Hello, Friends of Freedom. I hope your Thanksgiving was everything you desired and more. This week I want to examine the patriarch Joseph in scripture and his prevalent role in leading a secular nation as a man of faith. His historical account is found in Genesis 39-41.

He was a man of dreams and dream interpretation. It is most likely he served under two Pharaohs ( Sesostris III and Amenemhet III), having lived in Egypt for over 70 years.

He was sold into slavery by the betrayal of his brothers, who were jealous of him and his dreams. Hence, when he came to visit them per his father Jacob’s request, they commented, “Behold the dreamer cometh.”

The reason I am mentioning this event is that it shows the role of spiritual guidance (faith) can have in literally saving the entire nation (much of the world) during a most severe famine.

Pharaoh had a dream that perplexed him, and it was confirmed by having the same dream two times, once with cattle and once with grain. He was deeply troubled knowing that the dream had significant meaning for him and his reign.

The point I am making is that the nation was on a collision course with destruction, and there were no political leaders with answers to the cataclysmic event that was going to happen. But God, in His sovereignty, had prepared an answer. The famine would be preceded by seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of certain death and starvation.

Joseph had the wisdom to address the problem and founded granaries to store the grain during the seven years of abundance, thereby saving not only the nation of Egypt but the nation of Israel as well.

God still gives dreams in answer to problems today, and he guides us through dreams as well.

Job 33:15-18 says, He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds. He whispers in their ears and terrifies them with warnings. He makes them turn from wrong; he keeps them from pride. He protects them from the grave. from crossing over the river of death.”

Another political figure, Pontius Pilate, during the crucifixion of Christ, was warned by a dream his wife had. She encouraged him to have nothing to do with Christ’s crucifixion. Hence, he washed his hands the day of the trial to show his innocence from the deed.

While I have not been able to find in historical writings detailing any nighttime dreams the founding fathers had, I am convinced they dreamed of a better world and sought to create a nation that would allow people to dream and live out their dreams in a free society unravished by government control of their lives. From the Puritans, who saw America as the New Jerusalem and a Shining City on a Hill, to our civil rights declarations, America is synonymous with a Dream!

The American dream, if you will, is ensconced in the ideas found in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

The actual term itself, “American Dream,” was hinted at throughout our history, and James Truslow Adams, the author of The Epic America, 1931, used the phrase American Dream to show how people were moving away from it.

The dream of America in the hearts of our founding fathers was the answer to the world’s demise and destruction as they saw it through the lens of studying all the known historical governments of recorded history.

They felt called to steward this dream in documents that would stand as long as those who have the courage to apply the lessons learned from history and continue to enforce the ideas of liberty and justice for all.

Dreams are without prejudice. They include the highest and best for everyone.

In closing, I pray we can keep the American dream alive by realizing sometimes God gives dreams to save mankind from sure destruction, and may we have the humility to accept them in whatever vessel he chooses to deliver them.

Until Next Week…

Allen

The post The American Dream appeared first on Granite Grok.

I’m not sure we’ve said this often enough for long enough, but Joe Biden will not be the Democrats’ candidate come November 2024. Even the Democrat-Press is warming its’ bony hands over that fire, so the conversation naturally turns to who the DNC will pick to displace Uncle Joe.

Inevitable isn’t too strong of a word for his departure, but does he even realize?

Herr Biden wasn’t fit in 2020, and it’s been downhill since then (for him and us), but the list of potential replacements reads like a horror story you tell hard-working Americans if there are any left after what Democrats have done to the Economy. Hillary Clinton! She doesn’t want to campaign or even do the work. It’s just a check box on her bucket list. But rumor has it she’d take the bit in her cackling mouth and run the nation further into the ground.

Michelle Obama is another name I hear a lot. It has been reported that she hated the Clintons, the Bidens, the White House, and Washington, DC. But she loved the prestige, the money, the access, the vacations, the entourage, and the fandom. Michelle-O wants to be queen, not President. The latter is way too much work. Even with Barry (likely) offering to do all the behind-the-scenes policy lifting through proxies for term number four, I doubt she’d be down for that public-profile struggle. And I’ve long since argued she is not on any list to take the reins from Stumblin’ Joe. So, why was she on Air Force One with the Clintons and Bidens and no one else?

The decision for Michelle Obama to take a plane alone to campaign for Joe Biden is seen as a powerful statement about her involvement in his presidential run.

Though she has denied any plans to run for president herself, Democrats are concerned about Joe Biden’s prospects going into 2024 elections.

It is easy to speculate. A handful of political elites on a plane will have discussed things that matter to them and “their” party, but are they talking about replacing Joe to his face? A better question is, why wasn’t Barry Obama on that plane? They are off to pay their respects to a former Democrat first lady. We’ve got Billery, the Bidens, and no Barry. Does he have another chef to paddle board?

If anyone has an opinion worth hearing on the Dem side about who can carry on Barry’s Legacy without Bidening it Up, it’s the Bamster. But he’s otherwise occupied. And I’m sure Michelle is at least as capable as any Democrat First Lady of thinking they got elected and can meddle in a nation’s business. But what’s so odd about a gaggle of “first ladies” flying together for the funeral of one of their own? Bill and Joe had to go; you can’t leave either alone for too long.

Perhaps I’m just too convinced Michelle has no interest in the nonsense that comes with that. She has her fortune. She is part of history, feted, paraded, and commands massive sums for almost any appearance (money doesn’t launder itself). Surely, there is some other Democrat capable of being a better president than Joe Biden, an admittedly low bar.

My money is still on California Gov. Nuisance. He wants the job and could have easily posed a successful primary challenge. But is he amendable to being manipulated by Obama’s proxies? Does he need to be? Newsom is about as Marxist as they come. They are probably on the same page, which would get him the Obama seal of approval.

And Michelle? I think she was catching a ride to Rosalyn Carter’s Funeral, but selling the transition to another candidate mid-campaign might have come up while Joe was sleeping. Why, exactly, will Joe be put out to pasture? How to make it work to a populist advantage?

(*)“Shot in the arm” used to have a positive connotation, which might not be valid anymore.

The post Speculation about Michelle Obama Replacing Biden in 2024 Gets a Shot in the Arm* appeared first on Granite Grok.

A controversial initiative by the Biden Administration proposes to permit the importation into the US of fresh beef from Paraguay. Many industry stakeholders protest that this will expose American agriculture to the risks of foot-and-mouth disease, with potentially devastating socioeconomic consequences.

Climate warriors increasingly target cows as destructive, and now Biden risks the entire US cow (and pig) industries to improve diplomatic relations with corrupt Paraguay. The economic risks are mammoth.

As the COVID pandemic illustrated, pathogens do not abide by governmental regulations and easily transcend porous borders. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is generally non-fatal to humans but is absolutely devastating to livestock – especially pigs and cows, which are more vulnerable. Yet the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under Joe Biden has finalized regulations to open US markets to Paraguayan beef imports despite that nation’s history of FMD and rampant corruption.

American farming industry interests are unanimously up in arms against this plan, claiming there is no current data on Paraguayan safety protocols, and that animals from other countries not subject to oversight will end up in Paraguay’s beef stream. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) asserts “… that the conclusions drawn in the proposed rule are based on outdated information that does not adequately calculate the risk to U.S. consumers and the U.S. cattle herd. The United States Cattlemen’s Association and American Farm Bureau Federation also strongly oppose the rule change.”

Those risks are profound. A recent FMD outbreak in Indonesia suspected to have been caused by an illegal animal importation devastated that country’s economy and food supply. A 2001 outbreak in the UK cost that economy an estimated $20 billion. An outbreak in the United States would threaten the nation’s 90 million dairy and beef cows as well as its swine and other livestock industries. FMD also impacts wildlife species, yet further causing damage and complicating eradication efforts.

The United States has not recorded a case of FMD since 1929 and has instituted rigorous prevention practices to safeguard its cattle industry. The disease begins with a high fever, and then develops into sores in the mouth and on hooves. FMD is highly contagious, requiring intensive countermeasures including vaccination and the slaughter of both infected and healthy animals. This is a disease that can wipe out whole industries overnight and promises to do so again.

The global presence in livestock of FMD is estimated to be 77%; the disease is enzootic (endemic) in South America, which is why Paraguay has struggled to control outbreaks for decades. The chief cause of outbreaks is usually illegally transported animals or inconsistent compliance with farm biosecurity measures, which makes corrupt Paraguay a particularly risky agricultural trade partner for an FMD-free mega-economy like America. One almost wonders if the seeds of a livestock crisis are being deliberately sown by recklessly importing dodgy meats against the cacophony of industry voices opposing the move.

Paraguay’s government enjoys a dubious reputation as an extremely corrupt cabal. President Biden, eager to establish himself as a foe of corruption (despite increasing scrutiny of his own conduct), has pushed hard to welcome Paraguay to the commerce table. The fear is that Biden’s crusade against foreign corruption may irrevocably corrupt the US food supply. As Foreign Policy noted last year:

“… corruption remains rampant, and government efforts to combat it continue to be underwhelming. Investigations have suffered setbacks; judicial processes have languished; transnational criminal activities in Paraguay have spiked; the Biden administration has now homed in on Paraguay to showcase its fight against global corruption.”

Trusting Paraguay to properly regulate its beef industry, prevent smuggling, and implement safety protocols is a bridge too far for US stakeholders. But it is exactly that rickety bridge onto which Joe Biden is dragging American consumers and agriculture. If the plan is to eradicate all cows, importing sketchy products from racketeers is the globalist way to go. Then, Americans would have no choice but to dine on insect burgers or synthetic beef grown in labs.

If FMD infects the US biosphere, the impacts on the economy and global food supply will be swift and far-reaching. The stakes for importing Paraguayan steaks are astronomical. The gamble is simply too great.

The post Biden Beef Deal Risks Foot and Mouth Disease appeared first on Granite Grok.

