Five Glorious Years!

 

Friends, a hearty congrats to the Right Thinkers organization in the Southern Tier of New York State, spearheaded by the incomparable Connie Wolfinger and Nate Smith.  I've been privileged to be a part of the Right Thinkers for almost their whole five year run, and we've come a long way together!  Just a few months ago, we were contemplating what might have been the end for American conservatism and our democratic/Constitutional system, and today we're envigorated daily by President Donald Trump's achievements and his vision for the country.  All I can say is: if we conservatives stick together, there's no mountain we can't climb!

 

https://www.oleantimesherald.com/2025/07/29/right-thinkers-marks-5-years-conservative-discussion/ 

 

In other news, the U.S. economy grew at a 3% annual pace in the second quarter, which sounds good, and is good, although there are some warning signs that trade turbulence could catch up with us in the third and fourth quarters...

 

https://www.wsj.com/economy/us-gdp-q2-2025-359c022b?st=ENJB6g 

 

Speaking of tariffs, we just inked a deal with South Korea, which is fantastic, but we also announced sanctions and stiff tariffs against Brazil, largely because of that country's suppression of (conservative) dissent.  Will Brazil pay us any heed?  I hope so, for their sake and for the world's.  Brazil is a cautionary tale of how Western "democracy", such as it is, could unravel, due to censorship and lawfare.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxpvl9krxwo 

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crlzn72eg25o 

 

Finally, leftists are incensed because of...an ad for blue jeans???  Their ability to read "Nazism" into anything and everything never ceases to amaze me.  The poor dears!  How will they survive the next four years???

 

 https://nypost.com/2025/07/29/opinion/sydney-sweeney-tantrum-is-all-about-the-lefts-rage-at-americas-rejection/

Trump Diplomacy

 

Friends, DJT's recent visit to Scotland was a tour de force, as this article makes plain.  He charmed the British PM Sir Keir Starmer, he inked a highly favorable (to us) trade deal with the EU, and he played lots of golf and drummed up business for his various regional golf clubs.  What's more, the Trump haters in the U.K., of which there are many, were remarkably quiescent.  Trump bestrides the globe, in short, and he keeps on winning, no matter where he goes.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly42x8k55lo 

 

Speaking of Trumpian diplomacy, we appear to be maintaining our "trade truce" with China, under which they will pay minimal tariffs of 10-30% while negotiations on a final deal continue.  Fair enough.  I trust Trump to achieve a healthy rebalancing in our commercial relations with the PRC.

 

https://www.breitbart.com/asia/2025/07/29/u-s-china-extend-tariff-truce-pending-trumps-approval/ 

 

The mainstream/leftist media is full of stories about hapless "undocumented immigrants" who get dragged out of their communities by Trumpian thugs for no good reason.  And it fails utterly to report on all the genuine thugs, perverts, and maniacs who have been evicted from America courtesy of ICE.  For shame!!!

 

https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2025/07/29/heres-how-many-sex-offenders-ice-has-arrestedin-just-one-city-n2661093 

 

Finally, you may not have noticed, but the Trump Administration has struck a blow against "woke AI", and it may be one of the most consequential things DJT has done in his second term to date.  Why do I say that?  Everyone agrees that AI is going to play an enormous role in our economy and our society going forward.  Well, every AI has a set of ethical parameters, in effect, that guides its behavior and its interpretation of reality.  It matters GREATLY who sets those parameters and why.  The federal government is weighing in, essentially denying federal contracts to Big Tech companies that infect their AI systems with wokeness.  Now, that won't be easy to pull off, because defining wokeness is notoriously difficult, but just the threat of losing federal dollars will cause many AI programmers and Big Tech executives to tread carefully.  Thank you, President Trump!

 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/preventing-woke-ai-in-the-federal-government/ 

Hands Across the Water

 

Friends, they said he couldn't do it...but he did it, all right!  DJT has sealed a trade deal with the EU that should prove highly advantageous for the USA.  Basically, it imposes a 15% tariff on EU exports to us, while we get expanded tariff-free access to European markets.  With any luck, this should help even out the trade relationship we have with Europe, which thus far has been very unbalanced -- in favor of the Euro-weanies.  The markets will be pleased, needless to say!  There will be no scorched-earth trade war with Europe.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2xylk3d07o 

 

The Democrats are plumbing new depths in terms of their national popularity, which is good news, but the American people have plenty of doubts about Trump and Republicans too.  I wouldn't pop the champagne corks just yet...

