Sunday • November 2 • 2025
Vol.XVII • No.XLIV
Manchester, N.H.
As protests in Iran persist, demanding greater freedom and a transition to democracy, the United States needs to reflect on its past actions, particularly about Iran, and decide on a course of action. To clarify, The Iranian people have been yearning for change, and the United States must stand firmly with them.
So, let us evaluate the U.S.’s past and present policies toward Iran with some practical advice for the current administration. We will also try to critically examine former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s role in the rise of Shiite Islam in Iran and praise President Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. Furthermore, let this serve as a warning against supporting groups like the Mujahidin Khalgh (MEK) while advocating for support for secular Iranians and condemning the Iran nuclear deal for its hidden perils.
The Iranian Uprising: A Cry for FreedomProtests have been raging in Iran for over a year, ignited by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, who was arrested for the perceived violation of Iran’s strict hijab laws. The following protests have become a massive movement, demanding greater freedoms and a complete change in the country’s leadership. Many protesters chanted, ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ —a famous rallying cry after nationwide protests erupted following Amini’s death last year. As the world watches these brave Iranians struggle for a better future, it becomes abundantly clear that they support their cause more actively. Doing so is not just a matter of principle; it’s a strategic imperative for regional peace and stability.
Encouraging International SupportThe United States should lead the charge in rallying international support for the Iranian protesters. Diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, and targeted measures against Iranian officials and entities involved in repression, censorship, and prison abuses should be employed. By taking the lead, the U.S. can encourage its European allies and other nations to join a unified front, sending a clear message to the Iranian regime.
A Democratic Movement in IranA popular democratic movement in Iran is desirable and necessary to bring about lasting change. The Islamic Republic’s oppressive regime is incompatible with the aspirations of the Iranian people. Our responsibility is to aid in the transition to a more democratic, representative government that respects the rule of law and individual rights.
Young Iranians, mainly the urban-educated Iranians, are among the most ardent believers in democracy worldwide. Many view America as the country with the best hope for spreading and protecting the high ideals of democracy. In a sense, many Iranians feel a closer affinity with a democratic Israel than all the neighboring Arab Muslim dictatorships. Although Islam was imposed on Iran some 1400 years ago, Iranians deeply value their ancient non-Arab identity and have never fully surrendered to the Arab culture. During the bloodletting war initiated by the late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein against Iran, all Arab states sided with the Butcher of Baghdad against Iran. Yet, Israel was the only Middle Eastern country that remained neutral and helped Iran in the struggle. We Iranians don’t forget our friends, and we also remember our enemies.
Economic MeasuresThe United States should reconsider sanctions regulations that impede Iran’s interaction with international financial institutions, as such restictions may inadvertently harm the Iranian people. Instead, the U.S. should establish a fund dedicated to supporting the Iranian protest movement and promoting economic stability in the country during this period of upheaval. It is good that the US has imposed sanctions on Iranian officials and entities connected to the repression of protests, censorship, and prison abuses.
Amplifying Support through MediaProtesters in Iran rely heavily on the internet for communication and organization. The U.S. should take measures to facilitate greater access to the Internet for the Iranian people. This empowers them to organize more effectively and allows them to communicate with the outside world, shedding light on the situation inside Iran and garnering international support.
The Obama FiascoWhen Obama went on his apology world tour, bad-mouthing the United States and singing the praises of Islam and internationalism, he showed vacillation and weakness at every turn. For one, he did not even find it in himself to voice his support for the brave Iranians against the rule of fascist mullahs in the 2009 Green Revolution.
The results: Thousands of democracy’s best children of Iran were slaughtered, maimed, or imprisoned, and the Iranian mullahs are encouraged and have tripled their speed in the quest for their ultimate weapon, knowing full well that you neither can nor will do anything to stop them.
He failed to voice his support for the people. It implied that what was happening in Iran was a kind of family dispute best left to be settled by the Iranians themselves. A family feud indeed. One side of the “family” with legions of savages armed to the teeth, the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and their hired thugs, and the other side of the “family” defenseless civilians using their voices to plead their case. The Islamic rulers spared no heinous means in mercilessly silencing the people’s representatives.
