“Twenty-five years ago, driven by the inspiration of my adoption of an infant from Indonesia and my mother, a child psychologist, we established our first home for children in Indonesia, thus giving birth to Orphans International,” Jim Luce states.
“Influenced by the teachings of my college professor father, the J. Luce Foundation emerged, aligning with our joint mission of Raising, Supporting & Educating Young Global Leadersover the past two decades,” Luce adds.
Jim Luce with orphaned children outside Lomé in Togo, West Africa, 2008.
The theme of this 25th anniversary evening will be ‘Peace is possible even in the face of senseless violence. Young global leadership embraces nonviolent conflict resolution.’
The collective efforts of Orphans International and the J. Luce Foundation have empowered youth and enriched communities globally, as well as here in New York City, raising over two million dollars and impacting the lives of over two thousand young individuals.
Renown architect Noushin Ehsan, AIA states, “I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. I look forward to celebrating with such remarkable individuals dedicated to making a positive global impact.”
The Silver Anniversary Reception will take place in the Luce Penthouse of the Asia Society, situated on Park Avenue at 70th Street, New York City. A 30-second spot (below) has been created to publicize the event, courtesy of Triumph Communications. Business of national attire is encouraged for the occasion.
The event will be held in the Henry Luce Penthouse of the Asia Society.
“This is a significant milestone for us,” Luce says. “As are assembling our Host Committee and extending invitations to public and diplomatic officials, and we ask our friends to confirm via email or text at 347-316-7087.”
The original sculpture of The Knotted Gun also known as “Non-Violence” was created by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, a friend of John Lennon‘s family. Reuterswärd created this piece of art after Lennon’s tragic death as he wanted to honor the singer’s vision of a peaceful world.
A 30-second spot has been created to publicize the event, courtesy of Triumph Communications.
Awards
Awardees are still being invited but already include a member of the New York City Council and two college presidents.
Global Heroes: In the Initial Report of Orphans International Worldwide (1999), the founder wrote, “Without saints, secular or divine, sanctity can too easily be viewed as mere abstraction. Our children need heroes. The courage of Mahatma Gandhi and the brilliance of Albert Einstein make sainthood a reality for us all.”
In our Initial Report, Luce called for 36 real-life saints to serve as role models for the children of OIW as part of the process of Raising Global Leaders. These global heroes included:
New York, N.Y. I created this one minute short, Before God & Buddha, a faux film trailer, in celebration of our third anniversary tomorrow (5/19/18). The title is taken from our wedding vows. We were married in Las Vegas after having gotten engaged on Roosevelt Island (8/24/17). I am happy to report that I am more and more today when I was three years ago…
Data reveals a persistent, loophole-driven exodus as authorities struggle to enforce mandatory military service laws against overseas travelers.
New York, N.Y. — A quiet but steady stream of South Korean men is choosing permanent exile over mandatory national service, with new data showing that nearly 1,000 individuals have evaded the draft in the past five years simply by not returning home from trips abroad.
The figures, revealing a systemic challenge to the country’s conscription model, underscore the intense personal and professional pressures the mandate creates in one of the world’s most advanced economies. According to data released by ruling South Korean Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee, from January 2021 through October 2025, authorities identified 3,127 total draft dodgers.
Of these, 912—or roughly 29%—were individuals who violated rules under the Military Service Act by failing to return to South Korea after authorized overseas travel. The numbers have risen consistently, from 158 cases in 2021 to 197 in 2024, with 176 more recorded in just the first ten months of 2025.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men must complete at least 18 months of military service, a requirement rooted in the ongoing technical state of war with North Korea. The law stipulates that men over 25 who have not fulfilled this duty must obtain approval from the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) for any international travel. Violators face criminal complaints and restrictions on passport issuance until age 37. Yet, for hundreds, the calculus favors life abroad. About fifty nations globally have a form of conscription.
North Korean’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has over one million troops and another six million reserves on the other side of the DMZ, only 15 miles away from South Korea’s Seoul.
When Global Experience Meets National Duty
The evasion trend stands in stark contrast to participants in structured international programs who consistently fulfill their obligations. The J. Luce Foundation Global Leadership Initiative reports that approximately 5% of its young global leaders over the past five years have come from South Korea—and notably, all have returned home to complete their military service following the program or honorarium. Their international experience appears to serve them well during conscription: participants frequently receive specialized assignments in translation, communications, or intelligence roles rather than frontline infantry positions after completing basic training.
This pattern highlights how international exposure, when combined with fulfilled civic duty, can enhance a conscript’s military contribution. Yet it also underscores what makes the broader evasion trend so significant: these are often precisely the globally connected, skilled individuals the country’s defense apparatus could deploy most strategically.
The Allure of Exit Over Service
Analysts point to a confluence of factors driving this trend. The mandatory service, while a rite of passage, represents a significant disruption during prime years for education and career building in the hyper-competitive South Korean society.
For aspiring athletes, classical musicians, or K-pop idols, special provisions or exemptions sometimes exist, but these are rare and highly scrutinized. For most in the corporate or tech sectors, a nearly two-year hiatus can mean lost promotions, stalled projects, and a fear of falling irreparably behind peers.
“The opportunity cost of service has never been higher,” said Dr. Lee Min-kyung, a sociologist at Seoul National University who studies conscription. “We are talking about a generation that is globally connected, with skills transferable to tech hubs from Silicon Valley to Berlin. When weighed against the potential derailment of a lucrative career path—especially in fields like finance or software engineering—the drastic choice to stay abroad becomes, for some, a rational if desperate one.”
The data shows that the overwhelming majority of these cases—648, or 71.1%—involved individuals who departed on short-term trips and never came back, suggesting premeditated plans rather than spontaneous decisions.
A System Straining to Enforce
Despite the clear legal framework, enforcement against these overseas dodgers is notoriously difficult. The MMA lacks jurisdiction outside South Korea, and extradition for military service violations is virtually nonexistent. The primary leverage is the threat of legal consequences upon any eventual return, including a potential prison sentence of up to three years.
However, the recent data reveals a staggering enforcement gap. Of the 912 identified overseas travel violators, only six have received prison sentences. Another 17 received suspended sentences, and 25 had indictments postponed. A full 780 individuals—85.5% of the total—saw their indictments or investigations completely suspended. This suggests prosecutors are often powerless to proceed without the physical presence of the accused, leading to a de facto amnesty for those who remain abroad past the age of liability.
“The system is caught in a bind,” explained attorney Park Ji-won, who specializes in military service law. “The state wants to uphold the law and ensure fairness, but pursuing cases against individuals who may not return for decades, if ever, is a resource-intensive endeavor with little practical return. The low prosecution rate inadvertently signals that the risk, for those committed to living abroad, is relatively low.”
Global Hotspots and Lifelong Consequences
Communities of South Korean draft evaders have formed in various global cities. While comprehensive statistics are hard to compile, significant numbers are believed to reside in major metropolises like Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, London, and Sydney. Their lives are marked by a permanent limbo: they cannot return home without facing prosecution, and their status in their host countries often depends on student visas, work permits, or, for some, seeking asylum—a route with a low success rate but occasional attempts.
The personal cost is profound. Evaders are effectively cut off from family, ancestral traditions, and the vibrant cultural and economic life of modern South Korea. Parents left behind can face social stigma and even fines under laws that can hold families financially responsible for a conscript’s evasion.
“It’s a life sentence of a different kind,” said a former evader who now lives in Germany and spoke on condition of anonymity. He left on a student trip a decade ago. “I built a career and a family here. I love my life, but there is a constant, hollow ache. I watched my father’s funeral on a livestream. My South Korea exists only in memories and online portals. The price for my career continuity was my homeland.”
Policy Debates and a Shifting Society
The persistent evasion trend fuels an ongoing, heated debate within South Korea about the future of conscription. Some conservatives demand stricter pre-travel controls and heavier penalties for families, arguing that national security cannot be compromised. Progressives and some economists, however, advocate for a reformed, shorter service or a move toward a professional, volunteer-based military, citing the massive societal and economic disruption caused by the current system.
The issue also intermittently sparks diplomatic friction, particularly with countries like the U.S. and Canada, where some evaders apply for asylum. South Korean authorities have periodically launched crackdowns, publicizing arrests of returning evaders at airports as a deterrent.
As South Korea’s population ages and birth rates plummet—projections show the number of 20-year-old males will halve from about 350,000 in 2020 to 175,000 by 2040—the military itself faces a manpower crisis. This demographic time bomb may force a structural change more than any evasion trend ever could.
For now, the data from Rep. Hwang Hee provides a stark metric for a quiet rebellion. Each of the 912 cases represents a personal dilemma between patriotic duty and individual ambition, played out on a global stage, with the Military Manpower Administration often left watching from the tarmac, powerless to intervene.
New data from South Korea reveals nearly 1,000 men have evaded mandatory military service in the past five years by not returning from overseas trips. The numbers are rising despite laws designed to prevent it. Most violators face no punishment as they remain abroad, highlighting a major enforcement challenge. The trend underscores the intense personal and career costs of South Korea’s 18-month conscription requirement, fueling debate over the system’s future in a modern, globalized society.
Facebook: The price of skipping South Korea’s mandatory military service? For nearly 1,000 men in 5 years, it meant never coming home. New data reveals a steady exodus of draft dodgers exploiting overseas travel rules, with most facing no punishment. Explore the personal costs and policy failures behind this quiet rebellion. #SouthKorea #MilitaryService #Conscription #DraftDodging
Instagram: 🇰🇷✈️ Never Returned. New data shows nearly 1,000 South Korean men evaded the country’s mandatory military service by not coming back from trips abroad. Behind the numbers are stories of exile, stalled careers, and a system struggling to cope. Link in bio for the full feature. #SouthKorea #MilitaryService #DraftDodge #Korea #사회이슈
X/Twitter: #SouthKorea data: ~1,000 men dodged mandatory military service in 5 yrs by not returning from overseas trips. 85.5% of cases see no prosecution. A quiet exodus fueled by high career costs & enforcement gaps. Is conscription sustainable? #MilitaryService #Conscription #한국
LinkedIn: Professional disruption vs. national duty: New data from South Korea shows a significant trend of skilled professionals evading mandatory military service by not returning from overseas travel. This raises complex questions about talent retention, policy enforcement, and the economic impact of conscription in a competitive global economy. Analysis inside. #GlobalTalent #MilitaryService #SouthKorea #Policy #HumanCapital
BlueSky: Thread: South Korea’s draft dilemma by the numbers. 912 men. 5 years. One method: don’t fly home. New analysis on the rising trend of conscription evasion via overseas travel, the personal toll of exile, and why the system is struggling to respond.
New York City Council Member Challenges Federal Immigration Enforcement After Sponsoring ICE Property Ban Legislation
New York, N.Y. – When Erik Bottcher [Luce Index™ score: 83/100]stood before the New York City Council this week to testify on legislation banning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from operating on Department of Correction property, he was making more than a policy argument.
New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher strives to protect immigrant families from “unjust federal overreach.” Photo credit: Erik Bottcher 2026.
He was laying the groundwork for a congressional campaign built on protecting immigrant families from what he calls unjust federal overreach.
The Manhattan Council Member, who co-sponsored the bill to prevent ICE access to city correction facilities, announced his candidacy for Congress in New York’s 12th Congressional District (NY-12), positioning himself as a progressive champion willing to take the fight for immigrant rights to Washington, D.C.
The hearing represents both a legislative milestone and a campaign platform that could reshape how New York City’s immigrant communities—estimated at more than 3 million people, representing approximately 37% of the city’s population—experience federal immigration enforcement.
From City Hall to Capitol Hill
Bottcher’s congressional bid emerges from years of municipal governance focused on quality-of-life issues in Manhattan’s West Side neighborhoods, including Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, and the West Village.
His transition from local housing and development concerns to immigration policy reflects a broader shift among progressive Democrats who view immigration enforcement as inseparable from urban governance.
The bill he co-sponsored would prohibit ICE agents from conducting enforcement operations on property controlled by the city’s Department of Correction, effectively creating sanctuary spaces within the city’s criminal justice infrastructure.
The legislation addresses longstanding tensions between municipal authorities and federal immigration enforcement agencies. Critics of ICE operations argue that the agency’s presence in city facilities undermines trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, deterring undocumented residents from reporting crimes or cooperating with police investigations.
Supporters of stricter enforcement counter that limiting ICE access enables criminal offenders to evade consequences and undermines federal immigration law.
Bottcher’s position aligns with New York City’s self-designation as a sanctuary city, a policy framework that limits municipal cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The city’s approach, formalized through local laws and executive orders dating back decades, has made it a flashpoint in national debates over immigration policy.
Under the sanctuary framework, city employees—including police officers and social service workers—generally cannot inquire about immigration status or cooperate with ICE detainer requests unless specific criminal thresholds are met.
Legislative Context and Federal Implications
The Monday hearing on the ICE property ban follows escalating confrontations between New York City officials and federal immigration authorities. Recent ICE operations in the metropolitan area have targeted both individuals with criminal records and those whose only violation is unlawful presence.
Immigration advocacy organizations have documented cases where ICE agents conducted arrests at courthouses, hospitals, and even schools—locations that many believed were protected under longstanding enforcement priorities.
Bottcher’s congressional platform extends beyond municipal property restrictions to encompass comprehensive federal immigration reform. His campaign materials emphasize pathways to citizenship for undocumented residents, protections for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, and an overhaul of detention practices that critics describe as inhumane.
He proposes ending for-profit immigration detention facilities, expanding legal representation for immigrants in removal proceedings, and creating oversight mechanisms to investigate abuse allegations within immigration enforcement agencies.
The NY-12 district, which includes Manhattan’s East Side from the Upper East Side down through Midtown and the Flatiron District, contains substantial immigrant populations from Latin America, Asia, and Europe.
Census data indicates that approximately 35% of district residents are foreign-born, creating a constituency with direct stakes in immigration policy outcomes. Bottcher’s campaign calculates that mobilizing immigrant voters and their allies could provide a decisive advantage in what may become a competitive Democratic primary.
Political Landscape and Electoral Challenges
NY-12 has undergone significant redistricting since the 2020 census, reshaping its political geography and demographic composition. The district’s current configuration leans heavily Democratic, with registered Democrats outnumbering Republicans by more than five to one.
However, progressive and moderate factions within the party have clashed over issues ranging from public safety to housing policy, creating internal divisions that could complicate Bottcher’s primary campaign.
His legislative record on the City Council demonstrates a pragmatic progressivism that sometimes diverges from the party’s left flank. While supporting immigrant protections and affordable housing initiatives, Bottcher has also backed measures to address quality-of-life complaints in his district, including efforts to regulate street vendors and address homelessness encampments.
This balance reflects the competing pressures faced by representatives in gentrifying neighborhoods where longtime residents and newer arrivals hold divergent priorities.
The congressional race will test whether Bottcher’s municipal accomplishments translate to federal campaign viability. He must compete against potential primary opponents with higher name recognition or stronger fundraising networks while articulating why immigration policy requires congressional intervention rather than solely local action.
His argument rests on the premise that New York City’s sanctuary policies remain vulnerable to federal preemption and that only legislation passed by Congress can provide durable protections for immigrant communities.
Immigration Enforcement in Historical Perspective
The conflict between municipal sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement has deep historical roots. Throughout U.S. history, cities have periodically resisted federal mandates they viewed as unjust or impractical.
The modern sanctuary movement emerged in the 1980s when religious congregations provided refuge to Central American asylum seekers fleeing civil wars, defying federal deportation orders. That grassroots resistance evolved into formal municipal policies limiting local cooperation with immigration authorities.
New York City’s sanctuary framework reflects both humanitarian concerns and practical governance considerations. City officials argue that immigrant cooperation with police investigations and public health initiatives depends on trust that municipal employees will not serve as immigration enforcement proxies.
When immigrants fear that reporting crimes or seeking medical care might trigger deportation, public safety and public health suffer, according to this reasoning.
Federal authorities maintain that immigration enforcement serves legitimate governmental interests, including national security and public safety. They argue that municipal sanctuary policies obstruct lawful federal operations and enable individuals with criminal records to evade consequences.
The tension between these positions has generated extensive litigation, with courts generally affirming federal immigration authority while recognizing some limits on federal commandeering of state and local resources.
Campaign Implications and Community Response
Bottcher’s campaign launch coincides with renewed attention to immigration policy following shifts in federal enforcement priorities. His messaging emphasizes that immigrant families contribute to New York City’s economic vitality, cultural richness, and social fabric. Campaign materials highlight stories of longtime residents threatened with deportation despite decades of community ties, U.S.-citizen children, and consistent employment.
Bottcher faces challenge of maintaining support among progressive voters while avoiding positions that moderate Democrats might characterize as extreme.
By framing immigrant protections as essential to New York City’s character and economic success, Bottcher aims to build a coalition extending beyond immigrant communities themselves.
Immigration advocacy organizations have cautiously welcomed his candidacy while pressing for specific policy commitments beyond general statements of support.
They seek concrete pledges on issues including abolishing ICE, ending all immigration detention, and creating unconditional pathways to citizenship.
New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher strives to protect immigrant families from “unjust federal overreach.” Photo credit: Erik Bottcher 2026.
Bottcher has not embraced the most expansive demands, instead positioning himself as a pragmatic progressive capable of building legislative coalitions to achieve incremental reforms.
The congressional campaign will unfold against a backdrop of ongoing local battles over immigration enforcement.
The ICE property ban legislation that Bottcher co-sponsored faces uncertain prospects, with legal challenges likely regardless of whether the City Council passes the measure.
His ability to navigate these complex crosscurrents while maintaining credibility with both activists and moderate voters will largely determine his electoral fate.
As Monday’s hearing demonstrated, Bottcher views his municipal role as a platform for advancing federal policy changes. Whether voters in NY-12 share his vision of congressional representation focused on immigrant protections remains an open question that the coming campaign will answer.
For now, he has positioned himself as a local official willing to challenge federal authority in defense of vulnerable communities—a stance that resonates deeply in a city built by generations of immigrants seeking opportunity and refuge.
Erik Bottcher, Manhattan City Council Member, announced his congressional candidacy for New York’s 12th District following a hearing on legislation he co-sponsored to ban ICE from Department of Correction property. His campaign emphasizes protecting immigrant families through federal reform including citizenship pathways, DACA protections, and detention oversight. The district’s 35% foreign-born population creates a constituency invested in immigration policy outcomes, though Bottcher faces primary challenges balancing progressive demands with moderate Democratic voters in a heavily gentrified area.
TAGS: immigration policy, New York City Council, Erik Bottcher, NY-12, congressional campaign, DACA, ICE enforcement, Department of Correction, sanctuary city, immigrant protection, , detention facilities citizenship pathways, Manhattan politics, progressive Democrats, federal immigration reform
Facebook: Erik Bottcher is taking his fight for immigrant families from the NYC City Council to Congress. After co-sponsoring legislation Monday to ban ICE from city correction facilities, the Manhattan Council Member announced his NY-12 congressional bid. He’s running on a platform of federal immigration reform, including citizenship pathways, and ending for-profit detention. With immigrants representing 35% of the district’s population, this race could redefine how New York protects its most vulnerable residents.
Instagram: NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher just announced he’s running for Congress in NY-12. His platform: protecting immigrant families from federal overreach. On Monday, he testified on legislation banning ICE from Department of Correction property—calling it one step toward keeping NYC a safe place for migrant families to live, work, and raise children. He’s bringing the fight to Washington for comprehensive immigration reform, DACA protections, and humane detention policies.
