Category: President Trump

The Clear Choice of Michael Ryan: Having the guts to be successful

The last day of February 2026 marked a pivotal moment in Butler County politics with the official launch of Michael Ryan’s “Boots on the Ground” campaign for Butler County Commissioner. Held amid enthusiastic support from local Republicans, the event drew a strong turnout of volunteers, elected officials, and community members ready to canvass neighborhoods, distribute materials, and build momentum ahead of the May 5 primary and the November general election. This gathering was more than a routine campaign kickoff; it represented a broader call for generational renewal in conservative leadership, fiscal responsibility, and unapologetic advocacy for free-market principles in one of Ohio’s key counties.

Butler County, encompassing cities like Hamilton, Middletown, Fairfield, and Oxford, has long been a Republican stronghold in southwest Ohio, though not without its internal tensions and occasional Democratic inroads through local races. The county commissioners oversee a budget in the hundreds of millions, managing everything from infrastructure and economic development to public safety and social services. The position demands not just administrative competence but the ability to unite diverse stakeholders—townships, cities, businesses, and residents—while resisting the temptations of prolonged incumbency that can lead to complacency or overreach.

The current dynamics in the 2026 race stem from dissatisfaction with the status quo. Incumbent Commissioner Cindy Carpenter, who has held the office since her first election around 2011 and has been re-elected multiple times, faced mounting criticism for her tenure. Critics pointed to a perceived lack of strong fiscal oversight, strained relationships with constituents and colleagues, and a series of personal and professional controversies. Notably, in November 2025, Carpenter was involved in a heated incident at Level 27, an apartment complex near Miami University in Oxford, where her granddaughter resided. The complex manager accused her of using inappropriate and allegedly racist language, leveraging her political position for intimidation, and making an obscene gesture during a dispute over rent and eviction matters. Video footage captured parts of the exchange, prompting a formal complaint and an investigation by Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser. In December 2025, the prosecutor cleared Carpenter of criminal misconduct, stating that her behavior did not rise to that level and questioning the complainant’s credibility. While no charges resulted, the episode fueled perceptions of poor judgment and an inability to handle pressure gracefully under public scrutiny.<sup>1</sup>

Another contender in the race, Roger Reynolds, brought his own baggage. A longtime political figure who served as Butler County Auditor from 2008 until his removal following legal issues, Reynolds was convicted in December 2022 on a felony count of unlawful interest in a public contract related to corruption allegations. He was sentenced to community control, a fine, and jail time (stayed pending appeal). The conviction was overturned by an appeals court in 2024, restoring his eligibility to hold office, but the Ohio Supreme Court declined to restore him to the auditor position in a related quo warranto case in September 2024. The episode cast a long shadow over his reputation, with legal battles, public scrutiny, and associations with controversy making him a polarizing figure, even among some Republicans who preferred fresher leadership unencumbered by such history.<sup>2</sup>

Into this landscape stepped Michael Ryan, a 40-year-old lifelong Butler County resident and former Hamilton City Council member. Born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio—the county seat—Ryan graduated from Stephen T. Badin High School in 2003. He earned a B.A. from Wright State University and an Associate of Applied Sciences from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Following in his father’s footsteps—his father, Don Ryan, served as former Hamilton Mayor—Michael entered public service by winning a seat on Hamilton City Council in 2017, where he was the top vote-getter and subsequently selected as Vice Mayor for two years under the city’s charter. He repeated this success in 2021, again topping the ticket and serving another term as Vice Mayor. During his eight years on council (he opted not to seek a third term in 2025 to pursue the commissioner race), Ryan was credited with supporting initiatives that fostered job creation, economic revitalization in Hamilton—a city historically challenged by manufacturing decline—and collaboration with businesses and residents. He played a key role in taxpayer advocacy efforts, including opposition to certain aspects of the Miami Conservancy District that threatened assessment increases, and contributed to projects like historical preservation (e.g., the train depot) and potential infrastructure improvements such as Amtrak stops.<sup>3</sup>

Professionally, Ryan has worked full-time for over a decade as a life insurance underwriter for Western & Southern Financial Group. He is married to his wife Amanda, with whom he has been together for seven years at the time of the campaign launch; the couple resides in Hamilton with their two pugs, Piper and Jackson. Ryan’s family-oriented life, stable career, and emphasis on faith and conservative values have been highlighted as reflective of his character and leadership style.<sup>4</sup>

In May 2025, Ryan announced his candidacy for the Butler County Commissioner seat held by Carpenter. In January 2026, the Butler County Republican Party delivered a resounding endorsement to Ryan, with 71% of the central committee vote (118-42 over Reynolds, with some abstentions), a margin described as “historic” by party leaders. This overwhelming support, including backing from figures such as Auditor Nancy Nix, State Representative Thomas Hall, State Senator George Lang, U.S. Congressman Warren Davidson (who endorsed him in February 2026), and others like Treasurer Michael McNamara, signaled a clear preference for new leadership over incumbency or past controversies. The endorsement eliminated ambiguity: Ryan was the official Republican choice heading into the primary.<sup>5</sup>

The February 28, 2026, launch event exemplified this momentum. Attendees included Ryan’s wife Amanda, his brother Chris, his boss from Western & Southern, and elected officials like Thomas Hall, Nancy Nix, and others. The day began with a prayer for protection and peace, particularly for U.S. soldiers amid global tensions, followed by a moment of silence to honor service members. Speakers emphasized themes of inevitable, beneficial change—drawing analogies from nature where stagnation gives way to resilient growth—and applied them to politics. One introducer highlighted Ryan’s composure, integrity, and proven track record in defending against unjust policies, noting how he mentored others in collaborative advocacy. The event stressed grassroots activation: door-knocking, sign placement, and voter conversations focused on simple questions like “Are you ready for change?” or “Are you okay with the status quo?”

Ryan himself spoke directly, thanking supporters and outlining his vision. He called for engagement to place someone in office who would fight for core values—fiscal responsibility, strong communities, and a voice for every corner of Butler County. He framed the race as preparation for 2050 and beyond, building a winning team that delivers results rather than perpetuating old patterns. With early voting starting April 5 and the primary on May 5, he urged activation to build momentum against Democrats already organizing. The speech closed with gratitude, a call for volunteers, and patriotic blessings.

The enthusiasm at the event was palpable. Volunteers rallied not just for a candidate but for a shift in Republican identity: away from apologetic or conciliatory postures toward Democrats and toward confident, unapologetic advocacy for success rooted in hard work, family values, church involvement, and economic freedom. Ryan embodies this next generation—articulate, family-oriented (with a supportive wife and stable home life signaling character), and tied to practical successes in Hamilton. Unlike predecessors who plateaued in interpersonal skills or succumbed to power’s pitfalls, Ryan appears equipped to unite rather than divide, recruit moderates through ideas rather than coercion, and extend Butler County’s economic strengths.

This campaign reflects larger national trends in the post-Trump Republican Party, often termed MAGA conservatism. Ohio has seen figures like JD Vance rise nationally, with speculation about future leaders like Vivek Ramaswamy in statewide roles. Locally, Ryan’s approach rejects the old unspoken accommodations where Republicans “play nice” to avoid seeming mean or greedy. Instead, it embraces capitalism without apology, viewing success—decent homes, stable families, business ownership—as virtues to celebrate, not excuses to atone for. Democrats, facing demographic and ideological shifts, have lost ground; even some like Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman have moderated to survive. In Butler County, any Democratic gains (as in certain trustee races) often relied on obfuscating party labels, tactics unlikely to work against a well-endorsed, visible conservative like Ryan, especially with potential high-profile support from Trump in midterms.

The commissioner’s role, managing vast resources, requires someone who avoids scandals, handles relationships deftly, and prioritizes growth. Long tenures can breed entitlement; Ryan’s relative youth and fresh perspective promise renewal without inexperience. His association with successes in Hamilton—economic rebirth, taxpayer advocacy—suggests he can sharpen county-wide efforts.

As volunteers fan out in the coming weeks, the race tests whether Butler County voters embrace this change: from ambiguity to clarity, from incumbency’s risks to new leadership’s promise. Michael Ryan stands as the embodiment of that shift—a conservative not afraid to win, rooted in community, and ready to lead Butler County toward a more prosperous, principled future. In an era demanding bold stewardship, his campaign offers a compelling case that the best is yet to come.

Footnotes

1.  See coverage of the November 2025 incident and December 2025 clearance: “Butler County commissioner cleared of misconduct despite heated exchange caught on camera,” WKRC (Dec. 4, 2025); “Prosecutor clears Butler County commissioner of misconduct after apartment dispute,” Journal-News (Dec. 3, 2025); prosecutor’s letter via local media.

2.  On Reynolds’ conviction, overturn, and related cases: “After overturned conviction, Roger Reynolds is running for commissioner,” Cincinnati Enquirer (Sep. 8, 2025); Ohio Supreme Court decision in State ex rel. Reynolds v. Nix (Sep. 25, 2024); Attorney General sentencing release (Mar. 31, 2023).

3.  Ryan’s council service and achievements: “Hamilton councilman Ryan to run for Butler County Commission,” Journal-News (May 19, 2025); campaign site ryanforbutler.com; announcements crediting work on economic projects and Miami Conservancy opposition.

4.  Personal biography: From official campaign website ryanforbutler.com (“Faith and Family” section); family ties noted in “Newcomer Michael Ryan becomes Hamilton’s vice mayor,” Journal-News (Dec. 28, 2017).

5.  Endorsement details: “County GOP backs new face for commissioner over incumbent,” Cincinnati Enquirer (Jan. 10, 2026); “Butler County GOP puts support behind county commission candidate Ryan,” Journal-News (Jan. 12, 2026); Warren Davidson endorsement release (Feb. 23, 2026) via campaign Facebook.

Rich Hoffman

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Yes, I Think Jeffery Epstein is Still Alive: They think we’re suckers, and treat us that way

The persistent suspicions surrounding high-profile figures who vanish from public view—whether through reported death, disappearance, or institutional cover-up—often stem from a deep-seated distrust in official narratives. In an era where information flows freely and institutional authority faces scrutiny, these doubts are amplified. Conspiracy theories, while frequently dismissed, sometimes point to genuine irregularities that warrant examination. This pattern appears in cases like Adolf Hitler’s fate after World War II, Jeffrey Epstein’s death in 2019, and recent speculations about Joe Biden’s identity and health. What unites them is the recurring theme of “smoke,” suggesting potential “fire”: procedural failures, missing evidence, powerful interests that could benefit from concealment, and a history of elite impunity that makes extraordinary claims feel plausible to many.

