Lex Anteinternet: Wyoming crowd boos Hageman retort that protections...: Wyoming crowd boos Hageman retort that protections against greenhouse gases based on ‘false science’ : U.S. Rep. Hageman's comment didn...
And it appears she will be visiting Casper.
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This assumes, of course, that it will be.
But it will be.
Donald Trump has horrifically bad taste. The inside of the White House now looks like what a set designer for a B movie from the early 1960s would do to depict a 19th Century New Orleans whorehouse (which in reality, I'm sure, were not gilded). It really fits in with his life, however, which features a lot of superficiality.
That aside, however, how how long will it take.
It seems like it'll have to be done in two, or three, phases. One is the interior of the room we constantly see with all the gilded (or perhaps faux gilded) crap all over the place. If I were the President, which of course I shall never be, I'd rip all that stuff out over the weekend and dump it on the street. Diehard MAGA fans could take home a bauble as a remembrance. But it is an old structure and putting this crap in could be damaging it, and ripping it out might too.
It's clearly going to go.
The second phase is the patio where the Rose Garden was. I frankly didn't think the Rose Garden was the greatest thing ever, but putting down pavement, a typical NYC developer type of crap move, is worse. Again, if it were me, I'd order the Corps of Engineers to accomplish the restoration within 12 hours.
But how long would it competently take?
I'm less confident on this, but my guess is that this will also happen.
What about taking down the two giant flag poles? That will also occur.
Finally if the proposed ballroom is built, how long will it take, to take it down. It'll come down, I'm certain, but how long will it take?
A final question. Who will end up paying for all the restoration. The vandalism is apparently privately funded. Will the restoration have to be too?
Wyoming crowd boos Hageman retort that protections against greenhouse gases based on ‘false science’: U.S. Rep. Hageman's comment didn't go over well in Pinedale, where residents struggled for years to clean up health-threatening pollution from oil and gas drilling.
Pinedale calls itself the "Icebox of the Nation" and the introduction of oil and gas operations near it are relatively new. Given both of those, it clearly didn't drink the GOP Koolaide on global warming being a fib.
Hageman has so far received rough crewed treatment in Pinedale, Rock Springs, and Laramie. I suspect she would in Casper as well. I also suspect she might want to start thinking about selling her house in D.C. and looking to move back to her brother's ranch, as she may be out of work next year.
August 14, 2025 Contact: Sharon Wilkinson
Executive Director
(307) 432-2102
LEGENDARY TRIAL LAWYER GERRY L. SPENCE DIES AT 96
MONTECITO, Calif. – Gerry L. Spence, the celebrated Wyoming trial lawyer whose buckskin jacket, folksy delivery, and unbroken string of courtroom victories made him one of America’s most renowned advocates, died yesterday at his home in Montecito, California. He was 96.
Over more than six decades, Spence built a record unmatched in American legal history, never losing a criminal jury trial and, after the late 1960s, never losing a civil case. Known for his fierce dedication to the underdog, he pledged never again to represent a corporation against an individual, vowing to stand with “the people who had no one else.”
Spence rose to national prominence through a series of landmark cases, including the $10.5 million verdict for the family of nuclear whistleblower Karen Silkwood, the successful defense of former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos, and the acquittal of Idaho survivalist Randy Weaver on the most serious charges stemming from the Ruby Ridge standoff. His high-profile victories also included a $52 million judgment against McDonald’s and a $26.5 million libel award for Miss Wyoming against Penthouse magazine.
Born January 8, 1929, in Laramie, Wyoming, Spence earned his law degree magna cum laude from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1952. After early years as a prosecutor and insurance defense lawyer, he shifted his career toward representing individuals in cases others deemed unwinnable.
Beyond the courtroom, Spence founded the Trial Lawyers College in 1994 at his Thunderhead Ranch in Wyoming, training generations of attorneys in the “Spence Method” — an approach centered on authenticity, emotional connection, and moral courage. He was also a prolific author of more than a dozen books, a familiar voice on national television during major trials, and a recipient of lifetime achievement honors from the American Association for Justice and the American Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame.
Spence is survived by his wife of 57 years, LaNelle P. Spence; his children Kip Spence, Kerry Spence, Kent Spence, Katy Spence, Brents Hawks, and Christopher Hawks; thirteen grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
As he once told a jury, summing up the creed that defined his career:
“I would rather speak for the weak than be the strongest man in the room.”
Friday, March 20, 1914. The Curragh Mutiny
The Curragh Mutiny saw British Army officers stationed at Curragh Camp, Ireland resign their commissions rather than face being ordered to resist the Ulster Volunteers, should the Home Rule Bill pass.
It was a rare example of something like this working, in that the British government backed down, and they were reinstated.
