Althouse: At the Monday Night Café…

December 29, 2025

At the Monday Night Café…

… you can talk about whatever you want.

168 comments:

Spiros Pappas said...: I'm really irritated by this Medicaid fraud. One of my deadbeat tenants is getting paid $ 140,000 per year to work as a caretaker for her husband and his elderly mother. What kind of BS is this? This woman moved out of my apartment and into a $600,000 house. This is insane.; 12/29/25, 6:00 PM
Clyde said...: Clyde's Top 15 Favorite "New" Songs of 2025 - Part 14 of 16
#3 - Ivy - "Tess Don't Tell" - In the Clear (2005)

In the Clear was the fifth album released by indie pop-indie rock band Ivy. Per Wikipedia:

"In 1991, Andy Chase placed an ad that attracted fellow multi-instrumentalist Adam Schlesinger. In 1994, they met Dominique Durand, a native of Paris who had moved to New York City to study English, and with whom they shared admiration for the Go-Betweens, the House of Love, the Pastels, Prefab Sprout and the Smiths. Although Durand had never sung in a group, she was persuaded by Chase and Schlesinger to sing on some demos, and Ivy was formed."

Chase and Durand are married and have two children. Schlesinger, who was well-known for his contributions in the bands Fountains of Wayne and Tinted Windows, passed away on April 1, 2020, one of the first victims of COVID. Ivy released a new album this year of previously unreleased material that was recorded before Schlesinger's death and finished posthumously, but it was this song from 2005 that was my earworm this year.

"Tess Don't Tell" is my favorite song off this album, although "Thinking About You" was the song released as a single. I like Durand's faintly accented lyrics, and the bridge is excellent. "Ocean City Girl" is also pretty good. This is another album where if you like this song, you'll probably like the whole thing.

https://youtu.be/NoSfXetYK_0?si=LFaOEKfcfzUZIY6S; 12/29/25, 6:05 PM
Peachy said...: Worth a read - by Glenn Reynolds:

Minnesota’s Somali scams get worse by the day — but who will pay?; 12/29/25, 6:12 PM
Lem Vibe Bandit said...: "Nick Kyrgios currently 671st in the men's rankings beat women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka straight sets in the “Battle of the Sexes” in Dubai."

Link to video; 12/29/25, 6:12 PM
Breezy said...: I’d like to shout out to everyone posting videos on social media - hold your camera still and stay focused on the subject! No one watches stuff that makes them sick. You’re welcome.; 12/29/25, 6:16 PM
Ronald J. Ward said...: Spiros, I gotta call bullshit. That’s not how it works.

My guess is your comment is less about fraud and more about permission—permission to support cuts in the Big Ugly Bill without owning the consequences.

Typical.

It’s not proof. It’s a setup.; 12/29/25, 6:16 PM
Iman said...: Some background on Somalia from a good friend of mine:

“From 1998 to 2001 my company (Microcellular Systems) deployed GSM cellular systems in Somalia.

The 1st were in the upper part of the Horn of Africa in Hargeisa and surrounding areas (now known as the break away state of Somaliland). One of our Brits was over there for 30 days during deployment and had lots of mango juice to drink, no alcohol - his favorite was gin).

When he got back to England we bought him lots of booze! The northern half was once a British colony, the lower part of the Horn was a French colony, where Mogadishu is and way different.

Later in 2000 we expanded there but no westerners were tolerated so we used our Indian contractors to go in and provide support. One of them that was a resident there told about being in the switch room and all the locals had Death To America/USA screen savers on their work stations.

When they had to go out to fix a base station they alerted the local warlords that they needed to go out on the streets. When they got close all the fighting (mainly shooting at each other with AK 47s) all shooting would stop until the tech team passed them, then the fighting would start again.

All the warlords relied on that cellular system for communication so they weren't going to screw that up. After 9/11 we had to divest that network due alleged terrorism ties (no shit - the whole middle east was one big cluster).; 12/29/25, 6:24 PM
narciso said...: Trump: US has carried out first strike on Venezuela https://share.google/SHBITuAMlpNCT9ESV; 12/29/25, 6:25 PM
Lucien said...: Is something significant happening in Iran?; 12/29/25, 6:30 PM
narciso said...: Open Source Intel on X: "Reporter: “Mr. President, are you concerned that Israel is not moving quickly enough to phase two of the peace plan?” Trump: “Well, I'm not concerned about anything that Israel is doing. I'm concerned about what other people are doing or maybe aren't doing, but I'm not https://t.co/0u9ia6rzn0" / X https://share.google/ZJGNAdK4mfchBYvdr; 12/29/25, 6:36 PM
Spiros Pappas said...: Mr. Ward, it's definitely true. She set up an LLC with a vaguely Christian name that provides home health care. She went from being barely able to pay her rent, to a new car and a new home in months. Another tenant, from Iraq, had two special need kids. His wife, also his cousin, collected all sorts of money from the government. He sort of hung around and occasionally drove an Uber. They just bought a house in Glenview, Illinois.

The fraud is intense and it's sickening.; 12/29/25, 6:40 PM
RCOCEAN II said...: Just got through with "Waiting for Guffman" - Christopher Guest and company. Good acting. Low key. Humorous. Always love Fred Willard.

But too slow moving and familar. How old is the "lets laugh at people who cant act/dance/sing" trope? Or punching down at a Hick Town?; 12/29/25, 6:45 PM
RCOCEAN II said...: We're letting all kinds of people into the USA who not are committing crimes, they are letting crazies or have zero skills. Almost every other homeless person I see (when I go downtown) or who's panhandling is a foreigner. Why would let an old crazy chinese lady into the country?

Same thing when I get my wife's medicines at the pharmacy, 1/2 the people can't speak English and/or are over 55.; 12/29/25, 6:49 PM
narciso said...: A little christopher guest goes a long way; 12/29/25, 6:50 PM
Ronald J. Ward said...: Nope Spiros, don’t think so. And your follow up actually weakens your claim rather than strengthens it.

