A Real Story Buried Under a Bad Map

 A critique of “Unelected” and the Glenn Beck special on the DSA

From Staff

Anyone who has watched a protest materialize within hours of a news event knows the feeling the broadcast trades on. Signs appear. Talking points circulate. Lawyers and press releases arrive on schedule. The suspicion that this isn’t purely spontaneous is reasonable, and the presenters deserve credit for taking it seriously.

But a good question doesn’t make an answer good. The special’s central move is to tell viewers that “the dots have been talked about, but they’ve not been connected like this before.” After 77 minutes, the connections turn out to be the kind that can link almost any two organizations in America.

The chain of custody problem. The key example runs as follows: DSA belongs to the National Network on Cuba. So does the Hatuey Project. Hatuey’s fiscal sponsor is the People’s Forum. The People’s Forum has received money from Neville Roy Singham. Each link may be accurate, but membership in a 60-organization coalition isn’t control, and neither is sharing a fiscal sponsor’s umbrella. The program says as much, repeatedly. It concedes there’s no evidence Cuba funds DSA, that the German government doesn’t write checks to DSA, and that fiscal sponsorship “is not evidence of wrongdoing.” Having said so, it spends the remaining hour inviting viewers to feel otherwise. The honest summary is “these groups know each other.” That is true of the Chamber of Commerce and the Heritage Foundation too, and nobody calls it a shadow government.

The Germany section. The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation is government-funded, and a staffer there is also a leader in a DSA caucus. The broadcast itself notes that DSA’s tax filings point to domestic donor-advised money, not German grants. What remains is that a person has two jobs. It’s a footnote presented as a revelation.

Claims that outrun the evidence. The broadcast says Singham “pumped millions of dollars in from China,” then admits within the same minute that this “is not a definitely proven fact.” Singham has publicly denied taking funds or orders from any government or party. He has said there is no proof of the accusations and that they are untrue. That doesn’t settle the matter, and congressional inquiries are legitimate. But a denial and an open investigation call for “unproven,” not the confident framing viewers are left with. tribuneindia

The voter-data suggestion is weaker still. Singham sold Thoughtworks to the private equity firm Apax Partners in 2017 for $785 million. The broadcast calls the buyer “Apex” and implies Singham’s money touches Democratic voter files. Data Republican’s own reporting says the same Apax owns NGP VAN, the platform behind Democratic voter data. A large private equity firm owning two companies tells us about the firm’s portfolio. It tells us nothing about what Singham does with his proceeds. That inference is the presenters’ own, and they offer no evidence for it. WikipediaSubstack

Elsewhere the numbers wobble. The broadcast cites “trillions of dollars” moving through these networks, then tallies the money flowing to the specific groups it examined at about $18 to $19 million. It also says DSA’s membership reached 92,612 by December 2025, while published figures vary widely, from about 80,000 members in mid-2025 to over 120,000 in 2026. And a passing remark about “terrorist training” in these Cuba trips is offered with no support at all. influencewatchWikipedia

Where the broadcast is right. Some of the underlying facts are real. Treasury and State sanctioned the leadership of Cuba’s friendship institute, ICAP, with Secretary of State Rubio accusing it of sponsoring a subversive network aimed at radicalizing Americans. Its president, González Llort, is a former Cuban intelligence officer. (The special places the sanctions in June, but the coverage I found dates them to August 2026.) That is a legitimate story, and a more disciplined version of this program would have stuck to it: documented contact between American groups and a sanctioned foreign state entity, with Foreign Agents Registration Act questions to follow where the facts support them. kobwlrn

The deeper flaw. The special’s thesis is that organization is evidence of manipulation, that a movement with lawyers, trainers, and fiscal sponsors can’t be genuine. The speakers say as much when they stress that they “can’t prove” orders were issued, and then argue the point anyway. But infrastructure is how every movement works. The special says so itself, and with some envy, when it recalls how the Tea Party lacked such support. If shared administrative back offices prove a hidden hand, they prove it for conservative groups, too.

None of this means the left’s funding networks deserve a pass. Transparency about foreign influence, donor-advised money, and sponsored projects is a worthwhile cause, and the call for citizens to read tax filings and follow the paper trail is a good one. But that work only means something if it holds to the standard the program announced and then abandoned: say what you have, say what you don’t, and let the evidence stop where it stops. A map of who knows whom is not a map of who controls whom, and treating them as the same thing makes the real stories easier to dismiss.

