"Together, We Are America"

Pardon the interruption

I first learned about Bad Bunny through my mom. Yes — my mom. About eight years ago, she called me, and somewhere in the middle of a conversation about her salsa class, she casually brought him up. “You know Bad Bunny, right?” she asked. “Bad Bunny?” I replied. I could hear the disappointment in her voice when she realized her son had no idea who she was talking about.

In 2020, when Bad Bunny appeared as a guest performer during the Super Bowl LIV halftime show alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, I finally understood what she meant. After that, I started recognizing him in collaborations with Daddy Yankee and other artists. I may not always know the song titles, but I can recognize his voice almost instantly.

Fast forward to 2026, and now he’s headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show. I have to admit — I loved it. His creative direction told a story about Puerto Rico and its people: their heritage, culture, struggles, and pride in being American. One moment especially stayed with me — when he wakes a boy sleeping across two chairs. That was me at that age, stretched between chairs while my parents socialized and danced late into the night. It felt familiar and deeply personal.

He celebrated the resilience of people who may not have much but live fully, loving every moment and refusing to take life for granted. His closing message on an international stage struck me with hope: “Together, we are America.”

I identify as Mexican American. Others might say I’m American with Mexican heritage. My mom would probably call me Tejano. Sometimes I feel ni de aquí, ni de allá — not fully from here or there. Like many, I learned to assimilate and embrace Anglo culture. For nearly twenty-five years, I voted Republican because it felt like a way to belong. Recently, though, I find myself questioning whether I align with the party’s embrace of Trumpism.

In the past week, I’ve felt unsettled watching political figures call for investigations into Bad Bunny’s halftime lyrics, claiming FCC violations even after they were properly reviewed. To me, it feels less about decency standards and more about shaping fear and division — suggesting that those who speak differently or look different somehow don’t belong in “America,” when what they often mean is the United States.

But America — the broader America — is a collection of cultures, languages, traditions, and music shaped by many histories. We share oceans, time zones, and a hemisphere, but more importantly, we share people.

That’s why his final message resonated with me.

Together, we are America.

A Softer Touch, or Just Better Optics?

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After two U.S. citizens — Renée Good and Alexi (Alex) Pretti — were fatally shot by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, the Trump administration sent Tom Homan to the city to manage the political fallout. Both shootings sparked national outrage and raised serious questions about the conduct and oversight of federal immigration enforcement in an urban setting.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem initially defended the operations, echoing claims that Pretti had acted violently and was armed. That narrative was widely repeated by administration officials, including Border Patrol leadership, even as video footage and fact-checks cast doubt on those assertions and showed Pretti was legally carrying a firearm and was recording agents before being shot.

In the midst of mounting criticism, Homan replaced CBP commander Gregory Bovino and was tasked with easing tensions. Minnesota’s governor and Minneapolis’ mayor had publicly challenged the federal operation, and the deaths had eroded support even among some Republicans.

Since his arrival, Homan has negotiated limited cooperation with local officials and announced a partial withdrawal of about 700 federal agents, though roughly 2,000 officers remain deployed — a force far beyond the normal federal presence and one that continues arrests and detentions in the region.

Critics describe the partial drawdown as more of a political concession than a substantive shift in enforcement strategy. The operation still costs taxpayers significant sums, has led to broad detentions, and has been used to arrest not only undocumented immigrants but also protesters and bystanders. 

Public opinion has soured, and even the President acknowledged a need for a “softer touch,” likely because aggressive enforcement is unpopular in key conservative states that depend on immigrant labor.

Dave Granlund, February 4, 2026

 

The Absence of Accountability

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On January 7, 2026, an incident captured on multiple videos showed an ICE officer pointing his firearm from less than two meters away and shooting a driver at close range, fatally wounding her. The woman killed was Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year-old mother of a six-year-old child.

Video footage shows Good, driving a Honda Pilot, stopped across the middle of the road. She is seen yelling at officers and motioning with her hand as if signaling them to go around her vehicle. ICE officers approach from different directions. One officer walks directly toward her vehicle while shouting commands, while another moves around the front and positions himself at the far left corner.

