The post National Pet Wellness Month 2024: When Is It‚ Facts &; Tips by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. National Pet Wellness Month is when veterinarians and pet lovers promote the importance of giving companion animals high-quality health care year-round. In the past‚ organizations and veterinarians have worked to get the word out about pet aging and the need for regular veterinary visits. National Pet Wellness Month runs for the entirety of October‚ and it’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about ways to keep cats in top shape at every age. Why Are Regular Checkups So Important for Cats? Regular visits to the veterinarian ensure that any health issues that may be developing are discovered and addressed sooner rather than later‚ which often improves outcomes and makes managing medical conditions substantially easier. Veterinarians usually recommend that healthy adult cats in their prime years have a checkup at least once a year. Cats older than 7 benefit from twice-yearly appointments to ensure they’re not suffering from chronic conditions. Image Credit: megaflopp‚ Shutterstock What Are a Few Ways to Keep Cats Happy and Healthy In addition to regular medical checkups‚ there are a few basic tasks pet parents can do to support their cats’ overall health and well-being‚ such as providing nutritious food‚ sufficient exercise‚ plenty of mental stimulation‚ and ensuring cats have comfortable environments. 1. High-Quality Food and Treats Cats require diets that are high in protein‚ and they also have specific needs for particular vitamins and minerals. Products with an Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement of adequacy contain the nutrients required to keep cats zooming along. Keep in mind that cats’ nutritional needs change over time. Kittens require special diets‚ and older cats benefit from meals that provide support for joint conditions. Products are also available to help cats with medical issues like kidney disease and urinary tract problems. Proper hydration is also fundamental to feline health‚ so providing fresh water at all times is essential. Fountains sometimes encourage cats to drink more since the running water tempts them to take a few extra laps. 2. Daily Exercise Obesity is a significant problem in domestic cats; about 60 percent of North American kitties weigh too much 1. Overweight cats often live shorter lives and are prone to developing conditions such as high blood pressure‚ arthritis‚ and heart disease. Because getting cats to lose weight can be quite a challenge‚ taking steps to prevent them from gaining weight in the first place is vital to supporting their overall health and well-being. Active playtime is a great way to get cats moving and burning a few calories. Cats enjoy short bursts of activity‚ and most do best with play sessions that last around 10 minutes or so. Image Credit: Amerigo_images‚ Shutterstock 3. Mental Stimulation Just like people‚ cats need activities to keep them engaged and busy. Those searching for ways to keep themselves occupied often get into mischief‚ but boredom can also cause them to become stressed. While playtime provides mental stimulation‚ cats benefit from having a few activities specifically designed to engage their minds‚ bodies‚ natural hunting instincts‚ and problem-solving abilities. Food puzzles allow cats to use their brains to determine how to free the treats. Training also provides mental simulation‚ and most cats can be trained to do basic things such as respond to their names‚ sit‚ and shake hands. They can also be trained to walk on leashes. Supervised walks give indoor cats time to enjoy fresh air and explore new scents. 4. Cat -Friendly Touches Cats typically thrive in environments that don’t present challenges to their natural instincts. Because scratching is fundamental to being a cat‚ having many scratchers made of different materials helps cats feel comfortable‚ and sofas last longer. Keeping litter boxes incredibly clean and having enough on hand in homes with more than one cat is also vital to keeping cats happy and healthy. Cats love to climb and enjoy the view from high places. Cat trees provide places for pets to climb and hang out above it all‚ and many include scratching areas. Comfortable hiding places where they can relax alone are also essential for cats’ mental health. Image Credit: Maliflower73‚ Shutterstock 5. Regular Dental Care Dental disease is prevalent in cats‚ particularly gingivitis and periodontal disease. It’s difficult to detect in its early stages‚ but once dental disease sets in‚ it can make it difficult for cats to eat. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease‚ which is painful and can result in bone and tooth loss. Regular professional cleanings under anesthesia are occasionally required to remove accumulated tartar. Brushing cats’ teeth at least a few times a week can help reduce the speed at which tartar accumulates and keep their teeth in the best possible condition. 