“Look up, you whose gaze is fixed on this earth, who are spellbound by the little events and changes on the face of the earth. Look up to these words, you who have turned away from heaven disappointed. Look up, you whose eyes are heavy with tears and who are heavy and who are crying over the fact that the earth has gracelessly torn us away. Look up, you who, burdened with guilt, cannot lift your eyes. Look up, your redemption is drawing near. something different from what you see daily will happen. Just be aware, be watchful, wait just another short moment. Wait and something quite new will break over you: God will come.”
Holland Koontz returned to Texas on Saturday evening. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and enjoyed a pleasant time all last week, together as a family. It is an increasingly rare occasion. Even Dudley enjoyed Chatmoss, reveling in all the attention given him.
This Thanksgiving I was reminded of the late, great Rush Limbaugh’s annual discussion of the Pilgrims’ Thanksgiving. Rush pointed out that more than ½ of the Pilgrims died in the 1st year, due largely to starvation. The problem lay with The Mayflower Compact which called for the common ownership of all property in the colony. Everyone shared equally in everything. No one was penalized for not working, and no one was rewarded for working harder. Stated differently, The Mayflower Compact imposed socialism on the Pilgrims, which, predictably, led to disaster. The Pilgrims’ leader, William Bradford, who would go on to become The Massachusetts Bay Colony’s 1st Governor, scrapped that portion of The Mayflower Compact, and instituted private property rights. Immediately the Pilgrims’ fortunes improved, as all were incentivized to work and produce. The result was a bountiful harvest which led to their Thanksgiving feast following the harvest.
But socialism was not first tried in Massachusetts. Rather, it was first tried in the Jamestown colony, in Virginia. When established in 1607, there was no incentive for work, or penalty for sloth. The colony nearly perished, and when Captain John Smith arrived in 1608, the whole of the settlement begged to return to England. Captain Smith refused, and instituted the very reforms that William Bradford would institute some 13 years later. Captain Smith, borrowing 2nd Thessalonians, declared “He that will not work, shall not eat.” Fortunes reversed, and the colony began to thrive. And by virtue of Captain Smith’s wisdom and leadership, Jamestown became the 1st permanent English settlement in the New World.
In conclusion, Virginia beat out Massachusetts twice in the early history of our country. Virginia not only celebrated the 1st Thanksgiving, it was also the 1st to reject socialism. Take that, New England!
“This Thanksgiving, we mourn the Indigenous people killed by European settlers and the United States in order to steal their land. From here to Palestine, we stand in solidarity with all Indigenous people as they fight for freedom on their own land.”
–U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib (D. Mi.).
Yes, yes, yes. Those poor American Indians. Let us give them their land back. Starting with Dearborn, Michigan.
“This Thanksgiving, I’m thinking of our neighbors with an empty seat at the dinner table. Those with loved ones abducted & deported from their families. Those we lost due to gun violence, mass incarceration, & more. A more just America is possible, if we fight for it.”
–Representative Ayanna Pressley (D. Ma.), lamenting the absence of illegal aliens and criminals at Thanksgiving.
Did you enjoy turkey, ham, roast beef, duck, or some other meat at your Thanksgiving dinner? If yes, congratulations, you are destroying the planet! Yes, according to Bloomberg News, eating meat is unethical, irresponsible, unhealthy, and just plain wrong. Then again, I do not read or view Bloomberg News. Please pass the roast beef!
“Everyone at the dinner table today, especially MAGA, please give thanks to the undocumented immigrants that picked and packed the food you’re enjoying. They deserve our grace. Happy Thanksgiving!”
–Former San Antonio, Texas Mayor and Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Julian Castro (D.).
Forget the drain on the economy, social services, and the lawbreaking by illegal aliens. Think hard about Julian Castro’s words. He is grateful for people he views as indentured servants, a laboring underclass. And he is not alone. Democrats generally view illegal aliens as a source of cheap labor, and a vital and loyal block of support for their socialist income redistributive policies. Got to get those lawns in Beverly Hills, Washington, D.C., and Martha’s Vineyard mowed, and the Chardonnay grapes in Napa picked!
“Make your own dinner, MAGA, make your own sandwiches, wipe your own tears, troll among yourselves with Elon and leave us alone. You’ve got your heart’s desire: the president you dreamed of, and worship, instead of Jesus.”