 

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/26/democrats-approval-rating-poll-00478141?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us 

 

Apparently, Texas is considering some redrawing of its Congressional districts BEFORE the next Census in 2030.  This would be to obtain additional safe seats for Republicans in advance of the 2026 midterm elections.  If you're a Republican, that probably sounds super!  If you're a Democrat, it sounds downright scary, which is leading quite a few blue states to ponder some retaliatory redistricting of their own.  Gerrymandering has become a more and more salient feature of American politics, but we always used to fight these battles just once a decade.  Now we may fight them continuously!  I predict this won't end well.

 

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/texas-plows-ahead-new-maps-governors-grapple-prospect-decade-redistric-rcna221142 

 

Finally, here's my latest article!  It focuses on the restrained, balanced approach to antitrust prosecutions that the Trump/Bondi DOJ is taking, and why Alphabet/Google has to remain in the antitrust crosshairs.

 

https://townhall.com/columnists/nicholaswaddy/2025/07/26/the-right-way-and-the-wrong-way-to-do-antitrust-n2660984 

Only in (Trump's) America...

 

Friends, lots of surreal stuff happens in the new-and-improved Trumpian USA that we're privileged to inhabit.  For instance, today, the President visited the construction site of the new Federal Reserve HQ, along with the Fed Chairman Jerome Powell.  He ambushed Powell with a report about cost overruns, and Powell was left squirming.  To be honest, on the merits, I side with Powell, in the sense that the cost of the Fed's new headquarters is really beside the point.  What's important is the Fed's enormous power, its lack of accountability, and its questionable decision to raise interest rates and keep them high -- much higher than other advanced economies around the world.  Will Powell ultimately lower those rates?  Probably, but he likely would have done that with or without Trump's prompting.  The more interesting question is how the relationship between the presidency and the Fed will evolve under these novel Trumpian circumstances.  Stay tuned!

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/crl0l0xxrxeo 

 

In other news, we appear to have a Republican and a Democratic candidate for what is currently Thom Tillis's Senate seat in North Carolina.  RNC Chair Michael Whatley is our man, and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is theirs.  That ought to set off alarm bells, because Cooper has had a good run as Governor and will be a formidable opponent.

 

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/rnc-chair-michael-whatley-run-north-carolina-senate-seat-rcna220752 

 

In another piece of ambiguous news, the Democratic Party is struggling with fundraising, but that doesn't mean that lefties aren't ponying up large sums of money.  Instead of giving it to the party, though, they're giving it to progressive "stars" like AOC.  In other words, if you feed rank-and-file leftists red meat, and they'll shower you with cash!  This means that the reports of the Left's demise are greatly exaggerated, but it also means that the movement may insist on descending down assorted neo-Marxist rabbit holes rather than tacking to the center and rediscovering a way to be competitive nationally.  That's okay by me.

 

https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/democratic-donors-progressive-aoc-zohran-mamdani-825242e9?st=WyFLfg 

 

Finally, the philosophy of the Trump Administration is clearly "billions for immigration enforcement, and not one cent for sanctuary cities!"  Well, along these lines, the infrastructure necessary for mass deportations is being scaled up, which is a good sign, because it means that Trump and Co. are serious about getting the job done.

 

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/24/trump-admin-awards-1-26-billion-for-largest-migrant-detention-center-u-s/ 

The Rising Sun Settles With Trump

 

Friends, the "panicans" have been proven wrong yet again: instead of facing tariff-generated economic armageddon, the U.S. is cutting more and more deals with our trading partners/adversaries, promising continued commerce, hundreds of billions in federal revenue, expanded exports, and a modest (and healthy) reduction in American reliance on cheap imports.  All in all, a pretty positive result!  Not all countries have settled with DJT, as of now, but Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia have, and this creates irresistible momentum that other, more recalcitrant countries will find hard to resist.  After all, if no one was willing to talk turkey with us, we might have to abandon our aggressive pursuit of new trade terms, but since so many major players, especially China, ARE willing to compromise, well, the future looks bright for American negotiators, and, more importantly, for American workers and consumers.  Bravo, President Trump!  You told us to be patient, and that good things would come to those who wait...and who maintain their faith in Trump, and you were right.

