The Threat is Real

Today in Washington D.C., the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened an international assembly of world leaders. The topic? A Ministerial on the International Resurgence of Far-Left Political Terrorism.

The goal? Unity of the civilized world in cooperation with the United States to destroy what Rubio calls "this encroaching darkness," "a poisonous resentment," and "a distinctive and unique evil." Rubio spares nothing in defining the soul-crushing despair of life under communist totalitarianism.

Rubio's family escaped the brutality of communist Cuba; he has full knowledge of what he speaks. Furthermore, many of the nations represented in his audience remember the communist horrors of previous decades that he recounts in his address. Many countries are suffering the current onslaughts of far-left political terrorism, as are we.

I doubt we will see this event covered on any of the alphabet networks. Media acquiescence is part of the far-left's grand global plan. I recommend you make time to watch today's remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in their entirety. We've reached the moment of urgency to defend our nation's principles.

Apathy is the best friend of aspiring tyrants. Education on the perils we face is civilizational armor against that enemy. It's time to suit up.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio ~ A Voice in the Wilderness

Worth Reflection

"You can vote your way into communism, but you have to shoot your way out."

~ multiple attributions

We're hearing so much these days about the "Democratic Socialists" gaining political ground. As one who had family members who ran and escaped from Stalin's tanks with the clothes on their backs, I've heard the first-hand accounts of what happens under "socialism" morphed into "communism." Their stories painted a frightening portrait.

"Democratic Socialist" has such a softer ring to it than the "Marxist" or "Communist" descriptions. But in keeping with the facts of Marxist theory, the gentler moniker is a lie, meant to lull us little people into enough complacency to accept government bondage. "Socialism" is the keystone into this prison. Once in full power, the elite "Socialists" slam the gate, lock it, and rule "the masses" with impunity.

Don't take my word; read some history on this topic. Or simply read today's article on RealClearPolitics by Katrina Lantos Swett, "What Would My Father Say to America?" Read Victor Davis Hanson's article from July 7, dismantling the "embittered rant" of New York City's Mayor Mamdani. Education on the danger we are facing is indispensable in arming ourselves for the inevitable fight ahead.

The Marxist playbook never varies. Communism is a lie that tears down the status quo with false promises of a life free of responsibility and filled with free benefits and benevolent security. In reality, it is a totalitarian dictatorship. You think Donald Trump is a dictator? Funny! Look at the abuse the president suffers daily in the media. In a communist system, any media personality or protest leader who criticized the head of government would be off the air--and in the ground--the next day. 

In the span of a mere two generations, immigrants in America have devolved from a feeling of sincere gratitude to an over-sized sense of entitlement. Americans born and raised in the USA know only the theory, not the practice, of socialism and/or communism. It sounds so easy, so fair, so desirable; it is meant to appeal to those who are ignorant of the hard facts. What native-born American today has endured true privation? Our unprecedented comforts and liberties in this country serve to advance the lie of communism. Simply put, as a population we are spoiled and ignorant of the peril we are in.

If newcomers or longtime residents don't like our system, they are free to leave at any time, a freedom not afforded in many other countries. With socialists and outright communists increasingly gaining political ground in the US, leaving sooner is advisable.

But of course, this being the United Stated, you are free to stay and enjoy the government's confiscation of your private property--for starters.

Something to think about...

Through Other Eyes

Aside from mentioning the incredulity of overseas guests at air conditioning cooling interiors everywhere, I'm behind the curve on this story. In celebrating USA 250 I must not overlook the genuinely happy reactions of the World Cup's foreign visitors to the American way of life. From the plethora of snacks in every grocery store to free coffee and soda refills at restaurants, our guests were amazed at the freedom, abundance, and generosity of the USA.

In our currently troubled times, their delighted reactions are a timely reminder of the countless gifts we have and take for granted. It's up to us Americans to be sure we keep them.

An Italian World Cup visitor celebrates free soda refills.

Thoughts on USA's 250th Anniversary

Friendly Warning

You're free to leave if you disapprove;

We don't mind your right to move.

We love it here, we'd never go

To any other land we know.

But if you're here, respect our home;

Leave our laws and our ways alone.

If you mean us harm, we will stand tall;

Don't push your luck on that at all.

This country is for all who've learned

That liberty is dearly earned.

We respect, and honor too,

All those who've died for us--and you.