If there’s real fraud, it should be investigated and prosecuted—but anecdotes and lifestyle judgments aren’t evidence. I’ve seen too many times where stories like this get used to justify cuts that hurt people who did nothing wrong, while the actual bad actors go untouched.; 12/29/25, 6:51 PM
Spiros Pappas said...: Ronald, I'm not presenting evidence. I'm not even making a large scale, generalized claim about how worthless and predatory migrants are. I'm just saying there seems like there's an awful lot of fraud out there.; 12/29/25, 7:00 PM
tcrosse said...: There seem to be significant doings in Iran, at least according to the YouTube posts of Tousi, an Iranian Christian in London.; 12/29/25, 7:01 PM
narciso said...: Nice try vizzini

More of a portlandia vibe probably; 12/29/25, 7:05 PM
narciso said...: https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/an-almost-country-in-the-desert context; 12/29/25, 7:07 PM
Eva Marie said...: Spiros, RJW doesn’t believe facts that interfere with his fantasy.; 12/29/25, 7:08 PM
Leland said...: Spiros, the troll is trolling you. Read last night’s thread where the troll claimed some representative committed fraud. It too was anecdotal, except he gave specific names of individuals but wouldn’t provide any evidence than his word for the claim.; 12/29/25, 7:12 PM
rehajm said...: There seem to be significant doings in Iran

Riiight…and half of Canada will soon be part of the US according to sources eh…; 12/29/25, 7:16 PM
Original Mike said...: "I’ve seen too many times where stories like this …"

Really? You've seen? In what capacity have you seen?; 12/29/25, 7:16 PM
narciso said...: There were significantly demonstrations for some two years

this was before there was significant degradation of the revolutionary guard as there was this year; 12/29/25, 7:21 PM
Eva Marie said...: Visions in his head.; 12/29/25, 7:22 PM
narciso said...: I dont what mirror universe hes reporting from; 12/29/25, 7:26 PM
tcrosse said...: Well, Tousi favors the restoration of the Iranian monarchy, so we may take his reporting from Iran (like everybody else's) with a grain of salt.; 12/29/25, 7:43 PM
Peachy said...: "anecdotes and lifestyle judgments aren’t evidence. "

Like millions in tax payer funds for empty child care facilities.

It's proven already - Ron Ward(D); 12/29/25, 7:45 PM
bagoh20 said...: "Minnesota Department of Children says the "Quality Learing Center" has been shut down."

You can now trade a race card for two 8-track tapes of Abbas greatest hits.; 12/29/25, 7:46 PM
narciso said...: Zoolander wasnt supposed to a how to manual; 12/29/25, 7:47 PM
Peachy said...: Did you see the empty "Learing" Center.
Open since Walz started his corrupt reign over MN.; 12/29/25, 7:52 PM
Original Mike said...: ""Minnesota Department of Children says the "Quality Learing Center" has been shut down."

Huh? Cuz the were able to dig up some kids for today; 12/29/25, 7:52 PM
Ronald J. Ward said...: Spiros, I appreciate the honesty. My concern is that ‘seems like’ has been used too often as justification for broad cuts that hurt people who did nothing wrong, while actual fraudsters remain unprosecuted. We should demand evidence and enforcement — not policy by impression.

Leland @ 7:12, the slap stick comedy is telling and if Spiros (who appears to be a stranger to both of us as otherwise there would be no need for your tutorial) was to actually scroll the past archive and stumble upon this conversation you mention, it still wouldn’t reflect positively on what you’re selling.

Whiff of sock puppet here.; 12/29/25, 7:53 PM
Peachy said...: "Minnesota Department of Children says the "Quality Learing Center" has been shut down."

... easy peazy for them too - it was empty anyway.; 12/29/25, 7:53 PM
buwaya said...: "Same thing when I get my wife's medicines at the pharmacy, 1/2 the people can't speak English and/or are over 55."

One reason is the screwed up legal immigration system. Its designed mainly for "family unification" but with decades long waiting lists. So what the US legally gets in the end are, disproportionately, peoples great aunts.

Why hasn't this been reformed decades ago?; 12/29/25, 7:55 PM
Peachy said...: Spiros comes and goes. Ron Ward - who are you really? you are new here. Perhaps another bich?; 12/29/25, 7:55 PM
Kakistocracy said...: Is it problematic that no one can justifiably believe anything Putin says, while Trump believes everything he says?

The battle for Donald Trump’s mind -- the smallest dominion ever contested.; 12/29/25, 7:57 PM
mccullough said...: The Somalis created another Fraud R Us company. Import the Third World never works; 12/29/25, 7:57 PM
Original Mike said...: Hitler awarded the Israel Prize; 12/29/25, 7:57 PM
Original Mike said...: Oh, come on Peachy, he's Chuck. He mistakenly posted as Chuck a couple of weeks ago.; 12/29/25, 7:59 PM
bagoh20 said...: The redeeming thing about the childcare industry is that it's for the children, the priceless children we all love.; 12/29/25, 8:01 PM
Peachy said...: Kak shows up with a trollist non sequitur.; 12/29/25, 8:04 PM
Peachy said...: O Mike.
*doink* Chuck. Bich - all the same.; 12/29/25, 8:05 PM
Peachy said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 12/29/25, 8:06 PM
Kolchak James said...: The problem is that 80 percent of all you _____________ people give the other 20 percent a bad name.

When we finally do away with math this will all be better.; 12/29/25, 8:07 PM
Peachy said...: Peachy said...
Putin should be Europe's problem. the corrupt pussy leaders of the EU are clueless woke and broke. The Democrats, KGB Maddow and the leftist EU use us like a dirty floor mat.; 12/29/25, 8:09 PM
Original Mike said...: I suppose it's possible that Rich is Chuck too.; 12/29/25, 8:10 PM
imTay said...: https://x.com/Glenn_Diesen/status/1999389384802492661?s=20

Wait, wut? You mean that even Biden Administration officials are admitting that the Ukraine war could have been avoided with a simple promise not to expand NATO?

