If there’s anything like a congenital conservative roaming the earth today, I must admit to being such a person. I became aware of this trait around 1981 with the first Reagan administration, which was the last, best leadership America has enjoyed. It’s unreasonable to expect perfection, but the heart of our government has been based upon Judeo-Christian ethics, it’s in our constitutions, state and federal. The Judeo-Christian faith has never been absent in America, starting in the 16th Century. Without it we’re nothing.
Adherence to traditional American religious mores as practiced by our elected leaders should be habitual and is why my article this week is painful. I can no longer trust the foreign affairs of Donald Trump to faithfully carry on that sacred tradition.
I don’t disavow all his policies, but in foreign affairs I now see him as a dangerous aberration. I must condemn his most recent betrayal of Ukraine with this outrageous diesel sale. This is the most recent of his numerous, perfidious acts of lying in wait to ambush the democratic Ukrainian nation while it’s fighting for its life against the Russian aggressor. Ukraine was attacked by Russia and has killed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians during five years of exceptionally bloody war. Russia has lost 1.4-million soldiers in that time. This September alone Russia is reported to have lost 50,000 men. Damage to the Ukrainian civilian populace and infrastructure has been catastrophic.
Yet Trump insists that Ukraine started the war. Trump demands that due to Zelenskyy’s rejection of the diesel deal he should be taken out of office. While Trump castigates Zelenskyy, he warmly praises Putin (a notorious war criminal) and seeks to fund his infamous war.
I have supported Trump politically from his descent on the golden escalator; no more. As foreign policy goes, he’s a pariah to me. I continue to support several of his domestic policies, however. I support most of his use of force. I do condemn in the strongest way any of his attacks on Ukraine. And I consider his cooperation with Putin’s sadistic criminal attacks upon Ukraine as truly evil. As far as I’m concerned, Trump should now be recognized as a truly treacherous S.O.B. He’s into Iran with apparently no obvious way out. I think he should finish the job and eliminate Iran completely. But this is a plan which will live in infamy.
Ironically, the diesel Trump asks Putin to provide is pitifully short of being adequate to solve the shortage problem, and since Russia has run out of diesel itself, this phony assistance must be purchased from India before being sold to Russia. The whole plan is crazy.
Just a final note: We are well into first stages of WWIII. I’m in a bind because I can never vote for a Democrat. The Marian apparitions have so far been accurate.
For many months now I have published a photo in the Gazette of a beautiful 4-year-old girl, Kristina, who with her family was killed by a Russian missile – on Christmas Eve, in Ukraine, 2025. Her family lived in a high-rise apartment, the kind Putin targets almost exclusively. I want to remember her in this way. She is a memorial to pure innocence. Donald Trump will now be paying for these murders.
Mr. President, by your many betrayals, you are truly a treacherous S.O.B whom I can no longer trust.

