RAG Perspective: An American Pro-Liberty Conservative

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Post #7565 Social Media Digest

Facebook

X/Twitter

Alex Nowrasteh of Cato is spot on in terms of finetuning criteria for the welfare state, but we already have deferred eligibility for legal migrants and the welfare system is less competitive with other developed economies. I think most immigrants are more motivated by freedom
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 8, 2026

It's like Trumpkins are in a state of denial, a twist on the RINO theme that they need to educate voters on how rosy things are in the Trump golden age economy. No, don't believe your tight household budget; the dropping dollar is good; tariffs are good; don't believe the BLS."
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 8, 2026

Trump and his Trumpkins are in a state of denial about how his signature issue has backfied. It's only about 2 points higher high than his overall dismal job approval. It's not about more stable border control or deporting violent criminals. It's not a PR problem. pic.twitter.com/XRwgFkSstZ
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 8, 2026

They own a popular kebob restaurant; they aren't the violent criminals Trump ran against; their American children don't speak Turkish and one is autistic with special needs. Moreover, they have issues with the current Turkish government. This Trumpkin move to deport is political
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 8, 2026

At least the Trump Administration didn't call Yoshi a "domestic terrorist"! Still, I don't think it's right to break a pet schnauzer's rib! pic.twitter.com/HRDxMUIk1y
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 9, 2026

As to Trump's opinion of Bad Bunny, he should to his established expertise in political incompetence and away from entertainment. His cameo appearance in a Home Alone movie was not Oscar-worthy. Granted, scamming Bezos out of $28M to make a movie about Melania is impressive
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 9, 2026

I'm not a fan of Bad Bunny's music, but I liked the way he broke the ICE with lovely Latina dancers at the halftime show.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 9, 2026

I don't give a damn about Elon Musk's conspiracy theory rubbish against mail-in ballots. I prefer to mail in my ballot & as a human factors researcher, I believe in technology adapted to user performance & satisfaction. I abhor the Procrustean approach to voting at the polls. pic.twitter.com/WPENKFd7Kv
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 9, 2026

More from CBS: pic.twitter.com/7jl8NUTjA7
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 9, 2026

pic.twitter.com/TjYUYlXdvJ
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 9, 2026

I have dated Latinas and have made several Latino friends from college and work. I have 3 beautiful grandnephews with Latina mothers. God damn celebrity makeover Trumpkins like Megyn Kelly and Bongino!
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 10, 2026

Trump already has an IQ of zero on trade economics. He thinks incompetent political elitists can outperform the collective wisdom of millions of consumers. We don't need a corrupt bastard picking winners and losers in the markets. We already know there's a quid pro quo in place.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 10, 2026

I have to admit I missed WWE AJ Lee skipping to the ring.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 10, 2026

Athletes at the Winter Olympics are complaining that their medals are breaking. Imagine when Trump finds out the grandkids broke his FIFA medals or discovered if you peel off the wrapper, you find tasty dark chocolate inside.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 10, 2026

I've had Jewish friends dating back to high school, the Navy (a lovely woman), and a good work friend I met in the Chicago area back in the 90s. The latter told me that he would invite me as a gentile guest to his next seder, but I moved from Chicago in the interim.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 10, 2026

This is personal. While I earned an MA in math at Texas, I had a huge crush on a lovely, sweet coed. She had a boyfriend. They married and had kids. He just passed. Thoughts and prayers. This Bread song really speaks to my feelings at the time.https://t.co/5kZrm3ydoz
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 10, 2026

Jon Stewart is hilarious. Talking up RFK, Jr., showing up to your Super Bowl party with a six-pack of yogurt is just funny as hell
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 10, 2026

Bad Bunny didn't really have competition for Super Bowl halftime: the alt-right had some mediocre act, who couldn't lip sync to his own record. Trump's idea of Latin culture would be getting a cut from Taco Bell if he officially declares Taco Tuesday.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 10, 2026

Am I the only person who thinks that the following RCP averages seem odd? I'm guessing that Trump is so unpopular, the people want a split federal government; they don't trust a GOP Congress to keep Trump in check. pic.twitter.com/5Q8fjCu7i7
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 10, 2026

Say it ain't so! We've hit a new low on the corruption index under Trump? Gee, I wonder if that executive order putting a pause on FCPA enforcement played a part.

Via MSN: pic.twitter.com/gXKE3jFhES
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 10, 2026

Trump is a disgusting loser who embarrasses us daily on the global stage. His xenophobia and bullying behavior are offensive to all reasonable people. I don't give a damn what Trump thinks about Hess. Hess had to earn his spot on the team. Trump is irrelevant.

