Terrific column, Bonnie. Dr. Aijian is a Santa Barbara treasure, the rare doctor who cares more about the well-being of people than being well-off. It's also wonderful that he's open about his religious beliefs. Too many doctors aren't. I'm not a Christian. But I have enormous respect for Dr. Aijian's deep relationship with his religion and how it has shaped his integrity in medicine. He was and remains one of the few doctors who questioned the origins of Covid, its treatment and the public policies. This took enormous courage on his part.
My late brother, Dan, was a cancer surgeon who had a very cynical view of the medical establishment. In his experience most doctors he knew only read the summation, the last few paragraphs, in the research papers they were given. They were too lazy to read the whole report or go through the tests and see how they were done. They didn't question. And in my brother's view, this lead to disastrous health policies.
Dan originally set out to be a scientist. He was accepted into Caltech classes as a high school student. Then one day he said to our parents, “I don't have what it takes to be a first-rate physicist.” My parents were shocked - he was getting A's. My brother just sighed. “Look, I've been around science geniuses in physics for a year now at Caltech. I'm not one. And I'm fine with that. And I can be a really terrific surgeon, so that's what I'll do.”
He loved science research and carried that into his practice. He went deeply into the research that was informing medical establishment practices and he was stunned by how lazy many of his colleagues, even the most highly respected and awarded, were.
A few decades ago he was appalled at what he saw as the sloppy way the medical establishment was implementing supposed cholesterol findings. He would tell me there was no basis for the dietary “no fat” craze that was supposed to cure cholesterol and heart attacks in America. Dan was disgusted by the way the medical establishment and the media brainwashed people into diets which not only didn't reduce the rates of heart attacks, but resulted in more obesity and worse health in Americans.
I have really missed Dan during the last few Covid years. I think it's safe to say he would have questioned the vax, the lockdowns and the reports of how it originated. It was what I admired most about my brother - his honesty about medicine. And I was grateful to see a like-minded questioner in a Santa Barbaran, Dr. Aijian. It's an easy road for a doctor to go along with whatever the medical establishment says. It's infinitely more difficult to question. And we who aren't doctors but rely on them to stand up for us and what is best for our health rather than their careers should take the time to thank them.
Good comment. You too can read and understand medical science papers…to see for yourself the deception being passed off as science. Specifically viruses. I’ve a few links in my Sub to the official SARS Cov-2 papers. Read them and weep. Also see the recent interview Tucker did with a Stanford Surgeon…and her brother.
Thank you for the kind words. It is a challenge to be a “heretic” in the medical community, or in any situation where truth is buried in group think and top down control. I keep hoping and praying that the rest of us catch the vision to “ question authority, ” when the “authority” is people like our current federal and state governments. The authority we need to be subject to is our Creator. Questioning authority goes back to the garden of Eden, when the first humans decided to ignore God’s one rule. He gave them one test, and they failed. This urge to believe we are in control has been the downfall of the human race. Fortunately, God saw this coming and has a plan of redemption. There is a way back to relationship with Him. First, we need to accept the obvious fact that He exists, and we are not Him. The rest of the story unfolds in the 66 books of the Bible. Revelation is particularly eye opening, as we see events long ago predicted showing up in the news today. Try reading it. It’s the only real answer to finding authority worth our choosing.
We look forward to seeing any of you who would like to share some fellowship this Sunday and to see the movie by Eric Metaxas. Its message truly is for “such a time as this.” Bring a jacket as it may get a little cool after dark.
Thank you, Dr. Aijian. I listened to RFK Jr yesterday and think it is the greatest speech of any politician I've read or heard - and when I saw this morning about Trump and Kennedy uniting over the health care crisis, I started to cry with admiration for those two. I see the medical industrial complex is already at work through their media soldiers to try to stop them. But I think Trump and Kennedy will be up to anything they try. My husband and I are sorry we won't be able to attend the screening this Sunday - Metaxas is a fascinating thinker and writer. Wonderful you're offering people the chance to get together like this. By talking and uniting we can defeat the forces that want to destroy.
Speaking of public health and other disturbing things right now, I just listened to RFK jr's speech today. It's the greatest political speech by any politician I have ever heard or read. There is hope. God bless RFK jr.
Yes, Carbajal will cruise to victory in his re-election. Nothing new to see here folks. The last Republican to hold that seat was Micheal Huffington…remember him? The well has been dry ever since and as I said earlier, but bares repeating ; “SB Republicans sightings are about as rare as the California Condor!” We have become an endangered species!
It would be interesting to know exactly how many votes are seemingly automatic from the block of voters from UCSB, 20-30k? Yep, kids who are barely adults, own no property and here temporarily deciding every single election. What a country!
Local Republicans need to stop hiding under the bed and get out, rally, and engage with voters, especially young voters! Start with questions like; do you ever plan to have a job, own a house, start a business or family? We need to STOP writing off these kids!
I agree with what you are saying, and I will add they need to stop worshipping Trump (who anybody who's awake knows is no Ronald Reagan per his lack of personal morals). They need to focus on ISSUES, not people, and if they do that, they could turn this whole thing around. This is the approach I'm taking.
I suppose race does matter to some. Indeed, the “optics” of a half black woman as president will somehow translate to prosperity in the underserved communities? In reality, communities of color continue to lag behind other communities despite the Biden and Obama administrations. It was Trump who brought prosperity to these communities with employment, homeownership and personal wealth.
For others, race doesn’t matter it’s more about competence. Clearly, Harris is incompetent. A candidate such as Condoleezza Rice would do well with conservatives because she is time tested, trusted and actually has accomplishments to compare.