If you think that that was too high of a price, then you accept that this is a war of NATO expansion.; 12/29/25, 8:11 PM
Peachy said...: Chuck - lol. thanks for the reminder - O Mike.; 12/29/25, 8:11 PM
imTay said...: The War of Jenkin’s Ear comes to mind, but I would not expect Kaka to know about anything that happened before yesterday.; 12/29/25, 8:13 PM
Peachy said...: Exposed. MN Fraud. Some solid graphics here.; 12/29/25, 8:15 PM
Peachy said...: HERE; 12/29/25, 8:15 PM
Peachy said...: Autism services. Another scam.

Sadly - real people with Autism are being shut out of actual needed services. the scammers(D) get away with millions and billions.
Bernie approves.

Tracks with the fake autism spectrum abuse.; 12/29/25, 8:18 PM
Peachy said...: Putin went to war under Joe Biden.; 12/29/25, 8:19 PM
best president ever said...: You can't make me talk. I want a lawyer!; 12/29/25, 8:24 PM
Iman said...: “But too slow moving and familar. How old is the "let’s laugh at people who cant act/dance/sing" trope? Or punching down at a Hick Town?”

That movie will be 30 years old in 2026.; 12/29/25, 8:27 PM
Achilles said...: Original Mike said...

Hitler awarded the Israel Prize

This will not end well.; 12/29/25, 8:31 PM
buwaya said...: War of Jenkins Ear, otherwise the global aspect of the War of the Austrian Succession.
Spain won.; 12/29/25, 8:33 PM
Achilles said...: General Flynn saying what most Americans think.

It is time for Trump to get off his ass and do what he said he was going to do. The Somali scammers shouldn't even be here anymore much less stealing billions of dollars.

If Trump keeps accepting awards from Bibi Netanyahu while illegals are still receiving welfare and Tim Walz isn't arrested for being a traitor there will be a revolt.

There is no way I support Vance in 2028 if this keeps up.; 12/29/25, 8:36 PM
Achilles said...: Peachy said...

Putin went to war under Joe Biden.

People should understand how this is going to end and what just happened today.

There was no reason for Ukraine to try to assassinate Putin. Putin will just use it as an excuse to take Kyiv.

Most people are pointing the finger at MI6.; 12/29/25, 8:39 PM
Peachy said...: You can support the Democrat, Achilles - or whomever Candace endorses. someone who loathes Israel, and says so.
I really hope YOU do Not support JD Vance.; 12/29/25, 8:41 PM
FullMoon said...: Home daycare can have 12 kids. Daycare provider in San Jose owned side by side homes, daycare in one, living nextdoor. It is crazy expensive. And, many take every holiday off, and a week during winter and spring break (used to be Christmas and Easter)

"1. Typical Costs (2025 Data)
Santa Clara has some of the highest childcare costs in the country.
Average Hourly Rate: Approximately $26.75.
Monthly Full-Time Rate: Typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 depending on the child's age.
Annual Cost: Families can expect to pay around $29,000 to $37,000 for high-quality center-based care."; 12/29/25, 8:43 PM
Achilles said...: Peachy said...

You can support the Democrat, Achilles - or whomever Candace endorses. someone who loathes Israel, and says so.
I really hope YOU do Not support JD Vance.

You are not just a dishonest piece of shit.

You are also a retard.

There is no point arguing with someone who is as dishonest and as stupid as Inga.; 12/29/25, 8:47 PM
john mosby said...: Update to the Kentucky State U defensive shooting from a couple weeks ago:

Parents of student killed in shooting at Kentucky State University arrested for intimidation

https://tinyurl.com/3nv9pn4d

"Court records showed Chardnae Cleveland, 37, and De’Jon Darrell Fox Sr., 38, were both charged with felony intimidation for allegedly making online threats against Jacob Bard.

"A probable cause affidavit filed in Vanderburgh County showed Fox allegedly made graphic threats against Bard on social media under a screen name of "Capo Fatman Fox." One post that was still online on Friday said in part 'YOU DONTKNOW WHAT U TOOK FROM ME BUT YOU WILL FEEL THE SAME HURT I FEEL.' In court records, police quoted a public post from Cleveland that said in part 'I want his son dead just like mine.' Another post from Cleveland that police said had been deleted was quoted in the affidavit as saying 'Might drive to Evansville today to see some vicelords!'"

Posting this update not so we can laugh at the decline of HBCUs*, but because I am genuinely ambivalent. I'm not seeing how you could prove a true threat beyond a reasonable doubt here. Maybe the combined effect of all the posts shows more than just grief-stricken lashing out? I dunno - seems too much like the post-Southport tweets people got locked up for in Britain.

Or maybe the Commonwealth Atty is following the same rule he followed with the shooter who eventually got no-billed: if there's any possibility at all that a grand jury could indict, I have to start the process? CC, JSM

*Oddly, my mom, who was not the provider of my African DNA, was an HBCU alum. She went to Chicago State for a teacher certification program when she decided she didn't want to be a pharmacist anymore. - jsm; 12/29/25, 8:52 PM
Dr Weevil said...: Peachy:
No one tried to assassinate Putin. Putin didn't even bother to coordinate with his military before telling Trump about the supposed assassination attempt. While he was claiming 91 drones had been aimed at him, his own military was reporting that only 18 drones had flown into the entire province (Nizhny Novgorod) where his hideout is. Most likely it's a Russian false flag - or a false allegation without any attempt to make it look plausible - to justify aiming at Zelenskyy or the Ukrainian parliament building. Or just to convince Trump Zelenskyy's the bad guy.; 12/29/25, 8:54 PM
Peachy said...: Achilles
Seriously - Please do not support JD Vance.; 12/29/25, 8:55 PM
Eva Marie said...: No. No one’s a piece of shit. No one’s a retard. No one’s going to vote Democrat. Peace brothers and sisters. We’re all on the same team.; 12/29/25, 8:55 PM
Peachy said...: Achilles - you and Inag both read and listen to fraud Candace Owens.
Talk about retarded. You two are the same side of the crazy coin.; 12/29/25, 8:56 PM
Eva Marie said...: Peachy we are all going to vote Republican. No one’s voting for any Democrat.; 12/29/25, 8:57 PM
Achilles said...: john mosby said...