–Former MSNBC host Joy Reid, who will never get over the fact that Commiela will never be President of the United States. Just like Hillary.
President Trump pardoned the White House Thanksgiving turkeys, Gobble and Waddle. He did not use an autopen.
President Trump announced a pause on all immigration from Third World countries. It is a start.
The Treasury Department announced that tax benefits and the ability to wire money abroad would be denied to illegal aliens. Another good move. Why was this not done sooner?
“What gives me hope, and I talk to service members all the time. They tell me that I don’t appreciate enough and the public doesn’t appreciate enough that while Congress is not a check on the president anymore, and the judiciary at the Supreme Court is hardly a check, military members have told me, ‘We can be a check.'”
–Representative and gubernatorial hopeful Eric Swalwell (D. Ca.), lying through his teeth in an effort to be considered relevant.
Eric Swalwell would not recognize a soldier if he were air dropped into a war zone. The man is clueless.
How clueless if Eric Swalwell? He is suing the Trump Administration for pursuing criminal federal fraud charges against him, claiming it is a naked attempt to sabotage his gubernatorial campaign. No. It is because Eric Swalwell committed a crime. And now he is just making it easier to prove it.
“Donald Trump is going to be gone in a couple of years. And if you’re part of the military that is going after sitting senators, sitting members of Congress, and part of the weaponization of government, there will be consequences, without a doubt.”
–Senator Ruben Gallego (D. Az.), as part of a profane rant in reaction to the news that Senator Mark Kelly was being investigated for possible violation of the Uniform Military Code of Justice.
Do you get that? Investigate and punish a Democrat, and we will get you when we regain power. The Democrats are behaving more like the Gambino family than a political party. Apparently some people are “above the law”.
Senator Elissa Slotkin (D. Mi.) called for the abolishment of the Constitution’s presidential pardon power. She expressed concerns that President Trump would “abuse” the power. You mean like President Autopen did? Where was Senator Slotkin when Hunter Biden was pardoned for all crimes he may have committed since China Joe became Vice-President?
The United States Department of Justice sued the State of California, alleging it is violating the United States Constitution, Amendment 14’s guarantee of equal treatment for all citizens. Currently, California colleges and universities charge out of state applicants significantly higher tuition and fees, while allowing illegal aliens to benefit from lower in State tuition and fee rates. California is wrong. Hopefully the courts, and the Golden State, will mend its ways.
Protesting union workers picketed at Los Angeles International Airport, and even blocked an airport entrance, forcing Thanksgiving travelers to abandon their cars, and walk long distances, with their luggage, to terminals to catch their flights. Is it any wonder the public generally looks upon unions with disdain?
In Georgia, an appointed special prosecutor moved to dismiss all criminal charges against President Trump, arising from the 2020 presidential election. Fani’s folly is over.
“We cannot incarcerate our way out of violence. We’ve already tried that, and we’ve ended up with the largest prison population in the world without solving the problems of crime and violence. The addiction on jails and incarceration in this country? We have moved past that. It is racist, it is immoral, it is unholy, and it is not the way to drive violence down.”
–Chicago, Illinois Brandon Johnson (D.).
Mayor Johnson is just . . . wrong. Chicago has tried leaving the criminals free to roam the streets, and that has not worked out. Incarceration may not rehabilitate the criminals, but it sure will keep them from preying on innocent Chicago residents.
Cook County, Illinois has just established a permanent minimum income government guarantee for residents. This will surely cause more poverty, because it is a truism that if you want more of something, subsidize it. Mayor Johnson is wrong on this too.
The New York City Council is advancing an ordinance that would require property owners to notify the City government and a list of qualified non-profit organizations of their desire to sell real estate prior to putting the real estate on the market, giving the City government or the non-profit organizations first opportunity to purchase it. Communism 101.
Last Wednesday, 2 National Guardsmen were shot at 17th and I Streets, NW, just above The White House. One died on Thanksgiving Day, and the other remains in critical condition.
The immediate reaction of the mainstream media was to blame the National Guard and, of course, President Trump. MSNBC and CNN made it clear that the National Guard’s mere presence was a triggering event that caused the shootings. That is, of course, ridiculous.