6. Proper Identification Ensuring that cats can get home if they escape or get lost and can’t find their way back is critical. Cats with microchips are far more likely to be returned home if they’re brought into a shelter or veterinarian’s office. Microchips only work if they’ve been registered and the relevant database has the correct contact information. Registering with the manufacturer’s database is incredibly important. Consider setting aside time in October to double-check that any databases where you’ve registered your cat’s microchip have your current contact information. A simple ID tag featuring your cat’s name and your contact details can make it easy for people to get in touch with you if your pet wanders off. Image Credit: Veera‚ Shutterstock 7. Safe Environments Products like over-the-counter medications‚ prescriptions‚ and vitamins can make cats ill. Foods such as garlic‚ chocolate‚ and raisins are toxic to felines. Plants and cleaning products can also be seriously problematic. Long‚ thin items such as yarn and tinsel can cause health problems if ingested‚ so they should always be securely locked away. National Pet Wellness Month is the perfect time to do a quick home safety review and ensure that potentially toxic products and dangerous items are secured and inaccessible for cats. Conclusion National Pet Wellness Month occurs every October. It’s a time when veterinarians engage in outreach and social media campaigns to get the word out about the importance of pet wellness and ensure cats have everything they need to stay happy and healthy. Regular well-cat checkups ensure that health issues are caught as early as possible‚ but there are several ways you can help your cat at home. Brushing their teeth‚ trimming their nails‚ providing a well-balanced diet‚ and providing daily exercise can keep cats in top shape at every age. Sources National Today AVMA AAHA Pet MD Pet MD https://www.aspca.org/news/official-top-10-pet-toxins-2022%5C https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-disease-in-cats https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/obesity-in-cats https://www.petmd.com/cat/centers/nutrition/slideshows/tips-for-creating-stress-free-environment-for-your-cat https://www.petmd.com/cat/cat-enrichment-tips-bored-cats Featured Image Credit: 89stocker‚ Shutterstock The post National Pet Wellness Month 2024: When Is It‚ Facts &; Tips by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post National Therapy Animal Day 2024: When &; What Is It? by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. National Therapy Animal Day is celebrated on April 30th. It’s a time to celebrate the amazing work done by therapy animals and their human companions. The organization behind the event‚ Pet Partners‚ created it to increase awareness about the many ways in which therapy animals‚ including cats‚ improve the lives of humans every day by providing unconditional love and gentle companionship. What Kind of Work Does Pet Partners Do? Pet Partners is dedicated to honoring the deep bonds shared by humans and animals and endeavors to make a positive contribution to people’s lives by bringing the benefits of therapy animals to as many people as possible. It certifies and trains pet therapy teams and helps put volunteers in contact with organizations seeking to provide clients‚ students‚ and workers with the benefits of spending time with animals. Image Credit: evrymmnt‚ Shutterstock What Do Therapy Cats Do? Therapy cats are trained (along with their pet parents) to provide love and support to people in various situations. They work with their humans as teams and offer comfort and unconditional love that reduces feelings of anxiety and loneliness. Therapy cats visit hospitals and nursing homes‚ and their visits may help reduce some patients’ pain and stress. They also make appearances in places like airports and schools. Do Therapy Cats Require Special Skills? Cats must be comfortable around people to be good therapy animal candidates. Kitties who jump at the chance to meet new people and are relaxed when encountering the unexpected make great therapy animals. Cats also need to be okay with car rides since they spend a fair amount of time on the road getting from home to wherever they need to be. The ability to wear a harness and remain leashed while working is also key since cats must be controlled at all times during the visits. Because teams in many organizations work together‚ it’s beneficial for therapy cats to get along well with other animals‚ even dogs. What’s the Difference Between a Therapy Cat and an Emotional Support Cat? Therapy cats differ from emotional support animals (ESAs) because they work in large public settings and offer comfort and love. ESAs provide people with mental health conditions with individual support. A prescription from a qualified mental health professional is required for a person to avail themselves of the benefits of an ESA. Therapy cats deliver comfort‚ cuddles‚ companionship‚ and unconditional love‚ but they aren’t trained to provide individuals with disabilities with targeted support. Xeli the airport therapy cat. Ways To Celebrate National Therapy Animal Day There are a few ways to get involved if you’re interested in showing your support for therapy cats on April 30th and getting in on the National Therapy Animal Day fun‚ such as donating or participating in a fundraising event. 