The strongest case on the other side: defenders would say the program does separate documented facts from inference, that it flagged its own limits more openly than most commentary does, and that connecting public records across organizations is exactly the legitimate research that scattered reporting hasn’t done. They would add that sanctions on ICAP and congressional scrutiny of Singham show these concerns aren’t fringe, and that opacity in fiscal sponsorship does make public accountability harder.

Sources: AP via KOB on the ICAP sanctions, WLRN, Neville Roy Singham (Wikipedia), Singham denial (Tribune), Data Republican on Apax, DSA (Wikipedia), InfluenceWatch on DSA

ICAP Cuba sanctions González Llort Rubio Treasury State

US imposes more sanctions on Cuba, including mining sector | Reuters reuters.comUS ramps up Cuba sanctions in latest pressure tactic | AP News apnews.comImposing Sanctions on Cuban Regime Actors Associated with Marxist Subversive Networks and Corrupt Economic Dealings - United States Department of State state.gov

Apax Partners Thoughtworks acquisition 2017 NGP VAN ownership

Funds advised by Apax Partners to acquire ThoughtWorks ... apax.comFunds advised by Apax Partners to acquire Thoughtworks, Inc. thoughtworks.comRoy sells Thoughtworks martinfowler.com

Neville Roy Singham denial China funding accusation response

Statement by Neville Roy Singham on Newsclick funding row - The Hindu thehindu.comA Global Web of Chinese Propaganda Leads to a U.S. Tech Mogul nytimes.comNYT report: US-based pro-China network funded Indian website | India News - The Indian Express indianexpress.com

DSA membership numbers 2025 2026 total members

Democratic Socialists of America reaches all-time high membership washingtonexaminer.comDSA’s membership nearly doubled since start of Mamdani campaign - City & State New York cityandstateny.comDemocratic Socialists of America en.wikipedia.org

Mapping the DSA Machine: The Socialist Underground Network Exposed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh2qaFcj65w

BLOCKADE AND RIOT: How Soros & Gates-Backed Activists Are Already Training For A Contested Election

 Free DC is an activist organization preparing for potential election-related protests, claiming they are ready to enforce election results if necessary. Their plans include recruiting activists for training sessions focused on protest scenarios.

Training Sessions: Free DC is organizing a training event scheduled for September 26 to discuss "election enforcement" and role-play protest scenarios.

Contingency Plans: Organizers have outlined strategies for protests including intersection blockades, marches to the Capitol, and coordinated withdrawals from work or school if primary results are contested.

Support and Funding: The organization has backing from major groups such as the Open Society Policy Center, Melinda French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures, and the Pritzker Family Foundation. This support aids their operations and outreach.

Past Preparations: Free DC has previously planned nonviolent actions in response to election disputes but did not activate them during recent events. They have also trained volunteers as part of an election protection initiative.

Wider Connections: Free DC collaborates with organizations like Future Currents, which conducts scenario exercises to help groups manage political crises. This includes strategic planning for future governance situations.

Requirements for Participation: The training requires previous non-cooperation training and participant screening to ensure safety, but details about the training content and instructors remain undisclosed.

Free DC's preparations for the midterms illustrate a proactive approach to potential election disputes, supported by influential donors. However, questions remain about the authority and evidence required for their proposed actions against contested election results. 

https://nataliegwinters.substack.com/p/blockade-and-riot-how-soros-and-gates?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3382126&post_id=216519592&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=6dl2nb&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Note To The Rest Of The Country: Please Don’t Vote Like California

 California has experienced a decrease in population recently, marking the first time in history that the state's numbers have contracted. Despite this trend, government expansion continues, highlighting potential missteps in voter decision-making. The article critiques California's state governance and offers a warning to the rest of the country regarding voting behaviors.

1. Population Decline: California's population peaked at 39.53 million in 2019 but fell to 39.03 million by 2022, with no anticipated growth for three years starting in 2027.

2. Government Growth: Despite the population decline, California's state workforce grew by 4% from 2019 to 2024, adding around 20,000 employees. This period saw significant increases in management and supervisory positions.

3. Spending Increases: State spending has escalated dramatically, increasing by $100 billion since the 2019-20 fiscal year. The per capita spending has surpassed $8,800, with compensation costs rising notably.

4. Political Dynamics: The editorial suggests that California’s dominant political party exhibits a preference for an expansive government over civil society. The governance model in California serves as a cautionary example for other states considering similar progressive policies.

5. Impact on Economy: Although California remains the most populous and economically powerful state, the article notes a decline in attractiveness for innovators, workers, and investors due to regulatory and bureaucratic constraints.

6. National Implications: The editorial positions California as a model of problematic governance that other Democratic-led states may seek to emulate. It emphasizes the need for voters nationwide to take heed and make more discerning choices at the ballot box.

California's ongoing population decline and government expansion reflect significant issues in governance and voter decision-making. The editorial warns other states to avoid California's path by voting thoughtfully and pushing back against leftist policies that could jeopardize their future. The midterm elections are seen as an opportunity for voters to steer the nation away from the perceived threats posed by California's experience. 

https://issuesinsights.com/2026/10/21/note-to-the-rest-of-the-country-please-dont-vote-like-california/

Accountability Is All That Matters Now

 Recent document releases have shed light on serious atrocities committed during the Covid response by public health authorities. The author, who has written extensively on this topic for the Brownstone Journal, feels there is little left to add, citing previous works that have addressed these issues.

1. The author has published multiple articles examining the negative aspects of the Covid response, questioning the meaning of "Never again" in this context.

2. Past writing has included concerns about the breach of the Nuremberg Code regarding informed consent in public health practices.

3. While the author feels that further writing may be redundant, they acknowledge a growing awareness among others about these issues.

4. Accountability for these actions is emphasized as crucial, arguing that similar abuses can occur again without it.

5. The author compares potential accountability measures to historical events like Watergate and the Nazi Doctors’ Trial, advocating for significant legal consequences.

6. There is skepticism toward the public health system's ability to self-correct, suggesting that meaningful accountability must come through the justice system.

The author insists that without substantial accountability for the actions taken during the Covid response, such violations will continue to pose a threat to humanity. 

https://brownstone.org/articles/accountability-is-all-that-matters-now/

COVID Coverup: FDA Suppressing Evidence of Vaccine’s Risks for Children

  In 2022, safety officers from the FDA began examining reports of adverse effects and deaths in children following COVID-19 vaccinations. Initial findings suggested a link between the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna and several adolescent deaths. Despite this, as of December 2023, the FDA has not issued any warnings regarding these potential risks.

1. Initial Findings and Recommendations:

Safety officers found evidence suggesting that some adolescents died from the COVID vaccines, specifically due to fatal myocarditis.

Dr. Meghna Alimchandani, the leading safety officer, recommended that vaccine labels be updated to reflect these risks, but no action has been taken.

2. Political and Institutional Barriers:

Both Trump’s and Biden’s administrations demonstrated reluctance to address the findings publicly, with concerns that it would complicate the narrative about vaccine safety.

The pharmaceutical industry and media outlets, including the New York Times, have also been criticized for downplaying the risks associated with the COVID vaccines.

3. The Role of VAERS:

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) has received over a million reports of injuries post-vaccination.

Officials like CDC Director Rochelle Walensky downplayed the significance of these reports, stating they do not prove causation.

4. Scientific Reports of Vaccine Risks:

Findings in peer-reviewed studies pointed to cases of myocarditis and other serious conditions in vaccinated children.

A citizen petition led by former FDA advisor Kim Witczak requested updates to vaccine warnings, mostly denied by the FDA.

5. Internal FDA Investigations:

New evidence came to light indicating that internal investigations about vaccine safety risks were ignored.

Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg discovered that FDA staff had compiled autopsy reports detailing deaths linked to vaccinations.

6. Media Coverage and Its Impact:

The New York Times has been accused of distorting information regarding FDA findings on vaccine risks, which has shaped public perception about the safety of vaccines.

Critics argue that the media's rush to protect vaccine narratives has overshadowed significant safety findings.

7. Continued Advocacy and Investigation:

Senator Ron Johnson and others are pushing for continued investigations into the FDA's handling of vaccine risk information, aiming for transparency in communication about vaccine dangers.