LinkedIn: Erik Bottcher, New York City Council Member representing Manhattan’s West Side, has announced his candidacy for Congress in NY-12. His campaign follows Monday’s City Council hearing on legislation he co-sponsored to prevent ICE operations on Department of Correction property. Bottcher’s platform emphasizes federal immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship, expanded legal representation for immigrants, and oversight of detention facilities. With 35% of NY-12 residents foreign-born, his candidacy addresses critical constituent concerns about immigration policy and enforcement practices.
X / Twitter: NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher announces congressional run in NY-12 after co-sponsoring ICE property ban. Platform: federal immigration reform, citizenship pathways, DACA protections, ending for-profit detention. Taking the fight from City Hall to Capitol Hill.
BlueSky: Erik Bottcher is running for Congress in NY-12 on an immigrant protection platform. The Manhattan Council Member co-sponsored legislation Monday banning ICE from city correction facilities—now he wants to take the fight for comprehensive immigration reform to Washington. His plan: citizenship pathways, DACA protections, detention oversight.
Bottcher, Erik
ErikBottcher(b. 1980). A New York City Council Member representing District 3, which encompasses Manhattan neighborhoods including Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Hudson Yards, and the Flatiron District. [Luce Index™ score: 83/100]
In 2025, Bottcher announced his candidacy for U.S. Congress in New York’s 12th Congressional District (NY-12), positioning himself as a progressive advocate for immigrant rights and sanctuary city policies. His congressional campaign launched following a New York City Council hearing on legislation he co-sponsored to ban U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from operating on Department of Correction property. [Luce Index™ score: 72]
Erik Bottcher’s political career reflects the evolution of urban progressive politics in twenty-first-century New York. Before his election to the City Council in 2021, Bottcher served as Chief of Staff to Council Speaker Corey Johnson, gaining extensive experience in municipal governance and coalition-building.
His district, one of Manhattan’s most densely populated and economically diverse areas, includes significant LGBTQ+ communities, immigrant populations, and both rent-stabilized housing and luxury developments. Bottcher identifies as openly gay and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights throughout his political career.
As a Council Member, Bottcher focused initially on quality-of-life issues affecting his constituents, including affordable housing preservation, small business support, and public space management.
His legislative portfolio expanded to encompass immigration enforcement policy following increased ICE operations in New York City and growing tensions between municipal authorities and federal immigration agencies. The legislation he co-sponsored to exclude ICE from Department of Correction facilities represents an escalation of sanctuary city policies that limit municipal cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Bottcher’s congressional platform extends beyond property access restrictions to comprehensive federal immigration reform. His campaign emphasizes creating pathways to citizenship for undocumented residents, protecting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients from deportation, and reforming detention practices he characterizes as inhumane. He proposes eliminating for-profit immigration detention facilities, expanding legal representation for immigrants facing removal proceedings, and establishing oversight mechanisms to investigate abuse allegations within ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The NY-12 district where Bottcher seeks election underwent significant redistricting following the 2020 census, altering its geographic boundaries and demographic composition. The current configuration includes Manhattan’s East Side from the Upper East Side through Midtown to the Flatiron District, encompassing neighborhoods with substantial foreign-born populations.
Census data indicates approximately 35% of district residents were born outside the United States, creating a constituency with direct interests in immigration policy outcomes. The district leans heavily Democratic, with registered Democrats outnumbering Republicans by more than five to one.
Bottcher’s approach to immigration policy reflects broader debates within the Democratic Party over enforcement priorities and humanitarian obligations. Progressive activists advocate for abolishing ICE, ending all immigration detention, and creating unconditional pathways to citizenship. Moderate Democrats express concerns about border security and the political viability of expansive reform proposals.
Bottcher positions himself between these poles, supporting significant reforms while stopping short of the most sweeping demands. His pragmatic progressivism mirrors his municipal governing style, which balances constituent service with ideological commitments.
The candidate’s emphasis on immigrant protections connects to New York City’s historical identity as an immigrant gateway. Since the nineteenth century, the city has served as the primary entry point for millions of immigrants seeking economic opportunity and political refuge.
Successive waves of Irish, German, Italian, Jewish, Caribbean, Latin American, and Asian immigrants built the city’s neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural institutions. Contemporary immigration policy debates echo historical conflicts over nativism, assimilation, and American identity that have shaped urban politics for generations.
Bottcher’s legislative record demonstrates attention to the intersection of immigration status and access to municipal services. He has supported policies ensuring that undocumented residents can access city-funded programs without fear of immigration consequences, including public health services, education, and legal assistance.
His sanctuary city advocacy rests on arguments that immigrant cooperation with law enforcement and public health officials depends on trust that municipal employees will not serve as immigration enforcement proxies. When immigrants fear that seeking help might trigger deportation, public safety and public health suffer according to this reasoning.
The congressional campaign faces challenges including name recognition deficits compared to potential primary opponents, fundraising competition from established political networks, and the difficulty of translating municipal accomplishments into federal campaign narratives.
Bottcher must articulate why immigration policy requires congressional intervention rather than solely local action, arguing that sanctuary city policies remain vulnerable to federal preemption and that only legislation passed by Congress can provide durable protections. His success depends on mobilizing immigrant voters and their allies while maintaining support among moderate Democrats concerned about primary electability and general election viability.
Bottcher’s testimony at Monday’s hearing on the ICE property ban legislation illustrated his campaign strategy of using his City Council platform to demonstrate federal policy advocacy. His remarks emphasized that protecting immigrant families serves not only humanitarian values but also practical governance interests.
By framing immigrant rights as essential to New York City’s economic vitality and social cohesion, Bottcher aims to build a coalition extending beyond immigrant communities themselves. Whether this approach resonates with NY-12 voters will determine his electoral prospects in what may become a competitive Democratic primary.
The candidate’s entry into the congressional race occurs amid heightened national attention to immigration enforcement practices and border security. His campaign will unfold against ongoing legal and political battles over sanctuary policies, detention conditions, and citizenship pathways.
As an openly LGBTQ+ candidate with extensive municipal governance experience, Bottcher represents a new generation of urban progressive leaders seeking to translate local policy victories into federal legislative change. His congressional bid tests whether voters in a heavily immigrant district will embrace a platform centered on challenging federal immigration authority in defense of vulnerable communities.
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Yoast Meta Description: Erik Bottcher is a New York City Council Member representing Manhattan District 3 who announced a 2025 congressional campaign for NY-12 focused on immigrant rights and sanctuary city policies.
TAGS: Erik Bottcher, New York City Council, Manhattan District 3, NY-12, congressional candidate, immigrant rights, sanctuary city, ICE enforcement, LGBTQ+ politician, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Greenwich Village, progressive Democrat, immigration reform, Department of Correction
Justice Department Targets Opposition to Immigration Enforcement and ‘Radical Gender Ideology,’ Ignores White Supremacist Threats in Sweeping Memo
New York, N.Y. — In the shadowed corridors of federal power, where the ink of executive orders often dries into the chains of dissent, a new directive emerges that recalls the darkest chapters of American political retribution.On December 4, 2025, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi [Luce Index™ score: 38/100] dispatched a memo to prosecutors and law enforcement agencies across the nation, mandating the compilation of a list of groups and entities deemed potential domestic terrorists.
This order, rooted in a presidential memorandum signed by Donald J. Trump [Luce Index™ score: 35/100] in the wake of the September 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, establishes a “cash reward system” to incentivize citizens to report their neighbors for suspected extremist activity. What begins as a call to safeguard the republic veils a more insidious agenda: the systematic targeting of ideological adversaries under the guise of national security.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi [Luce Index™ score: 38/100] targeting “domestic terrorists.”
The memo, reviewed by this publication, directs the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to finalize its roster of suspects by January 1, 2026. It frames domestic terrorism not merely as acts of violence but as the propagation of certain political and social agendas.
“These domestic terrorists use violence, or the threat of violence, to advance political and social agendas, including adherence to radical gender ideology, anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, or anti-Christianity,” Bondi writes.
Notably absent from this litany are the specters of white supremacy and right-wing militancy—threats that, according to a 2024 Department of Homeland Security assessment, accounted for 75% of extremist-related fatalities in the U.S. over the prior five years.
This selective lens, critics argue, transforms the machinery of justice into a partisan weapon, echoing Richard M. Nixon’s infamous “enemies list”of the early 1970’s. That earlier catalog, which included journalists, activists, and Democratic lawmakers, served as a blueprint for IRS audits and FBI surveillance, eroding public trust in institutions.
Today’s iteration, however, amplifies the stakes with financial inducements and expansive investigative mandates, potentially ensnaring nonprofit organizations, educators, and everyday protesters in a web of suspicion.
A Presidential Response Forged in Tragedy
The genesis of this policy traces to a sun-drenched afternoon in Utah, where Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, fell to an assassin’s bullet during a campus rally.
Donald Trump echoes Richard Nixon in drafting ‘Enemies List’ of so-called domestic terrorists.
Kirk, a fiery orator whose hateful podcast reached millions and whose organization mobilized young conservatives against what he termed “woke indoctrination,” was mid-sentence—denouncing open-border policies—when gunfire erupted from the crowd.
The shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, a former college dropout with ties to fringe online forums, was apprehended hours later after a manhunt spanning 150 miles (241 km).
Authorities recovered a manifesto decrying “fascist enablers,” but no direct links to organized groups surfaced.
Trump’s response was swift and unequivocal. On September 11, 2025, he signed National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7), declaring a “national emergency” posed by “antifa-aligned extremism and its ideological kin.”
The document, circulated to over 200 Joint Terrorism Task Forces nationwide, urged a “whole-of-government” assault on threats animated by “hostility towards traditional views on family, religion, and morality.”
Bondi’s December memo operationalizes this vision, instructing agencies to “zealously investigate” incidents from the past five years, including doxxing of law enforcement and protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
In a White House briefing on December 5, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the measures as “common-sense protections for American values.”
Cartoon rendition of Richard M. Nixon’s infamous “enemies list” of the early 1970’s.
Yet, the omissions are stark. The memo devotes paragraphs to “opposition to law and immigration enforcement” and “extreme views in favor of mass migration and open borders,” but makes no reference to the resurgence of white nationalist groups like the Proud Boys, whose members were implicated in 12 violent incidents in 2025 alone, per the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Since Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, the FBI has shuttered its dedicated domestic extremism unit, reallocating 40% of its resources to “left-wing threats,” according to internal documents obtained by congressional Democrats.
National security scholar Dr. Aisha Rahman, a professor at Columbia University, views this as a deliberate pivot. “By framing dissent as terrorism, the administration creates a feedback loop of fear,” she said in an interview.
“It’s not about preventing violence; it’s about silencing opposition. The cash rewards—up to US$50,000 (CA$68,000) for tips leading to arrests—will flood tip lines with unreliable reports, turning neighbors into informants and eroding the social fabric.”
Ideological Asymmetry: Targeting the Left, Sparing the Right
At the heart of the controversy lies the memo’s asymmetric focus. It mandates an “intelligence bulletin” on Antifa and “antifa-aligned anarchist violent extremist groups” by early 2026, detailing their “organizational structures, funding sources, and tactics.”
Antifa, a decentralized network of anti-fascist activists, has been scapegoated by Trump since his first term, despite a 2023 Government Accountability Office report finding that Antifa-linked violence comprised less than 2% of domestic incidents from 2017 to 2022.
Conspicuously absent is any parallel scrutiny of far-right extremism.
The memo cites over two dozen statutes—from seditious conspiracy to wire fraud—to prosecute “culpable actors,” yet it buries a caveat in a single footnote: “No investigation may be opened based solely on activities protected by the First Amendment or the lawful exercise of rights secured by the Constitution.” This disclaimer, experts say, rings hollow amid the directive’s emphasis on mapping “the full network of culpable actors” tied to perceived crimes.
Consider Alex Rivera, a 28-year-old community organizer in Portland, Oregon. For three years, Rivera has volunteered withFamilia es Cultura, a nonprofit aiding migrant family facing deportation. On November 15, 2025, during a peaceful sit-in outside an ICE facility, Rivera filmed agents detaining a mother and her toddler.
The video, shared on social media, garnered 500,000 views and prompted local donations to legal aid funds. Days later, Rivera received an anonymous tip from the FBI’s new online portal: “Your actions align with anti-enforcement agendas. Report for questioning to avoid escalation.”
“I thought it was a prank at first,” Rivera recounted over coffee in a dimly lit café, her voice steady but eyes shadowed by sleepless nights. “Now, every protest feels like a trap. Who decides what’s ‘radical’? A teacher discussing gender fluidity in class? A pastor preaching economic justice? This isn’t security; it’s surveillance state cosplay.”
Rivera’s fears are not unfounded. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed suit in federal court, arguing the memo violates the Fourth and First Amendments by authorizing “pretextual investigations” of civil society.
“This policy chills speech at its core,” said ACLU attorneyLee Gelernt. “By incentivizing reports on ‘suspected’ activity, it weaponizes paranoia. We’ve seen this before—Hoover’s COINTELPRO targeted Black leaders; Nixon’s list hounded the press. History doesn’t repeat, but it rhymes in echoes of authoritarianism.”
Even within law enforcement, unease simmers. A mid-level FBI analyst, speaking anonymously, described the tip line as a “digital witch hunt.” “We’re sifting through videos of drag queen story hours labeled as ‘gender ideology threats,’” the source said. “Reliable intel? Scarce. But quotas demand action, and grants flow to compliant agencies. State police in Texas and Florida are already purging ‘extremist’ liaisons from fusion centers.”
Retribution as Doctrine: The Role of Trump’s Inner Circle
No figure embodies this ethos more than Ed Martin, Trump’s pardon attorney since May 2025. A combative Missouri lawyer and co-author of The Conservative Case for Trump, Martin has publicly championed “investigations that burden” the president’s perceived foes while extending “leniency for his friends.”
In a July 2025 op-ed for The Federalist, Martin advocated auditing nonprofits funding “anti-American” causes, from environmental groups to LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations.
Martin’s influence permeates the memo. It directs probes into “tax crimes” by extremist funders, echoing his calls for IRS scrutiny of Open Society Foundations, the philanthropy backed by George Soros.
Under Martin’s tenure, the pardon office has processed 1,200 clemency requests, granting 85% to January 6 defendants—many convicted of assaulting officers—while denying applications from nonviolent drug offenders. “Justice isn’t blind; it’s discerning,”
Martin stated at a September Heritage Foundation gala. “We prioritize threats to the republic, not petty infractions.”
This philosophy extends to funding: State and local agencies aligning with the directive qualify for enhanced federal grants, totaling US$2.5 billion (EUR 2.3 billion) in 2026 allocations. Critics decry it as “pay-to-play authoritarianism,” where compliance buys resources and dissent invites audits.
The Chilling Horizon: A Nation of Informants
As winter grips the capital, the memo’s ripples spread. In Chicago, a high school librarian shelves books on queer history under heightened scrutiny, fearing a tipster’s bounty.
In El Paso, border aid volunteers whisper coordinates via encrypted apps, evading ICE patrols now augmented by citizen reports. The ambiguity is the point, as Dr. Rahman notes: “It’s the unknown that paralyzes. Will a tweet against deportation raids trigger a knock? The fear isn’t hypothetical; it’s operational.”
Proponents counter that the measures restore balance after years of “Biden-era bias.” “Democrats weaponized the FBI against parents at school boards,” Leavitt claimed, referencing a 2021 memo on domestic threats. Yet data belies this: A 2025 Brennan Center analysis found conservative groups received 60% fewer investigations under Biden than under Trump’s first term.
For Rivera and millions like her, the memo isn’t policy—it’s peril. “We marched for Kirk’s memory, too,” she said, recalling a vigil where liberals and conservatives mourned together. “But this? It turns grief into grudge, unity into us-versus-them. If America is exceptional, let it be in freedom, not fear.”
As the new year dawns, the list takes shape: a ledger of shadows, drafted in the name of security, but etched with the ink of division. Whether it fractures the republic or fades under judicial scrutiny remains unwritten. One thing endures: In the contest between vigilance and vendetta, the line blurs at the cost of liberty.
The Widening Net: Impacts on Civil Society
Beyond individual stories, the directive’s tendrils reach institutions. Universities, once bastions of debate, now vet guest speakers for “ideological alignment.” The National Education Association (N.E.A.) reports a 30% spike in self-censorship among teachers discussing migration or gender topics.
Nonprofits, too, brace: Planned Parenthood affiliates have suspended public forums, citing risks of “morality-based” probes. Economists project a US$1.2 billion (GBP 950 million) hit to advocacy sectors from diverted resources and donor flight.
This isn’t hyperbole.In a parallel to Nixon’s era, where 600 individuals endured harassment, today’s tools—AI-driven surveillance and crowdsourced tips—scale the threat exponentially.A Pew Research poll from November 2025 reveals 62% of Americans fear reporting bias will politicize policing, up from 45% in 2024.
Summary
In a chilling escalation of political retribution, the Trump administration’s Justice Department memo mandates lists of ‘domestic terrorists’ targeting opposition to ICE policies and ‘radical gender ideology,’ while sidelining white supremacist threats. Echoing Nixon’s enemies list, this directive introduces cash rewards for informants, raising alarms over free speech erosion and ideological policing. Critics warn of a surveillance state; supporters claim it’s essential security. Explore the full implications for civil liberties in America.
Facebook: In the shadow of Nixon’s enemies list, Trump’s DOJ is drafting its own: targeting ‘domestic terrorists’ for opposing ICE or supporting gender rights—while ignoring white supremacy. A cash reward system for snitching? This isn’t security; it’s suppression. Read the full story and join the conversation on protecting our freedoms. #DomesticTerrorism #CivilLiberties [Link to article]
Instagram: 📜 Like Nixon’s playbook, but with bounties: Trump’s memo labels dissent on immigration & gender as terrorism. No mention of far-right violence. Who’s next? Swipe up for the deep dive into this threat to free speech. #TrumpEnemiesList #ACLUAlert [Link to article; Image: Shadowy figure with a list, American flag in background]
LinkedIn: The latest DOJ directive on domestic terrorism raises profound questions for legal professionals and policymakers. By prioritizing antifa and ‘radical gender ideology’ over white supremacist threats, it risks ideological bias in enforcement. As a society, how do we balance security with constitutional rights? Insights in the full analysis. #LawEnforcement #NationalSecurity #PolicyDebate [Link to article]
X / Twitter: Trump’s DOJ memo: Enemies list 2.0. Targets ICE critics & gender advocates as ‘terrorists,’ offers cash for tips. White supremacy? Crickets. Echoes Nixon, chills dissent. Full story: [Link] #DomesticTerrorists #TrumpRetribution
BlueSky: Remember Nixon’s enemies list? Trump’s DOJ is remixing it—cash rewards for reporting ‘radical gender ideology’ or anti-ICE views. But far-right extremists get a pass. This is how democracies slide. Thread + full read: [Link] #FreeSpeech #PoliticalRetribution
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Pushes Citizen-Soldiers To A Breaking Point
New York, N.Y. – Two Illinois National Guard officers who are also Democratic candidates for public office say they will refuse any federal order to deploy to the streets of Chicago, describing President Donald Trump’s escalating use of military force in immigration enforcement as unlawful and incompatible with —their oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution.
Their planned act of refusal highlights a deepening clash between civilian protest movements, federal immigration authorities and a Supreme Court that has repeatedly sided with the administration’s expansive claims of executive power.
Ohio National Guard troops. Each U.S. state or territory has its own U.S. National Guard under the command of its governor. The president, however, may federalize National Guard units, bringing them under federal control and command when they essentially become part of the regular U.S. military.
Citizen-soldiers at odds with commander in chief
Capt. Dylan Blaha, a longtime officer in the Illinois National Guard and a progressive Democratic candidate for Congress in the state’s 13th District, says he never imagined being ordered to confront residents of his own state when he enlisted more than a decade ago.
