South
Funny Papers Again Column | Part II: Will the GOP Take Its True Place? – The King City Rustler | Your Local News Source in King City, California
The fact that the United States of America has no officially sanctioned State Religion, but does in fact have a policy of separation of Church and State, means little to Mr. Trump who claims Christianity. A look at his family relations, his actions toward women, his belittling and name calling, his lies and deceit in business and political matters is appalling and in no way offers a look at a Bible believing, God loving person. He is the opposite of the Sermon on the Mount.
Yet, because of his ability to sway the lesser informed and under educated in America, many believe he is the epitome of a Christian. He is quite the opposite of a person who carries the love of Christ in his bosom, but in fact is a self-serving autocratic-minded individual who claims to love America. If he truly put his country first, if he really believes in American Democracy, he would have graciously turned over the reins of power after losing both the 2020 popular and electoral college vote, but instead he put forth the falsehood that the election was stolen.
Fox News and Tucker Carlson were the biggest proponents of this lie, even in the face of scores of failed court challenges. Failure to prove the lie regarding fixed voting machines cost Fox News $758 million in settlement and Mr. Carlson was out the door.
Given this wave of Christian Nationalism, what can we expect for the upcoming 2024 election? Unless something unforeseen arises, the contest will be between President Joe Biden and Mr. Trump. A Democratic landslide win will be the political end of the whole Trump clan and that phase of American politics is left to historians. But if a close election it will not matter who wins, as Mr. Trump will claim victory through one nefarious means or another as he has shown he is a very poor loser; and he is one of the biggest losers in American business circles.
(Take a quick look at his other losing ventures: Trump University, Trump Shuttle Inc., Trump Vodka, Trump Mortgage LLC, GoTrump.com travel service, and the famous Trump Steaks, which ceased operations after just a few months. His foray into the gaming business was spectacular in the number of failures, one of them even failed twice. Mr. Trump built Trump Taj Mahal only to file bankruptcy in 1992. Trump Plaza, Trump Castle and the Plaza Hotel, all filed for bankruptcy in 1992. And Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts Inc., filed for bankruptcy in 1995 then changed its name to Trump Entertainment Resorts but failed in 2004. Currently, his Truth Social online site’s investors want their $200 million back. Failure upon failure.)
And what if Mr. Trump once again gains the White House? He has stated he will deal with any persons or institutions he feels are a threat to his autocratic ideals with prosecutions and, with contempt for the judicial system, he has stated he will pardon all those convicted of crimes in wake of the Jan. 6 breach of the Capitol. And he will do it, just as he pardoned lawyers caught lying for him and his daughter’s father-in-law after he did a two-year prison stint for being, what else, a crook. Using this same ploy, Mr. Trump will pardon a whole slew of rightfully convicted people onto the national landscape.
Let me interject here that while at this time my disappointment in the Republican Party is obvious, it was not always the case. I was raised in a Republican home; both my parents were Republicans who had come from conservative families in Iowa. From an early age I heard my father’s scorn for Franklin Roosevelt (“He was a damned Socialist!”) and John Kennedy (“Spoiled rich kid of a crooked father!”) and later his praise for Ronald Reagan, who was a friend from their old Iowa days. The Stars and Stripes we displayed on appropriate holidays had flown over the U.S. Capitol Building; a gift from President Reagan.
When it became evident President Lyndon Johnson was increasing America’s involvement in Southeast Asia, I backed Richard Nixon in 1968, and when able to vote for the first time I cast for Mr. Nixon in 1972. And though I no longer support Conservative policies, I realize that without a viable opposition party the checks and balances so necessary to keep America on a middle road would not exist, and that is unacceptable.
I believe those Republicans that truly love this country, and they are legion, can only bring the Grand Old Party back to its proper place in society with the complete rejection of Donald Trump and his separatist and divisive plan for America. If Republicans want to make American great, then they must do their part to once again be the great party they once were; and that path is clear to them.
The election of 2024, if people vote their Party line, will see Mr. Trump defeated in both Monterey County as a whole, and King City specifically, as the registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans; 110,262 to 41,250 countywide, and in town 2,096 to 776. I am one of 143 registered American Independents in King City and can choose to vote either the party ticket and stay out of the two-party dominated fray. But I won’t. It will be the most important and vital election in American history with many of the foundational stones of democracy feeling great pressure from the Far Right attack mode of Mr. Trump and minions who simply cannot accept that America and the world are far more diverse and inclusionary than their narrow interpretations of what is “traditional.”
We are a country of multiple nationalities, sexualities, languages, religions and localized cultures with varying “traditions” and that will not change back to a time when White Christians ruled the roost no matter how people clamor for such a time. America has moved on, and if the Grand Old Party wants to stay viable, it must also move on and contribute more to the landscape than vitriolic rhetoric and revenge politics, then it must move past Donald J. Trump and all he stands for.
Take care. Peace.
Arkansas
Arkansas Athletics, CommunityAmerica Credit Union launch multi-year partnership including Razorback Stadium naming rights
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Department of Athletics has signed a long-term partnership with CommunityAmerica Credit Union, marking a significant step in the credit union’s growing commitment to Northwest Arkansas. Facilitated by Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium will become CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium beginning with the 2027 football season.
Rooted in more than 85 years of helping individuals and families achieve financial peace of mind and building on a 65-year legacy of service in Arkansas, CommunityAmerica is excited to engage with Razorback fans and support the communities they call home.
“This is so much more than a name on a stadium. It’s about becoming part of the Razorback Nation experience and helping fans, students, student-athletes and the communities we and the university serve,” said Lisa Ginter, Chief Executive Officer of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do and when we evaluate partnerships like this, it starts with what matters most to them. The University of Arkansas is a powerful source of pride and connection for people across the state and in many of our markets. This partnership underscores our long-term commitment to Northwest Arkansas, where we look forward to growing our presence and helping more families achieve financial peace of mind. We’re already deepening our roots with plans for a campus location and several new branches throughout the region.”
The multi-phased partnership extends beyond naming rights and designates CommunityAmerica as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics. CommunityAmerica will also serve as an official sponsor of Arkansas Athletics, supporting student-athletes and fans alike. The comprehensive partnership will also include the rebranding of the SEC Club inside Razorback Stadium as the CommunityAmerica Club, where fans enjoy premium amenities on gameday. As part of the agreement, CommunityAmerica will engage directly with Razorback student-athletes providing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, valuable financial education and programs to help them succeed both on and off the field.
“We are thrilled to welcome CommunityAmerica Credit Union as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics as one piece of a partnership that will benefit our student-athletes, fans and the state of Arkansas for years to come,” said Hunter Yurachek, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at the University of Arkansas. “Our vision in the Department of Athletics is to be our best and CommunityAmerica’s commitment to excellence as a trusted, people-driven financial institution mirrors that same vision. This partnership is just getting started but its impact will help shape our future.”
Beginning with the 2027 football season, the partnership will expand into its second phase with the naming of CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium and the launch of CommunityAmerica Razorback Checking, Debit and Credit Cards.
With a legacy of serving members across Arkansas and nationwide, CommunityAmerica is ranked among the most trusted and innovative credit unions in the country and among the largest in the Midwest. CommunityAmerica is excited to engage and serve Razorback fans and members more deeply with a variety of financial products and services that align to their passion for the University.
“Our members are proud of where they live and what they stand behind, and for so many in Arkansas and across our shared communities, that means being part of Razorback Nation,” Ginter said. “As we look ahead to launching Razorback-branded products in 2027, we’re excited to offer experiences that celebrate that pride, strengthen relationships and deliver meaningful value for the people and communities we serve.”
“This is a historic partnership featuring an innovative brand with a passion and proven track record of supporting their community, paired with one of the leading college athletics programs in the country,” said Allison Fillmore, Senior Vice President, Business Development at Learfield. “Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties are excited to collaborate with Arkansas Athletics, which will enhance fan and student-athlete experiences for years to come.”
Razorback Sports Properties is the locally based Learfield team that is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Arkansas Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Razorbacks.
About the University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
The University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics pursues its vision to “Be Our Best” while developing 465+ student-athletes into Razorbacks and Champions for Life. As members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Razorbacks consistently compete at the nation’s highest levels while proudly representing the University of Arkansas and the entire state. Arkansas has established itself as one of the most competitive programs in the nation, winning nine NCAA titles and over 50 SEC Championships in recent years.
About CommunityAmerica Credit Union
CommunityAmerica Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution committed to helping members get on a path to thrive and achieve financial peace of mind. Founded in 1940, and with Arkansas roots dating back to 1968, CommunityAmerica has grown to meet the evolving financial needs of its members. With nearly $10 billion in assets and more than 600,000 members, the credit union is ranked among the nation’s 50 largest credit unions. It is the largest credit union in Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, and one of the largest financial institutions with expanding operations in Northwest Arkansas. CommunityAmerica offers a full suite of financial products and services for individuals and businesses, including checking and savings, mortgages, loans, commercial banking, wealth management, retirement planning, and insurance. Federally chartered, CommunityAmerica serves members across multiple markets nationwide with branch locations in Arkansas, California, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. Learn more at CommunityAmerica.com.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
Delaware
16-year-old boy killed in Wilmington, Del., shooting Monday night, officials say
Wilmington Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy Tuesday night in Wilmington’s Hilltop neighborhood.
According to police, the shooting occurred at approximately 8:33 p.m. in the 1600 block of West 5th Street.
On their arrival at the scene, police say they located the 16-year-old with at least one gunshot wound and transported him to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
This incident remains under investigation.
Police did not share whether there have been any arrests in connection with the shooting or a possible motive.
Wilmington Police encourage anyone with information about this incident, contact Detective Justin Wilkers at (302) 576-3634. Information can also be sent to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or Delawarecrimestoppers.com.
The Wilmington Police Department (WPD) Victim Service Unit and Youth Response Unit are available to provide information and support to victims, children, and families affected by this incident.
The Victim Service Unit can be reached at (302) 576-3622, and the Youth Response Unit can be reached at (302) 576-3183.
Florida
What is the Tartan Army? Scotland’s fans take over South Florida
From Boston to now Miami, the Tartan Army has been marching through the streets of South Florida preparing for the Scotland v. Brazil World Cup game at 6 p.m. Known for their crowd-drawing shenanigans, the term “Tartan Army” has been trending on people’s For You Page, but who are they exactly?
The term “Tartan Army” is a nickname for Scotland’s fan base who support the country’s national team. The concept of “Tartan” comes from the iconic fabric design on kilts and is recognized as a symbol of Scottish identity.
The army gained attention for their rowdy team spirit, but also because some bars in Boston ran out of beer as the city hosted Scotland’s first two games. Now they have arrived in Miami and have been making their presence known.
On Monday, around 8,000 army followers marched from a bar called Ball and Chain to the Marlins’ game, making their presence known throughout South Florida.
Then on Tuesday, the Scotland fans invaded Miami Beach as the beer company Miller Lite presented the fans with a tartan beer barge that read “Restock the Scots.”
With the game against Brazil set for later tonight, the Tartan Army will now flood Miami Stadium with beer, bagpipes and kilts.
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