American Democrats are unquestionably the party of socialism. Everything the Democrat Party stands for today involves restricting your freedoms, and giving them more power over your lives. So what are you going to do about it?

Chase Spears has some thoughts on this question. Please read carefully, and then act accordingly.

I’m Done Lamenting; You Should Be Too.  Make 2026 a Year of Reforming Over Mourning

BY:          Chase Spears.

It is that time again, the beginning of a new year. Some will mark it with a list of resolutions. Others will treat the occasion as a premature end to the Christmas season, merely the first annual holiday on the calendar. I want you to do something different. Make the beginning of 2026 a moment in which you execute an active pivot from lamenting the downfall of our nation to reforming it. 

To everything there is a season. As we are told in the book of Ecclesiastes, there is “a time to be born and a time to die… a time to weep and a time to laugh… a time to tear and a time to mend… a time for war and a time for peace.”

If our time is to be marked by a theme—as experienced by those of us who seek to “live not by lies,” the era of my existence is marked by a fatalistic dirge of mourning. We observe evil on the march in every direction and put the greatest reactionary energy into hand-wringing and “woe is us” moaning.

This should not be. How did Americans become cowards when our ancestors crossed seas under wind power and stared down the most formidable military force in history at the time to establish a nation in a distant, overseas frontier land?

Today, in that place, law-abiding Americans like Daniel Penny are charged with crimes for protecting others from violent criminals. Public servants who work for conservative administrations are indicted by Soros-linked district attorneys. Those who murder children in the womb are protected by law enforcement, while those who interpose for the unborn are arrested. Government school systems bleed communities dry financially and produce graduates who are ignorant of history, hostile to the truth, and contemptuous of the values upon which the nation was built. 

Years ago, former North Carolina senator and Democrat vice presidential candidate John Edwards often spoke of two Americas. It turns out he was right. Americans were hunted down with prejudice for being present at the U.S. Capitol on January 6^th. Yet the FBI can’t track down Antifa and American Hamas despite their frequent, ongoing acts of violence out in the open. Progressive activists break laws freely, while conservatives are made to live in fear of losing their jobs, being de-banked or de-platformed, and perhaps even being criminally prosecuted for expressing beliefs that were the default for most American generations. 

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis (R) felt compelled to make clear that Americans in his state are allowed to drive themselves out of violent mobs, rather than sit and helplessly wait for martyrdom, because there are people who think the most basic of self-defenses are controversial. The list goes on for volumes. We have chosen to be the frog in the pot of water, and it’s boiling.

This is a nation with laws on the books, but we sit idly by pretending that modern-day Bolsheviks and foreign invaders are exempt. Somalis financially pillage the nation, while the conquest goals of radical Islamists are enabled by those who believe that evil is protected by the 1st Amendment. In no previous century would Americans have so easily rolled over en masse. Complaining about the state of affairs does nothing to slow the cancerous spread of pagan-fueled progressivism devouring our homeland. The do-nothing lament tactic is lazy, and too many among us are guilty of it. Professional mourners are useful for funerals, but do nothing to stop advancing armies, change policy, or preserve worthy civilizations.

So I propose that as the calendar turns, so does your attitude and decision-making. If you are reading this within the United States of America, you are the fortunate beneficiary of sacrifices made by those who came before. When did we abandon our heritage and hand our institutions and civic power to transgressives who think gender is fluid, obesity is authentic, ordered liberty is bad, and math is racist? Who thought that people who celebrate the sexual mutilation of children are sane enough to wield influence responsibly? 

Clearly, the ball is dropped. Whining won’t recover it. We must get back on the field and play like a team. That begins with a moment of introspection. Pause for a moment and ask yourself this question:

Will I remain content to let the candle go out on my watch, and leave freedom a mere tale that my descendants hear about as an extinct way of life?

How you answer that question reveals whether you are worthy of the stewardship you have been entrusted by God and our forefathers. 

Our foes did not take control by mourning and hiding. They are united, and we can learn from their techniques. In 2026, adopt a new playbook.

-Has your church departed from scriptural truth? Work to reform it, or depart for one where Christ reigns.

-Are your schools unaccountable? Opt your family out. Pressure pastors to speak out against Christians enrolling their children in them, and build the political capital to make school boards fear God and parents more than teacher unions and pervert activists.

-Is your workplace hostile to truth? Hold firm to truth, sue if persecuted, and endeavor to inspire boycotts. 

-Do your district attorneys and police chiefs refuse to enforce the law? Lead efforts to impeach and remove them from office. Call on lesser or greater magistrates to restore order where activist magistrates deliberately enabled, or directly sowed, chaos. 

-Is your local government trending toward totalitarian impulse? Resist within the bounds of law. Rod Dreher offers a wise roadmap in his book titled Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents. In it, he writes:

Our cause appears lost… but we are still here! Now our mission is to build the underground resistance to the occupation to keep alive the memory of who we were and who we are, and to stoke the fires of desire for the true God. Where there is memory and desire, there is hope. (p. 214). 

Making use of the civic talents granted to us in this place and time is not theonomy. It’s common sense. To the overly-pietistic critic who counters that scripture foretells that things will get worse before they get better, I grant the point and add that Biblical text nowhere commands or gives assent for Godly people to deliberately attempt hastening the fulfillment of end times prophecy. That is merely another way of trying to immanentize the eschaton. 

To ensure that people from all walks of life understand my thesis, it is very simply this:

The time for feckless hand-wringing must end now. The way ahead is not to complain but to campaign; not to lament, but to repent; not to hope for reform, but to advance it. 

Societies that recognize, respect, and function according to basic moral fundamentals have a higher quality of life, better educational outcomes, and offer more stability for the populace. Working to restore such a civic politic is quite literally loving your neighbor. Even the renowned atheist Richard Dawkins—who has devoted substantial energy toward undermining faith in society—now acknowledges the benefits of a Christian-informed polis. 

“If you love darkness, and are satisfied to dwell in gloom and misery, then be content with little faith; but if you love the sunshine, and would sing songs of rejoicing, covert earnestly this best gift, ‘great faith,’”wrote the late, great 19th-century Baptist minister Charles Spurgeon. The victory belongs to the Lord, but the responsibility to labor for righteous ends rests on our shoulders, as part of the ongoing stewardship mandate given in Genesis. 

In 2026, close Lamentations. Open Nehemiah. We have a civilization to defend, rebuild, steward responsibly, and bequeath to future generations. 

GFK

From Tehran to my birthplace of Minneapolis, people are rising up against systems that wield violence without accountability. 

In Iran, brave protestors confront a far-right theocratic regime that crushes dissent and denies basic freedoms. Here at home, tens of thousands are marching after the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good- demanding justice, transparency, and an end to an unchecked federal force that takes lives and tears families apart.

Solidarity across borders means opposing authoritarian power everywhere and defending the right to live free from fear and state violence

–Democrat National Chairman Ken Martin, making an asinine comparison between Iran and the United States.

______________________________________________________________________

In Iran, protesters are risking death fighting for freedom from a brutal Islamic terrorist regime. 

In Minneapolis, Radical Left lunatics and purple-haired schizos are melting down over law enforcement. 

The head of the Democrat Party thinks they are the same.

–Statement from The White House, in response to Ken Martin’s idiocy.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent estimates that between $300-600 billion in federal funds are stolen every year. That is disturbing.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The investigation concerns the renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters, and whether Mr. Powell lied to Congress.

Senator Thom Tillis (R. N.C.) vowed to block all Federal Reserve nominations until the criminal investigation into Mr. Powell was dismissed. Because Senator Tillis is an a$$.

The Department of Homeland Security is surging more ICE agents to Minnesota. Because there are a whole lot of criminal illegal aliens in the Land of Lakes.

Representative Ilhan Omar (D. Mn.) blamed the ICE agent for the recent shooting. According to the Representative from Somali, the ICE agent is at fault because he was in front of the woman’s automobile. If he had not been blocking her departure, she would not have had to run him over. Sigh.

Senator Mark Kelly is suing War Department Secretary Pete Hegseth for the formal censure he received, claiming it violates his First Amendment rights. No, it does not. Shut up, cry baby!

“The actions of ICE, they are unconstitutional, unlawful, they are cruel.  They are rogue, they are racist, and they are terrorizing communities.  This harm does not discriminate.  It is coming for everyone.  And that is exactly why ICE must be stopped, because they’re not operating with any constitutional due diligence.  They are lawless, they are masked thugs.  So, whether you are a white woman, whether you are black or brown, certainly our most vulnerable communities are the most vulnerable to the attacks of this rogue agency, but all of our communities are vulnerable to the attacks of this rogue agency.”

