In case you missed it!

December 24, 2025

“It took centuries of intellectual, philosophical development to achieve political freedom…The individual was not left at the mercy of his neighbors or his leaders: the Constitutional system of checks and balances was scientifically devised to protect him from both.” Ayn Rand, Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal, 1986. Russian born author and playwright.

In the very near future, companies will begin using facial recognition to hire employees. AI software is being developed to spot desired job characteristics among potential candidates. Recent reports indicate AI can discern conscientiousness, openness, neuroticism and other factors helping employers to select the best fit for their teams. Sounds great to me. I would screen for laziness and arrogance.

After months of negotiations the EU and America have reach an agreement on tariffs. The agreement will eliminate EU tariffs on many US products and require the EU to purchase $750 billion in US energy products. And-the agreement includes $600 billion of investment from the EU into the US. Wow!!!

North Carolina State University is playing its season opener football game in Brazil. The game will be on August 29th, 2026, against UVa. The game will be played in Rio de Janeiro. Can you imagine the cost involved in taking the entire team and Staff to Brazil for 6-7 days? The trip will take about 20 hours and cost $1,500/person for airfare. Whose idea was this? Why? What about the student body and fans. They will miss this game. And think about the loss of revenue in Raleigh/Charlottesville. And lastly, what about security. This is a very bad idea for a taxpayer supported school.

“Affordable housing” is always in the news. Not enough housing for all the new residents. And units cost more than can be afforded by low-income households. The published data is very clear. Of course, there are several solutions offered by many, but one solution is always missing-reduce immigration into the area. The data show mass immigration has contributed about 10-15% to the housing problem. Same with schools being crowded, and teacher shortages.

See article below. A very newsworthy article in the local paper. Women have formed a lowrider club, whatever the hell that is! Another major gain for women’s rights. I guess men are excluded. I really appreciate the local “fishwrap” keeping me informed about all the important issues. Madness!

Roy Cooper, a Democrat, was governor of NC for 8 years, 2017-2025. Prior to that, he served as Attorney General for 8 years. During Cooper’s 8 years as governor, he vetoed 129 bills passed by the State Legislature. Cooper was an obstructionist. Worse, during his time as governor, 2021 to 2024, the State Dept. of Health and Human Services was late in issuing $83 million in SNAP benefits to low-income families. This work is simple, processing SNAP applications and issuing federal and state payments. In several NC counties, as many as 20-25% of the food aid was late. The DHHS was cited several times and agreed to take corrective action but was delinquent in doing so! Cooper should have handled this mess.

Lessons I learned from my Father!

December 17, 2025

“Boldness of enterprise is the foremost cause of its rapid progress, its strength and its greatness.” Alexis de Tocqueville- in reference to American innovation and the American Spirit.

Both my parents died on New Year’s Eve. My Dad died in 1998. My Mother died in 2007. The Christmas Holidays have never been a happy time for me.

My Dad and I were very close. From the time I was 6 years old I was by my father’s side doing everything. My Dad was an excellent woodworker, DIY’er, gardener, golfer, bowler, auto mechanic, and natural born leader. He was a bomber pilot in WWll, flew 38 missions. My Dad never spoke about his time in the 8th Air Force.

My Dad worked rotating shifts (more money) at a chemical plant in the Shenandoah Valley, Va. For most of that time he was a supervisor. My parents raised 6 children.

I think about my dad often and reflect on the lessons I learned from him. Here are just a few:

  1. You don’t have to curse to be a man. It is ok to have a drink but do so in moderation.
  2. Take care of what you own. Cars, house, yard, shrubs, clothes, tools, and yourself.
  3. Look your best. Wear decent clothes, shine your shoes, shave, eat proper food and exercise.
  4. When you are unsure, ask for advice. It is ok!
  5. Treat all people with respect and with fairness. Do not judge people harshly. My dad spoke the same way to his crew as he did to his boss. And-do not miss work. Be on time.
  6. Take your wife out on a date at least once a month. My parents liked to dance!
  7. Read the newspaper, books and watch the news. Try hard to be informed.
  8. Thank people that have helped you. Visit and care for your parents and sibling.
  9. Speak calmly, don’t exaggerate, and never shout to make your point.
  10. Save your money.

My dad smoked for 50+ years and died from lung disease. He was 81.

