Update no.1244

 Update from the Heartland

No.1244

10.11.25 – 16.11.25

Blog version:  http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/

 

To all,

 

The historic agony is finally over! I should add ‘at least for now’ since the funding extension at issue this week only lasts until the end of January. Now, we must pick up the pieces and repair the damage done by the president’s insistence upon shutting down the government to get what he wanted. Over the weekend, eight Senate Democrats caved and joined the MAGAts in a deal that does not help the less advantaged among us. They voted for the extension based on a promise to vote on the PPACA subsidy extension. Of course, the MAGAts have always told the truth (he said with dripping sarcasm), so we can believe them now.

The PPACA was signed into law by President Obama—{Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) [PL 111-148; 124 Stat. 119; 23.March.2010] [432]}. The law was far from perfect, but it was a helluva lot better than what existed prior to the new law—nothing. The Republicans / MAGAts want to return to that prior state—nothing. PPACA does not affect them, only the less advantaged among us. The PPACA was a small progressive step forward and a long way from the ideal state—universal health care for all.

Since the PPACA was passed and signed into law in 2010, the Republicans and now MAGAts have been trying feverishly to gut or kill the PPACA. For a decade and a half, they have repeatedly and consistently declared the PPACA was too expensive, not effective, and otherwise bad law. They have also proclaimed they were going to replace it with a new law that was much better, less expensive, and more effective. To the date of this Update’s posting, neither the former Republican Party nor the current MAGAt Party have EVER presented an improved healthcare plan, set aside a proposed legislation to replace and improve PPACA. All they do is flap their gums with not a twit of substance. The MAGAts have taken a ‘Let them eat cake’ attitude toward the people in need.

The Senate voted 60-40-0-0(0) to pass the amended HR 5371 bill. Eight Senate Democrats abandoned their party’s objectives in this legislative showdown. They were:

Cortez Masto (D-NV)

Durbin (D-IL)

Fetterman (D-PA)

Hassan (D-NH)

Kaine (D-VA)

King (I-ME)

Rosen (D-NV)

Shaheen (D-NH)

Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky voted against the bill. With the Senate passage of the HR 5371, the bill went back to the House for acceptance of the Senate amendments. Speaker Johnson finally called the House back into session after a nearly two-month hiatus. 

The amended HR 5371 bill went to the House, where it was passed on Wednesday [12.November.2025] by a vote of 222-209-0-2(2). 

Democrats voting for the bill:

Cuellary [D-TX]

Davis. [D-NC]

Golden [D-ME]

Gray [D-CA]

Perez [D-WA]

Suozzi [D-NY]

Republicans voting against the bill:

Massie [R-KY]

Steube [R-FL]

The president signed the funding extension into law Wednesday evening—Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 [PL 119-037; H.R. 5371; House: 222-209-0-2(2); Senate: 60-40-0-0(0); 139 Stat. xxx]. He got his way on this one thanks to the eight Senate Democrats who caved to his demands.

There is zero question as to who I blame for this government shutdown. His obsession with rewriting history and erasing  Obama, Biden, and he will get to Clinton eventually. Except the orange one and Bill Clinton share a common thread. I feel considerable empathy for those among us who will pay a tragic price for the orange one’s malignant narcissism.  There should be no doubt about the character of the con-man-in-chief.

 

Comments and contributions from Update no.1243:

Comments to the Blog:

“Happy 250^th Anniversary to the USMC!

“The remaining MAGAts don’t follow fact and logic.

“The purpose of a business is to make money. The Preamble to the Constitution gives the purpose of the United States Government: ‘to form a more perfect Union, insure domestic tranquility, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity,’ none of which Agent Orange has attempted to do. (He hasn’t done well in legitimate businesses, either.)

“The morning’s news is that eight Democrat Senators have voted to betray Americans dependent on ACA and other healthcare programs. I haven’t studied the full list yet, but I can assure you that progressives will work to replace them with more patriotic Americans. I’m a SNAP recipient, but the ‘general Welfare’ should be the first concern here.”

My response to the Blog:

A significant milestone in the history of the republic’s Marine Corps.

Yes, it is. I would only add that the purpose of business is to return shareholder value, which adds an important dynamic for the operation of public companies. You quote the Preamble correctly. I also agree with your condemnation of the orange one. I doubt he has ever read, set aside understands, the Constitution that he is charged by We, the People, to support and defend. That was my point. He does not meet any definition of a good businessman. I repeat, he is a conman, huckster, and snake-oil salesman; he is NOT a businessman.

Yes, they did. The amended bill (HR 5371) must go back to the House for concurrence and passage. I cannot imagine how heartless a person must be to stand against helping those less advantaged citizens among us. I write much more in this week’s Update (still working on it). I am absolutely certain the general Welfare is important to you, as it should be to all compassionate and caring citizens. Once more, we see the MAGAts for exactly what they are—“Let them eat cake.”

 

My very best wishes to all.  Take care of yourselves and each other.

Cheers,

Cap                  :-)

Update no.1243

 Update from the Heartland

No.1243

3.11.25 – 9.11.25

Blog version:  http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/

 

To all,

 

As this Update is released for public scrutiny, United States Marines worldwide celebrate a quarter of a millennium of service to the Republic. The United States Marine Corps was created and formed in Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 250 years ago [10.November.1775]. As a proud Marine, I join my brothers to boldly say:

Semper Fidelis

 

I very rarely refer to the nonsense that comes across my screen that instigates a reaction from me. On Tuesday morning, I saw a posting on my Facebook feed that poked the bear.

Trump proved a businessman

can run the country better than

any politician ever could.

[redaction mine]

When I saw the posting of this message engraved on a stone tablet as if it was sent from heaven. I imagine the believers still believe. However, when I saw that posting, I saw it in an entirely different light.

Government is not, never has been, and never will be a business. There are myriad and distinct differences between a business and a government organization. That said, there are common threads. Governments should operate within their means, i.e., taxes must be raised to balance revenue against expenses of approved programs. Government is emphatically NOT a profit and loss entity.

If you like and want the chaos generated by the president and his minions, then you see the above message and think, ‘Yeah, buddy. Tear up that nonsense. End it all.’ Therein lies the difference, what I see him doing is destroying the very essence of what government is, for the common good. Congress decides that factor, not the president. The Executive is responsible for operating the programs and enforcing the law. The Executive does not make the law. This president insists on doing everything by executive fiat. He is NOT running a business. He is supposed to be leading a government. He has been doing what a minority of citizens want. He is NOT working for the common good.

No name is not and never has been a businessman. He is a conman, huckster, and snake-oil salesman, who has declared bankruptcy SIX times. Who does that? He sells worthless crap to innocent people, who, for reasons I know not, believe his pitches. He has left God-only-knows how many contractors holding the bag for his construction projects. He sells his name like it is a commodity. He is a known and persistent liar. How can anyone believe a word he says?

The posted image above says far more about his supporters than it does about him. He is what he is and always has been. What the posting says is his supporters care far more about getting what they want rather than deal with the messiness of democracy. As such, I vociferously condemn those who believe the message above and support no name.He deserves no respect! He will get none from me.

 

Once again, [the person who shall no longer be named, AKA no name, the orange one, the Felon, et al], has made history. He is the person charged (hired) by the citizens to lead the nation and ensure the Executive Branch runs smoothly. He is NOT doing what he is charged to do in accordance with the U.S. Constitution. There should be zero doubt that the tragedy of this shutdown belongs squarely and solely with no name—no one else.

 

The off-year elections were held in numerous states. No name claims he was not on the ballot and thus this week’s election had no meaning to him. Technically, he was not on the ballot directly. However, his influence was very much before some voters in multiple states. Governors in Virginia and New Jersey, New York City Mayor, and Proposition 50 in California were all lost by the MAGAt Party and no name—ihr Lieber Anführer. The results of this week’s election were a dramatic and unequivocal smackdown of the orange one. The mid-term elections will take place one year from now. This week’s voting does not bode well for no name and his MAGAt party.

 

Comments and contributions from Update no.1242:

“Thanks for your update. Can you visualise anything encouraging? That is indeed what we need across this sad planet we dwell on. There is fighting and disagreements across our lives. It has to stop, can you Cap see a solution?”

My reply:

The off-year elections this week in some states were quite encouraging. He claims he was not on the ballot, and technically, he was not. However, his influence was very much on the ballot, and he took quite the smackdown. If We, the People, vote, we can be done with this buffoon.

I have faith that one day we will mature as a species sufficiently to live in peace. Unfortunately, that day is probably not within my remaining life. In my Anod series of science fiction novels, I do envision that day of peace, although there is violence from outside the species as we encounter other creatures in the universe.

 

Comment to the Blog:

“We pay for what we get, but in elections, we learn the price after we make our choice. So do those we elect, because nobody can accurately predict the future.”

My response to the Blog:

Yes, we do, and that is exactly the point. As I look at this week’s off-year elections, we see record turnouts. Next year’s mid-term elections will be a crucial test. I am absolutely convinced that if people vote, the MAGAt Party will be relegated to the dust-bin of history; then, we can begin reconstruction after this era of destruction.

True, no one can predict the future. Mamdani is going to learn an important lesson. He does not decide. He must coax the City Council to pass laws that he can sign into law. We shall see how he does in a democracy.

 . . . Round two:

“Watching history ‘live as it happens’ has become more interesting. We shall see.”

 . . . my response to round two:

Yes, indeed, it is interesting to watch history play out . . . except this is definitely not the history I want to see. The MAGAts have made this country a far harsher place to live. I do surely hope the turn out we saw in this year’s elections continues for the mid-terms next year and the next general election in 2028. We will have to restore, reconstruct, and renovate the federal government, and it will take longer than the destruction.

 . . . Round three:

“People who ‘don't follow politics" have begun to experience its impacts on them. That might motivate them to vote.

“I'll keep the faith, noting that my faith right now is in history. The pendulum always swings back, and our recent elections felt like a change of direction.”

 . . . my response to round three:

Quite so. To me, the reason to vote in every election is to defend the Constitution and to move to a more enlightened tomorrow.

That is history’s record. I feel the same change of direction. That motivation must hold for at least three more years. We must end this nightmare we are immersed in now.

 

My very best wishes to all.  Take care of yourselves and each other.

Cheers,

Cap                  :-)

Update no.1242

 Update from the Heartland

No.1242

27.10.25 – 2.11.25

Blog version:  http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/

 

To all,

 

[the person who shall no longer be named] continues to do what he has always done. The leopard cannot change his spots. The orange one does what the orange one does. I find my efforts to illuminate his myriad foibles, flaws, transgressions, violations, and abuses have become tedious and a waste of my precious time. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. And so it goes. The MAGAts voted, and they have exactly what they wanted—destructive chaos, a dysfunctional federal government, insulting our international friends and allies, and a U.S. Constitution being carved up like a plump holiday goose.

 

Comments and contributions from Update no.1241:

Comment to the Blog:

“You and I vote from a sense of obligation. Others understand only that there are two major parties, and ‘if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.’ The MAGAts stand for something, however insane. The DNC Democrats don’t stand ‘for’ anything, and haven’t since Clinton. I hope they might mean something next year, based on Mamdani, AOC, and others, but the DNC has opposed all progressives.

“No name has proven that he’s a dangerous buffoon, twice more. We already knew that. We need someone to stand in contrast to him.

“I support Mamdani for the same reason New Yorkers do: he offers to address the issues that affect real people like me. Most of Wall Street hates him, of course, because he wants them to pay their fair share of taxes. The only problem I have about that is that the AI bubble is about to burst and decrease billionaires’ incomes.

“Re last week’s discussion: the other problem about disarming Hamas is that it leaves Palestinians with no defense at all against Israel.”

My response to the Blog:

Well said and agreed. The midterms next year will be crucial and may well be pivotal. The NYC mayoral election may well be a litmus test for next year. We shall see.

Yes, oh so true, however, he is the properly and duly elected president. I do not blame him for his buffoonery. I blame all of those citizens who have chosen to ignore his gargantuan character flaws to vote for him and to enable him, and the 18M citizens who chose not to vote in 2024. They carry the responsibility for what has happened. That man has been what he is since childhood; he has not changed and will not change. Yet, good citizens (and some bad) voted for him and still support him. They want chaos, so we have chaos.

If I lived in New York City, I would vote for Mamdani as well. We need compassion, understanding, and respect. I am all in favor of fair share. I want those who are capable, to pay the same effective tax rate as me. Just because they are wealthy, does not make them royal or even special.

The people of Gaza would be far better off without Hamas in any form. It is up to the rest of us to stop the right wingers in Israel from attempting to subjugate the Palestinians. They deserve their own sovereign state. An armed Hamas is not a defense organization; it is a terrorist group. Please remember Hamas attacked Israel, just as Russia attacked Ukraine; not the other way around.

 . . . with follow-up comment:

“The Orange Menace isn’t a new phenomenon. Those behind him and their kind have always known that a significant percentage of the population can be used via their fear of the ‘other,’ with the other being any handy target. Here we are again.

“The elections are fascinating, if a bit scary.

“I don’t like Hamas at all, but the Palestinians need protection from Israel and their co-conspirators here.”

 . . . along with my follow-up response:

No, he most definitely is not. He has been who he is for all his adult like and probably most of his childhood, thanks to his parents who enabled him. Quite so. Like any accomplished con-man, he has studied a body of American people and played directly to their predilections. He has sold them worthless snake-oil and convinced them it is a wonderful elixir and cure-all; and, they believe.

Scary indeed. The MAGAts are a clear minority of the electorate, and yet, because they consistently vote, they appear to be a majority. I suppose many people do not directly feel or care about the actions of the federal government, so they say why waste my time becoming informed and voting. I feel a much larger responsibility to the republic. I can find no positive in the destructive chaos that man has induced in our (not his) government and this once grand republic.

Israel did not attack Gaza and Hamas. They reacted to defend themselves. Hamas is a terrorist organization. The illegal and ill-advised settlements on the West Bank should be absorbed by and transferred to Palestine. The inhabitants of those settlements should be given a choice, move to Israel or become Palestinian. Unfortunately, Palestine has no effective defense or law enforcement organization, so they would be dependent on an international force presumably from the Arab States with back-up from Europe and the United States.

My very best wishes to all.  Take care of yourselves and each other.

Cheers,

Cap                  :-)

Update no.1241

 Update from the Heartland

No.1241

20.10.25 – 26.10.25

Blog version:  http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/

 

To all,

 

What matters is the 18 million American citizens who voted in 2020 and chose not to vote in 2024, decide to vote in 2026 and 2028. The MAGAts and ihr Anführer are a minority within the United States of America. They vote! As along as a substantial number of the rest of us choose not to vote for whatever reason, we will get another wannabe dictator in some other form. The MAGAts will decide.

No one can be forced to vote, as least so far in the devolution of this once grand republic. I will continue to contend and advocate for the sense of obligation to vote as a constitutional duty—an obligation of citizenship. I acknowledge that many others assert that people vote for a candidate they like, that inspires them, that gives them something to vote for. I understand and truly appreciate that conundrum, but the fact remains, those who vote decide the direction of the nation. Unfortunately, we have a wannabe dictator or king because the MAGAts voted, and a good chunk of everyone else did not. I, for one, will vote the best person on the ballot. I want a decent human being in that office first and foremost—a person with humility, compassion, good leadership qualities, and respect for others.

Now, for the midterm elections next year, we need a Congress that will do its job as an equal branch of government rather than a bunch of sycophant minions who abdicate their constitutional responsibilities. Every representative and one third of all senators must stand for re-election next year. Some will not seek re-election for whatever reason. Our current employee in the Oval Office has violated the Constitution in myriad ways, not least of which is his direct interference in the judicial process, and his multiple violations of the Emoluments Clause. He should have been impeached (again) months ago. We need a 60+ majority in the Senate to convict him and remove him from office. I do not like the number two in line of succession, but almost anything would be better than what we have. There is always hope that J.D. Vance will rise to the occasion once he is out from the shadow of [the person who shall no longer be named; AKA no name, the orange one, the Felon, et al. There is always hope, until there isn’t.

 

Last Saturday, the People staged the ‘No Kings’ protest rally in multiple cities across the country. Free people around the globe joined in to denounce fascist and autocratic governments around the world. Of course, no name could not let that be and called for a ‘show of strength’ counterdemonstration. His lackey at the Department of Defense ordered Marine artillery to fire across Interstate-5 that goes through the Camp Pendleton reservation, prompting the state to issue warnings to motorists travelling to and from on the interstate that live artillery was being fired overhead. It was an absolutely bonehead thing to do. The Marines had never done such a thing, and they reportedly thought it was a really bad idea, but they had their orders.

Robert Reich saw the event for exactly what it was and wrote an exceptional assessment.

“The Other Demonstration on Saturday”

by Robert Reich

Published: OCT 20 [2025]

https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-other-demonstration-on-saturday?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=365422&post_id=176617147&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=a27i&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

To which, I wrote my opinion. I think that was exactly what it was. No name sought some aggressive counterdemonstration, and he specifically chose California because of the large anti-no name contingent in the state. The Marine Corps has safely conducted valuable artillery training at MCB Camp Pendleton since WW2, well before I became a Marine. This was a dangerous, un-called-for event to feed no name's ego as a strongman dictator. This is the kind of risky thing that malignant narcissism does to the rest of us.

 

The orange one is seeking US$230M from the USG for the DOJs investigations and indictments of him regarding the Russian influence investigation, the J6 investigation & indictment, and the classified documents investigation & indictment. He is betting that most of us will not remember those violations of law that induced those investigations. I have not forgotten. I have to believe our justice system will see his lame effort at vindication as the travesty of law that it is.

 

Another interesting and thought-provoking article came this week from Robert Reich.

“The Mamdani Moment – And the Future of the Democratic Party”

by Robert Reich

Published: OCT 24 [2025]

https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-mamdani-moment

Generally, I agree with Reich’s opinions, but this one was different. One sentence struck resonance with me. Reich stated, “Better dysfunctional than a fascist cult like the Trump Republican Party.” Abso-f***ing-lutely! So, compared to our current employee, our pool guy would be better than what we have today. The endorsement of Andrew Cuomo by the orange one is the kiss of death from my perspective. There are numerous stated positions of Zohran Mamdani that I do not agree with, but he would be infinitely better than the Felon or any of his minions or associates. The mayoral election in New York City is a limited snapshot, but it may be a bellwether of what is to come next year.

 

Comments and contributions from Update no.1240:

Comment to the Blog:

“I’m glad the spacecraft at least fulfilled its mission. Those things cost taxpayers a great deal of money.

“I haven’t studied the morning’s news yet, but the Gaza ceasefire seemed to be falling apart already as of last night.

“John Bolton’s central mistake was serving Agent Orange. It appears most of the high officials in DC handle information carelessly.

“The No Kings Day 2 protests deserve your attention for several reasons. They drew at least 7 million protesters in 2700 locations, which is a record, and more people turned out overseas in support. Not one of the USA protesters was arrested, although a few violent MAGA counter-demonstrators were. I sent you separately Robert Reich’s column on JD Vance’s counter-demonstration, which had a dramatic flaw of interest to Marines.”

My response to the Blog:

Yes, they are expensive. Travelling to the Moon, Mars, and beyond is expensive. But, look at what we are learning and what we are going to learn in the process. Perfecting interplanetary travel is quite akin to building steamships, the transcontinental railroad, and commercial grade aircraft—the evolution of human mobility.

Yes, there are signs the ceasefire is under considerable strain, not least of which events of Hamas trying to re-assert its dominance (governance) of Gaza and difficulty of disarming Hamas. If the Hamas leadership and soldiers remain, it does not take much to rearm them. The establishment of a peaceful government and especially a robust law enforcement system must be activated and operated, similar to what was done in Germany and Japan. I am grateful they got the hostages home and some of the deceased returned. The hard part, as in all wars, will be winning the peace. They are a long way from that state.

Certainly, hindsight validates your statement, and I would agree. I think most high officials handle classified material properly, but far too many apparently feel the law and rules do not apply to them—the orange one being the most prominent offender.

I recognize and support your observations of the “No Kings” protests last weekend. The fact that the MAGAts referred to the protests and ‘hate America’ efforts says far more about MAGAts than it does about the ‘No Kings’ protesters.

 

Another contribution:

“Thank you for your efforts/energy/time to put together your Update. Distributed on this side.