–Representative Aynna Pressly (D. Ma.), who is in a fierce battle with Puddin’head, Mazie Hirono, Tim Kaine, and Hakeem Jeffries for being the dumbest member of Congress.

MS NOW claims that ICE agents do not need guns, and should be disarmed. Probably just to make it a fair fight with Democrats.

“He has not held anyone in his administration accountable, and he’s a coward.  He refuses to take accountability for himself.  I think he should resign; this is so bad.  And regardless, I hope he leaves the office in cuffs because what he’s done is criminal.”

–Representative Tom Emmer (R. Mn.), commenting on Governor Tampon Tim and the welfare fraud scandal in Minnesota.

On ABC’s The View, host Whoopi Goldberg wondered why NATO had not come to America’s aid, and toppled Donald Trump from office. The chicks on that show are just too stupid for words.

New York City Tenant’s Advocate Cea Weaver announced that the government would be taking over housing in the city, and that rent would be based on income. That is, one would pay to the city 30% of one’s income for housing.

Now let us think about this for a minute. Leaving aside the city’s authority to seize private property for these purposes is non-existent, let us consider this plan further. Comrade Mayor Mamdani (D.) and his minion, Miss Weaver, have declared that housing is a “right”. Well if it is a “right”, why must you pay for it?

On a related matter, readers will remember that Comrade Mayor Mamdani promised that public transportation would be provided, free of charge. Since his inauguration, subway fares have risen. Hmmmm.

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, a mob of anti-ICE demonstrators stormed a hotel housing ICE agents, and began destroying the lobby, breaking windows, and spraying graffiti all over the walls and furniture. Because criminal illegal aliens good, ICE agents bad.

The Maryland General Assembly is working on a law to prohibit ICE agents from joining the State Police. How stupid.

In Virginia, General Assembly Democrats are preparing a full on assault on the Constitution’s Second Amendment. Topping the list is a bill to ban all “assault weapons”. There is no such thing as an “assault weapon”. Democrats also want to hold gun manufacturers and retailers liable for the negligent and criminal use of guns by others. Never mind that this notion is both nonsensical, and contrary to federal law. Finally, Democrats want to eliminate concealed weapon permit reciprocity, which allows Virginians to carry weapons in other States. Apparently Democrats do not want Virginians to be protected in or out of the Commonwealth.

Clarke County, Virginia Democrats (all 3 of them) are demanding that the Board of Supervisors take all necessary actions to stop the development of a planned resort in . . . Loudoun County. Democrats are so anti-everything that they want to control what occurs in other jurisdictions.

At Breads Bakery, a Jewish bakery in New York City, unionized employees demanded that the owners cut all ties with, and support for Israel. Now this is just ridiculous. When did it become a political issue to provide or purchase a decent bagel or a loaf of rye bread? Must everything be viewed within the realm of politics?

McDonald’s restaurants are rolling out their biggest burger ever, “The Big Arch”. The Big Arch features two beef patties, three slices of cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions and a new tangy Big Arch sauce on a poppy and sesame seed bun. One problem: the sandwich is expected to be priced between $11-13.00. OUCH!

Oklahoma based Sonic restaurants is seen a boom in its business. Internet searches for the restaurant confirm this, having risen by 1,601%. Goodness! English recommends the double smash cheeseburger. It is good.

Actor Sean Penn brazenly lit up a cigarette, and smoked it–!!!–at his table at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, during the 2026 Golden Globe Awards. He did not go outside? Oh, the horrors!

Who cares? Who in the world actually cares? Perhaps everyone should lighten up a little, light a cigarette and have another drink. Inside!

Dollars to donuts, if Sean Penn had lit a marijuana joint, no one would have said a word.

British comic and actor John Cleese said that World Cup soccer matches should be pulled from the United States in the wake of the ICE shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sigh. Mr. Cleese is a very funny and talented man. He should stick to what he knows, and stay out of American politics.

Iranian security forces have nearly lost all control of major cities to pro-freedom demonstrators. Tehran, Mashad, and Shiraz are now largely in the control of the demonstrators.

Brooks Koepka has been reinstated to the PGA Tour. Similar offers have been made to Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, and Jon Rahm.

Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir has died at the age of 78.

GFK

“Democracy means government by discussion but it is only effective if you can stop people talking.”

–Clement Attlee.

I find myself back in Northern Virginia, after a very pleasant time in Southside Virginia. I broke a long-standing rule, and drove North on Sunday. Which is usually a fool’s errand, given the number of Yankees returning home. But this Sunday, traffic on Rt. 29 was relatively light, and I started early enough to avoid the weekly crush. It was a pleasant drive.

On Saturday, English, Holland, and I traveled up to Meadows of Dan, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We had to replenish Holland’s supply of apple butter. There is a store that stocks the very best apple butter. And there is also Bob Burton’s candy store. Holland loves his fudge. So do her friends in Texas.

On Saturday evening, we enjoyed cocktails with Tom and Stuart Webster. Such a pleasant time! And Stuart was kind enough to serve mini ham biscuits. ADDICTIVE! So, so good!

We met the Club’s new golf professional, and his beautiful wife. Such a very pleasant couple. I hope that they enjoy many years of success in our little community.

The United States seized another Venezuelan oil tanker carrying sanctioned oil to our enemies. WINNING!

The federal Agriculture and Health & Human Services Departments have revised the “food pyramid”, putting more emphasis on proteins such as beef, vegetables, and fats–butter and olive oil. The new guidelines also remove the China Joe Administration’s disapproval on alcohol. EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY!

The Department of Justice is suing 2 California cities over their attempt to ban natural gas infrastructure from new housing construction. “Climate change” does not trump federal laws.

Puddin’head accused FOX News’s Jesse Watters of sexualizing and harrassing her on his television show. How so? Well, Puddin’head went on a rude rant against White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, calling him a “clown” and making fun of his physical appearance. In response to that rude rant, Jesse Watters jokingly said that it seemed that Puddin’head wanted “to sleep with Stephen Miller”. Oh, for goodness, sakes! THIS is what has Puddin’head agitated? Get a life. If you can dish it out, you have to be ready to take it.

“There are gonna be protests around this entire country because of the state-sanctioned execution that we all saw unfold unless there is some kind of justice that takes place, and we get the name of that officer and that officer is prosecuted.”

__Representative Jasmine Crockett, invoking the threat of mob violence.  “No justice, no peace”.

ICE agents shot 2 people in Portland, Oregon when they tried to run them down with their automobile. Again?!?

No, not the shooting again. In the last year, agitators have rammed ICE agents with their automobiles more than 100 times. MORE THAN 100! Driving a 4,000 lb. + machine at agents make that automobile a deadly weapon. WHICH ENTITLES an agent to use deadly force in response.

The 2 people shot in Portland were illegal aliens, and members of a Venezuelan gang. They tried to murder federal agents in an attempt to avoid detention. Naturally, Oregon officials from the Governor down to the Portland mayor and police chief took the side of the murderous criminals. Oregon Governor Kotek (D.) demanded that ICE leave Oregon “now”. No.

“It was an outright murder. This officer needs to not only be fired and suspended but — based on the video — charged.”

–Representative Dan Goldman (D. N.Y.), referring to the death of the Minnesota woman who attempted to run over ICE agents with her automobile.

The video is clear; the Minnesota woman drove into and struck an ICE agent. Newly released video from the front of her vehicle makes that clear. The ICE agent was hospitalized, and treated for injuries to his hip.

In response to the newly released video, Mayor Jacob Frey (D. Mn.) questioned whether the ICE agent might have been injured closing the refrigerator door with his hip. What an a$$!

Is it any wonder that there is violence in the streets, given the propensity of Democrats to engage in rage? Everything is an outrage to the Democrats. Everything is a threat to “our democracy”. Trump is “literally Hitler”. Trump is “a dictator”. Blah, blah, blah.

And Democrats go further than name calling. They also call for violent action. For example:

“That’s not acceptable.  We are going to fight it legislatively.  We are going to fight it in the courts.  We’re going to fight it in the streets.”

–Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D. N.Y.).

“What we’re hearing: The grassroots wants more.  ‘Some of them have suggested . . .  what we really need to do is be willing to get shot’ when visiting ICE facilities or federal agencies.”

