The Palestinian Authority (PA) is sinking its claws deeper into the governance of the Palestinians, and not in a good way. Gaza’s technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, recently replaced its logo with the PA’s logo. According to the official PA daily Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Egypt is planning to train 5,000 Gazan police officers who will be paid by the PA, while the EU will train an additional 3,000 PA police officers in Judea and Samaria to then be deployed to Gaza. While the above developments seem innocuous, the PA’s newly released draft constitution shows its true colors. Rather than serving as a bridge for peace and enlightened governance, the draft is bogged down with old hat ideas that oppose American foreign policy and doom Gaza to a continuing, forever war against Israel. (RELATED: The Day Arafat Invented the Palestinians) The draft constitution clearly enshrines the “pay to slay” model, where the PA financially rewards terrorists and their families for killing Jews. First, the draft constitution clearly enshrines the “pay to slay” model, where the PA financially rewards terrorists and their families for killing Jews. In an attempt to prevent the PA from doing this, President Trump signed into law the Taylor Force Act in March 2018, which prohibited U.S. funding of the PA until the PA stopped making such payments. But the PA missed that memo and instead chose to continue “pay to slay” despite U.S. law. Article 24 of the PA’s draft constitution states that the PA will “…work to provide protection and care for the families of martyrs, wounded, and prisoners, and those released from the occupation prisons…” Article 44 calls for the PA to provide “…comprehensive care for the families of the martyrs, wounded, and prisoners, and those released [from prison], in preservation of their national dignity and their humanitarian and living needs.” Despite PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas claiming in February 2025 that the PA ended “pay to slay,” last September, Secretary of State Marco Rubio protested that the policy was still in force. And the PA handed out an estimated $315 million to at least 23,500 terrorists in 2025 alone, according to Palestinian Media Watch (PMW). PMW further claims that the PA added at least 6,000 additional recipients to the “pay to slay” dole in 2026 so far. Recently, the PA sent a notice through its prison affairs commission that terrorists released in the past need to prove proof of life to continue to receive life-long salaries, and that those released in 2025 deals with Israel need to provide banking information to begin receiving salaries. Additionally, a Syrian journalist recently disclosed on PA TV that “we all know” that Palestinian families orchestrate their children being injured in conflict with Israel in order to collect such payments. Second, the draft constitution undermines U.S. policy on Jerusalem. In December 2017, the Trump administration “recognized Jerusalem, the ancient capital of the Jewish people, as the capital of the State of Israel,” and in May 2018, moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. On this as well, the PA chooses to live in an alternative universe. In Article 3, the new draft constitution calls Jerusalem the “capital of the State of Palestine, and its political, spiritual, cultural, and educational center, as well as its national symbol.” It also states that the Palestinian Authority “…is committed to preserving [Jerusalem’s] religious character, and protecting its Islamic and Christian sanctities… [author’s emphasis].” The draft constitution thus not only ignores U.S. policy on Jerusalem, but fails to recognize the long history of Jewish rights, archeology, sovereignty, and semi-sovereignty there. (RELATED: ‘Mamdani the Hater’ Slanders Jews and Judaism) Palestinian leadership even mocks U.S. policy on Jerusalem outright; the PA called Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s and Ambassador Mike Huckabee’s visit to the Western Wall last fall an “invasion” and that the Western Wall is “an inseparable part of the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque” and a “purely Islamic site.” The PA’s stance on this subject tracks back to at least 1998, when the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem denied that Solomon’s Temple was in Jerusalem. Such revisionist history has significant consequences in Jerusalem and beyond; Arab leadership and terrorists have been invading, defiling and destroying various heritage sites in the modern period, including but not limited to the Mount of Olives and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus/Shechem, and Rachel’s Tomb and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Third, the draft constitution puts the viability of religious tolerance under the PA on shaky ground: it contains merely a veneer of religious tolerance for Christians, and not even that for Jews. In Article 4, the draft constitution states that “Christianity has its status in Palestine, and its followers’ rights are respected.” The draft has a glaring omission of Jewish rights to pray and live in the land. This tracks with PA’s continued contempt for and incitement to violence towards Jews. Recently, a PA village council chairman stated that the Jews “provokes [sic] disgust” among the Palestinians. PA-sponsored sermons call for Allah to “strike the thieving Jews” and to “kill Jews one by one, and do not leave even one.” Of course, the nod to Christianity and its followers in the draft constitution is a fraud. The PA continues to co-opt Jesus into their narrative, maintaining that Jesus was a Muslim and a Palestinian, and the first “self-sacrificing fighter,” a term used by the PA to refer to