Author: webuiltitblog

I am a retired financial services executive who worked on Wall Street for 42 years. I established this blog to publish commentary on politics and business as I still follow these areas closely. My hobbies include golf, reading, travel and spending time with my grandchildren.

WHO REALLY KILLED CHARLIE KIRK?

In my view, we can all agree that the assassination of Charlie Kirk was a senseless, horrific tragedy (those of us that are sane, anyway). Charlie was a healer, not a divider, and the outpouring of praise, respect and love for him since his assassination has been astounding. It’s almost what one might expect for a head of state. As his wife, Erika and many others have said, if the goal was to silence Charlie and his cause the assassin miscalculated greatly. In fact, it has had the opposite effect. More on this later.

So, back to the title of this blog. Who really killed Charlie Kirk? We all know that the disaffected dirtbag loser Tyler Robinson, pulled the trigger, but who financed him? Who supported him? Who inspired him? How did he conclude that Charlie was such a “danger to society” that killing him was “justified?” Good questions. Read on for my opinion as to the answers.

1. Utah records disclosed that Robinson was registered as a voter, but he was not affiliated with either political party. His voter status is inactive, (which means he did not vote in the prior two general elections).  However, according to Utah Governor Spencer Cox speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, there clearly was a leftist ideology [regarding Robinson]”  Indeed, Robinson’s family and friends denoted he had become “more political in recent years, had “turned left politically,” had become “more supportive of gay and transgender rights,” and had become a persistent critic of Kirk. The AP reported that it was unclear what had caused this transformation of Robinson’s personal politics, but I believe his relationship with his gay, transgender roommate likely played a significant part. Cox added that the ammunition found at the scene was engraved with taunting, anti-fascist and meme culture messaging.

2. The AP reported that last week, the House observed a “moment of prayer for Charlie Kirk and his family” at the request of Speaker Mike Johnson. A subsequent request for a “moment of prayer out loud elicited vocal objections and chaos on the House floor,” primarily by Dems. I view this as a blatant lack of respect, but that’s just me.

3. The left-leaning media and social media outlets have traditionally slanted their news coverage. Much of what they report as “fact” is often exaggerated, taken out of context or simply false. Unfortunately, a goodly number of people believe it as fact and formulate incorrect opinions. For example, on MSNBC, which has largely been discredited as an objective news outlet, Rachel Maddow, who is well-known for her far-left politics and virulent hatred of Donald Trump, devoted just 22 seconds of airtime to Charlie Kirk’s assassination. She characterized Kirk’s murder as “horrific,” but then quickly shifted to speculation that the Trump administration could use the assassination as a pretext to intensify “crackdowns.” I believe Maddow had an axe to grind. According to Outkick last year Maddow had devoted an entire segment on her show denouncing Kirk as a “racist.” Kirk had then denounced Maddow for “calling me a racist,” which he described as a “typical leftist smear.”  Maddow’s disrespectful characterization of Kirk was in violation of a company-wide directive from Comcast and MSNBC executives that condemned violence and urged employees to “uphold civil discourse across its platforms.” The statement stressed that while employees may “disagree, robustly and passionately,” debate must be conducted “with respect.” “The tragic loss of Charlie Kirk … reminds us of the fragility of life and the urgent need for unity. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts and President Mike Cavanagh added “our hearts are heavy … there is no place for violence or hate in our society.” Clearly, Maddow and other commentators at MSNBC are out of step with the brass.

4. The FBI and the DOJ are cognizant that although Robinson pulled the trigger he may not have acted alone. They will be conducting an extensive investigation in order to ascertain whether or not Robinson was part of a broad conspiracy. For instance, he may have been influenced by some of the participants of various radical chat rooms he frequented, and he may have been supported financially by “dark money” from surreptitious radical groups, domestic and/or foreign. During a recent interview on Hannity Patel disclosed that the FBI will be “interviewing scores of people, on not just these chats on Discord, but any communications that this individual [Robinson] had.” When asked by Senator John Kennedy whether Robinson had acted alone Patel hedged replying “There are a number of individuals that are currently being investigated and interrogated – and a number yet to be investigated and interrogated related to that chat room…. We’re running them all down.” That may just be the FBI being thorough, but it sounds to me like it is considering at least the possibility of a conspiracy.

Furthermore, Patel confirmed that investigators had confiscated electronics from both the suspect’s home and that of his alleged partner. “We’ve seized multiple electronic devices from the home of the suspect and his romantic partner. We’ve got computers, we’ve got laptops, gaming systems, cell phones.” Patel added, “the evidence and information will come out. I won’t stylize the evidence, but I will say what was found in terms of information was a text message exchange where he, the suspect, specifically stated that he had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and he was going to do that.” When pressed on Robinson’s possible motive, Patel noted words attributed to him: “And when he was asked why, he said some hatred cannot be negotiated with.”

Therefore, I maintain that although Robinson pulled the trigger all of the foregoing had some responsibility for Kirk’s murder to some degree.

Conclusion

Writing in the NY Post columnist Miranda Devine asserted that “we are suffering through an epidemic of leftist violence. She characterized the Kirk assassination as “the latest manifestation of the hateful rhetoric aimed at President Trump and his MAGA movement. Any negative incident is seen as justification for violence.” Several additional commentators have opined similarly, and I concur. To buttress her point, she cited a recent poll that 48% of self-identified “liberals” felt it would be “somewhat justified” to murder Elon Musk and 51% said the same with respect to Trump. Most of you will recall I cited several examples in my previous blog.

In my opinion, clearly Robinson was influenced by his association with the radicals who populate the chatrooms he accessed, his roommate, and incendiary statements by political figures and celebrities. Over the last few years, they were able to change his political ideology. In addition, he came to believe that violence, rather than respectful debate, was an “acceptable” even “necessary” way to resolve personal and political differences. Moreover, it is very possible that he was influenced and supported financially by dark money emanating from radical domestic and foreign groups.

In addition, as I mentioned in my previous blog let’s not overlook the atmosphere of hate and divisiveness created and perpetuated by hateful speech of left-leaning politicians, celebrities, and the media. Labeling a person as “fascist,” “Hitler,” “evil,” and “a threat to democracy” resonates with a disaffected loner like Robinson. If a lie is repeated often enough it becomes perceived as the truth. In their twisted mind they come to view the murder of those persons as justified.

As reported in the NY Post as predicted by Erika Kirk in the wake of Charlie’s assassination we are experiencing a massive shift of voters from the Dem Party to the GOP. Florida reported that the rate of GOP registrations has tripled. Other areas have reported similar GOP gains.

People are fed up and turned off by the excessive violence on the left. For instance, Christopher from Bucks County, PA said he was “embarrassed for voting left in my life.” Sheilfer, a farmer in CA, was turned off by the “jubilation” [exhibited by some Dems over Kirk’s murder]. Finally, Siqi a finance executive said “my entire life I voted Democrat… Today, I registered Republican. Obviously, this does not augur well for the Dems in the upcoming midterm elections and beyond.

