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About theartfuldilettante

The Artful Dilettante is a native of Pittsburgh, PA, and a graduate of Penn State University. He is a lover of liberty and a lifelong and passionate student of the same. He is voracious reader of books on the Enlightenment and the American colonial and revolutionary periods. He is a student of libertarian and Objectivist philosophies. He collects revolutionary war and period currency, books, and newspapers. He is married and the father of one teenage son. He is kind, witty, generous to a fault, and unjustifiably proud of himself. He is the life of the party and an unparalleled raconteur.

Why America Must Reject the State Capitalist Temptation

For a long time, the American economic system has been defined by the imprecise term “capitalism.” The system varies in its application. When conservatives are in power, the government favors free markets and less state intervention. When liberals rule, social safety nets and regulations are given more free rein.

Regardless of the application, America’s economic system maintains robust growth because its most important sectors favor the free market ideal. That is why America stands out economically.

A Changing Narrative

That economic narrative is now changing. State intervention is taking on a positive meaning. Populist movements see government as a political tool they can use to leverage economic policy in favor of their agendas. Government economic holdings are increasing in the name of national security, employment opportunities, or the common good.

Classical economists warn that such use of power is dangerous since it easily becomes abusive. Government overinvolvement in the economy can bog down everything and send the wrong signals to markets. When the government extends favors, it expects others in return. Once the government invests in a project, it tends to sustain it even when it fails.

The new model cannot be called socialism since it does not involve total control of the means of production. However, it is a form of state capitalism, a broadly defined term where the state guides the decisions of nominally private companies and makes demands on them. Others, like the Wall Street Journal, call it corporate statism, which expresses a closer model of cooperation between government and private industry. 

Most Americans consider state capitalism in any form to be the problem of China, some European nations, and other leftist states that cannot shake free of the habit of state control of the economy. However, new policies are making it America’s problem, and it must be opposed.

History of State Intervention in America

America has long been presented with the state capitalist or corporate statist temptation. Many trace its origins to the New Deal, where huge government works projects and social programs introduced unseen federal spending levels. Once introduced, the spending never went away.

Government cooperation with industry is also common in times of war and crisis. The 2008 subprime mortgage crisis and COVID were occasions for bailouts, stimuli, and subsidies, many of which had adverse economic effects. Such measures, however, were in response to extraordinary events that were not sustained over time.  

However, more recent developments have seen policies from both parties that suggest a closer relationship that allows the government to dictate policy and interfere directly in firms and markets.

Injecting Money into the Economy

For example, President Biden’s misnamed Inflation Reduction Act injected $400 billion in clean energy loans into the market. His Chips and Science Act tried to reshape the domestic semiconductor industry with a $39 billion infusion favoring stateside production of chips.

In his turn, as a condition for the Nippon Steel takeover of U.S. Steel, President Trump demanded that the federal government be granted a “golden share,” allowing it to veto plant closings, layoffs, and other management decisions.

Direct government investment in rare earth element extraction will make the state a major stakeholder in these projects as well. In addition, there is talk of the government taking a ten percent share in Intel to save the struggling semiconductor manufacturer.

All these measures involve artificially increasing government involvement as a political tool to garner support for agendas, keep employment levels high, or address national security concerns.

The Perils of State Capitalism

Although it does not take property away or seize the means of production from private hands, this corporate statist option distorts markets and causes crises. The artificial infusion of money into areas of concern is a recipe for inefficiency.

The most cited example of the dangers of state capitalism is the Chinese Communist Party’s strong presence in nominally private companies. Xi Jinping’s recent crackdowns are turning Chinese industry, with its imported capitalist methods and technology, into a formidable weapon against the West. Harnessed in this way by the state, the economy loses its nimble character. The result is central planning that leads to huge overproduction, which causes prices and profits to plummet. The world is flooded by cheap Chinese goods that destroy local competition.  

The American Danger

The corporate statist temptation in America is much less pronounced than in China, Europe, Brazil, or other government-heavy economies. Nevertheless, it is a danger that should be avoided at all costs.

Government policymakers might see increased participation in the economy and revenue sharing as a way to prosperity. However, such moneymaking schemes rarely work out.

There is a vast graveyard of failed pet projects. These include Foxconn’s promised factory in Wisconsin and Tesla’s solar-panel disaster in New York. It also consists of current projects like America’s ragtag air traffic control system or the ever-ailing Amtrak railroad system, which is forced to keep unprofitable routes for political, not economic reasons.

State capitalism is dangerous. Government should be limited to what it does best — governing. That means providing moral guidance and serving as a source of unity. Government should be a guardian of the common good, encouraging people to move together in a good direction. It should take good care of its direct responsibilities — foreign policy, defense, sound monetary policy, the protection of international trade, and so forth — and not get involved in financial schemes to make money. Each sector of the nation has its role and functions. They work best when they do what they should and avoid entanglement in the affairs of others.

Injecting Money into the Economy

For example, President Biden’s misnamed Inflation Reduction Act injected $400 billion in clean energy loans into the market. His Chips and Science Act tried to reshape the domestic semiconductor industry with a $39 billion infusion favoring stateside production of chips.

In his turn, as a condition for the Nippon Steel takeover of U.S. Steel, President Trump demanded that the federal government be granted a “golden share,” allowing it to veto plant closings, layoffs, and other management decisions.

Direct government investment in rare earth element extraction will make the state a major stakeholder in these projects as well. In addition, there is talk of the government taking a ten percent share in Intel to save the struggling semiconductor manufacturer.

All these measures involve artificially increasing government involvement as a political tool to garner support for agendas, keep employment levels high, or address national security concerns.

The Perils of State Capitalism

Although it does not take property away or seize the means of production from private hands, this corporate statist option distorts markets and causes crises. The artificial infusion of money into areas of concern is a recipe for inefficiency.

The most cited example of the dangers of state capitalism is the Chinese Communist Party’s strong presence in nominally private companies. Xi Jinping’s recent crackdowns are turning Chinese industry, with its imported capitalist methods and technology, into a formidable weapon against the West. Harnessed in this way by the state, the economy loses its nimble character. The result is central planning that leads to huge overproduction, which causes prices and profits to plummet. The world is flooded by cheap Chinese goods that destroy local competition.  

The American Danger

The corporate statist temptation in America is much less pronounced than in China, Europe, Brazil, or other government-heavy economies. Nevertheless, it is a danger that should be avoided at all costs.

Government policymakers might see increased participation in the economy and revenue sharing as a way to prosperity. However, such moneymaking schemes rarely work out.

There is a vast graveyard of failed pet projects. These include Foxconn’s promised factory in Wisconsin and Tesla’s solar-panel disaster in New York. It also consists of current projects like America’s ragtag air traffic control system or the ever-ailing Amtrak railroad system, which is forced to keep unprofitable routes for political, not economic reasons.

State capitalism is dangerous. Government should be limited to what it does best — governing. That means providing moral guidance and serving as a source of unity. Government should be a guardian of the common good, encouraging people to move together in a good direction. It should take good care of its direct responsibilities — foreign policy, defense, sound monetary policy, the protection of international trade, and so forth — and not get involved in financial schemes to make money. Each sector of the nation has its role and functions. They work best when they do what they should and avoid entanglement in the affairs of others.

Injecting Money into the Economy

For example, President Biden’s misnamed Inflation Reduction Act injected $400 billion in clean energy loans into the market. His Chips and Science Act tried to reshape the domestic semiconductor industry with a $39 billion infusion favoring stateside production of chips.

In his turn, as a condition for the Nippon Steel takeover of U.S. Steel, President Trump demanded that the federal government be granted a “golden share,” allowing it to veto plant closings, layoffs, and other management decisions.

Direct government investment in rare earth element extraction will make the state a major stakeholder in these projects as well. In addition, there is talk of the government taking a ten percent share in Intel to save the struggling semiconductor manufacturer.

All these measures involve artificially increasing government involvement as a political tool to garner support for agendas, keep employment levels high, or address national security concerns.

The Perils of State Capitalism

Although it does not take property away or seize the means of production from private hands, this corporate statist option distorts markets and causes crises. The artificial infusion of money into areas of concern is a recipe for inefficiency.

