Memorial Day 2026

God Bless Them All

Memorial Day is, of course, the American federal holiday that commemorates all service personnel who died defending you and me and this country we call home.

The first national observance of what would become Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868. Then known as Decoration Day, the holiday was proclaimed by Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic – a fraternal organization of veterans – to honor Union soldiers who had died in the American Civil War.

Among the hot dogs, barbecues and parades, find a moment to thank those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Is Our "Basic Premise" Just Wrong?

Is this not a day to ask... Have the democratic norms, the ones upon which our chosen form of government, indeed our basic society are based, been disproven?

The American political experiment entrusts everybody with the revolutionary power to choose...who represents us, how to balance the relationship between a "free" people and its government, even whether to send a fellow citizen to prison. These responsibilities, too often taken for granted, are awesome at a minimum.

At the heart is a fundamental assumption, a basic premise, which, if flawed, invalidates it all. This premise is that the majority are virtuous. Equipped and intent on making the right choices. Discerning then choosing truth over evil, moral over immoral.

Now, supposedly we have guard rails. Our system of laws and justice. But even these have room for interpretation and, yes, corruption. Following the law has never seen such dereliction by misguided arbiters and partisan enforcers.

This foundation, our foundation, which has served well for 250 years, is under assault. Not merely by foreign enemies and power-hungry politicians, but from the very information upon which we rely to make our choices.

The internet and mainstream media, in the blink of an eye, spread "facts and opinions" that shape our beliefs and drive our actions. Far too often that upon which we depend to be informed is unverified, indeed, unverifiable. Basic precepts such as evidence gathering norms, opposing points of view, even identification of sources and credentials are ignored. Not to mention an undeniable predilection to use fake news and outright lies to gain advantage.

You may have read about the article written by Nicholas Kristoff and published by the NYT. This piece accuses Israel of training dogs to rape political prisoners. It is absurd and slanderous. It defies all precepts of journalistic integrity. Yet it was presented by a source whose motto is "All the News that's Fit to Print". While stunning in its baseless allegations, unfortunately, it is not unique.

Throughout history the best, the only test of truth has been confrontation. Evidence, debate, challenge, objectivity. Today, the volume of information and the speed at which it is spewed all but eliminates reasonable challenge. It's really ironic. We have more information than ever, yet less we can trust.

Underlying it all, more important than it all, is the question of goodness. Have we regressed too far? Where ends justify ALL means, regardless of how dishonest, unfair, destructive? Is the presumption of our virtuosity invalid?

In other words - is our "basic premise" just wrong? If so, what options exist beyond fanatical skepticism, zealous examination and keeping close track of those deserving trust?

6 to 1

No this time we're not talking about some outlandish redistricting (VA's 10-1 in a state that is registered 50-50). We're referring to college commencement speakers. Six liberal to one conservative. Small wonder why the young get twisted.

Six weeks to Arrive

If we ran Amazon the way the city (NY) is run, packages would take six weeks to arrive, the delivery fee would be $100 and then it would be the wrong package...Jeff Besos. So true, so true.

Somebody Please Shoot the Messenger...Pretty Please

What an outfit. Such credibility. The DNC commissioned an autopsy analyzing their dreadful performance in the 2024 national elections. Democratic Party officials interviewed over 300 Democrats from all 50 states for the report, which Chairman Ken Martin promised would examine the party's mistakes in 2024 and offer a roadmap to victory going forward.

Once it was done, Martin refused to let it see the light of day. Multiple Dems turned up the heat - demanding "transparency" (hah). Finally Martin caved and released the report on Tuesday.

He immediately denounced saying it failed to meet "his standards". There was controversy surrounding the report as it was being compiled, after reports last summer said the autopsy would skip analyzing whether then-President Joe Biden should have run for re-election in 2024 and would refrain from judging key decisions made by Harris and her team, after she replaced Biden as the party's nominee. In other words an autopsy without cutting open the cadaver.

Punch line? Report concludes Dems relied way TOO MUCH on Trump not being acceptable. And not nearly enough on what Harris had to offer. Duh. Wonder why?

Kinda Crap that Drives You Nuts

Ever heard of OPT?

Me neither. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons announced that federal investigators have uncovered more than 10,000 foreign students connected to "suspect employers" as part of another potentially massive fraud scheme, this time involving the federal STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension program.

At a news conference Tuesday, Lyons said the cases uncovered thus far are "just the tip of the iceberg."

OPT is (theoretically) a U.S. immigration program that lets international students on F-1 visas work temporarily in the country in jobs related to their field of study. When the program was first created under the Bush administration and expanded under the Obama administration, the Department of Homeland Security expected "only a few thousand" foreign students would receive training before returning home.

