ACTION

Please Read Part 268:

Not Since JFK, Has a President Spit Into the Face of the Globalists, Until Now! (Part 268)-Posted on Patriot Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On August 28, 2026:

https://patriotcommandcenter.org/profiles/blogs/not-since-jfk-has-a-president-spit-into-the-face-of-the-globa-499

Note:  I believe that the extremely disturbing information revealed on the following recent thought-provoking articles and videos relates to and/or further supports the disturbing information revealed on my above blog from the recent past-You Decide: 

Empires Fall Because Their People Have No Clue It’s Happening!-Posted on Townhall-By Mark Lewis-On August 29, 2026:

Most people don't want to see the country they live in fall to pieces around them. They understand that such would probably have negative repercussions for them personally. There are Democrats in America today who do hate the country so much they want to see it wiped off the face of the earth, and they are working overtime to make that happen. But most rank-and-file Democrats probably don't want America to disappear; they just want certain changes that would appeal to whatever worldly philosophy they have, if indeed they even have one.

"Leave me alone" is probably a very common philosophy, but Democrats who believe that aren’t intelligent enough to realize that is the exact opposite ideology of the party they vote for. The Democratic Party leadership doesn't want to leave people alone; they want to totally control them, not let them act without government consent. I lived in a country for 10 years (China) which has exactly that philosophy, and I eventually learned I wasn't allowed to breathe without the CCP's blessing. But most Chinese people, like Democrats, don't know that is what their party believes.

Most people have some vague notion of wanting "freedom" without really having knowledge of what it is. Again, to them, freedom might mean "leave me alone to do what I want to do," but that has no possibility of success if criminals and government are given the same right. The very essence of criminality is to NOT let other people alone — others have something they want — and the same is true of government.

Government can't leave people alone, because the essence of government, the very nature of government, is control, force, and power, not freedom. There has never been a government yet that wanted its people to be free from government control. That just isn't what government is all about. Our Founders knew that, and that is why they desperately tried to limit government and teach Americans what true freedom is. But, alas, they were defeated by the nature of man and history. But this is why Thomas Jefferson said, “The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first.” Again, criminals take from us, limiting our freedom; so does government.

This is the major reason why the Democrats love the welfare system so much — the government gets to "take care of," i.e., enslave and control people. They even euphemistically call that "freedom." It's almost incredible how many people accept the government's definitions. But, all through history, many people have been more comfortable under the "protection" of slavery than under the risks of freedom. Countless people are simply constitutionally, mentally, and spiritually incapable of taking care of themselves. We say we hate slavery; it's supposedly the greatest crime in human history, but frankly, all many Americans have done is exchange one form of slavery — personal chattel slavery — for something similar — government dependence. And called it “freedom.” Control the language, and you control the people.

Government criminality is further evident in that it is, by far, the greatest mass murderer in human history. And when government kills its own people, what can they do about it? Nothing. Just ask the Chinese under Mao, the Russians under Stalin, or the Jews under Hitler. Government is not only the greatest mass murderer in history, but it is also the most successful propaganda machine, especially when it controls the education system. Put people in slavery, call it “freedom,” and those who don’t know what either is will fall for it completely. Government can also hand out benefits to influential elements of society (such as the media) to get their assistance in this effort at tyranny. Jefferson, especially, repeatedly warned us about the media.

But eventually, the laws of history catch up, and every tyranny collapses under the weight of its own evil and bureaucratic monstrosity. And the bigger the government, the harder, more tragic for its people, and sadder, the fall.

Do you think the frog placed in the pot of cool water knows what is happening when the heat is turned up, and he starts getting cooked? Do you think the people of the Roman Empire (or Assyrian, or Babylonian, or Persian, or British) knew when their empire was collapsing? Maybe a few, but not many, and certainly not enough to prevent it from happening. How many people in America today realize what is occurring in our country? Some do, especially those who know true history and can look back and see the incredible parallels to the breakdown of other empires. But most Americans are clueless.

No nation in human history has ever been perfect, not even America, but there are certain principles that all successful (for a time) nations have: they are built upon spiritual courage, moral strength, hard work and industry, and usually with a little bit of ruthlessness, which sometimes, though not always, is necessary when a determined foe threatens. Rome lost all of that when the barbarians arrived, and the Roman Empire is no more. The British Empire is gone now, too, and for the same reason. The American “empire” is swilling down the same toilet. All three collapses were led by self-indulgent, power-hungry people who had no knowledge of what made their nation great, and thus no idea how to keep it great — even if they wanted to.

Leaders must know, because the people rarely do. The Democrats are directing gullible Americans down a primrose path to hell, and their sheep are, smilingly, following right along behind them, totally oblivious to where they are going, or what will happen when they get there. Just “leave me alone” and “let me be free,” neither of which is happening, or will.

Empires collapse because the people therein never recognize it happening.

Source Link:

https://townhall.com/columnists/marklewis/2026/08/29/empires-fall-because-their-people-have-no-clue-its-happening-n2682093

 

Video: Watters: They’re playing tug of WAR…!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Fox News-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llL_7stxJ8M

The Trump Administration Restores the Gun-Defense Data the Biden CDC Buried!-Posted on Townhall-By John R. Lott, Jr.-On August 29, 2026:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has restored information on defensive gun use that it removed from its website in 2022 after gun-control advocates privately pressured agency officials to take it down. For years, until May 2022, the CDC cited a 2013 National Academies of Sciences report reviewing studies that produced estimates ranging from roughly 64,000 to 3.5 million defensive gun uses annually, while the CDC itself cited an upper estimate of 2.5 million. The agency subsequently removed both the estimates and the link to the National Academies report, but it has now restored the discussion of defensive gun use and the link to the report.

The restoration adds another victory for supporters of armed self-defense during the Trump administration. The administration has challenged restrictive concealed-carry laws, ended the Biden administration’s “zero tolerance” policy that threatened gun dealers’ licenses over relatively minor paperwork violations, appointed judges viewed favorably by gun-rights advocates, and pursued other changes.

Soon after Biden became president, introductions facilitated by the White House and Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin’s office helped gun-control advocates connect with senior CDC officials. The advocates subsequently held a private meeting with CDC officials and exchanged numerous emails as they pressed the agency to remove the defensive gun-use estimates.

“[T]hat 2.5 million number needs to be killed, buried, dug up, killed again and buried again,” Mark Bryant, who runs the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), wrote to CDC officials in September 2021 after meeting with them. Bryant complained that because of the 2.5 million estimate, “gun violence policy has ground to a halt.” But government officials should not censor research or data simply because advocates believe the information makes it harder to advance their preferred policies.

The Justice Department’s National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) estimates roughly 64,000 to 120,000 defensive firearm uses annually, placing it at the very low end of survey estimates. Researchers have conducted roughly 20 surveys on defensive gun use. Three produced estimates of about 800,000 defensive uses annually with handguns, while most of the others produced estimates exceeding one million, with the highest reaching about 3.5 million. The average estimate is roughly two million. In 2021, Georgetown University’s William English surveyed 16,708 gun owners and estimated approximately 1.67 million defensive gun uses annually.

The NCVS methodology explains its comparatively low estimate. The survey first asks respondents whether they have been victims of a crime. Only those who answer yes receive follow-up questions about whether they used a firearm defensively. But people who successfully brandish a firearm and scare away a would-be attacker may not consider themselves crime victims in the first place.

Devin Hughes, who runs the gun-control group GVPedia, argued in a July 6, 2021, email that the CDC should instead rely on the Gun Violence Archive’s defensive-gun-use count. Hughes described GVA as “the most widely accepted compendium of gun violence data.” Yet GVA's methodology produces dramatically lower defensive-gun-use estimates because it relies heavily on incidents reported by the news media.

In 2021, RealClearInvestigations examined GVA's defensive-gun-use data from January 1 through August 10 and identified 774 cases. Initial news reports supplied 95 percent of those cases. I compared GVA's cases with lists compiled by the Heritage Foundation and the Crime Prevention Research Center and found another 30 cases that GVA had missed. But those omissions weren't the fundamental problem.

The larger problem is that newsworthiness doesn't provide a representative sample of defensive gun uses. In GVA's data, 43 percent of cases involved fatalities, 42 percent involved woundings, and 10 percent involved defensive shots that hit no one. Fewer than 4 percent involved no shots being fired, and more than half of those involved citizens holding criminals at gunpoint until police arrived. Yet research on defensive gun use indicates that incidents involving shots fired represent only a small fraction of defensive firearm uses.