Jeffrey Epstein’s case exemplifies this. Epstein, a financier convicted of sex offenses and accused of trafficking minors to elite circles, died on August 10, 2019, in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in New York City while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. The New York City Chief Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death as hanging, with the manner classified as suicide. A comprehensive 2023 Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General report detailed significant operational lapses at MCC: guards failed to conduct required checks (some falsified logs, leading to charges), Epstein was left without a cellmate despite recommendations, and he had been removed from suicide watch after a prior incident in July 2019. The report highlighted a malfunction in the prison’s Digital Video Recorder system starting July 29, 2019, which prevented recording from many cameras (though live feeds continued). Only limited footage from one camera was available for the relevant area.

These lapses—combined with Epstein’s connections to figures like Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, Donald Trump, and others—fueled theories that he was murdered to silence him or that his death was staged for escape. The meme “Epstein didn’t kill himself” captured widespread skepticism, amplified by his associations and the elite networks he cultivated. Recent document releases in 2025-2026, including tranches from the U.S. Department of Justice totaling millions of pages, have reignited claims. Some allege Epstein is alive—perhaps in Israel, on an island, or elsewhere—based on debunked AI-generated images (e.g., a bearded man in Tel Aviv sunglasses falsely claimed as him), misread emails, or even a Fortnite username change (“littlestjeff1”) that Fortnite confirmed was unrelated and from an existing user. No credible evidence supports him being alive; forensic autopsies, including toxicology showing no unusual substances and no defensive wounds inconsistent with suicide, counter speculation. A 2025 CBS News analysis of jail video revealed no “missing minute” as some claimed, and officials dismissed homicide indicators.

Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate, convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking and sentenced to 20 years, has remained largely silent on key details. In a February 2026 congressional deposition before the House Oversight Committee (via video from Federal Prison Camp Bryan), she invoked her Fifth Amendment right repeatedly, refusing to discuss Epstein, trafficking links, or related matters. Her attorney cited a pending habeas petition and advised her to invoke the Fifth Amendment to avoid self-incrimination. Reports describe harsh prison conditions in her low-security facility, including limited space, isolation, and a small cell with a toilet near the bunk—echoing inmate accounts of psychological strain. Some interpret her silence as pressure or as protection for powerful figures; others see it as a legal strategy amid ongoing appeals. Conspiracy claims even suggested a body double in her deposition video, but her lawyer confirmed it was her, attributing changes to jail’s toll (including prior sleep deprivation).

Similar doubts surround Adolf Hitler’s death. Official history states Hitler died by suicide in his Berlin bunker on April 30, 1945, alongside Eva Braun, with their bodies burned. Soviet forces recovered remains, including dental fragments confirmed in 2018 by French forensic experts as matching Hitler’s 1944 X-rays, proving his death in 1945. Post-war rumors, fueled by declassified FBI/CIA files on unverified sightings, claimed Hitler escaped via U-boat to South America (Argentina, Colombia, etc.), living incognito until the 1960s. These relied on hearsay, dubious witnesses, and books like Grey Wolf, often debunked as fiction or plagiarism. Recent 2025 Argentine declassifications of Nazi fugitive files (under President Javier Milei) detailed tracking of figures like Eichmann and Mengele, but offered no new evidence for Hitler. Historians note some Nazis fled to South America with ratlines and support networks, but forensic dental matches, bunker eyewitnesses (e.g., Otto Günsche, Heinz Linge), and CIA dismissals of claims as “phony” override speculation. Theories persist due to Soviet disinformation campaigns and incomplete initial body photos.

More recently, theories claim Joe Biden died in 2019 (perhaps from health issues or foul play) and was replaced by a body double, actor, clone, or masked entity for the 2020 election. Proponents cite perceived changes in appearance (ear shape, height, gait, eyes), basement campaigning during COVID, and inconsistencies in behavior. Some tie this to Epstein-related files, with unverified 2026 emails echoing claims (amplified by Donald Trump in 2025 Truth Social reposts) of Biden’s “execution” and replacement. These resurfaced amid broader distrust in elections and institutions. No evidence supports this; claims stem from manipulated videos, aging effects, satire, or debunked deepfake accusations. Biden’s family, public appearances, and medical records show a pattern of continuity. Theories echo patterns of elite manipulation but lack substantiation beyond visual anomalies that can be explained by lighting, age, or editing.

Connections between these cases include elite networks and power imbalances. Epstein’s ties to figures like Bill Gates involved philanthropy discussions, including a 2015 email invitation (from a redacted sender) to a Geneva pandemic preparedness conference on “Preparing for Pandemics.” Epstein claimed interactions with Gates on biomedical projects, modeling, or even lurid personal matters (e.g., STI treatments), but Gates’ spokespeople called such allegations “absurd and completely false,” noting no financial ties or collaboration materialized. Melinda French Gates expressed discomfort with these details in 2026 interviews. These narratives thrive in low-trust environments where official accounts seem incomplete. Procedural failures (MCC lapses, missing Hitler body photos) invite doubt, amplified by 2026 file dumps fueling QAnon-adjacent extremism, AI hoaxes, and foreign disinformation.

Yet, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Forensic confirmations (Epstein’s autopsy, Hitler’s teeth) counter speculation, while body-double theories lack substantiation. In a free-information age, scrutiny is valuable, but patterns of “smoke” don’t always indicate fire—sometimes they reflect negligence, coincidence, or elite impunity without full criminal conspiracy. Healthy skepticism demands evidence over assumption. As disclosures continue (e.g., ongoing Epstein file reviews, potential Maxwell appeals), patterns may clarify, but current facts point to suicide for Epstein, death in 1945 for Hitler, and continuity for Biden. Distrust in power structures is justified; baseless leaps risk undermining legitimate inquiries into real abuses and cover-ups.  But then again, that’s what money can buy in these cases, a way to taint the evidence, and then shape the conspiracy within the realm of institutionalized analysis.  When we say there is no evidence, it’s because we rely on evidence that has been bought and paid for to tell a story the conspirator desired.  And in that way, the truth is always concealed. 

Bibliography and Further Reading

•  U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. Investigation and Review of the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Custody, Care, and Supervision of Jeffrey Epstein (June 2023).

•  Charlier, Philippe et al. “The remains of Adolf Hitler: A biomedical analysis and definitive identification.” European Journal of Internal Medicine (2018).

•  Various 2026 reports: CBS News (Epstein theories debunked), Reuters (AI images fact-check), NPR (Gates-Epstein ties), France 24 (Hitler escape debunk).

•  Wikipedia: “Death of Jeffrey Epstein,” “Conspiracy theories about Adolf Hitler’s death” (cross-reference primaries).

•  News: New York Times, Guardian, BBC on Maxwell deposition, file releases (2025-2026).

•  Books: Grey Wolf (critiqued escape claims).

Rich Hoffman

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‘Prehistoric Worlds Or, Vanished Races’: The truth of the anti-giant conspiracy

Not very long ago, my daughter called me in a rush from a used bookstore in downtown Middletown, Ohio—a place that’s seen better days, rough around the edges, but still holding onto some hidden gems. She told me I had to come right away because she’d found something special and was guarding it like a treasure. When I got there, she handed me an 1885 original edition of The Prehistoric World: Or, Vanished Races by E.A. Allen. The book is barely holding together after all these years, its pages fragile and yellowed, but it’s a remarkable artifact. I bought it for a reasonable price, and it’s become one of my prized possessions. It’s not just a book; it’s a window into a time when exploration and curiosity drove inquiry, before modern institutions locked down narratives with rigid assumptions.

I’ve always been drawn to these topics. Back in high school, even as far back as fifth and sixth grade, I was ahead of my teachers in history and anthropology classes. I’d read widely—Joseph Campbell’s works, myths, comparative religion—and I knew much of what was being taught was incomplete or outright wrong. I endured it to graduate and escape that institutionalized mindset, which I saw holding back real understanding. In my twenties, I dove deeper into Joseph Campbell and even joined the Joseph Campbell Foundation. My adventures around the world, combined with a lifelong connection to southern Ohio, shaped my views. My wife and I have been married nearly 39 years, and throughout that time, we’ve visited Serpent Mound repeatedly—every few years, it’s become a touchstone for us.

Living in southern Ohio, near Middletown and Hamilton, I’ve always had a personal relationship with these ancient sites. Serpent Mound, the massive effigy serpent earthwork in Adams County, is one of the most famous, but closer to home are the mounds along the Great Miami River Valley. There’s the Miamisburg Mound, one of the largest conical burial mounds in eastern North America, built by the Adena culture around 800 B.C. to A.D. 100. It’s 65 feet tall, 800 feet around, and excavations in 1869 revealed layered construction with possible stone facing and burial goods like pipes and effigies. There are even reports that they found skulls in that mound that would fit over the top of regular people, and that these finds terrified the excavators and they abandoned the site, never to return. Yet, despite its proximity—right near where I grew up—schools never took us there on field trips. We went to other places, heard stories about Native American burials and the sadness of destruction by Europeans, but nothing about these advanced earthworks.

Then there’s the area across from Joyce Park in Hamilton, where Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park now sits near Fortified Hill, an older than 2,000-year-old ceremonial earthworks site tied to the Hopewell or earlier traditions. In Allen’s 1885 book, there’s a description and illustration of a large effigy mound or structure in that vicinity—two high peaks carved or shaped, possibly reflecting ancient alignments, even to constellations like Aries, thought to be around 5,000 years old in some interpretations. The book chronicles many Ohio River Valley mounds, dedicating significant portions to the Miami and Mississippi cultures, Mexico, the Aztecs, and global prehistoric peoples. It’s an adventurous, Victorian-era take—profusely illustrated, speculative, open to wonders without the heavy filter of modern politics or funding constraints.

What strikes me most is how this 1885 book feels more honest about discoveries than much of what came later. During that era, explorers and adventurers reported findings without preconceived notions imposed by institutions. Allen’s work reflects a time when people were excited about vanished races and prehistoric worlds, including reports of mound contents that challenged emerging narratives. Many 19th-century accounts from Ohio mounds mentioned unusually large skeletons—sometimes described as 7 to 9 feet tall—unearthed during excavations. These were often speculatively linked to biblical giants or to ancient, advanced peoples. Newspapers and reports from the time sensationalized them, but they reflected genuine observations before professional archaeology standardized explanations. Mainstream archaeology today attributes these to the Adena and Hopewell cultures—sophisticated societies with wide trade networks, astronomical alignments in their earthworks, and ceremonial practices—but dismisses giant claims as misinterpretations, exaggerations, or hoaxes based on crumbling bones and poor documentation.  I have come to understand that the anti-giant conspiracy that has permeated the sciences was a secular construct intended to disprove biblical narratives, rather than to understand them, which was a critical error from that perspective.