We pray this anniversary,

In God We Trust to keep us free.

Happy birthday, USA

Be Worthy of Ourselves

 “On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves.”

~ Dr. Joseph Warren, American Patriot, 1741-1775

Read Act Worthy of Yourselves at RealClearPolitics

Made in America

 He ain't prejudiced, he's just, made in America.

~ Toby Keith

On this date in 1916, my father was born. In his life experience, he was completely different from the dad Toby Keith describes in his hit song Made in America. 

My father was a city boy. As far as I know, he never once sat on a tractor. He didn't have a tattoo, and he certainly wasn't handy with tools (Mom did better with those). One of his lifelong regrets was his rejection from the military, specifically US Navy Officer Training school, due to an issue with his eyesight. A devoted Roman Catholic, his book was the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible, not the King James version.

Despite these significant contrasts to the heartland farmer portrayed in Made in America's lyrics, "my old man" and Toby's were similar in more significant ways.

Both men were dedicated family men who loved God and the USA. Once in my teens I was watching a WWII movie with my father. In one battle scene, the American flag bearer falls to the ground. Dad literally yelled at the television set, "Somebody pick up the flag!" I remember that moment because it was so uncharacteristic of my father to react so forcefully.

Dad was ahead of his time in his political views. He considered Franklin D. Roosevelt "the worst president ever" because he had "socialized the country." With the ongoing explosion of the American welfare state, I believe time has proven him right. Dad was a staunch Republican who was convinced the Vietnam conflict was an enormous error. At the time, that was a shocking stand for a conservative.

Sixty years ago, I also remember him objecting to the United States "still paying Europe's bills." In 1965, 20 years post-war, he felt those countries should be making more of an effort to be self-sufficient. I can't imagine what he would say today on that topic.

Good fathers within the USA can come from many different worlds. Their daily life, opinions, traditions and customs can vary widely, but they share the same deeply rooted values that built our country. As it states on our national currency, E pluribus unum; out of many, one. And all of them, made in America.

From the YouTube video

Half Time

 “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle..."

~ Job 7:6

That was quick. Here we are, at the end of June once again. Tomorrow, July 1, we are halfway through 2026 and on the downslope towards the next new year. The older I get, the more each year passes faster than the previous one. That's both a frightening and exhilarating fact of life.

This annual milestone is a gentle reminder to enjoy the time we have. Carpe diem! Life is good, especially during summer in the air-conditioned USA. Ask any World Cup athlete. They are amazed at the luxury of cool indoor air everywhere they go amidst the season's outdoor heat. Air conditioning is one of the many unacknowledged blessings of living in our country; at least, it was until the grateful overseas visitors called our attention to it. A small thing to Americans is a very big deal to our foreign guests. That's worth remembering in our seasonal travels.

Whatever your vacation plans may be, we all know the time will race by. Enjoy your cool, fast-flying summer!

Summer Reading

If you're a fan of historical fiction, you've probably read some of author Ken Follett's books. I've read a good portion of them, but it's a challenge to keep up with his output. 

I thought I had completed the Kingsbridge Series, but it turns out I'm only four for five. Unbeknownst to me at the time, Kingsbridge Book 5 The Armor of Light came out in 2023. I have some catching up to do.

However, my makeup homework for Kingsbridge will have to wait. I'm currently two-thirds of the way through Follett's The Century Trilogy, ready to start Book 3, The Edge of Eternity. The Century books follow five interrelated families from just before World War I up to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Each book is a tome; by the end of the series the reader has consumed roughly 3,000 pages. 

Books that size need to be worth your time, and Ken Follett does not disappoint. The historical details are impressive, especially Follett's skill at weaving true life figures into the story's action. Follett brings the grim and momentous events of the last century to vivid life. He also enjoys tossing in a fair amount of romantic spice, which does contribute to page-turning.

If you're looking for some long-term beach and/or vacation reading this summer and haven't been introduced to Ken Follett's work, give it a go. Fair warning, your summer may fly by even faster than usual.

The Century Trilogy by Ken Follett

Enough Already

The newly released film Disclosure Day from Steven Spielberg is, according to the famed director, about to rattle people of the Christian faith into doubt and disbelief.

Oh, wow. I'm shaking.

Spielberg is a true believer in alien life forms. That's been clear since his 1977 movie Close Encounters, emphasized in the 1982 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Okay, fine. You do you, Steve. But don't flatter yourself that you're about to change the world.

