THOUGHTS About The News.

Previously posted on my Facebook Page.

Business Insider: “Police picked him up when he was 10 for walking home alone. Now 21, he backs his parents.” The story took place in Silver Spring, Maryland. Then 10-year old Rafi Meitiv and his 6-year-old sister had been playing at a local playground for about one hour before starting their walk, which was intended to be a three-quarters of a mile trek home. That distance is about 6 blocks if you live in New York City. 

       Walking per se could be fine, right? But most streets in America have no pedestrian walks and then there’s the usual fear of “undesirable (human) elements” that prey on children. The siblings in the story were walking in the mid-afternoon. After roughly 0.37 miles of walk, the kids were stopped by police officers. That’d be the cops’ job, wasn’t it? 

       Sure, a grown-up Rafi (Gen Z, yes) now backs up his parents for allowing them a “free-range” walk, you know what I am saying? “Free-range” is usually a farming method where animals can roam outdoors for at least part of the day, rather than being confined to a cage or indoor enclosure 24 hours a day. So let `em walk because these children were being raised “free-range” style. Okay. 

       Meanwhile, per Upworthy: “No seat belts, no supervision: These Gen X childhood norms seem baffling today.” Generation X includes people born from 1965 to 1980, making them 46 to 61 years old in 2026. I am either an older Gen X or younger`boomer. Anyhow, I don't think "no parental supervision" in my age should be compared with “free-range” supervision these days. Dad was very strict yet we were freely allowed to play outside, till dusk or 5 PM, as long as we already accomplished homework and housework. Must I continue this discussion? (Visual: The Swaddle.) 👩‍🦰🤨👨‍

Yahoo: “Wall Street banks lost $270 billion in value since summer. Now comes another big test.” / “Trump's penchant for big economic promises returns before the midterms.” Do I sound like a conspiracy theory dude when I say that 1 Percent corporate powers take advantage of the “crisis” that the two ongoing wars brings, to manipulate or rationalize "price tags” and stuff? That is a historical fact, unless we are in the 1930s Great Depression or pre-Bretton Woods 1944. (Bretton Woods essentially “protected” Forbes 500 et al,) 

       Yup, I don’t think Wall Street, post WW2, ever lost. Sure, Mr Trump “talks big” but what else is new in regards to his presidential mouth? But then, all sorts of news these days are easily against him. Hence, there’s a marked divide between administration claims of historic growth and so-called “independent” data showing a slowdown, or rising inflation. Voter reaction depends on which side they are leaning to, right? 

       Meanwhile, how many have the patience to discuss an uptick in stock market activity, domestic manufacturing boosts, and trillions in announced business and infrastructure investments? What about tax cuts, deregulation moves, private-sector expansion and energy production? Whether we agree or we don’t, it is imperative to lose the “hate-Trump” obsession and simply treat matters as “spade is a spade.” 💲🇺🇸💲

Yahoo: “U.S. ambassador to Greece Guilfoyle resigns after alleged misconduct.” Kimberly Guilfoyle has resigned from her diplomatic post following allegations of financial and professional misconduct. Now she has all the time in the world to “defend her reputation.” 

       Resignations and terminations (“You are fired!”) are not a strange activity in Donald Trump’ POTUS years. In his first term (2017–2021), overall Executive Office turnover rate was 92 percent (60 out of 65 positions), with 14 departures among Senate-confirmed cabinet-level department heads. So far, in Trump II (2025–present), approximately 934 non-Senate-confirmed appointees (about 24.6 percent) have departed the administration within the first 18 months of Mr Trump's second term. 

       At the cabinet level, high-profile departures: Attorney General Pam Bondi (fired), Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (fired), Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

       I am not bothered by these “changes,” as I posted in the onset of The D’s appointments in 2025. I give `em the benefit of the doubt. In case their performance doesn’t please the Boss and/or the people, let them go. 

       But I must be honest that I’d like Pete Hegseth to go. I didn’t like him from the get go. He is an interventionist hawk that doesn’t play along the President’s largely dovish playbook (yes, regardless of Iran). I am even sort of confused by his (dual) position: Secretary of Defense and Secretary of War. (The latter was originally established in 1789 under President George Washington, and was restored last year by President Trump, via an executive order.) 🏛🗽🏛

Washington Post: “Elon Musk's megaphone propels conspiracy theory about James Talarico.” James Talarico is all over the news these days, the run-up to midterms. Pretty much how the media played up Beto O’Rourke years ago. James is the Democratic nominee for the 2026 U.S. Senate election in Texas (versus Republican nominee, Ken Paxton).

