Monday, August 25, 2025

Court Watch, Part II.

 


August 5, 2025

Texas Governor Abbot has ordered the arrest of absentee Democratic Texas legislators.

cont:

The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify on matters Epstein.

Here's the thing, however.  Nobody really knows what they'll have to say, but one of the questions is going to be "who all did you see at . . . "

I suspect as many Republicans as Democrats are hoping he doesn't answer that.

August 11, 2025

It seems clear that the Trump administration is going to make some sort of a move on the homeless population of Washington, D.C.

There's also a move to take back Federal control of the enclave.

As anyone here can tell, I'm not a fan of the Trump administration, but I'll at least acknowledge that American cities have a huge homeless problem and it detracts from American society overall.  Something needs to be done about it. Something humane, but something.

Also, frankly, D.C. should have gave been given home rule.  It hasn't been a well run city in many instances.  It's a Federal enclave for a reason.

A case involving a county clerk may go to the S.Ct, and if it does, it would allow the court to review the Obergefell decision if it wishes to.

It doesn't have to take the case, and if it did, it wouldn't have to revisit Obergefell.  Obergefell was clearly wrongly decided, so it'll be interesting to see what the Court does.

Cont:

DECLARING A CRIME EMERGENCY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 740 of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act (Public Law 93-198), as amended (section 740 of the Home Rule Act), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Crime is out of control in the District of Columbia.  Washington, District of Columbia, is our Nation’s capital and home to the central institutions of American governance.  Yet rising violence in the capital now urgently endangers public servants, citizens, and tourists, disrupts safe and secure transportation and the proper functioning of the Federal Government, and forces the diversion of critical public resources toward emergency response and security measures.  The city government’s failure to maintain public order and safety has had a dire impact on the Federal Government’s ability to operate efficiently to address the Nation’s broader interests without fear of our workers being subjected to rampant violence.

The increase in violent crime in the heart of our Republic has consequences beyond the individual tragedies that have dominated media coverage.  Such lawlessness also poses intolerable risks to the vital Federal functions that take place in the District of Columbia.  Violence and crime hamper the recruitment and retention of essential Federal employees, undermine critical functions of Government and thus the well-being of the entire Nation, and erode confidence in the strength of the United States.  These conditions are disgraceful anywhere, but particularly in the capital of our Nation and the seat of the Federal Government.  Citizens, tourists, and Federal workers deserve peace and security, not fear and violence.  The smooth functioning of executive departments and agencies, courts, diplomatic missions, and the Federal Government demands an effective law-enforcement mechanism capable of halting the precipitous rise in violent crime, not one that permits Government workers to be violently attacked by mobs or fatally shot close to the Federal buildings where they work.

The magnitude of the violent crime crisis places the District of Columbia among the most violent jurisdictions in the United States.  In 2024, the District of Columbia averaged one of the highest robbery and murder rates of large cities nationwide.  Indeed, the District of Columbia now has a higher violent crime, murder, and robbery rate than all 50 States, recording a homicide rate in 2024 of 27.54 per 100,000 residents.  It also experienced the Nation’s highest vehicle theft rate with 842.4 thefts per 100,000 residents — over three times the national average of 250.2 thefts per 100,000 residents.  The District of Columbia is, by some measures, among the top 20 percent of the most dangerous cities in the world.

As President, I have a solemn duty to take care that our laws are faithfully executed, and a sacred responsibility to protect the safety and security of United States citizens who live in and visit our Nation’s capital, including Federal workers who live or commute into the District of Columbia.  These conditions cannot persist.  We will make the District of Columbia one of the safest cities in the world, not the most dangerous.

Sec2.  Services of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.  I determine that special conditions of an emergency nature exist that require the use of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (Metropolitan Police force) for Federal purposes, including maintaining law and order in the Nation’s seat of Government; protecting Federal buildings, national monuments, and other Federal property; and ensuring conditions necessary for the orderly functioning of the Federal Government.  Effective immediately, the Mayor of the District of Columbia (Mayor) shall provide the services of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes for the maximum period permitted under section 740 of the Home Rule Act.