Traditionally, Guard units are mobilized at home to respond to floods, tornadoes, and other disasters, or sent overseas as reserve combat forces for the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, not as front-line police against domestic dissent.
Blaha says the notion of deploying heavily armed Guard units into Chicago’s immigrant neighborhoods crosses a moral and legal line, turning neighbors into potential enemies and blurring the boundary between military service and domestic policing.
As an officer seeking a seat in Congress, he argues that following such an order would contradict both his duty as a soldier and his responsibility as an aspiring lawmaker to protect civil liberties, especially for communities already traumatized by ICE raids and racial profiling.
A deployment on pause, but pressure rising
Trump’s latest request to send hundreds of National Guard troops into the Chicago area is currently on hold while the U.S. Supreme Court weighs whether federal law actually allows such a deployment under the statute the administration has invoked.
The law permits a president to federalize state Guard units to suppress rebellion or when “regular forces” are deemed insufficient, but the justices have demanded further briefing on what that term means and how far presidential authority extends in policing protests.
In its filings, the U.S. Justice Department claims that local officials have failed to control what it describes as “mob violence” by demonstrators protesting aggressive immigration enforcement in and around Chicago.
Civil rights advocates, however, insist that the overwhelming majority of actions have been peaceful, featuring clergy, teachers and families who see themselves as defending constitutional rights rather than threatening public safety. Until the Court rules, the deployment remains suspended, but Guard members like Blaha are already receiving preparatory notices and reprimands, underscoring how quickly the pause could end.
ICE raids sow fear far beyond “criminal aliens”
On the ground in Illinois, Staff Sgt. Demi Palecek, an Illinois Guard non‑commissioned officer and Democratic candidate for the state legislature, says the administration’s immigration crackdown has transformed daily life for many of her constituents.
Palecek, who is of Mexican heritage, describes families who avoid work, school and medical appointments because they fear being detained at traffic stops, near workplaces or even in hospital parking lots by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) teams.
Federal data show that roughly 72% of nearly 58,000 people apprehended in recent sweeps have no criminal convictions, contradicting administration rhetoric that the crackdown is narrowly aimed at violent offenders.
Community organizers and legal advocates interviewed in recent reporting describe raids at day‑labor sites, detentions of lawful residents with work permits, and cases in which U.S. citizens were mistakenly arrested or subjected to excessive force, such as military veterans pepper‑sprayed and pinned under officers’ knees during mass operations.
These tactics, according to constitutional scholars, resemble psychological warfare more than routine law enforcement, relying on fear and uncertainty to deter immigrants—documented and undocumented alike—from exercising basic freedoms of movement and association.
“We won’t turn our rifles on our neighbors”
Palecek says that when she canvasses as a candidate, many residents visibly flinch when they learn she serves in the National Guard, associating the uniform less with disaster relief and more with armored vehicles on city streets. She responds by sharing her own story of why she enlisted: to help communities in crisis, not to “follow dictator’s orders,” as she bluntly describes the pressure she feels from the current administration.
Both Palecek and Blaha stress that their refusal is, which they say forbids them from participating in unlawful domestic repression.
They argue that the proper role of citizen‑soldiers is to stand with communities in emergencies—sandbagging levees, clearing debris, staffing shelters—not to wield rifles against clergy, parents and children protesting ICE abuses.
By publicly pledging to disobey, they hope to embolden other service members to examine the legality and morality of their own orders, particularly if more aggressive deployments follow.
Trump’s widening use of military power at home
Trump, now in his third presidential campaign cycle and second term, has repeatedly expanded presidential power in ways that alarm legal experts and civil libertarians. His administration has used emergency declarations, federalized Guard units and novel legal theories to target cities, universities, and political opponents, often with the support of a Supreme Court that has reversed lower‑court rulings against him with minimal explanation.
Speaking to U.S. troops at a naval base in Japan, Trump recently signaled he is prepared to send “more than the National Guard” into U.S. cities if he deems it necessary for “safe cities,” openly musing about invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy active‑duty Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine units in policing roles.
While federal law generally prohibits the military from performing civilian law‑enforcement functions, the Insurrection Act creates broad exceptions that past presidents have used sparingly, primarily during moments of genuine insurrection or massive civil unrest; critics warn that stretching it to cover routine immigration protests would normalize military occupation of domestic urban space.
Legal stakes and the duty to disobey
Refusing a lawful federal order can carry severe consequences under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including court‑martial, imprisonment and punitive discharges that function as felony records.
Both Blaha and Palecek report that they have already received written warnings from their chain of command, and Blaha says his security clearance has been revoked pending an investigation into his public statements.
Military law does, however, require service members to refuse manifestly unlawful orders, a standard shaped by post‑World War II jurisprudence and subsequent human‑rights conventions.
The unresolved question is whether a Supreme Court potentially inclined to favor broad presidential authority will ever formally declare such deployments unlawful, leaving individual soldiers to make high‑stakes judgments in a legal gray zone.
Civil‑military scholars caution that if large numbers of Guard members refuse orders en masse, the U.S. could face an unprecedented crisis of legitimacy within its own security forces, with implications far beyond immigration policy.
Communities organize, even as fear spreads
On Chicago’s streets and across California, community groups have responded to ICE raids with tactics that blend grassroots surveillance, legal aid, and political protest.
Volunteers document enforcement vehicles entering and leaving detention centers, circulate license‑plate information so neighbors can spot unmarked ICE cars, and form rapid‑response networks to track those detained so families are not left in the dark when loved ones suddenly vanish.
Nurses and other health workers, distressed by patients skipping appointments for fear of arrest, have joined coalitions that monitor ICE activity near hospitals and public‑health clinics, arguing that weaponizing health care access undermines both medical ethics and public safety.
In Los Angeles, legal challenges briefly curtailed racially discriminatory stop‑and‑detain practices, but a conservative Supreme Court’s intervention reopened the door to profiling based on skin color and language, reinforcing the perception among many immigrants that the legal system is stacked against them.
“The right side of history”
Despite the risks, Palecek says she draws strength from her community’s resilience and from a conviction that history ultimately vindicates those who stand against authoritarian overreach. She imagines a future in which she can tell her grandchildren that she refused to turn her uniform into an instrument of fear and remained faithful to the people who trusted her as both a soldier and a public servant.
Blaha frames his stance similarly, arguing that silence would make him complicit in a broader project to turn the United States into what legal scholars describe as a “managed democracy” or even a quasi‑police state, where force substitutes for persuasion and courts ratify power rather than constrain it.
Whether the Supreme Court ultimately curbs or blesses Trump’s plans, both Guardsmen insist that individual conscience still matters—and that sometimes the most patriotic act a soldier can perform is to say “no.”
Summary
Meet Capt. Dylan Blaha and Staff Sgt. Demi Palecek, two Illinois National Guard officers and Democratic candidates who say they will defy President Donald Trump’s order to deploy troops into Chicago’s immigrant neighborhoods. Their refusal illuminates the human cost of ICE raids, the legal uncertainty surrounding Trump’s domestic use of military power, and the enduring question of when soldiers must disobey unlawful commands.
TAGS:Blaha, Dylan, Palecek, Demi, Donald Trump, National Guard, police state, ICE raids, immigration crackdown, civil rights, Supreme Court, Insurrection Act, Chicago,Illinois 13th District, Democratic candidates, human rights, U.S. Constitution
Social media
Facebook Two Illinois National Guard members—Capt. Dylan Blaha and Staff Sgt. Demi Palecek—say they will refuse any order to deploy against Chicago’s immigrant communities. Their stance raises urgent questions about unlawful orders, ICE raids and the future of civil‑military relations in the U.S. Read how citizen‑soldiers are pushing back against Trump’s expanding domestic use of military force.
Instagram Citizen‑soldiers in Illinois are saying “no.” Capt. Dylan Blaha and Staff Sgt. Demi Palecek refuse to deploy against their own neighbors as Trump pushes to send National Guard troops into Chicago’s immigrant neighborhoods. Their decision spotlights the human toll of ICE raids and the risks soldiers face when they insist on following their conscience as well as their oath.
LinkedIn Two Illinois National Guard officers, Capt. Dylan Blaha and Staff Sgt. Demi Palecek, are publicly pledging to defy any federal order that would send them into Chicago’s streets as part of President Trump’s immigration crackdown. Their refusal underscores the tension between military obedience and constitutional duty, and highlights how ICE enforcement tactics are reshaping public trust in institutions and the rule of law.
X / Twitter Two Illinois Guard members say they’ll defy Trump’s order to deploy in Chicago, calling it unlawful and dangerous for their communities. Their stance challenges the president’s expanding use of troops in immigration crackdowns and raises hard questions about when soldiers must refuse orders.
BlueSky Capt. Dylan Blaha and Staff Sgt. Demi Palecek are drawing a line: they won’t deploy against Chicago’s immigrant communities as part of Trump’s ICE‑driven military crackdown. Their refusal exposes the fear ICE raids have spread and the legal gray zone around using Guard troops for domestic policing.
Relentless Ohio River training and state titles propel Mason A. Francis into the Luce Foundation’s global network of young leaders. Recognized for discipline, self‑direction, and service to Appalachian youth, the Ohio State University sprinter joins the 2025 Luce 24 Under 24 as a model of resilience and ethical leadership.
New York, N.Y.– The Board of Directors of the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation has named Mason A. Francis, a first‑year student at The Ohio State University, to its 2025 cohort of Luce24 Under 24 Young Global Leaders, honoring an all‑state sprinter whose training ground has ranged from championship pools to the fast‑moving waters of the Ohio River.
The recognition places Francis in an international network of more than 300 emerging changemakers cultivated by the J. Luce Foundation to advance ethical, globally engaged leadership.
Luce 24 Under 24 Young Global Leader Mason is back-to-back Ohio State Champion in both the 50 and 100 free. Photo credit: Instagram/Mason Francis.
Rising from Ohio River Currents
Growing up near Marietta, Ohio, Francis refused to let limited facilities derail ambitious goals, often driving nearly an hour each way to open swim sessions after local club programs closed. When consistent coaching disappeared, the Warren Local High School standout designed self‑directed workouts, studied elite sprint technique online, and analyzed race videos to refine starts, turns, and tempo.
That improvisational approach led Francis to train in the Ohio River, braving current, debris, and unpredictable conditions to simulate resistance and mental stress that most high school swimmers never encounter. The unconventional regimen built a reputation for fearlessness and grit, qualities that impressed Luce Foundation leaders seeking honorees who demonstrate initiative under real‑world constraints.
Mason’s journey to national prominence was guided by a unique and powerful partnership with veteran coach Bill Bauer. Bauer, now at the prestigious Punahou Aquatic Club in Honolulu, Hawaii, provided the tutelage that sharpened Mason’s raw talent into national-caliber skill.
“Under my tutelage, he got to be a national caliber swimmer,” says Bauer. “He became nationally ranked, which is a testament to his work ethic and our shared commitment.” Punahou’s head swim coach, Sam Harquail, echoed the sentiment, noting, “Against all odds, Mason persevered. The other swimmers looked up to him.”
Luce 24 Under 24 Young Global Leader Mason is poised to earn a second swim in the 50 free at the B1G Conference Championships. Photo credit: Instagram/Mason Francis.
State Records and Collegiate Ascent
By senior year, Francis translated river‑hardened stamina into dominance at Ohio’s Division II state championships, defending titles in both the 50‑ and 100‑yard freestyle and lowering the state record in the 100. His performances, which helped place Warren among the top programs in the state standings despite limited roster depth, earned him All‑America recognition and the attention of major collegiate recruiters.
Now a Division I sprint specialist for The Ohio State University Swim & Dive Team, Francis competes on scholarship while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the Max M. Fisher College of Business, specializing in real estate.
Balancing early‑morning training, travel for dual meets, and demanding coursework, he exemplifies the Luce cohort’s emphasis on discipline, time management, and long‑term goal setting across athletics and academics.
Luce 24 Under 24 2025 Young Global Leader Mason Francis.
Leadership in and beyond the Pool
At Warren, Francis served as swimming team captain from 2021 to 2025, effectively doubling as athlete and coach by writing practice sets, organizing dry‑land conditioning, and mentoring younger sprinters after formal club structures disappeared.
His peers credit that collaborative leadership for sustaining a competitive program in a rural district with limited aquatic resources
Off the pool deck, Francis expanded leadership through the iBelieve Foundation, where he was selected as a delegate to regional conferences focused on empowering Appalachian youth with communication, collaboration, and community‑building skills.
Participation in regional high school leadership summits and service as a counselor at Washington County 4‑H Camp further honed an ability to facilitate group dynamics, mediate conflict, and create inclusive spaces for younger participants navigating the pressures of adolescence.
Mason Francis has been a leader in the #Grantspeed movement that grew following the death of Grant Bauer, former collegiate swimmer, who passed away ten years ago to an act of suicide. Random Acts of Kindness all over the world are done in Grant’s memory. Photo credit: Instagram/Mason Francis.
The Luce Foundation’s Leadership Ecosystem
The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, founded in 2008, operates a distinctive ecosystem for cultivating “Young Global Leaders Uplifting Humanity,” combining media training, global immersion, and recognition platforms.
Its programs, including The Stewardship Report, Luce Leadership Experience, Luce 24 Under 24, Luce Young Global Leadership Initiative, and Luce Fellows and Scholars, are designed to incubate ethical, globally literate leaders with practical skills in storytelling, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship.
Luce 24 Under 24 honorees join a global network expected ultimately to steward the Foundation’s mission, serving on advisory boards, contributing to digital publications, and co‑designing future leadership programs with universities and civil‑society partners.
For Francis, that means integrating lessons from high‑performance sport—process discipline, incremental improvement, and team cohesion—into broader conversations about youth development and regional equity in Appalachia.
Luce 24 Under 24 Young Global Leader Mason Francis flows with the river in Marietta, Ohio. Photo credit: Facebook/Mason Francis.
From Appalachian Roots to Global Outlook
Although his competitive focus remains sprint freestyle, Francis increasingly frames swimming as a platform rather than an endpoint, emphasizing the way sport can model resilience and collective effort for younger athletes in under‑resourced communities.
As a business student with an interest in real estate, he has also begun exploring how infrastructure—such as community pools and recreation centers—shapes health outcomes and opportunity in rural regions like southeastern Ohio.
Within the Luce network, Francis will have access to global immersion opportunities and editorial platforms that encourage awardees to analyze systemic inequality and propose concrete interventions, from youth programming to philanthropic initiatives.
The Foundation anticipates that his combination of competitive excellence, Appalachian perspective, and practical creativity will contribute meaningfully to dialogues on how sport, education, and community investment intersect to expand life chances for marginalized youth.
“Mason Francis brings a sense of discipline and determination to this year’s leadership cohort,” states J. Luce Foundation V.P. Dr. Bill Bauer, himself a former varsity swimmer. “His commitment to teamwork is extraordinary.”
Summary
Ohio River sprinter Mason Francis has been named to the 2025 Luce 24 Under 24 cohort, recognizing his record‑setting high school career, self‑directed training in the Ohio River, and leadership roles with Appalachian youth initiatives. As a scholarship athlete and business student at The Ohio State University, Francis now joins the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation’s global network of emerging leaders dedicated to ethical, community‑centered change.
Social Media
Facebook
Ohio River training runs through every lap Mason Francis swims. From self‑directed workouts after local club closures to record‑shattering performances at Ohio’s state championships, the Warren Local graduate has turned adversity into a platform for leadership. Now a scholarship sprinter at The Ohio State University, Mason has been named to the 2025 Luce 24 Under 24 list, joining the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation’s global network of young leaders uplifting humanity.
Instagram
From the currents of the Ohio River to the bright lights of Division I competition, Mason Francis embodies relentless drive. The Warren Local alum and Ohio state record holder is now a 2025 Luce 24 Under 24 honoree, recognized by the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation for combining elite sprinting with service to Appalachian youth and a future in business leadership at Ohio State.
LinkedIn
The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation has named Mason A. Francis, an Ohio River‑trained sprinter and business student at The Ohio State University, to its 2025 Luce 24 Under 24 cohort. Mason’s profile blends record‑setting state championships, self‑designed training in a resource‑constrained environment, and leadership with Appalachian youth through programs such as the iBelieve Foundation and regional high school leadership summits.
X / Twitter
Ohio River currents. State records. Global leadership. Warren Local alum and Ohio State sprinter Mason Francis has been named to the 2025 Luce 24 Under 24 by the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, recognizing both his sprint speed and his commitment to uplifting Appalachian youth.
BlueSky
“Hard work pays off.” Warren Local’s Mason Francis proved it in the Ohio River, on the state podium, and now in the 2025 Luce 24 Under 24 cohort. As a scholarship athlete and business student at Ohio State, he joins the J. Luce Foundation’s global network of young leaders focused on ethical, community‑driven change.
Jan Jao Kha Illuminates N.Y.C. with Exquisite Recipes from Ancient Kingdoms, Once Reserved for Nobility and Thought Lost to Time
New York, N.Y. — In a neighborhood synonymous with the clamor of Broadway stages and the sizzle of Hell’s Kitchen diners, a quiet revolution is unfolding. On Ninth Avenue, a soft, amber glow emanates from the doors of Jan Jao Kha, a sanctuary where the frenetic energy of New York City gives way to the refined whispers of ancient Siam.
Since its opening in September, this culinary outpost has achieved a near-mythical status, boasting a flawless 5.0 average from nearly 400 reviews. It is not merely a restaurant; it is a portal, offering a moonlit passage back to the royal courts of the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms, where cuisine was an art form of balance, subtlety, and profound symbolism.
The Guardians of a Fading Culinary Heritage
The journey to Jan Jao Kha (จันทร์เจ้าขา), an affectionate Thai phrase meaning “Dear Moon,” was not a conventional restaurant launch. It was an act of gastronomic stewardship and historical excavation. The co-owners—Thai Americans West, Champ, and spokesperson Bix Luce—embarked on a mission to rescue flavors from oblivion.
The recipes anchoring their menu are not found in modern cookbooks; they are drawn from ancient parchment manuscripts, royal household records, and fragile oral traditions passed down through generations of palace cooks.
These dishes, perfected between the 13th and 18th centuries, represent the pinnacle of Siamese culinary art, a cuisine where aesthetic presentation and ingredient scarcity were as vital as taste. “This is not street food,” explains Bix Luce. “This is a cuisine of refinement. Many of these recipes were effectively lost to the wider world. Our role is that of a humble translator and guardian.”
A Menu Written in Gold Leaf and Delicate Spices
Stepping into Jan Jao Kha is to enter a curated anthology of Thailand’s regal history. The menu directly challenges the monolithic Western perception of Thai food as a mere vehicle for chili heat. Instead, it is a symphony of nuanced flavors—galangal, lemongrass, wild lime, and carefully selected chilies that provide aromatic depth rather than overwhelming fire.
One signature revelation is a stunning, golden dumpling, its delicate form housing a sophisticated filling of taro and other finely prepared ingredients, a testament to the royal preference for textural complexity and visual splendor.
The restaurant also specializes in rare noodle dishes that narrate stories of ancient trade routes and palace innovation. These are not the noodles of a bustling Bangkok market but their painstakingly made precursors, served with broths simmered for days and infused with spices that were once worth their weight in gold.
Each plate is presented with an artist’s touch, mirroring the aesthetic principles of the Ayutthaya Period, where dining was an integral part of the kingdom’s celebrated art and culture. The experience is designed as a deliberate journey, encouraging guests to slow down and savor the centuries of tradition conveyed in each exquisite bite.