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LEFT WING VIOLENCE

The empirical evidence keeps mounting up. The senseless, horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk was the latest example of an alarming trend that began a decade ago. Just off the top of my head I can recall several examples of left-wing violence since then, such as:

  1. The two assassination attempts of Donald Trump in Butler, PA and at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. In the first one the assassin missed by a fraction of a millimeter and only because Trump fortuitously turned his head at the last minute to make reference to a chart off to the side. Unfortunately, an innocent bystander was killed. In the second instance an assassin was able to hide in the bushes on the golf course for hours lying in wait for Trump to pass by until an alert secret service officer discovered him.
  2. The near murder of Senate Majority Leader Steve Scalise as part of a mass shooting in June 2017 during a practice session for the annual Congressional Softball Game in Alexandria, VA.
  3. The “Black Lives Matter” riots in various cities including Minneapolis, NYC and Portland in May 2020 after the killing of George Floyd by police. These were characterized by instances of vandalism, looting, and clashes with authorities. Many Dems dismissed these riots as “nonviolent,” but tell that to the victims.
  4. The over 8,700 Antifa-inspired riots that occurred in 68 locations throughout the country between May 25th and July 31st, 2020. The images of cities burning, businesses being destroyed and people being carjacked, assaulted and worse are indelibly etched in my mind.
  5. The assassination attempt on Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in June 2022. The assassin planned to break into Kavanaugh’s home, kill him, and then commit suicide, but, for some reason, he had a change of heart.
  6. The continuing lawlessness being perpetrated in our cities predominantly those run by Dems due to sanctuary policies, lax law enforcement, no cash bail, and woke DAs and juries. Ironically, most of the victims of these crimes are minorities, the poor, and the disadvantaged, the very people that the Dems profess to sympathize with and seek to help.
  7. The wanton destruction of much of Minneapolis, Chicago and other cities during the summer of 2021.
  8. The assassination of Charlie Hurt. This was a huge blow to the psyche of America. Charlie was beloved by a goodly number of people. In particular, many young people idolized him. He was not an antagonistic person. Far from it. He was a healer, a good person whose aim was to foster discussions of differences of opinion openly and peacefully, often on college campuses, and he was very good at it. His assassination was such as waste. His legion of fans and supporters are beside themselves with grief. Many of them as well as his wife, Stephanie, have vowed to continue or even enhance his work.

These are merely a few examples. The Dems are fond of saying that there is violence on both sides, but that is a false narrative. I cannot think of any violence within recent memory planned and perpetrated by conservatives. (I don’t count the January 6 protest because it was overblown by the Dems and their allies in the mainstream media to damage Trump, and the protesters didn’t kill anyone. A cop shot one of the protesters unnecessarily.) If you can, I would like to hear it.

Why is this? Why do lefties have the urge to settle political differences violently rather than by peaceful debate? There are several reasons for this, but in my view the primary factor is the hateful rhetoric emanating from (1) left-leaning politicians, such as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, (2) news commentators such as Rachel Maddow, Morning Joe and virtually anyone on CNN or MSNBC, (3) celebrities such as Robert DeNiro, and (4) social media postings.

It has become quite common to refer to any conservative or Republican as “racist,” “Nazi,” “Hitler,” “evil,” and “a threat to democracy.” If a lie is repeated often enough, it becomes believable. Most of us realize that these monikers are ridiculously false, but there are many unstable people that take them seriously. In their twisted minds they perceive that those characterizations from the types of sources I mentioned give them license to attack those persons so labeled.

In a moment of sanity Comcast, which owns MSNBC, fired Matthew Dowd, one of its political analysts, for his “insensitive” and “inappropriate” commentary regarding the Charlie Kirk assassination. In my view there are many others in the media who deserve the same fate. Furthermore, Comcast cautioned its commentators to “maintain a respectful exchange of ideas” regardless of whether or not they agree with Kirk’s views.

Conclusion

The details of the Charlie Kirk assassination are so horrific that many people hope that it will be the “last straw,” that it will shock Americans enough to put an end to the senseless violence that has been plaguing our country. I, too, hope so, but I fear it will not.

The only way to stop the senseless and arbitrary violence is to win elections. Get out and vote, vote, vote!

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9/11- ARE WE RIPE FOR ANOTHER ATTACK?

Today, Thursday, is September 11, a date that will always have special meaning for all Americans, indeed for all decent people worldwide. Like December 7 and November 22, September 11 is a date that will, in the words of former president FDR, “live in infamy.”

This year will mark the 24th anniversary of the horrific event. I am sorry to say that, in my view, the US is in grave danger of a replication. This view has been supported by warnings issued by a variety of officials from GOP politicians to the heads of all of our intelligence agencies such as Homeland Security, the FBI and the CIA. And yet, I have seen little or no evidence that enough is being done to prepare for it. Why? With the passage of time memories have faded, and as a nation we have grown complacent.

Every anniversary has presented the heightened danger of additional terror attacks. In addition to the many obvious high value targets, such as ground zero, Times Square, and sporting venues there are a plethora of soft targets, such as churches, schools and malls.

Inexplicably, in 2021 the Biden-Harris Administration (“BH”) opened our borders to allow anyone and everyone to enter the US. The number of illegals that entered during the BH is downright staggering. Estimates vary but the general consensus is that as many as 20 million may have entered the country illegally during the BH.

The scary truth is that no one knows the actual number due to the unknown number who entered undetected and the additional numbers of “got-aways.” Additionally, few of the illegals were vetted properly. It is logical to believe that a goodly portion of them were terrorists, criminals, drug dealers, women and child traffickers, and others who would do us harm. Even if only 1% of the illegals fall into the aforementioned categories of “bad actors,” an overly conservative estimate to be sure, that would mean there are in excess of 200,000 of them running loose in the country.

Since President Trump took office in January ICE has rounded up and deported thousands of illegals, but that is just a proverbial “drop in the bucket.” The overwhelming majority are still at large. We have no idea where they are or what they are planning. I fear it is only a matter of time until we find out.

Of all the ill-conceived and ill-advised BH policies, and there was a plethora of them, opening the border to one and all was arguably the worst. I have described this, at length, in previous blogs. Suffice to say, even absent a terrorist attack the devastating political, economic, financial and social ramifications of this policy are already being felt. If not corrected, I predict the long-term negative ramifications of this open border policy will be incalculable.

Tuesday, September 11, 2001 began as a beautiful late summer day in NYC, pleasant temperatures and a brilliant blue sky. That would soon change. At 8:46 a.m. ET, Americans’ safe and secure lives changed forever. Like Japan’s sneak attack on Pearl Harbor and the JFK assassination, undoubtedly, most everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing when they first heard of the attack. At that moment, the first hijackers’ plane crashed into the north tower of the WTC. This was followed quickly by a second plane crashing into the south tower, and, later, a third one crashing into the Pentagon. Incredibly and inexplicably, by 10:28 am both towers had collapsed.

