• Where’d I Go

    My last article was September 9, 2025. And since that time, the amount of political and social fuckery that has taken place has been through the roof.

    Just off the top of my head, MAGA officials and Trump have:

    • Continuously bombed boats in international waters with no proof of criminal activity in violation of international law.
    • Seized oil tankers, also in international waters, from other countries.
    • Pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, a man that rose to power on the back of cocaine and drug cartels.
    • Fought against the release of the Epstein files, then didn’t meet the release deadline after both parties passed legislation to force the files’ release.
    • Allowed pandemic-era Affordable Care Act enhanced subsidies to expire, tripling the cost of healthcare for many Americans.
    • Pulled us out of 31 UN groups.
    • Invaded Venezuela and kidnapped their (illegitimate) leader without UN or congressional approval.
    • Has re-upped his threats on taking Greenland by force.
    • And has pushed conspiracy theories and is burying any investigation against multiple ICE agents who assaulted and murdered innocent people.

    And that doesn’t even scratch the surface, mention the government shutdown, discuss the Charlie Kirk matter, cover the unapproved demolishing of the East Wing of the White House, or talk about the insanity of renaming The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

    Point being… 2025 (and the first week of 2026) has brought so much abuse of power and ill-will towards humanity, I couldn’t have covered it all if I had kept up on blogging.

    So where have I been?

    When I started 2025, I had a few things on my mind. I told my wife, I can’t just sit here and get angrier and angrier without doing anything. So not only did I start blogging here to vent, clearly very sparingly, but I also decided to focus on my local community.

    I started the Better Feelings Foundation, a non-profit organization created to champion mental health awareness and raise funding for vital resources for children facing depression.

    After more than 7-months of work, Better Feelings Foundation went live on September 25, 2026 with most of our first quarter focusing on laying the groundwork for something that will support kids in the Boulder and Denver areas (and eventually the entire country) for some time to come.

    It isn’t a knockout punch to the horrors being unleashed on this country from the far-right, but it’s something. And along with many other “somethings” others are doing every day, we’re working towards a better tomorrow that will heal the damage being inflicted.

    So where will I be in 2026?

    After some reflecting, I decided I unfortunately won’t be here. I want to write, but I just don’t have the time for it between work, my longstanding personal brand, and this new nonprofit.

    My focus will be there, with a hope that you will visit to learn more about our programs and provide support.

    Political Geekery will live on though. I’m taking it over to my main brand, Project-Nerd, as a podcast. Expect it to start airing in March or April of this year.

    Remember, you can get mad on socials. You can argue online with those that have gone down an angry, conspiracy ladened path. Or you can do something.

    Run for local office. Support a charity or cause. Contact your senators and representatives. Protest. Create art. Give. Just do something.

    It doesn’t have to be a heavy lift. But do something that brings you solace in knowing you are putting something good into a world that others are trying to tear down.

  • Trump & Epstein

    Trump & Epstein

    The Epstein Files came back into the forefront this month when Congress returned from one of their many month-long vacations. The conversation was pushed into the spotlight, victims spoke up on the steps of the Capitol, and even Republican lawmakers stepped across the loyalty line to put country over Trump. All while Donald Trump called it a hoax.

    Then, Monday, September 8th happened.

    Headlines all day were a horrendous reminder that democracy was on its deathbed, but it was the leaked release of the letter Donald Trump wrote to Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday that sealed the deal.

    As they do, Trump and MAGA denied the letter was written by him. I guess we’re all supposed to assume that a Democrat operative had a time machine and went back to 2003 to perfectly forge Trump’s signature and place this ticking time bomb in Epstein’s estate. The liberal media, supposedly including The Wall Street Journal, run by one of the most conservative media moguls there is, were in on a conspiracy to bring down the chosen one.

    We all know that’s a lie. We already knew the truth. Not just Democrats, not just young liberals, but even those who voted for Trump—not once, not twice, but three times—already knew Trump was close friends with Epstein and was, correction is, an abuser of women.

    We know that Donald Trump is a pedophile. We knew that before 2025.

    Trump’s letter, which I legally have to say he is the alleged author of (but we all know the truth), is disturbing. It contains the outline of a young girl with a treasure trove of horrific statements of admittance. Trump wrote, “we have certain things in common, Jeffrey,” along with “every day be another wonderful secret,” and “enigmas never age.”

    Yup, pedophiles.

    The fact of the matter is, the letter from Trump is not even the worst one in the now-released collection of birthday letters and cards Epstein received on his 50th birthday. The findings in this birthday book are downright disturbing and disgusting.

    Peter Mandelson, the current British Ambassador to the United States, claimed Epstein was his “best pal.” Bill Clinton praised Epstein’s “childlike curiosity.” Along with 238 more pages of filth from named and unnamed associates openly celebrating sex crimes.

    The book even includes an uncredited drawing of Epstein handing young girls balloons and a lollipop in 1983, alongside another drawing of him receiving a massage from topless women twenty years later, presumably an artistic journey of grooming.

    And there’s another photo tying Trump to Epstein. Although Trump is not in it, the photo has Epstein at Mar-a-Lago holding a giant check for $22,500 with a ‘Trump’ signature on it. The check was for Trump purchasing a “depreciated” girl from Epstein.

    The book is littered with filth and admissions from wealthy men. And yes, the letter from Trump is getting the most attention, but for good reason, he’s the sitting President of the United States who has flip-flopped on these files’ importance.

    The real question is, though, does it matter?

    This isn’t just about Donald Trump. The fact of the matter is, Trump might actually be telling the truth about one thing: there is probably no “Epstein List.” Why the hell would Epstein need a blackmail list when his inner circle, including Trump, was openly writing letters and jokes about their abuse of young women? Why keep a list when it was clear every single one of them felt, and likely still feel, untouchable?

    There is no smoking gun here to take down Trump. There is no fact too big to destroy any of them. Yes, in the right environment, a powerful man can be taken down by the facts of his abuse, but more times than not, they are exactly what they believe they are: untouchable.

    Accountability in the 21st century may be a hell of a thing, but even with the internet ensuring something is never, ever forgotten, it doesn’t seem to matter anymore. Two decades ago, the release of this book would have ended careers, but now it just opens up debate and further strengthens the base of “each side.” Facts don’t have to be met with facts anymore, they can be met with denial, lies, and opinions. And those rich, powerful, racist, pedophiles can have a dozen career-ending caliber moments hit them, and yet they can still run for and win the presidency with that dirty laundry out there.

    As stated in my opening: we already knew. Donald Trump was a close friend of Jeffrey Epstein. There are countless photos, and now even more evidence to prove it. Twenty-eight women have accused Trump of sexual misconduct. That’s not a conspiracy or an orchestrated attack, that’s a telling story. E. Jean Carroll won an $83 million judgment against Trump in a defamation case related to Trump’s sexual assault against her. Before he even won his first presidency, a voice recording of him admitting that he enjoys assaulting women was released.

    The entire voting population of America, and most of the rest of the world, already knew Trump was a corrupt, sex offender, not worthy of anything more than being on a registry. But that didn’t stop people from voting for him three separate times. That hasn’t stopped his base from celebrating him.

    Yes, we need the rest of these files out there for accountability and transparency, in large part to help reduce the possibility of powerful men being able to get away with this type of thing in the future. But nothing that happens here will knock Trump out of his presidency sooner than his four year term. In fact, it’s likely going to lead to more craziness and destruction on his part in order to distract from his dirty past.

    There has been no smoking gun in 2025 to bring down Trump. There has been a smoking gun, however, to further remind sane America that half of this country knowingly voted for a pedophile in order to push through their agenda. People were willing to vote for Donald “grab ’em by the pussy” Trump for a third time rather than an erroneously labeled socialist. Or maybe it was more because she was a black woman.

    Either way, 2025 will forever serve as a reminder that half of this country is okay with a pedophile being president.

    I can tell you one thing, I for one, am not.

  • Epstein & His Ellusive Files

    Epstein & His Ellusive Files

    When I started this blog, there were a number of political and social topics I wanted to cover. A few I already have; many are either in draft or still in my head. But one topic I didn’t have an interest in covering was Jeffrey Epstein, his circle’s decades of abuse of young women, and the notable files. It’s not that I don’t find the uncovering of these important (we’ll get there), or that I doubt there are a few bombshells waiting to drop. I had just assumed, in some form or fashion, we would have found out more of what happened by now.

    THE ELUSIVE FILES

    If you somehow don’t know what I’m alluding to, it’s the highly politicized collection of files created and found during the Jeffrey Epstein investigations. In 2008, Epstein reached a plea deal with prosecutors after he was accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl. The police searched his property, conducted countless interviews, and for years we’ve known that testimony, photos, and other hard evidence were uncovered, with much of it remaining confidential.

    Over the years, some materials have entered the public domain relating to both Epstein and his co-conspirator and ex-girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell. The most information came through a 1,400-page records release in January 2024. And through various reliable sources, we’ve heard names from these files, including high-profile politicians from Donald Trump to Bill Clinton, and notable others such as David Copperfield and Stephen Hawking.

    In fact, publicly, there are hundreds of high-profile names that have been associated with Epstein in one way or another. But there’s no clear distinction between those who were publicly around him and those who were part of the circle of abuse—something victims have made clear extends beyond just Epstein and Maxwell.

    No matter what we’ve learned so far, there’s a widespread belief that the government has much more information on high-profile individuals than it has shared. Or, as many refer to it: The Epstein List. An alleged document containing names of those who participated in the abuse and molestation of underage girls, kept by Epstein to protect himself from fallout with those individuals.

    THE POLITICAL PUSH

    This list became highly politicized following Epstein’s death in 2019. Democrats believe his death was connected to the person frequently photographed with Epstein, listed on Epstein’s flight records, and coincidentally in power as President during Epstein’s mysterious prison death: Donald Trump.

    Republicans, with help from Trump and MAGA influencers, believe the list is being covered up by Democrats to protect the Clintons and other high-profile liberal politicians and donors.

    Since it seems to be a bipartisan issue, albeit for the wrong reasons, it would stand to reason that whichever candidate won the presidency in 2024, and whichever party held power this year, we’d have seen some additional information.

    TRUMP’S SHIFTING STANCE

    In fact, one of Trump’s 2024 campaign pillars was uncovering this mystery and releasing the files and the list. He echoed this plan in countless interviews between July and November 2024, including a September podcast where he stated it was “very interesting” that Epstein’s client list wasn’t public.

    And when he won, the sentiment continued. In January 2025, Trump’s appointed FBI Director, Kash Patel, stated “absolutely” he would expose those involved in Epstein’s sex trafficking ring. Multiple times in February, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi supported this stance, stating there was “a lot of information” to be released and that The List itself was on her desk “to review.”

    Trump even gave some people a closer look when he allowed a group of right-wing influencers access to some files earlier in February. However, those influencers left disappointed, noting these “Phase 1” files were a collection of previously released documents with little to no new information.

    Then everything changed in May and June, when the Department of Justice was reviewing documents and allegedly found Trump’s name in the Epstein files multiple times, a detail that was leaked in July. That gave more weight to Elon Musk’s (now deleted) June 5th accusation that Trump was in those files.

    In the first week of July, Bondi and Patel changed course when discussing the files, and Trump publicly declared the files, most notably The List, a hoax.

    THE SMOKING GUN

    Is Trump’s name in those files? 100% yes! But we already knew that. As noted earlier, having your name in thousands of documents, logs, and interviews from the Epstein investigation doesn’t confirm guilt. How and why the name appears, however, could.

    We know Trump was an associate of Epstein’s. And although Trump has spent much of 2025 trying to distance himself, the numerous photos of the two together, the news article about Trump’s inappropriate birthday card to Epstein, and countless independent investigations linking them continue to tell a consistent, and different, story.

    But Trump is now making it clear, coincidentally since the DOJ combed through those files, that the bombshell hiding in the Epstein files, most notably The Epstein List, is a hoax crafted by Democrats. According to him, there’s nothing more to find and we need to stop talking about this.

    THE POSITION OF CONGRESS

    Much like Trump’s shifting stance, much of Congress has followed suit. After all, regardless of political affiliation, elected Republicans haven’t hidden their undying loyalty to Trump over country.