       Religion lures a huge voting bloc in Texas, of course. And these guys are into it. Mr Talarico is a Presbyterian seminarian currently pursuing a Master of Arts at the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Mr Paxton identifies as an “evangelical/conservative Christian.” (Mr O’Rourke was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and identifies as a Christian.)

       Anyhow, however and whatever James and Ken’s PR machines and “influencers” toss at their constituents, we can just wait till November. But we can look back at Beto from those years. He also enjoyed a huge media thumbs-up, the “rock star of the Left.” 

       Prior to statewide and national races, Mr O'Rourke was undefeated in his regional campaigns. So in 2018, he ran for the U.S. Senate in Texas. Incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz (R) defeated him. He then set his sights on POTUS in 2020. But knowing he had no chance, he ended his prez campaign 5 months from his official announcement (to run). Still, in 2022, he eyed the Governorship of the state. Greg Abbott (R) beat him, too. 

       Sure, the Democratic Party in Texas learned lessons from Beto’s journey. Would the “demonize the rival, praise me in the media, and darkness pitch on Facebook etcetera” work this time? Let’s see. 🏛🗽🏛

Time: “White House proposal to charge foreign students $70,000 could cost Americans too.” An international student in the U.S. spends between $35,000 and $90,000+ per year on all-inclusive expenses. This wide variance depends drastically on the type of university, the city's cost of living, and the student's lifestyle. The assumption, as well, is that foreign students who study here are already wealthy back home. So that money may not matter a lot.

      This discussion though is multi-pronged and it slides beyond money-talk. In case this proposal is approved, the blowback will be more felt in Washington’s economic/trade relations. India, China and South Korea are the three largest countries of origin for foreign students in U.S. schools, accounting for the vast majority of international enrollment. They are already rich. But these nations are also huge trade partners of the U.S. Expect some shudder in economic bilateral negotiations.

     Anyhow, at least these days, many wealthy Asian students simply go to neighboring countries for mainly “better facility of English,” especially the Chinese and Koreans. They feel they don't need to gain “higher education” elsewhere and spend money that should go to business. The truth: Many want to study in America to “experience America” and get away from strict parents, and then watch LeBron on the ringside, LOL! 🏛🗽🏛

THOUGHTS About The News.

Previously posted on my Facebook Page.

NBC: “Cornell student who gave police leads in alleged rape feels 'betrayed' over its handling.” I expect prosecution of the perps on this one. But it’d be more due to heightened politics than it is carried out as a significant move to eradicate a “youth culture” that results in the obvious. Frat parties, rock concerts backstage shenanigans, and secret gatherings in abandoned barns and warehouses?

      These are part/s of young life’s “rites of passage,” I guess. In those situations, these are expected: Shaming, rape, orgies, illegal drugs (add fentanyl), all sorts of alcohol etcetera happen.

      The victim in the Cornell incident went to the police but how many didn't? It is a society at large that tolerates this widespread wrongdoing and how we raise our children (boys or girls) that concern me. Would the law and schools now “outlaw” fraternities/sororities? Would concert producers bar “girls” in a band’s dressing room or hotel accommodation? Would law enforcement per se be more strict in policing youths in these wild parties? The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind? (Art: Dreamstime.) ⚖️😒⚖️

New York Sun: “Short of Soldiers, Ukraine Is Building a Robot Army.” Almost everyday, Volo Zelensky has an insane plan to share with the universe. While “robot armies” are eventual reality as AI invades the roost, in the case of Ukraine's lost war versus Russia, this is nothing but bluster or idiocy.

      Meanwhile, the 39.5 distressed Ukrainians (+ American taxpayers) demand an accounting of how Kyiv's leadership spent all the foreign aid, from the start of the crisis in 2022.

      We are talking about approximately $360 billion in total foreign aid from international allies and institutions. Major Donors: <>The European Union collective, $195 billion. <>United States, $134 billion.

