Two 2016 elections — President Donald Trump in the U.S. and Brexit in the United Kingdom — sent our global elites reeling. The only people not surprised that borders and sovereignty prevailed on both sides of the Atlantic, it seemed, were those still bold enough to call theselves nationalists. Yoram Hazony was so bold as to be an unapologetic nationalist. So much so that he authored a book titled “The Virtue of Nationalism” in 2018. For the Right, the book articulated the gut-sense that nationalism, though portrayed as the boogeyman of modern Western history, was worth preserving. For the Left, it entered the canon of books to “understand Trump and the MAGA movement,” which includes now Vice President JD Vance’s “Hillbilly Elegy.” Seven years on, much has changed. President Donald Trump’s America First movement has completely altered the terms of America’s debates on immigration, trade, and foreign policy. His impact has sent shockwaves across the globe, from Argentina, to Hungary, to the Middle East and beyond. Now that nationalists are no longer considered fringe actors, Hazony is publishing a second edition to “The Virtue of Nationalism.” He joined “The Signal Sitdown” to discuss the book and what to make of a more mature MAGA movement in the United States. Ten years on from the golden escalator, the imagined sound of the clatter of nationalists’ boots keeps Rachel Maddow up at night. But nationalism properly understood, Hazony told The Daily Signal, is “a theory of political order, which asserts or takes the position that the world is governed best when it’s constituted by many independent nations.” Far from being the boogeyman the Left seeks to make it, nationalism asserts that “[without the] diversity of human governments traditions, independent nations that can chart their own course, mankind ends up getting stifled.” “The only real route to freedom,” Hazony said, “is through independent nations.” What bad historians have laid at the feet of nationalism is really the fault of imperialism, which Hazony defines as “a theory that says ‘best to have one world government, or at least one government that is as broad as possible.” Nationalism, meanwhile, “is naturally opposed to imperialism.” Globalism, then, is the modern Left’s rebrand of the ancient imperialist impulse. But Hazony mostly refrains from using the term in the book and opts for its ancient counterpart. “I don’t use the word globalism so much for a very simple reason, which is that the globalists pick this word. In fact, they have a whole vocabulary of … euphemisms to kind of obscure what it is that they’re doing,” Hazony explained. “They’ll use globalism instead of empire. They’ll use governance instead of government.” “Pooled sovereignty, rules based international order, community of nations, openness—I mean, there are dozens of these [euphemisms],” Hazony added. These terms “came into fashion after 1989, after the sudden shift in the direction of utopianism by almost all the political parties.” Globalist euphemisms sought to stave off any nationalist or localist challenges to this new imperial project. And they served their purpose well. Things changed after 1989. “Suddenly you get George H.W. Bush [embracing the] slogan of the new world order,” Hazony told The Daily Signal. “From that moment where he starts talking about how we’re gonna wrap the entire planet in this single rule of law. All of a sudden, no one was allowed to object to it.” “For an entire generation, we were left with Democrats and Republicans, Labor and Tories, Christian Democrats and Social Democrats, everybody, all the major parties across the democratic Western world, just sort of accepting that we’re going to eliminate all the borders,” Hazony continued. “And so by the time you get to 2016, to Brexit and to Donald Trump running for president, it’s strange to say, but people thought that you were crazy or primitive or fascist or mentally ill or something if you stood for the idea that your country should be independent from other countries.” Now that it has suffered several defeats, “the friendly face of globalism has just gotten uglier and uglier.” But don’t expect the globalists to go down without a fight. The post Nationalism Is the Answer to Globalism appeared first on The Daily Signal.

German Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. These majestic dogs excel in various roles, from family companions to working dogs in law enforcement and search and rescue. At DogingtonPost, we’ve compiled essential dog training tips for German Shepherds to help you harness their potential. Our guide covers everything from basic obedience to advanced activities, ensuring you and your German Shepherd build a strong, lasting bond. What Makes German Shepherds Unique? Brains and Trainability German Shepherd Dogs rank among the most intelligent dog breeds, placing third in the AKC’s ranking of smartest breeds. Their cognitive abilities enable them to learn commands quickly, often mastering new tasks in just a few repetitions. This intelligence, paired with their eagerness to please, makes them highly trainable. However, their smarts also necessitate mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. To keep your German Shepherd’s mind engaged, use puzzle toys and training games in their daily routine. Teach them new tricks regularly, and consider activities like nose work or obedience trials to challenge their intellect. Loyalty and Protective Nature The loyalty of German Shepherds is legendary. They form strong bonds with their families and exhibit a naturally protective nature. This instinct, while admirable, requires careful management to prevent overprotectiveness or aggression towards strangers. Early socialization proves key. Expose your German Shepherd puppy to various people, animals, and environments from a young age. This helps them distinguish between normal situations and genuine threats. Regular positive interactions with visitors can also temper their guarding instincts. High Energy and Exercise Needs German Shepherds are working dogs with high energy levels. They require significant daily exercise to maintain physical and mental health. Without adequate activity, they may become restless, anxious, or develop behavioral issues. Try to provide at least 60-90 minutes of exercise daily. This can include walks, runs, fetch games, or agility training. Swimming is an excellent low-impact option for German Shepherds (especially those with hip dysplasia concerns). Mental exercise is just as important as physical activity. Combine training sessions with physical exercise for a well-rounded routine. For example, practice obedience commands during walks or set up obstacle courses in your backyard. Adaptability and Versatility German Shepherds excel in various roles due to their adaptable nature. They thrive as family companions, but also perform exceptionally well in working roles such as police K-9 units, search and rescue teams, and as service dogs. Their versatility stems from a combination of intelligence, trainability, and physical capabilities. German Shepherds can learn complex tasks and adapt to different environments (urban or rural) with proper training and socialization. Health Considerations While German Shepherds are generally healthy, they are prone to certain genetic health issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common concerns, as well as degenerative myelopathy (a progressive spinal cord disease). Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and appropriate exercise can help mitigate some health risks. Be aware of these potential issues and work closely with your veterinarian to ensure your German Shepherd’s long-term health and well-being. Understanding these core aspects of German Shepherd temperament lays the foundation for successful training and a harmonious relationship with your dog. In the next section, we’ll explore basic obedience training techniques tailored specifically for German Shepherds. How to Start Basic Obedience Training for German Shepherds Begin Early and Establish Structure German Shepherds thrive on structure and consistency in their training. Start obedience training as early as 8 weeks old to establish good habits and prevent unwanted behaviors. This early start sets the foundation for a well-behaved adult dog. Master Essential Commands Focus on four fundamental commands: sit, stay, come, and heel. These form the basis of all future training. Start in a quiet environment with minimal distractions. For “sit,” hold a treat close to your German Shepherd’s nose, then move it up and back over their head. As they follow the treat, their bottom will lower to the ground. Reward and praise immediately. To teach “stay,” ask your dog to sit, then step back while holding your hand out, palm facing them. Reward even a brief moment of staying put. Increase duration and distance gradually. Practice “come” on a leash initially. Move away from your dog, then call their name enthusiastically followed by “come.” Reward generously when they reach you. This command can save your dog’s life, so practice it frequently. The “heel” command teaches your German Shepherd to walk calmly beside you. Start with your dog on your left side, treat in your left hand. Take a step forward, encouraging them to move with you. Reward them for staying by your side without pulling. Implement Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement is crucial for training German Shepherds. Using aversive training methods (e.g., positive punishment and negative reinforcement) can jeopardize both the physical and mental health of dogs. Use high-value treats (such as small pieces of cooked chicken or cheese) during training sessions. Pair these with verbal praise and physical affection. Clicker training can also be highly effective, as the distinct sound marks the exact moment your dog performs the desired behavior. Create a Consistent Training Schedule Set aside 10-15 minutes twice daily for focused training sessions. The American Kennel Club suggests training before meals when your dog feels hungry and more motivated by food rewards. Incorporate training into daily activities. Ask your German Shepherd to sit before meals, stay before going through doors, or come before receiving attention. This reinforces obedience throughout the day and helps your dog understand that commands apply in all situations. Prioritize Early Socialization Proper socialization proves essential for German Shepherds. The critical socialization period occurs between 3 and 16 weeks of age. During this time, expose your puppy to a wide variety of people, animals, environments, and situations. Take your German Shepherd puppy to different locations (parks, pet-friendly stores, outdoor cafes). Introduce them to people of different ages, sizes, and ethnicities. Arrange playdates with other vaccinated dogs to teach proper canine social skills. Consider enrolling in a puppy socialization class. These classes provide a controlled environment for your German Shepherd to interact with other puppies and people under professional supervision. Always ensure socialization remains a positive experience. Never force your puppy into a situation that clearly frightens them. Instead, use treats and praise to create positive associations with new experiences. As you progress through basic obedience training, you’ll notice your German Shepherd’s intelligence and eagerness to learn. This foundation prepares them for more advanced training and activities, which we’ll explore in the next section. Advanced Training Activities for German Shepherds Agility Training: A Full-Body Challenge Agility courses offer an excellent outlet for your German Shepherd’s energy while improving their coordination and obedience. You can start with basic agility at home by creating jumps, tunnels and teeter boards or try your hand in a more structured dog agility class. Many local dog training clubs offer agility classes for structured learning. Begin with low jumps and short tunnels. Reward your dog for successful navigation of each obstacle. As your German Shepherd gains confidence, increase the difficulty and combine obstacles into sequences. Try 15-20 minute sessions, 2-3 times a week, to prevent overexertion. Scent Work: Utilizing Natural Abilities Scent work is used as a form of exercise and mental stimulation, which is vital for the well-being and happiness of German shepherds. Start with simple “find it” games at home. Hide treats or toys for your dog to locate. Increase difficulty by using scented objects and expanding the search area. For structured training, join a nose work class or invest in a scent work kit. These often include target odors (birch or anise), allowing you to train your dog to identify specific scents. Practice for 5-10 minutes daily, always end on a successful find to maintain motivation. Protection Training: Professional Guidance Required German Shepherds excel in protection work, but this training demands professional guidance to ensure safety and prevent aggression. Only pursue protection training for specific needs, such as personal security or competitive sports like Schutzhund. If you explore protection training, research reputable trainers who specialize in working breeds. Expect a thorough evaluation of your dog’s temperament before starting any protection exercises. Training typically begins with basic obedience and progresses to controlled scenarios that teach your dog when and how to respond to threats. Herding: Embracing Instinctual Behaviors Herding activities channel your German Shepherd’s natural instincts while strengthening your bond. Look for herding instinct tests offered by local herding clubs or farms. These tests introduce your dog to livestock in a controlled setting and assess their natural abilities. If your German Shepherd shows aptitude, enroll in herding classes. These teach commands like “walk up” (approach the livestock) and “lie down” (stop and wait). Even without access to livestock, practice herding-style exercises with large balls or remote-controlled toys to mimic the movement of sheep or cattle. Final Thoughts Training a German Shepherd demands dedication, patience, and consistency. These intelligent dogs thrive on structure and mental stimulation, so start early with basic obedience and progress to advanced activities. Tailor your approach to your dog’s individual strengths and interests to strengthen your bond and make training sessions more enjoyable. Positive reinforcement remains essential throughout your German Shepherd’s life. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and affection, and avoid harsh corrections that can damage trust. Socialization plays a vital role in raising a well-adjusted German Shepherd, so expose your dog to various people, animals, and environments from an early age. For more dog training tips for German Shepherds, visit The Dogington Post. We provide valuable resources for responsible dog ownership, helping you and your German Shepherd lead happy, healthy lives together. Training a German Shepherd is a rewarding journey that develops a deep understanding and lasting partnership with one of the most versatile dog breeds in the world.

