Meet the American University Leaders With Chinese Military Connections

 The ties between American universities and the Chinese military, focusing on individuals with significant military affiliations who hold leadership roles in China-related academic programs.

Columbia University: The co-director of the China Initiative, Sun Zhe, has an appointment at a military university in China, which is not mentioned in his Columbia bio. His duties include advising Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office.

University of Central Oklahoma: Xiaobing Li, who served in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the 1970s, is currently the director of Chinese Studies here.

Saint Louis University: Qinglei Cao has a background in high-performance computing at a university managed by the PLA, with recent NSF grant involvement reflecting his research in computing.

Medical Affiliations: Several university professionals, like Pier Cristoforo Giulianotti and Jason Yuan, hold honorary positions or professorships at Chinese military hospitals, raising concerns about the nature of these appointments.

The reported connections suggest a concerning trend of American academics influencing or being influenced by Chinese military institutions. These affiliations could impact U.S. national security and academic integrity, warranting further examination and transparency in the relationships between the two countries’ institutions.

https://nataliegwinters.substack.com/p/meet-the-american-university-leaders?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3382126&post_id=218259701&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjozODU2MTUyNzEsInBvc3RfaWQiOjIxODI1OTcwMSwiaWF0IjoxNzkyNzU0MzUxLCJleHAiOjE3OTUzNDYzNTEsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0zMzgyMTI2Iiwic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.WjYxrmneAA32cQ2rdsMOIhkvmJBSU0LOkWJMGxwqj7k&r=6dl2nb&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Think Europe’s Chaos Can’t Happen Here? It’s Already Being Planned

The increase in violent protests across Europe has raised concerns about similar events occurring in the U.S. The editorial discusses the growing influence of extreme left groups and a perceived shift within the Democratic Party that could lead to chaos in America.

1. Nature of Protests:

Protests in Europe are purportedly not just student-led movements but orchestrated by well-funded, extreme left organizations aiming to disrupt society.

The Democratic Party in the U.S. is seen as shifting under the influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), moving away from representing working and middle-class citizens.

2. Plans of the DSA:

Reports indicate that the DSA aims to implement significant reforms, including abolishing the Senate and enforcing term limits.

There is a claim that should the DSA gain power, they would mobilize in protests that could result in insurrection against federal authority, particularly if President Trump were to invoke the Insurrection Act.

3. Organizational Ties:

The United Democracy Alliance is identified as a group behind radical protests, sharing tactics and strategies among leftist movements.

The A/I Collective is mentioned as a digital infrastructure provider for violent groups, facilitating anonymous organization and operation, which complicates law enforcement efforts.

4. Government Response:

In August, the U.S. designated the A/I Collective as a global terrorist organization, imposing economic sanctions to curb its influence.

Concerns are rising regarding potential interference in U.S. elections, with some in the government fearing actions from leftist groups if the Republican Party performs well in the midterms.

5. Anticipated Actions and Reactions:

Activists are preparing for mass protests in response to perceived election interference, suggesting that they might resort to demonstrations and legal battles to protect their interests.

There are fears that a Trump administration could face significant unrest, fueled by the DSA’s call for volunteers to safeguard polling locations, indicating readiness for conflict.

6. Broader Implications:

The editorial warns that the consequences of these actions may threaten the constitutional republic as it currently exists.

It suggests that left-wing groups are intent on creating a “Color Revolution” in the U.S., similar to the upheaval seen in Europe.

The editorial expresses concern over the rising potential for violence and political unrest due to the activities of extreme left groups in the U.S. and their connections abroad. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing these threats as serious challenges to American democracy and governance. As tensions escalate, the need for vigilance and a robust response to protect constitutional order is underscored. 

https://issuesinsights.com/2026/10/23/the-real-threat-to-democracy-the-dsa-plans-to-import-europes-riots-and-destroy-the-country/

Statistical Bamboozlement with Shingles Vaccines

The portrayal and effectiveness of the Shingrix shingles vaccine, focusing on its marketed efficacy and the reality of its benefits and costs. The main point of discussion revolves around the interpretation of statistics presented by health organizations and media outlets, particularly the 90% effectiveness claim often seen in marketing.

1. Efficacy Claims:

The Shingrix vaccine is marketed as being 90% effective in preventing shingles, a claim derived from relative risk reduction from clinical trials.

However, this figure can be misleading as it does not accurately reflect individual risk. In fact, while the percentage reduction is significant, it is based on low baseline incidence rates of shingles, resulting in only a small actual benefit.