In the dynamic world of gaming, the slot development industry stands out as a vibrant and lucrative sector. However, success in this arena is not solely dependent on the creativity and innovation of game design; it also hinges on effective financial planning. The bankroll, often the lifeblood of any business venture, plays a crucial role in sustaining and growing a slot development studio. 

In this blog, we will delve into the intricate art of balancing a bankroll for slot development ventures, exploring key aspects of financial planning that can spell the difference between thriving success and unforeseen setbacks.

Before delving into financial intricacies, it is essential to comprehend the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in the slot development landscape. The industry is highly competitive, driven by rapidly evolving technology, player preferences, and regulatory environments. Successful slot studios must not only create captivating games but also navigate a complex web of market demands, compliance requirements, and technological advancements.

Here are the key components of financial planning:

One of the cornerstones of successful slot development is continuous innovation. Allocating a substantial portion of the bankroll to research and development ensures that the studio stays ahead of the curve, introducing new features, themes, and gameplay mechanics that resonate with players. A robust R&D budget facilitates the exploration of cutting-edge technologies, enabling the integration of virtual reality, augmented reality, or artificial intelligence to enhance the gaming experience.

Skilled and creative professionals are the driving force behind captivating slot online games. A portion of the bankroll should be reserved for attracting top talent in game design, graphics, sound engineering, and software development. Additionally, fostering a positive work environment and offering competitive salaries are crucial for retaining key team members, ensuring continuity and stability in the creative process.

Even the most innovative and well-designed slot games can go unnoticed without effective marketing. Allocating funds for strategic marketing campaigns across digital platforms, trade shows, and industry events is essential for building brand awareness and attracting players. A dynamic marketing strategy should be flexible enough to adapt to changing market trends and player preferences.

The gaming industry is subject to stringent regulatory frameworks in various jurisdictions. A portion of the bankroll should be earmarked for legal expenses associated with ensuring compliance with local and international regulations. This includes obtaining licenses, adhering to responsible gaming practices, and addressing any legal challenges that may arise.

Keeping pace with technological advancements is vital for staying competitive. Investments in robust infrastructure and up-to-date technology are necessary to support the development, testing, and deployment of sophisticated slot games. Cloud computing, cybersecurity measures, and scalable development environments should be considered as part of the technology budget.

Unforeseen challenges and market uncertainties are inevitable. Setting aside a contingency fund within the bankroll provides a safety net for unexpected expenses, economic downturns, or sudden shifts in market dynamics. This financial buffer ensures that the studio can weather storms and remain resilient in the face of uncertainties.

In the intricate world of slot development ventures, the bankroll is more than just a financial resource; it is the foundation upon which creative visions are brought to life. Strategic financial planning is the compass that guides slot studios through the dynamic landscape, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities. By allocating resources wisely to research and development, talent acquisition, marketing, legal compliance, technology, and contingency planning, slot development ventures can achieve a delicate balance in their bankroll management, fostering sustained growth and success in this ever-evolving industry.

The post Bankroll Balancing Act: Financial Planning for Slot Development Ventures appeared first on Granite Grok.

The Summer of Love in 2020 grew out of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the elevation of Black Lives Matter. Protests, violence, and destruction filled the evening news. Some of our bigger cities were taken over and destroyed by gangs in the name of ending Racism and violence towards Blacks. It was violence to solve violence, and it was anything but a love fest. It was ugly and an embarrassment for America.

The radical Left supported this movement and promoted BLM while simultaneously demanding the defunding of the Police. Prominent Democrats, including Kamala Harris, raised money and supported the Freedom Fund to bail out protestors arrested for their violent, destructive acts. There are strong indicators that the Left may be laying the groundwork for another Summer of Love. This time, the reason for protests is not Racism but something much more dangerous in the Democrat’s minds. The possibility of Donald Trump successfully beating Joe Biden in November and this Hitler-like dictator reentering the White House demands civil unrest to draw attention to the danger. This call to action is the subliminal message we are hearing and reading in some of the messages from the Left.

Here are a few comments from our President who promised to return civility to the White House. Joe Biden claimed to be President for all Americans. Joe was committed to healing America. You be the judge as to the healing properties of these words from our President.

Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans represent an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our Republic.

Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans are determined to spread anger, hate, and division

This MAGA threat is a threat to the brick and mortar of our Democratic institutions.

We have Liz Cheney, whose constituents voted her out of office for turning on Donald Trump and taking an integral part in the made-for-TV January 6 hearings. She labeled Trump a fascist who, like Hitler, needed to be outed. She urges Americans not to downplay the danger that is Donald Trump and his sleepwalk to a dictatorship of the United States. This belief was echoed in the Washington Post, where Robert Keagan wrote, “Opinion-A Trump Dictatorship is increasingly inevitable. We should stop pretending.”

These people are evidence that Trump Derangement Syndrome is alive and thriving. These people are a dog-whistle call to action to prevent Donald Trump from overthrowing the country. These people are calling out rogue extremists to do what they don’t feel the American voter can do. They want Donald Trump taken out and his followers put down so it can never breathe life again. Donald Trump became a movement when he rode the Golden Escalator into the 2016 Presidential Election. He is a danger to the Swamp that is the Washington Machine. Trump is not one of them and must be put down like a rabid dog. That is how dangerous the Democrats are. Their policies have been exposed as destructive for all Americans, and they know it is no longer a messaging problem but a philosophy problem. They see the President’s ratings falling as Trump’s rises and know they will lose a legitimate election in 2024. Their dire situation requires a drastic reaction, which is what they call for. This is a smoldering situation and should make us all uneasy as we enter 2024.

The post Night Cap: Are We In For Another Summer of Love appeared first on Granite Grok.

The recent election of Argentinian President Javier Milei is a political earthquake as big as the election of President Donald Trump in 2016. The anti-establishment movements in Argentina and the United States share remarkable similarities. Comparable movements have also been showing up in Italy, Greece, Finland, Holland, France, Germany, Hungary, and other countries.

The establishment model of high taxes, expensive welfare systems, lax migration enforcement, and large (often corrupt) bureaucracies has been the dominant Western pattern since the end of World War II.

Throughout the world, people are finding that the system no longer delivers on prosperity, safety, accountability, and protection of national interests.

Milei’s election is one more example of the popular repudiation of the traditionally dominant establishment.

Argentinians decided that their economy was a disaster, their government was out of control, and corruption was rampant. So, gambling on a new, bold, aggressive reformer made sense.

The inflation rate in Argentina is approaching 150 percent a year. Compare this to the current 3.2 percent annualized rate in the United States (which peaked at 9.1 percent last year). You can see why Argentinians would be unhappy. If our inflation rate increased 50-fold, the level of pain and public anger would be almost unimaginable.

Argentina has been badly governed since the 1946 election of Juan Peron (of “Evita” fame). Argentinians have gotten used to enduring economic and political conditions that would lead to a massive response in the United States. Now, Argentinians are clearly tired of failure.

As Eric Lyman wrote for Just the News:

“Like former President Donald Trump, the coiffed Milei is a one-time television personality and political outsider who rode into office on a wave of discontent with the political establishment.

“He has promised radical solutions to entrenched problems (he wants to dollarize the Argentinian economy, for example, and says he will privatize companies and dramatically slash government spending, illustrating that goal using a chainsaw on the campaign trail.)

“Milei has like Trump also suggested the country’s political elite has left behind the country and has questioned the integrity of its election system.”

Sonia Cavallo Runde is a lecturer at The Catholic University of America and co-author of “Argentina’s Economic Reforms of the 1990s in Contemporary and Historical Perspective.” Runde explained the dramatic scope of change Milei’s election represents for Argentina:

“Milei has a popular mandate, ideological clarity and, for now, the political will to overturn Argentina’s decadence.

“Argentines have awakened from 20 years of populism… Those 50 and older, have positive memories of the stable 90s, when Argentina enjoyed a decade of price stability, was receiving investments, open to trade, exporting industrial and agricultural goods, and, of course, enjoying macroeconomic stability and growth.

“The young subjected to 2 decades of Kirchnerist propaganda were surprisingly enthusiastic supporters of Milei who explained in the campaign that there is no prosperity or growth without free markets and that there is no stability without fiscal balance.

“Milei’s credibility stems from the simplicity of his statements. The message got through, 55% of the Argentine population gave Milei a mandate for change. Now the challenge is to create the political consensus to implement the tough but needed changes.”

Indeed, Milei’s direct language is in the tradition of Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, and Trump. He argues, “Socialism is always and everywhere a violent, murderous, and impoverishing phenomenon.”

Barry Casselman captured Milei’s uniqueness as a political personality in his newsletter. Like Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Milei appeared in the political stage out of nowhere. As Casselman wrote, Milei is also “difficult to categorize:”

“He is a social conservative, an economic libertarian, and has been called an ‘anarcho-capitalist.’

“He admires Donald Trump, the late Hasidic leader [Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn], the U.S.A., Israel, and free markets.

“He is pro-life and anti-climate extremism. He opposes current Argentine government regulations, and wants to replace the nearly bankrupt Argentine peso with the U.S. dollar. …

“With his trademark uncombed hair and leather jacket, he is a charismatic speaker who has a huge following among working class Argentinians.”

Milei’s rise has been amazing to watch. But he should take note: The establishment he is fighting will almost certainly defend itself with every tool available – including breaking the law.

It happened to President Trump, and it can happen to Milei, too.

Like Trump, Milei will discover that winning is just the beginning.

Newt Gingrich | RealClear Wire

The post The Trump of Argentina Wins appeared first on Granite Grok.

Joe Biden was in Colorado this week to push his Bidenomics Program and how it has the American economy on the right track. For a man who grew up on the railroad, the economy may be on the right track but is heading in the wrong direction.

You can stand behind the microphone, as his Press Secretary does daily, and tell stories and call them facts, but the American people are tuned in to this Biden Gaslighting. The truth is not on Joe’s side, but he refuses to give up the lie called Bidenomics.