Sec3.  Operational Control of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.  (a)  The authority of the President conferred by section 740(a) of the Home Rule Act to direct the Mayor with respect to the current special conditions of an emergency nature is delegated to the Attorney General. 

(b)  In accordance with section 740(a) of the Home Rule Act, the Mayor shall provide such services of the Metropolitan Police force as the Attorney General may deem necessary and appropriate.

Sec4.  Monitoring and Recommendations.  (a)  The Attorney General shall monitor and regularly consult with any senior official the Attorney General deems appropriate on the special conditions of an emergency nature that exist in the District of Columbia that require the use of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes.

(b)  The Attorney General shall regularly update me on the status of the special conditions of an emergency nature that exist in the District of Columbia that require the use of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes.

(c)  The Attorney General shall inform me of any circumstances that, in the Attorney General’s opinion, might indicate the need for further action by the President or that the action in this order is no longer necessary.

Sec5.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any individual or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its other provisions to any other individuals or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Justice.

                             DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    August 11, 2025.

There is no emergency.

Trump's use of executive orders is completely out of control.

Cont:

Attorney who backed Trump on Jan. 6 now urging Supreme Court to hear corner-crossing case: John Eastman says high court should hear matter “because it affects so much private property.”

August 13, 2025

Wyoming Senate panel rebuffs effort to give lawmakers more control over judicial nominations: The Wyoming Freedom Caucus began criticizing the court’s judiciary after rulings against its initiatives. A narrow vote Tuesday indicated debate is likely to continue.

August 20, 2025

California Republicans have filed suit to stop California Governor Newsome's retaliatory redistricting plan.   

Apparently the GOP never grasped the Democrats would punch back over the Texas gerrymandering grab.

August 21, 2025

Grand jury indicts Cody Roberts, infamous Wyoming wolf captor, on felony animal cruelty

Grand jury indicts Cody Roberts, infamous Wyoming wolf captor, on felony animal cruelty: Eighteen months after Roberts’ actions incited global outrage, a grand jury decided the Daniel resident should face felony charges.

August 23, 2025

The FBI raided the house of former Trump official and current Trump critic John Bolton.

August 25, 2025

More fascist behavior:

ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO ADDRESS THE
CRIME EMERGENCY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Crime Emergency.  Two weeks ago, I declared a crime emergency in the District of Columbia to address the rampant violence and disorder that have undermined the proper and safe functioning of the Federal Government, and therefore, the Nation, and that have led to disgraceful conditions in our Nation’s capital.  In furtherance of Executive Order 14333 of August 11, 2025 (Declaring a Crime Emergency in the District of Columbia), I am now ordering further actions to address the conditions described in that Executive Order. 

Sec2.  Operational Actions.  (a)  The Director of the National Park Service shall, subject to the availability of appropriations and applicable law, hire additional members of the United States Park Police in the District of Columbia to support the policy goals described in Executive Order 14333.  The United States Park Police shall ensure enforcement of all applicable laws within their jurisdiction, including the Code of the District of Columbia, to help maintain public safety and proper order.

(b)  The United States Attorney for the District of Columbia shall, subject to the availability of appropriations and applicable law, hire additional prosecutors to focus on prosecuting violent and property crimes.

(c)  The D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force established in Executive Order 14252 of March 27, 2025 (Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful), shall establish an online portal for Americans with law enforcement or other relevant backgrounds and experience to apply to join Federal law enforcement entities to support the policy goals described in Executive Order 14333.  Each law enforcement agency that is a member of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, as well as other relevant components of the Department of Justice as the Attorney General determines, shall further, subject to the availability of appropriations and applicable law, immediately create and begin training, manning, hiring, and equipping a specialized unit that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nation’s capital that can be deployed whenever the circumstances necessitate, and that could be deployed, subject to applicable law, in other cities where public safety and order has been lost.

(d)(i)  The Secretary of Defense shall, subject to the availability of appropriations and applicable law, immediately create and begin training, manning, hiring, and equipping a specialized unit within the District of Columbia National Guard, subject to activation under Title 32 of the United States Code, that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nation’s capital.  As appropriate and consistent with applicable law, the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall each deputize the members of this unit to enforce Federal law.

