Flotsam and Jetsam - Heavens to Betsy

I received a brief note from Elizabeth Stauffer from the Federalist Legal Insurrection yesterday, noting that I had cited her in one of my "Flotsam and Jetsam" posts, and had several times in the past (I would guess many), and thanking me. She signed the note Betsy. I had been calling her Liz, so I apologized, and promised to use Betsy henceforth. I'm sure some automated search tipped her off, but it was nice that she reached out, and I was gratified that somebody (or perhaps an AI) slogs through these.

And now on with to today's wrack line. This weekend's "No Kings" protests are still dominating. As the Babylon Bee notes The Babylon Bee @TheBabylonBee "Millions Gather To Express Total Ignorance About Political System https://buff.ly/dXnriSU." Insty, at his NYPo gig says the ‘No Kings’ crowds don’t want more democracy — they want LESS. Roger Kimball at Am Great, The ‘No Kings’ Protests Against Democracy Itself "Trump’s decisive 2024 victory exposed the irony of the left’s “No Kings” protests—an anti-democracy tantrum against the most democratic act of all: an election." John Hinderacker at Power Line, Elderly White People Protest Against Democracy. Driscoll at Insty, STUFF WHITE PEOPLE LIKE: Kristin Sokoloff @ksoklower48, "BREAKING: Atlanta’s “No Kings” Protest Was 90% White — Despite City’s 47% Black Population. Even locals are calling it out — real Atlantans have jobs, families, and priorities, not time for another elite Saturday stunt." At Twitchy, Scott Jennings Reminds a ‘Karen’ America Is Not a Monarchy and ‘No Kings’ Protesters Wasted Their TimeAce, "No Kings" Rally More Like "No Thanks" Rally Am I Rite. Hat Hair's Duane Patterson adds No Kings Is A Bad Poker Hand And A Worse Protest. Right Angle News Network @Rightanglenews, "BREAKING - Countless leftist mouthpieces on X, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have been caught sharing a 2017 MSNBC video from a Boston counter-protest to make it appear as footage from the 2025 “No Kings” rally after lower-than-expected turnout." Crowd estimates came from the organizers, so swallow at your own risk. As Hat Hair's Beege Welborn notes Pretty funny. AI toted up all the reports and came up with a 650K nationwide attendance figure, just a tad less than the 7 MILLION progressives are claiming they had out. At Althouse "Have you heard this idea that if 3.5% of a population protests nonviolently, social change is a slam dunk?..." "It's a "No King's Day reality check" from AntifascistDad:" From PJM, David Manney, 'No Kings Day' Street Theater Meets Shutdown Politics: A March for Democracy or a Midterm Ad Buy?, Matt Margolis, The ‘No Kings’ Protesters Are Even Dumber Than You Thought and Stephen Kruiser asks Dude, Where's My King? Kurt Schlichter @KurtSchlichter "This is idiocy, but OK" Quote Max @minordissent, "Conservatives will never admit this but it is true. The founding fathers were the radical leftists of their time. The way the average con feels about crazy leftist transgender activists today is the way the average con of the 1700s felt about American Revolutionists. x.com/jessicausaf/st…" 

While billed as a non-violent protest, Hat Hair's Dave Strom notes The Radicals Were Out in Full Force at 'No Kings' Rally. NYPo reports a Chicago elementary teacher mocks Charlie Kirk’s assassination with vile gun gesture at No Kings protest. Cernovich @Cernovich, "They get to hold their protests without a care in the world. No snipers on buildings shooting at them. No masked thugs attacking them. Every media outlet fawning over them. Irony levels fit for a King." PJM's Vicky Taft smells Rain, Tear Gas > Violent 'No Kings' Militants Outside Portland ICE HQ. From PM, Rioters attack federal agents outside Portland ICE facility during ‘No Kings’ protest "Footage from the scene showed transgender-identifying Antifa militant Michelle “Michael” Backes sucker-punching a pro-ICE counter-protester outside the facility."

The Peacock crows The 'No Kings' protests, like the tea party of 2009, are a warning to Trump: WaPo editorial board. But Ward Clark at RedState hears Dem Senators Now Fear Fallout of 'No Kings' Absurdity. From Fox, Trump reacts to 'No Kings' protests by saying 'I'm not a king, I work my ass off' "President dismisses demonstrations as 'very small, very ineffective' with protesters who are 'wacked out'" Ace cites The Divine Ms Devine at NYPo Miranda Divine: Trump Derangement Fever Is Breaking, "I don't believe this, but what do you think?" I think it's more of a chronic disease, like cancer.