It's apparent to me that Spielberg's understanding of Christianity is shallow at best. For him to predict that a Hollywood movie would challenge a faithful person's belief is a breathtaking display of oversized ego. As my mother might have said, he's got an exalted opinion of himself. 

I have no plans to see this movie in a theatre. I may catch it someday on a streaming platform, if the mood strikes me. My fragile faith is safe for now.

Spielberg thinks he's far more influential and important than he actually is. Pardon me if I can't take the man seriously anymore.

From Pinterest

Remember to Remember

 "We just knew we had a job to do."

~ Sgt. Tom Jensen, D-Day veteran

The greatest tragedy of D-Day would be to forget it.
June 6, 1944

Days Gone Bi

Who remembers the United States Bicentennial anniversary?

As I recall, the entire country went berserk celebrating the occasion. Every state, every city, every town had its own committees of officials and volunteers dedicated to throwing the US a huge birthday party. For at least one year in advance of 1976, there were tee shirts, hats, buttons, Betsy Ross flags, commemorative stamps, coins, mugs, and plates and all kinds of memorabilia everywhere you looked. It was the most festive year in the country that I can recall.

What happened? Considering what a huge national gala the US Bicentennial was, why is our country's upcoming 250th birthday barely mentioned, let alone celebrated?

So many things happened in the past half century to snuff enthusiasm for this special milestone. It's hard to know where to begin. Everything that's gone wrong in the world appears to be our fault, according to so many accusers both at home and abroad. Our politics have become dangerously polarized. But it's more than that.

After all, the United States founder fathers had slaves! There was slavery in the USA! Yes, unfortunately, there was. It is one of our most terrible and tragic mistakes. Not mentioned is the fact that slavery has existed in every civilization. Most often overlooked is the fact that the US is the only country in history where hundreds of thousands of native sons fought and died to eradicate slavery, which they successfully did more than a century and a half ago. 

Also overlooked is the fact that today's mobile phones and sneakers are made by current slaves. I don't hear objections to that, but I digress.

Americans are constantly told that we're racist and sexist, also misogynistic. We hear we are fascistic and Islamophobic, too. It seems no one can quite define these terms with any degree of accuracy anymore, but that's beside the point. The epithets are nasty, and they stick. But they are not true.

If the US is such a miserable place, why does the entire world want to get in? Why don't the ungrateful US residents leave? Because everyone knows this is the best place to be. Being born in the United States is like winning life's lottery--at least, it is so far. At some level, all the naysayers must know this. Ask yourself, would "No Kings" protests be allowed in a "fascist" country? Dear Lefties: Take a moment to think logically before you answer.

The year 1976, the US Bicentennial, was a simpler time. Fifty years ago, Americans looked for the good in our country, and we found it. The good is still there. And I, for one, intend to celebrate this July 4th Independence Day to the max, just as I did the Bicentennial. My only complaint is that "United States Semiquincentennial" is a lot harder to say.

In 1976, the US flag was not "triggering"

Too Much Talk

President Trump needs to fish or cut bait in Iran. The Iranian officials are not trustworthy. We've known that since the Iranian hostage crisis that began 47 years ago. Let's not be stupid yet another time.

Stop talking. Start acting. "No blah-blah-blah."

Star Trek ~ Season 1, Episode 8 - "Miri"

Remember and Honor

"Never...was so much owed by so many to so few."

~ Winston Churchill

I hear a certain greeting often on this solemn occasion, Memorial Day in the United States: "Happy Memorial Day." It causes me to grind my teeth.

This is not a happy day. It's not about the beach or the barbecues. It's a sacred day to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by uncounted thousands of service members of the U.S. Armed Forces over the 250 years of our country's existence. They died so we could enjoy the life we have today, which is far better than that of any other country's royalty had even a century ago.

We owe all our fallen heroes a debt beyond price. Pause a moment today to think of them. Remember and honor their sacrifice.

May 25 ~ Memorial Day 2026

The Bright Side

A lot has been happening since I went on hiatus. There is so much bad news in the world, from gas prices to crime to war. It's hard to know where to begin when you return home.

Maybe finding some good news would be a welcome change. I read this piece by my wisdom hero, Victor Davis Hanson, this morning, and it put some of my concerns into perspective. In fact, I felt so much better that I thought it worth sharing, so here's the link:

America: The Real Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon › American Greatness

It's good to be back home.