Experts express concern about the lack of informed consent for parents regarding potential risks associated with COVID vaccines for children.

There is ongoing controversy about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for children, primarily concerning the FDA's handling of adverse effect reports and the media’s portrayal of vaccine safety. As calls for transparency grow, it remains crucial for parents to be informed about all available data regarding vaccine risks to make informed decisions for their children’s health.

https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2026/10/20/covid_coverup_fda_suppressing_evidence_of_vaccines_risks_for_children_1212710.html

The French Revolution of the 21st Century: From the Guillotine to the Suicide Vest

 Itxu Díaz explores the modern implications of the French Revolution, particularly through the lens of recent riots and protests in Paris. It draws parallels between the historical events of the Revolution and current issues facing France, suggesting a persistent undercurrent of violence and division in French society.

1. Historical Context of the Guillotine:

During the French Revolution, the guillotine became synonymous with the pursuit of equality, initially intended for aristocrats and later used on commoners.

The revolutionaries embraced the guillotine, which transformed executions into a spectacle, asserting that individuality was a threat to equality.

2. Ceremonial Aspects:

The execution ceremonies surrounding the guillotine changed traditional practices, replacing them with ritualistic bloodletting that symbolized the power of the revolutionary government.

3. Cultural Impact:

The Revolution’s aftermath was marked by the emergence of new ideologies like secularism and rationalism, leading to significant cultural shifts in France, including the extermination of Christians.

4. Modern Reflection on Violence:

Díaz argues that France has never fully recovered from the Terror, suggesting modern acts of violence, especially by Islamist groups, parallel the earlier revolutionary violence.

The French government's response to these acts often attributes them to mental illness, obscuring the underlying issues of ethnic and religious tensions.

5. Political Landscape:

French leaders, such as Hollande and Macron, are criticized for failing to address or acknowledge the realities of a changing demographic and political landscape in France.

As the country faces protests and riots, there’s an implication that these actions are orchestrated by radical elements bent on disrupting governance.

6. Future of France:

The article concludes with a dire warning about the continuing challenges France faces and suggests that only a return to Christian values can save the nation.

Díaz paints a picture of France as a nation grappling with the shadows of its revolutionary past while facing new forms of conflict and social upheaval. He raises concerns about the role of governmental leadership and the historical lessons that seem to remain unheeded. As France witnesses a resurgence of violence, particularly from Islamist factions, the piece underscores the urgent need for a renewed focus on unity and shared values to rebuild the nation. 

https://spectator.org/the-french-revolution-of-the-21st-century-from-the-guillotine-to-the-suicide-vest/

Husband of Democratic Party Chair Charged with Stealing $20 Million from Federal Education Grants

 Michael Perik, husband of Liz Beretta-Perik, the Chair of the Rhode Island Democratic Party, was indicted for allegedly stealing $20 million through a fraudulent education grant scheme linked to Ohio’s Eastern Gateway Community College. The indictment has significant implications for both Perik and the college involved.

Perik was indicted for theft, fraud, bribery, and money laundering, among other charges.

He is alleged to have operated through educational consulting companies that diverted federal and state financial aid, including Pell grants.

The indictment highlights that the scheme included falsifying records and retaining aid for ineligible students.

Along with Perik, two others, Nicole Rowe Colclasure and Michael Geoghegan, were also indicted.

State Auditor Keith Faber expressed concern that public resources meant for disadvantaged students were misappropriated.

The alleged fraudulent activities occurred between January 2017 and March 2022, resulting in millions in wrongful payments.

U.S. Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent condemned the scheme, affirming the government's commitment to tackling fraud in education.

Perik has made substantial political donations, totaling nearly $50,000 to the Rhode Island Democratic state committee and over $75,000 to individual politicians, including Governor Dan McKee.

In response to the charges, Perik's attorney described the indictment as "political retribution" and insisted Perik acted within the law.

The case against Michael Perik raises serious questions about accountability in the management of educational funds intended to support students. As the legal process unfolds, the implications for Perik and the broader community continue to develop, with Perik's attorney denying wrongdoing and claiming the charges are politically motivated. 

https://www.westernjournal.com/husband-democratic-party-chair-charged-stealing-20-million-federal-education-grants/