      These bilateral allocations represent the largest single-country generosity, though actual disbursements vary based on multi-year obligation schedules and funding mechanisms. Although words like “pledged/committed” and “disbursed” sometimes confuse people. Complex? Let's just say a day of war costs either country $190 million to $1 billion. 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

New York Times: “He Says He Killed a Man and Cast Out Demons. He Wants to Run Colorado.” And adds: “Some Republicans in the state fear that the sensational biography of Victor Marx, their party’s candidate for governor, could drag down the rest of the ticket.”

      Victor “brags” that he killed a man when he was 7 years old, after his super baddie stepdad made him do it. However, there's no police record of such a shooting that supposedly happened in Mendenhall, Mississippi. Mr Marx also says he can "cast out" demons via spiritual rituals that he calls “retooling prayers,” not exorcism. Uh huh.

      These are the sorta politicians who are running for office these days. But that is also a historical fact.

      An interesting guy is Vermin Supreme of the US Pirate Party. He was a Libertarian, Democrat, Republican, and Independent. He actually came third in the 2020 Libertarian National Convention. He wears a large winter boot as a hat and carries a giant toothbrush. Vermin's platform includes: <>Mandatory teeth-brushing laws. <>A promise of a free pony for every American. <>Funding for time-travel research. <>Preparing the nation for a zombie apocalypse. There you go! 😏😒🤨

I am sure you also notice that there seems to be (mostly) one face in choice TV commercials these days: Arturo Castro. He is heavily featured, aside from major AT&T, Verizon, and skin products advertising rotation. AI Mode says he serves major cultural moments like sports tournaments and the Super Bowl, which puts his face on screen repeatedly. No big deal because commercials are quick, supposedly. Until Amazon Prime and Hulu (+ other free movie sites) started messing up our viewing pleasure with ads! Yes, regardless that you are a paying subscriber.

      And Arturo’s face gets annoying, LOL! Why not diversity their ad performers? I dig that Liberty dude, the Geico gecko, and where are the Budweiser lizards, frogs, and woodchucks? More dogs and cats, please!

      Mr Castro is a Guatemalan citizen and immigrant who lives and works in the United States, rather than a native U.S. citizen. Any qualified “cultural diversity” face who is a U.S. citizen? Filipinos? My cousin who lives in L.A. and Vegas is an actress. Ha! No commercials yet for Alex Eala? Hey, aren’t there any other Latino(a), other than Arturo? I just want a new face in TV ads, okay? Enough of Arturo! 📺🤨📺

The Hill: “Education Department formally rescinds Title IX protections for LGBTQ students.” The U.S. Department of Education formally rescinded the Biden-era Title IX regulations that provided explicit anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ students based on sexual orientation and gender identity, returning the federal standard to the 2020 rules.

       Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced the final action, which officially removes the “expanded definitions” of gender, especially. DepEd is officially enforcing the Title IX framework established during the first Trump administration in 2020. This framework interprets sex discrimination strictly through biological sex assigned at birth rather than self-assessed gender identity. I agree. Male and female, regardless of other gender IDs. But you don’t need to argue with me. I digress. 🏛🗽🏛

THOUGHTS About The News.

Previously posted on my Facebook Page.

GMA: “Locals flee occupied south Ukraine as hunger deepens.” A few months after the war started in February 2022, Russia had sent ceasefire feelers and/or proposals for peace negotiation. Each time, Ukraine rejected it, as the U.S. (under Joe Biden) and the EU continued to toss billions$ in military aid to Volodymyr Zelensky.

      Recall that before this crisis, Mr Zelensky was linked to a dubious network of offshore companies in the 2021 Pandora Papers investigation. His stash was reportedly "stored" in Cyprus, Belize, and the British Virgin Islands. Meanwhile, how much foreign aid Kyiv has already received? Numbers vary but still unbelievably high. From the U.S., $135.5 billion; from the EU, $84.4 billion. (Committed or already given? I also get confused. But still “lavish,” considering that the aid is taxpayer money.)

      Currently, Ukraine has been conducting active, high-profile internal corruption investigations led by its so-called independent bodies. Of course, Mr Z sort of leads this probe. Anyhow, I assume that Washington (especially under Donald Trump) has been doing its own digging. So while this is going on, Volo continues to attack Russia, and so Russia responds. Clearly, a continuing war means Ukraine continues to ask for aid. And Zelensky stays in power, no election. Insane!

