Tuesday, February 17, 2026

The Double Life of Lindsey Graham

How South Carolina’s Senior Senator Became Washington’s Favorite Turncoat

South Carolina Bulletin

When Lindsey Graham first entered Washington in the 1990s, he branded himself a hawkish conservative and constitutionalist.
Three decades later, he has emerged as the embodiment of the D.C. elite, polished, pliant, and perpetually repositioning himself with whichever side holds leverage.
South Carolina voters proudly independent and America First to the core now face a pivotal question. How can a man who’s worn every political mask be trusted to represent anyone but himself?
In the heat of the 2016 Republican primaries, Graham repeatedly declared Donald J. Trump “unfit to be Commander in Chief.”
He warned the media that Trump’s nomination would signal “the end of the Republican Party as we know it.”
https://samueleburns.substack.com/p/the-double-life-of-lindsey-graham

Islamic Prayer Is Now Broadcasting on the Streets of NEW YORK CITY – 5 Times per Day

In New York City, the Islamic call to prayer, known as the Adhan, is now being broadcast five times a day on the streets, particularly in Manhattan. This new practice has raised concerns among some residents, leading to a debate over its implications.

• The Adhan is heard five times daily, including early morning wake-ups at 5 AM.

• Mayor Mamdani's administration is noted for increasing the frequency of these broadcasts, which began under former Mayor Adams.

• Many residents are expressing discomfort and filing noise complaints as the broadcasts become more prominent, especially in areas with larger Muslim populations.

• Some commenters argue that the Adhan symbolizes a form of "civilizational jihad," claiming it reflects a push for dominance over non-Muslims and a challenge to American values.

• Critics suggest that the broadcasts are part of a broader normalization of Islamic practices in a city shaped by the events of 9/11.

• The Jewish Defense League and various commentators have voiced strong opposition, framing the situation as a significant cultural shift in New York City.

The broadcast of the Islamic call to prayer in New York City has sparked a heated debate, with opponents arguing that it represents an encroachment on secular public life, while others see it as an expression of religious freedom. Residents continue to express mixed feelings about the cultural changes taking place in their neighborhoods. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/02/islamic-prayer-is-now-broadcasting-streets-new-york/

Investigative Reporter Nick Shirley Exposes Massive Voter Fraud in California

Nick Shirley highlights significant issues surrounding voter fraud in California. The report addresses the lack of voter ID laws and the vulnerabilities in the state's election processes that may enable fraud.

• Voter ID and Election Process: California's elections lack a requirement for voter ID, extending over several weeks. This system allows for potential fraudulent activities.

• Examples of Fraud: A notable incident involved a woman, Laura Lee Yourex, who registered her dog to vote and submitted ballots in the dog's name during various elections, with one vote being counted in the 2021 recall election.

• Voter Roll Irregularities: During his investigation, Shirley found severe discrepancies in voter rolls. Issues included:

• Multiple people registered at a single address (over 30 at one mail store).

• Errors in the recorded ages of voters, including ages reaching 125.

• State government negligence in maintaining and updating these rolls.

• Expert Opinion: Nick Shirley stated that the absence of voter ID requirements and poor maintenance of voter rolls lead to a situation where fraud is almost unavoidable in California elections.

• Legal Actions: Harmeet Dhillion, an Assistant Attorney General, has filed a lawsuit against the local Registrar of Voters for withholding information about non-citizen voter registrations.

The report underscores serious concerns regarding California's voting system, claiming it facilitates voter fraud due to lax regulations and poor oversight. The findings suggest a need for reforms to ensure the integrity of elections in the state.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/02/investigative-reporter-nick-shirley-exposes-massive-voter-fraud/ 

When Both Sides Go Quiet

 The implications of silence between political parties regarding significant issues, particularly in the context of the Epstein files scandal.

• The author observes that when both political parties are quiet, it often indicates a troubling situation being overlooked. In contrast, shouting from both sides suggests normal political discourse.

• The handling of Epstein's files has led to bipartisan distrust, with Republicans accusing Democrats of lack of transparency and vice versa.

• Each party faces pressures due to connections with influential figures linked to Epstein, complicating accountability.

• Instead of clear transparency on serious issues such as sex trafficking and abuse, the public witnesses a messy process filled with redactions and delays, raising more questions than answers.

• The silence from both parties suggests shared vulnerability, as neither side aggressively seeks the full truth or accountability.

• This reluctance can indicate a deeper moral concern that transcends typical political narratives and complicates public trust.

The failure of both political parties to confront uncomfortable truths represents a troubling aspect of institutional response, hinting at more significant issues beneath the surface. Silence is often intentional, suggesting deeper accountability issues tied to elite complicity and complicating public perceptions of governance.

https://quoththeraven.substack.com/p/when-both-sides-go-quiet

The Obama Administration's Prostitution Scandal And The Ruemmler-Epstein Connection

New documents from the Department of Justice have revealed connections between the Obama administration's 2012 prostitution scandal in Colombia and Kathryn Ruemmler, a former White House counsel, who has ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

• In April 2012, prior to President Obama’s Summit of the Americas trip, multiple Secret Service agents engaged in prostitution in Cartagena, leading to firings and disciplinary actions.

• Jonathan Dach, an unpaid White House advance-team volunteer, was involved in the scandal, with hotel records showing a prostitute checked into his room.

• Ruemmler was informed of the evidence but the White House declared no misconduct by its personnel after a review.

• In 2014, the Washington Post reported that the White House had not fully investigated allegations against a member of the advance team.

• Emails between Ruemmler and Epstein during this period indicated she sought his advice on managing media responses to these allegations.

• Ruemmler later withdrew her name from consideration for Attorney General, which raised questions regarding her involvement and Epstein's influence.

The revelations question the Obama administration's handling of the prostitution scandal and highlight why Ruemmler would consult Epstein while addressing serious allegations against the White House team. These connections warrant further investigation by Congress and the Department of Justice. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/obama-administrations-prostitution-scandal-and-ruemmler-epstein-connection

The Stalling of the Save America Act is Actually a Gift

 The Save America Act seeks to eliminate vote fraud and election irregularities in the U. S. Despite overwhelming public support (around 80%), it lacks sufficient backing in the Senate, which has only about 50% support for the bill.

• The Save America Act, if enacted, would restore election integrity, a crucial element for maintaining trust in government and its moral authority.

• Key provisions include:

• Requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration.

• Regular updates and purging of voter rolls to remove ineligible names.

• Restrictions on mail-in and online registrations.

• Allowing private citizens to sue election officials for not enforcing election laws.

• The bill originally passed in the House in January 2026 but faces obstruction in the Senate.

• Critics argue the filibuster is unconstitutional and hinders majority rule, preventing vital legislation from passing, including those aligned with President Trump's America First Agenda.

• Historical context: The filibuster's origins involved its use to obstruct legislation like the abolition of slavery.

• Current divisive politics are highlighted, likening the situation to a new internal conflict, where enemies, both foreign and domestic, are undermining the country.

• There is a call for Republicans to end the filibuster, asserting that Democrats would do so if they regain power.

• Emphasis is placed on the importance of upholding election integrity through measures such as voter IDs and paper ballots.

The ongoing debate around the Save America Act illustrates a critical juncture in American politics, where restoring election integrity is framed as essential for national strength and unity. The resolution of this act and the discussion on the filibuster may define the future of governance and electoral processes in the U. S.

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

Chip Roy Lays Out How Senate Can Vote On SAVE Act Without Nuking Filibuster

Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) has proposed a strategy to vote on the SAVE America Act in the Senate without changing current filibuster rules. This legislation aims to ensure that proof of citizenship and voter ID are required for registering and voting.

• Legislation Overview: The SAVE America Act would mandate documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and require voter ID to cast ballots. It has already passed the House with a vote of 218-213.

• Senate Action: Roy has written a letter to Senate Republicans suggesting a way for Senate Majority Leader John Thune to bring the bill to a vote. He argues it can be done with a simple majority (51 votes) instead of the usual 60 votes needed to end a filibuster.

• Current Senate Rules: Roy explains that if a quorum (majority presence) is met, the Senate must act. If all Senate Republicans present support the bill and maintain their presence, they can pressure Democrats to exhaust their speaking time.

• Disciplinary Measures: To successfully force a vote, Republicans need to stay united, manage their speaking time, and enforce amendments discipline.

• Public Support: The SAVE Act is generally popular among voters, including a significant number of Democrats, who support the requirements for citizenship documentation and voter ID.

In summary, Rep. Chip Roy believes that the Senate can vote on the SAVE America Act without changing the filibuster rules. He encourages Republican Senators to stay united and disciplined to succeed in bringing the legislation forward. This approach aims to enhance election integrity by enforcing stricter voter registration checks and ID requirements. 

https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/16/exclusive-chip-roy-lays-out-how-senate-can-vote-on-save-act-without-nuking-filibuster/