Strategic Petroleum Reserve

 Strategic Petroleum Reserve 101

Understanding the SPR isn't hard but one thing people miss is the salt domes can only be emptied and filled a total of five times. 

Here's the "The Merge" rundown (mostly):

The SPR comprises 61 massive underground salt caverns in 4 locations in Texas and Louisiana. A typical underground storage cavern is a cylinder shaped 200 feet wide and 2,000 feet deep, and collectively the 61 caverns can store 700+ million barrels of oil.

The whole thing was developed in the aftermath of an OPEC oil embargo against the U.S. for supporting Israel during the Yom Kippur War. Fuel prices at the pump tripled, so the SPR was created in 1975 to provide a strategic stockpile to guard against future oil disruptions for the U.S. economy.

Normally, the U.S. only releases oil from the SPR when there is a threat to oil import supplies: Desert Storm (1991), Hurricane Katrina (2005), and the Invasion of Ukraine (2022) are stand-out examples.

However in 2022, solely to help President Biden and the Democrats secure the midterm elections (The Dems lost the House but gained one Senate seat giving them a 51/49 majority) Biden authorize a 6-month SPR release of 1 million barrels per day. This was the largest SPR release in history.

Unfortunately the SPR was less than full to begin with. It's interesting to note President Trump tried to fill the SPR during his 1st term when prices hit rock bottom but Chuck Shumer and the Democrats killed the administration's efforts. 

Making matters worse, the SPR is designed to empty much faster than it fills—a deliberate wartime/emergency feature. The system can surge 4.4 millions of barrels per day into the market quickly, but it only refills at roughly 400k barrels a day.

Instead of a few billion basic bar napkin math says it will now take $40B to refill the SPR. Money Congress must appropriate to purchase. Then, it will take almost 4 years to refill it, and that’s assuming max fill rate for 24 hours a day.

Thanks to President Biden using the SPR as his personal political chip that was unwisely played the state of the SPR is now a key national security issue, not just an economic issue.

Based on how the Iran War unfolds in the coming days or weeks, political pressure may lead to more SPR drawdown especially as the situation at Kharg island evolves and you can bet China is watching this closely, knowing that the U.S. oil reserves are in a dire state until 2030.

What is absolutely insane? Duh, Democrats and their TDS driven hateful Trump politics. In March of 2020, Senate Minority Leader Schumer and congressional Democrats effectively prevented the Trump administration from refilling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) with a major purchase that would have totaled $3,000,000,000 during his first term.

This happened in late March 2020, during negotiations for the $2 trillion CARES Act COVID-19 stimulus package which passed the Senate on March 25 and was signed into law on March 27.

The SPR funding provision was stripped from the final stimulus bill. Schumer publicly highlighted its removal in an email to senators, calling it the elimination of a "$3 billion bailout for big oil." Democrats opposed it as corporate welfare for the energy industry. 

Sadly the average price of a barrel in March of 20200was between 27 and 31 dollars depending on the grade. Not only would this have filled the SPR it would have eventually easily created $5+ billion in revenue. 

Trump Did Not Declare War on Iran

It's interesting to note that 47 years ago Iran declared war on America and it took the United States 47 years to properly respond. Just over two weeks ago the 47th President of the United States finally had enough of Iran's BS diplomacy, killing, maiming, kidnapping, holding hostage and threatening the Middle East. I think it's safe to say that Iran for the foreseeable future will no longer be a threat to anyone in the Middle East. Shipping in the Persian Gulf, specifically the Strait of Hormuz... Maybe for a while but that too will end violently for them.

Death to America, Death to Israel, Death to the Infidel will hopefully fade into history. This has been "radical" Islam's battle cry basically since May 14th, 1948. This road to war right now is absolutely paved with the blood of innocent men, women and children. 

For over 40 years Iran has been the world's #1 State Sponsor or Terrorism. The list of Iran's direct and indirect acts of terrorism are absolutely legendary. Their creation and support of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis (aka Ansar Allah) also shows they have perfected terrorist proxies. 

Over the last 40 years Iran, via its proxies is conservatively responsible for 20,000+ direct deaths and 130,000+ serious injuries. In addition Iran via its proxies is responsible for 603 US military deaths and 4,000+ serious injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan via road side bombs and improvised explosive devices. Iran has also directly or indirectly sunk or damaged dozens of ships carrying oil and natural gas in international waters causing death and mayhem.

I'm old enough to vividly remember when Iran started this war when they took over the US Embassy in 1979. I also remembered when Iran released the remaining 52 hostages just 20 minutes into Ronald Reagan Presidency. The 47th President, after trying for years to reach a nuclear agreement, end this awful regime and their existential threat to the world.

Trump absolutely did not start this war but it's pretty darn clear he is going to end it! 

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Iranian Frigate sinking after stern targeted by a MK-48 torpedo

PS Do you think the Left will acknowledge that "The Doomsday Clock" has improved a bit with Iran being removed from the nuclear chess board?

Note - Iran has never been shy about killing its Own Citizens.

1979–1980s The post-revolution purges and unrest resulted in thousands being executed including opposition groups, ethnic minorities, and leftist/Monarchist protesters including mass executions of prisoners.

1999 Student Protests: official numbers are 9 killed, hundreds wounded and 1,200–1,400 arrested.

2009 Green Movement (election protests): Government admitted to 36 killed. The opposition/activist estimates are higher at 150 or more.

2019 Fuel Price Protests: Amnesty International documented at least 300+ killed (some estimates higher, up to 1,500 in early reports).

2022 Mahsa Amini/Women, Life, Freedom Protests: 500+ killed including many children.

2025–2026 Nationwide Protests (sparked by economic collapse, escalating to anti-regime demands. This has seen the highest death toll by far. Government official figures say 3,117 killed with independent sources at 7,000 verified dead.

February 2026 data indicate 11,000–17,000 have been killed with higher leaked claims up to 36,500 via multiple massacres. International reports of internal health official estimates that so far in 2026 there have been at least 30,000 deaths.