2. Understanding Relative Risk:

In trials, shingles occurred at a rate of 3.4% in the placebo group and 0.3% in the Shingrix group. The reduction from 3.4% to 0.3% was labeled as a “90% drop”, conveying a sense of major impact.

The real difference amounts to just a 3.1% lower incidence, indicating that to prevent one case of shingles, you would need to vaccinate about 32 people.

3. Misleading Statistics:

The numeric representation often leads to a misinterpretation. Many may understand “90% effective” as implying very high individual protection, whereas it is more accurately a statement of relative efficacy.

The longer-term risk of getting shingles is relatively low: approximately 0.3% to 1% annually for those over 50.

4. Costs of Vaccination:

The cost of the Shingrix vaccine is substantial. It can total around $400 for the two doses without insurance. This cost translates to approximately $12,800 to prevent one case of shingles and $132,800 to prevent one case of postherpetic neuralgia, a painful complication.

With 125.5 million Americans over 50, vaccinating this population could incur a cost exceeding $1.6 trillion, raising questions about the economics of widespread vaccination for a disease that most will not experience.

5. Side Effects:

Vaccinations can also lead to adverse effects. Between 11 to 25 vaccinated individuals may experience significant side effects from the vaccine, outweighing the benefits for many.

There is also a slight, albeit rare, risk of developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, adding further risk to the vaccination conversation.

6. Media Representation:

Media outlets, like the New York Times, sometimes promote vaccine benefits without critical analysis, leading to inflated perceptions of vaccines' effectiveness while downplaying potential harms.

7. Public Perception of Risk:

Many individuals may overlook probability when considering vaccination advantages, often swayed by personal anecdotes rather than statistical realities. This can lead to different health decisions that may not be based on personal risk or benefit.

The discussion around the Shingrix vaccine highlights significant discrepancies between marketed efficacy and actual statistical realities. While the vaccine offers some protection, the absolute risk reduction might not justify the costs and potential side effects for many individuals over 50. This analysis reinforces the importance of critical consumption of health information and transparency regarding public health messaging. Vaccination decisions should consider individual risk factors, overall costs, and potential benefits against the backdrop of statistical realities. 

https://brownstone.org/articles/statistical-bamboozlement-with-shingles-vaccines/

Rubio’s Athens Speech Shows What American Schools Forgot

Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a significant speech in Greece, emphasizing the importance of history and its role in shaping Western civilization. He highlighted a troubling trend in American education that has led to a lack of knowledge about ancient history.

Rubio's speech linked America’s democratic values to ancient Greece, celebrating Western achievements.

Many American students are uninformed about these historical connections due to changes in education over the past century, which have shifted focus away from traditional history.

The AP World History exam, important for high school education, does not cover ancient Greece, reflecting a broader issue in education.

In 1916, a shift occurred when history began to be integrated into a broader social studies curriculum, emphasizing contemporary issues over chronological historical education.

This new approach fostered critical analysis rather than inspiring emulation of historical achievements, leading to a generation that views history as mere data rather than an inspiring narrative.

Rubio called for a return to traditional history teaching, encouraging students to learn about significant historical figures and events.

To revive a sense of agency and aspiration in students, schools can re-establish history as a distinct subject, allowing them to connect with their heritage and be inspired by the past. Rubio urged Americans to take pride in their history, suggesting that a better understanding could empower them to contribute meaningfully to the future. 

https://www.realcleareducation.com/articles/2026/10/21/rubios_athens_speech_shows_what_american_schools_forgot_1212924.html

Judge Gives Thumbs Up to Noncitizen Voting

A recent ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín has raised concerns about voting rights and fraud in the United States. The judge ordered President Trump's administration to stop probing noncitizen voting in several states, leading to a debate on whether noncitizen voting truly poses a significant issue.

1. Court Ruling: Judge Martínez-Olguín's ruling halts investigations into noncitizen voter registration in nine states, including California and New York.

2. Voter Fraud Misconceptions: While noncitizen voting is rare, there have been instances of illegal voting. For example, New Jersey mistakenly registered over 6,000 noncitizens, and the DOJ charged 16 individuals with election-related crimes, including noncitizens voting illegally.

3. Political Context: The ruling comes close to midterm elections and is perceived by some, like Fox News, as an attempt to block fraud investigations in key battleground states.

4. Historical Perspective: The article discusses the ongoing presence of voter fraud throughout U.S. history, citing past allegations of election manipulation, including the controversial 1960 election.

5. Future Implications: There is speculation on how the upcoming 2026 midterms will unfold and what their outcomes may mean for future elections. The importance of ensuring all voters are American citizens is emphasized as the political landscape continues to evolve.

The topic of noncitizen voting is contentious and highlights the complexities within U.S. electoral processes. As the 2026 midterms approach, the integrity of voting systems remains a critical concern for officials and citizens alike, and the debate on this issue is likely to continue in future elections. 

https://spectator.org/judge-gives-thumbs-up-to-noncitizen-voting/

Medicare for All Is Popular—Until People Find Out How It Would Work

 Recent discussions around "Medicare for All," a key proposal from Democratic candidates, highlight its popularity but also its potential drawbacks in practice. A policy experiment in Maryland illustrates the challenges that such health care reforms might face.

1. Popularity vs. Implementation:

Medicare for All is a strong vote-winner in Democratic primaries, yet specifics of the proposals often face resistance.

A notable example is the Medicare for All Act, which includes revenue caps for hospitals, a method that may lead to decreased patient care and higher costs.

2. Dissatisfaction with Current Insurance:

Many Americans are unhappy with private health insurance due to rising premiums and high deductibles.

The Affordable Care Act aimed to reduce insurance costs, but premiums have increased, leading some to support replacing private insurance with a government-run option.

3. Cost and Efficiency Claims:

Advocates claim that Medicare for All could reduce costs by simplifying administration and negotiating drug prices.

They argue that this could help expand benefits and access to care, reducing the financial burden on families.

4. Lessons from Maryland’s Experiment:

A policy in Maryland capped revenue at hospitals but led to fewer treated patients and increased costs for those who received care.

Emergency department waits surged and the number of procedures like kidney transplants decreased significantly despite the intent to provide more efficient care.

5. Public Opinion:

While a poll shows 66% approval for Medicare for All, opposition is high when it comes to tax increases or longer waiting times for treatments.

Most Americans prefer their current health care plans and are likely to resist major changes proposed by Medicare for All.

Despite its appeal, Medicare for All faces significant challenges regarding tax implications and access to care, as seen in Maryland’s experimentation. Public support might diminish upon considering the practical consequences of such reforms. 

https://www.city-journal.org/article/medicare-for-all-health-insurance-care

CREEPY Ad Tells Grandparents To Get CONSENT Before Hugging Their Own Grandkids

 The topics discussed in recent articles from a site focused on culture and societal issues, with particular regard to consent campaigns and public reactions to them.

1. Consent Campaign Controversy

A new campaign in Ireland warning grandparents to obtain consent before hugging their grandchildren has sparked widespread backlash. Critics argue it casts innocent affection as suspicious and undermines traditional family values. The campaign video shows a scenario where a grandchild is hesitant to embrace their grandparents, leading to concerns about its implications for family dynamics.

2. Government Response

Following public outcry, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan stated that the advertisement does not reflect government views and removed it. He emphasized that affectionate relationships with grandparents should be valued rather than questioned. Many politicians and community members criticized the ad for planting mistrust within families, calling for more common sense in discussions about consent.

3. Cultural Implications

The broader context reveals a trend of societal changes that challenge the traditional family structure. There is concern that campaigns like this represent a growing political and cultural tendency to interfere with naturally occurring familial relationships, suggesting that the state is overstepping its bounds in personal lives.

4. Public Support for Traditional Values

Many individuals resonate with the belief that a grandparent's hug is a cherished, positive aspect of family life, and there’s a prevalent sentiment that such affection should not be viewed through a lens of suspicion or require official consent.

5. Critique of Social Movements

Articles mention that movements framing familial contact and affection as potentially harmful are part of a larger critique of the left’s influence on public policy. Some fear that the quest for inclusivity and consent is eroding fundamental aspects of family and community.

6. Further Discussions on Consent and Family Dynamics

The consent campaign has broader implications concerning how society understands consent, particularly in familial or affectionate contexts. Observers argue that this oversensitivity may lead to unnecessary complications in family interactions and may misinterpret genuine affection.

The debates surrounding the consent advertisement illustrate a significant cultural divide on topics of familial affection, societal norms, and the role of government in personal relationships. A call for common sense in navigating these discussions is echoed throughout public responses, suggesting a strong desire among many to preserve traditional family bonds without state interference. Overall, these issues reflect ongoing tensions in contemporary society concerning evolving norms of consent and family life. 

https://modernity.news/2026/10/22/creepy-ad-tells-grandparents-to-get-consent-before-hugging-their-own-grandkids/