The most cited example of the dangers of state capitalism is the Chinese Communist Party’s strong presence in nominally private companies. Xi Jinping’s recent crackdowns are turning Chinese industry, with its imported capitalist methods and technology, into a formidable weapon against the West. Harnessed in this way by the state, the economy loses its nimble character. The result is central planning that leads to huge overproduction, which causes prices and profits to plummet. The world is flooded by cheap Chinese goods that destroy local competition.  

The American Danger

The corporate statist temptation in America is much less pronounced than in China, Europe, Brazil, or other government-heavy economies. Nevertheless, it is a danger that should be avoided at all costs.

Government policymakers might see increased participation in the economy and revenue sharing as a way to prosperity. However, such moneymaking schemes rarely work out.

There is a vast graveyard of failed pet projects. These include Foxconn’s promised factory in Wisconsin and Tesla’s solar-panel disaster in New York. It also consists of current projects like America’s ragtag air traffic control system or the ever-ailing Amtrak railroad system, which is forced to keep unprofitable routes for political, not economic reasons.

State capitalism is dangerous. Government should be limited to what it does best — governing. That means providing moral guidance and serving as a source of unity. Government should be a guardian of the common good, encouraging people to move together in a good direction. It should take good care of its direct responsibilities — foreign policy, defense, sound monetary policy, the protection of international trade, and so forth — and not get involved in financial schemes to make money. Each sector of the nation has its role and functions. They work best when they do what they should and avoid entanglement in the affairs of others.

John Horvat, American Thinker

Is Socialism Really as Popular as the Media Think ?

Democratic socialists” have been getting the teenage-idol treatment from giddy reporters and editors at legacy media outlets for years. Their newest crush is on the jihadi-apologist and Marxist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.

In a 4,500-word cover story about the candidate, “The Meaning of Zohran Mamdani,” Time magazine paints a caricature of a well-meaning, authentic, and not-really-so-radical go-getter. An “ideologue interested in creative solutions” is how Time puts it. Sure, Mamdani might support genocidal rhetoric, but the Jewish community will be pleased to learn that he “often talked about the problem of antisemitism and the need for anti-hate-crime funding.”

Is Mamdani, as many would have it, a generational talent whose campaign should be mimicked nationally by Democrats? For me, it’s difficult to see much “meaning” in the trope-ridden rhetoric he offers. “I think the most important thing,” the candidate, who, like most socialists, is a child of privilege, notes, “is that people see themselves and their struggles in your campaign.” Deep stuff. His “creative solutions” entail fresh ideas like rent control, a policy Mamdani benefits from personally that was instituted in 1943.

While journalists are mightily impressed, the truth is that Mamdani is running in a hard-left city against a gaggle of unlikeable, corrupt has-been Democrats. Much like Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), his fame is propelled by his radicalism and youth. Neither of them has passed a single consequential piece of legislation, come up with a new idea, much less a solution, or delivered a memorable speech.

Anyway, as one commenter pointed out, New York City is already something of a “socialist” city, with 40% of its residents living in rent-controlled apartments, 600,000 working for the city, and another 600,000 working for nonprofit groups largely funded by government.

You may recall that elegant gown Ocasio-Cortez donned with the slogan “Tax the Rich” written on it at the 2021 Met Gala, where guests selected by Vogue’s Anna Wintour ponied up about $35,000 a pop to hobnob with the rich and famous at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Well, the top 1% pay about 48% of New York City’s bills, and .01% pay nearly 31%. New York’s top 1% pay a combined 52% top tax rate, the highest in the country. The top 10% of earners paid about two-thirds of the city’s income tax revenue. In 2023, 41% of taxes were paid by millionaires, who make up about 4% of the population.

Technically, socialism entails the state controlling the means of production and distribution. “Democratic socialism,” on the other hand, entails young people demanding that others pay for all the benefits of the market system they pretend to detest.

And there is no doubt that “socialism” is gaining popularity and normalization, especially among the young. A recent poll by the Cato Institute and YouGov found that though 59% of Americans still had a favorable view of capitalism (41% unfavorable), 62% aged 18 to 29 had a “favorable view” of socialism. Then again, more than a third of young people hold favorable views of communism. Do they really understand that 100 million died trying to make it work? Maybe.

David Harsanyi, The Washington Examiner

China Stunned as U.S. Makes Major Advancements in Aerospace Technology

The U.S. aerospace industry is poised for a breakthrough as Ursa Major secures a $32.9 million contract to supply advanced rocket engines for Stratolaunch’s Talon-A, a reusable hypersonic vehicle that promises to redefine military technology and bolster national defense capabilities.

The aerospace industry is witnessing a significant leap forward with a new partnership focusing on hypersonic technology. Ursa Major, a U.S.-based aerospace company, has secured a substantial contract to supply advanced rocket engines for Stratolaunch’s Talon-A hypersonic test vehicle. This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of Talon-A, highlighting the U.S.’s strategic focus on advancing hypersonic testing. With these developments, the Talon-A is poised to set new standards in aerospace technology, impacting both military and civilian sectors. As global competition intensifies, the U.S. seeks to maintain its edge in hypersonic advancements.

Talon-A to Get New Engines

The Talon-A hypersonic test vehicle represents a pinnacle of aerospace innovation. This reusable vehicle, capable of exceeding Mach 5 speeds, is powered by the newly upgraded H13 engines developed by Ursa Major. Air-launched from Stratolaunch’s massive carrier aircraft, Talon-A serves as a critical test platform for military hypersonic technologies, aligning with the Pentagon’s priorities.

In a remarkable achievement, the Talon-A completed its second flight test at speeds above Mach 5, indicating significant progress in hypersonic research. Dr. Zachary Krevor, President and CEO of Stratolaunch, emphasized the importance of these tests, stating, “With the data collected from this second flight, we are able to apply lessons learned to enhance the strength and performance of the Talon-A vehicles.” The new contract with Ursa Major aims to build on these findings, enhancing propulsion systems to ensure robust performance. This aligns with the U.S.’s strategic focus on hypersonic testing, particularly as global competitors like China and Russia continue to make advancements.

More Thrust, More Speed

Hypersonic testing is fraught with technical challenges and considerable costs, necessitating the development of reusable platforms like the Talon-A. The upgraded H13 engines, with a thrust of 5,000 pounds-force, employ oxygen-rich staged combustion, a sophisticated engine cycle typically reserved for large space launchers. These advanced engines promise to reduce costs and increase test frequency, enabling rapid advancements in hypersonic technology.

The partnership between Ursa Major and Stratolaunch is a strategic endeavor aimed at strengthening the U.S.’s hypersonic testing infrastructure. By providing cutting-edge, cost-effective engines, this collaboration seeks to accelerate the development of hypersonic weapons and defenses. In the global arena, where speed and technological superiority are crucial, such advancements are of paramount importance.

Strategic Importance of Hypersonic Testing

The significance of the Ursa Major contract extends well beyond technology. Hypersonic testing is a national defense priority, essential for maintaining technological superiority. With nations like China and Russia making strides in hypersonic technology, it is imperative for the U.S. to lead in this domain. The Talon-A, enhanced with advanced propulsion systems, positions the U.S. as a frontrunner in hypersonic research and development.

Dan Jablonsky, CEO of Ursa Major, underscored the importance of this contract, stating, “This contract directly supports U.S. hypersonic test infrastructure and the broader imperative to accelerate high-speed flight programs that deliver for national security.” The collaboration aims to deliver tangible capabilities, emphasizing speed and efficiency without compromising on performance, thus highlighting the strategic significance of hypersonic testing in global defense dynamics.

The Future of Hypersonic Technology

As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, advancements in hypersonic technology are set to redefine speed and efficiency limits. The Talon-A, equipped with cutting-edge H13 engines, symbolizes the future of aerospace innovation. The collaboration between Ursa Major and Stratolaunch exemplifies the potential of public-private partnerships in advancing national defense capabilities.

With a focus on reusability and cost-effectiveness, the U.S. is determined to maintain its competitive edge in the global hypersonic race. As these technologies progress, the potential applications of hypersonic vehicles in both military and civilian sectors expand. The Talon-A project represents just the beginning, paving the way for future breakthroughs in aerospace technology.

