Demise of a Republic?

We are witnessing a repeated troubling pattern: Congress is abdicating its responsibilities and recklessly delegating its powers to the President under the guise of “National Emergencies,” thereby granting the President sweeping “emergency powers.”

History shows us the consequences of such decisions. Once, another Senate in a different Republic made the grave mistake of saying, “In emergencies, we should grant emergency powers to one leader.” Initially, this power was limited to six months, but it quickly morphed into multi-year grants—subject to annual review by the Senate. Eventually, this unchecked authority culminated in one man receiving emergency powers for life. This all came to a head on March 15, 44 BCE.

However, the Senate never regained its authority to govern the Republic. By repeatedly abdicating their role, they set a dangerous precedent that allowed for the appointment of a 19-year-old Gaius Octavian Caesar as Consul of Rome, despite him being too young to even serve as a Senator.

The Roman Republic perished, paving the way for the Roman Empire. Gaius Octavian was honored with the title of Augustus and became Caesar Augustus, the first Emperor of Rome.

Today, we find ourselves with a Congress that has similarly relinquished its role and powers, officiously handing them over to the President under claims of “national emergencies.”

Since January 20, we have witnessed multiple national emergencies at both borders due to the fentanyl crisis. There are national emergencies related to illegal immigration at the southern border. Additionally, we are facing a supposed national emergency because a gang in South America has “invaded” our nation. Not to mention the national emergency regarding our U.S. oil supply, despite the fact that America has been a net exporter of oil since 2019.

Since January 20, six national emergencies have been declared, bringing the total to 49 National Emergencies currently in effect. Many of these were initiated by previous administrations, yet each has been continually renewed by the sitting President.

These so-called “national emergencies” have facilitated an alarming concentration of power in the Office of the President.

As a result of these emergencies, individuals have been deported without due process. There exists an Executive Order that aims to distort the established meaning of the 14th Amendment. Legal residents of the U.S. have faced deportation simply for exercising their right to protest.  

Now, the President is speaking seriously of a third term. 

This is an unacceptable trajectory that must be challenged, or soon, our Republic may experience the same fate as the Republic of Rome

Demise of a Republic?

Enough Said

 

Enough Said

So What if Elon Gave to Charity

There are several posts floating around Facebook pointing out what a great human being Elon Musk is for having made a $5 + billion donation to charity in 2022.

If Elon Musk wishes to engage in charitable works with his own money, that's his prerogative. Praise him if you like. 

However, let's be crystal clear: he is NOT a member of the Cabinet. He has NOT been confirmed by Congress. The Administration is actively resisting all efforts for transparency regarding his actions. He is NOT accountable to Congress, as outlined by the President of the United States.

We operate as a REPUBLIC—derived from the Latin Res Publica, meaning "for the People." We have three CO-EQUAL branches of Government, each designed to serve as a check and balance on the others.

Musk's "move fast and break things" approach, combined with a glaring lack of accountability and secrecy surrounding his operations, raises serious red flags. His blatant disregard for the checks imposed by the Judicial Branch cannot be overlooked, no matter how much he contributes to charity.

Let’s not forget that Al Capone ran a soup kitchen in Chicago during the late 1920s, costing him $300 a day. Stalin implemented a social welfare system and state-sponsored charity. Both Muammar Gaddafi and Kim Jong Il were also known for their charitable donations.

History has taught us that some of the world’s most notorious figures have used philanthropy to polish their public image. It’s important to remember that true generosity often goes unnoticed, much like the "Widow's Mite," which was said to be of greater value than grand displays of wealth.

So What if Elon Gave to Charity

Goodbye to the VOA

For those who did not live through the Cold War and only know about it from “American History” classes, it’s crucial to understand that one of the United States' most potent weapons was Radio Free Europe and Voice of America. RFE/VOA boldly broadcast news from “the West” behind the Iron Curtain.

VOA/RFE and their sister stations, such as Radio Free Asia, were (and still are) despised by Communist regimes. In fact, listening to their broadcasts was considered a crime punishable by death. In a shocking example of this, a North Korean fisherman was publicly executed in 2020 for listening to Radio Free Asia while at sea.

Yesterday, former political candidate and two-time looser Kari Lake suspended over 1,000 employees of VOA and its sister stations— all of which are federally funded—effectively shutting them down.

The official Communist Party “news” outlet in Shanghai hailed this move as “EXCELLENT NEWS," proclaiming that Radio Free Asia is “one of the US's most insidious anti-China propaganda outlets." This action has pleased not only Beijing but also Moscow, Budapest, Tehran, and other anti-American regimes.

Were there problems at VOA? Yes, there were issues and controversies. However, it’s essential to recognize that VOA has enjoyed bipartisan support from Congress and the White House for generations, except during the Trump administration.

ANY US government action that is praised by the governments in Beijing, Moscow, Pyongyang, Tehran, and Kabul—along with other anti-US tyrannies—should NOT be welcomed by American citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.

https://www.npr.org/2025/03/15/nx-s1-5329244/bloody-saturday-voiceofamerica-radio-free-asia-europe-trump-kari-lake

 

Goodbye to the VOA