“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

“We’ll be Friends Forever, won’t we, Pooh?’ asked Piglet.
Even longer,’ Pooh answered.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie The Pooh.

Today is the day that the Anglican Communion commemorates St. Valentine.  St. Valentine ministered to persecuted Christians in the Roman Empire.  He was martyred, and buried on February 14.  Hence the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day since 496 A.D.  The Hallmark Card Company had nothing to do with it.

This past Thursday, the Trump Administration rescinded an Obama Administration finding that empowered the federal government to regulate “greenhouse gases” as pollution. What are “greenhouse gases”? Well, one example is your breathing. Yep, when you exhale carbon dioxide, you are polluting the planet, by expelling a “greenhouse gas”. It is absolutely insane, unscientific, and lacking any foundation in law, there being no authority granted to Congress, much less the Environmental Protection Agency, to regulate such naturally occurring emissions.

Below are 2 articles analyzing the recission of the regulation, and celebrating the death of the “global warming” hoax perpetrated by former Vice-President Al Gore and company. I hope you find them to be informative and enlightening.

Trump’s about to cancel Obama’s most outrageous power grab

BY:          Judge Glock, The New York Post (February 10, 2026).

President Trump is on the brink of ordering a massive policy shakeup — “the largest act of deregulation in the history of the United States,” says Environmental Protection Agency chief Lee Zeldin.

When Trump’s EPA orders the end of a 2009 finding that greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are a threat to public health, it will halt 16 years of federal efforts to mandate vast changes in American life without legal justification.

The so-called Endangerment Finding led to a host of regulations whose estimated costs exceeded a trillion dollars.

Early in his administration, President Barack Obama tried to get Congress to pass an expansive climate change law.

When the bill stalled, Obama charged ahead with executive action.  

The EPA’s December 2009 Endangerment Finding said greenhouse gases should be regulated under the Clean Air Act.

But that law was never meant for such a purpose: It had passed 40 years earlier, before global warming was even a topic of debate.

The Clean Air Act aimed to control a handful of pollutants that posed an immediate danger to public health — think factory smokestacks or exhaust from auto tailpipes.

Greenhouse gases, by contrast, are emitted by almost everything, everywhere — including by humans ourselves, while breathing.

There was and is no clear and legal way to regulate them under the law, leading to years of uncertainty and court challenges.

The greatest effect of the Endangerment Finding was on automobiles.

The Biden administration used it to require the vast majority of new cars and trucks to be electric-powered by 2032, a huge, and hugely expensive, undertaking.  

The American people never voted for one of the nation’s largest industries to be transformed in a decade — but under the Endangerment Finding, the EPA could impose it.

The EPA claimed the new EV mandates would save companies and households money in the long run, due to reduced spending on gasoline.

But as with most energy efficiency regulations, it never explained why the government had to step in and mandate something so beneficial.

President Joe Biden’s EPA waved away objections that many truckers and households would have difficulty spending thousands of extra dollars on electric vehicles.

Trump’s team says withdrawing the finding will save almost $2,500 per automobile.

Even environmentalists know climate change is not top of mind for many voters — so they argue EV mandates will reduce other types of automobile emissions that harm public health.

The Sierra Club claims that rolling back the finding will cause thousands more deaths from things like respiratory illnesses and heart attacks.

But assertions about how climate change mandates improve other aspects of health show the Endangerment Finding’s absurdity.

The Clean Air Act already includes extensive provisions to protect the public from air pollutants, and administrations of all stripes have enforced them.

If Obama or Biden had wanted to further limit automobile pollution, they could have done so directly — not used a roundabout way that Congress did not contemplate.

Like most of Trump’s executive actions, the withdrawal of the Endangerment Finding will be challenged in court.

Environmentalists will argue that the finding was required by an earlier Supreme Court ruling, and that climate change is indeed a threat to public health.

Yet the earlier Supreme Court climate change ruling underestimated the vast potential it gave to the administrative state to reshape the economy.

Even Chief Justice John Roberts, writing in dissent, thought the effect of the ruling would likely be “symbolic.”

He couldn’t have been more wrong.

