Democrats don't deserve to be happy. I'm happy they're not happy. They can spend today listening to The Eve of Destruction, watching Little Big Man and dancing around their “In this house” lawn signs for all I care. Happy birthday, America! If you could survive the Biden years, you can live forever! And Trump will see to it that your 250th is going to be the best of all. Thank you, Brent.
OMG Polly!! What kind of “American” are you…person are you that you wish ill of people you don’t know. I was under the impression you are religious, educated, a mature adult. Your comments say more about you than about your perceived enemies. Where does such bitterness come from? Can we call be okay as Americans for just ONE day?????
Drama queen scolding is a dead end, Elaine. Try a new tactic. Your are laughably off base. Americans accept the results of elections, like them or not. Grow up. You will get your turn in 2028 to usher in a new world order. Looking forward to hearing your best case arguments. Why can’t you be okay with America this one day?
The white cake had a perfect fine crumb, the custard filling was thick with body and flavor, while the topping used the really good chocolate. If America can offer this wonderful treat back to Europe on our 249th birthday, I would say we have finally come of age and are longer the new kid on the block. It is a nice place to be. Make Boston Cream Pie great again.
J. Livingston: I'm from Lowell, Mass., and our Boston Cream Pie was the best in the Western World. The "custard" was real custard and the chocolate ganache was deep, dark and just sweet enough. Nowadays, Boston Cream Pies (I'm not in Lowell any longer) are made for looks but certainly not for taste. That goes for all our comfort "junk" food that was once made with the purest of ingredients.
I love this country. My parents were first generation Americans….after fleeing Russia and losing everything except their lives. I have lived with extraordinary freedoms and opportunities for which I’m deeply grateful. I do not love what this current government is doing to destroy the very foundations of our government. Why do I have to be perceived as the “enemy” for that? Calling me names certainly doesn’t change my mind so why do it?
TV Dr Drew Pinsky just put the TDS crowd on the psychiatric couch and declared they suffer from narcissism. Look it up. He makes excellent points and explains why the Democrat party continues to lose ground, but can’t figure out why. Because they made it all about themselves, their feelings and a need to cast blame on outside forces. Not themselves.
Democrats are perpetual victims and choose not to be captains of their own souls. But also do feel moral superiority in their own deeply narcissistic perceptions. (Aka Orangemanbad and you are a bad person for supporting him.)
Which also explains recent polling showing GOP in the upper 90% proud to be an American, while the hate America Democrats poll only in the mid-30 percentile. These of course are troubling numbers. How this plays out for the future of this county will all about personal choices; not political ones. Elections remain our only and best tool to set new courses.
Myers-Briggs Personality survey would have a field day with this basic personality orientation divide. And no, under these circumstances we can probably never get along, nor come together. More tolerance for our fundamental differences and knowing the pendulum always swing back and forth may be our only shared appreciation.
Elaine, You must realise the ugliness of what the Biden Administration ushered in and the depth of fear a Harris victory gave us who didn't want to live in an America where being on time was frowned upon, where competence was not a factor, where men could simply call themselves women to not only gain entry to girls' and women's facilities but to unfairly compete in various sports. The unasked for emphasis on sexual proclivities and the acceptance of genital mutilation by the Harris team had us wondering where to go to protect our children and grandchildren. Trump rescued us from all that – at least for now – as he did from the fear of a nuclear Iran, and we are grateful to a fault. We (I'm speaking for those I know) don't understand the reluctance of Democrats and others to at least acknowledge that Biden, Harris, Walz, et al, were taking the U.S. to a very dark place. So, we don't have much patience for the whining and hostility regularly presented to us. We're not intolerant; we just don't care what you have to say (because we've heard it all before).
The current government is shoring up the foundations of our form of government. We nearly lost them under Obama/Biden. Musk was right when he declared we were close to losing America forever, if Democrats won in 2024. Try figuring out why this is true, Elaine.
Currently on a ship plying the waters between Greece and our next stop Malta. Ship’s dinner theme tonight is Fourth of July so I just finished the most delicious piece of Boston Cream Pie as part of the afternoon tea offerings.
Happy Birthday, America. So excited President Trump will be stage-managing the upcoming 250th anniversary next year, and issued the ultimatum to clean up our crime and blight riddled nation’s Capitol by then as well. Bravissimo, President Trump.
Wow, that sounds nice. You're a resident of SB for decades, right? Here's what I saw this morning.
Driving from Milpas to State street along the beach on Cabrillo I noticed many spaces between taped off areas under the palms in the park. In previous years I also noticed almost every square foot of space on the grass, under the palms had been stacked out. Not this year.
Then I got my coffee in the harbor and drove through the parking lot to Leadbetter beach. Whoa, I was really surprised to see the parking lot mostly empty. In 40 years living here I've never seen it so empty, except during Covid. (I bet Henry Schulte was down here in days gone by digging a pit.)
Now I'm intrigued so I drove up to Shoreline park. I posted two photos on my Facebook & Instagram page. A total of five blankets or tents visible in the park. In the entire park!!! Where is everybody??
J.Liv, you and I both know where they are and they are not all illegal residents. A good portion of the residents of SB are scared shitless to gather in parks on this, our national birthday. Is this really what you Trump lovers had in mind?
Last, my mom made the best Boston Cream pie and she's still with us at 94 years. I should get her recipe.
Maybe this polarized town can find mutual cause in a really good piece of Boston Cream Pie. Please share your mom’s recipe. Betty Crocker does not cut it. Serviceable, but not spectacular.
D.O.S. Lived here long enough to remember when they halted Fourth of July fireworks for years due to digging pits, rowdy drunks and general local mayhem.
Consider also the Hate Trump- Hate America crowd has kept local patriots away from celebrating this year. The same local scolds who drove out the Fourth Of July parade as well, supported by the local Tea Party. Funny what memories can recollect.
No one wants to be under attack from the local hate America crowd either, who are increasingly rabid. Just read Nextdoor if you want more proof this Democrat one-party town has created a very hostile political climate of late. Covid scolds morphed into Trump scolds. What keeps you from spreading the blame for low beach fireworks participation with a more even hand?
I believe the Fourth of July parade existed well before the Tea Party. Thankfully I experienced four years of digging pits at Leadbetter before it was banned. Not saying by whom, I think it was . . . attorneys.
We’ll be there in September. I hope it’s beautiful!! I wish I could feel good about what is happening since I’m a firm believer that our immigration policy was in shambles and Biden was way too late to the table and made it worse. That said, we don’t have a deportation policy at the moment. Deportation implies a process which includes due process. We have a policy of kidnapping and disappearing people to crime ridden countries and so called detention centers…even in the Florida Everglades where full grown men joke about the alligators eating escapees. We have children being taken from school, two year olds begin separated from parents, housekeepers being picked up by masked men in unmarked cars at bus stops, so called Ice thugs urinating in school yards. Neighborhood people are filming this. This is not coming from MSNBC or CNN. Why can’t we agree on an immigration policy and be humane at the same time? This is NOT going after criminals and drug dealers. It’s going after brown people to get them out of the faces of white people. Is there NO middle ground? I wish there was someone on this thread who can see what’s actually happening…support the President but be critical at the same time?
Elaine, You conflate “due process” into paralyzing dysfunction. Try again. Americans got no “due process” when 20 million persons illegally crossed our borders and are now illegally squatting on our sovereign turf. What is your interest in open borders, which neither offers nor grants “due process”? Do not even try the tired “ all persons” argument, since Democrats gleefully stripped this “all persons” right away from babies in the womb.
OMG…you are now pivoting to abortion? That’s conflation. (Just fyi, I’m not for abortion. I’m for a woman’s right to choose, not the government. Big difference.) I’m not defending past practices. I’m criticizing the INHUMANE behavior of the current administration…the dehumanizing of the “other”. If that’s okay with you, you can own that. It’s not okay with me.
The "due process" is a ruse used by the open borders crowd. The current administration is telling aliens to go HOME...repeat...HOME...while providing $1000 cash and a free place ticket...that is your version of "inhumane"???
It was inhumane for the anti-American Biden administration to allow...actually encourage...millions upon millions of unvetted aliens to enter this country in violation of long standing law and then reward them with welfare, phones, cash, housing etc...costing American taxpayers mind-boggling billions of dollars as well as documented crime from death to theft.
Your comment "It’s going after brown people to get them out of the faces of white people" define your headset on this topic (Biden allowed in illegals from over 160 different countries). Every country in the world has an immigration policy...it is a basic and critical function to maintain national sovereignty. Your desire to change that is not going to fly with the vast majority Americans...for good reason.
Th “other” are those who chose to enter and remain here illegally. We did not make them “the other”. They did this to themselves. So drop the veiled racist scolding. It does not track. Some people made very bad choices for themselves and their family members. They need to account to each other. Again, what is your stake letting 20 million lawbreakers continue to violate our sovereign US territory?
Here is the most humane process. Return immediately to the country of one’s legal citizenship. Or go to an alternate country currently offering legal entry. Then apply to come to the US by legal process, and wait your turn in line. Those who have chosen to voluntarily return to their country of legal citizenship make a better legal case for a future legal re-entry into the US.
I have NO stake in letting 20 million lawbreakers continue to violate our sovereign US territory. I agree that many have done what you describe. I agree that we need to give people a clear legal process to come to this country and that they have to follow it. However, I don’t believe the government’s fix is always humane and there are many who came legally to this country who are being cruelly caught in the cross hairs.
If they came, they can also leave. They are not caught in any cross-hairs other than those of their own making. This is not rocket science. It is not our duty or obligation to make things right for them. They made the choice to come here illegally. They now have the duty to depart.