I'm also a former Guardsman and have a similar thread coming up.
Emperor Hirohito accepted the terms of the Potsdam Declaration and recorded a radio message to the Japanese people saying that the war should end and that they must "bear the unbearable." Truman announced the Japanese surrender the same day.
Hirohito's full recorded, and then broadcast, speech stated:
To our good and loyal subjects.
After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining to our empire today, we have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure.
We have ordered our government to communicate to the governments of the United States, Great Britain, China, and the Soviet Union that our empire accepts the provisions of their Joint Declaration.
To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well-being of our subjects is the solemn obligation which has been handed down by our imperial ancestors, and which we lay close to heart. Indeed, we declared war on America and Britain out of our sincere desire to ensure Japan’s self-preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, it being far from our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to embark upon territorial aggrandizement.
But now the war has lasted for nearly four years. Despite the best that has been done by everyone—the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of our servants of the state, and the devoted service of our 100 million people—the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan’s advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest.
Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to damage is indeed incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives.
Should we continue to fight, it would not only result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization. Such being the case, how are we to save the millions of our subjects or to atone ourselves before the hallowed spirits of our imperial ancestors? This is the reason why we have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers.
We cannot but express the deepest sense of regret to our allied nations of East Asia, who have consistently co-operated with the empire towards the emancipation of East Asia. The thought of those officers and men as well as others who have fallen in the fields of battle, those who died at their posts of duty, or those who met with untimely death and all their bereaved families, pains our heart day and night.
The welfare of the wounded and the war sufferers, and of those who have lost their homes and livelihood, are the objects of our profound solicitude. The hardships and sufferings to which our nation is to be subjected hereafter will certainly be great. We are keenly aware of the inmost feelings of all you, our subjects.
However, it is according to the dictate of time and fate that we have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is insufferable.
Having been able to safeguard and maintain the structure of the imperial state, we are always with you, our good and loyal subjects, relying upon your sincerity and integrity. Beware most strictly of any outbursts of emotion which may engender needless complications, or any fraternal contention and strife which may create confusion, lead you astray, and cause you to lose the confidence of the world.
Let the entire nation continue as one family from generation to generation, ever firm in its faith of the imperishableness of its divine land, and mindful of its heavy responsibilities, and the long road before it.
Unite your total strength to be devoted to the construction for the future. Cultivate the ways of rectitude; foster nobility of spirit; and work with resolution so that you may enhance the innate glory of the imperial state and keep pace with the progress of the world.
Bearing it would prove to be nowhere as difficult as predicted for anyone, particularly Japanese women, and in general the Japanese middle and lower class. Frankly, everyone's life in Japan would improve immeasurably. So much so, but for some wackadoodles, Japan has never looked back.
The recording had to be smuggled out of the Tokyo Imperial Palace out of fear of a military coup taking place
The attempted coup did in fact take place, as Japanese officers attempted to steal the recording and prevent the surrender. The attempt failed, and at 19:00 Truman announced the Japanese surrender. Coup leader Major Kenji Hatanaka commited suicide after its failure..
As odd as it may seem, there were still air raids conducted until the surrender was broadcast. The last raid was on Akita (秋田空襲), which was the last raid of the war, which was a nighttime raid that occurred more or less at the same time as the attempted coup.
Huge crowds gathered all over the US to celebrate the end of the war.
The famous Times Square photograph of a sailor kissing a woman, which is protected by copyright, as American copyright provisions are absurdly long, was taken.
The Soviets continued their advance on South Sakhalin and some of the Kurils, and advanced deep into Manchuria.
Gen. MacArthur was delegated to take the Japanese surrender. A cessation of hostilities is ordered by both sides.
The War Production Board lifted restrictions on the productions of automobiles.
The Viet Minh launched an uprising against the French in Vietnam.
Steve Martin was born.
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Of all the countries in the world, we and we only have any need to create artificially the patriotism which is the birthright of other nations.
Agnes Repplier, Americanism, in The Atlantic, 1916.
A letter from the illegitimate Trump occupational regime in the Oval Office to the Smithsonian:
The Honorable Lonnie G. Bunch III
Secretary, Smithsonian Institution
1000 Jefferson Dr SW
Washington, DC 20560
Subject: Internal Review of Smithsonian Exhibitions and Materials
Dear Secretary Bunch,
We wish to begin by expressing our appreciation for the brief tour you gave us recently of the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and by acknowledging your work on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution, as well as the Institution’s role in shaping public understanding of American history and culture. We are completely aligned with your statement that the Smithsonian is “a welcoming place of knowledge and discovery for all Americans.” We are grateful that you and the Board of Regents have expressed your commitment to the non-partisan, educational mission of this great institution.