(ii)  The Secretary of Defense shall immediately begin ensuring that each State’s Army National Guard and Air National Guard are resourced, trained, organized, and available to assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order whenever the circumstances necessitate, as appropriate under law.  In coordination with the respective adjutants general, the Secretary of Defense shall designate an appropriate number of each State’s trained National Guard members to be reasonably available for rapid mobilization for such purposes.  In addition, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure the availability of a standing National Guard quick reaction force that shall be resourced, trained, and available for rapid nationwide deployment. 

(e)  The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shall investigate any non-compliance with the crime-prevention and safety requirements of HUD agreements by the District of Columbia Housing Authority or any landlord in the District of Columbia.  These investigations shall include consideration of the provisions of such agreements that require housing providers to maintain safe, decent, and sanitary conditions or to restrict tenants who engage in criminal activity that threatens health, safety, and the right to peaceful enjoyment for other tenants, including engaging in drug distribution, violent criminal activity, and domestic violence.  The Secretary of HUD shall refer any findings of non-compliance to the Attorney General, Federal law enforcement authorities, the District of Columbia Housing Authority Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department, as appropriate.

(f)  The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct additional inspections, audits, and examinations to determine whether conditions exist in federally-funded transit services in the District of Columbia that endanger transit workers, and take appropriate remedial action that is within the Department of Transportation’s authority.

Sec3.  Potential Amendments to Metropolitan Police Department General Orders.  (a)  The Attorney General shall review the Metropolitan Police Department General Orders and shall request that the Mayor of the District of Columbia make such updates and modifications to such orders as the Attorney General determines are necessary to address the crime emergency and ensure public order and safety.

Sec4.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any individual or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its other provisions to any other individuals or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees or agents, or any other person.

(d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Justice.

                             DONALD J. TRUMP

PROSECUTING BURNING OF THE AMERICAN FLAG

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Purpose.  Our great American Flag is the most sacred and cherished symbol of the United States of America, and of American freedom, identity, and strength.  Over nearly two-and-a-half centuries, many thousands of American patriots have fought, bled, and died to keep the Stars and Stripes waving proudly.  The American Flag is a special symbol in our national life that should unite and represent all Americans of every background and walk of life.  Desecrating it is uniquely offensive and provocative.  It is a statement of contempt, hostility, and violence against our Nation — the clearest possible expression of opposition to the political union that preserves our rights, liberty, and security.  Burning this representation of America may incite violence and riot.  American Flag burning is also used by groups of foreign nationals as a calculated act to intimidate and threaten violence against Americans because of their nationality and place of birth.

Notwithstanding the Supreme Court’s rulings on First Amendment protections, the Court has never held that American Flag desecration conducted in a manner that is likely to incite imminent lawless action or that is an action amounting to “fighting words” is constitutionally protected.  See Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397, 408-10 (1989).

My Administration will act to restore respect and sanctity to the American Flag and prosecute those who incite violence or otherwise violate our laws while desecrating this symbol of our country, to the fullest extent permissible under any available authority.

Sec2.  Measures to Combat Desecration of the American Flag.  (a)  The Attorney General shall prioritize the enforcement to the fullest extent possible of our Nation’s criminal and civil laws against acts of American Flag desecration that violate applicable, content-neutral laws, while causing harm unrelated to expression, consistent with the First Amendment.  This may include, but is not limited to, violent crimes; hate crimes, illegal discrimination against American citizens, or other violations of Americans’ civil rights; and crimes against property and the peace, as well as conspiracies and attempts to violate, and aiding and abetting others to violate, such laws.

(b)  In cases where the Department of Justice or another executive department or agency (agency) determines that an instance of American Flag desecration may violate an applicable State or local law, such as open burning restrictions, disorderly conduct laws, or destruction of property laws, the agency shall refer the matter to the appropriate State or local authority for potential action.

(c)  To the maximum extent permitted by the Constitution, the Attorney General shall vigorously prosecute those who violate our laws in ways that involve desecrating the American Flag, and may pursue litigation to clarify the scope of the First Amendment exceptions in this area.

