“The purpose of Lent is not to force on us a few formal obligations, but to ‘soften’ our heart so that it may open itself to the realities of the spirit, to experience the hidden ‘ thirst’ for communion with God.”

— Saint John Paul II.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JASON MUEHLECK! Jason is an aspiring Dallas Cowboys fan, and future Martinsville, Virginia City Council member.

Interesting things I have learned. Holland Koontz informs me that there is a girl in one of her classes who is also named Holland. Moreover, when she was getting a coffee over the weekend, she encountered a teenager in the shop who was named Holland. What are the odds?

Now Holland is not a common name by any means. Indeed, Holland is a nickname for our daughter, derived from the family name “Hollandsworth”. Her name is Grace Hollandsworth Koontz. But the 2 girls in Dallas she encountered are actually named “Holland”.

If I ever encounter another Basset Hound named “Dudley”, I’m buying a lottery ticket. It is a definite sign.

“This is all about our country right now.  I love the USA.  I love our teammates.  It’s unbelievable.  The USA hockey brotherhood is so strong.  We had so much support from ex-players, and I’m so proud to be American today.”

–Jack Hughes, member of Team USA, speaking after his team beat Canada to win the Olympic gold medal.

Arthur Liu was born in Red China, and participated in the Tiananmen Square protests in Peking. He agitated for democracy in China, and was forced to emigrate to the United States as a result of communist persecution. To this day, the Chinese Communists act to harass and intimidate Mr. Liu. They offered to leave him alone, and pay him millions of dollars if only his daughter Alysa, a native born American, would compete in Olympic skating competition on behalf of China. The Lius refused. Alysa Liu competed for Team USA, and won the gold medal.

Meanwhile, Eileen Gu, a native born American took Red China’s millions of dollars. She has whined that she has been criticized for competing on behalf of China, instead of her own country, the United States. She won a silver medal in skiing.

One athlete born in America chose the regime that countless others risked and lost their lives to in an effort to bring democracy to the communist nation.  Another athlete, whose father risked everything for freedom, refused to skate for the government that once persecuted him.  

Alysa Liu’s gold medal is not just a victory in the skating rink. It is a quiet rebuke to the idea that loyalty can be bought and that freedom is merely branding. 

For the Liu family, America wasn’t a marketing opportunity.  It was a refuge.  And this week, it was the flag raised above the podium, and a gold medal around her neck.  And in a world of Eileen Gus, be an Alysa Liu. A true American.

New York City has not dug out from the last snowstorm, and it is now the recipient of many more inches of the frozen white stuff. Mayor Comrade Zohran Mamdani (D.) begged for paid volunteers who would assist the City in shoveling the sidewalks and streets. One catch; if you wish to get paid $19.00 an hour for shoveling snow, you must complete extensive paperwork, and produce 5 forms of ID, to wit: 2 photographs, 2 photo IDs, and your Social Security Card. IT IS HARDER TO GET PAID TO SHOVEL SNOW IN NEW YORK THAN IT IS TO VOTE! Because you need not provide photo ID to vote in New York.

Why doesn’t Mayor Comrade Mamdani want black and brown people to shovel snow? Because his excuse for opposing photo ID as a voting requirement is that black and brown people cannot obtain photo ID.

Los Angeles, California Mayor Karen Bass (D.) was enjoying a photo op in her city, filling a pothole on a city street. The streets of Los Angeles are littered with potholes, but Mayor Bass was especially proud of the fact that city workers had repaved 60 miles of city streets. Sadly, Los Angeles has 22,000 miles of city streets, and virtually all are in disrepair.

Somboon Phaymany is a Cambodian citizen. Until very recently, Mr. Phaymany was serving a prison sentence, having been convicted by a California jury of 10 counts of attempted murder. He as also facing eventual deportation back to Cambodia. But now Governor Gavin Newsom (D. Ca.) has intervened, and pardoned Mr. Phaymany, in order to make it harder for ICE to deport him.

Think about that. California’s Governor, who wants badly to be President of the United States, would rather have a would be mass murderer walk free, cancelling a jury’s verdict, than permit that would be mass murderer be returned to his home country. Does that make any sense to you? Any at all?

Did you know that Virginia has the 15th strictest gun control laws in the United States? It is far more restrictive than any other Southern State (except for Maryland), and most Western States. California is the #1 strictest State, no surprise. But Virginia is an outlier among Southern States, and Governor Spanberger (D.), who hails from New Jersey, is trying to move the needle closer to California. I may well have to move. Kenan is already determined to move. Of course, he has far more firearms than I do.

More than 2/3 of Mexico is ablaze with violence in reaction to Mexican Security Forces killing a drug cartel head. The violence started in Puerto Vallarta, and rapidly spread, trapping American tourists in Pacific coast resort cities. Armed gunmen attacked the airport in Guadalajara, making it impossible to flee the violence.

THIS IS WHY, Holland Koontz, your Father forbids you to travel to Mexico, no matter how often you ask! No matter how many of your friends or family members go there. Our friends the Bayses left Mexico years ago for a reason, and this is exactly the reason. It is not safe. And it is why you are not allowed to go there.

The Mexican state will continue to offer up big-name cartel figures ad infinitum, but their elimination alone changes little.  What would be transformative is bringing to account the politicians who enable, protect and promote cartels.  These men are at the very heart of Mexico’s Morena ruling political party regime.  That is what a true strategic win would look like, and it is what the United States must resolutely pursue.

Mrs. Babette Burge, 97, fell in her home, and called for emergency services. A paramedic responded, examined Mrs. Burge, and concluded she had broken her hip. He informed her that an ambulance would be there in 10 days. Five (5) days later, a neighbor found Mrs. Burge lying on a floor in her home, dying.

Mrs. Babette Burge is the victim of socialized medicine, or what Senator Bernie Sanders (I. Vt.) would call, Medicare For All. Vote it in, and you too can wait 10 days for an ambulance.

Disgraced former British Ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson was arrested in England on criminal charges relating to misconduct while in official office. Apparently, Mr. Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein. Huh. Maybe he and Andrew Mountbatten Windsor can share a prison cell.

GFK

“If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him.  If you cry with Him, you will have joy with Him.  If you die with Him on the Cross of tribulation, you will possess the eternal dwelling place in the splendor of the saints.   And your name, written in the Book of Life, will be glorious among men.”

— St. Clare of Assisi. 

A dear reader–a Democrat–was gleeful that the United States Supreme Court ruled against the President in the tariffs case. He hates the President (having admitted so on many occasions), but he was particularly angry that he had to pay a $70.00 tariff fee on a purchase of furniture. Hmmm.

