“The Baptist doctrine is Christ-centered,” Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, responded sharply. “Its purpose is not to go around trying to defend this or that. It is to be a disciple and a witness for Christ. That includes the Ten Commandments. That’s prayer in schools. It is not a fight for separation between church and state.”
The future of Social Security is top of mind for millions of Americans who get a monthly check from the benefits program.
As part of the Trump administration’s efforts to cut federal spending, Social Security is enduring job cuts, office closings, a revamped customer service strategy – and scrutiny for fraud.Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently said if Social Security “didn’t send out their checks this month. My mother-in-law who’s 94, she wouldn’t call and complain,” as part of the reasoning for possibly skipping a payment to root out fraudsters.
“Whoever screams is the one stealing,” he said during an appearance on the “All-In” podcast. “Come on, your mother, 80-year-olds, 90-year-olds, they trust the government.”Classified information is data deemed sensitive to national security and requires protection against unauthorized disclosure, determined by the U.S. government through executive orders, statutes, or regulations. Access is restricted to authorized individuals with proper security clearances and a “need to know”.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Definition:
Classified information is information that has been determined by the U.S. government to require protection against unauthorized disclosure for reasons of national security.
Levels of Classification:
The U.S. government uses three levels of classification to designate how sensitive certain information is: Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret.
Confidential: Information that, if disclosed, could cause injury to the national interest.
Secret: Information that, if disclosed, could cause serious damage to national security.
Top Secret: Information that, if disclosed, could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security.
Types of Classified Information:
National Security Information: Information classified by Executive order, the release of which would damage national security.
Restricted Data: Information related to nuclear weapons, including design, manufacture, or use, the release of which would assist individuals or organizations in these activities.
Marking and Protection:
Classified information is marked to indicate its classified status when in documentary form. Access is restricted to authorized persons who have been properly cleared and have a “need to know”.
Examples:
Examples of classified information include battle plans, the identity of covert operatives, and information related to nuclear weapons.
Legal Consequences:
Mishandling classified information, especially if it is accidental, is usually handled as an administrative matter. However, more serious violations can incur criminal charges and penalties
america’s generals have been reduced to sniveling cowards by Trump
The Democrats’ response to Trump and Musk and Republicans must be strategic. There are battles to fight but not simply to be fighting. I was curious about a historical perspective on choices made. The Battle of Cold Harbor is such a perspective.
From Wikipedia
The Battle of Cold Harbor was fought during the American Civil War near Mechanicsville, Virginia, from May 31 to June 12, 1864, with the most significant fighting occurring on June 3. It was one of the final battles of Union Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign and is remembered as one of American history’s most lopsided battles. Thousands of Union soldiers were killed or wounded in the frontal assault of June 3 against the fortified positions of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s army. This event compounded the image of Grant’s apparent disregard for high casualties.
Grant commented after the war:
I have always regretted that the last assault at Cold Harbor was ever made. I might say the same thing of the assault of the 22d of May 1863, at Vicksburg. At Cold Harbor no advantage whatever was gained to compensate for the heavy loss we sustained. Indeed, the advantages other than those of relative losses were on the Confederate side. Before that, the Army of Northern Virginia seemed to have acquired a wholesome regard for the courage, endurance, and soldierly qualities generally of the Army of the Potomac. They no longer wanted to fight them “one Confederate to five Yanks.” Indeed, they seemed to have given up any idea of gaining any advantage of their antagonist in the open field. They had come to much prefer breastworks in their front to the Army of the Potomac. This charge seemed to revive their hopes temporarily; but it was of short duration. The effect upon the Army of the Potomac was the reverse. When we reached the James River, however, all effects of the battle of Cold Harbor seemed to have disappeared.
— Ulysses S. Grant, Personal Memoirs[54]
1991: Trump’s Taj Mahal
2 1992: First of two Atlantic City casinos owned by Donald Trump.
3 1992: Second of two Atlantic City casinos owned by Donald Trump.
