Protest to Port Policies

Let's kick things off with the saying of the day: "You don't know what you can get away with until you try." That's from Colin Powell, and it's spot-on. He's a firm believer in asking for forgiveness rather than permission. And think about it – if you're always seeking permission, especially in government, you're bound to hit a no eventually. Sometimes, you just have to take a chance.

This week brings a lot of news, especially on college campuses. Having served as the chancellor at Texas Tech University, I know the ins and outs of handling such college issues. Take Columbia, for example – they've essentially locked down, cancelling graduation ceremonies. Penalizing students who've diligently attended classes for four years? Ridiculous. This turmoil ties back to the Middle East conflict. The Jewish people, who lost millions in World War II, established Israel in 1948. Palestinians opposed this, especially since Hamas, the elected party, wants all Jews dead. That's not a bargaining position; it's pure extremism. Remember the Camp David Accords in 1979 under President Carter? Egypt and Israel have been at peace ever since, despite minor bumps. Why don't Palestinians learn from Egypt's example?

Hamas gained power by ousting Yasser Arafat's party in 2007, and their militancy has only escalated. The recent invasion of Israel on October 7th is a testament to that. Back on campuses, like Columbia, some are shouting extremist slogans, and administrations at places like Yale, MIT, and Columbia are weak in response. Contrast this with the University of Texas, where the governor, board chairman, and president emphasized education over disruption. They arrested around fifty people, half of whom weren't even students.

Freedom of speech is essential, but calling for violence isn't. At UT, President Jay Hartzell did the right thing by not allowing demonstrations to disrupt teaching. Yes, some criticize him, but he upheld a reasonable stance against advocating murder. Without authority, chaos ensues.

I urge students: avoid such protests. They can escalate quickly, with dire consequences. Write to editors, articulate your point without violence. Violence and chaos show weakness, and in more liberal states, that's unfortunately evident.

Switching gears now – Rudy Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers will walk for his Texas Tech graduation this May, decades after missing it for a Vegas gig. It shows how cherished such milestones are. Schools canceling graduations over protests is absurd.

Looking at broader issues, Portland, Oregon's Port Authority closing container shipments is a big deal. Over-regulation and poor business sensitivity are killing jobs. Who's the Abundance Prosperity Sharing Officer? It's a clear sign of prioritizing political correctness over business.

Lastly, a mix of lighter topics – did you know America is divided on whether to wash new clothes before wearing them? Fascinatingly trivial, but split right down the middle. Clutter in homes can affect sleep and health. Keeping spaces organized, especially study areas, is crucial.

In conclusion, stand firm in your beliefs but express them responsibly. Disruption doesn't drive change; reasoned dialogue does. Remember Colin Powell's wisdom: sometimes, you have to take a chance to see what you can achieve.