–Anonymous Congressional Democrat.

“Our own base is telling us that what we’re doing is not good enough . . . [that] there needs to be blood to grab the attention of the press and the public.”

–Another anonymous Congressional Democrat.

Yet another Congressional Democrat said constituents have told him “‘civility isn’t working’ and to prepare for ‘violence . . . to fight to protect our democracy.’”

Do the Democrats want a civil war? Because that would be the logical conclusion to their behavior. They are feeding the rage of their political base, stoking tensions, perhaps to the point of no return.

Indeed, Governor Jazz Hands (D. Mn.) suggested that he may call out the National Guard to resist ICE. Are you *#&&^! kidding? Maybe the President should invoke the federal Insurrection Act and arrest Tampon Tim.

But remember . . . January 6.

Sigh. This is insane.

“. . . an ICE agent murdered a woman in Minneapolis—only the latest horror in a year full of cruelty.  As ICE attacks our neighbors across America, it is an attack on us all.  New York stands with immigrants today, and every day that follows.”

–New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D.).

Does this man understand that he is the Mayor of New York, and not the President of the United States?  He needs to mind his own business, shut the Hell up, and do the job he was elected to do.

“Save a Life, Kill an ICE.  Kristi Noem will hang.” 

–Chants by a mob in New York City.

Marriott Hotels fired an employee of its Bloomington, Minnesota hotel. The fired employee was taking the personal information of ICE agents staying at the hotel, and releasing it to radical Leftists groups to use in retaliation.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy (D.) called on private airlines to cease contracting with the federal government to transport deported illegal aliens. Fine. Send them all to Massachusetts. Let Governor Healy take care of them.

The Washington, D.C. city council is urging the mayor and the police chief to cease all cooperation with ICE. Wow. Our nation’s capital–a federal city–wants to obstruct federal law enforcement, and the enforcement of federal laws.

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D.) is upset that the federal government wants to eliminate traffic cameras in the District. She complains that the city cannot afford the expected loss of revenue. Yes you can.

Nebraska State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh (D.) was caught on video, removing portraits of our nation’s Founding Fathers from a wall in the State Capitol. What in the world?

In Queens [NYC], New York, a pro-Hamas mob descended upon a Jewish synagogue, shouting “We support Hamas!” Utterly disgusting.

Iran’s ayatollahs issued a statement, blaming the country’s unrest on . . . President Trump. Why not? Democrats in this country do it all the time. Orange Man Bad.

Is the PGA Tour done with Hawaii? If so, what hope is there for duffers during the month of January?

Brooks Koepka applied to return to the PGA Tour. Let him in.

Diane Crump, the first female jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby, has died at age 77. R. I. P.

GFK

“A liberal is a man too broad-minded to take his own side in a quarrel.”

–Robert Frost.

Good morning Dru! Good morning Frank! Good morning Jason!

Last night’s party at the Club was a BIG TIME. Saw lots of people. It was the first soiree of the New Year. Fun.

Well the College Football Championship game is set. The University of Miami will face off against Indiana on January 19. Miami beat Ole Miss in a thriller, and Indiana walloped Oregon. Not at all what the early season prognosticators thought would happen.

Today I offer for your reading pleasure the following thoughts on our Constitution, and that state of it, and our country. I hope you find it thought provoking.

THE VERY REVOLUTIONARY UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

BY:          Vince Coyner, The American Thinker (January 2, 2026).

During college one of my professors in Political Philosophy said that the only real revolutions in modern Western civilization were the French and the Russian.  He was right, but I didn’t quite get it at the time.  I do now.

While the American revolution was ostensibly a revolution, in reality it was more of a divorce where the kids kept the same parents, they just lived with their Mom.  Their Dad was still their Dad, but they didn’t have much to do with him. In contrast, the French and Russian revolutions were basically the children taking their parents out back and shooting them….

The American revolution was a revolution, but it wasn’t revolutionary. But what was revolutionary was the United States Constitution.

For the first time in history, a government was formed by a written constitution that described rights that were inherent from God (as articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the constitution of most of the original 13 states) upon which the government could not impede.  What’s more, the entire thing was created for the specific purpose of limiting the power of government. This was made clear by the Bill of Rights, which—beginning with Massachusetts—became the quid pro quo for getting the Constitution ratified. And in case anyone missed the point, the last of the ten amendments that make up the Bill of Rights states “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

That was every bit as revolutionary as the French sending King Louis XVI to the guillotine or the Bolsheviks shooting Tsar Nicholas II and his entire family in a basement.  But what’s more, unlike those other two revolutions, the American Constitution didn’t result in rivers of blood and a collapse of society.  On the contrary, it set the American experiment on its slow but methodical march to revolutionize the world and unleash the potential of man.

The American experiment worked… for almost 200 years.  Of course it didn’t work perfectly for everyone all the time, nor for some people any of the time, but for the overwhelming majority of people who have lived in the United States over the course of its existence, life has been better here than almost any other place on Earth.

But that experiment is in the process of collapsing. Why?  Simple.  Because the nation that was birthed with a constitution specifically geared toward limiting government power has metastasized into a nation where the government controls virtually everything.

Today it’s almost impossible for a person to get out of bed and go through a normal day without violating one or more laws.  Just the federal government alone, which was the government the Constitution sought to control the most, has so many laws that it itself can’t tell you how many there are. Justice Gorsuch estimates as many as 300,000.  To his credit, President Trump sees the problem.

But that is just one part of the problem.  Another, even more dire, is playing itself out on our X accounts and on TV right in front of us — except obviously, on the MSM….  I’m of course talking about the criminal enterprise that is known as what seems like the entire Somali population in America. It appears that Somalians in America have stolen almost as much money from American taxpayers as the entire GDP of Somalia itself.

This of course comes mere months after we saw DOGE discover the USAID / NGO grift machine documenting tens of billions of taxpayer dollars going to fund countless leftist programs.  Not surprisingly, both involve Democrats… but that’s an issue for another day.

As enraging as all of this is, these treacheries are just a drop in the bucket of where America has gone off her Constitutional rails. One need to look no farther than the federal budget to understand it. Today, 70% of federal spending goes to things that did not exist when the Constitution was written.

And we’re not talking about air traffic control towers or NASA.  No, these are programs where the government basically takes taxpayer’s money and gives it to someone else. And what would those things be? Social Security, Health, Medicare, Education & Income security. (While SS is not redistribution, it is money the government demands and then controls the distribution of.) That’s fully 70% of federal funding, clocking in at a cool $4.4 trillion. A century before, domestic spending — at that time usually on roads and farm subsidies — made up less than 13% of the federal budget.  Another way of looking at this is that in 1821, federal spending made up 2.5% of America’s total GDP while today it’s in excess of 23%.

The fraud in Minnesota and via USAID are merely the most blatant examples of a system that has gone rogue.  Half of American households pay essentially no income taxes while 100 million Americans receive some sort of government assistance.  And the icing on the cake is that we’re not even spending our own money, we’re borrowing to do so, and today the national debt stands  at 100% of GDP and unfunded mandates at twice that.

Between the stultifying regulations, the income redistribution and the rampant, government sanctioned fraud dressed up like social programs, Americans have betrayed their birthright.

America became the most powerful and consequential nation in human history specifically because of her explicitly limited government. For a period of almost 200 years she stood as a beacon of freedom and hope and opportunity. 

To the outside world that illusion of greatness may remain, but the reality is, much like the French Ancien régime before the revolution, there is a cancer at its core. And that cancer is government.  Not government per se, but rather an out-of-control government that regulates too much, spends too much, and controls too much.  Our government has become a leviathan in every manner possible and its tentacles and largesse have undercut the foundation upon which the nation was founded.

With the Democrat party’s Stalinist leanings and Stasi-like practices getting too difficult for free men to tolerate, the election of Donald Trump was a requisite for averting a real revolution. But it’s not sufficient.  The America that changed the world for the better, that unleashed a level of human achievement unlike any other cannot survive as a borg, which is exactly what it has become.

If Donald Trump and the mostly useless GOP Congress really want to actually make America great again, starting in 2026 they will turn their metaphorical guns and scalpels on the government itself and begin to bring back the primary idea that made America great in the first place:  Limited government. Without that, everything else is little more than rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, and the outcome will be the same.

GFK

“Conscience is the inner voice that warns us somebody may be looking.”

–H.L. Mencken.

