Fillmore residents should note a resent massive local tragedy. A house on Mountain View was destroyed by fire yesterday. The
alleged suspect, Brandy Hollis of Fillmore, has been charged with arson. Fortunately, her three small children were away at
the time. Their father had committed suicide a short time ago. In all probability they will now also lose their mother. I
urge the residents of Fillmore to assist the children in every way possible. Not only will they have lost their parents but
have now lost their home as well, and all earthly belongings. It’s time for works of mercy and prayer.

Thank you for your anticipated assistance.

****

A few responses to Kelly Scoles’ letter:

Hi Kelly,

To avoid too much repetition on the same old issues, I’ll cut this short.

As for regime change, it surely can take time; on the other hand, it came quickly enough for Muammar Gaddafi in Libya. No
one deserves to die as he did, bloody terrorist though he was. Please remember it was the Democratic Party minions that did
that deed (without Congressional approval).

Trump rejected advice from his Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, because Tulsi doesn’t have enough command
experience to direct a Girl Scout troop on parade. She is the weakest cabinet appointment of the Trump administration, and a
dangerous embarrassment to the nation. On the issue of trusting our intelligence community, the situation speaks for itself.
The destruction of Israel is in Iran’s constitution and has guided its terrorist activities since the takeover in 1979.They
were building a nuclear weapon and are now alleged to have secreted 90 pounds of highly enriched Uranium days before the
destruction of their underground nuclear bomb factory. Designated a sponsor of terror by the U.S. government in 1984, Iran
is considered the “foremost state sponsor of terrorism,” providing “a range of support for its proxies, Hamas, Hezbollah,
and the Houthis in Yemen”, and have been killing Americans for decades. Why should I continue this list when you don’t seem
to recognize its importance? Do you, with Tulsi, deny Iran was building a nuclear weapon, and being mere weeks from success?

Of all your conclusions, Kelly, I find the following nearly stupefying: “Israel was the military aggressor and Iran
retaliated, and we supported the aggressor.” For me, this statement constitutes a historiological mortal sin, demanding
confession. Do you remember that “On October 7, 2023, the militant group Hamas launched what would become the deadliest
terrorist attack in Israeli history”? Do you recall Hamas raping and butchering women and burning babies alive in front of
their parents? Guess who provided the money, arms, and planning for this satanic bloodbath; look to Iran. We can also go
back to the sixth century, the beginning of the command to subdue all “unbelievers.”

It’s difficult to compare notes here, Kelly, when our logic and historical references are incompatible.

****

This world has again decided to go to war. Evidence of this can be seen at two levels, the visible and invisible, or more
precisely, earthly and heavenly. We’re well passed the planning stage and into significant homicidal confrontations (a
million casualties in Russia alone, with little alarm). As always, it’s evil attacking the good. God was so generous in His
distribution of free will to His human creatures that He permitted rebellion against His commandments. Whether or not you
believe the Biblical (Judeo-Christian) history of creation, no other explanation is meaningful.

My church, Roman Catholic, is divided on the question of prophesy and apparitions, which no one is bound to believe. A
locution is a form of private revelation, similar to an apparition, but rather than being seen, a locution is heard or
received internally. At no time in my life have mystical communications been so prolific, and challenging. This mystical
messaging today focuses on the negative dynamics of our modern world, which is quickly leading to calamity. According to
these prophetic revelations and apparitions, unparalleled world catastrophe is due to the wretched moral condition of the
world “worse than the time of the Flood” and is imminent.

These revelations are uniformly dire, which cause many Judeo-Christians to reject them as specious nonsense, even
fraudulent. Thoughts of celestial collisions, earthquakes, atomic fire, plague and famine are discomforting.

I find it interesting to compare the apparitions and locutions to news events to determine the truth and accuracy of
expectations for the 21st century. It’s a contest between the material world and the spiritual world. Judeo-Christians are
obliged to believe in both the seen and unseen, time and eternity, earthly and spiritual realities, God and man. The
spiritual reality today proclaims an emergency, a call to return to God and repent. I know many (most) people are still
repelled by these injunctions, but they remain eternal truths which will soon be dynamically confirmed – or not! We will
soon witness the truth or falsity of these predictions. It’s a Zero-Sum conflict which the Judeo-Christian side will win. If
these teachings fail to occur, we will be exposed as frauds.

I have to shorten my comments to affirm predictions which I find worthy of belief in pronouncements by present day
traditional Catholic mystics, stigmatics, and greatly respected biblical scholars. These predictions are not my own because
I have no such gifts. I will just refer a couple of books: REVELATIONS, by Xavier Reyes-Ayral; Luisa Piccarreta and the
Divine Will, Teachings of Jesus, by Susanne James; and An Introduction to Living in the Divine Will, 33 Lessons from Luisa
Piccarreta, by Daniel O’Connor. Also recommended, Xavier, Monique, and luz de Maria, mystic.

I know my references will anger some as an imposition on their own religious beliefs, or lack thereof. But I am simply
giving my personal beliefs and opinions, take them or leave them. I’m always glad to hear from the other side.

After several years studying this subject I can say that I believe the world is headed into a supreme crisis which only
Jesus Christ can avert, if a profound moral conversion occurs – which seems unlikely. The above referenced chastisements
(purifications) man-made and Divine, include nuclear war and a total confusion of our earthly organization.

There, I’ve said it again. If all this talk of treaties and peace comes true, I’m at best a rabblerouser, at worst a liar.

A few words in response to Kelly Scoles’s letter:

If you would have used the word “fecal” instead of “feculent”, valuable time could have been saved researching. I believe I
have never had the opportunity to use that form for the word “fecal.” Anyway, I see this word has to do with dirt and waste
matter: foul with impurities: fecal. The English word "feculent" derives from the Latin word faeculentus. In English,
"feculents" also translates to “starchy foods or starches” “Féculent is an adjective for starchy [adjective] like or
containing starch cake, biscuits, and other starchy foods.” (Merriam-Webster) I guess appropriate usage here depends upon
which way the wind is blowing. Between Trump and Musk, it’s an ill wind, deserving of your malodorous interpretation.

So, Musk was said to be a “big time drug user" and the “biggest feculent voice in Trump II.” Well, my wandering research
diverted me all the way back to Chaucer, who enjoyed a few spicy words himself, putting you in very exalted company.

Anyway, from the beginning I had questions about Musk, if simply because he’s the richest man in the world. From the
world’s point of view that makes him a demigod, a minor deity, which atheists and those who reject the reality of eternity
will worship. However, those Judeo-Christian’s who believe in the four last things (death, judgement, Heaven and Hell) must
question his spiritual beliefs, if he has some. Whether a genius (like Musk) or a downtrodden halfwit, the law applies to
every unique, eternal soul. Those who disagree with my last statement should begin a dialogue with believers, instead of
starting a riot.

Before placing Musk in a position of such extraordinary power Trump should have known of Musk’s temperament and moral
reputation. It appears that the vice of instability dominates the virtue of trustworthiness in his character. Trump’s
judgement is swayed too easily by personality.

*****

Kelly, you condemn Trump “for creating a chaotic spectacle of a ‘city out of control”. Trump “created” the chaos? We are
now entering the fifth day of growing riots. Did you think of LA as a benevolent sanctuary city, where the bulldogs all
have rubber teeth and the hens lay soft boiled eggs (like the Big Rock Candy Mountain)? The truth is that LA is a liberally
governed sanctuary city where crime is protected under the guise of civil rights. Rape, murder, drug and human trafficking
is headquartered there, and its cartel leaders are all billionaires. And you say Trump “created” this chaos? It’s more
truthful to admit the Democrat Party is to blame.

How well did the delay of police and military crowd-control work out for us during the BLM and Capitol riots? Rioters
demand to be exempt from police power, even if that power alone keeps normal citizens safe from violence. The City of LA is
indeed “a city out of control”, by choice.

“Something like 40 police units have already been destroyed” – and you will pay for replacing them with your tax dollars.
The rioters (instigators) are mostly paid professionals. We need to know who the paymasters are and punish them with long
prison sentences. With hundreds of thousands of terrorists having infiltrated with that ocean of 21 million illegal aliens
that flooded the border during Biden’s four-year betrayal, we need many more federal and state police officers for
protection, because we are beginning to hear from those terrorists now!

Kelly, unbelievably, you say “The arrest count, as of Monday morning, was 56 people, not good, but by no means a
“rebellion.” We’re going into day 5 – The Capitol “riot” lasted 4-hours, and you called it an insurrection!! Also, only
one person was killed at the Capitol – by a negligent Capitol police officer, with a questionable record for safety! That
is the official record.

Kelly, you have launched far too many inaccuracies and misrepresentations for me to respond to them all. We must continue
to agree to disagree until the approaching emergencies which seek us out descend in full force – soon. Then we will all
know the truth. We might even anticipate a blackout of great consequence.

Be well.

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard any good news from Ukraine in its war with Russia. But information from beyond the front, deep into Russia, is music to my ears today. The reports are almost unbelievable. We are told that the Ukraine military’s special units have destroyed a third of the Russian strategic air force, including 41 heavy bombers, among those that have launched bombs, hypersonic missiles and drones into civilian Ukrainian homes, apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, and playgrounds for years. Millions of Ukrainian citizens are now homeless; hundreds of thousands have been killed. On the other hand, the Ukrainian military targets only military assets, not civilian.

What’s more spectacular is the fact that some of Russia’s bombers were successfully destroyed up to 2,700 miles from the Ukrainian border! This should cause every Ukraine supporter to cheer, but all of this is only part of the story (I’m running out of superlatives). This triumph was not caused by Ukrainian missiles; it was caused by small, modified drones, to be bought for $400 in sports shops. These drone swarms took out $7 billion dollars-worth of enemy aircraft, proving, almost unthinkably, that a $400-dollar drone can destroy a $350-million aircraft, like the AEW&C, and do it remotely. Now that’s what I call efficiency. This particular plane (of which Russia has only a few left) is like our AWAC (equipped with a large radar dome that provides long-range air surveillance, command, and control capabilities). Most of the bombers cannot be replaced due to their age.

The plan of attack was positively ingenious, something that will be celebrated in history books for generations. Ukraine officials say that the complex strategy was being worked out for a year and a half. The result was not just the destruction of approximately 41 bombers, but their destruction designed to be staged by unsuspecting Russians who placed the drone-filled trucks near strategic Russian airports.

Most rational Judeo-Christian patriots are no doubt rejoicing this violent embarrassment to Vladimer Putin, but not all. I find it incredible that former Trump strategist Steve Bannon attacked Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC) for supporting Ukraine’s recent destruction of so much of the Russian bomber fleet. Bannon is terribly worried that the extent of this Ukrainian success will rouse Putin to start another world war. This is liberal foolishness, not traditionally conservative, and diminishes my respect for Bannon. Bannon thinks Graham, visiting Ukraine, should be arrested and jailed for his support of Ukraine. My greatest disappointment, and disgust with Republicans today is for their half-hearted attempts to give Ukraine all that it needs to WIN this war. When I hear that US Vice President JD Vance tells the world that Ukraine “cannot win the war” it tells me that another Trump trooper has lost my respect. They share an ignorance of human nobility and moral determination in the face of attacks on family and homeland. I just feel anger and disgust, wondering what these people would (will?) do in the event America is attacked. I believe loudmouth often hides cowardice.

Russia is exhausting itself because of its choice to annihilate its sovereign Christian neighbor. It is teetering on the brink of financial insolvency, its military exposed as third rate, its nuclear weapons alone saving face with its few demonic fellow travelers.

Bannon is right to believe Putin has been made more dangerous after these massive bomber losses; this requires a quick upgrade of intelligence and material preparation by the free world. Putin is in panic mode, in fear for his life. But he is not acting out of paranoid delusions. Paranoia is defined as an UNREASONABLE fear, and his fear is not unreasonable at this time.

It’s time for full support for Ukraine!

Thank you, Kelly Scoles and Jean McLeod, for your letters. I’m afraid I’ll write less than usual this week. After starting
the column, I was called to a 5-car accident on Hwy. 126, sailed back to the office, late for the regular Fillmore City
Council meeting, then back to the office for a brief meeting with PIO Angel Esquivel who covered the accident. So, I’m a
little disorganized at this late hour.

Jean, I’ll let your letter speak for itself from a loyal, conservative point of view.

Hi Kelly,

There’s little point in talking about the criminal activity of Joe Biden (the “Big Guy”) and his clan (see Bobulinski
testimony), his son Hunter, Uncle Jim, and the tens of millions in foreign bribes, if you don’t admit that reality. If you
don’t admit that the boxes of classified documents the Big Guy had tucked away in his garage (after so much publicity) you
must suffer from some sort of invincible ignorance. Do you understand that Joe Biden stole many of those documents when he
was in the Senate, when he was not entitled to have them, and that this was a crime? Of course, he will never be indicted,
because he was classified as a dignified elderly gentleman with a weak memory, too sympathetic to expect a jury to convict.
Hillary did much worse with 30,000 classified documents from an illegal personal system, but who wants to go through that
charade again?

Rather than debate the issues in P2025, let’s just let the Supreme Court identify and deal with those alleged
unconstitutional issues you find so obvious.

Secure, timely overseas military voting should be a primary concern! That system requires only honest, competent oversight.
Trump has said that “only he can determine what the Law is”. He has also said that Ukraine started the war, and that
Zelenskyy is a “dictator”. He tends to make frequent inaccurate statements when shooting from the hip. I give him high marks
on most domestic issues, and low marks on many foreign policy issues. And I give myself zero marks as an “influencer”.

Kelly, considering the global calamity we are about to experience, the issues we debate here are comparatively minuscule. I
can’t escape focusing on what appears to me both inevitable and imminent – war that may well set our civilization back
several centuries. Including, for example, a blackout affecting most of North, Central, and South America, accompanied by a
host of apocalyptic horrors. But this belief of mine is founded upon personal religious convictions which perhaps should be
kept to myself. On the other hand, I may have a duty to share. If I’m wrong the world can soon have a good laugh. If right,
and I remain silent (about current threats to humanity), I would be guilty, if silence means I consented, almost like a
coverup.

I know this sort of stuff can be insufferable to those who reject the reality of God and eternal life. I can only say it may
be time to suffer the insufferable. But I will continue to follow the most prominent, honorable and traditionally faithful
leaders of my church. It’s great to have the power to reject, accept, or ignore all beliefs, it’s called free will.

As to my old friend Bill Buckley, Jr. – he deserves more respect. Many people remember his reminding us, with good humor, of
that important proposition: “Don’t immanentize the eschaton.” I don’t see where he was “snotty, elitist, nasal, prissy, or
condescending”. However, all these derogatory characterizations clearly apply to Buckley’s contemptable nemesis, Gore Vidal.
In a famous 1960s TV debate, Vidal continually referred to Buckley as a “crypto Nazi.” Finally, Buckley responded, “Now
listen you queer, stop calling me a crypto-Nazi or I’ll sock you in the god*amn face, and you’ll stay plastered”. That
doesn’t sound “snotty”, “prissy”, or “condescending” to me.

Rest in peace, Bill.

A response to Kelly Scoles and Pat Collins. Thank you both for your contributions.

Hi again, Kelly,

At my age, “whataboutism”, if it’s “an adolescent’s defense” as you claim, instead of mere comparison, it’s a compliment.
I’m all for detailed public discussion of issues. I very much miss quality debates like the old William F. Buckley TV
program, Firing Line. Truly critical issues like our president’s physical and mental health should be thoroughly
investigated.

Are you aware of the extraordinary, permanent damage the Biden presidency has done to our nation? I find your statement
about “Countless hours of rabid Republican accusations and hearings provided no presidential criminal issue, except as
against Hunter Biden who was not president” utterly astonishing. Have you so quickly forgotten the crimes of “the Big Guy”
and his greedy family? Ordinarily, he would have been indicted on the theft of top-secret federal documents (going back to
senatorial days), except that his Department of Justice found him to be too old and mentally impaired to bother with.

Let’s not forget those 20-million illegal aliens encouraged to flood through his “closed” southern border, as well as the
deadly outrage in Afghanistan – at least criminal negligence. If you will acknowledge just these two Biden crimes, I will
admit Trump has terribly managed dealings with Russia during the Ukrainian War.

I’ve already stated that among those federal agencies being pruned, some deserve special care, including FEMA, which did a
great job in Fillmore during the aftermath of the Northridge quake. Voice of America is another deserving special care. Some
companies don’t have the stomach for “eating the tariffs” and should be excused from the table. As for the Department of
Education, the report card on its efficiency demonstrates colossal failure, deserving of elimination.

*****

Hello, Pat Collins,

You bring up a heavy issue of exceptional importance.

Human life is God’s greatest gift, without which no other gift is possible under His Will. This being true, the only answer
this Christian can provide is to protect the sanctity of that human life as the priority, His Will. Those billions who deny
the existence of God disagree, and choose the ultimate of fatal decisions, which God also permits through the gift of free
will. But the decision to reject two souls should not be made for another. From a commonsense standpoint, Blaise Pascal,
(1600s) French mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, and theologian, provides his famous wager: He argues: “The
potential reward of eternal happiness in heaven (if God exists) outweighs the potential loss of a finite life (if God
doesn’t exist).” As always, the choice is to obey God or the world.

So, my argument is religiously based and possibly repugnant to you for that reason. This world of some 8-billion human
beings will never agree on everything, so Judeo-Christians have been given unambiguous rules to guide their decisions.
Christians must believe that tiny fetus “growing inside her [which is] less than an inch long” has an innocent eternal soul
which demands protection. You describe one of the rarest and most tragic situations possible. The pain it inflicts upon the
family is unimaginable. It should be the moral responsibility of government, and or, private organizations, to help bear the
enormous financial costs.

We were all that small size developing in our mother’s womb. “The world’s most premature surviving baby is thought to be
Curtis Zy-Keith Means from the USA, born at 21 weeks and one day…” Mar 10, 2023. From the moment of conception every human
embryo lives by virtue of its eternal soul. It has eternal value because it “is created in the image and likeness of God.”
Nothing else in creation enjoys that conferred dignity. Here, both the mother and her fetus are still alive, two souls,
however tenuis their mortal status is. Their dignity is not diminished.

The world clamors to end both lives. Christians must say “God’s Will (life) be done on earth as it is in Heaven” and embrace
the assured condemnation.

God bless this mother, child, and family

First a response to Kelly Scoles’ letter:

Hi again Kelly.

I have to squeeze my answers this week, Kelly, to make it all fit.

Too much “late into the night” and smoke-filled room stuff for me. I can think best when solid facts are exposed and
clearly stated. Talking about “Set-ups for assaults on Medicare and Social Security” is meaningless speculation. DOGE
investigations of critically important federal agencies should be undertaken with reasonable care. I’m against eliminating
Voice of America, for instance, without efforts to correct alleged problems, because it has served the world exceedingly
well for generations following WWII. We should not risk throwing the baby out with the bathwater as the saying goes. It’s
not impossible to act with speed and caution at the same time. I would apply this policy across the board for all agencies
you mention. An honest, objective review of all federal policies is fundamental to good government. Too bad it was ignored
in the Hunter-Biden reign.

Do Democrats really want to allege money laundering against Republicans for creating bogus non-profits? From the Clintons
through to the Bidens the stench of billions in laundered cash is overwhelming on the Democrat side.

Let’s scrutinize those tariffs you question. Let’s encourage open debate and investigation as usual. This week it sounds
like Trump is finally getting serious about China, Russia, Iran, as well as North Korea. Since N. Korea has officially
entered the Ukraine war, it’s time to begin sinking its submarine fleet. Start by finding its one nuclear powered ballistic
missile sub and destroy it. China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are each economically and demographically fragile. Maximum
pressure by sanctions on oil alone would halt aggressions. Let’s disable Russia’s “dark fleet” of several hundred
unseaworthy, illegal tankers (sanction dodgers). Let’s attack Iran’s Kharg and Siri Islands oil terminals; that would
neuter its aggressiveness. Of course, we would have to get serious to do this.

Russia is portraying its Potemkin face to a naïve world. It is not the same Soviet military celebrated in Russia this past
week. Though 10-times the size and strength of its victim Ukraine, Russia has not been able to defeat Ukraine limping into
the fourth year of this war! Placed on a wartime economy by Putin, its finances are rapidly collapsing, possibly looking at
bankruptcy this year.

As to the gift of that airliner from Qatar to Trump, it has apparently been cleared by the Attorney General. However, I
still have questions about the wisdom of this transaction.

My main concern remains America’s erratic support for Ukraine – which could defeat Russia and save Europe from a full
global war. Trump has to stop facilitating Putin’s non-stop criminal aggression. We have all the might we need. What has
been lacking is the will to act. I believe the year 2025 will clearly show the cost of Western unpreparedness. Those of us
who believe in Catholic mysticism today are preparing for impending selective mayhem. Yeah, I know, we’ve heard it all
before, and we seem dammed if we speak out, and dammed if we don’t. Oh well, what’s a little ridicule?

READY… SET ….

As I begin this column, I learn that India has attacked Pakistan with ballistic missiles. “’All-out war’ is shouted, two
planes shot down, 31 dead, including a child, with 12 others wounded.” As it seems forever, the dispute is over of Kashmir’s
borders. Both nations are nuclear armed.

What’s an accurate assessment of the world’s temperament right now? Here are some of the moving parts:

We’re into the fourth year of the Russian-Ukraine war (one million dead) with China, Iran, North Korea, actively
facilitating Russian aggression. The United States, England, France, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Italy, 3 Baltic states,
Poland, and numerous smaller states backing Ukraine. Nine nations have nuclear weapons, and NATO or CSTO members are nuclear
weapons-sharing states (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, Belarus, top off the fellowship).

The Free World nations are now frantically attempting to restore their defense industries and equipment, long neglected due
to a falsely perceived “peace dividend”. The perennial predator nations exhibit that lean and hungry look as they crouch at
the ready and boast of their strength. Even Dog Patch North Korea’s submarine fleet, among the world’s largest, from 70 to

90 diesel-powered submarines, and one nuclear-powered submarine, capable of launching ballistic missiles, is a major player now.

Another recent evaluation: “China at ‘rapid boil’ for military action, admiral warns...”

I give high marks to Trump for his handling of issues such as immigration, securing women’s sports, and blocking transgender
people from military service. On tariffs, we’ll have to wait and see. However, on foreign policy, specifically defense of
Ukraine, until today I give him an “F”.

Things are getting better on Ukraine assistance just recently. When Trump tells the world he wants Ukraine to WIN the war,
I’ll give him an “A.” But, until this point, Putin has played Trump for a fool and I give him an “F.”

*****

I have my own ideas about how our world will try to solve its problems. As a race of humans, we are too proud to ask our
Creator for help, and too weak to survive by ourselves. We, however, are blessed by a perfectly just and forgiving God Who
waits with open arms to welcome us back to eternal safety. Of the two “eternals” we should accept the good one and reject
the bad.

As I grow older (if that’s possible) I understand that choosing the good way will see us through the bad and into the
reality of eternal joy. Other options only bring despair and destruction.

I refuse to apologize for a little preaching as long as it’s based on reality.

*****

Kelly Scoles: In general Trump has made too many foolish statements. But his domestic actions speak louder than words for
good.

Pat Collins: It is good indeed to have friends, loyal friends. And, they should not be abused. Constitutional issues abound,
as practical ones do as well. Question: How would it be possible to apply traditional due process to a group of 20 million
criminal illegal aliens? Such an attempt would stymy the entire judicial system – if we could find them all.

*****

World war? Are there any democracy-hating, Judeo-Christian culture-hating nations left who haven’t joined Russia, China, and
Iran? My friends, that’s global enough for me.

I must admit I’m getting tired of commenting on the Ukraine war, though I am convinced that it is leading us into the initial phase of WWIII.

I am surprised that White House events in the last couple of months have also caused me to recoil from several Trump-J. D.
Vance negotiating tactics. I recently replayed the Oval Office conference video between President Trump, V.P. Vance,
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and various press personnel. Once again it was an appalling attack on Zelenskyy, the president of a
free, democratic, Christian nation in the midst of a defensive war for its life against Russia, a notorious perennial
aggressor. I found it shameful. This was a deliberate effort to dishonor Zelenskyy, a friend and ally, while the president’s
guest was repeatedly admonished to express his thanks to the U.S. for billions in war material. No one remembered the grants
of assistance though the Marshall Plan, grants, not loans, nor the 200,000 dead Ukrainian soldiers and devastated hospitals,
schools, orphanages, homes, power plants, and businesses, nor his many expressions of gratitude. This behavior, in the minds
of many Free World citizens, amounts to a reprehensible shakedown by both the President and Vance for aid and minerals.
Let’s remember Ukraine, under Zelenskyy, has held Russia (10-times its size) at bay for going on four years! Maybe we should
thank him.

The greatest shame of all is Trump’s announcement that he intends to “walk away” from Ukraine if he fails to make peace with
Putin. But let’s look at this U.S. proposed peace deal, a laundry list of Russian demands, with nothing for Ukraine: give up
25 percent of the country, including US to formally recognize Crimea as Russian. Cannot join NATO. Power plants to U.S.
Ukraine cannot rearm. No American defense. Russia keeps all land taken so far. No arms or intelligence from U.S. One good
thing for Ukraine in the “deal”: Russia must return the 30,000 Ukrainian children they kidnapped and are incorporating into
Russia by force.

Watching that Oval Office ambush, and the insults that followed, my approval of both Trump and Vance has been diminished.
What truly galls me is the fact that Trump will do nothing at all to punish Putin for this war or even admit that he started
it. For now, I remain a Trump supporter.

The Free World is shocked by Trump’s treatment of Zelenskyy and Ukraine. It is rejecting the so-called American peace plan
and finally preparing for war. The Free World is shocked and disappointed with Trump for this betrayal of Ukraine in its
time of greatest need.

I believe America will inherit the winds of war from Europe and East Asia this year. And, as usual, we remain unprepared,
psychologically, and materially.

Pope Francis has died. May he rest in peace.

His papacy leaves a controversial, less than peaceful legacy, righteous on the liberal side, “disastrous” on the
conservative side. I agree with the late Cardinal Pell, finding it “disastrous.” Liberals often compliment Francis by
acknowledging his efforts to modernize the Catholic Church. Conservatives reject this, believing the World has nothing to
teach the Church, and some of Francis’ teachings are flawed, even labeled “heresy.”

When I think of Pope Francis I can’t escape recalling too many shocking statements and actions. At the top of the list is
his betrayal of the Chinese Catholic Church. “The claim that the Catholic Church in China has been betrayed by Rome is a
complex one rooted in the 2018 agreement between the Vatican and the Chinese government concerning the appointment of
bishops. Critics argue this agreement, which recognized bishops appointed by Beijing without Vatican approval, effectively
legitimizes China’s control over the church and is a betrayal of the underground Catholic Church, which remains loyal to
the Vatican.” A great deal of money was paid by Beijing to Rome to secure control of the underground church in China.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, is seen as the architect of that 2018 agreement. Liberal Cardinal
Parolin is feared by conservatives, being part of the College of Cardinals who will elect the next pope.

“His election in 2013 will be seen as a kind of tectonic shift in the life of the Church,” Michael Sean Winters, National
Catholic Reporter told Newsweek. Conservatives see such “shifts” as schismatic and often heretical.

I have often seen Pope Francis as a WOKE figure, criticizing Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, offering questionable ways
to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war, and condemning Trump on his immigration methods. Despite promises to clean-up the sexual
abuse scandal he did not excommunicate abusers – policies sometimes making things worse.

“Gay men will be allowed into Roman Catholic seminaries to train to be priests but they must observe celibacy according to
Catholic doctrine …the Italian Bishops Conference (CEI) said in new guidelines Friday. To be admitted to the seminary, one
must show from the beginning “an orientation towards celibate life”, the CEI guide said. “In this perspective, there will
not be a barrier to homosexuals as such but to those who “practice” homosexual acts.” Concerned persons should remember
that 90 percent of the Catholic Church’s sexual scandal was perpetrated by adult homosexuals, not pedophiles. This WOKE
attitude facilitates more such abuse!

Profoundly ignorant statements will continue from the liberal side of the Church.