Media Bias and Falsehoods!

December 7, 2025

“A single lie discovered is enough to create doubt in every truth expressed.” Author unknown

The article shown below appeared in the Charlotte, NC “fish wrap” this week. It covered almost a whole page. This article represents an excellent example of bias journalism. The article was based on a “study” conducted in 2019! Really?

Black families do not pay more for electricity than White, Asian or Hispanic families. Electric rates are set by the State government, the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

On a city street with 40-50 houses all families pay exactly the same usage rate. Period. The above article implies that “redlining neighborhoods” which was banned 1968 causes Black families to pay more. Hogwash! The rates are set by the State.

Electric bills as a % of income do change between Blacks and Whites. Black household income averages about $53,000/year across the US, while the overall national income is $78,000 per household. So, Blacks do pay a higher % of their income for energy. That’s just plain mathematics! Black income is lower due to the overwhelming number of single women households. The majority (75%) of White households have dual incomes (two wage earners). Asian incomes and Hispanic incomes are close to the national income.

It is true that Blacks rent houses and apartments in larger numbers, and landlords might not keep the rental property in great shape. And Black households may live in older, less energy efficient houses.

The article uses the term “energy injustice” in bold print. Costs for energy/electricity are not racially biased. It is not injustice, it’s just math. Redlining neighborhoods did exist in the 1930’s. Lenders at the Federal and state level did charge higher mortgage rates for residents of poorer neighborhoods. That practice was based on bill collection default data but was declared illegal in 1968, almost 57 years ago. And rightly so!

Lastly, low-income households qualify for many energy assistance programs at the Federal and state level including Comprehensive Energy Assistance, Low Income Energy Assistance, Weatherization Assistance, and the Crisis Intervention Program. To be more accurate these payments should be included in the mathematics!

St. Louis-What a terrible city!

December 1, 2025

” The appetite for applause counts amongst the lowest human character traits.” Jan-Willem van der Rijt, Dutch philosopher.

The city of St. Louis, Missouri has a population of 285,000 people. The population has been declining for years. See example chart below. In the 1950’s the city had 850,00+ people.

The city of St. Louis has been run by Democrats since 1949. Every single mayor since 1949 has been a Democrat. This year the Board of Aldermen has 28 people, all Democrats. This is incredible. Not one single Republican on the Board of Aldermen.

Below is a picture of the recently elected mayor of St. Louis. Cara Spencer is 47 years old, divorced with one child. Not sure of her qualifications for the job. Her internet profile is “thin.” It does not appear she has any managerial or leadership experience. As mayor she will earn $144,000 per year. Spencer was elected this year. So far, she is focusing on repairing potholes and parking areas. To be fair, she has proposed pay increases for first responders and police.

Sadly, the city of St. Louis has a terrible crime problem. The city is ranked 3rd most dangerous for violent crime in the US. Only Memphis and Oakland have higher crime rates. Oakland has never had a Republican mayor. Memphis is run by the Democrats. St. Louis has a big problem with street racing. Recently, the police impounded 50+ cars. But the city impound lot lost track of $5 million worth of these cars. An investigation is ongoing. How do you lose 100’s of cars?? Currently the police force has 150 vacancies, about 25% of the force.

Interestingly, of the top 100 major cities in the US, 78 have Democrat mayors.

St. Louis also has low performing schools. See chart below. St Louis students, grades 3-8, score only 21% on average in English Language Arts national testing. And those scores are declining. The city of St. Louis has most of the lowest rated schools in Missouri, elementary through high school. Academic achievement and graduation rates are lowest in St. Louis.

Harris-Stowe State University is located in St. Louis. The school has 1,005 students and is ranked very low compared to other HBCU schools. The school has a graduation rate of 12%. That school should be closed. Money wasted!

Lastly, the city of St. Louis has a debt of $900 million, earning the city a grade “D’ in financial management. The tax burden (debt) for every resident of St. Louis is calculated at $9.800 on average. Cara Spencer will have to make tough, drastic decisions. Her biggest financial decision will be eliminating the “rich” pension scheme for city employees. That must be done. The private sector addressed that issue 15-20 years ago. City leaders say St. Louis is still recovering from Covid! Bull!