      Meanwhile, Ukrainians face a severe cost-of-living crisis driven by high inflation, currency devaluation, and ongoing wartime destruction. In fact, many have turned to prostitution and pornography to survive. And now this news. Washington Post: “Ukraine weighs legalizing pornography to raise tax revenue and buy drones.” Wild, isn’t it? ☮️🇺🇦☮️

BBC: “27 killed in Johannesburg, Cape Town mass shootings.” Police stated the attack may have been a targeted retaliation, in connection with an incident at the same tavern the previous month that left one person dead and another wounded. No specific (civilian) suspects have been arrested or publicly named yet. No known terrorist group has claimed responsibility either. 

       South Africa is primarily used by international extremist networks as a logistics, recruitment, and financial hub rather than a base for major domestic attacks. But localized threats from domestic groups are also active, notably the Crusaders or NCRM and the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging. Add affiliates of ISIS and Al-Qaeda.

       Eight gunmen armed with AK-47 assault rifles and pistols stormed the site. Consider that South Africa has a relatively low percentage of gun ownership: 9.7 civilian firearms per 100 people. (The U.S. is 120.5 per 100.) But the country’s homicide rate is astoundingly high: 43.72 per 100,000 people. The global per capita average: 5.8. The U.S. annual homicide rate is 3.0, down from over 5 percent in 2023.

       Anyhow this Johannesburg carnage is way below the world record in human wastage by a civilian with no known political or ideological intent. The 2017 Las Vegas shooting was the worst: 61 dead. Next? The 1982 Woo Bum-kon incident in Uiryeong County, South Korea: 56 deaths, following a personal domestic dispute. 🇿🇦💝☮️

BBC: “Inside the FBI hack: Agents fearful and angry after 'dangerous' data breach.” Almost automatically, when matters like this happen, official reactions blame the “usual suspects.” Foreign entities: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea etc etcetera. The media and the public usually “second the motion.” Foreign terrorists!

      This fact though is the truth: Domestic terrorism and homegrown violent extremism make up the vast majority of terrorist plots and attacks in the U.S. compared to foreign-directed terrorism. Research databases (such as those tracked by Center for Strategic and International Studies and New America) show that domestic actors and U.S. citizens/legal residents have accounted for roughly 80 percent or more of terrorist attacks and plots in American soil since September 11, 2001. (Visual: Home Bank of CA.) 🏛🗽🏛

Yahoo Sports: “Stephen Curry’s new $116 million deal puts a rare NBA milestone within reach.” That’d be a two-year contract, with the Golden State Warriors. Around $58 million this season, or $4.8 million a month? Unbelievable! Considering as well that Mr Curry, hobbled by intermittent injuries, nears retirement. He is 38 years old, now into his 18th season in the league. 

      Meanwhile, the NBA salary scale is already stunningly huge! The average NBA player salary for the 2026-27 season is $11.95 million! The average first-year salary for a rookie ranges from roughly $3 million to over $15.2 million, depending on their draft position. Anyhow, whoever is (or are) paying Mr Curry, I wonder if they’re that generous with their employees and workers? Of course not. The average annual salary in the U.S. is $69,846.57 (monthly, over $5k). 🏀⛹️💰

Yahoo Life: “The internet judged her husband from a 30-second clip. Then she explained.” Yup, that’s what “internet/cellphone” high people do these days, whether the subject is a celebrity, politician, or an ordinary individual. Once you are tossed in Social Media, you are “judged”  by the universe–everybody is a shrink, expert, or moral crusader. Worse, in case you are ICE or kin of an ICE agent, you are auto-cancelled for the world to profusely mock. 

       In a parallel thought, in regards to “fakes” online and what they could instigate or motivate, I remember a 1983 political movie, “Under Fire.” Those were pre-internet/cellphone days, of course. In the Nick Nolte-topbilled movie, Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto César Sandino (versus dictator Anastasio Somoza) was the historical reference. Here, he was named Rafael, and was killed. Guerrillas faked his death with his photo scattered in towns to tell people that “their leader” is alive and the revolution is still ongoing. 

       These days, and with AI sliding into human existence, “fakes” don’t just serve political ends and commercial (marketing) dubiousness. They also serve nonsensical frolic (sic) or people just do it because they can. (Visual: The Holly Spirit.) 🤨😞🤨