terrorists. A recent PA sermon also described Christians as “aggressive Crusader Christians” that Allah needs to “strike” along with the “thieving Jews,” as both peoples “…have behaved arrogantly and tyrannically on earth and increased corruption on it.” And further complicating the likelihood of the PA as being religiously tolerant, in Article 4, the draft constitution calls Islam “the official religion in the State of Palestine,” and also deems that “the principles of Islamic Sharia are a primary source for legislation.” This may come as a surprise to many who believe that the PA is a secular organization, and shows that the PA (like Hamas) models itself after countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and Qatar. By supporting terrorism, re-imagining Jerusalem, and creating a precarious future for religious tolerance, the PA’s new draft constitution continues to show the true colors of Palestinian nationalism as opposing American foreign policy and values. Only with a government free of Hamas and PA influence will Gaza be able to move forward in a durable détente with Israel. READ MORE from Steve Postal: Iran Has Already Doomed Talks US Designates Muslim Brotherhood Branches as Terrorist Organizations While Lebanon Dithers, Israel Continues to Degrade Hezbollah

The similarities are striking. In his second and last presidential term, President Harry S. Truman set his sights on changing the world with his foreign policy agenda. Following on the heels of World War II and the defeat of Adolph Hitler and his decidedly anti-Jewish agenda, the latter carried out with the unspeakable horror of concentration camps and the murder of some six million Jews, Truman set his sights on supporting the creation of a home for the Jews. That would be Israel. Truman would go on to write of this moment: Now that the Jews were ready to proclaim the State of Israel, however, I decided to move at once and give American recognition to the new nation. …. About thirty minutes later, exactly eleven minutes after Israel had been proclaimed a state, Charlie Ross, my press secretary, handed the press the announcement of the de facto recognition by the United States of the provisional government of Israel. Over at the USA History Timeline site, there is this about Truman and the creation of the United Nations. In the aftermath of World War II, the world found itself at a crossroads. The devastation wrought by the conflict had not only altered national boundaries but also left a profound impact on global politics and human relationships. As nations grappled with the consequences of war, the idea of a united front emerged as a beacon of hope, promoting peace, security, and cooperation among countries. Central to this movement was the establishment of the United Nations, an organization envisioned to prevent future conflicts and foster international collaboration. Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, played a pivotal role in this transformative period. His leadership and vision were crucial in shaping the policies that led to the creation of the UN. Truman’s commitment to internationalism and his belief in the necessity of a collective approach to global issues resonated during a time when the world was desperate for unity. Through his speeches and actions, he galvanized support for the United Nations, setting the stage for a new era of diplomacy and cooperation. In other words, President Truman took the bull by the horns and, in creating the United Nations, created what was decidedly a “new world order.” Now, some 80 years later, here is President Donald J. Trump coming forward with the creation of the Board of Peace. Here are a few samples of reactions to Trump’s action: From NBC: “Trump vows $10 billion from U.S. for his ‘Board of Peace,’ as he leans into global role.” From the Associated Press: “Countries that attended Trump’s first Board of Peace meeting in Washington.” From TIME magazine: “Who’s Accepted and Who’s Rejected Invites to Join Trump’s Board of Peace.” From PBS: “Trump announces pledges for Gaza reconstruction and troop commitments at first Board of Peace meeting.” From CNN: “Trump launches his ‘Board of Peace’ with billions pledged for Gaza, but many allies are wary.” On and on and on go the headlines of Trump’s creation of the Board of Peace, littering the Internet. And very much like his predecessor, Harry Truman and his role in creating the United Nations, Trump’s Board of Peace has every possibility to open a new chapter in world history. Accomplishing heretofore seemingly impossible tasks like bringing peace to Gaza and the Middle East — something Trump has a talent for, as demonstrated with his creation and organization of the “Abraham Accords.” The latter brought signed peace accords between Israel and the Arab nations of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Sudan. So. As was true of President Truman in the aftermath of World War II,  the world, as always, keeps moving onward. With, one hopes, the potential for real peace, this time as a presidential legacy brought by President Trump’s Board of Peace. Stay tuned. READ MORE from Jeffrey Lord: GOP Congressman Bacon Opposes President’s Constitutional Pardon Power Three Cheers for Attorney General Pam Bondi Schumer Plays the Race Card

The Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—grew up in the remote village of Haworth, West Yorkshire, England. Their father, Patrick Brontë, was appointed as the curate of St. Michael and All Angels’ Church in 1820, leading the family to move into the adjacent parsonage. This isolated setting, surrounded by the rugged Yorkshire moors, provided a backdrop ... The post Heathcliff Come Home: 10 Dark Truths About The Brontë Sisters appeared first on History Collection.

  President Abraham Lincoln is remembered for many reasons within the United States and worldwide, but one of his most significant contributions to history was his legendary Gettysburg Address. While this speech was originally intended to dedicate a cemetery, it evolved into something much more diverse and powerful, a tool that Lincoln used to propel the Union cause forward. What goals did Lincoln hope to achieve when he spoke these powerful words, and how have those achievements evolved into modern history?   What Was the Gettysburg Address? President Abraham Lincoln, highlighted in red, at Gettysburg a few hours before giving his famous address. Source: Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons   Abraham Lincoln is considered by historians to be one of the most eloquent of the nation’s past presidents, known for his flowing speeches and written work that was articulate yet used simple language that appealed to the nation’s citizenry as a whole. He utilized the newspaper as a way to reach the populace in an era before mass media, and gave stunning speeches, including his annual congressional addresses and the Gettysburg Address.   The Gettysburg Address was given on November 19, 1863, in Gettysburg. The location, in Adams County, Pennsylvania, was home to a devastating battle just months prior. Over July 1-3, the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the American Civil War, raged. These three days made up the bloodiest single battle of the entire war. The battle saw the Confederate troops invade the north, for only the second time—and it would be the last. The battle concluded in a Union win, ending Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s bid to take the Union army within its own territory and change the trajectory of the war, though fighting would continue for two more years. Over 51,000 soldiers were estimated to be casualties of the battle, with almost 4,000 Confederates and just over 3,100 Union soldiers perishing. Another result of the fighting was the establishment of a cemetery for the Union dead at the battle site. Though he was not the keynote speaker, President Lincoln was invited to the dedication ceremony for the cemetery and asked to make “a few appropriate remarks” to the crowd of approximately 15,000.   Union dead on the battlefield after the first day of fighting at Gettysburg in July 1863. Source: Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons   Lincoln did so in a speech that is rather short, considering its iconic reputation. Less than 275 words in length, the oration didn’t even take three minutes to share. However, within those three minutes, Lincoln managed to stretch the purpose of his narration to meet several political and fundamental goals for the Union cause.   Honoring Fallen Soldiers Battle of Gettysburg by Thure de Thulstrup, restored by Adam Cuerden. Source: Library of Congress & Adam Cuerden/Wikimedia Commons   The first and original goal of the Gettysburg Address was a nod to the dedication ceremony and the reason Lincoln had been invited to Pennsylvania. He honored the sacrifice of the soldiers who lay dead at Gettysburg and of those who continued to fight to preserve the nation. He spoke of “those who here gave their lives that the nation might live.” He said that these brave men had already consecrated their resting place and that there was little that those in attendance for the dedication could do to outweigh the honor that the soldiers had already bestowed upon the grounds.   Tying the War to the Cause of Freedom A presidential campaign ad from 1864 illustrates Abraham Lincoln as a champion of freedom for all, and his opponent, George McClellan, as siding with the Confederacy and upholding the institution of slavery. Source: Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons   However, Lincoln did more in his address than simply honor the soldiers who had given their lives and were now buried at Gettysburg. Within his speech, Lincoln reminded his audience that the reason they were there was the cause of freedom for all. The first words of the speech harken back to the Declaration of Independence, meant to preserve freedom for all Americans.   Coupled with the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been released in January of that year, Lincoln tied the Union cause with the abolition of slavery. While slavery was one of the key causes of the Civil War, for many in the American public, the focus of the war had been the preservation of the Union. Lincoln tied the two objectives together in his speech, promising that “this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.”   Inspiring Americans to Action Lincoln is depicted giving the Gettysburg Address in this lithograph. Source: Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons   The Gettysburg Address also served as a call to action for Americans, inspiring them to continue on in the fatiguing, bloody war that had already raged for over two years. In the speech, the audience was encouraged not to let “these dead” die in vain. His espousal of American values, including freedom, helped Americans make sense of the ongoing carnage, reminding them to be hopeful and to persevere. In Lincoln’s philosophy, the soldiers at Gettysburg and beyond gave their lives for the important tenets for which the war was being fought, and it was now up to the American people to continue supporting this fight. Lincoln’s words not only served to encourage Civil War-era citizens, but would continue to inspire Americans in future military conflicts and general challenges.   Lincoln’s Legacy The Gettysburg Address inscribed in the interior south wall of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Source: Wikimedia Commons   In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln remarked, “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here…” However, this prediction would prove to be markedly false. The Gettysburg Address is one of the most famous speeches, not only in American history, but in world history. Within a month after the speech was given, it was being used in schools and is still utilized in education today, both as a study of this complex era of American history and as an example of effective oration.   The Gettysburg Address was referenced in Senator Charles Sumner’s eulogy on Lincoln after his assassination less than two years later, and was invoked during anniversary celebrations relating to Lincoln and the Civil War. In the decades after, the address went on to be referenced in late 19th-century politics, particularly in regard to whether the government was truly still “for the people” or for big business during the Gilded Age.   The speech was often quoted during the Civil Rights Era, where freedom was a central theme, and during the Cold War to promote pro-American sentiments on a global stage. In 1959, the State Department issued 50,000 reproductions of the Gettysburg Address, some with translations in different languages, with a preface explaining that Lincoln’s speech “will endure forever as an expression of the spirit of the United States of America.” The speech also played a starring role in a series of comic books in numerous languages that were distributed throughout Southeast Asia as an effort to cultivate pro-American feelings.   An excerpt from Lincoln’s speech was printed on postage stamps in 1948. Source: Smithsonian National Postal Museum/Wikimedia Commons   Lincoln’s oratory skills contributed to the success of the speech as well. Though what he said made the speech important, the way he said it was just as important. The keynote speaker of the day, Edward Everett, had spoken for two hours before Lincoln gave the address, and while Everett’s speech is not considered a “bad speech,” it is remembered very little today due to its length. Lincoln’s to-the-point approach and simple, yet effective, language make the speech accessible to many. Everett himself later said, “I should be glad, if I could flatter myself that I came as near to the central idea of the occasion in two hours, as you did in two minutes.” The concise nature of the Gettysburg Address allowed for easy reprinting in newspapers and pamphlets, disseminating the message beyond the crowd at Gettysburg that day.   Today, five surviving copies of the speech in Lincoln’s own handwriting exist, two of them produced before the speech was given, with one likely being the copy Lincoln used to refer to on the day of the dedication. The others were produced after the speech for benefit events. The copies are owned by the Library of Congress, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the White House, and Cornell University. These copies are on display periodically and are a stark physical reminder of the address’s enduring legacy.   A political cartoon from 1943 recalls the legacy of the Gettysburg Address. Source: National Archives at College Park/Wikimedia Commons   The Gettysburg Address, though it may have started out with a singular purpose, evolved to meet numerous goals of the American president and government during one of the country’s most trying times. The impact of Lincoln’s words cannot be underestimated and is still evident decades later in its eloquent legacy.

Hey, I just received a message from CO2 Coalition boss. He is trying to save motorcycling from being forced to go all-electric. I put him in touch with a major motorcycle rights group. They are all over it. Every week is like this. I received a call with serious implications for expanding the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame.  I was asked to come on the board of directors of a charitable foundation. Let’s hit the news: The News was provided by the Bikernet Team including: Wayfarer, the Redhead, Bob T. Sam Burns, Agent Zebra, Rogue, Laura, Barry Green, El Waggs, Jenn and the rest of the crew. The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Easyriders Magazine, Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Q: What is the Spirit of Ecstasy? A: The official name of the mascot of Rolls Royce, she is the lady on top of their radiators. Also known as “Nellie in her nighty”. –Sam Burns SAWICKI SPEED– Intimidator Exhausts Now In Stock and Available Through WPS/HardDrive Dealers Nationwide Sawicki Speed has announced that its all-new Intimidator Series performance exhaust systems for Harley-Davidson M8 models are now in stock and available through Western Powersports (WPS) / HardDrive, making it easier than ever for riders to purchase through their local motorcycle dealership. Sawicki Speed’s new Intimidator Series exhaust for Harley M8 Touring and Softail models are now available through WPS/HardDrive dealers. Following the recent launch of the Intimidator Series – a fully CAD-designed performance exhaust platform engineered through more than 1,000 hours of R&D – Sawicki Speed has partnered with its distribution partner, WPS/HardDrive, to ensure strong inventory, dealer availability, and fast fulfillment nationwide. With WPS/HardDrive stocking the Intimidator lineup, dealers can now access systems quickly for M8 Touring, Softail and Low Rider ST