American Reformation of 2016.

The Republican Party implemented a similar strategy in 1994 called the Contract With America. The success they achieved during that midterm election demonstrated the high level of frustration experienced by the U.S. electorate. Over the past 20 years, that frustration has greatly heightened, which may enable independents to step to the forefront of U.S. politics.

The 114th Congress is now in session and the environment is decidedly Republican. The GOP took control of both chambers of Congress after the midterm elections, in which only 36 percent of voters participated. With the new makeup of Congress, here are 5 senators to keep an eye on this session.

In an effort to undo certain gun control legislation, one Kentucky Republican with an independent streak may face opposition from within his own party

Malice never was his aim, He lash'd the vice but spar'd the name. No individual could resent, Where thousands equally were meant. His satyr points at no defect, But what all mortals may correct; For he abhorr'd that senseless tribe, Who call it humor when they jibe.

--Jonathan Swift, “Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift”

Judging from the comments on my most recent post, a non-trivial number of IVN Facebook followers believe that the United States should lead the way in eradicating Islam from the earth—preferably with nuclear weapons. Whatever the merits of such a proposal may be, let’s assume for the sake of argument that it’s just not going to happen.

According to early reports from French media, standoffs with French authorities resulted in two hostage situations at different locations; a printing warehouse in Dammartin-en-Goele (a town about an hour north east of Paris), and a kosher market in porte de Vincennes inside Paris.

Your raison d’etre is to present news. The Hebdo cartoons are a natural part of the story of the murders in Paris. To assert that a description of an image is anything like the image, itself, is a rationalization of cowardice. The only reason to “describe images” without publishing them is fear of the consequences of publishing.

"That if all Printers were determin'd not to print any thing till they were sure it would offend no body, there would be very little printed." -- Benjamin Franklin, "Apology for Printers"

In light of current events in Paris, I finally turn my attention to Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, and what he could teach us about a free press.