“Pope Francis’ mandate was seen as revamping the Church, demonstrating that it could be a dynamic institution capable of
adapting to the imperatives of modern society.” “Francis’ headlining changes were a softening of the Church’s stance on
homosexuality and contraception…”

Francis’ “mandate” may well stumble on its way after his death, through the auspices of the controversial proposals to
end priestly celibacy, allow women’s priestly ordination, broadly approve blessings for same-sex couples…” propagated in
the German church Synodality movement.

Francis may have been benevolent, but in structural moral church matters he lacked common sense which will soon ignite a
full schism. Only the “remnant” may remain. His advancement of the worst of bishops to the College of Cardinals was
intended to elect one of his followers.

I received my palm this Sunday as I have for decades. All was sunny and peaceful here and our fellow Christians were
commemorating the joyous arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem just days before he was betrayed, arrested, tortured, and finally
crucified. Upon the third day He was resurrected from the dead and ascended into Heaven. His Resurrection is celebrated as
Easter Sunday, the greatest day of the Christian Church.

But things were very different in the city of Sumy, Ukraine that Sunday. That was the time when Putin chose to launch two
Hypersonic Kinzhal missiles with cluster bombs into the city center, killing 35 civilians, injuring 119. There were no
legitimate military targets in this civilian area, only playgrounds, markets, and apartment buildings. Keith Kellogg, a
retired U.S. general and Mr. Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, said that Russian forces had crossed “any line of decency”
by targeting civilians in Sumy.” Hit again during memorial tribute to Sunday’s attack. Trump calls it all just a “mistake”.
Twenty high rise buildings all destroyed: a “double tap”, a second hit to kill the first responders.

Historically, since Marx, Lenin, and Stalin, Russia’s problem, is the abandonment of its Judeo-Christian heritage. Since
Russia rejects the fundamentals of faith, justice, peace, and wisdom (Divine attributes), they chose to remain in perpetual
darkness as eternal adversaries of the good. I bring this up again because I see Putin is so successful in handling Trump’s
glaring naivete. Trump admires Putin as a good guy, a friend, while he slanders Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and says
Zelenskyy started the war. President Trump once again accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of starting the war
with Russia on Monday, saying “you don’t start a war with someone 20 times your size and then hope people give you some
missiles.” Mr. President: Zelensky DIDN’T start the war! That you must be repeatedly reminded of that fact more than
worries me. Your statements here are so blatantly false, I have to say, stupid, I was flabbergasted on first hearing them.
I’m reaching the point (as an historically strong Trump supporter) where I am losing all faith in your FOREIGN policies.

I lament the appointment of several Trump cabinet members, such as ‎Pete Hegseth , ‎Tulsi Gabbard, and Special Envoy to the
Middle East, Steve Witkoff, each for being grossly unqualified for these top jobs. Witkoff stumbles in a maze of
inexperience. He sees Putin as Napoleon instead of Machiavelli. Being Trump’s golfing buddy does not qualify him to direct
international strategic negotiations.

I’m going to have to thin the scope of my opinions on some foreign policy issues relating to Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S.,

because I’m not a patient person and debates over the obvious are futile.

It’s obvious to me that the world now faces the imminent threat of global war. Each of the Free World’s enemies is prepared
for, and threatening, war. Trump has taken no meaningful counter actions against Putin, despite his, now threadbare, boasts
of ending the Ukraine War. His actions against Ukraine’s security by granting all Russia’s demands and none of Ukraine’s,
and ending of war assistance, is a stark betrayal of a Christian, democratic friend. Anyone can stop a war by ordering one
side to surrender. There is now a confusion of loyalties which should concern us all. Confusion is the work of the enemy.

I’ve mentioned the spiritual dimension of world affairs before (tediously?). As distasteful as the idea of Divinity is to
most world leaders today, to Judeo-Christians it underlies everything, all creation, all that is and all that will be. Of
course, again, this is my personal opinion, my belief as a conservative Catholic Christan, received from Scripture and
persons I find worthy of belief themselves, also rabidly disbelieved by most. Believers say it’s now prudent to prepare,
spiritually and physically, for extraordinary chastisements and natural catastrophes for which the Free World, in
particular, is wholly unprepared. Large parts of my (Catholic) Church are undertaking these spiritual and practical
preparations awaiting an unprecedented Warning, to be experienced by everyone, simultaneously throughout the world. This is
the teaching of the most reliable religious priests, exorcists, and mystics in the Church today, all of whom understand
that billions of people disregard this Warning as hallucinations or just foolishness. Others feel like Noah batting down
the hatches as the clouds roll in. Foolishness? As for me, even Pascal’s wager on the belief in God (and spiritual things)
versus atheism, welcomes belief. I believe God will permit His world to be shaken as never before - very soon.

*****

Response to Kelly Scoles’ letter: My apologies again. Schedule move this week. Next week.

Response to Pat Collins’ letter: Same scheduling problem.

However, Pat, you’re “Puzzled” because you’ve completely misunderstood my argument. I condemn Trump for his Ukraine
betrayal; I have never supported it. Again, next week.

I’m glad to see four thought-provoking letters this week. I’ll have to activate my word processing shoehorn attachment to squeeze my responses into a 500-word space.

Before that, however, I want to introduce and congratulate a young team member who has overcome many challenges to become the official Fillmore Fire Department’s new photographer, Angel Esquivel.

Most of the dramatic accident and fire photos appearing in the Gazette for the last 4 years are the product of Angel’s skill and patience. You can recognize him now wearing the black helmet of the Department’s photographer.

Congratulations, Angel. We’re glad to have you aboard the Gazette as well as our Fillmore Fire Department.

*****

Well, I’m now down to 400 words; I may have to fudge a little.

Richard Diaz. Welcome again Dick! Long time no hear from you. We miss your cogent letters.

I have to agree with your criticism of the White House downgrading the seriousness of using unsecured communications (the “Signal”) for confidential messaging. I’ve heard fighter pilots expressing anger when they hear people say this was a small thing. Giving the enemy knowledge of attack schedules can set up an ambush, and the phrase “knew or should have known” is appropriate here. I would not, however, expect POTUS to resign from office due to this “loss of confidence”. If this were policy the office would remain vacant. The president should acknowledge the fault and discipline his “hand picked appointees”, four of whom are unqualified for these highest posts. But, the POTUS hasn’t called the Gazette for advise in a long time.

*****
Hi Kelly Scoles. Thanks for the letter.

You mention Viktor Orban, Hungary’s present crypto communist and Putin soulmate. Hungarians have to get rid of him like they did the Soviets in 1956. It’s an historical irony that bad people are voted into aught-to-be-sacred places – like China and Russia in the United Nations Security Council as Permanent Members (with veto power). What good can happen there? Solution: Get rid of Orban, or kick Hungary out of the U.N. and have Hungary embrace Mother Russia once again.

*****

My definitive conclusion on tariffs: they will certainly be hugely good, or hugely bad – and soon.

*****

The “Signalgate” once again. All I can say about that “mistakenly included journalist” is, when you’re examining the biological contents of the swamp you are draining, don’t be surprised to find odd and ugly things – like “scum”.

*****

As for Hegseth bringing his wife to security meetings, he should not do so, because this makes those meetings less secure. And that’s all I have to say about that.

*****

As for that “third term,” I don’t even think transgender pretenders could pull that off.

*****

Lastly, about (James Cagney and “White Heat” 1949). Kelly, I was only 10 years old at that time. I was still recovering from
Edward G. Robinson’s “The Red House” and can still see him sinking down into an old icehouse, drowning himself. (1947)

*****

What I really wanted to wright about this week is the gathering of WWIII. Maybe next week. For now, some food for thought.

“Crisis in Sweden as nuclear bunkers are readied for WW3 clash.”

“Sweden has 64,000 bunkers with enough space for 7 million people.”

“Putin Launches Largest Military Draft in Years Despite Ceasefire Talks”

“Russia ‘Cannot Accept’ Trump’s Ukraine Peace Plans.”

“Germany puts soldiers on foreign soil for first time since WWII...”

“Russia Warns Against U.S. Strike on Iran Nuclear Sites: ‘Catastrophic’...”

“Russian military losses in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine have exceeded 750,000 Russian soldiers, and are expected to
surpass 1 million Russian troops within six months, U.K. Under-Secretary of Defense Luke Pollard said on (Dec. 19. Dec 20,
2024.”)

“Russian forces have lost 1,510 troops killed and wounded over the past 24 hours, bringing their total personnel losses to
914,000 since the start of the war.” (3 days ago.”)

“Ukraine currently has approximately one million people in arms defending the country against Russia’s invasion. This makes
the Ukrainian Armed Forces more than four times larger than Europe’s next biggest military. Mar 25, 2025.”

Clearly, Putin has no interest in Ukrainian peace. Though nearly bankrupt, he is frantically arming for war with his demonic
coalition of China, Iran, North Korea, and Fifth Column Muslim millions throughout Europe and Asia. Sharia law demands
domination of ‘kafirs’, which “in the Quran means ‘disbeliever’ or ‘infidel”. In common parlance calling anyone “kafir” is
the worst possible insult. My original objection to Pete Hegseth becoming Secretary of Defense rested on his stark
inexperience which renders him unqualified. His new “kafir” tattoo confirms the validity of my opinion. I thought the same
of Tulsi Gabbard, now Director of National Intelligence. I don’t question their intelligence. I question their woeful lack
of experience. With Gabbard, I also worry about her lifelong “godlike” Guru, Chris Butler, head of the “Science of Identity
Foundation, a fringe offshoot of Hare Krishna, formed in the 1970s”.