Today’s Supreme Court is laser-focused on the dangers imposed by an overreaching administrative state.

In 2022, the justices struck down an effort to regulate greenhouse gases emitted by power plants through the Endangerment Finding, declaring that in the case of a “major question” that affected vast swaths of the economy, Congress would have to clearly authorize any administrative action.

It’s hard to think of more of a major question than regulating greenhouse gases from all cars across the United States.

Although the Supreme Court has at times upbraided Trump for his efforts to rule by executive action, in this case, the president is using executive action to reduce the power of the government.

The courts should uphold his Endangerment Finding withdrawal and restore power to Congress, which is supposed to authorize new laws.

The EPA does not, and should not, have such power.

Trump debunking Al Gore’s climate fears has made the world a better place

BY:          Miranda Devine, The New York Post (February 11, 2026).

Ding dong, the climate hoax is dead. 

Twenty years after Al Gore’s apocalyptic movie “An Inconvenient Truth,” the Trump administration has put the final nail in the coffin of the lie that scared a generation into believing the planet was about to explode in flames if they kept using fossil fuels. 

In what the White House calls “the largest deregulatory action in American history,” the EPA on Thursday will repeal an Obama-era proclamation that has mandated greenhouse-gas regulations for 17 years, 

The 2009 “endangerment finding” has been the primary climate handbrake on American industry, forming the legal justification for increasingly punitive greenhouse-gas regulations. 

Rescinding it would “save the American people $1.3 trillion in crushing regulations,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said this week, with the EPA projecting an average saving of $2,400 per vehicle and further savings on farm machinery, soon to be freed from the complex extra circuitry required to restrict emissions. 

It will also end Joe Biden’s enforced transition to electric vehicles by 2030.

Yay!

It’s about time that common sense returned to energy policy. 

During the recent bone-chilling winter storm that hit 200 million Americans across more than 35 states, it wasn’t wind and solar that kept the lights on but fossil fuels. 

Fueling US prosperity 

According to the Florida Municipal Power Agency, 90% of power generation in the country at the height of the storm was natural gas, coal, nuclear or oil. 

Cheap, abundant energy fueled America’s prosperity, but charlatans citing pseudoscience have conspired to send us back to the dark ages with hyperbolic predictions that keep falling apart. 

As we keep sailing past the various doomsday deadlines set by climate shucksters from Gore to Greta Thunberg, the public has been waking up to the hoax. 

GFK

“All we ask is to be let alone.”

–Jefferson Davis.

Yesterday The Observations honored President Lincoln. Today’s quote is equal time.

The January jobs report is in. American employers created 130,000 jobs. WINNING!

The Federal Aviation Administration shut down the airspace surrounding El Paso, Texas for 10 days. The reason is that Mexican drug cartels have been launching drones into the United States. The shutdown ended after successful U.S. military operations.

Mexico is not our friend.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed a lower court ruling, permitting the federal government to terminate Temporary Protected Status for aliens from 3 different countries. Because it is temporary.

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R. Ak.) will oppose any efforts to require photo ID or proof of citizenship, in order to vote in elections. Senator Murkowski explained that the effort to introduce more election security undermined our elections’ security. Huh? Long Live The Stupid Party!

New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte (R.) vetoed a bill that would have banned males from women’s locker rooms and restrooms. Long live The Stupid Party!

Representative Ilhan Omar (D. Mn.) called for President Trump’s execution, because that is what they do to pedophiles in Somalia. Sigh. Death to The Evil Party

“It’s a captured internal document of the Muslim Brotherhood detailing its program for the United States, where it says the brothers must understand that their work in America is a kind of grand jihad in eliminating and destroying Western Civilization from within, and sabotaging its miserable house by their own hands and the hands of the believers so that Allah’s religion is victorious over other religions.” 

–Robert Spencer of the David Horowitz Freedom Center, testifying before Congress about a document released by the Muslim Brotherhood.

Surely this is not news?  Surely no one is surprised?  Surely everyone is in agreement that radical Islamism is a danger to the United States?  Well, no.

“We’re talking about Sharia Law?  I mean, this is not really relevant to this committee and what’s going on in America today.  There’s so much we could be dealing with concerning the Constitution and protecting America—white Christian nationalist ideology has been put forward.”