The advancements in hypersonic technology, marked by the Talon-A’s development and the H13 engines, represent a significant milestone in aerospace innovation. As the U.S. prioritizes hypersonic testing, the partnership between Ursa Major and Stratolaunch sets the stage for future advancements. What role will these developments play in shaping the future of global defense and aerospace technology?

This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies.

Eirwen Williams is a New York-based journalist at Sustainability Times, covering science, climate policy, sustainable innovation, and environmental justice. With a background in journalism acquired through a specialized program in New York, he explores how cities adapt to a warming world. With a focus on people-powered change, his stories spotlight the intersection of activism, policy, and green technology. Contact : eirwen.williams@sustainability-times.com

Democrat Dimwit Jasmine Crockett Slams Texas’s “Racist Maps” While Applauding Commiefornia’s Gerrymandering

Democratic Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett blasted Texas Republicans’ newly redrawn district map as “racist” Monday night on Instagram — while in the same video she praised California Democrats’ gerrymander.

Crockett’s comments come as runaway Texas Democrats return to Austin to vote on the Lone Star State’s proposed map, which will likely result in the GOP picking up five seats there in the midterms. California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom also recently announced a special November election for California voters to approve the Democratic-dominated state legislature’s gerrymandered map, which was drafted in an effort to “neutralize” Texas’ mid-decade redistricting.

All of the racists feel a way when you call them exactly what they are. When you say, ‘Oh you guys are racist, and you guys are trying to implement racist practices with these racist maps,’” Crockett said on Instagram. “It’s like, bro, I get that you took your hood off, but your hood is still there, like we see it.”

Trending: Kamala Weighs in on Texas Redistricting . . . It Doesn’t Go Well

Crockett in the video also claimed that “democracy” is “crumbling before our eyes” in reference to the Republican-drawn map, further calling the GOP-controlled Texas House “problematic.” Later in the same Instagram reel, the congresswoman gave “big ups” to California Democrats for planning to override the state’s redistricting commission to implement their own partisan map.

Texas’ new GOP-drawn proposed map has a higher percentage of Democratic seats than California’s current commission-drawn map — let alone its legislature’s proposed map — has Republican seats.

“It is time to match their energy, if not exceeding, because I’m tired of [Republicans]. Like, they are consistently playing in our faces. And while I’m saying I’m tired of them, big ups to my colleagues in California that got together, got this together,” Crockett said. “Texas may want to play, but guess what? California can play too.”

***Support The Liberty Daily and Mike Lindell — use code TLD at MyPillow.com and get up to 66% off!***

Crockett had claimed Texas’ new map would reduce minority voting power during an Aug. 9 appearance on MSNBC. However, Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott rebutted her claims the following day on Fox News, clarifying that four of the five newly redrawn Republican-leaning seats in the map will be “predominantly Hispanic.”

“The problem that Democrats have in the state of Texas is Hispanics, black voters and other voters, they have learned now that the ideas that Democrats stand for are contrary to the ideas that the Hispanic community and black community stand for,” Abbott said on Aug. 10. “They all want secure borders, they don’t want men and women’s sports and they want support for law enforcement.”

Gavin Newsom’s Plan to Turn America into California

This freak says he’s going to create more Democratic seats in Congress to ensure a permanent Democratic majority after which time he will impose his one party rule on America.

My questions:

1) When will he be arrested for openly planning this fraud?

2) How does he plan to rule all of America when half or more of America stands ready to treat his threats as an act of war?

3) Why is California even still in the United States? Iran and Venezuela and Cuba are not part of America. How is California any different?

*******

Newsom and other totalitarians like him claim to be for “immigration.”

Leftists are not for immigration.

Immigration means people entering a free country to choose and be responsible for their own lives. Leftists want world socialism. They see new people entering the country as an opportunity to make America more and more socialist and Communist. They don’t care what happens to the country, to its diminishing freedom; not even to the immigrants themselves. They only care about power, control, more socialism and an unhealthy relationship with their own sense of perceived virtue.

Immigration is pointless and irrelevant without freedom. The culture and country leftists are creating will not be a place any rational person would risk life and limb getting to.