*****

In my opinion Trump is doing well with domestic issues, though tariffs remain a gamble. It’s his foreign policy that alarms
me.

It’s midnight and I’m just beginning, with a council meeting, two letters to answer, and my own concern with another,
swiftly approaching world war. I’ll do the best I can with the time left.

Hi again, Kelly Scoles,

I know how much you love to hammer the issue of P2025 but its discussion here takes us too far from a reasonable focus, and
I’ve only peeked at it with some admiration.

You condemn Trump for allegedly “seeking revenge on people who disagree with him.” Hmm. Didn’t Joe Biden sign hundreds of
executive orders immediately on his first day in office? Wasn’t this “revenge” against Trump, countermanding most of his
orders, such as opening the southern border and halting the completion of the wall, welcoming men into women’s sports, etc.?

Trump does boast too much but he is getting the job of military, financial, and cultural rehabilitation done.

On the issue of deportation of enemy aliens, using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, Mark Levin, despite your antipathy towards
him, is a highly respected constitutional lawyer who agrees with Trump, as do many others, like former Attorney General Bill
Barr. It is to be used only upon the event of a “predatory incursion by a hostile nation or government.” What would you call
the invasion of 20 million illegal aliens? Judgeships can produce its “tyrants” as well, seen in past Nineth Circuit
activity, for decades. Incredible as it may seem, I experienced a tiny bit of this when I served as a library clerk in that
court in San Francisco in the 1960s. Justices and judges are often deferred to as government patricians. They can easily
turn tyrannical - Roe v. Wade? By the way, that “shameful internment of Japanese following Pearl Harbor” (and it was truly
shameful) was caused by Democrats, was it not?

I don’t know how thoroughly those Tren de Aragua gang members were investigated, but we know from experience they murder,
rape, torture, and rob American citizens. As far as I’m concerned, those guilty of rape and murder should be tried, and if
found guilty, executed. They should feel lucky that they were only kicked out. But there is a related problem; how can we
possibly process that hoard of 20 million illegal aliens (gift of Democrats as well) through our system of Due Process
without collapsing the entire system? Talk about an “imminent emergency”!

Of your criticism of Mark Levin’s manners, are you listening to your garbage-mouthed left-wing Democrats lately? They cannot
even say hello without including the “F” word. Disgusting. Levin is learned, serious, and dignified while scrutinizing the
nation’s most serious legal questions from an historic perspective. He’s a brilliant intellectual patriot!

Excuse me, but I’ve got to pause for a minute to introduce WWIII.

I must give Trump five stars for his work on domestic challenges, i.e. flushing out the Swamp. Sad to say I can give him
only one star for his handling of foreign affairs. I’m not a Yes Man. I will back him to the hilt when he’s right. I will
call him out when he’s wrong. On his attempts to bring peace to Ukraine he is tragically and dangerously WRONG! His
treatment of President Zelenskyy is wrong, shameful, and inexplicably personal. Trump is the American Caesar of his day,
president, controlling both houses of Congress, with huge popularity among the citizenry. He does not need to engage in
petty insults (against Zelenskyy) and to make clearly false public statements (“Zelenskyy is a dictator” and Ukraine started
the war”). This sort of conduct makes him appear small, vindictive, and untrustworthy among allies.

On paper he has the world’s most powerful military, greatest gross national product, and most successful science. If
properly ordered and managed, we are supremely powerful. But we are challenged by two primarily atheistic oligarchies (China
and Russia), and one theocratic global conglomeration, Islam. This is evil working in tandem to destroy democracy. Trump, by
word and deed, has shifted to an anti-Ukrainian policy, by giving everything to Russia and forcing Ukraine into an
impossible choice, that of de facto surrender to Russia. I believe Ukraine will never accept such politically disastrous
proposals, continuing the war. Since the U.S. will apparently no longer assist Ukraine to win the war, and the E.U., NATO,
and the U.N. are not prepared, psychologically or materially to effectively help Ukraine, I think WWIII is upon us. But
Trump seems to be doing everything to facilitate a Russian takeover of Ukraine: “The U.S. said it would help Russia boost
agricultural exports and restore is access to payments systems, after the Kremlin demanded the easing of Western sanctions
in return for a cease-fire in the Black Sea.”

Alert! A wholesale betrayal of the Free World is taking place. Unprecedented abandonment of basic western freedoms. Look for
major escalation of war in 2025.

A quick response to three challenges raised in Kelly Scoles’s letter:

Hi, Kelly,

The issue of whether a US District Judge has the jurisdiction to stop the president of the United States from deporting
criminal aliens to another nation will be determined by the Supreme Court. According to Mark Levin, lawyer, constitutional
law expert and host of TV show Life, Liberty, and Levin, judges of the District Courts lack jurisdiction over the
president’s action here. I suggest you view his program on this issue. But the Supreme Court will settle the matter.
However: President Andrew Jackson, after the Supreme Court order on “Trail of Tears” issue said, “The Supreme Court has made
their decision, now let them enforce it". We now face a potential constitutional crisis. Courts are the judicial part of our
balance of powers, not the executive part, which belongs to the president.

As for the liberal Biden policy of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) these may be Christian concepts but are wildly
misused as policy guidelines for hiring employees, and undermines traditional American cultural values of meritocracy.

I was surprised by the shutdown of Voice of America. It served us very well during Cold War years. I don’t know the
specifics here, but I found this online: “VOA is irrelevant in its current form, a taxpayer-funded left-leaning news outlet
more focused on slamming Trump policies than supporting US strategy.” I would like to see VOA reinstated after necessary
corrections to its form.

UKRAINE

I’ve found only a few news sources on the Russo-Ukrainian war to be accurate, honest, clear and objective. At the top of my
good list is a former Navy SEAL Team 6 Squadron Leader, Chuck Pfarrer. He has vast practical experience in warfare-
intelligence matters and believes “Ukraine’s chances for success remain strong”. Scoffers should listen to his blog. Russia
is wheezing its last desperate gasp militarily, economically, and culturally. Russia is spending 40 percent of its gross
national product (GNP) on the war. It has also burned through its sovereign wealth fund. Top economists say it could
collapse this year. Trump has all “the cards” to crush Russia. The question: does he have the nerve to attack a despot he
admires? (I say this as a Trump supporter – thus far). I strongly question Trump’s treatment of Ukraine, e.g. recently
blinding Ukraine, in the fight, by withdrawing U.S. intelligence and weapons! We learn today that Putin just destroyed
another hospital during “peace negotiations”. What is missing from Ukraine’s defense arsenal is an experienced EXORCIST. “…
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this
dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

I couldn’t believe Trump actually pleaded for Putin to “spare” allegedly “surrounded” Ukraine soldiers in Kursk. Outrageous,
both begging to the enemy and the falsely alleged fact of being “surrounded”! I find myself asking, too often, “Who’s side
are you on?”

“The setback in Kursk wasn’t the result of Russian superiority but rather Washington’s delayed intelligence support”. “With
the right resources, victory is well within reach [for Ukraine].” Pfarrer reminds us that Russia’s promises are meaningless.
“Any deal that leaves Crimea under Moscow’s control would risk Ukraine’s future.” Without full control over Crimea, Ukraine
would remain vulnerable to economic pressure and military threats stemming from Russia’s control of key Black Sea routes.”
Most of all, it’s sovereign Ukrainian territory!

Top military leaders agree with Pfarrer’s opinion, despite massive disinformation to the contrary. Americans are far too
quick to dismiss the strength, courage, determination, and brilliance of the Ukrainian armed forces – perhaps best in the
world today. Although out-manned and out-gunned 10 to 1, Ukraine has destroyed virtually all the men and equipment Russia
used to attack three years ago. Russia is using donkeys, camels, and golf carts to deliver munitions to the front. British
intelligence tells us Russia has lost 800,000 soldiers so far and is close to bankruptcy. It sends wounded soldiers to the
front. Remember the Vietnam Tet Offensive? It was actually a huge American victory, wiping out virtually all Viet Cong
positions, but badly misunderstood as a defeat. The Ukrainian military is vastly superior to the Russian in training,
equipment, tactics and determination. They are fighting to defend their Judeo-Christian, democratic homeland against a
notorious, atheistic predator. They just need the proper munitions in the necessary quantity – on time. If Ukraine loses,
Europe will lose as well, then America. Support a victorious Ukraine! Crush Russia!

******

TESLA attacks:

I’m leaving DrudgeReport.com forever after years. It has become an aider and abettor of pure WOKE disinformation, a tool of
radical Democratic Party lies. I have never before seen the entire front page devoted to a single attack on one person (Elon
Musk) before (with exception of Trump). Here it is:

TESLA ON DEATH WATCH...

Booted from Auto Show...

'Industry exorcising Musk'...

THE WORLD'S MOST HATED CAR...

STOCK DOWN BUT NOT OUT...

Crash victims' families ask DOT not to water down oversight...

Hackers release names and addresses of every owner...

Vehicle attacks surge across nation...

EVs set ablaze. Bullets and Molotov cocktails aimed at showrooms...

Though Drudge started as a traditional conservative site it’s become a one-tune WOKE propaganda site. I can almost smell the
glee in these headlines. We still have a long way to go in efforts to drain and disinfect The Swamp.

I don’t like electric cars myself but building and selling them is a protected American right! Attacking dealerships and
owners is TERRORISM, and practitioners of terror are enemies of our country and must be prosecuted and jailed.

The most abrupt political change of my life concerns the terrible Trump policy on Ukraine. I remain a strong Trump supporter
of his widespread domestic changes, but I find his foreign policies badly mistaken, even dangerous.