Via WAPO: pic.twitter.com/FmIpD85a7V
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 10, 2026

Like the "Melania" movie. I don't care about this crap at all. As long as I'm not paying for some rich man's indulgence. pic.twitter.com/DRifqcDysp
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 11, 2026

Not surprising that House Republicans, fearful of Trump's retribution, refused to reassert their constitutional taxing authority on tariffs, but they now own the $1000 per household cost of Trump's illegal taxes over the midterms.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 11, 2026

Notice now that Trump's name appears over a million times in the Epstein files. not one Republican will observe "where there's smoke. there's fire"?
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 11, 2026

I've noticed among Trumpkin relatives a bit of populist backlash over saturation media coverage of the Guthrie abduction, that celebrities get disproportionate attention and resources than your average citizen would get.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 11, 2026

I opposed Blondie Bondi from day 1. Via Daily Mail: pic.twitter.com/u4UzHEyVLW
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 12, 2026

More casualties in Trump's cruel war on immigrant "violent criminals" like 2 small bad checks years ago. Via MSN: pic.twitter.com/1h4XsfrSrD
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 12, 2026

Only Americans have--and they voted a RINO Criminal out of office in 2020.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 12, 2026

No, this is a pushing-on-a-string law. a philosophically anti-constitutional attack on state rights in our federal system of government. Federal law already requires ID of first-time voters. This is bureaucratic rubbish meant to oppress voters. https://t.co/xVvOou81SI
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 12, 2026

Last summer I looked up fares from BWI to San Antonio to attend my mom's funeral mass, and their cheapest RT fare was about $1200. That wasn't better than other carriers. In fact, Spirit and Frontier were much more competitive. (Of course, I had a 12-hour layover & lost luggage.)
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 12, 2026

I don't recall the airport that much, but I remember my baby sister was graduating from UTSA, and I got a flat on the way to the airport, missing my flight. My folks didn't have an answering machine. I got there eventually.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 12, 2026

Trump is threatening to primary any Republican who challenges his unconstitutional, illegal "authority" to impose tariffs or taxes on American businesses and consumers. It used to be that the GOP was the party of low taxes.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 12, 2026

The Trump Administration is "solving" the housing market issues. pic.twitter.com/DH6ERLQriB
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 12, 2026

It's long overdue that the pathologically incompetent Defense Secretary Hegseth has gotten his sorry ass kicked by a federal judge for Hegseth's illegal attempt to go after Sen. Kelly's retirement over the UCMJ-compatible message that personnel cannot obey illegal Trump orders.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 12, 2026

I know why GOP bastards are hyping this voter ID BS because they are desperately trying to disenfranchise voters before the midterms this fall. Voter rolls are already validated by states. Via Fair Elections Center: pic.twitter.com/m7DBjtkZw6
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 13, 2026

Trump can't do squat without federal law. Unauthorized aliens are ineligible by existing law.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 13, 2026

Economic illiteracy, plus Trump is lying: the trade deficit went up in 2025. https://t.co/ewfUXsvwTQ pic.twitter.com/bWDnlCo3lz
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 13, 2026

On the fake voter ID issue: pic.twitter.com/4Gyd2XYmN4
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 13, 2026

I still remember Sister asked me, "Ronald, would you like to lead the [second grade] class in prayer?" I thought it was my option and said, "Not particularly." Mom heard about it and never got over it. You should be very clear in asking a question.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 13, 2026

No./ Others, including Trump. were/are far worse.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 14, 2026

I have voted 4 times against Trump on a ballot. I was never wrong.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 14, 2026

Oh, yeah. like I would trust the dude whose name appeared over a million times in his BFF Epstein's files full of native-born perverts.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 14, 2026

Nope, Trump is a feeble-minded sore-loser asshole who has lost over 60 court cases on elections. Two states (AZ and KS) tried to require documentation and ended up disenfranchising voters. This GOP scam is un-American. https://t.co/6SNfsBOlzD
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 14, 2026

How stupid and provably wrong is Trump on mail-in voting?https://t.co/rcWrzejfVL
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 15, 2026

I've seen estimates that up to 10% of voters may lack suitable documentation of their citizenship. That even 1 citizen loses his right to vote for Gestapo-like demands for misplaced, damaged or unavailable documents is one too many
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 15, 2026

I'm not a leftist. It's not hard to explain why I oppose this pushing-on-a-string attempt to restrict voting of American citizens over some majoritarian Procrustean preference of documentation. You don't have a right in restrict any of my natural or civil rights. Full stop.
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 15, 2026

