A measure to make California an independent country has been cleared to begin gathering signatures. This is a repeat of a 2019 effort, and while it’s framed as a vote of no confidence in the US government, it ultimately holds no legal power to change California’s status. The process would involve a ballot initiative requiring 50% voter participation and 55% affirmative votes to trigger a non-binding declaration of intent.
This initiative, while generating considerable buzz, is a divisive distraction. The cost, estimated at $12 million, raises questions about its practicality and the potential benefits versus the expense. The political implications are substantial.… Continue reading
Several controversial Trump nominees, including Pete Hegseth for Department of Defense and Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, exemplify a pattern of prioritizing loyalty over qualifications. While some nominees might face setbacks due to scandals (e.g., sexual misconduct allegations), their replacements are likely to be equally extreme ideologically. This pattern extends to other choices like Linda McMahon for education secretary and Brendan Carr for the FCC, highlighting a disregard for traditional governance norms. Finally, Tom Homan’s appointment as border czar underscores this trend with his aggressive immigration enforcement plans.
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This week’s survey of state-level news begins with the firing of Milwaukee meteorologist Sam Kuffel from WDJT-TV after she criticized Elon Musk on social media. Next, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves’ prioritization of social media pronouncements over a major snowstorm highlights the state’s political climate. Missouri grapples with the escalating costs of cleaning up a radioactive waste landfill, with costs rising to $392 million due to expanded cleanup efforts. Finally, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s proposal to re-establish the Oklahoma State Guard raises concerns about the creation of an unregulated state militia.
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President Trump ended Dr. Anthony Fauci’s federal security detail, following the termination of protection for several other former Trump aides who have become critics. This decision comes despite ongoing threats against Fauci and others, with Trump stating he feels no responsibility for their safety. Trump’s justification cited the individuals’ financial abilities to secure private protection, a stance at odds with the Biden administration’s continuation of security for these individuals due to credible threats. This action follows similar revocations of security for former officials like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton.
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Trump’s plan to “crush the academic left,” as it’s often framed, isn’t merely about silencing dissenting voices; it represents a broader strategy to reshape higher education, potentially with far-reaching consequences. It’s a calculated effort to control the narrative and limit access to information and critical thinking.
This perceived attack isn’t about specific political ideologies within academia; rather, it’s about dismantling any intellectual resistance to a particular worldview. The term “academic left” itself seems to be a deliberately vague label, designed to encompass anyone who challenges prevailing conservative narratives. This allows for a sweeping purge of anyone deemed “unacceptable,” without the need for precise definitions.… Continue reading
The bishop’s plea for mercy towards marginalized groups, directed at a former president, has sparked considerable debate. The bishop’s courageous act of speaking truth to power, regardless of potential backlash, has garnered significant attention and admiration from many. This bold move has elevated her status among a large segment of the population, showcasing a powerful example of faith-based advocacy.
However, the underlying tension highlights a deep-seated polarization. The call for compassion was met with anger and outrage from certain quarters, illustrating the chasm between different ideologies and belief systems. The fact that such a plea is met with hostility underscores the challenges faced by those seeking to advocate for the vulnerable and marginalized in the current political climate.… Continue reading
Former President Trump proposed abolishing FEMA, advocating for states to handle disaster response individually, a move he justified by falsely claiming Democratic mismanagement and inefficiency. He cited North Carolina’s hurricane recovery as an example, despite evidence to the contrary. Furthermore, he threatened to withhold disaster aid from Democratic-led states, like California, unless they cooperate with his immigration policies, linking wildfire recovery to sanctuary city status and water management. Trump’s statements also included unsubstantiated accusations regarding California’s handling of wildfires and water resources.
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Following a sermon at the National Cathedral directly addressing President Trump, Bishop Mariann Budde has refused to apologize for her plea for compassion towards vulnerable groups targeted by recent executive orders. Her sermon urged mercy and empathy from the President, specifically addressing concerns about anti-immigrant and anti-transgender rhetoric. Despite facing criticism and even threats, Bishop Budde maintains her message was sincere and regrets only the resulting escalation of outrage, which she views as a confirmation of the divisive climate she addressed. The Bishop’s remarks follow President Trump’s implementation of controversial policies impacting immigrants and transgender individuals.
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Following a sermon delivered at the National Cathedral, where she implored President Trump to show mercy to immigrants and LGBTQ+ children, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde was attacked by the former president on Truth Social. Trump labeled her a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” and demanded an apology for her “ungracious” politicization of the church service. Budde’s sermon directly addressed Trump’s recent executive orders on immigration and gender, prompting both support and intense criticism. Despite the backlash, including death threats, Budde affirmed her commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations.
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David Axelrod’s assessment that Donald Trump learned during his previous term that he could “get away with anything” rings profoundly true. It’s a chilling realization, but one supported by a multitude of observations from the past several years. His actions, or rather, his lack of consequences for his actions, suggest a deeply ingrained belief that the rules simply don’t apply to him.
This wasn’t a sudden realization born from his time in office; it’s more accurately described as a confirmation of a pre-existing belief. His past behaviors, even before his presidential campaign, displayed a consistent pattern of disregard for norms and conventions.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker