Category: Current Event

We’ve long averred that the word “fascinating” is an absolute wonderful word. Why? Because it doesn’t imply good nor bad; it simply means whatever is described as such irresistibly draws our attention — kind of like a car crash or a sunset or a car crash during a sunset.

Hence, some fascinating events filled the past year. For example…

• Los Angeles was on fire for a month.
• Donald Trump was inaugurated again, becoming the second US President to serve two nonconsecutive terms.
• Leo XV became the first American Pope (and maybe the first Pope that’s a Cubs fan).
• Taylor and Travis got engaged.
• Charlie Kirk was assassinated. 
• Active fighting between Israel and Hamas ceased.
• Fighting continued between Russia and Ukraine.
• Armed conflicts remained in Somalia, Sudan, Syria and more.
• Kids’ Camp Mystic flooded in Texas on the 4th of July.
• A self-described democratic socialist was elected mayor of New York City.  
• The last penny was minted — finally putting Lincoln out of his long, coppery misery.
• An army helicopter collided with an American Airlines flight over the Potomac just as the plane was about to land.
• Los Angeles, Oklahoma City and Philadelphia won the major sports championships (MLB, NBA & NFL), which delighted some and devastated others.
• AI grew up fast.
• And kiss-cams gained newfound popularity thanks to a summer Coldplay concert.

Most of the above was either written about or referred to here — what a range and depth of topics, both the serious and the silly. But it’s funny, this blogging thing… allow me to share a little more insight in regard to all we discuss and how we discuss it.

Seventeen years ago, when we started this delightful, engaging hobby, the goal was to help persons learn how to converse respectfully with one another. It wasn’t to make money (which I do not) nor to persuade all to think like me (which I care not). The idea is to communicate in such a way that the person who disagrees with us can actually hear what we have to say. 

But a curious thing has evolved along the way… perhaps because the wise among us know that respecting others is proper… perhaps because to intentionally withhold respect from another would look really bad (and unethical)… and perhaps because it often takes work, patience and tact to do it well…

What did we witness happen increasingly more in 2025?

We saw many craft a reason why respect is not only not necessary, but why respecting another is actually wrong.

Friends, one of the societal evolutions we saw continually more via our blog this past year was the growing belief that we don’t have to respect or even interact with the holder of different perspective because simply the holding of your opinion is dangerous.

If we can convince ourselves that the simple holding of another’s opinion is dangerous — that the opinion’s existence violates moral boundaries in such a way that the holder should be silenced or ignored — then we never have to work to understand why they think the way they do. Better yet, we never have to do any more work on our thinking. Our perspectives remain comfortably unchallenged, our blindspots unexamined, and our passionate certainty delightfully intact.

This past year, as a semi-humble, longtime blogger with zero party affiliation but a deep appreciation for excellent wit, I was called many things — among them, “dangerous,” “evil,” and “unintelligent”…

Fascinating.

Let the pursuit of wisdom never escape us. Let us always listen to another — especially the un-like-minded. Sometimes we do it well. Sometimes we don’t. I can’t wait for 2026.

Cheers…

AR 

We’re doing something a little different today. Maybe it’s the start of resolution crafting for the year to come. Maybe not. But it is indeed good.

As has been discussed here previously, when we moved South some years ago, two of the wisest people I know (unrelated to one another) each gave me a stack of books. In their dispensing of literary encouragement and wisdom, there was one book from each focused on the same topic…

Rest. 

Intentional rest.

Allow us to define.

Intentional rest is the choice to cease to work — paid or unpaid. Instead of work, it’s the engaging in activity that is restorative, refreshing and replenishing. Other people may or may not be involved; it depends on the person. But the people we choose to be with at this time and things we choose to do are marked by how life-giving they are; they are things we deeply enjoy — meaning intentional rest for me and for you may look very different.

Suffice it to say, intentional rest is a time of delight.

It thus is a bit of a mental break that makes reflection and gratitude flow with increased abundance. Hence, intentional rest is a salubrious discipline all year long.

This day, in the afterglow of Christmas, my family is still gathered. Most of the mess is put away, but the joy of the last week lingers.

