Veterans of South Korea at L.A. National Cemetery's Memorial Day Ceremony
Memorial Day: France to honor US WWII veterans at D-Day Ceremony courtesy of this gent's efforts.
Austrian-Immigrant Salutes US WWII Vets Who Defeated National Socialism (whose Jew-hatred Islamists have adopted and carried into this generation)
How Immigrant G.I. Vet Regards Immigrants and Youth Not Honoring Memorial Day.
L.A. Cemetery Fndn chair, Glenn Schecter awards Luna Stolar-Calazara for aid in flag placement
At L.A.'s V.A Cemetery
Persian - Zoroastrian veteran of US Army reveals his views of the "never drafted" which entitled American and ungrateful, entitled immigrants.
Buffalo Soldiers enactors teach history Memorial Day at Veterans Cemetery L.A. - Major A.J. Simien
The Cost of Freedom? Korean-American Chief Warrant Officer II Steve Cho, California State Guard
Media outlets are framing Joe Kent’s resignation as the director of the National Counterterrorism Center because of principled opposition to the Trump Administration’s war on Iran. Principles had nothing to do with it.
He left (more likely shoved out), accusing the administration of entering war with Iran because of “pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby” (that’s AIPAC in case you missed the subtlety), while insisting Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States. There, in one tidy little package, was the full intellectual collapse of a part of the American right: not realism, not prudence, not restraint, but the old reflex that when events become complicated, blame the Jews.
This is how anti-interventionism curdles into something rancid. It begins with a sensible warning against quagmires and crusades. It ends with the suggestion that America has no enemies in the Middle East worth worrying about, only allies worth resenting. Iran’s aggression? Secondary. Its terror proxies? Background noise. Its imperial ambitions? Mere detail. The real culprit, we are told, is Israel, with its magical ability to make American officials forget where America’s interests lie.
That is not foreign-policy realism. It is your run-of-the-mill Blood Libel.
Kent matters because he is not your average groyper. He occupied one of the government’s top counterterrorism posts. Kent was supposed to be the serious face of “America First” discipline. Instead, on his way out the door, he sounded like a man who had absorbed too much of the Carlson catechism: every Middle East crisis is a trap, every ally a burden, every Jewish concern a manipulation.
And one cannot ignore the possibility that Kent’s departure was less an act of a lonely conscience than a politically convenient separation. Officially, he resigned over the war in Iran. Unofficially, he was not just an ally of Tucker Carlson; he was, in no small measure, a Carlson creation.
A quick public check turns up at least six Carlson appearances that are easy to verify in the public record—August 26, 2021; September 8, 2021; December 2, 2021; January 21, 2022; June 9, 2022; and April 8, 2023—and local coverage at the time described those bookings more broadly as “frequent appearances” that helped elevate Kent’s campaign.
Carlson did not treat Kent as just another guest. He showcased him as an “America First” candidate, giving him repeated prime-time exposure while Kent was running for Congress. Tucker praised his analysis so effusively that he told him, “the fact that you’re not in Congress tells you a lot about the forces you’re up against,” before wishing him “godspeed.” He later publicly grouped Kent among the candidates he was “standing behind.” (ManoWhisper)
Nor did it help Kent that he was so closely identified with Tucker Carlson, just as Carlson’s increasingly deferential posture toward Iran was coming under growing scrutiny.
Joe Kent and his J’Accuse Resignation Letter
And if that wasn't enough, Candace Owens cast Kent as the man bold enough to track down how (as Owens alleges) the Trump Family and the Mossad assassinated Charlie Kirk. Public reporting says Kent reviewed FBI files to examine possible foreign involvement, alarming FBI leadership, who feared interference with the criminal case against the accused shooter. That was enough to make him a hero to the conspiratorial right, which requires very little evidence and thrives on dark insinuation.
That is the pattern now. Every institution that resists these fantasies is corrupt. Every investigation that refuses to validate them is a cover-up. Every refusal to blame Israel is proof that Israel is to blame. This is not skepticism. It is the Protocols of the Elders of Zion-induced paranoia with a geopolitical vocabulary.
Analysts, Kenneth Abramowitz and Rev. Dumisani Washington on force-posture, mediation leverage, and the Iran horizon
The Washington–Qatar–Israel–Iran crisis is no longer a single storyline. It is a convergence of pressure points: Gaza’s unfinished war, Iran’s nuclear trajectory, Chinese-Iranian military ties, and the role of mediators whose influence shapes what Washington considers “realistic.”