Update to the Kentucky State U defensive shooting from a couple weeks ago:

Parents of student killed in shooting at Kentucky State University arrested for intimidation

So 2 out of the 50 or so people who should have been arrested have been arrested?; 12/29/25, 8:57 PM
Peachy said...: Dr Weeevil -
OK. I assume you mean to address Achilles on that?; 12/29/25, 8:59 PM
Peachy said...: Eva - Achilles is a toxic know-it-all who gets his info from insane sources. He also slags on Ann - and that makes him a pile of shit. You know who else used to do that? Inga.
Don't need him on the team.; 12/29/25, 9:01 PM
Eva Marie said...: Yes we do need him. We need everybody.; 12/29/25, 9:05 PM
Peachy said...: Dr Weevil.
Please see Achilles @ 8:39. He reposted a small segment of what I said in bold - the rest is all him.

and also - thanks for your info.; 12/29/25, 9:05 PM
Dr Weevil said...: Peachy:
You're right. Sorry! Was reading upwards from the bottom to check out the latest comments and didn't scroll quite far enough to see his name above yours. Achilles it is.; 12/29/25, 9:05 PM
Eva Marie said...: Also, no one is a pile of shit, dammit.; 12/29/25, 9:05 PM
Achilles said...: Dr Weevil said...

Peachy:
You're right. Sorry! Was reading upwards from the bottom to check out the latest comments and didn't scroll quite far enough to see his name above yours. Achilles it is.

Nobody cares about your Ukraine first BS.

Half of your Ukrainian freedom fighters have quit the Zelensky administration and are hiding in Israel with suitcases full of US cash.

It is over for Ukraine. Odessa has essentially fallen. The only question is when Zelensky elopes to Israel to retire with all the US Aid money.; 12/29/25, 9:10 PM
john mosby said...: Watching Gutfeld!, which is being guest-hosted by Kat Timpf. She is still crap at reading the teleprompter, even though she wrote the jokes on it. And she is an accomplished standup comic, and a highly articulate Hillsdale woman. Guess it is just a distinct skill. CC, JSM; 12/29/25, 9:12 PM
Eva Marie said...: What would the libs do if Zelensky went to Israel? The beloved leader of their very favorite country going to Israel - their most hated adversary.; 12/29/25, 9:14 PM
Mason G said...: Walz Announces $8 Billion Grant To Somali Company To Investigate Fraud

ST. PAUL, MN — In response to growing allegations of fraud tied to Minnesota's Somali community, Governor Tim Walz announced he had awarded an $8 billion grant to a Somali company to find the perpetrators.

Democrats praised Walz for rising above politics to get to the bottom of the fraud case. "Well, I'm convinced," said Minnesota Congressional Representative Ilhan Omar. "Nothing to see here. As usual, America is the real villain."

https://babylonbee.com/news/walz-announces-8-billion-grant-to-somali-company-to-investigate-fraud; 12/29/25, 9:15 PM
Eva Marie said...: What if Zelensky came to the Stares? Wouldn’t that be an option? Or Canada.; 12/29/25, 9:17 PM
Eva Marie said...: oops. The States.; 12/29/25, 9:18 PM
Achilles said...: Eva Marie said...

Also, no one is a pile of shit, dammit.

Meh. The Desantis wing of the Republican party is big mad.

Trump is turning himself into a lame duck.

Nobody is going to show up to re-elect a bunch of Republicans in 2026 when 90+% of them take AIPAC money. If you say that you should not take money from Americans and send it to Israel and bomb Israel's enemies there is a certain type of retard that will say you hate Israel and you are an anti-semite.

I have no problem with Israel turning Gaza into a parking lot. I just don't think we should be paying for it or helping them bomb anyone. It should be Saudi Arabia and Egypt that do it not us.

If you say that we shouldn't let our congress be owned by a lobby for another country they get big mad and they don't even know why they are getting mad. They can't argue that foreign countries should be allowed to lobby lawmakers. So they resort to the only argument they have. It is the left's equivalent of shut up racist.; 12/29/25, 9:19 PM
john mosby said...: Eva M: "What would the libs do if Zelensky went to Israel? The beloved leader of their very favorite country going to Israel - their most hated adversary."

That is funny! CC, JSM; 12/29/25, 9:19 PM
Achilles said...: Eva Marie said...

What if Zelensky came to the Stares? Wouldn’t that be an option? Or Canada.

Everyone in Zelensky's administration is running from fraud and corruption charges. If we had an honest administration any aid to Ukraine would have been contingent on an audit years ago. Zelensky's best friend actually made a Golden Toilet with the US Aid money he stole before running to Israel with suitcases full of cash. He is joining other notable traitors like Pollard.

If Zelensky comes to the US he gets investigated for fraud in 2028 when an actual America First candidate wins.; 12/29/25, 9:22 PM
Dr Weevil said...: Achilles just can't stop lying about Ukraine and Israel. Nothing he says here about either country is true, as usual. For example, there is one (1) high-ranking Ukrainian hiding out in Israel, where Achilles says it's 'half' of them! And Odesa (only assholes spell it 'Odessa') is further from "falling" than Novorossiysk, where Ukraine recently sank a submarine in the harbor with a sea-drone. Russia can bomb and drone and missile-strike Odessa, and does every night, mostly killing civilians and damaging neutral merchant ships and other civilian targets. But they have no possible way of reaching Odesa, by sea or land, to try to capture it.; 12/29/25, 9:28 PM
Eva Marie said...: Canada would be the best option for him. Canada has one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the world.; 12/29/25, 9:29 PM
john mosby said...: Achilles: "If Zelensky comes to the US he gets investigated for fraud in 2028 when an actual America First candidate wins."