1. Make a Donation Organizations that work to certify and provide therapy cats to groups that request them are often non-profits that largely depend on donations to fund their programs and initiatives‚ so financial help is always welcome! Pet Partners has a convenient form to make one-time or monthly donations online‚ but it’s also possible to contribute by phone or the old-fashioned way‚ using snail mail. 2. Participate in Treats and Sweets Day Fundraisers Pet Partners’ Treats and Sweets Day is an opportunity to bake yummy goodies to spread love and raise money for the organization. All sorts of treats are welcome‚ and it’s possible to register for the fundraising event as an individual or with a team. There are even opportunities for organizations to get in on the action. Treats and Sweets Day lasts for far longer than one day—fundraisers can be held anytime reasonably close to National Therapy Animal Day. Image Credit: mojo-cp‚ Shutterstock 3. Get the Word Out If a therapy cat visit has made your world a bit brighter‚ why not share it to get the word out about how valuable therapy animal programs are? It’s also an excellent opportunity for those on a therapy team to post messages and photos sharing their experiences‚ which can also spread awareness of how these cats contribute to their communities. 4. Consider Getting Certified If you have a mellow‚ affectionate cat at home who loves people and has a roll-with-it personality‚ and you’re both looking to hang out with caring people and share some good vibes‚ you may be interested in having your buddy registered as a therapy animal! Consider getting in touch with an organization that offers certification and opportunities to volunteer. Therapy cats can be certified through organizations such as Pet Partners and Love on a Leash that screen candidates for suitability‚ offer training‚ and facilitate volunteer placements. You may be required to pay for training opportunities and certification tests‚ and the process usually involves having a veterinarian provide documentation stating the cat is healthy and has been properly vaccinated. Conclusion National Therapy Animal Day‚ sponsored by Pet Partners‚ is held on April 30th‚ and it’s a time to give a shout-out to the cats who don harnesses and head out into the world to bring love to people in hospitals‚ nursing homes‚ schools‚ airports‚ and libraries. Therapy cats work with their pet parents as teams and are trained to provide comfort and unleash joy into the world through their sweet‚ accepting‚ loving presence. There are several easy ways to participate in the celebration‚ including getting involved in fundraising opportunities and sharing positive experiences involving therapy cats. Sources National Today People Action Pet Partners Lincoln Pet Culture Umassmed Featured Image Credit: VAKS-Stock Agency‚ Shutterstock The post National Therapy Animal Day 2024: When &; What Is It? by Lorre Luther appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post National Pet Day 2024: When &; What Is It? by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Pets have a magical way of making every day a special celebration‚ so it’s only fair they get at least one day when we show appreciation for them. National Pet Day occurs on April 11 every year‚ giving pet parents the perfect excuse to pamper their cats‚ dogs‚ birds‚ and other household animals‚ big or small. How can you plan and prepare for this once-a-year holiday? You can make it a memorable occasion for you and your favorite feline with this detailed look at National Pet Day 2023. When Is National Pet Day? National Pet Day occurs every year on April 11‚ and it has since 2006 when Colleen Paige founded the holiday. Alongside National Pet Day‚ the prolific author and animal activist established National Cat Day‚ National Dog Day‚ National Puppy Day‚ and many more pet-focused celebrations to raise awareness for needy animals. Image Credit: U__Photo‚ Shutterstock What Is National Pet Day? Cat lovers aren’t the only pet parents who can enjoy the April 11th observance. Although over a quarter of American households include at least one cat‚ numerous other proud parents care for dogs‚ lizards‚ birds‚ snakes‚ rats‚ and countless other creatures. Since 2006‚ the holiday’s popularity has expanded its global recognition‚ and you can now find several countries that celebrate it‚ including Italy‚ the UK‚ Spain‚ Ireland‚ Australia‚ and New Zealand. Why Do We Celebrate National Pet Day? Roughly two-thirds of Americans experience the value of pet ownership. While they’re an ongoing investment‚ the costs rarely exceed the benefits these pets provide for our emotional‚ social‚ and physical health. A few of the many positives of pet ownership include: Decreased loneliness and signs of depression Improved sleep Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels Relief from anxiety‚ stress‚ and PTSD Sharper cognitive functioning More than anything‚ the human-animal bond provides meaning to pet owners. Cats aren’t pets but rather close family members that provide comfort while supplying purpose and compelling reasons to smile‚ socialize‚ and stay active. Helping others realize these benefits by