A response to Kelly Scoles’ letter.
Hi Kelly,
I think it was Alexander the Great who is said to have severed the Gordion knot before entering his eastern wars. Having no sword handy I had to attack that knot I found in your letter today by pulling on a single strand, hoping it would unwind the problems. I must confess failure; the knot remains.
You say, “Got it.” I must inquire about what it is you allegedly claim to have gotten. It is certainly nothing I maintained in last week’s discussion of Truth. I think our communications have become maybe too philosophically fancy. Over the several years of our amateur political conflicts, the crux of the central issue has been religion and its importance to America’s health and survival. At least that’s what has been on my mind.
Your objections this week seem to demand a mulligan from me from last week. (I’ve never played golf so you can ignore the suggestion.)
But let’s return to that Gordion Knot of confused liberal misunderstandings, your letter last week:
Your attacks are again so numerous I must resort again to “bullets.”
****
I don’t understand your first paragraph about “unaddressed topics of Religion and objective truth.”
You say I am “doctrinaire”. I guess so, in the literal sense, I certainly follow Christian doctrine, unapologetically.
You say I have a “misguided belief in a hybrid Old/New Testament theology wherein the generally vengeful and legalistic Yahweh is parasitically attached to the Love over Law of Christ come to fulfill the ancient scriptures As (sic) an “Inquisition Catholic”, your political views and judgments are similarly disposed toward authoritarianism.” [WOW!] That Gordian knot triumphs! That statement is so cruelly confusing I should pause for a Rosary. What’s more important, is your hard-core blasphemy from a Judeo-Christian point of view. I don’t say that lightly.
****
Former prosecutor Jack Smith is just a thug, so I won’t waste words here.
As for Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) your insulting comments reflect your broad ignorance of the man, a man I deeply admire, my favorite Senator. You should show greater respect for Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana for his extraordinary achievements. Many people mistake his down-home, folksy southern dialect for (as you say) an illiterate country bumkin. Let me inform you of facts you should have learned before describing him as “Jubilation T. Cornpone AKA John Kennedy (R-LA)”. For younger people, Kelly is referring to a cartoon character of the 1950s.
****
Senator “John Neely Kennedy was born in Centreville, Mississippi, in 1951. “John graduated magna cum laude in political science, philosophy and economics from Vanderbilt University, was president of his senior class, and elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
He earned his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1977, and a B.C.L. from Oxford in 1979. He previously worked as a lawyer, as special counsel to Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer (D) from 1988-1992, Secretary in the Governor’s Cabinet from 1990-1992, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue from 1996-1999, and as an adjunct professor at Louisiana State University. Kennedy switched party affiliations in 2007 from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party.”
“Before joining the Senate, Kennedy served five terms as Louisiana state treasurer, where he oversaw the state’s multi-billion-dollar investment portfolios.
****
Kelly, are you still amused by “Senator Jubilation T. Cornpone AKA John Kennedy. (R-LA)”?

A response to Kelly Scoles’ letter.
Hello again Kelly,
I have no apology to make for writing about “truth”. Again, I must agree with much of what you say about truth, especially that it is for me a “bastion against challenges to [my] political views.” That is because my political views are based upon my religious beliefs which are Judeo-Christian, more specifically Roman Catholic, which are themselves based upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. Your rejection is expected, but your exceptional understanding of my faith causes me to wonder about your present-day confusion in explaining it. Several of your criticisms exemplify this confusion. Even a quick peek into the Catechism could cure this problem. I know this would be a repelling experience for you but enlightening, nevertheless. I detect bitterness in your attacks and truth is the remedy. Truth is eternally perfect because it is the essence of Jesus Christ Who is Truth itself.
I was not intending to discuss religion this week, but remember, you opened with false charges.
Your false attacks are eternally false; let me count the ways:
1. You say: “[I] increasingly resort to your “Truth” a narrow spiritual sensibility…”
My faith is certainly more than the vague sensory awareness you suggest. Billions of Christians have given their lives for the faith, the Truth.
2. You say “…your Truth is rooted in a reverence for coercive authority”. But my Truth is rooted in the eternal reality of Jesus Christ, True God and True Man incarnate, Who suffered His Passion in order to save mankind from eternal damnation. He never coerces and has given free will to his human creatures to be either with Him or against Him, saved in eternal joy with Him, or eternally damned against Him.
3. I do have a Guardian Angel, as everyone is given one at conception, it is a fundamental Truth from Scripture. When I pass, I hope he is still with me, he’s put up with a lot, but it’s Jesus I want to meet first. Kelly, I know your angel is still working hard to help you. Thank him, today. September 30 is the day Catholics honor the angels, especially Guarding Angels.
4. You scoff at “…my eternity strategy” - What is yours? You ridicule my alleged “personally refined religious beliefs”. Here again I find your total misunderstanding of the Catholic faith, that faith you once deeply loved (excuse the emotion). That is, there has never been (in 2000+ years) a valid way to personally “refine (Biblical) religious beliefs.” However, it’s been alleged, more than 40,000 times.
5. Lastly, you say, “I know of no facts to support General Grant as having failed in similar ways”. Kelly, may I suggest a few books for you? The record is clear with no agreement. You tend to take my remarks literally. The four generals I mentioned are unique individuals, unique souls with unique habits and personalities. All were very wealthy, except for Grant, who was on the cusp of bankruptcy in the year of his death, but for the efforts of Mark Twain the family was protected.
“In 1884, Ulysses S. Grant lost his life savings in a fraudulent investment banking firm run by his business partner. Mark Twain published the Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant through his publishing house, Charles L. Webster & Company, saving the former president’s family from financial ruin.”
Like all of the Generals I noted they are or will be recognized as winners or losers in the game of politics and faithfulness in moral character. Maybe that judgment will be made 50 years from now.

