Free Republic

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told a committee full of skeptical senators Tuesday that escalating trade tensions won’t “be resolved overnight,” but insisted the US economy is strong enough to withstand President Trump’s duty regime. “Our trade deficit, driven by these nonreciprocal conditions, is a manifestation [of] the loss of the nation’s ability to make, to grow, to build, and the president recognizes the urgency of the moment,” Greer told the Senate Finance Committee. “Our large and persistent trade deficit has been over 30 years in the making, and it will not be resolved overnight, but all of this is...

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.(Ephesians 6:10-13)Early in my Christian life, I was blessed to read a...

Because she leads the pack of GOP presidential contenders in Iowa, Michele Bachmann has been attacked on all fronts. The mainstream media has attacked her husband’s controversial “gay therapy” clinics that received federal taxpayer dollars. Those on the left have accused Bachmann of being a lightweight demagogue who is insensitive toward gays. And those on the right have expressed their irritability at someone who they accuse mugs for the cameras while lacking a record of significant legislative accomplishments. And last night, The Daily Caller published a story that detailed Bachmann’s history of nearly debilitating migraines and her alleged dependence on...

WASHINGTON – Crusty and unapologetic, Donald H. Rumsfeld is the public face of an unpopular war and a target of unrelenting criticism. A growing number of commanders who served under him say he has botched the Iraq operation, ignored the advice of his generals and should be replaced. The White House insists the defense secretary retains President Bush's confidence. Few close to the administration expect him to be shown the door. “The president believes Secretary Rumsfeld is doing a very fine job during a challenging period in our nation's history,” Bush spokesman Scott McClellan said Thursday as the administration circled...

Orleans council meets for first time since storm By JOE GYAN JR. jgyan@theadvocate.com New Orleans bureau KENNER -- Several New Orleans levees that failed during Hurricane Katrina and caused catastrophic flooding in parts of the city will be back to their pre-Katrina heights by the start of next year's hurricane season, a top U.S. Army Corps of Engineers official promised City Council members who met as a group Tuesday for the first time since the hurricane. But several council members who lost their homes in the storm said having the same level of levee protection as before -- capacity to...