Soon my adult sons will venture back to their individual homes, the decor will be taken down, we’ll eat better and healthier — making those resolutions — and all will return to their regular rhythms — rhythms that make them good.

But while they are still here this day, I am choosing to rest with them.

I am choosing to be still, reflect and give thanks.

This is life-giving.

P.S. See you Wednesday, as we’ve got things to discuss. 🙂

Blessings…

AR

It’s no secret that the Intramuralist is a big believer in Christmas. But allow me to briefly share what I am a little more a believer in…

For centuries people were desperately craving, waiting for a king. They were looking for one who could bring justice, freedom and peace — necessities that none of their governments could consistently, adequately provide. Government capability has long been a fascinating topic — what we want, what we look for, what it can and can’t provide.

But lest we digress, I assume in those days they awaited for what we all perceive a king to be — one donning the royal robes, a shiny crown, jewels galore, and just this immediate, majestic presence. And that’s simply not what happened.

Here came a babe, born in a manger, with most likely bleating animals all around. Even his birth announcement was unusually sent out. It went not to the scholars or authorities nor even any church officials. It was sent to ordinary people, the shepherds who were tending their flocks, out under the quiet sky.

But all of a sudden, the silence shattered. Angels appeared; the sky exploded with light! …Don’t be afraid! A Savior is born! Peace on Earth! Glory to God in the highest!

Suffice it to say, the arrival of Jesus was unlike what any likely expected.

No robe. No shine. Not even jewels. But majestic indeed.

I always find it interesting that while Jesus is the central figure of Christianity — none of the other major world religions deny that Jesus is real. Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and more — they all acknowledge that Jesus physically walked this planet some 2,000 years ago.

Hence, while I’m a big believer in Christmas and celebrating the birth of Jesus this December 25th, I’m a bigger believer in implementing what he taught all 365 days of the year.

Let me first profess that I’m no scholar. And as a follower of Jesus, I am an imperfect one at that. That’s part of what makes this so messy sometimes; we all are imperfect, totally screw up, and sometimes totally do not reflect the character of God accurately nor well. That’s part of what Jesus teaches; even in our imperfection, his love for us is not discounted. So what does Jesus teach?

Let me attempt to take an incomplete stab…

Love God. Love each other. No matter what. Be kind. Be humble. Always. Give thanks. In all things. Forgive. Again. And again. Talk to me. Look in my direction. Look to me for wisdom. Know that on this planet you will never have life all figured out. That’s not anything wrong with you; it’s simply how I set this temporary planet up. I’m teaching you to rely on me. You can. Even with the hard. I want what’s best for you. Remember that. Even when it’s hard to see me. I am there. I absolutely delight in you.

In the coming days, with the glee and the gifts and all the candlelight services, I wish each of you a wonderful Christmas. For those for whom it is especially merry, enjoy. May it be meaningful and full of people and things you love. 

For those for whom it is especially hard — for whom it may not be the most wonderful time of the year — let us acknowledge you as well. May Christmas still be meaningful, and more so, may you know that you are absolutely delighted in and loved.

Blessings to each of you, friends… and yes, Merry Christmas! It is a joy and a privilege to do this with you.

AR

Every year, one of our favorite December traditions is to go to the annual Disney Candlelight Processional. It’s hosted at Epcot, and for lack of better words, it’s just so, so great. Everyone is wished a happy Hanukkah, merry Christmas, and a happy new year. That indeed is what it is.

They read the scriptures and share at length about the historic birth of Jesus, sharing his humble birth in the stable full of hay, with no room in the inn.

They also utilize multiple celebrity narrators, as the processional lasts for over a month, with three shows nightly beginning near Thanksgiving. In recent years, we have had opportunity to hear from Karate Kid’s Ralph Macchio, Olympic gymnast Lorie Hernandez, actor Neil Patrick Harris and so many more.

Last week we heard from Marlee Matlin. And that was truly something special…

Matlin is an accomplished actress. Her accolades include an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, multiple Emmys and more. She has long had a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Also true is that Matlin is completely deaf, losing her hearing at 18 months old of age.