FAFO. There is nothing inhumane about experiencing known consequences. You are just making up arguments now . What is your own stake supporting open borders as operating US policy, in contradiction to a clear voter mandate to close the borders. Voters chose to immediately remedy the past border abuses, mainly taking place and encouraged by prior Democrat administrations. It is too late to complain about this clear voter mandate, Elaine. So why are you bothering.
I’ve already said I do NOT support open borders. Do I need to say that again? My point is…as I’ve said before….the means do not always justify the ends. It’s worth considering that. I’m not against a good, strong, legal immigration policy. I am against not being humane as we deal with it.
Elaine, you lost me on your take that removing illegal aliens is "going after brown people to get them out of the faces of white people". I am not sure if you are putting us on with that comment or are just plain naive. A middle ground? You are making villains out of people enforcing a law that has been flaunted for too many years. This is not an easy task that is being undertaken. As far as the visuals you have seen with the "masked men" and the "ICE thugs", doing horrendous evil, sick things that neighborhood people have filmed. I find no credibility in them. I do agree with you, however, in your support of the President but being critical at the same time. This, however, is not one of those times.
Nextdoor is now riddled with drama queen hysterics, all making these exact same claims and feeding off each other as if the community has been overtaken by KKK night riders. Quite disgusting actually. Not once did they ever offer to help anyone gain legal status. Only spit on the faces of lawful US immigration enforcement. Their world of values is totally upside down.
I understand that you don’t find credibility in what I’ve seen. I get it. We get our information from very different sources and we distrust opposite venues. It’s the world we live in. I can’t pretend that some of it isn’t horrifying to me…some heartbreaking. Perhaps we’ll never know the truth. Just don’t fault me for reacting to what feels inhumane. Why masked men? Why unmarked cars? Why grabbing people randomly at bus stops? Why no explanations? Please don’t call me a drama queen for bringing this up. Perhaps…just perhaps…there is some truth in this. People have recorded these things on their cell phones. It’s not media driven selective propaganda.
Elaine, compassion in life is to be commended but it must be accompanied with realism of the situation you are addressing. No one wants to see a child ripped from their parents arms.. And what a perfect scenario to portray to create an even bigger chasm in our country. As for the masked agents, I would think it is for their protection. They and their families would be perfect targets for cartel members. I certainly never called you a drama queen as I do believe that you are quite sincere in your beliefs and that is another reason I think these ICE raids are being portrayed as you describe. It compels some people to see only this side and those that want to create chaos are in their glory . There is a lot of blame to go around from years back on both sides of the political aisle fromthose who have allowed this to happen and have promoted federal programs that have encouraged more illegal entries into this country. There are thousands of American citizens who, instead of encouraging their non legal employees to try and gain legal status have instead stayed silent and are now outraged at the government for doing this to their workers. Many people are making a lot of money off these immigrants and would be sorry to see the end of their financial benefits/
If you would finally get out of your MSM bubble, you would learn why immigration agents need special protections now. Thanks to all those “humane” acts of violence against them and their families, when they are carrying out their lawful duties.
If in fact you did not inherently hate America so much, you would not believe all the distortions, cherry-picking and out and out lies you keep calling from the credible media. We hear both sides, we know what garbage you keep feeding yourself.
Yet you refuse to expose yourself to the factual rebuttals to what you claim is still reason to hate America. We have long offered alternate media resources, yet you refuse to even read them every time. At least start reading Sheryl Atkinson, who is as neutral as possible, when it comes to digging into the facts in the media.
Your talking points come right out of Fox News. Accusing me of hating America because I don’t think Trump and his minions are deserving of my respect, and certainly not my vote is right out of Trump’s mouth and playbook. Just an hour ago he said of the Democrats that he “hates them”. Are we in third grade? Spare me your judgements about how I feel about this country!!
Elaine, A teaching moment for us both. Go back to your original post and then parse out how you got your projection and disrupter payoffs yet again, when you come here hair on fire starting with the insults and tiresome Fox News cartoon slurs. I’ll do the same since I always take your bait. This has become very definitely a classic Eric Berne Games People Play. And it does take two to play. Six actually, with each bringing their parent-adult-child into the transaction set up. Work in progress.
It reminded me of many 4th's shooting fireworks at my grandparents in downtown Santa Barbara or watching fire works at La Playa Stadium. (oh did I mention the great BBQ Grandpa did? The first of the WWI generation to return to SB with his Combat Ribbon)
To quote a friend and victim of the Red Guard "Americans have no idea how good they have it." My answer to her is, it was bought with sweat, training and guts to defend the nation.
Happy Independence Day everyone! Today is not the day for responding, playing whack-a-mole, and chasing down stupid statements made by the predicable cast of characters on the left!
No, today is a day to celebrate our great country and beautiful community. So thankful for SB Current and the cadre of red blooded, patriotic Americans. This has been a great venue in celebration of our freedom of speech and expression, calling balls and strikes and holding those of BOTH parties responsible!
Many thanks to Mr. Buckley, Bonnie, James and the staff of SB Current!
Nobody, and I mean _nobody_ loves and appreciates the United States more than me! I’ve been all over the world and have seen how other governments are conducted and how other people live, and lemme tell ya, nothin’ beats the good ‘ol U.S.A.!
I only wish I had enough $$ to buy those who don’t appreciate our home a one-way ticket to wherever. It would only cost them one thing - rescinding their citizenship so they could never come back. We’d see how long it takes them to miss our beautiful country and way of life!
Michael Callahan: President Trump believes the 2020 election was rigged. And he may be right about that. But, but, but, he dutifully accepted his fate and turned over his key to the White House upon the appointed hour. So, Donald Trump not only accepted the results of the election, he also accepted the fact that he could try to regain it. If you'd just take a quick look at what Biden and crew did to him to try and prevent that, you'd understand why those of us who look kindly at our president take umbrage at some of these comments – such as yours.
Mr. Callahan: The "broad and deep" conspiracy was among the press, the Biden presidency, the Democrat Party, the intelligence community, the FBI, and the entire social media establishment. They succeeded in 2020 and almost succeeded in bankrupting and killing the former president before the 2024 election. That he overcame all they threw at him is a near miracle. I'm thrilled that he's our president and has the next three and a half years to finish the job!
MC: Americans accept the results, like them or not. The system is larger than party politics, regardless of how many times Nancy Pelosi tried impeachment theater to change the results.
Our founding fathers had a classical education. Had a strong religious belief. Studied ancient history to better understand proper governance and human nature.
Today’s youth are taught about Climate Crisis, Marxism, and how to obey orders.
Coupled with unhealthy food and a broken health care system .
My hope is in seeing a rise in homeschooling and an awareness of the corruption in our society.
" Had a strong religious belief." What religious beliefs do you speak of? Some of the founders rejected the Trinity, which is at the core of Christianity. It was in Nicaea during the Trinity and its doctrine were defined way back in 325 A.D, for some of the founders to have embraced a long condemned heresy (anti-trinitarianism) is astonishing in the worst way. Other founders embraced indifferentism, meaning that they believed that there were numerous paths to God and that there is no real meaningful difference as all paths can lead to salvation; which is anathema as it denies truth itself, only through Christ can man be saved. Some men like Jefferson even denied the divinity of Christ, resurrecting another long dead heresy - Arianism. Who told you the founders were these paragons of religiosity? They sure didn't posses the true faith, given that so many held onto anti-Christian theological concepts...
Great men, one and all. With all due respect to Tom Brokaw and his “greatest generation“, I believe the generation in and around America’s founding had to be truly the greatest generation. Their intelligence, insight and anticipation was uncanny and something that we as a society should strive to reach today. It’s hard to believe how much we have devolved in 249 years. I’m quite sure it’s the easy lifestyle that we are allowed to live today. That makes us so soft. In the time of our founding life was HARD and people had to deal with reality, not made up insanities and illnesses. It was work hard, learn, fast or die. I’m sure someday it will return to that when nature does a reset again, but until then I would like to say happy birthday to the greatest country with the best form of government created thus far in this latest reset of world order.
Right on Brian. Instead of " . . . Their intelligence, insight and anticipation was uncanny . ." The first thing most men 'discovering' a new land mass would think about is how they could exploit it for their personal gain.
Great Piece…we are inching closer to being fully independent once again. Up next, Trump’s moves to kill the debt slave system implemented via the Federal Reserve Bank (which has no reserves & is not a bank). Big reason Trump placed Andrew Jackson’s portrait prominently in the White House. When lying on his death bed, Jackson was asked his greatest accomplishment. His reply, ‘I killed the bank’…
Imagine no income tax or interest payments for using their money.
Have a Great Day celebrating USA independence, things are looking up!
Democrats don't deserve to be happy. I'm happy they're not happy. They can spend today listening to The Eve of Destruction, watching Little Big Man and dancing around their “In this house” lawn signs for all I care. Happy birthday, America! If you could survive the Biden years, you can live forever! And Trump will see to it that your 250th is going to be the best of all. Thank you, Brent.
OMG Polly!! What kind of “American” are you…person are you that you wish ill of people you don’t know. I was under the impression you are religious, educated, a mature adult. Your comments say more about you than about your perceived enemies. Where does such bitterness come from? Can we call be okay as Americans for just ONE day?????
Drama queen scolding is a dead end, Elaine. Try a new tactic. Your are laughably off base. Americans accept the results of elections, like them or not. Grow up. You will get your turn in 2028 to usher in a new world order. Looking forward to hearing your best case arguments. Why can’t you be okay with America this one day?
I want some of that Boston Cream Pie.
The white cake had a perfect fine crumb, the custard filling was thick with body and flavor, while the topping used the really good chocolate. If America can offer this wonderful treat back to Europe on our 249th birthday, I would say we have finally come of age and are longer the new kid on the block. It is a nice place to be. Make Boston Cream Pie great again.
J. Livingston: I'm from Lowell, Mass., and our Boston Cream Pie was the best in the Western World. The "custard" was real custard and the chocolate ganache was deep, dark and just sweet enough. Nowadays, Boston Cream Pies (I'm not in Lowell any longer) are made for looks but certainly not for taste. That goes for all our comfort "junk" food that was once made with the purest of ingredients.
I love this country. My parents were first generation Americans….after fleeing Russia and losing everything except their lives. I have lived with extraordinary freedoms and opportunities for which I’m deeply grateful. I do not love what this current government is doing to destroy the very foundations of our government. Why do I have to be perceived as the “enemy” for that? Calling me names certainly doesn’t change my mind so why do it?
TV Dr Drew Pinsky just put the TDS crowd on the psychiatric couch and declared they suffer from narcissism. Look it up. He makes excellent points and explains why the Democrat party continues to lose ground, but can’t figure out why. Because they made it all about themselves, their feelings and a need to cast blame on outside forces. Not themselves.
Democrats are perpetual victims and choose not to be captains of their own souls. But also do feel moral superiority in their own deeply narcissistic perceptions. (Aka Orangemanbad and you are a bad person for supporting him.)
Which also explains recent polling showing GOP in the upper 90% proud to be an American, while the hate America Democrats poll only in the mid-30 percentile. These of course are troubling numbers. How this plays out for the future of this county will all about personal choices; not political ones. Elections remain our only and best tool to set new courses.
Myers-Briggs Personality survey would have a field day with this basic personality orientation divide. And no, under these circumstances we can probably never get along, nor come together. More tolerance for our fundamental differences and knowing the pendulum always swing back and forth may be our only shared appreciation.
You seem to be saying that the tolerance and understanding has to go only in one direction. Perhaps I’m reading this wrong….
Elaine, You must realise the ugliness of what the Biden Administration ushered in and the depth of fear a Harris victory gave us who didn't want to live in an America where being on time was frowned upon, where competence was not a factor, where men could simply call themselves women to not only gain entry to girls' and women's facilities but to unfairly compete in various sports. The unasked for emphasis on sexual proclivities and the acceptance of genital mutilation by the Harris team had us wondering where to go to protect our children and grandchildren. Trump rescued us from all that – at least for now – as he did from the fear of a nuclear Iran, and we are grateful to a fault. We (I'm speaking for those I know) don't understand the reluctance of Democrats and others to at least acknowledge that Biden, Harris, Walz, et al, were taking the U.S. to a very dark place. So, we don't have much patience for the whining and hostility regularly presented to us. We're not intolerant; we just don't care what you have to say (because we've heard it all before).
The current government is shoring up the foundations of our form of government. We nearly lost them under Obama/Biden. Musk was right when he declared we were close to losing America forever, if Democrats won in 2024. Try figuring out why this is true, Elaine.
When people lose their sense of humor they lose their independence.
Not funny
Then Happy Dependence Day, Elaine!
My happiness has nothing to do with politics, there, I've just impeached your entire post.
Lol!
Currently on a ship plying the waters between Greece and our next stop Malta. Ship’s dinner theme tonight is Fourth of July so I just finished the most delicious piece of Boston Cream Pie as part of the afternoon tea offerings.
Happy Birthday, America. So excited President Trump will be stage-managing the upcoming 250th anniversary next year, and issued the ultimatum to clean up our crime and blight riddled nation’s Capitol by then as well. Bravissimo, President Trump.
Wow, that sounds nice. You're a resident of SB for decades, right? Here's what I saw this morning.
Driving from Milpas to State street along the beach on Cabrillo I noticed many spaces between taped off areas under the palms in the park. In previous years I also noticed almost every square foot of space on the grass, under the palms had been stacked out. Not this year.
Then I got my coffee in the harbor and drove through the parking lot to Leadbetter beach. Whoa, I was really surprised to see the parking lot mostly empty. In 40 years living here I've never seen it so empty, except during Covid. (I bet Henry Schulte was down here in days gone by digging a pit.)
Now I'm intrigued so I drove up to Shoreline park. I posted two photos on my Facebook & Instagram page. A total of five blankets or tents visible in the park. In the entire park!!! Where is everybody??
J.Liv, you and I both know where they are and they are not all illegal residents. A good portion of the residents of SB are scared shitless to gather in parks on this, our national birthday. Is this really what you Trump lovers had in mind?
Last, my mom made the best Boston Cream pie and she's still with us at 94 years. I should get her recipe.
Maybe this polarized town can find mutual cause in a really good piece of Boston Cream Pie. Please share your mom’s recipe. Betty Crocker does not cut it. Serviceable, but not spectacular.
D.O.S. Lived here long enough to remember when they halted Fourth of July fireworks for years due to digging pits, rowdy drunks and general local mayhem.
Consider also the Hate Trump- Hate America crowd has kept local patriots away from celebrating this year. The same local scolds who drove out the Fourth Of July parade as well, supported by the local Tea Party. Funny what memories can recollect.
No one wants to be under attack from the local hate America crowd either, who are increasingly rabid. Just read Nextdoor if you want more proof this Democrat one-party town has created a very hostile political climate of late. Covid scolds morphed into Trump scolds. What keeps you from spreading the blame for low beach fireworks participation with a more even hand?
I believe the Fourth of July parade existed well before the Tea Party. Thankfully I experienced four years of digging pits at Leadbetter before it was banned. Not saying by whom, I think it was . . . attorneys.
What is their to be scared shitless about?
Santorini JL? The Baklava with Ouzo is spectacular!
We’ll be there in September. I hope it’s beautiful!! I wish I could feel good about what is happening since I’m a firm believer that our immigration policy was in shambles and Biden was way too late to the table and made it worse. That said, we don’t have a deportation policy at the moment. Deportation implies a process which includes due process. We have a policy of kidnapping and disappearing people to crime ridden countries and so called detention centers…even in the Florida Everglades where full grown men joke about the alligators eating escapees. We have children being taken from school, two year olds begin separated from parents, housekeepers being picked up by masked men in unmarked cars at bus stops, so called Ice thugs urinating in school yards. Neighborhood people are filming this. This is not coming from MSNBC or CNN. Why can’t we agree on an immigration policy and be humane at the same time? This is NOT going after criminals and drug dealers. It’s going after brown people to get them out of the faces of white people. Is there NO middle ground? I wish there was someone on this thread who can see what’s actually happening…support the President but be critical at the same time?
Elaine, You conflate “due process” into paralyzing dysfunction. Try again. Americans got no “due process” when 20 million persons illegally crossed our borders and are now illegally squatting on our sovereign turf. What is your interest in open borders, which neither offers nor grants “due process”? Do not even try the tired “ all persons” argument, since Democrats gleefully stripped this “all persons” right away from babies in the womb.
OMG…you are now pivoting to abortion? That’s conflation. (Just fyi, I’m not for abortion. I’m for a woman’s right to choose, not the government. Big difference.) I’m not defending past practices. I’m criticizing the INHUMANE behavior of the current administration…the dehumanizing of the “other”. If that’s okay with you, you can own that. It’s not okay with me.
The "due process" is a ruse used by the open borders crowd. The current administration is telling aliens to go HOME...repeat...HOME...while providing $1000 cash and a free place ticket...that is your version of "inhumane"???
It was inhumane for the anti-American Biden administration to allow...actually encourage...millions upon millions of unvetted aliens to enter this country in violation of long standing law and then reward them with welfare, phones, cash, housing etc...costing American taxpayers mind-boggling billions of dollars as well as documented crime from death to theft.
Your comment "It’s going after brown people to get them out of the faces of white people" define your headset on this topic (Biden allowed in illegals from over 160 different countries). Every country in the world has an immigration policy...it is a basic and critical function to maintain national sovereignty. Your desire to change that is not going to fly with the vast majority Americans...for good reason.
Happy Independence Day!
Th “other” are those who chose to enter and remain here illegally. We did not make them “the other”. They did this to themselves. So drop the veiled racist scolding. It does not track. Some people made very bad choices for themselves and their family members. They need to account to each other. Again, what is your stake letting 20 million lawbreakers continue to violate our sovereign US territory?
Here is the most humane process. Return immediately to the country of one’s legal citizenship. Or go to an alternate country currently offering legal entry. Then apply to come to the US by legal process, and wait your turn in line. Those who have chosen to voluntarily return to their country of legal citizenship make a better legal case for a future legal re-entry into the US.
I have NO stake in letting 20 million lawbreakers continue to violate our sovereign US territory. I agree that many have done what you describe. I agree that we need to give people a clear legal process to come to this country and that they have to follow it. However, I don’t believe the government’s fix is always humane and there are many who came legally to this country who are being cruelly caught in the cross hairs.
If they came, they can also leave. They are not caught in any cross-hairs other than those of their own making. This is not rocket science. It is not our duty or obligation to make things right for them. They made the choice to come here illegally. They now have the duty to depart.
Very thoughtful Elaine. I disagree with your POV but like your intelligent anaylsis.
You mean a woman’s right to murder.correct?
FAFO. There is nothing inhumane about experiencing known consequences. You are just making up arguments now . What is your own stake supporting open borders as operating US policy, in contradiction to a clear voter mandate to close the borders. Voters chose to immediately remedy the past border abuses, mainly taking place and encouraged by prior Democrat administrations. It is too late to complain about this clear voter mandate, Elaine. So why are you bothering.
I’ve already said I do NOT support open borders. Do I need to say that again? My point is…as I’ve said before….the means do not always justify the ends. It’s worth considering that. I’m not against a good, strong, legal immigration policy. I am against not being humane as we deal with it.
Elaine, you lost me on your take that removing illegal aliens is "going after brown people to get them out of the faces of white people". I am not sure if you are putting us on with that comment or are just plain naive. A middle ground? You are making villains out of people enforcing a law that has been flaunted for too many years. This is not an easy task that is being undertaken. As far as the visuals you have seen with the "masked men" and the "ICE thugs", doing horrendous evil, sick things that neighborhood people have filmed. I find no credibility in them. I do agree with you, however, in your support of the President but being critical at the same time. This, however, is not one of those times.
Nextdoor is now riddled with drama queen hysterics, all making these exact same claims and feeding off each other as if the community has been overtaken by KKK night riders. Quite disgusting actually. Not once did they ever offer to help anyone gain legal status. Only spit on the faces of lawful US immigration enforcement. Their world of values is totally upside down.
I understand that you don’t find credibility in what I’ve seen. I get it. We get our information from very different sources and we distrust opposite venues. It’s the world we live in. I can’t pretend that some of it isn’t horrifying to me…some heartbreaking. Perhaps we’ll never know the truth. Just don’t fault me for reacting to what feels inhumane. Why masked men? Why unmarked cars? Why grabbing people randomly at bus stops? Why no explanations? Please don’t call me a drama queen for bringing this up. Perhaps…just perhaps…there is some truth in this. People have recorded these things on their cell phones. It’s not media driven selective propaganda.
Elaine, compassion in life is to be commended but it must be accompanied with realism of the situation you are addressing. No one wants to see a child ripped from their parents arms.. And what a perfect scenario to portray to create an even bigger chasm in our country. As for the masked agents, I would think it is for their protection. They and their families would be perfect targets for cartel members. I certainly never called you a drama queen as I do believe that you are quite sincere in your beliefs and that is another reason I think these ICE raids are being portrayed as you describe. It compels some people to see only this side and those that want to create chaos are in their glory . There is a lot of blame to go around from years back on both sides of the political aisle fromthose who have allowed this to happen and have promoted federal programs that have encouraged more illegal entries into this country. There are thousands of American citizens who, instead of encouraging their non legal employees to try and gain legal status have instead stayed silent and are now outraged at the government for doing this to their workers. Many people are making a lot of money off these immigrants and would be sorry to see the end of their financial benefits/
If you would finally get out of your MSM bubble, you would learn why immigration agents need special protections now. Thanks to all those “humane” acts of violence against them and their families, when they are carrying out their lawful duties.
If in fact you did not inherently hate America so much, you would not believe all the distortions, cherry-picking and out and out lies you keep calling from the credible media. We hear both sides, we know what garbage you keep feeding yourself.
Yet you refuse to expose yourself to the factual rebuttals to what you claim is still reason to hate America. We have long offered alternate media resources, yet you refuse to even read them every time. At least start reading Sheryl Atkinson, who is as neutral as possible, when it comes to digging into the facts in the media.
Right on JL.
Your talking points come right out of Fox News. Accusing me of hating America because I don’t think Trump and his minions are deserving of my respect, and certainly not my vote is right out of Trump’s mouth and playbook. Just an hour ago he said of the Democrats that he “hates them”. Are we in third grade? Spare me your judgements about how I feel about this country!!
I'm Trumpy's _biggest_ fan, but I never use the word 'hate'. It's so . . . hateful!
Elaine, A teaching moment for us both. Go back to your original post and then parse out how you got your projection and disrupter payoffs yet again, when you come here hair on fire starting with the insults and tiresome Fox News cartoon slurs. I’ll do the same since I always take your bait. This has become very definitely a classic Eric Berne Games People Play. And it does take two to play. Six actually, with each bringing their parent-adult-child into the transaction set up. Work in progress.
Better to have ice agents pissing on school grounds then having our own government pissing down our backs while telling us it’s raining.
Mr. Zepke, thank you for this.
It reminded me of many 4th's shooting fireworks at my grandparents in downtown Santa Barbara or watching fire works at La Playa Stadium. (oh did I mention the great BBQ Grandpa did? The first of the WWI generation to return to SB with his Combat Ribbon)
To quote a friend and victim of the Red Guard "Americans have no idea how good they have it." My answer to her is, it was bought with sweat, training and guts to defend the nation.
HAPPY 4TH TO EVERYONE.
"Americans have no idea how good they have it." - that's for damn sure!
Happy Independence Day everyone! Today is not the day for responding, playing whack-a-mole, and chasing down stupid statements made by the predicable cast of characters on the left!
No, today is a day to celebrate our great country and beautiful community. So thankful for SB Current and the cadre of red blooded, patriotic Americans. This has been a great venue in celebration of our freedom of speech and expression, calling balls and strikes and holding those of BOTH parties responsible!
Many thanks to Mr. Buckley, Bonnie, James and the staff of SB Current!
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Nobody, and I mean _nobody_ loves and appreciates the United States more than me! I’ve been all over the world and have seen how other governments are conducted and how other people live, and lemme tell ya, nothin’ beats the good ‘ol U.S.A.!
I only wish I had enough $$ to buy those who don’t appreciate our home a one-way ticket to wherever. It would only cost them one thing - rescinding their citizenship so they could never come back. We’d see how long it takes them to miss our beautiful country and way of life!
Great snapshot Mr. Zepke...wonder if that history is currently being taught in public schools...
American accept the results of elections???? I guess that means Donald Trump is not an American.
Michael Callahan: President Trump believes the 2020 election was rigged. And he may be right about that. But, but, but, he dutifully accepted his fate and turned over his key to the White House upon the appointed hour. So, Donald Trump not only accepted the results of the election, he also accepted the fact that he could try to regain it. If you'd just take a quick look at what Biden and crew did to him to try and prevent that, you'd understand why those of us who look kindly at our president take umbrage at some of these comments – such as yours.
“He dutifully accepted his fate?” Many disagree with that. Trump was indicted and faced a real possibility of going to jail.
The indictment is "damning" and represents real "legal jeopardy" for him, said University of Richmond Law Professor Carl Tobias.
The allegations that Trump interfered in the 2020 election "cut to the heart of democracy," Tobias said.
He added, "This indictment shows how broad and deep the conspiracy was."
Mr. Callahan: The "broad and deep" conspiracy was among the press, the Biden presidency, the Democrat Party, the intelligence community, the FBI, and the entire social media establishment. They succeeded in 2020 and almost succeeded in bankrupting and killing the former president before the 2024 election. That he overcame all they threw at him is a near miracle. I'm thrilled that he's our president and has the next three and a half years to finish the job!
MC: Americans accept the results, like them or not. The system is larger than party politics, regardless of how many times Nancy Pelosi tried impeachment theater to change the results.
EVERYONE, ENJOY A HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
TRUMP TRAIN MOVING OUT THE CRIMINAL ELEMENT.
PAY NO ATTENTION TO DISSENTERS SUCH AS elaine. POOR THING.
Typical, it's the Ginger that uses all Caps. . . full shouting mode.
This is an excellent piece. I truly enjoy Brent Zepke's essays.
You can love your country and also be highly critical of the people who control it. This page loves to get those two twisted.
Great educational article, thank you.
Our founding fathers had a classical education. Had a strong religious belief. Studied ancient history to better understand proper governance and human nature.
Today’s youth are taught about Climate Crisis, Marxism, and how to obey orders.
Coupled with unhealthy food and a broken health care system .
My hope is in seeing a rise in homeschooling and an awareness of the corruption in our society.
" Had a strong religious belief." What religious beliefs do you speak of? Some of the founders rejected the Trinity, which is at the core of Christianity. It was in Nicaea during the Trinity and its doctrine were defined way back in 325 A.D, for some of the founders to have embraced a long condemned heresy (anti-trinitarianism) is astonishing in the worst way. Other founders embraced indifferentism, meaning that they believed that there were numerous paths to God and that there is no real meaningful difference as all paths can lead to salvation; which is anathema as it denies truth itself, only through Christ can man be saved. Some men like Jefferson even denied the divinity of Christ, resurrecting another long dead heresy - Arianism. Who told you the founders were these paragons of religiosity? They sure didn't posses the true faith, given that so many held onto anti-Christian theological concepts...
Great men, one and all. With all due respect to Tom Brokaw and his “greatest generation“, I believe the generation in and around America’s founding had to be truly the greatest generation. Their intelligence, insight and anticipation was uncanny and something that we as a society should strive to reach today. It’s hard to believe how much we have devolved in 249 years. I’m quite sure it’s the easy lifestyle that we are allowed to live today. That makes us so soft. In the time of our founding life was HARD and people had to deal with reality, not made up insanities and illnesses. It was work hard, learn, fast or die. I’m sure someday it will return to that when nature does a reset again, but until then I would like to say happy birthday to the greatest country with the best form of government created thus far in this latest reset of world order.
Happy Independence Day, everyone. 🤩
Right on Brian. Instead of " . . . Their intelligence, insight and anticipation was uncanny . ." The first thing most men 'discovering' a new land mass would think about is how they could exploit it for their personal gain.
Great Piece…we are inching closer to being fully independent once again. Up next, Trump’s moves to kill the debt slave system implemented via the Federal Reserve Bank (which has no reserves & is not a bank). Big reason Trump placed Andrew Jackson’s portrait prominently in the White House. When lying on his death bed, Jackson was asked his greatest accomplishment. His reply, ‘I killed the bank’…
Imagine no income tax or interest payments for using their money.
Have a Great Day celebrating USA independence, things are looking up!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_L1vLv84vs