Is the MAHA Movement Building a Genuine Counter-Elite?

 The emerging MAHA movement as a potential counter-elite in response to discredited elites revealed by scandals, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article emphasizes the movement's focus on common decency and a moral framework that prioritizes individual rights over state control.

1. Context of Discredited Elites:

• Recent revelations about elites, particularly regarding the Epstein case, have led many to question the moral integrity of powerful individuals and institutions.

• Rather than seeking merely to replace these elites with others, the MAHA movement seeks to establish a new moral platform.

2. MAHA’s Foundation and Goals:

• The MAHA movement emerged from the health freedom movement during the COVID-19 crisis (2020-2022).

• It highlights a collective rejection of state overreach regarding personal health, advocating for the autonomy of individuals over governmental control.

3. Contrast with Existing Political Movements:

• The article argues that many existing political movements merely replace one group of power-seekers with another rather than embody true decency and integrity.

• These movements often share a similar power-hungry dynamic, lacking a genuine connection to the values of ordinary people.

4. Common Decency Defined:

• Common decency is described as the basic virtues and moral considerations that govern decent behavior among people.

• The MAHA movement reflects a commitment to these values, aiming to establish a set of norms that reject the coercion often associated with conventional health mandates.

5. Historical Perspective:

• The content references George Orwell's views on politics and moral values, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing non-political values and common decency.

• Historical parallels to authoritarianism are discussed, highlighting how fear can catalyze oppressive and coercive governmental actions.

6. Major Themes and Concerns:

• Concerns over personal autonomy and bodily integrity are central to the MAHA movement.

• The worldview presented critiques the blending of health with state authority, warning against the total control of personal health as a new form of governance.

7. Personal Experience and Trust:

• The author shares observations from MAHA circles, noting a sense of trust and an ethos of moral responsibility among its members.

• The importance of personal behavior and ethical standards in building legitimacy for the movement is emphasized.

8. Calls for Reform in Science and Medicine:

• A call for a new direction in science and medical practices is articulated, urging a shift back to more fundamentally ethical relationships between scientists and the public.

• Proposed changes include challenges to current models of research incentivization and a push for more transparent and reproducible scientific practices.

The MAHA movement signifies a potential shift in the political and social landscape, foregrounding values of common decency and personal autonomy. The author expresses hope that this movement can challenge existing power structures and offer a more ethical and human-centered approach to governance and public health. While questions remain about its sustainability and impact, the MAHA movement illustrates a deeply felt refusal to accept the status quo of elitism and coercion. 

https://brownstone.org/articles/is-the-maha-movement-building-a-genuine-counter-elite/

Boasberg Wants Illegal Venezuelans Back to the U.S.--On Our Dime.

 Judge James Boasberg has ordered the return of Venezuelans who were deported from the U. S. approximately a year ago. This decision comes after a lengthy legal battle involving the deportees, who are accused of criminal ties but claim they want to return to the U. S. to clear their names.

1. Judge's Order: Judge Boasberg directed the U. S. government to facilitate the return of 137 Venezuelans deported under President Trump's Alien Enemies Act. He has criticized the Department of Justice (DOJ) for its handling of the situation and demanded a report on the logistics of this return by March 13.

2. Legal Concerns: The deported Venezuelans are represented by the ACLU, which argues that they did not receive due process during their deportation. Boasberg supports the idea that the government has a responsibility to rectify the situation.

3. Taxpayer Burden: The judge stated that U. S. taxpayers should bear the costs of returning these individuals—raising questions about the financial implications of this decision.

4. Details on Return Process: Boasberg requested that the DOJ outline how it will repatriate those in third countries and facilitate remote hearings for those still in Venezuela. The process aims to allow deportees to plead their cases without physical return, though logistical difficulties are acknowledged.

5. Political Implications: The ongoing conflict between Judge Boasberg and the Trump administration reflects larger political tensions. The DOJ is expected to appeal the ruling, but Judge Boasberg is unlikely to reconsider his decision.

This ruling represents a significant moment in the judicial battle over immigration policy and deportation procedures. While it highlights issues related to legal rights and responsibilities, it may also place a financial burden on American taxpayers. The decision is a point of contention within political circles, reflecting broader debates about immigration in the U. S. 

https://www.declassified.live/p/boasberg-wants-illegal-venezuelans

Mainstream Media Journalists Take Free Trips, Secret Dinners From Chinese Influence Group In Exchange For ‘Favorable Coverage.’