–Representative Steve Cohen (D. Tn.), downplaying Islamism, and insisting that Christianity is the bigger threat to the United States.

Death to The Evil Party.

Representative LaMonica McIver (D. N.J.) is the member of Congress facing criminal charges for assaulting ICE agents at a detention center in New Jersey. On camera. But rather than expelling her from Congress, Representative McIver remains on the job, and the other day she got to question Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons:

MCIVER: Mr. Lyons, do you consider yourself a religious man

LYONS: Yes mam. 

MCIVER: Oh, yes. Okay. Well, how do you think judgment day will work for you with so much blood on your hands?

LYONS: I’m not going to entertain that question.

MCIVER: Oh, okay. Of course, not. Do you think you’re going to hell, Mr. Lyons?

LYONS: I’m not going to entertain that.

MCIVER: Of course, not. How many government . . . .

This is a woman who gets a say on our federal government’s laws, operations, and effect on our lives. Sigh. Disgraceful.

Death to The Evil Party.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill (D.) just declared “war” on ICE. She signed an executive order purporting to restrict ICE operations in New Jersey (it will not work), and is spending taxpayer dollars to track ICE operations. Shades of John C. Calhoun!

Death to The Evil Party.

Testifying before Congress, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D.) said that illegal aliens found within the United States should not be deported. Oh. So, if you break into Keith Ellison’s house, he will arrest you and prosecute you. But if you break into America? Well that is a completely different situation.

Death to The Evil Party.

A federal judge enjoined the enforcement of a California law barring ICE agents from wearing masks during the performance of their duties. As we predicted.

How bad is the California law? An appointee of former President Clinton issued the ruling striking down the law. A Democrat judge struck down a Democrat passed law, signed into law by a Democrat Governor. That is a bad law.

Another federal judge in California ordered the Trump Administration to return several illegal alien families to the United States, at the government’s expense. The families self-deported, but now they have buyer’s remorse, and want to return. And a judge is indulging them! THEY ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE! They were never supposed to be here!

A federal judge in Louisiana ordered 4 criminal illegal aliens who are subject to final deportation orders, released into the United States. All 4 illegal aliens have criminal convictions involving murder, rape, and child sex crimes. The judge is an Obama appointee. Shocking.

Last week, Ronald Hicks was installed as the 11th Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York. Comrade Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D. N.Y.) became the 1st New York City Mayor to fail to attend the Archbishop’s installation. What, is it against Islamic law to enter St. Patrick’s Cathedral?

The American Nurses Association called for the abolition of ICE, and urged its members not to render healthcare to ICE agents. This is really sick, demented, and dangerous stuff.

Little Debbie is introducing 2 new treats for your enjoyment this Spring. The company is rolling out Boston Creme Pie and Strawberry Delight cookies. YUM!

Burdell’s is a restaurant in Oakland, California. The restaurant adds a mandatory 20% tip to every check, because of America’s “racist history”. NOTE TO SELF: Do not eat at Burdell’s.

Yeah, right. Like I am going to slow down, much less stop, when going through Oakland. Not going to happen.

Former Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tracy Scoggins has died at age 56. R. I. P.

Geneva Jackson was a life-long Clarke County, Virginia resident. Mrs. Jackson was the 3rd of 10 children. She was a mother, baker, and an active participant in her community. Mrs. Jackson was involved with FISH, American Cancer Society, and most prominently, with the Laurel Center, which assisted and protected abused women and children. Mrs. Jackson also baked the best biscuits, yeast rolls, pound cakes, pies, . . you name it. If you did not get to the Farmers Market early on Saturdays, the ham biscuits would be gone. Thankfully, Mrs. Jackson would cater, and bake for specific, special requests. Every year in recent memory, the Clarke County Farmers Market has held a Geneva Jackson pie baking contest whereby locals have their pies judged by Mrs. Jackson herself. Proceeds from the contest went to benefit the Laurel Center. And numerous local charities would ask her to donate an apple pie to their fundraising auctions. It was not unheard of for Mrs. Jackson’s apple pie to bring in as much as $5,000.00 at charitable auction. Sigh. Sadly for those left behind, Mrs. Jackson has died, at age 92. She was a kind woman who loved God, her family, church, friends, and community. Everyone who knew her is better off for having done so. Good-bye Mrs. Jackson. R. I. P.

