High Truths and Low Lies

November 21, 2025

“If a state or nation has laws it will not enforce for political reasons, it mocks both the law and politics to say nothing about cultural order.” Cal Thomas, American syndicated columnist and author.

The Democratic Party under President Joe Biden opened the US. southern border. I saw the videos for four years. That reckless choice was driven by the pursuit of votes. Millions of men (mostly) entered the US without any vetting. Biden even transported these men to many US cities via aircraft and buses. Local governments did not even know they were coming. Reports from several Federal agencies indicate among these millions of illegal immigrants were 1000’s of hardened criminals and suspected terrorists.

President Trump’s campaign promise was to “clean up this mess.” So, The US Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement is arresting criminal illegal immigrants. Law enforcement officers are going from city to city arresting criminals. The Democrats oppose this and have organized protests to block law enforcement’s efforts. I find this maddening. Do the Democrats object to arresting criminals or are they opposed to the methods used??? Do the Democrats have a better idea??

In Charlotte, NC this past week, law enforcement officials arrested 200+ criminal illegal immigrants in 4 days. Criminal records of those arrested include gang members (terrorist groups), aggravated assault, possession of dangerous weapon, felony larceny, assault, hit and run, possession of stolen goods, shoplifting, DUI, DWI, and illegal entry after deportation. At least 2 of those arrested were members of MS-13.

Do the Democrats want these criminals in Charlotte to be left alone? If I committed the crime of hit and run, the local law enforcement officials would hunt me down. I say Charlotte is a safer place now.

By the way, Charlotte’s local police officials supported I.C.E efforts to enter the city.

Also, and related, the Biden Administration lost over 30,000+ illegal immigrant children during those 4 years. I am glad I.C.E is tracking them down and removing them from harm.

November 15, 2025

“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” Sir Walter Scott, 1808.

-People that use profanity while speaking are low class. I hear it all the time on TV shows, news broadcasts, interviews, and speeches. The F bomb is used often. They think it’s “cool.” Or they think it’s funny. Same with internet posts and pod casts. I place much more importance on people who use excellent grammar and word selections. I also dislike name calling by our leaders. Trump and the Democrats should stop that. It serves no purpose.

Antonio Brown was arrested for attempted murder in Florida. The police report indicates Brown grabbed a security guard’s gun during a fight after a Miami event and fired multiple shots at another man.

Brown’s trouble with the law includes charges of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, reckless driving, unpaid medical fees, trespassing, felony battery, burglary of a vehicle, criminal mischief, sexual exposure, domestic violence, failure to pay child support, eviction from a hotel, and now second degree attempted murder. Once, Brown threw a piece of furniture out the window of a 14th story apartment!!!

Brown has 7 children by 4 different women; none married to Brown. During his NFL career he earned $80+ million. In May of 2024 Brown file for bankruptcy.

Pew Research indicates that NC has 160,000 K-12 students with at least 1 undocumented “parent.” The study also indicates a growing portion of the students are undocumented. The situation is messy with no real easy solution. ICE is arresting illegal immigrants, especially criminals. If these people have children, then they have put their families at risk. ICE can’t grant illegal immigrants a pass just because they have children. The laws are not written that way. This is a mess created by Joe Biden. President Trump is trying hard to clean it up!

Charlotte NC area includes 7 counties. A new report indicates the median house price is $443,800. To afford this house price (30% of household gross income) the household income would have to be $146,000. Most households cannot afford that price tag. White household median income is $107,000. Black household median income is $56,000, mainly because these are single mother households, many working part-time. Most of the white families have dual incomes. And-illegal immigrants have contributed 10%-15% to the demand for housing. It’s almost a perfect storm. The ongoing clash is building more low-income housing units in nicer neighborhoods. Changing zoning laws to accommodate the construction of high-density housing. As an economist, I say the issue is mostly an income problem. and the root of that issue is education and family structure. Of course, the problem is not that simple!

Lastly, reports indicate NC public K-12 teachers in ESL are overwhelmed. Another immigration problem. The school system has to spend millions teaching basic English to children of illegal immigrants. Since $$$$’s are not unlimited, resources are being diverted to ESL and not to teaching math and science. NC ranks 34th in the US in education. That’s the truth.

Image provided by Google Images

November 2, 2025

“I’m not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat.” Will Rogers

The above graph says it all. Obama was the “Deporter and Chief.” look at the difference between Obama and Biden. Correctly, Obama used “expedited” methods of expulsion, no hearings, and orders to Federal agents to use coercion and other methods to remove illegal immigrants.

