyond our rigid two-party system. If you care about real competition and choice, this one resonated with us for a reason. 🗳️ @leedrutman.bsky.social @newamerica.org substack.com/home/post/p-...
Reposted by R Pez
The @americanbar.org report calls for election reforms, including electoral fusion, noting fusion voting’s role in reducing polarization & empowering voters to support candidates that reflect their values rather than being stuck in a restrictive two-party system. www.americanbar.org/groups/publi...
2025 Report for the ABA Task Force for American Democracy
For 237 years, America’s Constitution has guided our country and defined us as a Nation of laws. When our democracy is tested, we draw strength from the Constitution as the bedrock, making our…
www.americanbar.org
January 14, 2026 at 2:02 PM
The @americanbar.org report calls for election reforms, including electoral fusion, noting fusion voting’s role in reducing polarization & empowering voters to support candidates that reflect their values rather than being stuck in a restrictive two-party system. www.americanbar.org/groups/publi...