Condeleeza Rice is totally qualified, but leftists don't like Black people or people of any other historically-oppressed demographic being examples of strength, dignity, and intelligence.
I know I tend to generalize too much and I'm a pessimists. But I feel way to many American voters are lazy, stupid, over pampered, and taken care of by government. Without a moral, common sense, self sufficient population, a republic can not survive. I think we a very close to that point.
Just imagine if the power grid shut down for 48 hours??? There would be mass hysteria, crime running uncontrolled and loss of life.
Ranger, I have to agree with you about a good portion of our population relying way too much on the government, either from handouts or thinking that the government knows how to take care of our children better than mom and dad, both morally and physically. It has been a long steady process getting us acceptable and used to this way of life. And yes, if the grid went down I would hate to see the turmoil and panic. Although we are close to the crumbling of our republic, I am an optimist at heart and ever hopeful that people will come to their senses.
Well put, Monica. A woman I know said that I question authority too much. This because I didn't get the Covid vax. I told her that authority is earned not something organizations, leaders or people bestow on themselves.
Polly, although I don't think that you would ever need it, anytime you want to borrow my lapel pin that says"Question Authority" you are welcome to it. Do you remember them from back in the day?
Correct. AND...it was the Hippies and their allies who took to the streets (without the violence we have seen in Seattle, Portland, and Minneapolis/others and fought for the civil rights that the brainwashed Left think THEY are inventing, A.K.A. "re-imagining". Now, whenever some old Hippie dares to question the upshot statists who run to their "safe spaces", the response is "shut up Boomer", or some other ageist comment. Again, welcome to the new Left.
I have had this conversation many times with my sister. I'm not losing sleep over some Jihadist "terrorist" act of violence, but our biggest concern should be if the power grid gets hit--especially during a heat wave. The big cities are absolute sitting ducks for such a thing as they are A: heat islands; and B: their populations are much less off-grid thinking people.
Alternative/back-up energy is the way to go. Side note: with all the craze about electric cars, isn't the promotion of them further straining the power grid?
Do Dem voters truly believe in Kamala? Are that that blinded, that far gone, indoctrinated, they will vote with their Cult despite the facts that “she dropped out of the 2020 election due to less than 1% support”. The fact that she has the worst polling as a VP in America’s history. That she has not done one thing, has not actually disclosed any policies. That she has to pay people to show up to her rallies and speaking events. That she has to photo shop crowds into her appearances. That she has to have famous artists headline her speaking events to get people to show up, then they start leaving when she takes the stage.
Her sudden “popularity” is all Hollywood smoke & mirrors.
I’ve heard many Democrats say they will not vote. That’s a laugh because their ballots will be cast whether they fill them out or not. It’s been proven that this last mid term ballots were cast by people who did not vote. But they won’t vote for the bad orange man. So they will roll over and allow the worst polling person in America to be installed. These are the people “defending democracy” and the “Party of the People” who will allow a dictatorship to determine the next puppet.
So when they install the most unpopular person in the country will Democrat voters finally realize it’s rigged? Or will they comply as they do every time.
Will Republicans do more than just complain?
Our RINO leaders have made noise but have taken zero action to actually do more than create theater.
Good luck America. You will get what you deserve, what you personally worked for. Which is idiocracy, the best movie of all time that foretold our future.
In a favorable turn of events, BIBI JI restaurant has successfully relocated their restaurant after having to close due to insufficient foot traffic...............Hummm Did CAB lobby to return State to historic use at the 1300 block and 1200 block....? So the Council just had another nose rubbing in public proving their intransigent dig the heels in of "fighting" a reality based transportation grid is stupid?
When it comes to Harris did anyone notice she supports a minimum capital gains tax of 40%? Want to talk about kicking the private sector where it hurts.
So when does the insanity end? Why make any business successful. After all as with Death Valley it is all about optics.
Oh did any one notice the first "intentional" narrowing on outer State started in Ernest? The crew chief is a dyed in the wool anti car city employee. One would hope the issues Bonnie has uncovered will be enough to stop the insanity?
The only way Harris’s radical Commie policies will see the light of day is if Trump gets to debate her which she won’t do. The Democrat media won’t report them, and her handlers keep her under wraps.
So here’s what to do:
a) Trump lines up several time slots on tv channels.
b) He ‘invites’ Kamala to join him in friendly chats about where the country is going and how, as politicians, 'we can help make things better.' These are not ‘debates’, which are challenging and adversarial - rather - ‘Town Hall Discussions.’
c) Of course Kamala won’t accept - with her Marxist positions she knows she’ll get her butt handed to her by Trump.
Now here’s the best part:
d) Trump shows up at these Discussions and explains to the world that because Harris didn’t show, he has invited a Kamala ’surrogate’ to explain Kamala's positions & answer his questions. Let’s call her Pamela. Who does she look like? Kamala of course - same pantsuit, hair, etc., . . . and Trump puts her thru the wringer!
e) The media will dig it because it’s newsy, and you can bet it will generate audience, all the while allowing Trump to expose the Commie / Marxist future as Kamala Harris sees it!!
Yes - if it takes place. I'm skeptical that Harris will come up with an excuse, - 'Had to meet with Putin, got sick, etc.' In spite of the fact her handlers will 'prep' her, they all know what happened when Biden took on Trump the barbarian.
Mission accomplished: Americans left the DNC Convention uplifted, filled with enough joy, hope and enthusiasm to convince others to register Democrat and vote the Harris/Walz ticket. The impressive line up of motivational speakers never addressed economic realities, and Kamala never took ownership of the last 3.8 destructive years. The Convention organizers knew their audience; their strategy worked! The convention was entertainingwithout policy substance; it feminized politics — basically, it was a celebration of women, and women of color. Too often white male speakers like Buttigieg were ‘soft’ males -‘with hands that never experienced a callous’; or fumbled like Wisconsin Gov Tony Evers; or were disgruntled grandstanders like Adam Kinzinger or Georgia former Lt. Gov Geoff Duncan .
Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal stated Harris/Walz “doesn’t need to get into any details; progressives are the base”, we know our agenda (the provider and parent needs to be big government, limit guns, prioritize climate change, expand SCOTUS, pursue popular vote, …). She went on to say, at the Convention we “simply need to get people to trust her”; to know “She’s about the people”. Sort of like the all accepting mom who gives unconditional love, when tough love is needed. As an incoming step-mom to two teens, she’s never needed to deliver discipline, to hold the line, to not budge, to risk the loss of her child’s love and presence.
According to Congressional Squad Leader Jayapal, messaging at the DNC what attendees want to hear is working because it resulted in enthusiasm: “more new people have contributed to this campaign, within the first 48 hours” - plus “over 83,000 registered Democrat between the ages 18-34 years old”.
Helping voters visualize what they will be given, what they ‘feel entitled to have’, motivates them to get out the vote for Harris/Walz.
Summation: Promises don’t need to be made or kept. Policies don’t need to be addressed or viable. Details don’t matter. Sharing a vision, brining joy and hope back to America is what’s needed to win in November.
How will GOP, Trump supporters respond: sit back or actively work, contribute what’s required to win in November?
RFK just concluded his press conference announcing his decision to suspend his campaign. Kudos for him and his unbelievable honesty in his description of the swamp creatures who run our country.
Yes, he called out the press for how they engage in election interference. All known players; CBS, ABC, CNN, PBS and so on.
He called out the Intelligensia industrial complex who is really running the country.
One thing RFK said that REALLY got my attention by saying “why have policies when you have Trump to hate.”
So true, where is Harris on all these important issues immigration, energy, economy etc?
SB City is going to allow high rises. In fact there are permits being looked at for an 8 story 255 unit building with 434 parking spaces right next to the Mission, by the museum.
In addition to the 642 units 7 story building at la Cumbre. In addition to Paseo Nuevo, Sears, in addition to Grand Ave, Capitol Hardware, etc….
Thousands of new shoe box apartments. For a declining population. Well Citizens are declining in numbers.
So who will occupy these small shoebox apartments? And why is the City approving high rises in area like the Mission?
Is your City Council representing you and your neighborhood and the decreasing population properly?
Oh and they’re expanding the freeway as we speak to alleviate congested highways for commuters. So why do we need so ,any high rise shoe boxes in the City? Or County?
B Camp, that is sickening about the proposed 8 story building that is being permitted. And great question, why do we need it and all the other housing projects that are on the proposal list? There couldn't be all sorts of money for those involved in all this, could there?
Well, Newsom is proposing something that will take care of everything. And don't even think the Pelosi crime family will benefit from this. We taxpayers will! Of course!
I suspect the White House is buzzing with activity. We just don't know who is making decisions. Biden is now a lame duck and the opportunity after the election and before Jan 20 offers great opportunity for executive orders.
Thank you Bonnie. Not that it's a game changer - but in all fairness Harris dropped out of the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries with 3% - not 1 - of the vote (yes, no landslide there) but there was a total of 29 major candidates declared their candidacies at the start.
But I think we've all become wary of numbers/polling/etc. in politics.
Good morning, fellow Republicans and curious Dems! Just a few counterpoints on Bonnie's latest piece:
"[Kamala] cynically promises to 'secure the border.' Many are left waiting for tangible results; we haven’t seen any yet."
Well, border crossings are DOWN, and that was even without the bipartisan Border Bill that MAGA Mike Johnson refused to bring to the floor for a vote.
"Remember, she dropped out of the 2020 election due to less than 1% support, even though she was a female and black. Now she’s the Democrat nominee because she is so qualified?"
Well, that's what 3 1/2 years of "on the job training" can do for a person! Remember, Trump's very first experience at elected office was for President, and he was ill-prepared for the job and it showed - 1.2 million American covid deaths ("just inject some bleach" "it's like the flu" "it will go away by summer"); highest unemployment and business failures since the Great Depression; highest crime rate in 50 years; crippling of America's international influence and prestige...
"It’s interesting to note that during the DNC, many voiced concerns about the wealthy benefiting from tax breaks, yet a significant portion of the speakers and entertainers were indeed affluent individuals. This contradiction raises questions about the true representation of the party's values."
I did not see any contradiction at all, being affluent and pro-democracy is not a contradiction, even if you are rich enough to tax advantage of "billionaire tax breaks." Many of the pro-democracy/pro-America affluent have voiced the fact that they are NOT paying their fair share of taxes, and that billionaires and corporations should be paying more taxes (you know, to pay for all the 'freebies' the lazy poor and working class will be getting, like free school lunches, free daycare, and free health care).
"Our U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal is not interested in debating anyone. Guess he figures he’s got his safe seat wrapped up tightly."
Wonderful, that gives him more time to be about the people's business in Washington. There are only two candidates opposing him, neither of which are veterans. As a veteran I would encourage all of you veterans out there to vote for veterans - there are not enough of them in Washington. Now, this cycle both VP candidates are veterans, but only one of them is running with a draft-dodging convicted felon who fomented an insurrection on January 6, 2021, in an effort to stay in power when he lost the election. Not a difficult choice for this Republican, who will be voting for Democracy this November. We can all get together afterward to rebuild the party of Lincoln and Reagan (my "personality cult").
It appears you only listen to the propaganda of soundbites and not entire speeches or debates.
- Fauci stated COVID is like the flu and people need to learn to live with it.
- COVID deaths were overstated as admitted publicly by public health departments such as Alameda County, Cook County & Dr Fauci just to name a few who admitted COVID number# were purposefully overstated.
- Kamala on the job trauning? What has she done?
- Border crossings are down from a high under her Birder Czar reign but still higher than under Trump.
- We know she covered up Biden’s mental illness, once again important formation for the public to know.
I encourage you to look at actual track records and not made up propaganda rhetoric.
How much was gas per gallon or eggs when Trump left the WH for example.
Or how come Biden’s events under his presidency are almost exactly identical to when Carter took presidency?
I encourage you to listen to full speeches. If you did you’d notice the Democrats have not proposed any solutions or policies. Just icing and vague statements to fix things they broke.
Did you listen to the full Newsom v Desantis debate? What was your take on Newsom point blank lies. The propaganda plays soundbites of his lies and not the full conversations.
Politicians say a lot of things, so you have to look at what they DO. Actions speaks louder than words. By his actions Trump dodged the draft. By his actions Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts for defrauding the State of New York. By his actions Trump defrauded veterans and students with his bogus university. By his actions Trump plundered the accounts of his bogus charity. By his actions Trump spent more time on the golf course than any other President - and did so at properties he owned and then billed the taxpayers. By his actions Trump organized an attack on the Capitol because his ego refused to accept the fact he had lost the election. By his actions Trump took hundreds of classified documents to Mar-a-Lago and then lied about having them and resisted returning them to the National Archives. Which Presidential candidate is currently out on bail awaiting sentencing?
Fauci was right, Covid spreads just like the flu, it is an airborne disease; one makes you sick for a few days, whereas the other could leave you debilitated to dead.
GAS and EGGS? How much was insulin when Trump left office? You can buy a lot of overpriced gas and eggs with $450. How much was your loved one's student debt when Trump left office? He/She can buy a lot of overpriced gas and eggs for $18,000. I have heard that some of this "inflation" is actually corporate "greed-flation." If you hadn't noticed, gas prices are still going down.
Excellent points per usual, Stephen. I'm one of those "curious Dems" you mentioned. And this morning I'm particularly curious if any of your fellow Republicans found it ironic that Trump posted on his (get this) "Truth" Social an A.I.-generated image of Taylor Swift along with the claim that "Taylor Swift wants you to vote for Donald Trump" when, of course, she doesn't.
If your fellow Republicans are not surprised, or even repulsed by this, it's likely because they are all used to his diurnal prevarications; just one more to add to his steamy pile of blatant falsehoods--"The election was stolen" "Kamala is dumb" "Climate change is a hoax" "I know nothing about this Project 2025" "Trump Bible, only $49.99," and (my favorite) Jesus' loving arms on Trump's shoulders backdropped by the American flag (hey, that one's only $36.99, hurry while supplies last!"... ad nauseam.
Anyway, as one never to denigrate Donald "Grab 'em by the pussy/34 felony convictions/Cadet Bonespurs/stable-genius" Trump, I'm now just curious if any of you still plan to vote for him?
Hi Robert: I do find it really unusual that Trump would post an A-I generated image of Taylor Swift on his website but I am not going to get my panties in a knot until we find out a little more about it. Because of all the hoaxes that have been perpetrated against Trump (the bleach comment taken out of context that you mentioned) I am extremely leery of jumping to conclusions. Another thing that astounds me about some voters is that they would bow to a world affairs expert country singer like Taylor Swift for their political information. I am not denying that they do and that is what is kind of scary, to me about the democrat party that is currently in power. Lots of hysteria and a good portion of the time nothing to back it up in the end.
J. Livingston: I'm not sure I understand your comment but I seriously think the G.O.P. should "keep their powder dry" by bowing out of this election and instead waiting another four years to get behind a truly ethical and worthy candidate in order to restore some integrity to your party. Trump is a stain on the character of your "party of Lincoln."
J: Unlike the Peter Principle, dopey Harris didn’t even do well in current jobs before getting ’promoted’ up the ladder. Lord only knows what this knot head will do if she makes it to the top!
Harris is no different from Biden or the rest: nothing new under the sun. If she gets elected, her followers (ironically--lots of virtue-signaling Whites) will prattle on about how "you can't handle a woman of color being in power: get used to it with your fragile White/male/ ego!" Then as homelessness puts more of us out onto the streets, there will be an uprising that will make January 6th look like a church picnic, and Trump or some other despot will become President-for-life "vote for me and if I get elected you won't have to vote any more" (or words to that effect, and then the reality will set in for all but the chosen few.
Four years of "making America great again" followed by four years of "building back better" and the debt kept going up, more people became homeless, and the feelings of rage on both sides grew, and now we are told Trump and Harris are the pinnacle of our choices as the vast majority practically deify them.
Terrific column, Bonnie. Dr. Aijian is a Santa Barbara treasure, the rare doctor who cares more about the well-being of people than being well-off. It's also wonderful that he's open about his religious beliefs. Too many doctors aren't. I'm not a Christian. But I have enormous respect for Dr. Aijian's deep relationship with his religion and how it has shaped his integrity in medicine. He was and remains one of the few doctors who questioned the origins of Covid, its treatment and the public policies. This took enormous courage on his part.
My late brother, Dan, was a cancer surgeon who had a very cynical view of the medical establishment. In his experience most doctors he knew only read the summation, the last few paragraphs, in the research papers they were given. They were too lazy to read the whole report or go through the tests and see how they were done. They didn't question. And in my brother's view, this lead to disastrous health policies.
Dan originally set out to be a scientist. He was accepted into Caltech classes as a high school student. Then one day he said to our parents, “I don't have what it takes to be a first-rate physicist.” My parents were shocked - he was getting A's. My brother just sighed. “Look, I've been around science geniuses in physics for a year now at Caltech. I'm not one. And I'm fine with that. And I can be a really terrific surgeon, so that's what I'll do.”
He loved science research and carried that into his practice. He went deeply into the research that was informing medical establishment practices and he was stunned by how lazy many of his colleagues, even the most highly respected and awarded, were.
A few decades ago he was appalled at what he saw as the sloppy way the medical establishment was implementing supposed cholesterol findings. He would tell me there was no basis for the dietary “no fat” craze that was supposed to cure cholesterol and heart attacks in America. Dan was disgusted by the way the medical establishment and the media brainwashed people into diets which not only didn't reduce the rates of heart attacks, but resulted in more obesity and worse health in Americans.
I have really missed Dan during the last few Covid years. I think it's safe to say he would have questioned the vax, the lockdowns and the reports of how it originated. It was what I admired most about my brother - his honesty about medicine. And I was grateful to see a like-minded questioner in a Santa Barbaran, Dr. Aijian. It's an easy road for a doctor to go along with whatever the medical establishment says. It's infinitely more difficult to question. And we who aren't doctors but rely on them to stand up for us and what is best for our health rather than their careers should take the time to thank them.
Thank you Dr. Aijian. And thank you, Bonnie.
Good comment. You too can read and understand medical science papers…to see for yourself the deception being passed off as science. Specifically viruses. I’ve a few links in my Sub to the official SARS Cov-2 papers. Read them and weep. Also see the recent interview Tucker did with a Stanford Surgeon…and her brother.
Thank you for the kind words. It is a challenge to be a “heretic” in the medical community, or in any situation where truth is buried in group think and top down control. I keep hoping and praying that the rest of us catch the vision to “ question authority, ” when the “authority” is people like our current federal and state governments. The authority we need to be subject to is our Creator. Questioning authority goes back to the garden of Eden, when the first humans decided to ignore God’s one rule. He gave them one test, and they failed. This urge to believe we are in control has been the downfall of the human race. Fortunately, God saw this coming and has a plan of redemption. There is a way back to relationship with Him. First, we need to accept the obvious fact that He exists, and we are not Him. The rest of the story unfolds in the 66 books of the Bible. Revelation is particularly eye opening, as we see events long ago predicted showing up in the news today. Try reading it. It’s the only real answer to finding authority worth our choosing.
We look forward to seeing any of you who would like to share some fellowship this Sunday and to see the movie by Eric Metaxas. Its message truly is for “such a time as this.” Bring a jacket as it may get a little cool after dark.
Thank you, Dr. Aijian. I listened to RFK Jr yesterday and think it is the greatest speech of any politician I've read or heard - and when I saw this morning about Trump and Kennedy uniting over the health care crisis, I started to cry with admiration for those two. I see the medical industrial complex is already at work through their media soldiers to try to stop them. But I think Trump and Kennedy will be up to anything they try. My husband and I are sorry we won't be able to attend the screening this Sunday - Metaxas is a fascinating thinker and writer. Wonderful you're offering people the chance to get together like this. By talking and uniting we can defeat the forces that want to destroy.
Speaking of public health and other disturbing things right now, I just listened to RFK jr's speech today. It's the greatest political speech by any politician I have ever heard or read. There is hope. God bless RFK jr.
https://x.com/kylenabecker/status/1827069087442174137
Yes, Carbajal will cruise to victory in his re-election. Nothing new to see here folks. The last Republican to hold that seat was Micheal Huffington…remember him? The well has been dry ever since and as I said earlier, but bares repeating ; “SB Republicans sightings are about as rare as the California Condor!” We have become an endangered species!
It would be interesting to know exactly how many votes are seemingly automatic from the block of voters from UCSB, 20-30k? Yep, kids who are barely adults, own no property and here temporarily deciding every single election. What a country!
Local Republicans need to stop hiding under the bed and get out, rally, and engage with voters, especially young voters! Start with questions like; do you ever plan to have a job, own a house, start a business or family? We need to STOP writing off these kids!
I agree with what you are saying, and I will add they need to stop worshipping Trump (who anybody who's awake knows is no Ronald Reagan per his lack of personal morals). They need to focus on ISSUES, not people, and if they do that, they could turn this whole thing around. This is the approach I'm taking.
I suppose race does matter to some. Indeed, the “optics” of a half black woman as president will somehow translate to prosperity in the underserved communities? In reality, communities of color continue to lag behind other communities despite the Biden and Obama administrations. It was Trump who brought prosperity to these communities with employment, homeownership and personal wealth.
For others, race doesn’t matter it’s more about competence. Clearly, Harris is incompetent. A candidate such as Condoleezza Rice would do well with conservatives because she is time tested, trusted and actually has accomplishments to compare.
Condeleeza Rice is totally qualified, but leftists don't like Black people or people of any other historically-oppressed demographic being examples of strength, dignity, and intelligence.
Nice job Bonnie.
I know I tend to generalize too much and I'm a pessimists. But I feel way to many American voters are lazy, stupid, over pampered, and taken care of by government. Without a moral, common sense, self sufficient population, a republic can not survive. I think we a very close to that point.
Just imagine if the power grid shut down for 48 hours??? There would be mass hysteria, crime running uncontrolled and loss of life.
Ranger, I have to agree with you about a good portion of our population relying way too much on the government, either from handouts or thinking that the government knows how to take care of our children better than mom and dad, both morally and physically. It has been a long steady process getting us acceptable and used to this way of life. And yes, if the grid went down I would hate to see the turmoil and panic. Although we are close to the crumbling of our republic, I am an optimist at heart and ever hopeful that people will come to their senses.
Well put, Monica. A woman I know said that I question authority too much. This because I didn't get the Covid vax. I told her that authority is earned not something organizations, leaders or people bestow on themselves.
Polly, although I don't think that you would ever need it, anytime you want to borrow my lapel pin that says"Question Authority" you are welcome to it. Do you remember them from back in the day?
Yep. How did liberals turn into the soldiers for tyranny?
Because a lot of them trusted the people they put into power, and they are now realizing in increasing numbers what is happening.
Correct. AND...it was the Hippies and their allies who took to the streets (without the violence we have seen in Seattle, Portland, and Minneapolis/others and fought for the civil rights that the brainwashed Left think THEY are inventing, A.K.A. "re-imagining". Now, whenever some old Hippie dares to question the upshot statists who run to their "safe spaces", the response is "shut up Boomer", or some other ageist comment. Again, welcome to the new Left.
I have had this conversation many times with my sister. I'm not losing sleep over some Jihadist "terrorist" act of violence, but our biggest concern should be if the power grid gets hit--especially during a heat wave. The big cities are absolute sitting ducks for such a thing as they are A: heat islands; and B: their populations are much less off-grid thinking people.
Alternative/back-up energy is the way to go. Side note: with all the craze about electric cars, isn't the promotion of them further straining the power grid?
Idiocracy
Do Dem voters truly believe in Kamala? Are that that blinded, that far gone, indoctrinated, they will vote with their Cult despite the facts that “she dropped out of the 2020 election due to less than 1% support”. The fact that she has the worst polling as a VP in America’s history. That she has not done one thing, has not actually disclosed any policies. That she has to pay people to show up to her rallies and speaking events. That she has to photo shop crowds into her appearances. That she has to have famous artists headline her speaking events to get people to show up, then they start leaving when she takes the stage.
Her sudden “popularity” is all Hollywood smoke & mirrors.
I’ve heard many Democrats say they will not vote. That’s a laugh because their ballots will be cast whether they fill them out or not. It’s been proven that this last mid term ballots were cast by people who did not vote. But they won’t vote for the bad orange man. So they will roll over and allow the worst polling person in America to be installed. These are the people “defending democracy” and the “Party of the People” who will allow a dictatorship to determine the next puppet.
So when they install the most unpopular person in the country will Democrat voters finally realize it’s rigged? Or will they comply as they do every time.
Will Republicans do more than just complain?
Our RINO leaders have made noise but have taken zero action to actually do more than create theater.
Good luck America. You will get what you deserve, what you personally worked for. Which is idiocracy, the best movie of all time that foretold our future.
In a favorable turn of events, BIBI JI restaurant has successfully relocated their restaurant after having to close due to insufficient foot traffic...............Hummm Did CAB lobby to return State to historic use at the 1300 block and 1200 block....? So the Council just had another nose rubbing in public proving their intransigent dig the heels in of "fighting" a reality based transportation grid is stupid?
When it comes to Harris did anyone notice she supports a minimum capital gains tax of 40%? Want to talk about kicking the private sector where it hurts.
So when does the insanity end? Why make any business successful. After all as with Death Valley it is all about optics.
Oh did any one notice the first "intentional" narrowing on outer State started in Ernest? The crew chief is a dyed in the wool anti car city employee. One would hope the issues Bonnie has uncovered will be enough to stop the insanity?
Had an idea - see whatcha think:
The only way Harris’s radical Commie policies will see the light of day is if Trump gets to debate her which she won’t do. The Democrat media won’t report them, and her handlers keep her under wraps.
So here’s what to do:
a) Trump lines up several time slots on tv channels.
b) He ‘invites’ Kamala to join him in friendly chats about where the country is going and how, as politicians, 'we can help make things better.' These are not ‘debates’, which are challenging and adversarial - rather - ‘Town Hall Discussions.’
c) Of course Kamala won’t accept - with her Marxist positions she knows she’ll get her butt handed to her by Trump.
Now here’s the best part:
d) Trump shows up at these Discussions and explains to the world that because Harris didn’t show, he has invited a Kamala ’surrogate’ to explain Kamala's positions & answer his questions. Let’s call her Pamela. Who does she look like? Kamala of course - same pantsuit, hair, etc., . . . and Trump puts her thru the wringer!
e) The media will dig it because it’s newsy, and you can bet it will generate audience, all the while allowing Trump to expose the Commie / Marxist future as Kamala Harris sees it!!
I thought there was a debate on Sept 10?
Yes - if it takes place. I'm skeptical that Harris will come up with an excuse, - 'Had to meet with Putin, got sick, etc.' In spite of the fact her handlers will 'prep' her, they all know what happened when Biden took on Trump the barbarian.
And what abount his other debate invitations?
Mission accomplished: Americans left the DNC Convention uplifted, filled with enough joy, hope and enthusiasm to convince others to register Democrat and vote the Harris/Walz ticket. The impressive line up of motivational speakers never addressed economic realities, and Kamala never took ownership of the last 3.8 destructive years. The Convention organizers knew their audience; their strategy worked! The convention was entertainingwithout policy substance; it feminized politics — basically, it was a celebration of women, and women of color. Too often white male speakers like Buttigieg were ‘soft’ males -‘with hands that never experienced a callous’; or fumbled like Wisconsin Gov Tony Evers; or were disgruntled grandstanders like Adam Kinzinger or Georgia former Lt. Gov Geoff Duncan .
Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal stated Harris/Walz “doesn’t need to get into any details; progressives are the base”, we know our agenda (the provider and parent needs to be big government, limit guns, prioritize climate change, expand SCOTUS, pursue popular vote, …). She went on to say, at the Convention we “simply need to get people to trust her”; to know “She’s about the people”. Sort of like the all accepting mom who gives unconditional love, when tough love is needed. As an incoming step-mom to two teens, she’s never needed to deliver discipline, to hold the line, to not budge, to risk the loss of her child’s love and presence.
According to Congressional Squad Leader Jayapal, messaging at the DNC what attendees want to hear is working because it resulted in enthusiasm: “more new people have contributed to this campaign, within the first 48 hours” - plus “over 83,000 registered Democrat between the ages 18-34 years old”.
Helping voters visualize what they will be given, what they ‘feel entitled to have’, motivates them to get out the vote for Harris/Walz.
Summation: Promises don’t need to be made or kept. Policies don’t need to be addressed or viable. Details don’t matter. Sharing a vision, brining joy and hope back to America is what’s needed to win in November.
How will GOP, Trump supporters respond: sit back or actively work, contribute what’s required to win in November?
Yes, 93108: and good for RFK jr putting them in their place which is the cesspool they created.
If the American people vote these communist in.
Please don’t complain when things completely fall apart.
If she gets her way we will be the next Venezuela .
RFK just concluded his press conference announcing his decision to suspend his campaign. Kudos for him and his unbelievable honesty in his description of the swamp creatures who run our country.
Yes, he called out the press for how they engage in election interference. All known players; CBS, ABC, CNN, PBS and so on.
He called out the Intelligensia industrial complex who is really running the country.
One thing RFK said that REALLY got my attention by saying “why have policies when you have Trump to hate.”
So true, where is Harris on all these important issues immigration, energy, economy etc?
Harris needs to put up or shut up!
I loved RFK jr saying that too. He's much more popular than the DNC controlled media would have us think.
“Housing crisis”
SB City is going to allow high rises. In fact there are permits being looked at for an 8 story 255 unit building with 434 parking spaces right next to the Mission, by the museum.
In addition to the 642 units 7 story building at la Cumbre. In addition to Paseo Nuevo, Sears, in addition to Grand Ave, Capitol Hardware, etc….
Thousands of new shoe box apartments. For a declining population. Well Citizens are declining in numbers.
So who will occupy these small shoebox apartments? And why is the City approving high rises in area like the Mission?
Is your City Council representing you and your neighborhood and the decreasing population properly?
Oh and they’re expanding the freeway as we speak to alleviate congested highways for commuters. So why do we need so ,any high rise shoe boxes in the City? Or County?
B Camp, that is sickening about the proposed 8 story building that is being permitted. And great question, why do we need it and all the other housing projects that are on the proposal list? There couldn't be all sorts of money for those involved in all this, could there?
Well, Newsom is proposing something that will take care of everything. And don't even think the Pelosi crime family will benefit from this. We taxpayers will! Of course!
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/california-democrats-advance-bill-allow-illegal-aliens-buy/
In the Soviet Union they were known as Kruschevscas. (sp?)
I suspect the White House is buzzing with activity. We just don't know who is making decisions. Biden is now a lame duck and the opportunity after the election and before Jan 20 offers great opportunity for executive orders.
Thank you Bonnie. Not that it's a game changer - but in all fairness Harris dropped out of the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries with 3% - not 1 - of the vote (yes, no landslide there) but there was a total of 29 major candidates declared their candidacies at the start.
But I think we've all become wary of numbers/polling/etc. in politics.
Sounds smart.
Why was is an odd VP nod?
Good morning, fellow Republicans and curious Dems! Just a few counterpoints on Bonnie's latest piece:
"[Kamala] cynically promises to 'secure the border.' Many are left waiting for tangible results; we haven’t seen any yet."
Well, border crossings are DOWN, and that was even without the bipartisan Border Bill that MAGA Mike Johnson refused to bring to the floor for a vote.
"Remember, she dropped out of the 2020 election due to less than 1% support, even though she was a female and black. Now she’s the Democrat nominee because she is so qualified?"
Well, that's what 3 1/2 years of "on the job training" can do for a person! Remember, Trump's very first experience at elected office was for President, and he was ill-prepared for the job and it showed - 1.2 million American covid deaths ("just inject some bleach" "it's like the flu" "it will go away by summer"); highest unemployment and business failures since the Great Depression; highest crime rate in 50 years; crippling of America's international influence and prestige...
"It’s interesting to note that during the DNC, many voiced concerns about the wealthy benefiting from tax breaks, yet a significant portion of the speakers and entertainers were indeed affluent individuals. This contradiction raises questions about the true representation of the party's values."
I did not see any contradiction at all, being affluent and pro-democracy is not a contradiction, even if you are rich enough to tax advantage of "billionaire tax breaks." Many of the pro-democracy/pro-America affluent have voiced the fact that they are NOT paying their fair share of taxes, and that billionaires and corporations should be paying more taxes (you know, to pay for all the 'freebies' the lazy poor and working class will be getting, like free school lunches, free daycare, and free health care).
"Our U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal is not interested in debating anyone. Guess he figures he’s got his safe seat wrapped up tightly."
Wonderful, that gives him more time to be about the people's business in Washington. There are only two candidates opposing him, neither of which are veterans. As a veteran I would encourage all of you veterans out there to vote for veterans - there are not enough of them in Washington. Now, this cycle both VP candidates are veterans, but only one of them is running with a draft-dodging convicted felon who fomented an insurrection on January 6, 2021, in an effort to stay in power when he lost the election. Not a difficult choice for this Republican, who will be voting for Democracy this November. We can all get together afterward to rebuild the party of Lincoln and Reagan (my "personality cult").
Stephen,
It appears you only listen to the propaganda of soundbites and not entire speeches or debates.
- Fauci stated COVID is like the flu and people need to learn to live with it.
- COVID deaths were overstated as admitted publicly by public health departments such as Alameda County, Cook County & Dr Fauci just to name a few who admitted COVID number# were purposefully overstated.
- Kamala on the job trauning? What has she done?
- Border crossings are down from a high under her Birder Czar reign but still higher than under Trump.
- We know she covered up Biden’s mental illness, once again important formation for the public to know.
I encourage you to look at actual track records and not made up propaganda rhetoric.
How much was gas per gallon or eggs when Trump left the WH for example.
Or how come Biden’s events under his presidency are almost exactly identical to when Carter took presidency?
I encourage you to listen to full speeches. If you did you’d notice the Democrats have not proposed any solutions or policies. Just icing and vague statements to fix things they broke.
Did you listen to the full Newsom v Desantis debate? What was your take on Newsom point blank lies. The propaganda plays soundbites of his lies and not the full conversations.
Politicians say a lot of things, so you have to look at what they DO. Actions speaks louder than words. By his actions Trump dodged the draft. By his actions Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts for defrauding the State of New York. By his actions Trump defrauded veterans and students with his bogus university. By his actions Trump plundered the accounts of his bogus charity. By his actions Trump spent more time on the golf course than any other President - and did so at properties he owned and then billed the taxpayers. By his actions Trump organized an attack on the Capitol because his ego refused to accept the fact he had lost the election. By his actions Trump took hundreds of classified documents to Mar-a-Lago and then lied about having them and resisted returning them to the National Archives. Which Presidential candidate is currently out on bail awaiting sentencing?
Fauci was right, Covid spreads just like the flu, it is an airborne disease; one makes you sick for a few days, whereas the other could leave you debilitated to dead.
GAS and EGGS? How much was insulin when Trump left office? You can buy a lot of overpriced gas and eggs with $450. How much was your loved one's student debt when Trump left office? He/She can buy a lot of overpriced gas and eggs for $18,000. I have heard that some of this "inflation" is actually corporate "greed-flation." If you hadn't noticed, gas prices are still going down.
Excellent points per usual, Stephen. I'm one of those "curious Dems" you mentioned. And this morning I'm particularly curious if any of your fellow Republicans found it ironic that Trump posted on his (get this) "Truth" Social an A.I.-generated image of Taylor Swift along with the claim that "Taylor Swift wants you to vote for Donald Trump" when, of course, she doesn't.
If your fellow Republicans are not surprised, or even repulsed by this, it's likely because they are all used to his diurnal prevarications; just one more to add to his steamy pile of blatant falsehoods--"The election was stolen" "Kamala is dumb" "Climate change is a hoax" "I know nothing about this Project 2025" "Trump Bible, only $49.99," and (my favorite) Jesus' loving arms on Trump's shoulders backdropped by the American flag (hey, that one's only $36.99, hurry while supplies last!"... ad nauseam.
Anyway, as one never to denigrate Donald "Grab 'em by the pussy/34 felony convictions/Cadet Bonespurs/stable-genius" Trump, I'm now just curious if any of you still plan to vote for him?
Hi Robert: I do find it really unusual that Trump would post an A-I generated image of Taylor Swift on his website but I am not going to get my panties in a knot until we find out a little more about it. Because of all the hoaxes that have been perpetrated against Trump (the bleach comment taken out of context that you mentioned) I am extremely leery of jumping to conclusions. Another thing that astounds me about some voters is that they would bow to a world affairs expert country singer like Taylor Swift for their political information. I am not denying that they do and that is what is kind of scary, to me about the democrat party that is currently in power. Lots of hysteria and a good portion of the time nothing to back it up in the end.
I think Donald is re-watching movies from the 90s. That might be a clue to his renewed fascination with a Silence of the Lambs character.
J. Livingston: I'm not sure I understand your comment but I seriously think the G.O.P. should "keep their powder dry" by bowing out of this election and instead waiting another four years to get behind a truly ethical and worthy candidate in order to restore some integrity to your party. Trump is a stain on the character of your "party of Lincoln."
J: Unlike the Peter Principle, dopey Harris didn’t even do well in current jobs before getting ’promoted’ up the ladder. Lord only knows what this knot head will do if she makes it to the top!
Harris is no different from Biden or the rest: nothing new under the sun. If she gets elected, her followers (ironically--lots of virtue-signaling Whites) will prattle on about how "you can't handle a woman of color being in power: get used to it with your fragile White/male/ ego!" Then as homelessness puts more of us out onto the streets, there will be an uprising that will make January 6th look like a church picnic, and Trump or some other despot will become President-for-life "vote for me and if I get elected you won't have to vote any more" (or words to that effect, and then the reality will set in for all but the chosen few.
Four years of "making America great again" followed by four years of "building back better" and the debt kept going up, more people became homeless, and the feelings of rage on both sides grew, and now we are told Trump and Harris are the pinnacle of our choices as the vast majority practically deify them.
Is this REALLY the best America can do?
My SBHS English teacher would probably say “minions” though….