Later in the day, a fourth plane crashed into a field in Shanksville, PA. It is believed that this fourth plane was bound for a target in Washington, D.C., perhaps, the White House or the Capitol, and it would have succeeded but for the heroism of some of the passengers on board. The true story of the passengers on that flight is told in the compelling, dramatic and true tv movie The Flight That Fought Back, which is shown periodically. I strongly recommend it.

As I said, this year will mark the 24th anniversary of those horrific attacks. They resulted in just under 3,000 deaths. Most of those were workers who were trapped in their offices and consumed by fire or smoke/chemical inhalation. They could not escape because most of the stairwells were blocked.  Many victims have only been identified due to their DNA, in some cases many years later.

Compounding the tragedy was the fact that NYC’s 911 operators were not as well informed as they should have been. Thus, they were advising callers from inside the towers not to descend the stairs on their own. Some of them proceeded to the roof hoping to be rescued by helicopter. Unfortunately, helicopters could not land on the roofs due to the heat and thick smoke. Many of us who were watching on tv witnessed the awful sight of people jumping to their deaths (in some cases, actually holding hands with others for support) rather than awaiting their fates from the fire.

The horror of the attacks, themselves, was amplified by the fact that the victims were not soldiers but innocent civilians who were merely working at their jobs.  In addition to the thousands of civilians, police officers, firemen and EMS workers that were killed in the attacks, themselves, thousands more volunteer workers and even people who lived or worked in the vicinity have ended up contracting various illnesses from inhaling the many carcinogens in the air and dying subsequently, in some cases many years later. 

In the years since the attacks, the U.S. government has spent billions of dollars providing health care and compensation to tens of thousands of people who were exposed to the toxic dust that billowed over parts of Manhattan when the twin towers collapsed. More than 140,000 people are still enrolled in monitoring programs intended to identify those with health conditions that could potentially be linked to hazardous materials in the soot and debris. Health officials have estimated that there are many more who, for whatever reasons, are not enrolled in any such program.

Many of us know or know of someone, such as Jamie Testa, a close family friend, who suffered this fate.  These people were heroes. They didn’t have to be at ground zero. They volunteered to help rescue people who were trapped under the rubble, because that is what Americans do. Tragically, they paid with their lives. Even today, 24 years later, people are still contracting diseases and dying.  Horrifying as it may seem, some doctors have predicted that eventually these victims will exceed the 3,000 killed on 9/11. Thus, the tragedy of that date has never gone away completely, and to some extent, never will.

The primary illnesses are cancer, respiratory disorders, asthma, COPD and gastroesophageal reflux disorder. In addition, in the aftermath health workers noted a significant increase in anxiety, depression and PTSD. As I said, many of the above have manifested themselves years later. Even now, new cases are being presented. The number of documented cancer cases, alone, has tripled in the past few years. The physical, mental and emotional toll has been astounding. An estimated 18,000 people have contracted illnesses from the toxic dust. Moreover, there is speculation that 9/11 has caused health issues in babies whose mothers were pregnant at the time of the attacks, such as premature birth, respiratory problems, below average weight, and increased neo-natal requirements. The ramifications have been incalculable and everlasting.

This was the deadliest attack on US soil ever. By comparison, the shocking Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which, as I said, President FDR characterized as “a date that will live in infamy” resulted in “only” 2,400 deaths, and they were mostly military personnel.

Various ceremonies, vigils, memorials, and tributes are scheduled throughout the day in venues around the world. Some of the highlights:

  1. A sunrise memorial service at Point Lookout on Long Island.
  2. Various dignitaries, including VP Vance, will speak in NYC at ground zero by the two memorial pools ringed by waterfalls and parapets inscribed with the names of the dead mark the spots where the twin towers once stood.
  3. There will be a moment of silence at 8:46 am eastern daylight savings time, the exact time AA flight #11 struck the WTC. This will be followed immediately by the reading of the names of the victims. This is my personal favorite part. I find it especially poignant, particularly when some names are read by the victim’s surviving spouse or children.
  4. The “Tribute in Light” ceremony featuring two blue beams of light will last from dusk to dawn.
  5. There will be other commemorative ceremonies at the Pentagon and at Shanksville, PA to honor the passengers of flight 93.
  6. The day’s events will be telecast on many major tv channels and livestreamed on U tube.

In addition to the deaths there was significant damage to the economy of NYC and the US as a whole. The entire Wall Street area, including the financial markets, was closed until September 17. Air travel was disrupted. Americans’ psyche was severely damaged. The cleanup of the WTC area was not completed until May 2002. All in all, it took 3.1 million man-hours to clean up 1.8 million tons of debris at a cost of $750 million.  Internationally, countries were generally horrified and supportive, although some of the people in some Muslim countries, such as Iraq, were seen to be celebrating.

Fifteen of the hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, with the others having originated from Egypt, Lebanon and the UAE. The terrorist group, Al Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden, quickly claimed responsibility. Bin Laden had declared a holy war on the US and had issued a fatwa calling for the killing of Americans. Following 9/11, bin Laden became public enemy number 1. Eventually, the US exacted revenge, hunting him down, killing him, and scattering his remains in an undisclosed area.

In the aftermath of the attacks, Americans wanted to know how our intelligence agencies had failed to anticipate them. Who had “dropped the ball?” Amid many investigations and finger-pointing it became obvious that the major factor was a failure to communicate and share intelligence and information. For example:

l. The CIA had intelligence reports that a terrorist attack was forthcoming, but it was expecting it to be in Israel, not the US.
2. The CIA knew that two known terrorists had slipped into the US.
3. The FBI had information of certain anomalies at some US flight schools.
4. The Justice Department policies advocated very limited intelligence-sharing, even with other agencies.
5. The CIA and NSA were reluctant to reveal sources of information and their methods of attaining it.
6. None of these agencies reported their information to each other or to the White House.
7. In 2004 Attorney General John Ashcroft testified to the “9/11 Commission” that the “single greatest structural cause…. was the wall that segregated or separated criminal investigators and intelligence agents.”

I hope that the coordination and information-sharing among these agencies have been enhanced since 9/11, but I have my doubts. As time has gone on, I sense that we have grown more and more complacent and the various alphabet agencies have resumed “guarding their own turf” rather than sharing intelligence and information for the greater good.

According to the Census Bureau, as of 2023 some 83 million Americans weren’t even born on 9/11/01. They did not experience the horrific events of that day. They have no firsthand knowledge of those horrific events that are now an indelible part of our country’s history. It is imperative that we keep those memories alive. In my opinion, parents should make a concerted effort to educate their children on the tragedy of 9/11, what happened, how it happened and what it means. This is especially critical, because the curricula in many schools are failing to do this. The danger is that as time passes the populace will forget, and we should never allow that to happen. Educate your kids! We must never forget!

Americans’ lives have changed considerably since 9/11. Many believe that not all of these changes are good or even necessary. For instance:

1. The US created the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate and oversee intelligence activities and security. In addition, it passed the USA Patriot Act. These agencies have improved our readiness and security but at the price of certain civil liberties. There is, and should be, a balance between security and liberty, and depending on one’s political point of view the pendulum may have swung too far, or not far enough, toward security.