promoting National Pet Day will improve their lives and those of the animals they adopt. The ASPCA states over 3 million cats enter shelters annually‚ either from owner surrender or as a stray 1. Of these‚ only two-thirds find new homes‚ while over 500‚000 face euthanasia. Although the numbers have fallen steadily in recent decades‚ ongoing efforts like National Pet Day will be vital in making pet homelessness a thing of the past. Image Credit: New Africa‚ Shutterstock How Can We Celebrate National Pet Day? National Pet Day is a time to promote animals needing loving families and appreciate those who have found their forever homes. Pet or no pet‚ all animal enthusiasts can find ways to celebrate the holiday. Here are a few ways cat lovers can make this National Pet Day memorable. 1. Plan a Special Day at Home Map out a day of play and togetherness for you and your cat to shower them with extra affection. Start the day with games and toys‚ and watch your favorite cat-themed movie to close out the night. If your cat is a music lover‚ arrange a playlist of favorites or treat their ears to the soothing sounds of cat-specific music to help them relax. 2. Shop For Your Pet Do you need a new collar or a cat tree? National Pet Day is the perfect time to snag an exceptional deal on products your cat will love. With the holiday’s growing popularity‚ many online and brick-and-mortar retailers offer incredible sales to celebrate; some occur for one day only‚ and others run to the end of April. 3. Make Homemade Treats or Toys Arts and crafts fans don’t have to spend a penny to treat their cats to new and exciting items. Take the day to fashion your pet’s favorite DIY toys‚ like feather wands‚ puzzle toys‚ hideaways‚ and cardboard scratching pads. If you’re more of a baker than a builder‚ flex your culinary creativity by whipping up some delicious and nutritious cat-only treats. Image Credit: cottonbro‚ Pexels 4. Promote the Day on Social Media Since it isn’t an official national holiday‚ many of us work on National Pet Day‚ putting a damper on any plans for blowout celebrations. Still‚ even the busiest among us can take a few seconds to make the day meaningful. It doesn’t take anything more than a quick shoutout on social media to promote awareness. You can get on Facebook‚ X‚ Instagram‚ and any other social media account to share a #NationalPetDay message or pictures of your cat to get everyone in your network thinking about the cause. Local cat shelters may also have events or promotions you can share to raise their profile and help any potential pet owners make the move to adopt. 5. Volunteer at Your Local Cat Shelter After pampering your cat at home‚ you can go the extra mile to support all the pets-to-be living at your local shelter. From cage cleaners to front desk greeters‚ non-profit shelters always have numerous positions to fill. They may also take donations like homemade treats and toys if you don’t have time to lend. With your help‚ shelters can better the environment for the cats and improve their chances of finding a loving home. 6. Schedule a Vet Appointment Although your cat will hardly call visiting the vet a special treat‚ using National Pet Day as a reminder to consider your pet’s health will ensure they stick around to celebrate for many years. You can schedule an appointment or restock your cat’s medicines and supplements. Better yet‚ shop for a high-value pet insurance plan to ensure you and your cat can overcome even the most severe accident or illness. Image Credit: Vladeep‚ Shutterstock Final Thoughts Our cats bring light and love into our homes‚ and it’s crucial to acknowledge that value at least one day of the year. National Pet Day on April 11 is a chance to recognize the animal-human bond that enriches the lives of both parties and those around them. Mark your calendars‚ and plan the perfect celebration to show your cats how much you appreciate their presence. Sources Forbes ASPCA CDC Featured Image Credit: Yuriy-Seleznev‚ Shutterstock The post National Pet Day 2024: When &; What Is It? by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

This week‚ I visited Auschwitz. I never before had visited any of the death camps. The experience is absolutely chilling. Auschwitz‚ of course‚ was a complex of camps‚ the three largest of which were Auschwitz I‚ the camp most famous for the terrifyingly Orwellian German slogan welded onto its entrance‚ “ARBEIT MACHT FREI”; Auschwitz II‚ also known as Birkenau‚ the massive death factory at which the Germans operated four large gas chambers‚ each of which could be used to murder 2‚000 people at a time; and Auschwitz III‚ a large labor camp. Visiting in January‚ with the ice covering the ground‚ is a reminder of the cruelties that are possible when human beings commit to the perverse disease of Jew-hatred. Auschwitz was liberated some 79 years ago this month. But that perverse disease is alive and well. As survivor Marian Turski says‚ “Auschwitz did not fall suddenly from the skies‚ it was all tiny steps approaching until what happened here behind me did happen.” That gradualism masked the greatest evil in world history. As we descended into Krakow for the visit‚ I read the diaries of