Today, the IRGC possesses an enormous power structure with influence over almost every aspect of Iranian life. Unlike the regular armed forces responsible for defending Iran’s territory, the IRGC was explicitly designed to protect the Islamic revolution itself and eavesdrop on the regular military. Khomeini never trusted the regular army.
No nation provided even moral support for the Iranian people, while the savage mullahs and their thugs consolidated their rule of terror with impunity. The same scenario is recurring, and the world’s silence is deafening while we are engaged in the Ukraine war.
Carter’s Legacy and the Rise of the Islamic TerrorismIt is impossible to discuss Iran’s tumultuous history without evaluating the role of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. His tenure oversaw a turbulent period in Iran’s history, ultimately leading to the rise of Shiite Islam and the establishment of the Islamic Republic. Carter’s actions, or lack thereof, are attributable to the birth of a regime that has caused immeasurable death, suffering, and turmoil, particularly during the Iran-Iraq war. The heavy toll of hundreds of thousands of Iranian lives lost in that conflict is a painful reminder of the consequences of policies that failed to support the Iranian people.
As President Carter dithered, Khomeini’s influence grew, and his message of Islamic revolution resonated with the Muslim population seeking an alternative to the Shah’s regime. The Carter administration’s failure to understand the dynamics of the Iranian opposition and its inability to support pro-democracy forces ultimately contributed to the rise of the Islamic Republic.
The upheavals of 1979 shattered the existing order, and a turbaned charlatan that Jimmy Carter called a saint, Ayatollah Khomeini, skillfully steered the forces of change to promote his brand of totalitarian rule—a rule aimed at taking Iran backward to a primitive, violent, and misogynistic society.
Carter made a bone-headed decision some forty-five years ago. Both Iranians and Americans paid dearly and continue to pay.
The Trump Administration’s Bold Move: Withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear DealIn stark contrast to Carter’s legacy, the Trump administration made a crucial decision in May 2018, withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and reinstating sanctions. This move was not merely an act of political bravado; it was a statement that the Iranian regime, with its history of deception, violence, and religious fanaticism, could not be trusted. It marked a turning point in U.S. policy toward Iran, reflecting an understanding of the true nature of the Islamic Republic.
The Iran Nuclear Deal: A Flawed BargainThe Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was touted as a diplomatic achievement that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. However, it had significant flaws. Under the JCPOA, Iran was allowed to continue its nuclear program, albeit with certain limitations. While proponents argued that these restrictions would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, critics rightly pointed out that it allowed Iran to maintain its nuclear infrastructure, setting the stage for a potential breakout once the restrictions expired.
Moreover, the deal did little to address Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region. Iran supported proxy groups, such as Hezbollah, and incited violence in neighboring countries. The influx of funds resulting from sanctions relief further emboldened Iran’s aggressive regional behavior.
The Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the deal recognized these shortcomings and stated that the United States would not disregard Iran’s destabilizing actions.
Beware of Cultish Groups: Rejecting the MEKWhile we acknowledge the need to support the Iranian people, we must heed the warnings of history and avoid supporting groups like the Mujahidin Khalgh (MEK). We must discern our choices and not inadvertently back an organization that could harm the people it claims to represent.
The MEK, considered a terrorist organization, has a dark militant history and a controversial reputation. While it claims to advocate for democracy and freedom in Iran, it has been criticized for its cult-like practices and authoritarian leadership. Supporting such a group could have unintended consequences, potentially undermining the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people.
As we acknowledge the need to support the Iranian people, it is vital to heed the warnings of history and avoid supporting groups like the Mujahidin Khalgh (MEK). “The MEK is not a valid player on the Iranian political scene. They have no credibility in Iran,” warns Ryan Crocker, former US Ambassador to Iraq.