Relying on news coverage creates two obvious selection problems. First, the news media cannot report incidents that never come to the attention of police or journalists. Criminologists have long known that many violent crimes never get reported to police, and the news media cover only a fraction of those that do. Second, research indicates that roughly 95 percent of defensive gun uses involve brandishing rather than firing the weapon. Those incidents are precisely the ones least likely to generate police reports or news stories.

Bryant rejects the argument that media coverage disproportionately captures the most violent cases. “I don’t think it is a newsworthy issue … too many media really like the feel-good stories of homeowner standing up to home invader,” Bryant wrote to me. “Even better if it was a granny doing it. They don’t just go with the ‘if it bleeds …’ newsworthiness.”

But consider the choice facing an editor: one incident leaves a body on the ground; in another, nobody gets hurt because the intended victim displays a firearm and the would-be attacker runs away. In the second case, reporters may not even know what crime the person intended to commit. Which incident is more likely to become a news story?

Even that comparison understates the problem. When a law-abiding citizen scares away a would-be criminal simply by displaying a firearm, journalists often never get the opportunity to decide whether the incident deserves coverage. Neither the citizen nor the criminal may report it to police, and neither may contact the press.

That is precisely why researchers conduct representative surveys rather than trying to estimate defensive gun use from news stories. The CDC once acknowledged the range produced by that research. After sustained lobbying from gun-control advocates, it removed those estimates from its website. Restoring the underlying research would allow readers to evaluate the evidence for themselves rather than presenting only the information favored by one side of the gun-policy debate.

The CDC’s decision to restore the National Academies report gives Americans access once again to research showing that defensive gun use may occur far more frequently than media-based counts suggest. The episode also shows the danger of allowing advocacy groups to pressure a government agency into removing legitimate research simply because they believe opponents use it to defeat their preferred legislation. 

Whatever estimate one ultimately accepts, the Trump administration at least trusts Americans to evaluate it for themselves.

Source Link:

https://townhall.com/columnists/johnrlottjr/2026/08/29/the-trump-administration-restores-the-gun-defense-data-the-biden-cdc-buried-n2682092

Desperate Iranian Regime Cries ‘Terrorism’ As Trump Admin Shuts Down Their Cash Flow!-Posted on Townhall-By Jeff Charles-On August 28, 2026:

The Iranian regime isn’t having a great time after the Trump administration started targeting its economy.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry released a statement complaining about the “economic terrorism” the White House is waging against it, according to Fox News.

“Iran’s Foreign Ministry released a statement claiming the Trump administration is launching “a new wave of economic terrorism” against Iran under Operation Economic Outcast. 

“Economic sanctions by the United States against Iran, regardless of their name or title, are completely illegal and illegitimate actions that violate the United Nations Charter, international humanitarian law, and human rights,” the statement read. “On this basis, all countries are obligated to refrain from implementing such sanctions.” 

“In continuation of its hostile and illegal policies against Iran, the U.S. government unveiled a new wave of economic terrorism under the title ‘Operation Economic Outcast’ against Iran on Monday... which amounts to U.S. state terrorism against Iran and the world,” the statement added. 

“While condemning U.S. economic terrorism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the determination of the Iranian nation to utilize all capacities to defend the homeland against military, economic, and hybrid aggression,” it also said. 

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday that under President Donald Trump’s direction, “the United States Treasury has begun Operation Economic Outcast – an unprecedented campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran and its enablers.”

{…}

The Trump administration recently launched “Operation Economic Outcast,” an initiative Bessent described as an “economic onslaught” aimed at isolating the Iranian regime from the global financial system.

The operation expands sanctions across five key categories. These include digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping. It employs a “zero-leakage approach” to impede revenue sources for the regime.

{…}

The White House has sanctioned about 60 entities, individuals, and vessels connected to Tehran’s missile, nuclear, and oil networks and is warning international partners that cooperating with the Iranian government will result in harsh consequences.

“Our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone,” Bessent said.

Continue Reading:

https://townhall.com/news/jeff-charles/2026/08/28/iran-accuses-trump-administration-of-economic-terrorism-n2682066

Video: US Army intel veteran praises sanctions on Iran!-Posted on YouTube.Com-By Fox News-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-ye022uWao

Video: Iran vows to resist US sanctions!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Fox News-On August 29, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkfOa_fSHJ8

Video: Iran’s Plan to Push the U.S. Navy Out of Hormuz!-Posted on YouTube.com-By The President's Daily Brief-On August 29, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5Vv4NnwkN4

Video: Gordon Chang sounds alarm over single strike that could bring down US | Recap!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Fox Business-On August 29, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk13BBoLE08

Video: IRGC SCRAMBLES As Oil Flows & Cartel Pump Station ERASED!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Max Afterburner-On August 29, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYn7mkl9qwA

Video: Hamas Faces TOTAL DEFEAT As Israel & U.S. Crush Gaza Terror Threat | TBN Israel!-Posted on Youtube.com-By TBN Israel and Erick Stakelbeck on TBN-On August 29, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk5WLrlWnAI

Video: Patrick Bet-David: THIS Could Be Trump’s Plan For Iran Regime Change!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Glenn Beck-On August 29, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8apBCMdRBA

Video: Russia’s Secret Iran Mission | Rebeccah Heinrichs!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Brian Kilmeade-On August 29, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvYfJAQV6Qg&t=162s

Video: China Is Fueling Proxy Wars on Three Continents!-Posted on YouTube.com-By The President's Daily Brief-On August 29, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vYvKWHLKd8

Video: What Iran, Putin and China Really Want | Victor Davis Hanson!-Posted on Victor Davis Hanson-On August 29, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07z1-ZnBxYU

It's Official: We Secured a Massive Oil Deal With Venezuela!-Posted on Townhall-By Matt Vespa-On August 28, 2026:

https://townhall.com/news/mattvespa/2026/08/28/its-official-we-secured-a-massive-oil-deal-with-venezuela-n2682091

Video: Trump announces MASSIVE oil deal: ‘Historic!’-Posted on YouTube.com-By Fox News-On August 29, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CHGYp-iJeE

Note:  What follows is a flier announcing a POW-MIA Missing Man Tribute, which is a fundraising event, honoring our Prisoners of War (POWs), those still Missing (MIAs) and their families.  This event is being sponsored by Chris Zafra, a Veteran’s Employment Representative (L.V.E.R) with the NM Employment Security Division and will be conducted by retired Army LTCOL Mike Tachias and members of the Cabezon Wounded Warrior Haven (CWWH), on September 16, 2026, at the Casa Rowena Winery located in Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, NM.  The CWWH is non-profit organization that was organized and established by LTCOL Tachias and his wife Rowena as a means of assisting our NM wounded warriors in need.  

If you and your loved ones reside in NM or happen to be in the area during the conduct of this awesome event, please consider making plans to attend this worthwhile and extremely patriotic event that will ultimately assist LTCOL Tachias in raising funds used year-round to help our NM wounded warriors in need-You Decide:

Note:  I believe that the extremely disturbing information revealed on the above recent articles and videos relates to and/or further supports the disturbing information contained on my following blog from the recent past, which revealed that the Democrats are allegedly using the same intelligence tools that were previously used to destabilize other countries around the world to destabilize America from within-You Decide:

Not Since JFK, Has a President Spit Into the Face of the Globalists, Until Now! (Part 19)-Posted on Patriot Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On November 16, 2024:

https://patriotcommandcenter.org/profiles/blogs/not-since-jfk-has-a-president-spit-into-the-face-of-the-global-16

Note:  I believe that the extremely disturbing information revealed on the above recent thought-provoking articles and videos, along with my blog from the recent past, relates to and/or further supports the disturbing information revealed on my following blogs from the recent past-You Decide:

Letter to our NM U.S. Representative Michelle Lujan-Grisham (re: Shadow Party’s alleged agenda to take down America)!-Posted on Tea Party Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On February 13, 2015:

https://patriotcommandcenter.org/profiles/blogs/letter-to-our-nm-u-s-representative-michelle-lujan-grisham-re-3

Follow-up Letter to NM Governor Michelle Lujan Gresham (Re: Taking down of America from within!)-Posted on Tea Party Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On October 30, 2020:

https://teapartyorg.ning.com/profiles/blogs/follow-up-letter-to-nm-governor-michelle-lujan-grisham-re-taking- 

Follow-up Letter to NM U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (Re: Taking down of America from within!)-Posted on Tea Party Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On October 30, 2020:

https://teapartyorg.ning.com/profiles/blogs/follow-up-letter-to-nm-u-s-senator-martin-heinrich-re-taking-down 