As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our Nation’s founding, it is more important than ever that our national museums reflect the unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story. In this spirit, and in accordance with Executive Order 14253, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, we will be leading a comprehensive internal review of selected Smithsonian museums and exhibitions. This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions.
This review is a constructive and collaborative effort — one rooted in respect for the Smithsonian’s vital mission and its extraordinary contributions. Our goal is not to interfere with the day-to-day operations of curators or staff, but rather to support a broader vision of excellence that highlights historically accurate, uplifting, and inclusive portrayals of America’s heritage.
The review will focus on several key areas:
- Public-facing Content: A review of exhibition text, wall didactics, websites, educational materials, and digital and social media content to assess tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals.
- Curatorial Process: A series of interviews with curators and senior staff to better understand the selection process, exhibition approval workflows, and any frameworks currently guiding exhibition content.
- Exhibition Planning: A review of current and future exhibitions, with particular attention to those planned for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
- Collection Use: Evaluation of how existing materials and collections are being used or could be used to highlight American achievement and progress, including whether the Smithsonian can make better use of certain materials by digitizing or conveying to other institutions.
- Narrative Standards: The development of consistent curatorial guidelines that reflect the Smithsonian’s original mission.
Initially, our review will focus on the following museums. Additional museums will be reviewed in Phase II.
- National Museum of American History
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- National Museum of the American Indian
- National Air and Space Museum
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- National Portrait Gallery
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Materials Request
To initiate this process, we respectfully request that each of the museums listed above designate a primary point of contact and provide the following materials to our team (including for online content):
- 250th Anniversary Programming
- Exhibition plans, draft concepts, and event outlines related to America 250.
- Supporting materials such as proposed artwork, descriptive placards, exhibition catalogs, event themes, and lists of invited speakers and events.
- Current Exhibition Content
- Catalog and programs for all current and ongoing exhibitions, including budgets.
- Digital files of all wall didactics, placards, and gallery labels currently on display.
- Traveling and Upcoming Exhibitions
- Full index of scheduled traveling exhibitions (2026-2029).
- Proposals, projected schedules, and preliminary budgets for upcoming exhibitions over the next three years.
- Internal Guidelines and Governance
- Curatorial and staff manuals, job descriptions, and organizational charts.
- Documentation outlining the chain of command for exhibition approvals, scheduling, and content review.
- Internal communications or memos pertaining to exhibition or artwork selection and approval processes.
- Index of the Permanent Collection
- Access to an inventory of all permanent holdings.
- Educational Materials
- Teacher guides, student resources, and supplementary educational content linked to current exhibitions.
- Digital Presence
- URLs and descriptions of official museum websites and exhibition-related microsites.
- External Partnerships
- A list of active partnerships with outside contributors including artists, historians, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations.
- Grant-Related Documentation
- Copies of grant applications and funding agreements tied to past or current exhibitions, particularly those that influence content or presentation.
- Current artists featured in museum’s galleries that received a Smithsonian grant.
- Surveys and other evaluations of visitor experience
- Responses to surveys and other forms of evaluating the experience of visitors to the Smithsonian’s museums and users of digital content.
Timeline
To ensure clarity and coordination across all parties involved, we have developed the following implementation timeline:
Within 30 days of receipt of this letter, we anticipate:
- Each museum to submit all requested materials outlined in the first four bullet points above, including current exhibition descriptions, draft plans for upcoming shows, America 250 programming materials, and internal guidelines used in exhibition development.
- Review of America 250 exhibition and program planning and connect with curators and staff about their specific proposals.
- A staff liaison from each museum will be designated to serve as the primary point of contact throughout the review process.
- Our team will begin on-site observational visits, conducting walkthroughs of current exhibitions to document themes, visitor experience, and visual messaging.
Within 75 days:
- Museums are asked to submit the remaining requested documentation (items 5 through 10), including promotional literature, grant data, educational materials, and guided tour content.
- Our team will begin scheduling and conducting voluntary interviews with curators and senior staff. These conversations will help us better understand each museum’s goals and the broader curatorial vision guiding the institution.
- Each museum should finalize and submit its updated plan to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and ensure coordination with the White House Salute to America 250 Task Force to align messaging and public engagement.
Within 120 days:
- Museums should begin implementing content corrections where necessary, replacing divisive or ideologically driven language with unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions across placards, wall didactics, digital displays, and other public-facing materials.
If all benchmarks are met on schedule, we anticipate completing our review and preparing a final report for your review in early 2026. This report will include museum-specific assessments, institutional trends, and constructive recommendations for future exhibition strategy.
We view this process as a collaborative and forward-looking opportunity—one that empowers museum staff to embrace a revitalized curatorial vision rooted in the strength, breadth, and achievements of the American story. By focusing on Americanism—the people, principles, and progress that define our nation—we can work together to renew the Smithsonian’s role as the world’s leading museum institution.
