KOMMONSENTSJANE – Trump administration fires raft of top military officers in unprecedented purge.

02/22/2025

Nothing new here – see the following:

Obama’s Military Coup Purges 197 Officers In Five Years | Investor’s Business Daily

Meet the new Trump administration staffers who will shape key US policies starting in 2025©Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

  • President-elect Donald Trump is announcing his picks for key positions in his administration.
  • They include Scott Bessent to lead the Treasury and Howard Lutnick for Commerce Secretary.
  • Here’s a running list of those Trump has tapped for his next four years in the White House.

President-elect Donald Trump has been staffing his next administration since winning another four years in the White House.

The former and future president refused to talk in detail about potential appointees during the campaign, leaving plenty of room for speculation about his eventual choices.

His picks include Scott Bessent to lead the Treasury, Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary, and Kevin Hassett to lead the National Economic Council.

He also announced that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy would run a new department, called the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE Here’s a running list of Trump’s staff picks, who will determine everything from his daily schedule to the ins and outs of finance, defense, and education.

President Trump fired General Charles Q. Brown Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Friday night. ALLISON BAILEY/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images© ALLISON BAILEY/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

  • President Trump fired the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Friday night.
  • His public removal coincided with the defense secretary’s firing of five other top officers.
  • Several lawmakers, including military veterans, expressed alarm.
  • The White House ousted the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., which was followed by a string of firings in the Pentagon’s most senior ranks that alarmed lawmakers.

In a press release posted Friday night, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also removed the chief of naval operations and the Air Force vice chief of staff, Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Gen. James Slife, respectively, as well as the top military lawyers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The removals of confirmed leaders deepen the turmoil at the Pentagon, which faces deep cuts to its civilian workforce and budget shifts that Trump officials say are to align with the new administration’s priorities. Nearly 5,400 probationary employees within the DoD may face job termination next week, part of a larger slew of cuts that could total around 55,000 civilian military employees.

Friday night firings

In his Truth Social announcement, President Donald Trump did not provide a reason for the removal of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who serves as the president’s top military advisor, nor did he explain the move to replace Brown with a retired general.

Brown is a fighter pilot, and only the second African American to hold the chairman position. After the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, Brown spoke out publicly about his personal experiences facing racial discrimination as an airman. Before his most recent role, Brown was Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, making him the first African-American service chief.

Trump said that he would nominate retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine to take on the role of chairman of the joint chiefs. This is a position that would need to be confirmed by the GOP-led Senate.

Brown wasn’t the only trailblazing military officer among the leaders terminated Friday. Franchetti was the first woman to lead the Navy and the first-ever female military leader to be part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Prior to his confirmation, Hegseth had called for the removal of both Brown and Franchetti.

She is the most recent female leader to be sacked as the new administration shakes up the government. Shortly after taking office, Trump officials relieved Coast Guard leader Adm. Linda F. Fagan, the first woman to lead a branch of the US armed forces.

Lawmakers sound the alarm

Hegseth’s press release on the DoD leadership changes also asked for nominations for the Judge Advocates General for the Army, Navy and Air Force, positions responsible for advising military commanders on whether orders are lawful.

These moves alarmed some lawmakers like Colorado Democrat Rep. Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger, who noted their crucial role in applying the law to orders.

“Under President Trump, we are putting in place new leadership that will focus our military on its core mission of deterring, fighting and winning wars,” the press release read.

Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Democratic Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island said in a statement Friday night that the dismissals appear to be “part of a broader, premeditated campaign” by Trump and Hegseth to “purge talented officers for politically charged reasons, which would undermine the professionalism of our military.”

Other veterans in Congress criticized the unprecedented mass firings of top military officers.

“What Trump and Hegseth are doing is un-American, unpatriotic,” wrote Rep. Seth Moulton, a Democrat from Massachusetts and a former Marine officer. “It’s [the] definition of politicizing our military, and we should expect to see loyalty oaths (not to the Constitution) and worse coming soon.”

“In case anyone is wondering … this isn’t normal,” Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a former Army National Guard soldier, said. “No, this is the work of a wanna-be dictator. By firing our top military leaders and installing his own personal yes-men, Trump is making America less safe.”

****

Well/well, Duckworth must have forgotten the 197 conservative military that Obama fired? Then, the lefties tried to convince us that President Trump was taking away our Democracy and now he is trying to be a dictator when all the while during eight years of Obama and four of Biden dictatorship and no Constitution – they were putting us in debt by stealing/hiding to the tune of at least three trillions of dollars with no remorse. She has her nerve!