Obama: Submit to Globalism or Face War, Death, Destruction!-Posted on Tea Party Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On November 16, 2016:

http://teapartyorg.ning.com/forum/topics/obama-submit-to-globalism-or-face-war-death-destruction

“Global Governance”: Communists, Globalists All In on World Government!-Posted on The New American-By William F. Jasper-On November 20, 2025:

https://thenewamerican.com/world-news/global-governance-communists-globalists-all-in-on-world-government/

Please Read Part 270:

Not Since JFK, Has a President Spit Into the Face of the Globalists, Until Now! (Part 270)-Posted on Patriot Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On August 30, 2026:

https://patriotcommandcenter.org/profiles/blogs/not-since-jfk-has-a-president-spit-into-the-face-of-the-globa-427

Note: I believe that the extremely disturbing information revealed on the above thought-provoking articles and videos, along with my blogs from the recent past relates to and/or further supports my following blogs from the recent past-You Decide:

Please Read Part 267:

Not Since JFK, Has a President Spit Into the Face of the Globalists, Until Now! (Part 267)-Posted on Patriot Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On August 27, 2026:  

https://patriotcommandcenter.org/profiles/blogs/not-since-jfk-has-a-president-spit-into-the-face-of-the-globa-364

Note:  I believe that the extremely disturbing information revealed on the following recent thought-provoking articles and videos relates to and/or further supports the disturbing information revealed on my above blog from the recent past-You Decide: 

‘Economic terrorism’: Iran warns other countries against enforcing U.S. sanctions!-Posted on The Washington Times-By Vaughn Cockayne, The Washington Times-On August 28, 2026:

What to know

• Iran urges trading partners to ignore new U.S. sanctions.
• U.S. sanctions aim to economically isolate Iran further.
• China maintains its trade relationship with Iran.

Iran on Friday urged its international trading partners not to abide by new U.S. sanctions targeting Tehran, insisting that attempts to economically isolate the country are “illegal and unjustified.”

In a social media post, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said “all countries are obliged to refrain from implementing” the newly announced secondary sanctions under “Operation Economic Outcast” earlier this week.

The ministry added that participating in the enforcement of the sanctions would only help Washington unilaterally impose its will on foreign countries by disrupting legal economic and trade relations.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the new round of sanctions on Monday, hoping to add to the already suffocating U.S. economic pressure campaign on Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi listens to his Iraqi counterpart Fouad Hussein during a news conference after a meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sunday, June 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban) ** FILE ** more >

Under the new restrictions, entities and individuals that maintain direct economic ties to Iran could be removed from the U.S. dollar system, effectively cutting them off from the world economy.

Mr. Bessent said Monday that the U.S. would give violating countries several days to comply with the new order, citing fears that immediately imposing restrictions would “blow up” the global financial system.

Since the announcement, Iranian officials have consistently said the new sanctions amount to “economic terrorism” and have called on the international community to reject the measures. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sent a letter to the United Nations earlier this week urging the body to reject the sanctions.

Some of Iran’s major trading partners have also appeared to buck the U.S. demand to cut off economic ties this week.

Pakistan insisted this week that it would not obey a unilateral sanctions order from Washington and is only obliged to follow U.N. restrictions.

China also said earlier this week it has no plans to modify its trade relationship with Iran following the announcement of new sanctions. China purchases the vast majority of Iran’s oil exports and provides Tehran with key access to its banking system.

Mr. Araghchi on Friday also suggested that Iran’s relationship with Qatar, a Gulf state that manages the South Pars/North Dome natural gas deposit with Tehran, would remain unchanged.

“Putting diplomacy back on track isn’t impossible. It hinges on U.S. understanding of one simple fact: Pressure doesn’t work,” Mr. Araghchi wrote on X under a picture from his meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani this week. “The U.S. should build trust, speak respectfully, acknowledge our rights and uphold commitments.”

Source Link:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/28/iran-warns-countries-enforcing-us-sanctions/

Qatar discusses Hormuz plan with Iranian officials as mediation efforts continue!-Posted on The Washington Times-By Vaughn Cockayne, The Washington Times-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/27/qatar-discusses-hormuz-plan-iranian-officials-mediation-efforts/

Washington’s Iran sanctions have a China and Russia problem. Measures are useless if we don't sever Beijing, Moscow lifelines!-Posted on The Washington Times-By Michele Kernitsky-On August 27, 2026:

OPINION:

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday announced Operation Economic Outcast, promising that new measures against Iran will result in its unprecedented economic isolation.

These measures, introduced as the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports continues, are the latest in a series of sanctions packages intended to break Tehran’s will.

Rather than capitulate, however, Iran’s leaders have defiantly responded to previous designations. Unless Washington severs or disrupts the economic lifeline that Beijing and Moscow are providing to Tehran, there is little reason to think this round of sanctions will yield better results.

Beijing and Moscow have quietly become the two largest underwriters of Iran’s economic survival, and neither shows signs of stopping.

This is the central problem with U.S. policy toward Iran: Sanctions are a tool for isolating a country from the global economy, but they work only if the target is actually isolated. Iran is not. It is part of a parallel economic system that China has built and Russia has reinforced.

Until U.S. policy takes direct aim at that architecture, the latest designations (and future rounds) will continue to disappoint.

China remains Iran’s largest trading partner, and the relationship has proved remarkably durable. For years, Chinese “teapot” refineries — small, privately owned oil refineries — have bought large quantities of Iranian crude, moved by a shadow fleet that has kept export volumes high despite sanctions.

Last year, more than 80% of Iran’s oil exports went to China, earning Iran’s regime roughly $31 billion. In exchange for Tehran selling oil at a discount, Beijing provides goods, technology and infrastructure investment.

The U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports has disrupted this flow of oil to China, but during the one-month pause in the blockade from mid-June to mid-July, Iran sent China more than 60 tankers carrying oil exports worth roughly $6 billion.

Underpinning China’s economic ties with Iran are the payment and clearing systems Beijing has established. These are insulated from the Western financial system, allowing Chinese entities to transact with Iran, North Korea, Russia and other sanctioned states without touching U.S.-dollar infrastructure.

This is why designating exchange houses and front companies individually has failed to change Iranian behavior.

Russia, by contrast, supports Iran’s economy by helping fund the extensive sanctions evasion architecture — which includes alternative payment channels, flag-of-convenience shipping and insurance workarounds — on which Iran depends.

This support was teetering before the war, when Iran drove up energy prices by closing the Strait of Hormuz — a move that allowed the Kremlin to refill its coffers. In February, Russian oil export earnings were less than $10 billion — its lowest level since the pandemic crisis — and the Kremlin was preparing a 10% cut to non-security spending.

The war with Iran reversed that trajectory almost overnight. A European think tank now estimates that Russia could receive as much as $252 billion more in export earnings this year compared with last year because of the disruptions to global energy markets caused by the war with Iran.

A fiscally comfortable Russia is a more effective patron of the sanctions evasion ecosystem, which is critical to the Iranian regime’s survival.

If Washington’s goal is to change Tehran’s behavior, U.S. policy must set its sights on the financial and logistical system that allows Iran to operate beyond the reach of Western enforcement.

First, targeting the Chinese financial institutions that clear transactions will be more effective in disrupting financial flows between Iran and its partners than designating individual exchange houses and shipping intermediaries. Second, ensuring that sanctions on refiners and insurers are consistently — rather than sporadically — enforced will be more likely to change the risk calculus of Iran’s customers.

Third, supporting congressional moves toward tougher sanctions on Russian energy and finance would, as a side effect, tighten the same channels that Iran uses. This is because the countries most exposed to secondary pressure over Russia trade, such as China and India, are also the ones that enable Iranian exports.

Iran’s economy has survived not because U.S. sanctions are toothless, but because Iran no longer relies solely on the system those sanctions are built to police. Fixing that problem requires Washington to treat Beijing and Moscow’s financial infrastructure — not Tehran’s front companies — as the actual target.

Source Link:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/27/washingtons-iran-sanctions-china-russia-problem/

Trump Admin Sends a Warning to Allies Funding Iran As the US Severs UAE Bank From the Dollar!-Posted on Townhall-By Dmitri Bolt-On August 28, 2026:

The Trump administration isn't playing any games when it comes to Operation Economic Outcast.

The United States Treasury has moved to cut off Egypt's second-largest bank, Banque Misr’s, UAE operations, from the U.S. financial system. The Treasury says that the bank has processed roughly $1.8 billion in transactions for 103 companies potentially tied to Iran’s shadow-banking networks in support of its war against the United States and global trade.

The move is a warning not only to Banque Misr, but to the UAE and every foreign institution still helping Tehran evade America's economic sanctions. The message is clear: access to the U.S. dollar is not a guarantee but a privilege. By targeting an institution operating in an allied country, the administration is signaling that anyone who provides Iran with an economic lifeline, including partners of the United States, will face severe consequences.

{…}

"Today, under Operation Economic Outcast, @FinCENnews proposed a rule that would revoke Banque Misr UAE’s correspondent banking access to U.S. financial institutions," the Treasury wrote on X. "Additionally, Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned Bank Melli Dubai manager Reza Mohammad Taeedi, along with a Hong Kong-based front company that has helped launder funds for a sanctioned Iranian exchange house. Operation Economic Outcast is severing the remaining financial lifelines that sustain the Iranian regime."

{…}

The move is likely to affect not only Iran but also the UAE, despite the Emirates having acted as a far more dependable American partner in this conflict than many of Washington’s nominal European allies.

By cutting Banque Misr’s UAE branches off from the dollar, the Treasury is sending a clear warning to banks and businesses around the world: helping Iran move money can cost them access to the U.S. financial system. For banks and companies in the UAE, losing access to dollars would make it far harder to do business internationally and could seriously damage their reputation, as the country has built its economy as a hub for trade, logistics, finance, investment, and cross-border commerce.

The move is especially notable as just days earlier, the UAE announced it had halted all trade, commercial exchanges, and financial transactions with Iran.

What separates Operation Economic Outcast from another routine round of sanctions is its willingness to follow Iran’s money wherever it goes, even when it runs through a friendly country. The Trump administration is making clear that an alliance does not create a carveout for banks or businesses that help keep Iran’s financial networks alive. If an institution operating in Dubai or anywhere else is part of Iran’s sanctions-evasion operation, it can expect to be treated accordingly.

Continue Reading:

https://townhall.com/news/dmitri-bolt/2026/08/28/trump-administration-to-sever-uae-based-bank-from-the-dollar-n2682081

Video: “This is Economic Warfare” - If You Choose Iran, We Will Destroy Economy!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Valuetainment-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubLd5ByFfjE

Video: Gen. Keane: Time to MAN UP!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Fox News-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2weBKt1dYrQ

Video: ‘MONEY LAUNDERING GANG’: Trump signals he could HIT Chinese banks!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Fox Business-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW7EAKrsxtg

Video: Dan Brouillette makes BOLD prediction about Iran if US takes hard stance against China!-Posted on YouTube.com-By  Fox Business-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=katIfXNcwgA

Video: BREAKING: US Captures Hormuz, CRUSHES Iran’s Economy; IDF Strikes 400 Hezbollah Targets | TBN Israel!-Posted on YouTube.com-By TBN Israel-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdralTesSbo

Video: “They Have One Card Left”: Iran’s Desperate Next Move Explained!-Posted on YouTube.com-By JINSA-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwNi9E--C_w

Video: IRGC Generals Getting DROPPED As America STEALS Hormuz Back!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Max Afterburner-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp8WZvS-W9U

Video: LIVE: U.S. Take Control Of Hormuz Strait In Iran - IRGC Ask For Ceasefire Talks!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Tousi TV-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8grUsydNG0

Video: Iran Is Losing Control of the Strait of Hormuz!-Posted on YouTube.com-By The President's Daily Brief-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BewUPYgJivM

Video: BREAKING: Iran's DESTRUCTIVE Infrastructure FRACTURING As U.S. Battles to Reopen Hormuz | TBN Israel!-Posted on YouTube.com-By TBN Israel-On August 28, 2026: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J5UIain5Jw

Video: Iran Plans “October Surprise” for Mid-Terms? Regime Faces Economic COLLAPSE | Watchman Newscast LIVE!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Erick Stakelbeck on TBN-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb-cSjJihUY

Video: It's just a MATTER OF TIME before Iranian government COLLAPSES: Ret. Air Force general!-Posted on YouTube.com-By  Fox News-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdufvpqvhWg

Video: IRGC Is SHAKING..." General Keane Drops ULTIMATUM on Iran's Last Days...!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Rabbi Pinchas Taylor-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_7Gnh7PpeE

Video: Retired US Navy vice adm.: It's beyond the point of negotiations...!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Fox Business-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uaxg4GiCqEY

Why Trump must pursue his promised North Korea meeting.  Could stop Pyongyang's nuclear weapons plans, aid to Russia!-Posted on The Washington Times-By Joseph R. DeTrani-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/27/trump-must-pursue-promised-north-korea-meeting/

Three Marines receive belated awards for their actions during Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan!-Posted on The Washington Times-By Vaughn Cockayne, The Washington Times-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/27/three-marines-receive-belated-awards-actions-abbey-gate-bombing/

Longtime Stars and Stripes leaders suing Hegseth, Pentagon to challenge their firings from military newspaper!-Posted on New York Post-By Associated Press-On August 27, 2026:

https://nypost.com/2026/08/27/us-news/longtime-stars-and-stripes-leaders-suing-hegseth-pentagon-to-challenge-their-firings-from-military-newspaper/

Trump Calls Nepal Tibet Flood Brutal While Rescue Efforts Continue!-Posted on Daily Presser-By David Gregoire-On August 28, 2026:

https://dailypresser.com/david/trump-calls-nepal-tibet-flood-brutal-while-rescue-efforts-continue/

US Issues Travel Alerts After Deadly Flooding in Nepal, Tibet. Anyone reporting an American who cannot be reached should provide the person's full name, last known location, itinerary or tour company, and the date and time of last contact!-Posted on NTD-By Kelly McBride Ni-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.ntd.com/us-issues-travel-alerts-after-deadly-flooding-in-nepal-tibet_1168983.html

Video: The Nepal-Tibet Disaster: Missing Warning, Rising Death Toll and China’s Censorship!-Posted on YouTube.com-By  Lei's Real Talk-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xTEVXjb7yw

Trump Declares National Emergency Over US Power Grid Security, Restricts Some Foreign Equipment. Executive Order 14420 directs the federal government to strengthen protections around equipment considered critical to the security of the bulk-power system!-Posted on NTD-By Rachel Acenas-On August 26, 2026:

https://www.ntd.com/trump-declares-national-emergency-over-us-power-grid-security-restricts-some-foreign-equipment_1168745.html

Video: Gordon Chang: This is an attempt to bring down the US in one strike!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Fox Business-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiJEfxRzsqc

X finds Chinese bot farm pushing anti-data-center messages on Americans!-Posted on The Washington Times-By Kerry Picket, The Washington Times-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/28/x-finds-chinese-bot-farm-pushing-anti-data-center-messages-americans/

Who Owns America’s Farmland?-Posted on genflynn.substack.com-By Michael T. Flynn LTG USA (RET)-On August 28, 2026:

https://genflynn.substack.com/p/who-owns-americas-farmland 

State Dept. Revokes Visa of Iraqi Woman Who Received Award from Biden After She's Found on Terror Watch List!-Posted on The Western Journal-By Brooklynn Robinson-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.westernjournal.com/state-dept-revokes-visa-iraqi-woman-received-award-biden-found-terror-watch-list/

U.S. sanctions Italian far-left group for backing antifa, domestic extremists. Portland antifa, militant abortion group and Atlanta extremists used overseas digital tools, State says!-Posted on The Washington Times-By Bill Gertz, The Washington Times-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/27/us-sanctions-italian-far-left-group-backing-antifa-domestic/

New Peruvian president could be key U.S. ally against drug cartels, Chinese influence!-Posted on The Washington Times-By Joseph Hammond, Special to The Washington Times-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/27/new-peruvian-president-could-key-us-ally-drug-cartels-chinese/

U.S. military uses laser to shoot down 3 cartel drones at southern border, Pentagon says!-Posted on CBSNews-By Faris Tanyos-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-military-laser-shoots-down-cartel-drones-southern-border-pentagon/

Scott Bessent Is Coming for Soros, CAIR, the SPLC, and the Left’s Tax-Exempt Empire!-Posted on Townhall-By Dmitri Bolt-On August 28, 2026:

https://townhall.com/news/dmitri-bolt/2026/08/28/scott-bessent-preparing-to-revoke-tax-exempt-status-of-open-society-foundation-cair-and-splc-n2682053

Video: The SOROS EMPIRE Is Finally Coming To An END!!!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Dr. Steve Turley-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elaGLh5BO2U

Challenging Sharia Law Means Challenging Islam As a Religion!-Posted on NewsWithViews.com-By Devvy Kidd-On August 28, 2026:

https://newswithviews.com/challenging-sharia-law-means-challenging-islam-as-a-religion/

Muslim Badges and the Woke Girl Scouts. GSUSA has fallen into the trap of pluralism and has made itself another skinsuit in the Left’s game of gutting our institutions!-Posted on The Patriot Post-By Emmy Griffin, Contributor-On August 28, 2026:

https://patriotpost.us/articles/1000483-muslim-badges-and-the-woke-girl-scouts

Mamdani’s Marxism: The Grift That Keeps On Grieving. NYC Mayor Mourns Death of Murderer in Classic Commie Grievance Narrative!-Posted on jackcashill.substack.com-By Jack Cashill-On August 28, 2026:

https://jackcashill.substack.com/p/mamdanis-marxism-the-grift-that-keeps

Video: New York's being 'RUN INTO THE GROUND' by Hochul and Mamdani!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Fox Business-On August 28, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ciKie-4N8s

How Newsom Turned California Into a Criminal Cesspool. Hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars are being funneled to nonprofits that help people illegally cross the border into the U.S.!-Posted on The Patriot Post-By Hudson Baldwin, Contributor-On August 28, 2026:

https://patriotpost.us/articles/1000484-how-newsom-turned-california-into-a-criminal-cesspool

Video: BREAKING! More DEMOCRATS Are Being ARRESTED Across the COUNTRY!!!-Posted on Youtube.com-By  Dr. Steve Turley-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoqEOSDWgqo

Battleground Dems won’t banish radical podcaster who’s become party’s voice.  Jon Ossoff is latest to refuse to reject Hasan Piker for fear of enraging the extreme left!-Posted on The Washington Times-By Tim Murtaugh-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/27/battleground-dems-wont-banish-radical-podcaster-whos-become-partys/

Video: Democrats LOSE 1,000,000 Votes as Trump Goes SCORCHED EARTH!-Posted on YouTube.com-By MattMorseTV-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC_x_aPcvdw

Judge Blocks Rule Implementing Trump's Plan to Restrict Mail-In Voting.  A federal judge on Thursday blocked the U.S. Postal Service from implementing core parts of a new rule it adopted at President Donald Trump's direction that would tighten mail-in voting requirements ahead of the November midterm elections!-Posted on NTD-By Reuters-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.ntd.com/judge-blocks-rule-implementing-trump-plan-to-restrict-mail-in-voting_1169118.html

We All Knew This Ruling Was Coming (Again) Regarding Mail-In Ballots!-Posted on Townhall-By  Matt Vespa-On August 28, 2026:

https://townhall.com/news/mattvespa/2026/08/28/we-all-knew-this-ruling-was-coming-again-regarding-mail-in-ballots-n2682061

DHS Secretary Warns States About Voting Machines With Chinese Parts. Markwayne Mullin said the imported parts raise security concerns!-Posted on NTD-By Zachary Stieber-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.ntd.com/dhs-secretary-warns-states-of-voting-machines-with-parts-from-china-2_1169012.html

Trump not expected at Ground Zero on 9/11 — will commemorate 25th anniversary of terrorist attacks at Pentagon!-Posted on New York Post-By Victor Nava and Emily Goodin-On August 27, 2026 :

https://nypost.com/2026/08/27/us-news/trump-not-expected-at-ground-zero-on-9-11-anniversary/

A Top FBI Official's Remarks About Running a Secret Government Are Now More Chilling!-Posted on Townhall-By Matt Vespa-On August 28, 2026:

https://townhall.com/news/mattvespa/2026/08/28/given-the-timeline-a-top-fbi-officials-remarks-about-a-secret-government-are-even-creepier-n2681432

Trump Releases His Ranking Of U.S. Presidents … And You’ll Never Guess Who’s At The Top!-Posted on The Daily Caller-By Jack Cowhick-On August 27, 2026:

https://dailycaller.com/2026/08/27/trump-releases-his-ranking-of-us-presidents-and-youll-never-guess-whos-at-the-top/

New COVID-19 mRNA shots approved today by the same nonsensical government that said mRNA does more harm than good!  For six-month-old babies, on minutia of animal data. Making sense of the senseless. The experiment never stopped, it just kept getting renamed. Here’s the word game that keeps it legal and the contradiction sitting at the top of HHS!-Posted on interestofjustice.substack.com-By Interest of Justice-On August 27, 2026:

https://interestofjustice.substack.com/p/new-covid-19-mrna-shots-approved

EXCLUSIVE: ‘Delete From The Deleted File’ — Fauci Tried To Destroy Gain-Of-Function Research Email, New Docs Reveal!-Posted on The Daily Mail-By Emily Kopp,  Senior Investigative Reporter-On August 28, 2026:

https://dailycaller.com/2026/08/28/exclusive-anthony-fauci-gain-of-function-email-new-documents/

Note:  What follows is a flier announcing a POW-MIA Missing Man Tribute, which is a fundraising event, honoring our Prisoners of War (POWs), those still Missing (MIAs) and their families.  This event is being sponsored by Chris Zafra, a Veteran’s Employment Representative (L.V.E.R) with the NM Employment Security Division and will be conducted by retired Army LTCOL Mike Tachias and members of the Cabezon Wounded Warrior Haven (CWWH), on September 16, 2026, at the Casa Rowena Winery located in Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, NM.  The CWWH is non-profit organization that was organized and established by LTCOL Tachias and his wife Rowena as a means of assisting our NM wounded warriors in need.  

If you and your loved ones reside in NM or happen to be in the area during the conduct of this awesome event, please consider making plans to attend this worthwhile and extremely patriotic event that will ultimately assist LTCOL Tachias in raising funds used year-round to help our NM wounded warriors in need-You Decide:

Note:  I believe that the extremely disturbing information revealed on the above recent articles and videos relates to and/or further supports the disturbing information contained on my following blog from the recent past, which revealed that the Democrats are allegedly using the same intelligence tools that were previously used to destabilize other countries around the world to destabilize America from within-You Decide:

Not Since JFK, Has a President Spit Into the Face of the Globalists, Until Now! (Part 19)-Posted on Patriot Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On November 16, 2024:

https://patriotcommandcenter.org/profiles/blogs/not-since-jfk-has-a-president-spit-into-the-face-of-the-global-16

Note:  I believe that the extremely disturbing information revealed on the above recent thought-provoking articles and videos, along with my blog from the recent past, relates to and/or further supports the disturbing information revealed on my following blogs from the recent past-You Decide:

Letter to our NM U.S. Representative Michelle Lujan-Grisham (re: Shadow Party’s alleged agenda to take down America)!-Posted on Tea Party Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On February 13, 2015:

https://patriotcommandcenter.org/profiles/blogs/letter-to-our-nm-u-s-representative-michelle-lujan-grisham-re-3

Follow-up Letter to NM Governor Michelle Lujan Gresham (Re: Taking down of America from within!)-Posted on Tea Party Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On October 30, 2020:

https://teapartyorg.ning.com/profiles/blogs/follow-up-letter-to-nm-governor-michelle-lujan-grisham-re-taking- 

Follow-up Letter to NM U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (Re: Taking down of America from within!)-Posted on Tea Party Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On October 30, 2020:

https://teapartyorg.ning.com/profiles/blogs/follow-up-letter-to-nm-u-s-senator-martin-heinrich-re-taking-down 

Obama: Submit to Globalism or Face War, Death, Destruction!-Posted on Tea Party Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On November 16, 2016:

http://teapartyorg.ning.com/forum/topics/obama-submit-to-globalism-or-face-war-death-destruction

“Global Governance”: Communists, Globalists All In on World Government!-Posted on The New American-By William F. Jasper-On November 20, 2025:

https://thenewamerican.com/world-news/global-governance-communists-globalists-all-in-on-world-government/

Please Read Part 269:

Not Since JFK, Has a President Spit Into the Face of the Globalists, Until Now! (Part 269)-Posted on Patriot Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On August 29, 2026:

https://patriotcommandcenter.org/profiles/blogs/not-since-jfk-has-a-president-spit-into-the-face-of-the-global-99

Note: I believe that the extremely disturbing information revealed on the above thought-provoking articles and videos, along with my blogs from the recent past relates to and/or further supports my following blogs from the recent past-You Decide:

Please Read Part 266:

Not Since JFK, Has a President Spit Into the Face of the Globalists, Until Now! (Part 266)-Posted on Patriot Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On August 26, 2026:  

https://patriotcommandcenter.org/profiles/blogs/not-since-jfk-has-a-president-spit-into-the-face-of-the-globa-866

Note:  I believe that the extremely disturbing information revealed on the following recent thought-provoking articles and videos relates to and/or further supports the disturbing information revealed on my above blog from the recent past-You Decide: 

Eighteen Years Ago. "We are five days away from fundamentally transforming the United States of America!"-Posted on The Patriot Post-By Allen West, Columnist-On August 26, 2026:

I am quite sure y’all are looking at the title to this missive and asking, what is the ol’ Colonel talking about? Well, bear with me, please. We can recall the maxim of Chinese communist leader Mao Tse-Tung alluding to the “long slow march” towards communism. We know that this insidious and murderous ideology was first introduced to the world by one Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in their book, “The Communist Manifesto.” Here in America, communists introduced themselves into our country with the clever marketing rebranding of “progressive.” They at one point even went so far as to abscond with the misappropriated label of “liberals.” Of course, the Father of Classical Liberalism, John Locke, would be utterly appalled to know that Marxists had kidnapped his philosophy, well, just the title, but none of his principles. Marxists believe that they should have complete power, control, and domination of the life, liberty, and property of the individual. Matter of fact, they have vehement disregard and disdain for the individual, as Mamdani said, “We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.”

How did we get to this point?

Ahh, here is where the reasoning behind the title of this piece is to be revealed. It was just a short eighteen years ago when an unaccomplished U.S. Senator, Barack Hussein Obama, a clear Marxist, gave his famed quote, “We are five days away from fundamentally transforming the United States of America,” in Columbia, Missouri, right before the November 2008 presidential election. There should be no surprise that Obama would say such a thing; all the indicators and warnings were there, especially his emanating from Chicago, just like Saul Alinsky. But what was highly disconcerting was the response of the mindless lemmings, useful idiots, and, truthfully, an entire nation that did not stop and ask a simple question: “Transforming America to what?”

I remember the response from the Marxist leftist media that chided anyone who dared challenge Obama’s assertion as racist. Nothing new there. See, the leftists had selected the perfect vessel to fully introduce Marxism into America, a skilled black rhetorician whom we certainly knew nothing about. We were not allowed to say anything, and some Republicans were simply too cowardly to speak out. And so this deadly cancer was fully injected into our nation, and reelected, even after Obama disrespected the indomitable American entrepreneurial spirit, telling them that “If you own a business, you didn’t build that.” How funny, Obama, a person with a razor-thin resume, an empty suit, would chastise American business owners, including small business owners, the backbone of this country. We, this Republic, reelected him. Not to mention the fact that Obama, in 2012, was running against an American businessman, Mitt Romney, who could not capitalize on that statement.

Therefore, it is no surprise to me that eighteen years later we have Marxists running for elected office under the banner of the political party that introduced us to a Marxist presidential candidate. That cancer that was injected into our Republic has fully metastasized and, if not treated immediately, will bring about the death of this nation in its 250th year of celebrating its independence.

These emboldened Marxists, who cleverly refer to themselves as Democratic Socialists, and who embrace all ten planks of Marxism, are telling us their intent in fundamentally transforming our Republic.

DSA leader Cliff Connolly, who is a member of their National Steering Committee, admitted that he and his organization have a burning hatred of the U.S. Constitution. They view our rule of law as an “obstacle” that must be overcome by a socialist (Marxist) revolution.

Let’s unpack this for a moment. These fine young cannibals, well, Bernie Sanders ain’t young, are openly advocating sedition and treason. We all know that their so-called platform calls for the abolishment of Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches). They want to replace it with a pure democratic unicameral House of Representatives. In essence, they want to undo what our Founding Fathers established: a representative democracy, designed to preclude the tyranny of a pure, majority-rule democracy. See, America is a Constitutional Republic, as articulated in Article IV, Section 4. What Comrade Connolly is saying is that our very system of governance inhibits the Marxists from executing, and they mean literally, as history has proven, their fundamental transformation of these United States of America.

Think about it. It is not just about restructuring our federal, and probably state, governments. This means that the individual Bill of Rights is also an “obstacle” that must be overcome by a Marxist revolution. That means you will not have freedom of religion, speech, expression, peaceable assembly, or to petition your government for redress of grievances. You will certainly not have a Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. It was Edward Abbey who stated, “A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.” It is kinda hard to do that when you have been disarmed, which is why April 19, 1775, is such an important day in our history and is known as Patriots’ Day. However, to the Marxists, patriotism is defined as paying your “fair share” in their scheme called progressive taxation, which is one of Karl Marx’s ten planks.

If the Constitution is an “obstacle” to these Marxists, how can we expect them to take an oath as elected officials to the Constitution? Talk about a constitutional crisis. To me, it is simple: they are illegitimate political candidates and should be disqualified from holding elected office in our Constitutional Republic. They obviously do not embrace any of this Republic’s fundamental governing principles, like individual rights, freedoms, and liberties. And history has certainly proven everything I am stating as correct when it comes to Marxist rule. I mean, shall the day come when my writing a missive such as this gives cause for the new Brownshirts, Antifa, to show up at my door? And if I am disarmed, well, I can easily end up just like those who protest against the totalitarian, tyrannical regime in Iran. Ever notice how these Marxists are not strongly supporting our efforts to end the terrorist regime in Iran? They would love to have that type of power, control, and domination.

Connolly expressed his view of our Constitution as “a few useless pieces of parchment.” He stated, “Of the DSA caucuses that believe in democracy (America is a Republic) as an end goal, MUG (Marxist Unity Group) is the only one that sees revolution as a necessity to get there. And of the caucuses in DSA which see the necessity of revolution, we’re the only ones that see democracy as the end goal.” Let me translate what Comrade Connolly is saying, which we first heard from Vladimir Lenin: “The end goal of socialism is communism.” He and his Marxist choom gang can try and manipulate language, but what they are talking about is the economic model of socialism enabling the fundamental societal transformation of America to communism. And that, folks, all got started eighteen years ago with Obama’s rant.

America is, no, it has entered into a Second Civil War. It started as two competing ideologies, but we now have the open declaration of kinetic means to an end. There have been warning shots fired, federal officers attacked, assassination attempts on a president, and the assassination of a young man in an open free-speech forum. We can choose to dismiss this, as we did eighteen years ago with Obama, or take it doggone seriously.

I choose to take it seriously. Matter of fact, I did back in 2012 at a town hall forum in Jensen Beach, Florida, when I stated that there were some 75-80 communists in Congress. It was, and is, called the Congressional Progressive Caucus. The leftists went apoplectic, and Republicans ran and hid. Maybe that is why I only served one term in Congress. You can’t have a strong constitutional conservative combat veteran calling out Marxists when there is a Black Marxist in the White House. Leadership is about being prescient, visionary, and, as Sun Tzu would say, winning the battle before it has even begun.

Here’s what I have to say to Comrade Connolly. There are many of us who took the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. And we take that oath seriously and do not believe that it has a statute of limitations. Don’t go asking for something, writing a check, that your ass cannot back up. If you are calling for a revolution to overthrow our Constitutional Republic, which you are, you and your ilk will meet a terrible fate. No, Comrade, that is not a threat. It is a promise, one from an American Soldier. And there are many of us, as well as Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, who will stand before you and your “goal.”

The Constitution of the United States of America is not an obstacle; it is the embodiment of the American people, a restraining document on the powers of the federal government, and our rule of law. Neither you nor anyone else is going to replace or abolish it.

Steadfast and Loyal.

Source Link:

https://patriotpost.us/opinion/1000433-eighteen-years-ago

Video: DSA Leader Cliff Connolly Comes Out and Admits ‘Hatred’ of US Constitution!-Posted on MEDIA ITE!-By Sean James-On August 17, 2026:

https://www.mediaite.com/politics/dsa-leader-comes-out-and-admits-hatred-of-us-constitution/

Note:  I believe that the extremely disturbing information revealed on the above recent thought-provoking article by Retired Army LtCol Allen West relates to and/or is further supported by the disturbing information revealed on my following blogs from the recent past-You Decide: 

Not Since JFK, Has a President Spit Into the Face of the Globalists, Until Now! (Part 239)-Posted on Patriot Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On July 23, 2026: 

https://patriotcommandcenter.org/profiles/blogs/not-since-jfk-has-a-president-spit-into-the-face-of-the-globa-504

Not Since JFK, Has a President Spit Into the Face of the Globalists, Until Now! (Part 249)-Posted on Patriot Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On August 7, 2026:

https://patriotcommandcenter.org/profiles/blogs/not-since-jfk-has-a-president-spit-into-the-face-of-the-globa-777

Iran says the Strait of Hormuz stays closed until the U.S. meets its terms!-Posted on The Washington Times-By Vaughn Cockayne, The Washington Times-On August 26, 2026:

What to know

• Iran's IRGC says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until U.S. compliance.
• Negotiators from Iran and Oman are working on a governance deal for the waterway.
• The IRGC claims military control over the strait, including Omani waters.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps again said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. respects the terms of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Meanwhile, Iranian and Omani negotiators worked toward what could be a deal governing the waterway.

A spokesperson for the IRGC said in a statement Wednesday that the entirety of the strait, including Omani waters, is under Iran’s military control and would remain so until the U.S. accepts its demands.

“If the United States stops obstructing and returns to the memorandum, we can reopen the Strait of Hormuz within the framework of the agreement,” the spokesperson said. “If the United States does not accept our conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened under any circumstances.”

The U.S. and Iran entered into the Pakistan-brokered Islamabad MOU in June after weeks of diplomacy. The agreement outlined a regional ceasefire, a 60-day negotiating window, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the potential for sanctions relief for Iran.

Iran struck at commercial ships traveling in the strait in mid-July, leading to retaliatory strikes from the U.S., effectively killing the agreement.

Iran and Oman have held discussions for more than a month to hammer out a framework that would determine governance of the waterway, at least temporarily.

On Tuesday, following a meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart, Badr al-Busaidi, in Tehran, the two countries said they agreed on a temporary maritime route for ships traveling through the strait.

The pending agreement also includes a mine-sweeping agreement to clear the strait of dangerous material, according to the statement.

Both men said they hoped to release the full text of the agreement soon.

The IRGC has consistently said the U.S. naval blockade, which has been in effect since last month, is impeding the finalization of the agreement with Oman.

The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as the single most pressing issue for the U.S. and Iran in the six-month war.

The war started in late February with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian political and military targets. In retaliation, Iran struck at U.S. military assets in the Middle East and declared the closure of Hormuz.

The strait, connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is used by international shipping companies to transport a fifth of the world’s supply of oil and natural gas each year.

The strait’s closure has put dramatic pressure on the world economy. In the U.S., average gas prices have remained above $4 a gallon this month.

Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil, dipped significantly to $88 a barrel on Wednesday following news of progress in the Iran-Oman deal. But prices still remain far higher than prewar levels, with the price per barrel in February sitting near $70.

The economic strain the strait’s closure is having on the U.S. has put political pressure on President Trump to facilitate an end to the conflict.

However, since the conflict restarted in July after a brief pause, Mr. Trump has been reluctant to cede any ground to Iran. He told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that he was “not in a hurry” to reach a diplomatic solution to the war.

Mr. Trump has also been reluctant to restart kinetic action against Iran, which he paused this month after fielding calls from regional leaders worried that the conflict could spiral out of control.

Instead, the Trump administration has leaned on economic pressure. This week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced “Operation Economic Outcast,” an expansion of secondary sanctions on countries retaining economic ties to Iran.

The plan outlined by Mr. Bessent, however, provided little detail on what actions the U.S. plans to take on some of Iran’s largest trade partners, namely China, Russia and Turkey.

Iran, for its part, has mostly brushed off the sanctions as more of the same.

However, Mr. Araghchi on Wednesday said he asked U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Security Council and member states to condemn the operation as unlawful and “economic terrorism.”

“The declared objective of this so-called ’operation’ is to end lawful economic relations with Iran, backed by threats of secondary sanctions and exclusion from the U.S. financial system,” Mr. Araghchi wrote them in his letter, first published on his Telegram account.

Source Link:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/26/irgc-strait-hormuz-closed-us-accepts-mou/

Video: Iran INSISTS Strait of Hormuz is 'CLOSED' as US stifles economy!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Fox News-On August 27, 2027:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPKhXx8z4tM

Iran-Oman deal on Strait of Hormuz ‘doesn’t matter’ as Trump controls blockade, US official says!-Posted on New York Post-By Steven Nelson-On August 27, 2026:

WASHINGTON — A purported deal between Iran and Oman to control the Strait of Hormuz and share revenue from fees is “not even close to done” and would be meaningless so long as President Trump’s blockade of Iran remains in effect, a US official told The Post.

A spokesman for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed Wednesday that the two nations had agreed to terms to control the shipping bottleneck  — but The Post’s source said that ill-defined terms are still believed to lack full approval from Iran’s leadership.

“The deals don’t mean anything unless we approve it. It doesn’t matter what the two of them — Iran and Oman — do. There is no deal without Trump pulling the blockade,” the official said.

President Trump has threatened to bomb Oman if it makes a deal with Iran to toll the Strait of Hormuz. Al Drago/UPI/Shutterstock

A deal is “not even close to done [and] we know for a fact that this is still subject to approval within Iran,” he added.

“The last time we heard something was subject to approval… we all know what happened to it. It died.”

Trump, who has not directly commented on the reported deal, threatened earlier this month to “bomb the s–t out of” Oman if it inks a pact with Tehran to toll the strait.

How exactly the Iran-Oman deal would generate revenue remains unclear — with earlier iterations of the concept describing tolls as “service fees” to cover environmental and security costs.

The US, meanwhile, is ramping up efforts this week to squeeze Iran economically following more than a month of Trump’s renewed blockade of its ports.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday announced “Operation Economic Outcast” to pressure countries to sever business ties — as massive fuel lines formed at Iranian gas stations.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Tuesday with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi in Tehran, but US officials believe a purported deal has not been finalized. via REUTERS

Bessent, previewing those actions, said last Thursday that “we are going to collapse this regime,” through economic pain, pointing to spiking inflation and unemployment and a collapse in the value of Iran’s currency.

“It is clear that the new sanctions are biting,” the US official told The Post, noting that fuel lines are “like two to three miles — it’s wild.” 

Although peace talks have stalled, “there are so many reach outs, it’s hard to count them,” the official said.

Trump’s core demand has been that Iran agree to destroy its highly enriched uranium to prevent the building of nuclear weapons. He also has refused to entertain postwar Iranian control of the strait.

The fact that the American government believes the Oman-Iran deal still lacks formal approval in Tehran suggest the IRGC may have jumped the gun.

Long gas lines have formed in Iran as the US blockade and sanctions cause economic pain. AP Photo/Vahid Salemi

IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi had made international headlines telling the state-run Sepah News agency: “Agreements have been reached regarding each country’s share of the strait’s waters as well as Iran and Oman’s share of its revenues.”

Trump told reporters Thursday that the strait is “open” to all ships except those coming to or from Iran — and that he’s not eager to restart formal peace talks.

“We don’t want to speak to them. We’re not looking to meet or anything. The strait is open,” he said. “Millions and millions of barrels of oil are coming out of the strait every day. Other countries recognize that.”

Source Link:

https://nypost.com/2026/08/27/us-news/iran-oman-deal-on-strait-of-hormuz-doesnt-matter-as-trump-controls-blockade-us-official-says/

Video: It Happened: Iran BEGS for a Peace Deal As Trump RAVAGES Their Economy Without Dropping Single BOMB…!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Benny Johnson-On August 25, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXw_zMJ9C4k

Video: The U.S. Navy’s Covert Hormuz Operation!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Brian Kilmeade-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bBhGAMQSMw

Video: What Trump Just Did Will Bring The FINAL Blow To Iran!!-Posted on YouTube.com-By JNS TV-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVBMMJm67Fo

Video: Iran’s New Hormuz Plan Targets American Warships!-Posted on YouTube.com-By The President's Daily Brief-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRceED8wgu4

Video: Oil tanker STRUCK in Hormuz as Trump vows to continue Iran war 'as long as necessary!'-Posted on YouTube.com-By Fox News-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bBhGAMQSMw

Video: BREAKING: Iran’s ATOMIC Push; U.S. Breaks Hormuz; Lebanon Turns On Hezbollah | TBN Israel!-Posted on YouTube.com-By TBN Israel-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NRpzeHVqck

Video: Gaza war: Hamas leader's bodyguard dead, Israel says!-Posted on YouTube.com-By  LiveNOW from FOX-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtcOGYHlSRU

Video: Israel backs Trump's Gaza plan; Iran bars IAEA from bombed sites TV7 Israel News - 27 Aug.!-Posted on YouTube.com-By  TV7 Israel News-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ABo2Cauq0Y

Video: Israel Daily News - August 27, 2026 | Hezbollah Targets IDF as Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon!-Posted on YouTube.com-By ILTV Israel News-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8JWJyj4-Oc

Video: Iran Went After Trump’s Family Then America Did THIS!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Max Afterburner-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA2pdKTzppg

Video: BREAKING: CIA Chief WARNS Putin Of NATO Attack; Iran’s Supreme Leader CONFIRMED Alive? | TBN Israel!-Postrd on YouTube.com-By TBN Israel-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYVHkTlY20Q

Video: They Have One Card Left": Iran Preparing An October Surprise? | Brian Kilmeade Show!-Posted on YouTube.com-By  Brian Kilmeade-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIJ5nANjoTM

Video: Melanie Phillips: Iran Is NOT READY For What Trump Is About To Do…!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Rabbi Pinchas Taylor-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpN8H4M2J-E

Video: BREAKING: Attack On IRGC Checkpoints - Basij Members Assassinated - Israel STRIKES Iran's Proxies!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Tousi TV-On August 27, 2026: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2egYWuNs6E

Iran’s future cannot be made in Washington.  U.S. should empower the Iranian people, denying the regime regrouping time!-Posted on The Washington Times-By Carla Sands-On August 26, 2026:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/26/irans-future-cannot-made-washington/

Turkey’s quiet war with Israel. What will Erdogan do next?-Posted on The Washington Times-By Jed Babbin-On August 26, 2026:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/26/turkeys-quiet-war-israel/

We Are Very Close to Clinching a Massive Deal on Oil!-Posted on Townhall-By Matt Vespa-On August 27, 2026:

https://townhall.com/news/mattvespa/2026/08/27/so-about-that-venezuelan-oil-n2682029

Video: Xi Jinping’s Strange 2026 Schedule Raises New Questions!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Lei's Real Talk-On August 26, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX9VQ_YzDbY

China working on AI-powered hypersonic missiles!-Posted on The Washington Times-By Bill Gertz, The Washington Times-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/27/china-working-ai-powered-hypersonic-missiles/

‘Hackers for hire’: How a Chinese group hid its attacks on U.S. infrastructure!-Posted on The Washington Times-By Mary McCue Bell, The Washington Times-On August 26, 2026:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/26/feds-shut-chinese-cyber-hackers-who-hit-top-government-agencies/

Video: Trump admin needs to 'GET SERIOUS' about this, Gordon Chang stresses!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Fox Business-On August 27, 2027:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOVKtYojya0

Video: Mamdani FREAKS OUT After His Family's MANSIONS On Three Continents Get EXPOSED!!!-Posted on YouTube.com-By Dr. Steve Turley-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDL5HiQCjf8

Police Raid Home of Ilhan Omar's Son, Recover Guns and Ammunition: Report!-Posted on The Western Journal-By Johnathan Jones-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.westernjournal.com/police-raid-home-ilhan-omars-son-recover-guns-ammunition-report/

Video: Trump Just Pulled Off The IMPOSSIBLE… And The Left Is TERRIFIED!!!-Posted on YouTube.com-By  Dr. Steve Turley-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPwoDEfMfiY

Video: Trump renames Lake Ontario to Lake America!-Posted on YouTube.com-By LiveNOW from FOX-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNDW8LR7H9M

Canada Responds To Trump Statement Over Lake Ontario!-Posted on Civil Deadline-By S. Adams-On August 27, 2026:

https://civildeadline.com/canada-responds-to-trump-statement-over-lake-ontario/

Three Secret Service Agents Hit With 'Do Not Admit' Orders!-Posted on Civil Deadline-By S. Adams-On August 27, 2026:

https://civildeadline.com/three-secret-service-agents-hit-with-do-not-admit-orders-2/

Remembering 9/11 — when you’re too young to remember it!-Posted on The Washington Times-By Jess Hamilton-On August 26, 2026:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/26/remembering-911-youre-young-remember/ 

American Heroes of 9/11: Lt. General Patricia D. Horoho!-Posted on Townhall-By Amy Curtis-On August 27, 2026:

https://townhall.com/news/amy-curtis/2026/08/27/patricia-horoho-n2681965

Canada's Nat'l Broadcaster Bans Calling 9/11 'Terror Attacks': Instead, 'Hijackings Led to Passenger Air Crashes!'-Posted on The Western Journal-By C. Douglas Golden-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.westernjournal.com/canadas-natl-broadcaster-bans-calling-9-11-terror-attacks-instead-hijackings-led-passenger-air-crashes/

Measles Immunity: No Twice-Vaccinated Generation Has Reached Sixty-Five. Single-dose cohorts cross that line in 2033. Two-dose cohorts in 2054!-Posted on Malone News-By Dr. Robert W. Malone-On August 27, 2026:

https://www.malone.news/p/measles-immunity-no-twice-vaccinated

Video: Ep 3980b - [DS] Cyber Attacks Are Being Mitigated, Backchannels Are Important, Trump Sends The Signal!-Posted on Rumble.com-By X22 Report-On August 27, 2026:

https://rumble.com/v7eql9q-ep-3980b-ds-cyber-attacks-are-being-mitigatedbackchannels-are-importanttrum.html

Note:  What follows is a flier announcing a POW-MIA Missing Man Tribute, which is a fundraising event, honoring our Prisoners of War (POWs), those still Missing (MIAs) and their families.  This event is being sponsored by Chris Zafra, a Veteran’s Employment Representative (L.V.E.R) with the NM Employment Security Division and will be conducted by retired Army LTCOL Mike Tachias and members of the Cabezon Wounded Warrior Haven (CWWH), on September 16, 2026, at the Casa Rowena Winery located in Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, NM.  The CWWH is non-profit organization that was organized and established by LTCOL Tachias and his wife Rowena as a means of assisting our NM wounded warriors in need.  

If you and your loved ones reside in NM or happen to be in the area during the conduct of this awesome event, please consider making plans to attend this worthwhile and extremely patriotic event that will ultimately assist LTCOL Tachias in raising funds used year-round to help our NM wounded warriors in need-You Decide:

Note:  I believe that the extremely disturbing information revealed on the above recent articles and videos relates to and/or further supports the disturbing information contained on my following blog from the recent past, which revealed that the Democrats are allegedly using the same intelligence tools that were previously used to destabilize other countries around the world to destabilize America from within-You Decide:

Not Since JFK, Has a President Spit Into the Face of the Globalists, Until Now! (Part 19)-Posted on Patriot Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On November 16, 2024:

https://patriotcommandcenter.org/profiles/blogs/not-since-jfk-has-a-president-spit-into-the-face-of-the-global-16

Note:  I believe that the extremely disturbing information revealed on the above recent thought-provoking articles and videos, along with my blog from the recent past, relates to and/or further supports the disturbing information revealed on my following blogs from the recent past-You Decide:

Letter to our NM U.S. Representative Michelle Lujan-Grisham (re: Shadow Party’s alleged agenda to take down America)!-Posted on Tea Party Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On February 13, 2015:

https://patriotcommandcenter.org/profiles/blogs/letter-to-our-nm-u-s-representative-michelle-lujan-grisham-re-3

Follow-up Letter to NM Governor Michelle Lujan Gresham (Re: Taking down of America from within!)-Posted on Tea Party Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On October 30, 2020:

https://teapartyorg.ning.com/profiles/blogs/follow-up-letter-to-nm-governor-michelle-lujan-grisham-re-taking- 

Follow-up Letter to NM U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (Re: Taking down of America from within!)-Posted on Tea Party Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On October 30, 2020:

https://teapartyorg.ning.com/profiles/blogs/follow-up-letter-to-nm-u-s-senator-martin-heinrich-re-taking-down 

Obama: Submit to Globalism or Face War, Death, Destruction!-Posted on Tea Party Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On November 16, 2016:

http://teapartyorg.ning.com/forum/topics/obama-submit-to-globalism-or-face-war-death-destruction

“Global Governance”: Communists, Globalists All In on World Government!-Posted on The New American-By William F. Jasper-On November 20, 2025:

https://thenewamerican.com/world-news/global-governance-communists-globalists-all-in-on-world-government/

Please Read Part 268:

Not Since JFK, Has a President Spit Into the Face of the Globalists, Until Now! (Part 268)-Posted on Patriot Command Center-By Jake Martinez-On August 28, 2026:

https://patriotcommandcenter.org/profiles/blogs/not-since-jfk-has-a-president-spit-into-the-face-of-the-globa-499

Note: I believe that the extremely disturbing information revealed on the above thought-provoking articles and videos, along with my blogs from the recent past relates to and/or further supports my following blogs from the recent past-You Decide: