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Glenn's Show Prep

Morning Brief 2024-03-08

March 08, 2024
Chris Brady

No guests are scheduled for today's show.

Deuteronomy 11:19

Deuteronomy 11:19

State of the Union...

Biden asks Congress to fly with him to Moscow for prescription drugs
"I'm gonna get in trouble for saying this, but anybody wanna get in Air Force One with me and fly to Toronto, Berlin, Moscow... I mean, excuse me..."

Father of Marine Killed at Abbey Gate Arrested for Disrupting Biden’s State of the Union
Capitol Police arrested Gold Star father Steve Nikoui — whose son, Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui, lost his life in the Abbey Gate bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan — during Biden’s State of the Union address Thursday night.

Anti-Israel Protesters Block Biden’s Motorcade Route For State Of The Union Address
The protesters held signs and wore shirts with various phrases, including “Biden’s Legacy = Genocide”, “Homes Not Drones”, “Not In Our Name”, “End The Blockcade On Gaza”, and “Ceasefire”.

WaPo: In his State of the Union, Biden plays the age-old hits
...I watched with a memory front and center of a speech I heard Biden give in Washington last July. He was sharp and forceful; he moved nimbly between prepared text and ad-libs ... I think it’s fair to describe the audience reaction that night as surprised. The audience for this State of the Union might say the same thing.

NY Times: A Vigorous Biden Made the Case for a Second Look
The solid performance, with its emphasis on popular ideas like lowering prescription drug costs and championing in vitro fertilization to help families, will no doubt cheer Democrats worried about Biden’s stubbornly moribund approval ratings and what looks like an energized MAGA base behind Trump.

NY Times: Biden’s Border Taunts Clearly Hit a Republican Nerve
Biden was clearly eager to demonstrate some toughness on immigration, even referring to an undocumented immigrant who is suspected of killing a young Georgia woman in a case that has become a hobbyhorse for extreme Republicans like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene.

NY Post: Biden botches name of migrant-murdered ‘Lincoln’ Riley in Trump-bashing State of the Union speech
“Lincoln — Lincoln Riley, an innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal,” Biden said, both botching her name and using a term considered politically incorrect by most Democratic officeholders.

Just the News: 'Divisive' Biden substitutes fiery campaign speech attacking Trump, justices for State of the Union
CNN's John King said Biden's address was the 36th State of the Union he's watched. "Never heard one so political. Never heard one that is such a campaign speech," he said.

Tucker Carlson: Biden Address Was ‘Darkest And Most Un-American’ State Of The Union Ever
“In fact it wasn’t a speech,” Carlson said, “it was a rant.”

Washington Examiner: Angry and slurring Biden shows he is unfit for a second term
With a furrowed brow, a harsh tone, and an overall angry demeanor, Biden‘s final State of the Union speech before Election Day was an exhibition of his unfitness for office.

The Federalist: Biden Threatens Supreme Court Justices For Upholding The Constitution
Biden’s public threat to the “last functioning institution in America” is not the first time Democrats have tried to browbeat the highest court in the land and it most likely won’t be the last.

Daily Wire: ‘People Are Going To Remember That Screaming’
“It was honestly the worst State of the Union address that’s maybe ever been given, especially for the first 30 minutes,” Daily Wire host Matt Walsh said. “Angry, slurring, started with the most hyper-partisan issues he possibly could.”

Daily Caller: Biden Focuses On Issues Americans Care Least About In Biggest Speech Of Presidency
Biden set aside immigration, inflation and crime to lead his 2024 State of the Union speech with a trio of issues that hardly register in polls of the American people.

Biden gaslights America by claiming to stand for freedom and democracy
The central theme of Biden’s State of the Union is about how he stands for freedom and democracy. It is perhaps the biggest fib that he or any member of the Democratic Party could spout.

Members Bust Out Laughing As Biden Says He’s ‘Delivered Results In Fiscally Responsible Ways’
“Now let me speak to the question of fundamental fairness for all Americans. I‘ve been delivering real results in fiscally responsible ways. We’ve already cut the federal deficit over $1 trillion."

Video: Biden wanders around, asks where he's supposed to go
"Biden, whose speech ended 25 minutes ago, is currently wandering around the House chamber asking where he's supposed to go."

Education Secretary Cardona was the State of the Union’s designated survivor
Cardona, as Education secretary, is the 16th in the presidential line of succession.

News...

Revolver: Leaked Audio Exposes FBI Dirty Dealings With Key Informant, Architect of Whitmer “Kidnapping Plot”
Like J6, the Michigan plot involved plans to storm the State Capitol. The Michigan plot involved the Three Percenters, one of the three main militia groups also imputed to January 6th. And much like J6, the Michigan plot was absolutely saturated with informants and undercover agents.

The Intercept: Informant at the Heart of the Gretchen Whitmer Kidnapping Plot Was a Liability. So Federal Agents Shut Him Up.
For the FBI, the stakes in the Whitmer case were high. If defense lawyers learned of Robeson’s role in the kidnapping plot, the FBI agents feared they’d be accused of entrapment. The collapse of the case would have been a public relations coup for right-wing politicians and news media.

Defense attorney in Trump's Georgia case tees up Fani Willis for renewed scrutiny with damning testimony
While the Georgia Senate Special Committee on Investigations panel is powerless to oust Willis from office, damning insights gleaned from testimony heard Wednesday could nevertheless help to blow up the Democrat's career.

Utility provider says its facilities appeared to play role in igniting Texas wildfire
The energy company disputed that it acted negligently in maintaining and operating its infrastructure.

Maine Mass Shooter Had ‘Significant’ Brain Damage ‘Likely’ Caused From Exposure To Over 10,000 Grenade Blasts
The man began losing his hearing in 2022 and, with it, reportedly developed a hot temper. He started to lose weight rapidly and believed that people at places he liked to go to were talking about him behind his back and calling him a pedophile.

Ex-con turned NYC criminal justice activist busted after head of prison rival found in freezer of apartment he left in blond wig
Sheldon Johnson, an ex-con who turned his life around and became a well-known victims’ advocate, was featured in Joe Rogan’s podcast and rubbed elbows with VIPs like Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg.

Politics...

Gold Star Family: Biden ‘Has Not Reached Out’ After Daughter-In-Law Killed In Afghanistan
Gold Star family member Christy Shamblin, whose daughter-in-law, Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee was killed during President Joe Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, said during an interview this week that Biden has never contacted their family.

DeSantis Blasts Haley For Not Endorsing Trump: ‘You Signed The Pledge’
"I honored the pledge, and she’s gonna have to make a decision about whether she wants to or not, but the idea that somehow circumstances have changed, I think we all knew what we were doing when we did that."

‘The View’ Shriek At Peter Doocy For Asking KJP If Biden Will Debate Trump, Which She Refused To Answer
“She’s getting better and better, man,” co-host Sunny Hostin said of Jean-Pierre. “You know, thank God she’s polite,” co-host Whoopi Goldberg said. “She was maintaining decorum,” Hostin added.

Katie Porter doubles down on her claim that she lost election by 20 points because it was 'rigged'
"'Rigged' means manipulated by dishonest means. A few billionaires spent $10 million+ on attack ads against me ... I said 'rigged by billionaires' and our politics are — in fact — manipulated by big dark money. Defending democracy means calling that out."

Siri Tells Wisconsinites The Republican Primary Is April 3. That’s A Day After It’s Set To Take Place
When users ask Siri when the Wisconsin Republican primary is, Siri incorrectly says April 3. Users are correctly told that the Democrat presidential primary is on April 2.

Economy / ESG / DEI...

The Feds Gave Banks Woke Censorship Tools To Control All Your Money
The same government pressure erecting an Iron Curtain around the Internet is also constructing a financial social credit system like Communist China’s inside the United States.

Democrats support politically motivated financial surveillance even at expense of abortion rights
Congressional Democrats are so concerned about losing statutory workarounds for the Fourth Amendment that they appear willing to tolerate red states using financial transactions to track women who have abortions.

Immigration...

House approves Laken Riley Act hours before State of the Union address
The bill cleared the lower chamber in a 251-170 vote, with the help of 37 Democrats who joined all Republicans in passing the measure. All 170 “no” votes also came from Democrats.

California Moves to Expand Zero-Down, Interest-Free Home Loan Program to Illegal Immigrants
A proposed law would expand California’s homebuyer assistance program of zero-interest loans for the down payment on a home to illegal immigrants.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoes bill that would allow police to arrest illegal aliens
The bill's sponsor indicated the 'legislature did its job to protect our citizens but Governor Hobbs failed to do hers.'

Denver asks property owners to rent to ‘newcomers’ following closure of multiple shelters for illegals
“We’re going to have some newcomers who are going to need housing.”

COVID-19...

Rand Paul's Bill Would Require NIH Scientists To Disclose Royalties They Receive From Drug Companies
The Royalty Transparency Act passed unanimously out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday.

Israel... 

Biden to order US military to construct port in Gaza to increase aid flow
“We’re not planning for this to be an operation that would require U.S. boots on the ground,” said a senior administration official.

‘No Zionists allowed’ at new Salt Lake City bar, says owner Michael Valentine, former mayoral candidate
"We are pleased to announce we are banning all Zionists forever from our establishments."

Ukraine-Russia...

Russia says it neutralized ISIS cell plotting attack on Moscow synagogue
The attackers opened fire during the attempted arrest and were "neutralized by return fire", the FSB said.

Americans told to 'avoid' gatherings in Moscow, Russia amid reports of extremists' 'imminent plans' to attack
The US Embassy in Moscow warned Americans to 'avoid large public gatherings'.

NATO Is Rehearsing for Conflict With Moscow: Russian Official
A close ally Putin, who has been touted as a potential successor, said NATO's "Steadfast Defender 2024" military drills showed that the alliance had become "increasingly aggressive" and was preparing for an "armed confrontation" with Moscow.

Current Mood in Kyiv: Hopes, Concerns and Questions
By now, too much blood has been spilled by Russia, too much material damage inflicted, and too much hatred generated, for any compromise to be worked out. It is an us-or-them situation.

China...

Communication devices found on Chinese-built cranes located at US ports spark espionage concerns
Lawmakers’ discovery has fueled worries in Washington that the China-built equipment could be a national-security threat at America’s ports

Leaked Hacking Files Spur Concerns of China Weakening US for War
‘This is what World War 3 looks like. It’s the speed of technology, the stealth of unrestricted warfare, and no rules,’ says a U.S. security expert.

Europe...

Trump ordered to pay $382K in legal fees to company behind the Steele dossier
Trump was ordered by a London judge to pay $382,000 in legal fees to the company founded by Christopher Steele, after unsuccessfully suing over the salacious allegations in the British ex-spy’s infamous dossier.

Entertainment...

Street Art Exposing Fentanyl Crisis Hits L.A. Landmarks Ahead of Oscars
With bold colors, striking images and a wicked sense of irony, the artwork appears to be the work of conservative street artist Sabo.

Carol Burnett says she regrets one joke she took too far
Shortly after 9/11, someone in the audience asked if Burnett could be a member of the opposite sex for 24 hours, who would she be and what would she do. “I said, ‘I’d be Osama bin Laden, and I’d kill myself,’” Burnett recalled.

Media...

The New York Times Faces Claims of Hypocrisy Over Coverage of the Deployment of Troops
What is clear from the Times coverage is that there is still no sense of compulsion at the newsroom to be consistent or even self-aware. Outrage remains entirely selective and political.

Environment...

John Kerry says people would 'feel better' about the Ukraine war if Russia would reduce emissions
"If Russia wanted to show good faith, they could go out and announce what their reductions are going to be and make a greater effort to reduce emissions now. Maybe that would open up the door for people to feel better about what Russia is choosing to do at this point in time."

LGBTQIA2S+...

Align: Inside California's bipartisan fight to save kids from Big Trans
A liberal mom finds strange bedfellows — and newfound respect for Christianity — on the front lines.

Fetterman say's he'll fight for LGBT center after it loses funding due to Libs of TikTok exposing fetish parties
"I am going to fight for William Way to secure their funding in the FY25 appropriations process," added Fetterman. "I'm new here, but I wasn't aware that Democratic values and priorities are dictated by Libs of TikTok."

Male broadcaster calls police on JK Rowling for calling him a man
A broadcaster in the UK has reported celebrated author J.K. Rowling to the police for misgendering him on social media, saying Rowling violated multiple portions of the region's hate speech laws.

Health...

BowFlex files for bankruptcy
Makers of home-based fitness equipment have struggled with the increasing popularity of weight-loss drugs.

Technology...

TikTok crackdown bill unanimously approved by US House panel
The House Energy and Commerce committee unanimously approved legislation giving China's ByteDance six months to divest from TikTok or face a U.S. ban. The 50-0 vote represents the most significant momentum for a U.S. crackdown on TikTok, which had stalled over the last year amid heavy lobbying by the company.

Republican billionaire with $33B TikTok stake ‘bullies’ lawmakers to stop bill forcing Chinese ByteDance sale
A spokesman for Jeff Yass denied that he was making calls to Republicans and said.

Composer for Halo video game to make congressional run for GOP
"I never wanted to be a politician and I still don’t ... The sad reality is that many children in our country are suffering. Years of ridiculing and demeaning old fashioned 'family values' have taken a toll."

Travel...

Tire falls off United Airlines Boeing 777 plane departing San Francisco, crushing cars
But there's nothing to worry about as "the aircraft is designed to land safely with missing or damaged tires."

March 8, 2004 - Martha Stewart going to prison... Following the Heinz money trail... What was the Martha Stewart case about?... Does our culture breed class warfare?... The Passion of the Christ continues to move up in the top grossing film list...

Top THREE reasons we NEED the Panama Canal

Justin Sullivan / Staff | Getty Images

Is Trump seriously planning a military conquest of the Panama Canal?

In the weeks leading up to the inauguration, Donald Trump launched the Panama Canal into the national spotlight. The canal is one of the most important passages in the world, and its continued operation has been critical for both the U.S. military and economy since its construction.

Since America relinquished sovereignty of the canal, China has asserted its authority in the region. The Chinese Communist Party has been growing its influence in Panama and neighboring Latin American countries, convincing them to join their "Belt and Road Initiative," an effort to poise China as the main economic power in developing nations across the world. Panama in particular is quickly becoming a Chinese puppet state. There are currently over 200,000 Chinese living in Panama, a Chinese company runs two of the canal's five major ports, and another Chinese company provides telecommunication service for a large portion of the canal. The government of Panama has even gone as far as cutting diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

It's clear that the Panama Canal is under serious threat of falling into Chinese hands, but President Trump doesn't intend to let them move in. Here are the top three reasons we need the Panama Canal:

1. The canal was built by the U.S.

Hulton Archive / Stringer | Getty Images

Without the United States, neither Panama nor the Panama Canal would exist. In 1903, after Colombia refused to allow the U.S. to build a canal across the isthmus of Panama, President Teddy Roosevelt devised a controversial plan. He supported a Panamanian independence movement, which swiftly overthrew the local Colombian government. Meanwhile, he stationed a U.S. warship off the coast, preventing Colombia from sending military forces to retake Panama.

The moment Panama declared its independence, the U.S. recognized it and struck a deal with the new government: the U.S. would control the Canal Zone, while Panama would receive $10 million and an annual payment of $250,000. Construction of the canal took over a decade, cost $375 million, and resulted in thousands of American casualties, making it the most expensive U.S. construction project of its time.

Fast forward to 1964 when tensions between the U.S. and Panama over the canal erupted into a riot. President Lyndon B. Johnson decided it was time to transfer control of the canal to Panama. However, this proved more complicated than expected. In 1968, General Omar Torrijos, a known ally of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, seized control of Panama in a coup. Negotiations over the Canal stalled, as many Americans opposed giving such an important asset to a controversial figure. It wasn’t until 1999, following the deployment of 27,000 U.S. troops to facilitate yet another change in power, that the Canal was officially handed over to Panama.

