'More dead bodies were found in the bush today'

Editor’s note: This is a lightly edited transcript of today’s video from Daily Signal Senior Contributor Victor Davis Hanson. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more of his videos. Hello, this is Victor Davis Hanson. Each administration, at some point in its first or second year, has a strategic assessment, a strategic strategy of what the United States’ economic, diplomatic, political, and military objectives will be in foreign affairs. Ours just came out. And one of the more controversial sections—which I think, otherwise, was a pretty sound strategy—was simply saying that our partners, the founders of Western civilization, the Europeans, are in dire trouble. And then the authors of the strategic assessment said they face “civilizational erasure.” Well, you can see what that did to the Europeans. Nothing is more humiliating or makes the Europeans angrier than we upstart Americans—who our founders came from Europe and many of us did as well—to be lecturing the Europeans on what they’re doing wrong. So, they’re very angry at us. But why are they angry at us? Because the assessment outlined why Europe’s in trouble. Its radical green proposals, their New Green Deal version is much more deleterious than ours. They have ample amounts of gas in the North Sea and oil. They have gas, natural gas, in France and other places. And yet, they’re hell-bent—if I could use that term—on wind and solar that’s costly and unreliable. The result is Europe is not competitive in the world economic market, and the EU has lost its place in world gross domestic product rankings. It’s gone way down. It used to be along with the United States, the two preeminent economic powers in the world. But it’s lost its share of world GDP by a substantial margin in just 20 years. Its fertility rate is not as—ours is 1.71, 1.75. That’s very worrisome. Theirs is 1.39. They are shrinking and aging. And more importantly, their borders are open. They have 45 million people coming in from the Middle East, predominantly. And unlike us, they don’t have a history with the melting pot. There’s no fluidity in classes, as we have. So, it’s very hard for them to acculturate, assimilate, and integrate immigrants, especially when they come in illegally and from—let’s be honest—mostly from the Middle East. So, you have the force multiplying of Islam. At least the people who come across the southern border legally and illegally have a shared Christian tradition. But Europe does not have that experience with illegal immigration. And they’re disarmed. They had not been spending 2% until President Donald Trump jawboned them. They say they’re gonna get to 5%, but if you look at their budgetary expenditures and incomes, it seems almost impossible. And now they’re facing a Russian juggernaut that is, you know, moving west, in Ukraine, toward them. And so, all of this was calibrated by the United States. But here’s what I think got them very angry. The United States’ attitude was not—in this report—you should have done this. You bad, you. We don’t like you. No. It was more, we should be brothers. We should be equal brothers. You, Europe, is the foundation of the West. Greece. Rome. The Pope. The Renaissance. The Enlightenment. All of this majestic culture came from you. And we are an offshoot, an offspring of it. And we wanna partner with you. And we wanna be equals with you. So, please can you just consider stopping the censorship, opening up discussion, and maybe reassessing your energy, your military, your immigration issues and policies. And get back in the game with us in a 50/50 fashion. They got very, very angry about this. But here’s what makes us angry about their anger. Europe is, sort of, the proverbial one-eyed Jack, the card that you only see one eye and you flip over and maybe there’s something quite different on the other side. What do I mean by that? There are 32 NATO nations in the alliance. Outside of the United States and Canada, 30 of them are in Europe. There are 27 European Union members. The European Union members and the European NATO members are like this. They’re almost the same nation, overwhelmingly. And 90% of the cases belong to the EU and NATO. But here’s the one-eyed Jack metaphor: NATO members say, yes, we want to prepare ourselves against Russia. Yes, we made the 2% investment of GDP and military expenditures. Yes, we want to go to 5%. Yes, we want the United States, by all costs, to be our leader. We used to pay 16%, 18% of our budget. We want to integrate more with you. And we’re so happy that you’re with us again. And Donald Trump is “daddy.” Flip the card over. Now we’re talking, these same people, now are not talking as NATO members in dire need of military assistance from the strongest military power in the history of civilization. They’re talking as EU globalists and utopians. Don’t lecture us. We can censor X. We can censor Facebook. We don’t have a First Amendment. We don’t allow unfettered speech, like you do. We don’t have a Second Amendment, like your rowdy cowboyism back there. Oh, by the way, we’re much stronger on DEI, even than you are. And, as Angela Merkel once said, chancellor of Germany, “Yes, we can. We can do it.” We can integrate millions of people who are from the Islamic world into our cultures. Don’t lecture us about that. And oh, yes, we will rearm in our own fashion. And as far as our foreign policy, we don’t understand you people. We feel that Israel is a settler colonial power. Which it isn’t. And we side with Hamas or Hezbollah. Or we have a very different attitude about Iran. We have peaceful solutions. We are not Neanderthals. So, how are we Americans supposed to deal with Europe when we see this morbidity? And we see it because it’s here in the United States. So, all this report was basically saying, if you look at the subtext, we have a problem with fertility. We have a problem with immigration. We have a problem with green tyranny. We have a problem with DEI. We have a problem with pacifism. But, unlike you—we didn’t say this—but we’re dealing with it. We have a counterrevolution. All we’re asking of you is to consider the voices of dissent in your own continent. Maybe they’re on the right track. Maybe, like us, they have discovered that this system is toxic that both us in America and you in Europe have experimented with. We’re both Westerners. And let’s stop this DEI, open borders, pacifism, green energy, and get back in the global game because we have China, we have Iran, North Korea, and Russia as enemies. And we wanna be partners. So, we’re just offering you advice. And please don’t play this double game where, in terms of military assistance, all of a sudden we’re saints here in America, you NATO face says, but in terms of culture and sociology and politics, we’re Satans. We’ve caught onto that a long time ago. We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal. The post Trump Wants to Work With Europe to Stop ‘Civilization Erasure’ appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Is the Tide Finally Turning Against Candace Owens?