A response to Kelly Scoles’ letter.
Hi Kelly,
As I have too often mentioned, I’m a realist, not an optimist, or pessimist. I try to see things as they are. I believe getting an accurate view of things is greatly enhanced by eliminating emotions. Of course, my citation last week including spitting out “lukewarm” faith is divine scripture, not a political statement, which for Christians demands absolute obedience. The key to understanding that is faith. And, no, I will not wander into a religious discussion, except to certify part of your remark “We are lost if we fail to employ constitutional remedies to remove him [Trump] after midterm elections.” I believe we are certainly lost if we fail to acknowledge Jesus Christ as true God and true man, our King and Redemer.
Now I know how this Truth will upset you because you reject the Truth. But the gift of free will, in democratic countries, among Christians, obliges me to speak out, and invites you to respond.
We have an eternity to experience the four last things. Different choices deliver distinctly different consequences. “Many disciples turned away and stopped walking with Him. Jesus said to the twelve disciples, “Will you also leave Me?” Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68.
President Donald Trump is hated by many, for some good reasons, others trivial. Strong leaders like Generals U.S. Grant and George S. Patton failed in similar ways, others could quickly be identified, like Douglas MacArthur. I find Trump’s treatment of Ukraine particularly outrageous; I also find his willingness to take action, when necessary, essential to America’s defense.

My suggestion to end Russia’s murderous aggression in Ukraine: Start bombing all vodka distilleries.
****
Well, I usually feel over-challenged with two letters to answer; today I have three.
First, a letter from Kelly Scoles.
Hi again Kelly,
As expected, your darts are aimed at our “valorous” President Donald Trump. Are there any more stones left to through at him? Even after two close assassination attempts, three years of scurrilous insults, attacks on his wife and family, I’m sure there are many left. Hamlet was inspired by such a time: “Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them.”
In my own Pig Latin interpretation: In times of trouble is it better to struggle or quit. I cannot justify Trump’s often inscrutable, off-the-wall expressions. I no longer try. However, the treatment of sacred persons or objects, are always the exception. Your reference to “…those “virtual cards” depicting Trump as Elvis…and even Jesus,” startled me. If I had knowledge of this conduct being active within Trump’s personal control, and his acquiescence, I would end my support. Now I’m pretty sure my departure would not cost him the coming election, but at least I could report to my Lord, positively, Who tells us (“So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16) Anyone holding that card is a fool, and I hope Trump’s friends wise up. There’s a big difference between worship and blasphemy.
****
My apologies to Jean McLeod and Pat Collins for time limitations. Both letters will appear as usual. A “bullet response” remains for Kelly’s letter.
****
Kelly,
You say: “I’m not sure whether it’s concerning or kinda adorable the dogged way you ignore the forest and trees for the leaves on the ground.” Let’s just call it adorable, Kelly, and leave it at that.
P.S.:
I saw diesel fuel in Santa Paula for over $8.00 a gallon yesterday.
Coming attractions: “Scientists Fuse Human Neurons Into Brains of Mice...”
****
With wars ongoing in Russia-Ukraine, Iran-U.S. Israel-Iran, and immediately threatening in Europe, China-Taiwan, and throughout the Middle East, I think it may be prudent to place the U.S. on a war footing. From a munitions standpoint alone, we are shockingly unprepared. It doesn’t help the Free World’s side to hear Trump tell Ukraine not to target Russian diesel ports because that raises the cost of the product worldwide. Again, I must ask whose side the president is on.