This particular dear reader has never, ever expressed any opposition to a tax imposed on the “rich” in this country. He thinks that the “rich” ought to pay “their fair share”. But when he had to pay a tax–his “fair share”–he was outraged. Why? Because Democrats are hypocrites. They want everyone else to “pay up”, while they keep their money. It is reminiscent of Soviet Russia, where party members were comfortable, while ordinary citizens suffered.

“Although I firmly disagree with the Court’s holding today, the decision might not substantially constrain a President’s ability to order tariffs going forward.  That is because numerous other federal statutes authorize the President to impose tariffs and might justify most (if not all) of the tariffs at issue in this case—albeit perhaps with a few additional procedural steps that IEEPA, as an emergency statute, does not require.  Those statutes include, for example, the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Section 232); the Trade Act of 1974 (Sections 122, 201, and 301); and the Tariff Act of 1930 (Section 338).  In essence, the Court today concludes that the President checked the wrong statutory box by relying on IEEPA rather than another statute to impose these tariffs.”

—Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, (Kavanaugh, J., dissenting).

So what happened? Are the tariffs gone? No.

The United States Supreme Court erred. The law in question gives the President–not the courts–the discretion to declare an economic emergency, and the ability to control foreign imports. That is exactly what President Trump did with his imposition of tariffs.

Now an argument can be made that Congress sloppily wrote the law, way back when, and that it does not authorize the President to act as he did. Fair enough. The Observations will not quibble with any argument that Congress fails to do its job legislatively. It usually does not.

And a fine argument can be made that the Supreme Court should have recognized this as a political and policy dispute. It could have reversed the Federal Circuit Court’s finding, and dismissed the case on those grounds. Chief Justice Roberts’s ego would not allow that, he of saving Obamacare fame.

“Let’s be clear about today’s ruling.  Despite the misplaced gloating from Democrats, ill-informed media outlets, and the very people who gutted our industrial base, the Court did not rule against President Trump’s tariffs.  Six Justices simply ruled that IEEPA authorities cannot be used to raise even one dollar of revenue.  This Administration will invoke alternative legal authorities to replace the IEEPA tariffs.  We will be leveraging Section 232 and Section 301 tariff authorities that have been validated through thousands of legal challenges.”

–Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

President Trump immediately reimposed the tariffs using different statutory authority. The tariffs remain in place. They are now arguably on firmer legal ground. And they are important. Because the United States must disengage economically from China. And because those countries that have long taken advantage of the United States–Canada, Germany, France, et al.–must engage on a more even playing field.

The Observations is an ardent cheerleader for free trade. But we do not have free trade. What we have is an amalgamation of rules, regulations, tariffs, and other restrictions that all work to the disadvantage of the United States. Sadly, it is our own fault as we first tried to help European nations and Japan recover from the devastation of World War II, and second, we elected Presidents who embraced “globalism” as the answer to the world’s problems. “Globalism” is a euphemism for “America Last”. President Trump is working to make America First. We should support him.

United States Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach, Florida deputy sheriff shot and killed a man who had breached Mar-A-Lago’s security perimeter. Another deranged Leftist would be assassin bites the dust.

The Commission of Fine Arts in Washington, D.C. unanimously approved the design of The White House Ballroom. WINNING!

Three (3) Vietnam veterans and a historic preservationist have sued the National Park Service to stop the construction of President Trump’s proposed Arc of Triumph. Because they do not like the design or the placement. And of course, their opinion matters more than the President’s. Because . . . Orange Man Bad.

“Let’s call a thing, a thing.  Donald Trump is a racist.  There is no question in my mind. It’s time to say the truth and tell it like it is . . . .”

–Serial racist, The View co-host, and all around imbecile, Sunny Hostin.

New York City Comrade Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D.) wants to fire 5,000 police officers, and raise property taxes 10% across the board. Isn’t socialism grand?

“We had too many white men in charge.  The executives should reflect the city.”

–Washington, D.C. Water Department Manager, David Gadis, explaining why the largest sewage spill in United States history occurred in the Potomac River.

Mr. Gadis is an idiot. Not because he is black, but because he is a Democrat.

Remember the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico? It was 1/2 as large as the sewage spill in the Potomac River, yet the media covered it 24/7. Have you seen any coverage of the sewage spill in our nation’s capital? Hmmmm.

Governor Wes Moore (D. Md.) is incapable of cleaning up the sewage spill. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D.) did not even try, and immediately begged President Trump for help. Now those evil “white” guys are back in charge, and the sewage spill will be cleaned up. Do not expect the media or the Democrats to assign proper blame, or to express proper credit and gratitude.

Leftists attacked the outdoor skating rink at the Trump/Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., pouring toxic chemicals into the rink, damaging the structure, and forcing the cancellation of at least 1 performance. It was “mostly peaceful” vandalism.

ICE arrested an illegal alien who was employed as a Minnesota State corrections officer. At the time, the illegal alien was AWOL from the Pennsylvania National Guard. Sigh. WHAT IS GOING ON?

An illegal alien subject to a final deportation order murdered a Georgia school teacher. His lawyer–court appointed–argued that his client should be granted bond, because he was fleeing ICE, who was conducting an “illegal” operation. Yes, yes, yes. Let us set him free to once again disappear into our country’s interior. Who will he murder next?

Eric Rivera is an elementary school teacher in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Rivera teaches first graders, for now. Because school authorities are threatening to terminate Mr. Rivera due to his refusal to read a book about “same sex marriage” to his students.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, sitting en banc, overturned a lower court’s ban on Louisiana displaying the 10 Commandments in public school classrooms. The usual suspects are suffering from a severe case of the vapors. Real Americans are relieved.

In Bountiful, Utah, an elementary public school teacher forced a Catholic student to remove his ashes from his forehead. The little boy explained to the teacher that he was Catholic, and had attended Ash Wednesday services prior to coming to school. The teacher admonished the little boy, calling the sign of the cross on his forehead “inappropriate”, and forced him to wipe it off in front of the class. Evil. Just plain evil.

California Governor Gavin Newsom (D.) caved in to the U.S. Department of Transportation, and will now mandate English proficiency for those seeking drivers licenses. Governor Hair Gel’s government is so broke it could not withstand the withholding of a mere $40 million.

California’s State government has funneled $100 million of taxpayer funds to non-profit organizations, whose only function is to stage and engage in Left wing protests. Wow. Imagine how much money Californians would have if their State government did not steal it and give it to their political allies.

California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter (D.) held up a whiteboard at a rally, where she had written “F**k Trump”. What a vile, disgusting woman.

“They said it, not me.  And I am proud to have lived my whole life on the south side of Chicago.  I’m not scared of a wannabe dictator.  I’m running for Senate to stand up to Donald Trump.”

–Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton (D. Il.).

Illinois Lt. Governor Juiliana Stratton (D.) is running for United States Senate, to replace retiring Senator Dick Durbin (D.). Currently Juliana Stratton is running a television commercial where a series of people appear on screen, and state simply “F**k Trump”. The people who appear include sitting U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D. Il.). The advertisement is crude, rude, and beneath the dignity of a civilized person, much less an elected official. But it is exactly what one would expect from a Democrat. Just ask Katie Porter.

