Restoring Law & Order: America’s New Year’s Resolution

The Josh Lafazan Show - Episode 35

Today's top stories in U.S. news, politics, government, and world affairs:

2025: The Year to Restore Public Law & Order

As we celebrated the New Year, millions of Americans made resolutions—joining a gym, saving more, traveling. But resolutions shouldn't be limited to individuals; our government must set goals too. While there are many pressing issues, from reducing inflation to expanding healthcare, restoring law and order should top the list in 2025.

Crime isn’t new, but 2024 seemed to mark a turning point. Americans are fed up. Just in the past week, we've seen horrifying incidents:

A 57-year-old woman set on fire in a train car by an illegal migrant.
A man pushed onto subway tracks and killed by an oncoming train.
A terrorist driving through a New Orleans crowd, killing 10.
A Tesla cyber truck explosion outside Trump Tower in Las Vegas, suspected to be another terror attack.

These incidents highlight a broader issue. Public safety is not a partisan concern; it’s a basic right. Yet, Democrats, my own party, are losing the public’s trust. As a former Democratic elected official, I understand the consequences. Voters are demanding accountability and rejecting leaders they see as soft on crime. This frustration contributed to Vice President Kamala Harris’s loss to President-elect Donald Trump in November.

Take New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who claimed NYC subways are safe, despite a 60% rise in subway murders and nearly 1,000 violent felonies. Half of subway riders feel unsafe, and voters know the truth because they experience it daily. Ignoring these realities alienates the electorate, no matter what the data says.

This disconnect isn’t isolated. Even in deep-blue California, Trump flipped eight counties, with crime cited as a key issue. Policies like treating shoplifting under $950 as a misdemeanor embolden criminals, leaving citizens exasperated. Satirical headlines mocking these laws reflect a real problem: a lack of consequences for bad behavior. It’s infuriating that something as simple as buying toothpaste often requires staff assistance due to the prevalence of theft.

Democrats must reclaim the mantle of public safety. President Bill Clinton once championed bold crime reforms, but today’s party often refuses to confront the issue. It’s time to shift and acknowledge the realities that Americans face every day.

Congressman Dean Phillips offers a thoughtful three-step plan:

Reinstitutionalize individuals who are a danger to themselves or others. Decades of defunding mental institutions have left society vulnerable, and we must find a balance between individual rights and public safety. Those suffering from severe mental illnesses deserve care in controlled environments, rather than being left on the streets to deteriorate further.
Impose harsh sentences for violent crimes, paired with rehabilitation services. Policies like cashless bail erode public trust and police morale. Violent offenders must face real consequences. Without accountability, we risk fostering an environment where crime flourishes unchecked.
Institute intensive public service sentences for non-violent crimes. This approach balances accountability with rehabilitation and addresses the daily frustrations citizens face, from rampant shoplifting to fare evasion.

Beyond this, we must increase funding for law enforcement to lower response times and deter crime through proactive measures. Strengthening investigative teams with additional detectives will improve crime clearance rates, ensuring more offenders are brought to justice.

Securing the southern border is another critical step. Border agents need more resources to combat the flow of illegal immigration and identify individuals who pose a threat to national security. Deporting those who commit crimes while residing in the U.S. illegally should be a non-negotiable standard.

Restoring order isn’t just about punishment; it’s about rebuilding trust in our institutions and ensuring public safety. Americans deserve the right to walk the streets, ride the subway, and live their lives without fear.

Democrats face a choice: double down on failed policies or embrace common-sense solutions that resonate with voters. It’s time to elect leaders who value law and order over political dogma. Leaders like Phillips demonstrate that Democrats can prioritize safety without compromising progressive ideals.

Unlike other resolutions, this one can’t be abandoned by February. Restoring law and order is a commitment we must uphold all year—and beyond. Our nation’s safety and stability depend on it.

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