 

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/22/trump-announces-massive-trade-deal-with-japan-15-tariff-550-billion-investment/ 

 

https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2025/07/22/u-s-strikes-trade-deals-with-philippines-indonesia-as-tariff-deadline-nears/ 

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clynwv7gn2do 

 

Meanwhile, a fresh poll of potential voters in the NYC mayoral race indicates that the socialist Mamdani currently holds a large lead.  Is this good news or bad?  Let's face it: a Mamdani victory could be one of the best things that could happen to the national GOP.  On the other hand, it could lead to a depression in the NYC economy, and that could spill over into the Mid-Atlantic region and possibly even the whole country.  They don't call it "the Big Apple" for nothing.  Keep your eye on this race.  It could have big implications.

 

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/22/new-york-city-mayoral-poll-socialist-zohran-mamdani-leading-opponents-cuomo-sliwa-adams/ 

 

Finally, there's another rescissions package coming soon -- hooray! -- this one targeting wasteful spending at the Department of Education.  If we're going to get serious about controlling federal spending, and we should, then we'll need to make the passage of these rescissions bills a regular occurence, and we'll need our Republican Congressmen and Senators to demonstrate great intestinal fortitude (by sticking with Trump).  Here's hoping!

 

https://www.breitbart.com/education/2025/07/22/report-white-house-to-slash-education-funding-another-rescissions-package/ 

Rich, Rich, Rich...Beyond Our Wildest Dreams!

 

Friends, could the gold-hued and mega-Trumpy thousand dollar bill become a reality?  I wouldn't bet on it, but the economic wins that Trump has racked up since taking office are impressive.  Just a few months ago, the media and the Dems were telling us that a recession was a virtual certainty, and now?  Now the markets are surging, inflation is cooling, and all the hubbub about tariffs seems totally overblown.  No one can guarantee four solid years of prosperity, but we're off to a fine start, which must aggravate lefties to no end!

 

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/21/white-house-trumps-strong-economy-after-6-months-proves-panicans-wrong/ 

 

Can you believe how unhinged the Left's reaction to the cancellation of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert has been???  First of all, the influence of late night comedy shows is infinitesimal, compared to what it was in Johnny Carson's heyday.  Second of all, Trump's critics don't have a constitutional right to unlimited airtime.  I mean, grow up!  Sometimes shows get cancelled.  Life goes on.  I have no doubt that Mr. Colbert will land on his feet, and that his fellow progressives will take good care of him.  If not, he has his millions of dollars to bring him solace...  What will CBS replace him with?  Reruns of I Love Lucy, if they know what's good for them.  As for Molly Ringwald's suggestion that Stephen Colbert should run for president, I couldn't agree more!  That's exactly what the Dems need: an out-of-touch, sanctimonious Hollywood insider as their standard-bearer.  But maybe Steve would rather run as a third party candidate?  Even better!!!  Bring it on, Bolshies!

 

https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2025/07/21/the-breakfast-club-star-molly-ringwald-says-silver-lining-stephen-colbert-is-free-to-run-for-president/ 

Redskins to Return???

 

Friends, in the wake of the George Floyd riots in 2020, it seemed the whole world went mad, or, more accurately, went woke.  Every major corporation was tripping over itself to express its solidarity with "Black" Americans (and God help you if you forgot to capitalize the "B"!), and quite a few sports teams put their long-time mascots into cold storage.  Well, 2025 is a whole different ball game (if you'll pardon the pun), and now President Trump is demanding that the tide of wokeness be not only stopped, but reversed.  He wants Washington's NFL team to once again be known as the Redskins.  Is such a thing possible?  Would a major institution, in a town as liberal as D.C., dare to defy woke/progressive orthodoxy, and cater to Trumpism, in such a flagrant way?  Time will tell, but I would be immensely impressed and reassured if we discovered that the answer is YES!