Trump argues that he'll enforce voter id this coming election or not. F*ck Donald Trump! SCOTUS in 2013 already ruled AZ and KS could not unilaterally impose birth documentation restrictions for federal elections! https://t.co/I95rrrALgV
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 15, 2026

One nuance of my own birth: I was born at a TX AFB closed soon after I was born (one of at least 3 defunct bases Dad was assigned to). So what would I tell the USG? The Texas county? The nearby civilian town? The Texas university annexing the property? To their credit. SSA was OK
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 15, 2026

Consider the complexity for adults to receive a SS card (only USC eligible). They specifically address documentation issues & alternatives. State agencies can validate SSN with federal systems. In most states you have to supply your SSN for licenses or IDs for REAL ID purposes. pic.twitter.com/kp9lafBtXM
— raguillemette (@raguillemette) February 15, 2026

Post #7564 M: Immigrants Are Not the Cause of Welfare Fraud; Trump Gets Made-Up “Champion of Coal” Award & Guts EPA Regulations; World War II Debate: Libertarian Vs Mainstream Historian

Quote of the Day

What people get admired and appreciated for in community are

their soft skills:

their sense of humor and timing,

their ability to listen,

their courage and honesty,

their capacity for empathy.

M. Scott Peck

Immigrants Are Not the Cause of Welfare Fraud

Trump Gets Made-Up “Champion of Coal” Award & Guts EPA Regulations

World War II Debate: Libertarian Vs Mainstream Historian

Choose Life

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of Steve Breen via smerconish

Musical Interlude: 1963 Top 100 Hits

Surf City - Jan & Dean

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Post #7563 J

Pandemic Report

CDC weekly stats. No meta stat updates since early January. The regional trends show some growth in the central to southeast US:

The Sick Times:

The latest COVID-19 news items:

"Study finds no link between COVID-19 vaccines and autism"
"Winter Olympic athletes are rightfully taking COVID-19 precautions"; "Olympians who got COVID in 2022 are using masks, sanitizer and vitamins for the Milan Games"; "Winter Olympics rocked by Covid outbreak - as Aussie team receive bad news on the eve of the Games"
"Long COVID Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease Mechanisms"
"UW research: Human trials begin for SARS virus vaccine"
"Immunocompromised individuals require multiple Covid booster doses"
"COVID infection may impair male fertility, but vaccination shows no effect"
"Vaccination cuts risk of COVID-19 respiratory failure or death by 80%"
"Study Finds Declining Perceptions of Safety of Covid-19, Flu, and MMR Vaccines"
"Health officials expand wastewater testing beyond COVID-19 to detect measles, mpox"
"Substantial Number of Older Adults Do Not Think They Need Flu, COVID-19 Vaccines"
"Maternal mRNA COVID-19 vaccine not linked to offspring neurodevelopment"
Prosecutors go after COVID-19 relief or other crimes:

"Feds arrest Atlanta man accused of stealing $1.5M in COVID-19 relief funds"
"Bronx NYPD officer indicted, accused of carrying out COVID-19 loan fraud scheme"
"Former Charlotte councilwoman to plead guilty in federal COVID-19 relief fraud case"
"Man sentenced for $11.5 million COVID-19 relief fraud"
"Former DCA employee among 6 charged in alleged $230,000 Georgia COVID relief scam"

Legal/political issues:

"Former prospect sues White Sox, claiming COVID-19 vaccination ended his career"
"Court strikes down appeal against death benefits claim for widow of truck driver who contracted COVID-19"
"The New York Times: School Closures in the Spring Saved Lives, Study Asserts"
"New York court forces freight company to pay for COVID-19 workplace death"
"HHS Defeats Lawsuit Over Covid-19 Injury Compensation Policy"
"NYS Dept. of Health expands investigation into forged Covid vaccination records"
"Justin Penn Analyzes Dismissed FCRA Claims Over COVID-19 Mortgage Forbearance Reporting"
"FDA rejects Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine application – for reasons with no basis in the law"
"Inspector General: Baltimore spent more than $500k in COVID federal funds on Artscape musicians"
"Doctor loses lawsuit accusing Mayo Clinic of retribution over COVID, sex differences"
"Ken Paxton backs doctor in ivermectin dispute for COVID-19 patient in Fort Worth"
"Northwestern agrees to $4M settlement over COVID learning shift. Here's who is eligible"

Other Notes

The blog got an unusually high number of pageviews on Feb.9 with more normal hits elsewhere. No essays published yet in a short month that needs them to reach 40 posts. X/Twitter followers tend to fluctuate; I thought they had solidified around 215 but they have fluctuated in a 5-follower range below.