2. Enhanced security at airports and train and bus terminals has made travel more complicated, time-consuming, and nerve-wracking. Some people have curtailed or ceased their travel entirely, particularly internationally.

3. Many parents are apprehensive, if not paranoid, about letting their children go outside to play or ride their bicycles in the neighborhood. Also, they accompany their children to the school or school bus stop and pick them up at the end of the day. The various terrorist attacks in schools in recent years have done little to assuage these fears and concerns. Schools have ramped up security protocols. Some have even hired armed guards. Some people have advocated arming teachers.

4. On the plus side, there has been a significant increase in patriotism and gratitude toward veterans.

In the last few years, I have noted a marked increase in anti-Americanism. This has manifested itself in riots on college campuses and in the streets. Often, these anti-American riots have been conjoined with anti-Israel/antisemitic/pro-terrorist/pro-Palestinian riots, which have grown alarmingly in frequency and intensity ever since Hamas’ attack on Israel last October 7. Furthermore, NYC is on the cusp of electing a communist and avowed antisemite as mayor.

Moreover, some people have been “down-playing” the 9/11 attacks. For example, Rep Ilham Omar, one of the notorious “Four Horsewomen of the Apocalypse,” aka “The Squad,” who has uttered many disparaging remarks about America and Americans, has summed up 9/11 as “some people did something.” Really? Is she kidding? It’s easy to write off her and others of her ilk as “kooks,” but she does have followers who place credence in what she says.

I encourage everyone to find the time to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. It is on the site of the original WTC complex in lower Manhattan. It occupies approximately one-half of the acreage of the original complex. It features two huge waterfalls and a “survivor tree,” which symbolizes resilience and strength. Take the time to stroll around this beautiful area. Take one of the many tours. You will find them most informative. Yes, it is tragic to be reminded of the horror of that day, but, on the other hand, it is uplifting to be reminded of the heroism and resilience of many first responders and even ordinary citizens and to experience the healing that has occurred. Remember, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

CONCLUSION

As I said above the sad fact is that we as a nation have grown complacent again. We have forgotten many of the “lessons” we learned on 9/11 and in its immediate aftermath. Consequently, at the present time, we are at grave risk of a repetition. And, as bad as 9/11 was the next one could be worse, far worse. This situation has had and will continue to have incalculable political, economic, social and military consequences for our nation, none of them good.

The Trump Administration has been exploring ways by which the federal government might take control of the 9/11 memorial plaza and its underground museum, which are now run by a public charity. One possibility would be to declare the site a national monument. I think that would be a good way to keep the memory of that date alive.

Undoubtedly, many of you experienced 9/11 firsthand. Please feel free to share your experiences.

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COMRADE ZOH DOUBLES DOWN

 

Election Day, November 4, is fast approaching. It is a mere eight weeks away. As I write this, the average of all the polls still reports Comrade Zoh with a double-digit lead over Andrew Cuomo in a crowded field and projects that he will win the election with a plurality of somewhere in the mid-forties. It appears likely that the only way he can be denied the mayoralty is for the current mayor, Eric Adams, and all the other lesser candidates to drop out and let Cuomo take him on head-to-head. Newsweek has reported that various New York political experts have opined that that would be the best chance to stop Comrade Zoh. In my opinion, Comrade Zoh might still win, but at least the non-Zohers would have a chance.

President Trump is cognizant of the dire significance and consequence of a Comrade Zoh election. He has been trying to entice Adams to drop out by promising him a significant position in his Administration, such as an ambassadorship. As I write this, Adams, is steadfastly denying that he will drop out of the race. It appears that his opposition to Cuomo is personal as well as political. In a recent press conference, he told reporters “Andrew Cuomo is a snake and a liar. I am in the race, and I am the only one that can beat Mamdani.”

Comrade Zoh’s radical positions and virulent antisemitism have created a quandary for prominent Dems. I believe that many of them, such as Governor Hochul, (Up)Chuck Schumer, and Hakeem Jefferies, have been reluctant to be linked to him too closely and have withheld their endorsement, because they don’t agree with his extreme far left agenda. On the other hand, they have been reluctant to criticize him for fear of offending the increasingly powerful and vocal left wing of the party.

The premise of this blog is that Comrade Zoh does in fact win with a plurality, not a majority. In that case what happens next?

One might hope and expect that Comrade Zoh would attempt to mitigate some or all of his policies so as to broaden his coalition, particularly if he wins with a plurality rather than a majority. However, he has made it clear that that would not be the case. In a recent interview reported in the NY Post he asserted he would adhere to his radical program (which I have described in detail in previous blogs) regardless of the size of his victory. This doubling down does not augur well.

Conclusion

In my view Comrade Zoh will be the next mayor of NYC. As I have said, this will be devastating to the city, the state and the country. The media keeps characterizing Comrade Zoh as a socialist. In my view that is misleadingly benign. He is a communist plain and simple.

There is a difference between the two as I explained in my previous blog. Many of his policies are reminiscent of Cold War Soviet Russia and could have been written by Karl Marx. Already, socialism is gaining in popularity nationwide. According to a recent poll 39% of Americans have a positive view of it compared to 54% for capitalism. In my opinion most of them don’t have the foggiest idea of what socialism and communism really are and that they have failed in every instance in which they have been tried. They have just been seduced by the prospect of free stuff, not realizing that free stuff is not really free. Somewhere, somehow, someone has to pay for it.

I don’t know howmany times I can repeat this. In my view, Comrade Zoh’s policies constitute an existential threat to the American way of life. We have always been, are, and should remain a capitalist, free enterprise nation. President Trump is right to try every legal means in his power to stop him. Let’s hope he his successful.

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COMRADE ZOH’S INNER CIRCLE AND POLICIES REVEALED

It is going from bad to worse. It was bad enough that NYC, the nation’s largest city and longtime symbol of capitalism and free enterprise, is on the cusp of electing a communist mayor. Now, we are just learning the depth of inanity that would be in store for the city.

My hope and expectation was that Comrade Zoh, recognizing his radical bent and inexperience in business, finance and basic governance, would, as mayor, attempt to broaden the political scope of his administration by including some more moderate and experienced advisors. Instead, the opposite appears to be the case.

According to the NY Post Comrade Zoh’s inner circle will consist almost entirely of persons who have virtually the same limited experience and radical ideas as he does. The Post has characterized them as “30-something or even younger Gen Zers with little-to-no experience in government – but long histories of radical left-wing politics.” Apparently, there will be no moderating voices in this inner circle, no dissent, no one to try to temper some of his far-out policies. Also, there will be no one with a background of advocating for the wants and needs of the working class and disadvantaged people, which, ironically, Comrade Zoh claims to champion. There will be no healthy exchange of different ideas or courses of action. Rather, everyone will be in lockstep. In my opinion, if that comes to pass it will be most distressing for the future of NYC and its residents.

According to the NY Post Comrade Zoh’s top advisors are not members of the working class. Like him, many of them attended private schools and were raised in wealth and privilege. In addition, they are wealthy in their own right sporting six figure annual incomes, well above the average NYCer’s salary of $58,000. Thus, they cannot possibly identify with the wants, needs and problems of the average NYCer , much less the poor, downtrodden and disadvantaged of which there are many. Their life experiences and attitudes are totally different. As an illustration, many of them have close ties to the radical billionaire George Soros and various so-called elites.