models, helping riders get upgraded and back on the road without extended wait times. Intimidator Exhausts through WPS/HardDrive: Hand-Brushed Stainless Steel finish (Now in Stock) Jet-Hot Black Ceramic Coated finish (Coming Soon) “We’re excited to strengthen our partnership with WPS/HardDrive and to give their dealer network direct access to Intimidator inventory,” explained Chris Clark, President of Sawicki Speed. “We’re excited to see riders get their hands on the most advanced exhaust system we’ve ever built.” Learn more about the Intimidator Series at  www.sawickispeed.com. Find a WPS/HardDrive dealer near you using the WPS Dealer Locator. Be sure to follow Sawicki on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for the latest updates and product announcements. URAL MOTORCYCLES ANNOUNCEMENT–Parts for Legacy Motorcycles We know that many of you are concerned with support for your existing Ural motorcycles and frustrated with the parts availability. Here are the current updates: – We secured the entire remaining inventory of EFI Gen 2 system components from our supplier, including oxygen sensors, ignition coils, and other related parts. This shipment is expected to arrive in the U.S. by mid-March. – A large consolidated order of factory-produced parts is being organized in cooperation with our European partner, Congenia GmbH, with support from dealers and long-time Ural enthusiasts. We especially want to thank Mike Paull for his support and financial contribution. This shipment includes a number of items with long manufacturing lead times (crankshafts among them). Because of this it’s expected to leave from Kazakhstan at the end of May and arrive in the US mid-July (second half of June for the EU). While that’s a wait, this shipment should cover the majority of backorders and create some buffer inventory.     – We are working with other suppliers outside the factory to secure available inventory and address backorders. An important piece of context. The Ural parts business on its own isn’t large enough to be self-sustaining without ongoing bike sales. It also requires significant working capital due to large minimum order quantity, long lead times and slow turnover. The very limited presence of aftermarket alternatives for most of the Ural-specific parts reflects how niche this ecosystem is. Launching Neo and restoring meaningful unit sales is the only realistic path to rebuilding working capital and establishing stable, long-term parts supply for legacy bikes. Supporting the Neo project – especially by introducing new riders to sidecars – directly contributes to that outcome. A number of dealers and long-time Ural enthusiasts have stepped in to support the Neo rollout financially. If you’re interested in helping us move Neo faster – please reach out privately to madina@ural.com Neo Engineering Development We’ve reached an important milestone in the Ural Neo journey: the engineering development of the Ural Neo 500 is complete, and the final technical specification is now confirmed. This marks the end of a year-long process of refining the original platform with three priorities in mind: performance, reliability, and compliance. A MUST TO SUPPORT–RE: Support H.R. 3385 — Clarifying the Federal Definition of “Motorcycle” We write in support of H.R. 3385, legislation that directs the Secretary of Transportation to update the federal definition of “motorcycle.” Far from eliminating innovation or harming American jobs, this bill provides long-overdue regulatory clarity, strengthens consumer safety, and restores coherence between vehicle design, performance expectations, and applicable federal safety standards. H.R. 3385 does not constitute a ban. It corrects a definitional inconsistency that has allowed fundamentally different vehicle architectures—three-wheeled vehicles equipped with steering wheels, pedals, and bucket seats—to be regulated under motorcycle standards that were never designed for such configurations. Ensuring that vehicles are regulated according to their design characteristics is not market interference; it is sound public policy. Our support for H.R. 3385 is based on the following considerations: Regulatory Integrity and Safety Alignment Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) were developed with distinct engineering assumptions for passenger cars and motorcycles. Vehicles equipped with steering wheels, foot pedals, automotive-style seating, and occupant restraint systems operate, handle, and protect occupants in ways that differ materially from traditional motorcycles. Maintaining these vehicles within the motorcycle classification creates a structural mismatch between design and regulatory oversight. Updating the definition of “motorcycle” ensures that safety standards are aligned with vehicle architecture and consumer expectations. Regulatory clarity enhances—not undermines—innovation by establishing clear guardrails for compliance and future product development. Pathway to Appropriate Classification — Not “Limbo” Opponents characterize H.R. 3385 as creating “classification limbo.” The legislation directs the Department of Transportation to update definitions through rulemaking. This process provides manufacturers with notice, opportunity for comment, and transition periods as appropriate. If a distinct safety category for these vehicles is warranted, the appropriate mechanism is deliberate rulemaking — not indefinite reliance on a definition that was never intended to encompass automobile-like vehicles. Clear classification promotes legal certainty, preserves interstate consistency, and protects consumers. State Law Harmonization It is true that some states reference federal definitions. That fact underscores why federal definitions must be precise and technically sound. When state statutes incorporate federal terminology, Congress has a responsibility to ensure that those terms accurately reflect vehicle design and safety intent. Updating the federal definition will provide states with a clearer foundation for registration and operational laws. Any necessary adjustments at the state level can and should occur through orderly legislative processes, as has occurred historically when federal vehicle standards evolve. Economic Stability Through Regulatory Certainty The powersports marketplace is significant, and its continued strength depends on predictable and defensible regulatory frameworks. Long-term economic stability is not served by preserving regulatory inconsistencies that invite litigation, enforcement uncertainty, or uneven safety oversight. Manufacturers innovate best when classifications are transparent and durable. Clarifying definitions now reduces future risk exposure for manufacturers, dealers, and consumers alike. Fair Competition and Market Transparency H.R. 3385 does not “pick winners and losers.” It ensures that vehicles competing in the marketplace are regulated under standards that correspond to their design and risk profiles. Allowing automobile-configured vehicles to remain classified as motorcycles may inadvertently create uneven compliance obligations across vehicle categories. A fair market requires consistent application of safety standards. Updating definitions to reflect modern vehicle designs strengthens competition rather than suppressing it. Preserving Public Confidence Consumers reasonably expect that vehicle classifications correspond to meaningful safety distinctions. Regulatory precision reinforces public trust in the federal safety framework. When classifications become stretched beyond their original intent, confidence erodes. H.R. 3385 represents an effort to modernize statutory language so that federal law keeps pace with evolving vehicle designs while preserving the integrity of established safety standards. For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Subcommittee to support H.R. 3385. Clarifying the definition of “motorcycle” is not an attack on innovation. It is a commitment to regulatory consistency, consumer protection, and long-term market stability. We appreciate the opportunity to provide this perspective and welcome continued engagement with the Committee and its staff as this legislation moves forward. HELP VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS–Find Relief After Service Many veterans and first responders live with the effects of service long after the job ends, and for some, traditional mental health care feels out of reach. Motorcycle Missions offers a practical path to relief. Through Throttle Therapy, veterans and first responders reconnect with a community through riding, shared purpose, and camaraderie. Your one-time donation directly makes these programs possible for people who might never raise their hand for help, but still need it. Support at the right moment can be the difference between someone continuing to struggle alone or finding a way forward. That moment is now. Make a one-time donation today to help veterans and first responders find relief after service. –Motorcycle Missions DIRECT FROM THE BASE OF THE THOUGHTFUL MOUNTAIN–Choices Life continually places us at crossroads. Some decisions are small and fleeting, others shape the entire direction of our lives. “There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.” — Denis Waitley As this day begins, let us remember that we will be presented with choices in every conversation, every reaction, every thought. The most powerful choice we make is this: Who governs my day — me, or circumstances? The past has no authority over this moment unless we hand it that authority. The future cannot intimidate us unless we give it permission. All true power lives in the present. Today is a gift, an opportunity to rise to a higher awareness, a higher expression, a higher way of living. We learn from yesterday so we can create a better today, but we are never required to relive what is already finished. At times we may feel controlled by habits, fears, or addictions. It can seem as though we have no choice. Yet even believing we have no choice is, in itself, a choice. Some accept defeat. Others decide to seek help, to find support, to lean into faith, to do the inner work. They choose to reclaim their lives. They choose to become victors instead of victims. When we shift our consciousness, life responds. The Universe meets us at the level of our decision. When challenges arise, pause — even for a breath — and turn within. The Infinite Wisdom that animates all life is present within you. The answer is never outside your reach. Only you determine how you respond. Only you choose your attitude. Only you decide what meaning to assign to events. That is your power. Today Know: I choose to live fully in the gift of the present. I have learned from my past, but I am not bound by it. I refuse to surrender my peace to anyone or anything. I move forward confidently, willing to try new paths and make new decisions. I welcome the good that is unfolding in my life. I am supported by Divine Love, always and unconditionally. My life is shaped by my choices, and today I choose wisely. “Alice came to a fork in the road. ‘Which road do I take?’ she