Rise of the Right
Momentum is On Our Side
Holiday shortened week and I’m on the road celebrating with family so this will be a fairly short blast. Hopefully y’all got a chance to pause and reflect on the many gifts we are given despite the daily struggles that define most of our lives.
And to the teachers that decide to give quizzes and tests on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving: God may forgive you, but I certainly won’t. 🙌
Here was my brief thoughts on the Holiday and what counts in case you missed it.
Time to Pick a Side
In the arena of power, division is a favored strategy, a classic case of divide and conquer. Yet, it's crucial to recognize that the myriad differences across races, groups, and parties are dwarfed by the shared tapestry of the human experience.
However, the balance of power has tilted alarmingly over the last three decades. A particular 'side' has gained a disproportionate level of influence, far exceeding its numbers, perceived righteousness, or legitimacy. This ascendancy now poses a direct threat to the remaining fabric of our social structure.
The time for passive observation is over. Those standing on the sidelines, the non-partisans and spectators, must now take a stand, engage in the fray. The degeneration of our society has become too evident, the stakes too high to ignore.
On one side of this ideological trench stands the bastion of decency, free speech, personal responsibility, and adherence to Constitutional principles. This side is emblematic of the venerable America, democratic nations like Israel, and patriots globally who uphold Judeo-Christian values and the principles that have underpinned Western Civilization.
Opposing them are the Marxist and Bolshevik collectives, groups fueled by anti-white and anti-Western sentiment, driven by divisive ideologies like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), climate alarmism, and gender politics. These groups also include or find sympathy with radical Islamofascists. Their objective: to dismantle the very foundations of Western Civilization - freedom, liberty, and decency.
The longer their influence goes unchecked, the greater the damage to our societal fabric.
The time has come to draw a definitive line, to end their infiltration and influence decisively.
Our approach must be two-pronged.
Primarily, we must focus on personal excellence - this is the cornerstone of our fight. Personal responsibility, accountability, and success are not just ideals; they are powerful tools that inspire and resonate with others.
The second front is the political arena. We must engage in the political process and fortify our communities from within.
While Europe's situation may seem bleak, we, alongside Israel, are not resigned to defeat. The battle lines are becoming increasingly clear, despite the smokescreen of political rhetoric and manipulation.
This is a battle of good versus evil, right versus wrong.
We have to marginalize and eliminate the bad actors wherever we may find them.
Our ‘tolerance’ and goodwill has been abused and weaponized against us.
It's time for firm actions - cancel, litigate, imprison, or deport these elements where feasible.
The principle of 'live and let live' is untenable when faced with an ideology that seeks the death and destruction of our way of lives.
We must make it unequivocally clear: those who seek to undermine our values and threaten our existence are no longer welcome here, or anywhere.
Stop waiting for a leader to come and save you, and start saving yourself.
The future of humanity hinges on this decisive stand.
The future of humanity depends on it.
Here’s Andy Frisella with the beginning of a blueprint. 👇
“Human Rights” Watch
Here’s a farewell letter from lawyer Danielle Haas to her colleagues at Human Rights Watch, an organization dedicated to “exposing #HumanRights abuses around the world.”
Dear Human Rights Watch,
Because we live in dangerous times and this is a human rights organization dedicated to free speech, open dialogue, and rights for all, I’m sending a final email before leaving HRW. I’m hopeful, but wary, that an organization with a mission to “Expose. Investigate. Change” can do just that when it comes to its own practices regarding its Israel work, with authenticity and without retaliation.
When I joined Human Rights Watch over 13 years ago as senior editor, I did so with years of experience in journalism covering the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and time in academia.
Human Rights Watch seemed to be a good blend of both; a leading human rights organization dedicated to rigorous research, focused on international law and human suffering, with a mandate to bring about change. I believed in, and stayed for, the broader mission.
But as the organization grew and its composition shifted, so too did the focus, tone, and framing of its Israel-Palestine work. Following the Hamas massacres in Israel on October 7, years of institutional creep culminated in organizational responses that shattered professionalism, abandoned principles of accuracy and fairness, and surrendered its duty to stand for the human rights of all.