4 1992: Trump’s Plaza Hotel in New York City
5 2004: Trump’s Hotels and Casinos Resorts
6 2009: Trump’s Entertainment Resorts
Some famous quotes from Butters Stotch in South Park include: “Gee, I wish I didn’t know all that stuff,” “I’m gonna be okay!” (often followed by “Naw, I’m lyin’),” “Well yeah, and I’m sad, but at the same time I’m really happy that something could make me feel that sad,” and “When I get to Bennigan’s and have a blue-cheese chipotle burger, I’ll forget all about my – my dad bein’ queer and my mom tryin’ to kill me.”.
Key points about Butters’ quotes:
• Naivety and innocence:
Many of Butters’ quotes highlight his innocent and naive nature, often getting caught up in situations beyond his understanding.
• Self-awareness:
Despite his innocence, Butters sometimes shows surprising self-awareness, acknowledging his discomfort or the absurdity of a situation.
• “Gee” as a catchphrase:
”Gee” is a common phrase used by Butters to express surprise or uncertainty.
While buying American-made products can be a worthwhile investment due to quality and long-term benefits, the upfront cost can be higher than imported goods, making it a luxury for some, while others may be willing to pay more for the “Made in USA” label.
Here’s a more detailed look:
• Cost Considerations:
◦ American-made products often have higher production costs due to labor and other factors, making them more expensive than imported goods.
◦ Some argue that the higher price reflects better quality, durability, and ethical production practices.
◦ However, the price difference can be significant, potentially making “Made in USA” products a luxury for many consumers.
•
• Consumer Preferences:
◦ Some consumers are willing to pay a premium for “Made in USA” products, driven by patriotism, a desire for quality, or a belief in supporting domestic manufacturing.
◦ Others prioritize affordability and may choose imported goods, even if they are of lower quality.
◦ The availability of “Made in USA” products can also be a factor, as some goods are simply not produced domestically.
•
• Economic Impact:
◦ Buying American-made products can stimulate the domestic economy and create jobs.
◦ It can also reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and improve economic resilience.
•
• Examples:
◦ A classic “Born in the USA” outfit (jeans, T-shirt, work boots) made in the US could cost significantly more than the same outfit with imported goods.
◦ Some clothing brands specialize in “Made in USA” products, but their prices can be higher than mass-produced imported clothing.
•
• Long-Term Benefits:
◦ American-made products may have longer lifespans and require fewer repairs, potentially leading to lower long-term costs.
◦ Supporting domestic manufacturing can create a more stable and resilient economy.
THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but “to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER” and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.
republicans found a perfect foil with evangelical christians
“Winning the next election starts now” – Nancy Pelosi
“I don’t know, I think I’m not allowed to run again,” Old Man Trump said.
Old Man Trump then turned to Johnson and asked, “Am I allowed to run again, Mike? I better not get you involved in that argument.”
Why the heck isn’t President Donald Trump doing something about the price of eggs? I was told, repeatedly, the high price of eggs and other grocery items was the No. 1 issue for American voters, leading them to pick a convicted felon as president over a highly qualified woman.
‘You deceived millions of Americans, Donnie!’: Trump
For Trump appointees, being a predator isn’t a liability, it’s an asset…
“Trump, looking like an Oompa Loompa with severe scalp mange uses the American Airlines / Blackhawk helicopter tragedy to trash Obama and Biden and complement himself. This deranged, malignant narcissist is as pathetic a human being as it gets,”
Trump never misses an opportunity to upstage a tragedy for personal gain. Republicans have a DEEP bench of stupid and dangerous people with which they can replace any stupid and dangerous person…
A troublemaker and a villain,
who goes about with a corrupt mouth,
who winks maliciously with his eye,
signals with his feet
and motions with his fingers,
who plots evil with deceit in his heart—
he always stirs up conflict.
Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant;
he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
Here's A Thing... 