Regardless of her hearing, as our celebrity narrator, Matlin was undeniably passionate, energetic, lively and had so much to say.

She simply wasn’t verbal.

She would sign. A translator would say all out loud, and then after each reading, a choir would sing…

Joy to the World…

O Come All Ye Faithful…

Angels We Have Heard on High…

And more.

It was beautiful indeed.

But perhaps what was most beautiful was Matlin’s concluding words. She spoke to the audience near the end of the presentation, asking if we noticed how during the songs she was actively looking around. She would look at the singers, then look at the Orchestra, even look into the crowd. She observed and watched and focused intently.

She said to us in the end, “Do you know what I’m doing?”

“I’m looking around. I’m hearing their heart. You hear their words. I hear their heart.”

What a beautiful thing. She can’t hear the actual audio, but she is hearing something more. She is connecting. She is communicating. And somewhere inside of all that reality is something that so aligns with the meaning of Christmas… 

The heart matters most. What if we focused on what’s inside the heart of another?  No assumptions… no judgment… simply something more than words. What a difference that would make in our call to treat all people well…

So good.

So real and true.

Love that Candlelight Processional. Love, too, how much we can always learn from someone who may speak a little differently than we.

Respectfully,

AR

Some days it’s especially hard to hold all the tensions of the time…

Even in less than 24 hours…

Last Saturday afternoon, at 4:22 pm their time, Brown University in Providence, RI notified its community of an active shooter. The gunman entered an engineering building while final exams were being taken; it was the end of the semester. The man opened the building doors, yelled something unrevealed at this point, and began shooting. He killed two students, a freshman and sophomore, and also injured nine others. As of this posting, the situation remains unsettled; the murderer is still on the loose and the motive remains ambiguous. We do not know why this person chose to do what he did.

Then on Sunday, at approximately 6:47 pm their time, as crowds gathered for a Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, a man and his son, aged 50 and 24, stepped out of their car and began shooting at the unsuspecting, Jewish masses. At least 15 were killed — ranging in age from 87 to as young as 10 years old. The older killer died in gunfire exchange with law enforcement; his son was injured but detained. Early reports are that these murderers were motivated by the jihadist angle of Islamic ideology that advocates for the killing of Jews. 

Then still later that day, mid afternoon their time, gifted American film director, screenwriter and more, Rob Reiner, and his wife, Michele, were found in their beds, killed in their home in Hollywood, CA. Sadly still, their adult son, Nick, is accused of the murders. Each stabbed multiple times, investigators have referred to this violence as a “crime of passion,” a vicious act committed in the heat of the moment, with the murderer most likely being in an extreme emotional state. With all who have been on the receiving end of Reiner’s talent — directing cinematic classics such as “Stand by Me” and “When Harry Met Sally” — such was heartbreaking to hear. It’s fascinating how money, status and fame do not equate to happiness and peace.

How awful are all of the above.

How tragic, grievous and horrendous.

Sometimes in our shock and grief, we try to make sense of it in some way somehow.

Maybe we try to fix it, like “if this was in place, it never would have happened.” 

Other times we find ways to minimize why the intentional death wasn’t so tragic, grievous or horrendous; we find fault in their character. Let me suggest it’s always a wiser way to sincerely, only echo requiescat in pace — rest in peace.

But at this time of year, I can’t help but think of what’s better and more.

We are soon to celebrate Christmas, a day some 2.6 billion people will observe around the world. In the U.S. alone, over 90% of us will acknowledge the world’s most popular holiday. As we toast to all those tidings of good cheer, it’s wise to remember what the birth of that babe came to bring.

Predicted hundreds of years before Jesus was ever born, it was said that his birth would be miraculous. He would bring freedom, justice and salvation. He would serve but one day suffer.

And…

He would bring us peace.

Friends, the faith journey is different for every one of us. Life’s twists and turns, circumstances and experiences go in directions we never imagined. Some that have been gut-wrenching indeed.

When I think of the tension of recent days especially, I find myself grateful Christmas is soon upon us.

That promise of peace is one we desperately need.

Respectfully…

AR

What do we do when see life crumbling around someone near to us?

Better yet, what do we do when we see life crumbling to a public figure — to one we don’t know but in some ways, feel like we do?