HRW’s initial reactions to the Hamas attacks failed to condemn outright the murder, torture, and kidnapping of Israeli men, women, and children. They included the “context” of “apartheid” and “occupation” before blood was even dry on bedroom walls. These responses were not, as some have since characterized it internally, a messaging misstep in the tumult after the Hamas assault. It was not the failure of a few to follow robust internal mechanisms of editing and quality control, as others have claimed.
It did not happen in a vacuum.
Rather, HRW’s initial response was the fruition of years of politicization of its Israel-Palestine work that has frequently violated basic editorial standards related to rigor, balance, and collegiality when it comes to Israel.
It was the expression of years of select historical and political framing that could always contextualize and “explain” why Jewish Israeli lives were lost in Palestinian violence.
And it was the domination of HRW’s Israel-Palestine work by some voices that drown out others to the point where those who feel uncomfortable with HRW’s approach and processes – and they do exist – feel silenced.
To be clear: focus on, and criticism of, Israeli policies and actions is valid for a human rights organization.
But what I know from over 13 years at HRW is:
* Israel has featured in the World Report annual global review of human rights I oversaw for more than a decade almost as extensively as world powers including China, Russia, and the United States, and that the Israel-Palestine chapter has always been longer than those of rights-abusing goliaths such as Iran and North Korea.
* The 2021 “Apartheid” report, hailed internally in its goal to affect “narrative change,” sealed the slide. HRW knew its careful, legal argument would rarely be read in full. And there is little doubt it has not been by those – including Hamas supporters – who now bandy about the term with appalling ease. It’s a one-word gift to those who want to characterize Israel in as few words as possible with as little nuance as possible, a go-to “context” for any fate that befalls Israel and Jewish Israelis; 120 HRW researchers recently signed a petition calling for its inclusion in a press release about Israeli hostages.
* Internal fora nominally dedicated to both Israel and Palestine were, in practice, mostly dedicated to expressions of outrage over Israeli abuses and their consequences, both real and speculated. The focus on Israel dominated those spaces both before and after October 7, including the links shared; the space given to colleagues to articulate their lived realities and trauma; and ultimately advocacy.
* Some types of Israeli-Palestine expertise were valued more than others. There was no value placed on having a Jewish Israeli staff member who spoke Hebrew, had covered the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for international media, a rich academic background, and 17 years’ immersion in the country. The profile of those entrusted with HRW’s-related work is different. The only contact I had with Israel-Palestine content over the years, despite working on virtually every other area of the world, was as World Report editor. I received thinly veiled insinuations and pushback when I highlighted factual inaccuracies in the Israel-Palestine chapter that were later corrected.
* HRW has so little credibility for most Israelis they do not even trust it with their corpses. Zaka, the emergency responder group that collected body parts after the Hamas massacres, said it did not want to talk to HRW because its members did not have faith the organization would not misuse and distort their eyewitness accounts of the carnage they had seen.
* When I named the constellation of my experiences over years to a senior manager as feeling a lot like antisemitism, he replied: “You are probably right.” He did not ask or do anything further.
Three weeks after the October 7 massacres, Human Rights Watch told staff it was “proud” of its response to the crisis.
The self-affirmation failed to address output that included, but is not limited to:
HRW’s first matter-of-fact announcement following the October 7 massacres that barely addressed what had happened, contrasting starkly with its thousands of statements over the years condemning a range of human rights abuses:
“Palestinian armed groups carried out a deadly assault on October 7, 2023, that killed several hundred Israeli civilians and led to Israeli counterstrikes that killed hundreds of Palestinians,” Human Rights Watch said in releasing a questions and answers document about the international humanitarian law standards governing the current hostilities.”
An early press release that could easily be construed as blaming the victim:
“The unlawful attacks and systematic repression that have mired the region for decades will continue, so long as human rights and accountability are disregarded.”
A piece on Israeli attacks on Gaza being devastating for Palestinians with disabilities that failed to mention the devastating impact of Hamas’ attacks on Israelis with disabilities. They included those murdered on October 7, among them a 17-year-old girl with muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy killed at a music festival; those who are now disabled because of the attacks; and Israeli hostages with pre-existing health conditions ranging from heart problems to diabetes.
Lack of context when using controversial figures that came from a Hamas-run ministry:
“[Washington Post] Reporter Adam Taylor quoted Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch Omar Shakir, who said, “Everyone uses the figures from the Gaza Health Ministry because those are generally proven to be reliable. In the times in which we have done our own verification of numbers for particular strikes, I’m not aware of any time which there’s been some major discrepancy.”
It is not logical, not possible, and not the case that everyone at HRW agrees with its pre- and post-October 7 Israel work or feels safe. Instead, it is a deeply worrying indication that staff are self-censoring because they fear isolation if they speak and that nothing will be done even if they do. It is a warning that they are cowed by the way in which critics of Human Rights Watch are talked about internally, and by the tone and content of banter before and during meetings, in listservs, and in message chats.
Maybe they’re also not reassured by responses like the one senior management sent me regarding a recent email I sent them, in which they said they “appreciate” my “feedback” and “learn” from it.
I hope so, but I doubt it.
The serious professional concerns I raised over the years with the Program Office, General Counsel, and MENA managers never went anywhere. They were always received – it appeared – through a filter of me being a Jew and/or Israeli, even though Muslim and Arab staff and those with overt political backgrounds are trusted as advocates and to oversee research.
Also, my comments are not “feedback.”
Rather, they amount to a charge and a challenge to Human Rights Watch: tackle the long-standing issues infecting your Israel work and the hostile internal climate that Hamas’ attacks brought into sharp relief but did not birth. Face down the conscious and unconscious biases that inform them. Address inaccuracies by omission.
Do so not because you are under pressure to be seen to be listening, but because you respect the professionalism and expertise of your many thoughtful, serious colleagues from diverse backgrounds who cannot do their work without fear of stigma and retaliation if they speak.
Do so because you care about the health of the organization, upholding your internal standards, and ensuring human rights advocacy is not a fig leaf for political beliefs, or worse.
Do so because you want not just to claim your mantle of moral authority, but to earn it.
-Dani
As a vigilant observer, it's evident that many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like Human Rights Watch are not the impartial entities they claim to be. Instead, they are stealthily orchestrated and bankrolled by leftist forces, serving as vehicles to disseminate their ideology. This method is a cunning bypass of the stringent regulations and transparency that government organizations must adhere to.
The imperative for the next conservative American leader is clear: undertake a thorough audit of these organizations and decisively slash their funding. This action is not just about fiscal responsibility; it's about exposing these groups for the ideologically driven entities they are, masquerading under the guise of neutrality.
The United Nations (UN) is another entity that demands scrutiny. The notion of a global forum for dialogue is noble in theory, but the reality is far from it, especially when we see countries like Iran at the helm of the Human Rights Commission. It's a farce that American dollars are funneling into an institution so blatantly misaligned with our values and interests.
It's time to recalibrate and insist that each country shoulders the financial burden for its own diplomatic representation. American resources must be safeguarded and allocated in ways that directly benefit our nation and uphold our principles. This isn't just about budgeting; it's a stand for our values and a strategic move to ensure that our nation's interests are no longer compromised by funding entities that work against them.
And don’t even get me started on the WHO and NATO….
The Rising Right
One of the more interesting facets of the last several months has been the steady rise of populist, right wing politicians (😱) winning elections and assuming office worldwide.
The two most recent cases being Javier Milei in Argentina and now stalwart, anti-immigrant candidate Geert Wilders winning in the Netherlands.
Javier Milei's electoral triumph in Argentina signifies a pivotal shift towards limited government and free-market principles. His win can be attributed to the public's growing disillusionment with pervasive government intervention and economic mismanagement.
Milei, championing a platform of economic liberalism, tapped into the frustrations of Argentinians over high inflation, excessive regulation, and state control, promising a return to individual liberties, fiscal responsibility, and smaller government. His commitment to reducing the bureaucratic burden and freeing the market resonated with voters tired of economic stagnation and government overreach. For supporters of conservative, libertarian values, Milei's victory is seen not just as a win for Argentina, but as a beacon of hope for similar reforms globally, showcasing the enduring appeal of economic freedom and limited government.
With respect to Wilders, much of the above is relevant as well. However, Wilders primary focus and platform addressed the insane immigration policies that much of the EU has subscribed to designed to wipe out the existing, white cultural and historical legacy of the continent.
Wilders has called for an end to the “asylum tsunami” and stated unequivocally during his campaign, “The Dutch will be No. 1 again,” Wilders said. “The people must get their nation back.”
Geert Wilders' electoral success in the Netherlands can be viewed as a clear indication of the public's desire for a significant shift in policy, particularly towards a more limited and focused role of government. Wilders' platform, emphasizing national sovereignty, stringent immigration control, and a robust stance against the European Union's supranational influence, resonated with voters seeking a departure from the perceived overreach of centralized governance.
His message appealed to a growing segment of the population that feels underserved by mainstream politics, especially regarding cultural and national identity issues. Wilders' win can be seen as a triumph for those advocating for more localized decision-making, reduced governmental interference in daily life, and policies that prioritize national interests, reflecting a broader European trend towards valuing sovereignty and traditional conservative principles.
These two elections don’t make a trend in and of themselves, but they do highlight the move towards populist leaders that aren’t afraid to address the supranational influence and promotion of unlimited immigration policies of much of the WEF/EU.
Add in Nayib Bukele’s popularity in El Salvador and his anti-corruption, anti-crime, pro-bitcoin and pro-economic growth policies and you have a discernible move towards pro-people, pro-sanity and pro-growth candidates.
Sweden’s Democrats, the second biggest party, have also announced that they want to demolish mosques and have made significant gains in recent elections.
It wouldn’t surprise me if they become Sweden’s biggest party in a few years. Swedes secretly are growing increasingly tired with mass immigration and the Islam Experiment. And honestly, why would they love the influx of migrants practicing Islam? This religion and its adherents has brought them nothing but trouble - riots, an epidemic of rape, unwanted cultural wars, and easily offended parallel societies.
This trend is picking up steam and it’s a warranted reaction to the madness of mass immigration and rising crime we’ve seen across the globe.
Trump began this trend and we will see if his legal assassination by media and weaponized government forces will be enough to prevent him from returning to office.
My viewpoint is that the full power of the state, including the supranational forces and their compliant lapdogs in the media is the only force that has prevented this ‘return to sanity’ movement from sweeping the globe.
I have no doubt that 2020’s outcome and the election of Biden, a pompous moron at his peak and now a riddled, demented corpse was made solely possible by massive election fraud, full media control and censorship, and the concerted weaponization of law enforcement, the intelligence community, Big Tech and the MSM to diffuse and suppress the other side (Hunter’s Laptop AND statistically impossible massive 3am vote dumps).
In a real election, Trump likely won by double digits and if the polls are remotely accurate today, that will be the result in 2024 IF we get a legitimate, secure election.
The people have had enough.
We went from economic strength, low prices, and a commanding global presence to an economic, social and geopolitical laughingstock.
When America leads, the world is a safer place (just ask Israelis, Afghanis or Ukrainians). The powers that be will do everything in the power to keep Trump from getting elected. Under previous leadership, America was a force to be reckoned with, earning respect – or at least fear – on the world stage. When America leads effectively, global stability often follows.
There's a palpable effort by the current powers to prevent a leader like Trump from returning to office. Their fear is understandable: a Trump victory, or indeed that of any Republican candidate, would likely trigger a widespread reversal of the policies we've seen over the past few years. This includes tackling the open border and mass immigration issues that have compromised our national security and financial stability.
A Republican triumph in the upcoming election could also inspire and energize populist movements globally. We're on the cusp of witnessing a surge in support for leaders like Milei, Wilders, and Bukele – figures who represent a pushback against the status quo.
Let’s keep fighting for that outcome. It will mean a dark day for Marxists, DEI grifters and Islamofascists across the globe but especially here in America where they have overtaken academia and the media.
The opposite would be a greenlight for more of the same. Our country can’t survive another 4 years of these incompetent, America-hating criminals at the top.
The Next King of Ireland, Conor McGregor
This week Ireland became the latest powder keg to kick off after a Muslim migrant stabbed several children and adults.
In response, Irish citizens took to the streets and protested/rioted.
Laugh if you’d like, but consistent with the above populist right movements discussed above, there’s a not insignificant chance that Conor McGregor will be the next Prime Minister of Ireland. If he ran today, he would win in a landslide.
McGregor, a figure synonymous with tenacity and an unyielding drive, embodies the spirit of true leadership. His journey from a humble beginning to global fame is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the unapologetic pursuit of excellence.
These are values deeply resonant with conservative principles. McGregor's outspoken nature and refusal to conform to the politically correct narrative reflect a refreshing honesty and transparency, qualities sorely needed in today’s political landscape. His ability to resonate with the common man, coupled with his international experience, gives him a unique perspective on both domestic and global issues.
McGregor's charisma and proven leadership in high-pressure situations suggest he could galvanize the nation and represent Ireland with strength and pride on the world stage.
And Ireland needs it now more than ever, as they’ve become a shadow of their once proud selves.
Ireland, like many other European countries has lost its way.
Over the past 2 decades, they had a chance to choose between civilization and righteousness and instead chose barbarism and dhimmitude.
Ireland has strayed from its proud heritage. Over the past two decades, the nation had a critical choice between upholding its civilizational values and capitulating to what I view as misguided globalist trends, and regrettably, it chose the latter.
Ireland, in an act unbecoming of its rich and storied past, got on its knees and embraced mass immigration from cultures vastly different from its own, diluting its historical identity and principles.
Once thought to be a bastion of cultural resilience within Europe, Ireland, to my dismay, seems to have succumbed to EU pressures and lost its way. This was starkly evident in Ireland's recent response to the conflict involving Israel and Hamas. Ireland's criticism of Israel and alignment with the Palestinian cause, in my view, not only showcases a deep-seated anti-Semitism but also indicates a departure from the values of civilization and righteousness.
However, I believe there's a path to redemption. Ireland should openly apologize to Israel, the Jewish community, and the Irish diaspora for betraying its principles. It must acknowledge that in the crucial battle for civilization and decency, it has strayed from the path. A return to the teachings of the Church and a remembrance of the sacrifices made by countless Irish for their nation's independence and culture are imperative.
The culture that Irish ancestors fought for is not the one currently being eroded by policies favoring unchecked immigration and excessive 'tolerance'. Ireland's leaders need to recognize this and work towards preserving the rich cultural heritage that has defined the Irish identity for centuries.
The End Game is In Sight
We find ourselves at a critical juncture, shaped by the intersection of two potent socio-political currents. On one hand, there is what can be described as a neo-Marxist endeavor, stretching over decades, aimed at the gradual deconstruction of Western societal norms and structures. On the other hand, we witness a resurgence of systemic anti-Semitism, seemingly rekindled to further the goals of this neo-Marxist agenda.
The first current is marked by various social movements and ideologies like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), calls to 'Defund the Police', and the imperative to 'Check Your Privilege'. These movements, while progressive in nature, have inadvertently led to certain structural vulnerabilities. This includes a weakening of law enforcement deterrence mechanisms due to lenient district attorneys and a notable decline in critical thinking in academic circles, particularly within universities.
The second current manifests in the disparate treatment of Jewish people and Israel. There is an underlying narrative that advocates for temporary solutions like ceasefires, which, while seemingly promoting peace, often leave Israel in a compromised position. This narrative subtly perpetuates the notion that Jewish people are undeserving of security or a homeland.
However, there is a glimmer of hope regarding the second current. Increasingly, people are beginning to question and recognize the inaccuracies in the commonly accepted 'facts' surrounding the treatment of Jewish people and Israel. This gradual awakening, though slow, is a positive sign indicating a potential shift in perspective.
Conversely, the neo-Marxist influence appears to be more deeply ingrained and widespread, having already made significant inroads into our societal fabric. Despite growing awareness that initiatives like DEI may have ulterior motives beyond inclusivity, such as power consolidation and inadvertent racism, their popularity and acceptance continue to endure. This suggests a more challenging path ahead in addressing and reversing the impacts of this particular force.
Perhaps I should recant the use of the word ‘force’ as its a bit too abstract or ‘woo’ to aptly describe the complex issues we face.
The challenges currently facing our society are not the result of faceless 'forces', but rather the direct consequences of deliberate actions and ideologies propagated by identifiable groups and individuals.
1) The first group is a tangible coalition of Democratic leaders, their electorate, and a media landscape predominantly under their influence. This alliance actively shapes the socio-political narrative, steering it in a direction that many conservatives view as fundamentally harmful to the principles and stability of our society.
2) The second so-called 'force' is the product of radical Islamist factions. Utilizing their extensive oil wealth, these groups disseminate anti-Semitic propaganda, effectively swaying international opinion and policy. This strategic use of wealth and media is a clear example of ideological warfare in action. Qatar and others have poured billions into our universities and the pockets of our so-called leaders.
Beyond these, the ideological machinations of global powers like Russia and China intersect with these dynamics. Their distinct political doctrines, often intertwined with oil-related geopolitics, add a further layer of complexity to the international landscape.
A notable concern is the emergence of a new, younger generation that appears to be aligning with anti-Semitic and Democrat ideologies. This demographic shift suggests a continuation, perhaps even an intensification, of these troubling trends. There's a growing skepticism about the likelihood of a sudden epiphany or change of heart among this group, given the momentum of their movement and destructiveness of their ambitions.
In confronting these challenges, mere dialogue appears insufficient. There is a growing consensus within conservative circles that decisive, concrete action is necessary. This includes a call for strong, principled leadership and a judicial system committed to enforcing laws designed to protect society from ideological extremism.
The present political milieu, characterized by Republicans who do not fully embody conservative principles (RINOs) and Democrats, is often viewed as inadequate in effectively countering these multifaceted threats. This perspective underscores a belief in the necessity of a robust, action-oriented response to safeguard the foundational values and stability of our society.
Here’s a recent video that typifies what we’re facing. Students at Hillcrest High School in Queens, NY forced a Jewish teacher to shelter in place as hundreds of students riot for hours, because she changed her Facebook profile to a photo of herself at a Pro-Israel Rally holding an "I Stand With Israel" sign.
This isn’t an aberration. We’ve seen dozens if not hundreds of these examples since subhuman Hamas cockroaches slaughtered 1200 Israeli men, women and children.
Imagine the response if white students harassed, assaulted and tried to destroy a black teacher for attending a BLM rally. Obama would come out of semi-retirement to captain a Justice Department task force and those students would be doing solitary 23/7 lockdown in a J6 Gulag before sundown.
It’s time to get heavy handed when these petulant tantruming idiots engage in these illegal acts. Suspend them, educate them and marginalize them. There’s no future productive society where they will play a role.
Postscript: Remember, one of the principal objections to homeschooling is the lack of socialization that those students receive. If this is what passes for ‘socialization’, it’s no surprise that homeschooling and the school choice movement is making double digit gains in enrollment every year since the Pandemic.
Stray Cats & Dogs
There are thousands of stray cats and dogs in Palestine.
The Palestinian Authority’s official policy is to SHOOT and POISON all stray dogs and cats.
Stray dogs and cats subjected to this die in absolute agony.
Those poisoned convulse in seizures.
Those shot are often wounded and left to die slowly from their injuries.
Palestinian civilians are also encouraged to kill dogs.
In 2022 the mayor of Hebron, in West Bank offered citizens $5 for every dog they killed.
These tactics are so normalized that Palestinian municipalities post notices warning citizens not to be alarmed by impending gunfire, and post pictures of bloodied dogs on their Facebook pages, claiming to have made streets safer for people.
Source: OIPA International Organization for Animal Protection.
You can tell a lot about a society based on how they treat their animals and less well off.
Then again, the dogs get off easy compared to others under Palestinian rule.
Here’s a picture of Hamza Mubarak.
He along with another man was tortured, lynched and then his body was thrown in the garbage without a trial for allegedly being an informant. He is an Afro-Palestinian, the descendant of Africans enslaved in the Arab slave trade.
Afro-Palestinians face routine discrimination from Arabs and are treated as 2nd-class.
I’ll hold my breath waiting for the usual race grifters like BLM, Ilhan Omar and Marc Lamont Hill to express outrage.
Jimmy Stewart, Hollywood Legend
Now that Christmas is almost here, it’s time for a Jimmy Stewart and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ story.
Just months after winning his 1941 Academy Award for best actor in “The Philadelphia Story,” Jimmy Stewart, one of the best-known actors of the day, left Hollywood and joined the US Army. He was the first big-name movie star to enlist in World War II.
An accomplished private pilot, the 33-year-old Hollywood icon became a US Army Air Force aviator, earning his 2nd Lieutenant commission in early 1942. With his celebrity status and huge popularity with the American public, he was assigned to starring in recruiting films, attending rallies, and training younger pilots.
Stewart, however, wasn’t satisfied. He wanted to fly combat missions in Europe, not spend time in a stateside training command. By 1944, frustrated and feeling the war was passing him by, he asked his commanding officer to transfer him to a unit deploying to Europe. His request was reluctantly granted.
Stewart, now a Captain, was sent to England, where he spent the next 18 months flying B-24 Liberator bombers over Germany. Throughout his time overseas, the US Army Air Corps' top brass had tried to keep the popular movie star from flying over enemy territory. But Stewart would hear nothing of it.
Determined to lead by example, he bucked the system, assigning himself to every combat mission he could. By the end of the war he was one of the most respected and decorated pilots in his unit.
But his wartime service came at a high personal price.
In the final months of WWII he was grounded for being “flak happy,” today called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
When he returned to the US in August 1945, Stewart was a changed man. He had lost so much weight that he looked sickly. He rarely slept, and when he did he had nightmares of planes exploding and men falling through the air screaming (in one mission alone his unit had lost 13 planes and 130 men, most of whom he knew personally).
He was depressed, couldn’t focus, and refused to talk to anyone about his war experiences. His acting career was all but over.
As one of Stewart's biographers put it, "Every decision he made [during the war] was going to preserve life or cost lives. He took back to Hollywood all the stress that he had built up.”
In 1946 he got his break. He took the role of George Bailey, the suicidal father in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The rest is history.
Actors and crew of the set realized that in many of the disturbing scenes of George Bailey unraveling in front of his family, Stewart wasn’t acting. His PTSD was being captured on film for potentially millions to see.
But despite Stewart's inner turmoil, making the movie was therapeutic for the combat veteran. He would go on to become one of the most accomplished and loved actors in American history.
When asked in 1941 why he wanted to leave his acting career to fly combat missions over Nazi Germany, he said, "This country's conscience is bigger than all the studios in Hollywood put together, and the time will come when we'll have to fight.”
This weekend, as many of us watch the classic Christmas film, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” it’s also a fitting time to remember the sacrifices of Jimmy Stewart and all the men who gave up so much to serve their country during wartime. We will always remember you!
Postscript: While fighting in Europe, Stewart's Oscar statue was proudly displayed in his father’s Pennsylvania hardware store. Throughout his life, the beloved actor always said his father, a World War I veteran, was the person who had made the biggest impact on him.
Jimmy Stewart was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985 and died in 1997 at the age of 89.
H/T Steven Mitre.
Compare Stewart to the Hollywood of today, and the cowardly narcissists that inhabit that corrupt void. They’ve got no problem telling you to stay home, sacrifice your business, inject yourself with an experimental shot, march for BLM and cheerlead the burning of businesses but nary a peep when Jewish men, women and children are slaughtered by Jihadist terrorists.
Remember that next time one of these midwits does a commercial or PSA lecturing you on the virtue signal du jour.
What I’m Reading and Watching….
Open AI, Q and the firing of Sam Altman
10 Minutes of pure unadulterated VDH…
Tucker interview with Javier Milei
Best of Twitter
Memetic Warfare
Parting Words…..
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That’s it for this week folks. Hope you enjoyed! See you next week. -MK