President Donald Trump said he is open to the Senate making “fairly significant” changes to the reconciliation package that narrowly passed the House, which may complicate Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) effort to preserve what he called a “very delicate” compromise.

“I want the Senate and the senators to make the changes they want, and we’ll go back to the House and we’ll see if we can get them,” Trump told reporters on Sunday in Morristown, New Jersey. “In some cases, the changes may be something I’d agree with, to be honest.”

think they are going to have changes,” Trump added. “Some will be minor and some will be fairly significant.”

The House passed the bill on Thursday by a 215–214 vote along party lines. Following the passage, Johnson urged the Senate to avoid major revisions, warning that too many changes could upend the narrow margin needed to get the bill through the lower chamber again.

“We’ve got to pass it one more time to ratify their changes in the House, and I have a very delicate balance here, a very delicate equilibrium that we’ve reached over a long period of time, and it’s best not to meddle with it too much,” Johnson told CNN’s Jake Tapper on May 25 on “State of the Union.”

Trump’s greenlighting of Senate changes may be encouraging to hardline fiscal conservatives who criticized the bill for not going far enough to balance the budget.

“This bill falls profoundly short. It does not do what we say it does with respect to deficits,” Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) said before voting “present” to allow the bill to advance for a full vote. “What we’re dealing with here is tax cuts and spending a massive front-loaded deficit increase.”

House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris (R-Md.) also voted “present” in the House floor vote in protest. The congressman took issue with, among other things, the bill’s Medicaid overhaul that includes new work requirements that won’t take effect until 2029 and more frequent eligibility checks, calling it a “joke” that would do little to prevent fraud and abuse.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), who calls for a return to pre-pandemic spending levels, said on CNN’s “State of the Union” on May 25 that he believes there is enough GOP opposition in the Senate to block the reconciliation bill.

“I think we have enough to stop the process until the president gets serious about spending reduction and reducing the deficit,” the senator said.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) also said he wouldn’t support the bill without addressing its proposed $5 trillion debt ceiling hike.

“I think the cuts currently in the bill are wimpy and anemic, but I still would support the bill, even with wimpy and anemic cuts, if they weren’t going to explode the debt,” Paul said on Fox News Sunday.

“They’re going to explode the debt. The House’s [debt-limit increase] is $4 trillion. The Senate has actually been talking about exploding the debt by $5 trillion.”

For Trump, the Senate process could be an opportunity to pursue his policy goals left out of the House package.

For one, the House bill did not close what’s known as the carried-interest tax loophole, which allows private equity, venture capital, and hedge fund managers to pay a 20 percent long-term capital gains tax rate on the gains they receive from their investments that might otherwise be taxed as ordinary income at rates up to 37 percent.

Changing it could reduce the deficit by $13 billion over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Another exclusion was Trump’s proposal to create a new top tax bracket for the nation’s highest earners. While the president wants to extend the tax cuts he signed into law in 2017, he has proposed letting the current 37 percent top marginal rate expire and revert to 39.6 percent for individuals earning more than $2.5 million, or $5 million for married couples.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has not set a timeline for the upper chamber to pass its version of the bill, although Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he is hoping that it would reach the president’s desk by July 4.

Due to the budget reconciliation process, the bill is not subject to the Senate filibuster and can pass with a simple majority.

With Republicans holding 53 seats, Thune can afford to lose three Republican votes and still pass the bill with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie.

By Bill Pan, The Epoch Times • May. 26, 2025

How José Mujica charmed, fooled, and shaped a nation.

José Mujica, Uruguay’s guerrilla-turned-president-turned-political-popstar, passed away on May 13. Trying to explain him to anyone living outside Uruguay can be a challenge, because Mujica was a completely Uruguayan character.

Let me illustrate. Uruguay is a country with two souls. One, urban, middle-class, socialist, with mostly European descent, and cosmopolitan pretentions that are impossible to fulfill in a country of 3 million people on the outskirts of Latin America. That’s mostly the capital, Montevideo, where half of the population lives. The other half lives in what is generally called “the countryside,” though the bulk of it resides in small towns scattered in a territory smaller than South Dakota. And its people, though ethnically similar, have a very different approach to life and politics. They are more individualistic, suspicious of government reach, linked to extensive farming production, and tend to vote conservative options. Comparisons to Texas have been made.

Mujica was a very peculiar, and some would say fabricated, mix of these two worlds. Worlds that since the country’s birth have clashed relentlessly, in a political power struggle that involved outright civil war throughout the 19th century. After that, the struggle “civilized” mostly, and the country had a period of economic flourishing that created the most equal and democratic society on the continent. Until Mujica and his friends, dazzled by the Cuban Revolution and frustrated by a period of economic stagnation, launched a guerrilla uprising that ended with them in prison for a decade, and the country in a military dictatorship.

After his release from prison, pardoned by a law passed by the same political enemies he had fought a decade before, Mujica starred in one of the most amazing—and some would say Hollywood-worthy—redemption stories in continental politics. He was the man that pushed his guerrilla group, the Tupamaros, to accept the rules of democracy, and eventually turned it into one of the most powerful political movements in the country, eventually making him president in 2010. That was made possible by a mix of charisma, straightforward talk with no concessions to political correctness or even politeness, and an extraordinary grassroots campaign. Mujica and his peers literally walked the whole country, gaining the trust of ordinary people, both in the city and in the countryside.

He made a point of showing that he lived the same way as every poor person in the country, and he effectively did so, even though his wife, Lucia Topolansky, a higher-ranked Tupamaro than himself, came from a very wealthy family. That was when the myth of “the world’s poorest president” started to gain traction. It all began during his first days as a congressman, when an unconfirmed episode repeated in bars and newsrooms, claimed that he arrived with his not-at-all-polished-look to the grand Parliament building on a battered Vespa, and parked in the spot reserved for elected representatives. A policeman approached him and asked how long he planned to stay there. And he supposedly replied: “The whole five years, unless something terrible happens.” The legend only grew as he scaled the political ladder. As president he was still living in a very humble house on a small farm outside Montevideo, where he would receive the king of Spain or Brazilian presidents, forcing them to sit on a chair made with plastic bottle caps.

His political legacy, as anyone reading this story can imagine, is extremely polarizing in Uruguay. Some love him; some hate him. Very few, though, dispute that his government was bad. Even though it happened at the same time as the biggest economic boom in the region, with export prices for Uruguayan products never before seen thanks to China’s expansion, he left the country with more debt than when he entered office. His time in power bankrupted the state-owned energy company that has a legal monopoly to sell gas, and never delivered on reforms he had promised as essential for the country’s future. In education, something that Mujica claimed was an absolute priority for his term, nothing happened.

On the other hand, during his government, abortion and same-sex marriage were legalized, and marijuana was regulated in a bizarre way, where the government holds a monopoly on production and selling. The truth is that Mujica never championed any of these reforms before his presidency, and only embarked on them after perceiving they had strong support from the young, intellectual left-leaning class, a group he generally despised.

That’s a perfect expression of Mr. Mujica’s political talent. He had a superhuman capacity to anticipate the trend changes in the electorate, and shamelessly change course from one minute to the next. He was also a cutthroat politician, and whoever mistook him for a nice grandpa figure would pay the price in full for his error.

He also contributed to a deep downgrade in political argumentation in Uruguay. In breaking every code of public speech and not hesitating in profane language, he triggered a degradation in a system once known for its politeness, even in the worst ideological battles. Not very far from what Donald Trump has been accused of in the US. Comparison between these two, apparently radically different characters, has not been unusual in Uruguay. Of course, more in the form than in the substance. Never in fashion or taste.

Mujica was a total political animal. Even during his final days, he got up from his bed to send a moving message to the voters in the last week of the November election. His hair messy, his teeth gone, and looking about to expire, he told them to vote for his political heir, Mr. Yamandú Orsi. And, according to most analysts, that was key for Orsi’s win.

He was contradictory, one day criticizing business leaders for being greedy, the next union bosses for being illiterate. He was an unrepentant socialist, but he could throw the most vitriolic criticism to communist experiments. He was a friend of Fidel Castro, but would get along just as well with the former king of Spain. Most of all, Mujica was a virtuoso, who could play better than anyone the subtle keys that move the regular Uruguayan emotions.

You could argue that he could have used that power for a better cause, or achieved better results. But in a world of aseptic, manufactured, and poll-obsessed politicians, he was one of a kind.

Martín Aguirre

Martín Aguirre is a lawyer and journalist with degrees from the Uruguay’s University of the Republic and the University of Montevideo. He is newsroom director of Uruguay’s oldest newspaper, El País.

Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies and establish Thy justice among men and nations. Amen.

NOTE:  The Allied Forces were in a pickle during the Battle of the Bulge.  They needed clear skies to fly bombing missions behind enemy lines.  Patton wrote this prayer for fair weather.  Patton’s prayer was answered; the rest is history.–The Artful Dilettante

As Americans observe Memorial Day 2025, Dallas joins the nation in honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States.

Unlike Veterans Day, which celebrates all who served, Memorial Day is reserved for those who never returned home — those who paid the ultimate price so others could live free.

The Origins of Remembrance

First observed after the Civil War as Decoration Day, the holiday was created to honor Union soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers. Over time, it expanded to include fallen service members from all American wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a federal holiday, to be observed on the last Monday in May.

Today, the day is marked with parades, flag displays, cemetery visits, and memorial ceremonies, along with two national observances:

• 11:00 a.m. – A designated time for prayer and reflection

• 3:00 p.m. – The official National Moment of Remembrance

A Texas Landmark of Honor

In North Texas, that spirit of remembrance is embodied at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, established in 2000 as the sixth national cemetery in Texas and the 118th in the national system.

The cemetery spans 638 acres, with 152 acres developed to date, offering more than 85,778 casketed burial sites and 31,918 niches for cremated remains. When fully developed, it will hold up to 280,000 veterans and eligible family members.

Its Memorial Walkway features more than 50 monuments, many commemorating campaigns and divisions from the 20th century. Each Memorial Day, volunteers place flags at every grave — a powerful visual reminder of the sacrifice made by so many.

A Lone Star State of Service

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Texas is home to more than 1.53 million veterans, one of the largest veteran populations in the country. Over 323,000 of those veterans reside in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Texas also leads the nation in active-duty military installations, reinforcing its deeply rooted connection to military service. From the beaches of Normandy to the streets of Baghdad, Texans have fought — and fallen — in every major U.S. conflict.

Memorial Day Ceremony at DFW National Cemetery

This Memorial Day, Dallas-area residents can attend the official Memorial Day Ceremony at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, scheduled for Monday, May 26, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating and parking.

This solemn observance is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ nationwide effort to ensure that America never forgets those who gave all.

More Than a Day Off

The phrase “All gave some, but some gave all.” is more than a slogan — it’s a national creed. It reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured by those who gave up their tomorrows.

So whether it’s a moment of silence, a visit to a local cemetery, or simply teaching the next generation what this day truly means — let Dallas remember rightly.

Dallas Express

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is more than a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer. It is a solemn tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s freedom. As we gather for barbecues and beach trips, it’s critical—especially for young Americans—to pause and reflect on the true meaning of this day and why remembering it matters.

The origins of Memorial Day trace back to the Civil War, a conflict that claimed over 600,000 lives. In 1868, General John A. Logan established Decoration Day to honor the fallen by decorating their graves, a tradition that evolved into the national holiday we observe today.

Over time, Memorial Day expanded to commemorate all American service members who died in every war, from World War I to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. These sacrifices secured the liberties we often take for granted—freedom of speech, the right to vote, and the pursuit of happiness.

For young people, Memorial Day can feel distant. The wars of the past may seem like history lessons, and the names on memorials may not resonate personally. Yet, the freedoms we enjoy today—whether it’s posting on social media, chasing career dreams, or living without fear of oppression—are rooted in the courage of those who fought and died. Every soldier, sailor, airman, and Marine who gave their life did so for a future they would never see, a future that belongs to us.

Why must the younger generation remember? Because memory is a bridge between the past and the present. When we forget the cost of freedom, we risk becoming complacent, assuming these liberties are guaranteed. They are not.

The world is not always kind, and history shows that freedom is fragile. By honoring the fallen, young Americans can cultivate gratitude and a sense of duty to protect what was so dearly won. This doesn’t necessarily mean enlisting in the military—though we honor those who do—but rather engaging as active citizens: voting, staying informed, and fostering unity in a divided world.

There are simple, meaningful ways to keep Memorial Day’s spirit alive. Visit a local veterans’ cemetery and place flowers or flags on graves. Attend a Memorial Day ceremony in your community; many towns host parades or moments of silence. Learn about a fallen hero—perhaps through organizations like the Veterans Legacy Memorial, which shares stories of service members. Even a quiet moment of reflection at 3:00 p.m. local time, during the National Moment of Remembrance, can ground us in gratitude.

Social media, a platform young people know well, can also amplify this message. Share a story of a fallen hero, post about a local Memorial Day event, or use hashtags like #HonorTheFallen to spark conversations. These small acts remind us that patriotism isn’t just waving a flag—it’s recognizing the human cost behind it.

To the youth of America: Memorial Day is your day, too. The sacrifices of the past were made for you, for your future. By remembering, you ensure their legacy endures. You show that their lives were not lost in vain.

Today, let’s commit to more than a day off. Let’s honor the fallen by living lives worthy of their sacrifice—bold, free, and grateful.

Publius

President Donald Trump threatened to redirect billions of dollars in federal grants, originally targeted for Harvard, to U.S. trade schools.

A judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University’s ability to enroll foreign students, a move that ratcheted up White House efforts to conform practices in academia to Trump’s policies.

The president and his administration have withheld federal funding to schools due to their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and on-campus anti-Israel protests.

I am considering taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land. What a great investment that would be for the USA, and so badly needed!!!” Trump posted Monday morning on Truth Social.

A few minutes later, Trump wrote that Harvard has not supplied his administration with foreign student lists.

“We are still waiting for the Foreign Student Lists from Harvard so that we can determine, after a ridiculous expenditure of BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, how many radicalized lunatics, troublemakers all, should not be let back into our Country,” Trump wrote.

“Harvard is very slow in the presentation of these documents, and probably for good reason! The best thing Harvard has going for it is that they have shopped around and found the absolute best Judge (for them!) – But have no fear, the Government will, in the end, WIN!”

Reuters contributed to this story.

Charlie McCarthy ✉

Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.

President Donald Trump on Sunday blasted Harvard’s secrecy when it comes to the university’s large number of students from foreign countries.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “Why isn’t Harvard saying that almost 31% of their students are from FOREIGN LANDS, and yet those countries, some not at all friendly to the United States, pay NOTHING toward their student’s education, nor do they ever intend to. Nobody told us that!

“We want to know who those foreign students are, a reasonable request since we give Harvard BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, but Harvard isn’t exactly forthcoming. We want those names and countries.

The president concluded: “Harvard has $52,000,000, use it, and stop asking for the Federal Government to continue GRANTING money to you!”

As WorldNetDaily reported, Harvard has sued the federal government to keep the privilege of enrolling foreign students, a lucrative source of revenue for the college as well, additionally, a path to international influence.