The shooter was an Afghani, brought into this country by China Joe in the aftermath of the disastrous Kabul evacuation. He lived in Bellingham, Washington, initially set up at the expense of the American taxpayers.
The shooter then drove cross-country from Bellingham, Washington to Washington, D.C., for the purpose of executing his terrorist plot. He ambushed the Guardsmen, shouting “Allahu Akbar”, and would have assailed others, but for the quick work of 2 other Guardsmen.
In Washington, D.C., the National Guard has made the city far safer for its law abiding residents. A safety and calm have been restored. It is still far from desirable, but it is measurably better due to the willingness of these brave soldiers to lend their efforts to local law enforcement.
The shooter is an Islamist, a man who was not vetted, and never should have been let into this country. He betrayed this nation’s generosity, in a most vile, despicable, and evil fashion. Upon conviction, his punishment should be swift and severe, including the imposition of the death penalty if applicable.
The University of Minnesota has declared a “whiteness epidemic”. According to the University, white people are responsible for perpetuating “systemic racism” in Western Culture. Sigh.
NOTE TO THE GENIUSES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA: Western culture was established by white people. It is not “racist”. Indeed, Western culture is the most tolerant, welcoming, and non-racist culture in the world. GET OVER YOURSELVES!
A Portland, Oregon State judge ruled that as a condition of keeping custody of her 12 year old daughter, she must not allow her to attend the mother’s Evangelical Church. Other conditions imposed include the mother not permitting her daughter to read the Bible, meet with any of her old chapel friends, or attend any weddings or funerals held at any church whatsoever, not just her customary one. The judge based her ruling on the testimony of an expert witness, Marxist sociology professor Dr. Janja Lalich, who testified that Christianity was a cult.
We wish we were kidding. We are not.
L’Auberge Provencale is a wonderful French restaurant in Clarke County, just South of Berryville, Virginia. In a brazen act, a couple stole $48,000.00 of wine, while pretending to be on a scouting trip for a wealthy Canadian client, a wine connoiseur, and wished to inspect the restaurant’s wine cellar. The woman was detained and arrested. The man got away with 6 bottles of very rare (and very expensive) wine, and remains at large.
As an aside, a regular and loyal customer was at the bar when the heist happened, and gave chase to the fleeing man, driving his $200,000.00 Porsche. The customer’s pursuit ended when he crashed his Porsche into another car, coming in the other direction on U.S. Route 340, thus allowing the man to make a clean getaway.
Kentucky Fried Chicken is introducing a “Gravy Flight” to its menu. Patrons can sample the chain’s Signature Brown, Southwest Cheddar, and White Peppercorn gravies.
Airbus grounded 6,000 planes, due to a software glitch that caused the planes to lose altitude in flight. Next time, buy Boeing.
Alibi Bar in Altrincham, England has established rules for its patrons. There is a dress code, including no torn jeans or baseball caps allowed, and no single patrons are permitted entry after 9:00 p.m. Some are outraged, but Alibi’s owner insists that it is part of establishing a safe and comfortable place for patrons. It is refreshing. Good for Alibi.
Great Britain’s Justice Secretary, David Lammy, has decided to abolish the right to a jury trial in most all criminal matters. The right to a jury trial is as old as the Magna Carta from 1215. It is central to the liberty interests of all Britons. But Secretary Lammy is not exactly British. He was born in England, but to Guyanese immigrant parents. He is a product of the Third World, and is seeking to impose Third World values on the oldest English-speaking country, and proponent of Western Culture.
The United States has closed Venezuelan airspace. Something bad is about to happen.
Jammie Booker won the “World’s Strongest Woman” contest in Austin, Texas. Jammie Booker is a man. Sigh.
Auburn University hired Alex Golesh to be its new head football coach. Coach Golesh was formerly head football coach for the University of South Florida. Surely he will be an improvement over Hugh Freeze.
Former NFL running back, and assistant University of Colorado football coach Marshall Faulk will become Southern University’s new head football coach. Good luck!
Oregon State named University of Alabama assistant football coach JaMarcus Shephard as its new head football coach. Good luck!
