You will have heard the news by now. Americans For Prosperity – the National mothership, not the local state groups – has endorsed warmonger Nikki ‘No Free Speech‘ Haley as their Insider of choice to keep Donald Trump from his all but certain nomination.

They would have been better off choosing DeSantis (Trump was never an option), but no. Nikki Haley, this Koch is for you. And it has not played well everywhere, including inside NH’s chapter of AFP. Former Grokster Chris Maidment took to X on December 1st to profess his outrage.

 

There’s a high likelihood I get fired for this, and I didn’t clean out my desk today, but here goes…

I joined @AFPhq and @AFP_NH because we were a principle based organization. 

I found them, almost accidentally, in 2017 when I was a keyboard warrior with no influence.

My wife, my 6-week-old baby, and I, ultimately attended. We found common cause and common allies. Folks that were dedicated to the same cause we were — making NH and America more free. 

Years of volunteering untimately led to a job. But not a job, a passion that paid.

A cause to fight for while still being able to supply for my family. A dream come true. 

I’ve disagreed with @AFPhq over the years on a number of things — COVID, for one — but ultimately believed that @AFPhq and @AFP_NH was such a force and principled enought that it was a place to stake my career. 

Earlier this week, we learned the opposite.

@NikkiHaley might have momentum, and she may even pull off the impossible and win the nomination, but with @AFPAction’s endorsement, I’ve lost all faith in @AFPhq. 

Nikki Haley is totally sideways on @AFPhq ‘s foreign policy stance. She’s anti free speech.  I respect my colleagues, many of whom will stay and do their jobs, and work to nominate and elect Nikki Haley.  I will not. In 10, 15, 20 years I want to look my children in the eye and tell them I did the right thing. The hard thing.  … (more from the thread reader unroll here.)

 

I’ll take exception to the ‘Keyboard warrior with no influence” jab. We don’t pay writers or offer insurance, but Chris was warring with us, and while that may ot have been the influence he was hoping for, it is there, and it is real. People wouldn’t be constantly threatening to expose, cancel, or shut us down if it weren’t. Democrats in the NH legislature even sponsored a bill that would have allowed them to lawfare us into obscurity (it failed). Otherwise, Chris is over the target and dropping truth bombs on the Koch endorsement and Haley.

To be clear as Vodka, Haley was a great UN ambassador, but she turned tail on her boss when the Left turned the heat up on everyone around him. That is a fatal character flaw and not uncommon among Republicans not named Trump. A point made in spades by Patricia McCarthy in a piece titled, “The Republican Party is saturated with abject cowards.”

 

They caved on Obamacare, a disaster by every account.  Along with their partners in crime, the media, some of them perpetrated the Russia collusion hoax for years, a colossal lie from the outset. They allowed the impeachment of President Trump twice on wholly fabricated and insignificant charges.

So malleable is this Republican Party, the Democrats stole the 2020 election with impunity.

And they’ve done nothing to bring those guilty to light. Why? Because they fear Trump’s promise to “drain the swamp” every bit as much as the Democrats do.

They are all, with the exception of a treasured few, committed members of that swamp.  They refuse to stop the extravagant spending that has put us $34 trillion in debt.

They will vote to expel one of their own but do nothing about the long list of criminals that currently sit in Congress:  James Bowman, Rashida Tlaib, Robert Menendez, Cori Bush, Ilhan Omar, etc.  Each of them has committed numerous crimes that should get them expelled from office.  Will the Republicans fight back? Not a chance. The few who do speak out are shouted down, silenced. Consider how Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene are treated by their fellow Republicans.

 

That’s Haley, and it is a portrait, perhaps not of individual Republicans, but certainly of Party impotence. As McCarthy notes, if it were Democrats, they’d be doing what they are doing to President Trump.

The default response to that is, well, we don’t want to be like them. The answer to that is that you are them when you enable it.

Stop being the bystander who records the serial gang-raping of Lady Liberty on your cell phone so you can use it to get more followers on Instagram (or get re-elected ‘cuz, look at what they are doing) and get in the fight.

Doing the right thing is hard, but we’ve got more seat-warmers than warriors, and if that doesn’t change, seat-warming is the only job they’ll let you have, and what scares me is that there are plenty of Republicans who would take it.

 

 

The post Nikki Haley, This Koch is for You appeared first on Granite Grok.

In a world drowning in information, I always find myself at the crossroads of truth and deceit, only hoping to get a front-row seat to a sinister ballet orchestrated by the unseen puppeteers of the deep state. This should not be labeled as the stuff of conspiracy theories.

Still, it is a collection of tales spun from our experiences, where we understand how deep connections with the media can birth monstrous offspring – fake news, lies, and propaganda.