Recent Pentagon movements complicate the simple narrative that the United States is hesitating. Reports indicate U.S. refueling aircraft have shifted from Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, while the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group has been positioned near Israel’s northern coast. Those moves can signal deterrence, strike preparation, force protection, or leverage in ongoing negotiations. They do not resemble abandonment.
That context matters when revisiting two DemoCast interviews that now feel prescient.
At the Republican Jewish Coalition Leadership Summit on November 2, 2025, geopolitical analyst Ken Abramowitz argued that ideological regimes rarely stop voluntarily. Negotiations may be attempted first, he said, but enforcement ultimately determines outcomes.
VIDEO: Ken Abramowitz Interview (Nov. 2, 2025)
Two Power Blocs, One Strategic Reality
Mr. Abramowitz frames the Middle East as shaped by two dominant ideological blocs: an axis centered around Qatar and Turkey aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood, and Iran’s revolutionary regime. Whether one agrees with every descriptor, the structural observation stands. Both systems expand influence through proxy networks, financing channels, media ecosystems, and diplomatic positioning.
His strategic claim was blunt: in military affairs you need capability and willingness. Israel, he argues, clearly retains both. The present question is whether the United States is pacing its use of capability — or withholding willingness.
Hostages, Mediation, and Leverage
Speaking with DemoCast at the NRB Convention in Nashville on Friday, February 20, 2026, Rev. Washington warned that frameworks relying on voluntary disarmament by Hamas were structurally unsound and that political loyalty should never override accountability.
The hostage-first approach in Gaza inevitably created leverage for Hamas. If hostages are prioritized, the party holding them retains bargaining power. When bargaining power exists, mediators become indispensable.
This is where Qatar’s role becomes structurally significant. Mediation itself is not malign. But when a mediator becomes indispensable, mediation can turn into leverage. The party that controls access controls tempo.
Rev. Washington warned that expecting Hamas to voluntarily disarm misunderstands both its charter and its incentives.
VIDEO: Rev. Washington Interview (NRB Nashville, Feb. 20, 2026)
Rev. Washington believes that if enforcement mechanisms remain theoretical, peace frameworks risk becoming messaging frameworks.
China, Iran, and the Expanding Perimeter
The crisis is not limited to Gaza. Reports that Iran is nearing acquisition of Chinese-made anti-ship missile systems, alongside U.S. sanctions targeting supply chains feeding Iranian drone networks, reflect a widening strategic perimeter. This does not equate to a formal proxy war between Beijing and Washington. But it does indicate that Iran’s military ecosystem intersects with global procurement and partnership channels.
At the same time, homeland security assessments describe a dynamic domestic threat environment shaped by terrorism risks, espionage concerns, and potential retaliatory activation of aligned networks. Major military decisions are never taken in isolation from domestic vulnerability calculations.
Strategic Ambiguity or Strategic Leverage?
The emerging picture may not be surrender or retreat, but coercive diplomacy under guard — military assets positioned visibly enough to deter, negotiations extended long enough to test intentions, and strike capacity held in reserve.
If force posture adjustments are designed to pressure Iran into ceding enrichment capacity or accepting verifiable limits, then delay may function as leverage rather than hesitation.
The evidence suggests stated objectives remain intact: dismantling Hamas’s governing capacity and preventing a nuclear-armed Iran. What appears unsettled is method and sequence.
Major military decisions reflect multi-theater risk assessment: Iranian retaliation, proxy activation, maritime disruption, cyber escalation, and domestic security exposure all factor into the calculus. Strategic pacing may reflect layered risk calculation rather than reversal.
But pacing carries risk. Time can extract concessions — or strengthen the adversary’s depth. Deterrence does not fail when force is delayed. It fails when force is no longer believed possible.
The coming weeks will determine whether current ambiguity produces enforceable constraints — or forces confrontation under less favorable conditions.
Mr. Abramowitz’s warning about capability and will still stands. Rev. Washington’s warning about confusing messaging for enforcement still stands.
The difference now is that the chessboard has become visible. The question is not whether the United States is deciding. It is whether its adversaries believe it will.
On this Holocaust Remembrance Day, which marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, it’s worth reflecting on a disturbing pattern: how propaganda has been used to vilify Jews in different eras. The lessons we thought we learned from World War II— about the dangers of hateful narratives—seem to be fading. Today, some of the same tactics used by the Nazis are being deployed by Islamist/ Marxist movements and their supporters to turn public opinion against Israel, with worrying consequences.
A copy Adolf Hitler’s sick autobiography, “Mein Kampf,” was found inside a child’s bedroom at a Hamas base in the
Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities said. The copy of the Nazi leader’s 1925 autobiography outlining his deadly journey into antisemitism and the genocide of millions of Jews and other ethnic minorities during the Holocaust included “annotations and highlights,”
The book was discovered among the personal belongs of one of the terrorists,” the IDF said in the online post. “Hamas embraces the ideology of Hitler, the one responsible for the annihilation of the Jewish People.” -
NY Post 11/12/23
What Happened in Nazi Germany
The Nazis used propaganda to convince Germans that Jews were the root of society’s problems. Newspapers, posters, and films portrayed Jewish people as subhuman and dangerous, blaming them for economic woes and cultural decay. These messages played on centuries-old prejudices in Europe, where anti-Semitic stereotypes had taken root in Christian doctrine and culture. The propaganda worked. Ordinary Germans accepted these lies, enabling the persecution and eventual genocide of six million Jews.
How It’s Happening Again
Fast forward to today, and we see a similar playbook being used by Hamas and its allies, including Qatar. Through modern media and social networks, they spread the message that Israel is an oppressor, responsible for all Palestinian suffering. Casualty figures from the Gaza Ministry of Health—controlled by Hamas—are often inflated or misleading, but they’re repeated by Western media without much scrutiny. Staged events and manipulated images also flood the internet, painting Israel as a brutal aggressor.
Phrases like “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” or “Free Palestine” have become rallying cries in protests worldwide. But few stop to question the implications—these slogans call for the elimination of Israel. Meanwhile, Israel’s side of the story, including its right to defend itself against rocket attacks and terrorism, is often ignored.
Why It Matters
Just as Nazi propaganda dehumanized Jews to justify their persecution, today’s anti-Israel narratives have made it acceptable to vilify and scapegoat Jewish people once again. In cities across the West, we’ve seen people tearing down posters of kidnapped Israelis, vandalizing Jewish schools and synagogues, and chanting slogans that call for Israel’s destruction.
This isn’t just about spreading lies and hatred; it’s about how those lies pave the way for authoritarian tyranny. The Islamo-Marxist scapegoating of the Jewish state echoes Nazi tactics: using propaganda to consolidate power by uniting people against a common enemy. In Nazi Germany, this propaganda enabled National Socialists to dominate Europe, suppress dissent, and commit atrocities not only against Jews but against all who opposed their rule. Today, Hamas and its allies exploit similar methods to justify their authoritarian agendas and silence diverse voices within their societies.
The Bigger Picture
What’s most alarming is how easily the media and the public have bought into this propaganda. On this solemn day of remembrance, we should ask ourselves: Have we really learned the lessons of the Holocaust? The Nazis taught the world that scapegoating Jews isn’t just dangerous for them—it’s a tool for tyranny that harms everyone. If we fail to recognize and challenge these tactics, we risk enabling the rise of new authoritarian movements that use hatred and division to manipulate society under absolute power.
Beacon of Light: Service, Commitment, and Community at the Republican Women of Thousand Oaks, CA Luncheon
The annual autumn holiday gathering of the Republican Women of Thousand Oaks brought together community leaders, longtime supporters, and guests for an afternoon devoted to service, civic responsibility, and shared values. Held at the Sherwood Country Club, the event combined reflection, recognition, and celebration — grounded in a commitment to community and continuity.
Opening: A Spirit of Welcome
The luncheon opened with holiday carolers greeting guests as they arrived, setting a warm and communal tone for the afternoon.
Carolers welcoming guests
Holiday, Dove Flock release ceremony by Beatrice and Rosemary of Republican Women of Thousand Oaks
A Moment of Reflection: The Dove Release In the lead-up to the award presentation, the program staged a traditional symbolic moment — the release of doves — representing peace, continuity, and shared purpose. Organized by co-leaders Beatrice Restifo and Rosemary Licata, the three honorees, Karen Siegemund, Bob Donovan, and John Duffy were presented doves to release with the flock.
Dr. Karen Siegemund, one of the recipients of a Beacon of Light Award, reflects on the moment of holding and releasing the dove. She spoke about the meaning behind the gesture and the responsibility it represents.
“When you hold something living in your hands, you feel how much care it requires. That’s what this work is about — responsibility, compassion, and connection.”
Dove Release quotes by Karen Siegemund and Mrs. Rosemary Licata
The program then began with remarks from Rabbi Michael Barclay, who offered words of gratitude and reflection on the importance of community, service, and shared responsibility.
“We ask your blessing upon the people gathered here… upon those who serve and give of themselves.”
Rabbi Michael Barclay praises Republican Women's of Thousand Oaks' group and leaders at Sherwood Country Club luncheon.
The Meaning of the Moment
Mrs. Rosemary Licata leads Beacon of Light - Awards Presentation
Bob Donovan accepts "Beacon of Light - Patriot Award" Recipient
In his remarks, Bob Donovan reflected on the values that shaped his life and his belief in civic responsibility, personal accountability, and the importance of standing by one’s principles. His remarks emphasized gratitude for the country, respect for community, and the obligation to contribute rather than withdraw.
John Duffy accepts "Beacon of Light - Americanism Award"
The Americanism Award was presented to John Duffy, recognizing his long-standing commitment to civic engagement and public responsibility.
In his remarks, Duffy spoke about his personal journey — one shaped by reflection, growth, and an evolving understanding of civic duty. He spoke openly about how his views developed over time and the importance of remaining grounded in principle while engaging respectfully with others.
“I’ve come to understand that citizenship isn’t passive,” Mr. Duffy noted. “It requires responsibility, thoughtfulness, and the willingness to stand for what you believe in.”
Karen Siegemund, who heads the American Freedom Alliance accepts Americanism Award for Community Leadership / Service. Focus: stewardship, continuity, dedication.
Beatrice Restifo addressing the gathered attendees
As host and long-time leader of the organization, Beatrice Restifo addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of service, civic engagement, and supporting those who give back.
She spoke about the group’s ongoing commitment to veterans and community programs, noting that meaningful impact comes from consistent, hands-on involvement.
“This organization exists because people care enough to show up and to serve,” she said. “That commitment is what keeps our community strong.”
Mrs. Restifo, who has long helped guide the organization’s mission, spoke about the deeper purpose behind the gathering and the work it represents. She described the group not simply as a social organization, but as a community built around service, responsibility, and care for others. For her, the heart of the organization lies in its willingness to step forward — to support veterans, to assist those in need, and to create a space where people feel welcomed and valued. She spoke of continuity and commitment, emphasizing that the group’s strength comes from individuals who show up year after year, not for recognition, but because they believe in contributing something meaningful. In her remarks, she underscored that the organization’s purpose is not symbolic but active — rooted in action, generosity, and a shared sense of duty to the broader community.
Interview with John Duffy, recipient of the Patriot Award. He spoke about the values that have shaped his life and his belief in the enduring strength of the American people.
“We have the greatest country in the world,” he said, reflecting on the responsibility that comes with that privilege. “What makes it work is the people — their willingness to step up, to care, and to contribute.”
Mr. Duffy emphasized that civic responsibility is not abstract, but lived out in everyday actions and personal commitment.
Luncheon guests enjoying Republican Women of Thousand Oaks' Holiday Party
For more information regarding the group, its activities, meetings, and you becoming a member - please visit the Thousand Oaks Republican Women .
David McCormick interviews Douglas Murray at R.J.C. 10/31
[00:00–04:30] Opening Banter & The “Two Wars” Framework
Senator David McCormick introduces Douglas Murray as a leading voice on antisemitism, Israel, and the struggle against “death cults” in the democratic world. Murray jokes about Lindsey Graham leaving early and notes that, after spending so much time in Israel, he “feels a bit Jewish,” a nod to the cultural energy in the room.
Murray outlines his central framing: the existence of two simultaneous wars. The first is the kinetic war Hamas began on October 7. The second—and, in his view, the more neglected one—is the ideological war unfolding in America and the broader West.
He praises the IDF and IAF for “generational achievements” since the last RJC gathering: crushing Hamas in Gaza, degrading Hezbollah, and operating freely in a hostile region with American support.
[04:30–10:00] The Second War: Anti-Israelism as Anti-Westernism
Murray shifts focus to “the war at home.” Across the West—from the U.S. and U.K. to France, Canada, and
Australia—he sees large anti-Israel protests that echo each other regardless of geography. He cites Melbourne,
where thousands chant against Israel: “You’re in Melbourne—what’s it got to do with you?”
This isn’t simply pro-Palestinian sentiment, he argues, but the mainstreaming of support for Hamas. He notes that
at Princeton, protesters chanted “Glory to our martyrs,” explicitly adopting Hamas’ cause as their own.
McCormick recalls students in Pennsylvania assaulting a young man carrying an Israel flag and his campaign shirt.
As a non-Jew, he asks: What is the root cause of this sudden explosion?
[10:00–15:30] The Woke Guilt Machine & Projecting Sin onto Israel
Murray cites Soviet writer Vasily Grossman: “Tell me what you accuse the Jews of, and I’ll tell you what you’re
guilty of.” The Nazis accused Jews of racism and world domination; Iran accuses Israel of colonizing while it
extends influence