Michael J. Hurd, Daily Dose of Reason

Senators Risch and Paul introduce bill to audit the Federal Reserve

BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senators Jim Risch of Idaho and Rand Paul of Kentucky have introduced the Federal Reserve Transparency Act, commonly referred to as the “Audit the Fed” legislation. This bill aims to mandate a comprehensive audit of the Federal Reserve’s operations and enhance congressional oversight of its decision-making processes.

“Idahoans deserve to know what the Federal Reserve is doing to our nation’s economy,” said Risch. “Congress must hold the Fed accountable and pull back the curtain on the actions of this unelected Washington establishment.”

Paul emphasized the significant influence of the Federal Reserve, stating, “No institution holds more power over the future of the American economy and the value of our savings than the Federal Reserve. It’s long past time for Congress to stop shirking its duty and hold the Federal Reserve accountable.”

The proposed legislation would require the independent Government Accountability Office (GAO) to perform a full audit of the Board of Governors and the Federal Reserve Banks within one year of the bill’s enactment. The GAO would then be required to report its findings to Congress within 90 days of completing the audit.

CBS2 Staff

What Comes Next After “Very Good, Early Steps” in President Trump’s Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks?

President Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a contingent of European leaders at the White House on August 18, laying groundwork for potential peace in the Russia-Ukraine war that has dragged on for nearly four years under the previous administration’s watch. Trump characterized the discussions as “a very good, early step” in negotiations, highlighting commitments on security guarantees for Ukraine primarily from European nations “in coordination with the United States.”

In a post on Truth Social following the meetings, Trump noted that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff are spearheading follow-up conversations with both Moscow and Kyiv.

“Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine,” he stated.

Trending: “I Cannot Believe It”: Zelensky Pleasantly Surprises Trump by Wearing Suit to White House

This comes as a stark contrast to the Biden-Harris era’s approach, which poured billions in taxpayer-funded aid into the conflict without a clear path to resolution, leaving Americans footing the bill for what many conservatives see as an endless foreign entanglement.

Trump revealed he had already reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss arranging a direct meeting with Zelenskyy at a yet-to-be-determined location. If successful, this bilateral encounter could lead to a trilateral summit involving Trump himself—a format Zelenskyy has expressed openness to. “We confirmed that we are ready for a trilateral meeting,” the Ukrainian leader told reporters after the session. “And if Russia proposed to the President of the United States bilateral, and then we will see the result of the bilateral, then it can be trilateral. So I said, always, Ukraine will never stop on the way to peace, and we are ready for any kind of format but on the level of leaders.”

The Kremlin acknowledged the Trump-Putin call, noting discussions on elevating “the level of direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations,” though it stopped short of confirming Putin’s full commitment. Trump emphasized that a ceasefire isn’t a prerequisite for progress, pushing back against critics who insist on one before talks can advance. This pragmatic stance underscores his deal-making style, which prioritizes results over rigid preconditions that have stalled diplomacy in the past

Security guarantees emerged as a core topic, with Trump insisting that Europe shoulder the main responsibility for Ukraine’s defense post-peace deal.

“We’re not giving anything. We’re selling weapons,” he reiterated earlier in the week, aligning with conservative principles of fiscal responsibility and avoiding free handouts.

Reports indicate Ukraine has proposed purchasing up to $100 billion in American-made arms, financed by European partners—a move that could boost U.S. jobs while ensuring allies pull their weight.

During the Oval Office gathering, Trump and Zelenskyy reviewed maps of the front lines, where Russian forces occupy roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory. This visual aid likely facilitated candid talks on potential land adjustments, such as Ukraine potentially ceding Crimea in exchange for peace and dropping its NATO aspirations—options Trump has floated as immediate war-enders. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev mocked European leaders for failing to “outplay” Trump in these negotiations, suggesting the president’s firm hand is shifting dynamics in America’s favor.

Trump’s proactive diplomacy stands out after years of what conservatives decry as weak leadership from Washington, which allowed the conflict to escalate without accountability. By engaging Putin directly and coordinating with allies, he’s positioning the U.S. as a strong mediator rather than an open-checkbook donor.