Marie Harf appeared on the Faulkner Focus this week, and I know as a Socialist, she has to, but even a Radical Leftie must know she is not being truthful. She praised Biden for lower Gas and food prices than last year, but that is comparing today’s costs against the peak of Biden’s Inflation. That is like telling Mrs. Lincoln to hang in. The second act will be better. The latest statistics indicate the increased cost of living for the average family is more than $11,000 annually, more than what it cost in 2021. That increase is forcing families to use savings, early withdrawal from retirement accounts, or credit cards to make ends meet. That is why Biden’s approval ratings are mired in the 30s, which are not numbers to campaign on.

Biden was touting the 14 million jobs he created but failed to say 12 million people are going back to work after the pandemic. The majority of the net gain in new jobs are Government jobs and do not indicate economic growth. Biden talks about his brilliant mandate to have all Americans in electric vehicles in the same week he received notice of 3,900 car dealerships who will not back Biden’s EV car push. The car manufacturers are losing billions, there are 16-18 months of EV inventory sitting in new car lots, and 25% of all car dealerships now refuse EVs from the factories. One thing that Joe Biden forgot, or never knew, was you cannot dictate change on the American consumer. Change has to be their idea, and electric vehicles are not on many wish lists. Those good-paying union jobs Biden takes credit for in 2023 may become record layoffs in 2024.

It is very concerning for me that the truth and facts no longer seem to matter. As Fox Contributor Lisa Booth aptly wrote on X, we now live in a “post-truth era.” The Right has been fighting the team of the Left and the media. In the past, it may have been a difference of opinion or interpretation of an issue. Now, it is a case of the facts versus a narrative. Folks on the Left feel empowered to stray from the truth because what they say will be supported by the mainstream media. As we see every day from Karine Jean-Pierre and Gavin Newsom in his recent debate with Ron DeSantis, a statement does not have to be factual as long as it ends with the words; that’s a fact. It is as if those few words give indisputable credibility to their message, and then the people who get their news from these sources are getting inaccurate news.

We see thousands of naive people marching and demonstrating worldwide against Israel and for Palestine/Hamas. There is no such country as Palestine, and they refuse to believe the horrendous acts performed by Hamas on October 7th. They have been given a false narrative, bought it, and took to the streets in protest. It is easy to see how these same people will fall victim to the lies of the Left and think the country is in good hands with Biden/Harris. God bless us if this plan works.

The post The Bidenomics Fairy Tale And Other Leftist Lies appeared first on Granite Grok.

In light of the latest legal twist, wherein Special Counsel Jack Smith’s maneuvers have sparked a heated debate on the tightrope walk between privacy rights and the expansive reach of investigative tactics, I keep asking myself the question: Do we, as U.S. citizens, have any privacy rights or not?

“They won’t allow me to SPEAK?” ~ President Donald Trump

The issuance of search warrants, laying out a sweeping data collection strategy, has disturbed the delicate balance between privacy rights and the extent of investigative measures and raised legitimate concerns about poking around in the private lives of individuals, especially those in the public eye.

This investigation has become controversial, supposedly centered on the timeline and circumstances surrounding former President Donald Trump’s actions leading up to the Capitol riot. These probes reek of political motives, seemingly aimed at tarnishing or undermining Trump. The once-thin line between lawful scrutiny and political agendas has not just blurred; it’s become the defining feature of this unfolding drama.

The imposition of a gag order, apparently designed to rein in the president’s exercise of First Amendment rights, shears through the surface between legal constraints and preserving the principles of free speech and pushes us to ponder the broader implications of handcuffing any public figure’s ability to criticize the government.

Smith’s arrogant move into demanding data from Trump and his followers raises many eyebrows. How else do we grasp the exceptional nature of this demand, which is essentially an illicit surveillance operation? Shouldn’t Smith be duty-bound to protect against such clear violations of the Constitution?

Such requests are disproportionate, especially when the charges against Trump lack a solid foundation. Striking the right balance between investigative reach and protecting civil liberties emerges as a crucial aspect of this ongoing narrative.

Then, adding a layer of complexity is the green light given to the gag order by a judge with an apparent partisan background. The concerns about potential political bias within the legal system intensify the debate over the fairness and impartiality of the investigation. This episode underscores the urgent need for a legal process that’s robust and transparent, free from perceived affiliations.

Smith’s filing asserts that the “narrowly tailored” order aims to prevent witness harassment. The proposed directive seeks to muzzle Trump from making statements about prospective witnesses’ identity, testimony, or credibility, along with any disparaging, inflammatory, or intimidating remarks about parties, witnesses, attorneys, court personnel, or potential jurors.

Trump’s response to the gag order accuses Smith’s team of misconduct, “they won’t allow me to SPEAK?”

The gag order is one of several contentious issues in the ongoing case led by Special Counsel Jack Smith.

The narrative takes a surprising twist, with Twitter initially resisting the search warrants and eventually complying, culminating in a fine for perceived non-compliance. This development delves into the complexities of private corporations navigating the intersection of user data protection and legal obligations, raising broader questions about the role of tech companies in safeguarding individual privacy rights.