I am safely ensconced in Chatmoss, awaiting English, Holland, and Dudley’s arrival this afternoon. The forecast is for warmer temperatures, and rain. That is just fine. I will never complain about warmer temperatures, especially in January. And we need the rain. In fact, there is nothing better than a rainy Winter day, at home with a good book. It is Nirvana!

The U.S. Department of War is reviewing the use of women in combat operations. Hopefully the review will lead to the implementation of a saner, more civilized military.

Following a State Department review, the President ordered the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations. MAGA!

Representative Steny Hoyer (D. Md.), who has been in Congress since 1980, is retiring. It’s about time; the man has never had a job outside the world of politics. He needs to get off the public dole. Oh, wait. He gets a pension.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reinstated California’s ban on teachers revealing children’s “gender identity” to their parents. That is just plain wrong.

“The people are the only censors of their governors: and even their errors will tend to keep these to the true principles of their institution.  To punish these errors too severely would be to suppress the only safeguard of the public liberty.  The way to prevent these irregular interpositions of the people is to give them full information of their affairs thro’ the channel of the public papers, & to contrive that those papers should penetrate the whole mass of the people.  The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.  But I should mean that every man should receive those papers & be capable of reading them.”

–Thomas Jefferson.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is shutting down. The paper began in 1786, and now it will be no more. Sigh.

“Look, if it was legitimate to invade a corrupt and an attempted authoritarian nation, then we better get troops on San Francisco and Boston — and all up and down the east and West Coast — because we would be ripe for invasion if somebody wanted to overturn a massively corrupt regime, which is, in my opinion, which we have here right this minute. And I think it’s unfolding right in front of us.”

–James Carville, speaking on MS NOW.

The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled that abortions were “healthcare”, and therefore the State’s bans on abortion were “unconstitutional”. Sigh. Murdering unborn children is healthcare? And up is down, war is peace, slavery is freedom, . . .

“I will fight this thing ‘til the very end to make this state better.  And the question I think they need to decide is when is the guy in the White House going to resign?  When does he take accountability for what he did?  Because it isn’t going to happen here in terms of us shying away from making the state better.”

–Governor Tampon Tim (D. Mn.), melting down at a press conference in response to calls for his resignation.

Nice deflection. Are you going to resign in the wake of the billions of fraud permitted by the Minnesota State government? And his answer is . . . Trump? Orange Man Bad syndrome.

Meanwhile, continued audits show even more fraud in Minnesota. The government was passing out governmental funds to non-governmental entities like candy. Some people need to go to jail.

“Get the f**k out of Minneapolis.  We do not want you here.  Your stated reason for being in this city is to create some kind of safety, and you are doing exactly the opposite.  People are being hurt, families are being ripped apart.”

–Mayor Jacob Frey (D. Mn.), blaming ICE for a crazed Leftist’s death, after the woman ignored police instructions, and tried to run over an ICE agent.

Mayor Frey dismissed the notion that the ICE agents were acting in self-defense, calling it “garbage”. He blamed the ICE agents, insisting that ICE’s very presence in the city is what caused the problem.

Governor Jazz Hands weighed in on the Minneapolis shooting, calling the self-defense claims by ICE “propaganda”. Watch the video, Tampon Tim. Watch the video.

The Minnesota woman was a radical Leftist, who was using her automobile to disrupt an ICE operation. When approached by agents, she ignored their lawful requests to turn off, and get out of, her car. Instead she resisted, and then, after backing up while ICE agents were trying to get her out of her vehicle, she suddenly accelerated, driving at an ICE agent in front of her. She sideswiped the ICE agent, as he fired shots at her. She acted in a criminal fashion, attempting to injure or kill ICE agents. She got exactly what she deserved.

Watch the video, Tampon Tim. Watch the video.

Tampon Tim also complained loud and long that ICE did not coordinate its operations with local law enforcement. You have got to be kidding. In Minneapolis, local law enforcement is forbidden to cooperate with ICE. But Tampon Tim wants ICE to cooperate with local law enforcement? Why? So local law enforcement can thwart ICE?

The Minnesota woman’s death was a foreseeable consequence of elected Democrats’ decision to resist and oppose federal law enforcement. The laws are on the books, and it is the President’s job to faithfully execute them, in every State. But Democrats are standing in the proverbial schoolhouse door, just like Governor George Wallace, vowing to resist and obstruct. Their actions have emboldened their supporters, and now this woman is dead. Not because of ICE. Because of Democrats.

New York City Tenants Advocate Cea Weaver–who openly advocates the abolition of private property in New York–broke down in tears and retreated into her home when reporters asked about her family’s multimillion dollar home in Nashville, Tennessee. Rules for thee, but not for me.

The Texas Supreme Court cut ties with the American Bar Association, ending the ABA’s accreditation of the State’s law schools. Going forward, the Supreme Court will handle accreditation. This is a good move. The ABA is just another Leftist interest group which is less about the law, and more about pursuing Leftist “social justice”.

Cracker Barrel is still learning to listen to its customer base. The restaurant chain announced it would return the hamburger steak platter, and eggs in a basket, to its menu. These items were originally removed in management’s efforts to provide less of a regional cuisine.

Jeopardy host Ken Jennings vowed to support any presidential candidate in 2028 that would criminally prosecute the members of the Trump Administration. Sigh. That show has not been worth watching since Alex Trebek died.

Canada’s Globe and Mail published an op-ed expressing the fear that, following the ouster of Nicolas Maduro, the United States was preparing to invade Canada. Many prominent Canadians have echoed the sentiment, fearing that their country will be absorbed, in whole or in part, into the United States. HA! Canadians are bigger weenies than imagined.

“At the call of my compatriots, I’ve stepped forward to lead this transition from this tyranny to a future democracy.  My role is to help my compatriot achieve that goal, to bring about a peaceful end by means of a national referendum and a constitutional assembly.”

–Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, speaking about his wiliness to lead Iran from rule by Ayatollahs to rule by the people.

After 18 years, the Baltimore Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh. I am not sure that is the best move for the NFL team to move forward in success.

Traitor to this country, Aldrich Ames, has died at age 84, in prison. Good riddance.

Talk show host, and son of Ronald Reagan, Michael Reagan, has died at age 80. At President’s Reagan’s funeral, Michael Reagan gave perhaps the most touching tribute to the great man, when he noted that his father always introduced him as his son, Michael. Not his adopted son, but his son. Michael was chosen, and loved by his parents. He was a stalwart in the conservative movement, guardian of his father’s legacy, and a great patriot. May God Bless his soul. R. I. P.

GFK

“Don’t just do something—stand there.”

–President Ronald W. Reagan.

Later this evening I am traveling to beautiful, bucolic Southside, hoping for a restful weekend, after my exhausting Christmas. The Club reopens tomorrow, and there is a party to attend. Hmmm. I may need to return to work to get that much needed rest. My leisure time is killing me.

Below is an article published earlier this week that I think all readers will enjoy. It draws a parallel between certain domestic policies, and the Democrats view of matters in Venezuela, pointing out the racism inherent in their policies and views.

THE RACIST AUDACITY OF THE PRIVILEGED LEFT

By:         Amy Curtis (January 5, 2026).

For years, I have argued — and rightly so — that the American Left embraces the “soft bigotry of low expectations.” Such a mentality best shows itself in two stories I wrote about around Christmas. The first is from the Cherry Creek School District in Colorado (CCSD), where it’s the district policy that black students are given leniency in disciplinary proceedings over students of other races. The district calls this policy “culturally responsive;” America First Legal filed civil rights complaint calling the policy what it is: discrimination.

The Leftists in charge of CCSD believe that disruptive and even violent classroom behavior by black students is “culturally appropriate” and blamed the “whiteness” of staff for objecting to such behavior. In Texas, the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (GCCISD) is covering up the disciplinary record of student Aundre Matthews after Matthews allegedly stabbed a 16-year-old fellow student, Andrew Meismer, to death before Christmas. Matthews himself bragged about his lengthy disciplinary record which included a dozen disciplinary incidents for things like insubordination, sexual misconduct, fighting, failure to follow rules, having a knife (twice), verbal abuse, and two incidents of simple assault against an employee. He was given in- and out-of-school suspensions, and parent conferences. It’s not a wild speculation to think GCCISD has a similar woke and race-based approach to discipline and “culturally appropriate” behavior as CCSD. They’re sure acting like it.