A quick response to Kelly Scoles’ letter.
Hi again Kelly,
You bring up another very important issue, the purity of America’s food. This is not a new concern. You surely remember Upton Sinclair’s novel The Jungle which exposed the filthy conditions in the Chicago stockyards and the meatpacking industry. Sinclair’s book led to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act of 1906.
Another close look at this same issue is needed at this time.
When you first brought up this issue last week, referring to “mystery meat” and South America, I thought you might be referring to Nutria, an herbivore often referred to as river rat, enjoyed by many.
Well, Kelly, I join you in condemning anyone who seeks to avoid our Pure Food and
Drug Acts. Let’s prompt Congress to take action!
****
I apologize for being too sleepy tonight to properly address your many issues. I went swimming yesterday evening and am still tired.
****
Hello Pat Collins,
I do not believe that measures taken to assure that the American vote is secure from fraud, and that any non-American citizen can vote is a bad thing. Demanding that everyone seeking to vote must show legitimate ID is just common sense. Non-Americans seeking to vote should face jail time.

My response to Kelly Scoles’ letter.
Hi Kelly,
Question: If liberals had won this last “Bawlroom” decision, would it be fair to identify them as “obsequious”? Should the Kennedy Center have been named after that president? Why not a Republican?
I support Trump because of the correct military actions he has taken where former presidents failed to act. In many other foreign policy failures (refusal to support Ukraine) I condemn him. Fortunately, Ukraine is smarter, tougher, and more ingenious than its Mongolian enemies. Absent a nuclear act by Russia in a panic by Putin about to lose control, Ukraine will win this war.
I haven’t changed my absolute support for the independent democratic nation of Ukraine.
As to his alleged proposal to “sell-off pieces of Yosemite to developers”, this is so foolish I believe he must have been joking. About renaming Lake Ontario, another, this time stupid remark to continue his anger over Canada. Well, it’s his pulpit.
About the devil being at the gate remark, I continue to be concerned about those domestic policies which weaken or ignore national defense. For example, we have done little or nothing about restocking munitions though this life-and-death issue has been obvious for decades (Believe it or not, even Marian apparitions tell of running out of ammunition in the next world war).
It’s true that most military authorities warned against attacking Iran, though it is the greatest supporter of terrorism in the world. It seems prudent, therefore, to destroy it. Today we understand, with Russia’s assistance, Iran possesses perhaps the most dangerous missile to date. “Iran’s newly deployed Kheibar Shekan “Castle Breaker” ballistic missile, with a 900 mile range and maneuverable warhead, has reportedly penetrated U.S. defenses and caused significant damage to American bases and allied infrastructure across the Persian Gulf during the six month war with the United States and Israel. The Kheibar Shekan missile can change its trajectory in the terminal phase and strike within about 10 meters of a target, evading conventional air defense interceptors.”
This missile is a danger which must be confronted at all costs, which should demand a continuance of the war with renewed intensity.
Finally, Kelly, I admit what you mockingly refer to as my “… folly to try to change the late-in-life mind of some with an overwhelming need for unbroken, immutable [Catholic] beliefs and assurances in matters of spiritual and political self-id entity.”
Your description of my Catholic faith is inspired, Kelly! But I am loathe to believe that this, in any conceivable way, “threatens the rest of us.” I know of no example of Christian love to be “threatening”. That would be a paradox. And, as you say (by way of free will) it is surely “To each his own”.
Your final comment: “Though it’s as obvious as Trump’s …tan” his canary-crested coiffure, sticky little fingers, and some sort of bulky mechanism or article lurking under his pants.” This last statement is unbecoming of you Kelly; I also think it’s a sentence fragment.