    But while much of Congress may be shifting gears, some Republicans are not. Those on subcommittees and even some on the floor are still calling for the public release of these files and for those named to be held accountable. Speaker of the House Mike Johnston will do what he can to block that, but some Republicans are joining with Democrats to force a vote on the matter.

    Johnston has doubled down. After meeting with Trump, he declared he doesn’t want the files released, for the safety of the victims, and because the White House is handling the matter to release them. Yes, the same White House that now refers to these files as a hoax.

    THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TRUTH

    Democrat or Republican, one thing is certain: the incredibly wealthy play by a different set of rules. Yes, sometimes they get too confident and put themselves in positions they can’t escape, Epstein being a notable example. But for the most part, when the wealthy elite stand united, they protect themselves from the rules and laws that govern the rest of us.

    But does it matter if these files come out now? Those loyal to Trump can shift their stance and beliefs, but those who’ve been paying attention know there’s more to this story. Yet even if there’s a bombshell in the unreleased files, specific to Trump, will it change anything? Before he was elected the first time, we heard a recording of him bragging about assaulting women. Before he won again in 2024, he was found guilty of assaulting women. He mocked a mentally challenged reporter, he’s been caught lying, he hurls hateful rhetoric and insults, and he’s spent eight months abusing the power of the presidency unlike any president before him.

    Yet none of that matters to either MAGA or mainstream Republicans.

    I do think it’s incredibly important these files get released—even if they’re a truncated version. We know there were more people involved in this sex trafficking ring than Epstein and Maxwell. And we know many of them are still likely hurting others in some capacity.

    The fact no previous “smoking gun” or bombshell has stopped Trump’s base from supporting him so far, means there is something incredibly damning in those files. Trump’s shift in narrative, even mockingly in the face of some of Epstein’s victims this week, makes it clear he’s protecting himself, or at minimum, someone close to him.

    It is the responsibility of those elected to office to find out who those someones are and to start holding them accountable. Otherwise, this abuse will continue.

  • The Republican Playbook

    The Republican Playbook

    Yes. Football season is here. If there’s anything America loves more than bipartisan politics, it’s men in thin pants slamming into each other on the field of competition, as someone grabs a big brown ball and plays with it.

    As we gear up for the college and pro seasons, I’ve been thinking about the playbooks teams use to defeat their opponents. Playbooks are essential for any team, or group of like-minded individuals, looking to gain an edge. The tougher the competition, the more critical the playbook.

    So as the Republican Party, specifically MAGA, continues to be overmatched by a wiser, more fact-driven, and more compassionate opponent, the playbook Donald Trump helped mold becomes vital to their team. It’s their tool to shut down the wokeness and equality their opponents bring to the field.

    In fact, the Republican playbook is packed with strategy that has evolved as the party itself has devolved. Most of the plays are deceptively simple, but extremely effective. After all, if you don’t acknowledge the other team has the football, does their score really count? Not in the GOP Playbook.

    So, how do we compete? By studying that playbook. Because the best way to defeat your opponent is to know your opponent. Let’s kick off the season by breaking down some of MAGA’s most popular strategies, so we know exactly who we’re up against.

    THE DENY, DENY, DENY

    A classic opener. Deny—not once, but repeatedly. This works for Trump, and the whole Republican team has picked it up and run with it. The strategy: when accused, even with proof, deny. It doesn’t have to be you, your teammates can do it for you. Trump may not release the Epstein files to prove his innocence, but denial is just as powerful for his base. Illegal play? Doesn’t matter. Deny and move on.

    THE DISTRACT

    Trump’s signature play. He plays it so well you’re forced to move on. Create chaos. Distract. What Epstein files? What 100-plus violent criminals were pardoned? What bruises on hand for four months? We’re not talking about that—we’re talking about a clerk in Colorado, the Washington Commanders’ team name, or Gavin Newsom. In Varsity Blues, it was the “oopty oop.” In MAGA-world, it’s just business as usual.

    THE TDS

    Say Trump’s name in 2025? You must have Trump Derangement Syndrome. This isn’t about Trump turning the military on his own people, forcing immigrants out without due process, or abusing presidential power to attack critics. No. It’s about liberals being obsessed. Especially when the guy in the Trump hat, shirt, and foam hand is telling you you’re the one obsessed.

    THE CHANGE THE SUBJECT

    Highly effective in person and online. In football, it’s a reverse. In politics, it’s a pivot. Talking about Trump abusing power? Nope—we’re discussing the governor of Illinois. Grocery prices? Nah—Apple’s overseas manufacturing. The goal: once liberals gain ground, flip the field.

    THE GANG TACKLE

    This one thrives online. It starts with a wild comment, usually conspiracy fueled, and once you respond, the whole team piles on. No fair play. No room to speak. No interest in facts. The goal is to overwhelm and bully. Especially popular among the alpha-male crowd with glaring insecurities. The Rogan and Kirk disciples. They rarely venture into enemy territory as it works best on home turf (aka, their own comment sections).

    THE WHODUNNISM

    The oldest trick in the book. Like a Halfback Draw, as Republicans run it constantly. Conservative candidate caught doing something awful? Time to dredge up that one time a Democrat did something. Doesn’t have to be related. Just enough to shift focus. Trump may face 28 accusations of sexual misconduct, some proven in court, but don’t forget that one Democrat who allegedly assaulted someone. By the time you realize the conversation’s been hijacked, they’re already on the next play. Masterful.

    THE DON’T LET POLITICS IMPACT RELATIONSHIPS

    It’s the fourth quarter. MAGA’s out of time and plays. Cue the “don’t let politics ruin relationships” play. If they’re saying women shouldn’t vote, immigrants don’t deserve due process, and Medicaid recipients are lazy freeloaders, what leg do they have to stand on with someone who feels compassion? None. So they flip it. Suddenly, you’re the bad guy for impacting a friendship over politics. Not them for voting to strip rights from entire communities.

    THE AGREE TO DISAGREE

    A Hail Mary. Used when they’re losing and need a reset. They won’t win, but they won’t let liberals win either. So they go scorched earth: “Agree to disagree.” Tie game. They walk away before facts can finish the job. Short and to the point.

    Of course, the playbook goes deeper. There’s The Bribe: Trump’s specialty. The No Source: a video or quote from somewhere vague (probably Instagram). All Libs Are: a versatile play with endless variations. And The Gerrymander: a Texas favorite.