What does that mean for those of us who aren’t woke school administrators? They believe black students are incapable of conforming to basic behavior standards and are forcing the rest of the school to be tolerant of such behavior. If we aren’t, we’re the racist ones.

After President Trump took office and began deporting illegal immigrants by the planeload, the Left chimed in about it, warning Americans that we wouldn’t have anyone to scrub our toilets, mop our floors, and pick our crops. They stand in solidarity with illegal immigrants so long as they can get cheap blueberries and someone who can re-roof their house for a few dollars less. 

How is that any different from the blatantly racist rhetoric spouted by the KKK, a group the Left claims to hate, but with whom they share a lot of ideology just repackaged as woke and “tolerant”?

It’s not, and that’s the problem with the American Left: they are not only inherently racist, they believe it makes them morally superior, and they’re smug about it. As my colleague Matt reported, the shrill affluent white female Leftists (AWFLs) have pounced on Maduro’s ouster to virtue signal on behalf of the people of Venezuela.

It’s the height of the Left’s spoiled, racist privilege on display for everyone to see. And it’s as breathtaking in its audacity as it is its hypocrisy.

In 25 years, socialists took Venezuela from one of the wealthiest nations in the world to one of the poorest, where more than 70 percent of the population lives in poverty and resources — including medicine and food — are scarce. More than eight million Venezuelans were forced to flee the “warmth of collectivism” or face political persecution, starvation, or death. Maduro was so hated by his own people that he had to import Cubans for his security detail.

And yet the Left, who love to lecture us on respecting the “lived experience of Black and brown people,” have decided that they know better than these Venezuelans. Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson dismissed Maduro’s ouster as nothing more than a war for oil.

“The illegal actions by the Trump administration have nothing to do with defending the Venezuelan people; they are solely about oil and power,” Johnson wrote. “As we have said for the past two years, the dehumanization of migrants from Venezuela, and of immigrants generally, by the Far Right has laid the groundwork for military action in Central and South America. I strongly condemn the Trump administration’s inhumane treatment of migrants in our country and this illegal regime change abroad. In Chicago, we will continue to uphold the values of peace, diplomacy, and mutual respect for all people.”

Hello, projection.

The blunt truths are this: the American Left not only hates America, but it also hates democracy. Maduro lost a democratic election, and the best Democrats could do was pay lip service to removing him from office and standing with the Venezuelan people. When President Trump took action against an actual illegitimate leader, the same Democrats…attacked Trump. What Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez did in Venezuela is what the Left longs to do here: install socialism, take our guns, and subject us all to a life of poverty under the mercy of a dictatorial government that we can’t vote out of office. Mamdani in New York is the Trojan horse on this, the springboard for socialists to elect like-minded candidates across the country. The mask didn’t just slip, it’s fallen all the way off.

And the Left is now telling the people of Venezuela — both in the nation and abroad — that they, the white, affluent American Leftists, know better about what those Venezuelans need. They don’t need freedom or democracy. They need to keep living in poverty under Maduro because anything else undermines the Left’s agenda and their hatred of President Trump. The Left, once again, aren’t the good guys in any of this, and we would do well to remember that going forward.

The Venezuelan people deserved to be freed of the shackles of “warm collectivism,” and decent people everywhere should stand with them instead of with the racist Left, who long to keep them oppressed. And voters in America, of all races, should look at what the Left is doing and make a point never to vote them into office again. As I said the other day, it’s very easy to vote them in and damned near impossible to remove them.

GFK

“My dear McClellan:

If you don’t want to use the arm I should like to borrow it for a while.

Yours respectfully, A. Lincoln”

Democrats continue to wail and moan over the Trump Administration’s actions in ousting Nicolas Maduro. You see, they wanted Maduro out, but they do not like how or why the Trump Administration did it. China Joe did it the right way–in their view–by condemning Maduro and his treatment of the Venezuelan people, putting a $25 million bounty on his head, and then promptly eating an ice cream cone, ignoring the problem, and doing nothing about it.

But the mean, lawless Trump Administration actually did something. It took their concerns seriously, and acted to relieve the Venezuelan people. It acted to thwart the nefarious aims of our enemies, Cuba, China, Iran, and Russia. It acted to stop the flow of illegal narcotics into the United States. And it acted to protect American oil companies whose assets have been seized and misappropriated by the communist Venezuelan government.

Is there anything wrong with a “war for oil”? Assuming arguendo that the Trump Administration ousted Nicolas Maduro for the purpose of controlling Venezuelan oil, so what?

Would we rather some other country control the flow of Venezuela’s oil? China, Russia, or Iran? Why would we want that?

Why are some folks in this country reflexively opposed to any international action which gives the United States an advantage? Why would we not want the United States to have advantages over the rest of the world, particularly our enemies?

The United States is the premier world power. Twice within the last year President Trump has reminded the world of that fact. We are not an evil empire. We are a force for good. Ergo, we should want to be far and away the strongest country in the world, in all aspects. Those who disagree should consider living elsewhere. Somalia is nice this time of year.

The Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation into Tampon Tim (D. Mn.) and the Minnesota welfare fraud. That’s a shame.

The federal Health & Human Services Department rescinded a China Joe Administration regulation that required federal funds to be paid to daycare centers without any proof of enrollment or the provision of services. Is it any wonder that there is rampant fraud?

HHS is also freezing federal child care funds to California, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois, and New York, after an audit disclosed that the funds were going to illegal aliens. Whoa! Did not Democrats assure us that federal funds were not going to illegal aliens? Why, yes! Yes they did!

The former House of Representatives select committee on January 6, 2021, gathered together yesterday, and held a mock committee meeting over the events of 5 years ago. Because January 6 is the Democrats’ favorite holiday.

What a bunch of fools! No one–except them–cares a whit about January 6.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s Board of Directors voted to go out of business. No money.

William DeFoor, the son of a prominent Democrat donor, who goes by the name “Julia” [because he thinks he is a woman], vandalized the Cincinnati, Ohio home of Vice-President J.D. Vance. Just damn strange.

“We’ve really treated property as an individualized good and not a collective good.  Private property including and kind of ESPECIALLY homeownership is a weapon of white supremacy.” 

–Cea Weaver, New York City Tenant Advocate, who was appointed to her position by Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D.).

Someone planted a bomb at the Arizona Supreme Court building. Why?

Hilton severed all ties with the Minneapolis, Minnesota hotel franchisee that denied accommodations to ICE agents. GOOD!

“When the U.S. government says within a few hours of the operations, words like ‘We are going to run the country,’ and ‘We will rebuild the oil infrastructure before a transition,’ it makes me fear that the Venezuelan people may have shifted from one form of oppression to another.  I don’t think this military operation was about the people in Venezuela, when here in the U.S., we treat Venezuelans and other immigrants of color with cruelty.”

–Los Angeles, California Episcopal Bishop-elect Antonio Gallardo.

The Episcopal Church USA issued a formal statement expressing “concern” [and condemnation] of the Trump Administration’s ouster of Nicolas Maduro.  Naturally.  Because . . . Democrats.

Venezuela had very strict gun control laws. Is it any wonder the citizens could not change their government without outside assistance?

Colombia’s radical socialist President vowed to go to war with the United States if his country is attacked by the U.S. military. How did that work out for Nicolas Maduro?

World Cup matches will be held in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The tickets are scarce, and expensive, due to high demand. But New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani thinks this is unfair. He is demanding that World Cup tickets be made available to “everybody” at “reasonable prices”. Too bad he does not understand how markets work. And too bad he has no authority over events in New Jersey.

A fire destroyed the historic clubhouse at the West Essex Golf Club in Epping, London, England. Tragic. Thankfully the incident was without injuries to any persons.

Representative Doug LaMalfa (R. Ca.) has died at age 65. R. I. P.

Former CEO and President of Sheetz convenience stores, Stephen Sheetz, has died at age 77. R. I. P.

GFK

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

–Luke 2:14.

Today is the Christian Feast Day of Epiphany, celebrating the visit of the Magi (the Wise Men) to the baby Jesus, the physical manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. Epiphany also celebrates Jesus’s baptism, and the miracle at the wedding at Cana.

May the gifts of the Magi bless your life.

President Trump announced the construction of an Arc de Triomphe like monument near the Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C. The monument will commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday. Cue the howls of outrage from the usual suspects. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

The Department of War is issuing a formal censure to Senator Mark Kelly (D. Az.), for his role in the production of a seditious video. There will also be a review of his rank, and retirement pay.