Texas stunned Texas A&M, denying the Aggies a trip to the SEC championship game. Ole Miss beat Mississippi State, despite Mary Hazen’s best efforts and enthusiastic cheering. Georgia beat Georgia Tech. Florida beat Florida State. Oklahoma got by LSU. And despite Auburn’s efforts in the Iron Bowl, Alabama prevailed. Alabama will now play Georgia in the SEC championship game.
Boise State topped Utah State. New Mexico edged San Diego State in 2 OTs. Fresno State beat San Jose State. Hawaii romped, ending Wyoming’s miserable season. UNLV beat Nevada. Boise State and UNLV will face off for the Mountain West Conference football championship.
SMU lost a heartbreaker in the last seconds, to Cal. Duke beat Wake Forest. UVA dominated VPI, mercifully ending the Gobblers’ miserable season. Notre Dame beat Stanford. N.C. State destroyed UNC, bringing an end to Season 1 of The Jordan Hudson Show. Miami pummeled Pitt. Clemson beat South Carolina in a most forgettable game. Virginia will now play Duke in the ACC championship game.
East Carolina won. James Madison won.
Navy beat Memphis. North Texas State won handily. Tulane also won, and will play North Texas State in the American championship game. Rocky will be flying down from New York to 1) escape the cold; and, 2) cheer on the Mean Green.
Indiana crushed Purdue. Ohio State snapped its losing streak against Michigan, and will now play Indiana in the Big 10 championship game. USC beat UCLA at the Coliseum. Oregon beat Washington. Iowa scored 40 points in beating Nebraska; normally it takes Iowa 5 different games to score a total of 40 points.
Arizona beat Arizona State. Texas Tech humiliated West Virginia, handing the Mountaineers their worst home loss since the late 1800s. BYU prevailed, as did TCU. Houston beat Baylor. Kansas State ended Coach Prime’s Buffaloes’ season.
LSU hired Lane Kiffin to be its next head football coach. LSU made a big mistake.
Lane Kiffin has no loyalty to anyone other than Lane Kiffin. He was horrible at Tennessee, Alabama, USC, and the NFL’s Oakland Raiders. He is the most narcissistic, self-centered, selfish SOB in coaching.
Having failed spectacularly at USC, Lane Kiffin was banished to the dregs of college football, but worked himself back up, and was given an opportunity by Ole Miss. By all measure, Lane Kiffin rebuilt the football program into an SEC winner. But there ends the good feelings.
With his team on the bubble of possibly making the SEC championship game, and making the College Football Playoffs, Lane Kiffin has publicly waxed and waned more than Shakespeare’s Hamlet. He publicly auditioned for the LSU job, and for the Florida job, before Florida lost interest in his musings. All the while, his team had games to play. School officials and alumni who strongly backed him were embarrassed.
In the end, Lane Kiffin was always leaving. But he did not go quietly into the night. Lane Kiffin demanded that Mississippi let him coach the Rebels through the season’s end. Ole Miss’s officials rightly denied his demand. Then Lane Kiffin showed exactly what he was about, threatening Ole Miss with poaching its remaining coaching staff and football players, and taking them with him to LSU if Ole Miss did not accede to his demands. Again, Ole Miss rightly said no. Enough.
Lane Kiffin did yeoman’s work at the University of Mississippi. But it no longer matters. Because Lane Kiffin no longer matters. He portrayed himself as a changed man, who had learned from his previous mistakes. His behavior the last several weeks unmasks him as an unrepentant narcissist. His word is worth nothing. He has no loyalty to anyone or anything.
Lane Kiffin is a big fake phony. LSU is about to learn that the hard way. Just as did those as USC, Tennessee, Alabama, . . .
Sarah Beckstrom has died at age 20. She was a member of the West Virginia National Guard, who volunteered to leave her home and protect the citizens of Washington, D.C. She died protecting people she never met or knew, all due to the crazed actions of an Islamic terrorist who had no business being let into this country. Sarah’s government failed her. But Sarah did not fail her country. She served honorably til her death. May God Bless her soul, and comfort her family and friends. R. I. P.
Frank Urban “Fuzzy” Zoeller, Jr., former Masters and U.S. Open champion, has died at age 74. R. I. P.
GFK
Observations From The Fifth Estate 
I have not received any newsletters since Dec 1 … am I still on the distribution list?
Larry Dempsey
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