In Shasta County, California, far-right politics and election conspiracy theories have caused division in a once tight-knit community. The county’s conservative base faces unprecedented challenges due to radical ideas, impacting relationships and local institutions. How can unity be restored amid such division? Rising Political Tensions Conservative activists and parents’ groups in California are focusing on local boards, countering the liberal state legislature’s dominance. Republicans have not won a statewide office since 2006 and now hold a superminority in the Legislature. State lawmakers often dismiss conservative grievances, adding fuel to the conflict. In response, conservatives utilize local governance to voice their opposition and sometimes propose forming a new state. The situation escalates with activists challenging progressive policies in schools and city councils. Despite the millions of conservative voters, Democratic dominance persists. Cultural clashes grow, resulting in a deeply polarized electorate. Shasta County stands out due to the far-right movement and Bethel Church’s influence. Critics argue Bethel exacerbates housing issues and sways local politics, while supporters praise its community role. Impact on Local Governance The far-right movement in Shasta County has significant effects on local governance. Government workers have exited, voting systems face skepticism, and residents oppose state policies concerning Covid-19 and the Second Amendment. The community ousted a far-right leader, electing Matt Plummer, a Bethel Church member with no political background. Plummer emphasizes that his role is not to defend Bethel but to serve the community. “This is the bind we’re in, Shasta county is in this weird extremist sandwich where we have the rightwing pushing for guns and splitting the state. And there is the other extreme side of the sandwich that is Bethel church. Then the middle where people are trying to figure out how to survive in this place.” – Doni Chamberlain Tim Garman, a board supervisor, witnessed hostility and a decline in public discourse. Initially supported by ultra-conservatives, Garman has shifted, opposing far-right initiatives. His evolving stance, especially regarding voting machines, positions him as a polarizing figure. Garman maintains his decisions prioritize the county’s well-being, though threats and criticism persist. Community Efforts for Unity Shasta County exemplifies how extremist politics can fracture communities. The political upheaval has roots in pandemic frustration, leading to the rise of militia and secessionist groups. A major turning point came when Garman witnessed racism at a meeting, aligning him with moderate policies. Despite the threats, Garman remains hopeful for Shasta County’s future. Extremist politics divided this conservative California community. What will it take to turn the tide? https://t.co/tV3h5zN0gW — Guardian US (@GuardianUS) October 8, 2024 Efforts to bridge divides include initiating dialogue and acknowledging diverse perspectives. Community leaders and activists are tasked with countering extremist rhetoric with respect and understanding. As people work to heal ideological fractures, the focus is on re-establishing traditional values and fostering a sense of unity. Shasta County’s story serves as a testament to the resilience needed to overcome division. While challenges remain, the pursuit of common ground offers hope for a renewed community spirit, reflective of longstanding values. Sources: California conservatives fight back – CalMatters The California community caught between a powerful megachurch and far-right extremists The post Deepening Divisions: Exploring Extremism’s Impact in Shasta County Community appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State, has reportedly extended her guidance to Vice President Kamala Harris on how to endure political defeats, particularly those against Donald Trump. Clinton’s insights draw from her experience in the 2016 presidential race, providing Harris with strategies to maintain public favor despite electoral setbacks. The shared exchange aims to fortify Harris’s resolve as she considers her political future. A Discussion on Political Loss and Resilience Kamala Harris reached out to Clinton for support after her loss in the 2024 presidential election. The two have reportedly met on several occasions, most notably in November, where they discussed navigating the aftermath of their respective defeats to Donald Trump. According to reports, Harris is keen on resilience-building strategies for her political career, learning from Clinton’s experience of securing the popular vote in 2016 despite losing the election. Clinton was the first female major party nominee to vie for the presidency, a role now shared by Harris as the first female Vice President. Their dialogue underscores the common challenges faced by women in leadership within the political sphere. Handling election losses and planning future endeavors were likely focal points in their discussions. “Trump Can Win On Character”WTF?Has the New York Times gone batshit crazy? If a high schooler turned this essay into the school paper they’d have rejected it. Thanks to @karenattiah for making me read it. Here is 90% of it because if you had to pay to read it,… pic.twitter.com/2EAlOdC3If — Jake Adelstein/中本哲史 (@jakeadelstein) August 27, 2024 Private Meetings and Political Alliances In December, Harris attended a private reception at Clinton’s home in Washington following Clinton’s receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. These personal meetings highlight the strengthening bond between Harris and Clinton, further demonstrated when the Clintons endorsed Harris after President Biden opted out of the reelection race. Clinton’s influence is deemed significant as Harris evaluates her next steps. “In December, Harris quietly slipped out of her official residence at the Naval Observatory in Washington and over to Clinton’s home a few blocks away to chat and celebrate at a private reception for the former secretary of State after Biden awarded her the Medal of Freedom.” – New York Magazine While Harris has yet to announce specific future plans, speculation surrounds potential gubernatorial and presidential bids. The insight and strategies shared by Clinton could play a pivotal role in shaping Harris’s political trajectory and resilience. Despite becoming VP, Kamala Harris lacked the courage and vision to move away from the influence of liberal merchants of death, Hillary and Bill Clinton. Defeat, well earned. #USA2024 https://t.co/sSh6x5hz23 — CAGE International (@CAGEintl) November 6, 2024 Looking Ahead: Harris’s Political Prospects Though the details of Clinton’s advice remain confidential, Harris has openly expressed her intent to “stay in the fight,” committing to active engagement in U.S. politics. Harris has established an LLC named Pioneer49, signaling her readiness to continue her political career, potentially targeting future electoral opportunities. Predictions about Harris’s future include a run for California governor in 2026 or another presidential bid in 2028. Amidst these possibilities, she has maintained considerable support from her fundraising network and Democratic peers. With allies like Clinton, Harris is poised to navigate her path forward, whether in ongoing political contests or roles beyond public office. Sources: Inside Kamala Harris’ heartbreaking crisis talkings with Hilary Clinton – Irish Star Kamala Harris consulted Hillary Clinton to overcome brutal loss to Donald Trump: Report The post Insights from Hillary Clinton to Kamala Harris on Resilience in Politics appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

'We gave them opportunities'

Pete Hegseth was confirmed Friday as the 29th secretary of Defense after a contentious Senate confirmation process. The vote was split down party lines, with 50 votes for and 50 votes against and Vice President JD Vance set to break the tie, according to the unofficial tally. Hegseth will oversee the U.S. armed forces’ domestic […]

President Donald Trump’s defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth was confirmed Friday, ending one of the most contentious and vital confirmation battles of Trump’s early administration. He was confirmed thanks to a tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance, who noted, with laughing-crying emjoi in a X post, “I thought I was done voting in the senate”. I thought I was done voting in the senate ?— JD Vance (@JDVance) January 25, 2025 Hegseth, an Army veteran and former Fox News anchor, is the epitome of Donald Trump’s campaign to dethrone the established elites from their seats of power, as he does not come from a high-ranking position in the armed forces. He has passionately advocated for the end of woke-ness in the military. Hegseth faced a salvo of accusations related to his relationships with alcohol and women, and whether he had the professional credentials to run the Defense Department. He pledged to refrain from drinking alcohol if confirmed and denied an allegation of sexual assault. In December, Trump praised Hegseth as possessing a “Military state of mind,” and noted his degrees from Princeton University and Harvard University. “He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense … one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump added in a Truth Social post. As the confirmation process went on, Hegseth began to consolidate support, especially after a strong performance in his confirmation hearing. Ultimately, Hegseth successfully won over most Republican senators. The only defectors on the GOP side were Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins and Mitch McConnell, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie to secure Hegseth’s nomination. Murkowski, who in the past opposed Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination and supported numerous Biden administration appointees, explained her vote against Hegseth ahead of time on X “Mr. Hegseth’s prior roles in his career do not demonstrate to me that he is prepared for such immense responsibility,” wrote Murkowski. Sen. Thom Tillis announced his support for Hegseth’s nomination in an X post Friday evening. “From the beginning, I have been clear about my position: if President Trump’s nominees were reported favorably out of the relevant committees, I would support their confirmation on the Senate floor absent new material information about their qualifications,” wrote Tillis, adding that  he had asked “tough questions of Pete and … appreciated his candor and openness in answering them.” “Pete has a unique perspective as a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and is unquestionably passionate about modernizing our military and supporting the brave patriots like himself who serve our nation,” Tillis continued. “I will support his confirmation and look forward to working with him to rebuild our military and advance President Trump’s peace through strength agenda.” Trump lightly criticized Mitch McConnell and others for their opposition Friday, telling the press, “I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that. And of course, Mitch is always a ‘no’ vote, I guess.” This is a breaking news article and it may be updated. The post Hegseth Confirmed as Defense Secretary appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Gail Damerow, an expert in breeding and raising chickens. Raising chickens has become very popular with city folk — some have dubbed the trend the “Urban Chicken Movement” — and so people are seeking information about how to raise chickens. Raising chickens is part of a larger movement toward locally-sourced and seasonal food as more people become aware of the health risks involved in eating food treated with chemicals. People are also more mindful of the ethical concerns involving battery-style factory poultry production and the thwarting of the animals’ natural needs for sunlight, space and fresh air inherent in factory farming of chickens. Gail has written several  books about breeding and raising chickens, and also has some