“Another day, another unconstitutional war from Trump, who thinks the Constitution is a suggestion.   Congress has war powers — but Republican cowards are hiding under their desks while Trump orders an unauthorized attack against Venezuela.  Trump promised peace, but has delivered chaos.  The most important thing we can do is elect more Democrats who will check this administration’s power.”

–Text from a Democrat National Committee fundraising email sent on the day that the President announced the arrest of Nicolas Maduro.

Other than to oppose everything President Trump does, what exactly is the Democrat Party’s position on actual policies? Does it have any position? Other than to tax every American into poverty?

“The invasion of Venezuela has nothing to do with American security.  Venezuela is not a security threat to the U.S.  This is about making Trump’s oil industry and Wall Street friends rich.  Trump’s foreign policy — the Middle East, Russia, Venezuela — is fundamentally corrupt.”

–Senator Christopher Murphy (D. Ct.), speaking on CNN.

Blah, blah, blah.

“Donald Trump claims that he’s going to run Venezuela.  He’s done a terrible job running the United States of America.  So the notion that he’s going to run Venezuela and make life better for the Venezuelan people of course is belied by the facts as to what he’s done as President here in the United States of America.”

–Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D. N.Y.), who prefers the socialistic and ruinous policies of the China Joe Administration.

Commiela condemned the U.S. military action in Venezuela, accusing President Trump of putting U.S. armed forces in danger. Hmmm.

First, it is the armed forces job to be placed in danger. They lay their lives on the line all the time to protect our nation. They are not children who need coddling.

Second, this is coming from the cackling Vice-President who to this day deems that Afghanistan withdrawal “a complete success”. It was not. Indeed, the botched Afghanistan withdrawal cost the lives of 13 U.S. servicemen. The Venezuelan ouster of Nicolas Maduro? Zero (0) lives lost.

“Do not for a moment let your hatred and disdain for Donald Trump have you defending the dictator of my country, which was destroyed by [Maduro] and [Hugo] Chavez and their system 20 years ago.  We Venezuelans are very, VERY happy that our dictator has been arrested, removed, and will be put through a trial.  It’s the first time we’re seeing justice in 26 years!  Now let’s hope they get all of those criminals out of Venezuela and then we can return home.”

–Venezuelan journalist Germania Rodriguez Poleo.

In 2024, Senator Christopher Van Hollen (D. Md.)–Abrego Garcia’s drinking pal–went on the news and called Nicolas Maduro “illegitimate”, insisting that he must either step down from the Venezuelan presidency, or be removed by the United States and its allies. So surely, Senator Van Hollen supports President Trump’s actions in having the U.S. military remove Maduro? Well, no. Senator Van Hollen joined his Democrat colleagues in condemning the Trump Administration’s actions, calling them a “violation of law”.

China Joe put a $25 million bounty on Nicolas Maduro’s head, and not 1 Democrat criticized him. President Trump enforced China Joe’s bounty, and every Democrat is apoplectic. Go figure.

In 1973, 11% of Americans lived below the poverty line. In 2023, 11% of Americans lived below the poverty line. WHAT IN THE HELL are we spending trillions of dollars on, year in, and year out. This is insane. America’s welfare spending is not lifting Americans out of poverty. Rather, America’s welfare spending is contributing to the country’s impoverishment.

Nikole Hannah–Jones–she of the false history 1619 Project, which claimed that the United States was founded on slavery in the early 1600s–has now written a false history defense of JoAnne Deborah Bryon, who after accumulating a lengthy rap sheet of committing violent crimes, finally murdered a New Jersey State trooper during a routine traffic stop. JoAnne Bryon eventually escaped to Castro’s Cuba, where she lived out her life advocating violent Marxist racist revolution, and condemning America. Nikole Hannah-Jones dismisses the murder conviction as the product of “racism”, and was handed down by “an all white jury”. There is no dispute that Bryon murdered the trooper; only a defense that “racism” made her do it. There is barely a mention of the slain trooper, who was young, and left behind a wife and young children.

Nikole Hannah-Jones writes for The New York Times, and is a Howard University professor. She should know better. But “racism” sells, and Nikole Hannah-Jones is a superstar saleswoman.

“People often ask what socialists mean when we say we want to ‘decommodify’ housing.  Basically, we want to move away from a situation where most people access housing by purchasing it on the market and towards a situation where the State guarantees high-quality housing to all.”

–New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D.).

When was the last time you saw “high-quality” public housing?  There is no such thing.

It does not matter.  Zohran Mamdani does not believe in private ownership of property.  He will use the levers of government to punish private property owners, and impoverish the middle class.

Also in New York City, the Islam call to prayers is being blasted through loudspeakers 5 times a day, beginning at 5:00 a.m. Somewhere in Hell, Osama Bin Laden is smiling.

Readers will recall that San Francisco, California had enacted a reparations scheme for black residents, due to the effects of slavery. The scheme calls for payments of up to $5 million for each qualified recipient. That is a lot of money. But it is not enough for the black residents of San Francisco, who are demanding more, to wit:

1. The creation of black owned banks;
2. The forgiveness of all credit card and loan debts owed by black Americans;
3. The exemption of black owned businesses from all payroll and business taxes;
4. The city pays all black owned condo and parking fees;
5. The city seizes all vacant downtown office space, and turn it over to black residents;
6. The city makes cash payments to all black residents in compensation for the stress and anxiety of financial insecurity;
7. The city will fund black schools and churches; and,
8. The city will refinance all black held mortgages.

This is just a partial list of recently released demands. But there is a larger point, beyond the obvious that reparations are not owed, and are unconstitutional. That is, there is never enough money to satisfy the Left. They will always demand more. The payment of $5 million to each black resident is insufficient; there must be more.

Tampon Tim (D. Mn.) will not run for another term as Governor. Apparently, he already stole a sufficient amount of taxpayer dollars to last the rest of his life.

Wisconsin State Court judge Hannah Dugan resigned in the wake of her federal felony conviction for interfering with ICE agents’ arrest of an illegal alien. In her resignation letter, former judge Dugan was of course, the victim. Though she is a convicted felon, she is a “victim” because she stood up against the Trump Administration, in solidarity with criminals [illegal aliens].

In 1994, Kyle Hedquist was convicted of a heinous murder in Oregon, and sentenced to live in prison, without the possibility of parole. Naturally this is so unfair and cruel, so Governor Kate Brown (D. Or.) granted Kyle Hedquist clemency in 2022. And now Mr. Hedquist has a purpose, as the city of Salem, Oregon has just appointed him to its police review board. Mr. Hedquist will now investigate and sit in judgement of police and their actions. Sigh. That is just so wrong.

Virginia Democrats are sick and tired of their policy preferences being ignored or overturned. So now that they are in charge of the General Assembly, the Lt. Governor seat, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Governor seat, they want to enshrine their policies in the Commonwealth’s Constitution. Specifically, Democrats want to amend the Constitution to:

1. Engage in partisan gerrymandering of legislative districts. It should be noted that the Democrats last amended the Constitution to eliminate partisan gerrymandering. But they have changed their minds, so . . ;
2. Protect same sex marriage. Never mind that marriage is a creation of God, and is between one man and one woman. Democrats believe that nothing says marriage like 2 dudes on top of a wedding cake;
3. Protect abortion. No law should ever be passed again that restricts a woman’s “right” to murder her unborn child; and,
4. Extend the franchise to felons upon their release from prison. Because if we do not allow criminals to vote, Democrats might not win elections.

This is so wrong. This is so un-Virginian and un-American. But this is what the Leftists voted for in Northern Virginia, and now the whole Commonwealth will be punished.

Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger (D.) appointed a “Chief Diversity Officer”. Oh, good! Virginia’s government will resume judging people by the color of their skin, rather than by the content of their character. Just like in the good ‘ole days of Jim Crow! You know, when the Democrats ruled with an iron fist, and “separate but equal” was the law.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares (R.) settled the federal government’s lawsuit challenging the statute that granted in State tuition at public colleges and universities to illegal aliens. The Commonwealth conceded that the statute was unconstitutional, and agreed to enter into a consent judgment, forbidding its enforcement. Well, Governor-elect Spanberger (D.) and Attorney General-elect Jones (D.), along with the usual suspects, are outraged. How dare the Attorney General do his job without consulting with the Democrat-elects? And how dare the Attorney General not vigorously defend the statute?