 Mainstream media outlets have accepted perks like free trips and private dinners from the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), a group funded by the Chinese Communist Party. This relationship has raised concerns about potential biases in media coverage regarding China.

1. Media Outlets Involved: Several prominent media organizations, including CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, have participated in trips and dinners with CUSEF as part of efforts to encourage positive portrayals of China. Other involved outlets include Forbes, BBC, and Time magazine.

2. CUSEF's Strategy: The foundation seeks to influence American media and universities to promote favorable narratives about China. It is led by Tung Chee Hwa, who also holds a significant political position in the Chinese government.

3. Targeting Journalists: CUSEF has a specific strategy to engage journalists and journalism students through "familiarization trips" to China, aiming to cultivate friendships that lead to favorable media coverage.

4. FARA Filings: The connections between CUSEF and media outlets are documented in the Department of Justice’s Foreign Agent Registration Act filings, highlighting these relationships as ongoing for over a decade.

5. Lack of Accountability: Despite documented ties, many media outlets have continued their engagements with CUSEF, and mainstream stories rarely critically address this influence. Some articles appear to echo pro-China views without proper context.

The involvement of major media organizations with the Chinese influence group CUSEF presents troubling implications for journalistic integrity and independence. The ongoing relationships suggest the need for greater scrutiny of how foreign interests may shape media narratives. 

https://nataliegwinters.substack.com/p/mainstream-media-journalists-take

Josh Hawley Calls For Indictment of Minnesota AG Keith Ellison over Alleged Ties to Somali Fraudsters

Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri is demanding the indictment of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. This demand stems from accusations that Ellison accepted campaign contributions from individuals involved in a major fraud case.

1. Allegations Against Ellison: Hawley claims Ellison received campaign donations from Somali fraudsters after they sought his assistance in avoiding scrutiny from investigators regarding the Feeding Our Future scandal, which involved approximately $9 billion in misappropriated taxpayer funds.

2. Feeding Our Future Scandal: Ellison is accused of helping those responsible for stealing funds intended for feeding needy children. Hawley pointed out that Ellison met with the fraudsters in December 2021, where they reportedly asked for his help.

3. Campaign Contributions: After the alleged meeting, it is claimed that Ellison accepted $10,000 in campaign contributions from these individuals, which Hawley argues constitutes complicity in their fraudulent actions.

4. Response from Ellison: Ellison denied any wrongdoing and accused Hawley of lying. He rejected claims that he helped the fraudsters, despite the serious allegations against him.

5. Ongoing Investigations: As of December, investigations into the scandal have led to 85 charges and 60 convictions, mainly involving individuals of Somali descent.

The situation has raised serious questions about ethical conduct in public office and has drawn significant media attention due to the scale of fraud involved.

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/12/josh-hawley-calls-for-indictment-minnesota-ag-keith-ellison-ties-somali-fraudsters/ 

‘Bye-bye data center’ – Germany rebels against AI data centers, Frankfurt town rejects multi-billion euro construction project

 The latest developments, particularly relating to significant political issues in Hungary, Poland, and Germany, as well as public sentiment regarding data centers in Germany.

1. Hungary's Financial Situation:

• The European Commission is advised by the EU's top court adviser to annul its decision on unfrozen billions for Hungary. This recommendation comes shortly before a critical election in the country.

2. Criminal Sentencing in Germany:

• A Chinese migrant was sentenced to 14 years for multiple rapes across Germany, highlighting serious criminal activity and immigration issues within the country.

3. Challenges to Free Speech:

• German courts may impose a speaking ban on a key member of the AfD party, raising concerns over free speech in the nation.

4. Controversial Statements from Politicians:

• A German Member of the European Parliament sparked outrage by claiming that gang rapes do not occur in Germany, which contradicts factual data.

5. War Casualties:

• Russia reportedly has suffered 1.3 million casualties in its ongoing conflict, as stated by a NATO source.

6. Hungarian Political Climate:

• An opposition leader in Hungary threatened to suspend all public media broadcasts if elected, indicating a dramatic shift in media control is possible.

7. Poland's Asylum Policies:

• The European Parliament's right-wing coalition has voted to ease the transfer of migrants to third countries, signaling a stricter approach to immigration.