Victor Klemperer‚ a secular‚ intermarried Jew who had converted to Protestantism and who lived in Dresden during Hitler’s rule. Klemperer details the slow but steady changes that turned Jews into outcasts‚ no matter their ideology or even religious practice. Klemperer‚ for his part‚ considered himself a good German and the Nazis the outliers; in 1942‚ Klemperer wrote: “I am fighting the most difficult of battles for my German-ness now. I must hold on to it: I am German‚ the others are un-German.” His protestations meant nothing. Why? Because Jew-hatred is and was a conspiracy theory rooted in the supposed power of the Jew. And there is nothing new about that theory; it is seductive and easy and ancient. In Egypt‚ Pharaoh spoke thus: “Look‚ the children of Israel are too numerous and large for us. Let us deal shrewdly with them‚ so that they may not increase.” In Persia‚ Haman told Ahasuerus: “There is a certain people‚ scattered and dispersed among the other peoples in all the provinces of your realm‚ whose laws are different from those of any other people and who do not obey the king’s laws.” In Poland‚ Bogdan Chmielnicki told the Poles that they had been sold by the Polish nobility “into the hands of the accursed Jews.” In Russia‚ the bestselling “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” alleged a Jewish conspiracy to exploit and control the gentile world. In Germany‚ Hitler wrote that the Jews sought to make the gentile world “ripe for the slave’s lot of permanent subjugation.” Today‚ across the Muslim world‚ the toxic proposition that the Jews control the world is a popular notion and provides justification for murderous terrorist attacks on Jewish civilians: according to a recent poll from the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies‚ only 5% of all Middle Eastern and North African Arabs condemned the terrorist attacks Oct. 7 in Israel as an “illegitimate operation.” Across time and place‚ such ideas sprang from religion‚ from ethnic polarization‚ from nationalistic excess. Today‚ at least in the West‚ such ideas spring from an ideology that suggests a hierarchy of oppression that dominates Western societies‚ in which disproportionately successful groups are victimizers and disproportionately unsuccessful groups the victimized. It is no coincidence that LGBTQ+ and BLM activists‚ who propagate that victim/victimizer narrative‚ side with the genocidal Jew-hating terror group Hamas. According to a recent Harvard/Harris poll‚ some 67% of people aged 18-24 in the United States say that the Jews “as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors.” Visiting Auschwitz‚ one can see the apex results of such perverse ideas. Another Holocaust may not be right around the corner; geopolitical conditions are not what they were in 1940‚ and no serious power has the means and capacity to accomplish anything like the Holocaust today (though Iran armed with a nuclear bomb would be a different story). But certainly‚ the slogan “Never Again” cannot be used by those who currently hand-wave the atrocities of Oct. 7 in the name of fighting supposed “Jewish power.” The only way to stop Jew-hatred is to stop conspiratorial thinking—particularly the conspiratorial thinking of those in the West who despise meritocracy itself and instead see the mirage of the “powerful Jew” hiding behind every problem. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM The Daily Signal publishes a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Heritage Foundation. Have an opinion about this article? To sound off‚ please email letters@DailySignal.com‚ and we’ll consider publishing your edited remarks in our regular “We Hear You” feature. Remember to include the URL or headline of the article plus your name and town and/or state. The post Notes From Auschwitz appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Donald Trump's Next Move Should Be a Trip to the Southern Border

The New York Times put Charles Murray on the cover of its Sunday Magazine‚ calling him “The Most Dangerous Conservative.” That was after he co-wrote the book‚ “The Bell Curve‚” which argued that different ethnic groups have‚ on average‚ different IQs. As Murray puts it in my video this week‚ “Blacks on average have a lower IQ than whites. However‚ whites are not at the top. East Asians‚ on average‚ have a higher IQ than whites. Ashkenazi Jews have higher IQs.” Other researchers agree. An article in ScienceDirect journal puts it this way‚ “East Asians and their descendants average an IQ of about 106‚ Europeans and their descendants about 100‚ and Africans and their descendants about 85.” But many people don’t believe it. Many don’t even want such topics discussed. Last time Murray tried speaking to college students‚ a mob shouted him down. “They’re angry at you because you’re perpetuating racism‚” I tell Murray. “These kids‚” he replies‚ “never read a word of anything I’d ever written.” That’s probably true. It’s more likely that they just read slander against him from smear sites like the Southern Poverty Law Center. They call Murray a “white nationalist” and claim he says‚ “White men ... are intellectually‚ psychologically and morally superior.” “I’ve never said anything remotely like that!” says Murray. “Do you believe that Blacks are intellectually inferior?” I ask. “If you give mental tests to a representative sample of whites and a representative sample of blacks‚” he says‚ “there will be about a one standard deviation difference. To then translate that into people being inferior and superior is idiotic.” He goes on to say that there are other differences between racial groups. “I don’t think there’s been a white winner of the 100-yard dash in the Olympics for a zillion years.” Actually‚ 20 years. A white woman won 20 years ago; a white man hasn’t won for 40 years. It’s probably because some Black people have more fast-twitch muscles fibers‚ says Murray. I don’t see why saying that is controversial. It’s just obvious that there are differences between groups. But Murray has been canceled. It’s too bad. Everything should be talked about. People who don’t agree with Charles Murray should debate him‚ not shun him. He is good at revealing unpopular truths. He once had a job working for the government‚ evaluating social programs. He discovered that the “War on Poverty” was not lifting people out of poverty. In fact‚ programs like welfare perpetuated poverty. He wrote a book about that titled “Losing Ground.” It soon became a bestseller‚ and influenced presidents from both parties. Welfare “reformers” Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton cited Murray’s work. Clinton said‚ “Murray has done the country a service.” Then Murray wrote “In Pursuit of Happiness and Good Government” -- a book that changed my thinking. He describes his time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand. He watched Thai government “experts” create what they said would be a “model community.” They gave the village a fishpond‚ a rice cooperative‚ a health clinic. But this aid diminished community activities. “They weren’t as happy as they used to be‚” says Murray. “I saw what government looks like from Bangkok and how it looks to the villager. It’s the same in the United States.” The United States has spent $25 trillion (so far) on our War on Poverty. But the poverty rate has stayed about the same. Instead of eliminating poverty‚ the War created a new “underclass” -- fatherless kids who give birth to other fatherless kids -- generations of families who become dependent on government handouts. Yet the programs keep growing. “Aren’t you upset?” I ask Murray. “I’m deeply depressed‚” he says. “We have watched‚ in our own lifetime‚ our hopes and dreams turned to smoldering ruins.” Then he smiles and says‚ “The good news is that old people are habitually too pessimistic.” Charles Murray‚ an emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute‚ has interesting ideas. They deserve to be heard‚ not shouted down. I will do a second video‚ covering more of his work‚ in a few weeks.

Yes‚ Fox’s Peter Doocy got his turn during Wednesday’s White House press briefing and pressed Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the Biden border crisis and a Tuesday remark seeming to embrace election denialism. But before that‚ the briefing featured pathetic softballs from the likes of NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell on abortion and theGrio’s April Ryan on — what else — race and black women. O’Donnell had just asked Jean-Pierre about the pro-Palestinian protesters who repeatedly interrupted a Biden rally in Manassas‚ Virginia when she pivoted to abortion‚ which the rally was scheduled to have been the main focus.     Boasting of the regime’s “strong view...that reproductive rights‚ abortion rights are an essential in this campaign season‚” O’Donnell invited Jean-Pierre to explain to her how Biden will “find ways to do more to personalize this story of how women are affected by it” such as “cit[ing] ways where women are not getting medical care.” Jean-Pierre first replied that she “appreciate[ed] the question”‚ which is usually a great sign that the question was a softie. Jean-Pierre launched into a lengthy answer praising Biden for having been given a “passionately and fiery” set of remarks and Vice President Harris “talk[ing] about how devastating the overturning of Roe have been”. Jean-Pierre revealed that Biden had not only spoken to Kate Cox‚ the Texas woman whose story was ginned up by baby-killing advocates and had to travel out of state to seek an abortion‚ but invited her to be a guest at the State of the Union. This came on the heels of Monday’s briefing‚ which featured a slew of abortion softies to White House Gender Policy Council Director Jennifer Klein (click “expand”):  SELINA WANG: Can you talk a little bit about the significance of this rally in Virginia tomorrow and just how much more time you think the President is going to spend on the issue of abortion between now and November? (....) O’DONNELL: Can the federal government help to define some of the circumstances that women have found themselves in when medical questions about is it the life of the mother at risk — where state law may not spell it out very clearly or clearly enough‚ is there a role for the federal government there? And since some of these instances do result in ordinary citizens having to