From the trenches of my insider vantage point, I witness how the web of relationships between the deep state and media personnel paves the way for manufacturing distorted realities. It isn’t just about sowing seeds of disinformation; it is a meticulously crafted symphony conducted by puppet masters interested in manipulating public perception.

Behind the curtains of newsrooms, “deep connections” aren’t mere networking; they are lifelines of influence. Top media personnel become conduits, willingly or unknowingly, for disseminating propaganda. Imagine a world where news isn’t a mirror reflecting reality but a canvas painted with the hues of hidden agendas.

As an unsuspecting and mostly gullible audience, navigating a landscape fraught with half-truths and calculated deception is difficult.

“Repeating a lie a thousand times gives it a veneer of truth” – is a maxim that has become the mantra of every clandestine operation. As the whisper of deception echoes through the corridors of power, it gains strength, morphing into a shrill noise that drowns dissenting voices. How many lies, I wondered, have been thus engraved in the collective consciousness, shielded by the armor of repetition?

The process always begins with creating the lie that suits the narrative of the agenda to be unleashed, which could be a false news story, a misleading statement, or a distorted fact. This lie is then spread through various channels, such as social media, blogs, and traditional media outlets. The more times the lie is repeated, the more likely it is to be believed, especially if it aligns with a person’s pre-existing beliefs or biases.

The lie is often crafted to be as plausible as possible, using techniques such as sensationalism, fear-mongering, and appeals to emotion. It may also be presented as a fact or a widely accepted truth, making it seem more credible. Once the lie has been spread, it is often difficult to disprove, especially if it aligns with a person’s beliefs or biases. This is because people tend to ignore or downplay information that contradicts their beliefs, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias. Ask yourself the question – how did this bias enter into the head in the first place? It is through a long chain of trickery that you become a player.

The news ecosystem, that intricate web connecting publishers, information, and users, becomes the battleground. “Fake news” isn’t just a buzzword but a weapon meticulously wielded to sway public opinion. The manufactured narratives don’t merely stay confined within the traditional news outlets; they permeate every corner of the digital realm, finding refuge in blogs and social media platforms.

But how does this web of deception ensnare the unwitting masses? The answer lies in the interconnectedness of it all. The relationships, the influence, the repetition—it was a carefully orchestrated dance where each step led the audience deeper into the labyrinth of falsehoods. Have you ever questioned the news you consume, wondering if it’s a reflection of reality or a distorted mirage?

The power dynamics at play are both subtle and insidious. The relationships between the deep state and media personnel are the glue that holds this elaborate facade together. But who are these puppet masters, and what is their endgame? The answers may seem elusive, hidden behind secrecy and plausible deniability. But ask yourself, what is it they want? Simply put – they want it all for themselves – a few greedy at the top of the pyramid, with dumbed-down masses at the bottom. You know it all but want to look the other way or are ghastly callous, not thinking of the damage it is already doing to you and future generations.

As I navigate the delicate balance between revealing the truth and protecting my identity, I implore you to question the narratives presented to you. Are you a mere spectator in this dance, or are you an active participant, discerning the moves with a critical eye?

In the end, this isn’t just my story; it’s a cautionary tale for those who dare to peel back the layers of the media landscape. The web of deception is intricately spun, but with awareness and scrutiny, we can unravel its threads and reclaim the narrative that is rightfully ours.

The post The Media and the Subtle Art of Manipulation appeared first on Granite Grok.

PORTLAND, OREGON – Following an exciting visit to Taiwan with a legislative delegation, I lingered here in the Rose City with Beth to visit family and experience the Pacific Northwest. The foliage colored up about a month behind New Hampshire, so it was still beautiful in late November.

Spontaneity is very important. Just let yourself go and see what happens.” – American actor Aron Eisenberg

I was lying on a couch after church on a Sunday morning when Beth surprised me by asking if I wanted to shoot up to Canada.

“Sure!”

I’d floated the idea several days earlier and didn’t get much of a response, but I’d planted a thought in her pretty head. And such trips are always better when suggested by the spouse.

“We’ll leave in an hour,” said Dr. B.

Spontaneous road trips—like spontaneous parties—can be exciting and fun. Or disastrous. But nothing ventured, nothing gained.

We threw our bags into the Prius.

“Got your passport?”

“Wait one!”

A minute later we were heading north on I-5. British Columbia, ahoy!

We did detailed planning in the car.

“Let’s go to Vancouver,” I suggested.

“How about Victoria Island? It’s closer.”

“Okay.”

Things work out better when spousal suggestions are adopted.

“Is there a bridge?” I asked.

“Ferry,” replied Dr. B from the passenger seat as she studied a map. Then, she reserved a BnB using her cell phone. The 21st Century has its wonders. It would take about four hours to drive through Washington State to Puget Sound. Then, the 90-minute ferry to Victoria.

Shortly thereafter, I heard an “Uh-oh.”

Never good.

“We’re going to miss the last ferry. I’ll have to make a reservation in Port Angeles for tonight, and then we’ll catch the early ferry tomorrow.”

That meant that we’d be paying for an empty BnB in Victoria that evening while getting a hotel room in Port Angeles. Spontaneity has its dangers.

The Scenery

We enjoyed the scenery while hurtling north. Off to our right, to the east, we soon saw the towering Mt. St. Helens. Old enough to remember the major eruption there in 1980, we marveled at how terrifying it must have been to so many who could see it from all directions for 100 miles.

Further north we could see Mt. Rainier, again to the east. Also an active volcano, at 14,411 feet, it’s the most glaciated peak in the lower 48 states, spawning five major rivers.

Then it got dark, and an incredible full moon arose, also to the east. We listened to ’60s music on Sirius Channel 73 and truly enjoyed the ride.

After finally arriving at Port Angeles, we tooled around town a bit and did some prep for our excellent, spontaneous Canadian adventure.

As an NH State Representative, it occurred to me that Victoria was a provincial capital and that a trip to the capital building might be fun. So, I googled an email address for the Legislative Assembly and messaged to ask if any visitors might be allowed.

The Boat

The next morning, we got in line early for the ferry. We decided to take the car even though that would be pricier—and even though our BnB was within walking distance of the landing. It was still dark at 7 a.m. as we were in the far western part of the Pacific Time Zone. We drove aboard and then went up above for the 90-minute passage. It was a rare, sunny day with maximum visibility.

Puget Sound was like a placid lake, and I wondered how far from shore indigenous peoples took their boats centuries ago. I also pondered how this very waterway was once simultaneously claimed by the Spanish, the British, the Russians, and the Americans—as well as, of course, those indigenous folks.  (Google “54-40 or Fight!”)

The City

The city of Victoria is the capital of the beautiful province of British Columbia, 62 miles southwest of Vancouver and 62 miles north of Seattle. Named for the iconic 19th-century British Queen, the city features many older buildings, giving it a slightly European ambiance in contrast to America’s west coast metropolises. Its “Chinatown” is the second oldest on the continent, behind San Francisco’s.

That the traffic was relatively light was a surprise. It then occurred to me that we were on an island, which protected the city from countless vehicles driving in—unless they wanted to pay for the expensive ferry ride that we’d just experienced.

The government buildings were impressive edifices completed in 1897. But equally impressive was the imposing Empress Hotel, which opened in 1908. This truly grand hotel beckoned us to visit and explore.

The Parliament

We checked in early to our BnB, which overlooked the harbor and a small fleet of tourist boats. I checked my phone for messages and was surprised and delighted to see a response to my query from the provincial legislative assembly.

“Great news!” I exclaimed to Beth. “We’re not only invited to visit the Provincial Parliament, but they want to give us a special guided tour and then have us sit in on a “Question Time” assembly session. Wow!”

As a legislator, a visit to the provincial parliament called to me somewhat more than it did to Beth.

“Did you tell them you were some sort of big deal to get this invitation?”

“Just the facts, ma’am,” I replied. “Just the facts.”

“Do you have the right clothes for such a visit?”

“I just happened to pack the suitcoat I wore to Taiwan.”

“Well, now there’s a surprise,” replied Dr. B, rolling her eyes. But she admitted being excited to witness “Question Time,” which was obviously based the British model where the Prime Minister takes direct questions from all parties in the House of Commons. We’d both watched that tradition on C-SPAN.

“America should have a version of ‘Question Time.’ Don’t you agree?” asked Beth.

“Absolutely,” I agreed. I wanted to point out that our current president rarely even has a controlled press conference, much less take direct questions from Congress, but I didn’t want to stir things up. Spontaneous trips are always smoother when political arguments are avoided.

We were met by David near the entrance to the historic parliamentary edifice. He conducted a wonderful tour and provided us with gallery tickets to watch Question Time.

The Drama

Legislative assembly sessions invite theatrics, as the elected officials play not only to their colleagues but also to the gallery and to the cameras. Multiple parties were represented, but the two major ones in B.C. were the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the British Columbia United party (BCP). As we looked down from the gallery, the NDP was to our left, and the BCP was to our right, literally and figuratively. There were also two Green Party members and two Conservatives. There were no Liberals, which I found interesting, given that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is a Liberal.

The questions mostly involved BCP members asking NDP leaders about healthcare shortcomings. Depending upon who said what, it was fun to watch one side or the other cheering and desk pounding—just like the Brits do in London on C-SPAN.

The Invite

After Question Time wrapped up at 11 a.m., Beth and I were the first to step out from the gallery. We wanted to head to the Empress Hotel for “Teatime.” We were surprised to run into David, who apparently was waiting for us.

“The Speaker would like to meet you,” he explained.

“Seriously?”  (The Speaker was still sitting on the throne in the legislative chamber.)

“Yes.”

David escorted us to the outer chamber of the opulent Speaker’s Office, where we waited and watched a screen showing a BCP member using some extra time to call out the Premier for what she felt was egregious behavior. After she finished, the session adjourned, and Speaker Raj Chouhan soon entered his chambers, followed by the Legislative Clerk, Kate Ryan-Wood. We followed them into the inner sanctum, where we all sat on some gorgeous furniture in front of a big fireplace and enjoyed some friendly small talk. Canadians obviously follow American politics—including the New Hampshire primary.

“I was just hoping to get a photo when I sent that email,” I explained. “We’ll never forget your extraordinary hospitality.”

“We know who you are,” responded Chouhan, which I found incredibly flattering. Someone must have googled me after I sent the message and saw that I was a House Committee Chair back in New Hampshire.

Rep. Mike Moffett and Dr. Beth with British Columbia Legislative Assembly Speaker Raj Chouhan at the provincial parliament building in Victoria.

We got a few more photos, and then Beth and I excused ourselves, leaving the Canadian lawmakers to go back to making laws.

“I’m glad I brought my tie and jacket,” I said to Beth as we walked toward the Empress Hotel.

“You knew they were going to invite you to the Speaker’s Office.”

“No way!”

“Yeah. Sure.”

The Tea The dining room at the Empress was also opulent, and I was glad we were dressed up for Teatime.  The pianist was playing the theme from Downton Abby as we entered, which somehow seemed apropos. I felt like we were walking into Highclere Castle, the building seen in the popular British series.

Being a country hoser from Groveton, I’d never done a “teatime,” but Dr. B had lots of class and knew how to proceed. Several pots were delivered over flaming heat sources with hourglasses so we could measure the appropriate amount of time for the giant teabags to do their things. The tea was accompanied by several courses of interesting and delicious food. I also ordered a large Merlot to celebrate our wonderful experience at the provincial parliament.

“I bought the ferry tickets so you can pay for teatime,” said Beth.

“Sure,” I replied.

“Don’t faint when you see the bill. It can be one of my Christmas presents.”

I’m glad she warned me. Teatime at the Empress turned out to be very pricey. But it was worth it.

The Return

We retrieved our Prius from the parliament parking lot and drove to the ferry. The passage back to the states was wonderful. After driving off the ferry we briefly chatted with a customs official who waved us along without even asking to see our passports. Nice.

The drive back to Portland was pleasant, as we found Christmas music on Sirius Channel 71. The first Christmas music of the holiday season is somehow the best.

After a couple hours Beth indicated she had a book on tape she could play. I was enjoying the music but wanted to be spontaneously open to a new experience. I had never listened to a book on tape before.

“Sure. What do you have?”

“THE WATERGATE GIRL: My Fight for Truth and Justice Against a Criminal President by Jill Wine-Banks.”

I inwardly groaned. I was content to keep listening to “Silent Night” or “Joy to the World.” But after two hours of listening to the audio book I was completely pulled in. I wanted to drive another hour after we reached Portland just to keep listening. It confirmed the value of being spontaneous and trying something different.

It was almost midnight when we finally got “home” to unload the Prius.

“What are we going to spontaneously do tomorrow?” I asked.

“I don’t know about you but I’m going to spontaneously sleep in,” replied Dr. B.

As a great philosopher (Jennifer Aniston) once said about spontaneity, “The funnest stuff happens when you break away from the script.”

So true.

The post Politics and a Spontaneous International Trip appeared first on Granite Grok.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a proper progressive who dislikes how China gets things done. Xi commands it, and everyone else, including the pretend legislature, lines up to make it happen. Failure could mean death and good fortune to someone needing an organ replacement.

China, China, Chi-Nah!

Democrats and their water carriers are forever telling us China is building and installing all that wind and solar we should, too. We must be like them, but China is also building nuclear power plants at a record pace.

 

To wean their country off imported oil and gas, and in the hope of retiring dirty coal-fired power stations, China’s leaders have poured money into wind and solar energy. But they are also turning to one of the most sustainable forms of non-renewable power. Over the past decade China has added 37 nuclear reactors, for a total of 55, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, a un body. During that same period America, which leads the world with 93 reactors, added two.

Facing an ever-growing demand for energy, China isn’t letting up. It aims to install between six and eight nuclear reactors each year. Some officials seem to think that target is low. The country’s nuclear regulator says China has the capacity to add between eight and ten per year. The State Council (China’s cabinet) approved the construction of ten in 2022. All in all, China has 22 nuclear reactors under construction, many more than any other country.

 

And not to just be disagreeable with The Economist, but I do not believe for one second that China is building Nucelar to get away from dirty coal. I think it is building nuclear because its military-industrial complex needs more power, and dirty coal isn’t enough. I also believe the wind and solar are just window dressing to saddle idiot Western elites with unreliable energy when the time comes to take over the world – financially, commercially, culturally, and militarily, if necessary.

China is a communist nation. They don’t give a sh!t about the climate cult’s dogma except to feed it because it advances their geo-political goals. Everywhere around the world, they open mines and extract resources. They destroy the environment at the expense of indigenous populations. But the American Left loves them! So, how about we love some new nuclear power? That net-zero fantasy is impossible, but it is much more possible with Nucelar.

I’m sure they’ve streamlined the bureaucratic process for permitting and construction, and in China, thanks to all the coal-powered energy capacity they created, steel is likely cheap and abundant. You can’t make steel without burning coal. Their economy has been built to build back better.

Meanwhile, given the current economic conditions, America would have a hard time competing with China on energy infrastructure, but what possible excuse could the Progs have for not following China’s lead on Nuclear Energy? Do they want China to be stronger? Do they want America to be a weak country that can’t compete? Are they loving the idea of brownouts and blackouts and making everything we make and do cost more because of expensive fuel and electric rates so our products can’t compete?

Shouldn’t we be building more Nucelar to keep up?

I’m sure it will be amusing to watch the Left make excuses for not following China’s Nuclear push but how funny is that The Economist, a once reliable source for global news, clings bitterly to the idea that China is doing this to achieve Net zero by 2060 without suggesting we should too?

Or that the only net zero that interests the Chinese government is net-zero resistance to their political and military power.

China is building nuclear plants; we should, too. Lots of them – starting now. And you’ve no excuse. You can’t achieve your emissions cuts BS without them, nor can you excuse away why it is okay for China but not America.

But I know you’ll try.

 

The post If China Can Build 8-10 Nuclear Power Plants a Year Why Can’t We? appeared first on Granite Grok.

On the heels of research that reported a 40% increase in COVID infections among regular mask users, the public masking menace has taken another shot to the McNuggets. This time, from a past that reinforces what we’re seeing now. Masks make matters worse.

Not to beat a dead horse dewormer narrative, but before the politicization of mask compliance and mandates, there was a respected body of evidence that was affirmed by science and scientists. Public masking was useless against the flu virus. But the Chinese do it, so Marxists decided that we should too. With few exceptions, the political and public health classes failed the test. They chose Marxism over science and rapidly embraced the totalitarian police state mentality about enforcement. It’s not a good look, and there’s no shortage of words on these pages about that, but our objection wasn’t just political. The science hasn’t changed, and more recent research affirms what UK Heath Minister Dame Jenny Harries has been saying since March 2020.

 

Professor Dame Jenny Harries, now the head of the UK Health Security Agency, explained that the policy wasn’t based on scientific reality and had the effect of instilling a “false sense of security,” convincing people that they would reduce their risk of becoming infected if they wore a mask.

She also told the inquiry that government advice on how to make a mask out of bits of cloth and old t-shirts was wholly “ineffective.”

 

Whatever your position was or is on public masking or reasonable exemptions from it, the problem (wholly aligning with what was passed for despotic mandates) was the false sense of efficacy and the increased likelihood of harm. While Norweigan researchers found that regular masking resulted in up to a 40% rise in COVID-19 infections – quite the opposite result of the stated purpose – there are numerous risks unrelated to flu that come with blocking your airway. But masked meant compliant, and new revelations about old science continue to damage the brand.

We’ll always have flu, and it will always be nasty for vulnerable populations, but if you can’t get everyone else to wear your gang colors, then the tyranny needs a new groove.

The WEFers, the UN, and its WHOs in Public Health Whoville need to find a replacement or a way to counteract the rise in “science” that contradicts their mask messaging. And while it doesn’t take much to get a local lib-majority council to impose one even now, if you’ve been paying attention, mask-wearing is less popular than the latest COVID booster. Useless Social Distancing is non-existent, and few, if any, give you the side-eye if you sneeze or cough in public.

“Bless you” is more likely than what we had from 2020-2022. Lane Nazis with hands shaking from rage, pointing at arrows on the floor in a direction opposite the one you travel. No arrows, no pointing, no angry eyes above even more useless cloth masks, but both fear and tyranny still lurk in the minds of weak men and women—Tin-pot local dictators on both sides of the aisle who keep running for and getting elected to office.

If we want mask mandates dead, those folks will need to be shown the door. Still, much like the complacency over meaningful election integrity reform outside what the left calls the radical right, that’s not happening to scale. Until it does, we can’t pronounce the policy doomed.

As much as we’d like to do that.

 

The post Is Masking the Public for the Good of Public Health Doomed Policy? appeared first on Granite Grok.

Hello, Friends of Freedom. I hope your Thanksgiving was everything you desired and more. This week I want to examine the patriarch Joseph in scripture and his prevalent role in leading a secular nation as a man of faith. His historical account is found in Genesis 39-41.

He was a man of dreams and dream interpretation. It is most likely he served under two Pharaohs ( Sesostris III and Amenemhet III), having lived in Egypt for over 70 years.

He was sold into slavery by the betrayal of his brothers, who were jealous of him and his dreams. Hence, when he came to visit them per his father Jacob’s request, they commented, “Behold the dreamer cometh.”

The reason I am mentioning this event is that it shows the role of spiritual guidance (faith) can have in literally saving the entire nation (much of the world) during a most severe famine.

Pharaoh had a dream that perplexed him, and it was confirmed by having the same dream two times, once with cattle and once with grain. He was deeply troubled knowing that the dream had significant meaning for him and his reign.

The point I am making is that the nation was on a collision course with destruction, and there were no political leaders with answers to the cataclysmic event that was going to happen. But God, in His sovereignty, had prepared an answer. The famine would be preceded by seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of certain death and starvation.

Joseph had the wisdom to address the problem and founded granaries to store the grain during the seven years of abundance, thereby saving not only the nation of Egypt but the nation of Israel as well.

God still gives dreams in answer to problems today, and he guides us through dreams as well.

Job 33:15-18 says, He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds. He whispers in their ears and terrifies them with warnings. He makes them turn from wrong; he keeps them from pride. He protects them from the grave. from crossing over the river of death.”

Another political figure, Pontius Pilate, during the crucifixion of Christ, was warned by a dream his wife had. She encouraged him to have nothing to do with Christ’s crucifixion. Hence, he washed his hands the day of the trial to show his innocence from the deed.

While I have not been able to find in historical writings detailing any nighttime dreams the founding fathers had, I am convinced they dreamed of a better world and sought to create a nation that would allow people to dream and live out their dreams in a free society unravished by government control of their lives. From the Puritans, who saw America as the New Jerusalem and a Shining City on a Hill, to our civil rights declarations, America is synonymous with a Dream!

The American dream, if you will, is ensconced in the ideas found in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

The actual term itself, “American Dream,” was hinted at throughout our history, and James Truslow Adams, the author of The Epic America, 1931, used the phrase American Dream to show how people were moving away from it.

The dream of America in the hearts of our founding fathers was the answer to the world’s demise and destruction as they saw it through the lens of studying all the known historical governments of recorded history.

They felt called to steward this dream in documents that would stand as long as those who have the courage to apply the lessons learned from history and continue to enforce the ideas of liberty and justice for all.

Dreams are without prejudice. They include the highest and best for everyone.

In closing, I pray we can keep the American dream alive by realizing sometimes God gives dreams to save mankind from sure destruction, and may we have the humility to accept them in whatever vessel he chooses to deliver them.

Until Next Week…

Allen

The post The American Dream appeared first on Granite Grok.

I’m not sure we’ve said this often enough for long enough, but Joe Biden will not be the Democrats’ candidate come November 2024. Even the Democrat-Press is warming its’ bony hands over that fire, so the conversation naturally turns to who the DNC will pick to displace Uncle Joe.

Inevitable isn’t too strong of a word for his departure, but does he even realize?

Herr Biden wasn’t fit in 2020, and it’s been downhill since then (for him and us), but the list of potential replacements reads like a horror story you tell hard-working Americans if there are any left after what Democrats have done to the Economy. Hillary Clinton! She doesn’t want to campaign or even do the work. It’s just a check box on her bucket list. But rumor has it she’d take the bit in her cackling mouth and run the nation further into the ground.

Michelle Obama is another name I hear a lot. It has been reported that she hated the Clintons, the Bidens, the White House, and Washington, DC. But she loved the prestige, the money, the access, the vacations, the entourage, and the fandom. Michelle-O wants to be queen, not President. The latter is way too much work. Even with Barry (likely) offering to do all the behind-the-scenes policy lifting through proxies for term number four, I doubt she’d be down for that public-profile struggle. And I’ve long since argued she is not on any list to take the reins from Stumblin’ Joe. So, why was she on Air Force One with the Clintons and Bidens and no one else?