When Good appears to notice the officer attempting to open her door, she backs up, turns her front tires to the right—likely aware of the officer, Jonathan Ross, standing near the left corner—and accelerates. At that moment, Ross, who is standing roughly half a meter from the front of the vehicle draws his firearm, extends his arm, aims directly at the driver, and fires three times -- once through the window hitting Good in the face.

Law enforcement officers are trained to de-escalate situations and use non-lethal alternatives whenever possible. In this case, the officer appears to have taken a shoot-to-kill approach. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem quickly labeled the incident an “act of domestic terrorism” against ICE officers, claiming Good attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon. Former President Trump echoed that framing on social media, blaming the “Radical Left Movement” and stating that “the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting,” and that she “violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer,” who allegedly shot her in self-defense.

However, other video clips show the officer was not struck. In fact, the officer's camera shows Good turning her wheels away to avoid hitting. 

This matters because accountability shapes the limits of federal power. When a city police officer shoots someone, that officer is typically placed on leave while an investigation is conducted. If federal authorities immediately side with an ICE agent without similar scrutiny, it risks setting a precedent where lethal force is justified without accountability. That should concern anyone, because you, a loved one, or a friend being in the “wrong place at the wrong time” can mean a public street, a downtown sidewalk, or simply turning the wrong corner.

Thank God Kimmel's Back!

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Tuesday night had me counting down to 10:30 like it was New Year’s Eve. I wasn’t waiting for fireworks—I just wanted the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live. At 10:25, I shut off my Xbox, flipped to ABC, and thanked my lucky stars I don’t live in a Sinclair or Nexstar market.

Kimmel opened with a wink: “Anyway, as I was saying before I was interrupted, if you’re just joining us, we’re preempting your regularly scheduled encore episode of ‘Celebrity Family Feud’ to bring you this special report.” Now, I have to admit, I’m wondering which B-list celebrities Steve Harvey had battling it out.

Then came the heart of it. Addressing the controversy over his comments about Charlie Kirk’s murder, Kimmel grew serious: “I do want to make something clear because it's important to me as a human... it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don't, I don't think there's anything funny about it... Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what... was obviously a deeply disturbed individual.” 

His voice cracked when he recalled Erika Kirk’s powerful gesture at the memorial: “She forgave him. That is an example we should follow. If you believe in the teaching of Jesus as I do, there it was. That's that's it. A selfish act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow."

Of course, Kimmel couldn’t skip the free-speech fight. He quoted FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s own 2022 words back at him: “Political satire is one of the oldest and most important forms of free speech.” Even Trump got airtime in a 2022 clip: “If we don’t have free speech, then we just don’t have a free country.” 

Kimmel capped it with a jab: “You almost have to feel sorry for him. He tried, did his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now.”

AI generated

When Steve Harvey Becomes the Emergency Broadcast System

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I first caught wind of the news earlier in the evening but waited until 10:30 to see it for myself. Instead of Jimmy Kimmel Live, I was greeted by Family Feud with Steve Harvey. Why is it always Steve Harvey when something gets canceled? Does ABC/Disney keep Steve in a vault marked In Case of Cancellation, Break Glass? Don’t get me wrong, we love Steve. But the real story is what wasn’t there: Jimmy Kimmel.

Late-night isn’t just filler for many of us—it’s part of the nightly routine. A laugh before bed, a monologue that teases the day’s political circus, followed by an interview, a skit, and some music. It’s a simple formula, but it works. And at the center of it all is the monologue—a space where comedy and free speech meet. That’s why pulling the show feels so unsettling.

According to The New York Times, the decision followed remarks Kimmel made about Charlie Kirk’s death—comments that didn’t sit well with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee tied to Project 2025. Soon after, ABC/Disney pulled the plug. And, of course, President Trump couldn’t resist celebrating on social media, even dragging Fallon and Meyers into the mix, "... That leaves Jimmy [Fallon] and Seth [Meyers], two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT."

It’s tempting to laugh at the pettiness—Trump’s odd first-name basis with late-night hosts, the over-reliance on Steve Harvey reruns—but the bigger picture isn’t funny. This brushes right up against the edges of free speech, one of the foundations we hold most dear. 