My thanks to Kelly Scoles and Pat Collins for their letters this week. In these fast-moving times it’s a good idea to
reexamine opinions carefully, as the Bard recommended, “To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day,
thou canst not then be false to any man”. (Couldn’t resist). In an effort to avoid that falsity I admit I absolutely reject
much of President Trump’s foreign policy, particularly his abject betrayal of Ukraine. Confusion now reigns in the free
world as America accommodates the world’s most notorious war criminal, Vladimir Putin.

Russia does not want a ceasefire (see Vladimir Solovyov). Trump has given away all bargaining points to Russia while
humiliating Ukraine.

Domestic and foreign events are changing so fast these days that no matter how I try to keep up I’m always behind. It helps
to believe in Judeo-Christian principles that reduce confusion by providing a consistent True North. Basically, this
identifies the good from the bad.

These principles tell us Communism is fundamentally evil. Hundreds of millions of innocent human beings who have been,
continue to be, and will continue to be, murdered by communist leaders, provide the proof. Today, Russia and China are the
main Communist threats. Unlike American education pre-1950s, our schools today do not condemn Communism. On the contrary,
schools today often promote Marxist theory, though the practice of this philosophy has resulted in the second greatest
number of murders in all human history (except for abortion - billions). Again, it is quintessentially evil, contrary to all
Judeo-Christian understanding, an atheistic monstrosity created by Karl Marx, a satanist. For details check Richard
Wurmbrand, tortured under it for 14 years, for details.

This is a long preamble on my way to answer Kelly’s and Pat’s challenging letters. But my answers represent a sea change in
my judgment of President Trump’s policy in the Ruso-Ukraine war. More specifically, I must conclude, the president I have
wholeheartedly supported on issues of domestic policy, from the beginning, I must in conscience now totally disagree with on
the handling of foreign policy. I know this makes me less MAGA, maybe ostracized, but believe it or not, God comes first,
and God cannot be happy with the American treatment of Ukraine.

To cut this shorter, I have to confess the truth of every accusation Kelly Scoles makes in her letter! What’s worse, I have
to agree with some of Pat Collins’ statements as well.

As for pat, though having spent three years on the Alaska pipeline, North Slope, from Prudhoe Bay and Franklin Bluffs to
Dietrich Camp, and others, I’m not partial on the Mt. McKinley issue. Not worth debating; Denali is OK with me too. During
my first 10 days in Fairbanks (Badger Road) as a California farm boy, it hit 83 below zero (not counting wind chill). Brings
memories, but I digress. I also agree that Zelenskyy is being treated disgracefully.

The subject of the Russo-Ukrainian war needs much more space to explain. I would just remind folks that Russia attacked the
peaceful, sovereign, Christian democratic nation of Ukraine. Russia is, as usual, the aggressor! Zelenskyy is a popular
president. He is continually insulted by the U.S., even when invited to the American President’s home Oval Office. The free
world was scandalized by this behavior. Vance sparked the attack which Trump escalated. The cut-off of munitions and
intelligence (since returned) was a treacherous betrayal. No way to treat an ally.

The European nations see that Trump sides with Putin, even plans mutual business associations. Is it necessary to remind
everyone that Putin is a seral killer, a gangster never to be trusted?

In giving Russia the Ukrainian territory, it demands we would be forcing millions of Ukrainians living freely in Ukraine
into virtual enslavement in the communist Federation.

Fact: Russia is nearly bankrupt, as attested to by The Wall Street Journal, Business World, and numerous other research
organizations. It could collapse financially within a year.

Does Russia even want peace? Listen to Russian podcasts: see Jake Broe on Vladimir Solovyov.

It’s all turning out to be The Art of the Bad Deal. Mr. President, stick to the domestic stuff.

I had planned to focus this week’s REALITIES on castigating Trump for his outrageous Oval Office treatment of President Zelenskyy a few days ago. That plan was canceled after evaluating Trump’s address to the Joint Session of Congress today. During this longest ever Session the president was so articulate in his review of accomplishments during the first 43 days in office, I was impressed into silence. Treatment of Zelenskyy was a shameful political ambush about which I will comment upon later. That’s because Trump’s political victories in such a short time are simply unprecedented. For those who didn’t view the Session, I’ll just offer my observations.

The high points of the Session were Trump’s political accomplishments, in number, importance and time. The dark, disappointing low points were the mummified attitude and depressing demeanor of the entire Democratic side of the aisle. Democrat women wore pink while the men wore blue and yellow (Ukraine colors). They did not stand for the presidential entry and refused to stand at any part of the speech. Democrats continued to disrupt the speech, shouting, and waving placards, until the Sergeant of Arms was ordered to remove Rep. Al Green from the building. Things quieted down later but Dem sulking continued to the end.

Democrats would not stand or clap for the passage of his first piece of legislation into law, the Laken Riley Act. This law mandates the federal detention of illegal immigrants accused of theft, burglary, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and any crime that causes death or serious bodily injury. Neither would Democrats stand to acknowledge the presidential appointment of a young high school man to West Point, nor for the naming of a wildlife sanctuary in commemoration of a young girl who was raped and murdered by three illegal aliens.

The Democratic Party should admit they are now historically irrelevant and a moldering threat to freedom, political health, and our economy.

Trump boasted of renaming the Gulf of America and Alaska’s Mount McKinley. Also cheered was abandoning the Paris Climate Accords, UN Human Rights Council, “show up for work”, the end of political lawfare, free speech guarantees, and English as official language. Conservative citizens loudly welcomed the death of all things WOKE in federal government and the end of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). “We have ended the tyranny of so-called diversity, equity and inclusion policies all across the entire federal government and, indeed, the private sector and our military, and our country will be WOKE no longer.” The government will return to merit-hiring only.

On energy, which drives everything, it’s now “Drill Baby Drill”, with a new natural gas pipeline in Alaska. This will surge the economy greatly.

Receiving the loudest acclamation was, I believe, the proclamation codifying the fact of only two genders, Male and Female. Any school permitting males into female teams will lose all federal money. Critical Race Theory is recognized as a fraudulent scheme. What this all means is a healthful, natural return to national COMMON SENSE! Laus Deo.

*****

I deeply regret to find President Trump’s foreign policy unfathomably wrong, even dangerous to prospects for world peace. As a strong supporter of Trump, it’s hard to condemn him, but necessary. It’s sometimes like analyzing an idiot savant, no insult intended.

Oval Office condemnations of Zele-nskyy are wildly unfair! Ukraine was invaded by Russia, not the other way around. Insults do not make friends. Putin’s Russia is the invader, it is responsible for one MILLION deaths, and one TRILLION dollars-worth of civil destruction and the kidnaping of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children! What’s to negotiate? The US refused to condemn Russia at the UN. Disgraceful!

I heartly recommend Bill Browder’s piece on Times Radio, Frontline. Excellent

A response to Kelly Scoles letter:

Hi Kelly,

Thank you for granting me amnesty this week by choosing to respond to Jean McLeod’s letter instead of mine. Beware, however, my patience will return for next week’s joust, God willing.

****

REALITIES is too long this week, therefore, will be published in its entirety online. Sorry for any inconvenience. Full version online at www.fillmoregazette.com.

****

Here are a few facts illustrating the outrageous betrayal of Ukraine amidst life-or-death warfare. To our friends (like Ukraine), be fair, honest, and loyal! To our enemies (like Russia), defeat.

Who is Ukraine? It’s a friend who has fought for three years to keep Russian killers out of Europe, at the cost of 100,000 Ukrainian lives.

What is Russia? Russia today is a hyper-aggressive dictatorship headed by Vladimir Putin, who has murdered millions.

“Over 6 million refugees fleeing Ukraine are recorded across Europe, while an estimated 8 million others had been displaced within the country by late May 2022.”

On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which had started in 2014. To date fighting and air strikes have inflicted over 40,000 civilian casualties, while 4 million people are internally displaced, and 6.8 million have fled Ukraine.14.6 million people need humanitarian assistance.

On March 2, “141 of 193 UN member states voted to condemn Russia’s invasion in an emergency UN General Assembly session, demanding that Russia immediately withdraw from Ukraine.”

In three years of war Russia has nibbled away about 18 percent of Ukraine while losing an extraordinary number of its fighting assets. For example, “The total number of dead and wounded is at nearly one million. Russia is estimated to have lost almost 10,000 tanks in Ukraine, Jan 26, 2025, 369 Russian planes and 331 helicopters were shot down by February 2025. Russia now loses more than 1,000 soldiers per day.”

Trump shows no respect for Ukraine’s struggle. He kicks a beleaguered Zelensky as “A Dictator without Elections” and threatens “Zelensky better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left.” In other words, he will facilitate the handover of Ukraine to Russia?

I insist that I’m still an ardent Trump supporter, BUT I resent these false characterizations of a valiant Ukrainian president. I have to say, with friends like this, who needs enemies!

All this talk about making Ukraine repay $500 billion to the US for American war aid: Question: Did we demand repayment of those billions given to Europe, especially England, in Marshall Plan assistance after 6-years of war? Answer, no. “The Marshall Plan was a grant program, so recipient countries did not need to repay the United States. However, they did contribute about 5% of the money to cover administrative costs.” We did this as a reasonable, moral, Judeo-Christian, and practical thing to do – while revitalizing a war-ravaged world. Why this hostility and disgraceful hostile attitude, and defamation of a friend of America fighting our second greatest enemy? Did Roosevelt continue in office beyond his constitutional 4-year term? Was martial law declared during WWII? “Yes, the United States declared martial law in Hawaii after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.” “Ukrainian law prohibits holding elections in wartime (unlike the US Constitution, which requires it).” Zelensky will leave if Ukraine guaranteed protection. Question: Would the loss of Ukraine to Russia in 2025 be less important than the loss of Poland in 1939?