(d)  The Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting within their respective authorities, shall deny, prohibit, terminate, or revoke visas, residence permits, naturalization proceedings, and other immigration benefits, or seek removal from the United States, pursuant to Federal law, including 8 U.S.C. 1182(a), 8 U.S.C. 1424, 8 U.S.C. 1427, 8 U.S.C. 1451(c), and 8 U.S.C. 1227(a), whenever there has been an appropriate determination that foreign nationals have engaged in American Flag-desecration activity under circumstances that permit the exercise of such remedies pursuant to Federal law.

Sec3.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Justice.

                             DONALD J. TRUMP

Last edition:

Court Watch

Lex Anteinternet: The SIG M17/M18 Controversy.

Lex Anteinternet: The SIG M17/M18 Controversy.: A Soldier fires an M17 handgun at targets during the Victory Week Pistol Competition, or Regional Combat Pistol Championship, June 4. The to...

Well, based upon what news photos of Washington D. C. are showing, and assuming they've been issued ammunition (which in fact is not a safe assumption), we're about to find out if the M17 actually has a problem or not. 

Saturday, August 25, 1945. Bảo Đại resigns, John Birch killed, Adm. Lee dies.

The Battle of South Sakhalin ended in a Red Army victory and also in an enduring territorial dispute between Russia and Japan.

Bảo Đại resigned as Emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty.  His position in Vietnamese history is complicated, as he clearly lacked real authority.

OSS officer John Birch was killed in a scuffle with Chinese Communist troops.  He had been a missionary in China immediately before the US entry into World War Two.  When the war broke out, he joined the U.S. Army from China, seeking to become a chaplain, but instead being assigned as an intelligence officer.

Birch was a Protestant Fundamentalist, so much so that his beliefs had caused conflict when he was in university.  Somewhat ironically, therefore, its notable that his funeral service in China, which was joint with two U.S. pilots who had been killed late in the war, was a Catholic one, presided over by Italian priests.

In the closing days of the war, Birch had written following on his post war aspirations:

I want some fields and hills, woodlands and streams I can call my own. I want to spend my strength in making fields green, and the cattle fat, so that I may give sustenance to my loved ones, and aid to those neighbours who suffer misfortune….

I want to live slowly, to relax with my family before a glowing fireplace, to welcome the visits of my neighbours, to worship God, to enjoy a book, to lie on a shaded grassy bank and watch the clouds sail across the blue.

I want to love a wife who prefers rural peace to urban excitement, one who would rather climb a hilltop to watch a sunset with me than to take a taxi to any Broadway play.

I want of government only protection against the violence and injustices of evil or selfish men.

I want to reach the sunset of life sound in body and mind, flanked by strong sons and grandsons, enjoying the friendship and respect of neighbours, surrounded by fertile lands and sleek cattle, and retaining my boyhood faith in Him who promised a life to come

Instead, his name would be appropriated by the extreme right wing John Birch Society, which was notorious in the 60s and 70s, but which still exists. 

Adm. Willis Augustus "Ching" Lee Jr. of the U.S. Navy died of a heart attack as the great die off of World War Two senior officers commenced.

Lee had been an Olympian and was a champion marksman.  He is the only individual to have won  the US National High Power Rifle and Pistol championships in the same year.  During the 1914 occupation of Vera Cruz he engaged in a sniper duel with three Mexican combatants and shot them all at long range.

Last edition:

Friday, August 24, 1945. The messy end of the war in the East.

Tuesday, August 25, 1925. End of the Occupation of the Ruhr.

French and German troops withdrew from the Ruhr.

The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was organized by A. Philip Randolph, Milton Webster, and C. L. Dellums.

The Spanish Navy leveled Al Hoceima, Morocco.

Last edition:

Friday, August 25, 1925. Infamnia.

Labels: 

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Friday, August 24, 1945. The messy end of the war in the East.

About 40 Japanese pro war dissidents attacked government facilities in Matsue, Japan, resulting in one death.

Proponents of the US use of the Atomic Bomb, or more accurately apologists for it, point to incidents like this in support of their proposition that it was the only way to end the war.   And, unlike Germany, quite a bit more resistance to laying down arms occurred within the country properly after the announcement of capitulation.  However, and worth noting, the Germans signed the instrument of surrender much more quickly as well.

Japanese forces in and on Bougainville made it known that they awaiting instructions authorizing them to surrender.