“The John Bolton book The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir (2020 publish date), was, from my own understanding, part of the reason he may have become a target in addition to something many people don't know about Bolton's copious note taking, during meetings discussing national security classified content, or going over materials. Bolton liked to use the classic lawyer legal pads and had done that for decades while serving for various administrations then for Trump's NSA. I had read a mainstream kind of article (sorry, don't recall the source) that Bolton mishandled those legal pads by not destroying any/all classified content he had note taken, and he was storing those either at his home or office. I need to read the indictment I sent last week and see if they make mention of those legal pads. I believe many of us, when we hear a high-level cabinet appointee is charged with harboring classified materials, we think they removed printed DOCS from the W.H. on purpose and had nefarious motives. While Bolton might have been slacking or careless, I don't think he was operating with bad intentions.

“Bolton strikes me as being detailed and careful. Some suggest he was part of the foundation for a ‘Deep State.’ I don't know. I know in the past two decades, I was critical of Bolton due to my perception of him being exceedingly a war hawk. I know Israel loves Bolton and Bolton loves Israel (‘Not that there is anything wrong with that’).

“I have the book mentioned above by Bolton, I need to read it. It was subject of much controversy because during the first term of Trump, it was alleged Bolton revealed national security secrets in the book. I am not sure if it was vetted and cleared to publish, or if parts were redacted.

“I have heard some AM talk hosts say that the W.H. did not influence the decision-actions of AG/DoJ to prosecute Bolton. I just cannot accept that, we saw the Biden administration influence DoJ (FBI under DoJ), and no doubt Washington operates the same way it has since Edgar Hoover was running the FBI, though I am hopeful the level of Hoover corruption has been cleared out.”

My reply:

Thank you for your contribution. It seems to have stimulated a few additional comments from your network that I intend to respond to separately through you, so you can control the exchanges.

I have not read Bolton’s book, and I probably will not do so. To my knowledge, Bolton followed the prescribed USG process for vetting such works. Further, as noted elsewhere, his book was investigated by the prior administration, and the DOJ decided there was insufficient evidence for probable cause, set aside beyond a reasonable doubt. The current administration effort may have uncovered additional information. The federal courts will establish probable cause, not the grand jury. Given no name’s penchant for blatant lying and the blind MAGAt minions currently leading DOJ, I suspect the court will not be impressed with their indictment against Bolton. That said, if the DOJ can present new evidence in a court of law “beyond a reasonable doubt” that Bolton violated the law, then he should be convicted and punished. If that is what happens, then I want the earlier case against no name reinstated once he is no longer protected by his employment; he deserves to be tried, convicted, and sent to prison as well.

That is how Bolton strikes me also. I have never been a fan of his politics, but I do respect his experience and knowledge. I do not support the “Deep State” conspiracy theory and will not comment further.

The current administration is striving to resurrect the old J. Edgar Hoover intimidation and coercion techniques. The courts will have to stop it. Congress is currently impotent by choice.

[The following is a compilation of responses to Update no.1240 through a separate network.]

Contribution A:

“[The Bolton] case was filed and began under the Biden administration. having the current administration cancel it would be a political disaster.”

Contribution B:

“You know –

“Considering how many have come after Trump, and in every imaginable way, and how he pretty much kicks their ass, and then comes back to kick their ass again – why don’t we just agree that he is a very capable and remarkable person?

“He has finally learned how to pick his staff. If there’s two presidents in a room, doing some kind of deal – do you want Trump or the other guy?

“It is remarkable how accomplished Cap is to be so unable to just say Trump is superior to all others before him. Its much more fun to be on the side of a winner. Cap is just a whiner – just sayin.” [redaction mine]

My reply to Contributions A & B:

Apparently, an indictment against Bolton was obtained by the Biden administration DOJ, but I have been unable to find that indictment. To my knowledge, charges were never filed. The no name administration filed its own indictment without reference to any earlier legal actions. The Garland DOJ chose not to prosecute due to insufficient evidence to achieve “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The Bondi DOJ has gone beyond the Garland effort. It will be interesting to see what an experienced federal judge thinks of the Bondi indictment. If Bolton committed a crime, he deserves to be labeled a felon and punished. So far, no name has escaped punishment, but he is still a convicted Felon.

Prosecutors came after no name because he committed crimes or offenses against other citizens. So far, he has avoided punishment by virtual of the Supreme Court’s interpretation of qualified immunity as president. The law decided his fate, not some political hack.

Why don’t we agree? Because he is not as you say. He suffers severe malignant narcissism induced by his father. History will certainly record his presidency, but I highly doubt it will be in the glowing terms you expect. We are all flawed human beings, but he amplifies those flaws to epic proportions made far worse by his employment (qualified immunity and a compliant Congress).

Lincoln and Roosevelt knew how to pick a cabinet to gain the best counsel in trouble times. No name is a very long way from and well below that threshold. Simply watch and listen to one of his public cabinet meetings. His sycophants sing his praises. They do not provide honest counsel.

You can criticize me and call me names all you wish. That is your freedom of choice and of speech. No name is not a winner. He is an accomplish con-man, snake oil salesman, and huckster. I have far too much experience with men like him. So, call me what you will. I know what I know.

Have a great day. Take care and enjoy. Democracy is messy, but it is a beautiful thing when it remains a democracy. Unfortunately, it is also quite fragile and can disappear in a whiff.

 

My very best wishes to all.  Take care of yourselves and each other.

