Tuesday’s news (9/12/2017)

Axis of evil

Russia and China joined yesterday at the U.N. Security Council to weaken a U.S.-backed resolution for stronger sanctions against North Korea. They also warned against U.S. efforts to depose the Kim Jong-un regime. Russia has been going beyond diplomatic support for the North Korean regime; it’s also actively trading with it. The Chinese government meanwhile has been ratcheting up authoritarian controls over freedom of speech and privacy of economic transactions.

Turkey has been moving closer to joining the Iran-Russia-China-North Korea axis, both militarily and in suppressing freedom of the press.

Japan is worried about North Korea’s ability to use one of its nuclear-tipped missiles to destroy Japan’s electronics and communications infrastructure by means of an EMP attack, but the U.S.’s admittedly sub-optimal missile defense systems could help, despite the claims of its detractors.

In a Fox News interview with Bret Baier last night, CIA director Mike Pompeo said his agency had a good read on North Korea’s capabilities, a partial read on its intentions, and — contrary to media reports — a very good working relationship with the President.

Post-hurricane

There’s a severe shortage of construction workers to rebuild in Texas and Florida. Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson’s bill to let states have the say in deciding guest worker requirements would eliminate the shortage while protecting U.S. workers.

Tax reform

President Trump plans an aggressive road show to sell his tax reform proposals, but GOP lawmakers are worried that the details are unclear and that he hasn’t coordinated his plans with Congress.

U.S. falling behind?

There’s growing worry that China is leaping ahead of the U.S. in technology. Mars Society founder Robert Zubrin outlined the antidote in a powerful speech he gave to the society.

Regulation

President Trump’s administration has been working hard to discard the regulatory burdens created by preceding administrations. But two areas where work remains to be done are in deregulating vaping, which could save millions of lives, and internet eyeglass exams, which could save consumers hundreds of dollars.

Arts

Peter Hall, the British director who played a major role in the theater world during the second half of the 20th century is dead. But for the new century, critic Terry Teachout is enthusiastic about a repertory theater and director that few have heard about.

Click here to go to the previous Founders Broadsheet (“Monday’s news (9/11/2017)”)