Over the last 100+ years the US government issued 58 million deportation orders, most were for self-deportation. Why not just secure the borders???

About 30 years ago, the governor of California, Pete Wilson, Republican, passed legislation named Proposition 87 which denied illegal immigrants public services. This included medical care and education. The goal was self-deportation.

Now Trump is doing the same. Self-deportation does work. In less than 200 days, 1.6 million illegal immigrants have left the US, many with a $1000 and a free plane ride.

Unfortunately, and criminally, Biden enabled 12+ million unvetted aliens from 150+ countries to enter the US. We all saw the videos at the southern border. Of course, the American people want all the criminals removed. If that means many others get caught up in the removal process, so be it!

And-anyone interfering with Federal employees engaged in the deportation process should be arrested and charged with a felony. Period.

Image provided by Google

October 16, 2025

“Cognitive and character skills work together as dynamic complements; they are inseparable. Skills beget skills. More motivated children learn more. Those who are more informed usually make wiser decisions.” Dr. James Heckman, Noble Prize-winning economist.

The whole world knows that a young woman was brutally stabbed to death on the Charlotte light rail. The suspect is named Decarlos Brown. See picture below.

Brown should not have been a free man. He was federally charge back in September for committing an act causing a death on the rail system. He should have been in prison. Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes, see picture below, released him. Brown had been arrested on felony charges 14 times prior. Judge Stokes is not a lawyer. She was appointed under DEI policies, she should be fired.

Also, NC State Auditor, David Boliek found serious problems with Charlotte’s light rail security operations. The security services were outsourced to a company which was selected out of 8 different companies based on DEI principles. The city of Charlotte wanted more minority contractors.

So–a DEI appointed judge, without a law degree or any formal education let a criminal with 14 prior arrests out without bail and a minority selected security firm provided the protection for passengers. Charlotte Mayor Vi lyles needs to go!!!

This whole story makes me very angry. I am going to write to my US Senators.

September 21, 2025

As of 2024, the global economy (GDP) is $114 trillion. The US is $30+ trillion or 27% of the world’s economy.

Lululemon sells high end sportswear sometimes called “athleisure wear.” The retail chain has 750 stores in 25 countries, with almost 3/4 sales coming from US sales. Much of their products are made in Vietnam. This year the company is experiencing declining sales and a huge decline (45%) in share price. What’s wrong? Lululemon does not advertise, new products are unpopular, baggy clothes are fashionable, price slashing sent the wrong message, and their products are easy to counterfeit. I like their “pool slides.”

ICE raided a Hyundai plant in Georgia. The plant is under construction and being built by non-US workers. Four hundred and fifty workers were detained, most from South Korea. Many had no visas, no work permits, expired tourism visas, and no Social Security numbers. How is this possible? Liberals are criticizing ICE and blaming Trump. How did these workers get into the US??? Madness!

A new study has confirmed that the cost of insurance for EV’s is a whooping 49% higher than gas-powered vehicles. The average insurance cost for EV’s is $4,058 compared to $2,732 for gas cars. Wow! The reasons-EV’s cost more, damage easier, and cost more to repair.

The above photo is Wayne Goodwin, DMV leader for NC. He recently resigned. During his tenure the average wait times at DMV facilities rose to 75 minutes, once you get into the building. NC spent $20 million on a consulting agreement to develop improvement ideas. Most were poorly implemented and/or left unfinished. Former governor, Roy Cooper did little to fix any problems. I wrote a 3-page letter to our Sec. of Transportation with all my “process improvement” ideas. I did hear back with assurance my ideas were being reviewed. One final observation-at my local DMV the employees seem slow acting, slow talking, slow moving with little concern about the long lines. This is a management issue.

Zero-sum thinking is the new political phrase. Some people believe that rich people gained their wealth at the expense of poorer people. They think some groups are being held back and thus a government intervention like Affirmative Action, is needed. “I win; you lose.” Some believe immigrants are taking jobs from citizens and clogging schools and hospitals. Some believe international students are filling classrooms spaces, and that resources are scarce, etc. However, most notable economists assert that resources are indeed scarce and thus must be allocated by merit. Economists also know that a strong economy is the best way to pull people out of poverty. Moving $$$’s from one group to another (redistribution) does not work.