Years ago, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring (D.) not only failed to defend Virginia’s marriage statute, but actually joined the other side challenging the statute. And Democrats all supported him. Hypocrites!

For more than 139 years, the no frills diner known as the Original Saugus Cafe, in Santa Clarita, California, has served presidents, film actors, travelers, and locals. Benjamin Harrison ate there in 1891 while campaigning for reelection. In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed a steak. Actors Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and John Wayne were regular customers. Ordinary diners often found themselves at the counter next to Frank Sinatra. Engineer William Mulholland enjoyed breakfast there while working on bringing water South to Los Angeles. The diner even appeared in movies, with shots taken on location. But no more. The Original Saugus Cafe closed yesterday. No more chicken fried steak, no more eggs and toast, no more pancakes, no more cheeseburgers, no more cold beer. No more.

EverPeak Hospitality is a Hilton franchisee in Minneapolis, Minnesota. EverPeak made a decision to not rent rooms or honor previously made reservations for ICE agents and Department of Homeland Security employees. Moreover, EverPeak made it clear in cancelling those reservations that it would not permit officials involved in federal immigration work on their properties for any reason. This is outrageous.

Retired tennis professional Martina Navratilova wants criminal sanctions to be placed on U.S. oil companies that do business in Venezuela in the wake of Nicolas Maduro’s ouster. Stay on your own court Martina!

PGA Tour professional Rory McIlroy wants the Tour to welcome back LIV golfers who wish to return. We agree. Let’s end this nonsense.

Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Billy Ray Barnes has died at age 90. R. I. P.

GFK

“And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.'”

–Luke 2:10.

Christmas ends today. Sigh. It was a wonderful celebration. I cannot wait til next year!

Following air strikes in Caracas, Venezuela, the United States military captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and flew the 2 to the United States, where they face criminal charges. WINNING!

President Trump announced that the United States would govern Venezuela, pending the peaceful transfer of power to democratic Venezuelan officials. MORE WINNING!

Venezuela under Maduro was a threat to the United States, and the rest of the Americas. It was Cuba on steroids. Now it needs to be returned to the people, and have its peace and prosperity restored.

“The Maduro capture, coupled with the air attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, suggest an extraordinary level of skill, technology and daring.  Precisely the opposite signal from that sent by the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan.”

–Brit Hume. 

China Joe issued a statement that he opposed Maduro’s tyranny, and would always stand with the Venezuelan people. But what did he actually do? Well, not much. He actually paid millions of dollars to Nicolas Maduro as a bribe to hold a free and fair election. Maduro gladly pocketed the money, and then stole the election. China Joe criticized President Trump as being an admirer of brutal dictators like Maduro. But when push came to shove, it was President Trump–not China Joe–who actually took decisive action to oust Nicolas Maduro.

Naturally, Congressional Democrats are outraged that a communist country might become free again. Their howls of protest played out across the mainstream media.

“Without authorization from Congress, and with the vast majority of Americans opposed to military action, Trump just launched an unjustified, illegal strike on Venezuela.  He says we don’t have enough money for healthcare for Americans—but somehow we have unlimited funds for war?”

–Representative James McGovern (D. Ma.).

If Representative McGovern would simply read the Constitution, he would realize that national defense is a prime function and power of the federal government.  If Representative McGovern would simply read the Constitution, he would realize that the federal government is not empowered to provide healthcare to anyone.  Dolt!

Virginia’s Senators Warner (D.) and Kaine (D.) beclowned themselves as they issued statements of condemnation for both Maduro and the United States. Yes, Maduro was bad, he was illegitimate, oppressive to his people, an enemy of the United States, and a willing partner with China, Iran, and Russia. BUT, it was worse for the United States to do anything about the situation. Sigh, typical Democrats. They want to complain, but they oppose any constructive action to solve the problem. Because if the problem is solved, then they cannot complain.

Senator Kaine is leading the charge to force a Senate vote this week, condemning the Trump Administration’s actions, and requiring it to cease all operations. Rather than rally around the flag, Democrats are rallying around a deposed communist and avowed enemy of the United States.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D.) condemned the overthrow of Nicolas Maduro. Normally, mayors have no foreign policy views. But Mr. Mamdani feels a special kinship with Mr. Maduro. After all, commies must stick together.

Pasty white faced New Yorkers who looked like they needed a bath demonstrated in New York City against the United States, demanding the release of Nicolas Maduro. Release Maduro? You have got to be kidding!

But no, this is not a joke. The New York City demonstrators made clear that they were in “solidarity with the Bolivarian Revolution”. They hate America. They love communists.

And they hate Jews. Why is this relevant? Signs carried by the demonstrators, and chants uttered by them, smeared Jewish people by claiming that the ouster of Maduro had a “Zionist taint”. Yes, yes, yes. The Jews are to blame for everything. Just ask Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who also blamed “the Jews” for Maduros’s capture and ouster.

Leftist news organizations called it a spontaneous grass roots demonstration, which is curious since most all the signs were professionally done and preprinted, espousing hatred of the United States, and the love of socialism. Another dead giveaway was the identification of a labor union on the bottom line of the signs.

Democrats cannot help it. They are genetically inclined to side with America’s enemies, against their own country. Democrats sided with the North Vietnamese, the Soviet Union, Salvador Allende, the Sandinistas, Castro, Mao, the Iranian Ayatollahs, Arab terrorists, illegal aliens, Somali fraudsters, and Islamists. Frankly, the Democrat Party is an enemy of the American people.

There was some Republican dissent over Venezuela. Representatives Thomas Massie (R. Ky.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R. Ga.) objected loudly to the military action. Big deal. Thomas Massie objects to everything. And Marjorie Taylor Green is a whore and a bimbo, a grifter who leaves Congress today. No one cares what she thinks. Indeed, most people do not believe that she thinks.

Do you know who was genuinely happy and pleased with Nicolas Maduro’s ouster? The Venezuelan people! In Venezuela, and around the world, Venezuelans gathered and cheered the liberation of their country. In New York City, hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants gathered at the detention center to jeer the arrival of Nicolas Maduro, and to celebrate his downfall. The very people who were the victims of his cruel regime are now free, and are able to rebuild their country. Take that you America haters.

Congressional Democrats wish to amend the Constitution to place limits on the President’s pardon power, claiming they fear that President Trump has misused it, and will misuse it even more. Funny that they did not have this fear when President Auto-Pen was pardoning violent criminals, political allies, and his family members. But when it comes to President Trump, . . Orange Man Bad. TDS.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I. Vt.) proposed taxing all robotics. He reasoned that it would be necessary in order to “compensate” people who lost their jobs due to automatization. Is there anything that Senator Sanders does not want to tax?

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS QUESTION: No. According to the Democrat Party, there is no “our money”. There is only “their money”.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D.) declared January to be “Muslim Heritage Month”, and ordered the Freedom Tower (World Trade Center One) to be bathed in green lights in order to celebrate “the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans.” MUSLIMS ATTACKED AMERICA, and KNOCKED THE WORLD TRADE CENTER TOWERS DOWN! They murdered more than 3,000 Americans on September 11, 2001 alone. This is perverse. This is obscene. This is surrender and capitulation to an ideology that seeks to conquer the rest of the world, including the United States. This cannot be happening, only 25 years later, after that fateful, horrible day. But it is. Because . . . Democrats.

“I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist.”

“Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously.”

“We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.”

–Lines from Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Inaugural Speech.

This is not good. Not if you live in New York City.

“He [Mamdani] said he intended to replace ‘the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.’ Collectivism in its various forms is responsible for the deaths of at least 100 million people in the last century.  For God’s sake, spare me the ‘warmth of collectivism.’  Socialist and communist forms of government around the world today — Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea, etc. — are disastrous.  Catholic social teaching has consistently condemned socialism and has embraced the market economy, which people like Mamdani caricature as ‘rugged individualism.’  In fact, it is the economic system that is based upon the rights, freedom and dignity of the human person.”

–Bishop Robert Barron.

Socialism and “collectivism” are antithetical to our country’s Founding, and the liberties and freedoms we were given from God, and which are our inheritance as the descendants of Englishmen. Mayor Mamdani has declared war on the United States. As has the Democrat Party.

“We have chosen prosperity for the many over spoils for the few.  We have chosen that over the distractions of bigotry and the barbarism of extreme income inequality.”

–Puddin’head.