YouTube videos on the subject, so please don’t miss the links at the bottom of the page. So, let’s get down to discussing chickens! Sarah Stafford: Gail, thanks so much for talking with me today! To begin, why do you think that people are becoming more interested in raising chickens? Gail Damerow: Partly nostalgia. Partly to have better control over their food supply (mostly eggs, but sometimes meat). Partly for entertainment value — chickens are a hoot. Partly so they don’t get left behind by the current chicken craze. SS: Do people encounter resistance from neighbors or government when they start raising chickens? GD: That depends on where they live. Some areas have no restrictions. Some limit the number of chickens you can have and where you can keep them. Some ordinances ban chickens altogether, but many times new chicken keepers are able to overturn those draconian laws. Neighbors can be problematic. Sometimes the worst ones are those who once had chickens themselves. Some new chicken keepers find it advantageous to let the neighbors know their plans, ask if they have any concerns that should be addressed, and even offer to share fresh eggs. Depending on the neighbor’s temperament, that might quell any potential resistance. SS: When starting to raise chickens, is it best to start with adult birds or with chicks? GD: I advocate starting with chicks. For the most part, chicks are healthier than mature chickens, so you have less chance of bringing some disease into your yard that you might later have trouble getting rid of. Also chicks are easier to train to be friendly. Chicks are a little more trouble at the start, but only for a few weeks until they can go outside on their own. My book Hatching and Brooding Your Own Chicks  has lots of tips for successfully raising chicks. SS: Are there some breeds that do better in a backyard setting than others? GD: Lots of breeds do well in backyards, but some are just not suitable because they are too nervous and excitable or too aggressive. Once you pick out a breed you like, a little research will tell you if it is likely to have unpleasant characteristics. My book The Chicken Encyclopedia  includes a capsule description of each breed. SS: When I think about raising chickens, the first thing that comes to mind is being awakened at the crack of dawn by a rooster. What to do about the “rooster problem?” GD: Don’t have a rooster is the best solution. Some areas that allow hens ban roosters. SS: Do people that raise chickens usually breed them too, or do they just have hens for the eggs? GD: People have different reasons for keeping chickens. A lot of people have only a couple of hens for eggs. Some people are true breeders, in the sense of exercising genetic control. That’s important for conserving a minor or heritage breed. Others breed indiscriminately for maximum numbers, like the notorious puppy mills. Sometimes it’s just fun to put a hen and rooster together and see what kind of chicks they produce. SS: Describe a day in the life of a backyard chicken. When do they get breakfast, what do they spend their day doing, things like that. GD: Ours have feed and water available 24/7. We check their feeders and drinkers every morning and usually bring them a treat, which might be surplus goat milk or produce from our garden. The hens are usually busy laying during the first half of the day (they don’t lay late in the day or at night). Otherwise they spend a lot of time pecking and scratching in the yard. We can’t see our chicken yard from the house, so sometimes we put a motion sensitive camera in the yard and found out the whole flock goes indoors for an afternoon siesta. Then more pecking and scratching. When darkness starts to fall they go inside to roost for the night. They stay on the perch until sunup the next morning. SS: What do you feed your chickens? Does this vary according to season? GD: We feed them a layer ration available 24/7 in a hanging feeder. They also get oyster shell in a separate hopper so they can take what they need to keep their egg shells strong. Otherwise they forage in the pasture and orchard, eating weeds, bugs, windfall fruit, and whatever else they find. Seasonally they get treats like ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkins, melons, mashed potatoes, goat milk yogurt — depending on what’s available at the time. SS: Are there some breeds that you prefer, for example because of their sociability, egg color, or other reasons? GD: I’m partial to hens that lay brown-shell eggs, but I have had hens that lay eggs with blue, green, or white shells. The eggs all taste the same. Some folks like to mix and match; all those different shell colors look awesome mixed in an egg carton. As a completely non-practical breed, I’m partial to my Silkie bantams. They are so friendly and comical — they never fail to make me laugh. They lay tiny white eggs that are great for hard cooking, pickling, and making omelets. The eggs are richer because they have proportionally more yolk to white than eggs laid by our larger hens. But they’re so small, it takes a lot of them to do anything. SS: What advice would you give to a person who is considering raising chickens? GD: First check your local ordinances to make sure your chickens and their housing are within legal limits. Then arrange your facilities, including putting up a good strong fence to protect your chickens from predators and to keep them from wandering around the neighborhood. The rest of it is learning by doing, by visiting local chicken keepers, and by reading authoritative sources. SS: Gail, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me about chickens! I’m excited to share this with my readers! GD: Anytime! Obviously, Gail has much more wisdom about raising chickens than can be shared in a short blog article. She has an extensive list of publications to tell you everything you could possibly want to know about raising chickens. Click  here to see a list of Gail’s books on raising chickens. There are others available at Amazon.com as well.  Click here to view the original article.

