It's All about Charlie. RIP.

Home from Sicily Trip

Just returned from a 10-day visit to Europe's largest island. Did a trip report, so if anyone would like to peruse, shoot me an email.

It's all about Charlie.

Was able to keep up on worldwide happenings during my trip. Rightfully, nine of 10 stories are some take on the horrific assassination of Charlie Kick. Stories about the assassin, his extreme views and orientation. About the outpouring of support from millions including a surprising number of otherwise lefties. And the firing of idiots who praised the event. Democrats, LSM and Hollywood lefties of course. University profs, brainwashed college kids and leftwing talk show hosts too. But a Fire Chief, Nurses and Pastors? Sick. Can you imagine House Minority Leader Hakim Jeffries, who skipped the congressional vigil for Kirk and when asked why said, "I had a meeting."

I have to admit I am not very familiar with Charlie Kirk. I was, of course, aware of who he was and know he was on our side. Just never got around to following his podcasts. My loss I fear. He sure made sense to a lot of young people. And, he was undoubtedly a decent human being. A devote Christian and family man. He was also fearless, unafraid to openly declare his Christianity and beliefs. Uncowed by the onslaught of threats from Leftist crazies.

This is just another of so many sad commentaries on the state of affairs in American (worldwide) society. Despite the many attempts by the left to deflect blame, the nature of this crime is clear. The shooter was a deranged person, in love with a man transitioning to be a woman, who hated Kirk because of his belief that God intentionally created man and woman to be separate and distinct beings. The shooter was so blind with hate that he murdered Charlie. Full story. The left can stop surmising alternative theories that blame his father for being a MAGA supporter and other stupid theories.

At this time, I do want to reiterate my strong suggestion that Trump get involved in the gun issue. Form a heavyweight bipartisan study. Honestly try to get to the bottom. There's no denying murders in the US far surpass most other "civilized" countries. I strongly suspect the lack of mental background checks is something that needs to be addressed.

Loonies with lugers is a bad plan.

Most everyone agrees bad guys can get guns no matter what the laws, but why do other countries seem to have so much less of an issue? Presciently, Charlie had warned about an "assassination culture", after the Insurance CEO in NY, the attack on NFL HQ and two attempts on Trump.

One last thought...these people who so callously, immorally and hatefully used the murder of this decent man to attack those who showed compassion and grief are, in many cases, people who will be teaching and influencing your children.

Best Laid Plans

Lebron James funded an experiment to address the failure of most public schools to educate our kids. In 2018, he started the I Promise school in Ohio. His mission: to prove there was a better alternative to public schools. A noble, common sense objective.

Report cards are in and LeBron James' I Promise School is failing. The achievement scores for I Promise, the school LeBron started in 2018 in collaboration with the city of Akron to serve at-risk kids, are still bad. Real bad. No, not as bad as in 2023 when it was revealed that not a single eighth grader had passed the Ohio math proficiency test. But still basement bad.

Just two out of 75 (2.7%) I Promise seventh graders passed the state math test in 2024-25. The state average is 50%.

How bad are these test scores? Most grades at I Promise school have proficiency rates in single digits to teens. Those percentages are routinely 40-50 points below the Ohio state averages. 

It's not just math that LeBron's school kids are struggling with. Five out of 76 sixth graders passed the English language arts test. That's 6.6%. The state average is 54.5%. Not a single grade is close to statewide proficiency levels.  The school, as a whole, is firmly ranked as a one-star school in achievement. That's as low as the state ranks schools.

While I do not care for Lebron's political views, especially since he stopped winning championships for the Heat, I do applaud his willingness to provide a contrasting option. That said, it is beginning to look like I Make (No) Promise may give school choice a black eye. Be interesting to see what explanation is for this failure. Politics, woke brainwashing, unqualified teachers hired for their wokeness?

More Leftwing Lies

The Social Security Administration is pushing back against Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass, after she accused the agency of removing key data and covering up dysfunction.

In a Sept. 16, 2025 letter and data report, SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano assured Warren’s analysis was wholly inaccurate. 

He said the agency is more transparent and performing better under the Trump administration than it ever did under the prior administration. He also pushed back on Warren’s charge of a cover-up, saying SSA has made improvements in customer service, including "shorter wait times on the phones and in offices, as well as reduced backlog". According to SSA’s data, average phone wait times dropped from 29 minutes in 2024 to 16 minutes in 2025, with August down to just 9 minutes.

Man, Pocahontas is some doozy.

Businesses Lose Billions Due to Crime

And the beat goes on. Progressive cities across the United States are grappling with a catastrophic rise in retail crime rates. Resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses for businesses. A recent study reveals that retail theft has skyrocketed by 93% since 2019. Cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, and Seattle are among the hardest hit by this alarming trend.

The financial impact of this increase in retail crime is significant. Some companies report annual losses reaching up to $100 million. This situation has prompted many retailers to rethink their operations in these affected cities. Some already have or soon will close stores for good or relocate to areas with lower crime rates.

THE major factor contributing to the rise in retail crime is the lenient approach taken by liberal DAs and city councils aimed at reducing incarceration rates and addressing racial disparities in sentencing. These "well-intentioned" efforts are completely idiotic as they only encourage and embolden thugs.

The economic ramifications of rising retail crime extend beyond the retailers themselves. As businesses struggle to maintain profitability, job losses occur, and local economies suffer. According to a study by the National Retail Federation, retail crime costs American communities an estimated $45 billion annually. This staggering figure highlights the widespread impact of retail theft on communities across the nation.

In San Francisco, the situation has become particularly dire. Retail theft has increased by over 100% since 2020, leaving business owners feeling frustrated and helpless. Los Angeles faces a similar crisis, with organized retail theft rings employing sophisticated tactics to evade detection.

Despite the growing concerns, lamebrain progressive prosecutors continue to defend their policies. They argue that these measures are necessary to address systemic racism within the criminal justice system. Reality? Such efforts come at the expense of public safety and economic stability.

Another case of a clear right and a clear wrong. Just common sense and the left can't, won't see it.

Some Good News for a Change

Long a proponent of trade schools where young people can learn "skills that pay bills", it appears a movement in that direction is under way. Trade schools are facing shortages in qualified instructors as student interest in trades careers grows exponentially.

At least 26 states report Career and Technical Education teacher shortages for 2025-2026, according to the Department of Education (I thought the DOE was going away?).

All the Difference

Kamala Harris revealed that she wanted Pete Buttigieg as VEEP candidate - not Timmy Walz.

Now that could have made all the difference, no? Anybody who subsidizes this dimwit by buying her new book ought to have their visa or citizenship revoked. Listening, Marco?

Now that they've sacked the two most unfunny people on TV - Kimmel and Colbert, perhaps they are looking for some real comedy on late night. Why not try Kamala? She could have Joe and Timmy as her first guests. No jokes needed - just tell us what you think.

The Great Clarification Continues

Trump and his adjuncts push on trying to make all things hidden PLAIN to see. God, how the left hate that - and them.

Other than Charlie

Nothing of real significance. Again, rest in peace good man. You gave it your all. And are, no doubt, in a better place.