Charlotte Day 3

There was less violence in Charlotte, North Carolina, last night. But, sadly, there was more evidence that eight years of left-wing ideology from the Obama Justice Department has affected law enforcement all the way down to individual cities.

We saw it in Baltimore, where police were ordered to stand down. You may recall that the mayor said she "gave those who wished to destroy, space to do that."

In city after city, there have been few arrests and little interest in going after the professional agitators. Reports indicate that most people arrested in Charlotte have out of state IDs.

Kaepernick Disrespectful Protests Growing

"Kaepernicking" is the latest liberal trend. Initially, just a handful of Kaepernick's fellow football players joined him.

One left-wing blog noted that "On the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, 14 more NFL players and one WNBA player joined in the protests by taking a knee, locking arms, or raising fists."

Now college players and entire high school teams, cheerleaders and marching bands are now refusing to stand.

Whether the leadership of the NFL realizes it or not, they are in the process of destroying one of the most popular sports in America. A poll this week found that just 32% of Americans support Kaepernick's display of disrespect, while 60% say he should choose another form of protest. And 44% of fans say they are willing to boycott NFL games if the protests continue much longer.

Predictably, Time has put Kaepernick on the cover of its latest edition. To add insult to injury, the cover is headlined, "The Perilous Fight," as if what he is doing in San Francisco is something courageous. But demonstrating disrespect for America is the default position of many in left-wing San Francisco.

Now liberal politicians are getting in on the act. Two members of the Oakland City Council are reportedly refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Franks Fights For Life

There has been a lot of talk in the news lately about civil rights. On Capitol Hill today, my good friend Rep. Trent Franks held a hearing about "the ultimate civil right" -- the right to life. Rep. Franks, who serves as chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, examined why the Hyde Amendment, which prevents taxpayer funding of abortion in most government programs, is such an important public policy priority.

He also heard testimony from Gianna Jessen, an abortion survivor. Ms. Jessen spoke in support of the Born Alive Abortion Survivor Protection Act.

Incredibly, however, pro-abortion extremists on the left don't even want to recognize the rights of babies who survive botched abortions. A just society should be able to put an end to infanticide, but as the trial of abortionist Kermit Gosnell demonstrated, the practice continues.

Kudos to Congressman Franks for fighting the good fight for the ultimate civil right -- the right to life.