    To beat the Republicans, you have to know what you’re up against. Even though they’re outnumbered, polls have shown this for decades, they win because of the playbook. But when you’re wrong, a good playbook isn’t enough. So they bend the rules. Pay the refs. Stack the courts.

    Now that we know their calls, maybe—just maybe—we can make up ground and get this country back on track. Because no matter your side, you claim you want America to be great again. Some of us just want that greatness to extend beyond rich, white men.One last warning: when the clock runs out and the scoreboard shows a loss, they’ll pull out a play not in the book. The Storm the Capitol. Also known as the coup. Turns out, knowing the playbook only gets us so far, because they’ll do whatever it takes to serve one man’s goals, including attacking police and elected officials.

  • This is Reagan’s Party

    This is Reagan’s Party

    As Donald Trump’s corruption comes further out of the shadows and into the daylight, as his shift regarding the Epstein Files makes it abundantly clear that his name is on that list, and as lower income Republicans in the South have their Medicaid and other benefits ripped away from them, we’re seeing a handful of longstanding Republicans finally open their eyes.

    Although they’re welcome to finally speak up, step out, and denounce their support for the tyranny being unleashed against us, I’ve started to notice a trend among these people who are just now pulling their heads out of the ground. When declaring their shock and awe, they all echo the same exact thing: “This isn’t your parents’ Republican Party. This isn’t Reagan’s political party.”

    But here’s the thing: it 100% is. Don’t believe me? Let’s take a quick jaunt through history.

    FLIPPING THE SOUTH

    The political map looked incredibly different prior to 1964. Back then, Democrats could rely on the southeastern states that touch the Gulf of Mexico (Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas). In six of the nine presidential elections from 1932 to 1960, the Electoral College votes from all five states went to Democratic candidates. In the three elections they didn’t sweep, one was due to a Democrat-leaning independent taking three of the five (1948), and in the other two, where Republicans infiltrated the wall, Democrats still won three out of five and two out of five states in each of those.

    This picture doesn’t even account for the reliability and blueness of Georgia, Arkansas, South Carolina, and other “Deep South” states during that time.

    The southern, blue-collar voter leaned Democrat. And with good reason: Democrats ran on policies that benefited the lower and middle class. The lower and middle class south backed the party that was, and still is, pro-union, pro-benefits, and pro-regulation. But it wasn’t a change in policy that flipped the South red. It was one significant act.

    Although white southerners like to say there’s no racism in the Southeast, history declares otherwise. Because when Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law, he signed a death warrant for the Deep South’s commitment to his party. A once-reliable stretch of states for Democratic presidential candidates was gone. More importantly for this story, those voters felt disenfranchised and angry.

    An anger one man was ready to fully exploit.

    CHANGE THE CAMPAIGN

    A frequent flyer in Republican primaries, and occasionally the general election, Richard Nixon couldn’t figure out why he couldn’t punch through and win. Was it his deceitful style? His unlikeable personality? Or something else? Nixon didn’t know. But after 1964, he saw something clearly: a large group of white voters in the South were angry and looking for an excuse to turn their backs on the party that declared others should be treated equal to them.

    Nixon’s 1968 campaign is often noted by historians as differing significantly from previous campaigns run by both parties to that point. Although the Vietnam War was raging, Nixon and his team turned their focus to domestic matters, specifically social issues and race, something not commonly done at the time.

    He often spoke of the “silent majority” and leaned into the idea of a decline in traditional values. By focusing on religion, family values, and law and order, he made this aforementioned group, who felt the civil rights movement was leading the country in the wrong direction, believe that most of America felt exactly the same. They felt they weren’t alone in thinking the entire country was worried about minorities taking jobs and committing crime. Everyone was just being silenced by Democrats and the liberal media.

    But it was Nixon’s well-known “Southern Strategy”, playing on racial anxieties and resentment of civil rights advancements among white southern voters, that flipped the script in 1968. He campaigned on crime and, more importantly, implied that the rise in that crime was directly tied to the expansion of minority rights. He spoke the language southern white voters were eager to hear, making them feel disenfranchised no longer.

    Nixon found resounding success with these new strategies, playing off voters’ fears (genuine or not), focusing on race and gender, and doing it all without saying the quiet part out loud. A group of voters who felt minorities gaining more would harm them now believed they were part of a silenced majority. And they were ready to act out on it.

    These were new strategies, ones that have been employed by both parties to this day. Most notably, MAGA.

    A CELEBRITY ENTERS THE CONVERSATION

    Before even running for office, Ronald Reagan made an impact on politics and the Republican Party. In 1964, the same year the Civil Rights Act was passed, Reagan gave a speech dubbed “A Time for Choosing” that sparked a new conservative movement. The speech focused on the need for a smaller federal government to reduce its control over people — a clear response to the Civil Rights Movement and a clear and direct statement on race from your parents’ favorite President.

    This set him up to succeed sixteen years later, when he ran for president and mixed his Hollywood star power with his newfound conservative spotlight. Reagan demolished his Democratic opponent Jimmy Carter, winning forty-three states and over 50% of the popular vote. Reagan had made an impression, but his biggest impacts were still to come.

    Reagan, a millionaire when taking office, saw an opportunity to secure his legacy with the most important people to him: other millionaires. He immediately championed and pushed through the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, which heavily favored wealthy Americans by lowering their taxes from a long-standing 70% to just 50%. It also pushed the national deficit past $1 trillion for the first time ever, tripling it to a staggering $2.85 trillion during his presidency. But he went even further with the Tax Reform Act of 1986, which brought taxes on the wealthiest Americans down from the newly favorable 50% to just 28% by 1988.

    Notably, Reagan, who entered office worth $10 million, left the presidency 50% richer while supposedly serving his country. But it wasn’t just Reagan who benefited. Millionaires spoke to the president and got what they wanted — more so than ever before. And that made this class of now lower-taxed Americans feel emboldened to flex their power with future presidents.

    But it wasn’t just his two notorious acts that put the wealthy first. Reagan caused even more damage with his deregulation of capitalism, a series of legislation and additional acts passed with the promise of jump-starting the economy through, you guessed it, trickle-down economics and fewer rules to police corporations. This set forth a new direction for the free market in America, one that has seen CEO wages and product prices skyrocket while middle-class Americans continue to earn the same.