Time for A Break

"Silence is the perfect herald of joy."

~ Wm. Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing 2:1

Time for a head reset. Be back sometime in May.

The Less Said, The Better

There is a duty in the Catholic Church to avoid scandal. You can look it up in the Catechism. It's tied to the "love your neighbor" directive and of course those pesky Ten Commandments.

There's already plenty of turmoil within the Church. We're not supposed to wreak more havoc inside the faith. I can't argue against such a reasonable caveat.

Based on that concept, I'm don't have much to say about the current "war" of words between the president and the pope. I certainly do have my own opinions on the matter. But the only public comment I care to make at this point is: I wish both men would just sit down and shut up.

Holding My Attention

Being a supporting member of PragerU, I keep an eye on the various interviews posted each week. There is always something worth watching

Also, being a later evening TV viewer, I usually take the length of the broadcast into consideration. When I noticed that the Robby Starbuck interview was one hour and twenty minutes, I hesitated. Do I want to watch the whole show tonight, or split it into two sessions?

That turned out to be a silly question. PragerU CEO Marissa Streit's interview with Starbuck was so interesting the time flew by. I was surprised when suddenly, it seemed to me, they were wrapping up with a "last question."

Starbuck is a compelling speaker, and he covers a wide swath of both current and historic topics. Starbuck's discussion on the future implications of AI is especially fascinating. His own negative experience of being intentionally targeted for personal destruction by false AI data is a terrifying cautionary tale on the real dangers looming ahead of us all. I wish him the best in his lawsuit against Google.

Robby Starbuck, activist and former Hollywood director, speaks with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit

Hallelujah

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

~ Revelation 21:4

The Blind See

 "Truly this man was the Son of God." 

~ Roman Centurion Longinus

As we all know, there is always more to learn in life. I only recently read the story of St. Longinus, the Roman centurion who pierced the crucified Christ's side with his lance. He is not named in the Gospels; Matthew and Mark refer to him only as "the centurion," while John calls him a "soldier" and includes the important detail about Christ's blood pouring from the stab wound (Jn 19:34). But the name Longinus is recorded in apocryphal writings such as the Gospel of Nicodemus. 

The early Church writings relate that Longinus suffered from very poor eyesight. When the blood from Christ's side came into contact with his eyes, Longinus recovered perfect vision. He converted to Christianity and returned to his home in Cappadocia to spread the word of the Resurrection. This angered the Roman authorities, who sent soldiers to kill him. Details surrounding his demise vary between Catholic and Orthodox traditions, but both accounts seem to agree that Longinus was tortured and beheaded for his Christian faith by the Romans.

Longinus is revered as a saint in both the Catholic and Orthodox churches.

There are many stories and legends about the spear of Longinus, or The Holy Lance. Who knew? I certainly didn't. I stumbled across St. Longinus and his story while doing my annual spiritual reading during Lent. With a bit of effort, I suspect I can continue having my own eyes opened to something new every day.

Fighting Words

 a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:8

As a Catholic, I wish Pope Leo would either take a seat or keep his focus on Jesus. Whenever he weighs in on current events, he sounds like he just kicked off his sneakers after a "No Kings" political protest. 

According to Pope Leo, "God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war." Well, excuse me, but it's not up to the pope to determine whose prayers are heard by God. He needs a Bible refresher course. Has Pope Leo never read the Book of Joshua? He appears completely unfamiliar it. God's command was to wage war "without mercy" in order to secure the Holy Land.

The New Testament places the emphasis on our fallen human nature and evil influences as the cause of war; James 4:1and especially Ephesians 6:10-18 make a firm point of this perspective. St. Paul's entire passage about the "full armor of God" is hard truth and pure poetry. Spiritual warfare is definitely a factor in the US-Iranian conflict, but so is the goal of preserving the world's security.

And the pope should maybe reread the Book of Revelation, which in Chapter 6 describes global war beyond what we have yet seen, war which God happens to permit--divine power is given "to take peace from the earth" (perhaps coming soon to a continent near you).

But the pope says God won't listen to prayers from war fighters. Really? Oh, Leo. Stop it. You're being silly. God listens to everyone. At this point, I'd rather hear you give another off-topic sermon about dangers to the environment.

Ephesians 6:10-18