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THE REPUBLICAN FART (Floor Action Response Team)

Elephant-fart
You cannot make this stuff up…

Several Freedom Caucus members in the Republican Party are hell-bent on preserving their leverage over the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, by exploiting a threat to oust him from the speakership with a motion to vacate and using the thinly divided House majority to thwart the necessary reform to save America.

The creation of the House “Floor Action Response Team” has stirred up a storm of ridicule on social media due to its acronym: “FART.”

This is all with the intent of countering attempts by a majority of GOP caucus members to diminish the corrupt and malign influence of the so-called radical right. Namely, it is to prevent the GOP majority from displacing its radical and disruptive members from the influential House Rules Committee or to raise the threshold for initiating a vote to remove the Speaker via a motion to vacate.

With the House set to deliberate on three separate bills allocating $95 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan and then combine them into a single bill that will be forwarded to the Senate, these few fools, namely Marjory Taylor Green, Thomas Massie, Lauren Boebert, Matt Gaetz want to impose their will on the GOP majority.

These are not patriots; they are disrupters who will effectively hand the House over to the radical progressive communist democrat Hakim Jeffries, currently the Minority Leader of the House.

Bottom line…

I will spare you the jokes and memes circulating on the internet.

We are so screwed.

EXISTENTIAL-THREAT
-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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REPUBLICANS AND THE ILLUSION OF CHOICE

Alien-crossing-2

The Illusion of Choice: Republicans and Immigration Policies in the Shadow of Progressive Democrats

It is beyond debate that duplicitous Republicans, many of whom are RINOs (Republicans In Name Only), appear content in playing the loyal opposition to the progressive communist democrats as long as they retain their cushy offices, perks, privileges, and profits.

These Republicans care not a whit for their constituency as they prostrate and prostitute themselves to the special interests, both foreign and domestic, as well as the media.

They are self-serving cowards willing to sell out their Country, Constitution, and constituency for ill-gotten gains, the proverbial thirty pieces of silver if you will. They cannot be trusted with the safety and security of America or Americans. They oversee malignant, malevolent, and malicious policies and do nothing other than run toward the microphones and cameras to loudly condemn the treacherous actions of the opposition while lacking the guts to take meaningful action. These are the letter writers who demand but rarely enforce their demands with legal action. These representatives speechify at congressional hearings but fade into the background as soon as their five minutes of face-time with the cameras runs out.

In the profoundly polarized landscape of American politics, the issue of immigration stands as a battleground where ideologies clash, and narratives diverge.

On one side, we have the Progressive Communist Democrats advocating for "comprehensive reform," emphasizing the type of compassion and inclusivity that demands open borders. On the other side, Republicans have yet to offer a viable alternative. Closer inspection reveals their "tough" stance against open borders as merely a façade—a mirage of choice obscuring the reality of a singular narrative.

The Progressive Communist Democrats, emphasizing social justice and equality, present a vision of immigration reform rooted in humanitarian principles. They advocate for pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, often referred to as Dreamers, who were brought to the United States as children. They champion comprehensive immigration reform, addressing limited border security but also the complexities of visa systems and asylum procedures.

Behind the scenes, the progressive communist democrats talk about flooding the states with illegal aliens who are counted in the official census to create additional representatives in Congress, namely the House of Representatives. Thus, there is no immediate need for citizenship as the children of these illegals become automatic citizens. One generation is all it takes to legalize those who are the progeny of illegal aliens. They secure their majority in the House without lifting a proverbial finger. 

Conversely, Republicans ostensibly position themselves as the voice of opposition, offering a counterbalance to the progressive agenda. However, a closer examination reveals that their rhetoric often aligns more closely with watered-down Democrat policies than actual reform.

While some within the Republican Party may express support for increased border security and stricter enforcement measures, the majority waffles on and on about specific immigration measures, such as merit-based systems or guest worker programs. Yet few call for a functioning visa system that tracks arrivals and departures to issue automatic and immediate deportation orders for violators. Even fewer want to solve the problem when an illegal alien is holding a citizenship baby in their arms. These Republicans are not what we need: we need tough people to make tough choices about tough actions rather than tough talk for the media. 