2. The canal is vital for the U.S. economy

IVAN PISARENKO / Contributor | Getty Images

The U.S. relies heavily on the Panama Canal for commercial shipping. Between 13 and 14 thousand ships use the Panama Canal every year, which is roughly 40 percent of the global cargo ship traffic. Additionally, 72 percent of ships traversing the canal are either heading toward or leaving a U.S. port.

The time ships save using the Panama Canal reduces shipping costs massively. For example, when the canal first opened in 1922, it was estimated that a ship’s journey from Oregon to the UK, was shortened by 42 percent, reducing costs by 31 percent. If the Panama Canal was blocked or destroyed, or if American merchant vessels were denied passage, the effects on the U.S. economy would be tremendous.

3. The canal is a key defense point for the U.S. military

Historical / Contributor | Getty Images

Similarly, the canal is key to the U.S. military and national security. The canal shaves off approximately 8,000 miles of the voyage between the Pacific and the Atlantic. If U.S. Navy ships were denied access in a time of crisis, the extra time required to bypass the canal would be disastrous. Conversely, if the U.S. can keep the Panama Canal from being used by foreign aggressors, it would provide a massive advantage in future conflicts.

A foreign enemy could easily exploit the canal's current vulnerability. This was proven in 2021 when a cargo ship accidentally blocked the Suez Canal for a week, paralyzing global trade. Imagine China intentionally sabotaging the Panama Canal, considering it controls ports on both ends, owns a bridge that spans the Canal, provides its telecom services, and has the second-largest fleet of ships using the route.

TOP 5 takeaways from JD Vance's 'Face the Nation' interview

Anna Moneymaker / Staff | Getty Images

After an eventful first week in office, JD Vance wrapped the week up with a bang of an interview on "Face the Nation."

Last weekend, Vice President Vance joined "Face the Nation" host Margaret Brennan, who drilled Vance on everything from the economy to immigration. Vance clapped back with polite yet cutting responses, and he defended Trump against some of her more accusatory queries.

If there was any lingering doubt that JD Vance wasn't vice presidential (or presidential) material, they have just been blown away. Here are the major takeaways from his electricinterview on Sunday:

1. J.D. Vance defends Trump's cabinet picks

Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images

Brennan opened the interview with a barrage of questions that brought up concerns surrounding some of Trump's cabinet picks, specifically Pete Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard.

Brennan began by questioning how effective Pete Hegseth could be as Secretary of Defence, given that he was confirmed with a tie in the Senate that VP Vance broke. Vance responded with a quick breakdown of all of the issues the military is currently facing. Vance argued that Hegseth's unpopularity in the Senate results from his being a disruptor.

Brennan also attacked Tulsi Gabbard, calling her unfit for the title of "Director of National Intelligence." Vance defended Gabbard, citing her formidable resume and strong character. Vance also discussed the corruption of our intelligence services, which out-of-control bureaucrats have weaponized against the interests of the American people. He expressed his belief that Gabbard would be the right person to reign in the corruption and return the National Intelligence Service to its intended purpose.

2. J.D. Vance explains how Trump's economic policies will lower consumer prices

Brandon Bell / Staff | Getty Images

Brennan pushed Vance on the economy, specifically questioning when prices for consumer goods would begin to fall. Vance explained that within the plethora of executive orders issued by Trump during his first week in office, many were aimed at bringing more jobs back into America, which will raise wages and lower prices. Other orders will boost energy production, which will reduce energy costs and decrease the costs of goods.

3. J.D. Vance sheds light on needed FEMA reforms

ROBYN BECK / Staff | Getty Images

Brennan drilled Vance on President Trump's proposed FEMA reforms, specifically regarding Trump's suggestion to send states a percentage of federal disaster relief funds so that they can quickly distribute aid rather than wait on federal action. While Brennen argued that FEMA has specialists and resources that states would not have access to, leaving people without aid, Vance argued that recent disasters, like Hurricane Helene, have proven that FEMA's current bureaucratic red tape deprived Americans of immediate aid when they needed it most.