OPT has exploded into a guest worker program whereby companies can employ foreign nationals (many are phantom no shows), avoid paying social security and Medicare payroll tax and, thereby bypass US candidates for such jobs. Here too OPT employers were registered at empty buildings with multiple agencies at the same address. Cost? Eh - $36 billion or so.

Honestly, For Real

Recently two teenagers shot up a mosque in San Diego. They killed three then themselves.

According to the 75-page unfinished manifesto left behind by Caleb Vazquez, 18, and Cain Clark, 17, the pair hated Muslims, Jews, blacks, legal migrants, illegal migrants, Latinos, Asians, industrial society, gays, trans people, Donald Trump, “MAGAtard boomers,” liberals, conservatives, moderates, and women.

How did they miss White Males????

Oh boy, did they hate women. “After the Jew the most evil creature in this world is the woman,” wrote Vazquez, in his contribution to the two-part document. He identifies himself as a short man on the autism spectrum, which he believed is why women ignored him.

I'm sorry but ain't nobody convincing me there weren't RED FLAGS galore. We've got to stop giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. From Tiger Woods on down. If it walks like duck and talks like a duck... The price of looking the other way is way too often deadly.

Lest You Forget

Then President Obama traveled to Cuba in 2016 in an attempt to normalize relations, which he labeled "enlightened diplomacy". Guess whom he courted. Yup, the very same Raul Castro just indicted for the murder of four US nationals when he shot down two civilian aircraft belonging to an exile group. "Not strange" bedfellows for Barack. At least he didn't ship them a billion on pallets. Did he?

AI Update

Two studies independently concluded that the capabilities of the leading AI models have been doubling about every four months since 2024, and that rate is accelerating. Even if the current rate holds steady, by the 2028 election, the best AI models will be 250 times more capable than those of today.

The implications of AI capabilities 250 times more powerful—let alone more than that—are difficult to comprehend. Their potential to accelerate scientific research, transform education, and create entirely new industries is enormous. But the disruptions will be equally profound and in many cases deeply personal for voters.

Why 13's the Magic Number

Dems make no bones about it. If, when they get back in charge, they're going for broke. Make PR and DC states. Eliminate the filibuster and its 60 vote requirement and pack the court. Immediately increase the court to 13, which means the sitting President can appoint four new judges. Why 13? Because the Court sits 6-3 in favor of conservative leaning members. Add four libs and it tilts 7-6 hard left.

It's the Economy Stupid

This slogan was coined by political hack, James Carville, whom I can't stomach. Back in 1992 when he was running Bill Clinton's successful bid to unseat then President George H.W. Bush.

If you can believe the polls the slogan seems to be ringing true right now. Much as I support the President's overall performance and his steadfast determination to stop Iran from acquiring nukes and funding worldwide terror, he's got a problem. If he's got a problem, America has a problem.

Rising gas prices are providing the Left with a nifty platform. Inflation is creeping back up and it's hard to see that not being a big stumbling block this November. Won't be the only issue, the Left will pile on nation building, crypto deals, fancy ballrooms, ICE etc. But the core was, is and will again be the pocketbook.

Unless Donald wants to get impeached a half dozen more times before he leaves office, we better get this thing in Iran buttoned up damn soon.

Five Things Trump Should Do - Now.

1. End the war in Iran by July 4. No nukes. No enriched uranium. Limited missile and drone capacity. Open internet. Do whatever it takes. Carpet bombing, Seals, whatever. Stop saying we have time on our side. The economy and voters don't see it that way.

2. Announce a pathway to citizenship for all illegals here for 10 years or longer with a clean record. It's the right thing from a moral, political and capacity standpoint

3. Start publishing the names and reasons for all deported. Prove it's mostly "bad guys".

4. Announce a comprehensive policy for AI regulation formulated with tech leaders and addressing the questions of national security, job elimination, career opportunities, resource requirements, etc. Address the 800 pound gorilla head on.

5. Announce a program to better identify individuals showing dangerous tendencies online, in person, etc. Mandatory mental screening. Gotta stop these nut jobs.

(and no - he didn't ask.)

Just a Smidge of Credit?

DOJ just announced the arrest of 15 in Minnesota's massive fraud scandal. Largest Medicare fraud prosecution in US history - $90m. So far. This is truly the TIP of an iceberg.

Similar outcomes are unfolding across the country. Keep in Mind - WITHOUT TRUMP NONE of THIS IS HAPPENING!!!!

If You Haven't Had a Chance

Listen to Marco Rubio. He speaks like DeSantis. Clear, logical, precise, realistic & strong. This guy is dimes.

Transitory Inflation is OUT!

Remember when Fed Chair Powell assured us that the Biden's 9% inflation was "transitory'. Well, he's out. Kevin Warsh officially sworn in as new Fed chair. This could be a big deal. Market sure approves. Only bad news is Powell, instead of resigning as tradition, plans to remain on the Board.

Enjoy the Holiday and Remember to Remember.