Stop Covering Our Fields, Cover Our Parking Lots Instead

 By Staff Writer

South Carolina Bulletin

Drive through rural America and you’ll see them, vast expanses of black solar panels stretching across what was once productive farmland. Row after row of photovoltaic glass bolted to steel frames, pinned into soil that grew corn, soybeans, or wheat for generations. The panels don’t grow anything. The land underneath when it’s not scraped bare to control weeds sits fallow. The farmers who sold or leased their fields took the check. The rest of us lost something that doesn’t show up on a balance sheet.

Now look at any suburban shopping center, any Walmart, any corporate office park. Acres of asphalt. Blacktop radiating heat into the atmosphere, contributing to the urban heat island effect, serving no purpose except to hold parked cars. No crops grow there either. Nothing grows there. It’s dead land land we already killed and we’re not using it.

The math on this isn’t complicated. The politics shouldn’t be either. Yet somehow, we’ve built a renewable energy strategy that buries farmland under solar panels while leaving millions of acres of parking lots untouched. https://samueleburns.substack.com/p/stop-covering-our-fields-cover-our

Suicide, Canadian Style

 Recent discussions have emerged around Canada's euthanasia program, officially known as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). A study has highlighted potential economic benefits of expanding this program, drawing attention to the ethical implications and societal impacts of such measures.

1. Popularity of Euthanasia in Canada: Euthanasia has become a prominent part of Canada's healthcare system, with many viewing it as a viable “treatment” option.

2. Study Findings: A recent study published in the OMEGA—Journal of Death and Dying explores the economic savings of broadening MAID to include vulnerable groups, such as those with severe mental health conditions, the homeless, drug users, the elderly, and Indigenous populations. The study posits that expanding euthanasia to these groups could save the government nearly $1.3 trillion over two decades, particularly suggesting significant savings in voluntary and non-voluntary circumstances for retired individuals.

3. Economic Perspective: The authors of the study imply that offering euthanasia as a solution could create a reliance on assisted dying as a way to manage healthcare costs. This notion echoes longstanding discussions about the role of euthanasia in balancing healthcare resources, where reducing end-of-life costs is no longer considered taboo.

4. Historical Context: Previous arguments for euthanasia in the context of healthcare expenses date back to at least 1997, where benefits to healthcare rationing were discussed alongside constitutional rights to suicide. These reflections suggest broader acceptance of euthanasia as a cost-saving measure.

5. Comparison to Other Expenditures: The piece highlights a contrast between how society views spending on healthcare versus other personal expenditures. While excessive healthcare costs are criticized, spending on cars or vacations is largely accepted. The authors contend that individuals should have more autonomy over their healthcare decisions, rather than allowing bureaucratic systems to dictate life-and-death decisions.

6. Moral Concerns: The article raises questions about the moral implications and potential for abuse within the system, suggesting that Canada is already on a precarious path. This notion of utilizing euthanasia as an economic strategy is presented as dangerous and alarming.

The discussion around Canada’s euthanasia program raises complex issues at the intersection of ethics, healthcare policy, and economics. While the potential for significant cost savings is evident, the authors caution against the moral implications of normalizing euthanasia as an economic solution, warning that it may detrimentally affect society’s view of life and health care. The financial analysis presented underscores ongoing debates surrounding healthcare expenditure and individual rights in choosing end-of-life options. 

https://issuesinsights.com/2026/06/04/suicide-canadian-style/

Major Journal under Fire for Omitting Pfizer’s Failed Flu Data in Seniors

 Recent scrutiny has emerged regarding the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) for its failure to publish important data from a Pfizer flu vaccine trial that involved older adults. The omission of results for individuals aged 65 and older has raised significant questions about the integrity of the publication process and the implications for public health.

1. Missing Data Announcement:

• Pfizer's mRNA flu vaccine showed little benefit for adults aged 18-64, and the adverse effects were more significant than reported.

• Data from the older adult cohort (65+) was not included in the NEJM publication but was found on ClinicalTrials.gov, beyond public view.

2. Criticism from Experts:

• MIT professor Retsef Levi criticized the NEJM for not publishing outcomes from older participants, noting it was unacceptable given their vulnerability.

• Levi stated the omission seemed deliberate as the results were not favorable for the mRNA vaccine compared to traditional flu shots, stating it raises concerns over the journal's scientific integrity.