Stepping back to examine the broader context of the investigation, particularly the events leading up to the January 6 Capitol riot, unravels a multifaceted tale. While the spotlight is on holding Trump responsible for others’ actions, recent revelations about FBI-associated individuals partaking in the riot add a layer of intricacy. This revelation underscores the nuanced challenges of pinpointing responsibility within a convoluted web of events.

The political arena takes center stage with Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s role in rejecting a request to deploy the National Guard on that tumultuous day. The interplay between political decision-making and security measures invites scrutiny, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the events of January 6.

As this legal and political saga plays out, don’t we find ourselves thinking about how the judicial system should find a balance between thorough investigations concerned with protecting individual rights at all costs?

As in recent history, the potential sway of political motives in legal proceedings and the intricate interplay of actors shaping a defining moment also play on our minds. The necessity for a judicious and impartial examination of events remains paramount as the narrative unfolds further.

To conclude, here is a sane piece of advice for Special Counsel John Smith: Upholding fairness and justice should be your top priority in this critical state, and not be a part of a political witch-hunt that compromises the integrity of the legal process and unfairly targets President Donald Trump.

The post Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Expansive Search Warrants and Legal Implications appeared first on Granite Grok.

Russell Brand continues to regale millions daily with his podcasts, delivering an endless stream of words that are interesting, entertaining, and that (most importantly) piss off the ruling-class globalist elites. They hate him and have tried to destroy him, but he’s the podcasting energizer bunny.

I do not spend enough time listening to his or any podcast. I’ve not yet managed my time well enough to loop those into my day. But I catch Brand’s brand now and then, and yesterday, while walking the wilds of the webby world, my digital travels landed me on Rumble, and there he was. Brand was talking about Elon Musk, who had responded to a question about the risk of losing advertisers by saying they could leave. His point was that the threat of lost revenue wouldn’t move him off course. If you thought you could leverage him with the threat of lost revenues, you could “go F***k Yourself.” He said it. Three times, I think.

Brand leveraged that into a point we don’t quite make as well here as we’d like, despite much effort trying. Uncensored free speech and free press are so crucial in the age of government-captured media that everyone needs to find and support folks like Musk (or the ‘Grok) who are defending it without regard to the risk. Align with them. Read, watch, share, encourage.

The time has come to create alliances with people willing to stand up against the establishment (Clip: 55 sec.).

We agree, and no one is suggesting we’re the best at this, but we have a reputation for being direct and often brutal, and we don’t care where you work, who for, or to which political party you claim an affiliation. And attacks on free speech, free press, property, and privacy will be met with resistance.

Unlike Musk, we have to ask (beg) for financial support, and we appreciate every dime but continue to need to raise funds every month, all year round, to keep the wheels on our bus well lubricated and the engine firing on all cylinders. As noted in the Giving Tuesday email, there are a few ways to do that.

Share ‘Grok content with friends, in online groups, and in your own social feeds, like and share our social updates, keep track of your local political hijinks and share that with us as a letter to the editor or some inside baseball we can pursue in our own stories. And, of course, donations. If we reach our goal, then I can spend more time on research, writing, reporting, growing audience, and site updates and less on trying to raise a salary and offsetting operating costs.

So many of you have been beyond generous, and maybe you can’t give again until next year, but if you help spread the word, we will get in front of people who can give or give more. Just sharing the words can be with a lot in many ways.

And regardless of that, we’re not backing down, and we’ll always try to have your back, but we need each other. We are an alliance against the establishment, and after what happened during COVID, building these relationships, these partnerships, is more important than ever, and Brand nailed that on the head.

The post Standing Up Against the Censorious Establishment! appeared first on Granite Grok.

Campaign for Vermont released some initial teaser numbers from a poll they conducted as we head into the 2024 legislative session just about a month away. They are not good for the Democrat/Progressive supermajority. They are very good for Governor Phil Scott. Are they good for Republican legislators?

The big number that pops out is that only 35 percent of Vermonters polled believe the state is on the right track. Responding to the question, “Generally speaking, would you say things in Vermont are going in the right direction or wrong direction,” 53 percent said the wrong direction. Thirty-five percent are totally cool with what’s happening, and 12 percent have no opinion.

Asked, “Do you approve or disapprove of the job the Vermont State Legislature [controlled by a Democrat Supermajority] is doing representing issues you care about,” only 40 percent approved, while 51 percent disapproved, and 9 percent didn’t know. On the other hand, when asked the same question about Phil Scott, 64 percent approved of the job he’s doing, while only 30 percent disapproved.

A solid interpretation of the data is that a majority of Vermonters don’t like the policies coming out of Montpelier, blame the Democrats/Progressives for passing unpopular laws that yield unsatisfactory outcomes, and appreciate that the governor did his best to stop those policies via his veto pen, although unsuccessfully. Certainly, watching the drama of the Clean Heat Standard (S.5), where thousands of Vermonters called, emailed, and wrote letters begging Democrats to kill the ideologically driven bill that is estimated to add 70¢ to a gallon of home heating oil, only to be backhand slapped by Democrats (every Republican voted against the bill) bolsters that conclusion.

Similarly, the even more unpopular policy of banning internal combustion engine vehicle sales by 2035 – and making it progressively harder and more expensive to buy one in the meantime – appears to be striking a nerve. Car dealers in all fifty states, including nine here in Vermont, recently wrote a letter to President Biden telling him to back off EV mandates as customers don’t want them. Down I-91 this week, Connecticut’s Democrat governor Ned Lamont and that state’s Democrat legislative majority just pulled the plug on joining the California Clean Cars and Trucks initiative. New Hampshire never considered signing on. But the Vermont legislature jumped in with both feet despite a survey showing around 65 percent of Vermonters do not agree with that policy. Solid evidence that they jsut don’t care.

Apart from their radical “green” agenda that is driving up the cost of living in the state – housing costs, energy costs, transportation costs, and the cost of products that are transported and housed (i.e., pretty much everything) – the stuff you were able to afford to buy is more likely to be stolen because of the Left’s “defund the police” policies. Crime in once-safe, rural Vermont is way up, as is the drug use and homelessness at the root of these problems.

Moreover, it can’t help that Vermont Democrat leaders are also siding with the people who just stormed the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony brandishing swastikas and chanting “from the river to the sea,” an antisemitic rallying cry for genocidal racial cleansing. This, despite another recent poll by Marist for PBS and NPR and reported by the New York Times showing that only 1 percent of Americans support Hamas, and just 30 percent support the Palestinians as opposed to 61 percent who support Israel.

And herein lies a glittering example of the problem. The one demographic exception to the majority of Americans who support Israel over Palestine following the October 7th massacre is people who identify as “very liberal.” Very liberals are anti-Israel by a 2-1 margin (32 to 16 percent). And Vermont’s “very liberal” population is very vocal. We have a disproportionate number of “very liberal” activists, “very liberal” media outlets, and “very liberal” politicians. But these folks, while overrepresented in those aforementioned bubbles, do not represent anything near a majority of Vermonters. (Note to Republicans: Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the 65 percent who are not “very liberal” are “very conservative.” They are not.)

Getting back to the Campaign for Vermont poll, I suspect (without access to the cross-tab data) some subset the 35 percent of Vermonters who think the state is on the right track and the 30 percent who disapprove of Phil Scott is “very liberal.” This should present an opportunity for Republican House and Senate candidates in 2024 – if they do the work to take advantage of the situation. Here are four suggestions to start working on today:

1)    Recruit candidates for every seat. I started this yesterday. Too many Vermonters are under the illusion that voters overwhelmingly choose for Democrats, so what’s the point of getting involved? The truth is, most voters never have the opportunity to vote for a Republican because there isn’t one on the ballot. Last cycle roughly half the Democrat and Progressive house candidates ran unopposed. Voters aren’t choosing Democrats and Progressives; they’re stuck with them. You’ve got to be in it to win it, as the old lottery slogan wisely observes.

2)    Recruit “Representatives.” The problem with elected Democrats today is that they are “very liberal” ideologues who only listen to other very liberal ideologues and ignore the problems and opinions of the majority of people in their districts in favor of national or global ideological agendas. If Republicans similarly recruit only very conservative ideologues who aren’t interested in focusing in on and working to solve the problems of their constituents, they aren’t going to win. Pick people known in their communities with a reputation for solving local problems. People who are primarily interested in things like funding the police and making sure people can afford to heat their homes in winter.

3)    Volunteer and Donate. Politics is not a spectator sport. If you don’t participate, you can’t expect to win. Not everyone is in a position to run for office, but everybody can support someone who does run. Write letters to the editor. Attend sign waves. If you have a lot of friends, host a house party. And donate! It costs at least $10,000 to run a competitive state House race and multiples of that to run for Senate. Democrats understand that Early Money Is Like Yeast (EMILY’s List). Republicans need to learn that lesson. You can’t expect the candidate to shoulder that burden all by his or herself or to win without resources. (One opportunity to contribute now is to the Right for Vermont PAC, which is building a war chest that will be used to recruit and support Republican candidates for 2024.) If you’re not on the field, you can’t win the game.

4)    Actively Make the Case. Democrats stink and are out of touch. That’s the problem. But what’s the solution? If the answer to that question is silence from Republicans, how will voters know to vote for you? They won’t, and they won’t. But this is not hard. Just tell Vermonters that, unlike the Democrats passing laws now, Republicans won’t force you into an electric vehicle you don’t want and can’t afford, powered by “renewable” electricity you don’t want because you can’t afford it, especially after you pay the property taxes you can’t afford, on the house in the neighborhood that’s no longer safe. Republicans have solutions to these problems! A majority of people will agree with you. Probably, thank you. Maybe even vote for you. But Republicans need to articulate and spread these messages themselves because the Vermont “very liberal” media is not going to help. So, to steal another advertising slogan, Just Do It.

The post Dem/Prog Supermajority is Super Out of Touch appeared first on Granite Grok.

Iran is a nation gripped by a crisis. In the last few decades, the lines between truth and misinformation have gradually blurred, adding to the complexities of an already dire situation.

As the nation grapples with the onslaught of these Islamic terrorists, who have usurped power, it becomes increasingly crucial to distinguish between the aggressors and the innocent citizens trapped within the chaos.

I make an impassioned call to politicians, media outlets, and individuals alike and urge them to refrain from painting Iran with the same brush as that of these terrorists. My plea is clear: those who fail to distinguish between Islamic terrorists and the genuine people of Iran are “wicked.” My cry for accuracy underscores the gravity of the situation, and yet again, I seek to shed light on the situation in my beloved Iran.

Once again, I assert that Iran is an occupied country and a historical parallel can be drawn to the occupation of France during World War II. These Islamic terrorists responsible for the siege should be referred to as the “Islamic Republic” or simply “IRGC.” This distinction is more than a matter of semantics; it serves as a crucial reminder that the perpetrators of any attack or supporting any terrorist initiative across the globe are not representative of the Iranian people.

My repeated call to cease the use of the term “Iran” in connection with the terrorists highlights the urgency of preventing the mischaracterization of an entire nation with such a deeply rooted ancient culture as that of Iran. Such misattribution can perpetuate stereotypes, breed prejudice, and hinder international efforts to address the root causes of the conflict.

It is essential to recognize the gravity of the situation and acknowledge the long-term impact that the Islamic Republic’s actions could have on Iran. By consistently labeling them accurately, the hope is to diminish their perceived connection to the nation they have invaded and oppressed.

Within Iran, there is a deliberate control over the media and the narrative of the country, where the Islamic Republic censors news and controls what information is disseminated to the public. I can give a few specific examples of this:

The Islamic Republic mandates complete control over television and radio broadcasting. The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) controls all internal and external broadcasting. There are no private or independent broadcasters inside Iran. This control extends to the state-controlled television that airs nationally and internationally and is streamed online. The host operates dozens of provincial, national, and foreign networks airing programs on culture, science, and news.

The Islamic Republic News Agency’s (IRNA) official news service is controlled and operated by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Semi-official news agencies operate allegedly independently of government control but are often seen by analysts as touting the agendas of various government agencies.

The Islamic Republic has developed sophisticated means to control the internet. This includes blocking popular international platforms like WhatsApp or Instagram and imposing precise, targeted blocking of access to mobile data in specific neighborhoods where protests are planned. The Islamic Republic has also created a “cyber police” unit and announced a Supreme Council of Cyberspace, placing Internet regulation more directly in Mullahs—not secular—authorities.

The Islamic Republic operates an immense web of online personas and propaganda mills, virtually none of which disclose their affiliation with the government of the Islamic Republic. These operations have targeted dozens of nations with tens of millions of pieces of content, varying widely in their message and intent.

The use of fake social media accounts to disseminate false information creates a battleground of misinformation, making it challenging for both domestic and international audiences to discern the truth. This deliberate confusion contributes to an information war that muddles reality and perception.

Iran has as many as three hundred newspapers but only a dozen major national dailies. Like their weekly cousins, these papers are typically funded by and ideologically connected to political parties or politicians. They all have an unequivocally anti-Iranian tilt.

The Islamic Republic’s control over media and information is a crucial aspect of its strategy to maintain power and control over the population. Through this global information dissemination program, the Iranian government’s concerted efforts to control the narrative have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the nation’s borders.

By shaping the narrative presented to the public, the Islamic Republic creates an environment where dissenting voices are marginalized and alternative perspectives are suppressed. This manipulation could breed fear and distrust among the domestic population. The Islamic Republic’s restrictions on internet access and increased censorship play a pivotal role in narrative control. In response to shocking images and stories emerging from the country, the Mullahs seek to mitigate the potential fallout by restricting access to such content. However, it’s an altogether different matter that resilient users find ways to circumvent these controls, thereby leaking out accurate information about the terror happenings within the country.

The control exercised by the Islamic Republic over the narrative extends to the international stage. By filtering information that reaches the global community, the IRGC can craft a narrative that portrays their actions positively or downplays negative occurrences. This strategic shaping of international perceptions contributes to the nation’s diplomatic and geopolitical challenges.

The Islamic Republic’s narrative control becomes particularly apparent during social protests, where attempts to suppress sentiments of freedom and democracy are met with international support for the protesters. The global community’s response highlights the direct link between the Islamic Republic’s narrative control and its influence on global perceptions and support.

However, I see the promise of a brighter future, and this vision is embedded in the faith that there will come a time when the Islamic terrorists will face justice, and Iran will rise again. This vision serves as a rallying cry for my homeland, for unity, resilience, and the ultimate triumph of justice over oppression.

Therefore, once more, my plea to the global community is clear: distinguish between the Islamic Republic and the people of Iran, for only then can a path toward liberation and reconstruction be forged. In a world where the lines between fact and fiction often blur, the quest for truth becomes more critical than ever.

The post Iran: The Aggressors and the Innocent Citizens Trapped Within the Chaos appeared first on Granite Grok.