 

https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2025/07/20/trump-says-he-may-put-restrictions-on-commanders-new-stadium-deal-if-they-dont-change-name-back-to-redskins/ 

 

Our valiant new Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is claiming that former President Obama was involved in a "treasonous conspiracy" against his elected successor, Donald J. Trump.  Those are words that one would hope a DNI would choose carefully, and they imply that Obama and other officials in his administration might be guilty of crimes, up to and including treason.  That's kind of a big deal!  Now, was the intelligence suggestive of Trump's involvement in a Russian-led conspiracy to alter the results of the 2016 election deliberately exaggerated/misrepresented?  I surely think so.  Nonetheless, we have to admit that, thus far, we conservatives/Republicans have done an awfully poor job of proving criminal complicity in any such effort to defame and undermine President Trump.  We've done an even worse job of convicting anyone in a court of law.  Do Gabbard's words suggest that more prosecutions may be forthcoming?  That would be a fascinating and highly significant development.  Or, perhaps, are Gabbard's words just typical inside the Beltway hot air?  You tell me...

 

https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/07/20/dni-gabbard-obama-directed-a-treasonous-conspiracy-against-trump/ 

Have a Coke and a Jackboot!

 

Friends, we hear a lot of nonsense from the Left about what a dictator Trump is, and how he's just like Hitler, only a thousand times worse.  Typical progressive hyperbole, right?  Well, I was always inclined to dismiss these claims, but now I hear that Trump has singlehandedly convinced (compelled?) Coca-Cola to change its formula.  From now on, the company will use cane sugar rather than corn syrup in its signature beverage.  I think it's pretty obvious where I'm going with this...  He who can alter the formula for "American champagne", i.e. Coca-Cola, has, fairly obviously, UNLIMITED POWER!!!  Before long, Trump will make the Big Mac into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich by an act of pure will...  Everywhere you look, corporate America is rushing to placate DJT, and rightly so, for, if he is Commander-in-Chief of Colas, resistance to his dominion truly is futile.  All hail King-Emperor Donald the Great, therefore!!!  And, whether your tastes run to Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, or even Fanta, know that he is your lord and master, and never shall the sun set on his Empire of Pop!  Pepsi, I hope you're listening, because the grace period for compliance with His Imperial Majesty's wishes is measured in hours...

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxe59zl8qzo 

How the West Was Won

 

Friends, as you may be aware, Donald J. Trump emerged triumphant in the 2024 presidential election, narrowly saving America and Western Civilization from imminent collapse.  How did he pull it off?  Well, almost every single demographic, except old ladies, moved to the right, compared to the results in 2020, but some groups moved a lot more than others, including people of color.  Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians all showed markedly more inclination to vote for Trump, and that made the difference.  You'll find this deep dive into the data very interesting...and very heartening!

 

https://www.liberalpatriot.com/p/a-final-comprehensive-look-at-how 

 

Relations between DJT and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell are not exactly what you would call warm and snuggly.  Trump appointed Powell, lest we forget, but he has come to despise Powell's caution.  There is a strong argument to be made that interest rates are indeed too high.  After all, inflation seems well in check.  Hopefully, whether Powell stays on or not, those rates will begin to fall soon.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4geyrdprwjo 

 

Finally, we're one step closer to a "rescissions" package that would strip funding from USAID and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  If you ask me, this is the absolute least that Congress can do to support President Trump and the ongoing work of DOGE.  Will Congress eventually find the courage to axe the Department of Education?  That's a bigger hurdle, but I hope so.

 

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/3472375/vance-tiebreaker-rescissions-vote-senate-doge-inspired-cuts-trump/ 

If At First You Don't Succeed...

 

Friends, the Big Apple, which has been staring imminent Mamdani-fication in the face for the last several weeks, just got another sobering piece of news: Andrew Cuomo is doublng down on his bid for the mayoralty!  This sets up a fascinating, high stakes clash between the progressive and "moderate" wings of the Democratic Party.  Let us hope that this internecine quarrel becomes increasingly ruthless and brutal, and that the Left, by the end of it, becomes a house divided, never again to reunite!  That's an optimistic reading of the situation, I'll admit, but I've always believed that the only permanent way to liberate America from the danger of Democratic/progressive rule is to split the movement into smaller, unviable factions.  Thanks to Emperor Andy, we're one step closer.

 

https://x.com/andrewcuomo/status/1944829573222338765