Puddin’head and Senator Bernie Sanders (I. Vt.) both attended and spoke at Zohran Mamdani’s Inauguration. Senator Sanders told the assembled, who were chanting “tax the rich”, that the adoption of communist principles was “not that radical”. My goodness.

Mayor Mamdani suggested that the perfect model for U.S. governance was South Africa. Huh. South Africa is one of the most violent, racist, socialist countries in the world. It is spiraling into becoming a failed State. Private property is being seized and redistributed on the basis of race. That is the model that Mayor Mamdani wants to implement? Actually, it is. Read his pronouncements and policy positions.

On his very 1st day in office, Mayor Mamdani issued executive orders rescinding the official definition of “anti-Semitism” and lifted city restrictions on boycotting and divesting from Israel. What would you expect from a Muslim?

Minneapolis, Minnesota Mayor Jacob Frey (D.) told a group of Somalis that he intended to visit Somalia soon, as it had always been a life long dream of his to visit the country. Uh huh. Somalia is on so many people’s “bucket list”.

If Somalia is such a great place, why are so many Somalis in this country? Maybe they should return. And keep Mayor Frey.

“I stand with the Somali childcare providers who have experienced targeted harassment, and condemn the surveillance campaign promoted by extremist influencers.”

–Seattle, Washington’s communist Mayor Katie Wilson, who is calling for journalists who expose Somali welfare fraud to be prosecuted for hate crimes.

We wish this was a joke.  It is not.

Mexican President Scheinbaum condemned the U.S. military attack against Venezuela, and the capture of the Maduros, claiming it “seriously jeopardizes regional stability.” Really? What about Maduro’s alliances with China, Iran, and Russia? What about Maduro’s narcotics trafficking? What about Maduro’s exporting Venezuelan gang members to the U.S.? What about Maduro’s stealing of the last presidential election, and placement of a bounty on the real winner’s head? President Scheinbaum, stand down, and shut up. You may be next!

China also condemned the U.S. military attack against Venezuela, calling for adherence to “international law” and “respect for national sovereignty”. I wonder what the Taiwanese people think about China’s statements.

A Canadian funeral home is offering to rent rooms to folks who wish to commit suicide. The cost is $700.00, and includes your body’s transfer to the funeral home’s morgue. One stop shopping.

The College Football Playoffs semifinals matches are set. Oregon will face Indiana, after Oregon shut out Texas Tech, and Indiana dominated Alabama. I surely did not expect those results. And Mississippi will face Miami, after the Rebels upset Georgia, and Miami upset Ohio State. I wonder if Lane Kiffin regrets moving to LSU now? I hope so. Karma would be Ole Miss winning it all, sans Lane Kiffin.

One problem. If Ole Miss wins the national championship, LSU is obligated to pay $1 million to Lane Kiffin. It is his bonus package from Ole Miss, which LSU purchased as a part of Lane Kiffin’s new contract with the school. #*!&!

TCU overcame a 10 point deficit in the 4th quarter to beat the USC Trojans in overtime. Sigh. I should be used to this, but I am not. FIRE LINCOLN RILEY!

Seriously, could USC hire some folks for its Athletic Department who actually care about winning? Surely there must be some qualified Trojans alumni who want to restore this iconic football program to its former glory. Or at least win a bowl game.

Wake Forest won a bowl game, beating Mississippi State (sorry, Mary Hazen!). Wake Forest won a bowl game? Wow! Rob and Kelly Thornton are still celebrating.

SMU beat Arizona in The Holiday Bowl. Our family enjoyed every second of it. PONY UP!

Congratulations to Samuel Muehleck on bagging a swan. Samuel went duck hunting in North Carolina with his father and grandfather, and was the lucky holder of a swan stamp. And he bagged one! Very special occasion. It will be a memory of a lifetime.

William J. Martin, director of Richmond, Virginia’s Valentine Museum, has died at age 71. R. I. P.

Singer Christopher Rea has died at age 74. R. I. P.

GFK

Before the Christmas season leave us, I would be remiss not to republish Ann Coulter’s annual column about Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a thing with our “betters”. Among normal people, not so much. Because it is fake. Phony. And stupid.

Ann’s annual take on Kwanzaa is both informative and humorous. I have always liked Ann, even when she was just another D.C. lawyer, having not yet launched herself into a career as a pundit. There are not a lot of funny or clever D.C. lawyers. Funny and clever D.C. lawyers could hold their conventions in a phone booth. That is, if there were phone booths anymore. But Ann was (is) one of them.

Please enjoy.

HAPPY KWANZAA!  THE HOLIDAY BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FBI.

By:         Ann Coulter (January 1, 2026).

Now that my triumph over Kwanzaa is nearly complete, I’m continuing the tradition of writing about it this time of year merely to dance on its grave.

According to Google N-gram, book mentions of “Kwanzaa” got off to a roaring start around 1980 — or about a dozen years after it was invented out of whole cloth — soared in usage over the next decade, but then began a precipitous decline in 2000 — coincidentally, the year of my first annual Kwanzaa column.

There appears to be only person left who still pretends to celebrate Kwanzaa: Kamala Harris. She loves it so much, she observed the festival before it was even invented!

The completely made-up holiday was concocted in 1966, by Ron Karenga, aka Dr. Maulana Karenga, founder of “United Slaves,” the violent nationalist rival to the Black Panthers. He was also an FBI stooge.

Liberals have become so mesmerized by multicultural gibberish that they have forgotten the real history of Kwanzaa and Karenga’s United Slaves.

In what was ultimately a foolish gambit, during the madness of the ’60s, the FBI encouraged the most extreme black nationalist organizations in order to discredit and split the left. The more preposterous the group, the better. (It’s the same function #BlackLivesMatter serves today.)

By that criterion, Karenga’s United Slaves was perfect.

Despite modern perceptions that blend all the black activists of the ’60s, the Black Panthers did not hate whites. Although some of their most high-profile leaders were drug dealers and murderers, they did not seek armed revolution.

Those were the precepts of Karenga’s United Slaves. The United Slaves were proto-fascists, walking around in dashikis, gunning down Black Panthers and adopting invented “African” names. (I will not be shooting any Black Panthers this week because I am Kwanzaa-reform, and we are not that observant.)

It’s as if David Duke invented a holiday called “Anglika,” which he based on the philosophy of “Mein Kampf” — and clueless public schoolteachers began celebrating the made-up, racist holiday.

In the category of the-gentleman-doth-protest-too-much, back in the ’70s, Karenga was quick to criticize Nigerian newspapers that claimed certain American black radicals were CIA operatives.

Now we know the truth: The FBI fueled the bloody rivalry between the Panthers and United Slaves. In the annals of the American ’60s, Karenga was the Father Gapon, stooge of the czarist police. Whether

Karenga was a willing FBI dupe or just a dupe remains unclear.

In one barbarous outburst, Karenga’s United Slaves shot two Black Panthers to death on the UCLA campus, Al “Bunchy” Carter and John Huggins. Karenga himself served time, a useful stepping-stone for his current position as the chair of the Africana Studies Department at California State University at Long Beach.

The esteemed Cal State professor’s invented holiday is a nutty blend of schmaltzy ’60s rhetoric, black racism and Marxism. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are identical to those of the Symbionese Liberation Army, another invention of The Worst Generation.

In 1974, Patty Hearst, kidnap victim-cum-SLA revolutionary, famously posed next to the banner of her alleged captors, a seven-headed cobra. Each snakehead stood for one of the SLA’s revolutionary principles: Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba and Imani. These are the exact same seven “principles” of Kwanzaa.

When Karenga was asked to distinguish Kawaida, the philosophy underlying Kwanzaa, from “classical Marxism,” he essentially said that, under Kawaida, we also hate whites. (And here’s something interesting: Kawaida, Kwanzaa and Kuumba are also the only three Kardashian sisters not to have their own shows on the E! network.)

While taking the “best of early Chinese and Cuban socialism” (mass murder or the seizure of private property?), Karenga said Kawaida practitioners believe one’s racial identity “determines life conditions, life chances and self-understanding.”

Or as we know it today, “Lesson plan for K-12 students.” (Except in Florida, thanks to miracle governor DeSantis.)

Kwanzaa emerged not from Africa, but from the FBI’s COINTELPRO. It is a holiday celebrated exclusively by idiot white liberals. Black Americans celebrate Christmas.

Sing to “Jingle Bells”:

Kwanzaa bells, dashikis sell
Whitey has to pay;
Burning, shooting, oh what fun
On this made-up holiday!

GFK