Lewis University [Chicago, Illinois] cancelled all classes held in a downtown office building, and moved the classes to online learning, after discovering that ICE rented space in the same office building. How &#@^$! childish!

During the tenure of Governor Glenn Youngkin (R. Va.), Boeing relocated its Defense, Space, and Security division headquarters to Arlington, Virginia. Now that Governor Abigail Spanberger (D. Va.) is in charge, Boeing is moving its operations from Virginia to St. Louis, Missouri. Because . . . taxes. And so it begins. The great exodus due to Democrat misrule.

More than 300 students marched out of Woodbridge High School [Virginia], skipping classes, and protesting their country. The school suspended them all for 3 days. Consequences.

Congratulations to Chris Boswell on launching his run for Lynchburg, Virginia City Council. Chris will be a check on the socialists in Richmond.

Congratulations to federal judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III on receiving the 2026 Outstanding Virginian Award. He is the longest serving judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

During the season of Lent, Catholics and Anglo/Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays. This practice was the inspiration for the introduction of McDonald’s Filet O’Fish sandwich, a most successful endeavor. And now other fast food outlets are getting into the fish on Fridays craze–for a limited time only. Other restaurants selling fish sandwiches through the drive-thru during Lent include Wendy’s, Bojangles, Del Taco, Dairy Queen, Arby’s, Popeye’s, and Whataburger. No rod and reel required.

Oklahoma will be getting that State’s 1st Buc-ee’s. The new store will be located off I-40, West of Oklahoma City.

Great Britain is blocking the United States from launching air strikes against Iran, because they are afraid the strikes may violate international law. Sigh. There is no such thing as “international law”. Iran is a direct threat to Europe, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer is a weenie. Some NATO partner.

Canadian economist Trevor Tombe and the International Monetary Fund ran the numbers in 2023 and 2024 and concluded that Canada had become poorer than Alabama.  Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

Olympic skier Eileen Gu, an American who is competing for the Red Chinese, says she feels like a “punching bag”, given all the criticism she has received for not competing for the United States. Who cares? The communists are paying her millions of dollars to abandon her country, and compete for them. She is a present day Benedict Arnold. The Hell with her.

Congratulations to Team USA! Both the men’s and women’s teams won the gold medal in ice hockey, defeating Canada’s teams. The men’s victory comes 46 years to the day since Team USA men’s ice hockey team beat the Soviets in the 1980 Olympics, to advance to the finals against Finland. WINNING!

Congratulations to Jacob Bridgeman on winning the former Glen Campbell Los Angeles Open at the Riviera Country Club. A fantastic win at “Hogan’s Alley”, which has challenged golfers for 100 years.

Former Pittsburgh Pirate Bill Mazeroski, who hit a walk off home run to beat the New York Yankees, and win the 1960 World Series, has died at age 89. R. I. P.

Virginia State Delegate Barry Knight (R. Va. Beach) has died at age 71. R. I. P.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore has died at age 25. R. I. P.

Musician Willie Colon has died at age 75. R. I. P.

GFK

“Nothing, how little so ever it be, if it is suffered for God’s sake, can pass without merit in the sight of God.”

–Thomas a Kempis

“However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.” 

–George Washington

Today is the 294^th birthday of the greatest of our Founding Fathers, George Washington.  Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, George Washington enjoyed a career as a surveyor, soldier, farmer, and politician, and made great impacts on the nation and Virginia in each of his endeavors.  Without George Washington, there would have been no victory in the Revolutionary War, no Constitution after the failed Articles of Confederation, and likely no restraint and the tradition of the peaceful transfer of power from one political administration to the next.  George Washington, in the context of the founding of our country, truly was the indispensable man.  May we always honor him, and learn from his example.

“It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliance with any portion of the foreign world.”

–President George Washington, Farewell Address, September 19, 1796

George Washington, a man of war, warned our country to avoid unnecessary foreign entanglements.  He wished for the United States to pursue its own interests, and to be on good terms with all nations.  Sadly, since the George H.W. Bush administration, the country has been dominated by a clique who strains at the leash to send American troops to fight their battles.  Someone should tell these warmongers that real life is not a board game of “RISK!”.

“A pack of jackasses led by a lion is superior to a pack of lions led by a jackass.”

–George Washington

The Observations submits that this is where we are today.  President Trump—like him or hate him—is a lion.  He is trying to lead the country to a better future.  And he is leading a pack of jackasses—Congress, and the entire Washington establishment.  Not to mention a populace which has a large segment of what the late Rush Limbaugh referred to as “low information voters”.  Our country has strayed so far from its Constitutional moorings that people have forgotten, if they ever knew, what it was like to be free and independent.  That has to change, and it seems to be starting with President Trump.  Let’s hope it continues.

“99% of failures come from people who make excuses.”

–George Washington.

Oh, so very true.  At least since President Reagan, politicians of both parties have promised to combat “waste, fraud, and abuse”.  Some, like President Reagan, have actually tried.  Too many—like Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Senator Mitch McConnell, and others—have just uttered the words as talking points, with no effort whatsoever to curb the Leviathan that is our federal government.  If George Washington were alive today, he would not recognize our federal government.  And he would not like it.  He did not lead a revolution against the world’s greatest military power only to establish that which exists today, a government that inserts its tenacles into every nook and cranny of our citizens’ everyday lives.

“Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force.  Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.  Experience has taught us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession, and when the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”

–George Washington.

Listen to the hysteria over government bureaucrats having to do their jobs, and some losing their jobs.  These folks really believe that they are entitled to your money, and to force you to heed their directives.  That is not real life.  It certainly is not the private sector.  When China Joe used the force of government to kill the Keystone Pipeline upon entering office, he dismissed the loss of 60,000 high paying, union jobs.  When asked about it, he said that the newly unemployed should learn to “code” computer programs.  Well, it that is good enough for private citizens, it is good enough for government bureaucrats.  Let them learn to “code”.

“Leadership is not only having a vision, but also having the courage, the discipline, and the resources to get you there.”

–George Washington.

There is not a lot of courage in Washington.  We pray that there is enough, and that the American people are determined to finally do something about the mess that is our federal government.  It will not be easy, and it will not be quick.  But it can be done.  This is not a burden merely for the Trump Administration.  It is our burden too.

“Make sure you are doing what God wants you to do–then do it with all your strength.”

–George Washington.

For all the fashionable talk about our Founding Fathers being Deists, the truth is that George Washington was a deeply religious man, a member of the Anglican faith.  He knew, as should we all, that without God, we are lost.  But with God, all things are possible.  But for the intervention of Divine Providence, we would have no country.  And without the intervention of Divine Providence, we will not be able to keep that which was bequeathed us.