You're getting soft. What happened to the Pinochet helicopter? RLTW, JSM; 12/29/25, 9:29 PM
Jupiter said...: A while ago -- actually, quite a while ago -- I stopped reading fiction. I felt like, there was just too much serious information about the World to take in, to waste time on some author's fabrications, however esthetically or emotionally satisfying they might be. I started reading a lot of history.
But I am starting to think that with fiction, at least, you come into it knowing it's all false. It is admitted fabrication. With history, you have the heavy lifting of trying to decide what you are going to believe, and on what basis. And that can be exhausting, while also being ultimately fruitless.
"When you believe,
You will relieve the only soul that you were born with
To grow old and never know."
Never, ever know.; 12/29/25, 9:33 PM
Dr Weevil said...: Achilles wrote "Half" when he meant "One", and now writes "Everyone" when he means "Some". Again, he just can't stop lying. And there have been US auditors checking that weapons and ammunition are delivered to the front all along. I remember someone here (maybe 'Tim in Vermont') making a big fuss a couple years ago because 40-50 (I think it was) US military were in Ukraine, claiming that the US military was directly fighting the Russians! It turned out that every one of them was either an embassy Marine guard, or an unarmed uniformed auditor keeping an eye on weapons shipments. As for the corrupt Ukrainians, I have yet to hear any evidence that they stole anything from the US, rather than from their fellow Ukrainians. And Zelenskyy is the one who's been prosecuting them. Of course, if one corrupt guy hiding it out in Israel makes a country not worth saving from destruction, Jonathan Pollard (whom Achilles stupidly brings up) makes the U.S. not worth saving.; 12/29/25, 9:36 PM
Eva Marie said...: Dr Weevil, the truth is none of the leaders on either side of that conflict are worth very much. It’s a stupid war.; 12/29/25, 9:37 PM
Eva Marie said...: The Europeans support Ukraine and buy their oil from Russia. It’s a stupid war.; 12/29/25, 9:40 PM
Achilles said...: Earlier Waves (2023 and Before)In January 2023 (anti-corruption drive): ~10–15 high-level resignations/dismissals, including deputy ministers, regional governors, and aides (e.g., Kyrylo Tymoshenko — deputy head of office).
Other notable exits: Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov (replaced 2023), Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko (2023), etc.

Rough EstimateHigh-profile resignations (ministers, deputy ministers, top Presidential Office staff): 20–30+ since 2019, with the heaviest concentrations in 2023 (anti-corruption push) and 2024–2025 (reshuffles and scandals).
No comprehensive official tally exists — numbers depend on whether you count only forced resignations, voluntary ones, or include lower-level staff.

Earlier Major Reshuffle (September 2024)Zelensky carried out the largest cabinet overhaul since the full-scale invasion:Dmytro Kuleba — Foreign Minister (resigned/offered resignation).
Oleksandr Kamyshin — Strategic Industries Minister (weapons production).
Denys Maliuska — Justice Minister (overlaps with 2025 reports).
Iryna Vereshchuk — Reintegration Minister / Deputy PM.
Olha Stefanishyna — Deputy PM for Euro-Atlantic Integration.
Ruslan Strilets — Ecology Minister (in some lists).
Reports indicated more than half the cabinet was affected in some way (resignations, reassignments, or replacements), though not all left government entirely.

Most Recent Wave (November–December 2025 Corruption
Scandal)A major $100 million+ embezzlement probe in the energy sector led to several high-level resignations/dismissals:Andriy Yermak — Head of the Presidential Office (chief of staff, Zelenskyy's most powerful aide and lead U.S./peace negotiator) resigned on November 28, 2025, after anti-corruption raids on his home/office.
German Galushchenko — Energy Minister (resigned November 2025).
Svitlana Hrynchuk (or Denys Maliuska in some reports) — Justice Minister (resigned November 2025).
Earlier related departures (2024): Oleh Tatarov and Rostyslav Shurma (former deputies in Presidential Office) resigned amid financial wrongdoing probes.

This scandal has been described as the most serious threat to Zelenskyy's inner circle since the 2022 invasion.; 12/29/25, 9:43 PM
Achilles said...: There is a reason why Zelensky has been trying to shut down the anti-corruption commission and he is polling so low in Ukraine.; 12/29/25, 9:52 PM
Dr Weevil said...: It is of course utterly dishonest to lump together (1) resignations and firings of people caught in corruption probes with (2) resignations and firings done for other reasons (incompetence, being a bad fit for a position, being needed more in another position). American wartime presidents have fired and reassigned dozens of generals and admirals for similar reasons, very few, if any, for corruption: it's what you do in war time, if you want to win.

Also, I believe I've seen this dishonest argument before, word-for-word. An decent man would tell us where he's quoting it from. A scrupulously honest man wouldn't repeat it at all, because it is so blatantly dishonest.; 12/29/25, 9:54 PM
Dr Weevil said...: Zelenskyy never tried to "shut down" the anti-corruption commission, he tried to bring it under the prosecutor's office, and gave that up after popular protests. I have read that it is currently so independent it can't actually bring charges against anyone, only recommend them to the prosecutors, so a tighter relationship would make some sense, giving it some teeth.; 12/29/25, 10:00 PM
Jim at said...: Whiff of sock puppet here.

I'm just going to let that sit there and stink.; 12/29/25, 10:03 PM
Original Mike said...: "I'm just going to let that sit there and stink."

Yeah, remarkable statement.; 12/29/25, 10:12 PM
Achilles said...: Dr Weevil said...

Zelenskyy never tried to "shut down" the anti-corruption commission, he tried to bring it under the prosecutor's office, and gave that up after popular protests.