GFK

“Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon.”

–Winnie The Pooh.

Surely everyone has heard the phrase “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere”? Well, it is more than a song performed by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett. The phrase actually originated in the late 1890s, with British troops in India. This particular military duty was quite dull, the conditions squalid, and the water was not potable. So drinking was a popular pastime, but frowned upon before 5:00 p.m. It then occurred to some imaginative soldiers that the British Empire then extended around the world (hence the saying “The sun never sets on The British Empire”), making it 5 o’clock somewhere in the Empire. Thus drinking gradually began whenever the mood struck. How ’bout that?

When Winston Churchill first arrived in India, he hated the thought of drinking Scotch. But then he drank the water, which he realized that he liked even less. So he began to drink Johnnie Walker Red with the water, finding that it made both the water and the Scotch tolerable. Thus began a lifetime of drinking Scotch and water. As well as wine, cognac, and gin. In copious amounts, but only on days that end in “y”. It was probably this excessive use of alcohol that caused Mr. Churchill to suffer an untimely death at age 90. That and the cigars.

Today is the 217^th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.  Born into poverty in Kentucky, he rose to become a successful lawyer, and eventually, President of the United States.  Revered today by those who note that he preserved the Union, he is criticized by those who question the legality and propriety of his methods as well as whether his methods set the stage for the growth of today’s out of control federal government. 

Nevertheless, irrespective of one’s particular view of Mr. Lincoln, it is undeniable that he succeeded against all odds.  He fought an unpopular war while at the same time fighting his supposed “allies” in this effort.  His political skills frustrated his political opponents, and his mercy toward the defeated angered those very same political opponents.  He died tragically at the hand of a maniacal assassin, having accomplished everything he sought to do but effecting a reconciliation of the people. 

The Reconstruction Period which created harsh conditions and even harsher feelings lasted for more than twelve (12) years after Mr. Lincoln’s death.  There can be little doubt that if Mr. Lincoln had lived, the man who won the war would have also won the peace.  He is celebrated still today because he was a great and consequential man.  Indeed, he was uniquely qualified for the task that lay before him.

GFK

“Of course size matters.  No one wants a small glass of wine.”

–The Tao Of Frank.

The federal government is proceeding to yet another Democrat caused partial shutdown. The sticking point is funding for the Department of Homeland Security. This would include ICE and the Border Patrol, as well as the Secret Service, FEMA, TSA, and the Coast Guard. Democrats, realizing the havoc would cause if an agency such as TSA was not funded, now want to fund everything but ICE and the Border Patrol. No. Republicans should reject any attempt to isolate ICE and the Border Patrol.

President Trump announced a new discount prescription medicine marketplace, where Americans can buy their drugs at significantly lower prices. Naturally, the Democrats are against it. They would prefer Americans to continue to pay high prices for prescription drugs than give the President any credit for lowering prices. TDS.

“Harvard is woke.  The War Department is not.”

–Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, explaining why the federal government is cutting all military education programs and ties with Harvard University.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that the federal government could hold illegal aliens in detention while they fight deportation. Common sense. WINNING!

“It’s a completely lawless agency right now with no accountability. And she is just outright lying to the American people repeatedly, and has demonstrated herself to be completely unqualified and incompetent.”

–Representative Dan Goldman (D. N.Y.), criticizing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Congressional Democrats are demanding massive changes in exchange for funding the Department of Homeland Security, including:

• Requiring judicial warrants before entering private homes or property. 
• Banning agents from wearing masks and mandating clearly visible identification.
• Restricting enforcement operations near “sensitive locations” like hospitals, schools, churches, and polling places. 
• Prohibiting profiling based on race, ethnicity, language, accent, job, or neighborhood.
• Tightening use‑of‑force standards and suspending agents involved in shootings while investigations are pending. 
• Requiring greater cooperation with state and local authorities and investigators.
• Guaranteeing access to legal counsel and congressional oversight visits in detention facilities.
• Mandating body‑worn cameras with limits on how footage can be used.
• “Demilitarizing” ICE by standardizing and toning down uniforms, gear, and weapons so routine operations look less like paramilitary raids.

These changes are not going to happen. But Democrats have added another big demand, that is definitely not going to happen–Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem must go. Even if President Trump wanted to fire her, he cannot do so now.

Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D. N.Y.) called the requirement of a photo ID and proof of citizenship, as proposed by Republicans, amounts to “voter suppression”. How is it “voter suppression” to keep aliens from voting?

Representative Maxine Watters (D. Ca.) announced that she would “not honor” President Trump by attending the State of the Union address. She will not be missed.

Representative Ilhan Omar (D. Mn.) praised Cuba, and condemned the United States for exerting economic pressure on Cuba. Why does she not move there?

Senator Mark Warner (D. Va.) went on NBC News and attacked Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, claiming that she was “sitting on” an explosive whistleblower complaint. Senator Warner did not specify what the complaint involved, citing only a vague news account with only anonymous sources. It was clear that Senator Warner was just enjoying himself, slinging mud at Director Gabbard, and making baseless allegations.

Director Gabbard responded to Senator Warner’s bluster, denying that she was “sitting on” any whistleblower complaint. She went on to explain that all whistleblower complaints went straight to the department’s Inspector General. Something Senator Warner should, and does, know.

Senator Jon Ossoff (D. Ga.) is adamantly opposed to a photo ID requirement for voting. But if you wanted to attend Senator Ossoff’s campaign rally last weekend? You needed to present a valid photo ID.

Florida now requires all drivers to take their drivers license test in English. The usual suspects are outraged at this “exclusionary” policy. It is insufficiently diverse! But they are overlooking the obvious; all traffic signs in Florida are in English. Not Spanish.

San Francisco, California is being sued over its reparations to black folks ordinance. Who did not see this coming?

“I always tell people that the day that the Latino, African-American, Asian, and other communities realize that they share the same oppressor, is the day we start winning.  Because we are the majority in this country now.  We have the ability to take over this country and to do what is needed for everyone, and to make things fair.  But the problem is that our communities are divided, they’re completely divided.”

–Texas State Representative Gene Wu (D.).  Mr. Wu was born in Red China.  He acts like he is still there.

Ohio State Representative Ismail Mohamed (D.) introduced a bill to restrict ICE from enforcing federal law in certain “sensitive” places within the State. The bill is unconstitutional, of course. But it is interesting that Representative Mohamed, while a U.S. citizen, was born in Somalia.

Virginia State Senator Adam Ebbin (D.) proposes that the Commonwealth tax the revenues earned from fantasy football leagues. Leagues would have to register with the Commonwealth, and then obtain a permit, prior to operating. The Virginia Lottery Commission would regulate the leagues. Sigh. Is this “affordability”? Is there anything that the Democrats do not want government to regulate or tax? Anything?

Eddie Bauer’s U.S. retail operations filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. A liquidation sale is planned in the near future.

At the Super Bowl, a concessionaire sold a 3 1/2 pound braised beef shank burger, on a brioche bun. It was topped with Point Reyes blue cheese sauce. The cost? $180.00, fries not included. It sold out by halftime.

The Eastern Amateur Championship, played at Portsmouth, Virginia’s Elizabeth Manor Golf Club since 1957, is no more. Sad. Very sad.

Past champions at The Eastern Amateur include Jon Hurst, Tom McKnight, Ben Crenshaw, Lanny Wadkins, Andy Bean, Curtis Strange, Vinny Giles, and Deane Beman. Forest Park’s Steve Smith finished 2nd in 1979. A lot of great golfers made a mark in Tidewater.

Some American Olympians are bashing their country, much to the delight of Democrats and foreign Leftists. Sigh. These are the same people who oohed, aahed, and swooned over the mere appearance of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un’s sister at the Seoul Olympic Games.

Brad Arnold, lead singer for the band Three Doors Down, has died at age 47. R. I. P.

Former New York Giants head coach Ray Handley died at age 81. R. I. P.

GFK