Trump’s potential abandonment of the international effort to prosecute Russia for war crimes in Ukraine is deeply disturbing. The sheer magnitude of the alleged crimes – from the bombing of hospitals to the execution of prisoners of war, the rape and torture of civilians, and the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure – demand accountability. The idea that these atrocities could go unpunished is horrifying.
This decision, if finalized, would send a chilling message globally, signaling that such flagrant violations of international law can be ignored by a major world power. It would effectively embolden authoritarian regimes and embolden future aggression.
The implications extend far beyond Ukraine.… Continue reading
Donald Trump’s fluctuating stance on Taiwan has created uncertainty regarding US support for the island nation. While his previous term saw increased US military presence and support for Taiwan’s government, his current ambiguous messaging and potential tariffs on Taiwanese semiconductors have sparked concern. Analysts express worry about Trump’s prioritization of US interests over democratic values, potentially jeopardizing Taiwan’s security against Chinese threats. This unpredictability, coupled with Trump’s potential willingness to negotiate Taiwan’s security with China, leaves Taiwan’s future uncertain and its citizens anxious.
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The current administration, characterized by an “anti-state state” approach, prioritizes dismantling government functions outside of policing, funneling resources to private enterprise. This strategy, coupled with mass firings at agencies like the IRS, aims to cripple public services and justify further budget cuts, ultimately benefiting the ultra-wealthy. Tax resistance, drawing historical parallels to past civil disobedience movements, is presented as a method to expose this governmental corruption and the resulting harm to the public. Withholding taxes becomes a form of political protest, aiming to highlight the misuse of public funds and the deliberate undermining of essential services.
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President Trump has temporarily replaced the iconic Resolute Desk in the Oval Office with the C&O Desk for refurbishment. The Resolute Desk, crafted from the HMS Resolute and a gift from Queen Victoria, has been a presidential fixture since 1961, used by nearly every president since then, except George H.W. Bush who favored the C&O. The C&O Desk, previously used by several presidents in other West Wing locations, now serves as a temporary replacement. Trump stated the change is temporary, while the Resolute Desk undergoes refinishing.
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President Trump’s approval rating on the economy stands at a mere 42 percent, the lowest for a first-term president in recent history, despite his campaign promise to lower prices. This low rating reflects American dissatisfaction with his economic policies, particularly amidst rising inflation and the implementation of tariffs. While his overall approval rating is slightly higher at 45 percent, significant partisan divides exist, with Republicans overwhelmingly approving and Democrats largely disapproving of his performance. Concerns over the economy’s future, coupled with escalating trade tensions, contribute to the current low approval numbers.
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Following Canada’s overtime victory against the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face Off final, Prime Minister Trudeau playfully retorted to President Trump’s annexation aspirations, stating that Canada’s sovereignty and hockey prowess were untouchable. The win occurred amidst heightened tensions between the countries, fueled by trade disputes and Trump’s repeated suggestions of Canadian statehood. Adding to the charged atmosphere, the American national anthem was met with boos from US fans, while the Canadian anthem was performed with altered lyrics protesting Trump’s actions. Connor McDavid’s game-winning goal sparked jubilant celebrations among Canadian fans.
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The cancellation of a French leader’s scheduled speech at CPAC, following what many observers described as Steve Bannon’s apparent Nazi salute, has sparked intense debate and highlighted the growing concerns about the far-right’s influence within the American political landscape. The incident itself, undeniably jarring, has raised questions about the normalization of extremist ideologies within certain circles.
The act, whether intentional or not, is undeniably troubling. The gesture itself strongly resembled a Nazi salute, causing widespread outrage and prompting many to question the underlying ideologies at play within the CPAC event. The reaction underscores the serious nature of this seemingly minor incident.… Continue reading
A Hinds County Chancery Court judge ruled that the Mississippi Legislature is exempt from the state’s Open Meetings Act, upholding a prior Ethics Commission decision. This decision allows the Republican House majority to continue holding private caucus meetings to plan legislative agendas without public oversight. The judge reasoned that while the Act includes legislative committees, explicitly including the Legislature itself would be redundant. This ruling has been criticized as undermining transparency and public access to crucial policymaking processes.
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Following Canada’s overtime victory against the U.S. in the 4 Nations ice hockey competition, Prime Minister Trudeau’s social media post, “You can’t take our country – and you can’t take our game,” went viral. This playful jab countered President Trump’s repeated attempts to annex Canada as the 51st state and his recent imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods. The game itself was marked by pre-game taunts from Trump and protests against his actions, including altered lyrics during the Canadian anthem. The win fueled Canadian nationalism amidst escalating tensions between the two countries.
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Approximately 7,000 IRS employees, including probationary workers in compliance departments, were laid off as part of the Trump administration’s effort to reduce the federal workforce. These layoffs, overseen by the Department of Government Efficiency, disproportionately impacted probationary employees with less than a year of service, despite a prior delay in buyout offers for employees involved in the 2025 tax season. The impact on tax collection services remains uncertain, particularly considering the IRS’s recent success in collecting billions in back taxes from wealthy individuals. This action has sparked criticism, with one laid-off employee expressing dismay at the administration’s approach.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker