February 11, 2026
I hate to admit it, but I’m slowing down. But it’s highly gratifying to receive so many renewed subscriptions to the paper, many for two years. Thank you for that affirmation.
This week’s Realities will be somewhat shorter, making writing seem a little faster, and me a little younger. “Hope springs eternal”, according to Alexander Pope.
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A response to Kelly Scoles’ letter:
Hello again, Kelly,
My use of the word “semantics” last week was aimed at the word “insurrection”. We have dueled over its application far too long. It’s a perfectly good word which, in my opinion, we have too often discussed. Let’s just agree to disagree on its use. I believe its proper application should describe lengthy, violent incidents, not 4-hour riots; you, in my opinion, use it too liberally.
Kyle Rittenhouse? Do we really want to go back to that issue? I don’t. He was acquitted! “Kyle Rittenhouse, acquitted in 2021 of all charges regarding the 2020 Kenosha shootings….” “The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial in all criminal prosecutions. This right applies to states via the 14th Amendment.” This case has come and gone. Let it rest.
As for Trump’s statement about “the only thing that can stop me (read control) is “my own morality.” Is this a bad thing? We vote for leaders with (hopefully) trustworthy character which means faithful submission to our Constitution. “Voldemort” Miller? Kelly, I have never read nor watched a Harry Potter production. I do understand, however, he represents evil.
About his pursuit of the Nobel Prize, however, I find that pathetic and profoundly embarrassing.
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A response to Pat Collins’ letter.
Hello Pat,
I would agree with 90 percent of your expressed aggravations about Trump. The other 10-percent I accept as the price of having a leader who is not afraid to pull the trigger when necessary. An example within that 10 percent should include your reference to Abraham Lincoln, after Trump’s expressions about being the most “abused” president. Please recall his unique historical relationship with Lincoln, i.e. assassination – hits and misses. Lincoln was assassinated on first attack. Trump was hit first time but survived (miraculously was saved) the second time almost by accident.
No amount of criticism concerning his annoying personal behavior will affect a change. But when the missiles drop on an unprepared America you will be glad he’s manning the guns, and Russia, China, Iran and North Korea will be aware as well.