Prime Minister Clement Attlee informed Parliament of his grave assessment concerning the end of Lend Lease.

I am informed that the President of the United States has issued a directive exercising his powers under the Lend-Lease Act to order all outstanding Lend-Lease contracts to be cancelled and to provide that stocks and deliveries procured under the Act must now be paid for either in cash or through credit arrangements to be negotiated. I understand that this applies to stocks of food and other supplies already in this country, as well as to those in transit or to be delivered under existing contracts. There is, however, an indication of a possible continuance of a limited range of Lend-Lease for military purposes.

The House will, I think, expect me to make some statement about the resulting situation. The system of Lend-Lease from the United States, Mutual Aid from Canada, and the accumulation of sterling by the sterling area countries have been an integral part of the war organisation of the Allies. In this way it has been made possible for us in this island to mobilise our domestic man-power for war with an intensity unsurpassed elsewhere, and at the same time to undertake expenditure abroad on the support of military operations over a widely extended area, without having to produce exports to pay for our imports of food and raw materials or to provide the cash we were spending 956abroad. The very fact that this was the right division of effort between ourselves and our Allies leaves us, however, far worse off, when the sources of assistance dry up, than it leaves those who have been affording us the assistance. If the role assigned to us had been to expand our exports so as to provide a large margin over our current needs which we could furnish free of charge to our Allies, we should, of course, be in an immeasurably stronger position than we are to-day.

We had not anticipated that operations under the Lend-Lease Act would continue for any length of time after the defeat of Japan. But we had hoped that the sudden cessation of this great mutual effort, which has contributed so much to victory, would not have been effected without consultation, and prior discussion of the difficult problems involved in the disappearance of a system of so great a range and complication. We can, of course, only demobilise and reconvert gradually, and the sudden cessation of a support on which our war organisation has so largely depended, puts us in a very serious financial position.

Excluding altogether the munitions which we have been receiving under Lend-Lease and Canadian Mutual Aid and will no longer require, our overseas outgoings on the eve of the defeat of Japan were equivalent to expenditure at the Tate of about £2,000,000,000 a year, including the essential food and other non-munitions supplies which we have received hitherto under Lend-Lease but must now pay for. Towards this total in the present year, 1945, our exports are contributing £350,000,000 and certain sources of income, mainly temporary, such as receipts from the U.S. Forces in this country and reimbursements from the Dominions for war expenditure which we have incurred on their behalf, £450,000,000. Thus the initial deficit with which we start the task of re-establishing our own economy and of contracting our overseas commitments is immense.

As I have said, we have not yet had an opportunity of discussing the resulting situation with the U.S. Administration. Mr. Brand, the Treasury representative in Washington, has, however, received a letter from the Foreign Economic Administrator inviting us to enter into immediate conversations to work things out in the manner which will best pro- 957mote our mutual interests. I am, therefore, inviting Lord Halifax to return to Washington accompanied by Lord Keynes and Mr. Brand and officials of the other Departments to take part in such conversations.

Reciprocal aid on the part of the United Kingdom, or Reverse Lend-Lease as it is sometimes called, which, according to the Reciprocal Aid Agreement with the United States, is; provided on the same terms as Lend-Lease aid, will of course conform to the same dates of partial or complete termination as Lend-Lease. I much hope, however, that the President will accept arrangements by which shipping and food and any other supplies still required by our Forces overseas and by the American Forces overseas can continue to be furnished for a limited period under the Lend-Lease and Reciprocal Aid Agreements respectively. It would seem reasonable to regard such supplies and services arising directly out of the war as belonging to the common war effort, and, as I have said, there is an indication in the communication which has reached us that the American Administration may so regard them.

I earnestly hope that the House, in view of the fact that negotiations on these complicated issues axe about to start, will agree that the matter should not be the subject of Debate to-day.