Cheers,

Cap                  :-)

Update no.1240

 Update from the Heartland

No.1240

13.10.25 – 19.10.25

Blog version:  http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/

 

To all,

 

At 18:23 [S] CDT, on Monday, 13.October.2025, SpaceX launched its IFT-11 experimental super heavy lift booster and the Starship second stage into sub-orbital flight from their Starbase, Boca Chica, Texas. All phases on the ascent, boost-back to booster splash down in the Gulf of Mexico, and the in-space tasks were completed successfully. Starship opened its payload bay door and deployed eight Starlink simulator mini satellites, completed its vacuum relight of a raptor engine, and reentry to splashdown in the Eastern Indian Ocean near Northwest Australia. There appeared to be at least one burn through on the underside along the centerline and midway down the body that was presumably initiated at the site of an intentionally removed thermal protection tile. Despite the thermal damage to the vehicle, it performed as designed and intended, making a wide turn in flight to evaluate maneuverability during approach and then a controlled landing in the northeastern Indian Ocean. After a successful splashdown, presumably the Flight Termination System was activated to destroy the craft.

The existing Starlink network of communications satellites provided incredible images from multiple on-board cameras of each of the Starship’s experimental activities. Watching the plasma field evolve during reentry was absolutely fascinating.

The IFT-11 launch was the last of the version two configuration to be launched. Version 3 will have numerous changes moving the vehicle closer to the orbital and interplanetary configuration. In the next series, we will see more orbital work like on-orbit refueling and the anticipated tower catch of the Starship to achieve near total reusability of the design.

 

Earlier on Monday, 13.October.2025, the living hostages remaining in Gaza held by Hamas since 7.October.2023, were finally released in the first phase of what will hopefully become a ceasefire and eventually a lasting and bountiful peace in the Middle East. Of course, the orange one claims he has solved world peace and thus deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.

While he was in Israel, no name spoke to the Knesset, repeating his exaggerations and outlandish claims. Among all that, he called for the president of Israel to pardon Prime Minister Netanyahu for his crimes. Can anyone imagine such a thing, pardon a sitting political leader for crimes he has committed.

Gloating is such an unattractive trait, and yet it is a very common facet with the orange one. So revel in the exaggerations and embellishments of our current employee who is our president.  This will not last forever.

I want to see the ceasefire agreement become a lasting peace for the region, but just in my lifetime, we have seen so many of these ceasefires, all of which ultimately did not last. There is always hope until there isn’t.

 

It is rather rich that [the person who shall no longer be named; AKA no name, the orange one, the Felon, et al] has pushed the Attorney General to indict John Bolton, who was charged with mishandling classified material. To my knowledge, Bolton was not in possession of any classified materials. On the other hand, no name’s Mar-a-Lago residence was discovered to have a trove of classified material [1074, 1084, 1124/5]. And, worse, no name repeatedly resisted the government’s efforts to reclaim the government’s documents (not his). No name’s violations were far more egregious than what Bolton is accused of. That said, if anyone violates the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA) [PL 96-456; 94 Stat. 2025] [548]. Bolton is charged with 18 counts of violating various laws:

-- Transmission of National Defense Information, 18 U.S.C. § 793(d) {Espionage Act of 1917 [PL 65-I-024; 40 Stat. 217; 15.6.1917]}

-- Retention of National Defense Information, 18 U.S.C. § 793(e) {Crimes and Criminal Procedure [PL 80-772; 62 Stat. 683; 25.6.1948]}

-- Forfeiture under various laws including of all things the Controlled Substances Act [PL 91-513; 84 Stat. 1236 (84 Stat. 1242)].

From the president to John Bolton to John Q. Citizen, they should be prosecuted and pay the price for violations of our national security. When I handled classified material back in the day, I was careful, perhaps overly cautious, to ensure that material was protected and properly secured. I hold no sympathy or forbearance for anyone from the president to a private whom exposes classified material to disclosure for any reason—full stop!

 

Comments and contributions from Update no.1239:

Comment to the Blog:

“If we cut through the noise, immigration hasn’t been a major factor in crime, employment, or much of anything. Attacks on minorities (immigrants, in this case) are a common distraction in authoritarian regimes. The border issue is guns southbound paying for drugs northbound.

“Most of the GOP Congressional maneuvers are meant to delay or distract from justice for Epstein’s victims. (Some Democrats are surely also among the predators.) Also, I have seen a picture that purports to be a younger Bondi in Epstein’s company, and I’d already noticed a visible resemblance among Bondi, Karoline Leavitt, Ivanka, and the victims. Other Felon targets, such as Stormy Daniels and E. Jean Carroll, fit the same picture. Curious.

“I’d like to remind Democrats that to prevail in the midterms, they must first reach November 2026 with voting and other civil rights intact. Democrats need to take to the streets and the courts, as well as campaigning on real issues, as Mamdani and other progressives do. Sitting in DC whining won’t help any more than it ever has since 1992.”

My response to the Blog:

Only the orange one and his MAGAts have tried to equate immigration and crime. I cannot subscribe to your attributing the border issue to guns and drugs; that is an unacceptable generalization. No nation should be open to uncontrolled migration for any reason, period. We need rules and an ordered process. The Founders and Framers set down those rules early in our history with the Naturalization Act of 1790 [PL 1-II-003; 1 Stat. 103] [556]—the third law passed by the first Congress. We need rules for entry, and in today’s mobile world, we must control that entry process. Where I quibble with the current administration is in the excessively aggressive methods they are using at the border inward.

Well now, you do raise a curious twist on the Epstein affair. The journey toward the truth continues.

I can agree with your counsel to Democrats for next year’s elections. We shall see if they heed your advice. I expect the mid-terms to bring out the potential candidates for 2028. I eagerly await something.

 . . . Round two:

“I'll note that undocumented immigrants are an important asset to several industries in the USA. Maybe that's the ‘problem’ with the border. Any way I can see it, immigration's not as important as the MAGAts make it.

“The resemblance between current officials and past victims might imply a honey trap still playing out.

“Candidates in special elections and Zohran Mamdani are examples of how to run on progressive issues and win.”

 . . . my response to round two:

There is no question that we need temporary migrants for important labor tasks. When my father was alive and running our vineyard, he needed a large number of temporary laborers to harvest the grapes and produce raisins. I do not understand why we do not have a means of easily dealing with and tracking temporary labor. From my perspective, it appears the GOP/MAGAts do not want to solve the immigration issue; they want an issue that enables them to militarize our cities and violate the Constitution.

Now, there is an interesting thought. I have seen no evidence.

I suppose so. Mamdani is an accomplished speaker. His politics are a little too far to the left for me. I look forward to his moderation when the realities of representative governance sets in.

 . . . Round three:

“My question is whether immigration is an issue worthy of more energy than climate change, gun deaths, or feeding and housing our people. People are misled by speeches and other P.R.

“If we wait for proof of a crime, it's already been committed.

“Mamdani's pretty much my kind of leader. I doubt he'll accomplish all of his goals (nobody does in a democracy), but that's exactly the direction I want to go. And he's a bit more than a good speaker; he's united many of the non-wealthy in the city, and that takes a whole collection of skills.”

 . . . my response to round three:

We need to work on them all at the same time. They are all too important for sequential effort.

That is our system.

He is indeed a good speaker. Clear, concise, and heaven above, complete cogent sentences. Quite so. The citizens will vote for who they want to run the city. In a few more weeks, the tally will tell us the conclusion.

 . . . Round four:

“It’s necessary to set priorities in any enterprise, from making breakfast to operating a major nation. Resources are always limited. I see immigration as a lower priority.

“My point is that if we passively wait for someone to prove an operation is underway, we’re victims.

“You seem very interested in people’s speech-making ability. It matters, but so do other traits and skills.”

 . . . my response to round four:

If we had a workable immigration system, I would agree with you. We bear witness to the abuses of a broken system by a malevolent Executive. The militarization of American society by no name is a grotesque abuse we must not tolerate.

I am not arguing your point. I agree. However, we need more than a conspiracy theory to act. We need probable cause. At present, I do not see probable cause in that segment of the Epstein Affair to which you refer.

Speech is the means to influence citizens, voters, and others. So yes, I am very interested in speech, but that does not mean speech is exclusive to all other traits. For example, I place considerable weight on humility and respect for others. Yes, other traits matter a lot as well. No argument.

 . . . Round five:

“Show me evidence that immigrants have been doing more harm than homelessness, corruption, or climate change.

“Epstein’s misdeeds are not a conspiracy theory. We have criminal convictions, dozens of outspoken survivors, and mountains of supporting evidence. The specific possibility of a honey trap to control the pedophiles warrants investigation. There’s no other rational basis for the operation to exist.

“I also value the traits you mentioned, but in a political setting, policy insight and coalition building also count, and those are the skills Mamdani has shown. So have other progressives winning in ‘red’ states.”

 . . . my response to round five:

There is no such evidence that I am aware of. However, that does not alter the fact that individuals are coming into this country without an invitation. They have not been vetted. We do not know who they are or what value they may be to the United States. Immigration is not about harm; it is about contribution to the good of the nation.

We were talking about good looking young women being given cushy jobs in the administration as a form of compensation for being an object in the Epstein affair. There is no question of Epstein’s guilt.

I sure hope so. We shall see. There is always hope, until there isn’t.

 . . . Round six:

“As a national priority, no. Immigration isn’t there.

“The problems about the “cushy jobs” are that most of them are important to the nation and also the people could be operatives, particularly Bondi.”

 . . . my response to round six:

I do not agree. Immigration control is an essential element of sovereignty. It most certainly is a national priority, especially given the dysfunctional state of our immigration system.

Of course, they could be. Remember an essential precept of our system of governance and jurisprudence—innocent until proven guilty.

 

Another contribution:

“Well said, Cap and your correspondent, 100%!

“Now, let's brace ourselves for the news of the first Nobel Peace Prize ever awarded to a convicted felon, unrepentant male chauvinist, and one way deal maker.

“Plant and fence your own garden soon, folks, and keep your powder dry. It's gonna get ugly.”

My reply:

I cannot imagine the Nobel Peace Prize Committee ever awarding their prize to the orange one for myriad reasons. You noted only a few detractors the man carries. He can yell and scream all he wants. I do not think the committee will be swayed by no name’s antics. That Felon has never been what he has tried to get people to believe, thus my label of him as a conman and snake-oil salesman.

Wise counsel! It is going to get much uglier before we can hope to reach those ‘sun-lit uplands.’

My very best wishes to all.  Take care of yourselves and each other.

Cheers,

Cap                  :-)

Update no.1239

 Update from the Heartland

No.1239

6.10.25 – 12.10.25

Blog version:  http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/

 

To all,

 

We bear witness to precisely why I have long argued for comprehensive immigration reform and a defense in depth when it comes to immigration enforcement. Today we see the federal government pitted against state governments in the form of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids to locate and deport individuals who have entered the country without proper permission and documentation. Generally, I am in favor of enforcing immigration law. Unfortunately, I am not a support of what is happening today. The current administration seeks to militarize our cities (especially cities led by Democrat mayors for political reasons). The orange one and his minions have tried to cloak this effort as a crimefighting task. The crimes they claim he is trying to fight are state crimes, not federal crimes. The immigration law explicitly states that immigration control is a federal responsibility and implied that it is border control, i.e., federal agents check immigration status at entry (the border). Now, we ICE agent conducting no-knock, armed searched of private property without a warrant. The problem is the feds are trying to force the state and local law enforcement to support or assist federal immigration law enforcement.

Then, we learn that the current administration has fired or terminated 139 Immigration judges so far, when they have an enormous backlog of cases. To be fair, the immigration court is an Executive Branch function; they are not within the Judiciary Branch. Thus, they are at the mercy of the president, and we all know the personality traits of our current employee in the Oval Office. The administration has remained mute so far. I imagine we will eventually hear their ‘rationale.’

 

On Tuesday, 7.October.2025, United States Attorney General Pam Bondi chose to take a confrontational attitude in her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. She tried to resurrect the spirit of J. Edgar Hoover. Any time she was challenged or asked about something she did not want to talk about, she would accuse the senator questioning her of some impropriety she had in her binder hit file. She was giving a performance for one man and one man only. It was pitiful and disgusting. Worse, she has been a direct party to the orange one’s vengeance tour. They have long accused previous Democrat administrations of weaponizing the Justice Department for political gain, when in fact, that is precisely what they are doing today.

 

Comments and contributions from Update no.1238:

Comment to the Blog:

“I agree with everything you said about Whiskey Pete’s ignorant speech to the flag officers and Agent Orange’s aggravation of it, except I don’t ‘laud their attempt to tighten up the military.’ They were strictly playing for the cameras. I’d like to add that the extreme expense and breathtaking security risks stunned me. Somehow, no ‘foreign prince or potentate’ targeted our whole military command in one place. I’m glad, but a bit surprised.

“Agent Orange takes credit for a book called ‘The Art of the Deal,’ but he doesn’t negotiate. He chooses a goal and attacks until he gets it or is annihilated.”

My response to the Blog:

Thank you for your contribution. My words stand as written. I share your concern for the waste of precious Treasury funds and the extraordinary security risk wrapped up in that farcical display. Stunned me as well. Such an assembly has never been attempted before. They did not need cameras and press coverage for their stated purpose, so they clearly had ulterior motives for orchestrating that event. We will likely see videos appear in campaign materials.

Quite so. I do not think he understands the meaning of the word ‘negotiate.’ He bludgeons people into submission like the schoolyard bully he is and always has been. Clearly, the MAGAts like a bully. I am not and never have been among those who admires such personality traits.

One more time, and probably not the last time, I will say everyone must vote for the best candidate on the ballot. We simply cannot afford another administration like this one.

 . . . with follow-up comment:

“I mostly agree, but I'll point out the reality that many voters don't exercise their franchise unless a candidate motivates them.”

 . . . my follow-up response:

We have been around this hoop more than a few times. We are both consistent in our opinions. We do not force anyone to vote. Abstention is a choice. Further, the Republicans in various states have striven mightily to make it more difficult to vote, undoubtedly pushing the threshold of ‘too hard’ lower and disenfranchising more lower income or older voters. My contention is only that voting obligation of citizenship, to vote for the best candidate on the ballot. The Republic may not survive another administration like the current one, and quite possibly, we have already passed the point of no return.

“That’s just my opinion, but I could be wrong.”

 

Another contribution:

“Well put, the numerous transgressions the Orange One and his minions are committing against the constitution and Their employers, we the people are unforgivable. Next election we must do what we can to send a message to the Orange one and his henchmen and henchwomen to cease and desist of their unconstitutional actions.”

My reply:

The tragedy in this fiasco is, he does not care a twit about the Constitution. To him, it is an annoying obstacle that must be circumvented. Most of his adult life he was lord and master of a private company he inherited from his daddy. The thought that he is an employee of We, the People, is quite the anathema to him. He is running the Executive Branch like it is his own private domain, and he can do whatever he wants. Worse yet, from my perspective, far too many American citizens are cheering him on. Whether we can recover from the destruction he has wrought on this once grand republic is yet to be seen.

Oh my, yes, the mid-term election next year will be a critical event. We must elect a non-Republican House and hopefully a 60+ non-Republican majority in the Senate. He should have been impeached, convicted, and banned from political office for the rest of his natural life months ago. We can always hope.

 

My very best wishes to all.  Take care of yourselves and each other.

Cheers,

Cap                  :-)