I can always change the channel, boycott a sponsor, or just turn off the TV. What I shouldn’t have to worry about is political pressure silencing voices in comedy, journalism, or anywhere else.

Nine years ago, I wrote about Trump’s threats toward journalists. Last year, I revisited those warnings. Now, here we are, watching the guardrails vanish in real time. The truth is, late night may be designed to make us laugh before bed, but right now it feels more like a wake-up call.

AI generated

 

Charlie Kirk’s Death and the Uneasy Road Ahead

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On September 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University, the first stop of his “Prove Me Wrong” tour. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, played a major role in mobilizing young conservatives and fueling the MAGA movement. Even Donald Trump acknowledged his influence in remarks last night, calling him “a martyr for truth and freedom” and praising his efforts to bring young people into politics.

Kirk was always a lightning rod. His speeches and online posts often pushed conspiracy theories and combative views. He labeled COVID-19 the “China Virus,” compared vaccines to apartheid, and promoted the “great replacement” theory. He railed against diversity, equity, and inclusion, while arguing that women should prioritize motherhood over careers. 

Recently, he even declared that gun deaths were an acceptable price for preserving the Second Amendment: “I think it’s worth it… some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights.” Moments before he was shot, Kirk was fielding a question about gun violence in America.

Watching the news coverage, I couldn’t help but feel unsettled—not only about his death, but about where this might lead. Trump’s response only deepened my concern. His words—“radical left political violence has hurt too many innocent people and taken too many lives”—were less about healing and more about stoking anger. It’s hard not to ignore the possibility that this tragedy will fuel even greater division.

I texted my daughter, who is transgender, telling her to stay alert and aware of her surroundings. Her reply was simple but sobering: “It’s heating up.” That message, more than anything, captured the dread I was already feeling.

by Clay Jones (Sept 10, 2025)

Sources:

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/charlie-kirk-gun-deaths-quote/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/charlie-kirk-controversies-1.7630859

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/us-politics/charlie-kirk-most-controversial-statements-b1247191.html

https://abcnews.go.com/US/total-shock-witness-fatal-charlie-kirk-shooting-recounts/story?id=125453787

https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-vlog-charlie-kirk-september-10-2025/

https://claytoonz.com/2025/09/10/sorry-charlie/

Trump, Team Names, and the Art of the Deflection

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A few days ago, I came across an article about President Trump calling for the Washington NFL team and Cleveland’s MLB team to revert to their former names. Classic Trump playbook: when the heat rises—this time with the Epstein files—toss a shiny distraction into the public arena.

Lately, I’ve been sorting through my old sports trading cards, which has naturally stirred up some nostalgia and a few internal debates. Is changing a team name just political correctness run amok—or is it long overdue acknowledgment of deeper issues? 

History shows teams have rebranded for all kinds of reasons. The Washington Bullets became the Wizards in 1997 to move away from a name tied to D.C.'s crime wave. The Tennessee Oilers became the Titans after moving from Houston. Tampa Bay dropped “Devil” to become simply the Rays in 2008. And more recently, under pressure from activists and sponsors, the Redskins became the Commanders in 2020, and the Indians became the Guardians in 2021.

As a kid raised by die-hard Cowboys fans, I was practically programmed to loathe the Redskins. I remember watching games on TV or hearing them on the radio, cheering (or yelling) alongside my parents. The Cleveland Indians? For me, they’ll always be tied to Major League and Charlie Sheen’s unforgettable Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn.

These teams are stitched into the fabric of my childhood. But I also understand that for others, those same names carry a very different meaning—one tied to a history of stereotypes and exclusion. 

While I doubt malice was the original intent, context changes with time. As for Trump, if he really cared, this would’ve been on his radar back in 2020. Right now? It feels more like a headline grab with a faint whiff of sincerity.