I just find it hilarious that you are still trying to defend this even now.; 12/29/25, 10:17 PM
buwaya said...: Every Spanish government since the 1980s was brought down by a corruption scandal. The current (socialist) one is heading in that direction. I suppose certain persons here would back, say, a Moroccan invasion of Spain on those grounds. And probably also claim that Morocco should have it for historical reasons.
We are helpless before insanity.
Modern medicine still really cant do much about madness.; 12/29/25, 10:17 PM
Dr Weevil said...: I don't find it hilarious, I find it disgusting, that Achilles so eagerly flaunts his gross ignorance of world events. I note that he doesn't try to defend his claim that Zelenskyy tried to assassinate Putin, a claim that (a) is entirely founded on Putin's word, and (b) would be a remarkably stupid thing to do at this or any time. Putin's such an incompetent warmaker that any replacement might easily be more effective. Last I heard Putin was still claiming he had 15 (I think it was) Ukrainian brigades surrounded in Kupyansk, while everyone else on both sides says in fact 50-500 Russians are surrounded in Kupyansk, and the Russians aren't even trying to send them food or ammunition or some means of escape, so they're sitting around waiting to die or be captured.; 12/29/25, 10:42 PM
Dr Weevil said...: This guy puts it better than I did in my point (b):
"I’m sorry, but you’d have to be extra retarded to think Ukraine decided to send 90 drones at Putin’s dacha right after a meeting with Trump that was, objectively, not bad."
Yeah, he's a Ukrainian: deal with it, he's obviously right (link).; 12/29/25, 11:38 PM
Ampersand said...: One of life's disappointing aspects is that we are sometimes forced to make binary decisions when our hearts and minds can see multiple issues with each of the binary choices. If anyone has a way to transcend this aspect of human existence, please let us know.; 12/29/25, 11:51 PM
Eva Marie said...: Victor Davis Hanson - cancer surgery tomorrow ( Tuesday); 12/30/25, 12:38 AM
Lawnerd said...: Peachy can you please stop with the personal attacks. Why can’t you just disagree with people without the personal attacks. Everyone who disagrees with you doesn’t need to be called a bitch. This isn’t an elementary school playground.; 12/30/25, 4:29 AM
Clyde said...: "If you are part of a society that votes, then do so. There may be no candidates and no measures you want to vote for, but there are certain to be ones you want to vote against. In case of doubt, vote against." -- Robert A. Heinlein

I personally am not pleased with the inaction of Republicans in Congress. However, American politics is a binary choice, and Democrats are infinitely worse. I will be voting against Democrats in 2026.; 12/30/25, 5:35 AM
Eva Marie said...: @Clyde 100%; 12/30/25, 5:54 AM
rehajm said...: This isn’t an elementary school playground

Who told you it wasn’t?; 12/30/25, 5:58 AM
rehajm said...: Miss Lindsey has Republican challengers for the upcoming cycle. I don’t know if they’re LaRouche disciples or what but one vote against the incumbent is incoming…; 12/30/25, 6:01 AM
Kakistocracy said...: Netanyahu met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago yesterday, and now Trump is threatening to bomb Iran again if it rebuilds its nuclear or missile programs. Amazing how that timing works.; 12/30/25, 6:01 AM
Iman said...: He stands all amazed
Eyes are still glazed
Kak is wack; 12/30/25, 6:07 AM
Iman said...: Burma Shave…; 12/30/25, 6:07 AM
rehajm said...: wsj headline just now: Crustaceans bound for Costco were stolen in a phishing and impersonation scam, a logistics company says…boy talk about trolling…; 12/30/25, 6:16 AM
jim5301 said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 12/30/25, 6:44 AM
Aggie said...: "....Last I heard Putin was still claiming he had 15 (I think it was) Ukrainian brigades surrounded in Kupyansk, while everyone else on both sides says in fact 50-500 Russians are surrounded....."

I'm not interested in the back-and-forth going on here, but I do find it interesting that with the current level of press anti-coverage of the Ukraine war, it's impossible to find objective reporting on this conflict that has resulted in so much destruction. Instead we are treated to reading an endless series of 'my opinion is better than your opinion' spitting wars. Without citations to reputable publications written by real people that buttress your cases, why would anybody place credibility in anonymous comments claiming moral superiority? It's just more propaganda.; 12/30/25, 7:58 AM
imTay said...: When the obvious and manifest corruption of Joe Biden was buried by the media in lies, I lost all faith in “the American way” and see no reason why young men should die so that the cronies of the election thieves can cash in on new territories, like the estimated 72 trillion in resources that the Russian Federation sits on, for example.

We have proven that democracy too is a failure, too easily manipulated by propaganda and our press, being for sale to the highest bidder, will happily support the most ruthlessly corrupt.

The Minnesota fraud is just confirmation that our elections are corrupt, but it has been plain for a while.; 12/30/25, 8:01 AM
narciso said...: Where would we find a franco; 12/30/25, 8:05 AM
imTay said...: “Reputable” is doing a lot of work in your comment. I look at sources whose reporting still holds water a couple of months after publication, and those people seem to favor the Russian side right now, probably because the side winning on the ground has less need to lie, but it’s time consuming, and mainstream reputation is a worthless metric.

Trump has recently made comments that the Ukrainians had better accept a deal quickly or face losing the Donbas within a couple of months, so it seems like he is getting reports to that effect that we are not seeing in our media.; 12/30/25, 8:10 AM
Eva Marie said...: This is my take: Whatever the reality is on the ground, Russia has to leave happy. Why?
1. Oil
2. Nuclear Weapons
3. Keeping China snd Chinese influence contained.; 12/30/25, 8:44 AM
Eva Marie said...: Unstated reason Russia needs to leave happy: serves as a counterweight to Islamic influence in Europe.; 12/30/25, 8:50 AM
Peachy said...: Achilles is a low grade Trump Humper - who now hates Trump. Whatever Qatar influences are flowing - he's on board.; 12/30/25, 9:08 AM
Peachy said...: Re-posting for emphasis
Dr Weevil said...
Achilles wrote "Half" when he meant "One", and now writes "Everyone" when he means "Some". Again, he just can't stop lying. And there have been US auditors checking that weapons and ammunition are delivered to the front all along. I remember someone here (maybe 'Tim in Vermont') making a big fuss a couple years ago because 40-50 (I think it was) US military were in Ukraine, claiming that the US military was directly fighting the Russians! It turned out that every one of them was either an embassy Marine guard, or an unarmed uniformed auditor keeping an eye on weapons shipments. As for the corrupt Ukrainians, I have yet to hear any evidence that they stole anything from the US, rather than from their fellow Ukrainians. And Zelenskyy is the one who's been prosecuting them. Of course, if one corrupt guy hiding it out in Israel makes a country not worth saving from destruction, Jonathan Pollard (whom Achilles stupidly brings up) makes the U.S. not worth saving." @ 9:36 PM; 12/30/25, 9:10 AM
Eva Marie said...: We can all hate Trump and at the same time support his administration. Nothing wrong with that.; 12/30/25, 9:12 AM
Eva Marie said...: So Peachy, are you going to be happy eith Trump if he brokers a peace deal that is favorable to Russia?; 12/30/25, 9:17 AM
Peachy said...: Achilles hates Ron Desantis. got that everyone. HATES.; 12/30/25, 9:18 AM
Peachy said...: Eva - I don't think Trump should be brokering any deals over there.

Putin should be the UE's problem.

If Trump can find a way to end the war - great. But I find it strange that everyone who hates him - also assumes he should be in charge of it all.; 12/30/25, 9:20 AM
MadTownGuy said...: Here's some good local news:
Formerly-proposed as migrant housing, an abandoned Chambersburg school to see new purpose

"The Scotland School for Veterans Children, a historic landmark in Franklin County, may soon change ownership - this time with developers who want to revamp the campus while preserving it's history.

“We want to bring it back alive and make it an attraction for this community,” former MLB player Steve Jeltz said.

...

Founded in 1895, the Scotland School was established to educate the children of Pennsylvania servicemembers. The campus has been closed since 2009 and has drawn national attention in recent years amid rumors that the property could be used as migrant housing, sparking controversy and concern within the community. The plan to house migrants was abandoned, as was much of the property - including a library, gym, chapel and dozens of cottages.

In the last few months there was a lengthy legal battle questioning the conditions of the property under the supervision of the former owners. Jeltz says they used the property as a dump, while residents of Franklin County have been forced to look at a big fence that surrounds the campus - rather than the historic buildings behind the fences.

If the purchase goes as planned, Jeltz emphasized he and this team want to focus on long-term revitalization rather than short-term profit."

The plan to house unaccompanied minor migrants was stopped by a combination of local opposition and the involvement of state and federal legislators.; 12/30/25, 9:20 AM
Peachy said...: Achilles used to lose his mind if anyone said a peep of criticism towards Trump. Accusations of failed loyalty! How dare you! (Obedience is a very leftist trait - if you ask me)
That's why his strange fixation with DeSantis lingers.; 12/30/25, 9:22 AM
narciso said...: Well they have 6000 nuclear weapons peopld used to care about that; 12/30/25, 9:23 AM
Peachy said...: btw- I don't hate Trump at all. He frustrates me. I've never found his manner of speaking to be appealing. There are a ton of things that I approve of. His endurance is astonishing and I admire him greatly for that. He is not a superman.; 12/30/25, 9:24 AM
Peachy said...: "EU" (thought I fixed that) - strange; 12/30/25, 9:25 AM
Peachy said...: Eva - agree - Russia needs to leave happy.
Putin is an a-hole - but a-holes are not going to be happy unless they save face and get what they want.; 12/30/25, 9:27 AM
Eva Marie said...: “I don't think Trump should be brokering any deals over there.”
But Peachy, there’s still a bit of empty space in the Oval office that would be perfect for a Nobel Prize display.; 12/30/25, 9:28 AM
narciso said...: Except it was one of his promises hes mostly delegated to witkoff who has had some success which irked the journal something serious; 12/30/25, 9:33 AM
narciso said...: Irans missile problem is a threat to certainly western europe and eventually the united states; 12/30/25, 9:42 AM
Narr said...: "This isn't an elementary school playground."

Not entirely, no. It also has elements of dark alley behind a seedy gym; at its best though, I get a whiff of graduate seminar.; 12/30/25, 9:44 AM
narciso said...: The putin war plan was stupid aa ive mentioned before; 12/30/25, 9:50 AM
Narr said...: Have you seen "How Russia trolls Europe for Christmas"? Whatever your views, it's a fine piece of propaganda. A bit over a minute.; 12/30/25, 10:08 AM
Narr said...: Sorry-- "When Russia" not "How Russia."; 12/30/25, 10:10 AM
Eva Marie said...: I supported Trump from the beginning but I am very happy there was a primary challenge in the form of Ron DeSantis and a few others. He wasn’t anointed the way Biden and Harris were.; 12/30/25, 10:16 AM
Achilles said...: Peachy said...

Achilles hates Ron Desantis. got that everyone. HATES.

I don't hate Ron Desantis.

I just think he is a poseur who tried to take over the Republican Party working with Democrats who raided Mara-lago and indicted Trump on all of the bogus charges. He will never be president as much as the Romney republicans want him to be.; 12/30/25, 10:29 AM
Achilles said...: Peachy said...

Achilles used to lose his mind if anyone said a peep of criticism towards Trump. Accusations of failed loyalty! How dare you! (Obedience is a very leftist trait - if you ask me)
That's why his strange fixation with DeSantis lingers.

You are too stupid to understand why it lingers. You can't be honest about anything.

Desantis was just the next Bush, Romney, McCain, Dole, Ryan, McConnell etc. in a long line of RINO's. The entire congress is full of Republicans just like Desantis. They haven't passed anything since Trump was elected. ANYTHING.

Ron Desantis sided with Paul Ryan and blocked everything Trump tried to do except tax cuts in 2017-2018 while in Congress.

I am merely pointing out the truth and stupid people like you never learned your lesson in 2008 2012 2016 and you tried to lose again in 2024.