The illusion of choice becomes evident when one realizes that the Republican stance on immigration is not a genuine alternative to the progressive communist democrat agenda but rather a variation on the same theme—a theme of kicking the can down the road and decrying the damage being done to our safety, security, welfare, healthcare, and educational systems.

While Democrats publicly advocate for inclusivity and the recognition of immigrants' presumed contributions to society, many Republicans respond with the obvious fact that immigrants have become a real threat to national security, economic stability, and a culture of American exceptionalism. The media then dismissing the Republican claims as nothing more than xenophobic fearmongering and scapegoating. 

Big money in play...

There is no doubt that the significant influence of special interest groups, activists, immigration attorneys, political donors, and the massive bureaucracy dealing with immigrant affairs complicates the situation even further.

Powerful lobbyists advocating for cheap labor on behalf of their corporate clients, prioritizing the interests of big business over the welfare of American citizens, also wield significant influence over Republican lawmakers. 

Bottom line...

The idea of Republicans providing a genuine alternative to the immigration policies of Progressive Communist Democrats is but an illusion. This mirage obscures the reality of a singular narrative rooted in exclusion and division.

The Republicans are not the party of, pardon the Obama expression, hope and change; they are the party of duplicity and betrayal. 

The RINOs exist only because we live in a post-consequence world where accountability means suffering through a few mean tweets. The worst thing that can happen to a RINO politician is not mediocrity but becoming irrelevant to the media.

With these guys, there are only two responses: that's not true, and even if it is, it's your fault because you did not sufficiently support our cause with your donations. It can never be; I'm a crap politician who doesn't care or doesn't know what I am doing. 

The Republicans are presently engaging in a suicidal act of self-deception. With months to the 2024 presidential election, we still do not know how the Republicans will start America on the road to reform. Let us hope they get their heads out of their "collectivist" asses.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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THE AMERICA I KNEW IS ALMOST UNRECOGNIZABLE

America is committing political suicide as the progressive communist democrats pursue their toxic agenda, especially those threatened with exposure and prosecution for their nefarious activities.

Watching

Our Constitution is at risk…

Progressive communist Democrats are attempting to nullify the provisions that protect the disenfranchisement of smaller states by subverting the Electoral College with a “compact of states” that legislatively declares that a state’s electoral college votes go toward the winner of the National Popular Vote—thus allowing the most populated states to dominate the less populated states in elections. This would effectively convey the presidency to whoever gets the greatest number of popular votes at the national level. Another Constitutional check-and-balance impediment is being removed in the march toward communism.

Likewise, ranked voting stacks the deck in favor of the most represented party and freezes out opposition candidates.

Our shared knowledge base and source of reliable information is at risk.

In a recent poll of jurors, a significant portion of those examined in the voir dire procedure preparatory to becoming a seated juror claimed, under oath, that they got their news from social media sources and the partisan legacy media dominated by progressive communist democrats.

Immigration: the sovereignty, safety, and security of the United States is at risk.

Our nation is being invaded by a horde of unvetted illegal aliens, including criminals, crazies, terrorists, sex traffickers, labor slaves, and illiterate and unskilled workers who immediately require public assistance to exist and do not speak our language—all against federal law.

Yet, an attempt to hold Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas accountable for his “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law” has been scuttled by a slim majority of progressive communist democrats who simply deemed the impeachment charge as unconstitutional. The primary reason why the progressive communist democrats are flooding the states with illegal aliens whose presence is counted by the census is to create new legislative districts and increase the state’s representation (and majority) in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Mayorkas impeachment exposed the Senate’s corruption because it was the first time the Senate had historically exonerated a government official without holding a trial or reviewing evidence.

Education and constitutional free speech are at risk… 

In what universe can a 16-year-old high school student at Central Davidson High School in Lexington, North Carolina, be legitimately suspended for three days after using the term’ illegal alien’ during a vocabulary assignment in his English class?

According to school administrators, the student’s words were deemed to be “offensive and disrespectful” to Hispanic classmates. Identity politics is being used to squelch free speech with the consequences of ruining a student’s permanent record and limiting college acceptance. There is little doubt that the progressive communist democrats have captured education via the control and intimidation of powerful communist-oriented unions and have replaced education with indoctrination, including the wholesale redefining of words and phrases or criminalizing their use.

Our entire legal system is at risk…

Lady-justice-1

Those in charge of legal proceedings are willing to “un-blind” Lady Justice to insert politics into the law, regardless of whether the law must be tortured or subverted. If not for partisanship and corruption, how can a Judge allow and support the misapplication of the law as it is currently understood? Allowing prosecutors to cherry-pick offenses and criminalize civil charges based on “novel” legal theories that appear nonsensical to legal experts?

Explain how a corrupt Judge, whose family members play an essential part in persecuting the defendant on trial, can deny a venue change when there is overwhelming evidence that the jury pool is tainted and biased against the defendant.

The progressive communist democrat foreign policy empowers our enemies and disparages our allies.

Once again, I ask how Turkey can remain a member of NATO and have access to classified military information while consorting with our enemies during periods of U.S.-involved conflicts.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host Ismail Haniyeh, the Qatar-based leader of the terrorist group Hamas, in Turkey.

“Even if only I, Tayyip Erdogan, remain, I will continue as long as God gives me my life, to defend the Palestinian struggle and to be the voice of the oppressed Palestinian people.” Erdogan continues to characterize the murderous terrorist group Hamas as a “resistance group.”

GOP suicide and the outlandish tyranny of the minority.

With a highly polarized political system, even a slim majority may exert an undue force that empowers radical individuals and policies. Witness Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) holding the GOP caucus at gunpoint as she threatens to call for the removal of Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, a dangerous move that could allow the radical progressive communist democrats to capture the speakership and put a rabid Democrat in line for presidential succession.

Junk science...

TST

Imagine the headlines when a report declares that wearing a pair of jeans just once creates 2.5kg of CO2, which is the equivalent of driving a car for 6.4 miles. 

"Scientists from the Guangdong University of Technology analyzed the life cycle of a pair of Levi's jeans from growing the cotton to their eventual disposal." The pseudo-science of global warming rears its ugly head. Instead of highlighting the natural beneficial aspects of CO2, the poseurs declare it is a harmful pollutant.

Sexual politics is another name for communism.

Why are so many unhappy, unaccomplished, and unattractive genderqueer activists promoting a socialist future? And why would anyone listen to this cohort of disaffected individuals as they destroy the traditional family structure and promote unlimited deviant sex?

Google "polycule" -- “an intricate structure formed of people with overlapping deep attachments: romantic, sexual, sensual, platonic."

Bottom line…

Stiglich-end-of-america

We are so screwed; it will take decades to recover—if recovery is possible at this stage.

-- Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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CHURCHILL: OBSERVATIONS ON ISLAM

Churchill-trump

While many will decry Churchill’s view of Islam to be racist and authored by a colonialist, that doesn’t mean he mischaracterizes the nature of Islam, which he calls “Mohammedanism”…

“How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. The effects are apparent in many countries. Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live. A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property – either as a child, a wife, or a concubine – must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men. Thousands become the brave and loyal soldiers of the faith: all know how to die but the influence of the religion paralyzes the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it had vainly struggled, the civilization of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilization of ancient Rome.”

― Winston Churchill, The River War

Winston Churchill wrote “The River War” and published it in two volumes in 1899. It covers the British campaign in the Sudan, particularly focusing on the reconquest of the Sudanese territory from the forces of the Mahdi, Muhammad Ahmad.