The Ambiance of Eternal Moonlight and Quiet Elegance
The physical space of Jan Jao Kha is a deliberate extension of its culinary philosophy. In stark contrast to the neighborhood’s vibrant chaos, the restaurant is a sanctuary of tranquil elegance. The lighting is soft and diffuse, meticulously designed to evoke the serene glow of a moonlit feast in a royal garden. Shadows dance across surfaces like figures from a traditional Yi Peng lantern festival. The decor incorporates rich silks, dark teak, and subtle architectural nods to Thai temple design, avoiding cliché to create an atmosphere of respectful immersion.
This ambiance is not merely aesthetic; it is functional. It hushes the modern world, allowing the food—its history, its story, its delicate flavors—to claim absolute focus. The environment honors the eternal grace of the cuisine it serves, providing a sacred space where the act of dining becomes a form of cultural communion. It is here, under this curated moonlight, that the lost royalty of ancient Siam feels most palpably resurrected.
Carving a New Chapter in N.Y.C.’s Culinary Canon
The arrival and immediate acclaim of Jan Jao Kha signify a bold evolution in Manhattan’s dining landscape. It moves beyond serving authenticity to offering edible scholarship, catering to the adventurous gourmand, the history enthusiast, and the seeker of experiences that nourish intellect and soul alike.
In a city celebrated for its relentless novelty, Jan Jao Kha offers profound depth. It stands as a testament to the vision of its co-owners, who have successfully transplanted a living fragment of Thailand’s most cherished heritage onto a gritty Manhattan avenue.
The restaurant’s flawless reception, underscored by its perfect rating from hundreds of diners, suggests a city hungry for more than sustenance—it is hungry for meaning, connection, and beauty. Jan Jao Kha meets that demand not with spectacle, but with substance. It extends an invitation not just to a meal, but to a moonlit table set for a quiet, unforgettable journey into the heart of a forgotten world, ensuring the lost royalty of ancient Siam has found a radiant, enduring home in the heart of New York.
Tags: Jan Jao Kha, Royal Thai cuisine, ancient Siam, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, fine dining, Hell’s Kitchen, NYC restaurants, forgotten recipes, Bix Luce, authentic Thai food, culinary history, Thai nobility, gastronomic heritage
Summary
In the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, Jan Jao Kha restaurant unveils the lost royal cuisine of ancient Siam. Co-owner Bix Luce guides us on a journey through meticulously resurrected dishes from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras, offering a rare, elegant dining experience where history is savored in every delicate, flavorful bite under the glow of eternal moonlight.
Social Media
Facebook & Instagram: A moonlit feast awaits in Hell’s Kitchen. 🌙 Jan Jao Kha has opened its doors, resurrecting the lost royal cuisine of ancient Siam’s Sukhothai and Ayutthaya courts. With nearly 400 reviews and a perfect 5.0 average, this is more than dinner—it’s a journey through time. Every delicate dumpling and aromatic broth tells a story. Ready for a taste of history? #JanJaoKha #RoyalThaiCuisine 📍 830 Ninth Ave, NYC
LinkedIn: The intersection of cultural preservation and culinary entrepreneurship is brilliantly displayed at Jan Jao Kha in Manhattan. Co-owners West, Champ, and Bix Luce have meticulously researched and revived royal recipes from ancient Siam’s Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods, challenging monolithic perceptions of Thai food. Their success, evidenced by a flawless 5.0 rating, demonstrates the market for experiences rooted in depth, history, and authenticity. A case study in gastronomic stewardship. #Entrepreneurship #CulturalHeritage #CulinaryArts
The transformation of G.O.P. women leaders reflects a broader shift from intellectual conservatism toward uncompromising loyalty politics
New York, N.Y. – The arc of Republican women in American politics has traced a trajectory from the salons of thoughtful conservatism to the war rooms of bare-knuckle partisanship. Where once stood figures like Clare Boothe Luce—playwright, congresswoman, ambassador—today’s G.O.P. showcases a markedly different cohort.
The contrast between Luce’s erudite conservatism and the approach of emerging leaders like Pam Bondi [Luce Index™ score: 38/100], Kristi Noem [Luce Index™ score: 38/100], and Elise Stefanik [Luce Index™ score: 39/100] represents not merely a generational shift, but a fundamental transformation in what Republican women are expected to be.
Where Clare Boothe Luce [Luce Index™ score: 96/100] represented intellectual conservatism and principled argument, contemporary G.O.P. women leaders increasingly embrace a politics of dominance untempered by compassion, loyalty untethered from constitutional principle.
The transformation from statesmanship to stark partisanship reflects a broader shift inAmerican conservatism from persuasion to performance, from ideas to identity.
U.S. Ambassador to Italy, Mrs. Clare Boothe Luce at her desk inside the U.S. Embassy on April 29, 1953 in Rome, Italy.
The Luce Standard: Intellect and Independence
Clare Boothe Luce embodied a conservatism rooted in intellectual rigor and cosmopolitan experience. As a two-term congresswoman from Connecticut (1943-1947), she championed internationalism at a time when isolationism tempted the Republican Party. Her appointment as ambassador to Italy under President Eisenhower—the first woman ever appointed—reflected her command of foreign policy and multiple languages.
Luce wrote plays produced on Broadway, penned biting political commentary, and engaged with ideas rather than mere talking points. Her conservatism was argumentative, not authoritarian; persuasive, not punitive.
This tradition of independent-minded Republican women persisted through figures like Margaret Chase Smith, who famously denounced McCarthyism in her 1950 “Declaration of Conscience” speech.
It continued through the careers of senators like Nancy Kassebaum and Olympia Snowe, who prized bipartisanship and institutional respect. Even in more recent decades, Republican women like Christine Todd Whitman and Condoleezza Rice maintained intellectual credibility beyond partisan circles.
The Departing Guard: Cheney, Murkowski, Collins
Three Republican women currently represent the fading tradition of institutional conservatism, though their futures within the party remain uncertain. Liz Cheney [Luce Index™ score: 63/100], daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney [Luce Index™ score: 38/100], lost her Wyoming congressional seat in 2022 after serving as vice chair of the January 6th Committee.
Her unwillingness to embrace election denial marked her as a pariah in Trump-dominated G.O.P. circles. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska [Luce Index™ score: 56/100], and Susan Collins of Maine [Luce Index™ score: 56/100] continue serving in the U.S. Senate, but both face persistent primary challenges from MAGA-aligned Republicans who view their occasional bipartisanship as betrayal.
Cheney’s trajectory is particularly instructive. Once considered a rising star in Republican leadership, she was expelled from her position as House Republican Conference chair for contradicting Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election. Her commitment to constitutional principles over partisan loyalty rendered her radioactive within her own party—a cautionary tale for any Republican woman who might prioritize truth over tribal allegiance.
The New Vanguard: Bondi, Noem, Stefanik
The emerging generation of prominent Republican women presents a stark departure from the Luce model. Pam Bondi, former Florida Attorney General and Trump’s U.S. Attorney General, exemplifies this shift. Her involvement in the case of Kilmar Abrego García, a Honduran immigrant facing deportation, revealed the harsh edge of her prosecutorial philosophy. While serving as Florida’s A.G., Bondi’s office opposed humanitarian considerations in immigration cases, prioritizing enforcement over equity—a position that aligned perfectly with Trump’s immigration rhetoric but departed from any tradition of conservative mercy.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem does her part to promote MAGA culture.
Kristi Noem, tapped as Secretary of Homeland Security, has cultivated an image of frontier toughness that occasionally veers into performative cruelty. Her visit to CECOT(Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo) in El Salvador—a maximum-security prison known for harsh conditions—was framed as fact-finding but read as endorsement.
The optics of an American official praising authoritarian security measures troubled human rights advocates but delighted the MAGA base. Noem’s memoir controversially included an account of shooting her dog for misbehavior, a revelation that shocked even some conservatives but demonstrated her willingness to project ruthlessness as virtue.
Elise Stefanik, the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at age 30, has undergone perhaps the most dramatic transformation. Initially positioning herself as a moderate Republican, she became one of Trump’s most aggressive defenders during his impeachment proceedings.
Personal encounters with Stefanik, as noted by colleagues in Congress, reveal what some describe as transactional coldness—a focus on political advancement divorced from personal warmth or institutional collegiality. Her elevation to House Republican Conference chair, filling the position vacated by Cheney, symbolized the party’s preference for loyalty over independence.
Then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem defended her decision to kill her pet dog by saying it was the responsible and legal thing to do because it attacked some chickens, but critics say the 14-month-old bird dog was bred to hunt birds and it wouldn’t be physically mature until two or fully trained until three. Photo credit: Instagram / Kristi Noem.
The Cruella De Vil Metaphor: MAGA’s Aesthetic
The invocation of Cruella De Vil—the villain from 101 Dalmatians who sought to skin puppies for fashion—may seem hyperbolic, but the metaphor captures something essential about MAGA-era Republican women. Cruella represented style without substance, cruelty as aspiration, and the pursuit of appearance over ethics. She embodied a willingness to harm the vulnerable for personal aggrandizement—a character study in malignant narcissism dressed in haute couture.
Contemporary MAGA politics similarly prioritizes performance over policy, dominance over deliberation. The aesthetic is one of strength untempered by compassion, of winning unguided by principle.
Where Luce argued her positions with intellectual ammunition, today’s Republican women often deploy personal attacks and conspiracy theories. Where earlier generations sought to persuade independents and moderates, the current cohort aims to energize the base through outrage and antagonism.
This transformation reflects broader changes in American conservatism. The movement has shifted from Russell Kirk‘s emphasis on tradition and temperament to a grievance-based populism that views politics as warfare. Republican women who thrive in this environment must demonstrate their willingness to fight without quarter, to reject compromise as weakness, and to prize loyalty to Trump above all other considerations—including constitutional fidelity, institutional norms, and objective truth.
When Republicans and Democrats still spoke to each other: Clare Booth Luce and Eleanor Roosevelt and in Rome, Italy, 1955. Photo credit: Franklin D. Roosevelt Library.
The Price of Transformation
The evolution of Republican women from Luce to the MAGA vanguard represents a profound loss for American political discourse. Conservatism once offered an important counterweight to potential liberal overreach—a philosophy grounded in skepticism of centralized power, respect for tradition, and appreciation for unintended consequences. That intellectual tradition has been largely abandoned in favor of a reactionary populism that defines itself primarily through opposition and resentment.
For Republican women specifically, this shift has meant trading intellectual credibility for partisan celebrity. The path to prominence no longer runs through policy expertise or legislative accomplishment but through cable news appearances and social media confrontations. The reward is power within the party; the cost is respect beyond it. Whether this bargain will ultimately serve Republican women’s interests—or the nation’s—remains an open and troubling question.
The contrast between Clare Boothe Luce and today’s Republican women leaders is not merely stylistic. It represents a choice between competing visions of what conservatism means and what women in politics should be.
Clare Boothe Luce proved that one could be intellectually rigorous, ideologically conservative, and politically effective. The current generation seems to have concluded that such balance is unnecessary—that in the MAGA era, ferocity matters more than thoughtfulness, and loyalty trumps principle.
The American political system is poorer for this transformation, and Republican women themselves may ultimately discover that the Faustian bargain they’ve struck was costlier than they imagined.
The Republican Party’s women leaders have undergone a dramatic transformation from Clare Boothe Luce’s erudite conservatism to today’s MAGA-aligned figures. Where Luce embodied intellectual rigor and independent thought, contemporary leaders like Pam Bondi, Kristi Noem, and Elise Stefanik prioritize partisan loyalty and aggressive rhetoric. Traditional institutionalists like Liz Cheney, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins face marginalization for their occasional independence. This shift reflects broader changes in American conservatism from philosophical tradition to grievance-based populism, representing a significant loss for substantive political discourse.
Social Media Posts
Facebook: The evolution of Republican women in politics tells a troubling story. From Clare Boothe Luce’s intellectual conservatism to today’s MAGA loyalists, the transformation reveals how much American political discourse has changed. Where Luce argued with ideas, today’s G.O.P. women leaders prioritize partisan warfare. Liz Cheney’s exile and the rise of figures like Pam Bondi and Elise Stefanik mark a fundamental shift from principle to loyalty. What does this transformation mean for American democracy?
Instagram: From statesmanship to stark partisanship: Republican women leaders have undergone a dramatic transformation. Clare Boothe Luce once represented erudite conservatism and independent thought. Today’s G.O.P. showcases a markedly different approach. This evolution reflects broader changes in American conservatism—from philosophical tradition to loyalty-based politics. The question remains: what have we lost in this transformation?
LinkedIn: Political leadership analysis: The trajectory of Republican women from Clare Boothe Luce to contemporary MAGA-aligned figures reveals significant shifts in American conservatism. Luce’s intellectual rigor and policy expertise have given way to partisan loyalty and performative confrontation. This transformation affects not only the G.O.P. but American political discourse broadly. Understanding these changes is essential for anyone tracking U.S. political evolution.
X / Twitter: Republican women leaders have evolved from Clare Boothe Luce’s erudite conservatism to MAGA loyalty politics. Liz Cheney was exiled for principle. Pam Bondi, Kristi Noem, and Elise Stefanik rose through partisan warfare. The transformation reflects broader changes in American conservatism—and represents a loss for substantive political discourse.
BlueSky: The arc of Republican women in politics: from Clare Boothe Luce’s intellectual conservatism to today’s MAGA-aligned leaders. Where Luce embodied independent thought and policy expertise, contemporary figures like Bondi, Noem, and Stefanik prioritize partisan loyalty. This shift mirrors broader changes in American conservatism—from philosophical tradition to grievance-based populism.
Tags: Republican women, Clare Boothe Luce, Liz Cheney, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Pam Bondi, Kristi Noem, MAGA politics, conservative evolution, political transformation, women in politics, Elise Stefanik, G.O.P. leadership, American conservatism, partisan loyalty, political discourse
President’s transactional relationships with Gulf monarchies and authoritarian leaders reflect emerging “neo-royal” international order, experts warn
New York, N.Y. – President Donald Trump [Luce Index™ score: 35/100] palatable enthusiasm for Middle Eastern strongmen has become one of the defining characteristics of his foreign policy approach, marking a stark departure from decades of American diplomatic tradition.
While calling European allies “weak” and “pathetic,”Trump has lavished praise on autocratic leaders from Saudi Arabia to Turkey, describing them as “fantastic,” “brilliant,” and “tough cookies” — language he rarely reserves for democratically elected Western leaders.
The contrast is jarring. Trump has described Saudi Crown PrinceMohammed bin Salman [Luce Index™ score: 35/100] as having done something “incredible in terms of human rights and everything else,” despite Saudi Arabia executing more than 240 people this year, often without due process according to human rights organizations.
‘Donald Trump as King.’ AI-generated faux Time Magazine cover posted by president on X.
His relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, [Luce Index™ score: 35/100] who has systematically jailed opposition politicians, has been characterized by the U.S. ambassador to Türkiye as a “bromance.”
At an October meeting, Trump mused openly: “I don’t know why I like the tough people better than the soft, easy ones.”
Breaking with Democratic Traditions
This preference reflects more than personal quirk — it represents a fundamental shift in American foreign policy priorities.
The Trump administration‘s December update to the U.S. National Security Strategy eliminated language from the 2022 version that promised to “demand accountability for violations of human rights” in the Middle East.
Instead, the document states America must stop “hectoring these nations — especially the Gulf monarchies — into abandoning their traditions and historic forms of government.”
Past administrations, regardless of party, at least paid lip service to conditioning military deals and aid on human rights and democratic reforms.
That pretense has now been abandoned. Yet European democracies receive no such deference.
The same National Security Strategy document signals the administration’s intention to wage what the European Council on Foreign Relations describes as a “culture war” in Europe, including supporting right-wing, anti-E.U. political parties.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, also known as MbS, de facto ruler and heir apparent of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Transactional Appeal
According to Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, a Middle East fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, Trump’s affinity stems from shared governing styles.
“Donald Trump‘s personalized style of decision making and his authoritarian instincts make him far more of a natural ‘strong man’ than conventional democratically-elected leaders,” Coates Ulrichsen explains.
“Trump’s affinity for leaders in the Middle East, and especially in the Gulf, may be rooted in an appreciation of certain similarities in their policymaking style as well as the transactional basis of the relationships they build.”
The transactional nature of these relationships is hardly subtle. Qatar gifted Trump a US$400 million airplane earlier this year. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have promised to invest hundreds of billions into the American economy. As Andreas Krieg, senior lecturer at King’s CollegeLondon’s School of Security Studies, wrote before Trump’s May visit to the Gulf: “Trump’s transactionalism finds a natural home in the Gulf. The premise is simple: you get what you pay for. There is no pretense of shared destiny, values, or ideals.”
Aspirations of Absolute Power
Time Magazine cover of June 18, 2018 featuring an illustration of Donald Trump.
The appeal may run deeper than financial transactions. Gulf monarchies operate with few constraints on political action — they formulate their own laws, suppress dissent, and don’t depend on democratic approval to maintain power.
This unchecked authority appears to resonate with Trump, who has consistently sought to minimize constraints on executive power during his second term.
In February, Trump referred to himself as royalty on social media, with official White House accounts subsequently sharing the quote alongside an AI-generated image depicting him in regal fashion.
This self-identification points to something more profound than mere rhetorical flourish.
The Neo-Royal International Order
A groundbreaking paper published in the journal International Organization by professors Stacie Goddard at Wellesley College and Abraham Newman at Georgetown University provides a framework for understanding Trump’s behavior.
They describe an emerging system of “neo-royalism” — “an international system structured by a small group of hyper-elites who use modern economic and military interdependencies to extract material and status resources for themselves.”
“Trump’s vision of absolute sovereignty, his reliance on a clique composed of family members, fierce loyalists, and elite hyper-capitalists guides not only U.S. foreign policy, but his ordering of international relations itself,” they write. Trump doesn’t just admire individual authoritarian leaders — he embraces their entire model of governance.
Newman emphasizes this represents a “once-in-a-generation transformation of the international system.” While royal systems have existed for centuries and Gulf monarchies have long coexisted with democratic nation-states, the U.S.’s movement in this direction changes everything. Other countries have moved toward elite-dominated systems — Turkey, India, Hungary, China, and Russia — but America’s economic and military power makes its shift uniquely consequential.
Legitimizing Autocracy
The pattern extends beyond personal relationships. In neo-royalism, legitimacy flows from other absolute rulers, not democratic institutions or international norms. “In this system you’re legitimated through exceptionalism,” Newman explains. “That’s why you’re the absolute ruler. So whose approval do you want? That of other absolute rulers, of course. And the Middle East is fertile ground for that.”
This explains why Trump simultaneously denigrates the European Union — a prime representative of the liberal, rules-based international order — while courting Gulf monarchies. For neo-royalism to consolidate, it must undermine the existing democratic order. The Middle Eastern autocrats provide Trump something invaluable: normalization and legitimacy for his style of governance.
“What’s important if you’re going to promote this alternative, you have to normalize the behavior, legitimatize it,” Newman concludes. “These actors — Erdoğan, the House of Saud, the U.A.E., or Qatar — can provide that legitimacy. They offer Trump a way of saying ‘this is normal, what I’m doing is normal.'”
Implications for Global Democracy
The consequences extend far beyond bilateral relationships. As other world leaders, including Europeans, are forced to engage with this emerging system, they must adapt their own approaches. The democratic, rules-based international order that has prevailed since World War II faces perhaps its most significant challenge yet — not from external adversaries, but from the transformation of its principal architect.
Newman and Goddard acknowledge this neo-royal order isn’t yet fully consolidated. Its future depends on whether it can successfully supplant existing international norms and institutions. But Trump’s enthusiastic embrace of Middle Eastern autocrats, coupled with his rejection of traditional Western alliances, suggests the transformation is well underway.
What makes this moment particularly significant is the convergence of Trump’s personal inclinations with a broader international trend toward authoritarian governance models. He isn’t simply expressing admiration for strong leaders — he’s actively working to reshape the international system in their image, with the full weight of American power behind him.
For allies accustomed to American leadership in promoting democracy and human rights, this represents a fundamental rupture. For autocrats from Riyadh to Ankara, it represents validation and opportunity. The question now is whether democratic nations can maintain their values and institutions while navigating this transformed landscape, or whether they’ll be compelled to compromise those principles to maintain relevance in Trump’s neo-royal international order.
President Donald Trump’s preference for Middle Eastern autocrats over democratic European allies reflects an emerging “neo-royal” international order, according to Georgetown University professor Abraham Newman. Trump has praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan while criticizing European leaders. The administration eliminated human rights language from the National Security Strategy regarding Middle East policy. Experts suggest Trump admires the unchecked power of Gulf monarchies and seeks legitimacy from fellow autocrats rather than democratic institutions, marking a fundamental shift in American foreign policy priorities.
Social Media
Facebook Post
President Trump’s embrace of Middle Eastern autocrats while dismissing European allies signals more than personal preference—it represents a fundamental shift in how America engages with the world. New research suggests Trump is building a “neo-royal” international order based on transactional relationships with authoritarian leaders rather than democratic partnerships. From eliminating human rights language in policy documents to accepting lavish gifts from Gulf monarchies, the administration is normalizing autocratic governance on the global stage.
Instagram Post
Trump’s foreign policy reveals a stark pattern: praise for Middle Eastern strongmen, criticism for European democrats. Experts call it “neo-royalism”—an emerging system where hyper-elites and autocrats legitimize each other’s power. The U.S. National Security Strategy now omits human rights concerns for Gulf monarchies while planning a “culture war” in Europe. This isn’t just about personalities—it’s about reshaping the entire international order.
LinkedIn Post
A significant shift in U.S. foreign policy deserves attention from professionals across sectors. President Trump’s preference for authoritarian Middle Eastern leaders over democratic European allies reflects what Georgetown researchers call an emerging “neo-royal” international order. The administration has removed human rights accountability language from policy documents while accepting substantial financial commitments from Gulf monarchies. This represents more than transactional diplomacy—it signals a fundamental restructuring of international relations away from rules-based democratic norms toward elite-dominated power structures. The implications for global business, security, and governance are profound.
X / Twitter Post
Trump’s enthusiasm for Middle East autocrats while bashing European allies isn’t just personality—it’s policy. New research reveals an emerging “neo-royal” international order where absolute rulers legitimize each other. The admin scrubbed human rights language from strategy docs while Qatar gifted Trump a $400M plane. Democracy vs. autocracy is the defining divide of our era.
BlueSky Post
Fascinating analysis: Trump’s preference for Gulf monarchies over European democracies reflects an emerging “neo-royal” system where hyper-elites use global interdependencies to consolidate power. The National Security Strategy now explicitly rejects “hectoring” Middle East autocrats about human rights while planning culture wars in democratic Europe. Georgetown researchers call this a once-in-a-generation transformation of the international system.
TAGS: Donald Trump, Mohammed bin Salman, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, neo-royalism, authoritarianism, U.S. foreign policy, Middle East diplomacy, Gulf monarchies, transactional relationships, international order, democratic norms, human rights, European Union, Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Abraham Newman, Stacie Goddard, autocratic governance, geopolitics
See the legendary holiday window displays of Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Cartier for 2025
New York, N.Y. — For six hours this Sunday, a famed stretch of Manhattan’s iconic boulevard will belong solely to pedestrians, carolers, and the spirit of the season. The relentless heartbeat of New York City—the gridlock, the honking, the metallic river of taxis and trucks—will fall silent on one of its most prestigious thoroughfares.
This Sunday, December 14, a transformative urban ritual returns as a segment of Fifth Avenue sheds its identity as a major arterial route and is reborn as a sprawling, pedestrian-only holiday promenade. From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., the avenue between 48th and 57th Streets will belong not to engines, but to people, hosting the city’s annual Holiday Open Streets event.
Now in its fourth year, the initiative, spearheaded by the New York City Department of Transportation (D.O.T.), represents a conscious urban recalibration. The closure extends beyond Fifth Avenue itself, with cross streets from 49th to 56th Streets also going car-free between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, creating a massive pedestrian plaza in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., ceding the glittering canyon to a different kind of traffic: the flow of families, tourists, and locals savoring a rare moment of spacious tranquility.
A Strategic Vision for Festive Foot Traffic
The closure is far from a simple street fair; it is a calculated piece of urban planning with economic and experiential dividends. Ydanis Rodriguez, the D.O.T. Commissioner, framed the event as essential to the season’s ecosystem.
“Midtown Manhattan is one of the best places in the world to celebrate the holiday season, and we’re bringing some car-free holiday cheer to Fifth Avenue,” Rodriguez stated. “Providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits iconic locations like Rockefeller Plaza, Radio City Music Hall, and Central Park during the holiday season is not only a cause for celebration for pedestrians, but also for local businesses that will see additional foot traffic.”
https://youtu.be/M1dPImXm7PY?si=gQVm6e4anu97HmGY
This perspective is shared by the Fifth Avenue Association, the premier advocacy organization for the corridor. Its president, Edward Pincar, Jr., highlighted the curated experience. “Open Streets create a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the holiday magic on the city’s most iconic retail corridor while enjoying live musical performances, immersive shopping pop-ups and festive holiday décor and window displays,” Pincar said.
The Association promises a full suite of amenities, from holiday décor and live entertainment to bespoke food and drink offerings, transforming the asphalt into a stage for the season.
The Sensory Symphony of a Street Transformed
To walk a car-free Fifth Avenue during the holidays is to engage with the city through a new sensory lens. The usual olfactory cocktail of exhaust fumes is replaced by the sweet scent of roasted nuts and steaming cocoa.
The auditory landscape shifts from a dissonant cacophony to a layered symphony: the distant carols of a brass quintet, the laughter of children, the crisp crunch of snow (or more likely, salt) underfoot, and the appreciative murmurs of crowds before the legendary holiday window displays of Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Cartier.
The visual spectacle is magnified tenfold. Without the visual clutter of moving vehicles, the architecture soars, the twinkle lights glimmer more distinctly, and the grand Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center becomes a true north star, visible for blocks.
The experience of crossing the street becomes an act of leisure, not a calculated sprint. One can stand in the very center of Fifth Avenue, gaze up at the Empire State Building, and snap a photo without a yellow cab blurring through the frame—a small but profound urban luxury.
An Extended Pedestrian Realm for the Season
Notably, the Holiday Open Streets event is merely the centerpiece of a broader seasonal pedestrianization effort. The D.O.T. has announced that, through January 4, 2026, West 49th and West 50th Streets will be closed to cars and open to pedestrians between Fifth and Sixth Avenues daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. This creates a permanent, day-long pedestrian nexus flanking Rockefeller Center, easing the notorious foot-traffic jams and providing safer, more enjoyable access to the Rockefeller Center ice rink, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and the plaza’s iconic golden Prometheus statue.
This extended closure reflects a growing, data-informed trend in global city management. Studies of similar programs, from London’s work on “tactical urbanism” to Paris’s ambitious “15-Minute City” concept, show that temporarily reclaiming streets from vehicles boosts local retail spending, improves air quality, and enhances public safety. In a post-pandemic era that revalued outdoor public space, these initiatives have moved from experimental to expected.
The Future of Festive Urban Space
The success of the Fifth Avenue Holiday Open Streets begs the question of its future. Could this six-hour annual event evolve into a weekly winter weekend tradition, or even inform permanent design changes?
While the logistical challenges for a route as critical as Fifth Avenue are immense, the public’s enthusiastic response each year provides a compelling case study. It demonstrates that the city’s most famous streets are not just conduits for commerce but are themselves the city’s living room, its stage, and its grand hall—especially during the holidays.
As dusk falls on Sunday and the lights of the avenue shine brighter against the darkening sky, the temporary promenade will offer a glimpse of a different Manhattan. It is a vision where the scale of the city is made human, where community takes precedence over commute, and where the simple, joyous act of a stroll is elevated to a celebration. For six hours, Fifth Avenue won’t just be a street; it will be a gift to the city itself.
Summary
This Sunday, a stretch of New York’s famed Fifth Avenue transforms into a pedestrian paradise for the Holiday Open Streets event. From 48th to 57th Street, from noon to six p.m., the corridor will be free of cars, filled instead with live music, festive displays, and seasonal cheer. The initiative, now in its fourth year, aims to provide a safer, more enjoyable experience for visitors and a boost to local Midtown businesses during the bustling holiday season.
Social Media
Facebook: This Sunday, experience the magic of Fifth Avenue as you never have before—without a car in sight! 🎄 The Holiday Open Streets event returns, turning Midtown into a pedestrian wonderland from 12-6 p.m. Enjoy live music, festive pop-ups, and iconic window displays in a safe, spacious setting. A perfect family-friendly start to the holiday season. #NYCOpenStreets #FifthAvenue #HolidayNYC
Instagram: 🎁 A gift to NYC: Car-free Fifth Avenue. This Sunday, 12-6pm. ✨ Stroll, sip, and savor the season without traffic. From Saks to Bergdorf’s, the iconic windows await your gaze. Live music & holiday cheer from 48th to 57th. Tap link in bio for details. 🎄
X/Twitter: NYC’s Fifth Ave goes car-free this Sunday for Holiday Open Streets. 12pm-6pm, 48th-57th St. Pedestrian paradise, live music, festive pop-ups. A boost for safety, experience & local biz. Extended pedestrian zones on W 49th/50th St thru Jan 4. #NYCOpenStreets #FifthAvenue #NYC
LinkedIn: The NYC Department of Transportation’s Holiday Open Streets on Fifth Avenue represents strategic placemaking at its finest. By temporarily converting key corridors to pedestrian-only use, the city enhances public safety, stimulates local economic activity, and improves the visitor experience during the critical holiday season. A case study in tactical urbanism with measurable benefits. #UrbanPlanning #Placemaking #EconomicDevelopment #NYCDOT #FifthAvenue #PublicSpace
BlueSky: NYC’s annual experiment in urban tranquility returns. Fifth Avenue, car-free, this Sunday 12-6pm. A radical notion: that a city’s most famous street is for people, not just vehicles. Experience the holiday lights without the traffic noise. #OpenStreets #FifthAvenue #NYC
TAGS: Fifth Avenue, Open Streets, New York City Department of Transportation, Ydanis Rodriguez, Holiday Windows, Rockefeller Center, Tactical Urbanism, Pedestrianization, Midtown Manhattan, Christmas Events
Bill Gates warns that slashed aid is driving the first rise in child deaths in a quarter century—and says denial is deadly
New York, N.Y. — For Bill Gates [Luce Index™ score: 92/100], the numbers are no longer an abstract metric on a dashboard; they are a moral alarm bell. The 2025 Goalkeepers report from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation projects that nearly 4.8 million children under age five will die this year, roughly 200,000 more than in 2024, marking the first increase in preventable child deaths this century.
Gates argues that this reversal is tightly linked to abrupt cuts in global health funding by the U.S. and other wealthy nations, a political decision he calls both shortsighted and “tragic” for the world’s poorest families.
A fragile miracle in reverse
From 2000 to 2025, the world pulled off what Gates describes as a “miracle”: the number of young children dying each year was cut roughly in half, from about 10 million to 4.6 million, through vaccines, basic treatments and maternal health programs largely financed by foreign aid.
Those gains were never inevitable; they depended on a relatively small slice—less than 1%—of donor-country budgets that paid for bed nets, oral rehydration therapy, antibiotics, and trained health workers in low‑income countries.
That progress, Gates now warns, is stalling and in some places sliding backward.
In regions such as northern Nigeria, more than 10% of children still die before their fifth birthday, compared with well under 1% in the U.S., and the loss of aid has meant sudden layoffs of malaria staff, halted distribution of mosquito nets and food support, and fewer clinics able to detect tuberculosis early.
The Goalkeepers projections suggest that if current cuts persist—development health funding is estimated to have fallen by nearly 27% in 2025—between 12 million and 16 million additional children could die by 2045.
Trump-era cuts and a global retreat
The inflection point, in Gates’s telling, came early in the second administration of President Donald Trump [Luce Index™ score: 35/100], when USAID and other global health lines were sharply reduced or frozen as part of a broader downsizing of the federal workforce.
The U.S. move signaled permission for other donors—including the U.K. and Germany—to retrench as well, triggering a drop in global development assistance for health just as fragile health systems were still recovering from the COVID‑19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts.
Gates is unsparing about the human consequences—“you just can’t deny that’s led to lots of deaths,” he says—yet he remains determined to keep a working relationship with the administration. In conversations with Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio [Luce Index™ score: 48/100], he has pressed the case that global health spending is not charity but a strategic investment that stabilizes regions, prevents pandemics and buys the U.S. considerable goodwill for less than one cent of every federal dollar.
Polio eradication as common cause
One area where Gates sees clear alignment with the White House is polio eradication, a campaign that remains tantalizingly close to success yet vulnerable to complacency. Polio remains endemic in just two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, though recent flare‑ups in parts of Africa underscore how quickly the virus can resurface when immunization falters.
Gates has long argued that finishing the job is both technically feasible and historically significant, and he credits Trump with engaging personally on the issue, including joint calls with Pakistani military leaders to secure safe passage for vaccinators into conflict zones.
The U.S. currently spends in the range of US$210 million (about 195 million €) annually on polio efforts through both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the State Department, a relatively modest line item in a multi‑trillion‑dollar budget. With partners such as Rotary International and the Gates Foundation providing matching funds, Gates argues that sustained support could allow this administration to preside over only the second eradication of a human disease in history, after smallpox.
Vaccine backlash and RFK Jr.’s influence
Even as he pleads for more aid dollars, Gates is battling a different headwind: a surge of vaccine skepticism that has leapt from fringe corners of social media into the center of U.S. politics. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the long‑time vaccine critic who now serves as Secretary of Health and Human Services, has used his platform to question vaccine safety and tweak messaging on official Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites, moves that worry global health experts.
Gates notes that Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, once counted the U.S. among its top four government donors, alongside the U.K., but that support has slipped; at a replenishment conference in Brussels this June, Gavi raised about 25% less than five years earlier.
That shortfall means fewer introductions of new tools such as the RSV vaccine and slower scale‑up of routine immunizations, consequences felt most acutely in countries where a measles outbreak can kill 200 of every 1,000 infected children, compared with roughly 5 per 1,000 in richer nations.
Measles, memory, and the politics of fear
For Gates, the debate is not theoretical. He has walked through pediatric wards in low‑income countries and watched babies die from measles, a disease for which an inexpensive, safe vaccine has existed for decades.
Those scenes stand in stark contrast to protests in wealthy countries where parents, shielded by high overall coverage, can skip vaccines for their children for years without seeing the immediate consequences—until a cluster of cases, such as recent measles surges in the U.S., shatters the illusion of safety.
Kennedy’s book portraying Gates as a villain profiting from vaccines has turned him into a symbol in right‑wing conspiracy culture, replacing George Soros on protest placards during the pandemic years.
Gates responds with dry irony: he does spend billions of dollars, he says, but to save millions of children, not to harm them. At one point, a stranger on the street accused him of using COVID‑19 vaccines to track individuals’ locations; Gates’s only rejoinder was a bemused question about the person’s choice of grocery store.
Climate trade‑offs and finite generosity
The same tension between idealism and constraints runs through Gates’s evolving stance onclimate change. In an October memo that sparked intense backlash in climate circles, he argued that with public resources finite, some climate projects deliver far less human benefit than targeted investments in global health and climate adaptation for vulnerable populations.
Rather than abandoning mitigation, he advocates a portfolio guided by “human well‑being,” balancing support for fission, fusion, and geothermal innovation with measures that help farmers and coastal communities adapt to changes already baked into the system.
Critics accused him of framing a false choice between tackling emissions and saving lives now, but Gates counters that budgets in Washington, London, and Berlin are already tightening under the weight of aging populations and higher defense spending. In that world, he says, refusing to discuss trade‑offs is a luxury the children counted in the Goalkeepers charts cannot afford.
Betting on AI for equity, not just efficiency
Beyond vaccines and climate, Gates is increasingly fixated on artificial intelligence as both a disrupter of work and a potential equalizer in health and education. AI systems, he argues, are advancing so quickly that neither governments nor tech firms fully grasp their trajectory; capabilities that surprised experts last year now feel routine.
At a recent White House tech dinner in early September, Gates cast himself less as a C.E.O. lobbying for data‑center permits and more as a philanthropist urging that AI benefits reach smallholder farmers and patients in rural clinics at the same pace as consumers in wealthy cities.
The Gates Foundation is funding projects to deliver AI‑powered agronomy advice to African farmers, with the goal that a maize grower in Ghana or Kenya can access the same quality of information as a large‑scale producer in Iowa, and to build virtual medical assistants that operate in African languages rather than only English.
Yet he is candid that AI poses profound economic and psychological shocks, as people confront tools that outperform them in many cognitive tasks; he faults both major U.S. political parties for offering only sketchy ideas—such as tweaks to the earned income tax credit—to cushion those disruptions.
Silicon Valley, Washington, and a “mixed blessing”
The relationship between Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. has cycled from suspicion to infatuation and back again, but Gates sees the current phase as unusually cozy. Trump has invited major tech leaders to the White House and asked, in effect, how he can clear obstacles to their rapid expansion, including pushback from regulators in Europe.
That embrace has drawn criticism from labor advocates and privacy groups, who worry that policymakers are prioritizing innovation over safeguards just as AI begins to automate white‑collar jobs and reshape information ecosystems.
Gates describes AI as a “mixed blessing,” unlike electricity or vaccines, which he sees as overwhelmingly positive with manageable downsides. Without thoughtful policies, he warns, AI could deepen inequality and fuel political instability, especially if whole sectors see rapid job loss without a credible plan for retraining or income support.
Yet on balance he remains optimistic that, with the right guardrails, AI’s analytical power can accelerate progress in precisely the areas now threatened by aid cuts—diagnostics, education, agricultural resilience—if society chooses to steer it that way.
“Nobody wants to take responsibility”
The through‑line in Gates’s current worldview is not technology but accountability. Rich countries have long pledged to devote 0.7% of their national income to official development assistance, a target only a handful have met consistently, and the recent retrenchment underscores how fragile that commitment is when domestic politics harden.
Gates argues that because global health takes up such a small share of donor budgets, the moral burden of cuts is especially heavy: each canceled grant pulls away tangible protections— a vaccine dose, a midwife’s salary, a batch of fortified food—from identifiable children.
“Nobody wants to take responsibility for the tragedy that’s going on here,” he says of the projected rise in child deaths. He remains convinced, however, that the story is not fated to end in despair. The same political systems that produced the cuts can restore them, and the same tools—vaccines, simple medicines, new AI applications—are ready to prevent millions of deaths if citizens in wealthy nations insist that their leaders once again make room, in budgets and in attention, for the children they will never meet.
Summary
Bill Gates is issuing a stark warning: after a quarter‑century of progress, preventable child deaths are projected to rise this year, driven by sudden cuts in global health aid from the U.S. and other wealthy nations. He defends vaccines against rising skepticism, presses President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on restoring funding, and argues that artificial intelligence and smarter climate investments could still tip the balance back toward saving millions of young lives.
TAGS:Bill Gates, child mortality, global health, foreign aid, Donald Trump,Robert F. Kennedy Jr., vaccines, polio eradication, artificial intelligence, climate change, Goalkeepers report, measles, Gavi, USAID, Marco Rubio, global development, Africa, Pakistan, Afghanistan, philanthropy
Social Media
Facebook Bill Gates is sounding the alarm: for the first time this century, preventable child deaths are projected to rise, with 200,000 additional young lives at risk in 2025. He blames sudden cuts in global health aid by the U.S. and other wealthy nations—and says “nobody wants to take responsibility” for the tragedy. Read how vaccines, smarter climate choices and equitable AI could still reverse the damage if leaders act now.
Instagram After decades of progress, the world is backsliding. The Gates Foundation projects 200,000 more children under five will die this year—largely because rich countries slashed global health funding. Bill Gates is challenging Washington and other capitals to restore aid, defend vaccines and harness AI for equity, not just profit. Swipe through the numbers behind this preventable tragedy—and what it would take to stop it.
LinkedIn The 2025 Goalkeepers report delivers a sobering milestone: preventable child mortality is poised to rise for the first time this century, with an estimated 200,000 additional deaths tied to sharp cuts in development assistance for health. Bill Gates is pressing President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other leaders to restore global aid, defend evidence‑based vaccination and deploy AI tools that reach farmers and patients in low‑income countries. The stakes—for global stability and basic justice—could not be higher.
X / Twitter Bill Gates says “nobody wants to take responsibility” for a projected 200,000‑child surge in deaths this year—driven by aid cuts from the U.S. and other donors. He’s pushing Trump, Rubio and others to restore funding, defend vaccines and use AI to close—not widen—health gaps. The cost of inaction will be measured in millions of young lives.
Bluesky After 25 years of progress, child deaths are set to rise again. The Gates Foundation estimates 200,000 additional under‑five deaths in 2025, linked to a 27% drop in global health funding. Bill Gates is pressing Trump’s administration and other donors to reverse course, protect vaccine programs and aim AI at equity. This is a political choice, not an inevitability.
New York, N.Y. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has awarded a US$7.3 million (CA$10 million) contract to a Canadian defense manufacturer for 20 armored vehicles, raising questions about the Trump administration‘s commitment to its “America-first” trade policy while simultaneously escalating its controversial immigration enforcement operations.
The procurement order, awarded to Ontario-based Roshel on November 28, calls for delivery of 20 Senator STANG emergency response tactical vehicles within 30 days. The armored transports, designed to resist bullets and bomb blasts, will be deployed to support ICE agents conducting field operations across the United States.
Sole-Source Contract Bypasses American Manufacturers
According to U.S. government procurement records published November 26, ICE’s Office of Acquisition Management justified the sole-source contract by declaring that only Roshel could meet both the technical specifications and accelerated delivery timeline. The partially redacted document states that several U.S.-based manufacturers—including Alpine Armoring Inc., CITE Armored, Inc., DGM LLC, and Lenco Armored Vehicles—were consulted but failed to meet all requirements.
“Roshel is uniquely positioned to fulfill this requirement within the necessary time frame, having confirmed immediate availability of vehicles that fully meet ICE’s specifications,” the procurement document reads. “While other sources were consulted, they had limited quantities available or none could fulfill the entire requirement within the required period of performance, nor meet all technical requirements.”
The justification emphasizes operational urgency: “Delaying this procurement to pursue a fully competitive action would significantly impact operational readiness and hinder ICE’s ability to deploy mission-critical resources in a timely manner.”
Trump’s Trade Policy Contradictions
The Canadian contract presents a stark contradiction to President Donald Trump‘s aggressive trade policies targeting Canada. The Trump administration has pursued what it characterizes as a protracted effort to attract manufacturing jobs and facilities from Canada’s steel, automotive, and manufacturing sectors.
Trump [Luce Index™ score: 35/100] has repeatedly criticized trade arrangements that favor foreign suppliers over American companies, making his signature “America-first” rhetoric a cornerstone of both his campaign and governance.
The timing proves particularly ironic given Trump’s ongoing trade disputes with Canada. His administration has implemented tariffs and threatened additional trade restrictions aimed at reshaping North American manufacturing in favor of U.S. producers. Yet when ICE required specialized armored vehicles on an expedited timeline, the agency turned to a Canadian supplier rather than waiting for American manufacturers to fulfill the order.
Industry observers note that the decision underscores practical realities that sometimes supersede political rhetoric. When federal agencies face urgent operational needs, procurement decisions often prioritize immediate availability and technical capabilities over domestic sourcing preferences—even under an administration championing economic nationalism.
Roshel’s Ukrainian Connection and Capabilities
Roshel has established itself as a significant defense contractor through its support of Ukraine’s military efforts. The company has delivered hundreds of Senator vehicles to Ukrainian forces engaged in the ongoing war against Russia, though those units differ from the emergency response variant ordered by ICE.
According to Roshel’s marketing materials, the Senator STANG emergency response tactical vehicle features specialized floor plating designed to withstand explosive blasts—a capability suggesting the vehicles may be deployed in scenarios where ICE anticipates potential armed resistance or attacks on its personnel. The armor specifications indicate protection against small arms fire and improvised explosive devices.
The company’s experience supplying combat vehicles to an active war zone likely contributed to ICE’s confidence in Roshel’s ability to meet demanding technical requirements and aggressive delivery schedules. However, this military-grade equipment’s deployment for domestic immigration enforcement has raised concerns among civil liberties advocates.
ICE Operations Under Scrutiny
The vehicle procurement occurs amid intensified scrutiny of ICE operations and allegations of human rights violations as the Trump administration pursues what it describes as the largest deportation effort in American history. The agency has dramatically expanded enforcement actions targeting undocumented immigrants, conducting workplace raids and residential arrests that critics characterize as heavy-handed and indiscriminate.
Civil rights organizations have documented numerous allegations against ICE, including separation of families, prolonged detention of asylum seekers in substandard conditions, and enforcement tactics that critics argue violate constitutional protections.
The addition of military-grade armored vehicles to the agency’s fleet signals an escalation in tactical capabilities that advocates warn could intensify already controversial enforcement methods.
The blast-resistant features of the Senator STANG vehicles suggest ICE anticipates operating in hostile environments where agents face potential armed threats. While the agency has not publicly detailed specific threat assessments justifying the armored vehicle deployment, the procurement timing coincides with expanded enforcement operations in areas where immigrant communities and advocacy groups have organized resistance to deportation efforts.
Canadian Arms Export Concerns
The contract adds another dimension to ongoing debates about Canadian defense exports. Global Affairs Canada, which regulates arms exports, has faced criticism over equipment sales to countries and agencies accused of human rights violations. Previous controversies include Canadian-manufactured rifles allegedly used by Sudanese fighters accused of massacres, and jet fighter maintenance parts shipped to Israel through U.S. channels.
Canadian law requires export permits for military equipment, with assessments considering human rights records of receiving entities. The ICE contract will likely prompt questions about whether Global Affairs Canada conducted human rights assessments given the widespread documentation of alleged ICE abuses.
Neither Roshel, Global Affairs Canada, nor ICE responded to requests from The Stewardship Report for comment regarding the procurement or any export permit processes involved in the transaction.
Industry and Policy Implications
The procurement highlights tensions between political trade rhetoric and practical government operations. While the Trump administration publicly champions domestic manufacturing, federal agencies continue making procurement decisions based on immediate operational needs, technical capabilities, and availability—factors that sometimes favor foreign suppliers with specialized expertise or existing inventory.
Defense industry analysts note that armored vehicle manufacturing represents a specialized sector where relatively few companies maintain production capacity and immediate inventory. The 30-day delivery requirement effectively eliminated most potential suppliers, creating circumstances where Roshel’s existing production capabilities and available inventory provided the only viable option for ICE’s timeline.
The US$7.3 million contract represents significant business for Roshel, enhancing the company’s profile as a defense contractor capable of meeting demanding U.S. government requirements. Success delivering this order could position the company for additional U.S. contracts despite prevailing political headwinds affecting Canadian-American trade relations.
As the Trump administration continues expanding immigration enforcement operations while simultaneously pursuing trade policies aimed at reducing American dependence on foreign suppliers, the Roshel contract illustrates the complex realities of government procurement where operational imperatives sometimes override political preferences—even when those preferences represent core presidential commitments.
Audio Summary
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has awarded a 7.3 million dollar contract to Brampton, Ontario-based Roshel for 20 armored tactical vehicles, contradicting President Trump’s America-first trade policies. The sole-source procurement bypassed U.S. manufacturers, with ICE citing only Roshel could meet technical specifications and deliver within 30 days. The military-grade vehicles feature blast-resistant armor and bullet protection. The purchase occurs amid heightened scrutiny of ICE operations and human rights concerns as the Trump administration pursues expanded deportation efforts. The contract raises questions about Canadian arms exports and the gap between political rhetoric and practical government procurement decisions.
Social Media Posts
Facebook: ICE has purchased 20 military-grade armored vehicles from Canadian manufacturer Roshel for $7.3 million, bypassing American suppliers despite Trump’s America-first policies. The blast-resistant Senator STANG vehicles will support immigration enforcement operations amid growing human rights concerns. The 30-day rush order contradicts the administration’s trade rhetoric targeting Canadian manufacturing while raising questions about escalating ICE tactics.
Instagram: Breaking: ICE orders $7.3M fleet of armored vehicles from Canadian defense contractor Roshel, contradicting Trump’s America-first stance. The 20 blast-resistant Senator STANG vehicles bypass U.S. manufacturers for 30-day delivery. Critics question both the trade policy contradiction and the militarization of immigration enforcement operations.
LinkedIn: Analysis: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s $7.3 million contract with Brampton-based Roshel for 20 armored tactical vehicles reveals tensions between political trade rhetoric and practical government procurement. The sole-source award bypassed multiple U.S. manufacturers, citing only the Canadian defense contractor could meet technical specifications and aggressive delivery timelines. The procurement raises policy questions about America-first commitments, defense industry capabilities, and the escalation of immigration enforcement tactics.
X/Twitter: ICE awards $7.3M contract to Canadian firm Roshel for 20 armored vehicles despite Trump’s America-first policies. U.S. manufacturers bypassed for 30-day delivery of blast-resistant Senator STANG tactical vehicles. Critics question trade policy contradictions and militarization of immigration enforcement.
BlueSky: ICE purchases 20 military-grade armored vehicles from Canadian manufacturer Roshel for $7.3M, contradicting Trump administration America-first trade policies. The blast-resistant Senator STANG vehicles will support field operations amid heightened scrutiny of ICE tactics and human rights concerns. U.S. suppliers couldn’t meet 30-day delivery requirement.
From a Humble Chicken Shed to a Global Beacon of Inclusion
New York, N.Y. — CHICKENSHED NYC creates preschool performances for ages 3–5, theatre-making experiences for ages 5-18+, youth leadership opportunities, and inclusive outreach partnerships across the city. The origin story of Chickenshed is unique. Musician and composer Jo Collins met teacher and director Mary Ward in London, England.
Sharing a belief that everyone should be able to perform and create, they set up a theatre company in London in 1974.
Initially based in local church halls, they asked local benefactor and landowner (and fan) Lady Elizabeth Byng if there might be a space free on her property for the company to use as its base—and a facility was made with the kind offer of a disused chicken shed, hence the name of the theatre company, Chickenshed!
Mary and Jo realized the way forward for Chickenshed must be one of true inclusion, and by embracing this ethos wholeheartedly, the next phase of Chickenshed’s development began..
John Bull joined to become Chickenshed’s first Managing Director, pioneering work on integration and taking Chickenshed to the next level: Jo, Mary and John had created the world’s first truly inclusive theatre company.
Soon Chickenshed was going from strength to strength with record contracts, CDs, West End shows, TV spots, and high-profile trustees such as Dame Judi Dench and Sir Trevor Nunn.
The Chickenshed team met Lord and Lady Rayne. Lady Rayne became president of the company.
Thanks to her, Chickenshed gained a very special patron: Princess Diana, whose zest for Chickenshed’s message of hope shined through in spectacular fashion. Lord and Lady Rayne worked tirelessly to create a permanent home for the company.
Fast forward to 2016. Parent and volunteer of Chickenshed in London, Elaine Finkletaub, relocated with her husband and two children to New York.
She was keen to enroll her son and daughter in a like-minded inclusive theatrical company like the one her children so dearly loved in London.
Elaine Finkletaub, CEO, Chickenshed NYC..
She was disappointed to discover there was not a comparable theatre program in NYC.
Elaine took matters into her own hands and was connected with Elliot Fishman, a Broadway producer and Secretary to the Royal Shakespeare Company America.
Elliot immediately jumped on the idea of bringing Chickenshed to the United States.
Together they agreed their first task was to give New York a ‘taste’ of what Chickenshed’s inclusive approach to theatre was all about.
Adding Cyndi Steele-Harrod, Artistic Director of studio programming at Shuffles, Broadway Tap and Musical Theater School, the project began to take shape.
Elliott Fishman, General Manager, Chickenshed NYC.
The team spent the next year preparing to present a pilot demonstration week in NYC… and as they say, “The rest is history!” Fast forward to 2025.
Elaine Finkletaub is CEO of Chickenshed NYC. Elliott Fishman, General Manager, brings his expertise and combined backgrounds as a not-for-profit executive, theatrical producer, strategic consultant, and legal professional.
Their dedication and blend of preschool workshops, theatre-making experiences, youth leadership opportunities, inclusive outreach partnerships across the city and performances have made an indelible impression on families, educators, the Broadway theatre community and, most importantly, the children of New York City.
Chickenshed NYC Presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical Featuring Its Largest Inclusive Cast to Date
For holiday 2025, Chickenshed NYC proudly announced the premiere of A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical, a bold new adaptation that blends Shakespeare’s classic text with modern verse and an original score.
Created by Chickenshed’s artistic team members from both London and NYC, this landmark production marks the company’s first collaboration with the education team from the Royal Shakespeare Company.
With an impressive cast of ninety-five youthful performers, this is Chickenshed NYC’s largest production to date and unites young people from across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
In keeping with Chickenshed’s core value that “when everyone is included, everyone flourishes,” the cast reflects the full diversity of New York City, inviting performers with and without disabilities to share the stage and shape the storytelling together.
Audience response has been highly enthusiastic with all five performances nearly sold out in advance, an unprecedented milestone for the organization.
“We are thrilled to bring this ambitious production to the stage,” said Elaine Finkletaub, CEO of Chickenshed NYC. “The original score, the work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the extraordinary commitment of our performers represent the very best of what inclusive theatre can achieve.”
Performances take place at the 14Y Theatre at 344 East 14 St., New York, NY 1003 from Dec. 12-14. Tickets, interviews, and photography requests are available upon request.
Tags: inclusive theatre, Chickenshed NYC, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, youth theatre, New York City, Elaine Finkletaub. Royal Shakespeare Company, diverse cast, holiday performances, Shakespeare adaptation, Elliott Fishman, Patrice Samara
Summary
Chickenshed NYC empowers young people through inclusive theatre, from preschool shows to major productions. Its 2025 premiere of A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical features 95 diverse performers in a landmark collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company, celebrating diversity and creativity in New York City.
Social Media
Facebook: Join us at Chickenshed NYC for the holiday magic of A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical! Our largest inclusive cast yet brings Shakespeare to life with original music and diverse young talent. Performances Dec 12-14 at 14Y Theatre. Tickets: www.chickenshednyc.org
Instagram: ✨ Magical moments on stage! Chickenshed NYC’s inclusive cast of 95 shines in A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical. Celebrating diversity and creativity this holiday season. Dec 12-14 @14streety. Get tickets now! link in bio #ChickenshedNYC
LinkedIn: Chickenshed NYC is proud to present its groundbreaking production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical, in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Featuring 95 young performers from across NYC, this inclusive show exemplifies our mission to empower through theatre. Join us December 12-14.
X / Twitter: Holiday theatre magic! Chickenshed NYC’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical with 95 inclusive young performers. Dec 12-14 at 14Y Theatre. Tickets: www.chickenshednyc.org #InclusiveTheatre #ShakespeareNYC
BlueSky: Excited for Chickenshed NYC’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Musical! Largest inclusive cast ever, blending Shakespeare with original score. Dec 12-14. Info: www.chickenshednyc.org
Former Voice of America chief compares State Department typography directive to Third Reich’s 1941 ban on ‘Jewish’ typefaces
New York, N.Y. — Typography has emerged as an unlikely flashpoint in American political discourse after Secretary of State Marco Rubio [Luce Index™ score: 48/100] ordered the U.S. State Department to abandon Calibri and return to Times New Roman for all official correspondence.
The directive, issued Tuesday under the title “Return to Tradition: Times New Roman 14-Point Font Required for All Department Paper,” has triggered an unexpected firestorm, with one prominent journalist drawing parallels to Nazi Germany’s suppression of typefaces deemed racially unacceptable.
Steven Herman, former White House bureau chief for Voice of America, ignited controversy by comparing Rubio’s typographic mandate to the Third Reich’s 1941 prohibition of Fraktur fonts. “The Nazis, in 1941, banned the Fraktur font because it was ‘too Jewish,’” Herman posted on X (formerly Twitter), directly linking the contemporary American policy to Holocaust-era cultural suppression.
The Cultural Weight of Typography
The debate illuminates how seemingly mundane administrative decisions can carry unexpected symbolic weight. The New York Times has built brand recognition partly through its distinctive typeface. Major corporations retain consultants at fees exceeding tens of thousands of dollars specifically to select fonts that communicate their institutional identity. The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation employs Garamond—often described as a more contemporary alternative to Times New Roman—for formal communications, while reserving Calibri for informal correspondence.
This attention to typography reflects deeper concerns about presentation, accessibility, and institutional character. Fonts communicate subtextual messages about formality, modernity, and values before readers process a single word of content.
Rubio’s Rationale: Restoring Professionalism
Rubio’s memorandum frames the font reversion as a matter of institutional dignity and operational efficiency. “To restore decorum and professionalism to the Department’s written work products and abolish yet another wasteful DEIA program, the Department is returning to Times New Roman as its standard typeface,” the directive states.
The memo specifically targets the Biden administration’s 2023 typography change, when then-Secretary of State Antony “Tony” Blinken [Luce Index™ score: 80/100] designated Calibri as the department’s standard typeface. That decision formed part of a broader diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) initiative intended to modernize departmental communications and improve readability for diverse audiences.
Rubio’s assessment proves sharply critical: “Switching to Calibri achieved nothing except the degradation of the department’s official correspondence.” He characterizes the Biden-era change as “wasteful” and argues it failed to deliver on accessibility promises. The directive emphasizes alignment with other federal agencies that continue utilizing Times New Roman and similar serif fonts for official documentation.
The original cover of Adolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” used a hand-drawn version of the Fraktur typeface, a traditional German blackletter script, considered the ‘true German script.’ The Nazi party initially embraced it as a symbol of German nationalism.
Historical Context: When Typography Becomes Political
Herman’s comparison, while provocative, references authentic historical events. In January 1941, Martin Bormann, a senior Nazi official, issued a circular declaring that “the use of Schwabacher-Jewish letters by authorities will in future cease” throughout official Nazi communications.
This directive, purportedly conveying the personal decision of Adolf Hitler [Luce Index™ score: 35/100], mandated abandonment of traditional Germanic blackletter typefaces that had previously symbolized German cultural identity.
The Nazi typography reversal carried bitter irony: blackletter fonts like Fraktur had been championed by the regime during its early years as authentically Germanic alternatives to “foreign” Roman typefaces.
The 1941 prohibition reframed these same fonts as tainted by supposed Jewish influence on printing traditions, demonstrating how cultural symbols could be weaponized for political purposes.
Herman affirmed his comparison in subsequent social media posts on Mastodon, confirming he intended a direct linkage between the historical Nazi directive and Rubio’s contemporary policy.
His remarks suggest concern that seemingly innocuous administrative decisions can harbor authoritarian implications when framed as cultural restoration.