Did Hitler, Mussolini, and Tojo start WWII? Yes, of course, and Russia started the Ukraine war as the world watched, expecting victory in a few days.

But, Trump says Ukraine “should have never started war with Russia” and characterizes Zelensky as a “dictator” and his calls to end the conflict on terms favorable to Russia.

Zellensky says Trump is in a “Russian disinformation bubble.” Trump hit back Wednesday in a Truth Social post awash with falsehoods. He called Zelensky “A Dictator without Elections” and reiterated his assertion from the day before that the Ukrainian president was “very low” in the polls. But Ukrainian law prohibits holding elections in wartime (unlike the US Constitution, which requires it) and “According to a recent survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, 57 percent of Ukrainians trust Zelensky. An October 2024 poll published by the International Republican Institute found that 69 percent of Ukrainians approved of his actions.

Estimates suggest that more than 800,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or severely wounded, making this one of the deadliest conflicts for Russia since World War II. Over 400,000 U.S. service members died in World War II, making it the deadliest conflict in U.S. history in the 20th century. Ukraine: It should be noted that Politico, citing American military officials, recently wrote that during the full-scale Russian war against Ukraine, more than 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers were killed or wounded.”

Over 6 million refugees fleeing Ukraine are recorded across Europe, while an estimated 8 million others had been displaced within the country by late May 2022.

“A Dictator without Elections, Zelensky better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left.” How can Zelensky move any faster? He’s out-maned and out-gunned 10-1 yet holds Russia to a virtual standstill – for THREE YEARS!
“Trump erroneously suggested that the U.S. had given $350 billion to Ukraine. It is closer to $183 billion, [much] of which ends up back in the U.S. to spend on restocking domestic weapon supplies.”

Trump insults his Ukrainian counterpart as “a modestly successful comedian.” Zelensky was a [wealthy] popular household name before entering politics, thanks to a hugely successful career in television,
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz was asked who started the war? Not answered.

CEPA says that “Ukraine and Europe” must be included in any peace talks with Russia, that the U.S. should support “a European-led coalition of the willing” to enforce any “ceasefire line with an international force,” and that “European allies must make consistent and as rapid as possible progress toward Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.”

Trump favors Russia in exclusive talks, granting most all its demands. “…the United States on Monday failed to get the U.N. General Assembly to approve its resolution urging an end to the war without mentioning Moscow’s aggression. And the assembly approved a dueling European-backed Ukrainian resolution demanding Russia immediately withdraw from Ukraine.

In failing to mention Russia’s aggression America is behaving cowardly, to please Putin.
Disgusting.

I need to say a few words about Trump’s handling of the Ukraine peace negotiations before responding to Kelly Scoles’ letter.

****

‘F--- Trump and his deal’: Ukraine’s US veterans rail against peace plan.”

“Veterans fighting for Zelensky’s foreign legion label president a ‘coward’ who won’t stand up to Putin”, Colin Freeman in Kyiv.

Excuse me, but I fear the really big war is being kindled by confused policy. I am, and have always been, pro Ukrainian freedom. They are our valiant friends fighting Russian Orcs.

“US military volunteers fighting alongside Ukraine’s armed forces have branded President Donald Trump a “jackass” over his peace talks with Vladimir Putin, saying Ukraine’s future was not a “business deal.” Most [US members of the International Legion] have reacted furiously to the news last week of Mr (sic) Trump’s private [2.5 hour] phone call to Putin, in which he apparently ruled out Nato membership for Kyiv and conceded that Moscow could keep Ukrainian territory it has currently occupied.” Colin Freeman in Kyiv

“F--- Trump and his sh---y supposed peace deal,” said Ryan O’Leary, an Iraq war veteran who leads Chosen Company, one of the largest foreign volunteer units in Ukraine.” “Any peace deal is ultimately up to Ukrainians alone, who should be included directly in talks.”

“Ex-US soldiers are believed to make up the largest national contingent of Western military volunteers in Ukraine, at least 50 dying in combat and many more coming home seriously injured. They regard Mr [sic] Trump’s concessions as squandering both their own military sacrifices and those of their Ukrainian comrades”

Little doubt these fiery complaints come from (now former?) Trump supporters. As a strong Trump supporter from the beginning, I feared this reaction would happen after anti-Ukrainian tirades from Trump family members, VP Vance, and other Trump cabinet members. I worried that MAGA membership did not understand or respect Ukraine’s independence, or sovereignty proclaimed in the 1991 Declaration of Independence. “The Act reestablished Ukraine’s state independence from the Soviet Union. The declaration was affirmed by a majority of Ukrainians in all regions of Ukraine by an independence referendum on 1 December, followed by international recognition starting on the following day. Ukrainian independence led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union by 26 December 1991.” “…in the 1991 Ukrainian independence referendum, more than 90 per cent of Ukrainians voted for independence.”

****

I am already beginning to see some dangerous cracks in Trump policy. Facilitating the betrayal of Ukraine by Putin’s neo-Soviet gangsters can explode in our faces. Trump’s group is showing excessive disrespect for Ukraine and showing utterly undeserved respect for Putin and his sociopathic berserkers. In seeking to enforce novel foreign and domestic policy, speed for the sake of notoriety, can backfire. I also see unnecessary abruptness in dealing with the otherwise wise attempt at acquiring Greenland. There is no reason why we should behave so aggressively towards Denmark and Greenland. A 100-year lease on the world’s largest Island would greatly enrich both nations without the cost of billions to purchase it – and they would retain ownership. Dealing with Panama (a nation we created) and the Canal (which we built) is very different. If we wanted to move our navy from the Atlantic to Pacific to check Chinese aggression, the Canal is the only practical way. Recognizing China, North Korea, et al., as infiltrating enemies, we must control the Zone.

As for acquiring Canada, this is a foolish and insulting idea unworthy of consideration. But that border, being critical to our defense, must be controlled, by force if necessary.

****

Finally, a response to Kelly Scoles’s letter:

Boy, Kelly, I only wish I was nimble again. I dream of being as nimble as that three-legged tap dancer on ice. I’m not nimble enough, however, to expand my time and space for my usual response. My apologies.

On Elon Musk, he deserves special observation if only because he’s the world’s richest man. I confess I am greatly put off on learning he has some 13 children by four women. This doesn’t affect his business acumen, however. MAGA is doing a great job of reducing government. But let’s be careful to avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Kelly, your fear of Trump acting unconstitutionally across the board is uncalled for. The courts are there to scrutinize questionable political actions under Constitutional light. Democrats loved the Supreme Court when it supported their crooked policies, but chastise it now when it exposes Democratic lawfare from Biden’s time; remember the SWAT attack on Mar-a-Lago, and the impeachment efforts? Also, “rogue judges” like Juan Merchan, Letitia James, Alvin Bragg, and Merrick Garland who appointed Jack Smith, as well? I omit their titles which should be revoked for criminal lawfare. The list is long.
Things can always go wrong, that’s why we have a Supreme Court, the one Democrats want so desperately to “pack” in a government they want so desperately to “fundamentally transform” with changes like a queer military and multiple genders. But the people shouted “NO!”

I’m out of time, and patience.

Welcome back Kelly Scoles, we missed you! Hope you have recovered from any latent election blues. I’ll try to get to some of your (30) characteristically challenging questions after a couple of local issues.

*****
A response to a letter from Dr. Joseph Eisenlauer:

Hello Dr. Eisenlauer, thank you for the letter and thank you for being a subscriber.

It’s usually not possible to provide great detail in reporting accidents involving personal injury or death until official information is released. There are personal, legal, and moral reasons to withhold some details of an accident.
In fatality situations family should be notified first. Many legal questions demand answers, such as cause of accident or other injury, and person or persons responsible. Accurate identity and extent of injuries are often not known. Other practical challenges exist. Sometimes bystanders threaten the reporter or photographer, as happened last week, when a next of kin tried to deny our photographer access to an auto accident. They thought the photographer was working the scene out of mere curiosity and abruptly attempted to block his view to protect the subject’s privacy. In most cases the sex of the victim can and should be identified.

We do our best to publish additional details as they become available from official sources. In the case you reference this fact (sex of subject) should have been stated, nothing else was known.
Thanks for the question.

*****
The demonstration which took place by high school and middle school students last week (over ICE), if without a permit, was unlawful and dangerous. If unpermitted, every person responsible for organizing or leading it participated in an unlawful assembly involving minors. They were also placed in harm’s way by marching out onto Hwy. 126, into both west and eastbound lanes. Let’s discover the responsible parties.

I saw the stars and stripes displaced by Mexican and other South American flags. This was evidence of unamerican, disloyal activity by people who want to live here but disrespect our flag. Elsewhere our flag was burned. The adults leading this mini rebellion are teaching our children to hate America. If teachers, they should be fired. No wonder efforts are afoot to end the Department of Education.

*****
A response to Kelly Scoles’ letter:

Hi again, Kelly!

Time and space restraints demand quick answers to your challenges. Here goes…

Good or bad, my responses are nakedly personal, uncontaminated by normal influences.