 

The decision for Michelle Obama to take a plane alone to campaign for Joe Biden is seen as a powerful statement about her involvement in his presidential run.

Though she has denied any plans to run for president herself, Democrats are concerned about Joe Biden’s prospects going into 2024 elections.

It is easy to speculate. A handful of political elites on a plane will have discussed things that matter to them and “their” party, but are they talking about replacing Joe to his face? A better question is, why wasn’t Barry Obama on that plane? They are off to pay their respects to a former Democrat first lady. We’ve got Billery, the Bidens, and no Barry. Does he have another chef to paddle board?

If anyone has an opinion worth hearing on the Dem side about who can carry on Barry’s Legacy without Bidening it Up, it’s the Bamster. But he’s otherwise occupied. And I’m sure Michelle is at least as capable as any Democrat First Lady of thinking they got elected and can meddle in a nation’s business. But what’s so odd about a gaggle of “first ladies” flying together for the funeral of one of their own? Bill and Joe had to go; you can’t leave either alone for too long.

Perhaps I’m just too convinced Michelle has no interest in the nonsense that comes with that. She has her fortune. She is part of history, feted, paraded, and commands massive sums for almost any appearance (money doesn’t launder itself). Surely, there is some other Democrat capable of being a better president than Joe Biden, an admittedly low bar.

My money is still on California Gov. Nuisance. He wants the job and could have easily posed a successful primary challenge. But is he amendable to being manipulated by Obama’s proxies? Does he need to be? Newsom is about as Marxist as they come. They are probably on the same page, which would get him the Obama seal of approval.

And Michelle? I think she was catching a ride to Rosalyn Carter’s Funeral, but selling the transition to another candidate mid-campaign might have come up while Joe was sleeping. Why, exactly, will Joe be put out to pasture? How to make it work to a populist advantage?

 

(*)“Shot in the arm” used to have a positive connotation, which might not be valid anymore.

The post Speculation about Michelle Obama Replacing Biden in 2024 Gets a Shot in the Arm* appeared first on Granite Grok.

A controversial initiative by the Biden Administration proposes to permit the importation into the US of fresh beef from Paraguay. Many industry stakeholders protest that this will expose American agriculture to the risks of foot-and-mouth disease, with potentially devastating socioeconomic consequences.

Climate warriors increasingly target cows as destructive, and now Biden risks the entire US cow (and pig) industries to improve diplomatic relations with corrupt Paraguay. The economic risks are mammoth.

As the COVID pandemic illustrated, pathogens do not abide by governmental regulations and easily transcend porous borders. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is generally non-fatal to humans but is absolutely devastating to livestock – especially pigs and cows, which are more vulnerable. Yet the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under Joe Biden has finalized regulations to open US markets to Paraguayan beef imports despite that nation’s history of FMD and rampant corruption.

American farming industry interests are unanimously up in arms against this plan, claiming there is no current data on Paraguayan safety protocols, and that animals from other countries not subject to oversight will end up in Paraguay’s beef stream. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) asserts “… that the conclusions drawn in the proposed rule are based on outdated information that does not adequately calculate the risk to U.S. consumers and the U.S. cattle herd. The United States Cattlemen’s Association and American Farm Bureau Federation also strongly oppose the rule change.”

Those risks are profound. A recent FMD outbreak in Indonesia suspected to have been caused by an illegal animal importation devastated that country’s economy and food supply. A 2001 outbreak in the UK cost that economy an estimated $20 billion. An outbreak in the United States would threaten the nation’s 90 million dairy and beef cows as well as its swine and other livestock industries. FMD also impacts wildlife species, yet further causing damage and complicating eradication efforts.

Foot and Mouth

The United States has not recorded a case of FMD since 1929 and has instituted rigorous prevention practices to safeguard its cattle industry. The disease begins with a high fever, and then develops into sores in the mouth and on hooves. FMD is highly contagious, requiring intensive countermeasures including vaccination and the slaughter of both infected and healthy animals. This is a disease that can wipe out whole industries overnight and promises to do so again.

The global presence in livestock of FMD is estimated to be 77%; the disease is enzootic (endemic) in South America, which is why Paraguay has struggled to control outbreaks for decades. The chief cause of outbreaks is usually illegally transported animals or inconsistent compliance with farm biosecurity measures, which makes corrupt Paraguay a particularly risky agricultural trade partner for an FMD-free mega-economy like America. One almost wonders if the seeds of a livestock crisis are being deliberately sown by recklessly importing dodgy meats against the cacophony of industry voices opposing the move.

Biden Ending Corruption?

Paraguay’s government enjoys a dubious reputation as an extremely corrupt cabal. President Biden, eager to establish himself as a foe of corruption (despite increasing scrutiny of his own conduct), has pushed hard to welcome Paraguay to the commerce table. The fear is that Biden’s crusade against foreign corruption may irrevocably corrupt the US food supply. As Foreign Policy noted last year:

“… corruption remains rampant, and government efforts to combat it continue to be underwhelming. Investigations have suffered setbacks; judicial processes have languished; transnational criminal activities in Paraguay have spiked; the Biden administration has now homed in on Paraguay to showcase its fight against global corruption.”

Trusting Paraguay to properly regulate its beef industry, prevent smuggling, and implement safety protocols is a bridge too far for US stakeholders. But it is exactly that rickety bridge onto which Joe Biden is dragging American consumers and agriculture. If the plan is to eradicate all cows, importing sketchy products from racketeers is the globalist way to go. Then, Americans would have no choice but to dine on insect burgers or synthetic beef grown in labs.

If FMD infects the US biosphere, the impacts on the economy and global food supply will be swift and far-reaching. The stakes for importing Paraguayan steaks are astronomical. The gamble is simply too great.

 

John Klar is an Attorney, farmer, and author. Mostly farmer… And Regular Contributor to GraniteGrok and VermontGrok.

The post Biden Beef Deal Risks Foot and Mouth Disease appeared first on Granite Grok.

In the dynamic world of gaming, the slot development industry stands out as a vibrant and lucrative sector. However, success in this arena is not solely dependent on the creativity and innovation of game design; it also hinges on effective financial planning. The bankroll, often the lifeblood of any business venture, plays a crucial role in sustaining and growing a slot development studio. 

In this blog, we will delve into the intricate art of balancing a bankroll for slot development ventures, exploring key aspects of financial planning that can spell the difference between thriving success and unforeseen setbacks.

Slot Development Landscape:

Before delving into financial intricacies, it is essential to comprehend the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in the slot development landscape. The industry is highly competitive, driven by rapidly evolving technology, player preferences, and regulatory environments. Successful slot studios must not only create captivating games but also navigate a complex web of market demands, compliance requirements, and technological advancements.

Key Components of Financial Planning:

Here are the key components of financial planning:

1. Research and Development Budget:

One of the cornerstones of successful slot development is continuous innovation. Allocating a substantial portion of the bankroll to research and development ensures that the studio stays ahead of the curve, introducing new features, themes, and gameplay mechanics that resonate with players. A robust R&D budget facilitates the exploration of cutting-edge technologies, enabling the integration of virtual reality, augmented reality, or artificial intelligence to enhance the gaming experience.

2. Talent Acquisition and Retention:

Skilled and creative professionals are the driving force behind captivating slot online games. A portion of the bankroll should be reserved for attracting top talent in game design, graphics, sound engineering, and software development. Additionally, fostering a positive work environment and offering competitive salaries are crucial for retaining key team members, ensuring continuity and stability in the creative process.

3. Marketing and Promotion:

Even the most innovative and well-designed slot games can go unnoticed without effective marketing. Allocating funds for strategic marketing campaigns across digital platforms, trade shows, and industry events is essential for building brand awareness and attracting players. A dynamic marketing strategy should be flexible enough to adapt to changing market trends and player preferences.

4. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Expenses:

The gaming industry is subject to stringent regulatory frameworks in various jurisdictions. A portion of the bankroll should be earmarked for legal expenses associated with ensuring compliance with local and international regulations. This includes obtaining licenses, adhering to responsible gaming practices, and addressing any legal challenges that may arise.

5. Infrastructure and Technology:

Keeping pace with technological advancements is vital for staying competitive. Investments in robust infrastructure and up-to-date technology are necessary to support the development, testing, and deployment of sophisticated slot games. Cloud computing, cybersecurity measures, and scalable development environments should be considered as part of the technology budget.

6. Contingency Fund:

Unforeseen challenges and market uncertainties are inevitable. Setting aside a contingency fund within the bankroll provides a safety net for unexpected expenses, economic downturns, or sudden shifts in market dynamics. This financial buffer ensures that the studio can weather storms and remain resilient in the face of uncertainties.

End Note

In the intricate world of slot development ventures, the bankroll is more than just a financial resource; it is the foundation upon which creative visions are brought to life. Strategic financial planning is the compass that guides slot studios through the dynamic landscape, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities. By allocating resources wisely to research and development, talent acquisition, marketing, legal compliance, technology, and contingency planning, slot development ventures can achieve a delicate balance in their bankroll management, fostering sustained growth and success in this ever-evolving industry.

The post Bankroll Balancing Act: Financial Planning for Slot Development Ventures appeared first on Granite Grok.