When the liberals at Norman Lear Center at USC handed out their Walter Cronkite Awards for Fervent Leftist Bias – oops, for “Excellence in TV Political Journalism” – you can count on the winners delivering wild-eyed speeches about America descending into despotism under Donald Trump. You can easily know how much this is Democrats Applauding Themselves when the emcee is Marty Kaplan, who was, back in 1984, the deputy campaign manager of Walter Mondale for President.  Kaplan hailed Maddow's work on the "national pro-democracy movement." Democrats constantly equate themselves with Democracy, and Republicans with despotism. It never matters that Trump recently won in the election results. American democracy resulting in Trump’s election never stops their democracy-is-dying claptrap.   Rachel Maddow thrilled the audience by proclaiming her heroism of her work: “The story of our age, I really believe—the story of our democracy right now—is not a Washington story. And it is not easy to cover. But right now, it is the most important story in the world.” The “most important story” is any band of protesters or disrupters of Trump and his attempts to enforce the immigration laws, which they paint as “authoritarian” stuff. Maddow said telling the story isn’t about focusing on Trump “the despot,” but on the “reaction of the people” [leftists] resisting the alleged despot: MADDOW: Imagine a faraway country with its democracy at risk. It’s under pressure from a leader having his friends buy up and domesticate previously independent media, doing his best to intimidate or shut down the rest. He has the intent to rule by force, to consolidate all power in himself and rule indefinitely without being constrained by election results. The Left looks ridiculous when they claim Trump is "domesticating independent media," which is their code for "making leftist networks in any way less fervently leftist." Defunding PBS and NPR is somehow "intimidating" or "domesticating," but anyone observing them knows they haven't changed their tilt a bit this year. CBS News hasn't turned into Newsmax, despite dramatic leftist claims on Twitter.  MADDOW: In this faraway hypothetical country, if our foreign correspondents were to assess whether that country would make it, whether they would weather this storm, they would not try to discern that by ever closer and more minute scrutiny of the words or even the actions of the despot. They would file their dispatches and their reporting and their analysis on the reaction of the people to what the despot is trying to do. They would file their dispatches and their reporting and their analysis based on what is evident in the resilience of the people and the quality of their response and the cleverness of their response and the number of inflatable frog costumes they’re in [as in anti-ICE protests in Portland].... I want to encourage all of you to look to the response of the people and not just the way they are victimized and affected by those in power, because it is the response of the people that will decide whether or not we’re here next year doing awards like this again. There is Democracy's Drama Queen, suggesting that Trump will ban all awards shows for leftist bias in the coming year. Did anything like that happen in Trump's first term? Keeping Jim Acosta out of the briefing room for a week, that's about as dramatic as you can cite. Also notice that anyone who is deported is "victimized." Americans killed or violently harmed by illegal migrants are not counted as "victimized." Democrats suggest that "Democracy" and open borders and zero deportations are the same thing.

