The issue that has always been at the heart of the rise of modern far-right populism is immigration. Everywhere you look, you see that fears of uncontrolled immigration have produced political rewards for “anti-globalists.” Covid-19 destabilized many developing countries in the Southern Hemisphere, which then exacerbated poverty and violence as...
I Love Fresno, but My Time at City Hall Is Ending: Matthew Grundy
An open letter to Fresno residents: Nearly eight years ago my family and I moved to Fresno. Not knowing anyone or anything about Fresno, I moved out of obedience to God's voice. Surprisingly, I was met with much cynicism about Fresno. Often folks asked me “Why would you move to...
Why Jimmy Carter Owes the Iranian People an Apology
Much of the Western world has celebrated the post presidency life of Jimmy Carter, owing to his work on behalf of Habitat for Humanity, global human rights, and other projects, says Lisa Daftari. But Daftari, founding editor of TheForeignDesk.com, says the former president needs to apologize to the people of Iran...
Zakaria: The Old Consensus on U.S. Foreign Policy Is Dead
Last weekend, President Biden revealed something striking about his reason for wanting to run again in 2024. During his interview for my show on CNN, I put it to him that even some of his most ardent supporters — those who think he has turned the economy around and restored relations with...
A Human Right to Food Should Be a Value We All Champion
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted systemic inequalities across a wide spectrum of societal issues, ranging from access to healthcare to home internet connectivity. Communities received resources and aid at unprecedented levels from federal and state programs in order to counter early predictions about potential disruptions to our supply chains and food...
State-Level Cybersecurity Preparedness Needed to Protect Critical CA Infrastructure
During testimony to the California State Senate, cyber-security expert Dr. Tony Coulson outlined the concerns that California must contend with in order to protect its critical infrastructure sectors. “California needs the ability to coordinate effectively for cyber-attack responses. A cyber-attack is not just a possibility, but a probability, stated Dr....
Fresno Earth Day Event Reinforces Importance of Environmental Protection
I grew up in the 70’s with Woodsy Owl saying “Give a Hoot Don’t Pollute," the crying “Indian” public service announcements and Smokey the Bear cavorting with Disney animals to tell us that only we could prevent wildfires. I had no idea that such “environmentalist” messages were kind of a...
On the 108th Anniversary of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, a Second Armenian Genocide Is Happening
As Armenians around the world, supporters of Armenia, and human rights activists prepare for commemoration activities in honor of the victims and survivors of the 1915 Armenian genocide, there is a heavy feeling weighing on the minds of many that the Genocide is not a tragedy of the past, but...
Why Biden Should Follow Reagan’s Example in the Fight for Freedom
As the anniversary of Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine approaches, some say its important to support the Ukrainian people in their struggle for freedom against autocratic aggression. While providing the necessary resources and arms is essential, the most crucial contribution the U.S. can make is to advocate for freedom itself....
Pro: Quitting High-Speed Rail Would Be More Costly Than Finishing It
Sixty years ago, construction workers in the San Joaquin Valley began two major infrastructure projects that did much to build modern California: the State Water Project and Interstate 5. Backed by strong support in Sacramento, including adequate funding, the freeway connected drivers to Los Angeles in 1972, and the aqueduct...