Washington Funds Munich, Not America

 

Graham’s Donors, DHS Defunding, and the War Lobby’s Grip on Congress

South Carolina Bulletin

Feb 16, 2026

By Staff Correspondent

This past week, Congress once again showed where its priorities lie and it wasn’t at home. As border crossings hit historic highs, Democrats in both chambers refused to fund the Department of Homeland Security, triggering a partial government shutdown.

Yet, within forty eight hours of the funding impasse, many of these same lawmakers Republican and Democrat alike boarded planes for Germany to attend the annual Munich Security Conference (MSC). DHS workers face financial uncertainty, cartel activity surges at the border, yet Washington’s elite flew off to mingle with defense lobbyists and foreign officials in Europe.

The contrast is almost surreal, no money for American security, but endless resources for global summits and war‑talk.

https://samueleburns.substack.com/p/washington-funds-munich-not-america

US Lawmakers Shmooze with Zelensky at Munich Security Conference – After Voting for Partial Shutdown of DHS at Home

US lawmakers recently attended the Munich Security Conference shortly after voting for a partial government shutdown that affects the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This has raised concerns about their priorities regarding national security.

• Politicians, including Lindsey Graham and Dick Blumenthal, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Munich Security Conference.

• The conference took place after Democrats voted for a partial government shutdown, opting not to fund DHS amidst ongoing border security issues.

• Critics argue that lawmakers should prioritize ensuring national security at home instead of seeking funding for foreign engagements, criticizing the apparent contradiction in their actions.

• Zelensky attended the conference to request additional financial support to continue Ukraine's defense against Russia.

• The presence of US politicians at the conference, despite national security funding debates, has sparked frustration among some constituents who feel these officials aren't addressing pressing homeland issues.

The juxtaposition of lawmakers' attendance at an international security gathering with their decision to underfund DHS highlights ongoing tensions in US political priorities, particularly concerning national security. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/02/us-lawmakers-shmooze-zelensky-munich-security-conference-after/ 

New Gold Standard: No Central Bank Required

 The concept of an individual gold standard is gaining traction due to recent advancements in tokenized gold. This idea allows individuals to anchor their financial activities to gold without needing government policies or central bank intervention.

1. Individual Participation: People can now utilize a gold-linked balance sheet similar to traditional stacking of gold, thus achieving personal monetary sovereignty.

2. Tokenized Gold Functionality: Tokenized gold products like PAX Gold (PAXG) and Tether Gold (XAUt) offer features such as price tracking stability, resilience during market stress, and financial integration comparable to existing financial infrastructures.

3. Historical Context: Unlike past systems that necessitated government action for gold convertibility, modern tokenized systems allow for personal choice regarding currency tied to gold.

4. Custodial and Regulatory Considerations: While there are risks related to custodians and regulatory environments, individuals can engage with tokenized assets without waiting for legislative frameworks.

5. Technical Analysis: Research shows that tokenized gold maintains a consistent price relationship with physical gold, ensuring that it can act as a reliable store of value.

6. Market Dynamics: The study indicates that the trading volume of tokenized gold increased significantly between 2023 and 2025, showcasing its growing acceptance in the market.

7. Potential Advantages: This new layer of digital gold allows users to use gold as collateral, which could appeal to investors looking to diversify their assets.

8. Emerging Financial Systems: The existence of tokenized gold reflects a shift towards optional monetary systems that can operate independently of state-controlled mechanisms.

Tokenized gold offers individuals the opportunity to define their financial paths by opting into a gold-referenced system. This shift might lead to a new form of monetary sovereignty, where personal choice and market dynamics create a parallel system reflecting elements of the historical gold standard while adapting to modern technology and financial needs. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2026-02-15/new-gold-standard-no-central-bank-required

Hillary Clinton Breaks With Party Line, Admits Mass Migration Is "Disruptive & Destabilizing"

 Hillary Clinton, former U. S. Secretary of State, made significant comments regarding mass migration during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference.

• Clinton referred to the influx of illegal immigrants as "destabilizing" to society, acknowledging that it has "gone too far."

• She emphasized the need for a debate on migration, and highlighted the importance of humane solutions that ensure secure borders and strong family structures.

• Clinton’s remarks contrast with her party's typical stance on immigration, which may have upset some Democrats, especially those opposed to her views.

• Earlier at the conference, Marco Rubio stressed the need for stronger Western unity and condemned mass migration as an "existential threat" to allies.

• The discussion reflects growing concerns among some politicians about immigration's impact on the political landscape, with calls for initiatives like the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to protect electoral integrity.

Clinton's acknowledgment of the challenges posed by mass migration marks a notable shift in discourse, as both sides of the political spectrum grapple with its implications for society and governance.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/hillary-clinton-breaks-party-line-calls-mass-migration-destabilizing

The Biggest Bait-and-Switch War Of The Century

 U. S. government misled the public into believing Iraq was involved in the 9/11 attacks, ultimately justifying the invasion of Iraq. It highlights key evidence and arguments that were disregarded by the Bush administration to support this narrative.

1. Misrepresentation of 9/11: The U. S. government falsely portrayed Iraq and Saddam Hussein as responsible for the September 11 attacks, while substantial evidence pointed to Saudi Arabia's involvement.

2. Suppressed Evidence: A significant investigative report containing evidence linking Saudi officials to the hijackers was suppressed by the Bush administration, undermining their justification for the Iraq War.

3. False Claims and Justifications: The Bush administration claimed ties between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda, despite no credible proof. President Bush often implied links between Iraq and the 9/11 attacks, which influenced public opinion despite the lack of evidence.

4. Manipulation of Public Sentiment: Early in the aftermath of 9/11, few Americans believed Iraq was responsible for the attacks. However, as the administration disseminated the narrative, public perception shifted dramatically, with many believing Saddam had a direct role in 9/11.

5. Military and Intelligence Reports: U. S. intelligence agencies consistently found no evidence linking Iraq to the attacks; however, this information was overshadowed by political motives.

6. Impact of Propaganda: Both the public and military personnel were bombarded with propaganda that connected Iraq to terrorism, contributing to misunderstanding the purpose of the war and leading to civilian casualties.

7. Consequences of the War: The invasion and subsequent conflict resulted in vast humanitarian losses and further entangled the U. S. in ongoing military actions in the region.

8. Reflection on Accountability: The article underscores a lack of accountability for President Bush and Vice President Cheney despite the propagation of false narratives that led to widespread destruction and loss of life in Iraq.

9. Current Perspective: The author notes a growing skepticism among the American public about military interventions, questioning if future administrations will employ similar tactics to justify new conflicts.

The misleading portrayal of Iraq's involvement in 9/11 and the subsequent invasion highlight significant failures in political accountability and the role of propaganda in shaping public perception. The lessons learned from these events remain relevant as debates continue regarding U. S. military actions abroad and the potential for future conflicts driven by political agendas. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/biggest-bait-and-switch-war-century

Nobody Trusts Elections -- That’s the Crisis

 American electoral politics today is the widespread distrust of election integrity among voters. This skepticism affects both major political parties and has grown over time, leading to concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process.

1. Widespread Distrust:

A recent poll indicated that 62% of likely voters are worried that cheating could affect election outcomes, signaling a loss of trust in the system, which spans across party lines.

2. Cycle of Accusations:

Historically, when a party loses, it often claims the election was rigged. This occurred with Democrats questioning George W. Bush's victories in 2000 and 2004, while Republicans regard the 2020 election as compromised.

3. Need for Reform:

The core issue is not who wins, but whether Americans believe in the electoral process's legitimacy. Transparency and consistent rules are vital to restoring trust. However, political leaders often dismiss these concerns rather than address them.

4. Comparisons with Other Democracies:

The U. S. election process can span weeks, with results delayed, which contrasts sharply with other developed democracies where counting occurs swiftly. This prolonged uncertainty can lead to suspicion and conspiracy theories.

5. Proposed Changes:

The SAVE America Act, which has bipartisan support, aims to enhance election integrity by ensuring only U. S. citizens can vote and advocating for measures like one-day voting and same-day counting.

6. Voter ID Debate:

Support for voter ID laws is high across the political spectrum, yet criticism of these measures often relies on misguided assumptions about certain demographic capabilities.

7. Foreign Interference:

Concerns about foreign meddling in elections should warrant scrutiny and should not be dismissed. Continuous vigilance against such threats is crucial for national security.

8. The Urgency of the Situation:

If significant portions of the populace believe elections are rigged unless their side wins, the social contract is at risk. Improving the election system should be a bipartisan priority to ensure that losing is not perceived as losing one’s voice.

A republic that fails to earn its citizens' trust jeopardizes its fundamental democracy. Transparent and effective electoral processes are essential to mitigate doubt and improve public confidence, ensuring that every election is viewed as a fair contest rather than a battleground for accusations.

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/02/nobody_trusts_elections_that_s_the_crisis.html

Our Clinton Nightmare Comes to a Franken End

 The article discusses the political decline of Bill and Hillary Clinton, referencing a process called "Frankenization. " This term refers to how the Democratic Party discards individuals once they are no longer deemed useful or a liability.

1. Concept of Frankenization:

Frankenization refers to the way the Democratic Party ostracizes individuals who lose their political usefulness. The term is derived from Al Franken's political downfall and reflects a broader pattern within the party.

2. Historical Context:

The article reflects on the "Me Too" movement and how Democrats have sometimes used accusations as political weapons. It mentions the contrasting treatment of Donald Trump and Al Franken, with Franken ultimately being pushed out due to allegations against him.

3. Clintons' Perceived Immunity:

The Clintons, initially thought to be safe, are now facing potential downfall due to the resurfacing of associations with Jeffrey Epstein. The article suggests that the release of Epstein-related documents has made the Clintons vulnerable to scrutiny.

4. Karma and Political Utility:

The author argues that the Clintons are no longer of any political utility to Democrats, as they have a history of losing major elections and face ongoing controversies. This shift in perception echoes the treatment of other political figures who have fallen from grace.

5. Congressional Scrutiny:

Bill Clinton is reportedly facing congressional subpoenas to discuss his past with Epstein. The article hints that even former allies within the party are distancing themselves, suggesting that the Clintons are becoming politically irrelevant.

6. Outlook for Bill and Hillary:

The narrative concludes that the Clintons are now more useful as scapegoats than as political figures. Their continued relevance is being questioned, and they could soon join a group of former politicians who have lost their influence.

The article posits that Bill and Hillary Clinton are on the verge of political extinction, as the Democratic Party moves to distance itself from them in light of new controversies and changing political utility. The process of Frankenization appears to be underway, indicating a shift towards irrelevance for the Clintons in modern politics. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/02/our_clinton_nightmare_comes_to_a_franken_end.html