Comedian and actor David Spade offered an example of people deliberately avoiding even mentioning Christianity while trying to keep the faith's holiday traditions in place.Spade made the comments about a local mall ceremony to light a non-Christmas tree on his podcast with fellow "SNL" alum Dana Carvey, who agreed with his criticism. The "Fly on the Wall" episode was published on Sunday.'I've never met someone from another religious faith that was upset about a Christmas tree.' "I will say that Christmas is taking a little bit of a beating lately," Spade said."It is December, and I saw the other day there was a tree-lighting ceremony for the Christmas tree in some dopey mall, but it said 'tree-lighting ceremony,'" he added. "And they were careful not to say the word 'Christmas' during the whole ceremony.""No!" Carvey responded.Spade went on to mock the idea of lighting a tree for a non-Christmas holiday reason."Why? So it's just a tree?" he asked."To consciously avoid that, then what is the tree for?" Spade continued. "A December to remember? Is it a Lexus dealership? Why do we have — for the whole month? Isn’t it for Christmas?"Carvey pointed out that Christmas has come to include everyone because it has become somewhat secularized."I've never met someone from another religious faith that was upset about a Christmas tree," he added."I'd say stop that bulls**t," Spade said."Yeah, 'cause everyone loves Santa and the tree and all the trappings," Carvey replied."They like all things about it," Spade said. "Don't say that word."RELATED: Nigerian Christians are being murdered by Islamic radicals. This congressman has had enough. Spade also made brief mention of the horrific persecution of Christians in Africa."Like, is this where we get the hammer? You can't say that about anyone else. ... We're taking a beating down in Africa. It's like, this is not the year to be Christian. I will tell you that," he added.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Luiz Fernando RibeiroBrachycephalus lulai on the tip of a pencil. Deep in the cloud-covered mountains of southern Brazil, researchers have identified a new species of pumpkin toadlet — a group of tiny, brightly colored frogs known for their bold hues. It’s been dubbed Brachycephalus lulai. According to a new study published in the journal PLOS One, this frog, which measures less than half an inch in length, is highly endemic and lives only in the leaf litter of a small section of the Serra do Quiriri mountain range. This is just the latest discovery to reveal how much of Brazil’s biodiversity remains hidden in plain sight — and why conservationists are so keen to protect the region. A Frog So Small It Fits On A Pencil Tip Researchers have been attempting to catalog all of Brazil’s Brachycephalus species for several years now, but that task is easier said than done. Despite their vivid orange shade — a warning to predators — these tiny frogs are incredibly difficult to spot among the leaf litter. So, how did scientists find B. lulai? By listening. Males of the species make unique mating croaks, which helped lead researchers directly to them. Luiz Fernando RibeiroB. lulai lives in one of Earth’s most threatened ecosystems. After collecting the specimens, researchers analyzed them in a lab, studying their features and conducting genetic sequencing. They concluded that they had indeed discovered a new species, which they named Brachycephalus lulai, after Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. “Through this tribute,” the scientists wrote in their paper, “we seek to encourage the expansion of conservation initiatives focused on the Atlantic rainforest as a whole, and on Brazil’s highly endemic miniaturized frogs in particular.” Indeed, this discovery is sparking conversations about conservation in the South American country. The Importance Of The Discovery Of ‘B. Lulai’ While B. lulai was classified as being of “least concern” from a conservation standpoint, other frogs in the same region are endangered, which has ignited debate about how to protect the creatures from habitat loss. Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, where B. lulai was found, is one of the most threatened biomes on the planet. Centuries of deforestation, agriculture, and urban expansion have reduced it to a fraction of its original size, leaving many species isolated in small, fragmented pockets of habitat. Every new discovery in this region serves as a reminder of how much could be lost before it’s ever even documented. Tiny amphibians like pumpkin toadlets are especially vulnerable. Their survival depends on stable microhabitats — moist leaf litter, intact forest floors, and clean water sources — all of which are disrupted by even minor environmental changes. Daniel Souza Lima/Wikimedia CommonsA view over Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Because they are so sensitive to temperature, humidity, and pollution, amphibians often serve as early warning indicators of ecological decline. The presence of a previously unknown species suggests that these forests are full of biological discoveries, but it also raises concerns about how many undiscovered species may already be on the brink. Pumpkin toadlets in particular are known for their unusual evolutionary traits, from their bright coloration to their reduced hearing abilities and bioluminescent bones. Each new species adds another piece to the puzzle of how these frogs evolved such unique characteristics — and how they continue to adapt to their environment. Understanding these evolutionary pathways can help researchers trace how species respond to environmental stressors, which is increasingly important in an ever-warming world. Documenting new species also strengthens the case for conservation. When scientists can point to unique, endemic animals found nowhere else on Earth, it becomes harder for policymakers to ignore the ecological value of these forests. A single tiny frog may not seem like much, but discoveries like this one help build the scientific and public momentum needed to protect the last remnants of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. After reading about this new toadlet species discovered in Brazil, learn about the electric blue tarantula found in Thailand. Or, discover the long-tongued moth species found in Madagascar. The post A Tiny New Species Of Pumpkin Toadlet Has Been Discovered In The Mountains Of Brazil appeared first on All That's Interesting.