I can’t help but feel that institutional science took a wrong turn. After the late 19th century, education and research became centralized, often prioritizing narratives that fit political or funding needs over raw observation. The mounds were attributed solely to ancestors of modern Native Americans, like the Adena (800 B.C.–A.D. 100) and Hopewell (200 B.C.–A.D. 500), who built massive geometric enclosures and burial sites with precision. These are now UNESCO-recognized, like the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, celebrated for their engineering and cultural depth. Yet, in my view, this framing sometimes ignores anomalies or alternative interpretations to maintain control over the story.

This ties into broader questions I’ve pondered for decades. What if these earthworks—Serpent Mound with its debated alignments to solstices (summer sunset at the head, possible lunar or solar cycles), Miamisburg’s layered burials, Fortified Hill’s ceremonial space—are remnants of something older, perhaps offshoots of lost civilizations? Some speculate connections to Atlantis or pre-Ice Age advanced societies, which were wiped out by the Younger Dryas catastrophe around 12,900–11,600 years ago—a sudden cold snap possibly triggered by comet impacts and freshwater floods that disrupted ocean currents, leading to megafauna extinctions and cultural disruptions. Graham Hancock and others link this to Plato’s Atlantis, a global flood-like event ending an Ice Age civilization, with survivors possibly influencing later cultures.

In Ohio, the mounds don’t fit neatly into short timelines. Serpent Mound’s age is debated—some radiocarbon dates suggest an Adena date around 300 B.C., others a Fort Ancient date around A.D. 1100, with possible repairs—but its astronomical sophistication and serpent symbolism hint at deeper roots. The book I found predates the heavy institutionalization that followed, capturing a spirit of adventure where discoveries weren’t immediately boxed into “primitive Indians” or dismissed. It dedicates half its 800 pages to American earthworks, showing alignments and complexities that modern textbooks often downplay.

My frustration stems from this: growing up here, no one talked about these sites in school. No field trips to Pyramid Hill or Miamisburg. No discussion of potential giant remains or alignments that “they shouldn’t even know about” at the time. It felt like a deliberate omission to preserve a simple narrative. Institutions, chasing grants and political correctness, built assumptions around limited data, leading to dead ends. Meanwhile, independent researchers and adventurers are bypassing them, returning to direct observation and instinct.

This book reminds me how much more open inquiry was in 1885, before the Smithsonian and universities solidified control. It shows we knew—or at least wondered—more freely then. We’ve gone downhill in some ways, prioritizing preservation of timelines over pursuit of truth. My daughter recognized that instinctually when she saved it for me. It’s a benchmark: a call to question, explore, and reject complacency in institutionalized science.

We need to return to that adventurous spirit—observe these mounds, ask who built them, why, how old they truly are, and how they connect to our story today. The earthworks along the Ohio River Valley aren’t just relics; they’re evidence of advanced understanding—astronomical, engineering, spiritual—that challenges easy answers. By reflecting on books like Allen’s, we see where assumptions went wrong and how rediscovering truth requires going beyond the official path.

Bibliography

•  Allen, E. A. The Prehistoric World: Or, Vanished Races. Central Publishing House, 1885. (Available via Project Gutenberg and archives.)

•  Ohio History Connection. “Miamisburg Mound.” ohiohistory.org.

•  Ohio History Connection. “Serpent Mound.” ohiohistory.org.

•  Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks. hopewellearthworks.org.

•  UNESCO. “Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks.” whc.unesco.org.

•  Romain, William F. Various studies on Ohio earthworks astronomy.

•  Hancock, Graham. America Before: The Key to Earth’s Lost Civilization. St. Martin’s Press, 2019. (For Younger Dryas and catastrophe discussions.)

•  Various 19th-century newspaper reports on mound discoveries (e.g., via historical archives).

Footnotes

1.  Radiocarbon dating debates on Serpent Mound: See Monaghan and Hermann (2019) reconciliation of dates.

2.  Giant skeleton reports: Often debunked as mismeasurements (e.g., Columbus Dispatch, 2019), but reflect period observations.

3.  Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis: Firestone et al. (2007) and subsequent studies.

4.  Adena/Hopewell mainstream views: National Park Service, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.

Rich Hoffman

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The NFL’s Miscalculated Globalist Push: The Bad Bunny Halftime Show and the Perils of Prioritizing Foreign Markets Over Domestic Loyalty

The NFL’s Miscalculated Globalist Push: The Bad Bunny Halftime Show and the Perils of Prioritizing Foreign Markets Over Domestic Loyalty serves as a stark warning about the dangers of corporate strategies that chase international appeal at the expense of core domestic audiences. In the wake of Super Bowl LX (played February 8, 2026, concluding the 2025 NFL season), the decision to feature Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the halftime headliner ignited widespread discussion. While the performance celebrated Puerto Rican heritage through vibrant choreography, family-themed elements (including a live on-stage wedding), and Spanish-language hits, it coincided with a measurable dip in traditional U.S. viewership during the slot—highlighting tensions between global expansion ambitions and the league’s foundational American fanbase.

Official Nielsen data confirms the Super Bowl averaged 124.9 million viewers across NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, NBC Sports Digital, and NFL+ platforms—a solid but slightly declining figure from the prior year’s record of 127.7 million. The game’s peak reached an all-time high of 137.8 million in the second quarter (7:45–8:00 p.m. ET). However, Bad Bunny’s halftime show (8:15–8:30 p.m. ET) averaged 128.2 million viewers, ranking it fourth all-time behind Kendrick Lamar (133.5 million in 2025), Michael Jackson (133.4 million in 1993), and Usher (129.3 million in 2024). Quarter-hour breakdowns reveal the issue: viewership fell approximately 7% from the game’s peak (to around 128.2 million from 137.9 million in the prior high quarter), with a 5.7% drop from the immediate pre-halftime segment. This translated to an estimated loss of 9–10 million viewers in some windows compared to game highs, particularly among non-Latino English-speaking audiences, as Telemundo’s share surged during the set.

The performance’s entirely Spanish-language format boosted international and Hispanic viewership—Telemundo hit record levels, and social media clips amassed over 4 billion views in 24 hours (with more than 55% from overseas markets, per NFL and Ripple Analytics). Yet domestically, the shift prompted channel changes, as evidenced by the drop-off. Critics argued this reflected Roger Goodell’s broader strategy: using the halftime platform as cultural promotion for Latin American growth, akin to a televised showcase for Puerto Rican vibrancy, family structures, and resilience amid issues like power outages.

In direct response, Turning Point USA (TPUSA) mounted the All-American Halftime Show, featuring patriotic performances by Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, Gabby Barrett, and others. Streamed on YouTube, Rumble, and allied platforms, it peaked at around 6.1 million concurrent viewers during overlap (with live estimates of 5–6.4 million across carriers). Post-event, the YouTube upload surpassed 21 million total views (some reports cited 19–25 million including Rumble). While dwarfed by the official show’s scale, it symbolized a bold conservative counter-narrative, drawing those alienated by perceived progressive undertones (e.g., immigration-related themes some interpreted in Bad Bunny’s presentation). TPUSA’s event amplified Charlie Kirk’s reach and positioned the group as a cultural alternative at a moment of peak visibility.

The real stakes lie in advertising revenue, where the Super Bowl’s value hinges on sustained high engagement. Thirty-second spots fetched $7–10 million in 2026, with advertisers expecting minimal churn during premium slots like halftime. The documented 7% drop during Bad Bunny’s set likely reduced effective impressions for those ads, potentially leading to under-delivery on promised audiences. Networks and the NFL may have faced pressure to justify rates amid the dip, even as overall game averages remained strong. The league’s bet on Bad Bunny—Spotify’s most-streamed artist in 2025—prioritized Latin market penetration over retaining every domestic viewer, but the cost showed in softer traditional metrics.

This mirrors the NFL’s aggressive international expansion. The league announced a record nine international games for 2026 across four continents, seven countries, and eight cities—including returns to Mexico City (at Estadio Banorte, with the San Francisco 49ers as a designated home team for a multiyear run), plus debuts or returns in Paris, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, Melbourne, Munich, and London. Mexico and Brazil rank among the NFL’s largest overseas fanbases (tens of millions each), and Goodell has openly discussed future possibilities like dedicated international teams or further Latin ties, including deeper Puerto Rico involvement. Bad Bunny’s show aligned perfectly as soft-power outreach, highlighting cultural affinity to build loyalty in these markets.

Yet American football’s appeal—strategic individualism, decisive big plays—contrasts sharply with soccer’s more fluid, defense-heavy style, which some parallel to collectivist systems. Exporting the product risks dilution when overly customized for foreign preferences, potentially alienating the tailgating, weather-defying U.S. core that sustains the league financially.

Hollywood’s trajectory offers the clearest cautionary parallel. In the 2000s–2010s, studios chased China’s exploding box office, often prioritizing global totals in announcements and altering content to appease censors (e.g., removing sensitive themes). Blockbusters drew $100–200 million+ from China, sometimes rivaling or exceeding domestic hauls, offsetting ballooning U.S. union production costs. But over-reliance eroded trust: audiences sensed “watered-down” American essence, “woke” shifts alienated segments, and China’s domestic films surged to dominate 80–90% of its market. Hollywood’s U.S. theatrical revenue declined, theaters closed, streaming fragmented the model, and independents (e.g., Angel Studios) rose to fill voids. The pivot neglected the domestic foundation that once made global appeal possible.

The NFL treads similar ground. By assuming domestic loyalty while expanding abroad, it risks betraying advertisers targeting that base. Progressive framing in the show—perceived accommodations to immigration debates—further polarized, turning off viewers and dollars. Sustainable growth strengthens the home market first; overextension without it invites erosion.

