Fewer Than Half Of Americans Can Name The Three Branches Of Their Government

 

The most recent Annenberg Public Policy Center annual Constitution Day Civics Survey found that fewer than half of Americans can name all three branches of government — executive, legislative, and judicial — a drop off of 9 percentage points from just one year ago. (This is likely because a larger percentage of Americans attend “institutions of higher learning” than ever before. I’m not joking.) At this rate, no one will be able to achieve this remarkable feat by 2028. This is doubly sad when one realizes that nearly every single child in the country possessed this fundamental knowledge by the age 12 or 14 50 years ago. And 100 years ago. And 150 years ago. Whether they went to school in a large city or in a one-room schoolhouse on a midwestern prairie.  

Perhaps even more mind boggling, roughly a quarter of Americans surveyed could not name a single branch of the federal government.

Perhaps even more disturbing, the survey showed an increase in the number of respondents who were unable to name any of the five freedoms guaranteed under the First Amendment to the Constitution. (Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and to petition the government.) Just over one quarter of respondents were at a loss to name even one First Amendment freedom. In the previous survey, conducted in 2021, 56 percent of respondents identified freedom of religion, compared to only 24 percent in 2022. In 2021, half of the respondents noted freedom of the press, as opposed to only 20 percent in 2022.

Is it any wonder, then, that government is denying those freedoms and treating citizens with the wrong political opinions like “terrorists” or “enemies of the state,” openly labeling them as such? 

Governments around the world used the plandemic pandemic as a trial run to see how far they could push their citizens…and were nearly universally pleased at the result. That Americans allowed themselves to be so brutalized is as shocking as it is depressing.

Thomas Jefferson famously said that he would prefer a country that is full of newspapers but lacks a government. In doing so, he was proclaiming that Americans’ rights override the needs of the government. He, however, would be devastated to know that today the mainstream media-- newspapers included-- is today nothing more than the propaganda purveyor of the Democratic Party, the party he supposedly founded.

 

Nearly all Americans can name three or more genders, one or more of which don’t even exist. I am nearly certain that the vast majority of Americans can name three HBO shows, three characters from Game of Thrones, three adult movie stars, three rap musicians, and three brands of candy bars. But can even half of us name all 50 states? 40? 30…?

Rising ignorance goes hand-in-hand with a lack of wisdom, declining religious belief and moral virtue, approval of socialism, hatred of America, and increasing anger, entitlement, and despair.

And, oddly enough, attendance at a college or university.

The elites aggressively promulgating leftist policies believe they are more sophisticated than the rest of us, while in reality they are simply more delusional. When a person or group believe they have the exclusive “right” to direct the lives of others, you know that person or group has no business directing the life of anyone else. The self-same people who say that merit shouldn’t determine one’s lot in life, should have nothing to do with outcomes, believe their inflexible intolerance of those they deem intolerant merit their permanent rule over everyone else. They alone are permitted to determine whose jobs are “essential” and whose are not, what things should be “worth,” and what others can and cannot do.

All of which is anathema to freedom and the founders’ vision for the United States.

If most Americans can no longer name the three branches of their country’s government, or the freedoms guaranteed to them by the Constitution and enumerated by the Bill of Rights, they don’t deserve to be free—and those in power will act with utter impunity.

When most of us can’t even name the three branches of our government, there will be zero ways left for us to Make America Great Again.

New York To Send Migrants To Tent City On Island

 

New York’s Democratic Mayor, Eric Adams, recently revealed that he is directing that tent towns to house migrants be built on Randall’s Island, a relatively secluded island off the Bronx.  The tents would provide shelter for roughly 500 border crossers and illegal aliens.

As it stands now, the vast majority of the approximately 16,000 border crossers and illegal aliens that have been bused to New York, a sanctuary city, remain in the city’s overcrowded homeless shelter system. As a result, Adams originally stated that he would begin housing migrants in tent towns in a parking lot in the Bronx. Since then, he has changed his mind and will ship them to the island. (Randall’s Island isn’t exactly Martha’s Vineyard, but then Adams is no DeSantis.)

Not to be outdone, New York’s Democratic Governor, Kathy Hochul, is calling on roughly 100 National Guard reservists to help build the new tent cities where arrivals and excess migrants will be housed.

 It’s hard to fathom why New York has so much difficulty dealing with just 16,000 migrants-- approximately 0.3% of those who have crossed our southern border since Biden took office-- when its politicians have previously made it clear that the open border is no big deal, and is, in fact, a good thing.

“Progressive” politicians are claiming migrants should stay in Florida so they can help “pick the crops,” bussing them to military installations, and confining them to an island and hoping they can’t swim.

Democrats who run self-proclaimed “Sanctuaries” for illegal aliens consistently show themselves to be the worst kind of frauds.

Instead of being allowed to live in mansions and gated communities, they should have to join the “migrants” in tent cities on parking lots in the Bronx and on Randall’s Island.

 

 

MARS Introduces New "Spokescandy" M&M Representing Acceptance And Inclusivity

 

MARS has added a new “spokescandy” to its lineup of cartoon characters.

The company released a statement saying: “Designed to represent acceptance and inclusivity, our newest member is known for her earnest self-expression. Keen self-awareness, authenticity and confidence are the driving forces behind Purple’s charm and quirky nature. She joins the legendary cast of M&M’S characters, who recently were given a refresh with updated looks and more nuanced personalities.” (The brand gave the Green candy a makeover this past January to make her appearance less “sexy.”)

As if that weren’t enough balderdash, Jane Hwang, Global Vice President at Mars Wrigley, stated: “Mars is thrilled to debut the newest member of the M&M’S cast of characters to the world. There is so much about our new spokescandy that people can relate to and appreciate, including her willingness to embrace her true self – our new character reminds us to celebrate what makes us unique. Our purpose story is just getting started and the introduction of our newest M&M’S spokescandy is the next chapter, as the brand continues to delight fans with fun in a way only M&M’S can.”

I, for one, am thrilled that Purple is willing to embrace her true self and can’t wait to hear what the spokescandy has to say. I think I know what her true “purpose story” will be: embracing wokeness in a shameless display of virtue-signaling to deflect from the fact that the company contributes to the obesity epidemic by peddling a vast array of candy and chocolates to kids and adults alike.

MARS is introducing Purple via a song and music video titled “I’m Just Gonna Be Me,” in which the character is repeatedly referred to as a “she.” This has led many folks to speculate that the company might opt to out her as a lesbian in a later ad, though her sexuality is not addressed in the video. Because, apparently, small, candy-coated chocolates just taste better to us when we know they are homosexual.

Seeking to up its street cred, MARS also recently partnered with Lil Nas X, a rapper who once paused a show and told his audience from backstage he needed a minute or two because he was taking a “mean shit.” (Perhaps he had eaten too many M&M’S.) Lil Nas X has also written children’s books-- and sold “Satan Shoes” sporting a bronze pentagram, an inverted cross, and a drop of actual human blood. A veritable Renaissance man! (Tragically, the shoes sold out almost immediately after they were introduced.)

Less sexy and more tolerant, accepting and inclusive? That is just what we need from our candies! But, how does Purple’s “earnest self-expression” and “keen self-awareness” manifest itself? Oh, I bet I know…wink, wink, nudge, nudge! (She might melt in her hand, not in her mouth!) I’m sure she’s self-accepting and self-inclusive, if you know what I mean. And, really, isn’t that the most important attribute in a candy? I know if my small, chocolatey confection isn’t self-aware I’m not going to ingest it!

Let’s hope Purple does turn out to be a lesbian. I’m sure many fans will petition MARS to make it so. But, if the company truly wants to be inclusive, there are many other colors that have been sadly—and systemically-- left out of its stable of characters…colors that could represent many progressive ideas and ideals. Granted, there are not as many colors, hues, and tints as there are genders, yet MARS could do so much more to battle the white, male, heteronormative, Christian nationalist patriarchy that is currently threatening to destroy our democracy and overwhelm the global confectionery industry. To wit: Fuchsia- could represent those in the atheist anogendered community (AAC). Ecru could proudly represent Minor Attracted Persons (MAPs). Mauve could represent those courageously fighting the stigma baselessly attached to polyamorous interspecies relationships. The possibilities are endless—and sweet!

Do sugar coat it, but don’t give it to us straight.

That’s just what MARS has done.

 

 

 

Marijuana Now More Popular Than Cigarettes

 

According to a recent Gallup poll, more Americans are now smoking marijuana than cigarettes. That’s progress, right? In a poll conducted July 5th to 26th, only 11% of Americans surveyed said they smoked cigarettes. That’s as compared to 45% in the mid-1950s. Yet 16% of Americans admitted to smoking pot, 48% saying they have tried it at some point in their lives. Contrast that to 1969, when only 4% of Americans said they smoked “weed.”

 

The tobacco/cigarette industry has been constantly harassed, taxed, fined, and demonized by government entities and liberals everywhere…whereas the production and sale of marijuana has effectively been subsidized—and almost glorified. Which may be an indication that they, too, are stoned.

 

A marijuana cigarette, or “joint,” contains more carcinogens than does a tobacco cigarette. Moreover, the amount of the intoxicating substance in a joint, THC, has been steadily rising over the years. (Unlike virtually all other consumables, apparently there is no market for “light marijuana.” Quite the opposite, apparently.) The long-term effects of this aren’t yet fully known, but include damage to a person’s lungs, heart and brain…three fairly important organs.

 

This tracks with numerous other trends-- most reversals of conventional wisdom, some flying in the face traditional morality.

 

To wit: saying “all lives matter” is now considered not only somehow controversial, but racist and offensive. Proclaiming that one wishes to “Make America Great Again” is not only frowned upon but might trigger an FBI raid on one’s abode. All sentient and sane people wonder how this can possibly be.  

 

“Thought leaders” and influencers flat out aver that all whites are racist, because of their skin color, utterly ignoring the stupendously racist nature of their own remarks and beliefs, not to mention the mind-boggling hypocrisy.

 

Nearly all erstwhile taboos and modes of depravity are being legitimized-- and indeed lionized-- even as Christianity is being mocked, altered, and demonized.

 

Violent criminals are being repeatedly set free without bail, yet Trump supporters deemed guilty of “trespassing” are being held in prisons-- if not solitary confinement-- for lengthy and often indefinite periods of time.

 

The Biden administration considers other nations’ borders inviolate, while effectively refusing to even acknowledge our own. Our elites disparage a wall on our southern border, but almost without exception make certain their own properties are protected by fences and/or walls. And often armed security, though most purport to be for gun control. Our current leaders neglect our own aging nuclear deterrent while doing everything they can to make certain Iran has “the bomb” ASAP.

 

Perhaps most detrimental of all, the divine complementarity of the two sexes, male and female, is being summarily dismissed as arbitrary, unreal, a mere figment of the imaginations of white male scientists from yesteryear. Something simply “assigned” to one at birth (signifying nothing of note) by an overworked—and probably toxically masculine-- medical professional.

 

We have traded independence for groupthink, education for indoctrination, pants hitched up firmly around our waists for masks hitched firmly over our faces, reason for unmoored emotion, cognitive intelligence for artificial intelligence, Main Street for Wall Street, limited government and small business for unlimited government and Big Tech, Bible study for drag queen story hour, the Founders vision for a false socialist utopia, gratitude for an entitlement mentality…and reality for “virtual reality.”

 

In doing so, we have traded traditional American optimism for ennui and despair.

 

One might well think it’s time to make America great again (if it’s not already too late to do so).

 

Just don’t say so publicly, or Biden’s FBI might raid your home. And your spouse’s clothes closet.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Wave Or...Tyranny?

 

The midterm elections of 2022 are just around the proverbial corner. Will the long-predicted “red wave” come to fruition? Based on every piece of evidence, it should. Based on what has transpired over the past two years, it should. If everyone asks themselves, “Am I better off now than I was two years ago,” it damn well should. Logically, it is virtually certain to be the case. However, unfortunately, a significant percentage of the electorate aren’t logical or rational. Ergo, even though many Democrats have revealed themselves to be clinically insane, that has not proven to be a deal breaker to the low information, highly entitled voter. And never underestimate Republicans’ ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of almost certain victory. Or Democrats’ ability to manipulate, project, and gaslight.

These facts led me to ruminate a bit, and here is some of what I noted: every election that Democrats lose is an obvious, a priori instance of fraud, malfeasance, and Russian collusion. (So they claim.) These blatantly stolen elections have tragically and adversely affected the fortunes of Al Gore (think Florida), Hillary Clinton and Stacey Abrams, to name only a few. Oddly enough, conversely, every election they win immediately becomes the new “most secure election in American history,” surpassing the last one in which Democrats prevailed. This duality becomes even more remarkable when one considers that, typically, when Democrats win, it’s in elections that feature the expanded employment of drop-off boxes and vastly more mail-in ballots cast-- and widespread changes to election laws in battleground states. And numerous creditable accounts of chicanery and outright cheating. And expanded hours (or days) for vote counting. Odd how that works. Actually, it’s truly amazing. That they get away with it.

This is in keeping with other remarkable facts and occurrences vis-à-vis their affirmations and accusations. To wit: in order to convince us that Donald Trump colluded with Russians to get elected, they (read Hillary) colluded with Russians. In accusing Trump of being guilty of the “Big Lie” in “baselessly” claiming that there was rampant election fraud in 2020, they themselves are guilty of the “Big Lie.” Moreover, they claim MAGA Republicans are an existential “threat to our democracy,” even as they refuse to protect our southern border, and talk of packing the court, ending the filibuster, and dispensing with the Electoral College. What’s more, they have enacted laws and policies that have caused inflation, homelessness and crime to spike, turned our schools into indoctrination centers, and resulted in an explosion in “excess deaths.” And they are currently pushing for additional laws and policies, which, if not checked and reversed, would soon result in the total destruction of the American economy—and the American family-- leading to destitution and despair. The U.S. would effectively become the world’s largest banana republic. Might that be a “threat to our democracy?”

We are not a pure democracy, thank God. The founders saw to that. Nor were we meant to be a banana republic. We were set up as a representative republic, the better to give the people the most control of-- and power over-- their government. Their limited government. Does it seem to you that we, the people, have control of—and power over— “our” government today? Or does it appear obvious that the “Democrats,” RINOs, Deep State apparatchiks, swamp dwellers, and the elites in the mainstream media, academia, Big Tech, and corporate boardrooms have joined with the U.N. and World Economic Forum (WEF) to silence, cancel or crush anyone who might dare to stand in their way or question their goals?

Thomas Jefferson purportedly once said: “When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.” In Jefferson’s day, that was considered by most Americans to be conventional wisdom.

If people dare to utter that phrase now, or fly a Gadsden flag, it may well cause the Biden administration to sic the FBI or DOJ on them. Which, inarguably, illustrates the fact that our government, currently led by “Democrats,” is trending towards tyranny.

Red wave? Pray that there is one.

 

Democrats Ironically Accuse Trump Administration Of Rushing COVID Treatments

 

Chivalry might be dead, but irony certainly isn’t. Democrats On the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronovirus Crisis recently released a report alleging the Trump administration pressured health officials to approve unproven COVID-19 treatments and rush authorization of vaccines. The report alleges that former President Donald Trump and his top advisers pushed former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Stephen Hahn to grant emergency use authorization (EUA) to unproven treatments like hydroxychloroquine and convalescent plasma. Hahn also alleged that top Trump officials pushed the FDA to rush authorization of the first vaccine so it would be available before the 2020 presidential election. (But, of course, liberal elites pressured Pfizer to delay approval of its COVID-19 vaccine until after the election.)

“The Select Subcommittee’s findings that Trump White House officials deliberately and repeatedly sought to bend FDA’s scientific work on coronavirus treatments and vaccines to the White House’s political will are yet another example of how the prior Administration prioritized politics over public health,” chairman James Clyburn said in a statement about the report. “As today’s report makes clear, senior Trump Administration officials undermined public health experts because they believed doing so would benefit the former president politically—plotting covertly with known conspiracy theorists to dangerously push a disproven coronavirus treatment, bullying FDA to change its vaccine guidance, and advocating for federal investigations into those who stood in their way.”

The truth is, as soon as Joe Biden took over as president, a rush was made to declare the vaccine to be safe and effective…and a result of the Biden administration’s tireless efforts at protecting American citizens. Biden lauded his administration’s “war footing” in fighting the virus in his first state of the union speech last year and promised that every American would have the opportunity to get vaccinated beginning on May 1st. In fact, it was soon made mandatory for many, and ensuing booster shots were recommended/mandated as well.

The Biden White House even went so far as to claim there was no vaccine available when Biden took office. Which is odd, since Biden himself was vaccinated the month before he occupied the White House.

Though former President Donald Trump did openly defend COVID-19 vaccinations and their efficacy, he has repeatedly denounced mandates for both vaccines and masks.

For Clyburn and House Democrats to assert that the Trump administration “prioritized politics over public health” while defending the Biden administration is beyond the pale, worse than the pot calling the kettle black. It is like the Clinton’s labeling someone a liar, or the ladies on “The View” calling someone ignorant or stupid.

 

 

McDonald's To Introduce Adult Happy Meals

 

McDonald’s recently announced plans to introduce adult-oriented meals — complete with a free toy — in an attempt to take advantage of nostalgia for the erstwhile kids’ meals, and particularly for the famous red cardboard boxes in which the meals came.

Hence, the Cactus Plant Flea Market Box, a collaboration between McDonald’s and the increasingly popular streetwear brand, which will roll out to participating stores starting on October 3rd.

In lieu of the kid-sized items included in the classic Happy Meal, the Cactus Plant Flea Market Box will feature either a Big Mac or a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets-- in addition to a soda and fries. But wait, that’s not all! The adult Happy Meals will also contain a “Cactus Buddy” and one of four collectible figurines of McDonald’s mascots Grimace, the Hamburglar and Birdie. Yay!

Or rather: OMG! Grimace, the Hamburglar, and Birdie? How infantile have we become? Why not a truly adult Happy Meal, one featuring, say, collectible figurines of adult film stars? Now that would be a Happy Meal! And possibly a happy ending!

Alternately, in the interest of intersectionality, Mickey D’s could divvy the Cactus Plant Flea Market Boxes up and have one for Black Lesbians, another for bisexual Latinos, etc., etc.

And how about a Happy Meal for Democrats? Those could feature a meat-substitute “burger,” a (recyclable) cup of Chai tea, a packet of CBD gummies, and a couple of extra mail-in ballots for the upcoming election. 

 

City Of Lights? Not So Much Anymore

 

Reacting to the twin horrors of the Russia-Ukraine War and leftists’ War Against Energy, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has instituted a spate of measures intended to reduce the city’s energy usage by 10 percent. The Left’s all-out assault on the use of so-called fossil fuels is really a War on the West, one intended to punish it for being productive and prosperous. In this conflict, it is not only France that appears to be surrendering, but virtually all Western nations…and what is sometimes referred to as Christendom. Paris is Brussels is California is Ontario is Australia.

Authorities in the French capital have announced that even the Eiffel Tower will be subject to the energy rationing measures. The progressive publication Libération reported that the iconic, world-renowned monument will henceforth be illuminated for less time each day than in the past.

“The city must lead by example,” Hidalgo said. “Paris will be at the forefront to act.”

This though all parties admit that turning off the tower’s lights won’t make much of a difference in the city’s energy consumption. Rather, it is being heralded as a symbolic gesture.

That it is. That it is. It is also ironic—and somewhat sad-- that the “City of Lights” is becoming the City of Darkness.

For no logical reason, Western nations are dispensing with energy produced from oil, coal, hydropower, and natural gas. They are closing nuclear power plants and banning fracking, the internal combustion engine, and, in some cases, even air conditioning.

And now we have power grid failures and “rolling black outs.”

And the Mayor of the City of Light proudly touting its darkness.

So the West gradually grows ever darker. By its own hands. A victim of colossal hoaxes perpetrated by conniving globalists, foreign and domestic, who despise it-- and use its stunning softness and shocking ignorance and naivete against it.

But know this: as the West goes dark, the rest of the world must, too.

 

 

Temple University To Host National Coming Out Week

 

As I’m sure you know, “National Coming Out Day” is coming up on October 11^th. However, Temple University is planning to overachieve by hosting a full week of activities. (Isn’t overachieving or going the extra mile “ableist?”)

The school’s Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership (IDEAL), located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will host a National Coming Out Week (NCOW) from Oct. 3 to Oct. 7.

The festive extravaganza kicks off with NCOWFest and Come Out, Speak Out, an outdoor festival touted as featuring “all the LGBTQIA+ student organizations and numerous university offices.”

Not everyone is thrilled with the events, however. Some students are concerned with how the NOWCOWFest NCOWFest and other activities are being funded. They want to know if their student fees and tuition are paying for the events. One disgruntled student claimed that student fees and tuition are frequently redirected to “social events [that] benefit such a small portion of students.”

If you ask me, that student shouldn’t be such a sourpuss and should simply turn that frown upside down! I mean, with events like drag queen-themed bingo, NOWCOWFest NCOWFest is sure to deliver a bang for everybody’s buck! (Although, inclusivity aside, I do think it’s a bit odd that those in charge of NCOWFest’s drag queen-themed bingo chose a Muslim woman in a hijab to grace its website. But maybe that’s just me.)

What other games could universities offer during their National Coming Out Days or Weeks?

Perhaps Bisexual Bridge? Transgender Battleship? Lesbian LIFE!? Gay Poker (also called Five Studs with Cards)? Solitaire for Throuples? Polyamorous Risk? Queer Yahtzee? The possibilities are endless.

Much like the current number of recognized genders. And the acronym “LGBTQIA+.”

 

 

 

California To Ban Natural Gas Appliances

 

The hits just keep on coming for residents of the formerly Golden State. Already besieged by high inflation and severe energy shortages, citizens of the erstwhile Land of Milk and Honey will soon face a ban on natural gas (except for Eric Swalwell’s). The California Air Resources Board, or CARB, is planning to rid the state of natural gas heaters, stoves and furnaces. The Hill recently reported that the CARB passed a proposal that will lay the groundwork for phasing out gas-powered space and water heaters, and other such appliances, by 2030. (I guess CARBS really are bad for you.)

But that’s not all. If certain leftists get their way, and they often do, entire kitchens may be outlawed in the future. If this is the case, the first state in the union to ban them will undoubtedly be California.

And families may be abolished, as well. Erin Maglaque recently penned a positively glowing review of Sophie Lewis’s new Communist manifesto screed, Abolish the Family, in which she pleaded, “Let us begin by abolishing our kitchens.” She added, “If we begin by abolishing our kitchens, what else might we get a taste for destroying, and for creating?” Let’s not find out.

Lewis, a “feminist thinker,” has stated that “Family is a terrible way to satisfy our desire for love and care.” Yes, it’s much better to be “loved” and cared for by the government. Lewis doesn’t much care for heterosexual culture. She believes that there can be no feminist future until the family—particularly the nuclear family—is abolished. And she says, “It is a wonder we let fetuses inside us.” (Memo to “feminists” like Lewis: if you don’t want a fetus inside of you, you shouldn’t let a phallus inside of you.)

Maglaque, a Lecturer in History at the University of Sheffield, is likewise a proponent of “the revolutionary politics of family abolition.” Yes, all fealty should be reserved for The State.

So, California has now essentially banned the widespread production or use of natural gas, coal, hydropower, and nuclear energy going forward. The state has also effectively banned the internal combustion engine post 2035. Apparently, it will henceforward just rely on capturing butterfly farts (or Swalwell’s) and turning them into usable energy. So what if the empty virtue signaling of the state’s far left rulers needlessly destroys its economy—and the prospects, dreams, and lives of its residents? Gov. Gavin Newsome, the state’s other elite Democratic politicians, and their besties in Hollywood, media and academia know they will be okay.  

Leftists may not like natural gas. They may not like gas lighting. But they sure love gaslighting…the rest of us.