You are just a dishonest retard.; 12/30/25, 10:35 AM
Sweetie said...: Complaining about disunity in 2025 is lame. Where were you in 2017 when Ryan and McConnell stood AGAINST the elected POTUS of their own party? Even FNC as late as 2018 had only a handful of Trumpers and a boatload of Never Trumpers. And Hannity is unwatchable. MAGA is the ONLY thing better than the Dems within the GOP. The ONLY thing.; 12/30/25, 10:48 AM
Achilles said...: Remember that this argument started because I am not going to stay loyal to Trump and Vance if they don't do what they said they would do.

But look at the crux of Peachy's argument. She can't even read the words she posts.; 12/30/25, 10:53 AM
Achilles said...: Sweetie said...

Complaining about disunity in 2025 is lame. Where were you in 2017 when Ryan and McConnell stood AGAINST the elected POTUS of their own party?

And Ron Desantis was one of Ryan's caucus.; 12/30/25, 10:53 AM
narciso said...: Greg kelley is much better on newsmax; 12/30/25, 12:12 PM
narciso said...: No he was freedom caucus (the ones they tried to murder on the baseball diamond); 12/30/25, 12:13 PM
Original Mike said...: "No he was freedom caucus "

Who is "he"?; 12/30/25, 12:28 PM
narciso said...: Desantis, the rival to ryan tax collector for the welfare state; 12/30/25, 12:33 PM
Original Mike said...: Thank you.

You have so much to offer, narciso. But your insistence on writing opaque posts blunts so much of it.; 12/30/25, 12:43 PM
narciso said...: I thought the context was clear

Desantis had a learning curve then so did coolidge

We demand perfection of our leaders we will be in the wilderness; 12/30/25, 12:48 PM
Original Mike said...: "I thought the context was clear"

Only in your own head.
I'll shut up now.; 12/30/25, 12:58 PM
Eva Marie said...: “The putin war plan was stupid aa ive mentioned before“
100%
What I want to know, with hindsight, what should Ukraine have done. I get not wanting to join NATO, but after that. Maybe a week before the war started what would the ideal response from Ukraine look like.; 12/30/25, 1:05 PM
narciso said...: Putin sees him as a czar like peter the great (see robert massie); 12/30/25, 1:22 PM
Original Mike said...: "Putin sees him as a czar…"

Sees himself?; 12/30/25, 1:50 PM
Eva Marie said...: lol. He thinks too fast or Putin sees Zelensky as Peter the Great and wants to kill him in the womb, so to speak.; 12/30/25, 2:18 PM
Original Mike said...: "or Putin sees Zelensky as Peter the Great"

Maybe.; 12/30/25, 2:27 PM
Narr said...: Peter was a modernizer and Westernizer; Putin wants to turn the clock back to a (totally imaginary) great Soviet past.; 12/30/25, 2:52 PM
john mosby said...: Eva M: "Maybe a week before the war started what would the ideal response from Ukraine look like."

Yeah, they didn't have 20/20 hindsight, either. Did Zelenskii and his mates think they had a chance, or were they just resolved to die in place like good Russian-speaking soldiers?

Zelenskii could have said "Putin, do you remember Chechnya? Do you remember the years of death you had there? That is what Ukraine will be like for you. Deep in your heart, you know your army sucks at logistics and can't support a deep thrust for very long, even in the country next door. My generals were trained in Soviet academies. They fought in Afghanistan. Millions of Ukrainian men served 2 years in the Soviet Army. We know exactly what you are going to do, because we are you. We just want to live here, alone. If you come here we will all die here, together."

That's only a good rah-rah speech for a certain slice of the Uke population, though....CC, JSM; 12/30/25, 3:02 PM
john mosby said...: What would Canada do if we invaded? Probably just say "I'm Canadian, but I can change, if I have to, I guess." CC, JSM; 12/30/25, 3:04 PM
Eva Marie said...: Zelensky was a comedian by background. So I don’t know how much speeches would have helped.; 12/30/25, 3:21 PM
Eva Marie said...: It’s interesting to think in terms of Canada and US.
An invasion would tear us apart. And just like Putin, we woudn’t expect too much of a fight. But if the Canadians responded as the Ukrainians responded, even if we won it would be a loss.
I think the invasion did tear Russia apart. So many of the tech workers left in those first weeks when they could still leave. Young Russians in the cities were and probably still are 100% opposed. Plus all of those young deaths in a country that’s struggling anyway.
Canada is interesting because the few Canadians I have had contact with were angry and are still angry about the 51st state stuff. For example Canadian flights to Las Vegas are still way down. They’re kind of like the Ukrainians - disheartened by their own government and angry with the US.; 12/30/25, 3:43 PM
narciso said...: Continued he and much of the siloviki see the west as a force of chaos inside their borders and outside; 12/30/25, 3:58 PM
Original Mike said...: "What would Canada do if we invaded?"

I don't think hypotheticals that would never happen are useful exercises.; 12/30/25, 3:58 PM
john mosby said...: Nobody got my Red Green reference....CC, JSM; 12/30/25, 5:11 PM
Original Mike said...: "Nobody got my Red Green reference...."

I didn't. Sorry.; 12/30/25, 6:02 PM
Leland said...: Well stated Aggie @7:58am. I do think Lawrence Persons, who comments here and I'm sure lurks often, does a good job on his blog of covering the actual war, but as noted, the "anti-coverage" means even he gets less and less content to post.; 12/30/25, 6:50 PM
Christopher B said...: Eva Marie - nothing Zelensky could have said would have meant squat to Putin. What Putin needed to hear was the US and NATO would assist Ukraine to the fullest extent possible in defending its territorial integrity. What Putin heard was the brain-dead (p)Resident saying the NATO response to a minor incursion (read : a decapitation strike into Keiv) was uncertain.

Given what we now know about Biden's (lack of) faculties I am inclined to believe folks who wanted Putin to invade primed him to say that.; 12/30/25, 7:32 PM