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Our friend Jerry Dunleavy published an outstanding piece Monday night for Just the News that NewsBusters readers will want to bookmark and save in perpetuity for its exhaustive compilation of links showcasing the seemingly endless list of disturbing views by communist and New York City Democrat mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani. At the onset, Dunleavy noted Mamdani has referred to himself as a “democratic socialist” and received backing from “so-called ‘fact-checkers’ and legacy media in denying that he is a Communist — but his oft-repeated past comments strongly contradict his denials.” Dunleavy came out of the gate strong with these examples: An investigation by Just the News shows that in tweets, speeches, and affiliations, Mamdani, at his core, holds a strong affinity for straight-up Communism: praising and campaigning with a Marxist state senator in New York; declaring that NYC needed a mayor just like a famously young Indian mayor who was a member of an explicitly Marxist and Communist Party; praising the 1917 Russian Revolution which led to the overthrow of the Czar and, soon, the establishment of the Soviet Union at the cost of millions of lives; arguing about the need to “seize the means of production” in a reference to a core Marxist principle; praising famous radical Communist figures; and much more. After quoting Mamdani’s denials he’s a communist, Dunleavy dug in, including his ties to “comrade” New York State Senator Julia Salazar, who has repeatedly called herself “a Marxist.” Mamdani has praised other avowed communists, according to Dunleavy (click “expand”): Mamdani has also repeatedly praised famous Communist figures and leaders. A tweet by him from December 2020 was especially striking, as it suggested that he believed NYC needed a Communist mayor — a job he would pursue himself just a few years later while denying that he is a Marxist. “them: so what kind of mayor does nyc need right now? me:” Mamdani tweeted as he shared a Twitter thread from the Indian Puducherry State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) — or the CPI(M). “Comrade Arya Rajendran, age 21, new Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. She will be the youngest mayor of a major city in the world. Here she leads a detachment of Red Volunteers in @CPIMKerala. #CPIM  #LeftAlternative #Communist,” the Indian Communist Party tweeted. The profile for that branch of the Communist Party included a hammer and sickle emoji in its Twitter description. Tagged in the tweet threat was the “Official Twitter Handle of CPI(M) Kerala State Committee.” The thread Mamdani was re-tweeting contained two other tweets. “21-year-old comrade Arya Rajendran elected as the Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation today. Congratulations comrade. #CPIM #Communist #LeftAlternative #Women #womeninleadership,” the Twitter thread also said. Dunleavy left no stone unturned, reporting out Mamdani’s views on everything from statues to supporting the sezisure of “the means of production” to praise for the Russian Revolution, “which soon ushered in Communist rule in Russia and the establishment of the brutal Communist-led Soviet Union.” To read Dunleavy’s full piece, click here.

Bryan Kohberger — arrested for the gruesome murders of four University of Idaho students — avoided the death penalty by accepting a controversial plea deal Wednesday that angered a victim's family.Kohberger, 30, is accused of murdering 21-year-old Kaylee Goncalves, 21-year-old Madison Mogen, 20-year-old Ethan Chapin, and 20-year-old Xana Kernodle on Nov. 13, 2022, at an off-campus house in the city of Moscow.Judge Hippler asked Kohberger, 'Did you on Nov. 13, 2022, enter the residence at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, with the intent to commit the felony crime of murder?' 'Yes,' Kohberger answered. Investigators believe Kohberger stabbed the students to death with a Ka-Bar-style hunting knife, which reportedly has never been found. But investigators reportedly discovered a knife sheath near Mogen's body at the crime scene, which allegedly had Kohberger's DNA on it.Kohberger was arrested at his parents' home in Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 30, 2022.Kohberger was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in connection with the killings of the college housemates. However, Kohberger walked away from death row after agreeing to a plea deal Wednesday. Judge Steven Hippler began the hearing in Boise by addressing the controversy regarding Kohberger being spared the death penalty by agreeing to a plea deal. Hippler noted that he had "no inkling" of a possible plea deal until Monday and was preparing for the case to go to trial.Kohberger’s quadruple-murder trial was scheduled to begin next month, beginning with jury selection on Aug. 4 and opening statements on Aug. 18, USA Today reported."Once I learned of the defendant’s decision to change his plea in this case, it was important that I take the plea as soon as possible," the judge said. Judge Hippler tackled the sensitive topic of Kohberger making a plea deal to avoid the death penalty, which has enraged at least one of the victims' families. "This court cannot require the prosecutor to seek the death penalty, nor would it be appropriate for this court to do that," Hippler explained, according to the Associated Press. “Court is not supposed to, and this court will never, take into account public sentiment in making an opinion regarding its judicial decisions in cases," Hippler declared. "I always will make decisions based on where the facts and the law lead me, period."Loved ones of the murder victims cried as Judge Hippler read the names of the slain college students, the AP said. Judge Hippler asked Kohberger, "Did you on Nov. 13, 2022, enter the residence at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, with the intent to commit the felony crime of murder?”“Yes,” Kohberger answered.An unemotional Kohberger calmly confessed to killing the four college students before pleading guilty. Judge Hippler said Kohberger will be sentenced at 9 a.m. July 23.In 2023, a judge entered a not-guilty plea on Kohberger's behalf after the suspect stood silent when asked to provide a plea.RELATED: Court docs say DNA of Idaho murder suspect found on knife sheath. College roommate frozen in shock coming face-to-face with killer. Expert profiler believes Bryan Kohberger is an incel. Prosecutors notified the victims' families of the plea in a letter, according to ABC News. “This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family,” prosecutors wrote in the letter. “This agreement ensures that the defendant will be convicted, will spend the rest of his life in prison, and will not be able to put you and the other families through the uncertainty of decades of post-conviction appeals.”Prosecutors added, "Your viewpoints weighed heavily in our decision-making process, and we hope that you may come to appreciate why we believe this resolution is in the best interest of justice."Steve Goncalves — the father of Kaylee Goncalves — said his family had "never even considered" a plea agreement. "It was described to me as, like, due diligence," Goncalves told ABC News in a separate story. "We're going to, like, look at this option, see if it could fit."The distraught dad added, "At the least, justice starts with an interview of the families to ask them what justice is. And we didn't get that."RELATED: Chilling details revealed in Idaho college murders case — including frantic texts from roommates and new DNA evidence Photo by August Frank-Pool/Getty ImagesThe Goncalves family blasted the plea deal and the local prosecutor's office. "The death penalty is merely an illusion in the criminal justice system," the family said in a statement released Tuesday. "When available, it serves as a bargaining tool for the state, and when rarely applied, it’s never enforced due to a highly inefficient appellate process. The notion that someone can plead guilty to a crime and still face years of appellate delays reveals a systemic failure."The family continued, "The Latah County Prosecutor’s Office’s treatment of our family during this process is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone."The family claimed that the prosecutor's office "branded" them as "adversaries.""Four wonderful young people lost their lives, yet the victims’ families were treated as opponents from the outset," the family stated. They added that the prosecutor's office "mishandled" the plea deal and argued that it was rushed. The statement concluded, "Our family is frustrated right now, and that will subside, and we will come together as always and deal with the reality that we face moving forward. Once again, we thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers!"Just hours before the hearing, the Goncalves family also slammed Moscow Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson for making a "deal with the devil." "Right here, right now, we dig our heels into the earth and carve a line deep in the dirt," the family said in a statement on Facebook. "This ain’t justice, no judge presided, no jury weighed the truth. Thompson robbed us of our day in court. No negotiations, no jury of our peers, not even the pretense of cooperation and fairness."The statement continued, "Cowardly men, gutless men, they scatter like roaches when the battle closes in. And Thompson? He’s retiring on this deal, his shadow slithering toward the exit, leaving only the stench of his betrayal. No spine, no shred of honor. He didn’t have the basic decency, the plain human courage, to face the families, to meet our eyes and ask, 'How do we make an offer that works?' Instead, Thompson cut his deal with the devil, his negotiations didn’t require anything other than a simple guilty plea."The family accused Thompson of failing to "shield the innocent."The father of Xana Kernodle also opposed the deal, the New York Times reported. However, some of the families of the victims have been supportive of the plea deal to end this chapter of their nightmare. Madison Mogen's family said they support the plea agreement “100%,” according to NBC News. The family's attorney read a prepared statement outside the courthouse after the hearing, "We lost our Maddie, our kind, loving, vivacious, and caring daughter, full of purpose and promise. We are grateful for the gift of her life, and we have grieved the loss of that life during each of these 962 days."Stacy Chapin, the mother of Ethan Chapin, supported the plea agreement, according to KGET-TV. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Furious infighting by Democrats has broken out in California, where the governor is being attacked by liberal members of his own party over laws meant to increase the supply of housing in the state.Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom is getting assailed by state lawmakers after he forced the passage of a law to bolster the construction of low-income housing by allowing developers to pay nonunion wages to laborers. While Democrats have a supermajority in the legislature, opposition to the bill from pro-union lawmakers erupted in outrage against the governor.'I just cannot begin to explain how incredibly inappropriate and hurtful this is.'"I just enacted the most game-changing housing reforms in recent California history," said Newsom on Monday. "We're urgently embracing an abundance agenda by tearing down the barriers that have delayed new affordable housing and infrastructure for decades. Let’s get building, California."Newsom was also able to lower environmental standards for housing that have strangled construction for decades, according to critics.Labor advocates angry over Newsom's laws filled a hearing with "mocking, yelling, and storming out" to show their opposition, according to a Politico report.“Anyone who believed this would not cause a giant explosion — they were living in la-la-land,” said San Francisco political consultant Todd David.“To have legislation that is this large and this significant be forced through at the 11th hour … seems pretty absurd to me,” said state Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, a Democrat. “I just cannot begin to explain how incredibly inappropriate and hurtful this is.”She went on to say that it was “incredibly insensitive” for Newsom to push for the labor law at a time when federal immigration raids were targeting “blue-collar workers who are Latino.”Trade union lobbyist Scott Wetch accused Newsom of “contemplating a law to suppress wages" for the first time in California since the Jim Crow era.Kevin Ferreira, a construction trades council executive director, said the bill would compel their workers to "be shackled and start singing chain gang songs.”RELATED: Judge DENIES Newsom emergency request to halt Trump order for military in Los Angeles Some said the actions by the governor brought into question how he could move on to national aspirations after betraying his base in California.One union leader accused California Democrats of kowtowing to pressure from Newsom in the same way that Republicans are caving to demands from Trump.“California Democrats are crying foul that legislators and senators are passing things that they don’t even know the effect of that aren’t in line with their constituents that are just being shoved down their throats by Donald Trump,” said California Labor Federation leader Lorena Gonzalez to the Los Angeles Times.“And those same legislators in California are allowing that to happen to themselves," she added.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Despite having already navigated some major obstacles like platform delistings and court battles, extraction RPG Dark and Darker is finding itself in one of its toughest spots yet. The last few days have been difficult for the game, with Steam player counts dropping to alarmingly low levels and fans bombarding it with negative reviews after a controversial update. Now, in a series of messages to the community, Dark and Darker’s game director has apologized for his “extreme approach to problem-solving” and acknowledged there have been “inconsistent decisions and shallow responses to feedback.” Continue reading Dark and Darker lead apologizes for "inconsistent decisions" as the RPG slumps MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best RPGs, Best multiplayer games, Best fantasy games

What do the excellence of 2025’s biggest RPGs in Stellar Blade and Expedition 33 have in common with the adrenaline-pumping fun of Rematch? Well, all three (and more triple-A games) are part of Fanatical’s latest Mystery Box Bundle, which will net you some fresh Steam keys alongside the chance to score some of 2025’s biggest hits. Continue reading Believe it or not, you could get Expedition 33 and Stellar Blade for just $1 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Stellar Blade review, Best soulslike games, Best RPG games

PBS Pushes Poll That Finds PBS Viewers Think ICE Goes Too Far In Enforcing Immigration Laws