Weeks after the event, data confirms the patterns: strong but not record-breaking U.S. numbers, explosive international/social metrics, yet a clear domestic halftime dip. Future Super Bowls could see trend lines worsen if bad choices persist. The league must recalibrate—honor the American essence that built its empire—or face permanent damage akin to Hollywood’s decline.  While I watched both shows to see how the stories would unfold, and Bad Bunny stayed on good behavior during the halftime show, the damage was done before the show ever started.  It was a bad decision to have Bad Bunny sell family values when advertisers bought viewer appeal, not a progressive rebellion.  And picking Bad Bunny with all the baggage was a letdown to the advertisers, and it will hurt the NFL product going into next year.  The betting problem of rigged games is already having an impact.  And this whole problem certainly didn’t help. 

Footnotes

1.  Nielsen, “Super Bowl LX Delivers 125.6 Million Viewers,” February 10, 2026. (Official averages and halftime figures.)

2.  ESPN, “Super Bowl LX, Bad Bunny’s halftime fall shy of ratings records,” February 10, 2026. (Peak and ranking details.)

3.  Front Office Sports, “Bad Bunny Halftime Viewership Fell 7% From Super Bowl Peak,” February 11, 2026. (Quarter-hour drop analysis.)

4.  The Athletic / New York Times, “Super Bowl LX draws 124.9 million viewers, Bad Bunny 128.2 million,” February 11, 2026. (Comparative declines.)

5.  Fox News / various outlets, coverage of TPUSA All-American Halftime Show (e.g., peaks at 6.1 million concurrent, 21+ million total views on YouTube).

6.  NFL.com announcements on 2026 international schedule (nine games, Mexico City return, etc.).

7.  Reuters / The Guardian, reports on Hollywood’s China market shift and subsequent domestic erosion (contextual parallels from industry analyses).

8.  Launchmetrics / Forbes, media impact value tied to Bad Bunny’s performance (e.g., $942M+ MIV for the event, heavy international skew).

Bibliography / Further Reading

•  Nielsen Big Data + Panel reports (February 2026).

•  ESPN, The Athletic, Front Office Sports, and Variety articles on ratings (February 10–13, 2026).

•  NFL.com international games announcements (February 2026).

•  Historical Hollywood analyses (e.g., Reuters, The Economist on China box office dynamics).

•  TPUSA and YouTube metrics for All-American Halftime Show.

Rich Hoffman

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The Hidden Library of Ecuador: Another block falling away from Disclosure

The narrative surrounding Erich von Däniken’s The Gold of the Gods (1973) exemplifies how speculative literature can propel real-world exploration, blending pseudoscience with genuine adventure and leaving enduring questions about hidden histories. Von Däniken’s book amplified claims originating from Juan Moricz, who described discovering artificial tunnels, gold artifacts, peculiar sculptures, and a “metallic library” of inscribed plates—potentially chronicling ancient knowledge or extraterrestrial intervention—within Ecuador’s Cueva de los Tayos, a sprawling natural cave system in the Morona-Santiago province amid the eastern Andean foothills. These assertions tied into von Däniken’s broader ancient astronaut hypothesis, suggesting advanced civilizations received extraterrestrial aid, and the book’s bestseller status amplified global fascination with the Amazon’s subterranean mysteries.

The claims directly catalyzed the most ambitious investigation of the site: the 1976 Anglo-Ecuadorian expedition, orchestrated by Scottish civil engineer and explorer Stan Hall. Inspired by von Däniken’s account, Hall secured backing from the governments of Ecuador and the United Kingdom, assembling a formidable team of more than 100 members. This included speleologists, archaeologists, geologists, biologists, film crews, and logistical support from British and Ecuadorian military forces—joint special forces handled security, helicopter transport, and clearing landing zones in dense jungle terrain. The operation, one of the largest and costliest cave explorations ever mounted, transported 45 tons of equipment and provisions into remote wilderness. At its helm as Honorary President stood Neil Armstrong, the first human to walk on the Moon in 1969 during Apollo 11. Armstrong, who had retired from NASA but retained an insatiable curiosity for uncharted frontiers, accepted Hall’s invitation—partly due to shared Scottish ancestral ties (Hall hailed from Dollar, near Armstrong’s family roots in Clackmannanshire). Armstrong’s participation lent unparalleled credibility, drawing media attention and underscoring the expedition’s serious intent beyond mere sensationalism.

The mission unfolded amid challenging conditions: participants descended via vine ladders or ropes through vertiginous entrances, including a primary 213-foot (65-meter) vertical shaft leading to vast chambers—one measuring 295 by 787 feet—and passages extending at least 4-5 km (with more potentially unmapped). The team employed rigorous scientific protocols, mapping the karstic limestone-sandstone system, documenting unique ecology (such as colonies of oilbirds, whose eerie screams echoed through the darkness, alongside newly identified species of bats, butterflies, and beetles), and recovering archaeological evidence. Artifacts and human remains dated to approximately 3500 BCE confirmed ancient indigenous use, likely for rituals or shelter, while natural formations like the symmetrical “Moricz Portal” briefly mimicked artificial construction before geological analysis affirmed their natural origins.

Despite exhaustive searches—no metallic library, gold mounds, inscribed plates, or extraterrestrial artifacts emerged—the expedition yielded substantial value. It advanced speleological knowledge, cataloged biodiversity, and highlighted human historical engagement with the cave. Armstrong, ever the reserved engineer, participated actively in descents and surveys, reportedly expressing profound satisfaction with the endeavor. Accounts from expedition members and later reflections suggest he viewed the underground journey as comparable in exploratory thrill to his lunar experience—entering unknown territories, confronting isolation, and learning anew. One reported remark framed both as profound encounters with the uncharted: ascending to the Moon and descending into Earth’s depths represented complementary frontiers of human inquiry. Though Armstrong remained characteristically private, avoiding extensive public commentary, his involvement spoke to a lifelong pursuit of discovery beyond fame.

Armstrong’s post-Apollo life reflected this exploratory ethos, often intersecting with mysteries and anomalies that fueled speculation. While mainstream records show no verified extraterrestrial encounters during Apollo 11—claims of UFOs trailing the spacecraft or structures on the lunar surface stem from hoaxes (e.g., those propagated by science fiction writer Otto Binder) or misinterpretations (jettisoned panels matching the craft’s velocity)—persistent rumors have linked his reticence to unspoken observations. Some narratives suggest the lunar mission’s isolation, the stark desolation of the regolith, or fleeting visual phenomena (like transient flashes reported by astronauts across missions) left lasting impressions. Armstrong’s reclusive retirement—avoiding interviews, shunning celebrity, and focusing on teaching aeronautics—has been interpreted by some as evidence of deeper reflections on cosmic unknowns, though he consistently emphasized scientific rigor over speculation.

His Tayos participation fits this pattern: drawn to a site steeped in legend, he approached it methodically, prioritizing evidence over myth. The expedition’s “failure” to locate von Däniken’s treasures did not diminish its legacy; instead, it exemplified how adventurous inquiry, even when debunking exaggeration, advances knowledge. The Shuar people, traditional stewards of the region with historical warrior practices including headhunting and tsantsa creation, likely influenced outcomes—guiding teams to accessible areas while protecting sacred or sensitive zones, contributing to incomplete searches amid cultural secrecy and remote dangers (jungle hazards, cartel-adjacent violence in parts of the Amazon).

Contemporary tools like LiDAR continue to validate the potential for hidden layers in such landscapes. Recent surveys in Ecuador’s Upano Valley revealed extensive pre-Columbian networks—platforms, roads, and settlements dating to 500 BCE—buried beneath the canopy, reshaping views of Amazonian complexity. Parallel discoveries in Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil uncover engineered features that align with indigenous lore, suggesting that legends like Tayos may encode real, undiscovered elements. Adjacent caves or modifications near Tayos could await detection, as LiDAR penetrates vegetation and soil anomalies.

Later explorations, including Josh Gates’ 2018 Expedition Unknown revisit with Shuar collaboration, employed drones and scanning to expand mapped areas, uncovering more tools and ceramics, but no library. Ongoing efforts propose UNESCO recognition of the Tayos as a natural and cultural geosite.

Von Däniken’s work, though critiqued for embellishment, ignited healthy debate and mobilization. It parallels transformative finds like the Dead Sea Scrolls, which authenticated ancient texts yet revealed only fragments of broader histories. The Amazon’s emerging record—vast subterranean and surface engineering—hints at greater mysteries, accessible through funded, technology-driven research.

In an era of accelerating disclosure through remote sensing and interdisciplinary collaboration, such stories highlight the interplay between speculation and science. Questioning narratives, when grounded in boots-on-the-ground verification, propels understanding of shared planetary history—preparing humanity for future frontiers, from Earth’s depths to space.  But with all that said, I think the library is still out there, not unlike what von Däniken proposed in his original text.  There is a lot hidden, sometimes in plain sight.  And when you have headhunters as your guides, I don’t think enough people questioned their methods of direction.  And that they well know of other caves in the area still hidden, and under their protection. And that with just a little bit of looking, we’ll find it.  And a whole lot more.

Bibliography / Further Reading

•  von Däniken, Erich. The Gold of the Gods. Putnam, 1973.

•  Hall, Stan. Tayos Gold: The Archives of Atlantis. The Athol Press, 2006.

•  Rostain, Stéphen et al. “2000 years of garden urbanism in the upper Amazon.” Science, vol. 383, no. 6679, 2024.

•  Wikipedia contributors. “Cueva de los Tayos.” Wikipedia.

•  Tayos.org (expedition archives).

•  Expedition Unknown, “Hunt for the Metal Library” (2018).

•  Toulkeridis, Theofilos. Geological studies on Tayos karst.

•  Atlas Obscura, “Cueva de los Tayos.”

•  Outside Online, “A Journey Inside the World’s Most Mysterious Cave” (2020).

•  Ancient Origins, Tayos expedition coverage.

Footnotes

1.  Von Däniken, The Gold of the Gods; Wikipedia, “Cueva de los Tayos.”

2.  Jason Colavito analyses: archaeological consensus.

3.  Tayos.org; BBC Mundo on Armstrong.

4.  Hall, Tayos Gold; Outside Online.

5.  Atlas Obscura; Ecuador Eco Adventure on Shuar.

6.  Expedition Unknown summaries.

7.  ResearchGate geosite proposals.

8.  Science 2024; BBC/Guardian Upano coverage.

9.  Smithsonian, Nature on Amazon LiDAR.

10.  Historical parallels; disclosure themes in exploration literature.

Rich Hoffman

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Cheering on Artemis II: One step closer to a vacation on the Moon

The excitement around Artemis II is palpable right now, especially with the wet dress rehearsal wrapping up and teams pushing toward a launch no earlier than March 2026—potentially as soon as March 6 if everything aligns after addressing that liquid hydrogen leak from testing. I’m right there with you: the anticipation for NASA getting back into deep space with humans on board feels like a long-overdue pivot. This mission—four astronauts (Reid Wiseman commanding, Victor Glover piloting, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen as specialists) circling the Moon in Orion atop the SLS rocket for about 10 days—tests the critical human-rated systems: life support in the capsule for extended durations, navigation, comms, and most crucially, the heat shield enduring reentry from lunar-return speeds around 25,000 mph. It’s not just a flyby; it’s proof that we can keep people alive and safe in that environment before pushing to landings on Artemis III.

The heat shield debate is valid and worth unpacking because risk is inherent in every frontier push, but NASA isn’t ignoring it. After Artemis I in 2022—the uncrewed test where Orion splashed down successfully in the Pacific—post-flight inspections revealed unexpected char loss: more than 100 spots where the ablative Avcoat material flaked or cracked unevenly. Gases built up inside the material during ablation (controlled burning to dissipate heat) couldn’t vent properly due to insufficient permeability, leading to pressure buildup and shedding. It wasn’t catastrophic—the shield held, the capsule survived—but it was anomalous compared to models. NASA conducted extensive testing (over 100 runs across facilities), identified the root cause, and, for Artemis II, will retain the current heat shield design while modifying the reentry trajectory: shortening the skip phase and targeting a splashdown closer to the West Coast to reduce time in the problematic thermal regime. This provides additional margin, and engineers (including those from Lockheed Martin and independent reviewers) have assessed it as safe enough for crew use. For Artemis III and beyond, they’re already shifting to an upgraded 3DMAT-reinforced design to eliminate the issue. Yes, there’s debate—some former astronauts and critics argue for more unmanned tests or redesigns to avoid any Columbia-like risks—but the agency’s stance is clear: the data supports flying as planned, with the tweaks providing adequate protection.

I have a frustration with NASA’s slower pace that historically resonates deeply. The agency has been bogged down by bureaucracy, shifting priorities, and what felt like deliberate underfunding or redirection. Take the 2010 remarks from then-administrator Charles Bolden, who said President Obama tasked him with (among other things) reaching out to Muslim nations to highlight their historic contributions to science, math, and engineering. The White House quickly clarified that it wasn’t NASA’s core mission, but the comment fueled perceptions that focus had drifted from bold exploration toward softer diplomatic goals—especially as the shuttle program ended in 2011, leaving the U.S. reliant on Russian Soyuz rides to the ISS until SpaceX’s Crew Dragon stepped in. That gap period was humiliating and stalled momentum. Obama-era policies initially emphasized commercial partnerships and Mars over Moon returns, which some saw as regressive compared to Apollo’s drive. Now, with Artemis ramping up under bipartisan support and private-sector acceleration, it feels like catching up after lost decades.

On the conspiracy side—the occult roots, Moon landing hoaxes, pre-existing lunar occupants—I get why those ideas circulate. Jack Parsons, a brilliant but wild figure who co-founded JPL (the lab that became central to NASA’s rocketry), was deeply involved in Thelema, sex magick rituals with Aleister Crowley, and even worked with L. Ron Hubbard before Scientology. He recited Crowley’s “Hymn to Pan” during tests for luck, and there’s a small far-side crater named Parsons in his honor. It’s wild to think the guy who helped pioneer solid-fuel rocketry and GALCIT (precursor to JPL) lived that double life—scientist by day, occultist by night. But does that invalidate the engineering? No more than it erases the Moon landings. Apollo artifacts are there: retroreflectors still bounce lasers from Earth, orbital imagery from LRO shows descent stages and rover tracks, and recent commercial missions like Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 (landed March 2, 2025, in Mare Crisium, operated 14+ days on surface) have imaged or approached legacy sites. Firefly’s success—its first fully commercial soft landing—proves that hardware works and legacy systems persist.  So when people say to me, “how do you know we ever went to the moon,” I reply, “because I know people who have gone there.  I talk to people at Firefly and I know what they have been doing in this sandbox.

Astronaut accounts of UFOs or anomalies during missions add intrigue—many from the Apollo era described lights or objects—but claims of full “already occupied” status remain anecdotal. Disclosure feels closer than ever: congressional hearings, declassified reports, whistleblowers. Steven Spielberg’s upcoming film Disclosure Day (set for June 12, 2026, starring Emily Blunt, screenplay by David Koepp) isn’t random timing. Spielberg’s track record with Close Encounters and E.T. makes him well-suited to framing first contact or revelation in a way that eases public processing—humanizing the unknown rather than frightening. With Trump back in office, emphasizing space dominance (Moon bases, countering China’s lunar ambitions), private enterprise exploding (SpaceX’s rapid iteration, Starship tests), and NASA-SpaceX partnerships closing gaps, we’re on a trajectory where economies shift to space resources: helium-3 mining, orbital manufacturing, asteroid harvesting. China’s pushing hard—Chang’e missions, planned South Pole base—so the urgency is real. We need lunar footholds before they lock in advantages.

I have a vision of lunar hotels in 5–10 years that isn’t a fantasy. Once Artemis III lands (target mid-2027), a sustained presence follows: habitats, ISRU for oxygen/fuel, and commercial cargo. Vacation spots? Blue Origin and SpaceX tourism precursors point that way. I love seeing things from high places—seeing Earth from a lunar vantage point, pulling back to see the big picture —changes everything. It dissolves petty divisions, reveals connections (why Mars dominated ancient myths—war god, red wanderer, perhaps more). Getting there solves mysteries: archaeology on Mars, potential ruins or artifacts, and life forms in the solar system that are shaking assumptions about humanity’s origins.

NASA’s molasses pace stemmed from regulatory burdens, safety paranoia following the shuttle losses, and political waves (shuttle retirement, Constellation cancellation). SpaceX’s agility—rapid prototyping, failing fast, iterating—forced the shift. Without them, we’d still hitch rides. Now, Artemis II proves crew viability, Artemis III lands, and the space economy dictates futures. I’m rooting hard for that launch: live streams, HD video, four humans looping the Moon safely. It’s the step toward a lunar getaway, to perspective from the high ground. Humanity expands when we break barriers—and I really want to take a vacation on the moon in a few years.  And beyond. 

Footnotes

1.  NASA’s Artemis II mission targets no earlier than March 2026, with potential dates starting March 6 after a hydrogen leak delayed February windows. Wet dress rehearsal data review ongoing as of February 2026.

2.  Artemis I (2022) heat shield analysis: Avcoat ablation caused gas buildup and char loss in >100 spots due to permeability issues; root cause identified via extensive testing.

3.  For Artemis II, NASA modifies reentry trajectory to reduce thermal stress, providing margin; heat shield deemed safe for crew by agency and Lockheed Martin.

4.  Charles Bolden’s 2010 Al Jazeera interview: Obama tasked outreach to Muslim nations on historic science contributions; White House clarified it wasn’t NASA’s primary duty.

5.  Jack Parsons: JPL co-founder, occult practitioner with Crowley/Hubbard ties; Parsons crater on Moon’s far side named after him.

6.  Firefly Aerospace Blue Ghost Mission 1: Launched January 15, 2025; successful soft landing March 2, 2025, in Mare Crisium; operated 14+ days surface, longest commercial lunar ops.

7.  Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day: UFO-themed sci-fi film, released June 12, 2026, distributed by Universal Pictures.

8.  Artemis program updates: Heat shield findings from the 2024 NASA release; trajectory changes for Artemis II to mitigate risks.

Bibliography

•  NASA. “Artemis II: NASA’s First Crewed Lunar Flyby in 50 Years.” nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii (accessed February 2026).

•  NASA. “NASA Identifies Cause of Artemis I Orion Heat Shield Char Loss.” December 6, 2024.

•  Space.com. “The Artemis 1 moon mission had a heat shield issue. Here’s why NASA doesn’t think it will happen again on Artemis 2.” February 2026.

•  Wikipedia. “Space policy of the Obama administration.” en.wikipedia.org (accessed February 2026).

•  Space.com. “Muslim Outreach Isn’t NASA Chief’s Duty, White House Says.” July 14, 2010.

•  Science History Institute. “The Sex-Cult ‘Antichrist’ Who Rocketed Us to Space: Part 1.” March 12, 2024.

•  Firefly Aerospace. “Blue Ghost Mission 1.” fireflyspace.com (accessed February 2026).

•  IMDb. “Disclosure Day (2026).” imdb.com/title/tt15047880 (accessed February 2026).

•  Wikipedia. “Disclosure Day.” en.wikipedia.org (accessed February 2026).

Rich Hoffman

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The Wounded Deer Strategy: When banks seek to destroy business for politically strategic reasons

The practice of financial institutions abruptly severing relationships with clients—often termed “debanking”—has emerged as a serious threat to American businesses, particularly those in politically sensitive sectors like defense contracting. This phenomenon is not merely a business decision; it can resemble a calculated impairment strategy, where a bank or lender deliberately wounds a company financially, leaving it vulnerable to acquisition or collapse by opportunistic players, such as private equity firms. I refer to this as the “wounded deer strategy,” drawing from a vivid analogy: imagine a majestic buck, seasoned and resilient, evading hunters for years. One day, lured by trusted advice toward greener pastures across a road, it is struck by a vehicle, breaking its legs and leaving it helpless on the roadside. The driver speeds away, and soon a truck full of opportunists arrives, claiming the easy prize as a trophy without the risk or skill of a true hunt.

In the business world, the “trusted advisor” is often the bank that has provided liquidity and guidance for years. When ideological or political divergences arise—perhaps a lender’s leadership shifts toward progressive priorities incompatible with supporting defense suppliers under a particular administration—the institution can withdraw credit lines, demand accelerated repayments, or impose punitive terms. The company, suddenly cash-strapped and unable to meet obligations, becomes the wounded deer: limping, exposed, and prime for plunder by private equity firms eager to acquire distressed assets at fire-sale prices.

This is not hypothetical. Reports have highlighted cases where companies face account closures or service denials seemingly tied to political affiliations or industries disfavored by regulators or bank leadership. For instance, defense contractors and suppliers aligned with certain administrations have encountered scrutiny, with some executives and observers pointing to “politicized debanking” as a tactic to undermine supply chains indirectly. While direct evidence of widespread ideological targeting in defense remains anecdotal in public discourse, the broader pattern of debanking—often justified under vague “reputational risk” guidelines—has affected industries from cryptocurrency to politically active individuals and businesses. In one high-profile context, executive actions have sought to curb such practices by requiring risk-based, individualized assessments rather than blanket political exclusions.

The vulnerability stems from the absence of strong guardrails. Banks hold immense power over liquidity, and without legislative protections, they can exit relationships with minimal recourse for the client. A clean “divorce”—mutual termination of lending without malice or destruction—should be possible, but too often, the exit inflicts maximum damage: frozen accounts, called loans, or reputational smears that cascade into further isolation. This leaves companies unable to pivot to new lenders quickly, especially in capital-intensive fields like aerospace or defense, where contracts demand stability.

Compounding this is the explosive growth of private equity, which thrives on distressed opportunities. Private equity firms manage trillions in assets; global private equity deal value rebounded sharply in recent years, reaching $2.6 trillion in 2025, with buyouts alone nearing $1.8 trillion. Assets under management in the sector have ballooned, with estimates placing private equity-held companies at record levels and dry powder (uninvested capital) fueling aggressive acquisitions. Firms often use leveraged buyouts—acquiring targets with borrowed money loaded onto the acquired company itself—leading to high failure rates: roughly one in five large leveraged buyouts results in bankruptcy within a decade.

Brendan Ballou’s book Plunder: Private Equity’s Plan to Pillage America (2023) provides a stark examination of this dynamic. Ballou, a former federal prosecutor and special counsel for private equity at the Justice Department, details how firms acquire businesses—often retailers, medical practices, nursing homes, or other essential services—using minimal equity while saddling them with debt. Profits are extracted through fee structures, cost-cutting (including job reductions), price hikes, and quality reductions, shifting resources from productive enterprise to financial engineering. The result: higher costs for consumers, lost jobs, and weakened companies. Reviews describe the book as “infuriating” and “essential,” highlighting how private equity has reshaped the economy by prioritizing extraction over long-term value creation.

A parallel Ohio example illustrates how regulatory pressure can wound companies, creating openings for corruption and plunder. FirstEnergy, facing challenges from Obama-era policies promoting renewables over traditional nuclear and coal, sought bailouts amid financial strain. This culminated in the House Bill 6 scandal—the largest corruption case in Ohio history—involving $60 million in bribes funneled through dark money groups to secure legislation subsidizing failing nuclear plants. FirstEnergy admitted involvement, paying $230 million in penalties, while executives and politicians faced charges. The scandal exposed how wounded utilities, pressured by federal regulations, turned to political influence rather than market adaptation—ultimately harming ratepayers and eroding trust.

Private equity’s role in housing offers another cautionary tale. Firms like Blackstone (often confused with BlackRock) pioneered large-scale single-family home purchases post-2008 crisis, converting them to rentals. While institutional ownership remains a small fraction nationally, concentrated in certain markets, it has driven up prices and rents in hotspots by outbidding families with cash offers and low borrowing costs. Tenants face added fees, and communities lose owner-occupied stability. This mirrors the “plunder” pattern: acquire undervalued or distressed assets, extract value, and leave diminished foundations.

These examples underscore a systemic issue: without regulatory constraints, financial institutions can act as activists against disfavored sectors or politics. Large international banks, with global priorities over domestic patriotism, pose particular risks. They fund diverse causes, yet behind the scenes may undercut supply chains supporting certain administrations—eroding American infrastructure indirectly. Fiduciary responsibility demands impartiality, but temptations arise when no guardrails exist. Ethics alone fails; self-discipline yields to pettiness or ideology.

Ohio can lead by enacting legislation to protect businesses. Proposals could include:

•  Mandating civil, non-destructive terminations of financial relationships, with notice periods and transition assistance.

•  Prohibiting impairment tactics driven by political or ideological motives, with penalties for violations.

•  Strengthening fiduciary standards to prevent malicious wounding.

•  Requiring transparency in debanking decisions, allowing appeals or independent reviews.

Such measures would encourage local and regional banks—more rooted in community values—over distant giants. Entrepreneurs deserve protection to innovate without fear of becoming roadkill for ideological or opportunistic predators.

The stakes are high. A thriving economy relies on confident investment and job creation. When private equity controls trillions, often through plunder rather than creation, and banks enable impairment without consequence, the foundation weakens. Ohio, with its manufacturing and defense ties, must act to install guardrails before irreversible damage. Reading Plunder and examining cases like FirstEnergy provides the intellectual foundation; legislative action provides the solution.

Bibliography

•  Ballou, Brendan. Plunder: Private Equity’s Plan to Pillage America. PublicAffairs, 2023.

•  Morgenson, Gretchen, and Joshua Rosner. These Are the Plunderers: How Private Equity Runs—and Wrecks—America. Simon & Schuster, 2023.

•  McKinsey & Company. “Global Private Markets Report 2026.” McKinsey, 2026.

•  Preqin and iCapital. “Alternatives Decoded,” with data to February 2026.

•  U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission filings on FirstEnergy/Ohio nuclear bribery scandal (various, 2020–2025).

•  Ohio Public Utilities Commission decisions on FirstEnergy penalties (2025).

•  Various reports on debanking, including executive orders and congressional investigations (2025–2026).

•  PitchBook and KPMG analyses of private equity trends (2025–2026).

Footnotes

¹ Ballou, Plunder, on leveraged buyout bankruptcy rates.

² McKinsey Global Private Markets Report 2026, deal value statistics.

³ Preqin/iCapital data on private equity AUM growth to $7 trillion by end-2025.

⁴ Wikipedia and AP News summaries of Ohio nuclear bribery scandal involving FirstEnergy and HB 6.

⁵ Reports on institutional single-family rental ownership (e.g., Blackstone/Invitation Homes strategies).

Rich Hoffman

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Why Executive Leadership is the Key to a Successful Society: And why it is so incredibly rare

True executive leadership is not something taught in classrooms through textbooks or lectures on management theory. It is forged in the crucible of real-world challenges, where fear, uncertainty, and the need for decisive action collide. I learned this early, during an unusually formative childhood that exposed me to high-stakes environments far beyond typical teenage experiences. As a young teen, I participated in the High Adventure Explorer Post, a program that graduated from Boy Scouts and emphasized rigorous outdoor challenges. This led to my involvement in Project COPE—Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience—a Scouting initiative designed to build confidence, trust, leadership, and teamwork through group games, trust falls, low-course elements, and high-course obstacles such as climbing walls, rope swings, and balance challenges.

In one memorable weekend seminar, around age 13 or 14, about 20 strangers were thrown together to solve impossible-seeming problems. We had to transport everyone across a field using only a few 2×4 boards, balancing on pegs where touching the ground meant starting over. We climbed a 20-foot wall without ropes, stacking bodies to create human ladders, pivoting people into position, and hauling others up from vantage points. The trust fall was particularly vivid: standing on a 6-foot stump, falling backward unthinkingly, relying on the group below to catch you. These weren’t games; they demanded communication under pressure, overcoming personal fears, setting aside differences, and articulating a clear plan that everyone could execute. Success required a narrative—a story that unified the group around a shared vision. Failures taught the team what not to do: hesitation, poor coordination, and ego-driven decisions doomed the team. Those who emerged as natural leaders could rally perfect strangers, build trust quickly, and guide them through duress to victory.

This experience wasn’t isolated. I rose to become vice president of the Dan Beard Council, a significant Boy Scouts organization in the Cincinnati area, under somewhat controversial circumstances that provided invaluable lessons in organizational dynamics and influence. At 14, I was invited to speak at GE’s Evendale facility—a massive engine manufacturing site—where I delivered a pitch on leadership drawn from these adventures. Standing before seasoned professionals as a kid, articulating principles of vision, trust, and collective action, cemented my path. It wasn’t credentials that carried the day; it was the ability to communicate a compelling story and inspire follow-through.

These early trials shaped my understanding of executive leadership, a skill rare even among those who hold C-suite titles. Many executives excel at spreadsheets, regulations, data analysis, and compliance—tasks that engineers and administrators handle well. But leadership transcends that. It is the art of creating a vision that others buy into, communicating it clearly enough that diverse groups align, and leading from the front to pull everyone through obstacles they couldn’t surmount alone. True leaders don’t micromanage every detail; they don’t need to know how to code the software, assemble the product, or balance every ledger line. They orchestrate the team, provide the overarching narrative, and empower others to execute. Think of a kitchen: the chef doesn’t wash dishes or make noodles from scratch, but ensures the entire operation runs smoothly so spaghetti arrives hot and customers return. Leadership is that orchestration under fire.

This truth stands in stark contrast to prevailing misconceptions. Schools rarely teach it properly; corporate retreats often superficially mimic it with trust falls and ropes courses, checking boxes without the depth of real hardship. Many in leadership positions mimic “mob rule”—placating safety concerns, enforcing endless administrative loops, or prioritizing equality over merit. They hide behind regulations, consensus-building, and democratic processes that dilute accountability. The result? Stagnation. When organizations are mired in bureaucracy, innovation slows, and potential leaders get sidelined.

Consider recent local examples in West Chester Township, Butler County, Ohio, where I’ve lived most of my 58 years. It’s a prosperous, conservative community built on business-friendly policies and strong leadership. Yet newcomers like Amanda Ortiz, who relocated here in 2016 with her husband and now serves as a trustee (elected in 2025), bring perspectives shaped by different environments. As a veterinarian focused on animal welfare, she campaigns on “people over business,” critiquing development and emphasizing resident input over economic growth. While well-intentioned, this risks importing anti-business sentiments—such as higher taxes on enterprises and wealth-redistribution rhetoric—that clash with what has made the area thrive. It’s the same mindset seen in broader progressive movements: viewing successful CEOs as “greedy” and advocating for shared wealth without acknowledging the rare skill of value creation.

This echoes larger ideological battles. Socialism and communism promise equality through state control or democratic redistribution, suppressing individual leadership. They assume administrators can orchestrate prosperity through rules alone, without the visionary drive of a single, accountable leader. History shows otherwise: state-run economies falter because they penalize autonomy, stifle innovation, and equalize performance at mediocrity. No one climbs the wall if everyone’s voice is equal and no one leads decisively. Remote work trends exacerbate this—employees scattered, communication fractured, approval loops endless. You can’t build trust or rally a team when half are at home; the COPE lessons prove that interaction under pressure forges bonds that Zoom can’t.