asked. ‘Where do you want to go?’ responded the Cheshire Cat. ‘I don’t know,’ Alice answered. ‘Then,’ said the Cat, ‘it doesn’t matter.’” — Cheshire Cat from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll Clarity of direction gives power to our choices. Five Daily Affirmations for Making Better Choices I pause before I respond and choose wisdom over reaction. I choose thoughts that strengthen me and release those that weaken me. I take full responsibility for my decisions and their outcomes. I trust the Divine Intelligence within me to guide each step. I choose growth, courage, and love in every situation. Three Reflective Questions Where in my life am I surrendering my power instead of making a conscious choice? What old pattern am I ready to release so I can choose differently today? If I fully trusted the wisdom within me, what decision would I make right now? Namaste. –Yale ALEX EPSTEIN UPDATE–Solar and wind aren’t real power sources, they’re intermittent fuel-savers As a recent week of winter weather illustrated, solar and wind don’t replace reliable power sources—they just save them fuel, usually at great expense. We hear constant claims that solar and wind are rapidly and cheaply replacing fossil fuel power; Storm Fern demonstrated this is 100% false We’re bombarded with supposed examples of solar/wind rapidly and cheaply replacing fossil fuel power: rapid rises in solar/wind “capacity”¹ or “generation”²; solar/wind credited for supplying most of a day’s electricity³; stats claiming solar/wind is now cheaper than fossil fuels⁴. Advocates of solar and wind replacing fossil fuel power downplay the obvious, glaring problem that the grid requires electricity on-demand and that weather-determined, intermittent solar and wind can provide nothing resembling that. They either don’t mention intermittency or claim it’s easily addressed. Take Elon Musk. He posts incessantly about solar replacing fossil fuels, and the vast majority of the time he doesn’t mention the intermittency at all! When he does he treats it as trivial, e.g., addressable by just storing excess daytime power in batteries and deploying it at night.⁵ If you want to understand why intermittent solar and wind are not rapidly and cheaply replacing fossil fuel power, there is no better case study than their frequent disappearance during the high-demand week of Winter Storm Fern (1/23 to 1/31)—and the high costs this imposed on the public. Solar/wind frequently disappeared during Storm Fern’s huge power demand, leaving Americans 100% reliant on our gutted reliable power sources The electricity grid that our lives and prosperity depend on requires that power plants and their supporting infrastructure—pipelines, transmission lines, distribution lines—provide exactly as much supply of electricity as consumers demand. If our power plants can’t do this, the grid blacks out. For any technology to replace fossil fuel power, in whole or in part, it needs to make a reliable contribution to providing the on-demand, all-the-time (24/7/365) power our grid needs to work. In technical terms, it needs to provide “capacity”—the ability to generate electricity as-needed. If a technology can’t reliably provide capacity then we still need the exact same amount of fossil fuel power infrastructure to meet demand. Arguably, the single most important time for a power source to operate reliably is during winter storms, where demand is high, persistent, and existential. E.g., the cold from Storm Fern generated near-record winter demand throughout the country, causing a week-long period of extreme electricity consumption such that if the power went off many Americans would quickly freeze to death.⁶ We commonly hear about the impressive “capacity” growth of wind and solar⁷. But this is a perversion of the proper meaning of “capacity.” For traditional, reliable power plants—nuclear, coal, gas, oil—“capacity” is the amount of electricity it can generate on-demand, when needed. For solar and wind, “capacity” is the maximum potential electricity it can generate when there are perfect weather conditions. Storm Fern showed how in real-world conditions, solar and wind’s “capacity” is an illusion. Wind frequently provided very little electricity at times of high demand during Storm Fern. For example, the Mid-Atlantic grid (“PJM”) and the Midwest grid (“MISO”) each had at least one morning of peak demand where wind performed at around (and sometimes lower than) 10% of its supposed “capacity.” And for a 6-hour mid-day period on 1/29 in MISO, wind provided only around 2% of its “capacity.” As badly as wind performed during Storm Fern, solar—which Elon Musk and his acolytes treat as infinitely superior to wind—performed far, far worse. As often happens during winter storms, solar was mostly or totally useless during the times of highest demand (evening and early morning). Observe that in Florida, which was hit later than other states by Storm Fern’s cold, solar provided zero help during its intense evening peak demand on 1/31 and 2/1, barely any help during the morning peak of 2/1, and zero help during its highest demand time of all, the morning peak of 2/2. Solar’s real “capacity” was obviously zero.⁸ Not only did solar predictably disappear when needed most, during evenings and early mornings, it also underperformed during the day—meaning it could not reliably charge the batteries we are told are solar’s savior. Observe that in New England, solar performed far, far lower than its “capacity” for days on end, to the point that burning wood and trash often provided significantly more electricity than solar.