Thursday, July 10, 2025
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
JFK cited America’s ‘moral obligations’ in urging creation of USAID by The Contrarian
'A program of assistance to the underdeveloped nations must continue because the nation's interest and the cause of political freedom require it,' President Kennedy said.
Read on SubstackMy Dad Got a Deepfake Scam Call. Marco Rubio Got One, Too.
Malicious uses of ever more powerful and versitile artificial intelligence pose threats not only to individuals, but to governments.
My Dad Got a Deepfake Scam Call. Marco Rubio Got One, Too. by The Contrarian
AI impersonation is going mainstream, and Trump’s government isn’t ready.
Read on SubstackTuesday, July 08, 2025
Sunday, July 06, 2025
Keeping an Eye on ICE
The YouTube algorithm is a remarkable thing. A few days ago, it brought up to my home page this video from KPBS in San Diego :
There's no way of knowing how long this treasure trove of info will remain publically available. As long as it is, though, we must use it to the fullest possible advantage.
And, remember, if you see masked men in your area:
- Stay calm
- Call 911
- Video them
- Get their lisence plate numbers
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
Trump calls New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani 'a communist'
Having watched the below clip a few times and thought about it rather a lot, I still can’t decide whether Trump doesn’t realize Mandani has won a primary, not a mayoral general election, whether he no longer understands the difference between a primary and a general, or what!
One thing is painfully clear. No one in the White House so much as tries to keep Trump from making a fool of himself, which he does every time he opens his mouth or takes to Truth Social. Rather, every administration official, starting with the press secretary, repeats, amplifies and normalizes his lies, rantings and ignorant statements. The same can be said for most of the Republicans on the Hill.
It is never clear to me which of Trump’s statements display his mental illness and cognitive decline, and which his stupidity. In a way, it doesn’t matter. The man is unfit for the office he holds. He always was. In his first administration, though, some around him retained respect for the dignity of the office and concern for decorum. They managed (with difficulty) to reign in some of his excesses. This time, he has taken care to surround himself only with those as stupid, mendacious, corrupt and craven as he is.
They all also hold loyalty only to Trump, not to the Constitution or the country. As commentators such as Glenn Kirschner and Rick Wilson have pointed out, one way or another Trump won’t be president forever. While he is president, though, America is at the mercy of a stupid madman, who never ceases to embarrass himself and us.
And while he is president, we all must point out that he is a stupid madman. We must counter his lies with facts; challenge his gibberish with commonsense. Hillary Clinton said it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it takes a country to defeat a would be dictator.
Tuesday, July 01, 2025
Monday, June 30, 2025
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Chinese Cities on Fire — 220,000 Injured | BBC News
This report is from several days ago. One can only imagine conditions have grown worse.
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Thursday, May 29, 2025
New Quiz: Nineteenth Century Children's Literature
Here's my latest quiz, one for Children's Literature buffs. Can you sort these books into publication order?
Nineteenth Century British Children's Literature (Link opens in a new window.)
Monday, April 14, 2025
New Quiz: Can A Man
Here's the latest of my word play quizzes.
Can A Man (Link opens in a new window.)