During this latest crackdown the regime "stepped up it's game" executing wounded protesters on the street and in hospitals.

State of the Union - Trump 47

Letter to Congresswomen Pingree

Before Trump 1st inauguration sixty-three Democrats refused to attend... "He's NOT my President!" Everyone said he would destroy the country, the stock market and start wars. He didn't... Then they said he wouldn't leave office and even though Trump didn't believe President Elect Biden received 81,283,591 votes he infact left office and the Democrats impeached him again anyways.

Congresswomen Pingree please don't blow off the State of The Union. You represent me and my state and if you don't go I'm not represented. I know Trump is a dictator. He's a wannabe King. Of course he's a pedophile, Nazi and a racist... But still, actions have consequences and by not going to the State of The Union you are feeding the fire that our democracy is at risk. You know, democracy, where the person getting the most votes gets elected?

Fast forward a few days: My request fell upon deaf ears. The largest previous boycott record was just fourteen in 2018. This was crushed in 2026. The Democrats call for unity seems crazy when 31 Senate Democrats and 103 House Democrats "miss"  the State of the Union. Yes some Democrats were sick or had other pressing obligations but it's clear no matter how you count this was the largest boycott of any gathering of Congress in our nations history.

Everyone says Trump continues to destroy the norms of his office when in fact it could be argued that the Democrats are the ones blowing up norms. It's Democrats fanning the flames of the people who are mentally unstable. Two serious assassination attempts with one a half inch away from blowing Trump's head off are indicators that the Democrats don't really believe in democracy.

It's hard not to believe Justice Kavanaugh being targeted for assassination or Charlie Kirk being assassinated are not the byproduct of the Democrats ever increasing, unhinged rhetoric of hostility and anything remotely associated with Trump. 

Van's RB-14 Fuselage Final Parts

I've been working pretty hard on the fuselage since the beginning of the year. Got the fuel system done, most of the brake system and the left skin is now attached.

So I'm working on the avionics bay now and things are looking great.

Our local EAA monthly chapter meeting was canceled due to snow so I had a helper and we worked on the instrument panel. 

This week I finished with most of the remaining fuselage parts.

The first thing you do is separate them, deburr, scuff, wash and dry.

Then you clean them off with acetone and paint with self-eching primer.

The last step is crazy... After a few hours of drying you can bake them in the oven for 60 minutes at 160 degrees. These parts are ready to use but some will be painted a final color for looks or corrosion resistance. If a hard durable finish is required I wait a week or longer for them to completely dry. I them wipe them down with a rough rag, paint them their final color, let the dry for a few days or longer and then bake for 60 minutes at 160 degrees. The result is a be very consistent poor man's powder coat finish.

It's nearly impossible to really get the feeling how much work is needed to build a plane unless you participate in building one. Kinda like not being  able to understand how much your Dad loved you without being a dad.

Life is good and very importantly the chicken is once again ready to fly after our fourth nose gear overhaul in less than a month.🤞

 

Thanks to our local A&P Scott... That nose gear piston looks super shiny 😆.

TDS - Is it Terminal?

A Letter to a Friend Who Sees Things Differently

Dear Mike,

Your call inspired me to write a blog to help process my thoughts so I could move forward with a clearer mind. Like many on the Right I have a few close friends and some family members who share your strong feelings of frustration and concern about Trump. I understand that emotions run high on this topic, and history will judge how we all handled these divisions.

One of the smartest people I know is a very successful lawyer who ran for office as a Democrat. She's one of my best friends and one of my most valued clients. Last year, she mentioned her belief that Trump's assassination attempt was staged. It's hard to imagine a bullet grazing someone's head, missing by half an inch, as a publicity stunt. For the life of me I can't comprehend how anyone might question the assassination attempt even in these polarized times.

You and I are both thoughtful enough to recognize that Trump doesn't always know as much as he claims, that he's getting older and that he often says or does things that can be frustrating or misguided. Where we differ is that I'm willing to overlook much of this because I see value in many of his key policies and actions. Furthermore, unlike you I believe his intentions are generally aimed at what he thinks is best for the country.

I felt content during his first term and I was okay during Biden's term. So far, I'm feeling positive about Trump's second term. Do I need to adopt your perspective to understand the concerns that make you feel angry and disheartened? One big realization for me has been noticing how biased the media is. It's absolutely eye-opening once you start seeing it, like when you're thinking about buying a specific car and suddenly spot it everywhere.

Mike, you brought up the death of Officer Sicknick, mentioning that he was bludgeoned by January 6th rioters and died after being in a coma. I encourage you to look deeper into the details. Nearly everything on the Web talks about how this officer was attacked but they don't show anything because his bludgeoning was a lie. Maybe he was sprayed in the face with bear spray but even that didn't show up on his autopsy. I challenge you to did deeper and find the videos Congress released of Officer Sicknick walking around the rotunda helping with the cleanup after the riot. Definitely review his autopsy report and compare that the press reported regarding the fire extinguisher and what his body showed.

Similarly, take a closer look at the shooting of Ashli Babbitt, a former Air Force enlistee. Watch the video of the incident and note the two officers in riot gear at arms reach to her right. Read about the officer who fired the shot and then promptly "left" the scene. She was climbing through a broken window, and while she could have been apprehended and arrested instead she was shot in the neck.

Did Ashli Babbitt deserve to be killed? No. Did her actions put her in a dangerous situation and result in her death? Yes. Clearly the officer felt threatened in that chaotic moment. It's fortunate he didn't accidentally hit one of the officers behind Ashli. Firing his weapon with officers right next to Miss Babbitt, his quick departure from the scene and the $5,000,000 settlement raises serious concerns about judgement, accountability and the need for deadly force in this matter.

Mike, as you know I live in New England, where if you want an example of how systems can feel rigged look no further. Just over 40% of New Englanders voted for Trump even with the Left leaning media, schools, colleges, and universities, which often promote progressive viewpoints. 

How can I say the system is rigged? Even with 40% conservative support Republicans hold only 3% of New England's congressional delegation. Only 1 of New England's 33 seats in Congress and the Senate is Republican. It's very likely that over $100 million will be spent trying to unseat Susan Collins, potentially giving Democrats full control of the region's representation all in the pursuit of democratic outcomes. Wasn't taxation with out representation a thing 250 years ago?

Here's a biscuit we might both consider chewing: There's agreement across the political spectrum that Trump genuinely believes he won the 2020 election. Yes, Trump delayed the transition while court cases were dismissed one by one. In the end, though, the only thing that was different was the cordial White House handover. Citizen Trump boarded the Marine helicopter, flew to Andrews, and departed on "Air Force One" without shaking Joe Biden's hand. Democracy persisted, even as the nation navigated challenges under a leader whose cognitive health was embarrassingly downplayed by the MSM for the next four years.

It's tough for anyone deeply invested in one viewpoint to shift perspectives, but I hope you can one day see things the way I do and return to the Republican party. Regardless, I firmly believe Trump will once again become just a citizen on or before January 20th, 2029 and you Sir will scratch you head and say... Hummm that wasn't so bad.

15 year old Dog is teaching us about life.

Five Year Old Taken by ICE!

Was the five year old in Minneapolis taken by ICE? Technically yes but that's what officers do when someone is arrested and they abandon their child to flee authorities.

This little boy who was "captured" by ICE has become a talking point designed to enrage the Left and spur action. Actions that are illegal (yes, interfering with a officer of the law while they are arresting someone is a felony) are being celebrated by the radical Left. Liam Conejo Ramos was brought home by ICE but his mother wouldn't open the door to take her son. The father and son where flown to Texas and are awaiting deportation. However, Texas U.S. District Judge Fred Biery has ordered the boy and his father. The vast majority of Judges know the federal government is responsible for enforcing immigration law but some judges, typically those on senior status, have found ways to legislate from the bench. 

We also have the lie that U.S. Citizens being "disappeared". Some like this man in his underwear during a Minnesota winter by "masked" men? Note the officer here is NOT masked.

If ICE can do this to this citizen they can do it to you... Right? Well yes they can if you repeatedly refuse to tell the officers who you. It's also been reported this citizen wouldn't allow the officers to use their biometric identification tools. When on officer asks you who you are are yo in are required to to tell them.

If you refuse to open the door and the government suspects you are harboring two illegal alien convicted sex offenders they will likely kick it down. Even the slightest cooperation in this case would have prevented this entire fiasco.

If you do not cooperate with the federal government they can "disappear" you if they have probable cause for 72 hours or longer if national security is involved. This is a constant regardless of who you are. ChongLy "Scott" Thao, a 56-year-old Hmong immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen refused to identify himself, was brought to the ICE detention center and released as soon as his identity was determined which took 60 minutes. My guess is he refused to get dressed as well.

Media flaming the fire continues. Reporting that a VA nurse was just walking the streets and came to the rescue of a woman being assaulted by ICE was a lie proven by a video of a violent incident just 11 days before he was killed. The subsequent struggle with ICE ended with the tragic loss of life after Alex Pretti's handgun "fell" from his waist band. To increase his appeal as a man wrongly killed the media ran with the AI modified picture above.

The Left continues to pound the drum that ICE's actions are unlawful. Even the men who created  the laws ICE is enforcing have joined in the deception. Here is Senator Dick Durbin in the Well of the Senate showing an AI generated picture of Alex Pretti being assinated. If you look closely you can see the officer on his knee is missing a head. Crazy to think that Dick Durbin is leading the Senate efforts to get AI under control with Bills like the AI LEAD Act (S. 2937)... Go Dick Durbin!

This shit has to stop. Picking and choosing which laws to enforce has to stop. Senior judges that don't give a shit about the law anymore more need to fully retire. Clearly the media doesn't give a shit about getting it right anymore. The Left is wholeheartedly convinced that this administration will be the death of democracy thus anything and everything can be justified to stop them. I've got dear friends and family members who are so ramped up they can't, even if their life depended on it, see things for how they truly are. Common sense is not even a part of their thought process. Tell them they are looking at AI generated photos and the response isn't OMG that's BS... it's something  else that's hard to describe.

Open Letter to My Grandchildren

Dear Grandchildren, 

I'm sorry that I have failed you. I failed to impart my values upon my children. I failed to convey just how much being a father has meant to me to me and that the love of one's offspring is just impossible to explain with words. It's a feeling you get the moment you.jold your son or daughter in your hands for the first time.

My values are not complex and for the most part came from my father and to a lesser extent my mother. A few of my values can be summoned up against the background of what is currently happening in America. What are those values?

- Treat everyone based on their character not the color of their skin, sex, physical size or any other feature they can't control.

- Acknowledge that current technology can't turn a man into a woman and a woman can't become a man.

- Note that our countries political system requires the electorate to be educated, moral and believe in a power greator than themselves.

- Understand that all countries are responsible to enforce their borders. If the 1st thing you did entering America is break it's immigration laws you need to leave. Illegal aliens are not migrants. Those who came here during the Biden "migration" need to go home.

The list goes on and on and I'm just tired thinking of all the things we disagree upon that are just fundamental to being a good citizen.

One of my all time favorite pics...

Ponder this... The largest city in America has elected a young man who has never worked a "real"  job other being involved with politics. The Mayor elect was born in Uganda and moved to South Africa. His family "left" South Africa when he was seven. He graduated from the Bronx High School of Science, attended Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine and earned a degree in African Studies. Fingers crossed he does a great job running a city that if it was a state it would the 13th largest by population.

Grandchildren, my biggest life failure is not teaching your mother that they were the greatest thrill of my life. Nothing as of yet has come close to the feeling of holding them in my arms as they began their lives.

Corporate Tax Rate Drops 18%

In 2018 Corporate Tax Changed to a Flat 21%

How soon we forget... In 2018 corporate income tax brackets went away and the top rate of 39% became a flat 21%. This monumental shift was not celebrated by anyone. It may have been one of the greatest accomplishments of Donald Trump.

When I was born the geniuses in Washington felt that 50% was the proper corporate tax rate. I think you know I believe it should be zero because corporations don't actually pay tax... Their customers do and for the most part that is us. Meaning corporate taxation is yet another hidden tax on the American people.

The Constitution prohibited income taxes. But the 16th Amendment changed that... If you did deep you will see this was the byproduct of the first progressive movement. 😡

Corporate tax rates started out at 1%. They consistently went up every few years. It then became graduated and complicated. Each major war increased the tax rate. We even had a 10% Vietnam War surcharge levied.

Then in 2018 the seemingly impossible happened. The Trump Administration pushed hard and the corporate income tax rates became a flat 21%... Go TRUMP 👍 aka Orange Man Bad? Sorry big guy no parade for you... Not yet Sir.

Seriously, how do we not remember this. Who in the past thought 50% of all corporate profits should go to the Federal government? Who doesn't understand that corporations don't pay tax? That the people buying the products and services are in reality paying the tax... Duh?

How this is not one of the greatest Trump accomplishments is beyond me and yet the right knows it's a losing talking point and the Left... They know saying they want to raise taxes will also lose them votes. 

The result? No one remembers the greatest shift in corporate taxation since the passage of the 16th Amendment. 

The flat 21% corporate taxes rate was and is an epic shift in America. This move combined with a few others was like strapping the American Stock Market on the back of a rocketship. Did this new found prosperity usher in a Communist leader for New York City? Is having a self identified Communist lead New York city really that big of a deal? 

New York City's population alone would rank it as the 13th is largest state. The city is the national center of finance, culture, media, diplomacy, commerce and business. It's arguably our center of innovation and diversity. For over 100 years it's been a magnet for technology, academia, and immigration, boasting the world's most linguistically diverse population and significant cultural output. What could possibly go wrong with putting a communist incharge?

Corporate Tax Rates 75 Years Ago... 

Trump Tariffs and Thomas Sowell

Tariffs are tough for conservatives to agree with and adopt. Historically and economically tariffs are obviously bad. Thomas Sowell is my hero and I align with his economics. His exceedingly well thought out approach based on real life circumstances is hard to argue against.

I don't wonder what he would say about reciprocal tariffs... I've read a few of his books and Thomas Sowell's stance on reciprocal tariffs and macro economics is clear:

Google - Thomas Sowell views tariffs, especially broad or "reciprocal" ones, as economically damaging, repeating the mistakes of the 1920s that worsened the Great Depression, causing job losses and reduced trade through retaliatory wars; he sees them as inefficient tools that benefit specific industries at the expense of consumers and overall economic health, leading to uncertainty and hindering market function. His stance aligns with free-market principles, emphasizing that such protectionism creates artificial costs, destroys more jobs than it creates, and ultimately harms national economies by disrupting global trade and supply chains. 

Grok - Regarding “reciprocal” or “fairness” arguments (e.g., “if they tariff us, we should tariff them”), Sowell considers this economically illiterate. He often uses the analogy: “If another country puts rocks in their own harbor, is the wise response to put rocks in our harbor too?” Unilateral free trade benefits your own country regardless of what others do.

ChatGPT - Thomas Sowell has written extensively on trade, tariffs, and macroeconomics over several decades. His stance is consistent, clear, and grounded in classical economic principles. Tariffs hurt your own citizens, not foreign governments

Sowell argues that tariffs are essentially taxes on domestic consumers, raising prices for goods at home. Imposing tariffs “in retaliation” simply doubles the harm by raising prices on imports for your own consumers

Beemer - My view is slightly different. Should the US have any Tariffs? Obviously yes but a true like Thomas Sowell would say no.

If country "X" can produce steel at half the cost of the US then we buy their steel. Shutting down our steel plants will free up labor to do other things. Labor is the true limiting factor to production. 

However, this pure economic view while absolutely true during normal circumstances completely fails during conflict, pandemics, zombie apocalypse, etc... 

So... Trump was clear if a country had no tariffs on the US we would have no tariffs on them making Thomas Sowell very happy. If they had "normal" Tariffs on the US then Trump wants to keep our tariffs around 10%. 

The higher or crazy high tariffs are specifically designed to break down historical tariffs of other countries. Shining a light on insane post WWII tariff structures that are still in place to encourage the recovery of Japan makes sense. 

Lastly, there have been some important people talking about eliminating the income tax. I know that seems insane. Consider this... 7 states do not have an income tax and most of them are flourishing. A great example of what not to do is Connecticut. They didn't have an income tax and decided to add one to raise more money in 1991. It took 30 years for people to vote with their feet. The tax worked until it didn't... last year I believe was the 1st year their state revenue dropped below pre income tax levels. Without international (illegals) migration Connecticut's population would have continued to decline relative to the United States.

My point... Tariffs are a tax on the consumer. A tax on all consumers. If it's managed correctly it theoretically could replace the income tax. 

If you eliminate the income tax or just the corporate income tax (which is also a tax on the consumer) the economic boom would be massive and sustainable. If our government could find a way to fund itself and eliminate all income taxes as originally spelled out in the Constitution the positive impact would be incomprehensible. 

I worked for almost two decades to repeal the 16th Amendment (while you're at it toss in repealing the 17th) which would end the individual income tax. America would immediately become the economic shining light on the hill and maintain itself as world's largest economy. 

Greatest Practical Economist - Thomas Sowell 

Jan 6th Pipe Bomber Conspiracy

Did the FBI Cover Up the Jan 6th Pipe Bomber?

Last week the accused Jan 6th pipe bomber was interviewed for four hours and it's been reported by NBC that he confessed to the placing bombs at the DNC and RNC national headquarters on the evening of January 5th, 2021. The narrative that Brian Cole, Jr. was unhappy with the 2020 election results and believed the election was stolen is yet another false flag stoked by a Left leaning complacent media. This narrative is easily proven false because Mr. Cole was buying parts for his bombs before the "stolen" election. 

