Post #7820 M: Remy: Choosin' Texas (Ella Langley Parody); McClanahan on The Unifying Force in American Conservatism?; Taxing Billionaires Won't Cover Medicare for All;

 Quote of the Day

Every organization must be prepared to 

abandon everything it does to survive in the future. - Peter Drucker  

Remy: Choosin' Texas (Ella Langley Parody)

McClanahan on The Unifying Force in American Conservatism?

Taxing Billionaires Won't Cover Medicare for All

Choose Life

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of Rob Rogers via Politico

Musical Interlude: 1965 Top 100 Hits

The Birds And The Bees - Jewel Akens 

Post #7819 Social Meia Digest

 Facebook

X/Twitter

Note to Readers: In context, X/Tw4itter had regularly summarized both original tweets and reply tweets under my profile reply tweet category, with a separate original tweet summary. Sometime this month, this changed: the reply category became more restricted, and I think, as a result, some original tweets were missing from last week's summary.  so I went back and picked up some of those older originals. I'll present FIFO with originals, then replies, without trying to recombine them in date sequence.

The issue with Trump is his economic illiteracy and lunacy. He has misunderstood trade deficits for decades. Picking winners and losers in the domestic economy has spillover effects: concentrated (political) benefit and diffuse costs. His steel and aluminum tariffs hit groceries.

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 9, 2026

I strongly suspect that if Trump thinks his family is vulnerable, he'll pardon them, like Hunter Biden.

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 9, 2026

I've lost weight under the Trump economy diet.I can't eat out, and eating at home is less affordable. https://t.co/NL6c8LlSve

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 9, 2026

Why is my feed getting flooded with repetitive, cheap-ass, partisan memes?

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 9, 2026

Trump's xenophobic policies are morally bankrupt and economically illiterate. https://t.co/Lr4p3mJeYc

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 10, 2026

This is Soft Rock America. Time for an Everly Brothera classic: https://t.co/CsRo2xFUvs https://t.co/rrelSRcymz

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 10, 2026

Fascinating account of how corrupt unions lace contracts with stipulations making elevators harder/more costly to install or maintain, including unnecessary make-work schemes like re-drilling factory holes.https://t.co/mLDhnoOSzs

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 10, 2026

Trump is a corrupt, anti-consumer. power-grabbing bastard. We Americans have a right to choose our shopping options. The Swiss have earned a quality-driven reputation for engineering excellence. Trump's protectionist interventions in the global economy are counterproductive. pic.twitter.com/uKy1ffbmZE

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 10, 2026

Corporations invest based on intrinsic profit-oriented reasons, for their products and services, not because of some incompetent political whore like Trump trying to manipulate them. Just a reminder that net manufacturing jobs have declined under Trump's tenure. https://t.co/7dHQJ5mbIO

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 10, 2026

All Presidents in my lifetime sucked, and I'm an older American. Trump is just the latest, and his misconduct annoys us daily. The reason he is so unbearable is because of the growth of the imperial Presidency. It's like waste in government. Th real solution is to cut spending. pic.twitter.com/OM5S2uuaX0

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 10, 2026

Nopr. This is in denial. They hope that if they repeat lies about an economy that Americans rate below 40% approval, some Trumpkins will be convinced that their economic woes are part of some TDS plot. https://t.co/bNHXWRh41Y

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 11, 2026

This is Soft Rock America. The Main Ingredient has something to say about diingenuous White House propagandists... https://t.co/ynkTda4MWm https://t.co/sLmEW10AaR

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 11, 2026

Every time American democracy lets us down, you see some promising signs like the Trumpkin pillow guy losing in MN and the WI Dem socialist gubernatorial candidate also losing

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 12, 2026

It's embarrassing having Trumpkin relatives on FB. I just ran into a BIL's post that Muslim women voters are politically suicidal, tapping into a FNC mindset of certain repressive theocracies. I've met only a few Muslim Americans (one was a client manager at Booz Allen), but.. pic.twitter.com/gbDab4HadI

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 13, 2026

While Trump, with his unnecessary war with Iran, bottlenecked the global oil market and insisted on imminent gasoline price relief, the latest stats from Yahoo Finance: pic.twitter.com/8dvbwIi4qm

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 13, 2026

This is a fake tweet allegedly from Trump. https://t.co/qcgJKnvdCE pic.twitter.com/UWt33vYeyG

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 13, 2026

Trump's latest, grossly incompetent, ,orally outrageous vaccine skeptic executive order poses high risks to families and children at risk. The blood of dying and hospitalized children will be on Trump's hands. https://t.co/SuOo3uFvoP

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 14, 2026

This is Soft Rock America. Trump is looking from SCOTUS for help on his ballroom obsession. Time for a Sweet classic: https://t.co/rMKt0hF1Cd

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 15, 2026

Lindell, who earned less than a third of a closed GOP primary vote for the GOP gubernatorial nomination in MN, is in a state of denial over losing the plurality by over 10% of the vote. He thought all it took was Trump's endorsement. His "qualifications" for public office?

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 15, 2026

I don't know about Iranian intelligence, but the first place I would look for his fat ass is in a catering truck.

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 15, 2026

Not the worst but Trump is easily the most mediocre in my lifetime. But he is a disaster in both international and domestic policy https://t.co/pCsT2xbeOw

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 17, 2026

Trump's political desperation over a likely disastrous midterm election does not justify his unconstitutional election power grab https://t.co/2aeqUBYxjn

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 17, 2026

{2/2)

I had been unable to contact IRS by phone. I reached out to an ombudsman via Congress. Long story short, the IRS reversed course on its decision and now are claiming I owe them the refund check amount plus an interest charge. You can't make up this stupidity.

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 17, 2026

The OP's claim is false. https://t.co/OsGjgBpqhj pic.twitter.com/VFJahB1lEI

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 17, 2026

It's like Trump has gone full r-word. Threatening to start another Gulf region war, this one with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz. As if starting one illegal, unconstitutional war with a Gulf region country not posing a military threat to the US wasn't enough.

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 17, 2026

It's like Trump has gone full r-word. Threatening to start another Gulf region war, this one with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz. As if starting one illegal, unconstitutional war with a Gulf region country not posing a military threat to the US wasn't enough.

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 17, 2026

As a libertarian, I don't mind the US withdrawing from entangling joint military exercises. My issue is the motivation of the SOB-in-Chief. Trump is pissed over South Korea's unwillingness to support Trump's illegal, unconstitutional war against Iran.

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 17, 2026

For most senior social security recipients, it's the principal form of income. The Alabama Trumpkin is correct in the sense the LFPR is not enough to sustain PAYGO disbursements given a dwindling reserve base of low-earning Treasury reserves. https://t.co/0betkNVVae pic.twitter.com/aJU0bkL2QB

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 18, 2026

Talk is cheap. The LFPR is the lowest since the early pandemic. The job market is increasingly tough, and inflation is up, exacerbated by Trump's tariffs and other protectionist manipulations (like quotas) and Trump's other lilegal, unconstitutional actions like his war on Iran. https://t.co/5HxGxHAFpE

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 18, 2026

The Trump Administration is exaggerating its role in a modest 3% decline of prescription spending. (For example, my prescriptions were already generics and did not benefit. in fact, Trump slapped tariffs on imported generics.) Real policy would lower barriers to entry. https://t.co/oj0iIF0MBA pic.twitter.com/EfnnRqV77V

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 18, 2026

It figures that the 6-Bankruptcies Narcissist-in-Chief wants to mark the declining greenback as his territory A weak currency is not good for the economy. https://t.co/bhMdwymRMx pic.twitter.com/HW9e5vV2Wz

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 19, 2026

Once again: fist, domestic crime is a state, not federal responsibility. Second. there's been a decades-long trend of declining violent crime. https://t.co/MrDhmAAwUN pic.twitter.com/Ya3b03sX1p

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 19, 2026

Trump's reported flirtation with claiming the Strait of Hormuz as US territory is beyond illegal US imperialist fantasy. Trump is no longer mentally fit enough to continue his Presidency., now that servicing the national debt exceeds the already bloated defense budget.

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 19, 2026

Graham's surviving sister, a SC Senate candidate, just pulled a McCain-like gaffe. in this case on national security. Recall McCain famously admitted that he needed to be educated on the economy.

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 19, 2026

Trump has just presided over crossing an unprecedented $40T in national debt. It has nearly doubled since Trump first took office in 2017.

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 19, 2026

Wheeler/dealer Trump' intervention to support the Japanese yen was more motivated by protecting exports to Japan and heading off Japan dumping US bonds to buy yen , Dumping bonds would weaken bond prices/hike interest rates. pic.twitter.com/IZ1EwwJyqM

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 20, 2026

I'm not crazy about a Dem politician trying to spread gossip over an attractive Trump aide, even though I know Trump has a history of sexist comments on his own part. I'm amused O'Reilly, whose chivalry got him dropped from Fox, is defending Harp's honor. pic.twitter.com/nmlBsYu1sG

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 20, 2026

When I hear Trump talking about grass, I cringe. Dude, I spent my youth behind a push mower in 95-degree south Texas heat. The closest Trump ever got to mowing the lawn, he was likely sitting on his ass or hired a Latino to do it for him.

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 20, 2026

Nope, "Rich Girl" was not originally about rich brat Donald Trump, although he did rely on his old man's money. Via Songfacts: pic.twitter.com/apdTT7OUpb

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 20, 2026

I never thought I would be fact-checking a late-night monologue, but Fallon recently referenced Graham's sister as appointed by Trump to replace her late brother. It is true the political whore endorsed her, but he's not the empowered SC governor who can appoint a temp.

