Observe the Economic Fallout Six Years Later

The lasting economic effects of the Covid lockdowns, highlighting ongoing challenges in various sectors and the overall impact on employment and living standards. Despite the desire to move past the topic of Covid, the author argues that the repercussions of the lockdowns are still felt strongly today.

• Continued Impact of Lockdowns: The author emphasizes that the forced shutdowns during the pandemic have had profound and lasting effects on economic activity and social structures, marking it as one of the significant calamities in modern history.

• Dismal Job Market: According to data from March 2026, the economy lost 92,000 jobs in one month, pushing the unemployment rate to 4.4%. Job losses were widespread across sectors such as leisure and hospitality, transportation, and manufacturing, indicating a failure to recover from the disruption caused by lockdowns.

• Persistent Economic Weakness: Many businesses, particularly small ones, have not fully regained their footing since the lockdowns, compounded by rising costs from tariffs and health insurance in 2025.

• Labor Market Shifts: Employment/population ratios remain low, which suggests that many people have left the labor force permanently since the lockdowns, resulting in a significant number of individuals classified as disabled.

• Inflation and Purchasing Power: The author points to inflation as a major issue caused by the extensive money creation during the lockdowns, which resulted in a substantial decrease in the dollar’s purchasing power and high costs of living, especially for housing and groceries.

• Manufacturing and Tariffs: Despite attempts by the government to boost manufacturing through tariffs, these measures have not helped reduce the trade deficit, but instead have raised government revenue at the cost of manufacturing jobs.

• Federal Reserve Challenges: The Fed's balance sheet remains troubled, with substantial daily interest payouts. The quantitative easing measures taken during the pandemic have complicated attempts to stabilize the economy.

• Disrupted Economic Indicators: Many economic indicators have been distorted post-lockdowns, making it challenging to assess genuine recovery or ongoing recession.

• Future Risks: The article raises concerns that lockdowns could recur under other pretexts, urging vigilance among the public and highlighting an ongoing phase of uncertainty that resembles previous economic downturns.

The analysis concludes that the economic fallout from the Covid lockdowns is still affecting society significantly, with implications for employment, consumer prices, and overall economic health. The author calls for awareness regarding potential future lockdowns and encourages signing a resolution aimed at addressing these concerns. The notion that society has entered a new period of barbarism due to the historical shock of lockdowns warns of continuing social and economic challenges. 

https://brownstone.org/articles/observe-the-economic-fallout-six-years-later/

The President has both Statutory and Constitutional Authority for the Attack on Iran

Dr. John Eastman argues that President Trump’s military actions against Iran are legally justified under both constitutional and statutory authority. The article discusses the context and implications of the military strike that involved the killing of top Iranian leaders and significant damage to its military capabilities.

1. Context of the Attack: The U. S. military strike on Iran, authorized by President Trump, aimed to neutralize threats from the Islamic Republic, which has been labeled the top state sponsor of terrorism for nearly five decades. Iran's ambitions regarding nuclear weapons and its history of aggression against the U. S. and its allies are highlighted to justify the attack.

2. Claims Against Presidential Authority: Critics argue President Trump lacked the legal authority to launch the attack without a declaration of war from Congress. They contend that only Congress has the power to declare war, which undermines presidential military action in the absence of such authorization.

3. Historical Precedent: Eastman refers to historical instances where U. S. Presidents have exercised military authority without Congressional approval. He cites examples like Thomas Jefferson's actions against the Barbary Pirates and notes that many military actions have occurred under presidential constitutional authority.

4. War Powers Resolution (WPR): The article explains how the WPR of 1973 sets rules for military engagement. Critics claim Trump violated the WPR by not consulting Congress before the attack, but it was revealed that there was prior communication with Congressional leaders.

5. Imminent Threat Argument: Another claim against Trump is the lack of an imminent threat from Iran at the time of the attack. However, Eastman points out the extensive history of attacks by Iran against U. S. interests, framing these as justifiable grounds for the military action.

6. Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF): Eastman discusses the 2001 AUMF enacted after the September 11 attacks, allowing military force against entities involved in terrorism against the U. S. This provides a broader legal framework than the WPR, who the courts have previously linked Iran with terrorism.

7. Impact of Legal Authority: By relying on the AUMF, it allows for military engagement without an imposed withdrawal timeline, which could encourage an enemy's resistance. This strategy is viewed as necessary to ensure the efforts against Iran are effective and not limited by the constraints of the WPR.

Eastman asserts that President Trump acted within his legal authority to conduct military operations against Iran, countering claims that he overstepped his bounds. He emphasizes a legal basis for the actions taken and the historical precedent that allows Presidents to act decisively in the face of threats to national security. The ongoing discourse around the legality of such military interventions continues to evolve, reflecting the complex nature of international relations and national security laws. 

https://www.declassified.live/p/the-president-has-both-statutory

Coal Prices Surge As Energy Shock Forces Power Plant Fuel Switching In Exposed Countries

Recent disruptions in energy flows, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, have led to a spike in coal prices. This increase is primarily due to a shift from gas to coal in power generation.