Local news: Oreo the Gazette cat is missing! Last seen about 5 days ago. He is a much loved resident of the neighborhood. If he was abducted, a $50 reward is offered for his return.
A short response to Kelly Scoles’ letter.
Kelly asks,
“Martin: I hope your email is feeling better.” Hi! It is Kelly. Thanks for asking.
You add, “Since “war” is your sole interest these days, let’s discuss other wars that Trump has started or is [in] the process of starting.” You seem to fret at the thought of just war. That topic is certainly not my “sole interest” these days, and I think the approaching demise of what President Reagan called “the Evil Empire” (Russia) should be of greater interest than the same laundry list of overheated Trumpian disparagements. Of course, it’s impossible to respond intelligently to such mass attacks in 500 words, so I no longer try.
We should have our eyes focused on the Devil’s closest friends, China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, who will very soon force our attention.
Despite its horrific statistics (1.4 million dead) Russia will lose its 5-year war with Ukraine. Russia is on the verge of revolution due to its deranged leader Vladmir Putin.
China faces extraordinary financial problems. “China does not owe its debt to foreign countries. The vast majority—over 90%—of China’s total debt is domestic debt owed to its own citizens, domestic banks, corporations, and government institutions, rather than to foreign nations or international lenders.”
Iran is in a checkmate state, stubbornly refusing to surrender though physically and financially destroyed.
North Korea’s starving people are being sold off to Russia as meat for the Ukraine grinder.
As I’ve mentioned several times before, I have little interest in domestic politics while the Devil is at the gate. Sometimes I think that if Trump were not such an easy target Democrats would have nothing to talk about. I disagree with much of his foreign policy, especially his diatribes against longtime allies, like Canada. We will soon appreciate the value of friends when the missiles and drones begin to come our way. “Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel.”
Kelly, you suffer from what I see as THE American fatal flaw – NAIVETE. We lack basic wisdom most obviously in whom we place our trust – today, mostly in all things COMMUNIST.
We believe communist governments “are just like us.” But they are not just like us, they are atheistic, without any Judeo-Christian virtues. They are always bad – totally untrustworthy.
So, when you engage in hyperbolic attacks on Trump, think about who he’s dealing with. The point of his spear may miss the mark sometimes but at least it’s pointed in the right direction.
A few words in response to Pat Collins.
Hi Pat,
Trump is simply demanding that votes be cast only by American citizens. Only Democrats object to this commonsense requirement.
Russia, China, and North Korea are lethal enemies, not just competitors. Those who disagree with this demand are (as above) NAÏVE!
On election day just remember that it was the Democratic Party that escorted 20-million illegal aliens into our country never to be escorted out. Your opinion will no doubt change when drones begin falling on New York and Los Angeles.

August 20, 2026
Email problems with Realities this week, hopefully to return next week.

A response to Kelly Scoles letter:
Hi Kelly, I did not mean to cause you grief with my endorsement of our Selective Service. I grew up in a time when serving in the military was a badge of honor, when a young man saw a duty to defend his country. Five of my brothers, as well as myself, served in the military, I believe all volunteered. My oldest brother served 4 years in the Marines, next oldest 4 in the Air force, I, in the Army, 3 years, the other two in the Army, 3 years each. The Vietnam War changed everything. It was an honorable thing to do.
The world had changed when I got out, that war was in its infancy and had already enticed college students (particularly at UC) to violently resist the war and the draft. Must honestly admit that I had a free-floating hatred for those privileged proto communists. The killing had just begun in Laus with Green Barets. It only consumed America for some 12 years. There is no point giving my opinion on the war itself.
Kelly, I have never before witnessed your ability to cram so much falsehood and historical confusion into a single paragraph as you have done this week. That’s a skill I hope to avoid.
Let’s lose this Gordan knot of misapprehension.
You say: “Did you give a single thought to what that means to our young men and their families…” Actually Kelly, I am preoccupied with today’s wars and their victims in Ukraine and Iran. You might notice the photo I ran of 4-year-old, Kristina, killed with the rest of her family while living in their high-rise apartment in Ukraine by a Russian missile, on Christmas Eve, 2025. I follow the wars closely every day.
I was not defending Trump’s behavior, just saying that you should not be surprised.
You mention “Trump’s enthrallment with Conquests of Choice?” The words “Conquests of choice” are falsely applied here. Self-defense and defense of others are not synonymous with “conquests”. Trump’s comments on Canada and Greenland are bizarre and not to be taken seriously. As for your comments on “Blessed are the Peacemakers.” (and indeed He is my Lord and Savior), you should read carefully the context of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:9). It’s not always possible to keep the peace. Often evil men are determined to make war regardless of consequences – like Russia and Iran today. Jesus was not making an absolute command. And at these times Free Men have sacred obligation to help rescue the innocent.
I would also recommend that you read more of those Marian Apparitions I often note. There are two contexts in which Mary warns of war; the satanic and the natural. God does punish his creatures with war for His justice, and we creators are responsible as well. This time around Mary is warning of what is ahead (if we don’t repent). And you are correct Kelly when you say “war is what the Marian Apparitions warned against. She is warning right now.
By the way, the Apparitions warn us specifically of a massive attack on Europe by Russia. It’s hard for me to believe, because at this time Russia seems enfeebled by Ukraine’s ingenious drone attacks, but I do, because by every measure of warfare Ukraine has been beating the life out of Russia through its remarkable home-made drone attacks.
We will see something huge in 2026. Time to pray for those peacemakers.