The Trump administration had revoked the school’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification as a dispute over Harvard’s decision to refuse to cooperate with the government on issues including student protests, anti-Semitism and even cooperation with China, explodes.

Is the news we hear every day actually broadcasting messages from God? The answer is an absolute yes! Find out how!

The administration has explained Harvard has refused to comply with a list of demands sent to the school in April regarding student protests, many being anti-Israel and pro-Hamas, the anti-Semitism present on campus and allegations that the school has allowed infiltration by the Chinese Communist Party.

Republicans on the House Select Committee on China and the House Committee on Education and Workforce have begun investigating what links there may be between the school and the CCP.

Harvard, in the latest lawsuit it has brought against the Trump administration, is claiming the ending of its certification is a “blatant violation of the First Amendment, the Due Process Clause, and the Administrative Procedure Act.”

A federal judge in Harvard’s back yard immediately came to the school’s aid, temporarily blocking the administration decision to cancel the program for foreign students.

The order came from Allison Burroughs, a judge in Boston.

The administration move left the campus in disarray only days before graduation this year, the school claimed, as foreign students now are deciding whether to transfer or risk staying, and possibly losing legal status to remain in the U.S.

A report from the Washington Examiner said Alan Garber, the school chief, claimed the withdrawal of the privilege of enrolling foreign students, “imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars across Harvard and serves as a warning to countless others at colleges and universities throughout the country who have come to America to pursue their education and fulfill their dreams.”

The end of that certification, in fact, would mean many students at Harvard would have to transfer to another school. Estimates are that about one fourth of the student population there is foreign.

Harvard’s filing claimed, “It is the latest act by the government in clear retaliation for Harvard exercising its First Amendment rights to reject the government’s demands to control Harvard’s governance, curriculum, and the ‘ideology’ of its faculty and students.”

The school also has lost an estimated $2.7 billion in government grants because of its agenda, following decisions byi federal officials with end those payments.

The foreign students are a lucrative source of cash for the school, which already has a $53 billion endowment.

The report said, “Most international students at Harvard pay full tuition, which is $59,320 for the 2024-25 academic year. Room and Board on campus and other mandatory fees amount to an additional $27,606 per student. The total for an international student to attend Harvard is $86,926 per year.”

WorldNetDaily reported when the decision to withdraw Harvard’s permission to enroll foreigners was announced.

The Department of Homeland Security said Harvard has created “an unsafe campus environment” by allowing “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” to assault Jewish students on campus.

Homeland Security reports have confirmed how Jewish students report discrimination and bias on campus.

A Breitbart report elaborated on the new moves, explaining DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said, “This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.

“It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments. Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. It refused. They have lost their Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification as a result of their failure to adhere to the law. Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”

Joe Kovacs, WND News Center

The first four months of President Donald Trump’s second term has been a whirlwind of historic progress. From his executive actions to his reciprocal tariffs to his determination to bring peace to the world, President Trump has acted quickly to implement the Make America Great Again (MAGA) agenda.

In the  mission to undo the damage done by the last presidential administration, no cabinet member has been more instrumental than Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The 2016 GOP presidential candidate, who opposed Trump in the nomination campaign, and the former U.S. Senator from Florida, was unanimously confirmed by his Senate colleagues.

After witnessing Rubio’s bold moves as Secretary of State, some Democratic Senators regret their confirmation vote. At a contentious hearing last week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) told Rubio, “I have to tell you directly and personally that I regret voting for you as Secretary of State.” In response, Rubio said that his regret “confirms I’m doing a good job.”

Van Hollen is upset that Rubio is implementing the agenda the American people supported in the last election. He specifically criticized Rubio for revoking student visas, reducing foreign aid, dismantling United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programs, and deporting illegal aliens, such as Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the so-called “Maryland Man,” to El Salvador.