Images provided by Google

The N.E.A. is not a labor union

“You can teach a person all you know, but only experience will convince him that what you say is true.” Richelle E. Goodrich-American author

The N.E.A. is America’s largest teacher “union.” They are headquartered in Washington, D.C. They represent about 2.8 million teachers and support staff. Dues for the teachers are $215 per year. The N.E.A. has annual operating budget of $399 million with an endowment fund of $428 million. One of the N.E.A.’s biggest social programs is LBGTQ “rights” and “pronouns.”

Last year the N.E.A. spent $23 million endorsing and supporting political campaigns. About 98% of that money went to Democrats. Can you imagine that? Do they truly represent all their dues-paying members??? More recently the N.E. A has come under scrutiny for their stance against school choice, School vouchers, merit pay, the promotion of gay rights, standing against disciplinary actions on teachers and promoting racial ideology in schools.

Also, last year the N.E.A corporate Staff went on strike. Over 300 corporate staff employees were locked out and lost pay. One of the strike issues was the N.E.A.’s increasing use of outside contractors, or outsourcing work. Labor unions never outsource work! Madness!

The PISA chart below ranks the top 40 countries in scholastic achievement in math, science and reading. Combining all three subjects the US is slightly below the average. Sadly, the US ranks 34th in math. The PISA is a worldwide test given to 15-year-olds. It is designed to measure the effectiveness of the educational systems of each country.

I would like to see the N.E.A. establish a measurable goal of improving the PISA ranking, especially in math. This should be the N.E.A.’s top priority, and the “union” should not be directing so much effort to so many social programs. Currently the N.E.A is a political action organization and on the wrong side of so many issues,

PS-Rebecca Pringle is the N.E.A president. Her current salary is $545,000!

Images provided by Google

Professional football or not!

November 24, 2025

“Passion is what makes life interesting, what ignites our soul, fuels our love and carries our friendships, stimulates our intellect and pushes our limits.” Pat Tillman NFL legend and U.S. Army Ranger.

I watched the Eagles vs Cowboys game yesterday. I tape the games and then fast forward through the nauseating commercials and mindless commentary by the same old broadcasters.

The NFL claims to be about “professional football.” But how can that be? During yesterday’s game the officials called 22 penalties, 14 on the Eagles who ended up losing the game. The Eagles are the defending champions from last season’s Super Bowl. UGH!

The penalties on both teams show the lack of adhering to the rules of football. It is maddening to watch teams committing penalties like lining up in the neutral zone, offsides, holding, delay of game, illegal formation, illegal shift, too many players on the field, hands to the face, pass interference, offsides, running into the kicker, unsportsmanlike conduct, taunting, and excessive celebration.

Twenty-two times yesterday the officials stopped game because of penalties. Do the players not understand the rules? Are players just undisciplined? Do they care? See below. This chart shows penalties called last year by the top offenders. Maddening!

And even worse, see chart below. Great scoring plays getting erased by stupid penalties.

The NFL is not about professional football. Too many dumb mistakes. and many repeated!

Finally, players are spitting on each other. Star receiver Ja’Marr Chase with the Cincinnati Bengals has been suspended for spitting on an opposing player. That player was ejected for punching Chase. Is this really professional football?

The above images provided by Google

My thoughts on I.C.E.

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.

My thoughts this Week

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

Genocide in Sudan-again!

November 11, 2025

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men that died, rather we should thank God that such men lived.” General George S. Patton

The Sudan has 53 million people, almost 7 million in the capital, Khartoum. Tragically, the country has a long history of murder and ethnic cleansing. Essentially, the conflict is between Black Africans and Islamist militant groups. In 2003, the Islamic fighters slaughtered thousands of Black natives. Men were butchered, women raped and children slaughtered by the thousands. No one really knows how many people were killed. Some UN agencies say 200,000 to 300,000 people were killed.

Most of the conflict was in the Darfur area of the Sudan. See map above. This week, the World Health Organization is reporting another massacre in the city of al-Fashir, northern Darfur. A militant group known as RSF gained control of the city and murdered 1,500 non-Arab civilians. And-these militants murdered 460 patients, family members and medical workers in a al-Fashir maternity hospital!!!

The RSF is a murderous Islamic terrorist organization. Below is a picture of the group and the leader

What will the United Nations do??

I will continue to monitor this situation and report updates.

Images provided by Google

US Presidents and Deportation

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