Comrade Zoh and his supporters have gone to great lengths to disguise, downplay and mitigate many of his radical policies. I contend that many, if not most, of his supporters are not cognizant of them. In addition, I contend that most of these policies are impractical, overly costly and/or of questionable legality.

Recently, the NY Post was able to obtain a list of some of them and published it for those who care to edify themselves. They are the following:

  1. Decriminalize all drugs, petty crimes and sex work.
  2. Expunge all convictions for petty crimes including sex work and drug offenses and immediately release everyone who is currently incarcerated for those crimes.
  3. Criminals under 26 would be charged as “youthful” offenders.
  4. Eliminate cash bail and pretrial incarceration.
  5. Close the detention facility at Rikers Island.
  6. Establish a review board that would have the authority to prosecute law enforcement officers for “misconduct.”
  7. Expunge all gang databases.
  8. Allow illegal immigrants to vote and run for political office.
  9. Restrict ICE’s access further and extend and expand sanctuary protections.
  10. Decertify banks that contract with or fund ICE.
  11. Abolish the Board of Education.
  12. Cease the creation of new charter schools.
  13. Eliminate the presence of police and safety officers in schools
  14. Guarantee tenure for teachers and eliminate standardized testing as a basis for teacher evaluations.
  15. Allocate money to promote DEI in public schools.
  16. Reparations for Native Americans and Blacks.
  17. Allow trans-minors access to transition-related care WITHOUT parental consent.
  18. Make all public transportation free.
  19. Establish government-owned and operated grocery stores.
  20. Establish government-owned and operated tech companies and utilities.
  21. Universal rent control.
  22. Avowed antisemite.

According to the most recent polls Comrade Zoh remains the clear front-runner with former Governor Andrew Cuomo as his closest competitor. The results of an American Pulse Research & Polling survey released in August disclosed Comrade Zoh garnered 37% compared to Cuomo’s 25%. However, a recent Tulchin Research poll disclosed that in a two-man race Cuomo would defeat Comrade Zoh 52-41. Will some or all of the other candidates drop out? Your guess is as good as mine.

Conclusion

Voters of NYC, this is the real type of mayor and government you are on the cusp of electing. Is this what you really want? The media characterizes Zoh as a socialist. Not true.

Socialism is a somewhat benign interpretation of his real beliefs. It is intended to disguise or mitigate his real beliefs, which have many elements of communism. Generally, it is characterized by social ownership of the means of production, as opposed to private ownership. Think Sweden. Communism goes further. It is a stateless, classless society where resources are distributed based on need.  Put succinctly, it is a society where everything is owned by everyone, and all members have equal rights to the benefits of society. Think Communist China or the Soviet Union.

Folks, Zoh is a COMMUNIST plain and simple, and also an avowed antisemite.

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TRUMP’S CRIME INTERVENTION IN DC

Once again, the Dems find themselves on the wrong side of a critical issue, a so-called 80-20 issue. Those of you who have been following the news (the real news) are cognizant that this is not the first time, and probably it will not be the last. The Dems have exhibited a propensity for this self-destruction, and if they continue to do so I predict dire consequences for them in the 2026 midterm elections. The party in power nearly always loses seats in the midterms, but 2026 may very well prove to be the exception.

As I have said in previous blogs, this is not the first time the Dems have fallen into this trap. Once again, Trump has co-opted the sensible and popular side of an issue, and the Dems have been left with a Hobson’s choice – either admit he is right and agree, or take the unpopular, illogical side. For example, three other fairly recent issues come to mind, (1) the Dems’ open border policy, (2) their openly favoring the rights of illegal immigrants over American citizens, and (3) their support of the rights of transgenders over those of females. Blinded by their insane, irrational hatred of Trump they have allowed themselves to be maneuvered into espousing the unpopular, illogical side of these issues. In my opinion these issues along with the economy played a significant part in their resounding defeat in the 2024 elections.

Crime has been one of the most significant issues for voters. People simply do not feel safe and secure, which are fundamental rights and expectations of everyone. This is the case pretty much everywhere to some extent, but it is particularly prevalent in “blue” cities like NY, Chi, LA and DC, among others. Many have characterized DC as the most crime-ridden capital in the world. At the very least it is highly dangerous and an embarrassment to the US.

All too often, criminals are not arrested, especially for “non-violent” crimes such as carjacking or assault, which are routinely ignored. (Anyone who has been a victim of one of those crimes will tell you they are most definitely NOT non-violent.) If they are arrested, due to “no cash” bail laws, they are soon released to commit more crimes, which they often do. Criminals know how to “work” the system. There have been many instances of criminals being arrested multiple times.

Shoplifting is common in some areas. Criminals simply walk into a business, brazenly take whatever they want, and walk out. Employees and security guards let them go. No one bothers to call the police. It is well known that the police are loath to arrest perpetrators of petty crimes, and if they do the jails are a revolving door. In blue jurisdictions “woke” prosecutors and judges often reduce felonies to misdemeanors, and juries tend to favor the rights of the accused over those of the victim. For instance, recently a grand jury in DC refused to indict a protester who had hit an ICE officer with a sandwich while the officer was in performance of his official duties, which legally is an assault.

Trump has dealt with this problem in a decisive, rational manner. In DC he activated the national guard to supplement and support local police who appeared to be overwhelmed. Their mere presence has had a significant benefit. Crime is way down. Homicide has been virtually eliminated. There were none in the first two weeks and, as I write this blog, only one since then.

Trump’s actions have received wide praise. Many citizens have rejoiced to reporters that, for the first times in years, they feel safe and secure enough to actually go out to restaurants and other venues. Even far left DC Mayor Muriel Bowser told reporters that she believed the boosted law enforcement presence was working.

In spite of the foregoing and the plethora of positive supporting empirical evidence the usual critics and naysayers are still in denial. For example, despite FBI data that has identified Chicago as one of the most violent and crime-ridden cities in the US IL Governor J B Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have criticized Trump’s actions in DC and have refused his repeated offers to provide Federal troops to support local police. In my view, they are willing to place their constituents in jeopardy and permit criminals to operate with impunity rather than accept help from Trump. They feel to do so would constitute recognition that his policy is right and is working. Consequently, in effect, they are siding with criminals over law-abiding citizens.  It should be noted that the majority of these crimes are “black on black,” which contradicts the Dems’ claim that they seek to help the poor and disadvantaged.

To be sure, there have been critics. For instance, Politico cited reports from the Rochester Institute of Technology and the DOJ, itself, declaring that the murder rate and all violent crimes in DC had declined from 2023 to 2024. The implication was that DC had matters under control, did not need federal assistance, and Trump had “overstepped” in providing it. However, supporters have denoted that even those rates were still unacceptably high. Additionally, some observers have expressed doubt as to the veracity of those crime numbers. For example, there is evidence that many violent crimes may have been classified as misdemeanors. Moreover, as I said, it is a fact that in the weeks immediately following Trump’s deployment of federal troops there were NO homicides in DC and, as I write this, only one thereafter. Finally, the White House cited several high-profile victims of crimes, including the murders of two embassy staffers, and a congressional intern as well as assaults on various members of Congress, which have drawn much media reportage.