    And I’m just getting started. It’s important to also note the dominoes that led to some of the most close-minded and impactful current Supreme Court Justices serving. Reagan’s vice president turned president, George H.W. Bush, nominated Clarence Thomas. Bush’s son later nominated John Roberts and Samuel Alito. Three like-minded individuals who have torn down rules and regulations to get what they and their allies want, including Trump.

    MAGA IS REAGAN’S LEGACY

    To this day, your Republican-voting parents still praise Ronald Reagan. Trickle-down economics looked fantastic to those building their homes and retirement plans in the early 1990s. Racism is much easier when those running the country are passing legislation to support it and you don’t have to say anything about it out loud.

    So while the Tea Party movement, with help from the internet and Russia, helped create the building blocks of the MAGA echo chamber, what opened the door for both the Tea Party and MAGA was Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan changing the political landscape forever.

    Much of what Trump is doing mimics what we saw from Reagan way back in the ’80s. Sure, the main argument the people turning on Trump are trying to make is that while Reagan fought to shrink the federal role in governing, Trump is using big government to get what he wants. But both did so to improve their own positions, the position of the wealthy, and to push through longstanding and destructive policies that hurt many people, specifically minorities.

    Additionally, Reagan’s closeted racism was evident in the very policies he pushed — much like what we see from the Trump administration today.

    So while the person emerging from the MAGA cocoon wants to stand on the idea that the old Republican Party was different, the only real difference is the federal government’s role in taking from the poor to give to the rich. Everything else Trump is doing was either built by the Republicans who came before him or enabled by those same people spending decades and millions to tear down protections and oversight.

    Yes, Trump’s Republican Party is, in fact, Reagan’s Republican Party.

    Is there a lesson here? Maybe not. I know we’re supposed to be welcoming to these newly grounded individuals. But I really don’t think it matters in the end. The person angry with Trump for taking away their very means to live, the same person posting online about this not being Reagan’s party anymore, will not be the difference in 2026 or 2028. That’s because every Republican politician, even the ones with enough spine to speak up now and then, are enabling this assault on our Constitution. They either bend the knee and make it happen, like drawing racist new districts that silence thousands of voters in Texas at Trump’s command, or they do an interview saying what’s happening isn’t great, and then turn around and vote for the legislation Trump and his allies want in order to keep their seat in office.

    These voters may be angry at Trump, but when they vote for Ken Paxton, Ted Cruz, Gabe Evans, Kyle Langford, and others with the “R” next to their name, they will further enable the tyranny that’s unfolding. And be honest with yourself: will the boomer who voted Republican for four straight decades change lanes in 2028? Will they pick the Democrat going up against Trump’s proxy? Or worse, the Democrat taking on Trump himself when he twists the Constitution and ends up running for a third term?

    We all know the answers to those questions.

    Next time someone says, “This isn’t Reagan’s Republican Party,” remember that it is. It’s more his party than Trump’s. In fact, you can let them know: Reagan walked so Trump could terrorize a nation.

  • The Alt-Right’s Meltdown Over Superman and Why I’m Loving It

    The Alt-Right’s Meltdown Over Superman and Why I’m Loving It

    Originally posted on Project-Nerd.

    Since its early July release, the far alt-right crowd has been crying online about Superman. After an incredibly busy start to the month, I finally carved out time to see James Gunn’s new film, and I’ll say it outright: those far-right critics are right. The movie is incredibly woke. And I’m here for every bit of it.

    After years of playing second fiddle to Disney’s Marvel, Warner Bros finally admitted their DC theatrical universe was headed in the wrong direction. Whether you loved or loathed Zack Snyder, Henry Cavill, Joss Whedon, and the others from recent DC projects, it’s undeniable that Warner’s strategy wasn’t working. So, on October 25, 2022, they made a decisive move and named James Gunn and Peter Safran co-chairmen and co-CEOs of DC Studios.

    Gunn, still juggling television projects somewhat associated with the DCEU, quickly announced that the first film in the new DCU would be Superman, and he’d be writing and directing it himself.

    Now, in July 2025, Gunn’s Superman has finally hit theaters. And while the president is neck-deep in a self-made Epstein scandal (yes, trump’s obviously on that list), tanking the economy, pushing racist immigration agendas, and supporting genocide abroad, his voting fanbase seems more focused on a fictional superhero with a strong, positive message.

    Warning: Spoilers for Superman (2025) Ahead

    Superman 2025

    Instead of celebrating Warner Bros. and DC’s triumphant return with a compelling Superman, the internet is swirling with debates over whether Gunn’s film is “woke” along with whether the film contains a statement on Israel’s invasion of Gaza.

    Gunn hasn’t confirmed any of that. He’s mostly dismissed the noise. But after watching the film, I’ve formed my own opinion: the far right is correct. Gunn’s Superman is woke. And I love it.

    David Corenswet portrays Superman, already three years into his heroic journey. There’s no origin story, no costume montage, no fumbling for an identity. Superman and Clark Kent are fully formed, and Lois Lane (played by Rachel Brosnahan) is completely in the know.

    With the origin story out of the way, Gunn dives straight into his original plot, loosely drawing from existing comic arcs. The film opens with Superman intervening in the Boravia Conflict—an invasion between fictional nations Boravia and Jarhanpur. Gunn wrote this plot well before the current administration took office, but its eerie similarities to real-world events, much like Andor, have angered the far right.

    Remove politics for a moment, and the facts remain: James Gunn did exactly what he was hired to do. He revitalized DC’s cinematic universe and made Warner Bros a boatload of money.

    And more simply, he made a great movie. Gunn’s Superman is fantastic.

    Superman Movie Still

    Corenswet brings depth and humanity to Superman. The supporting cast shines. Gunn’s emotional mastery is in full force, drawing us into powerful moments as Clark wrestles with whether his true self might disrupt his closest relationships.

    Yes, the film has its flaws. But Gunn delivered a big movie with complex characters and intertwining themes that crescendo beautifully. When The Teddybears and Iggy Pop’s “I’m a Punkrocker” explodes near the end, the emotional impact is undeniable. That happens because the story parallels real life, through both Superman’s internal battles and the broader socio-political undertones.

    Gunn didn’t appear to set out to make a political statement. Rather he made a movie that is real. And in 2025, “real” automatically becomes political. Because basic human rights, war crimes, and compassion are now contentious talking points on the American political spectrum.

    Superman poses a powerful question: how does one responsibly use unmatched power to protect lives? In one scene, Superman defends his intervention in an ally’s invasion simply by saying, “people were going to die.” It’s that raw, simple moral compass, protect those in danger, regardless of political red tape, that drives the plot. And yes, the fictional Boravia-Jarhanpur war Gunn conceived in 2023–2024 now echoes Israel’s real-life conflicts and trump’s increasingly authoritarian rhetoric.

    To be blunt, Gunn’s fictional world, where Lex Luthor would gain control of half of Jarhanpur if the invasion succeeded, mirrors trump’s very real aspiration to eradicate and privatize Gaza. Gunn didn’t write this in response, he wrote it prior to trump’s public statements. But are any of us surprised that reality caught up to fiction?

    I have decided to believe that Gunn did intend to make a statement, whether subtly or not, against maga culture and its leader. But even if he didn’t, the movie reflects the world we live in. And that reflection alone makes it “woke” in the eyes of conservatives.

    But let’s be honest, “woke” isn’t a real thing. It’s a hollow label wielded by crooked politicians and echoed by blind followers to distract from harmful, narrow-minded policies.

    So no, James Gunn didn’t make a “woke” Superman movie. The far right simply decided that basic human decency is now “woke.” That may render their arguments about the film accurate, but it’s at the fault of their own bidding.

  • No Kings Day

    No Kings Day

    I know it’s been a while since I’ve written, but it’s hard to put my thoughts into words when I’m this angry about what is happening. Meanwhile, Trump and his allies continue their efforts to push this country toward authoritarian rule. Writing about it all feels overwhelming, but today, I want to touch on Saturday, June 14th, as we have a big weekend ahead.

    On Saturday, Trump will hold an authoritarian-style military parade in Washington, D.C. Officially, it’s stated to commemorate the Army’s anniversary, but conveniently, it also falls on his birthday. This event will undoubtedly be remembered as a birthday parade for a wannabe dictator, placing it alongside similar displays of military power we see in Russia, North Korea, Iran, and China. Not to mention historical parades held by leaders like Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Pol Pot.

    Yes, that’s the company the United States is now associated with.

    The Opposition: No Kings Day

    Since most Americans do not support this tyrant, people across the country are taking a stand. June 14th is also being rightfully recognized as No Kings Day, a national protest against authoritarianism.

    What is No Kings Day?

    The 50501 Movement, a nationwide organization made up of everyday Americans who stand for democracy, has helped orchestrate an anti-Trump, anti-king protest spanning all 50 states this Saturday.

    Where are the protests?

    According to the No Kings website, nearly 2,000 protests have been listed across the country, including at least one in nearly every major city. While Trump’s parade will take place in Washington, D.C., the flagship march and rally will be held in Philadelphia to minimize conflict.

    How will protesters make their voices heard?

    Peacefully.

    The Trump administration has repeatedly magnified isolated incidents of violence to justify its overreach, such as deploying the military against American citizens in Los Angeles. Every bad actor, no matter how small, is used to falsely depict all protests and protesters as violent, anti-American, and an enemy of the state.

    Maintaining peaceful demonstrations is crucial—not only because violence is unnecessary but also because Trump and his allies are actively looking for any excuse to escalate their actions.

    How large will the protests be?

    It’s hard to predict exact numbers, but millions are expected to turn out. Given the widespread outrage and ongoing demonstrations across the country, a massive turnout seems inevitable. Whether your local protest is packed shoulder to shoulder or has only a few dozen people, the point is to show up and make your voice heard.

    How should you prepare?

    Expect challenges. Conflicts between authorities and protesters are likely, especially with such high tensions and emotions. Be prepared, but don’t let fear keep you from standing up for what’s right.

    What to bring:

    • Water (stay hydrated)
    • A sign or shirt that reflects your message
    • Snacks and sunscreen are highly recommended too

    What to keep nearby (in your car or backpack):

    • Extra clothes & water (especially if protests continue into the evening)
    • Sealable plastic bags (in case tear gas or other chemicals are deployed)

    The Two Most Important Goals

    Mass turnout—the country must come together to make it clear: We reject the racism, homophobia, sexism, and authoritarian rule this administration is so adamantly pushing. If Congress, the Supreme Court, and state politicians refuse to act, we will.

    Keeping the peace—I reiterate, the far-right wants violence. It only takes one bad actor for them to paint every protester as anti-American. The press is caving to their demands, and Trump’s base lives in a conspiracy-driven echo chamber. Any excuse to justify further overreach will be exploited, and his minions will use it to further silence American voices.

    Stay safe, stay strong, and speak out.

    Whether your message is Damn The Man, 86 47, Fuck ICE, or No Kings, make sure they hear it—loud and clear.

  • The Shedeur Truth

    The Shedeur Truth

    As I begin my thoughts here, I think it’s important to point out a few things. First, I have no direct evidence to support any claims I will make against the NFL and professional sports in this op-ed—aside from what those leagues reveal to us every year. I also acknowledge that I am writing this from a place of privilege as a white male who no longer watches the NFL (for reasons beyond what I’m about to discuss).

    With that out of the way, let’s address the elephant in the room. The free fall Shedeur Sanders experienced in the 2025 NFL Draft is nothing short of billionaire collusion—completely in line with what league owners have demonstrated time and time again.

    Sanders has dominated at every level. His record-setting performance and high draft stock had little to do with his father, Deion, and certainly nothing to do with nepotism. In 2024 alone, Sanders passed for over 4,000 yards with 37 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, completing a record 74% of his pass attempts—all while being sacked 42 times. Over two years at Colorado, he endured 94 sacks yet missed only two games across his entire collegiate career.

    Keyboard warriors will undoubtedly point to Colorado’s 4-8 record in 2023—a result of a coaching staff in their first year at the D1 level and Sanders’ first year there. A 4-8 season that basement dwellers wish they could string together themselves.

    But beyond college stats, what did the scouts truly say about Sanders?

    Mel Kiper Jr., the most respected draft analyst in the game, called Sanders the best quarterback in the draft.

    ESPN’s Steve Muench provided this scouting report: “Sanders is physically and mentally tough. He takes big hits to make plays and can elevate his game in critical situations. He held onto the ball too long and tried to make too much happen in 2024, but he’s shown the ability to get the ball out and pick defenses apart with short to intermediate passes over the course of his career. Sanders can throw receivers open, holding safeties with his eyes and getting through his progressions given time and space. He keeps his eyes downfield as he moves around the pocket, and he makes off-platform throws. His arm is strong enough to make every throw, and he can pass into tight windows when he gets the ball out on time and with anticipation. He also can scramble for first downs.”

    But it wasn’t just experts backing Sanders—the odds supported him as well. In December 2024, his odds of being drafted number one were so strong that a bettor would need to wager $180 to win $100. By the week of the draft, that same bet would have returned $18,000.

    So, what changed?

    Some media outlets attribute it to his NFL Scouting Combine interviews. Unnamed front-office officials from certain teams labeled him “arrogant” and “unprofessional.”

    Arrogant? What record-setting D1 quarterback isn’t arrogant? If arrogance were an issue, why was Travis Hunter still selected second overall? And why did Caleb Williams go number one in 2024, with Marvin Harrison Jr. taken fourth?

    I believe the real issue lies in how the wealthy white men running teams interpret the word “unprofessional”—a criticism Deion Sanders himself has frequently heard at the collegiate level. But we all know what Houston Texans owner Bob McNair means when he says “unprofessional.”

    Collusion is something people often accuse NFL owners of. And although the league’s special deals with the government—along with certain owners’ relationships with past and sitting U.S. Presidents—have kept it from ever being convicted of collusion, even the casual fan can see that it’s there.

    Sure, Colin Kaepernick may have benefited from how the fallout of his kneeling protests played out, becoming a martyr rather than just an above-average quarterback. But how does a Black quarterback who led a team to a Super Bowl get locked out of the league while a white placekicker who regularly makes anti-LGBTQ remarks continues receiving support from his owner? And how did Ben Roethlisberger continue his career after settling a rape lawsuit?

    Of course, plenty of Black athletes get away with things, too—Houston’s Joe Mixon is a prime example. But Mixon played by the rules. He nodded when told to nod. He said what his PR team scripted for him.

    Shedeur Sanders, just like his father Deion, refuses to conform to the outdated mold of a 1980s quarterback—the Father Figure the NFL owners desire. Just like Deion, Shedeur will continue breaking barriers, evolving the position, and reshaping the league to appeal to a new, younger audience. An audience fed up with Boomer Billionaire Bullsh*t™. An audience that wants end-zone celebrations in the NFL, bat flips in MLB, and ice-in-the-veins gestures from NBA stars who nail clutch three-pointers.

    As Sanders fell down the draft board, I kept thinking about the more than $200 million the Cleveland Browns gave to sex offender Deshaun Watson. Or the fact that the Pittsburgh Steelers are still openly pursuing the human equivalent of a soiled diaper in Aaron Rodgers. It’s abundantly clear that team owners would rather tolerate legal and social scandals than deal with the media frenzy that comes with drafting Deion’s kids—or accepting the inevitable cultural shift within the league.

    But sure, white football fans can keep insisting it’s Shedeur’s “arrogance” knocking him down a peg—while they proudly wear their Trevor Lawrence jerseys. And let’s not pretend Watson and Rodgers don’t walk around with more arrogance than Brett Favre and Tom Brady combined.

    Yeah. Now that I think about it (and read my cease and desist letter from the NFL), it’s clearly the arrogance—not owner collusion—that’s devaluing yet another flashy athlete.

  • Oops, I Did It Again

    Oops, I Did It Again

    I set a goal for myself in 2025: stay off Meta platforms as much as possible and, under no circumstances, argue with right-wing trolls.

    Oops. I guess I didn’t reach that goal.

    Looking back at my social media presence, you’ll find an opinionated elder-millennial using Facebook as their primary platform. I hate social media, but like most others, I haven’t been able to escape it. It’s how I promote my creative projects, podcasts, and blog. It’s where my wife tags me and the kids, keeping extended family updated on our lives. Facebook Messenger has even been the hub for most of our brand’s business chats.

    It’s deeply integrated into my life—even though I hate it.

    But after 2024, I decided that arguing with the close-minded trolls of the internet was futile. I resolved to protect my sanity and redirect my energy elsewhere in 2025.

    Then, a friend of mine—who’s more like family—started stirring things up. After a significant milestone in their life passed, they began diving headfirst into right-wing posting. Sure, this friend has always enjoyed internet arguments. They’ll call others out for not listening to different viewpoints, yet they’ve consistently shut down those who take a hard stance against them. However, back when their posts had a more centrist tone, it felt different.

    As many of you know, there’s no middle ground anymore. The only response to A is Z. The only answer to black is white. The only way to mobilize a recently lethargic political base is to incite anger about the other side’s beliefs.

    Over the course of a week, this friend shared several articles daily. Many, I ignored. But one post—just before they shared a satire website as if it were fact—touched on immigration. It was a brief post, designed solely to create chaos.

    That’s when I found myself in the middle of their comment section, defending logic and sanity to a stranger who countered with nonsense and echo-chamber rhetoric.

    The whole ordeal was pointless.

    As I have for years, I thought facts could correct the misinformation. But in the adjacent comment thread, I saw a progressive individual locked in debate with two conservatives. The conservative duo demanded the progressive cite sources they deemed acceptable (so no real news, since that’s all “fake news”). Meanwhile, one of them repeatedly claimed, “I’ve done the research,” as their sole evidence and source. They used the standard Republican strategy of deflection—accusing the left of lying, being violent, and echoing Trump and Musk without offering proof. Of course, they also hurled the tired accusation of “TDS” (Trump Derangement Syndrome) at anyone opposing their views.

    As I considered jumping into that conversation to call out their hypocrisy and willful ignorance, I remembered my 2025 goal: don’t engage.