I must strongly warn my fellow Americans not to repeat President Jimmy Carter’s monumental folly that brought the infamous Ayatollah Khomeini to power and birthed Islamist jihadism by standing behind Maryam Rajavi, the leader of the notorious Mujahidin-e Khalq or (MEK), the most dangerous terrorist group that even abused and murdered their members for trying to defect or escape from Camp Ashraf in Iraq. It would be equivalent to betraying the ideals of America—the flag holder of freedom in the world.
Secular Iranians are our True AlliesThe path forward lies in championing the cause of secular Iranians, the United States’ best friends in the Islamic world. Their vision for a democratic Iran, where individual rights and freedoms are respected, aligns with our values and interests. We must throw our full support behind them in their quest for a brighter future.
The protests in Iran have revealed the Iranian people’s unwavering determination for a better future in which they enjoy the same rights and freedoms that citizens of free nations often take for granted. It is our responsibility as the United States, a beacon of democracy and liberty, to support their aspirations.
While history contains valuable lessons, the present moment calls for a bold, resolute stance. We must rally behind the Iranian people, drawing from our past experiences to navigate the complex landscape of Iranian politics. By standing with the Iranian people in their pursuit of democracy and freedom, we can help pave the way for a more peaceful Middle East.
The time for action is now, and the United States must seize the opportunity to be a force for good in Iran and beyond. In doing so, we can ensure that the tragic mistakes of the past are not repeated and that the Iranian people can finally achieve the freedoms they so desperately desire.
Final noteOnce the Islamic regime is defeated, it would be the greatest thing since the fall of Soviet communism. It would subvert virulent Islamic ideology by creating a truly democratic, secular, strong nation in tandem with Israeli democracy in the heart of the Islamic Ummah. It would be an answered prayer just as much for the world as for Iranians.
The post The Key to Peace In the Middle East Rests With The Iranian People appeared first on Granite Grok.
The temporary restraining order against hyperbolic fiscal disaster narratives is ending. The stopgap expires on November 17th. Elected officials, bureaucrats, talking heads, and empty heads will be prognosticating doom if America can’t find a way to fund the general government.
In other words, in two weeks, the government will Shutdown unless Congress manages to do its job. And if you think that’s something members of Congress want, you’d be correct. But they shouldn’t, not because of the lies about the vulnerable. Nothing critical stops working, and everyone else gets a paid vacation unless they don’t work for the government.
Air travel, tourism, medical research and many other sectors that rely on government services are greatly hampered by shutdowns. The last government shutdown, lasting 35 days in 2018, cost the economy an estimated $11 billion.
Whether you believe that or not, someone had an idea. What if we passed a law that eliminated the hyperbolic circus of shutdown narratives and forced Congress to get the job done? Pass appropriations bills, preferably clean and by the department. New Hampshire Democrat Senator Maggie Hassan signed on to a bipartisan proposal that tried to do that.
Upon a lapse in government funding, the bill would implement an automatic continuing resolution (CR), on rolling 14-day periods, based on the most current spending levels enacted in the previous fiscal year. This would prevent a shutdown and continue critical services and operations.
During the covered period of an automatic CR, the following restrictions are put in place:
- No taxpayer-funded travel allowances for official business (except one flight to return to Washington, DC) for the following:
- White House OMB staff and leadership
- Members of the House and Senate
- Committee and personal staff of the House and Senate
- No official funds may be used for CODEL or STAFFDEL travel
- No use of campaign funds by congressional offices to supplement official duties or travel expenses
- No motions to recess or adjourn in the House/Senate for a period or more than 23 hours
In addition, under the bill, no other votes would be in order in the House and Senate unless they pertain to passage of the appropriations bills or mandatory quorum calls in the Senate. However, after 30 days under the automatic CR, certain expiring authorization bills and executive calendar nominations would be eligible for consideration on the Senate floor, including a nomination for a Justice of the Supreme Court or a Cabinet Secretary, and narrow reauthorization legislation for programs operating under an authorization that has already expired or will expire within the next 30 days.
These restrictions can be waived by a two-thirds vote in either chamber but not for longer than seven days.
Hassan, an otherwise reliable rubber stamp for Team Donkey, said
“Government shutdowns waste taxpayer dollars and put our nation at risk, and we need to avoid them whenever possible,” said Hassan. “This commonsense bill incentivizes Congress to fund the government on time and ensures that there is a plan in place to protect families and our economy if Congress cannot come to agreement.”
I can’t say if it was a clean bill. That someone didn’t pack something untoward within its pages to kill it, but it died. It needed 60 votes to pass, but only nine Democrats would join every Republican to support it. Senator Hassan voted yes for her bill, but the Granite State’s Senior Senator, Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, was a no. I checked the latter’s Senate website but could not find a statement on the legislation or the vote, but Jeanne voted with the majority of her party.
They voted for hyperbolic shutdown antics instead of a requirement that they, Congress, stop using the budget process to score political points.
That’s worth knowing the next time Senator Shaheen sidles up to a microphone to badger her Republican colleagues about politicizing the process.
They all voted yes to stop doing that. She voted no.
The post Sen. Shaheen Votes No on Sen. Hassan’s “Cure” for Government Shutdowns appeared first on Granite Grok.
New York Attorney General Letitia James accuses Trump, his sons, and Trump Organization executives of engaging in a decade-long scheme to defraud lenders by inflating Trump’s net worth. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that these charges are baseless and appear politically motivated.
Let us explore key reasons why these allegations lack substance and highlight the potential for their use as a tool to smear Trump’s reputation.
One of the central allegations in this trial is that Trump and his associates used “false and misleading” financial statements to secure more favorable loan terms. However, it is crucial to distinguish between aggressive business practices and fraudulent intent. Trump’s alleged inflated valuations of assets can be attributed to his shrewd business acumen. Real estate values often vary and are subject to interpretation, making differing valuations familiar in the industry. The prosecution must demonstrate that Trump and his associates deliberately misled lenders and not simply that they had different assessments of asset values.
“No bank was affected. No bank was hurt” ~ Donald J Trump.It is essential to emphasize that the charges against Trump and The Trump Organization are civil, not criminal. In a civil trial, the burden of proof is considerably lower than in a criminal case. The prosecution merely needs to show that specific actions occurred and that they were fraudulent without having to prove malicious intent. This lower standard for evidence makes it easier for allegations to be brought forward but does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing.
It is challenging to overlook the political context of these charges. Attorney General Letitia James campaigned on a “get Trump” platform, openly expressing her intentions to target the former president.
Accusations against a former president should be grounded in solid evidence and not serve to settle political scores.
However, it is heartening to note that, led by the experienced tax attorney Sheri Dillon, this legal team has been vigorously challenging the charges, relentlessly emphasizing contradictions in key witness Michael Cohen’s testimony and pushing for a verdict to end the case. So far. The defense team has been excellently fighting these allegations despite the challenges they face and the controversy surrounding Judge Arthur Engoron’s decision to deny the request for dismissal.
Cohen’s testimony, where he claimed to have manipulated the values of Trump’s real estate properties to match what Trump told him, has been a critical point of contention. The defense team has astutely highlighted the inconsistencies in Cohen’s statements, raising questions about the reliability of his testimony. These contradictions cast doubt on the credibility of a pivotal witness and underscore the importance of a thorough and unbiased examination of the evidence.
The defense team’s request for a verdict to “end this case once and for all” reflects their determination to expedite the trial and resolve it. This strategy aims to minimize the prolonged legal battle, which can be financially and emotionally draining. It also signals their confidence in dismantling the allegations and lack of concrete evidence against Trump and his organization.
Judge Arthur Engoron’s decision to deny the request for dismissal has drawn criticism from Trump’s defense team. They argue that the judge’s decision suggests bias against Trump.
The real impact of this trial is on the Democrat Party. Continuing to pursue these allegations, they are only digging deeper into their corruption and hypocrisy.
From the Mueller investigation to multiple impeachment trials and the constant scrutiny of Trump’s actions, these ongoing legal battles and quests against Donald Trump have become emblematic of the unyielding focus on the actual president by his political adversaries.
The American people have witnessed an unending series of investigations and trials against Donald Trump and have grown weary of the relentless political battles. They see this trial as another politically motivated attack on a popular president among a substantial segment of the electorate. They see this only as an extension of the broader “deep state” conspiracy, which asserts that powerful forces are working against Trump.
The history of American politics reveals that adversarial attacks against a political figure can often galvanize their supporters. In the case of Donald Trump, the civil fraud trial may further cement the loyalty of his base. His ability to withstand several investigations and problems during his presidency has made many perceive him as a resilient and unwavering leader.
At a time when the world is in torment and uncertain, the American people—true to the values that have always been at the core of America’s identity—firmly put their faith in President Trump.
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Vermont has a Democrat majority legislature and a governor who, while registered as a Republican, could use some basic instruction on what that means. As proof, he has just come out and touted his state’s red flag law as a s model for America.
The red flag law passed by the state Legislature five years ago allows a judge to temporarily remove a gun from a person who is believed to pose a danger to themselves or others.
Scott says he’s not certain that such a law would have prevented the recent mass shooting in Maine, which does not have its own red flag law. But he says he supports the passage of a national version.
“We’re ahead of many states in terms of what we did back in 2018, but I think it’s time for this to be a national conversation with other states on another level and to adopt some of the red flag laws that we’ve gone ahead with,” Scott says.
Vermont has experienced record numbers of homicides in recent years. In October of 2023, they had 8 of them. In 2022, there were twenty-five, and this year could match that, three times the number in 2021.
I don’t suppose that is the law’s fault, and if we are honest, that was never the intention. Job one was to set a precedent for abrogating due process rights. Red Flag laws do that, and it is the only reason Democrats advance them with an understanding that at least a few who favor the political Left have no idea that this is the point.
Once you have justified denying due process rights for any reason, you can expand that infringement—incrementalism with the goal of making the people servants of the government’s will.
We have a similar tactic from the Left here in New Hampshire. Democrats pretend to be concerned about high property taxes. Yes, they are high, but that keeps the total tax burden low. The Granite State consistently has one of the lowest real tax burdens in the country. Our Dems decry high property taxes to justify a new or expanded state-level executive branch office of taxation. Once in place, this mechanism can grow to collect broad-based taxes anywhere, everywhere, and as often as the Governor or Legislature can imagine.
Democrats never lower spending. Taxes can only go up, so any exhortation to the contrary is a bald-faced lie.
The idea that red flag laws will lower violent crime or gun crime is also a lie, but it gets repeated without regard for anything approaching the truth. But everywhere they are implemented, the only thing that disappears is natural rights. Crime and violent death always rise.
Vermont is – if anything – a model for that.
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A year ago, I believed I would likely be voting for Ron DeSantis. Today, not a chance. The DeSantis campaign has been one of the most inept in history AND, rather than improving, it is getting worse.
The latest? His handlers put him on MSNBC, which in and of itself is a stupid move, and DeSantis exacerbated the stupidity by pandering to the extremist hosts, more particularly by accepting the absurd premise that the political persecutions of Trump are legitimate prosecutions and disqualifying if Trump is found guilty:
Just wow – instead of confronting Geist over his description of charges against Trump (convicted of overturning 2020 election?) and overall weaponization of DOJ to target Trump and his supporters, DeSantis grovels for approval from MSNBC crew. What a disappointment he is. https://t.co/rlIKWEk7sf
— Julie Kelly (@julie_kelly2) November 2, 2023
What DeSantis and his supporters ignore is the fact this same DOJ would be investigating and possibly indicting him for a number of imaginary crimes (like using state funds to kidnap migrants) if he was 40 points ahead.
He should consider himself lucky that’s not the case. https://t.co/oJpQ6BU08q
— Julie Kelly (@julie_kelly2) November 2, 2023
Is DeSantis running for the Democrat nomination? If not, his recitation of false and deranged left-wing talking points denying the total corruption of DOJ and FBI make absolutely zero sense.
Such a great governor, and such a terrible candidate. https://t.co/T8z9GUNgjG
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) November 2, 2023
Trump is being judged by DC and NYC juries where 80% vote Democrat
He will not get fair justice and will likely be convicted in some of these show trials
He’ll then appeal where his odds of a fair hearing go way up and these rulings will be overturned
DeSantis knows this but… https://t.co/Bj3qFrHWMp
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) November 2, 2023
The Rick Scott endorsement of Trump has the whole DeSantis campaign melting down.
He’s imploding. https://t.co/y5TlIokKKP
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) November 2, 2023
What was DeSantis even thinking with that MSNBC interview? How could he not use that as an opportunity to speak out about our govt being weaponized against the American people? Truly crazy to me
— Jack Poso (@JackPosobiec) November 2, 2023
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We’ve connected with someone who appears to have two passions: memes and poetry. You will have already seen a few of the memes. I directed him to Nitzakhon, who will share them at his discretion. So, what about the poetry?
I went through this phase during high school, where I tried my hand at expressing myself through poetry. Back then, we couldn’t just change our gender. We had to explore reality, which – while the poetry was pretty bad – no one lost any parts or organs or was poisoned by chemicals meant to give one the appearance of something other than what they were.
Unlike gender transition, poetry is something kids are free to explore – in my opinion. Bad poetry is not just for adults. And good poetry is for everyone if you know what you like. While I have no issues grasping imagery or an of the other creative elements, poetry is not something I typically pursue, but someone asked me to check theirs out, and I did.
Some of it is political and some not, so I’ll lay some of it on you, man (fingers snapping in the background) – and you can let us know what you think.
A Leftist Rebukes HamasHey, Hamas, you silly dolts,
You need to mow down more adults.
Keep fighting for your patch of sand,
Since Jews do not deserve the land,
But chopping off their babies’ heads
And slashing children in their beds?
You really need to be more subtle;
To succeed, you must befuddle.
Convince the unborn babies’ mothers
That nothing counts more than their ’druthers
And children are a dungeon chain
Forcing women’s toil and pain.
Convince them that it’s not alive
Until you see its face arrive
And anyone who disagrees
Hates women and ignores their pleas
(The usual apologetics).
Delegate the death to medics
Who live by an assassin’s dictum:
Kill when none can see the victim!
By pro-choice tactics, you may choose
A better way to kill the Jews,
But should you choose the final solution
Applied to France’s Revolution,
We still will stand up for your side
While your land is occupied.
Behead in public or abort—
The right to either, we’ll support.
One more…
The Rabbibased on a true story from the 1995 talk
“Men and Marriage” by Rabbi Daniel Lapin
A rabbi in an airplane row
Sat by a famous Communist
And two young men who seemed to know
The rabbi’s needs, the foods he missed.
His feet swelled up like sausage links,
So they replaced his shoes with slippers.
They gave him sandwiches and drinks,
The envy of the other trippers.
The Communist, observing this,
Said, “Rabbi, I am quite impressed:
In no way are your sons remiss—
They give to you their very best!”
“My sons?” The rabbi shook his head.
“It’s my disciples you just saw,
But if my sons were here instead,
You’d really look at them in awe!”
The Communist sat there and wept.
“I have four sons, ungrateful bunch!
My teachings, none of them have kept,
And they would never make me lunch!”
The rabbi said, “They heed your words,
They keep your ways. You can’t escape
What all their lives from you they heard:
Their father’s one step more an ape!
“Just as a horse obeys a man,
All lower life-forms must respect
A higher one, so by your plan,
Such thinking’s what their acts reflect.
“I’ve taught my sons about creation;
I’ve taught them through God’s Holy Word:
One step toward Adam’s generation
Is one step closer to the Lord!”
The Communist just turned away;
He said no more and gave no nod.
Our tale ends here, but still I pray
He may have later turned to God.
And the author.
Joshua C. Frank works in the field of statistics and lives near Austin, Texas. His poetry has been published in Snakeskin, The Lyric, Sparks of Calliope, Westward Quarterly, Atop the Cliffs, Verse Virtual, and The Asahi Haikuist Network, and his short fiction has been published in Nanoism.”
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