Conclusion

The foregoing is yet another example of the Dems being out of touch with the will of the voters, another example of their blind hatred of Donald Trump maneuvering them onto the wrong side of an 80-20 issue. How could they possibly think that supporting criminals over victims and violence over safety are winning strategies? It is simply amazing. I have never seen anything like it. There is no way to “spin” this. The public will not fooled.

As I have written many times, the Dems have allowed the far-left minority to hijack their party. The moderates, if there are any, have been cowed into silence. For God’s sake, they are about to elect a Marxist as Mayor of NYC, a Marxist!

Normally, there is an ebb and flow to the popularity and power of the two political parties from one election cycle to the next. Based on that, one could expect the Dems, which are down now, to make a comeback. However, I don’t see how they can rebound from this in the foreseeable future.

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LABOR DAY

On September 1 we will celebrate Labor Day (“LD”).  As we all know, the holiday has traditionally been celebrated on the first Monday of September.  It is a federal holiday to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the US economy. It is celebrated in various forms and at various dates in approximately 80 countries.

To most Americans LD merely symbolizes the unofficial end of summer and the impending beginning of the school year.  They enjoy the three-day weekend off from work.  They spend the day with family and/or friends. They enjoy picnics, parades, vacations, shopping, baseball games and other sports activities, and barbecues. They lament, but grudgingly accept, holiday traffic and long lines at airports.

Wikipedia predicts that LD travel will be exceptionally heavy with respect to all modes of travel particularly flying and driving. Generally, the worst times to drive are the afternoons and early evenings on Thursday and Friday, with peak congestion expected on Monday.  To avoid the heaviest traffic, drive before the afternoon rush on Thursday and Friday, and on Saturday. Usually, early morning or evening travel is the best bet. As always, adverse weather and/or accidents could easily cause further complications, disruptions, and delays.

On a positive note, gasoline prices are expected to be the lowest since 2020 and considerably lower than just last year. Currently, the average price at the pump is approximately $3.15 per gallon. The primary reason for this is increased supply, which in my opinion, is because of President Trump’s “drill baby, drill” policy.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 2025 will feature the busiest Labor Day travel period on record. Normally airports are the most congested on the Friday before LD, but every day of the weekend will likely be problematic. Whichever day you fly expect long lines, flight delays and cancellations. Weather is the big “X” factor. One never knows what could crop up to complicate matters.

The TSA predicts that in excess of 17 million people are expected to fly through next Wednesday. Plan for massive flight delays especially passing through security. On a typical day, approximately 2.5 million passengers pass through security checkpoints, but this number is expected to rise to nearly three million per day during the LD weekend. 

Why does the summer season appear to be so short? Every year it seems like summer has just begun and here comes LD. I believe it is because in our minds, we transfer the approximately three post-Labor Day weeks of the season to Autumn.

What is the meaning and purpose of LD?  Why do we celebrate it?  How did it come about?  Good questions.  Read on for the answers.

As I said above, the purpose of LD is to celebrate the accomplishments of the American Labor movement.  Whatever one’s political views and affiliations, I think it is important and appropriate to understand Labor’s contributions to the growth and development of the US.  For one thing, cheap labor was an integral component of the Industrial Revolution.  When all was said and done, someone had to build all the roads, railroads, and cars, and operate all the factories and steel mills.  In addition, the labor activism of the late 1800s and early 1900s was largely responsible for the relatively high wages and extensive benefits that are enjoyed by today’s US labor force (compared to that of other countries).

It should be noted that union membership has been declining sharply and steadily.  For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 1950 approximately 40% of American workers were members of a union compared to a record low of just 9.9% in 2024. Moreover, the flood of illegal immigrants in recent years has served to depress wages of both union and non-union workers.

The history of LD began in the 1870s in Canada.  Labor Unions were illegal in Canada, and 26 members of the Toronto Typographical Union had been imprisoned for striking for a nine-hour work day.  That action led to demonstrations and rallies and raising the profile of labor unrest in both Canada and the US.  Two of the most outspoken leaders were Peter McGuire, founder of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and an official of the American Federation of Labor, and Matthew Maguire, Secretary of the Central Labor Union in NY.

Historical accounts differ, but one or both of these men are credited with being the first to propose a holiday to celebrate labor.  In any event, the CLU planned and organized the first LD celebration in NYC on September 5, 1885.  Approximately, 20,000 workers and their families participated.  The concept spread.  In 1887 Oregon became the first state to sanction the holiday.

The Pullman Labor Strike in 1893 provided the final impetus for a national labor holiday.  The Pullman Company had been founded and was run by George Pullman.  Pullman, IL, where the company operated, was a classic company town.  All the workers lived there and paid rent to the company, which was automatically deducted from their paychecks.  Workers’ housing was segregated according to their jobs; everyone shopped at the Company Store.

Many viewed such an arrangement as a form of slavery, because workers were, in actuality, trapped due to their omnipresent debt to the Company. (Think of the song “Sixteen Tons.”)  In 1893 the country was in the midst of a recession.  The company laid off hundreds of workers and reduced the wages of many others.  Of course, living expenses remained constant.  These actions led to a strike.  President Cleveland declared the strike to be illegal and “broke” it with Federal troops.  Some striking workers were killed in the ensuing violence.

This incensed many Americans, and 1894 was an election year.  So, Congress expeditiously passed a bill establishing LD as a national holiday, and the President promptly signed it into law.  This entire process took only six days, so you can imagine the extent of the public outcry.  Incidentally, this action failed to save President Cleveland’s political career; he was defeated anyway.

Eventually, the government settled on the first Monday in September as the official date.  Many countries celebrate it on May 1 in conjunction with International Workers’ Day, but the Federal government did not want the association with that date for obvious reasons.

One of the supreme ironies of LD is that because it is such a big shopping day, many workers, especially retailers, are required to work.  LD is considered to be one of the biggest retail sales days of the year.  Some people use the day as a benchmark to change over their summer clothes to fall clothes.  Fashion-minded people claim it the latest day when one should wear white clothes (although “winter white,” whatever that is, is still permissible.)

Like other holidays, LD should be a time for all of us to come together and reflect on what makes America, despite its flaws, the greatest country in the world.  Disaffected residents as well as some people in other countries may like to criticize us for our real and perceived flaws, yet foreigners still want to come here, in some cases, desperately.  In essence, many of them are “voting with their feet.”

Despite what you may see on tv or read in newspapers or on social media, most Americans are decent, hard-working, caring persons.  Whenever disaster or tragedy strikes we unite to help those in distress.  Many have donated their time and/or money without being asked and without expecting any payback or even recognition.  If you doubt me, just look at the outpouring of kindness and empathy shown by “average” Americans toward the victims of the catastrophic events in recent years, such as superstorm Sandy, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and mass shootings. Those people, not the destructive thugs and professional agitators one sees on the tv news destroying property, attacking the police, and beating up those with whom they disagree, are the “real” Americans.  It is the proverbial “silver lining” in a very dark cloud.