A large headline on August 1, reads “Thousands in Amsterdam for boisterous WorldPride in shadow of Berlin attack”. It fits perfectly with Marian Apparition prophecies of imminent catastrophic war. France and the Netherlands are among several European nations who mock eternal truth in this especially infamous way. Those who I find worthy of belief say the remainder of 2026 will be noteworthy.
****
A quick response to Kelly’s letter.
Hi again Kelly,
Your first paragraph reference to the Man of La Mancha is appropriate because the Netherlands has windmills like Spain, and both the lowlands and Spain are mentioned in the Apparitions. However, I don’t understand the last part of that paragraph. You state something about my “…sacred state politically and theologically, for there can be no doubts or disputes in certainty. I can understand the attraction, but for the possibility of error.” As for my theological understanding, the “conclusive evidence” I hold, Truth in Christianity, is absolute. And you’re right in stating “there can be no doubts or disputes in this (Christian) Gospel certainty.” Error is not possible because Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and, He tells us that we are either with Him or against Him. I don’t understand your comment on “sentient life”. Humans are most powerfully sentient and are accurately identified as “sentient’- self-knowing sentient beings. But so is slime mold, at a somewhat lower level. “Slime molds show smart behavior like solving mazes, finding the shortest paths to food, and predicting events without a brain or nervous system.” Of course, what distinguishes humans is the fact that we are “created in the image and likeness of Almighty God.” Genesis 1:26: “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…’”.
You say Trump “is infamously incapable of reconsidering a position…”. It seems to me his reconsidering of a position is exactly what he has recently done in offering Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot Missiles one day, then changing his mind the next. This reconsideration is truly infamous.
As for Trump’s “luxurious lifestyle” – He’s a billionaire! Do you know any humble billionaires? Although, I admit I hate all the gold he has slathered all over the White House.
As for reintroduction of the draft, I’m all for it.

Computer trouble has cut my time again. Just a brief comment on Kelly Scoles’ letter.
Hi Kelly. One issue that often confronts me when answering liberal letters to the editor is a lack of clarity, for example contradictions. I saw several such stumbling blocks this week. Take for example a failure to understand that we are debating from two distinct points of view, Christian and agnostic.
You say, “life is a gift.” True enough. If so, who is the Giver? Also, it is supremely unique, not “shared” in any meaningful way with rocks.
Kelly, I have run out of time but would like to answer your letter next week because it contains so many essential questions. My apologies because I only had a few minutes.
Thanks for writing; see you next week.