We look forward to working alongside you and your team to ensure these iconic institutions remain vibrant, trusted, and inspiring for generations to come.
Lindsey Halligan
Special Assistant to the President and Senior Associate Staff Secretary
Vince Haley
Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council
Russell Vought
Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Management and Budget
The term "Americanism" goes way back. I know that it was used by Theodore Roosevelt, for example, who as an advocate of it. Indeed, he delivered more than one speech on the topic. I'm a fan of Theodore Roosevelt, although less than I once was, and I don't admire his jingoistic advocation of Americanism, although it has to be realized that it came at a different point in our history, and tended to combat a growing sense of internationalism as well as "hyphenation" in various American identities.
Starting particularly in the 1920s, Americanism began to change from a focus on celebrating an American identity, to being pro White Anglo Saxon Protestant. Roosevelt delivered a speech to The Knights of Columbus at Carnegie Hall on October 12, 1915, for example, which meant that the solidly American former President of Dutch ancestry, who was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church, felt comfortable addressing a body of Catholics. Indeed, that was somewhat the point as Catholics were by that time a major voting block, but WASP American culture detested them and saw them as alien. Roosevelt didn't want them to be alien, but American, meaning he was not only taking a stand against people identifying as "Irish American" or "German American" (two major Catholic groups), but also as White Anglo Saxon Protestants.
Roosevelt was not a racist.
By Woodrow Wilson's administration, a lot of Americans were reviving the thought that if you were an American, you needed to be a WASP. The Red Scare contributed to that in a major way. The country illegally deported people simply for being on the radical left, including some who were American citizens.
Imagine. . . deporting an American for not being the right kind of American. . . sound familiar?
This sort of Americanism became strong in the 1920s, although roots of it were clearly there before, and it continued on into the 1930s as sort of a plant of some of the opponents of Franklin Roosevelt, although Americanism took a real hit during that time period. It revived, however, in an ugly fashion after World War Two were it was once again associated with the far right.
It's been a feature of the revived post Reagan far right for some time, and has really been picked up by the populists supporting Trump. They cloak themselves with the flag and tattoo what they think are patriotic things on their forearms, not appreciating that our forbearers' might not necessarily be all that keen on their views.
Part of what is happening here is that Americans have frankly always had a difficult relationship with history, and they still do. Americans as a group do not know their history well, and tend to reduce it to highlights, and often associate those highlights with patriotic bromides. The Mayflower passengers were, for instance, a bunch of people seeking religious freedom in the American mind, not a minoritarian Protestant sect that neither the English or the Dutch were keen on tolerating, and they were not tolerant themselves (and, to add to it, most of the Mayflower passengers were not "pilgrims". The American Revolution was all about and only about liberty, people believe, and didn't start off as a protest over tea tariffs (oh my) and have as a goal unrestrained settling of Native lands and forced conversion of the Quebecois to the Church of England. Half the country seemingly believes that the Civil WAr wasn't about slavery, when that's all it was about. The Winning of the West doesn't feature any uncomfortable colonial aspects of it. And the dropping of the Atomic Bomb was certainly moral.
Like many things in our current culture, the counter revolution going on here has its roots in a post Vietnam War revolution which really did go too far. Early radicals, like those before the end of World War Two, often were in fact really radical, but they often really loved their country two. One Marine Corps officer who won the Silver Star during the Second World War, for instance, was an avowed Communist who had fought in the Spanish Civil War. Today people like Donald Trump and Chuck Gray would go into screeds about him, just as Trump has about Zohran Mamdani. A person doesn't have to be, however, conservative or Christian to genuinely love the United States.
Going back, however, to the post Vietnam War Era, it seemingly was the case that during the war some on the American left came to actively detest their country, and as part of the general culture of the times, the band aid was ripped off of some of our problematic past. For people with a serious interest in, and knowledge of, history, much of that was irritating, but there were those who were generally shocked by it as their knowledge of history apparently stopped at 4th Grade. Even now, for example, I'll have people come up to me who are reading A People's History of the United States and cite something as if its a blisteringly knowledgeable new revelation. I'm not interested in anarcho-socialist Zinn's interpretation of US history much, and I'm always skeptical of anyone who titles anything as "A People's" anything, as that claims too much for your work and yourself, but still, the "revelations" people come up with are topics that anyone who graduated from high school should have a pretty good command of.
But then, many Americans have no real command of history. Entire events in American history, and world history, are unknown, I think, to the vast majority of Americans, which makes them easy targets for revisionist of the right and the left.
We're seeking a lot of far right revisionism going on right now. This sort of stuff is part of it.
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