Why Did Mexico Deny Permission to a US Deportation Flight?

BREAKING: Vance Casts Tie-Breaking Vote to Confirm Hegseth

MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle was back with more observations on President Trump's official suspension of all federal DEI programs. On Thursday’s episode of The 11th Hour, she hosted another panel, this one featuring MSNBC’s Carol Leonnig, Punchbowl News’s Melanie Zanona, and Peter Baker of the New York Times. Yet again, she brimmed with pure contempt and disgust for the new executive order, and the idea that there could be any rational reason for it whatsoever, this time even going so far as to drop dark, not-so-subtle hints about the onset of a totalitarian police-state. “Carol, this confounds me,” Ruhle opened up with, as the headline blared “Trump Admin. Pushes Federal Govt. Employees To Snitch On Colleagues Doing DEI-Related Work.” With rhetorical flair, she asked, “But what in the world is going on, right?”     Answering her own question, she continued, “Even if I wasn’t a DEI enthusiast, this is just stupid!” Good thing we cleared the air on that. There was no reason to be concerned that millions of Americans of all races and backgrounds do not actually like DEI, and do not actually enjoy being subjected to workplace training, political messaging in their favorite shows, games, or sports leagues. Never mind that millions of people would so much rather just live their lives undisturbed, and be judged as individuals, and extend the same basic human courtesy to others. Never mind that there are all sorts of obvious problems with maintaining the upkeep of a massive bureaucracy devoted to something much of the public does not even want. No, it's just stupid!  She doesn’t even leave it at that, essentially insinuating that the policy smacks of totalitarian dictatorship. As an aside while discussing the provision requiring federal employees to report covert DEI positions, she says, “I’m not even going to ask, have we ever seen anything like this?”  Leonnig agreed, calling it nothing more that "performative": This stuff has such a performative air to it, right? I mean, within 12 hours of becoming the President of the United States a second time, Donald Trump sends out- through his acting cabinet secretaries- a big, scary warning, ‘You've got 10 days to report on your fellow employees who are trying to conceal that they're hidden in the woodwork and involved in diversity or affirmative action work or equity or inclusion, and they're trying to hide it by changing the names of the programs or using codes. You've got 10 days, people, to not face adverse consequences.’ Ruhle then launched into a dramatic and impassioned conclusion, beginning, “It's just, like, performative, for who or what? Putting these employees on leave? You still have to pay them out. Great. Now they're sitting home. For what?” Now, federal employees can spend more time doing their jobs and less time focused on race politics. Here is a transcript from the January 23 show:  MSNBC’s The 11th Hour 01/23/25 11:09 PM (…) [ON-SCREEN HEADLINE: TRUMP ADMIN. PUSHES FEDERAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES TO SNITCH ON COLLEAGUES DOING DEI-RELATED WORK] STEPHANIE RUHLE: Carol, this one confounds me. Okay, the administration is now pushing- I'm going to say it slowly, so the audience really hears it. They are pushing Federal Government employees, that have jobs to do, to now snitch on any colleagues that they suspect are doing any kind of work, in terms- surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. I'm not even going to ask, have we ever seen anything like this? But what in the world is going on, right? Even if I wasn't a DEI enthusiast, this is just stupid! CAROL LEONNIG, MSNBC CONTRIBUTOR: This stuff has such a performative air to it, right? I mean, within 12 hours of becoming the president of the United States a second time, Donald Trump sends out- through his acting cabinet secretaries- a big, scary warning, “You've got 10 days to report on your fellow employees who are trying to conceal that they're hidden in the woodwork and involved in diversity or affirmative action work or equity or inclusion, and they're trying to hide it by changing the names of the programs or using codes. You've got 10 days, people, to not face adverse consequences.”  