⁹ We are often told that if you combine solar and wind together, they’re somehow reliable. But this is not true, as Storm Fern painfully illustrated. For long stretches of time in most affected grids, solar/wind combined generated less than 10% of their supposed “capacity”—meaning that even together they couldn’t be relied upon to provide power or charge batteries.¹⁰ The only reason that the lights and heat stayed on around the country during Storm Fern is that we have, barely, kept enough reliable capacity to provide all the power when solar and wind disappear. But just barely, and at great cost, since the anti-fossil-fuel policies urged by solar/wind propagandists have reduced the supply of reliable power plants and supporting infrastructure.¹¹ Had we not shut down so many coal plants and suppressed so many pipelines and prevented so many gas plants,¹² Storm Fern’s demand could have been easily and cheaply met. Instead, it strained grids, spiked power prices, and spiked heating prices when solar/wind failed to deliver.¹³ Storm Fern was a perfect litmus test for purported replacements of fossil fuels. If a type of “power” or “capacity” cannot reliably contribute to preventing Americans from freezing to death during a week of nationwide cold weather, whatever else it is doing it is absolutely not replacing fossil fuels. Solar and wind failed that test. The only way you can rely on just solar, wind, and batteries to provide on-demand, all-the-time electricity—is a combination of “overbuilding” and multi-day storage that would end up costing, in free-market conditions, 10-20X what a natural gas plant does! THE NEW SCOUNDRELS FROM GRIFTER– Our latest addition to the Scoundrel lineup is this new olive color Scoundrel. We sourced this leather in Upstate New York, and are excited to bring it to you. This glove is the perfect soft leather glove, whether you are riding a bike or walking the streets. Order yours today. All Gloves are made to order and can take up to 2 weeks to ship At All Kids Bike, we’re continually inspired by the creativity, generosity, and heart of our supporters. Today, we’re honored to spotlight one donor whose personal challenge turned into a powerful gift for kids—and a reminder of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. To celebrate his 65th birthday, longtime endurance athlete Doug Thurston set out to complete the Triple Bypass Ride—a grueling 120-mile cycling challenge through the Colorado mountains. But Doug didn’t ride just for himself. He turned this milestone into a fundraiser to bring the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program to Alameda Elementary School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. What started as a birthday goal became something even more meaningful. Near the finish line, Doug was involved in a serious crash that left him with a broken femur and in emergency surgery. Despite this unexpected setback, the support of his friends, family, and community rallied behind him. Within just two weeks, Doug raised enough to fully fund the All Kids Bike program for Alameda Elementary. Stories like Doug’s are a powerful reminder: every donor has the ability to create moments that change lives. Whether it’s a birthday ride, a workplace fundraiser, or a simple act of generosity, your support helps bring the joy and freedom of riding a bike to kids who might not otherwise have that opportunity. Thank you for being part of this incredible community—and for helping us get more kids on bikes, one school at a time. Let’s Bring This Joy to More Schools TURN 14 HEADS TO DAYTONA BIKE WEEK– Kuryakyn, Biker’s Choice, Twin Power, Speed & Strength, and Skid Lid to Highlight New Products and Custom Bikes DAYTONA BEACH, FL – February 19, 2026 – For Daytona Bike Week 2026, industry-leading brands Kuryakyn, Biker’s Choice, Twin Power, Speed & Strength, and Skid Lid are expanding their presence across two retail locations: Teddy Morse’s Daytona Harley-Davidson and the nearby J&P Cycles vendor lot. Each brand is part of the Turn 14 Powersports family. The expanded footprint focuses on engaging directly with rally attendees. At Teddy Morse’s Daytona Harley-Davidson, Biker’s Choice, Twin Power, Speed & Strength, and Skid Lid will feature a large display near the main entrance. Kuryakyn and Kuryakyn Leather will anchor a dedicated space within the J&P Cycles lot. At both locations, product experts will be available to answer technical questions, provide fitment guidance, and discuss the benefits of each brand’s latest offerings. Kuryakyn will also offer on-site product installations at its tent. A key highlight at each display area will be bikes from the company’s recently completed fleet of eight custom motorcycle builds, each showcasing products from Turn 14’s accessory brands. The display areas will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., February 27 through March 8, 2026. WHAT’S NEXT–We are cranking away and the new issue is out there. Things are interesting in the streets, but we’re dealing with anything they throw at us. It’s so wild and as an outlaw we understand the play. Adam croft understands. He’s had a tough life and is trying to survive building cool stuff out of leather. There you have it. The brother is trying to survive with his craft and he might show up in Daytona. Hang on for more reports. Ride fast and fuckin’ Free Forever, –Bandit The post THE MOVING BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for February 19th, 2026 appeared first on Bikernet.com - Online Biker Magazine.