3. NEJM's Response:

• Levi described the lack of inclusion of this data in NEJM as a serious oversight, undermining the transparency expected in medical journals.

• He pointed out that the journal editor-in-chief, Dr. Eric Rubin, must provide an explanation for this gap, suggesting a fail in the review process.

4. Concerns Over Rubin's Role:

• Dr. Rubin also serves on the FDA committee that could review Pfizer's vaccine, leading to concerns about conflicts of interest and impartiality in evaluating the vaccine.

• During previous health discussions, Rubin had minimized safety concerns related to vaccines, demonstrating a questionable approach to public health communication.

5. Regulatory Capture and Selective Reporting:

• The situation has been characterized as regulatory capture, where a manufacturer’s trial results favored by publications leads to a lack of transparency.

• Levi emphasized the importance of complete and truthful reporting in scientific conduct, arguing that selective reporting has eroded public trust in health science.

The NEJM's failure to report on critical data regarding Pfizer's flu vaccine for seniors represents a troubling case of selective publication practices that could misinform healthcare decisions. The events surrounding this issue not only question the integrity of the findings but also the actions of those in positions of authority within the FDA. Moving forward, calls for transparency from both NEJM and regulatory bodies are imperative to restore public confidence in health sciences and ensure accountability for maintaining ethical standards in medical research. There are expectations for NEJM to correct the omission and adhere to ethical reporting standards, which are crucial for public health discourse. 

https://brownstone.org/articles/major-journal-under-fire-for-omitting-pfizers-failed-flu-data-in-seniors/

Can California Still Be Saved?

 California, once celebrated as a beacon of prosperity, now faces significant challenges due to decades of one-party governance. This decline has raised questions about whether the state can be saved from its current trajectory.

1. Political Landscape:

Recent gubernatorial and mayoral elections show potential shifts in voter sentiment, as candidates from outside traditional power structures gain traction. However, California remains largely under Democratic control, impacting policies and governance.

2. Economic Struggles:

California struggles with high gas prices, taxation, and a growing budget deficit. Various factors, including strict environmental regulations and high taxes, have hindered economic growth and driven away businesses.

3. Demographics and Immigration:

The state's population includes a significant number of immigrants, many of whom rely on welfare. California houses nearly a third of the nation's welfare recipients and has a rising homeless population.

4. Education Concerns:

Educational outcomes are poor, with many public school students failing to meet reading proficiency standards. This is coupled with rising budget expenditures yet declining educational quality.

5. Mass Exodus:

The state has seen an outflow of residents, particularly those in the upper-middle class, which has further exacerbated the demographic and economic divide. With many leaving for better opportunities elsewhere, the state faces a crisis of retention.

6. Policy Recommendations:

Proposed solutions to improve California's situation include:

• Establishing humane facilities for the homeless.

• Investing in infrastructure and repealing current regulatory burdens.

• Reforming the approach to crime and punishment to promote safety.

• Reviving traditional industries through support policies.

• Enhancing educational systems to ensure better outcomes for students.

• Returning to policies supporting legal immigration and curbing illegal immigration.

California's multitude of challenges reflects the consequences of years of ideological governance. To reverse the ongoing decline, leaders must adopt pragmatic solutions that prioritize economic vitality, public safety, and educational reform. The future of California relies on a shift towards effective governance and community engagement.

https://amgreatness.com/2026/06/04/can-california-still-be-saved/

Why Young People Need a Patriotic Education

 Mike Pence argues for the necessity of patriotic education in America, claiming it is vital for shaping informed citizens who value liberty and are ready to defend it. He expresses concern over the current educational narratives that portray the country negatively, potentially leading to a generation unsure of America's worth.

1. Current Educational Climate: Pence believes young Americans are being taught to see their country as unjust rather than a good force in the world. Historical figures are often depicted negatively, fostering shame instead of pride.

2. Historical Context: He references George Washington's warnings about the dangers of divisiveness and factionalism, stressing that national unity is crucial for America’s survival and prosperity.

3. Crisis of Civic Confidence: There is a growing trend in education that focuses on American failures, neglecting significant achievements. Pence advocates for education based on truth, emphasizing America’s historical accomplishments alongside its imperfections.

4. Core American Principles: A thorough patriotic education should include an understanding of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, the principles of separation of powers and federalism, and the rule of law as essential frameworks for freedom.

5. American History: Students should learn about notable figures and ordinary citizens who contributed to the nation’s story, including those who fought against injustices, thus demonstrating American determination to uphold equality.

6. Global Context: With rising authoritarian powers challenging American ideals, Pence stresses the importance of instilling confidence in American values to maintain global influence and security.

7. Restoration Efforts: There are encouraging movements across the country aimed at improving civic education, with some families and schools focusing on a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes American principles.

8. Future Implications: Pence warns that the future of America’s educational system and the nation itself hinge on how current generations are taught about their homeland, highlighting the need for a solid foundation of patriotism.

Pence believes a robust patriotic education is essential for fostering young citizens who appreciate their country's freedoms and responsibilities. He calls for a curriculum that inspires admiration and commitment to America, ensuring that its ideals are preserved for future generations. By educating youth about the strengths and sacrifices that define the nation, they will be empowered to defend and cherish their liberty. 

https://spectator.org/why-young-people-need-a-patriotic-education/

Why Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Won’t Go Away

 The issue of fraud in Medicare and Medicaid remains persistent amidst attempts to combat it. The design of these programs contributes to ongoing challenges in managing fraud and inefficiencies in healthcare spending.

1. Prevalence of Fraud: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimates about $100 billion in fraud in Medicaid each year. Efforts made by the government to tackle this issue have been longstanding and span multiple administrations.

2. Design Flaws: Medicare and Medicaid operate as open-ended entitlements, leading to a lack of defined limits on spending. This design creates an environment where fraud can thrive alongside legitimate billing.

3. Continuum of Care vs. Fraud: The distinction between necessary care and fraudulent activities is blurred. What is classified as fraud often lies along a spectrum from essential treatments to services that are unnecessary or harmful.

4. State Involvement in Medicaid: While Medicaid is state-administered, the federal government encourages spending by matching funds, inadvertently making states participants in the fraud issue.

5. Historical Attempts at Reform: Various reforms, such as value-based care and managed care, have been introduced to address fraud but have largely failed to reduce it effectively.

6. Political Ramifications: Efforts to limit spending are politically sensitive because they risk cutting services deemed essential, making it hard for politicians to propose necessary changes without backlash.

The enduring problem of Medicare and Medicaid fraud results from inherent structural flaws in the system, coupled with political obstacles that hinder meaningful reform. To truly address these issues, a new healthcare system may need to be developed, which prioritizes affordability and effectiveness, potentially allowing Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to benefit from such a change.

https://www.city-journal.org/article/medicare-medicaid-fraud-health-care-costs

Modern society runs on refined oil products. Can California keep ignoring reality?

 The situation surrounding crude oil refining in California has become critical, with significant implications for the state's supply of transportation fuels and various essential products. As crude oil itself is merely a raw material, it must undergo refining to transform into usable products.

• Reliance on Refineries: Crude oil is considered useless without refineries to process it into transportation fuels and derivative products. California's refining capacity has decreased by 35% since 2023, leaving the state dependent on foreign imports for over 60% of its crude oil needs.

• Vulnerability and Risks: This reliance creates a national security risk. Any disruption, such as port issues or global events, could lead to significant supply shortages, affecting fuel availability across the USA.

• Refinery Closures: Recent California policies have led to the closure of two major refineries, resulting in a steep decline in gasoline and jet fuel production. This decline has forced California to import more fuels from Asian refineries, increasing vulnerability to supply disruptions.

• Future Threats: If remaining California refineries shut down due to new state regulations, the potential for severe food shortages looms, as the state's logistical infrastructure relies heavily on operational refineries for supply chain maintenance.

• Economic Consequences: With California's economy being one of the largest globally, the shutdown of key refineries threatens to disrupt the supply of essential products and transportation fuels, leading to broader implications for surrounding states like Nevada and Arizona.

California's diminishing refining capacity, driven by regulatory pressures, poses significant risks to its energy supply and overall economic stability. As residents rely on products made from processed crude oil, the state’s energy policies necessitate urgent evaluation to maintain fuel supply and prevent a future crisis. The situation underscores the critical role of oil derivatives in supporting modern society, with numerous industries dependent on their availability. 

https://www.americaoutloud.news/modern-society-runs-on-refined-oil-products-can-california-keep-ignoring-reality/