Lastly, I find it tragic that state, county and city leaders “allow” many public schools to be underperforming, especially year after year. Third graders, eight graders and HS seniors can’t read or do math. The students fail proficiency exams in reading and math. Yet, these same leaders are the first to “push” policies that grant these students admission to colleges without regard to their academic qualifications. Then, the students borrow $$$$’s and enroll and fail miserably.

On September 14th the NYG played the Cowboys in the NFL. It was supposed to be professional football. But the NYG were penalized 14 times for a total of 160 yards. One player, Hudson, was called for 4 penalties in the first Giant possession. Poor quality entertainment.

Google Images

September 12, 2025

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Benjamin Franklin

The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are planning to invest $3 million to build a new nightclub. The developer claims the place will be a modern “juke joint.” Whatever the hell that is!

The proposed location is the site of a dilapidated Black nightclub built in 1944 which will be torn down. The total cost of the new nightclub will be $8 million. The builder is asking the local government to pay 37% of the cost with an estimated 1% return on investment.

Our local leaders are considering the purchase. At the same time, the city has a shortage of affordable housing. Perhaps families can live at the nightclub???

How can the city of Charlotte even consider owning a nightclub? Is the city in the entertainment business? This is madness!

September 11, 2025

Dear Readers,

I do not have the words to describe my feelings today. For me, it is a very sad day.

Google image

August 22, 2025

“Every heart beats true beneath the Red, White and Blue.” George M. Cohan -Playwright, Composer of more than 50 plays and 300 songs.

We all know what happened to Colin Kaepernick! During his brief time as starting QB, he sat and kneeled during the playing of our National Anthem. Kaepernick signed a 6-year contract with SF for $126 million, $60 million guaranteed. Yet, the fool protested unfair treatment of Blacks.

Kaepernick played 6 years in the NFL. His record was 37 Wins, 32 losses. He opted out of his contract with the SF 49ers in 2016.. No other team would sign him. We all know why. The NFL ticket holders and TV viewing audience want to watch football, not protests, and certainly not unpatriotic acts by QBs. Kaepernick’s GF called the owner of the Baltimore Ravens a “slave owner” and called the players his slaves.

Recently, Spike Lee has made a mini-series about Kaepernick. But no network or streaming service wants to buy it. I agree with that……who would watch.

NOTE-Images provided by Google

August 16, 2025

“Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy.” Wayne Gretzky, Hall of Fame Hockey Great.

Finally, the Brits have awakened. They have a new PM, his name is Sir Keir Starmer. See his picture below.

The new PM has proposed new laws to thwart immigration. It’s about time!!! See chart above. Note that the UK experienced 45,700 small boat migrant crossings in 2024.

The major new laws are:

-Reduce the student visa work time limits

-Raise the skill requirements for work entry. This is a big change. Immigrants must be able to support themselves with skills attractive in the job market.

-English language required for migrant and spouse

-Cut abuses to the system, punish violators and thoroughly vet all applicants.

-Settlement time requirement moved from 5 years to 10 years.

Britain is slow to act. Perhaps these will stop the flow of illegal immigrants. Their NHS medical system is broken! They should have seen this coming 10 years ago.

May 23, 2025

“Anything built by man, can be overcome by man.” General George Patton

Speaking correctly is important. People can understand you better when you use proper grammar and good word choices. I get irritated when I hear bad grammar, slang, profanity, and nonsensical wording spoken by allegedly intelligent people. Here are some of my biggest irritations:

The word “like ” is inserted in sentences when not needed or appropriate. Here is an example: He was like running down the street and like, yelling at like the people he saw.

Last year describes the previous calendar year. The word is not “lashear.”

Me and Kelly went to the store is bad grammar. Kelly and I went to the store. Never start a sentence with “me.”

Crap ton, shit load, “the F bomb” and all the other vulgar words are never appropriate among educated people. Ignorant people use them, often to exaggerate a point. I cringe when I hear profanity on TV, especially among our government leaders. Terrible practice, Low class.

The word “to” is never spoken as “ta.” Sally went to the store, not ta the store.

The days of the week are spoken with “day” at the end, like “Monday.” It is not “Mondy.”

When ordering food at a restaurant, please say “I would like the cheeseburger”, not “I’ll do the cheeseburger.” Where did that phraseology come from.

“He don’t want to play today” is wrong. The correct wording is “he doesn’t want to play today.” I hear the wrong verb tense spoken all the time, especially on ESPN. Where is the English teachers? Hahaha.