Joe Heller (@joehellercartoons)

Brendan Loper - "Your Handy Road Map to Authoritarianism"

By Brendan Loper, April 7, 2025

Source:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/04/14/your-handy-road-map-to-authoritarianism

Trump’s Latest Distraction Drop

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Tonight, in true Trump fashion—bold, brash, and without a permission slip from Congress—President Donald J. Trump authorized an airstrike on three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz. The self-proclaimed America First president is now acting like Netanyahu’s wingman, dropping six bunker busters to show just how “not chicken” he is.

Trump quickly took to his favorite megaphone, Truth Social, to announce the “very successful attack,” congratulating American forces and capping it off with the somewhat ironic: “NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!” That’s like setting your neighbor’s shed on fire and then offering them a garden hose.

Let’s be honest—this was no strategic masterstroke. It feels more like a dramatic distraction, the political equivalent of yelling “Look over there!” while your house of cards collapses behind you. Since starting his second term, Trump has been spinning scandals like a DJ at a conspiracy-themed rave. And sure, being nicknamed TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out) by a Financial Times columnist probably didn’t sit well. Trump’s never been known for his thick skin—remember the Comedy Central roast? Yeah, he didn't love that either.

The bombing decision reportedly came despite skepticism from within his own intelligence circle, including Director Tulsi Gabbard. But hey, why let caution or credibility get in the way of a dramatic headline?

Bottom line: this might not just be a “operation.” It’s feeling more like a warm-up act for something much bigger. And all the distractions—economy woes, shady friendships, Elon tweets—can’t keep the snowball of chaos from picking up speed.

So, buckle up. The drama’s just getting started.

Is That Democracy in the Rearview Mirror?

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I recently read a thoughtful opinion piece in the Austin Chronicle by Erblin Ribari titled “There Is an ‘Us’ in USA. Let’s Act Like It.” Ribari, MIT and Harvard graduate, reflects on leadership, unity, and civic responsibility, urging Americans to live up to the “us” in USA—by building bridges instead of walls, showing care over convenience, and remembering that democracy only works when we all participate.

In theory, this is exactly how democracy should work. I say “in theory” because, under the Trump administration, we’ve seen a steady shift toward something more authoritarian in style. And let’s be clear—authoritarianism isn’t just about a strongman at the podium. It’s about limiting public input, tightening control over media and education, and shrinking the space where free expression once thrived (e.g. entertainment and the arts). These are all elements we've seen touched by executive orders and policy shifts, recently.

The result? A rising fear among Americans that speaking out might come at a cost. Students worry their scholarships or enrollment might be on the line for expressing dissent. Foreign students face the threat of deportation or harassment for joining protests. Judges’ families are being targeted--online and off-- for cases questioning the Trump Administration's directives.  Meanwhile, militarized agents dressed like they raided a Spirit Halloween store are storming businesses and detaining elected officials for doing their jobs, representing their communities.

The fear is real. And in a climate like this, it’s no wonder many people are unsure if their voices matter—or even if they’ll be heard. But if we take Ribari’s message to heart, we’re reminded that the only way through this moment is together, by choosing courage over comfort and community over silence.

by Guy Parsons, November 25, 2024

Sources:

https://www.austinchronicle.com/columns/2025-05-30/opinion-there-is-an-us-in-usa-lets-act-like-it/

https://cagle.com/cartoonist/guy-parsons/2024/11/25/290531/span-idtitle_290531trump-escalator-autocracy

Trump's Center

In February, President Donald Trump executed a significant overhaul of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, by dismissing all 18 trustees appointed by former President Joe Biden and installed his own appointees, who subsequently elected Trump chairman of the board. 

Trump justifies changes by criticizing the Center's programming, especially those he considers "woke." The reorganization has also sparked controversy within the arts community. For instance, several cast members of "Les Misérables" have announced plans to boycott a June 11 performance at the Kennedy Center, protesting Trump's involvement. 

While conservatives might feel the Center is out of touch of American values and welcome changes as necessary in realigning its mission, critics argue that Trump's actions represent a politicization of the arts. This draws scary parallels to historical instances where authoritarian regimes exerted control over cultural institutions, e.g. Hitler's Nazi regime.  

Alexei Navalny

A few months ago, I read a compelling memoir in The New Yorker about Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader and anticorruption activist who was poisoned and later jailed upon his return to Russia on January 17, 2021.

