The Department of Homeland Security was created to help keep Americans safe from terrorists. Then why were 73 people on the "no-fly list" approved for employment by airports and airlines? And how can DHS prohibit searching Facebook and other social media for terrrorist suspects? (That's where ISIS does much of its recruitment). A "Homeland housecleaning" is in order.

Some pundits probably will find deep meaning in the fact six of the eight male candidates in the GOP debate in Las Vegas wore red ties with their dark suits. John Kasich and Ben Carson were out of uniform. But in the group photo Carly Fiorina easily stood out, wearing a bright red dress. It's surprising Donald Trump didn't think of that idea.

Changing the House leadership doesn't seem to have made much difference in politically-motivated spending of taxpayers' dollars. The Washington Times reports that "congressional leaders agreed to a budget-busting set of tax cuts ... that marks a major reversal from the last four years' focus on deficits and streamlining the tax code." The 233-page bill contains favors for NASCAR tracks, racehorses, film producers, teachers and college students.