Churchill’s admiration for the Mahdist forces, led by Muhammad Ahmad, the self-proclaimed Mahdi, was evident in his depiction of their courage and determination. He acknowledged the fervent religious zeal that inspired the Mahdist warriors to resist British imperialism. Churchill recognized the potency of the Islamic faith as a motivating force, especially in the face of foreign intervention.

At the same time, Churchill was critical of certain aspects of Islamic governance and culture, particularly what he perceived as its resistance to modernization and its authoritarianism. He viewed the imposition of strict Islamic law under the Mahdi’s rule as oppressive and detrimental to both individual and societal progress.

While Churchill’s perspectives on Islam, imperialism, and warfare reflect the attitudes prevalent in late 19th-century colonialist Britain, many activist agitators hold that his views do not align with contemporary values and understanding, but since Islam remains unreformed, its theocratical views are still practiced; one can consider Islam to be a clear and present danger to Western Civilization and a tool for modern-day authoritarianism.

Some appeasers argue that Islam, like any religion, can undergo reform and adaptation to modern contexts. At the same time, the fundamental Islamists believe that the fundamentals of Islam are immutable and, therefore, resistant to significant reform. In this case, the religion’s more violent and authoritarian practices are anathema to modern society.

Bottom line...

The only thing that Islam respects is brute force. Thus, the United States must become a deterrent for further Islamicist aggression.

Until then, America and Americans remain vulnerable to barbarism and we are screwed.

-- Steve

Jihad

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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THE HISTORIC BATTLE HAS BEGUN

Lady-justice-1

No! Not the existential battle between good and evil via proxies: the Jewish State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran, but the existential struggle between the progressive communist democrats and the single individual they fear most, Donald J. Trump, a man who threatens their very existence with the potential power to hold individuals, organizations, and government agencies accountable for their past unconstitutional and criminal acts.

The venue is uber-liberal New York City, whose population is overwhelmingly Democrat and which has been bombarded by nearly a decade of negative Trump propaganda by a multi-media onslaught by an industry that the progressive communist democrats have captured. The jury pool is overwhelming anti-Trump, and there is very little chance for a fair trial. Of course, the Judge refuses to consider a change in venue lest he lose his spotlight and an anti-Trump jury.

The instrument of prosecution, or more aptly, persecution, is the torturing of the law, intertwining federal and state, civil and criminal, law in a way never seen before--all with the single goal of crippling Donald Trump’s candidacy for the President of the United States.

The significant players arrayed against Trump are the grotesquely compromised Judge Juan Merchan and a similarly compromised Alvin Bragg, the New York County District Attorney.

The case is simple to understand. A time-barred, dead misdemeanor was incorrectly massaged into a felony charge by progressive communist democrats to cripple a Trump presidency.

At the heart of the matter, we find a legal non-disclosure agreement, commonly used in all public and private venues and governed under state laws, has been criminalized by a bastard interpretation of the law using an impermissible federal law to allow the criminal interpretation of civil law. In essence, former president Donald Trump falsified business documents (governed under state law) to hide salacious information from voters and boost his electoral prospects (an election matter under federal law) in the 2016 presidential election. Even legal scholars do not understand the never-before-used legal theory behind the prosecution’s case.

Further evidence of political interference with a presidential campaign…

Judge Merchan demands Trump’s daily attendance, or he could be jailed for contempt—no allowance for Barron’s graduation or an appearance at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Bottom line…

Nobody understands how this case can exist, especially since a state prosecutor is attempting to create a federal case to convict a political candidate of a state crime.

What I would like to happen is as simple as one-two-three. One, the case is dismissed. Two, the City of New York is held accountable for the cost of the Trump defense, along with punitive fines. Third, the lawyers involved are disbarred for malfeasance and criminally prosecuted for election interference and voter disenfranchisement.

In a sense, Trump stands up for us and the rule of law.

New York is fucked, and we are so screwed.

--Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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PRIVACY: WHO OWNS YOUR BANK TRANSACTION DATA?