get involved in litigation‚ is there something that the administration can do to support them in pursuing those remedies? (....) DANNY KEMP: You mentioned the 21 states that have a ban at the moment. Do you have any number or any estimate of how many women have been forced to travel out of state s- — since the — you know‚ since the decision? (....) COURTNEY ROZEN: You’ve been talking about abortions and medical emergencies. On the Fifth Circuit’s decision on that‚ it’s unusual to see a court agree to review agency guidance‚ let alone rule on whether it can be implemented. How does that court’s decision affect your strategy going forward as you try and navigate this post-Roe landscape? (....) ROZEN: And on traveling‚ are you doing anything to support providers in states that are seeing an increase in patients from neighboring states with more restrictive laws — for example‚ Illinois? (....) ROZEN: Does today’s announcement that the administration is going to publish training materials for providers in medical emergencies — does that mean you’re going to pr- — advise that same information to hospitals in Texas and Idaho‚ which I know are the st- — states involved in those cases that the Justice Department is in? Later‚ Ryan asked Jean-Pierre what she had “to say about the confirmation — Senate confirmation this afternoon of the 34th and 35th Black women judges in this administration”. Despite Jean-Pierre emphasizing Biden has “stuck to his commitment...to...an administration that looked like America”‚ Ryan was dissatisfied and wanted more about these picks at a time when “people are walking away from DEI” (click “expand”): RYAN: In the long term — JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. RYAN: — what does this administration believe that this will do to reshape the court system in this nation — JEAN-PIERRE: Look‚ I think — RYAN: — with these appointments? JEAN-PIERRE: I think it’s important that we — that we have this type of representation and you hear us say this many — many times: representation matters. And I think that is important that we make sure we have‚ obviously‚ not just representation‚ but the women and the — and the — the men and women that he has been able to appoint to these position have been incredibly ex- — experienced. They’ve been impressive with their own record. They are more than qualified to have these appointments and I think that’s important too. RYAN: But I’m drilling down on the Black women‚ at a time when people are walking away from DEI and this is historic. JEAN-PIERRE: It is historic. We agree with you‚ April.  RYAN: We’ve never seen it before. JEAN-PIERRE: It is historic and important. It is historic and important and this is a — RYAN: But they — JEAN-PIERRE: — let’s not forget‚ this is a commitment that the President said that he — he would move forward with — right? — making sure we have representation‚ making sure we have diversity‚ making sure we have talented‚ experienced people in these roles and that’s what he’s doing. That’s what he’s doing. A reporter in the Politico seat also had a question from the left‚ wondering if‚ in light of “recent...layoffs at the LA Times” and Time magazine‚ the administration would “support legislation...that would require social media platforms to pay news outlets for their content.” While she bragged that Team Biden will “always...support the freedom of the — of speech” as “journalists have a really difficult job...to...report...the facts‚” she didn’t have more to share. A little later‚ Doocy Time finally arrived: “There are about 800 gottaways at the border every day‚ 96‚000 since October 1. Does President Biden want to locate these folks who have disappeared into this country to parts unknown?”. Jean-Pierre claiming she hadn’t heard that number and asserted such cases are why Biden “is having these negotiations...with the Senate...because we want to deal with what's going on at the border.”     A lot of nothing later‚ Doocy called out Biden for claiming during Tuesday’s rally that former Governor Terry McAuliffe (D-VA) is the real governor of Virginia‚ not Republican Glenn Youngkin. Doocy asked if “election denying” is “a joke now‚” but Jean-Pierre decided to briefly play dumb: “What do you mean? You have to say more than just to make a random statement.” He got specific: “Why did the President say‚ ‘hello Virginia and the real governor‚ Terry McAuliffe’?” Jean-Pierre dropped her act so she could claim Biden was merely “making a joke”. Doocy wasn’t having any of this‚ asking what makes it a “joke‚” but all Jean-Pierre could muster was a reference to how McAuliffe was previously governor. The Fox reporter closed by lambasting this liberal hypocrisy: “How are guys going to convince people‚ though‚ that this idea of denying election results is very bad if President Biden is going out and making jokes like this?” Jean-Pierre had enough as she told Doocy that Biden “did not deny” anything and claimed “[h]e congratulated Governor Youngkin....when he won his election.” To see the relevant transcript from the January 24 briefing (including more pro-Hamas questions from a Reuters correspondent and another reporter defending Iran-backed Houthis)‚ click here.

Bizarre details are slowly trickling out of an investigation into six people found dead in a remote part of the California desert. San Bernardino County sheriff's spokesperson Mara Rodriguez told reporters that police were initially called at about 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday for a wellness check to an area off of Highway 395. They initially found five people dead and then discovered a sixth person by morning. Police have not divulged the identities of the deceased people or said when they died or how they died. They are investigating the incident as a homicide. “We have not confirmed the sex or the age of any of the decedents at this point‚” said Rodriguez. The scene was described as being in the city of El Mirage in the Mojave Desert about 20 miles east of Victorville. "It's going to be heartbreaking no matter what the situation is‚ what they discover as far as the circumstances surrounding it‚" Rodriguez continued. "Our investigators will continue to do their best to wrap this up quickly and get all the information possible to bring justice to those folks out there." KABC-TV reported that a blue minivan was being investigated by police as well as a bullet-riddled dark blue SUV. Footage from their helicopter also showed bodies charred after apparently being lit on fire‚ according to KABC. Rodriguez said the remote location made the investigation difficult and they had to call in help from the California Highway Patrol’s Aviation Division just to find the scene. “It’ll be several hours still before we are ready for any body to be removed from the scene‚” she said. “It is incredibly desolate. I cannot bring home that point enough‚” said reporter Annie Rose Ramos of KTLA-TV. El Mirage is an unincorporated area of San Bernardino County in the Victor Valley region of the Mojave Desert. Here's more about the murder investigation: Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Not a single person has been charged with insurrection regarding January 6‚ yet the Democrat Party continues to dredge up baseless allegations against former President Donald Trump. Meanwhile‚ there’s plenty of actions other former presidents have taken that could also be looked at through a criminal lens. “What if a president ordered the killing of an American citizen overseas or ordered the killing of what he believed to be terrorists but also winds up killing‚ let’s say‚ an American citizen who’s 16 years old‚ a teenager— perhaps the son of one of these terrorists who hasn’t actually committed a terrorist act‚” Mark Levin says. “Is that criminal‚ guys?” Levin asks‚ adding‚ “well‚ that’s what Obama did.” “So my question to you is: should Obama have been prosecuted for knowing that he could possibly kill an innocent American citizen while trying to take out his father?” He adds. This isn’t hypothetical. That case was actually brought to federal court by the American Civil Liberties Union against the Obama administration. However‚ the court did nothing. “It sidestepped‚” Levin explains‚ “that’s what they do for Obama and Biden and their ilk.” Joe Biden isn’t innocent either. “Can Joe Biden be sued for violating our immigration laws by people who’ve literally lost family members as a result of that decision? People being killed on the border‚ people being raped on the border‚ illegal aliens in the country killing American citizens — can he be used for that?” Levin adds. Want more from Mark Levin?To enjoy more of "the Great One" — Mark Levin as you've never seen him before — subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America‚ defend the Constitution‚ and live the American dream.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Biden administration may continue to cut the razor wire at the Texas southern border. But Texas isn’t giving up the fight. “State of Texas‚ you know‚ we’re not backing down‚” Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson Lt. Chris Olivarez tells Glenn Beck. “I just got back from Eagle Pass last night to kind of get a rundown of what’s happening and what’s going to take place with this whole Supreme Court decision‚ and nothing has changed‚ at least on our end‚ with DPS and National Guard‚” he explains. The National Guard is still installing more barriers along the river to discourage illegal border crossings. “I love this‚” Glenn responds‚ noting that the government is creating the narrative that people like Olivarez are “making it more difficult for them to do their job‚” though he’s “not sure what their job is.” Olivarez believes what the federal government is doing is “trying to create this divide between federal agencies and the state” and “create some type of conflict that’s nonexistent.” Meanwhile‚ illegal immigrants who have possible terrorist ties are walking freely across the border. “You can only imagine the type of people that are in our country right now‚” Olivarez says‚ adding‚ “the threat is already here.” Want more from Glenn Beck?To enjoy more of Glenn’s masterful storytelling‚ thought-provoking analysis‚ and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos‚ subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America‚ defend the Constitution‚ and live the American dream.