§Mr. Churchill The very grave and disquieting statement which the Prime Minister has just made to us must overshadow our minds. I agree with him entirely that a Debate of a discursive character arising before these issues have been properly weighed by the House might easily be detrimental to our national interest, which always must claim the allegiance of Members wherever they sit, and I think I can give my assurance on behalf of the hon. Gentlemen who are associated with me on this side of the House that we shall not touch upon this matter in the forthcoming Debate on the Adjournment. Words or phrases might be used which would hamper the task of our negotiators in the difficult matters which lie before them. I think the utmost restraint should be practised, not only in the House, but, if I may say so, also out of doors, in all comments on the American situation at the present time. I cannot believe that it is the last word of the United States; I cannot believe that so great a nation whose Lend-Lease policy was characterised by me as "the most unsordid act in the history of the world," would proceed in a rough and harsh manner to hamper a faithful Ally, the Ally who held the fort while their own American armaments were preparing.

§Mr. Stephen That is not helping any.

§Mr. Churchill I think we might have no interruption from the hon. Gentleman who seats himself in such an unsuitable position. I say that I hope indeed that this very great burden and strain will be eased as a result of the discussions which are proceeding, and I give my support to the Prime Minister in the request he has made to the House.

He also addressed a written question about the deployment of older men overseas.

Britain wouldn't recover from World War Two for well after a decade, more like two.

HC Deb 24 August 1945 vol 413 c959W959W

§Major Renton asked the Prime Minister if he will give an undertaking that no man over 45, now serving in the Forces, will be sent to India or S.E.A.C. against his will, whatever his release group may be.

§The Prime Minister I understand the hon. and gallant Member is referring to men over 35 years of age. In these circumstances, the answer is "No, Sir."

The Battle of Wuhe (五河战斗) saw Chinese Nationalist/Warlord/Former Collaborationist overrun by the People's Liberation Army.

The Soviet Union entered into an alliance with Nationalist China.

Last edition:

Thursday, August 23, 1945. The Red Army and the Japanese.

Best Post of the Week of August 17, 2025.

 The best posts of the week of August 17, 2025.


Friday, August 17, 1945. The long trip of the U-977.


















 I didn't even have him for a year before the accident took him.

Saturday, August 23, 2025






 I didn't even have him for a year before the accident took him.


 

Wyoming’s future depends on real leadership

Wyoming’s future depends on real leadership: Pandering is alluring, but voters should resist the temptation to fall for it if they want to keep Wyoming on a productive path, columnist Khale Lenhart writes.

Thursday, August 23, 1945. The Red Army and the Japanese.

The Battle of Shumshu ended with the Red Army defeating the Imperial Japanese Army on the island.

The Red Army took Port Arthur.

Stalin ordered Japanese POWs in the hands of the Red Army to be transported to the USSR.  The Japanese would start repatriating them the following year, but in 1949 some were transferred to Communist China, and the final Soviet repatriation was accomplished in 1950.  At that time there were over 2,000 remaining who were not repatriated.  Some of them returned after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but some chose to voluntarily remain in Russia as, by that time, they'd integrated into Russian society and had families.

This behavior was typical for Communist countries, which tended to regard POWs as criminals and hold them for long periods of time after hostilities ceased.

"Captain Leekins, G-2 Island Commander, Colonel Haregawa and party leaving, USS Amick (DE 168), Palau Islands, 23 August 1945."

In contrast, Douglas MacArthur ordered, on this day, the release of 5,000 Filipinos held for security reasons.

President Truman awarded the Medal of Honor to twenty-eight servicemen.

The PLA prevailed in the Battle of Baoying.

Last edition:

Wednesday, August 22, 1945. Surrenders.

Going Feral: Bear attacks on Hokkaido have become such a proble...

Going Feral: Bear attacks on Hokkaido have become such a proble...:  


Friday, August 22, 2025

The Agrarian's Lament: Large sales.

The Agrarian's Lament: Large sales.

Large sales.

A Ranch Four Times the Size of New York City for $79.5 Million

Texas real estate giants sell historic western ranch last asking $115M


Another Huge Wyoming Ranch For Sale; More Than 5 Times Bigger Than New York City

I noticed all of these in the news recently.  

I feel like I should have a comment on them, but I really don't. 

Well, I do.  I don't mind their prices, but agricultural land should always go to actual farmers and ranchers.  In a just society, it would.