CONCLUSION

I hope you all enjoy your LD holiday however you choose to spend it.  Feel free to tell me how you celebrated.

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JAS CROCKETT

In my opinion, Jas Crockett has a big, loud mouth and an empty head. In recent months the member of House of Representative from the State of Texas has rocketed from obscurity to prominence. How has she managed that? By diligently and tirelessly working to benefit the lives of the people in her district? No? By sponsoring major legislation? No. By accomplishing anything positive for her district, her Party or her country? No, no, and no. What is has done and what she is really good at is finding a camera and spewing vituperative inanities to get attention.

Jasmine Felicia Crockett was born on March 29, 1981 in St. Louis, MO.  She attended Rhodes College in Memphis, TN intending to become a CPA. But, after one of her professors told her that she had “too much personality” to pursue that career she began to reconsider. After witnessing a series of hate crimes and violence on campus toward AAs she decided to become an attorney. She attained a BA in 2002 and her Juris Doctor in 2006.

She entered politics in 2019, after incumbent representative Eric Johnson vacated his seat in the Texas legislature to run for mayor of Dallas. In 2020 she narrowly defeated his appointed replacement, Lorraine Birbal, in the Dem primary in a runoff and then won the election unopposed. She assumed office in January 2021.

In 2022 she ran for the vacated seat in Texas’ 30th congressional district. Again, she beat her Dem opponent in the primary in a runoff. Subsequently, she won the election in November 2022 and won re-election in 2024.

In short order she has raised her profile and gained national attention. She aggressively seeks any kind of attention. She doesn’t care if it is positive or negative. For the most part her public comments lack, decorum, accuracy, civility and class. They have been more suitable for a street corner rabble-rouser than a member of the US Congress.

First, during a 2023 impeachment hearing against President Biden she accused fellow congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and other Republicans of hypocrisy asserting that those launching the impeachment inquiry, and those who brought-forth charges against Biden, were ignoring what she characterized as documented evidence of President Trump’s impeachable offenses. “He keeps national secrets in the ‘shi**er.’ ” Then, she reiterated those accusations at the Dem Presidential convention this time referencing Trump’s “thinking chair—y’all know what I said the other time.”

Next, in March 2025, she referred to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who is handicapped and uses a wheelchair, “Governor Hot Wheels” and a “Hot Ass Mess” in a speech she gave at the Human Rights Campaign’s annual dinner. (In response, Abbott took the high road replying: “It’s another day and another disaster by the Democrats.” As a result of her behavior Representative Randy Weber filed a censure resolution against her.

In addition to her unprofessional conduct unbefitting a member of Congress according to multiple media reports she has run through staffers at a prolific pace. She is rarely in her office to work on legislative matters “unless the TV cameras are rolling.” Rather than focusing on the needs of her constituents she is more interested in her profile with the public. She has been described as an “influencer” rather then a member of Congress. Another source described her as “all diva, no wow.” Furthermore when she does interact with her staff she is frequently rude, crude, lewd, and abusive. Finally, a former staffer characterized her thusly: “She is never in the office and is very disengaged. She does her bull—t that goes viral and then freaks out over the most random things.”

Conclusion

In a short time due to her relentless publicity-seeking she has become one of the more recognizable members of Congress, albeit in a mostly negative sense. She appeals to the lowest common denominator of the public, the disaffected, far left, anti-American, antisemitic suffers of TDS who are influenced by sound bites rather than facts.

If her goal was to develop name recognition, she certainly has succeeded. However, in my opinion she has failed dismally in the primary role of any representative, which is to serve the needs of her congressional district. I am not aware of her having contributed any substantive achievement such as sponsoring a bill or accomplishing anything positive for her district, her party or her country. Her notoriety has been aided and abetted by the reluctance of the more moderate Dems, such as such as (Up)Chuck Schumer and Hakim Jefferies, to criticize her extreme actions.

A significant portion of the electorate views her as a caricature who spews inane negative garbage just to get attention. All she does is criticize President Trump and his policies. She does not offer any alternative ideas or policies, because she has none. Furthermore, her carping is full of inaccuracies, exaggerations and vituperations.

As a final footnote, CBS News and other media outlets have speculated that Texas’ current redistricting plan for 2026 would eliminate Crockett’s House seat. If that were to occur if she wanted to remain in Congress, she would have to seek election in redrawn district with a different and perhaps less friendly constituency. Crockett has claimed she is being targeted. Perhaps, but I, for one, would not be sorry to see her go.

In my view, her antics, language and attitude have been an embarrassment to the institution of the Congress. If, in fact, she does lose her seat I say, good riddance.

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THIS MONTH IN HISTORY – AUGUST

Below please find a list of significant historical events that have occurred during the month of August.

August 1, 1838 – Slavery in Jamaica, which had been introduced by Spain in 1509, was abolished.

August 1, 1944 – Fifteen year-old Anne Frank, who was fated to be captured by the Nazis three days later and killed at Bergen-Belsen, wrote her final entry into her famous diary – “[I] keep on trying to find a way of becoming what I would like to be, and what I could be if … there weren’t any other people living in the world.”

August 2, 1776 – Most of the 55 signatories to the Declaration of Independence signed the original document (not on July 4, as is commonly believed).

August 2, 1923 – President Warren Harding died suddenly and was succeeded by Calvin Coolidge.

August 3, 1492 – Christopher Columbus set sail from Palos, Spain seeking the elusive Northwest Passage to Asia. Do you remember the names of the three ships in his convoy? See below.

August 5, 1583 – Explorer Sir Humphrey Gilbert founded the first British colony in North America in present-day Newfoundland.

August 5, 1861 – President Abraham Lincoln signed into law an emergency war measure to levy a 3% income tax on income in excess of $800.

August 5, 1962 – Actress Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane Mortenson), symbol of Hollywood glamor and sexuality, was found dead from an overdose of sleeping pills.

August 6, 1945 – The US drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, killing hundreds of thousands of Japanese civilians, destroying the city, and hastening the end of WWII.

August 6, 1962 – Jamaica achieved independence, ending some 450 years of colonial rule first by Spain and then by England.

August 6, 1965 – President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law.

August 7, 1964 – Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which provided legal “cover” for the US’s entry into the Vietnam War.

August 9, 1945 – The US dropped a second atomic bomb (on Nagasaki).

August 9, 1974 – President Richard Nixon resigned as a result of the Watergate scandal.

August 11, 1965 – Six days of racial riots began in the Watts section of LA. The riots resulted in a reported 34 deaths, over 3,000 arrests and property damage estimated at $40 million

August 13, 1961 – East Germany put up the Berlin Wall separating West and East Berlin.

August 14, 1935 – FDR signed the Social Security Act.

August 14, 1945 – V-J Day commemorating Japan’s surrender, which marked the official end of WWII.