In the next election, people need to wise up as to the fact that not one Democrat should be elected after their 12 years of thievery to give the Republicans a chance to put the country’s bank account in the winning column. How dare they steal our money and then complain about five military being fired. They should all be in jail for thievery.

kommonsentsjane

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

KOMMONSENTSJANE – 5 tampered with absentee ballots in Connecticut’s largest city – authorities say.

02/22/2025

How does this happen? Where are the observers who are suppose to keep the elections honest?

5 tampered with absentee ballots in Connecticut’s largest city, authorities say

ttps://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/5-tampered-with-absentee-ballots-in-connecticut-s-largest-city-authorities-say/ar-AA1zxN78?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=9ef6a1794c544c82923fd706e1133df5&ei=82

Bridgeport-Absentee Ballot Probe

Bridgeport-Absentee Ballot Probe© Brian A. Pounds

Five people including prominent Democratic political operatives in Connecticut’s largest city were arrested Friday on allegations of absentee ballot tampering during a 2023 local election, including accusations that led to a court-ordered rerun of a mayoral election and helped fuel skepticism about voting security in the U.S.

The charges generally allege that the defendants in the Bridgeport case illegally possessed absentee ballots of others, were illegally present when voters filled in their ballots and misrepresented absentee ballot rules to voters. Complaints previously filed with state elections enforcement officials said some voters were pressured into picking certain candidates when they filled out their ballots.

Among those arrested were Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee Vice Chairperson Wanda Geter-Pataky, and Bridgeport Democratic City Council Members Alfredo Castillo, Maria Pereira and Jazmarie Melendez, according to the chief state’s attorney’s office. A Stratford woman was also arrested but contact information for her could not be found and it’s unclear if she has an attorney who can speak on her behalf.Bridgeport Absentee Ballot Probe

Bridgeport Absentee Ballot Probe© Brian A. Pounds

Geter-Pataky and Castillo were previously charged with similar absentee ballot crimes connected to the 2019 election.

During the 2023 election, surveillance videos surfaced appearing to show people stuffing multiple absentee ballots into outdoor collection boxes during the Democratic primary. Geter-Pataky was accused of being one of those people by John Gomes, a Democratic candidate for mayor who narrowly lost the September primary that year to incumbent Joe Ganim.

At a court hearing in late 2023 over tampering concerns, two Ganim supporters including Geter-Pataky exercised their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and declined to answer questions. Ganim said he was unaware of any wrongdoing.News of the videos, which were released by Gomes, helped fuel skepticism about the security of U.S. elections and spread through right-wing social media platforms and on far-right media. The Bridgeport controversy was used to bolster 2020 stolen election claims, with people promoting it as evidence for false narratives about widespread fraud connected to ballot drop boxes. Gomes challenged the 2023 primary results in court, and the videos and other evidence led a state judge to order a new primary and general election, both also won by Ganim. Geter-Pataky, Castillo, Pereira and Melendez did not immediately return messages Friday.

Geter-Pataky’s lawyer, John R. Gulash, said Friday he had not seen the arrest warrant and declined to comment. Castillo plans to plead not guilty, said his attorney, Frank Riccio II. A lawyer for Pereira, Robert Frost, declined to comment.

Melendez’s attorney, Alexander Taubes, said in a statement that Melendez “categorically denies the baseless allegation” and is being targeted for “political retribution.”

Geter-Pataky declined to comment outside the Bridgeport state police barracks where she and others turned themselves in after learning there were warrants for their arrest.

Pereira, who supported Gomes, said while leaving the police station that she was going to win the case. She declined to discuss the allegations.

All five were released on non-bail promises to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on March 6.

Geter-Pataky was charged with dozens of crimes Friday including 42 counts of possession of ballots and envelopes restricted, two counts of fraudulent voting and 22 counts of misrepresenting eligibility requirements for voting by absentee ballot.

Castillo, Pereira, Melendez and Joyce were arrested on similar charges with fewer counts than Geter-Pataky.

“These prosecutions hopefully send the message that deters tampering with election results in the future in Connecticut,” Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin said in a statement.

In connection with the 2019 election, Geter-Pataky, Castillo and two campaign workers were charged last year with unlawful possession of absentee ballots and other election law violations. They were accused of manipulating the absentee ballot system during that year’s primary, in which Ganim defeated state Sen. Marilyn Moore by just 270 votes.

Prosecutors said some of the defendants misled voters about eligibility requirements for absentee ballots, told people which candidates to vote for, were improperly present when ballots were filled out and violated rules for handling both absentee ballot applications and the ballots themselves.

Those cases are still pending in court.

Ganim was first elected mayor in 1991 and served 12 years in the post before quitting when he was caught accepting bribes and kickbacks. Convicted of racketeering, extortion and other crimes, he spent seven years in prison but then won his old job back in 2015. He was reelected again in 2019 and 2023.

kommonsentsjane

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

KOMMONSENTSJANE – AOC and Her ‘Squad’ Hit with Class Action Lawsuit from Angry College Students.

02/21/2025

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/aoc-and-her-squad-hit-with-class-action-lawsuit-from-angry-college-students/ar-AA1ogDv6

ttps://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/aoc-and-her-squad-hit-with-class-action-lawsuit-from-angry-college-students/ar-AA1ogDv6

Adam Gray / Getty Images

Adam Gray / Getty Images© The Western Journal

Claiming that their anti-Israel rhetoric lit the fuse that convulsed Columbia University this spring, five Columbia students are suing a collection of far-left lawmakers over their support for anti-Semitic encampments at the college.

Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and fellow progressive “squad” members Reps. Jamal Bowman of New York andIlhan Omar of Minnesota were named in the lawsuit as well as several anti-Israel organizations, according to Fox News.

“The Gaza Encampment was extreme and outrageous conduct. It was illegal. It violated university rules. Its occupants harassed, followed, physically blocked, intimidated, and bullied Jewish students,” the lawsuit reads.

“During the protests, I witnessed numerous offensive and antisemitic signs and messages, including antisemitic skunk posters with the Star of David,” a student identified in the lawsuit as “Tim Doe” said, according to the New York Post.“In one instance, I was walking with my non-Jewish friends when I was singled out because I was wearing my yarmulke. A leader of the pro-Palestinian protest approached our group and confronted me. He singled me out, yelling that I needed to move, and when I refused, he began to shove me out of the way,” he said.A student identified as “Eric Doe,” said in the suit that he “felt like he was living under an ominous cloud of doubt and uncertainty as he waited for the protestors or administration’s next move that would further impact his studies and life on campus.”

“Michael Doe,” a sophomore said that during the pro-Hamas protests, he was told, “Keep walking Zionist” and was followed and screamed at by anti-Israel protesters.

“In a civilized community, one does not call for the obliteration of a major metropolitan area, praise terrorists, or threaten death and destruction upon our classmates and their families, friends, and coreligionists,” the lawsuit said.

“Those were real damages sustained by the 36,000 students at Columbia who chose to obey university rules, go to class, and pursue their education, only to be frustrated at the finish line by the … acts of their classmates and professors, with the assistance and encouragement of outside activists,” the lawsuit said.

At the time, the protests were supported by Ocasio-Cortez and Omar “It is especially important that we remember the power of young people shaping this country today, of all days, as we once again witness the leadership of those peaceful student-led protests on campuses like Columbia, Yale, Berkeley and many others,” Rep. Ocasio-Cortez said in April, according to The National Desk.

At one point in the protests, Omar suggested some Jewish students were ”pro-genocide,” according to The New York Times.

In June, Columbia settled a lawsuit with a Jewish student who sued on behalf of students who were forced to attend classes online because the college stopped in-person learning during the protests, according to The Washington Post.

As part of that agreement agreed to ensure safe passage for students that could include giving students 24-hour security escorts if needed and allowing students facing threats alternative ways of coming and going from campus.

“We think peaceful protest is a constructive way to solve situations,” Jay Edelson, an attorney for the plaintiff, said.

He said this spring, extremists on campuses tried to “push out, figuratively and literally, people who they deem are on the wrong side.”

He said in the settlement, “students have a focused security monitor who’s going to be able to serve as the eyes, ears and voice for anyone on campus who feels unsafe.

“That is a major win.”

kommonsentsjane

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

KOMMONSENTSJANE – History Unfolds Around The Innocence of a Child.

02/22/2025

Not the first time this happened: Remember John John while President Kennedy was in the White House?

When Boogers Attack: The Trump Resolute Desk Saga

During the discussion of this day in the President’s office – the world got to see the innocence of a child. My thoughts while watching this child who was trying to solve his “bogger” problem was – wouldn’t you love to know – his thoughts – while watching grown ups talking about worldly problems. We will never know until he is older and able to reconstruct those fidgits?

In what can only be described as the most bizarre twist in Oval Office decor since the invention of the gilded age, President Trump has pulled a move that’s equal parts “clean-up on aisle White House” and “thank goodness we have alternatives!” Yes, folks, the infamous Resolute Desk is out of commission—at least temporarily—and it all boils down to one small, yet monumentally hilarious, incident involving none other than Elon Musk’s 4-year-old son. That’s right: in a scene that sounds straight out of a political cartoon, little X Æ A-12 took a moment to explore his nostrils and, well, left his mark on history by wiping a booger on the treasured desk. A Sticky Situation in the Oval Office

Now, if you’re thinking, “How can a minor childhood mishap turn into a national headline?” sit tight. The Resolute Desk isn’t just any piece of furniture—it’s a historic icon crafted from the remains of a British Arctic exploration ship (the HMS Resolute) and gifted by Queen Victoria in 1880. Over the years, it has graced the Oval Office under the watchful eyes of presidents from John F. Kennedy to Joe Biden. And apparently, it just couldn’t handle a little booger exploration. President Trump, known for his no-nonsense, germaphobic streak, was quick to act: out goes the Resolute Desk, and in its place, the storied yet less “nosed” C&O desk is making a cameo.

History with a Side of Humor

Before we dive into the sticky details, let’s take a moment to appreciate the storied past of the Resolute Desk. Forged from the HMS Resolute—a ship that once roamed the icy Arctic in search of glory—the desk has been a symbol of American leadership and presidential continuity for decades. It’s been used by almost every president in the West Wing, serving not only as a practical workspace but as a reminder of a time when history, diplomacy, and even a bit of British charm were all intertwined in the fabric of the presidency.

But history, as they say, is written by those who can laugh at it. And today, that legacy is being rewritten by a tiny tot with a penchant for booger artistry. One could say that the “Resolute Desk booger incident” is now a chapter in the annals of presidential oddities—a reminder that even the most venerable traditions are not immune to the unpredictable antics of modern-day celebrity offspring.

The Booger Debacle Unfolds

During a joint Q&A session on the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (or DOGE, for those in the know), the Oval Office was buzzing with the usual political banter. Enter Elon Musk’s son, X Æ A-12, whose presence—though brief—left an indelible mark on the room. In a moment that can only be described as equal parts adorable and alarming, the little one wandered over to the Resolute Desk, fidgeted a bit, and, in true toddler fashion, decided to explore his nasal terrain. Before anyone could say “presidential protocol,” a rogue booger made its way onto the surface of one of the most iconic pieces of American history.

For a man who prides himself on impeccable standards and an almost obsessive concern for cleanliness, President Trump didn’t take this incident lightly. “A President, after election, gets a choice of 1 in 7 desks,” he quipped on Truth Social, hinting that this particular choice might now be less about tradition and more about avoiding further booger mishaps. And so, with a swift order and a few choice words that only a germaphobe could appreciate, the Resolute Desk was sent off for a “light refinish.” Enter the C&O desk—a reliable, if less glamorous, stand-in.

The C&O Desk to the Rescue

The C&O desk isn’t just a random piece of furniture plucked out of a clearance sale. Originally built for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway and first appearing in the Oval Office Study in 1975, it was later donated to the White House in 1987 by the GSX corporation. It’s no stranger to presidential limelight either—George H.W. Bush famously opted for the C&O desk during his term, making it a sort of “understudy” that’s been waiting patiently in the wings for its time to shine.

Now, as the Resolute Desk gets its much-needed pampering (and perhaps a thorough antiseptic treatment), the C&O desk is holding down the fort. Trump’s choice to temporarily replace a national treasure with this workhorse of a desk might seem like a small detail, but in the world of high-stakes politics, even the smallest smudge can spark a media frenzy.

Media Madness and the Art of Overreaction

If you’re a regular follower of the mainstream media, you already know that any minor mishap in the Oval Office is sure to be inflated to epic proportions. Headlines have already been splashed across news outlets, with pundits debating everything from presidential decor choices to the implications of a toddler’s bodily secretions on national security. But let’s be honest: while the media may be busy crying foul over a booger, Trump’s administration is simply taking swift, decisive action.

It’s a classic case of media sensationalism—exaggerating a moment that, while certainly eyebrow-raising, is hardly a crisis of constitutional proportions. Instead of a national scandal, we have what can only be described as a humorous mishap in the halls of power. And really, isn’t it refreshing to see that even in the most hallowed chambers of government, a little humor (and a little booger) can remind us all that sometimes, politics is downright absurd?

A Conservative Take on Presidential Practicality

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about disrespecting tradition or mocking history. It’s about acknowledging that the modern presidency, much like any other institution, must sometimes adapt to unexpected challenges—be they political, technological, or even… nasal in nature. President Trump’s decision to replace the Resolute Desk isn’t a radical departure from tradition; it’s a pragmatic response to a very real, albeit quirky, problem.

For conservatives who value both history and common sense, this move underscores a vital point: when faced with unexpected challenges, leadership sometimes means rolling with the punches—and the boogers. The Resolute Desk booger incident may be the talk of the town today, but it also serves as a reminder that tradition and practicality can coexist, even if it means temporarily swapping out a beloved relic for something that’s a bit more, well, booger-resistant.

More Than Just a Desk: A Lesson in Modern Leadership

Beyond the humor and the headlines, this incident offers a lesson in modern leadership. Presidents today are under a microscope like never before, and every decision—no matter how trivial it may seem—is subject to public scrutiny. Yet, in this case, Trump’s response was refreshingly straightforward: acknowledge the mishap, take corrective action, and move on. No endless debates, no dithering over protocol—just a simple, pragmatic fix to a sticky problem.

In many ways, this approach speaks to the heart of conservative values: a focus on practicality, a willingness to cut through bureaucratic red tape, and the recognition that sometimes, tradition must give way to the demands of the moment. Whether it’s a booger incident or a more serious crisis, effective leadership means knowing when to hold fast to the past and when to embrace a cleaner, more efficient future.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Oval Office?

As the Resolute Desk heads off for its scheduled refurbishment, one can only wonder how long it will be before it returns to its rightful place in the Oval Office. Will it come back better than ever, with extra polish and a strict no-booger policy? Or will the memory of this peculiar incident linger on as a reminder that even the most hallowed symbols of American history are not immune to the chaos of everyday life?

For now, the C&O desk stands in as a temporary but honorable substitute—a testament to the fact that in politics, as in life, sometimes you have to improvise. And while the media may continue to buzz about the “Resolute Desk booger incident,” those with a healthy sense of humor (and a penchant for common sense) will see it for what it really is: a minor hiccup in an otherwise remarkable continuum of presidential history.

The Humor in History

It’s worth noting that history is often made up of moments that, at the time, seem utterly ridiculous. From political gaffes to fashion faux pas, these incidents remind us that our leaders, too, are human. In a world where political drama can often be overwhelmingly serious, a little laughter goes a long way. And if a toddler’s innocent act of booger-wiping can lead to a temporary overhaul of one of the nation’s most iconic pieces of furniture, perhaps it’s time we all took a step back and learned to laugh a little more.

After all, if there’s one thing history teaches us, it’s that even the most hallowed institutions are not immune to the occasional slip-up—or slip of a booger. And as conservatives who value both tradition and pragmatism, we know that sometimes the best response is to address the problem head-on, with a clear-eyed focus on what really matters: effective leadership, a sense of humor, and the willingness to adapt when necessary.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the Resolute Desk booger incident might just go down as one of the more humorous footnotes in modern presidential lore. While some may see it as an embarrassment, those in the know understand that it’s simply a reflection of a reality where even the highest offices in the land are subject to the whims of fate—and the unexpected antics of a four-year-old.

So, as we await the return of the newly refinished Resolute Desk, let’s take a moment to appreciate the absurdity of it all. Politics has never been dull, and sometimes, the best way to handle a sticky situation is with a generous dose of humor and a firm commitment to practicality. After all, leadership is about knowing when to stand your ground—and when to switch to a desk that’s a bit less likely to collect unsavory souvenirs.

***

The marvel was the meeting concentration of the subject matter and the innocent child unfolding while neither one missed a beat. Only the media making a mountain out of a mold hill – as usual.

kommonsentsjane

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment