The tendency of powerful individuals to embrace correct positions only after they relinquish power is a recurring phenomenon, often appearing inauthentic and primarily aimed at legacy repair. This pattern, exemplified by figures like Mitt Romney, sees politicians endorsing policies they once opposed or ignored while in office. These reversals, while seemingly positive, often lack genuine courage and instead reward those who previously perpetuated harmful systems, undermining the efforts of those who advocated for change while in power. Ultimately, this behavior removes a crucial deterrent against abusing power, as it allows individuals to later be celebrated for positions they previously exploited. This ultimately makes their actions a PR strategy at best.
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Although Donald Trump is 79 years old and questions have been raised regarding his health, including concerns about his speech and behavior, the article argues that age is not the primary factor in his unfitness for office. The author contends that Trump’s flaws stem from his character and long-standing tendencies, rather than his age. Attributing his shortcomings solely to age not only diminishes older adults but also lets Trump off the hook. Ultimately, the article suggests that voters are aware of Trump’s age and other issues, making it a consideration in their decision, but not the root of the problem.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) is facing potential legal action for missing the deadline to publish all documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, as mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. While the DOJ continues to review and redact files, exceeding the December 19 deadline, officials defend the process citing the need to protect victim information and avoid jeopardizing ongoing investigations. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche suggests established legal precedent supports the DOJ’s actions, and the department will release files on a rolling basis. Lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, are calling for consequences, including lawsuits and contempt proceedings, due to the delay and perceived excessive redactions.
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The author suggests that the current political climate, described as a “fucking nightmare,” is a necessary phase for the nation to confront its underlying crises, similar to how past periods of hardship led to significant social reforms like the Civil Rights Act. Trump’s actions, including his attempts to silence critics and display of open racism and misogyny, have exposed deep-seated problems, resulting in growing public outrage and mobilization. This “reckoning” reveals not only the detrimental effects of Trump’s neofascism but also the corruption and moral failures of America’s “leadership class,” as the people organize to address the root causes of the nation’s struggles.
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The Democratic National Committee has decided against releasing its autopsy report on the 2024 election, prioritizing the avoidance of negative publicity over candid self-assessment. This decision reflects the DNC’s tendency to function more like a public relations firm than a grassroots political organization. The DNC’s rationale, as stated by Chair Ken Martin, is that the report’s release would be a distraction from the core mission of winning, effectively deeming the concerns of ordinary Democrats irrelevant. This unwillingness to confront hard truths and internal criticism is a pattern that contributed to the 2024 loss, with the DNC now replicating the behaviors that fueled the catastrophe.
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Lauren Chen, a right-wing media personality, was forced to leave the United States in July after her media company, Tenet Media, was exposed as a Russian media front. The company allegedly received illicit funding from a pro-Putin propaganda outlet, leading to Chen losing her work visa. Despite the ongoing federal case against Tenet’s funders, Chen and her husband returned to the U.S. this holiday season. This was made possible by the Trump administration’s intervention, specifically with assistance from State Department official Joe Rittenhouse.
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The US military conducted a lethal strike against a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The strike, carried out under Operation Southern Spear, aligns with a campaign initiated by the Trump administration targeting narcotics trafficking. This latest incident brings the total number of individuals killed in such strikes to at least 107. The strikes, which have drawn criticism, are part of a broader strategy against Venezuela, including military build-up and a blockade, as the US government ramps up pressure against the country.
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The CIA conducted its first known drone strike inside Venezuela earlier this month, targeting a port facility believed to be used by the Tren de Aragua gang for drug trafficking. The strike, which occurred on a remote dock, destroyed the facility and its boats with no casualties reported. While US Special Operations Forces were rumored to have provided intelligence support, they denied involvement. This attack, acknowledged by President Trump, marks an escalation of tensions and is part of a broader US campaign against Venezuelan drug trafficking, which has been compared to the war on terror.
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Contrary to Russian claims of a drone attack on Vladimir Putin’s Valdai residence, local residents reported no evidence of such an event. Interviews with 14 Valdai residents revealed they neither heard drone activity nor received air threat alerts on the night of December 28-29. Located near Lake Valdai, Putin’s residence is separated from the town, which is home to about 14,000 residents who are typically aware when Putin is present due to helicopter activity. The Ukrainian government has denied the claims, with President Zelenskyy calling it a lie to justify further aggression.
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John Q. Hosedrinker