Target-data

Financial data privacy is dead!

Your transaction data is now a commodity to be sold to advertisers. The problem is that even so-called anonymized data can be combined with similar data in a zip code or a smaller census tract, manipulated by machine learning and artificial intelligence to produce a high probability identification of an individual or their family.

JP Morgan Chase is joining other electronic platforms that monetize their customer’s transaction data…

Chase-hdrChase Launches Chase Media Solutions, a New Digital Media Business, Connecting 80 Million U.S. Consumers with the Brands They Love
New media platform delivers customers cash back while helping brands drive sales and business growth

Today, Chase launched Chase Media Solutions, its new digital media business, providing brands with the ability to connect directly with the financial institution’s 80 million customers. Chase Media Solutions serves as a key conduit for brands, connecting them with consumers’ personal passions and interests. In turn, Chase customers benefit from personalized offers and the ability to earn cash back with brands they love or are discovering for the first time.

As the only bank-led media platform of its kind, Chase Media Solutions combines the scale and audience of a retail media network with the exclusive advantages of Chase’s first-party financial data, institutional credibility and precise targeting capabilities. Today, the bank’s large consumer base and 6 million small business customers benefit from Chase’s wide range of travel, dining and shopping offerings — generating unparalleled insights across consumer categories.

The launch of Chase Media Solutions follows the integration of Figg, a leading card-linked marketing platform. JPMorgan Chase & Co. acquired Figg in 2022 as a natural step in Chase’s effort to build out its owned, two-sided commerce platform, and as part of the firm’s vision to bring win-win value to both business clients and banking customers.

“Our deep understanding of consumer spending across categories has driven us to reimagine what retail media networks can offer,” said Rich Muhlstock, President of Chase Media Solutions. “Like retailers, we have first-party data and a dedicated audience. But what sets us apart is the unrivaled scale and insights from our customers – having long-served as a trusted guide for their financial decisions. Chase reaches across brands, merchants and shopping verticals, providing a comprehensive view of purchase behavior; this strengthens the degree of personalization, helping brands deliver offers that stoke consumer interests.”

Chase Media Solutions platform advantages

  • First-party data: With Chase’s owned transaction data, brands and agencies can precisely target customers at scale based on purchase history (such as targeting new, lapsed or loyal customers)
  • Better ROI and attribution: Brands capture incremental spend on everyday purchases both in-store and online with clear attribution for every media dollar spent
  • Trust and brand safety: The platform is built on the foundational trust and institutional credibility of Chase, including a verified audience and brand-safe owned channels

Among initial pilot partners, Chase Media Solutions designed 30-day campaigns for Air Canada, Solo Stove, Blue Bottle and Whataburger, seeing significant traction for those brands in driving incremental sales and new customers growth. 

Regarding the success of their initial campaign, Scott O’Leary, Vice President of Loyalty and Products for Air Canada, said, “The Chase team succeeded in creating a thoughtful, targeted offer that exceeded our expectations. Two distinct offer constructs drove incremental revenue and awareness for Air Canada amongst Chase’s cardmember base. These tests clearly demonstrated the potential of the Chase Media Solutions channel, and we look forward to working together more in the future.”

About Chase

Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading financial services firm based in the United States with assets of $3.9 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves nearly 80 million consumers and nearly 6 million small businesses, with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: More than 4,700 branches in 48 states and the District of Columbia, more than 15,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. <Source>

What they don’t mention…

Since this is a “commercial” offering, government agencies, including intelligence and law enforcement entities, that are generally prohibited from collecting and maintaining their own databases, can simply purchase the data for their own purposes—both legitimate and nefarious. Thus, a malevolent regime can also use the very same precision targeting methods used commercially to advance their own interests. Likewise, activist organizations can do the very same thing: identify potential donors or target organizations. Since there are no regulatory restrictions on data use beyond those imposed by the financial institutions themselves, this represents a clear and present danger to our democracy.