Despite a Supreme Court ruling that the Trump administration “facilitate” the return of Abrego Garcia to the United States, Rubio correctly noted “No judge in the judicial branch can tell me or the president how to conduct foreign policy.” Rubio informed Van Hollen that Abrego Garcia is a “human trafficker” and a “gang banger.” He also castigated Van Hollen for having “a margarita with” Abrego Garcia during his El Salvador junket.

Along with fiercely defending the President’s agenda in congressional hearings, media interviews and in negotiations with leaders of foreign countries, Rubio has been adding to his already significant responsibilities. Currently, Rubio may be the one person holding more jobs than billionaire Elon Musk.

As his spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, Rubio “has worn several hats from day one.” Along with his primary position as Secretary of State, Rubio is serving as the interim National Security Advisor and supervises both the National Archives and USAID.

Regarding USAID, Rubio announced that 83% of its programs were being canceled. In addition, he testified before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee that only 12% of USAID funds were delivered to needy recipients. The rest of it was “pocketed by third parties” such as non-governmental organizations (NGO’s).

Rubio told committee members “We’re going to find more efficient ways to deliver aid to people directly, and it’s going to be directed by our regional bureaus, and it’s going to sponsor programs that make a difference, and it’s going to be part of a holistic approach to our foreign policy.”

Despite criticism from Democrats that the State Department was assuming the few legitimate activities of USAID, Rubio claimed that the United States still gives “more humanitarian support than the next 10 countries combined.”

In contrast, Rubio stated that America’s foremost adversary, China, has “zero record of doing humanitarian aid in the world.” Their program is “predatory lending, that’s what (the) Belt and Road Initiative is.”

Rubio is not only right, but he is also capable. When President Trump faces a problem, he calls Rubio because “he gets it solved.” This is why Trump has assigned Rubio the dual positions of Secretary of State and National Security Advisor.

While Rubio may only possess these additional responsibilities on an interim basis, Politico is reporting that the President plans to give him both titles permanently. The last person to hold both powerful positions was Henry Kissinger from 1973-1975, during the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

Rubio was entrusted with those positions because he knows that his role is to implement the President’s foreign policy. At a recent cabinet meeting, he said,  “This president inherited 30 years of foreign policy that was built around what was good for the world. Under President Trump, we’re making a foreign policy now that’s — was it good for America? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America safer? And does it make America richer?”

With Rubio in control of the National Security Council (NSC), members not loyal to the President’s agenda are being removed. On Friday afternoon, the latest NSC layoffs were implemented as 100 “career officials” and “political appointees” were placed on “administrative leave” according to CNN.

Emails were sent at 4:20 p.m. ET by Brian McCormick, NSC Chief of Staff, just after “senior directors were summoned to a meeting with Rubio.”

When President Trump discussed previous NSC terminations in April, he said, “We’re always going to let go of people – people we don’t like or people that take advantage of or people that may have loyalties to someone else.”

As the President’s faith in Rubio grows, he will continue to exert considerable influence in the administration and fiercely defend the Trump agenda. The latest example occurred Saturday night in a filing to Biden appointed U.S. District Court Judge Brian Murphy, based in Massachusetts.

Murphy had previously ruled that the Trump administration’s deportation of eight illegal aliens to South Sudan “violated a prior preliminary injunction.” As noted by John Binder of Breitbart, these illegal aliens included “five convicted murderers, one convicted robber, one convicted child sex predator, and one convicted rapist. Several of the illegal aliens were also convicted of assault, and one was convicted of kidnapping in addition to his murder conviction.”

In his filing, Rubio claimed that the judge’s ruling would cause “significant and irreparable harm to United States foreign policy.” He continued, “This requirement has already had, and will continue to have, negative consequences to important U.S. strategic interests, including in Libya, South Sudan, and Djibouti.”

Whether it is confronting Democrats in congressional hearings, challenging liberal reporters, cleaning house at the NSC or defending the Trump agenda against rogue judges, it is Marco Rubio to the rescue.