Turkish Ministry of Culture and TourismThe fresco of Jesus as the “Good Shepherd” that was recently discovered in Turkey. Amid ongoing excavations at the Hisardere Necropolis in the Turkish district of Iznik — known in antiquity as Nicaea — archaeologists have uncovered an early Christian fresco depicting the “Good Shepherd Jesus,” a rarely-seen figure that could very well be the only example of its kind in the region. No artifacts were recovered nearby that could help experts date the fresco, but the tomb in which it was found is believed to date to the third century C.E. At that time, the region was under Rome’s control, thus Christians were facing widespread persecution because the religion had not yet been legalized throughout the empire. However, a not-explicitly-Christian image like the “Good Shepherd” would have allowed believers to express their faith without fear. The Rare “Good Shepherd” Fresco Discovered Inside An Underground Tomb In Turkey The fresco adorns the north wall of a hypogeum — an underground chamber tomb — that has been exceptionally well preserved for well over a millennium. Although its southern wall has been heavily damaged over the years, the ceiling, as well as the east, west, and north walls remain in near-perfect condition, offering archaeologists a unique opportunity to study the fresco in situ. The walls and ceiling are adorned with decorative bird and plant motifs, as well as portraits of noble men and women with their enslaved attendants. Directly behind the kline — a square, terracotta funerary bed — is the fresco, a common form of visual art throughout the Mediterranean during the early years of Christianity. It depicts Jesus with distinctly Roman attributes, youthful and clean-shaven, wearing a toga and carrying a goat across his shoulders. This specific type of figure, however, is almost never found in Anatolia. And of the few examples found in the region, the one from Hisardere is the best preserved. Turkish Ministry of Culture and TourismArchaeologists uncovered the fresco in August 2025. Jesus as the Good Shepherd was an early expression of faith before the cross was widely adopted as the symbol of Christianity, along with a revised image of a bearded, older, robed Jesus. This image became the standard not long after Rome legalized Christianity in 313 C.E. But while Christianity was still outlawed, the Good Shepherd was an important symbol of protection, salvation, and divine guidance for early Christians. As lead archaeologist Gulsen Kutbay told the Associated Press, however, this newly-found fresco is possibly the “only example of its kind in Anatolia.” The symbol’s presence in this tomb evokes a fascinating period in history where Christianity was practiced discreetly due to fear of persecution. Iznik Museum archaeologist Eren Erten Ertem said the fresco shows “a transition from late paganism to early Christianity, depicting the deceased being sent off to the afterlife in a positive and fitting manner.” Furthermore, this is the first time a depiction of Jesus has been identified in a tomb at the Hisardere Necropolis, which opens further paths for investigating early Christian artwork in Anatolia. Why Nicaea Was An Important Site In Early Christianity Turkish Ministry of Culture and TourismOther motifs featured in the tomb’s frescoes included birds, flowers, and goats. Amazingly, this discovery was made just one week after Pope Leo XIV visited Iznik to commemorate the 1,700-year anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in 325 C.E. The First Council of Nicaea convened under Roman Emperor Constantine I, marking Christianity’s transition from a religion whose followers faced persecution to one that now had imperial favor. Approximately 300 bishops gathered to address the Arian controversy, which questioned Christ’s divine nature. So it was that the council produced the Nicene Creed, affirming that Jesus was “of one substance” with God the Father — a theological statement still upheld in many Christian churches around the world to this day. Meanwhile, the council also established the timing of Easter and created frameworks for church governance. Turkish Ministry of Culture and TourismA closer look at Jesus’ depiction in the fresco found at the Hisardere Necropolis. The Second Council of Nicaea in 787 C.E. tackled the iconoclasm controversy, which had divided the Byzantine Empire for decades. Church leaders ultimately endorsed the veneration of religious icons, distinguishing between worship due to God alone and the respect shown to a sacred image — a decision which heavily influenced Christian art and worship practices, particularly in Eastern Orthodoxy. Nicaea’s strategic location in northwestern Asia Minor made it accessible to bishops traveling from across the Christian world, from Spain to Mesopotamia. The city’s walls and imperial patronage provided security for these contentious theological debates. The councils’ decisions unified Christian doctrine during formative centuries, establishing precedents for how the church would resolve disputes and define orthodoxy. The Nicene Creed remains Christianity’s most widely accepted statement of faith, transcending denominational boundaries among Catholics, Orthodox, and most Protestant traditions. The newly discovered fresco serves as a reminder of Iznik’s important place in the course of Christian history. After learning about this newly uncovered “Good Shepherd” fresco, dive into the mystery of where Jesus was buried. Then, learn about the brutal deaths of seven early Christian martyrs. The post Archaeologists In Turkey Just Uncovered A Rare Fresco Of A Young, Beardless Jesus Inside An Ancient Tomb appeared first on All That's Interesting.

This seems to have been epic government incompetence.

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