1. Coal Prices Increase: Newcastle coal prices rose over 9% to $150/ton as energy flows are disrupted.

2. Gas to Coal Switching: The rise in gas prices, driven by a drone attack on Qatar’s LNG facility, is forcing power generators to switch to coal. European gas prices surged by 88%, pushing coal into a more favorable position as a fuel source.

3. Impact on Global Supply: Around 20% of global LNG passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and its current halting affects many countries, particularly in Eastern Asia.

4. Potential Further Price Increases: If the supply issues continue beyond one month, gas prices could rise further, necessitating more coal usage, which may disrupt industrial demand.

5. Risk to Emerging Markets: Countries like India, Korea, and Thailand, which heavily rely on oil shipped through Hormuz, could face significant energy supply risks and potential economic impacts.

The ongoing conflict in the Gulf region is creating significant energy challenges, especially for countries dependent on gas and oil, highlighting a potential shift in fuel consumption from gas to coal. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/coal-prices-surge-energy-shock-forces-power-plant-fuel-switching-exposed-countries

Democrats Can’t Win Elections without Fraud

 The alleged vulnerabilities in the U. S. election system that allow for voter fraud, particularly in relation to illegal voting, and highlights the connection between this issue and the strategies employed by the Democratic Party.

1. Election Vulnerabilities: The author argues that American elections are prone to mass fraud. Despite assurances from Democrats and some Republicans that elections are secure, many citizens believe these claims are false.

2. Illegal Voting Cases: A recent example is given of an illegal alien from Mauritania who has allegedly voted in five presidential elections without facing consequences. This underscores the ease with which non-citizens can vote.

3. Concerns About Polling Places: The article references a hearing where Democrat Senator Chris Coons questioned the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at polling places, implying a fear that many voters may not be American citizens.

4. Inconsistent Voter ID Laws: Many states do not require voter identification, creating a situation where anyone can potentially vote. The article notes that even states with ID requirements often have lenient policies, contributing to potential fraud.

5. Political Motivations: The author suggests that Democrats have a vested interest in keeping voting restrictions lax to maintain electoral advantages, arguing that the lack of stringent voter identification laws is a strategy to facilitate voting by illegal immigrants.

6. Public Support for ID Laws: A majority of Americans (95% Republicans, 71% Democrats, 83% overall) support voter ID requirements, indicating widespread public sentiment for ensuring election integrity.

7. Democratic Opposition to Reform: The article critiques the Democratic party for their opposition to measures designed to secure elections, arguing that they prioritize maintaining political power over protecting democratic integrity.

The article contends that the prevalence of illegal voting undermines the electoral process in the U. S. The author suggests that to ensure fair elections, stricter voter verification processes are necessary, as unchecked fraud threatens the core principle of democracy. The implication is that current Democratic strategies may rely heavily on facilitating illegal voting, undermining the trust of American citizens in their electoral system.

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/03/democrats_can_t_win_elections_without_fraud.html

There’s Still Time For Trump To Turn Things Around Before The Midterms

The challenges facing President Trump in the second year of his second term, emphasizing the need for a stronger focus as the midterms approach. Despite some achievements, recent decisions have caused disappointment among supporters.

• Current Situation: With eight months until the midterm elections, President Trump has an opportunity to realign his administration and achieve his campaign goals.

• Achievements:

• Successful deportation efforts and declining crime rates.

• Economic recovery attributed to the end of the previous administration's policies.

• Diplomatic successes, such as actions in Venezuela and pressing Mexico on drug trafficking.

• Trump’s pardons for those involved in the January 6 events and the termination of certain federal programs perceived as corrupt.

• Recent Concerns:

• A slowdown in immigration enforcement, particularly in Minnesota.

• Attendance at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, viewed as legitimizing the media.

• The initiation of an indefinite war in the Middle East, contradicting prior promises not to escalate conflicts in the region.

• A potential endorsement of Senator John Cornyn, perceived as a lackluster candidate against a stronger Republican opponent.

• Expectations from the Administration:

• A call for Republicans to prioritize the SAVE America Act to ensure election security.

• Urgent action needed to lower the cost of living, improve safety, and manage immigration effectively.

• Encourage federal agencies to propose initiatives to bolster housing development and energy production to address ongoing economic challenges.

While President Trump has a record of significant achievements, the recent shifts in focus have led to dissatisfaction among his base. There is still time to rectify the course ahead of the midterms, particularly by addressing key issues that motivated voters in the past. The effectiveness of upcoming actions will be crucial for the upcoming elections. 

https://thefederalist.com/2026/03/09/theres-still-time-for-trump-to-turn-things-around-before-the-midterms/

Before FBI subpoena, congressional observers flagged commingled ballots at Maricopa County center

Recent reports have raised significant concerns about the handling of ballots during the 2024 presidential election in Maricopa County, Arizona. Congressional observers noted alarming practices involving mail-in ballots that have led to an FBI subpoena for election records.

1. Concerns Raised During Monitoring:

• Congressional staff sent to observe the vote-counting process in Maricopa County highlighted "alarming" issues, such as completed mail-in ballots being stored with blank ballots.

• These observations were documented in a memo during the election where Trump was the winning candidate, indicating bipartisan acknowledgment of the problems.

2. FBI Subpoena and Investigation:

• The FBI’s interest in Maricopa County’s election records was influenced by these observations, leading to a subpoena for substantial data concerning voting practices.

• This comes after a separate FBI raid on a Georgia election center which also involved ballot seizures.

3. Role of Runbeck Election Services:

• Staffers reported visiting Runbeck Election Services’ facility, which is responsible for sorting mail-in ballots. It was found that no government or bipartisan observers were present during sorting.

• Observers described insecure storage practices, including inadequate safeguarding of blank ballots, raising questions about election integrity.

4. Official Reactions and Requests for Investigations:

• U. S. Representative Abe Hamadeh called for a Justice Department investigation due to these irregularities observed at Runbeck.

• The report indicated that mail-in ballots and unsecured blank ballots were improperly handled within the same facility, leading to fears of commingling.

5. Historical Context of Election Concerns:

• Issues regarding election transparency and ballot counting in Arizona have persisted for over a decade, often highlighted by both sides of the political spectrum.

• A previous audit from the Arizona Senate suggested over 200,000 ballots with mismatched signatures may have been improperly counted, further complicating the trust in election processes.

6. Broader Implications for Future Elections:

• These concerns are not limited to Arizona, as similar issues can potentially affect election integrity in other states associated with the Runbeck facility.

• As election preparations for 2026 begin, dialogues continue around improving transparency and security measures in ballot handling.

The findings from congressional observers regarding Maricopa County's elections have sparked an investigation into potential mishandling of ballots and election integrity. With significant data now under review by the FBI and a call for further inquiry by political representatives, the situation highlights ongoing challenges and concerns about election management that may influence future voting processes. The necessity for bipartisan oversight and improved protocols has emerged as a critical conversation point among lawmakers and election officials. 

https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/elections/house-investigators-reported-commingled-ballots-third-party-facility

Trump targeted by four FBI code-named counterintel probes that ensnared hundreds of Americans

FBI conducted four counterintelligence investigations against former President Donald Trump and many of his supporters over nearly a decade. These operations allegedly violated civil liberties, targeting hundreds of Americans without proper justification. The findings raise serious concerns about the use of government power for political purposes.

1. Investigation Overview: The FBI undertook four major counterintelligence operations, named Crossfire Hurricane, Round River, Plasmic Echo, and Arctic Frost, between 2016 and 2025. These investigations treated Trump as a national security threat.

2. Scope of Targeting: The investigations affected a large number of individuals, including members of Congress, Trump’s chief of staff, journalists, campaign aides, and even the director of the FBI, Kash Patel. Many targets were classified as “special circumstances targets” due to their protected statuses.

3. Methods and Secrecy: Many of the investigative materials were hidden under restricted access labels, making it difficult for even FBI agents to access them. Whistleblowers within the agency have assisted in uncovering information about these operations.

4. Civil Liberty Concerns: Reports indicate that the political motivations behind these investigations led to privacy invasions against American citizens, especially those supporting Trump. These tactics, initially aimed at terrorism and espionage, were misapplied in political contexts.

5. Ongoing Investigations: A criminal probe looking into the FBI’s actions is currently underway. This includes potential charges for violating civil rights related to politically motivated investigations. There is significant interest in determining whether officials abused their power to target individuals based on their political beliefs.

6. Specific Investigations:

• Crossfire Hurricane: Initially examined alleged connections between Trump and Russia, which were later discredited.

• Arctic Frost: Investigated Trump’s attempts to contest the 2020 election results.

• Plasmic Echo: Focused on whether Trump improperly handled classified documents post-presidency, with concerns that evidence for searches was lacking.

• Round River: Targeted Trump’s lawyer and others researching the Biden family, raising questions over whether political speech was criminalized.

7. Congressional Response: Lawmakers, particularly from the Senate Judiciary Committee, have expressed concerns over these investigations' legality and the mischaracterization of information regarding Hunter Biden. They are actively seeking accountability for the FBI’s actions.

8. Leadership and Future Actions: As Patel leads the charge to declassify information related to these investigations, there is internal debate within the FBI about the transparency of ongoing investigations and how much information will be shared with Congress.

These findings reveal a complex narrative about how government resources may have been weaponized for political purposes, leading to potential civil rights violations. The implications are extensive, with ongoing investigations that might hold key individuals accountable for misusing their authority. As these matters unfold, they will undoubtedly continue to influence public trust in federal law enforcement processes. 

https://justthenews.com/government/federal-agencies/trump-targeted-four-consecutive-fbi-counterintel-probes-ensnaring