It appears that our major banks were more than willing to act as agents of the progressive communist democrat regime when it comes to de-banking customers who are associated with goods and services that run counter to the regime’s narrative. 

Newsweek-assets2
Stop the Troubling Trend of Politically Motivated Debanking

Advocacy groups, government officials, and activist shareholders are using Environmental, Social, and Governance mandates to coerce banks to cut ties with politically disfavored industries like oil companies and firearms manufacturers. Now, it appears this cancellation threat is spreading to political and religious views that activists disfavor, too.

Both of our organizations have had recent run-ins with debanking. The National Committee for Religious Freedom (NCRF)—a nonprofit advocacy group that exists to defend the right of everyone in America to live out their faith freely—opened a JPMorgan Chase checking account last April. A few weeks later, the bank shut down the account without explanation.

NCRF only found that out when one of its founders tried to deposit a donation at a local Chase branch on May 19. That’s when NCRF was informed that the account was restricted and marked for closure. All the local branch could share was that the corporate office had closed the account, and that bank employees weren’t permitted to give additional information. The following week, NCRF received a letter dated May 6 stating that Chase would close the account and end its relationship on May 9.

Eventually, a representative at Chase’s corporate office said the bank might reinstate the account if NCRF disclosed a list of donors who contributed 10 percent or more of its operating budget and divulged the criteria it uses to decide whom to support politically. Respecting donors’ privacy and skeptical that the bank made the same demands of other nonprofits, NCRF declined.

As pressure mounted over cancellation of the account, Chase changed its story several times. It initially denied asking invasive questions about donors but quickly changed its tune and claimed that it had to ask these questions to comply with federal banking guidelines on money laundering and funding terrorism.

Pressed on the weakness of this untenable rationale, Chase pivoted and claimed that, as a former U.S. senator and ambassador, I (Sam Brownback) am a “Politically Exposed Person”—a designation that Chase claimed triggers heavier scrutiny before NCRF could open an account. But the relevant guidelines specify that “Politically Exposed Persons” do not “include U.S. public officials.” Put simply, the rule Chase cited does not even apply. <Source>

Bottom line…

We know that commercial enterprises are now using purchase category codes and that the government uses this data to identify individual gun owners. What would keep them from trying to identify unregistered owners of gas-power small engines in the future?

It is time to force our legislators to implement data use and privacy protections to protect personal, non-public data and to impose heavy jail sentences on government-related individuals, including third-party contractors, who breach the public’s trust to access and use prohibited data.

We are so screwed.

--Steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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HOW MANY MEALY-MOUTH WAYS CAN YOU SAY ACT OF WAR?

Swi

There is no doubt that the Islamic Republic of Iran has, directly or indirectly through its state-sponsored proxies, committed an act of war against the State of Israel by the “use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state” as per Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter.

United Nations Charter Article 2, paragraph 4

All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations. <Source: United Nations Security Council>

The Islamic Republic of Iran admits the attack…

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said via state media: ‘The aerospace unit of the Revolutionary Guards has attacked targets in Israel with dozens of drones and missiles in reaction to the Zionist regime’s crimes, including the attack on the consulate section of Iran’s embassy in Damascus and martyring our commanders and military advisers in Syria.’ <Source>

The State of Israel confirms the attack…

The IDF’s spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said that the Iranian attack was ’a severe and dangerous escalation’ in tensions, adding: ‘Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest level of readiness ahead of this large-scale attack from Iran.’

The IDF said: ‘The air defense array is on high alert at the same time as the Air Force planes and Navy ships that are on a mission to protect the country’s skies. The IDF is monitoring all targets.

‘We ask the public to adhere to and follow the instructions of the Home Front Command and the official IDF announcements regarding the matter. <Source>

The unknown…

It is believed by some security analysts that Iran possesses a working nuclear weapon and that the Obama/Biden administration has struck an illegal quid pro quo deal with Iran to avoid announcing their nuclear capability or conducting an October Surprise test before the 2024 presidential election in return for relaxed sanctions regarding billions of dollars in blocked funds and oil revenue.

Pussyfooting around a clear and present act of war…

It appears the diplomatic euphemisms are flying on all sides.

  • “A breach of international peace and stability.”
  • “An aggressive military maneuver.”
  • “A significant escalation of tensions.”
  • “A breach of sovereignty.”
  • “An incursion into territorial integrity.”
  • “A hostile military action.”
  • “A challenge to regional security.”
  • “An infringement on peacekeeping efforts.”
  • “An act of aggression.”
  • “A violation of diplomatic norms.”
  • “A disruption of global harmony.”
  • “A breach of ceasefire agreements.”
  • “A destabilizing military operation.”
  • “A provocative military engagement.”
  • “An assault on peaceful coexistence.”
  • “A transgression against international law.”
  • “A provocation with potential for conflict.”
  • “A breach of armistice terms.”
  • “An infringement on diplomatic relations.”
  • “A challenge to the principles of non-violence and diplomacy.”

President Biden’s Statement…

Wh-logo Statement from President Joe Biden on Iran’s Attacks against the State of Israel

Earlier today, Iran—and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq—launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel. I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms.

At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week. Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles.

[OCS: Playing defense is not the same as firing a shot over their bow or demonstrating your commitment with the destruction of a military target.]

I’ve just spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel. I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel.

[OCS: At the same time, the Obama/Biden administrations seek regime change in Israel and the destruction of Prime Minister Netanyahu through a not-so-covert color revolution.]

Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack. My team will engage with their counterparts across the region. And we will stay in close touch with Israel’s leaders. And while we have not seen attacks on our forces or facilities today, we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people.

[OCS: The G7 member states consist of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States—some of whose feckless leaders are anti-Semitic and anti-Israel. Any diplomatic response is likely to be a “strong” letter saying, “Don’t do that again.”] <Source>

What Biden says in private...

Scoop: Biden told Bibi U.S. won't support an Israeli counterattack on Iran

President Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a call on Saturday that the U.S. won't support any Israeli counterattack against Iran, a senior White House official told Axios.

Why it matters: Biden and his senior advisers are highly concerned an Israeli response to Iran's attack on Israel would lead to a regional war with catastrophic consequences, U.S. officials said.

Biden told Netanyahu the joint defensive efforts by Israel, the U.S. and other countries in the region led to the failure of the Iranian attack, according to the White House official.

  • "You got a win. Take the win," Biden told Netanyahu, according to the official.
  • The official said that when Biden told Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in any offensive operations against Iran and would not support such operations, Netanyahu said he understood.
  • U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke on Saturday with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant and asked that Israel notify the U.S. ahead of any response against Iran, a senior Israeli official said. <Source>

The truth is Biden is out to lunch and the Obamacons like National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin have little experience and are probably scared shitless of being held accountable for a regional war or the loss of a democrat-majority Senate. And telling anyone in the Biden Administration of attack plans is like telling the Supreme Leader of Iran directly.

What now?

Was this a symbolic “tit-for-tat” strike that is relatively harmless and not worthy of an actual full-scale, serious military retaliatory strike or a precursor to a joint attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, the Iranian regime’s senior leadership, or the Iranian oil infrastructure?

Is the United States mindful of Iranian sleeper cells embedded in the United States while our premier intelligence and law enforcement agencies are concentrating on domestic policies, namely destroying Donald Trump in favor of the progressive communist democrat authoritarian regime?

Has America been sold out by traitors like former President Barack Obama, who resurrected a failing Iranian regime and facilitated its nuclear capabilities? Or Robert Malley, who is alleged to have collaborated with the Iranians and assisted in introducing Iranian operatives into high government positions?

Does America have unregistered foreign agents in Congress who support hostile foreign powers?

Bottom line…

Nobody really knows anything other than we are well and truly screwed by those who purport to represent “We the People.”

-- Steve

Stand-with-israel

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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