So what's the conspiracy?

Many of the Right believed the FBI didn't want to find the pipe bomber. Some went so far as to accuse the FBI or other three letter agencies of planting the bombs themselves. I'm so happy that this conspiracy theory proved false. True, we don't know if anyone convinced Brian to plant these bombs but it's very unlikely the FBI or another three letter agency is involved.

One outstanding question remains: Compared to hundreds of Jan 6th trespassing cases these two "viable" pipe bombs discovered at the RNC and DNC headquarters, with the Vice President elect being just feet away for one, seem much more important. Why did the FBI fail to track down the bomber sooner? The Biden administration had four years to figure this out but they didn't. The Trump FBI took just nine months (Cash Patel was sworn in February 21st, 2025) to make an arrest. I think it's safe to say Congress needs to find out what went right and what went wrong. I can't wait to hear Mr. Christopher Wray testify again.

Senator Chris Murphy a Lying Turd

I do my best to watch the Sunday News Shows. Please believe me, when I say it can be difficult. Recently I've come up with a strategy... Catch a guest in three absolutely easy to prove lies and fast forward. 

This shit stain only lasted two minutes...

Is it possible that Senator Murphy believes what he is saying? No! These are not just talking points he is just making shit up. I wonder if I dig into Connecticut politics what stupid things have his finger prints on them? Connecticut was once one of the eight States without an income tax. In 1991 the state decided they needed to raise more income and thus they adopted a state wide income tax mostly on the rich.

Predictable the tax now impacts everyone making a living in Connecticut. Poverty has risen, rich people expecially people that used to work in New York but live in Connecticut have fled to Florida, etc... and shocker... revenue is down from what it was before Connecticut enacted an income tax. If Chris Murphy wasn't involved in the income tax economic malfeasance it's clear that his politics align with those that did.

Mr. Murphy, point by point by point you are saying things that are factual wrong or go against basic economy concepts.

"The department of Justice has just become a protection racked for Donald Trump... This is why our democracy is in such peril." How far up your ass does your head need to be to not have witnessed what the Justice Department did during the Biden Administration? The DOJ even coordinated with New York and Georgia to arrange prosecutions of Donald J. Trump?

Senator Murphy goes on about the Epstein files and says: "It's true that Donald Trump is trying to cover up for I think a host of really powerful and rich people... If he wasn't seriously implicated in those files..." You freaking dirt bag par excellence. The Biden Administration had access to these files for years and so did Obama. Why didn't they release them? Do you really think the average American is so stupid to believe that the Dems sat on information implicating Donald Trump with Jeffrey Epstein? Are you kidding me?

Regarding the longest shut down in history. "The bottom line here was, that Republicans refused to negotiate with Democrats at all. Any meaningful way because they are so intent on raising costs." Those words come out of your mouth with such confidence and clarity that I caught myself saying this guy is spot on. The Republicans want to raise costs... WTF! 🤔 Duh, everyone knows the Republicans are the ones increasing costs. Right?

Thank God I've developed my the three strikes and you're out Sunday News Show rule. If you want people to take you seriously you might want to actually listen to what you are saying. It's hard to believe that the only Democrat Senator that is not constantly spewing utter nonsense is the one that had a major stroke a few years ago and is obviously still impaired. 

The interview went on and on with just absolute BS dumping out of this guys pie hole. It's clear he needs a shave, a pressed shirt and tie as well a degree in political science. I thought he was old enough to have taken social studies in highschool. I don't think he's stupid. I think his approach to politics is to say whatever he needs to say to get elected. Since my brother-in-law fled to Florida I don't give a shit about Connecticut. They have the government they deserve. How about raising the income tax brackets to increase revenues you dumb asses... I'm joking buy you know they will absolutely raise rates and collect fewer dollars. 

2020 Election Results Echo

The NY Times and the Washington Post provided detailed reporting which "proved" how President Trump and his team worked with Russia to win the 2016 election. Most of us now know the Russian Collision story was absolutely BS but for two years it ripped our nation apart. The is now doubt millions of Americans suffering from TDS still believe the Russians colluded with Trump. What's even more crazy we now have documentation that our intelligence community knew that Russians didn't want him to win. Kinda makes sense if you knew Bill Clinton was paid $500,000 to give a 45 minute speech in Moscow.

Do you think the Russia collusion story helped Biden win in 2020? 

Have you ever wondered how Biden got 81.3 million votes? 

President Obama ONLY got 69.5 votes? Did you know that President Obama was the 2nd President in history reelected with fewer votes than their 1st term... he won his 2nd term with 65.9 million votes.

In 2016 Trump won his 1st term with 63.0 million votes. He lost with 74.2 million in 2020 and won his 2nd term with 77.3 million. What absolutely insane is yo can find graph's on the interview from respect new outlets you get these basic numbers wrong.

Axios does not make it clear that these numbers are preliminary. Almost 6 million more votes will be added over the next few weeks.

With the Media finally telling the truth about Joe Biden's mental health Joe dropped out and Vice President Harris got crushed in the Electorial College and even lost the popular vote with Trump getting 77.3 million votes. 

Shifting gears to were I live. New England's political demographics have slowly flipped during the last 100 years. By the 40's New England is pretty much 50/50 with a slight majority in Congress. Today New England's ratio of Republicans to Democrats is 40/60 although not a single member of Congress is a Republican. What's crazy is the Democrats don't see anything wrong with this as they yell and scream that Texas is redistricting after the DOJ ordered them to redistrict:

Litigation | Texas

United States v. Texas - July 28, 2025

CASE SUMMARY

On December 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit against Texas and the Texas Secretary of State, challenging the state's enacted congressional and state House redistricting plans as violating the federal Voting Rights Act. The DOJ asserts that Texas's enacted congressional plan violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act because it both was enacted with an intent to discriminate against Latino and Black Texan voters and has the result of diluting the voting strength of those minority groups, citing the state's elimination of a Latino opportunity district in West Texas, failure to create a seat capturing the growing Latino electorate in Harris County, and decisions creating several new majority-white districts.

Reading about the Governor of Massachusetts taking steps to punish Texas' effort to redraw five Congressional Districts to comply with a federally ordered judgement which will likely create two more Republican Districts is shocking. How can the Democrat Governor of a state with 40% Republicans and ZERO members of Congress take steps to punish Republicans?

Never forget the origins of Gerrymandering was in fact Massachusetts. They are the raining champions of gerrymandering. No state has done it more effectively with more evil intent than the elected officials of the state of Massachusetts.

New England's six states are 40% Republican but only 1 out of 33 members of the entire Congressional delegation is a Republican. That's right Susan Collins is the only federally elected Republican in Congress as a whole. What's even sad the Democrats will spend millions over the next year trying to unseat her. Now that's Democracy... As Democrats want it. 

PS How many primary votes or open convention votes did Harris get in 2024? ZERO... ALL HAIL DEMOCRACY! 

Prove Me Wrong - Rest in Peace Charlie Kirk

It's been a tough 2025 so far. So much death. So much hassle in my life. So much family trama that has pushed our family to the limit. Life long friends that have angrily declared "You're not a friend you are in fact my enemy." Ungrateful children, for they are both ungrateful and children. Until one has a child of their own or has experience true loss they fail to fully grasp that life is truly fragile and short. I believe one remains a child until we have a child or experience devistating loss. Many of us die as children which isn't as bad as dying without belief. 

Charlie Cook was not a child and he died with belief. At 18 he figured things out that take most of us decades. At 31 he helped create a movement, a loving marriage and two beautiful children. Charlie Kirk's life was ended because a young man killed someone he didn't know. Had the assassin known Charlie he would have known his motto "Prove Me Wrong" was not a message of hate. 

Although the media characterized Charlie as a NeoNazi he wasn't and he definitely wasn't spreading hate. Charlie would simply debate the Left and more often than not give away a hat or something else to those he disagreed with. Charlie was known for his willingness to talk to anyone and I can't remember him ever raising his voice.

The Left focuses on January 6th while absolutely ignoring months of "mostly peaceful" rioting. The George Floyd riots resulted in thousands injured, two dozen deaths, 700 buildings burnt, countless businesses shut down, hundreds of businesses utterly destroyed never to return. Estimates of the damage done by the "mostly peaceful" riot costs are in the billions, a quarter of which were not covered by insurance.

Officially many on the Left disavow Charlie Kirk's assassin while secretly (many openly) cheering on the killing. For the first time in my memory a handful of media "icons" have been fired or suspended for their dishonest at best and at times just insidious commentary.

The Left goes on about "Extreme Right MAGA Fascists" while to this day declaring Antifia does not exist. Their arguments on face fail the test of time let alone logic. As stupid as calling a practicing Jew a Nazi their repeated characterization of Charlie Kirk as a NeoNazi filled with hate is so inaccurate as to be laughable... Until it's not. How many in the media cancel culture or academia have be fired for attacking Charle in life or death? For the first time in my life the Left is finally experiencing a tiny taste of the cancel culture they have for years unleashed on the Right and collectively they are angry!

What's so sad is Charlie Kirk very much wanted both sides to just talk. His wanting to end college and university leftist ideology indoctrination of our nation's youth. For this this he was killed. He wanted people to talk to each other with the belief discussion could might sway one more person to see the world as he did and experience God's love.

Here is a great podcast explaining all of this:

Sasha Stone "It's too Late to Cry"

One insanely disgusting comment finally motivated me to blog about this:  "Rest in Piss Charlie Kirk". Who would say something like that? Clearly someone without any class or knowledge who Charlie was in life. Charlie, I never meet you but I always appreciated your willingness to talk to the other side. Thank you and may you rest in peace brother.

If Jim Crow Smoked Crack

Massachusetts

Only 68.31% of Massachusetts registered voters bothered to vote in the last Presidential election. This from a state who seemingly takes great pride in voting and claim that they are the champions of democracy?

Why? 

Since the great depression Massachusetts has been a reliable democratic stronghold with only Ike and Reagan being able to break through the Democrats grip on power. 

The 1930 census marked the beginning of the Massachusetts relative population decline. This decline has resulted in the loss of seven Congressional seats over the last 100 years. 

When the Census requires reapportionment, districts must be redrawn. Massachusetts turned blue in 1929 and since the 1930 census those seven seats lost have created seven opportunities to redraw Massachusetts Congressional districts to maximize Democrat control. The final result was absolutely not democratic but Democrat perfection. Republicans are no longer represented in Massachusetts and the Democrat's political power is virtually absolute. Not being able to elect a Republican to Congress since 1992 I believe the Right has rightly given up on Massachusetts.

I'm actually shocked that 62.3% of Massachusetts' registered voters turned out in 2024. Seriously, why would any Republican bother voting? Clearly Massachusetts is losing  population. Thousands of conservatives have fled the state for good which undoubtedly has contributed to the states population decline. Moreover many of those Republicans are fleeing to Red states. Had the 2020 Census in accounted for just 25,000 fewer Massachusetts residents the State would have lost yet another Congressional seat and either Texas or Florida would have gained one resulting in a two vote swing. 

Since the Census counts everyone but none citizens on vacation Governor Maura Healey likely shored up Massachusetts' population the by conservatively "allowing" 50,000 illegal aliens to take up residency during the Biden Administration. Some of these illegal aliens were unbelievably flown directly from their honey countries to Massachusetts. In beginning of the Biden administration many stories surfaced and videos went viral of hundreds of flights, in the dead of night, flying illegals from border detention facilities into the core of the United States.

The Pew Research Center's report, published on July 22, 2024, titled "What we know about unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S.," states that the unauthorized immigrant population in the United States grew to 11.0 million in 2022, based on the 2022 American Community Survey, marking the first sustained increase since 2005-2007. It specifically notes that from 2019 to 2022, the unauthorized immigrant population grew in six states: Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Texas, while California saw a decrease. If you believe other studies that rely on tracking remittances to foreign countries it's likely the United States has double if not triple these numbers.