Gaza! All I can say is Gazooks! A bad idea fertilized by a good president. This can happen to the best of us. No one wants to deal with Palestinians, not even other Islamic nations. This is because they have been uniquely saturated with hate. They hate Jews, the state of Israel, the “Little Satan.” Next, Palestinians hate America, the “Great Satan.” This distinction in size is spurious because the hate is equal in toxicity, equally indelible and perpetual. Most regrettably, it is lethal, and this lethality is religion-based, a gospel of hate. The believers are commanded to enforce this hatred of Judeo-Christian culture, under pain of death. Palestinian children are formally taught this from earliest youth.

Gaza is unreformable. Israelis should respond to Islamic taunts of “From the desert to the sea” by mimicking Cato’s famous Roman refrain of “Carthage must be destroyed, to “Hamas must be destroyed.” By releasing the Palestinians of Gaza to freely emigrate maybe the hate will slowly disintegrate and allow normal human cooperation.

*****
On the issue of Ukraine, I can only say, despite the Mutt and Jeff comparison, Jeff is about to fall by bankruptcy according to recent reports. Give Ukraine full support for at least another year. There can be no moral or legal grounds for giving away any Ukrainian territory. This war is the direct result of naked Russian aggression, and the West has a profound moral obligation to resist Russia if it wants to avoid an identical WWII Yalta Conference scandal.

*****
On P2025, I refuse to read any more of it until it becomes a bill. That’s my answer and I’m sticking to it.

*****
The 14th Amendment: It is grossly misappropriated. The courts must interpret the full wording: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” As it stands now it is a crazy giveaway of our nation by anyone on the take. The Founders could never have intended such a disastrous interpretation. One way or another this must be corrected, also the word “male.”

*****
On Greenland: Easy answer. Let’s get a 100-year lease and make all Greenlanders millionaires while stabilizing our strategic defense.

*****
Panama: Please refer to Fox News for Gorden Chang’s excellent discussion on China in the Caribbean, especially in the Panama Canal Zone. Very illuminating – and alarming. China must be out of the Caribbean. Bahamas, Freeport 2 very large Chinese projects threaten. Could be Chinese deep water naval base 65 miles from Palm Beach, 35 minutes by plane.

*****
Hurrah for our new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for signing a memorandum directing Fort Liberty, North Carolina, be renamed to Fort Bragg. That’s as close to a sacred name in the U.S. Army as exists, the home of the 82nd Airborne. Liberal Democrats recently changed the name to Fort Liberty, a meaningless namesake!

*****
Cuba: Russia and China operating again. Without U.S. remedial action we will see 1962 again. Let’s not use our CIA next time as we did in the Bay of Pigs fiasco!

*****
“There is a flood of Chinese, no family groups, single males military age, pretend to speak no English, all pack identical kits passing through Ottawa unrestricted.” (Gorden Chang)

*****
Lastly, I regret this headline: “Tulsi Gabbard confirmed by Senate as Trump’s national intelligence director”. This is a staggering mistake by people seeking to please Trump at the risk of national security. She is utterly unqualified and dangerous. Said by an otherwise solid Trump supporter, Me.

Ms. Tulsi Gabbard is the only cabinet nominee I continue to oppose, due to her total lack of qualifications, serious lifelong cult connections, longstanding liberal opinions, and secretive meetings with Russian and Syrian dictators. She would be a long-term liability for this huge cabinet office. I am stunned to learn that one of my most admired politicians, Sen. Tom Cotton, has pushed this nominee to comply with President Trump’s wish despite the risk. Although I’m a fervent Trump supporter, truth must be told to power regardless of political discomfort. Gabbard is not only unqualified, she’s a security risk herself.

******

My life has been marked by coincidence. While Trump talks of taking back the Panama Canal I recall the heated debates for and against gifting the canal to Panama. Mentioned before is the 1978 TV debate on this issue between Governor Ronald Reagan and Wm. F. Buckley, Jr. (both preeminent conservatives). I was shocked that Buckley would urge President Carter to give away that project for which we paid $375 million (equivalent to almost $12 billion in today’s dollars to build). Malaria and Yellow Fever took tens of thousands of workers, French, locals and Americans. This was the single most expensive construction project in United States history at that time and today is still seen as a great wonder of the world.
I happened to spend about a week in Ft. Kobbe, Canal Zone, in 1959. We flew from Fort Bragg, N.C. in winter bundled up in field jackets, to the Zone in summer. Couldn’t believe the gush of hot air when the doors were opened in Panama. Just a distractive memory.

Confession: Thinking of the Canal Zone and Trump’s recent comments about taking it back, I found that Buckley-Reagan debate online. Watched the whole thing again after decades, and burned up my writing time. I still say Reagan won that debate, though Buckley was almost too eloquent. Reagan was clear, direct, and correct. That debate is worth listening to again. Trump would be right to retake the canal and Reagan’s reasons were logical.

The Democratic Left continues to criticize MAGA for implementing America First policies to clean up the Deep State and reestablish strength and transparency, even though Republicans won the election by a landslide and the popular vote as well. “President-elect Donald Trump’s individual vote count was one for the record books. Not only did his 77.3 million votes top Kamala Harris’ 75 million votes, but it broke a decades-long streak.” Americans spoke loud and clear.

The Left continues to rail about nonexistent threats by Trump planning military attacks upon Panama, Greenland, and Canada. The U.S. has maintained large defensive military developments on Greenland since WWII. It is a critical tactical early warning location long highly beneficial to Greenland and its Danish overseer. There is no need whatsoever to think of attacking that nation. A generous 100-year lease could make millionaires of each and every Greenlander. Many other ways exist for America to avail itself of that strategically valuable island. Why all the commotion?

Panama is a different matter. Conservatives all warned of a Chinese infestation from east and west if the U.S. gave away its sovereignty over the Zone. We gave it away (a stupid Carter decision) with conditions and China immediately began to control both ends of the canal. Now that China is identified as our first enemy among others, Ronald Reagan’s arguments are finally being adopted. In Trump’s words “We gave the canal to Panama, not China” and China will not keep control. There are non-kinetic options here, but a corrupt pro-communist government cannot be left to threaten our commerce and defense.
All the worry about Canada being attacked by America is just silly.

Secure Panama and Greenland – and forget Tulsi.

I can’t recall a busier time than the past few months. We’ve had horrific fires with loss of life, tens of thousands of acres torched, with the same number of homes, even whole cities, destroyed. We have witnessed the inauguration of our new president, Donald Trump, and watched his new cabinet members begin to take their seats. Hostages have been released which were taken by Hamas during their murderous ambush of a peaceful Israeli music festival, to start a war, which once again, they lost.

War in Ukraine grinds on, with Ukraine, though out-gunned and out-manned, destroying Russia’s oil and gas industry with homemade drones. China is now personally involving itself in the Ukraine War, with North Korea and Iran. These events are only a small part of the global picture showing Eastern and Western nations arming for war. The world has recently been alerted to the probable collapse of the Russian Federation’s economy.

Trump plans to meet with Putin soon. The critical question is whether Trump will boldly exercise the overwhelming leverage he has over Putin. Reports from the Russian disinformation media try to convince the world that Russia’s economy is robust, when detailed study says Russia is a “house of cards” inviting bankruptcy this year. “Russia’s $250 billion secret war fund threatens financial collapse according to a recent analysis provided by an ex-Bank of America Vice Chairman [Craig Kennedy].” “The Kremlin forced Russian banks to provide $210-250 billion in preferential [unsecured] loans to defense contractors, matching its official military budget.” NATO is also holding $300 billion in frozen Russian money which Putin is desperate to get back to cover these loans. These funds are being given to Ukraine to fight the war.

The Ukraine War which Putin started, anticipating victory in three days, is destroying Russia after three years. Nothing is working in Russia, not its economy, military, railroads, pipelines, airlines, commercial fleet, not its shadow fleet of some 200 unseaworthy vessels. Forty percent of Russian GDP goes to fund the war, and inflation is at 21-percent. Oligarchs are alarmed.

Russia’s $250 billion secret war fund threatens financial collapse according to a recent analysis provided by ex-Bank of America Vice Chairman Craig Kennedy.

“Kennedy’s explosive analysis proves Russian economy is bankrupt. Craig exposes hidden defense debt and a credit bubble, aggravated by punitive interest rates and sanctions. It is not an economic fortress Russia but a house of cards.”
Russian defense companies have been operating at a loss for two years. Experts expect capital flight and a run on the banks, perhaps this year.

I strongly recommend Jake Broe’s column:

Russia’s Banking Crisis Will Destroy Everything

Jake Broe

564K subscribers. 542,605 views Premiered Jan 16, 2025 #ukraine #nato #russia

“It has been revealed that the Kremlin has forced private banks in Russia to give $250 billion in preferential [unsecured] loans to Russian defense companies to support Putin’s war in Ukraine. Russia’s central bank is incapable of bailing out either the banks or the defense companies as all the loans on their books are toxic and can never be paid back. Russia could financially collapse at any moment.” “Russian Economy Facing a Tidal Wave of Bankruptcies” Newsweek, Published Jan 28, 2025 at 5:11 AM EST. “The Russian war economy is facing a ‘moment of truth’ as Putin’s dwindling cash reserves raise odds of a financial crash, expert says.”

By Jason Ma, January 26, 2025, at 2:33 PM PST.

Trump can end the Ukrainian War quickly by ending Russia’s economy, which could fall in 2025. Official statistics indicate that Russia has lost 820,000 soldiers in the war to date. Over one million have been lost in total numbers!
Vasily Astrov and other Russia watchers, have previously said that the economy will be unable to sustain the war on Ukraine for much longer.

Trump should hammer Putin with maximum tariffs and sanctions which could crush the demonic Federation for good.