Navalny’s Prison Diaries chronicles his final years in captivity, offering a deeply personal and political reflection on his fight against Vladimir Putin’s regime. He recounts his near-fatal poisoning in 2020, his decision to return despite the certainty of arrest, and the fabricated charges that led to his imprisonment. Despite brutal conditions—solitary confinement, staged trials, and psychological torture—he remains defiant, seeing prison as the cost of his commitment to truth and democracy. His writings capture the mental toll of confinement, his resilience, and his belief that Russia will one day reclaim its freedom.

More than just a memoir, Navalny’s diaries serve as a call to action. He warns against complacency, stressing that authoritarian regimes don’t collapse on their own and that truth is the most powerful weapon against tyranny. Aware he may never be freed, he urges continued resistance, reaffirming his love for his family and country. 

Tragically, he died in prison on February 16, 2024, but his words endure as a testament to his courage and unwavering fight for justice.

by Owen Smith (@owensmithartist)

Source: 

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/10/21/alexei-navalny-patriot-memoir

Tariffied

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I admit, I’m feeling uneasy about President Trump’s recent announcement on sweeping tariffs, especially those aimed at long-standing trade partners. As someone who grew up on the Thomas L. Friedman school of thought, I was taught that globalization fuels prosperity—by encouraging trade, accelerating technology, and connecting economies. For the past 30 to 40 years, that seemed to hold true.

Take the computer chip, for example. I started out on DOS back in the '80s, all text and no flair. Then came Windows 95, and suddenly, I could play video games with actual graphics -- remember DOOM. Now? We carry more computing power in our pockets than NASA had for the moon landing. That kind of innovation wasn’t born in a vacuum—it was built through decades of global collaboration.

So when tariffs are introduced with little warning, I can’t help but feel concerned. We’ve seen what happens when prices spike. Groceries became a major campaign issue during the last election. One could argue that those high prices helped Trump secure a strong showing.

Now, his supporters are calling this “short-term pain” for “long-term gain.” But I can’t help but wonder—gain for whom? As someone solidly in the middle class, I’m skeptical this will end with me having more in my wallet. The markets aren’t exactly inspired either, reacting sharply to talk of “Liberation Day.”

What’s the long game here? Will innovation slow? Will small businesses get priced out? These are the kinds of questions that keep me—and many others—up at night. And while I’m not panicking, I am paying close attention. 

Monte Wolverton, April 3, 2025

Who Dis?

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During the 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump frequently attacked Hillary Clinton over her use of a private, unsecured email server while serving as Secretary of State. He claimed it risked exposing classified information and violated federal record-keeping laws. The controversy became a central theme, amplified by conservative media and politicians. Although the FBI ultimately declined to recommend charges, then-Director James Comey reignited the issue by announcing a reopening of the investigation just days before the election—an action many believe helped tilt the outcome in Trump’s favor.

The matter never truly went away. Calls from conservatives to prosecute Clinton continued, with some accusing her of violating the Espionage Act. The narrative resurfaced during the 2024 election, alongside renewed focus on Hunter Biden’s laptop, as part of a broader push to re-elect Trump. 

Then, on March 24, 2025, a new breach stunned the public: Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, revealed he was mistakenly added to a Signal group chat in which senior Trump administration officials discussed military strikes on Yemen. Among those in the chat were Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, and Vice President J.D. Vance, all openly sharing sensitive operational details.

The use of Signal, an unapproved platform for classified communication, raised serious legal and national security concerns—especially with a journalist unknowingly receiving real-time war plans. Experts have said this could constitute a violation of the Espionage Act and federal records laws. Yet rather than acknowledge the severity, the Trump administration and its allies quickly shifted into spin mode. Conservative media, politicians, and those involved downplayed the breach, praised the officials involved, and launched attacks on Goldberg and Democrats, sticking to a familiar strategy: deny, deflect, and blame others.

Given the climate and the administration's hostility toward the press, it's possible this won't end with discrediting Goldberg. Legal retaliation against The Atlantic seems conceivable. It sounds extreme, but if Trump has demonstrated anything, it's his willingness to reinterpret the law for his own advantage—often at democracy’s expense.

Daniel Boris, March 24, 2025 (@danboriscreates)

The War on Words

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A lot has changed since January 20th, the day of Donald Trump’s second inauguration. While many expected shifts in policy, the speed and trajectory of these changes have taken many by surprise. One of the first areas targeted was Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices within the federal government.

DEI is a framework designed to promote representation, fair treatment, and belonging for individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities. It has helped create opportunities in workplaces and communities where they were never guaranteed—benefiting people who are blind, deaf, or have other disabilities.

However, MAGA conservatives have been waging war against certain three-letter acronyms, including DEI, Critical Race Theory (CRT), and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Figures like Daniel Buck from the National Review have labeled SEL a “Trojan horse for progressive pieties in education.” Throughout the 2024 campaign, these acronyms were weaponized to stoke conservative outrage and mobilize voters.

As Jen Sorensen’s cartoon suggests, the attack doesn’t stop at three-letter acronyms. The recent addition of "A" for "Accessibility" (DEIA) underscores the importance of ensuring physical and digital spaces are inclusive for people with disabilities. But now, the Trump administration is rolling back accessibility protections. This raise questions about how Texas Governor Greg Abbott—who has used a wheelchair since an accident in his late 20s—feels about these attacks on disabled individuals.

As Sorensen highlights, the political weaponization of acronyms has eroded the effectiveness of words like "civil rights" and "equal rights." Perhaps, for MAGA conservatives, that was the goal all along.

by Jen Sorensen, 2025

Source:

https://www.nationalreview.com/2022/08/conservatives-are-right-to-be-skeptical-of-sel/

https://diversity.syracuse.edu/what-deia-is-and-why-it-should-matter-to-you

Justice Undermined

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A few years ago, I wrote a blog post reflecting on the events of January 6, 2021, highlighting the distinction between lawful protest and violent insurrection. While protesting election outcomes is a constitutional right, the attack on the Capitol was a riot instigated by President Trump’s rhetoric following the 2020 election.

Now, on his first day back in office, President Trump has pardoned over 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 riots, including key figures like Enrique Tarrio of the Proud Boys and Stewart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers, both found guilty of seditious conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 2384. This sweeping clemency raises profound concerns about accountability and justice. Pardoning those who sought to disrupt democracy undermines the rule of law and emboldens future political violence, sending a dangerous message that such actions can be repeated without consequence.

History offers troubling parallels, where leaders have pardoned criminals and integrated them into state-backed militias to serve their interests. While the U.S. has not followed this trajectory, assuming it cannot happen would be naive. The release of extremist leaders like Tarrio and Rhodes poses a real risk of renewed violence and radicalization.

It is crucial for conservative leaders and citizens to take a stand against these pardons. Accountability should transcend political affiliation, and defending the rule of law is vital to safeguarding democratic values. Failing to challenge these actions could accelerate the erosion of democratic institutions and lead to further political unrest.

Pardoning the January 6 rioters not only compromises justice but also normalizes political violence. One can only hope that conservatives will recognize the long-term implications and push back against the President’s actions before further harm is done.

 

Matt Davies, Newsday, January 21, 2025

Michael de Adder, January 22, 2025

 Sources:

https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardons-congress-capitol-riot-crimes-4443c672fc3b1492640684652647cde6

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/jan-6-riot-trump-pardons-lawmakers-split-reactions

https://apnews.com/article/vance-trump-pardons-capitol-riot-31308a54ebac4ef6783662f595262dec

https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5092481-trumps-jan-6-pardons/

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/01/trump-january-6-pardons-capitol-riot-insurrection/681395/

https://time.com/7208978/trump-pardons-jan-6/

https://people.com/proud-boys-and-oath-keepers-leaders-released-from-prison-following-trump-pardons-8777929

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: George Carlin Easy Explains Why Those with Money Want to Control the People

via SkyEcho7

Revisiting 2016: Freedom of Speech in Jeopardy

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In 2016, shortly after Donald Trump was elected president, I shared my concerns about the potential threats to Freedom of Speech—particularly for journalists. 

I feared an era where critics of the president might face retribution, and that fear was not unfounded. Over the years, we witnessed attacks on journalists labeled as “fake news,” an erosion of trust in the media, and relentless efforts to discredit those who dared to question authority.

Fast forward to today, these concerns have resurfaced with renewed urgency. A recent Supreme Court opinion granting presidential immunity raises troubling questions about accountability. Coupled with signs that this administration may act on Trump’s retribution message, the fundamental right to speak freely and criticize those in power feels more vulnerable than ever.

The idea that a president could target dissenters without consequence strikes at the very heart of democracy. For journalists, who serve as watchdogs of power, this chilling environment threatens to stifle essential reporting. It emboldens not only the executive branch but also those who wish to silence dissent through intimidation or legal overreach.

Freedom of Speech is not a partisan issue—it is a cornerstone of our republic. As I reflect on my 2016 concerns, the parallels to today are undeniable. But this moment calls for action: renewed vigilance from journalists, advocacy from citizens, and a commitment to defending the First Amendment.

The warning signs are clear, and ignoring them risks normalizing a dangerous precedent where dissent is punished and accountability is undermined. The American public (Democrats and Republicans) must demand transparency, challenge abuses of power, and support those who speak truth to authority, no matter the personal or political cost. 

Bill Bramhall (November 2024)

From Tragedy to Satire: The Fall of InfoWars and Justice for Sandy Hook Families

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It’s surreal revisiting my earlier post about Alex Jones in light of recent events. 

The Sandy Hook families, who endured unimaginable pain compounded by Jones’ relentless and baseless conspiracy theories, have finally seen a semblance of justice. 

After a series of defamation lawsuits that ended with Jones facing massive financial judgments, The Onion, a satirical media outlet, has acquired InfoWars. This symbolic victory underscores the stark contrast between Jones’ toxic disinformation and The Onion’s purposeful satire, highlighting the consequences of exploiting grief for profit. 

While Jones once wielded his platform to spread fear and lies, The Onion’s acquisition feels like poetic justice. Instead of conspiracy-fueled rants, the platform is now a space for sharp, humorous critique of the very mindset Jones championed. 

For me, this development closes the loop on my early encounters with Jones. Watching his transformation from an Austin personality to a national symbol of misinformation was unsettling, but this outcome is a reminder that actions have consequences. 

The Sandy Hook families have fought tirelessly for this justice, and their resilience is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of truth over deception.

 

Drew Sheneman (Oct. 16, 2022)

America’s Political Whirlwind and What’s Next

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Well, it took me a few days and a whole lot of deep breaths to digest the fact that America just handed the White House keys back to a guy with a felony record. So, naturally, I went down the rabbit hole, watching cable TV pundits toss around every theory under the sun. But when you cut through the noise, it boils down to the oldest campaign trick in the book: “It’s the economy, stupid.” Post-pandemic wallets are feeling thin, and it seems Americans just want one thing—cash they can actually spend. You could preach about how the U.S. dodged a recession and held its ground compared to other countries, but when people remember having a bit more financial cushion back in the day, all the economic stats in the world don’t mean much.

Were those Trump years truly rolling in cash? Ask five people, get five different answers. But the ads sure made it look like a golden age. Oh, and let’s not forget the “Kamala is for ‘they/them’; Trump is for YOU” messaging. As the parent of a transgender daughter, I see that, frankly, there's a big chunk of folks still uncomfortable with certain parts of the LGBTQ+ community, as if they're only OK with the LGB part from the ’90s edition. So, Trump's message stood strong for many.

So how did Biden pull off his last win? By talking about stuff that hits close to home: medical bills, jobs, and missing loved ones due to COVID-19. Lesson learned this time? Celebrity shoutouts and Kamala-style rallies aren’t swaying votes. This country has some serious reckoning to do, and yes, the government—and its policies—are in for some changes, for better or worse. How far that change goes? Who knows. But if we’re lucky, maybe in the next few years, we’ll get a shot at resetting things a bit. Here’s hoping!

Daniel Boris (Nov. 2024)