First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, George Washington truly was the indispensable man. He is the greatest Virginian.

Happy Birthday George!  May God Bless your soul.

GFK

“The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort.   You were made for greatness.”

— Pope Benedict XVI.

Tomorrow is George Washington’s birthday. Mr. Washington is fondly remembered as the “Father of our country”. He is the greatest Virginian, and perhaps, the greatest American.

The Observations dedicates this weekend to remembering a man who, frankly, receives too little attention today. May we change that.

Why George Washington should still inspire every American

BY:          Editorial Board, The New York Post (February 15, 2026).

Though rarely honored these days exactly on Feb. 22, his actual birth date, “Presidents’ Day” is officially still Washington’s birthday. And that’s entirely right and proper, as our first chief executive deserves every American’s gratitude.

Amid today’s bitter political discord, all should consider Washington’s example. 

Yes, he — and the entire generation of the Founders — achieved greatness that none of their successors could hope to match. 

That’s due partly to the historical ferment he lived through, but also to (riffing off a fellow whose birthday we celebrated last month) the content of his character. 

Richard Brookhiser rescued this view of Washington in his landmark book, “Founding Father.”

Hidden behind myth, written off by revisionists as just another dead, white, male slave owner, Washington was in fact a man for the ages.

Born a Virginia aristocrat, he carefully cultivated his virtues — self-control, moderation, civility; his strengths physical and moral — to become the most widely admired presence first in the 13 colonies, then in the new nation.

He created two American institutions.

First was the army, which he commanded from 1775 to 1783, shaping a collection of ragtag, untrained and undisciplined soldiers into a fighting force that defeated the world’s superpower, Great Britain.

As president, he also set the future course of the US government itself, carefully setting precedents that had to last — amid the discord of his day over the precise form our government should take.

Yet his importance goes far beyond his resumé.

It was Washington who emphasized that America was a republic when he rebuked those who wanted a monarchy or an exalted president.

He drove that point home by stepping down after two terms to sit “under his own vine and under his fig tree” — his most cited bit of scripture, from Micah 4:4.

“Washington’s last service to his country was to stop serving,” writes Brookhiser.

He was also the only slaveholding founder to free his slaves.

As Brookhiser wrote in these pages in 2012, “The principles of the American Revolution appear in the opening of the Declaration of Independence, but our enemies were not impressed. Samuel Johnson, the English writer and Tory, scoffed: ‘Why is it that the loudest yelps for liberty are heard from drivers of Negroes?’ ”

“At the end of his life,” writes Brookhiser, “Washington decided to do something about it.

“In 1799 he drew up a will directing that his slaves — more than one hundred — be freed at his wife Martha’s death. Those who were too old to work would be supported by his estate; those who were too young would be educated and freed at age 25. He singled out one man by name, William Lee, his former body servant, ‘for his faithful services during the Revolutionary War.’ ”

That is: “Washington at the end of his life acknowledged his and Lee’s shared experience as veterans.

Rightly so: They had both fought to uphold the principle that all men are created equal.”

For all these reasons and more, there was no dissent when Henry Lee famously described Washington in death as “first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

Unlike other notable presidents — Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR, JFK, Reagan — Washington left no memorable lines which we continue to quote today. But, as Brookhiser tells us, “His life still has the power to inspire anyone who studies it.” Give it a try.

GFK

“The Lord measures out perfection neither by the multitude nor the magnitude of our deeds, but by the manner in which we perform them.”

-– St. John of the Cross

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is in the custody of British police, pending an inquiry into a criminal complaint of misconduct while in official office. He was arrested yesterday, on the occasion of his 66th birthday, at home. This will likely not end well.

The federal government is still partially shut down, thanks to Senate Democrats. Because they care more about illegal aliens than they do about American citizens.

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Democrat Party posted nice recognitions on its website, and on social media, about Ramadan and the Lunar New Year. Notably, the Democrat Party did not mention Ash Wednesday, or the Christian Season of Lent. Hmmmm.

A dear reader–a Democrat–criticized The Observations’ references to Christianity and religious related observations. The dear reader seemed to be triggered by The Observations’ reference to Lent on Ash Wednesday, and Thursday’s posting of an article criticizing “same sex marriage”. The dear reader seems to be right in line with his political party of choice. He hates Christians.

Democrats want to “cap” the price of groceries. What a truly horrible, stupid idea. Want to see what a Soviet grocery store, with its limited quantities, scarce choices, and empty shelves? Enact price controls on food in the United States, and you shall soon see.

Representative Don Bacon (R. Ne.) joined with Democrats to establish a Congressional review panel of presidential pardons. The review panel would be, of course, completely unconstitutional. The U.S. Constitution gives the president the sole power to issue pardons, and neither the courts nor Congress can play any role in pardons. Sigh. Perhaps Mr. Bacon, a prominent member of The Stupid Party, should actually read the Constitution. He might learn something.

A federal judge ordered the Department of the Interior to restore a slavery display at a national monument in Philadelphia. So now federal judges get to decide what is, and is not, displayed on federal property? Why bother with the executive branch, when the courts can just run everything?

Another federal judge ruled that the Department of the Navy and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth cannot act to discipline Senator Mark Kelly (D. Az.), pursuant to the Uniform Code of Military Conduct. Why? Senator Kelly is subject to the Code. There is no exception for Democrat Senators. Or should we just toss out the Code? Again, why bother with the executive branch, when the courts can just run everything?

Yet another federal judge ordered ICE not to arrest and detain Kilmar Abrego Garcia again. HE IS IN THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY! Once again, why bother with the executive branch, when the courts can just run everything?

The Minneapolis, Minnesota City Council is considering denying license renewals for businesses such as hotels which rendered services to ICE agents. Sigh.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D.) signed a bill into law, banning the State from cooperating in any way with federal immigration authorities. Maybe the federal government should quit cooperating with Maryland in any way. Rebuild the Key Bridge yourselves.

Massive snowstorms have caused the closure of I-80 and Rt. 50 in the Lake Tahoe area. Wouldn’t it be nice if California had been building dams all these years, in order to capture the runoff from the inevitable melting?

An avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area killed at least 8 people. Tragic.

In New York City, the Islam call to prayer (Adhan) blares at amplified sound throughout the city, 5 times a day, beginning at 5:00 a.m. What in the world? Can you imagine? This is the sound of conquest being played in our nation’s largest city.

New York City councilman Nerdeen Kiswani says that since New York City “is coming to Islam”, the city council should consider banning dogs, because under Islamic law, dogs are “unclean”. WAKE UP PEOPLE!

“If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.”

–Representative Randy Fine (R. Fl.).  Representative Fine is an avid dog lover.

The Left predictably did not take Representative Fine’s comment well. They are assailing him as a “bigot” and an “Islamophobe”, as well as other foul names.

“If they force us to choose between calling for the resignation of imbecilic bigots or normalizing hateful religious incitement, that’s not a tough one.  This fanatic should spare his constituents any further embarrassment and resign.”

–Representative Jamie Raskin (D. Md.), responding to Representative Fine’s comments.

Both Representative Fines and Raskin are Jewish. But dollars to donuts, Islamic terrorists would take out Jamie Raskin first, in a most horrible and painful way.

When Representative Fine says he’d rather have dogs than Muslims, it’s not a secret what he’s talking about.  He’s talking about a choice between an America where everybody is perfectly free to have a furry canine providing joy and companionship in their household or an America where the sensibilities of a tiny minority of aggressive Muslims who are bent on imposing their will on the rest of us begin rapidly impeding the rights of dog owners.

Rejecting Democrats’ bad ideas is not bigotry. Democrats would like you to believe otherwise, of course. It’s imperative for them — all they have is bad ideas.

In Las Vegas, Nevada, a heartless b***h (rhymes with witch) abandoned her puppy in the airport terminal, after a Jet Blue counter attendant informed her that she could not board the plane without proper documentation that the puppy was a bonified “service dog”. The woman attempted to board the plane, sans her dog, but was denied boarding. She was arrested and criminally charged. GOOD! I hope she rots in jail. And the dog is being placed in a good home.

Dogs are wonderful. Even Dudley.

Virginia’s minimum wage will rise to $15.00 per hour, and thereafter will rise according to the federal consumer price index measuring inflation. Remember this when you order a sandwich at the drive thru, and a robot talks to you while making your order. Or when your teenager cannot get an entry level job, because there are no entry level jobs.

What is the correct government mandated minimum wage? Zero dollars ($0.00). Government should not be mandating wages. The free market should be setting wages.

If you live in the Commonwealth, and own a gun, you will soon have to store it in a “biometric” controlled safe. Not a gun safe, or a safe, but a “biometric” controlled safe. Or else you will be a criminal. As I will likely be on July 1, 2026. Because I am not buying a “biometric” controlled gun safe. Or any gun safe for that matter.

Imagine this; a burglar breaks into your home. He is threatening your family with harm. “Excuse me, Mr. Burglar, but will you please wait until I open my ‘biometric’ controlled gun safe?” Good grief!

BUT SOME GOOD NEWS OUT OF THE COMMONWEALTH! Another injunction has been issued against the Democrats’ illegal and unconstitutional redistricting referendum. Let’s hope that the appellate courts uphold this ruling.

“This is the evident intention by the Trump administration to continue assaults on the queer community and their civil rights and liberties – their rights to be who they are.”

–Reverend Caroline Stacey, Rector of St. Luke in the Fields Episcopal Church, New York City.  Reverend Stacey, speaking on behalf of the Diocese of New York, is outraged that the Department of Interior wants to fly the American flag instead of the “Pride” flag at the Stonewall National Monument.

There is so much to unpack here. The Church embracing sin, practicing Leftist politics, and just blatantly lying about what is going on in New York. When the Left does not get its way, it throws a tantrum. Just like a toddler.

The Episcopal Church USA is weighing in in a court case in California, opposing the Trump Administration’s strict enforcement of immigration law. Because if you strictly enforce immigration law, it denies dignity to illegal aliens. Seriously. That is what the Church argues in its filings.

Did you know Somalia requires photo ID in order to vote? A Third World sh**hole country has more secure elections than does the United States. Sigh.

Hillary Clinton was at the Munich Security Conference, where she beclowned herself criticizing President Trump. In days gone by, it was unthinkable to criticize the United States while abroad. Now for Democrats, it is standard operating procedure.

After Hillary Clinton went on for some time, claiming that Mr. Trump was hell bent on destroying NATO, the Czech foreign minister interrupted, addressing each of her criticisms, and insisting that President Trump was making NATO stronger, and more cohesive. Not used to being corrected, Hillary Clinton sat silent and shellshocked as the Czech foreign minister made the case for America’s President.

Great Britain’s police commissioner is threatening to extradite Americans and prosecute them for “hate” crimes for their social media posts which are read in his country. Well, there is no reason to fear that outrageous threat, so long as Mr. Trump is President. But the next time a Democrat is elected, . . .

Democrats love to accuse President Trump of being Vladimir Putin’s “stooge”. The Observations submits there is a better case to be made that the late Senator Dianne Feinstein (D. Ca.), Representative Eric Swalwell (D. Ca.), Governor Gavin Newsom (D. Ca.), and, of course, China Joe (D. De.) are stooges of China. We should be far more concerned about the Red Chinese than the Russians.

Iran claims it can sink any U.S. aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf region. Maybe. But it would be a very, very, very bad idea.

The Netherlands is imposing a 36% tax on unrealized capital gains. Want to ensure that no one ever invests in your country’s economy? Enact this tax.

By the way, U.S. Democrats are drooling in anticipation of being able to enact this tax. Because the Left never has enough of your money.

Keens Steak House [New York City] is the proud owner of the United States flag that was draped over Abraham Lincoln’s casket. The 141 year old restaurant will display the 37 star flag in its Lincoln Dining Room. Naturally!

This Spring, Cracker Barrel is bringing back 3 favorites. Returning to the menu are Southern Smoked Salmon, Strawberry stuffed cheesecake pancakes, and carrot cake. I confess; I love carrot cake.

Racial grifter Jesse Jackson has died at age 84. R. I. P.

GFK

“Do you wish your prayer to fly toward God?  Make for it two wings: fasting and almsgiving.”

— St. Augustine of Hippo.

One of the worst United States Supreme Court decisions ever issued was the Obergfell decision, which struck down marriage laws throughout the States, and redefined “marriage”. Not only was the decision without Constitutional moorings, it was an offense against God, Christianity and Judaism. God created marriage; man does not get to redefine it. That is not how this works.

Below is an article by Arthur Schaper urging so-called conservative politicians to put their money where their mouths are. Act to correct this travesty. Please enjoy.

Red States Pay Lip Service To Christianity, But Won’t Touch Same-Sex Marriage

If they want to avoid being permanently labeled as cowards and hypocrites, Christian legislatures in red states must start acting on their claimed principles.

Arthur Schaper, The American Thinker (February 15, 2026).

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” (Matthew 15:8)

In the United States, a movement is building to push back on the LGBT agenda. Of all the groups taking a stand, no one has taken a stand like MassResistance. I have worked for this organization for over ten years, and in the last two, we have gone after the heart of the matter. We are not just calling out the fundamental lies of the LGBT movement, but we have been demanding the overturning of Obergefell v Hodges, the judicial travesty that imposed same-sex “marriage” onto the country.

Not waiting for someone else to move, MassResistance submitted a Resolution Against Obergefell, through which state legislatures can declare to the United States Supreme Court that it must revisit and reverse that terrible decision. Last year, our Resolution passed the Idaho and North Dakota Houses of Representatives. We are trying again in Idaho this year.

Other brave legislators in Republican states introduced our resolution. However, even in red states like Mississippi, Iowa, and Montana, they have not given our bill a committee hearing, or they have voted it down in committee. These are supposedly conservative bastions—and they won’t take a stand for the family.

The really big irony about Republican inertia on the issues comes from those states that have made open professions of their faith in Christ.

Last year, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a resolution declaring “Christ is King.” Celebrating this measure with great fanfare, the legislature announced: “[T]he resolution affirms Oklahoma’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage and the enduring faith that unites communities.”

The Sooner State is not ashamed of its signature standing as the Buckle on the Bible Belt!

Later that same year, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a similar Resolution recognizing November 23 as “Christ the King Sunday.” The author of the Resolution, Rep. Schriver, is unashamed of his Catholic faith. Nine of his colleagues co-sponsored the resolution with hesitation, and the Michigan House had no problem supporting the measure

The language of the Resolution is inspiring in its Christian boldness:

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare November 23, 2025, as Christ the King Sunday in the state of Michigan. We encourage Michiganders to join in reflection, service, and acts of kindness that honor the moral and spiritual values exemplified by Christ the King.

This year, the South Dakota state legislature passed a Resolution “urging the people of the state of South Dakota to seek the Lord Most High for His healing presence and mercy upon South Dakota.”

This country needs prayer, wisdom, and the grace of God, no doubt about it!

We should celebrate the restoration of Christian faith and its proclamation in the halls of our state legislatures, but there is a stark and discouraging contrast.

In Michigan, State Rep. Schriver also introduced our Resolution against Obergefell. Broadcast media mocked his press release, and Democrat leaders immediately protested his effort. Republican leadership dumped the resolution in the Michigan House Government Operations committee, where most bills go to die.

In Oklahoma, State Senator (and Pastor) Dusty Deever took up our Resolution against Obergefell. He even obtained co-sponsorships from the majority of his state senate colleagues. Yet the leadership in the Oklahoma State Senate will not move the legislation. No one in the Oklahoma House has offered to introduce a companion resolution, either.

In South Dakota, State Representative Ton Randolph, the same state representative who introduced the Resolution to Call on the Lord—carried our Resolution against Obergefell, too! In fact, he has fought for our Resolution two years in a row.

Both times it has gone before the South Dakota House Judiciary Committee. Both times, the committee (this year, all Republican members since the lone Democrat switched parties) killed the resolution with little fanfare, hiding behind silence or meandering arguments about the complexities of the marriage issue or the “harms” that our resolution may cause.

Republican legislators will say “Christ is King!” They will pray for His help. They love to talk about Jesus. They place crosses on their social media profiles. They open their campaign with prayer. Many of them have commemorated conservative activist and martyr Charlie Kirk for his Christian faith.

And yet they won’t fight for or vote for a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith: the sanctity of marriage.

But they cannot—or will not—state “Marriage is for one man and one Woman.” What is going on here?

Why would they balk at this?

If these Republicans think Christ is King, they should honor His teachings:

“Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?” (Matthew 19: 4-5)

Republican legislators, especially in supermajority red states like Oklahoma and South Dakota, are taking conservatives, Christians, and, in particular, Evangelical voters for a ride.

How can Red State lawmakers call themselves conservatives, but refuse to move forward a Resolution against one of the most anti-conservative attacks on a fundamental institution?

Why are they refusing to allow the discussion in some states?

It all comes down to grandstanding, cowardice, and hypocrisy. And the voters—most of them Christian—are letting them get away with it.

These lawmakers know the importance of the church vote, so they draw near to God with their lips. They talk Churchianity with measured fluency, exuding public devotion, folding their hands in piety, then pass around their campaign collection plate, all while quoting Bible verses.

Churches are falling for it, like Eve giving into the Serpent’s subtlety.

These legislators do not fear God. They fear man, but not the voters who got them elected. They fear the nasty attacks from the press, or they fear death threats from the LGBT mob and its allies. In North Dakota, state senators received all kinds of threats, but refused to release them to the public or to proper authorities so that those criminals could be held accountable. Ultimately, the North Dakota State Senate voted down our resolution on a “verification vote,” i.e., the record never indicated how the senators voted.

They fear the LGBT lobby and all its corporate backers. They fear the shame and opprobrium of their gay colleagues, friends, family, and neighbors. In other words, the politicians don’t fear God nor believe in Christ the King.

Citizens should demand that Biblical truth and natural law be restored in the culture. They must start sorting the wheat from the chaff: ask candidates questions, probe their values, and review the voting records of incumbent Republicans. Do they believe in Jesus? That’s nice, but will they stand up for His precepts, including the natural and supernatural truth that marriage can only be between one man and one woman?

Christian voters must exercise wisdom like a serpent and learn to tell the sheep—the Republicans who take their Christian faith and doctrine seriously—from the goats, i.e., the legislators who tell pious lies for a vote. If the politicians won’t revere Christ, they need to start fearing the Christian voters.

GFK

“Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again: for forgiveness has risen from the grave!”

— St. John Chrysostom

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.  From now until Easter, Christians begin preparing for the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection through prayer, penance, the repentance of sins, almsgiving and self-denial.  May we all, in this period of reflection, come to know that which is truly important in this transitory life.

GFK

English, Dudley, and I returned to Northern Virginia after a long and pleasant weekend in Chatmoss. There was a lovely wine dinner at the Club on Saturday; delicious food and wine, great company. Sunday was spent watching the Crosby golf tournament, and reading, as a steady rain fell outside. The snow largely disappeared. Frank came over for pizza on Sunday evening, and opined on Atlantic 10 basketball. A fantastic time!

Now driving up I-81 was not fun. It never is. Earlier last week I drove down Rt. 29, which is a much nicer drive. There are just too many Yankees on I-81. Why cannot they stay in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey?

“The fundamental question we must answer at the outset is: what exactly are we defending?”  Because armies do not fight for abstractions.  Armies fight for a people; armies fight for a nation.  Armies fight for a way of life.  And that is what we are defending: a great civilization that has every reason to be proud of its history, confident of its future, and aims to always be the master of its own economic and political destiny. 

* * *

We are part of one civilization — Western civilization.  We are bound to one another by the deepest bonds that nations could share, forged by centuries of shared history, Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, ancestry, and the sacrifices our forefathers made together for the common civilization to which we have fallen heir.

* * *

We do not want allies shackled by guilt and shame.  We want allies who are proud of their culture and heritage and are willing to help us defend it.”

–United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at the Munich Security Conference.

A lawsuit was filed against the United States Department of Interior, seeking to stop the renovation of the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C. Because, . . Orange Man Bad.

Last week the Department of the Interior removed a “Pride Flag” from a flagpole standing at the Stonewall National Monument outside New York City’s Stonewall Inn. The national monument was created by then President Obama in order to celebrate a riot by homosexuals. The Interior Department instead raised an American flag, per the President’s directive as to flags flown at all national monuments (and embassies). Well cue the Leftist outrage. LGBTQ++ groups cried “bigotry!” New York City Comrade Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his outrage. The usual suspects tore down the American flag, and raised another “Pride” flag. WOW! Well guess what? The American flag is back, and the “Pride” flag is gone. Because the flagpole is on U.S. property. Get over yourselves, people!

Senator Charles Schumer (D. N.Y.) is trolling for radical voters’ support. He called for Congressional legislation to make the “Pride” flag an official U.S. flag, to be flown at all U.S. government buildings and sites. Good grief!

Representative Jim McGovern (D. Ma.) introduced legislation in Congress to rescind America’s embargo against Cuba. Why? The brutal communist dictatorship is on the brink, and this Northeastern Democrat wants to throw it a lifeline? Oh, yeah; he is a commie too!

Puddin’head flew to Germany, and attended the Munich Security Conference. It was a very Puddin’ performance. For example,

Panelist Question:           “Should the US commit troops to defend Taiwan?”

Puddinhead:      “Um, you know, I think that, uhh, eh, this is such a, uh, you know, I th-I think that this is a, umm, this is of course a, uh, a very longstanding, um, policy.”

And then there was this,

“What we are seeking is a return to a rules-based order that eliminates the hypocrisies around when too often in the west we look the other way for inconvenient populations, to act out these paradoxes.”

What in the world does that mean? Does she have any clue what she is saying?

Puddin’head went on to call for a global “wealth tax”. Oh, my! And this woman wants to be President?

A Massachusetts federal judge ruled that ICE could not arrest illegal aliens at churches because it trampled on “religious freedoms”. No it does not. There are no freedom from arrest places for criminals. This ruling will not last long.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger (D.) posted pictures of herself on social media, grilling. It is hard to tell what she is grilling. It may be meat. It looks shredded, greasy, fatty, and littered with bones. It is disgusting. Abigail Spanberger joins a long line of Democrats, such as Senator Charles Schumer (D. N.Y.) who seek to portray herself as an ordinary joe. It is an epic fail.

Virginia General Assembly Democrats passed legislation that would have Virginia’s electoral votes go to whatever presidential candidate who won “the national popular vote”, irrespective of which candidate actually won Virginia’s election. It is the Left’s latest scheme to allow California, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois control the nation. It is unconstitutional. And it is stupid, if for no other reason than there is no “national popular vote”. Sigh.

“Your humor and genius are seasoned with passion and compassion.  Courage and humility accompany you in every monologue.  The Virginia Theological Seminary honors you with the Dean’s Cross because you are a truth-telling storyteller who is living the well-formed life in Christ.”

–citation accompanying Virginia Theological Seminary’s award of Dean’s Cross For Servant Leadership to The Late Show host, Stephen Colbert.

Huh?

“[Colbert] consistently challenges audiences to think critically and to act with moral clarity.”

–Statement issued by Virginia Theological Seminary.

“Humor” and “genius” are not words we would associate with Stephen Colbert. Nor is the phrase “truth-telling storyteller”. And “moral clarity”? PLEASE! Stephen Colbert is a crass, unoriginal, lying, hater with severe TDS. Virginia Theological Seminary continues to prove that theology, liturgy, and Scripture are not the focus of its mission.

Mattel, Inc.’s “American Girls Dolls” brand redesigned some of its classic dolls, “modernizing” them. The new dolls are called “The Modern Era Collection”. Longtime American Dolls consumers and fans are not amused.

Eileen Gu, the American-born Olympic skier who competes for Red China, has slammed the organizers at the 2026 Olympic Games for not rearranging events to work around her schedule after she fell during one of her jumps last Saturday, jeopardizing her gold medal ambitions. Oh, feel sorry for the traitorous commie skier!

Actor Robert Duvall–The Great Santini!–has died at age 95. R. I. P.

Former Washington Redskin offensive lineman Tre’ Johnson has died at age 54. R. I. P.

GFK

Today is Washington’s Birthday, observed.  It is NOT “Presidents’ Day”.  There is no such thing as “Presidents’ Day”. You are not required to buy a mattress or a new automobile. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ROCKY! I invited him to Chatmoss for a birthday libation, but he was too busy with his friends in New York. Nevertheless, I hope he enjoyed a festive day.

Inflation has fallen to 2.4% annually. WINNING!

The Trump Administration is expanding the production and use of coal as an energy source in the United States, and the mainstream media is apoplectic. The Trump Administration is right, and the media is wrong. America and the world need more energy, more coal, more oil, more natural gas, and more nuclear power. During the recent unpleasant weather, solar and wind were not heating homes in the Northeast. Imported power, and people burning trash and wood were keeping people from freezing, literally, to death.

The United States is the Saudi Arabia of coal. More coal means more jobs and prosperity in Wyoming, Virginia, Indiana, West Virginia, Montana, and Pennsylvania. “Coal. It keeps the lights on.”

President Trump signed a bill into law eliminating payments by the federal government to dead people. It is unbelievable that we needed a law to stop payments to dead people. No wonder our debt is so high.

The Congress passed a resolution of disapproval, blocking the District of Columbia from opting out of the federal tax breaks provided by the One Big Beautiful Bill. Why does the D.C. City Council think it deserves the money more than its residents? Such arrogance, entitlement, and just plain greed!

Naturally, Virginia Senators Mark Warner (D.) and Tim Kaine (D.) voted against the resolution. Because they believe that all money belongs to the government.

Rep. Sydney Kai Kamlager-Dove (D. Ca.) openly admitted that her primary concern isn’t the impact on constituents if Department of Homeland Security funding is cut.  Instead, it’s about standing against ICE and permitting illegal alien offenders, including murderers, rapists, and drug kingpins, go free.  Surprised?  No. No, you are not.

A federal judge blocked the federal Department of Corrections from transferring 20 former death row residents (China Joe commuted their sentences to life in prison) to the Super Max facility located in Colorado. Since when did federal judges decide where the DOC housed inmates? This is surreal, a horrible usurpation of executive authority.

Inexplicably, the federal judge ruled that the DOC must give the inmates an opportunity to challenge their transfer. Due process for deciding where one will be imprisoned? WHERE DID THAT COME FROM? That is not how this works. That is not how any of this works!

The Richmond Free Press, a black owned, weekly newspaper in Richmond, Virginia, is going out of business. That is a real shame. The Free Press was never my cup of tea, particularly its editorial positions, but the news reporting was solid, spot on, and accurate. Over a period of years, I enjoyed excellent relationships with its reporters. This newspaper’s death is a sad occurrence for all of Richmond.

New York Times columnist Ross Douthat wrote that President Trump’s 2nd term has ended the age of conservatism. Uh, no. Conservatism ended in 1989, when George H. W. Bush became President. President Trump has actually resurrected Mr. Reagan’s conservatism, and adapted it to changing circumstances.

Governor Tampon Tim (D. Mn.) wants the federal government to reimburse Minneapolis for all the damages visited upon it during the riots against ICE operations. HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA! Good one. Tampon Tim denigrates, criticizes, and rails against ICE for doing its job, and then asks for money to compensate his State’s largest city for damages relating to his, and his citizens’ efforts to obstruct that enforcement.

Tampon Tim also is asking the Minnesota legislature to appropriate at least $10 million to compensate business owners for damages due to citizen rioting. WHOA! Why should taxpayers’ monies be used to compensate some for the criminal acts of other private citizens. You do not get to burn down your house, and then demand that someone else pay for its reconstruction.

“So my Ojibwe name is Gizhiiwewidamoonkwe, which means ‘Speaks in a Loud and Clear Voice Woman.’  And I am so grateful for my community and, you know, I am a member of the White Earth Nation, which is the largest [Indian] tribe in Minnesota.”

–Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flannagan (D.).

Is every Minnesota Democrat nuts? I mean, c’mon man!

At Columbia University, Leftist professors and students erupted in rage over a planned ICE recruitment event on the school’s campus. Apparently working in federal law enforcement is rather distasteful to the commies in Harlem.

The American Taliban is on the march again. Virginia General Assembly Democrats are trying to eradicate any vestige of our history. They are trying to eliminate the State song emeritus, Carry Back To Old Virginny, as well as cancelling the issuance and use of license plates commemorating the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and Robert E. Lee. And they want to revoke the tax exempt status of any organization related to the Confederacy, such as The United Daughters of the Confederacy.

A disclaimer; one of my automobiles displays Robert E. Lee license plates. Robert E. Lee is the 2nd most important Virginian, behind only George Washington. He is America’s greatest military strategist, and a renowned educator, who probably did more to aid reconciliation between North and South following The Late Unpleasantness than anyone else.

Abigail Spanberger can have my license plate. If she comes to my house and pries it from my cold head hands. Otherwise, she and the others can go straight to Hell.

The Supreme Court of Virginia refused to stay the planned referendum on the gerrymandering constitutional amendment. A circuit court ruled that the proposed amendment violated by the Virginia Constitution, and the Virginia Code. Never mind, the Supreme Court will let the matter go forward.

The Supreme Court of Virginia did not decide merits of the case. It will do so later. In other words, vote first, decision later. Sigh. This sucks. It really, really does.

Students at local high schools in Frederick County and Winchester, Virginia staged a walk-out in protest of ICE enforcing federal law, removing illegal aliens from the country. Ah, isn’t that cute?

After many, many years, VPI is ending identity (race, sexual preference) based graduation ceremonies. It never should have entertained them. Students graduate, groups do not. Let’s recognize individual achievement.

At the always useless United Nations, Iran was elected vice-chair of the Commission for Societal Development. The Commission is charged with advancing democratic principles, non-violence, women’s rights, and minority rights around the world. Sigh.

Russian Gleb Smolkin is a figure skater, competing in the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. The entitled Russkie panned the experience, complaining that there were no Russian or Georgian restaurants in Milan, and that all there was to eat was Italian cuisine. Sigh.

President Trump pardoned a number of former NFL players convicted of federal crimes, including former Dallas Cowboy great, Nate Newton. Nate Newton was an incredibly talented offensive lineman, and a favorite of the late John Madden, particularly on Thanksgiving Day games.

“In fact, the Bad Bunny fiasco appears to be symptomatic of the NFL’s broader, cynical business wager: It believes all those working-class white dudes who voted for Trump — those useful idiots — will put up with a lot of BS because they are hooked on football like an drug addict on heroin.”

–Charles Gasparino, The New York Post (February 15, 2026).

Congratulations to Colin Morikawa on winning the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am at Pebble Beach. Always my favorite tournament of the year, played in the most beautiful place in the world for golf.

Edward Crane, libertarian scholar and co-founder of the think tank, The Cato Institute, has died at age 81. R. I. P.

Former Pittsburgh Pirate reliever Elroy Face–the Baron of the Bullpen–has died at age 97. R. I. P.

GFK

The Gospel for Quinquagesima Sunday begins: Then Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem…

This is our invitation to “go up to Jerusalem” with Our Lord, and to witness His passion and death. All of this is to better prepare ourselves to enter more fully into the joy of the resurrection.

Appropriately, the Epistle for Quinquagesima is the 13th chapter of S. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Most of us know this as his famous paean to agape, or charity. When we speak of charity from a Christian perspective, as S. Paul makes clear, we mean that we love God above everything else. 

Then following our love for God, we seek to love [our] neighbour as [ourselves] out of our love for God. We come to see our neighbour as someone created in the image and likeness of God, loved by God and desired of God to share eternity with Him. (And should we ask: Who is my neighbour? Our Lord gives us the answer in the Parable of the Good Samaritan.)

With charity (agape) we learn to see our neighbour from Our Lord’s perspective, and not simply from that of our own experience, our thoughts or our feelings. How easy it is to label someone as difficult, tedious or narcissistic and then distance ourselves from that person. How difficult it is to put charity into action and to demonstrate the love that we ought towards that person. Yet, that is what we are called to do in imitation of Our Lord. In a way, exercising charity in this way is a “going up to Jerusalem,” as we too learn to die to self.

S. Paul reminds us of the integral role of charity in our duty to our neighbour: And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor…and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind…The Collect summarizes this thought in this way: O LORD, who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth…

Furthermore, the Collect reminds us that most excellent gift of charity, [is] the very bond of peace and of all virtues. That is, where true charity is exercised, the other virtues will follow. Conversely, we will never grow fully in the other virtues unless animated by charity. 

In S. Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians, he writes: And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. Charity begets charity: the more we exercise love towards God and our neighbour, the more we grow in love and the easier it becomes to love others.

This lesson in charity is essential to comprehend before entering Lent. No matter how diligent we are in our Lenten disciplines, unless motivated by our love for God, they will amount to nothing. Prayer is our conversation with God: our heart speaking to the Heart of love. Fasting (depriving ourselves of food), and the pangs of hunger, reminds us of our hunger for God and for His love. Almsgiving is our response to God after time spent in prayer and fasting. Having tasted more deeply of His love towards us, we want to reflect that love towards others, particularly those in need.

As we prepare ourselves for the rigors of Lent, may we pray firstly that God send thy Holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee.

GFK