    Instead, I directed my energy more productively. I enacted a five-point plan:

    1. Write to representatives: I sent letters to my Congressman and Senators. I reminded Senator Bennett that when he runs for Governor in a few years, he’ll need to stand on the shoulders of those demanding he speak up now. I told Congressman Gabe Evans that his actions don’t align with his constituents’ values.
    2. Support local campaigns: Knowing Gabe Evans won’t change course—especially since his 2024 campaign relied on lies about the Democratic incumbent—I signed up for updates from candidates challenging him in the 2026 election. Offering my services to help in those upcoming campaigns.
    3. Donate to causes: I contributed to organizations affected by this administration’s policies. My choice was Planned Parenthood, but food banks, veteran services, LGBTQ+ charities, and others are also in need.
    4. Create: I worked on my comic book projects, hosted a livestream sale on WhatNot, and wrote this article. Instead of channeling my written word into arguments with the willfully ignorant, I focused that typing on projects that energize me.
    5. Protest: I joined thousands of others in a day of protest, ensuring this country’s leadership knows we won’t stand for what is happening.

    I don’t list these actions to pat myself on the back. They aren’t groundbreaking. But when faced with the choice between arguing with someone entrenched in their echo chamber or investing my energy in meaningful efforts, I chose the latter.

    Which brings me to the point of this opinion piece: what’s your five-point plan?

    It doesn’t have to involve money or protesting. It doesn’t even need to include creating content. But it should be something worthwhile—something more impactful than an online argument. Your plan should bring you joy, give your community a boost, and address today’s political and social challenges. It should be a step toward a better future.

    It can be as simple as reading a book to educate yourself or as ambitious as running for office.

    The next time you’re tempted to argue with that contrarian relative during a family gathering, take a breath and pivot. When you feel like linking sources to refute the claims of an internet acquaintance or stranger labeling anything progressive as socialism or communism, step away.

    Take a breath.

    Turn to your five-point plan.

    You don’t have to use all five points every time; even one can make a bigger difference than trying to enlighten the unyielding.

    As my lawyer once told me about my ex-wife, and as it applies to internet trolls: “Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it.” (Shaw)

  • Another Hearing Becomes GOP Circus

    Another Hearing Becomes GOP Circus

    On Wednesday, March 5th, the Republican-led House Oversight Committee called Eric Adams of New York, Mike Johnston of Denver, Brandon Johnson of Chicago, and Michelle Wu of Boston to testify in front of Congress about one of America’s hottest political topics: immigration.

    These four mayors have a few things in common. Most notably, they are all Democrats hailing from Democrat-governed states. More importantly, they’re all from well-known cities that saw Texas Governor Gregg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis send immigrants, by the literal busload, with more than 100,000 of them pouring into those locations from Texas alone.

    If it sounds like a bad game of politics, well, that’s because it is. And if you were expecting nothing short of a spectacle, the far-right delivered.

    As expected, the most notorious of the far-right representatives were present and ready to turn the Capitol into a circus. There was the promiscuous Lauren Boebert, the vile and lie-spewing Marjorie Taylor Greene, and the abuse-enabling Jim Jordan. Each ready with their usual slate of weird and partisan questions for these mayors.

    Boebert asked asinine questions and then used the event to send out a fundraiser before the hearing was even over. Greene talked about Laken Riley, who was murdered in the Republican-governed state of Georgia, not any of the four cities represented at the hearing. And Jordan, who at least picked an individual from one of these cities, grilled Denver’s Johnston on Abraham Gonzalez, an alleged gang member who was actually detained by Denver Police and handed over to ICE.

    But it was Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina who was hoping to be featured on Fox News the most, with her frequent far-right soundbites coming at the four mayors in rapid succession.

    Mace’s questions for these qualified mayors, who have governed some of the country’s largest municipalities, included, “When an illegal immigrant rapes a woman, do you believe you’re on the right side of history?” and “Do you hate Donald Trump more than you love your country?” and “Do you love illegal aliens more than you love your fellow countrymen?”

    Questions that she intertwined with insults towards all four mayors, without giving them much room to answer and giving them no real reason to even be present when slinging mud such as that.

    Rep. Anna Paulina Luna from Florida might have taken home the award for Bonehead of the Day when she announced plans to “criminally” refer all four mayors to the U.S. Department of Justice for investigation. An announcement that the United States Attorney General Pam Bondi, one of Trump’s most loyal cronies, was likely salivating at, but in reality, had no binding.

    None of that mattered anyway. Because in the end, there are two big points that Republicans are dredging up and are unequivocally wrong about. That was proven when the Republicans questioning these mayors actually remained on topic: crime and the mayors themselves breaking the law.

    Every lie Republican representatives told was clearly and factually disputed. Every news story they tried to quote from 2020 or prior was met with clear and concise data showing violent crime rates dropping across three of the four cities (Boston, Denver, New York).

    Not that it will matter when the soundbites go out, as the Republican voters will hear what they want to hear.

    And then there’s the matter of these four breaking federal law.

    “I don’t think anyone in this room could define what ‘sanctuary city’ is,” Johnston wisely stated at one point. He stood defiant, knowing the threat to jail him and his colleagues, along with the threat to reduce or even stop federal funding to their states, has no real ground. Not that Trump and his allies need ground to justify their actions. That is because Johnston knows there’s no legal definition for sanctuary city policies, and these municipalities, although more defiant than some about overreach, do cooperate with federal officials when necessary.

    If anything, Rep. Luna should be directing her threat of recommending charges at the real criminal officials in this matter, Governor Abbott and Governor DeSantis. Both governors squandered their taxpayers’ dollars by turning people’s lives into a political spectacle as they sent these human beings to these cities being questioned.

    Denver, along with the other three cities represented today, has its issues. Denver’s Johnston has seen a booming city face unprecedented growth, a forced influx of immigration, and a stalling economy that has caused economic and financial hardships. New York Mayor Adams is likely a criminal, but for an entirely separate reason. And Chicago continues to see corruption while Boston has many issues a large melting pot tends to have.

    But in this situation, not just at the Capitol today, but through it all, these mayors and their administrations have shown compassion and care towards a large number of individuals that had become pawns in Republican officials’ games.

    That compassion is something Boebert, Greene, and Jordan will never have. It’s something Abbott and DeSantis won’t learn. And it’s something that couldn’t get into Trump even with an enema full of it.

    When Republicans continue to use people’s lives as political fodder, whether legally here or not, one has to hope that those on the far right who claim they have Christian values actually stand up and display those values. Because we know those they are voting for won’t.