Clearly, Massachusetts does not want to experience what New York did post 20200 Census. New York "lost" a Congressional seat by 89 people. New York's Democrats fought back and redrew their Congressional districts to maintain their 19 democratic seats. Unlike Massachusetts, the new New York Congressional map was challenged and ended up in the New York State Court of Appeals. In a 4-3 vote the court ruled the State had over stepped and violated their State Constitution.

"This ruling happened on April 27, 2022, and it found that the maps drawn by the Democratic-controlled State Legislature were an illegal partisan gerrymander, violating the state's constitution. As a result, a special master was appointed to redraw the maps, and these court-ordered maps were used for the midterm 2022 elections." 

New York House of Representatives:

2020 - 19 Democrats and 8 Republicans 

2022 - 15 Democrats and 11 Republicans

2024 - 19 Democrats and 7 Republicans*

* Note the New York State Court of Appeals' Special Master drawn districts lasted only one election cycle. "Mid Census" New York's legislature redistricted just prior to the 2024 election. The "modest" redistricting got things "back" to normal. 

It's important to note the US Census counts virtually everyone. Foreign dignitaries, embassy staff, and even foreigners on vacation who do not have a home address in their home country are counted. It would seem the only people not counted are foreigners waiting for a flight home.

Every time Massachusetts lost a Congressional seat they had to redistrict. The new districts were consistently redrawn to ensure the the party in power did NOT lose any seats.

In 2024 Trump won over 36 percent of the vote (which would have been higher if Trump had even the slightest chance of winning in Massachusetts) and yet all nine of Massachusetts' Congressional seats are firmly held by Democrats whose only political fear is being primaried by the lunatic Left.

The balls it takes for an outraged Gov. Maura Healey (D-MA) to threaten retaliatory redistricting in response to Texas' mid Census gerrymandered is breathtaking. 

Is there anyone left who doesn't understand why the Biden Administration (aka the lunatic cabal that controlled the autopen) opened the borders? Why millions who illegally entered our country were quickly processed and then flown into dying red states? Did you know that towards the end of the Biden Administration our government chartered flights to fly illegal aliens directly from their home country into blue states?

The paperwork trail of this epic betrayal of our nations laws let alone our sovereignty must be exposed and those responsible punished. People absolutely need to go to jail and this must never happen again. How the Left continues to justify these actions saddens me and makes me fearful for our nation's future and even our existence as America. 

36% Trump - 0% Congressional?

Sometimes I forget that most of the Country does not know that in all of New England there is only one Senator to represents the views of conservatives and even say Susan Collins is that's kinda pushing it. 

New England US Senate & House*

2016 - 30 Democrats and 3 Republicans 

2018 - 32 Democrats and 1 Republican 

2020 - 32 Democrats and 1 Republican

2022 - 32 Democrats and 1 Republican

2024 - 32 Democrats and 1 Republican

*Note: In 2007 Senator Bernie Sanders declared he was an Independent. In 2013 Senator Angus King declared he was an Independent. Both caucus with the Democrats.

Covid Naturally Underwent Zoonosis and Jumped from Animal to Humans!

Zoonosis...

 "The zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, is a widely supported hypothesis based on available evidence. Research indicates it likely originated in bats, with genetic similarities to bat corona viruses, and may have jumped to humans, possibly via an intermediate host like pangolins, at a wet market in Wuhan, China.

This aligns with patterns seen in other corona viruses like SARS and MERS. However, the exact animal source and transmission pathway remain under investigation, with no definitive intermediate host confirmed.

Alternative theories, like a lab leak, lack conclusive evidence and are less favored by current scientific consensus." Grok 3

Don't feel bad if you never heard the term "Zoonosis". It was coined in 1855 by a German physician and the first English usage was in 1873. It became widely used in the early 1950's by the World Health Organization. The same organization that for months told the entire world Covid-19 was not _______________. Good luck reconstructing the recent history we all just lived through. You will need to use the Wayback Machine to fill in the blank. The WHO lied to all of us from the very beginning of COVID and that truth is now buried deep.

Furthermore, even now the lies continue. I'm shocked a few people are still outside alone wearing masks. It's frankly mind blowing that 99.9125% of the world's population survived the World Wide Covid-19 pandemic. What? Yep, "only" 7,000,000 people world wide died of COVID. According to the NIH just 59 healthy American children died of COVID. How is that possible? Didn't most of the US shut down their schools for at least 18 months?

It's extremely likely the number of child deaths and serious injuries from the "safe and effective" shot (it was called a vaccine but clearly it wasn't) will be in the thousands maybe the tens of thousands. The cost benefit calculations of vaccinating our nations children clearly missed the mark and eventually this truth will also surface. Now you know why Anthony Fauci was given a preemptive blanket pardon.

If anyone still believes Donald Trump or his campaign colluded with the Russians and that's the main explanation for Hillary Clinton's loss you clearly have TDS and there is no cure.

If you still believe the Russians (Putin) did everything they could to help Trump win because he was the favored candidate then you are not paying attention to all the information that was recently declassified. Most of us on the Right have know this for years. It's been so long I can't recall why it became obvious. Maybe because the Russians paid Bill Clinton $500,000 for a 45 minute speech? Maybe Secretary of State Clinton's 2009 debacle using a red "reset" button labeled "peregruzka" (Russia for overload) that she pushed with the Russian foreign minister? 

My point? AI says it's highly unlikely COVID originated from a lab in Wuhan, China. AI continues to mention bats, Pangolins and the local Wuhan wet market as the scientific consensus of the origins of COVID-19. How AI can ignore the FBI and other Intel agencies reports seems crazy. The president of the United States repeatedly stating he is confident that it came from the lab in Wuhan, China means absolutely nothing because it's Donald J. Trump?

Over and over Trump says something and the world laughs only to later find out that he was spot on and just telling the American people what he's been told. One would hope the President is being brief by the best of the best Deep State be damned. Everyone needs to consider the Deep State may very well be controlling some if not many aspects of AI's search results.

RV-14A Build Update

The Build Continues!

Building has been slow as of late. I've been dealing with the untimely death of my awesome brother-in-law. Also this March my 90 year old mother passed away. Their deaths and dealing with their estates as well as finally liquidating my dad's estate from 1998 has taken it's toll on my energy and time. Furthermore, I've decided not to add new clients but focus on my existing client base. Investing since the election of DJT has been interesting to say the least.

Me, Darryl and Miss Mabel 

Recently it dawned on me that 20% (likely 2%) of rivets take up 80% of your time. Here is an example of a Rube Goldberg solution in action to squeezing two extraordinary hard to reach rivets.

Getting at one #4 rivet at the firewall

Squeezing #4 rivets (1/8 inch) with a squeezer best suited for #3 rivets (3/8 inch) is tough even if you're strong and have the leverage needed. I have a pneumatic and a hydraulic squeezer but they are too wide to get into locations like this.

Solution? Believe it or not the hand squeezed vice easily replaced my arms? Yep, it worked better that I thought possible. Another arrow in the builders quiver!

Prepping the skin for self etching primer 

I will fly the plane for a year before it's professionally painted. However, most builders will prime and paint areas that will be semi exposed but still hidden. Scuffing the area and then carefully using acetone to prep the surface prior to priming is a must. 

Exhaust fans and a paint rated respirator!

It's crazy what you can do in your TV room/man cave. I've put the elevators, rudder and vertical stabilizer in my office upstairs but I'm absolutely running out of room.

My fuselage is 1/2 foot wider than a 172

Enough for now, it's time to figure out what the next solution is going to be for some insanely small blind rivets that don't work. 

Gretchen Whitmer... WTF?

Dumb is Dumb

Sometimes a picture is worth a 1,000 words. Gretchen Whitmer why would you cover your face when you notice someone "randomly" taking your picture at the White House? Do you know you just killed you future political aspirations? Yes your political aspirations took a hit when your husband was caught using your family's boat during the peek of COVID? Did you think the voting public wouldn't remember you banned buying garden seeds but deemed buying Marijuana essential?

"They are ripping this country apart for the billionaires." 

Really? There are fewer than 1,000 billionaires in the United States and yes the majority of them are on the Left. You think the government is doing what it's doing for just these people because they are insanely rich? No tax on tips. No tax on social security. No tax on overtime... All designed to help the rich? Are you kidding me?

"They are Erasing women, gay, trans, black, and Hispanics for their white supremacy Christian nationalist agenda."

Who is they? I'm guessing they is the Administration. 

The only group that the Administration is not actively doing positive things for is the transexual community which unfortunately is in direct conflict with protecting women. For example, Title IX was designed to make sports equal and fair for all students, regardless of sex. Government and private agencies receiving federal funding need to comply with the law. The law mandates that institutions provide equitable opportunities for participation, athletic scholarships, and overall athletic benefits and opportunities for both men and women. 

Since 1972 women have been given protections. The results of have been absolutely amazing. With the stroke of a pen the Biden Administration redefined definitions of sex within this law and made it a crime not to allow biological men to compete with women. The Left celebrated this change and when it was reversed by Trump that was proof Trump is a dictator.

Gretchen, I wonder if you had a good time at the White House. What was it like facing down a dictatorship? I wonder when you first learned about your assassination plot code named ____________. I'm hopeful that Kash Patel will declassify everything that FBI "operation" did. Looking back it sure seemed to be a well timed state funded 2020 Presidential election October surprise diversion tactic to shift America's attention away from the Hunter Biden Laptop.

"The FBI arrested the plotters in October 2020 after authorities say they discussed raising $4,000 to purchase the explosive to blow up the bridge near Whitmer’s vacation home."

Hitler Hitler Hitler Hitler

Does the Left really think that Elon is doing DOGE for personal gain to increase his net worth? 

Do they really think he's a white supremacist? 

Is he a Nazi or Baby Hitler?

Did he buy Twitter to make money?

When was the last time he got a W-2? 

FYI, he hasn't been paid anything for years. 

He earns no income other than what he makes selling his stock. Also, Tesla is his only publicly owned company. On paper Elon has lost $121 billion in the last three months as the Left loses its collective mind and the media reports and hypes the attacks on Tesla cars and dealerships. It might not shock you to know Teslas are rarely owned by conservatives. The Left is attacking their own and they just don't care as the end justifies the means.

Working for the government has cost Elon dearly. It may seem crazy but it could cost him his life. My support of the Trump agenda has cost me a few dear friends and stressed the relationships with both of my daughters.

I've been a political animal my entire life. How many small and 4x8 signs did I put up for Republicans? How much time have I given? How many conventions? How many meetings? How much money? I didn't volunteer or donate to Trump. How is it my daughters think I'm a Trump nut?

My gift that I've honed over my life and continue to sharpen is seeing things as they are. Being in touch with the universe and listening to my inner voice has been my secret sauce of success.

Yes, I still screw up. The National Retail Sales Tax has not caught on like I thought it would. However, I was right about COVID coming from a lab in Wuhan. Cloth and surgical masks were stupid. Preventing people from going outside during COVID and getting sunlight and fresh air was criminal. Once the stats started coming out it was obvious this virus almost exclusively attacked the elderly and did not pose a risk for healthy children. Today few acknowledge that it's very likely no healthy child in America died of COVID-19.

Yes, I love my kids so much at times it hurts and I don't want this shit to come between us. However, Trump isn't a dictator. He's not the next Hitler and if anyone can find a dozen things on the DOGE cut list that shouldn't be cut I will vote Democrat the next cycle and not blog about politics ever again. I desperately want sanity back in our political discord but I'm not going to pretend Trump or Musk is freaking Hitler!

You had to have seen this live to understand

DOGE team interview that prompted this rant.