It's just a strange, sort of scary- totalitarian- kind of message to send- that- that big brother is watching you, essentially. And your colleagues may be checking you out. I mean, do we really think that a lot of people try to re-sculpt the name of DEI programs right after Donald Trump was elected? Um- I'm not sure that we do, but I do think that this sends a sort of shock and fear- shock and awe- kind of message. And for it to be the first thing out of the gate. Again, putting DEI employees on leave all across the government, which was another interesting step. Very performative to remind the base of Donald Trump, “I've got you. We're going to get rid of these wake- woke programs. We're going to- forget about- affirmative action, that- literally was begun under President Nixon. And- and just stop this because it's so damaging to America,” in Donald Trump's view. RUHLE: It's just, like, performative, for who or what? Putting these employees on leave? You still have to pay them out. Great. Now they're sitting home. For what? What was being done that was so damn damaging for the American people? It's amazing that on day three and four, after four years of what they said were an absolute disaster for the American people under Joe Biden, this is what they make as their week one priority.

Monday night’s PBS airing of Amanpour & Co., featured guest host Paula Newton of CNN talking to Harvard professor Imani Perry about the disturbing coincidence of Martin Luther King Jr. Day coinciding with the inauguration of Donald Trump. Paula Newton: Today's overlap is prompting reflection on the lessons that can still be learned from Dr. King's philosophy. Imani Perry is professor of African and African-American studies at Harvard University…. Imani Perry: ….it is this reminder as we are seeing the legacy of Dr. King attacked on so many fronts, and the vision for a just society attacked on so many fronts, that these are not new forces. That in many ways, this is a particularly pernicious example of it, but those who think as President Trump thinks have been around since the beginning of the nation, and the nation is achieved in its doing. If we want a society that looks closer to the vision that Dr. King held, the vision of justice, of egalitarianism, of generosity, a vision of a society that is not divided so much by the haves and the have-nots but actually is deeply democratic, then we have to do something about it. So this is not like simply a commemorative moment, but it is actually I think a moment when we have to be reminded of what he charged us with doing. Host Newton spoke glowingly to Perry, who was treated less as interviewee than liberal ally, while pretending that the conservative moves toward dismantling divisive “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (D.E.I.) in college and corporate America was a fake issue and that racial preferences in colleges are good. Newton: It’s a stark juxtaposition as to the last time MLK Day intersected with the Inauguration. The last time Barack Obama in 2013, right, the second term, and he used MLK’s Bible to swear that Martin Luther king used I don’t have to remind you of course, as he traveled America fighting for the freedom. Today, in Trump's inaugural address he marked MLK Day by promising and I’m quoting him now, ‘to make his dream come true.’ He said national unity is now returning to America. This party is really at the center of significant backlash towards the struggles for diversity and inclusion in America, this D.E.I. term, it’s been weaponized, right? And has become kind of a symbol of what is toxic in our culture wars. We’ve seen it used unfortunately even during, again, in those L.A. wildfires. We’ve seen the Supreme Cout strike down affirmative action in colleges, we’ve seen some real implications from that already. Can you reflect on the backlash in this moment right now? Perry: The backlash in so many ways is an effort to relitigate the '60s and '70s, to undo the social transformations of that time period, to undo the civil rights movements, the women's movements, the LGBTQIA movement, and the poor people's movement that was at the very tail end of Dr. King's journey on this earth. And so there has been an extended backlash, and it has an intensity and fervor now that is perhaps unprecedented….it is with absolute certainty we can say that those forces in position of power right now wish to do damage to Dr. King and the freedom movement -- Newton: You see him as a threat? You clearly see this as a threat? Not even her left-wing guest would go that far. Perry: I don't even know that the word is a threat as much as it is insincere in the utmost…. Speaking of a “threat” to a “freedom movement,” Newton embarrassed herself with her hostile coverage in February 2022 of Canada’s peaceful Freedom Convoy protest against that country’s authoritarian COVID restrictions, suggesting they were a threat to Canada.