Well, I can no longer say I’ve never taken a vacation. I guess my column has been gone three or so weeks. I’m about half-way to my 88th birthday and I just needed a breather. I also need time to re-locate friends and relatives I have neglected for several years, too long to be satisfied with an apology. Circumstances suggested a sort of monastic structure was best for me. Now, however, I want to reconnect with my close friends and relatives while my Lord allows.
****
A brief response to Kelly Scoles’ letter.
Thank you, Kelly, for keeping your letter short. I will try to do the same in the future. With two major wars to deal with, promising escalation to global scale, raw political controversy doesn’t interest me.
I have always written Realities from a personal-conservative perspective, largely Catholic, with respect for most other points of view. But I am grounded in my religious faith and even the shrewdest logic to the contrary cannot persuade me otherwise. It should not be long before I am subjected to the four “last things”, death, judgment, Heaven or Hell. And it is perfectly appropriate for a man of my age to favor this discussion while worrying about those who choose the calamitous rejection of Almighty God. Christians are dutybound to pray for their conversion.
And so, Kelly, I can at least agree with your last sentence “…war is growing, world-wide…” while pointing out that Iran’s military has been so physically destroyed that no meaningful remnant can be found (emphasis on “meaningful”). But the Iran war will continue, joined by Russia, North Korea, and Muslim nations, ending with a tactical nuke. This, according to Marian prophecies which I find worthy of belief.
In this nation of free speech and free will I can understand why those who reject God and all spiritual and eternal things treat my beliefs as nonsense. This has always been the essential part of the eternal war around faith, reason and the Gospel. For Christians there is no contradiction here, all three manifest Truth, pointing to the Savior Jesus Christ.

4th of July week in Fillmore was filled with a swarm of activity, with the car show, park festival, beer garden and chili cook-off. The Gazette captured lots of photos for our readers, pages 1, 2, 10, and online at www.FillmoreGazette.com. I happily relinquish my Realities for this week to make room, but will return with a roar next week.

A brief response to Pat Collins’ comment. She says, “Denial takes a lot of energy”.
Thanks, Pat. That revelation makes me better understand your lack of ideas this week. You must be truly exhausted. Get a little rest so we can hear from you next week.
****
Hi Kelly,
You should be content that I mostly agree with your assessment of the recent Iran war agreement. Trump is not the man to negotiate with the enemy. In my opinion the terms are so fundamentally flawed it’s not worth wasting words to defend it. Abomination! As for getting rid of Trump, I agree with President Lincoln’s statement about General Grant after the battle of Shiloh; “I can’t spare this man, He fights.”
****
We should all be congratulating Ukraine on its now obvious road to victory in that war. Ukraine has the largest, strongest military in Europe with the smartest, most innovating, and determined leadership. They are saving Europe from Russia. Having overcome extraordinary odds, the West owes Ukraine a salute, an apology, and stronger support. Absent nuclear intervention, Ukraine will win that war. Not enough is said about the war, which is inviting WWIII.

A brief hello to Kelly and Pat.
Once again, I will beg off the debate. I just don’t feel very energetic. However, I invite anyone wishing to communicate with the Gazette’s editor by mail to do so. It makes for a more interesting paper. It also gives that person a free shot.
****
Just a few quick notes.
It appears to me that Iran has been devastated by the US and Israel. But I think that war should continue. Despite current appearances, I believe Iran and its diabolical-terrorist cohort, Russia, suffer the same Energy and Economic Vulnerability, catastrophic military attrition, severe domestic labor shortages, and systemic corruption. Despite current conditions, both nations will soon cooperate with Islamic powers to invite nuclear war. I know it sounds crazy, but there is nothing unusual about crazy enemies because they all want to play god.

I must ask my readers, once again, to excuse me from my usual job of manufacturing the REALITIES column. I am just getting older.
I thank Kelly, Pat and Jean for their welcome contributions. Please keep the letters coming. I just don’t have the juice today.
****
I will just say that Russia is clearly losing the war they started. Iran is also losing the war it started 47 years ago. I believe this year will be critical for both.
Hope to see you next week.

A response to Kelly Scoles’ letter.
Hello again Kelly,
I’m surprised reading this week’s complaint about the “editor can select the number of topics in a LTTE (LETTER TO EDITOR).”
Kelly, this is a fundamental editing job. Otherwise, havoc rules. It is necessary for me to decide what topics are debated and the scope of debate. You say, “If the Editor can select the number of topics in a LTTE, as well as the actual subject, the LTTE becomes an “assignment” for me those days are over.” For me, those days are over. There is no need for me to discuss the Cuba situation this week, as you cherry-picked it thoroughly in last week’s deflective and diversionary non-response.
Frankly, Kelly, I am bored to death with non-stop potshots at Trump. We are in a war, that captures my attention most of all. Letters to the Gazette have been given the widest possible freedom over the years. You may continue to write on issues that interest you, but they may not be of interest to the editor. Your first paragraph is ambiguous. Please clarify.
Thanks.