August 15, 1969 – The Woodstock festival began in Bethel, NY.

August 16, 1896 – Gold was discovered along the Klondike River in Alaska, precipitating what became known as the Great Klondike Gold Rush.

August 18, 1920 – Ratification of the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote.

August 21, 1959 – Hawaii was admitted to the Union as the 50th state.

August 24, 79 A. D. – The volcano, Vesuvius, erupted destroying the cities of Pompeii, Stabiac and Herculaneum.

August 24-25, 1814 – During the War of 1812 the British attacked Washington D.C. and burned much of the city, including the White House and the Capitol.

August 26, 1883 – One of the most catastrophic volcano eruptions ever recorded occurred on the island of Krakatoa in Indonesia. It produced tidal waves of 120 feet and killed 36,000 persons.

August 28, 1963 – Over 250,000 persons participated in the March on Washington in support of civil rights. One of the many speakers was the Reverend MLK, who gave the famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

August 31, 1997 – Princess Diana died from injuries suffered in an auto accident while fleeing from pursuing paparazzi.

Birthdays – Francis Scott Key (wrote the “Star Spangled Banner”), 8/1/1779 in Maryland; Herman Melville (wrote “Moby Dick”), 8/1/1819 in New York City; Ernie Pyle (WWII war correspondent), 8/3/1900 in Dana, IN; Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong (Jazz trumpeter), 8/4/1901 in New Orleans; (Quiz question #2 – Do you know the derivation of his very unusual nickname?); Raoul Wallenberg (saved 33,000 Jews from the Holocaust), 8/4/1912 in Stockholm; Barack Obama (44th US President), 8/4/1961 in Honolulu; Alfred Lord Tennyson (poet, wrote “Charge of the Light Brigade”), 8/6/1809 in England; Alexander Fleming (discovered penicillin), 8/6/1881 in Scotland; Herbert Hoover (31st US President), 8/10/1874 in West Branch, IA; Alex Haley (wrote “Roots”), 8/11/1921 in Ithaca, NY; Cecil B. DeMille (directed “The Ten Commandments”), 8/12/1881 in Ashfield, MA; Annie Oakley (sharpshooter), 8/13,1860 in Ohio; Alfred Hitchcock (British film director, “The Birds,” “Psycho”), 8/13/1899 in London; Fidel Castro, 8/13/1927 in Cuba; Napoleon Bonaparte, 8/15/1769, on the island of Corsica; T. E. Lawrence, 8/16/1888 in North Wales, Quiz Question #3 – Who played Lawrence in the Oscar-winning movie, Lawrence of Arabia?); Menachem Begin, 8/16/1913 in Poland; Davy Crockett, 8/17/1786 in Tennessee; Meriwether Lewis, 8/18/1774 near Charlottesville, VA; Orville Wright, 8/19/1871 in Dayton, OH; William Jefferson Clinton (42nd US President), 8/19/1946 in Hope, Arkansas; Benjamin Harrison (23rd US President), 8/20/1833 in North Bend, OH, (Quiz question #4 – He was the grandson of another president. Who?); Leonard Bernstein (conductor and composer), 8/25/1918 in Lawrence, MA; Lyndon Baines Johnson (36th US President), 8/27/1908 near Stonewall, TX; Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu (aka Mother Teresa), 8/27/1910 in Yugoslavia.

Quiz Answers

1. Nina, Pinta, Santa Maria
2. The most likely story is as a youth Louis would dance for pennies in the streets of his home city of New Orleans. To prevent other boys from stealing the pennies he stored them in his mouth, which would then become so stuffed as to resemble a satchel. Someone dubbed him “satchel mouth,” which became shortened to “Satchmo.” Many of his friends called him “pops.”
3. Peter O’Toole
4. William Henry Harrison

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CAN COMRADE ZOH BE STOPPED?

We are less than three months from election day on November 4, and all indications are that NYC is on the precipice of self-destruction. And what’s more NYS and the country may be dragged down as well.

On that date Comrade Zoh will likely be elected mayor of NYC. Zoh’s extreme views, which I have detailed in previous blogs are unrealistic, unworkable and, in a few cases, illegal. They will drive people and businesses away to relocate in other states with lower taxes, lower crime and “friendlier” lifestyles. This trend has already commenced, and if Zoh becomes mayor it will only accelerate.

As we all know, Comrade Zoh won the Dem primary for mayor decisively, which in NYC, where Dems hold a 6:1 edge in registration over GOPers, is tantamount to election. How did he manage to win? I have discussed this in previous blogs in detail, and I don’t see the need to regurgitate it all here, but, in summary, in my view there were four main reasons.

  1. Zoh is a charismatic figure and a compelling speaker reminiscent of another rabble-rouser in Germany in the 1930s.
  2. His campaign was well-organized and well-funded by outside leftist groups.
  3. He has been and still is being portrayed as a socialist, whereas in reality his own statements identify him as a communist in the Soviet mold. Voters were unaware of or indifferent to his communist policies and as well as his virulent antisemitism.
  4. His primary opponents, Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams, are unpopular and each is carrying significant political “baggage.”

As I write this, Comrade Zoh has a decisive lead in the polls. For instance, according to Politico he has the support of 35% of registered voters, followed by Cuomo with 25%, Curtis Sliwa with 14%, Adams at 11% and attorney Jim Walden with 1%. The remainder were undecided. Even more inexplicably, a recently published Haaritz, US News survey disclosed that Zoh has a 17% lead among Jewish voters.

The more we find out about Comrade Zoh the worse it gets. The NY Post has reported that he is closely aligned with Mahmoud Khalil, the former Columbia University “student” and known terrorist who was one of the leaders of the pro-Palestinian/ pro-Hamas/anti-Israel/antisemitic protests over the last few years. The US has ample grounds to deport him and has been trying to do so but so far, it has not succeeded.

Conclusion

Zoh has received strong support from far-left Dems such as AOC and Bernie Sanders as well as the left-leaning media and various left-leaning PACs both domestic and foreign. Most moderate Dems, including Senate Minority Leader (Up)Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have declined to endorse him, but inexplicably have failed to speak out against him. In my opinion, this is due to a lack of courage. They are afraid of the small but vocal far left wing of the Dem Party. They will probably be primaried anyway in 2026, so for the sake of the Party they might as well do what’s right. Speak their minds.

At this point, I don’t see how Zoh can be stopped. In my opinion, this election will be a watershed moment not only for NYC and NYS but also for the Dems and America as a whole. Dems will have to run on his record in 2026 and beyond. They will pay for their cowardice.

Moreover, the impact of a communist mayor in NYC, the largest and most prestigious city in the country, will be enormous and far-reaching. Everybody likes free stuff. The problem is that free stuff is not really free; somewhere, somehow, somebody has to pay for it. It’s been proven time and again that communist/socialist policies do not work. Never have; never will. In the words of the late Margaret Thatcher, “[t]he problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.”

The financial, political, economic and social ramifications of Conrade Zoh’s election will be incalculable. We may be sowing the seeds of our own destruction.

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