4. J.D. Vance defends Trump's mass deportations

PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / Contributor | Getty Images

Vance defended Trump's decision to allow ICE to conduct raids into churches and schools against Brennen's criticisms, arguing that law enforcement should remove a dangerous criminal from a school or church, regardless of their immigration status. He also advocated for Trump's proposed changes to birthright citizenship to prevent illegal immigrants from abusing the constitutional amendment by having "anchor babies" on U.S. soil.

Vance also took a hard stance supporting Trump suspension of admitting Afghan refugees. Brennan argued that Afghan refugees were going through a thorough vetting process and were now being abandoned by the U.S. However, Vance cited the foiled terrorist attack in Oklahoma City during Trump's 2024 campaign that was orchestrated by an Afghan refugee, who was allegedly vetted by federal agents. The vetting process is clearly flawed, and it was a prudent decision to halt the admission of these refugees until further notice.

5. J.D. Vance insists that Trump will still reign in Big Tech

PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / Contributor | Getty Images

To wrap up the interview, Brennan questioned the Trump administration's stance on Big Tech given the attendance of the industry's biggest names at Trump's inauguration, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. Vance assured Brennan that Trump is still resolved to curb the power and influence of Big Tech.

Top THREE reasons the U.S. NEEDS Greenland

EMIL STACH / Contributor | Getty Images

Are Trump's repeated promises to claim Greenland for the U.S. just belligerent imperialism or a deft move to secure the future of America?

During his patriotic inaugural address, President Trump reiterated his campaign promise to expand American territories, including securing U.S. control over Greenland. This is not a new idea despite what the mainstream media may claim.

The idea of buying Greenland was originally introduced by progressive hero Woodrow Wilson in 1917 as an attempt to secure the homeland as America was gearing up to enter the First World War. The second attempt came after World War II when President Truman tried to buy the island from Denmark in another attempt to shore up national security, this time against the Soviets. Since then, Trump floated the idea in 2019, which was met with much the same ridicule as now.

The truth is that the acquisition of Greenland represents far more than just an outlet for repressed imperialist desires. It would be one of America's best investments in a long time, which is why we've been eyeballing it for so long. Here are three reasons the U.S. needs Greenland:

Strategic Military Position

THOMAS TRAASDAHL / Contributor | Getty Images

For the majority of the 20th century, Europe was the region from which a foreign attack on American soil could be launched: the Germans for the first half of the century, and the Russians for the second half. On both occasions, Greenland stood between our foreign enemies and the United States.

After the World War II, America was the official military defender of Greenland, per an agreement with Denmark. Under this agreement, the U.S. built Pituffik Air Force Base, a remote base 750 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Due to its location, approximately halfway between D.C. and Moscow, the Pentagon still views Pituffik as a vital component of America's nuclear defense.

The U.S. also built a secret base within the ice cap known as Camp Century. Camp Century was part scientific outpost, part nuclear-tipped ballistic missile silo built in the ice to withstand a direct atomic strike. The nearly two miles of icy tunnels were powered by a nuclear reactor and were designed to survive a nuclear first strike, and return fire. Although abandoned in 1967, Camp Century still symbolizes the strategic importance of Greenland for U.S. security.

Untapped Resources

OLIVIER MORIN / Contributor | Getty Images

While Greenland's population is a mere 56,000, the island has a total landmass nearly three times the size of Texas. According to a 2009 geological assessment, a whopping 30 percent of the Earth's undiscovered natural gas, and 13 percent of its undiscovered oil is locked away beneath Greenland's icy ground. There are also untapped deposits of valuable rare earth metals including copper, graphite, and lithium.

Neither Greenland nor Denmark have any real plans to tap into this immense wealth trapped beneath the ice, but it could prove crucial for ending the West's dependency on China. China has the global market cornered on rare earth minerals- including America. We acquire 72 percent of our rare earth mineral imports from China, making us entirely dependent on them for the manufacturing of many essential goods. Tapping Greenland's natural resources would help free America, and the West, from China's yolk.

Polar Silk Road

mark peterson / Contributor | Getty Images

In 2018 China launched an ambitious project that aimed to cut the travel time of cargo vessels between its ports and European markets in half. China, in collaboration with Russia, plans on developing new shipping routes through the Arctic Ocean. This bold new strategy, dubbed the "Polar Silk Road," has been made possible thanks to new tech, including a fleet of Russian, nuclear-powered icebreakers, the latest of which is capable of breaking through nearly 10 feet of ice.

With clear waterways from eastern China and Northern Europe, it won't be long before the first cargo ships brave the frigid sea and China looks to the next leg of the journey: the Northwest Passage. The Northwest Passage is the area of sea between Canada and the North Pole that would be an optimal shipping route between America's East Coast and Asia if it wasn't frozen over most of the year. But with new technology, we may be able to overcome the challenges of the ice and open the passage to commercial traffic, and Greenland is positioned directly on the passage's easternmost mouth.

Greenland would quickly become a key location along the Northwestern Passage, acting as a sentinel of the east, with the ability to control traffic through the trade route. If China or Russia were to take control of Greenland, they would dominate the Northwestern Passage, along with the rest of the new northern trade routes.

Is Romania squashing its own 'Trump' candidate?

DANIEL MIHAILESCU / Contributor | Getty Images

This week the streets of Bucharest, the capital of Romania, erupted in protest after the Constitutional Courts annulled the recent first round of the presidential election after the "far-right" candidate won.

The government is lying to you. If you have been listening to Glenn for a long time you already know that, and you also know that if you try to call attention to the lies you get labeled a conspiracy theorist or "far-right." This is not only true in America but across the world. Politicians cheat, steal, and grab power, then lie about all of it. This is the root of countless issues across every government on the planet, and recently Romania has become the latest example of this unfortunate phenomenon.

But what is really happening in Romania? Was this an actual attempt to stamp out someone who would shed light on lies and corruption? Or did the Romanian government put a stop to a genuine bad actor?

The Election

Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images

On December 6th, 2024, the Romanian Constitutional Court canceled the second round of the presidential election amid claims of Russian interference. The second round of the election would have seen right-wing candidate, Calin Georgescu face off against pro-European centrist Elena Lasconi.

The trouble surrounds Georgescu, who stands accused of using Russian aid to run an unprecedented social media campaign that helped him win an election pollsters claimed he stood no chance of winning. Georgescu's rapid rise in popularity on social media does raise some eyebrows, and to add to the suspicion he declared he had zero campaign spending. On the other hand, Georgescu's supporters claim that his quick rise to stardom and underdog victory is due to the growing resentment for the ever-out-of-touch political elite.

Georgescu's Platform

Andrei Pungovschi / Stringer | Getty Images

Georgescu rose to prominence on a platform many of his detractors have labeled "far-right," "pro-Russian," and "populist" (sound familiar?). His positions include supporting Romanian farmers, increasing Romanian self-reliance, and increasing local energy production. Georgescu has been lauded for his message of hope and vision for the future and his dedication to truth, freedom, and sovereignty.

Georgescu is also a vocal Christian and a supporter of the Romanian Orthodox Church. He has questioned the climate change and COVID-19 narrative as well as NATO and the war in Ukraine, which is how he earned his "Pro-Russian" monicker. Georgescu promised to respect and honor its obligations to the EU and NATO, but only to the extent that they respect Romania and its interests.

What Happens Next?

Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images

After Georgescu's unexpected victory, the Romanian Constitutional Courts annulled the election's first round and scheduled it to restart on May 4th. As of now, it is unclear whether Georgescu will be allowed to participate in the new election. This act by the Constitutional Courts triggered mass protests in the capital, Bucharest, and has caused many Romainians to question the state of democracy within their country.

Many of the protesters are calling what happened a coup and are demanding the election be allowed to continue to the second round. They are also calling for the resignation of current President Klaus Iohannis, who has maintained power thanks to the incomplete elections. Georgescu has officially challenged the court's decision and even made a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights, but it is unclear if his appeal will make any difference.