Just as the coronavirus pandemic is not an excuse for legislatures to pass irresponsible measures in the name of protecting their citizenry, the coronavirus pandemic is also not an excuse for these same legislatures to forego their responsibilities to continue working on unrelated issues. Once the current state of affairs has passed, citizens will return to their daily patterns and elected officials to their posts taking care of issues unrelated to coronavirus.

Last week, President Trump extended clemency to nearly a dozen Americans. Much contention has arisen around those who he chose to pardon and commute the sentences of, but there are a few simple truths that undergird the whole process and remain true, no matter who clemency is given to. Chief among these is that, in order to pursue justice, prison sentences should be no more excessive than necessary to fit the crime -- That is, to provide proper measures for punitive purposes, for any victims’ purposes, and importantly for rehabilitative purposes.

FreedomWorks is proud to honor Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) as our member of the month for February 2020. Representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the United States Senate since 2011, Sen. Toomey becomes our first-ever senator to be recognized as member of the month. This is well-deserved, as his principles, intellect, and compassion suit him well to represent his constituents and defend liberty, on everything from healthcare and taxes to trade and spending.

Over 101 years after the ratification of the 18th Amendment that prohibited “the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors,” and ushered in the era of Prohibition -- the largest failed experiment in government paternalism in American history -- it might be difficult to see the continued impact that this period has had on our country. One need only not look hard to see that America’s love affair with alcohol is as alive and well today as it was during the time of the bootleggers. Some places like New Orleans are so far removed from Prohibition that open containers on city streets are all but encouraged and a parched traveler can stop for a Drive-Thru Daiquiri and continue on down the highway.