Contrast that with proven leaders like Jack Welch at GE (who transformed it into a powerhouse through bold vision), Steve Jobs (who articulated Apple’s future and pulled teams to it), or Elon Musk (who leads from the front on audacious goals). They don’t consult committees for every decision; they communicate big concepts, inspire buy-in, and drive execution. Donald Trump exemplifies this politically—articulating massive ideas that mobilize millions without micromanaging details. He leads the metaphorical train, helping people over walls they couldn’t scale alone.

America’s success—its unmatched GDP, entrepreneurial spirit, and job creation—stems from empowering such leaders. Capitalism rewards those who develop the rare skill of pulling others forward through narrative, trust, and action. Boy Scouts programs like COPE and Explorer Posts cultivate this through sweat, cold nights, cut fingers, and mud—trials that separate natural leaders from followers. Most participants become capable followers, which is fine; society needs both. But the few who rise, who can get strangers over obstacles and keep harmony afterward, become CEOs, founders, and visionaries who employ millions.

The fantasy that mobs or committees can replace this ignores reality. Numbers don’t vote on facts; gravity doesn’t bend to consensus. Leadership isn’t democratic—it’s directional. Empower leaders with autonomy, and organizations soar. Suppress them with equality mandates or administrative burdens, and decline follows. This is why communist models fail: they suppress leadership, fearing individual excellence threatens the collective illusion.

In my book, The Gunfighter’s Guide to Business: A Skeleton Key to Western Civilization, I explore these themes deeply—strategy drawn from hardship, the primacy of vision over bureaucracy, and how true leadership saves companies, communities, and civilizations. It’s not theory; it’s lessons from the school of hard knocks, much like those COPE weekends or speaking at GE as a teen.

We need more such leaders, not fewer. Penalizing success through spiteful policies—resenting wealth creators, demanding redistribution—creates injustice and stagnation. Gratitude for effective leaders, who lift everyone, builds prosperity. Civilization learns this slowly, but the path is clear: identify, empower, and follow those who can get us over the wall. Without them, we stay grounded.

Bibliography and Footnotes

1.  Scouting.org, “Program Feature: COPE,” detailing Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience as group initiatives, trust events, and high/low challenges for leadership and teamwork.¹

2.  Wikipedia, “COPE (Boy Scouts of America),” overview of the program focusing on strength, agility, and personal growth through outdoor tests.²

3.  Grand Canyon Council BSA, “COPE,” emphasizing confidence, self-esteem, trust, and leadership via mental/physical challenges.³

4.  West Chester Township official site, “Board of Trustees,” bio of Amanda Ortiz, resident since 2016, veterinarian, elected trustee term 2026–2029.⁴

5.  Amanda Ortiz for Trustee campaign site, platform stressing “people over business” and resident-focused leadership.⁵

6.  Journal-News, “Longtime West Chester Twp. trustee unseated in election,” Nov. 6, 2025, coverage of Ortiz’s 2025 win unseating incumbent.⁶

7.  Rich Hoffman, The Gunfighter’s Guide to Business: A Skeleton Key to Western Civilization (Liberty Hill Publishing, 2021), core text on strategy, leadership, and capitalism.⁷

8.  Overmanwarrior.wordpress.com, author bio and book commentary, linking personal experiences to leadership philosophy.⁸

9.  Various Scouting resources on high-adventure programs, including Explorer Posts and leadership training via challenges.⁹

¹ https://troopleader.scouting.org/program-features/cope

² https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COPE_(Boy_Scouts_of_America)

³ https://support.scoutingaz.org/main/cope

⁴ https://www.westchesteroh.org/government/general-government/west-chester-board-of-trustees

⁵ https://www.amandaortizfortrustee.com/

⁶ https://www.journal-news.com/news/longtime-west-chester-twp-trustee-unseated-in-election/CD2ADHRUKVC2JOIQSCMINM3MWE

⁷ Liberty Hill Publishing / Amazon listings for the book.

⁸ https://overmanwarrior.wordpress.com/author-bio-for-rich-hoffman

⁹ Multiple Scouting America sites on COPE and high-adventure bases.

Additional references include historical accounts of Boy Scout leadership development, economic analyses contrasting capitalism and socialism (e.g., works on Jack Welch and Steve Jobs biographies), and local Ohio political coverage.

Rich Hoffman

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Timothy Alberino’s Fantastic book ‘Birthright’: Why we shouldn’t sell our souls for a bowl of stew

In the quiet moments away from the relentless pace of political battles, economic analysis, and the daily grind of defending principles in a world that often seems intent on erosion, there’s something profoundly refreshing about diving into a book that pulls back the curtain on deeper realities. One such discovery came recently with Timothy Alberino’s Birthright: The Coming Posthuman Apocalypse and the Usurpation of Adam’s Dominion on Planet Earth, published in 2020. This isn’t just another volume on ancient mysteries or fringe theories; it’s a meticulously crafted narrative that weaves biblical scholarship, historical inquiry, and contemporary phenomena into a cohesive worldview. It challenges the sanitized, compartmentalized versions of history and scripture we’ve been fed, urging readers to step out of Plato’s cave—where we’ve been chained, staring at shadows on the wall—and confront the fuller light of reality.

I finished the book on the day of the Olympic opening ceremonies that many viewed as laden with overt satanic symbolism and references to Luciferian themes. Such public displays, alongside scandals in Hollywood, the music industry, and elite circles involving ritualized sex, power, and exploitation—from Aleister Crowley’s influence to modern figures like Sean Combs or echoes in the Epstein saga—underscore a persistent undercurrent. Alberino argues these aren’t isolated excesses but part of an ancient war over humanity’s inheritance, a theme he traces back to the very beginning of the biblical account.

At the heart of Birthright is the concept of dominion granted to Adam and Eve in Genesis. Humanity, created in God’s image, was given authority over the Earth—to expand Eden, steward creation, and bring heaven’s order to the physical realm. This birthright represents not just land or resources but a divine mandate for rule, creativity, and moral governance. Yet from the outset, forces sought to usurp it. The serpent’s temptation in Eden was the first theft attempt, leading to the fall and the squandering of that authority through disobedience. Alberino expands this into a cosmic drama, drawing on the Book of Enoch (an apocryphal text preserved in the Dead Sea Scrolls and quoted in the New Testament) to detail the rebellion of the Watchers—200 fallen angels who descended, took human wives, and produced the Nephilim, hybrid giants whose existence corrupted the Earth with violence and forbidden knowledge.<sup>1</sup>

These events, detailed in Genesis 6:1-4 and elaborated in Enoch, explain the pre-Flood world’s wickedness, necessitating the deluge as divine judgment. The Nephilim weren’t mere tall humans but offspring engineered to challenge human dominion, their spirits becoming demons after their bodies perished.<sup>2</sup> Alberino connects this ancient incursion to modern phenomena: UFO sightings, alien abductions, and what he sees as a deceptive “alien” presence masquerading as extraterrestrial but rooted in the same fallen spiritual realm. He posits that today’s transhumanist agenda—merging human biology with technology, AI, and genetic engineering—represents the latest phase in this usurpation, aiming for a posthuman apocalypse where humanity’s birthright is fully stripped away, replaced by hybrid or enhanced entities loyal to adversarial forces.<sup>3</sup>

This framework resonates deeply with longstanding interests in giants, ancient history, and the Nephilim. For years, discussions of giants in North America—mound builder discoveries from the 1800s along rivers like the Miami Valley, often dismissed as carnival hoaxes or pseudoscience—were marginalized. An early article I wrote on these topics back in 2010 drew massive attention but faced backlash for blending “serious” issues like tax policy with what mainstream culture deemed conspiracy territory. Institutions prefer neat categories: politics here, religion there, ancient anomalies safely labeled myth. Yet evidence persists, from biblical references to global giant lore, suggesting a suppressed history.

Alberino’s work builds on scholars like Michael Heiser, who applied rigorous biblical exegesis to the divine council and supernatural elements in scripture.<sup>4</sup> The Bible, as an artifact, is remarkable—preserved through millennia of translation, political editing (from early Roman church councils to Renaissance interpretations), and textual discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls, which confirm remarkable consistency. Yet it’s dense, fragmented, like shadows in Plato’s allegory: we see projections but not always the sources. Alberino encourages turning from the wall to examine the fire, the figures casting shadows, and ultimately stepping into the world beyond illusion.

He frames the ongoing battle as one over this birthright. The story of Esau and Jacob in Genesis 25 illustrates it starkly. Esau, the firstborn, sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew when hungry and impatient, valuing immediate gratification over eternal inheritance. Yahweh honors the transaction, leading to Jacob (renamed Israel) fathering the tribes and claiming the promised land. This narrative isn’t just family drama; it’s a microcosm of humanity’s temptation to trade divine authority for fleeting pleasures—sex, power, convenience, or modern equivalents like celebrity, wealth, or technological transcendence.<sup>5</sup>

Alberino ties this to figures who rejected paternal guidance and embraced rebellion. Aleister Crowley and Friedrich Nietzsche, both losing religious fathers young, spiraled into philosophies that influenced destructive movements—Crowley’s occult sex magic permeating Hollywood and music, Nietzsche’s Übermensch (overman) twisted into Nazi ideology. These represent selling the birthright for Luciferian promises of godhood without God. In contrast, the biblical Overman ideal—Adam as God’s supreme representation on Earth, uncorrupted—offers a heroic vision: humanity as stewards, not slaves to temptation or manipulation.

My affinity for the “Overman warrior” concept aligns here—not the corrupted Nietzschean version that fueled tyranny, but a Superman-like ideal of strength, virtue, and resistance to evil. It’s about refusing to be broken, manipulated, or seduced into yielding dominion. Personal history in passion plays, portraying biblical roles, fostered a lifelong engagement with these themes, yet frustration with weak portrayals of figures like Adam (easily tempted) or institutional failures to confront modern implications has been, to say the least, infinitely disappointing for me.

Alberino’s book bridges gaps: why the Bible omits details (political censorship, lost texts), why giants and fallen angels matter (they explain evil’s origins), and why UFOs fit (as modern deceptions echoing ancient incursions). He critiques institutional religion for downplaying Enoch or supernatural elements, allowing secular science to dismiss anomalies. Yet fresh scholarship—Dead Sea Scrolls, archaeological confirmations of biblical sites like the City of David—validates the narrative’s core.

This isn’t pseudoscience; it’s interdisciplinary inquiry challenging controlled categories. The Temple Mount disputes—Islam denying Jewish archaeological evidence despite visible proof—mirror broader suppressions of inconvenient truths. Similarly, giants’ stories were ridiculed as roadshow myths to justify land theft or secularize history, but persistent global accounts suggest otherwise.

In an era of disclosure debates, black budgets, and fear-based control narratives around “mysteries,” Alberino reframes UFOs as spiritual, not merely technological. The 200 Watchers’ rebellion sought to corrupt the human line, preventing Eden’s expansion. Today’s equivalents—rituals in entertainment, elite exploitation—continue that agenda, luring people to sell their birthright cheaply.

The hope lies in reclamation. Humanity’s mandate remains: expand Eden, resist deception, claim dominion through alignment with divine order. Alberino’s work, alongside emerging discussions in UFO communities, biblical studies, and alternative history, signals a shift—people untying from Plato’s cave, exploring freely.

This book stands out for its scholarly precision, narrative flow, and refusal to compartmentalize. It entertains while provoking profound reflection, much like Graham Hancock’s works or Vera brothers’ explorations, but with stronger biblical anchoring. For anyone weary of surface-level politics or religion, it’s a reminder that the real fight transcends the visible—it’s eternal, cosmic, and personal.

Highly recommended. It elevates understanding, inspires resistance to temptation, and reaffirms the value of pursuing truth beyond shadows. More from Alberino—on Enoch commentary, expeditions—promises further illumination. In a world pushing posthuman futures, remembering our birthright may be the ultimate act of defiance and hope.

Bibliography and Further Reading

•  Alberino, Timothy. Birthright: The Coming Posthuman Apocalypse and the Usurpation of Adam’s Dominion on Planet Earth. Independently published, 2020. (Primary text; available on Amazon, author’s site.)

•  Alberino, Timothy. The Book of Enoch: With Commentary & Concept Art on the Book of the Watchers.

•  Heiser, Michael S. The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. Lexham Press, 2015.

•  The Book of Enoch (Ethiopic version, translated editions; referenced in Jude 1:14-15).

•  Dead Sea Scrolls publications (e.g., via Biblical Archaeology Society resources).

•  Reviews and summaries: Goodreads (4.5+ average), Shortform book summary, Amazon customer reviews.

•  Related discussions: YouTube interviews with Alberino (e.g., Shawn Ryan Show, various podcasts).

<sup>1</sup> Alberino, Birthright, drawing on Book of Enoch chapters 6-16; see also Genesis 6:1-4.

<sup>2</sup> Ibid.; Heiser, The Unseen Realm, pp. 92-110 on Nephilim as hybrid offspring.

<sup>3</sup> Alberino, Birthright, chapters on UFOs and transhumanism; Shortform summary highlights the “posthuman apocalypse” thesis.

<sup>4</sup> Heiser, The Unseen Realm, core argument on divine council and rebellious “sons of God.”

<sup>5</sup> Genesis 25:29-34; Alberino frames this as emblematic of selling dominion for temporal gain.

Footnotes reference key biblical passages, book sections, and supporting scholarship for further personal exploration.

Rich Hoffman

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Teachers Making Zombies in Lakota Schools: The ICE protests reveal a deeper, darker problem

The recent student protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Lakota Local Schools in Butler County, Ohio, exemplify a broader and deeply troubling pattern in American public education. On February 12, 2026, students at Lakota East and Lakota West high schools walked out of classes during school hours, marching and carrying signs in opposition to ICE’s immigration enforcement actions and the treatment of immigrants. Reports indicate that at Lakota East, the walkout began around 1 p.m., with students leaving classrooms to demonstrate. These events were part of a wave of similar student-led demonstrations across the Tri-State area and nationwide, often framed by media and school officials as spontaneous expressions of youthful concern over federal policies.

Yet a closer examination reveals questions that demand answers: If these were truly student-initiated movements driven by genuine adolescent passion for immigration issues, how did high schoolers—many too young to vote or fully grasp complex policy debates—come to adopt such uniformly radical left-wing positions? Where did they acquire the ideological framework to view ICE enforcement as inherently unjust, to chant against law enforcement, or to equate border security with oppression? The evidence points overwhelmingly not to parental influence or organic self-education, but to a systemic infusion of progressive ideology within the public school environment itself, facilitated and encouraged by teachers, administrators, and union-aligned staff.

Public schools, funded by taxpayer dollars, are legally and ethically obligated to remain politically neutral. School boards are intended to be non-partisan, and classrooms should present balanced perspectives on history, government, and current events. Instead, what we observe in districts like Lakota is a pattern where left-leaning views dominate. Teachers, often represented by powerful unions with progressive platforms, shape curricula, discussions, and even extracurricular activities to emphasize one side of the political spectrum. Students hear repeated narratives praising figures like Barack Obama, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or Bernie Sanders, while conservative viewpoints—rooted in rule of law, national sovereignty, or traditional values—are marginalized or absent. History classes may highlight speeches from Democrat leaders but rarely balance them with opposing arguments from figures emphasizing constitutional limits on federal power or the importance of secure borders.

This ideological imbalance is not accidental. It reflects broader trends in teacher preparation programs, hiring practices, and professional development, where progressive ideologies are normalized. Administrators, to advance in their careers, often align with these prevailing views; dissenting voices risk being labeled as disruptive or “right-wing.” In such an environment, vulnerable adolescents—navigating identity formation, peer pressure, family conflicts, or rebellion against authority—become receptive to messages that position teachers as enlightened alternatives to “strict” or “outdated” parental guidance. A student grounded at home for misbehavior, resentful of church attendance, or frustrated with family rules finds validation in a classroom where authority figures affirm that systemic injustices (like immigration enforcement) justify defiance.

The Lakota ICE protests illustrate this dynamic starkly. Students carried pre-made signs and marched during school hours, actions that typically require coordination and tacit approval. Reports suggest teachers permitted or even facilitated sign-making in classrooms, despite principal statements denying involvement. No widespread punishments followed for truancy or disruption—administrators cited free speech protections under Supreme Court precedents like Tinker v. Des Moines (1969), which allows student expression unless it substantially disrupts the educational process. Yet the absence of meaningful consequences speaks volumes: it signals endorsement or at least tolerance from a workforce insulated from accountability. When students feel entitled to leave class for political activism without repercussions, it reveals a culture where progressive causes trump academic priorities.

This is not isolated to Lakota. Nationwide, similar anti-ICE walkouts have occurred, with varying degrees of adult facilitation. In some districts, teachers openly encouraged participation; in others, parents or organizers aided logistics. The pattern echoes historical efforts to use youth as proxies for ideological agendas, from the KGB-influenced campus protests of the 1960s hippie movement to color revolution tactics employing young activists as shields. Adults—particularly those in positions of influence over impressionable minds—hide behind “student-led” rhetoric to advance views they cannot openly espouse without professional risk.

Compounding this is the erosion of trust in the teacher-student relationship. Public schools have seen too many cases of boundary violations, including sexual misconduct. In Lakota itself, a former Lakota East teacher, Justin Daniel Dennis, pleaded guilty in early 2026 to attempted sexual battery after an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student during the 2021-22 school year. Such incidents, while prosecuted when reported, occur with disturbing frequency across districts—often underreported or quietly resolved. If a teacher can manipulate a vulnerable student into a sexual relationship through grooming and authority, it is not a stretch to see parallel manipulation in the political realm: filling ideological voids with radical views, turning students into unwitting advocates for defunding ICE, police reform, or other left-wing priorities.

These vulnerabilities stem from broader societal and familial factors. Many students come from homes with inconsistent structure, where parents may lack confidence in imparting values or face their own stresses. Progressive teachers exploit this void, presenting themselves as allies against “oppressive” conservative norms. The result: a minority of activated students become mouthpieces for adult agendas, protesting on behalf of causes like open borders or sanctuary policies—issues far removed from typical teenage concerns like sports, dating, or social media.

Critics may argue that youth naturally gravitate toward idealism and social justice. Yet the uniformity of the messaging—always left-leaning, rarely balanced—suggests curation rather than spontaneity. True education equips students with facts from all sides: the economic costs of unchecked immigration, the rule of law’s role in sovereignty, historical precedents of secure borders benefiting societies. Instead, one-sided exposure fosters entitlement and division, pitting children against parents, communities, and lawful institutions.

This dynamic mirrors historical socialist movements. Adolf Hitler’s National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazis) and Benito Mussolini’s fascism drew from left-wing collectivism, emphasizing state control over individual rights—far removed from classical liberalism, Christianity, or Bill of Rights conservatism. Modern equivalents appear in calls to “defund” agencies like ICE or police, echoing Bernie Sanders or AOC-style democratic socialism. Teachers aligned with these views use public institutions to propagate them, often at odds with the conservative-leaning communities funding them, such as Butler County’s Republican-leaning voters.

Parents who entrust their children to public schools expect neutral education, not indoctrination. When students return home echoing radical slogans, it signals a betrayal: taxpayer-funded employees turning children against family values and community standards. The media, often left-leaning itself, amplifies these “organic” protests while downplaying adult involvement or lack of consequences.

Change requires accountability: transparent curricula audits, balanced instruction mandates, consequences for unauthorized activism, and greater parental oversight. Without it, public education risks becoming a vehicle for ideological capture, eroding trust and fueling the very divisions it claims to heal. Students may one day reflect on these experiences as youthful folly, crediting strong family foundations for pulling them back. But for those without such anchors, the damage lingers—zombified into perpetual activism, detached from reality.

The Lakota protests are a microcosm of this crisis. They were not child-led revolutions but symptoms of adult manipulation in a system that has strayed far from its mission. Until we confront this, public schools will continue losing credibility, funding, and purpose.

Bibliography and Footnotes

1.  WKRC Local 12, “Students at 2 Tri-State schools protest against ICE, treatment of immigrants,” February 12, 2026. Details the walkouts at Lakota East and West during school hours.

2.  Journal-News, “Some local students are organizing protests, campus discussions about ICE enforcement,” February 12, 2026. Covers student emails and planning.

3.  WLWT Cincinnati, “Ex-Lakota East teacher accused of having sexual relationship with student pleads guilty,” January 29, 2026. Covers Justin Dennis case.

4.  Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, 393 U.S. 503 (1969). Supreme Court ruling on student free speech.

5.  Butler County Sheriff’s Office reports on Dennis case (2025-2026 filings).

6.  Historical references to Nazi and fascist socialism drawn from standard sources like William L. Shirer, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich (1960), and Jonah Goldberg, Liberal Fascism (2008).

7.  Various reports on nationwide anti-ICE student walkouts (e.g., Guardian, EdSource, 2026 coverage).

Rich Hoffman

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