8. Czech Republic's Current Issues:

• A significant potato harvest in Czechia has led to an oversupply in the market. Additionally, recommendations to ban social media for under-15s are being discussed.

9. Rejection of Data Centers in Germany:

• In Groß-Gerau, Germany, local authorities have rejected plans for a major data center due to concerns about energy costs, environmental impact, and aesthetic issues.

• There is growing resistance against large data center projects across Germany, with communities citing limited job creation and high energy consumption as significant drawbacks. Mayor Jörg Rüddenklau emphasized the importance of community interests over corporate investments.

10. Stricter Regulations for New Data Centers:

• New regulations are being introduced in Germany, requiring data centers to reuse waste heat and operate entirely on renewable energy by specified deadlines.

11. Community Reactions:

• Residents are increasingly vocal against large data center projects, which they believe threaten local resources and landscape aesthetics while providing minimal employment benefits.

These points highlight key political and social dynamics in Europe, especially concerning Hungary, Poland, and Germany. The public response to the expansion of data centers reflects broader concerns about sustainability and local community welfare in the face of rapid technological advancement.

https://rmx.news/article/bye-bye-data-center-germany-rebels-against-ai-data-centers-frankfurt-town-rejects-multi-billion-euro-construction-project/

A warning to Seattle: Don’t become the next Cleveland

 The historical decline of Cleveland and raises concerns about Seattle's current tech landscape and government relations. It emphasizes the need for Seattle to learn from Cleveland’s mistakes to avoid a similar fate.

• Cleveland was once a thriving city with significant industry and wealth, but rapid decline followed due to poor governance and lack of adaptation.

• Seattle faces challenges as tech leaders express concerns about competitiveness in the AI market, leading to an exodus of entrepreneurs and executives.

• Major companies like Amazon and Microsoft seem to be shifting strategies, which could affect the local job market.

• The relationship between Seattle's government and tech industry is strained, with a focus on revenue over effective job creation and services.

• The city has seen significant population growth, but there are questions about whether public services have improved accordingly.

• Downtown Seattle is experiencing high vacancy rates and persistent issues with public safety and homelessness.

• Education is a critical but neglected area, with many students lacking basic skills, which is vital for societal progress.

• Unlike Cleveland, which failed to adapt, cities like Pittsburgh found ways to manage transitions and collaborate effectively.

As Seattle navigates its future, it is crucial to avoid Cleveland's pitfalls. There is hope for new opportunities, but the key is proactive governance and community collaboration. The message is clear: "Don’t be Cleveland. ” 

https://www.geekwire.com/2026/a-warning-to-seattle-dont-become-the-next-cleveland/

Expelling Shari-Adherent Muslims is Not Unconstitutional

 The idea that legislation aimed at expelling Muslims who advocate for Sharia law is constitutional. It references legal principles and the argument that such laws are necessary to protect American values and laws.

1. Legal Framework: The author discusses a proposed law called the “Preserving a Sharia-free America Act” and argues that it is constitutional despite claims to the contrary.

2. Historical Context: The piece cites Justice Jackson's viewpoint that the Constitution should not enable anarchy or chaos and must protect the order of the nation.

3. Threat of Sharia Law: The article asserts that Sharia law poses a significant threat to U. S. laws and values, particularly concerning women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights, claiming that these principles are directly opposed to the rights granted under the U. S. Constitution.

4. Sharia vs. U. S. Law: The author emphasizes that Sharia, due to its varying interpretations, is incompatible with the legal structure of America. Acknowledging this incompatibility, the article suggests that advocacy for Sharia should disqualify individuals from residing in the U. S

5. Proposed Act’s Provisions: The article explains that the proposed act does not specifically mention Islam or religious practices, but rather targets advocacy of Sharia law, granting the Secretary of State discretion to deny entry or remove individuals who support it.

6. Importance of Constitutional Supremacy: The author argues for the supremacy of the U. S. Constitution and insists that any attempts to impose Sharia should not be tolerated and are not protected by the First Amendment.

The article asserts a strong stance against the influence of Sharia law in America, labeling it a national security risk and arguing that legal measures supporting a Sharia-free environment are consistent with constitutional protections. The emphasis remains on preserving American legal principles against any foreign legal system that undermines them.

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