And-“at the end of the day” and “in terms of ” are used all the time on TV, mostly by pompous people.

And my biggest irritation:

After you thank a server or customer service employee, their response should not be “no problem.” Gee, I am glad it was not a problem for you to help me. A simple “your welcome” would be fine.

April 30, 2025

“The formula I=I means ignorance equals inventory. The less knowledgeable a business is about its suppliers, internal processes, markets, and customers, the more inventory that company will carry.” Self

Sweden is 900 miles long and has over 10 million people. The capital is Stockholm with 1.7 million people.

Beginning in 2014, Sweden saw a huge spike in immigration, mostly from Syria. The problem was so bad, Sweden imposed border controls. The country also saw a huge spike in violent crime. And-Sweden experienced a 2X increase in pension applications. Sweden’s government provides pensions, and many people move to Sweden for that benefit.

Sweden also experienced an historical record of shootings in 2022. Same with homicides.

Currently, Sweden is experiencing the bombing of stores and restaurants. Violent immigrant gangs are extorting money from small business owners. About 30 bombings took place in Sweden in January. National Police Chief, Petra Lundh, pointed to mass immigration as the cause of these bombings. The crime statistics in Sweden point to immigrants as being “overrepresented.”

Lastly, reports indicate that immigrant gangs are recruiting new members via the internet, often posting high paying job opportunities for store bombing jobs. Sweden needs a strong leader to eliminate the gangs.

Note-image provided by Google

April 26, 2025

“Affirmative action encourages a victim-focused identity and sends the message that there is more power in our past suffering than in our present achievements.” Shelby Steele

Limestone College is located in Gaffney, South Carolina and has 1,600 students. This small, private, liberal arts college offers 42 different undergraduate degrees. As of today, the college is $30 million in debt and scheduled to close in June. Who loaned $$$’s to this school? And yet, the college supports 23 sports teams (20 head coaches) including 13 women’s teams. So-offer sport scholarships and neglect other financial matters. Too bad.

Charlotte NC has a MS-13 problem. This week 2 members of this vicious gang were sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder a Wilson Edgardo Gutierrez Mejia. He was shot in the head outside a Charlotte nightclub. While lying on the ground, Mejia was shot 3 more times. It was reported that the killing helped get the two shooters a “promotion” in the MS 13 gang. The shooters were from El Salvador and Guatemala. A third MS 13 member was sentenced to 17 years for the kidnapping of a 17-year-old girl.

The US now has 900+ cases of measles according to the CDC. Thus far, about30 states have reported the outbreak but the most active cases are centered in Texas and New Mexico. The vast number of these cases involve foreign-born people. Illegal immigrants.

Nikola Motor Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company tried to make EV trucks. Their problems were varied and significant, including the payment of $125 million to settle federal charges of defrauding investors. The founder, and CEO, Trevor Milton was charged with securities and wire fraud. During this same period, the Biden administration granted Nikola $2 million as part of the “new green deal.”

Several new research studies have reported why housing prices and rents have risen so dramatically in the US. The conclusion is migration, especially in the major US cities. Same with homelessness. Major cities like NYC, Denver, Chicago attribute 80+ percent of the rise in homelessness to “asylum seekers.” And-the studies show that illegal immigrants do not “pay their way.” Arguments for low-skilled migrants built around supposed labor shortages are also false. Migrants without college degrees are a financial drain to the economies. These studies included the US, Britan, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. lastly, Goldman Sachs (bank) reported that Australia’s net migrant flow of 500,00 people raises rents by 5% annually.

Two new museums are planned for the Smithsonian Institution in DC. One for women and the other for Hispanics. Really? Why can’t we have a national museum celebrating all people. Why do these groups get their own building at taxpayer expense? However, the funding and construction has been delayed due to disagreements regarding content. The federal government wants the museums to show shared American values, not those that separate Americans into racial and/or gender groups. Some exhibits that celebrate the exploits of men in women’s sports are being planned. Sadly, is that really what the US citizens want in the Smithsonian???

Another mess for Trump to cleanup!

April 16, 2025

” A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.” Wayne Gretzky, Hockey G.O.A.T.

Currently, North Carolina has 24, 500 international students enrolled at the state’s colleges and universities. Wow! That is a whooping number. These students are required to apply for student visas and if granted, the students are assigned case file numbers with the Department of Homeland Security.

It is a privilege granted to international students to study in the US. And there are rules to maintain their student visas. They must be full-time students attending an accredited college or university, they must have proficiency in English, and the $$$’s to support themselves.

These students are granted a F-1 visa by the Dept. of Immigration. That is the process for attending US colleges. If one of these students is arrested, then that is a violation of their visa status, and they must leave the US. It is that simple. They are not entitled to “due process.”

Organizing and/or participating in a protest rally for a terrorist organization is grounds for a F-1 visa revocation.

April 14, 2025

“Giving debt relief to people that really need it, that’s what foreclosure is.” J.P. Morgan

Down Payment Assistance plans are a bad idea!

I am absolutely against the “new” programs to help first time buyers with the purchase of a house. Buying a new home should be hard! It is a huge decision. To buy a new home ($350,000) this year requires a 20% or higher down payment and a $300,000 mortgage loan. At today’s interest rates, a $300,000 mortgage loan financed for 30 years will cost $285,000 in interest. So-the total cost of the home will be $638,000.

Mortgage lenders know exactly and precisely what type of people (single or married) can “afford” a new home and thus qualify for a mortgage loan. The lenders have meta-data, collecting financial transaction statistics for decades. That is how the loan applications and qualifications are determined. We all know what happened in 2007 -2008 with the sub-prime loan debacle. Millions of people incorrectly “qualified” for home loans and defaulted.

Another example of this economic fallacy is the new car re-possessions in 2024. Biden mailed out millions of stimulus checks in 2021. People already had money; their overall spending was curtailed due to covid. Student loan payments were paused, so people bought new, expensive cars and trucks. Two years later the US saw historic record levels of car repossessions. See above chart.

Now- states like Illinois want to loan new home buyers money toward the down payment or even grant “forgivable” loans (whatever the hell that is). States also want to use taxpayer funds for “home assistance grants,” or even special savings accounts with matching $$$’s provided by the state. These are bad ideas. If you don’t have the down payment, you can’t afford the house. It is that simple. A young person (married or single) can save $40,000 to $50,000 in about 10 years.

Home ownership is an important step in accumulating personal wealth. It takes discipline and planning,

April, 8, 2025

“If you think something is too good to be true, It probably is!” Self

The Biomed Central Journal published a recent study conducted in Denmark regarding the relationship between body tattoos and cancer.

The study revealed that tattoos appear to increase a person’s chance of getting skin cancer and lymphoma by 33% to 62%! The ink in tattoos can migrate to and accumulate in the lymph nodes, especially tattoos the size of a person’s palm, or larger. The ink particles that accumulate are treated by the body as a “foreign substance” which then triggers the immune system. Over time, this persistent strain on the immune system may weaken the function of the lymph nodes and cause other health issues. This is according to the new study.

The study also revealed that large tattoos are especially dangerous. Large tattoos increase the risk of skin cancer by 2.3 times and lymphoma by 2.8 times.

The cost of a “full sleeve tattoo” as shown above is about $3000. She will need much more money for her cancer treatments.

Part 1 of a Three-Part Series

April 5, 2025

A good example of “equity” is when a 6th grade math teacher gives all 30 students in her class a score of 77 on a test. There were 9 students that scored above 90, and 11 students that scored in the 80’s, but the class average was 77. The top students were furious, the lower students liked the grade. On the next test, the class average declined to 72. Self.

Dr. Thomas Sowell is my favorite economist. I have read 6 of his books on Economics.

Dr. Sowell was born in 1930 in NC and lived in extreme poverty for most of his childhood. At age 9 his family moved to Harlem. He was accepted to Stuyvesant HS (private school for gifted students). He was the first member of his family to reach HS. However, Sowell had to drop out due to family financial problems.

In 1951 Sowell was drafted into the Marines and served 2 years during the Korean War. After the war, he completed his HS diploma, studied at Howard U. and later was accepted to Harvard. He graduated from Harvard in 1958 magna cum laude. He earned a master’s degree in economics at Columbia and later (1968) received his PhD in economics from the U. of Chicago. Sowell taught economics at Cornell, Brandeis, and UCLA. He has written 45 books on economics and social politics and is considered a conservative.

This post is my tribute to Dr. Thomas Sowell. Below are some of my favorite writings from my favorite economist:

• “In American society, achievement is what ultimately brings respect, including self-respect.”
• “Equal opportunity laws and policies require that individuals be judged on their qualifications as individuals. Affirmative action requires that they be judged with regard to such group membership, receiving preferential treatment, in some cases.”
• “To many of us, a level playing field means that everyone plays by the same rules and is judged by the same standards. To others, however, a level playing field means that results are pre-arranged by third parties who ration out benefits to various groups.”
• “Government programs that promote “affordable housing” are programs to allow some people to decide what housing they want and force other people, taxpayers, landlords, others, to absorb a share of the costs of a decision that they had no voice in making.”
• “Denying citizenship is not a punishment because crossing the border illegally does not entitle you to citizenship. “
• On preserving the American Black culture-“in a world where an absolute majority of Black children are born and raised in fatherless homes, where most Black kids never finish HS, and where the murder rate among Blacks is several times the national average, surely there must be more urgent priorities than preserving a lifestyle and identity.”
• “They say cream rises to the top. However, among government employees, the cream tends to leave after a few years, allowing mediocrity to rise to the top.”
• “British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher gave the best definition of consensus-lack of leadership.”
• “A majority of men in prison came from fatherless families. In some cosmic sense, it may not be entirely their fault that they took the wrong road. But that doesn’t change the fact that it was the wrong road-or make it any less dangerous to turn them loose.”
• “It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions that by putting those decisions in the hands of people who will pay no price for being wrong.”

End of Part 1

February 24, 2025

“We’ve got some hogs with all four feet and their snouts in the trough, and we have to find out who they are!” Senator John Kennedy, Republican-Louisiana.

NYT released lengthy study on Planned Parenthood citing poor conditions, bad employee training and rundown conditions. Their pay salaries are so low the employee turnover is 50% and many staff come from Medicaid and federal food assistance ranks. There are even reports of shortages of pain meds and IV solution. Planned Parenthood spends huge sums on political issues, campaigns, consultants, and defending itself against patient lawsuits. According to the NYT study, over the last 5 years PPH has distributed $899 million to its affiliates, but none of it went directly to patient care. PPH has 600 locations covering all 50 states.

US trade imbalance hit record high in 2024. Americans purchased $4.1 trillion of goods and services from outside the US. Much of this was car parts, weight loss drugs, computers, and food. The US shipped $918 billion to other countries leaving a trade deficient of $1.2 trillion. That was a 17% increase from 2023. China represents 1/3 of this imbalance, Mexico and Vietnam also have huge trade imbalances with the US. This is exactly what Trump is talking about.

Many presidents from universities across the country have announced the school’s policy on cooperating with ICE. The policies are to not hand over students who are criminal illegal immigrants to ICE. I cannot disagree more with this policy. Criminals should not be protected just because they are on a college campus. Can you imagine a US citizen suspected of rape being “sheltered” in a dorm? This is madness and will lead to a dangerous situation on campus. And-what about a suspected terrorist?

Trump fired the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board. Her name is Jennifer Abruzzo a Biden appointee. See picture above. Trump also fired Gwynne Wilcox, a Black women from the NLRB Board. Both women were extreme liberals and drove the Board to overreach its powers, including forcing companies to support Black Lives Matter. The Board’s charter is to protect worker’s rights to form unions, not push social and racial policies.

Illegal immigrants are causing a sharp rise in infectious disease cases in the US. Kansas City reports 67 cases of Tuberculosis, the largest outbreak in recent history. Charlotte NC has experienced 31 active cases of TB. Studies indicate the cases involved foreign-born patients. Texas has reported 100+ case of measles, a highly dangerous virus. The FDA has said the disease in very dangerous with 30% cases requiring hospitalization. Thanks Joe Biden.

Colleges across NC and many other states have announced free tuition programs for low-income families. Duke University is providing free tuition to students from families with incomes below $150,000. Wow!!! With an income level like that I would think the parents could save for college. UNC Chapel Hill sets the family income at $80,000 for free tuition. This is another way of getting low-income students enrolled in college and a direct result of the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding race being used for college admissions. Tuition free students must be qualified for college study, or this program will fail miserably.

January 11, 2025

“If criminals place little value on the long term, then doubling police patrols might be a more cost-effective way to reduce street crime than doubling the jail sentences.” Author Andrew Leigh, Australian Economist.

Recently, I have watched a lot of football on TV, both college and the NFL. But two things bother me about the broadcasts, one-the same old commentators are on the shows. I am tired of watching Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Coach Cowher, Jimmy Johnson, Tony Dungy, Rodney Harrison, Boomer Esiason, Phil Simms, Chris Berman, and all the others. The broadcasts need new talent and not DEI hires, please. And another thing-why do players have mouth guards attached to their face masks, but not in their mouths?

Pleased to see punks arrested for “illegal street takeovers.” Gangs of youths block city intersections and race around the area “burning rubber.” Citizens and residents can’t get through. This is an easy crime to prevent, just arrest those involved, suspend their driver’s licenses, impose heavy fines, and impound the vehicles. Don’t wait until some teenager is run over or shot to death.

NC Governor Cooper granted clemency to 15 death row inmates on his last day in office. Why wait until the last day-afraid of the backlash from victim families and/or law enforcement? How can this be morally right? The governor is a coward!

This is an arrest photo of Dana Stubblefield, ex-NFL star. He is 6’2″ tall and weighs 290lbs. He was convicted of raping a disabled woman at gunpoint and sentenced to 15 years in prison. This week an Appeals Court overturned the conviction citing racial language used in the trial was in violation of the state’s new Racial Justice Act of 2020. Apparently, the prosecutors used inappropriate language in the closing argument. He can be re-tried if the California prosecutor makes that decision. The victim was in Stubblefield’s home being interviewed for a babysitting job.

Over the last 5 seasons, the Carolina Panthers football team has the worse win/loss record in the NFL. The team’s record is 24 wins 60 losses for a .285 winning percentage. During the recent season the Panthers set a new NFL historical record for allowing 534 total points while on defense. Yet, their head coach, Dave Canales (his record is 5-12) assured the fans that his defensive coordinator, Ejero Evero, will return next season. How is that possible?

A recent report by the US Dept. of Education showed that 100+ colleges closed their doors in the last year 2 years, with more scheduled to close this year. Almost all are small, private, liberal arts colleges. This situation is a good example of “survival of the fittest.” I have never had a strong positive view of small, liberal arts schools. Most are very expensive and have less than 2500 students. I do not believe the quality of education is worth the cost, nor is the quality of the student body. So, student enrollment is down. These schools get their funding from tuition and fees. However, many enroll students with Pell Grants (low income) so colleges can’t just raise tuition. And-colleges get $$$’s from alumni donations, which are almost non-existent from Pell students and/or students not being able to find jobs with liberal arts degrees. So, without enough students and donations, the colleges are forced to close. I also believe the dubious on-line colleges compete for students. Their tuition is cheap and so is the quality of the education.

December 26, 2024

” My own feelings were sad and depressed at the downfall of a foe who had fought so long and valiantly, and had suffered much for a cause, though the cause was, I believe, one of the worse for which a people ever fought.” General Ulysses S. Grant in reference to General Robert E. Lee.

This full-size poster below, was displayed at the entrance to Belk’s Men’s department in the South Park mall. Thousands of men, women and children pass by this display. The picture is disgusting, inappropriate, and lewd or was that the point?

According to a recent report released by the US. Census Bureau, Charlotte, NC has 186,000 illegal immigrants. That number has doubled in the last 6 years. The large increase is straining the housing market, schools, social services, and hospitals (Atrium Health reports 35% non-payers). What worries me is drivers with no insurance or driver training, crime, money flowing back to South America and not spent locally. No federal or state income taxes paid. This is wrong!

The US Mint announced 5 new quarters to be issued in 2025. George Washington is being replaced by 5 women. Hmmm??? Seems a stretch to me. Of course, the women chosen are minority activists often called “trailblazers.” One woman was a tennis player (Althea Gibson), another was a Native American activist, and one woman was a civil rights activist. I never heard of any of these women. But have head the names Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, Grant, Hamilton, Jackson, and Kennedy.

The European countries like France, Spain, Poland, and UK have allocated $118 billion in aid to the Ukraine over the last 22 months. The US has spent $85 billion, roughly a 60: 40 ratio. I want Trump to cut funding immediately and end the war. And-I want the Ukraine to allocate its natural resources to the US.

Northvolt, Europe’s premier battery company has filed for bankruptcy. Investors included the governments of Canada, the EU, Germany, Poland, and Sweden. Other investors included Goldman Sachs, Blackrock, BMW, and Volkswagen. JP Morgan also lost millions. Northvolt lost $1.2 billion in 2023. The leaders of Northvolt were incompetent. A complete disaster. The picture above is Northolt’s major factory in a remote area of Sweden.

Last New Year’s Eve in Charlotte a man named Daevion Crawford, age 19, shot 5 people gathered to celebrate the New Year. He was arrested and charged with 5 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Judge Carla Archie (above) accepted a plea deal and sentenced Crawford to 1 year, 9 months. Sadly, a 35-year-old man from Kannapolis was sentenced to 3 years, 2 months in Federal prison for his part in the Jan. 6th riot in Washington. He was found guilty of obstructing law enforcement and assault. He had no weapon. I hope Trump’s new Attorney General reviews the Jan. 6th convictions. The FBI had 26 operatives in the crowd on Jan. 6th. They knew in advance the riot might happen but did nothing to protect the Capitol. I saw the videos; the Capitol Police pulled the barriers back and allowed the rioters into the Capitol. The police chief resigned the next day.

Finally, I watched a few NFL games this week. One game had 22 accepted penalties, including delay of game, illegal formation, lining up in the neutral zone, illegal shift, too many men of the field, false start, offside, and of course, holding. And they call this “professional football.”

November 21, 2024

“Keep every stone they throw at you. You have castles to build.” This quote was provided by the medical Staff at Atrium Health Dermatology, South Park. A very good group of people!

President-elect Trump is wasting no time picking his Cabinet. He wants to spring off the starting blocks. Actually, he is already getting some things done.

To date, he has named 16 people to key roles in his administration and his picks are curious. I flinched slightly when some of the names were released. But then I realized he is putting together a team of “Action Figures.”

President Trump wants action! He wants to change Washington, and he’s picking a team to carry out his plan. No more career bureaucrats, and no more massive Federal spending.

That is exactly what I would do. If the US Federal government is “downsized” then the Federal budget will be reduced, and spending will shrink. That is the way to lower our taxes and reduce our federal debt.

If the size of Federal employment is reduced (Example-USPS has 512,000 employees) then those people will move to the private sector filling the much-needed vacant positions. Currently, the vast array of Federal buildings in DC are vacant, employees are working from home, yeah right! The savings will be massive.

President Trump’s Cabinet picks are going to shake things up. First, there is Elon Musk and Vivek. Both are charged with “government efficiency.” I read a report highlighting $500 billion in fraud alone within the federal spending, Start there.

Bondi as the AG, she’s tough and will go after the gangs. Hegseth will re-establish merit in the military. Kennedy will make America healthy. Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff will run a great White House. And of course, Tom Homan to lead ICE. Great pick! He will rid the US of South American gangs.

Trump’s picks for Treasury, OMB, EPA, and National Security are experienced, smart and tough. it should be interesting.

October 23, 2024

“Woman is born free and lives equal to man in her rights. Social distinctions can be based only on common utility.” Olympe De Gouges, French author of “Declaration of the Rights of Woman.” Written in 1793.

I am not a pessimistic person. And- I have overcome many obstacles in my life. I try to live a full life now and enjoy many activities with a wonderful wife.

But, as the national election draws near, I reflect back on these last 4 years and report on how things have changed in my life and around me.

• Organized looting hit my local grocery store. Now we have armed guards in the store.
• My real estate taxes went up $1200 to pay for more schools. The Hispanic students are the single largest increase in student enrollment. My car insurance went up $800/year.
• There is a terrible war the Ukraine. And-the US has provided and/or pledged $170 billion in aid. I do not think Biden has a plan. Biden and Harris can’t decide to support Israel or not.
• My electric bill went from $92/month to $152/month.
• Entrees at many of our favorite restaurants average $32-$35, sometimes more. And-the restaurants show 20% tips on take-out orders. This makes no sense.
• There are certain places in town that are unsafe to visit. Crimes are now being reported regularly in my area of the city.
• Our local school board passed new “discipline rules for students.” it is ok for students to put their hands on teachers.
• The Big Three TV networks (CBS, NBC, and ABC) and CNN have grown hugely prejudice against Conservatives and frequently report falsehoods. Talk show hosts have declined in morals and intelligence. President Trump has been called a Nazi by all three networks. That is insulting, ignorant and grossly inaccurate.
• College students are marching in support of Hamas, a global terrorist organization that killed 1,200 people in Israel. I am worried about possible war in the Middle East.
• I live in a neighborhood with about 850 homes (single family, condos, and apartments) and for exercise, I walk our streets 3-4 times a week. This week I have noticed that homes that normally fly American flags in their front yards seem to have “Trump for President” signs. Very few Harris signs.