Jeff Crouere

TCM has been showing movies in honor of Memorial Day since this past Friday evening. Its Memorial Day Marathon continues through this evening until early tomorrow morning. It kicked off its observance on Friday with the showing of The Best Years of Our Lives.

Jack Fowler writes about the marathon in “Making Memorial Day with movies.” Peggy Noonan singled out The Best Years of Our Lives in her Wall Street Journal column “Memorial Day and the Best Movies of Our Lives.” I want to draw from my previously posted comments on the movie to recall it briefly with a little background provided by Mark Harris.

Harris tells the highly improbable story behind the making of the film in Five Came Back, his terrific account of the prominent directors who volunteered to use their filmmaking skills in the armed forces during the World War II (John Ford, William Wyler, John Huston, Frank Capra, and George Stevens). Harris’s account of The Best Years of Our Lives offers a sort of capstone to the story.

The film tells the story of three veterans returning from the war. The idea for the film was Samuel Goldwyn’s; he commissioned MacKinlay Kantor to write a screenplay. Instead Kantor turned in a treatment in blank verse.

Goldwyn somehow thought to solicit playwright and Roosevelt confidant Robert Sherwood to draft a screenplay based on Kantor’s treatment. Sherwood declined, but Goldwyn persisted. Goldwyn also turned to William Wyler — one of the five who came back in Harris’s telling — to direct. Wyler enlisted the great cinematographer Gregg Toland to film it, and Toland’s contribution was invaluable.

Wyler had virtually lost his hearing while serving on the Memphis Belle in Europe during the war. TCM showed Wyler’s 1944 documentary The Memphis Belle in its marathon yesterday. It is posted here on YouTube.

Wyler jumped at Goldwyn’s offer and worked with Sherwood to shape the screenplay. Indeed, as Harris demonstrates, Wyler poured himself into the film and each of its three leading characters. “As they collaborated,” Harris writes, “The Best Years of Our Lives gradually evolved into Wyler’s own story.”

If you’ve seen the film, you haven’t forgotten the performance of Harold Russell. While serving as an Army instructor, Russell had lost his hands handling explosives in a training accident. In the film his efforts to return to his prewar life hold a special challenge.

Goldwyn doubted that they would be able to find an amputee to play the role and said so in his pungent style: “You can’t have a Jew playing a Jew, it wouldn’t work on screen.” The disabled veterans visited by Wyler in search of the right man to play the part shared Goldwyn’s skepticism.

Wyler found Russell in a documentary made during the war. The documentary is posted online here. Harris quotes Russell’s words in the documentary: “I got [my injury] on D-Day, all right, but it was in North Carolina when half a pound of TNT exploded ahead of schedule. I didn’t have a German scalp hanging from my belt. I didn’t have a Purple Heart. I didn’t even have an overseas ribbon. All I had was no hands.” It wasn’t long before he had an Academy Award (actually, two of them) for his performance in the film, which swept the Oscars for 1946.

Russell lived a long life, dying in 2002. Here is his New York Times obituary.

Below is a clip depicting former bombardier Fred Derry (Dana Andrews) confronting his demons. Like Wyler, Fred flew B17s in the war. They didn’t have a word for PTSD at the time, but Fred was wrestling with it.

Over the weekend I confessed to Jack Fowler that I’ve seen the movie over and over and it still chokes me up. Jack let me know he has me beat: “I’ve seen Best Years probably 40 times.” He added: “I think Frederic March plays the best non-comic drunk in any movie. The mom choking up when she sees her son’s hands…yeah, I choke up then too. Every time. Every scene is great…I love when Teresa Wright’s hat falls of at the end — she was in the moment.”

When I walked in to Spaulding Auditorium to see the film as a college student, I had never heard of The Best Years of Our Lives. When I left the auditorium a few hours later, I couldn’t believe I had never heard of it. If you haven’t seen the film, I hope this may incite your interest. If you’ve seen the film, I hope this may add a bit to your appreciation.

Scott Johnson, Powerline