Those in the sports world refocused their attention this week on who did/didn’t make the upcoming college football playoffs to instead what’s unfolding at the University of Michigan. Allow us to provide a brief, factual, albeit incomplete summary.

Head coach Sherrone Moore became the 21st head football coach in Wolverine history in January of 2024. He had been on staff since 2018, quickly rising through the ranks with prominence and success. He is 39 years old.

Last Wednesday, after only 2 seasons, Moore was abruptly fired. Said the university athletic director, Moore was “terminated, with cause, effective immediately. Following a University investigation, credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.”

Details of the inappropriateness have begun to emerge. The hidden romance lasted for sometime, and on Wednesday morning, the 32 year old woman Moore was involved with shared evidence of their affair with the administration, after denying such in a summer, internal investigation. Moore was terminated later that day, but responded by soon breaking into the woman’s home, allegedly threatening to harm both the woman and himself. A 911 call shared the dispatcher saying that a woman on location was “being attacked” and that the man at the location has “been stalking her for months.” Moore is married with three young children.

Moore was held for two days in police custody, now charged with home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering. Questions about his mental health have been rampant to say the least.

So now what?

Obviously, the university has some work to do. They need to look at who knew what when in regard to Moore. They also would be wise to examine if there’s any systemic pattern behind the unfortunate, unscrupulous coaches’ behavior in their athletic department these past 3 years.

But what about us? How do we respond? How do we react, as obviously, Moore’s career/life/reputation, etc. — being the head of a major attention-receiving, status-building, revenue-producing program — has come to a demonstrably crashing halt… a halt from which he may or may not ever recover. His life as he knows it, has crumbled.

Isn’t it interesting how we respond? With more than just a healthy curiosity…

It’s fascinating in some ways… although “fascinating” does not necessarily equate to good.

Rumors abound. Judgment runs rampant. Commentary comes from all over the place.

School rivals debate deservingness. Racial advocates address from a demographic angle. A mass majority of inquisitive onlookers tune in to know what/where/and why… how absurd… and why would someone so prominent risk so much… fall so short… and forget about what’s most important. Talk about the frailty of the human condition. 

It’s hard. 

People who hate Michigan might hate him.

People who think they’re incapable of falling prey to the deceptive sin of adultery might say “go get him.”

I get all of the above. And yet I pause.

There is so much we don’t know.

And even when we know it, what good does the judgment do?

May whoever experiences such a disturbing downfall — whoever he represents — get better. Whether a coach, politician, or next door neighbor, may they get the help they need. Find a mental healthcare professional. Learn to rely on a solid, active faith. And let the rest of us stand aside, recognizing our perspective really doesn’t matter at all.

Respectfully…

AR

Recently we discussed the concept of something being a lack of rocket science, meaning it’s not all that complicated and thus not too difficult to understand. One societal attribute that isn’t rocket science is that we generally don’t like to wait; we don’t like to stand back, stay put and just patiently rest until we get what we want. We want what we want now. 

Companies have crafted whole marketing strategies on such… we pay more for Amazon Prime to get more stuff faster… Fastsigns made the trait their namesake… and Domino’s Pizza literally used to offer the “30 minutes or less or it’s free” concept until they had one too many delivery car accidents. The reality is that we don’t like to wait for what we want.

That’s part of fascinating irony of the season we’re now in. Hear me here…

Hanukkah begins on Sunday, December 14th.

Christmas comes Thursday, December 25th. 

And Three Kings’ Day (or Epiphany) falls into the new year on Tuesday, January 6th.

They are wonderful days and wonderful things to celebrate. And part of what makes them so wonderful is that we wait.

Steeped in ancient church tradition as part of the waiting is the current celebration of Advent. Originating in Europe in the 4th or 5th Century, Advent began as a season of heart preparation in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

To prepare this many days ahead of the holidays, the tradition encourages an active waiting… what is wise to do?… what can I work on? … what kinds of things are healthy to be stirring in my heart?…

Hence comes Advent…

There are four themes of these weeks: hope, peace, joy and love — obviously, good for us all regardless of where we are faith-wise…

Hope. Hope is that expectant waiting — that feeling of eagerly waiting for something to happen. It’s motivating and delightful; it so powerfully spurs people on. At Christmas, we acknowledge the waiting in need for a Savior, especially obvious in a broken world, full of chaos and heartache. For Christians, the expectation is two-fold, as we also wait for Jesus to return.

Peace. No doubt that broken world is a reality; just note all the discontent and crying out in the microcosm of social media. And while we may or may not personally be walking through a season of difficulty, we don’t always feel at peace. Yet part of what the historic scriptures teach us is that Jesus is our source of peace and is always available; we just have to look in his direction. It’s amazing how peace-giving that surrender of self can be.

Joy. There is so much to celebrate! But let’s be clear; joy is not simply a fleeting feeling of happiness. Joy is something deeper. Never-ending. My circumstances, hard as they may be, don’t have to eradicate the depth of what I feel inside. The calm. The peaceful jubilation. There is so much joy which is so obvious this season.

And love. There’s so much to say here. As we oft repeat, so much of the faith can be summed up in loving God and loving other people; that’s something we can all work on. (Who are we justifying not loving?) But the other thing that’s so key to the holidays is the focus not so much on us, on who we love and how we love, but rather, on just how incredibly much the great big God of the universe loves us. That’s immense. And cannot be overstated. Sitting with that may be my favorite seasonal activity.

Thus when I ponder all the things in my life — and all the things I never have to wait for — I find myself thankful that this Hanukkah and Christmas season, in the days before the holidays, we have opportunity to work on something deeper, something healthier, something more. 

So grateful for the time.

So glad to have to wait.

Respectfully…

AR

“Making movies” says Julia Roberts.

“Makeup” says Cindy Crawford. 

Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler says “rock and roll”… former North Dakota Sen. Byron Morgan, not permitting drinking and driving… Dave Ramsey, “personal finance”… personal trainer Bob Harper, “weight loss”… Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff co-author Kristine Carlson, “having a great marriage”… and marketing professional Donny Deutsch, “being a businessman.”

All of the above are things the opinion staters believe not to be rocket science. 

I’ve kind of always loved that idiom. The idea that “it’s not rocket science” means that something is not all that hard to understand. Some things take work and consistent effort, but for the most part, they’re fairly straightforward.

For example, for me, it’s not rocket science that we’re called to be kind to people.

It’s not rocket science that wisdom warrants we respect the holders of opposing opinion.

And it’s not rocket science that not everyone’s a sports fan.

One more in my voluminous rocketry category is that it’s not rocket science that social media is not all good. In fact, many times it’s not good at all.

Refrain, please, from the suggestion that this semi-humble blogger is some sort of Negative Nelly, being overly critical and only seeing the downside… Facebook keeps me in touch with all my forty plus year old friends. Instagram shows me your latest vacation sunset. And TikTok provides me with the oh-so-necessary, latest catchy dances.

But (and that’s a big but)… 

As most of us know, multiple studies have concluded that social media usage has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, loneliness, envy and poor self-esteem. Comparison is rampant — and way too often a determiner of self-worth.

It can be a platform for harassment and/or bullying. 

It can rapidly spread false and/or misleading information.

And in one relevant pet peeve, it can convince grown adults that one or two sentences qualifies as respectful dialogue or relationship.

Obviously aware of this lack of rocket science, effective this coming week, Australia has mandated that 16 be the minimum age for all accounts on YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch, Threads and Kick. Serious about this chance, tech companies that own these platforms could face fines of up to $50 million if they don’t take reasonable steps to stop under-16s from having accounts. Australia has realized social media is not all good.

No doubt there will be a mixed reaction to the ban on younger teens and adolescents. No doubt, too, that with the prominence of fake IDs, etc., many will find a way to bypass the legal restriction. It is expected and acknowledged that the implementation of the ban will be imperfect.

So what will happen next? 

Will the critics along with the imperfections make the ban futile?

Or will the rest of the watching world follow suit?

Lastly, what will the lack of rocket science impel?

Respectfully…

AR

I feel like we struggle with how to respond to the refugee, especially when we consider individual vs. collective response. Change the word “respond” if you wish — to handle, care for, whatever-word-makes-sense-to-you-here. But I’m not certain we always know what’s wisest and best.

Allow us first, for clarity and communication purposes, to define some terms and add context…

A “refugee” is a person who has fled their home country. To be clear, it’s not just a person who has fled; they are a person who has been forced to flee due to a well-founded fear of persecution. This persecution may be based on their religion, ethnicity, political opinion or more. They have crossed an international border and cannot return because their life or freedom is in danger. 

Another key person is an “immigrant.” An immigrant is a person who has moved to a country other than their birth country with the intention of living there permanently. Note they have not been forced. 

There is also the “migrant.” A “migrant” describes a person who moves from place to place, but has yet to reach a final destination.

Much of the wisdom in responding to the refugee is embedded in Judeo-Christian principles. Granted, the Bible never uses the word “refugee,” but it repeatedly calls for the compassionate treatment of “strangers,” “foreigners” and “sojourners.” Adding to our context, “strangers” are persons we do not know, “foreigners” are persons not belonging to a particular group, and “sojourners” are people staying somewhere temporarily. We are called to never oppress the above trio, meaning we are not to keep others in subservience, especially via the unjust exercise of authority.  As with all people, we are called to love them as we love ourselves. So much of Judeo-Christian ethics are summed up in this — in loving God and loving others.

And so we look at the wisest way to respond to the refugee…

My sense is we are to respond with compassion. We are to be generous in hospitality. We can offer practical care. And we are to be motivated by love — not fear. Too often I think we are sadly instead motivated by fear.

When I wrestle with the why, my sense is that in both our individual and collective responses, we’ve mixed up the varied roles defined above; it’s not easy to treat all people the same for precisely the reason that all people are not the same. Not every stranger, foreigner or sojourner who enters this country is forced. Not every stranger, foreigner or sojourner who leaves their nation of birth would be persecuted if they one day returned home. And certainly for those who’ve come from a country known to be hostile to this land of the free and home of the brave, should they come with a desire to still adhere to said hostility, they do not qualify as one in need of compassion, ignoring their animus bent.

Isn’t that the issue?

So often in order to remain firm in our stance, we negate the inconvenient; we minimize the part that dilutes the passion in our response. We ignore the angle that makes our perspective a little less penetrable.

Name your issue. Pick your point. What aspect are we underestimating?

Not all immigrants are refugees. Not all self-identified refugees have been forced to leave their country. Some who have entered America need our help; they need we the people to help them secure liberty and ensure domestic tranquility. Others have entered America who don’t need our help, but want the entitlements and benefits; there exist ways to work for such honorably. And there are still more, unfortunately wickedly, who are here to harm.

It’s logical, therefore, to conclude that a one-size-fits-all collective, government approach is likely to be grossly ineffective. It’s not that easy — letting all in or keeping all out.

Hence, I find it wise for our response to the refugee, immigrant and even our next door neighbor to be based more on Judeo-Christian principle as opposed to any partisan policy. 

Respectfully… humbly, too…

AR

As long noted here, the question mark is the only punctuation piece that invites a response. Here are the first 75 questions we saw journalists ask this past month. Note that not everyone is comfortable inviting responses…

1. The A.I. Boom Has Found Another Gear. Why Can’t People Shake Their Worries?
2. Ask MAGA Thanksgiving Guests: How Is Your Life Better?
3. Can AI Create a More Honest Media?
4. Can Cities Learn To Love Kids Again?
5. Can Democrats Nationwide Replicate Mamdani Victory?
6. Can Either Party Crack the Code on the Economy?
7. Can Elise Stefanik and Jessica Tisch Save New Yorkers?
8. Can GOP Learn To Win Without Trump on Ballot?
9. Can Mamdani Deliver?
10. Can the GOP Learn How To Play Offense?
11. Can Trump Bring Peace to Gaza?
12. Can Trump Flip Healthcare Script?
13. Can You Win Best Picture If You Flop?
14. Can We Blame Private Equity for Everything?
15. Could AI Lift Up Workers in an Unsung Profession?
16. Did GOP Blow Its Window To Capture Trump’s Coalition?
17. Do Democrats Know What They’re For?
18. Does the US Need a Third Political Party?
19. EU Aims To Sabotage New Ukraine Peace Plan?
20. Flash in the Pan or the Future of MAGA?
21. Have the Democrats Begun To Find Their Way Back?
22. How Do We Understand Victory of a Marxist Radical?
23. How Should Democrats Moderate in 2026?
24. How Would Mamdani’s Plans Work in New York?
25. If Conservatives Won’t Defend Capitalism, Who Will?
26. Is a Tariff a Tax?
27. Is Google Really Done Trying To Rig Elections?
28. Is Graham Platner the Face of Democrats’ Future?
29. Is It ‘Seditious’ or ‘Illegal’ to Urge the Military to Refuse Unlawful Orders?
30. Is MAGA Growing Restless With Trump?
31. Is Trump a Lame Duck Yet?
32. Is ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ Real?
33. Journalism Standards, Anyone?
34. Mamdani: A Boon to Democratic Party or a Millstone?
35. Mamdani, Trump Meeting: Real Peace or Just Party Politics?
36. Mamdani’s Next Act—Could He Actually Succeed?
37. Media Now Concerned About Trump’s Age?
38. More Time Alone, But Are Americans Really Lonely?
39. Rubio vs. Vance 2028?
40. Sedition? No. Dangerous & Irresponsible? You Bet
41. Should Democrats Help Trump Kill the Filibuster?
42. Trump-Mamdani — the start of a beautiful friendship?
43. Trump’s New Russia-Ukraine Peace Plan?
44. What Can Mamdani Do in New York?
45. What Do Mainstream Democrats Stand For?
46. What do we know about the Jeffrey Epstein files?
47. What Does the Republican Party Even Stand For?
48. What Happens When Even College Students Can’t Do Math?
49. What If ‘America First’ Works?
50. What if Dems’ Big Shutdown Loss Turns Out To Be a Win?
51. What If the Shutdown Actually Hurt Republicans?
52. What Is Up With Marjorie Taylor Greene?
53. What was ‘Operation Allies Welcome,’ which allowed some Afghans entry into the U.S.?
54. What’s Going On at the FBI?
55. What’s Next for MTG?
56. What’s the Alternative in Ukraine?
57. What’s the Matter With New Jersey Democrats?
58. When Did I Become a Fetterman Republican?
59. When Did Thanksgiving Turkey Become Such a Big Deal?
60. When Will Trump Tax Cuts Take Effect?
61. Where are you headed and what are you thankful for?
62. Where will Lane Kiffin go?
63. Where’s the Violence?
64. Which Royals Celebrate Thanksgiving?
65. Who else is mentioned in Epstein’s private files?
66. Who is Mark Kelly, and why is the US senator accused of ‘sedition’?
67. Who is Robert Irwin?
68. Who Was Running the Biden White House?
69. Who Will Benefit From Russia-Ukraine Peace Proposal?
70. Who Will Win the College Football Playoff?
71. Why Are Deranged People Walking Chicago’s Streets?
72. Why Are Math Skills Worse Than Ever?
73. Why Did We Bring So Many Afghans to the U.S.?
74. Why didn’t Biden release the Epstein Files?
75. Will Technology Save Us From a Nuclear Attack?

Always good to ask questions. Even better to invite and contemplate the response.

Respectfully…

AR

[Note: sources include Al Jazeera, All Sides, Albany Times-Union, The American Prospect, The Atlantic, BBC, The Daily Caller, The Dispatch, ESPN, The Federalist, Financial Times, The Guardian, Hot Air, HuffPost, JohnKassNews, The Liberal Patriot, Mother Jones, MSNBC, The Nation, The New Republic, New York Magazine, New York Post, NBC, New York Sun, New York Times, Newsweek, NPR, People’s Pundit, Project Syndicate, RealClearPolitics, Responsible Statecraft, The Ringer, Salon, Sirius XM, Substack, Time Magazine, US News & World Report, USA Today, Vox, Wall Street Journal, Washington Times, X, and Yahoo.]