“Again, this was a very good, early step for a war that has been going on for almost four years,” Trump said, signaling optimism for a resolution that prioritizes American interests first. As follow-ups unfold, this could mark the beginning of the end for a war that has cost countless lives and strained global stability.

Publius, Liberty Daily

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Former AG Bill Barr Says, “No Way is POTUS Donald Trump Implicated in the Epstein Files.”

🚨

BREAKING: Former AG Bill Barr testified under oath today that President Trump is in NO WAY implicated in the Epstein files, and if he was, Biden would’ve leaked it That narrative is now out the window, as Barr would ABSOLUTELY take down Trump if he could. “[Barr] said that he had never seen anything that would implicate President Trump in any of this, and that if there had been anything pertaining to President Trump with respect to the Epstein list, that he felt like the Biden administration would probably have leaked it out,” House Oversight Chairman@JamesComer said.

Hamas Accepts a New Ceasefire Deal

Hamas has apparently accepted the terms of a ceasefire deal similar to one that was proposed last month but never put in place. The deal would free some remaining hostages in exchange for more than 200 Palestinian prisoners.

In a statement, Hamas said it had accepted the new proposal presented on Sunday by Qatar and Egypt.

Basem Naim, a senior member of Hamas’ political bureau, said on social media, “The movement has accepted the new proposal from the mediators. We pray that God extinguishes the fires of this war on our people.”

Two Israeli officials told CNN that Israel had received the Hamas response from mediators. One of the Israeli officials said that the government’s position had not changed, which includes calling for the release of all the hostages, the disarming of Hamas, and Israeli security control of the besieged territory…

A senior Hamas official told CNN the proposal calls for the release of 10 living hostages and 18 deceased hostages. The hostages will be released in exchange for 140 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 60 serving sentences of more than 15 years. Israel will also release all Palestinian minors and female prisoners, the official said.

There are an estimated 50 remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza, with only 20 of them believed to be alive. So Hamas is essentially offering half of the remaining hostages in exchange for hundreds of convicts. This is apparently very similar to an agreement Israel had accepted last month.

The latest terms are similar to those that Israel had previously accepted and they include both a temporary cease-fire and a path to an agreement to end the war, according to the two diplomats and the Egyptian official…

Israel has agreed in the past to the release of half of the hostages believed to be alive in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners as part of an initial cease-fire, and to the release of the remaining hostages as part of a comprehensive follow-up deal.

However, that deal never happened and now Israel has said it’s not interested any longer in a deal that doesn’t free all of the hostages.

“I think that is behind us,” he told the Hebrew-language channel of i24 News.

Steve Witkoff, the Trump administration’s special envoy to the Middle East, told families of Israeli hostages this month at a meeting that President Trump now wanted to see all the living hostages released at once.

“No piecemeal deals, that doesn’t work,” Mr. Witkoff said, according to an audio recording of part of the meeting published by the Ynet Hebrew news site.

It’s pretty clear why Hamas is suddenly interested in this deal. Netanyahu has made it clear he intends to take over Gaza City unless Hamas surrenders and disarms.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured Israelis Saturday night that he only plans to halt the takeover of Gaza City if Hamas agrees to all of the Jewish state’s demands for ending the war — after the terror group reportedly signaled it was open to a partial cease-fire for the first time.

“We will agree to a deal on the condition that all the hostages are released in a single phase and in accordance with our terms for ending the war,” read the statement from Netanyahu’s office.

Those terms include the disarming of Hamas soldiers, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israeli control of the Gaza perimeter, and the installation of non-Hamas and non-Palestinian Authority governance that will live in peace with the Jewish state, according to the prime minister.

This morning, President Trump posted something on Truth Social indicating he supported the eradication of Hamas.

Lying Isn’t Good for the Liar

People think that a liar gains a victory over his victim. What I’ve learned is that a lie is an act of self-abdication, because one surrenders one’s reality to the person to whom one lies, making that person one’s master, condemning oneself from then on to faking the sort of reality that person’s view requires to be faked…The man who lies to the world, is the world’s slave from then on…There are no white lies, there is only the blackest of destruction, and a white lie is the blackest of all.”

― Ayn Rand, in Atlas Shrugged