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 21, 2026

This is Soft Rock America. The Hollies have announced their retirement from touring, remembering a golden oldie: https://t.co/4LH7zJfinP

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 22, 2026

Trump has resurrected one of Hoover's biggest Depression-era blunders, the Smoot-Hawley Act, even using clauses that Hoover and others never invoked. Protectionism never cured the US economy, and Trump has blundered the US into the double-edged sword of tariffs. pic.twitter.com/HfY0yhPpzO

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 22, 2026

Trump likes to tweak letties by suggesting a third Presidential term, but even if he could, he underestimates his 39% approval rating, Trump fatigue, and innumerable captured moments of the octogenarian falling asleep on the job. More (10) Trump-endorsed candidates failed. pic.twitter.com/JtdPxpZrvS

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 22, 2026

Donald Trump's gross narcissism is morally repulsive. The report that Trumpkins are aiming to rename a carrier currently named after a black WWII hero to Trump is an abomination. pic.twitter.com/PkC7k4rc09

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 22, 2026

You don't have a right to other people's property and work. You do have You do have a right to an unfettered competitive health market, including private charitable institutions.

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 17, 2026

No. Both Trump and Harris are failed political whores.

— raguillemette (@raguillemette) August 19, 2026

Post #7818 M" Trump Makes Delusional Strait of Hormuz Threat; Stossel on UPDATE: Why Colleges Are Bringing the SAT Back (and Why Woke Schools Banned It); The MYTH of the Embargo that Destroyed Cuba

 Quote of the Day

If I have made any valuable discoveries, it has been owing more to patient attention than to any other talent. - Sir Isaac Newton  

Trump Makes Delusional Strait of Hormuz Threat

Stossel  on UPDATE: Why Colleges Are Bringing the SAT Back (and Why Woke Schools Banned It)

The MYTH of the Embargo that Destroyed Cuba

Choose Life

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of M. Wuerker via Politico

Musical Interlude: 1965 Top 100 Hits

King Of The Road - Roger Miller

Post #7817 J

Endemic Report

The latest weekly CDC stats:

The Sick Times:

COVID's summer wave continues to spread, although at lower rates in the post-pandemic era. By
 far, the biggest news story over the past week was David Morens, former Fauci advisor, pleading guilty to conspiring to conceal COVID records. Another big story was Moderna, an mRNA vaccine producer, showing a possible cancer-related application.

Other COVID -related news items:

• "Hospital-Onset Antibiotic Resistance Remained Elevated After COVID-19 Pandemic Peak"
• "Brain scans reveal lasting tissue and chemical changes in both long COVID and recovered patients"
• "COVID-19 mortality gap between men and women narrowed sharply as the pandemic progressed"
• "Researchers probe why 2 Indigenous groups in Bolivia had lowest COVID death rates in world"
• "Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Effectively Protect Against Symptomatic Infection"
• "Exposed to COVID-19? New drug could help prevent infection before symptoms strike"
• "1 in 6 adults plagued by loneliness as researchers reveal lasting impact of COVID pandemic"

• COVID relef fraud/othr crimes:
• "Republican pleads guilty in multimillion-dollar mortgage fraud, COVID loan scheme"
• "Phoenix man sentenced to 15 months in prison for $1M COVID-19 relief fraud scheme"
• "Ponte Vedra Beach man gets seven years for COVID-19 PPE fraud scheme"

• Legal/political items:\
• "‘Biggest cover-up in 50 years’: Anthony Fauci’s COVID-19 response blasted"
• "4th Circuit rules against arrested Raleigh COVID protester"
• "Sunday Read: Did Fauci fund research that caused COVID-19?"
• "Medical researcher who touted Covid ‘cure’ and was hailed by Dr Oz under fire over ethics"

Other Notes 

The blog is still getting 500+ page reads a day. The posts have passed the 300-post mark, which has happened since 2010. I'm still working on my first Augus essay. My X/Twitter followers have dipped below 200, and most impressions look modest at best, which makes me wonder whether a more explicit shadow ban is in effect.

Post #7816 M: Tucker interviews Hunterl Your Verdict Counts - the Power of the Juror; Florida's vouchers vs. government schools

 Quote of the Day

Love is patient, 

love is kind. 

It does not envy, 

it does not boast, 

it is not proud. I

t is not rude, 

it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs 

1 Corinthians 13:4-5  

Tucker interviews Hunter

Your Verdict Counts - the Power of the Juror

Florida's vouchers vs. government schools

Choose Life

Musical Interlude:1965 Top 100 Hits

Help Me, Rhonda - Beach Boys

Post #7815 M: Trump Shocked by Karoline Leavitt's Resignation; Dumb BLEEP of the Week; Why Government Grocery Stores ALWAYS Fail

 Quote of the Day

Never give up, never, never give up.

Winston Churchill  

Trump Shocked by Karoline Leavitt's Resignation

Dumb BLEEP of the Week

Why Government Grocery Stores ALWAYS Fail

Choose Life

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of Steve Sack via Politico 

Musical Interlude: 1965 Top 100 Hits

My Girl - Temptations

Post #7814 M: Smile 3; The 17th Amendment Broke the Founders Kill Switch; What If the Future is Actually Good?

 Quote of the Day

So long as I am acting from duty and conviction, 

I am indifferent to taunts and jeers. 

I think they will probably do me more good than harm.

Winston Churchill  

Smile 3

The 17th Amendment Broke the Founders Kill Switch

What If the Future is Actually Good?

Choose Life

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of Bill Bramhall via Politico

Musical Interlude: 1965 Top 00 Hits

Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat - Herman’s Hermits