The Agrarian's Lament: Where Do Farmers Get Their Food From? The answer is logical, rational, and ludicrous

The Agrarian's Lament: Where Do Farmers Get Their Food From? The answer i...:   

Where Do Farmers Get Their Food From? The answer is logical, rational, and ludicrous

 

This is an interesting item, particularly as information for those not associated with agriculture.

Where Do Farmers Get Their Food From?

The answer is logical, rational, and ludicrous

I've split both worlds, of course, for decades, although more by fate than choice.  Anyhow, one thing that's always amazed me is, to some degree, agriculturalist don't make full use of their own land.

I'm much more familiar with ranching than farming, so I'll start there.  Almost every rancher I know eats their own beef.  We eat our own beef.  For this reason, beef prices at the grocery store are always a bit of a mystery to me.

If you know somebody who raises pigs, and occasionally we do, we get one from them. Again, that means we're paying below grocery store prices.

Okay, all this is common.  

But what absolutely amazes me is that lots of farmers and ranchers don't take advantage of what's right before them.

I used to put in a huge garden every year.  I don't anymore, as my town job took control of my life and I lost the time to do it.  I hope to take it back up if I ever get to retire.  I can't see a good reason that almost every farm and ranch doesn't have a garden.  Yes, it takes time, but not that much time if you are right there.  It'd cut food bills, as they're mostly getting their produce from the grocery store, and fresh produce is always better.

I also don't understand why farmers and ranchers don't hunt, and fish, more.  I know that "time" will be the argument, but I've been around agriculture my whole life and farmers and ranchers have more time than city people do. They simply do.  Their time commitments tend to be seasonal, and intense, but they have the time.

At various times in my pre married life, I used to live on wild game.  And I know for a fact that prior to the 1980s, a lot of ranchers either did the same, or supplemented their meat supply that way.  One student I knew when I was in US as an undergrad was an older (in his 30s) student, and had grown up on a ranch were they lived on wild game. Frankly, they poached it.  I don't advocate poaching, but I also know more than one ranch family that poached pretty routinely into the 1970s.  

Here, farmers and ranchers can get landowners licenses and I just don't see why they don't.  And even if they don't, they usually have time after the fall to hunt and could on a regular license..  Indeed, as noted, they have more time than people in town do.  Outdoors writer John Barsness once noted in one of his columns that when he was a boy, he had a ranching uncle that became a full time elk hunter after shipping.

As noted, I just don't get it.

Shoot, it was my dream, which I will not succeed at.

If I could do whatever I want. . .

If I'd had my way, I would have lived full time in the sticks as a rancher, I'd have gardened in the war months, and hunted in the fall.  If I'd broke even, that would have been fine with me.

The Agrarian Dream.

Related threads:

If I could do whatever I want. . .


Wednesday, August 22, 1945. Surrenders.

" Pfc. Elmer S. Pitlik, Air Sect., 139th F.A. Bn., lights a cigarette for one of the Japanese guards. 22 August, 1945. On a mountain top in the Sierre Madres, Northern Luzon, eight Japanese officers and five American officers met to discuss surrender arrangements. The American officers, accompanied by twenty enlisted men, made a two-hour march over difficult terrain to the area marked by a Jap flag on a bamboo pole. Ranking American officer was Maj. Richard F. Jaffers, Artillery Liaison Group, 38th Inf. Div. The ranking Jap officer was Lt. Col. Shizume Sushimi. Photographer: T/4 Reynolds."

The Japanese Kwantung Army surrenders to Soviet forces at Harbin.

The Japanese government announced that the People's Volunteer Corps was disbanded.

The Japanese garrison on Mili Atoll in the Marshall Islands surrendered in the first instance of a a Japanese mass surrender.

"Romanian displaced persons on their way home. Most of them are Jews who have been imprisoned in the Buchenwald concentration camp. Although tried and hungry, they make this 100 mile march to the Vienna station with little food or sleep. 22 August, 1945. Photographer: T/4 Carl Gulotta, 3131st Signal Service Co."

Last edition:

Sunday, August 22, 1915. Hill 60.

The Australian 2nd Division launched a dawn attack in the Battle of Hill 60.  It was unsuccessful.

And. well. . . 


Last edition:

Friday, August 20, 1915. Nicholas II takes command of the Russian Army.