At OTP, Government Shutdown Reaches 20th Day With No End In Sight. Misty Severi at JTN reports the Senate Democrats block Republican plan to end government shutdown for 11th time. "Seven senators did not vote in the latest round, including Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, who has been siding with Republicans to end the shutdown." News Wax hears Chip Roy Suggests 'Nuclear Option' to End Senate Stalemate. Dave Strom is happy to report Trump is Riding Out Shutdown in Good Shape. A Larry video at Hat Hair suggests Trump, Johnson Strong-Arm Schumer: Shutdown Might End This Week? From Fox, House GOP announces $24M cash haul as government shutdown drags on and Trump calls Democrats ‘kamikaze pilots’ as shutdown standoff hits third week with no end in sight "President vows to permanently eliminate welfare programs Republicans 'never wanted' on 'Sunday Morning Futures'." At NYPo John Stossel says The shutdown proves it: We don’t need so much government after all. But OTP says Air Traffic Control Staffing Issues Cause Flight Delays Across US. And Virginia Allen at Da Signal sees ICE Agents Still ‘Risking Their Lives’ Despite ‘Working Without Pay’ Amid Shutdown.

Da Algemeiner claims Trump Urged Zelensky to Cut a Deal with Putin or Risk Facing Destruction, FT Reports. At Da Blaze, Trump gives Zelenskyy reality check in alleged 'shouting match' before sending him on his way. From the Free Bacon, New Poll Finds Soaring Approval for Trump's Handling of Israel-Hamas War. Capt. Ed at Hat Hair, Ho Hum, Yet Another 'Ceasefire' Day in Gaza; Don't Blame Trump Or Israel, Says ... WaPo? Don Surber, I agree with the Washington Post. “Consider this a win for President Donald Trump, who brought about the ceasefire.”

Buck Throckmorton at Ace's notes Trump & Rubio Prevent UN’s Global Climate Tax on Shipping; “Principled Free Traders” Are Mute About Stopping this Tax on Consumers. "Thank you President Trump and Secretary Rubio for continuing to put America first." From ET, US, Australia to Invest Over $3 Billion in Critical Minerals Over Next 6 Months. "The deal comes amid China’s weaponization of global supply chains via significantly expanding its export controls on minerals."

In misc Trumpiania, Newsweek, Student Loan Forgiveness Update: Trump Admin Cancels Debt For Millions. Ace, Trump Invites Former Navy SEAL and Army Ranger to Primary Flaky Libertarian Saboteur Thomas Massie "I've had it with this grandstanding college-dorm bullshit artist." Fox Bus, From the gilded Oval Office to a new monument: A look at Trump's renovation projects. From Althouse "Donald Trump is considering commuting Diddy's sentence as early as this week, according to a high-ranking White House official." ""According to our source, the President is 'vacillating' on a commutation. We're told some of the W.H. staff are urging Trump not to commute the sentence. But, our source states the obvious -- 'Trump will do what he wants,' and we're told Trump could set Diddy free as early as this week." TMZ reports. I hope Trump does commute this sentence. Sean Combs was acquitted on the charges that embodied the evil things they said he did, and the sentence feels like an effort to punish him for those things anyway. He's already been in custody for over a year."

From WokeSpy, Kamala Harris Calls Biden’s Snub of Elon Musk a ‘Big Mistake’ at 2021 EV Event, almost certainly. The Center Square has a Poll: Kamala Harris still Democratic favorite for 2028 "California Gov. Newsom is second choice." NewsBusters says OUCH: KJP Gets SLAMMED by CBS Hosts for Defending Biden, Claiming to Be an Independent.

Hat Hair's John Sexton hears Mamdani Backs Away From Destroying New York City's Elite High Schools. OTP thinks an NYC Mayoral Poll Delivers Bad News For Mamdani In Cuomo Face-Off. "Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo could be in a virtual dead heat with lefty frontrunner Zohran Mamdani in the Big Apple mayoral race if Republican Curtis Sliwa drops out, a stunning new poll determined." At Fox, FBI agents from '93 WTC attack blast Mamdani for embracing radical imam "Frank Pellegrino stated this choice was an example of Mamdani's "ignorance of history."" NYPo, Andrew Cuomo touts Jessica Tisch as NYPD commish, reveals he’d ‘ask her to stay’ if elected mayor. Whatever happened to Frank Reagan?

Chris Queen at PJM hears a Virginia Democrat Donor Shouts Racist Slurs at Winsome Earle-Sears — at His Son’s Football Game. Tells her to go back to Haiti (she was born in Jamaica). NOVA Campaigns @NoVA_Campaigns "The white, liberal Dem at @JMUFootball game, shouting racist slurs at @WinsomeSears is Scott Pogorelc, of Centreville, VA Go back to Haiti!” “Traitor!” An engineer with Zera Associates, a @LockheedMartin subsidiary." LifeZette claims a ‘MASSIVE Election Security Scandal’ Erupts in Democrat Stronghold Fairfax County, Virginia.

Gene Volokh at the Volokh Conspiracy reports the Ninth Circuit Panel (by 2-1 Vote): President Trump Likely Lawfully Ordered National Guard to Portland. Capt. Ed, BREAKING: Ninth Circuit Overturns Lower Court on Nat'l Guard Deployment ... Again. Sundance at CTH, Federal Appeals Court Overturns Lower Court Ruling – President Trump Can Deploy National Guard to Portland. Shipwreckedcrew the Lawsplainer -- The Venezuelan "Temporary Protective Status" Case And The Supreme Court's Decision On Friday Bringing It To An End "The problem arose from the illegal acts of former DHS Sec. Mayorkas three days before the end of the Biden Administration." Natalia Mittelstadt at JTN reports Appeals court to hear DOJ defend Alina Habba's appointment as New Jersey's acting US attorney. "The DOJ argued in court filings that Alina Habba is validly serving in the role." WUWT, Obama Judge Dismisses Youth Climate Court Case. At USA Today, US judge to block Trump directive to cut 'gender ideology' from states' sex ed materials "US Judge Ann Aiken in Oregon said she intends to issue a preliminary injunction at the behest of 16 states and the District of Columbia." A Clinton judge.

From OTP, Trump Admin Reportedly Fires Two Prosecutors Who Opposed Charges Against Letitia James and DOJ Moves To Remove Comey’s Lawyer Over Leak Conflict. Likely a material witness. 

John Hinderacker asks Who Funds Antifa? Lawrence Person's BattleSwarm Blog claims Patel Close To Cracking Antifa Funding Sources. Da Caller reports a Shadowy Foreign Tech Group Keeps Police Off Antifa’s Trail News Wax reports Trump Vows to Make San Francisco 'Great Again'. Augean stables anyone? From Twitchy, 'We Don't Answer to You': Dan Bongino DROPS THE MIC on Gavin Newsom About Law Enforcement. Eric Daugherty @EricLDaugh, " BREAKING: FBI's Dan Bongino DROPS THE MIC on Gavin Newsom after the derelict California governor claimed "nobody wants" federal police to save San Francisco "That's a BS REMARK." "We don't answer to the governor of California...really? Ask the 67-year-old woman living in a drug-ridden area of LA or San Francisco or what else." "Who's had some guy slinging crack on the corner for 10 years now harassing her grandkids. You go ask her if she wants us and the FBI, the US Marshals and the DEA and all the operations of the federal government in there to clean up the city. Go ask her. Go find her. I promise." "There's not a limited sample size of people...The people DO want us there." @dbongino" Ohio News, Vice President J.D. Vance’s half-brother ‘will not be intimidated’ after church window hit by bullet. At OTP, North Carolina Accountant Arrested After Allegedly Opening Fire On Trump Supporter. Ace, After October 7 and the Anti-Jewish Violence and Harassment That Followed It, Biden's DOJ Rushed Into Action... to Defend Muslims Against "Backlash" "Of course." And, FBI Now Investigating a "Hunting Stand" With a Clear Line of Fire to Air Force One's Landing Strip at Palm Beach Airport "What are these youthful No Kings Q-tip scamps up to now?" Probably just an innocent tree stand, but they have to check.

Sundance at CTH hears Steve Bannon is Very Upset About CIA Lying to Special Envoy During Israel/Hamas Negotiations. But is he surprised? Matt Taibbi at Racket claims an Exclusive: FEMA Workers Improperly Collected Data About Politics of Disaster Victims "Politicized distribution of hurricane aid money before the 2024 election was no "isolated incident," a Homeland Security follow-up report sadly concludes."

The Center for Immigration Studies is trying to Understand Pritzker’s Dangerous Immigration Game. "Egging on anti-ICE rioters, then hoping state troopers will keep the rioting contained." Secretary Sean Duffy @SecDuffy, "My team has reached out to the trucker who recorded this chilling video. He did the right thing reporting the trucker driving the wrong way to police. This easily could have ended in disaster. Foreign truck drivers not being able to understand the rules of our roads is a crisis that is putting lives in danger. @USDOT is doing the work to fix it and SAVE LIVES!" UPI, Border agents find dangerous insect species seen in U.S. for first time.

A Driscolly post at Insty, A WAKE TO REMEMBER: MSNBC Bids Farewell to Its Dying Audience. "It was quite a weekend for MSNBC. Are they trying to get all the craziness out of their systems as the iceberg hoves into view? ● MSNBC Compares ‘No Kings’ Critics To Nazis. ● Robert De Niro slams Stephen Miller — who is Jewish — as a ‘Nazi’ in MSNBC rant. ● Enraging Bull: Actor Robert DeNiro Says Rural Americans Need the ‘Truth’ from MSNBC and Legacy Media. ● Actor Robert De Niro drops f-bomb on MSNBC’s ‘The Weekend.’" Da Signal explains The Sneaky Way Corporate America Blacklists Conservatives, and How Some Are Fighting Back.

Driscoll cites JULIE BURCHILL: How do so many women end up as ‘Feminists for Islam?’ 

Capt. Ed, 'F*** That Racist B***': Hollywood Stunt Coordinator Exposes Cheers for Kirk's Death. At Da Mail, Chicago teacher accused of mocking Charlie Kirk's assassination as school suddenly pulls website.

At Da Signal, Trump’s War on ‘Illegal DEI’ Leaves Diversity Industry in Ruins, Study Shows. From Breitbart, Lia Thomas Unrepentant over Taking Titles from Women: ‘It’s Easier to Fight the World Than Fight Yourself.’

The Wombat has FMJRA 2.0: Breaking Even On The Road up and garnering clicks at The Other McCain.