Thank you to both letter-writers, Kelly Scoles and Pat Collins. I will limit my response as I mentioned last week.
I ask that we all address the important issue of quasi-communist Cuba next week (only 90-miles off Florida). It will be refreshing to switch to a different but similarly strategically threatening issue. The US has shown weakness and naivete in ignoring Cuba as potential nuclear threat since the era of President Kennedy. Cuba is impotent now, but can, as we have witnessed historically, be empowered with nuclear weapons quickly by the likes of Russia, China, even North Korea.
Hello Kelly Scoles,
If Russia were not nearly bankrupt, North Korea as well, their military presence would be massively greater on the island today. But we should not dismiss what armaments are still there. Keep in mind that even North Korea’s Dog Patch military has many submarines: “North Korea maintains one of the largest submarine fleets in the world, with intelligence estimates placing its total fleet at roughly 64 to 86 vessels.” They even have one “boomer”.
The people of Cuba live wretched lives, short of every common benefit like food, oil, transportation, and a Christian education system, but most of all FREEDOM to access these things, which Americans take for granted. We need to free Cuba. After that, prosperity would be explosive. That would be the easiest of Trump triumphs and the most immediately appreciated. Several excellent books describe in detail the same wretched, murderous atheistic misery forced on Cubans who long for liberation from their criminal captors. It is the same bloody captivity Lenin and Stalin offered up in 1917, and Russia, China and North Korea exploit today.
For those who despise Donald Trump for many of his arguably triumphalist foreign policy attitudes, I ask, would it at least be fair to balance those attitudes with turning the Western hemisphere back away from the Communist East, and the military castration of Iran, greatest terrorist nation in the world?
I still believe in a great oncoming nuclear war because our enemies need it and their leaders can’t psychologically survive defeat, the foundational cause being spiritual, not natural. I believe it is worthy to believe that our time is more evil than that of the Flood, and we are about to receive the Chastisement. I reference The Warning.
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Hello Pat Collins,
I am very curious to understand all the money games being played in the world today. Fraud of every kind moves the world. I would like to see a global FBI created with the most powerful AI investigative electronics available. However, our culture is so thoroughly corrupt I don’t believe we could staff such an organization with trustworthy people. The cure is prayer and repentance – but most of human culture is now atheist, communist, or just anti Judeo Christian and laugh at the faith they see as medieval nonsense. They can’t imagine something so sublime as eternity.

Hello everyone. Sorry to have missed two weeks of Realities recently. Age has limited my work time. I just can’t seem to stay awake, so I took a short vacation.
To help remedy my sleep problem, starting next week, I plan to answer only one issue per Realities. Anyone is welcome to ask multiple questions but only one will be answered by me.
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A response to Kelly Scoles’ letter.
Hi Kelly, sorry for the short notice on limited future responses. I believe you had 20 questions in your letter. That’s just too many for me these days but keep them coming for everyone.
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You castigate Trump for his continual flattering of world dictators.
My response here must be a statement of agreement for the most part. I support Trump because his temperament suits the kind of man needed to convince our enemies (Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran) that we will use deadly force if pushed. We no longer kick the can down the road nor respond weakly to deadly threats. The most recent example of our new-found assertiveness is the 90% destruction of Iran’s military. Though not fast enough, he is also stockpiling munitions because he knows serious fighting is ahead. Trump’s strikes upon our enemies, though I personally disagree with the flattery, are balanced by the effectiveness of these attacks.
I guess most Gazette readers know of my belief in Marian Apparitions which divides some of the Catholic Church, and other churches. Believe in these apparitions (not as dogma) but as being “worthy of belief” is purely mystical. Hostilities in Europe and Asia are developing precisely as predicted in great detail.