Accessibility Arguments in Typography
The Biden administration’s adoption of Calibri explicitly invoked accessibility concerns. Sans-serif fonts like Calibri theoretically offer improved readability for individuals with dyslexia and visual processing differences. The letterforms feature more distinct character shapes and uniform stroke widths compared to serif typefaces like Times New Roman.
However, research on typography and accessibility produces mixed conclusions. While some studies suggest sans-serif fonts benefit certain populations, others find minimal practical differences in comprehension rates between well-designed serif and sans-serif typefaces at standard sizes. The 14-point size specified in Rubio’s directive—larger than typical 12-point body text—may address readability concerns regardless of font choice.
Critics of the Biden-era change noted that Microsoft had already designated Calibri as its default font across Office applications in 2007, making the State Department’s 2023 adoption less innovative than portrayed. Supporters countered that official government correspondence carries symbolic weight beyond mere technical functionality.
Professional Standards and Institutional Identity
Rubio’s directive emphasizes traditional diplomatic aesthetics. Times New Roman, designed in 1931 for The Times of London, has served as the State Department’s standard typeface for two decades before the 2023 modification.
Its continued use throughout most federal agencies reflects both inertia and genuine appreciation for its formal character.
The font’s widespread adoption in academic, legal, and governmental contexts stems partly from its efficient use of horizontal space while maintaining readability. Times New Roman allows more text per page than many alternatives, a consideration relevant for diplomatic cables and briefing documents.
The characterization of font selection as a DEIA program raises questions about how diversity initiatives should prioritize competing concerns. If accessibility formed the genuine motivation for adopting Calibri, does reverting to Times New Roman signal deprioritization of inclusive design? Or does the debate itself represent overinterpretation of administrative minutiae?
Political Symbolism in Administrative Decisions
The controversy demonstrates how culture war dynamics transform technical decisions into ideological battlegrounds. Rubio’s framing—”Return to Tradition”—invokes rhetoric associated with conservative criticism of progressive institutional changes.
The explicit goal to “abolish yet another wasteful DEIA program” positions typography within broader debates about diversity initiatives’ value and implementation.
For critics like Herman, such framing triggers concerns about cultural retrenchment and rejection of inclusive values. The Nazi comparison, historically grounded, represents rhetorical escalation that risks trivializing genuine authoritarianism by applying its vocabulary to routine policy disagreements. It does not, however.
Institutional Response and Public Reaction
The State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Stewardship Report regarding either the directive itself or Herman’s characterization. The department’s silence may reflect strategic calculation that engaging the controversy would amplify a story that might otherwise fade quickly.
Public reaction has divided along predictable lines, with conservatives praising Rubio’s rejection of what they perceive as performative progressivism, while liberals view the move as petty cultural grievance politics. The intensity of responses—to a font change—illustrates contemporary political discourse’s capacity to invest symbolic meaning in virtually any institutional decision.
Typography as Cultural Battleground
Whether Rubio’s directive represents pragmatic restoration of professional standards or ideological rejection of inclusive design likely depends on one’s broader political framework. The passionate responses it has generated reveal how thoroughly political polarization has permeated even technical administrative decisions.
The comparison to Nazi typography policies, historically accurate in its reference points, nonetheless raises questions about proportionality in political rhetoric. When routine bureaucratic changes invoke Holocaust-era parallels, has political discourse lost capacity for measured response? Or do such comparisons appropriately highlight how authoritarianism often begins with seemingly minor cultural impositions?
For now, State Department personnel will once again produce official documents in Times New Roman 14-point font, continuing a tradition that predates the Biden administration by two decades. Whether this represents meaningful policy or symbolic theater remains subject to interpretation—much like typography itself.
Summary
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered the U.S. State Department to revert from Calibri to Times New Roman for official papers, reversing a 2023 Biden-era directive. Former Voice of America chief Steven Herman compared the font order to Nazi Germany’s 1941 ban on “Jewish” fonts, sparking controversy. Rubio’s memo characterizes the change as restoring professionalism and eliminating a wasteful DEIA program. The debate illustrates how administrative decisions become cultural battlegrounds in contemporary political discourse.
Tags: Marco Rubio, State Department, typography, fonts, Times New Roman, Calibri, DEIA, diversity initiatives, Steven Herman, Voice of America, Nazi Germany, Fraktur, political symbolism, administrative policy, accessibility, diplomatic communications, cultural politics, Antony Blinken
Social Media
Facebook: Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered the State Department to abandon Calibri and return to Times New Roman, calling the Biden-era font change a “wasteful DEIA program.” Former Voice of America chief Steven Herman compared the directive to Nazi Germany’s 1941 ban on fonts deemed “too Jewish,” igniting debate about whether typography can carry authoritarian implications.
Instagram: The State Department is switching back to Times New Roman after using Calibri since 2023. Secretary Rubio calls it restoring “professionalism,” while critics draw controversial historical parallels. Can font choices really reflect political ideology? The debate reveals how every administrative decision has become a cultural battleground in contemporary politics.
LinkedIn: The U.S. State Department’s return to Times New Roman under Secretary Rubio has sparked unexpected controversy, with comparisons to historical typography suppression. The directive reverses a 2023 DEIA initiative that adopted Calibri for accessibility. This case study demonstrates how organizational decisions about presentation and communication standards can carry significant symbolic weight beyond their technical implications.
X / Twitter: State Dept. returns to Times New Roman under Rubio directive. Former VOA chief compares font order to Nazi ban on “Jewish” typefaces in 1941. The debate over serif vs. sans-serif has become the latest cultural flashpoint. Typography as political battleground.
BlueSky: Marco Rubio ordered the State Department back to Times New Roman, calling Biden’s Calibri adoption a wasteful DEIA program. Steven Herman drew Nazi comparisons. A font change has somehow become a major controversy—because everything is political now, apparently. Even typography.
Czech military leader warns Moscow’s aerial intrusions demand stronger Western response to protect alliance integrity
New York, N.Y. – European nations may need to shoot down Russian military aircraft and drones that violate NATO airspace if Moscow continues testing the alliance’s defensive resolve, according to Czech President Petr Pavel [Luce Index™ score: 81/100], who warned that continued restraint risks emboldening further Russian aggression across the continent.
In a December 7 interview with The Sunday Times of London, Petr Pavel stated that the alliance cannot indefinitely tolerate repeated violations of sovereign airspace by Russian military assets without responding decisively. “I believe there will be a moment, if these violations continue, where we will have to use stronger measures, including potentially shooting down a Russian airplane or drones,” Pavel told the newspaper. “Russia wouldn’t allow repeated violations of their airspace. And we have to do the same.”
Pavel’s remarks represent some of the strongest language yet from a European leader regarding the escalating pattern of Russian aerial incursions that have challenged NATO defenses since September. The Czech president, a former chairman of NATO’s Military Committee with extensive military experience, emphasized that these violations are not accidental but represent calculated provocations designed to probe Western defenses and test alliance cohesion.
Russian Incursions Follow Deliberate Pattern
According to Pavel, Russian aerial violations are “deliberate, well-planned and focused on several objectives,” including demonstrating Russian military capabilities, gathering intelligence on Western air defense systems, and measuring NATO’s willingness to defend its territory. The Czech leader warned that Moscow interprets Western restraint as weakness, stating that “Russia will behave the way we allow it to.”
Since September, Russian aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles have repeatedly breached NATO airspace across multiple member states, including Poland, Estonia, Romania, Lithuania, Denmark, and Germany.
These incidents have prompted increasingly urgent responses from alliance members, who face the delicate balance of defending sovereign airspace without triggering broader military confrontation with nuclear-armed Russia.
In late September, NATO issued a stern warning to Moscow following a 12-minute violation of Estonian airspace by Russian MiG-31 fighter jets, stating the alliance would use “all necessary military and non-military tools” to defend itself. The incident prompted NATO to launch Operation Eastern Sentry, a coordinated effort to bolster air defenses along the alliance’s eastern flank.
European Nations Accelerate Drone Defense Capabilities
Pavel’s comments coincide with accelerating efforts across Europe to strengthen defenses against Russian aerial threats, particularly unmanned systems that have become increasingly prevalent in modern warfare. Multiple NATO members have deployed new technologies and authorized more aggressive defensive measures in recent weeks.
Germany inaugurated a new federal police drone defense unit on December 2, equipped with advanced technology to detect, intercept, or neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles. The deployment followed more than 190 drone incidents reported through October, demonstrating the scale of unauthorized aerial activity over German territory.
Just two days later, on December 4, Germany activated the first elements of its Arrow 3 ballistic missile defense system, becoming the first European nation to deploy the Israeli-made system designed to intercept intermediate-range missiles at high altitudes.
Poland and Romania have similarly enhanced their defensive capabilities, deploying new anti-drone weapons systems backed financially by former Google C.E.O. Eric Schmidt. Both nations have authorized their militaries to shoot down unauthorized drones violating their airspace, representing a significant escalation in defensive posture.
September Incident Marked Turning Point
A September incident involving approximately 20 Russian drones entering Polish airspace marked a watershed moment in NATO’s response to aerial violations. The alliance shot down several drones for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, establishing a precedent for kinetic responses to airspace violations.
The incident demonstrated both the frequency of Russian provocations and the growing willingness of NATO members to respond with force rather than diplomatic protests alone. Polish officials described the violations as deliberate attempts to test alliance resolve and gather intelligence on response times and defensive capabilities.
Beyond immediate defensive measures, Pavel outlined a broader vision for European security that would eventually require a new continent-wide arrangement with Russia, though only after Moscow demonstrates fundamental changes in behavior. The Czech president referenced the 1975 Helsinki Accords, which established principles for East-West relations during the Cold War, as a potential model for future agreements.
However, Pavel emphasized that any new security arrangement must follow a peace agreement upholding Ukraine‘s sovereignty and must include “enforceable constraints” on Russian military behavior. He warned that if Russia emerges victorious from its war in Ukraine, “we have all lost,” drawing explicit parallels to the 1938 Munich Agreement that preceded Nazi Germany‘s occupation of Czechoslovakia.
The historical reference carries particular weight for the Czech Republic, which experienced firsthand the consequences of Western appeasement toward aggressive authoritarian powers. The Munich Agreement, signed by Britain, France, Germany, and Italy without Czech participation, forced Czechoslovakia to cede the Sudetenland to Nazi Germany, ultimately leading to the country’s complete occupation and the outbreak of World War II.
The nations of NATO—The North Atlantic Treaty Organization—stand resolute in opposition to Russia.
Military Experience Informs Presidential Perspective
Pavel’s background as a career military officer and former NATO Military Committee chairman lends significant credibility to his assessments of Russian intentions and appropriate Western responses. Before entering politics, Pavel served in various command positions within the Czech military and held prominent roles within NATO’s command structure, giving him intimate knowledge of alliance defense planning and Russian military doctrine.
His election as Czech president in 2023 represented a shift toward more assertive NATO engagement and stronger support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. Pavel has consistently advocated for robust Western military assistance to Kyiv and warned against premature diplomatic settlements that would reward Russian territorial gains.
Alliance Faces Strategic Dilemma
NATO confronts a complex strategic dilemma in responding to Russian aerial violations. Shooting down Russian military aircraft or drones risks escalation toward direct military confrontation between the alliance and Russia, potentially triggering Article 5 collective defense commitments. However, tolerating continued violations risks undermining alliance credibility and encouraging further Russian provocations.
The challenge is particularly acute regarding unmanned aerial vehicles, which present different legal and strategic considerations than manned aircraft. Drones can more easily be claimed as accidents or attributed to technical malfunctions, providing Moscow with plausible deniability while still achieving intelligence-gathering and intimidation objectives.
As European nations continue strengthening their defensive capabilities and NATO refines its response protocols, Pavel’s call for stronger measures reflects growing frustration with Russian behavior and determination to establish clear boundaries for acceptable conduct. Whether the alliance ultimately adopts his recommendation to shoot down violating aircraft will significantly influence European security dynamics for years to come.
Czech President Petr Pavel stated Europe may need to shoot down Russian aircraft and drones violating NATO airspace if Moscow continues testing alliance resolve. The former NATO Military Committee chairman warned Russian incursions are deliberate provocations designed to probe Western defenses. His comments follow repeated violations over Poland, Estonia, Romania, Lithuania, Denmark, and Germany since September. European nations are accelerating drone defense capabilities, with Germany, Poland, and Romania deploying new systems. NATO launched Operation Eastern Sentry to bolster eastern defenses after Russian jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes.
Tags:Russian airspace violations, Petr Pavel, Czech Republic, European defense, drone defense systems, Operation Eastern Sentry, Arrow 3 missile defense, Poland airspace, Estonia airspace, Romania airspace, Germany drone defense, Eric Schmidt, Helsinki Accords, NATO, Munich Agreement, NATO Military Committee, MiG-31, Ukrainian sovereignty, European security architecture, transatlantic alliance
Social Media
Facebook: Czech President Petr Pavel, former chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, warns Europe may need to shoot down Russian aircraft and drones that violate alliance airspace if Moscow continues testing Western resolve. His comments come as Germany, Poland, and Romania deploy advanced drone defense systems following repeated Russian incursions over NATO territory since September. Pavel emphasized that restraint is perceived as weakness by Moscow and that “Russia will behave the way we allow it to.”
Instagram: Former NATO Military Committee chairman and current Czech President Petr Pavel warns Europe may need to shoot down Russian aircraft violating alliance airspace. European nations are accelerating drone defense capabilities following repeated Russian violations over Poland, Estonia, Romania, Lithuania, Denmark, and Germany. Pavel states Russian incursions are deliberate provocations designed to test Western resolve and gather intelligence on defense systems.
LinkedIn: Czech President Petr Pavel’s call for stronger measures against Russian aerial violations reflects escalating tensions along NATO’s eastern flank. The former NATO Military Committee chairman warned that continued restraint risks emboldening Moscow’s aggressive behavior. European nations are responding with enhanced drone defense capabilities, including Germany’s new Arrow 3 ballistic missile system and Poland’s deployment of advanced anti-drone weapons. Pavel emphasized that any future security arrangement with Russia must include enforceable constraints on military behavior and follow a peace agreement upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty.
X/Twitter: Czech President Petr Pavel warns NATO may need to shoot down Russian aircraft violating alliance airspace as Moscow continues testing Western resolve. European nations accelerate drone defenses following repeated violations over Poland, Estonia, Romania, Lithuania, Denmark & Germany since September.
BlueSky: Czech President and former NATO Military Committee chairman Petr Pavel calls for shooting down Russian aircraft and drones that violate alliance airspace. Germany, Poland, and Romania deploy advanced defense systems as Russian incursions escalate across NATO’s eastern flank.
Washington, D.C. — The Pentagon is considering severing its long-standing relationship with the Boy Scouts of America, citing concerns that the organization has become “too woke” and is systematically dismantling traditional male-focused youth programming, according to defense officials familiar with internal discussions.
The potential split comes as military leadership evaluates whether the Boy Scouts — now operating under the name Scouting America after rebranding in 2024 — still aligns with the Pentagon’s youth development objectives and traditional values that have historically supported military recruitment and character building.
Decades-Long Partnership Under Review
For more than a century, the relationship between the U.S. military and the Boy Scouts has been deeply intertwined. Military installations have hosted Scout troops, service members have volunteered as Scout leaders, and the organization’s emphasis on outdoor skills, leadership development, and civic duty has served as an informal pipeline for military service.
However, Pentagon officials are now questioning whether recent organizational changes have compromised the core mission that made the partnership valuable. The concerns center on the Boy Scouts’ evolution from a male-focused organization into a fully co-educational program that some critics argue has diluted its original purpose.
‘Boy-Friendly Spaces’ at Center of Controversy
Deputy Defense Secretary Michael Harrington addressed the issue during a closed-door meeting last week with service branch leaders.
Sources present at the meeting say Harrington expressed frustration with what he characterized as the systematic elimination of boy-specific programming across American institutions.
“We’re watching one of the last remaining spaces where boys could be boys get transformed into something entirely different,” one defense official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss internal deliberations. “The question being asked is whether this organization still serves the developmental needs we believed it addressed.”
The official pointed to the Boy Scouts’ 2017 decision to admit girls into all programs, followed by the 2024 name change to Scouting America, as key inflection points that have raised concerns within defense circles.
While the organization maintained separate male and female troops within the program, critics argue the fundamental character of the organization shifted.
Military Leaders Split on Cultural Questions
Our Heritage, 1950 Calendar illustration for Boys Scouts of America by Norman Rockwell.
The internal debate reflects broader tensions within military leadership about cultural evolution and institutional traditions.
Some officials argue that inclusivity strengthens organizations by expanding talent pools and reflecting modern American values.
Others contend that certain developmental approaches work best in single-gender environments and that eliminating these options represents a loss rather than progress.
General Patricia Chen, who oversees youth outreach programs for the Army, offered a different perspective.
“Young people today are looking for organizations that reflect their values of inclusion and equality,” she said in a statement.
“If we’re going to engage with the next generation of potential service members, we need to meet them where they are, not where we wish they were.”
However, General Raymond Foster, recently retired from the Marine Corps, voiced concerns shared by Pentagon traditionalists.
“There’s substantial research showing that adolescent boys and girls have different developmental needs,” Foster said.
“Creating spaces where boys can develop leadership skills, take healthy risks, and learn from male role models isn’t about exclusion — it’s about effective youth development. We’re losing sight of that distinction.”
Vintage Boy Scout Handbook: A Handbook of Training For Citizenship Through Scouting Co. 1962 Cover Illustration Norman Rockwell (L) Ad for handbook.
Scouting America Responds
Roger Krone, chief executive officer of Scouting America, defended the organization’s evolution in response to the Pentagon’s concerns. “We have expanded our reach to serve more young people while maintaining the core values of character development, outdoor education, and leadership training that have defined Scouting for generations,” Krone said.
The organization points to membership data showing growth in some demographics following its policy changes, though overall membership has continued a decades-long decline from peak numbers in the 1970s. Scouting America currently serves approximately 1 million youth, down from more than 4 million in 1972.
Krone emphasized that the organization still offers single-gender troops for families who prefer that option. “We’ve created flexibility to serve different communities and different preferences,” he said. “That’s responsive leadership, not abandoning our mission.”
The organization also highlights success stories from its expanded membership. In 2020, Sydney Ireland became part of the first cohort of young women to earn the Eagle Scout rank from the Boy Scouts of America. In 2022, she was honored with the J. Luce FoundationLuce 24 Under 24 designation, recognizing outstanding young leaders making significant contributions to their communities.
In 2020, Sydney Ireland became part of the first cohort of young women to earn the Eagle Scout rank from the Boy Scouts of America. In 2022, she was honored with the J. Luce Foundation Luce 24 Under 24 designation, recognizing outstanding young leaders making significant contributions to their communities. Photo credit: Facebook / Sydney Ireland.
A Personal Stake in the Debate
My father was an Eagle Scout and placed me in Cub Scouts as a boy. We built pinewood derby race cars together in his workshop, sanding the wood smooth and testing different wheel configurations in the basement. Those evenings weren’t just about racing — they were about learning patience, problem-solving, and the quiet satisfaction of making something with your own hands.
Years later, my son became a Cub Scout, and I served as a Scout Leader. I watched him gain confidence speaking in front of his peers, learn to tie knots that might one day save a life, and discover that he was capable of more than he thought. The program gave him tools that school alone couldn’t provide.
This MAGA craziness hurts my family on so many levels…
Scouting taught us values that transcend politics — service, honor, preparedness, kindness. Now those lessons are being weaponized in culture wars that have nothing to do with helping young people grow. My father didn’t earn his Eagle Scout to see the organization become a political football. I didn’t spend years as a leader to watch that legacy torn apart by manufactured outrage.
Broader Context of Culture War Tensions
The Pentagon’s reconsideration of its Boy Scouts partnership emerges amid wider national debates about gender, youth development, and institutional change. Similar controversies have erupted over girls’ participation in traditionally male sports, the elimination of father-son events at schools, and the restructuring of male-only spaces ranging from service organizations to college fraternities.
Education researcher Dr. Marcus Wellington, who studies single-gender programming, notes that the pendulum has swung dramatically. “We went from recognizing that boys and girls sometimes benefit from different approaches to treating any acknowledgment of gender differences as suspect,” Wellington said. “The research on adolescent development hasn’t changed — what’s changed is the willingness to apply that research when it suggests boys might need something different.”
Critics of the Pentagon’s position argue it reflects resistance to necessary social progress. “This is about adults clinging to nostalgia rather than what’s actually best for young people,” said Jennifer Torres, executive director of Youth Development Alliance. “The data shows co-ed programming increases empathy, social skills, and prepares young people for the diverse world they’ll inhabit.”
What Comes Next
Pentagon officials stress that no final decision has been made regarding the Scouting partnership. The review process will include consultation with youth development experts, analysis of membership and outcomes data, and input from service members who currently volunteer with Scout troops.
The Department of Defense currently allows Scout troops to meet on 150 military installations worldwide, provides jamboree support, and permits service members to volunteer as leaders during duty hours in some circumstances. Severing the relationship would require developing alternative youth engagement programs or identifying other community organizations to fill the gap.
Some officials are exploring whether the military should increase support for alternative youth organizations that maintain traditional boy-focused programming, though this approach could generate its own controversies and legal challenges.
For now, the debate within the Pentagon mirrors the larger national conversation about how America’s institutions should adapt to changing social values while preserving approaches that have proven effective. Whether the Boy Scouts partnership survives may depend less on policy arguments than on deeper questions about what youth development should look like in 21st-century America.
The organization that once represented unquestioned American values now finds itself at the center of the very culture wars it long managed to avoid — with one of its oldest and most important partnerships hanging in the balance.
MAGA Pentagon Cuts Ties with Boy Scouts Over Perceived ‘Wokeness’ (Nov. 26, 2025)
Tags: Scouting America, Pentagon partnership, youth development, wokeness debate, co-educational scouting, military recruitment, gender inclusion, Boy Scouts rebrand
Summary
In a bold move amid culture war tensions, the Pentagon is reviewing its century-old partnership with Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, over concerns that its shift to co-educational programming has become too “woke.” Deputy Defense Secretary Michael Harrington questions if the changes still align with military values of character building and recruitment. Supporters like CEO Roger Krone defend inclusivity, while critics lament the loss of boy-specific spaces. The outcome could reshape youth development ties.
Social Media Posts
Facebook: The Pentagon’s historic tie with Scouting America hangs in the balance as leaders debate if inclusivity has gone too far. From boy-only troops to co-ed trails, is this the end of a century-old alliance? Share your thoughts on balancing tradition and progress in youth programs. #ScoutingDebate #PentagonNews [Link to article]
Instagram: 📍 Breaking: Pentagon eyes ending partnership with Scouting America over “wokeness” concerns. Co-ed changes spark clash on what builds future leaders. Tradition vs. inclusion—who’s right? Swipe for quotes from generals and CEOs. What’s your take? 👇 #YouthDevelopment #ScoutingAmerica #CultureWars [Carousel: Article graphic, historical Scout photo, quote overlay]
LinkedIn: In a pivotal review, the U.S. Department of Defense is reassessing its longstanding collaboration with Scouting America amid shifts toward gender-inclusive programming. Deputy Secretary Michael Harrington highlights alignment with military recruitment goals, while experts debate developmental impacts. This evolution raises key questions for organizational partnerships in a changing society. Professionals in education and defense: How do we preserve core values? Read more: [Link] #LeadershipDevelopment #MilitaryPartnerships #InclusiveEducation
X / Twitter: Pentagon mulls ditching Scouting America over “woke” co-ed pivot—bye to boy-only spaces? Harrington: Does it still build warriors? Krone: Inclusivity expands reach. Culture war hits the trails. Thoughts? [Link] #ScoutingAmerica #Pentagon #Wokeness
BlueSky: The Pentagon’s weighing axing its Scouting America partnership, calling out “wokeness” in the shift from boys-only to co-ed. A century of Scout-military synergy at risk. Echoes broader fights on gender in youth orgs. Is inclusion diluting development, or evolving it? Deep dive: [Link] #ScoutingDebate #YouthPrograms #DefensePolicy
“…This lowdown, dirty, no good, filthy president…” – U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters of California
New York, N.Y. – In a fiery address that has since reverberated across the nation’s political landscape, U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) delivered a scorching condemnation of President Donald Trump [Luce Index™ score: 95/100], labeling him a “lowdown, dirty, no good, filthy president” and urging continued public resistance against his administration’s immigration enforcement tactics.
The remarks, made during a Democratic-led hearing in Los Angeles focused on recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, have ignited a firestorm of reactions, drawing both fervent support and sharp criticism while highlighting the deepening fissures in American political discourse.
Waters’s speech, characterized by its raw and unfiltered language, marks a significant escalation in the rhetorical war between Congressional Democrats and the Trump administration. The hearing itself, which featured testimony from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, other lawmakers, and directly affected community members, was convened to document and decry the human impact of the raids, which have sown fear in immigrant communities nationwide.
A Strategic Escalation In Political Rhetoric
The congresswoman’s choice of words was far from accidental. In an era where political communication is meticulously polished and focus-grouped, Waters’s blunt, almost folksy invective cut through the noise with visceral force. Describing the president in terms that would be more at home in a street corner argument than a congressional press conference was a calculated move. It was designed not for the C-SPAN audience of political insiders, but for a base of supporters who feel the Trump administration’s policies represent an existential threat.
“This is an important press conference that is being held to let you know what we’re all doing resisting this lowdown, dirty, no good, filthy president of the United States of America,” Waters declared, a statement met with audible gasps and murmurs from the assembled crowd before erupting into applause. This moment encapsulates the current political moment: for some, a shocking breach of decorum; for others, a long-overdue calling-out of a perceived norm-shattering leader.
Political strategist Dr. Alisha Jenkins, who was not present at the event, noted that Waters is employing a classic tactic of political mobilization. “When institutional checks and balances are perceived as failing, or when the opposition controls the levers of power, language becomes the primary weapon,” Jenkins explained. “Representative Waters is not speaking to persuade the administration; she is speaking to energize a coalition. Her language is performative, yes, but its performance with a clear strategic purpose: to frame the conflict in stark, moral terms and to galvanize direct action.”
The Ground Campaign: Documenting And Resisting
Beyond the headline-grabbing description of the president, Waters outlined a tangible, on-the-ground strategy of opposition. She positioned herself not just as a legislator in Washington, D.C., but as an active participant in civil disobedience and community surveillance, turning the tables on the authorities conducting the raids.
“They are targeting our leadership both in the Latino community and in the Black community,” Waters stated. “And while they’re targeting them and following them, I’m on the street, and I’m following ICE, and I’m targeting ICE.”
This declaration of a counter-surveillance operation is a remarkable shift in the role of a member of Congress. It transforms the dynamic from one of passive condemnation to active, physical opposition.
She emphasized the importance of documentation and persistence. “We are documenting everything. We are resisting. And I want to tell you, you are seeing the biggest coming together of the Black and brown community that we’ve seen in this city ever,” she said, highlighting the coalition-building aspect of the movement. Her call to action was unequivocal: “You must not stop. I’m protesting. I’ve been to 11 of them. I stay on the street, in the alleys, wherever I need to be. We’re not afraid, but we’re smart.”
This hands-on approach has made Waters a polarizing figure. To her detractors, it is an irresponsible provocation that borders on lawlessness. To her supporters, it is the very definition of representing a constituency under direct threat, moving beyond symbolic votes to tangible solidarity and protection.
“…This lowdown, dirty, no good, filthy president…” – U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters of California
The Human Cost Of Immigration Policy
The hearing provided a crucial platform for the human stories behind the political and policy debates. Mayor Karen Bass and other speakers shared harrowing accounts of families torn apart, of parents seized in front of children, and of a pervasive climate of fear gripping Los Angeles neighborhoods. These testimonies served as the moral foundation for Waters’s rhetorical fire, grounding the political conflict in real-world trauma.
One community organizer, María González, shared the story of a raid that occurred just three blocks from a local elementary school. “They came in multiple vehicles, wearing vests, like it was a military operation,” González recounted. “They took a father of three who was on his way to work. His crime? Trying to provide for his family. The trauma inflicted on the children who witnessed this, on the community that saw it, is immeasurable. This is not about law and order; this is about terror.”
The economic impact was also cited, with small business owners reporting a dramatic drop in customers as families choose to stay indoors rather than risk encountering ICE agents. The psychological and social toll of these policies, critics argue, will have generational consequences, creating deep-seated distrust of all government institutions, including local police who have often sought to distance themselves from federal enforcement actions.
“…This lowdown, dirty, no good, filthy president…” – U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters of California
The Political Repercussions And The Road Ahead
The immediate aftermath of Waters’s comments saw the predictable partisan split. Supporters of the president and conservative media figures condemned the language as disgraceful and unpresidential, arguing that it further coarsens political discourse and could incite violence. Some called for formal censure in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Meanwhile, the Congressional Progressive Caucus and immigrant rights organizations rallied to her defense, framing her speech as an act of political courage. They argue that the true scandal is not the language used to describe the president’s actions, but the actions themselves. For them, Waters is giving voice to the anger and desperation of marginalized communities.
The long-term implications are less clear. Waters’s strategy carries risks, potentially alienating moderate voters who are uncomfortable with such confrontational rhetoric. However, it also has the potential to supercharge voter turnout and engagement among the Democratic base, for whom opposition to Trump’s immigration agenda is a top-tier issue.
As the 2024 election cycle begins to take shape, the battle over immigration policy and the rhetoric surrounding it will only intensify. The scene in Los Angeles—a veteran lawmaker standing before cameras, eschewing polite language for a street-level epithet, and vowing to physically shadow federal agents—is a potent symbol of a nation grappling with its identity and the very rules of political engagement.
The protests, as Maxine Waters insisted, show no sign of stopping.
Summary
In a Los Angeles hearing, Rep. Maxine Waters unleashed a blistering critique of President Donald Trump, calling him a “lowdown, dirty, no good, filthy president.” She urged continued protests against ICE immigration raids, detailing her own efforts to follow and document ICE agents on the streets. The speech has ignited a political firestorm, highlighting deep divisions and a new level of confrontational rhetoric in the ongoing battle over U.S. immigration policy under the Trump administration.
TAGS: Maxine Waters, Donald Trump, ICE, immigration raids, protest, Los Angeles, Karen Bass, U.S. House of Representatives, immigration policy, political rhetoric
Social Media Posts
Facebook: In a powerful and unflinching speech, Rep. Maxine Waters condemned President Trump’s immigration raids and called for sustained public protest. Her words are fueling a major political debate. Read the full story on the escalating confrontation between Congressional Democrats and the administration. #MaxineWaters #Immigration #Resistance
Instagram: [Image: A determined Maxine Waters at a microphone] “I’m on the street, and I’m following ICE.” Rep. Maxine Waters’s blistering critique of Trump administration immigration raids is rallying supporters and drawing fierce criticism. Link in bio for the full report on the ground in Los Angeles. #MaxineWaters #ICE #Protest #ImmigrationRights
X/Twitter: .@RepMaxineWaters unleashes scorching critique of @realDonaldTrump, calls him a “lowdown, dirty, no good, filthy president” and urges continued protests against ICE raids. The political fallout is just beginning. #Waters #Trump #ICEraids [Link to story]
LinkedIn: The political rhetoric surrounding U.S. immigration policy has reached a new intensity. An analysis of Rep. Maxine Waters’s recent comments and their strategic implications for political mobilization and public discourse. #PublicPolicy #Immigration #USPolitics #Leadership [Link to story]
BlueSky: Rep. Maxine Waters’s LA hearing speech on Trump and ICE raids is a case study in escalating political rhetoric. Was it a strategic mobilization or a breach of decorum? Dive into the analysis and community impact. #MaxineWaters #Immigration #ICE
New York, N.Y. — Growing up, my family had traditions centered around the holidays. I remember delivering frozen turkeys at Thanksgiving with my local Rotary club. Last Thanksgiving my family was given the opportunity to do something quintessentially New York: we delivered delicious Thanksgiving meals to New Yorkers living with severe illnesses.
I have always tried to instill a sense of social responsibility to my son Mathew, now a teen. This began when, at the age of four, I would take him with me to spend the night supervising homeless shelters in Manhattan.
With no permanent holiday tradition, my partner John, Matt and I volunteered last Thanksgiving, and then again Christmas Day, to spread love, hope – and great, nutritious food, cooked by the kitchen staff and volunteers of God’s Love We Deliver (God’s Love).
Volunteers cooking and delivering meals to New Yorkers living with severe illnesses is the crux of God’s Love’s mission. Photo: God’s Love We Deliver.
I remember back in the 1980’s when the G.M.H.C., God’s Love, and other social agencies began to support those newly afflicted with a mysterious disease known as AIDS.
I volunteered in the AIDS ward of Bellevue Hospitalwhere I heard of a hospice volunteer named Ganga Stone who paid a visit to an AIDS patient too ill to cook for himself.
Ganga’s compassion took hold, a meal was prepared and taken over: God’s Love We Deliver was born with support of people of all faiths.
I carefully explained to my kid that this was the mission of the God’s Love. As often a parent is, I was wrong.
In the decades since it was founded, this agency has expanded to serve people living with any illness, not just HIV/AIDS. My son was amused I had not kept up.
My son Mathew and I volunteering last Thanksgiving.Photo: John Lee / Stewardship Report.
Being sick and hungry is a crisis, and an urgent one at that. Gods Love understands and strives to deliver food – individually-tailored meals that meet the medical needs of each client – within a delivery day of being contacted. Efficient and inspirational.
The Nutrition Services Department at God’s Love We Deliver seeks to improve the health and well being of their clients by providing high-quality meals and nutritional education.
From the development of therapeutic menus, to nutrition counseling and the safe delivery of client meals, God’s Love sees the power of food as medicine and understands the significance of proper nutrition.
I spoke with Lisa Zullig (MS, RD, CSG, CDN), Director of Nutrition Services at God’s Love We Deliver, who told me how special each and every meal is:
“Our registered dietitians work with our Executive Chef to create a health supportive menu to meet the nutritional needs of people living with serious illnesses. Clients and their caregivers discuss specific requirements with a God’s Love dietitian, who individualizes the menu as appropriate.
Nutritious and delicious, each meal is customized to the individual client’s needs. Thanksgiving 2012. Photo: John Lee / Stewardship Report.
“Modifications are made based on medical diagnoses and support symptom management. Texture modified meals – minced or pureed foods – are also available for people who are experiencing swallowing or chewing difficulties.
“Every week, clients and their dependent children each receive ten well-balanced meals prepared in our professional kitchen with the help of many volunteers.
“In addition to our nutritious meals, continuous nutrition counseling and education are provided.”
In short, nutrition is the signature difference at God’s Love We Deliver.
What began as an urgent response to the AIDS epidemic has grown to be an urgent response to all those who are too ill to cook for themselves.
One client of the organization recently explained:
The kitchen is ground zero for the efforts of God’s Love to improve the life of its clients. Photo: John Lee / Stewardship Report.
“Being on a limited budget makes it very hard for me to eat as healthy as I love to – and struggling with an illness makes it even harder.
“With the help of God’s Love, I have more food in my home and eat better. My health has improved a great deal and I am so thankful for them. I love how they greet and take care of us. God’s Love is always there when I need them.
“While the God’s Love team of registered dietitians works with clients to develop unique nutrition plans to help manage their illnesses, medication side effects and promote wellness, they also provide culturally-appropriate education materials for the clients that reinforce their counseling sessions.”
In addition, they also conduct nutrition presentations and cooking demonstrations at organizations throughout the community, bringing their expertise to a wider base and improving general nutrition knowledge to groups as a whole. Check out their client menus and FAQs.
Without the help of the amazing volunteers of God’s Love – nearly 8,000 strong every year – God’s Love would not be able to prepare and deliver more than 1.1 million delicious and nutritious meals annually to neighbors in need. Volunteers outnumber staff by a ratio of more than 100 to 1 and they work in the kitchen, deliver meals, work in the office and help out with special events.
Each day there are volunteer opportunities in all different areas of God’s Love, for individuals, corporate and student groups. The volunteer staff helps supervise, manage and welcome our volunteers to our God’s Love community, morning to night.
Humanitarian Michael Kors has supported God’s Love for more than twenty years. Photo: God’s Love We Deliver.
These dedicated volunteers come from all walks of life and from diverse socioeconomic, religious and ethnic backgrounds. God’s Love prides itself on the strong sense of community amongst volunteers and staff alike.
Stay up to date with the Volunteer Department and the terrific volunteers by reading their volunteer newsletter, Special Delivery.
Find out more about holidays and special events volunteer opportunities. Review the volunteer FAQ’s and then sign up to help here.
Many, many New Yorkers volunteer and support God’s Love We Deliver. Working moms and dads, librarians, investment bankers – in short, a snapshot of our population. Famous faces at God’s Love are many, including Joan Rivers, Heidi Klum, and Michael Kors.
Last fall, Michael Kors was given the Golden Heart Award for a lifetime of Achievement for his more than two decades, and on Oct. 15, 2012 the nonprofit bestowed him with the 2012 Golden Heart Award for Lifetime Achievement. In his acceptance speech he said, “God’s Love does a phenomenal job of feeding those who are too sick to shop or cook for themselves. I can’t think of a worthier organization to collaborate with.”
Having run and worked with organizations for several decades, I am acutely aware of the challenges. Never have I seen an organization run a largely volunteer operation with more efficiency and integrity.
Karen Pearl, the executive director of God’s Love, spoke at our foundation’s reception last fall. Photo: J. Luce Foundation.
Corporate America has responded in appreciation. Companies that support the organization are too numerous to mention, but a few that I admire include:
Michael Kors, Bloomingdale’s & Macy’s, Polo Ralph Lauren, Whole Foods Market NYC, Bloomberg, Wells Fargo, American Express, MAC Cosmetics, Avon, Lenox, The Gap, Levi Strauss & Co., Calvin Klein – and even Architectural Digest.
Last December, far above Times Square in the beautiful reception hall of the law firm Skadden Arps, God’s Love president and C.E.O. Karen Pearl spoke on the need for giving back at our foundation’s year-end reception. She stated with passion:
“We are so grateful for the dedicated and wonderful support we get from our volunteers. What’s so amazing though, is that every time we say, “Thank you for your service,” they tell us that “they get more than they give.” This is truly inspirational to everyone of us at God’s Love.
My partner John Lee, son Mathew, and I volunteering with God’s Love as our holiday tradition. Photo: J. Luce Foundation.
As a parent, it’s nice to know you’ve influenced your children. MattFacebook‘ed:
“Volunteering at God’s Love We Deliver was a life changing experience. It was a joy seeing new faces while I delivering food with my dad and his partner on Thanksgiving. I wish to do this every holiday season in the future.”
God’s Love We Deliver, to me, is the best managed service organization in New York City and ranks as my number one volunteer opportunity.
I am honored to know Karen Pearl, to work with the volunteers with my family on the holidays, and to meet the clients, average New Yorkers who are living with serious illnesses, for whom God’s Love is delivered by people like you and me.
Originally published in The Huffington Post, July 22, 2013; republished in The Stewardship Report Nov. 24, 2025.
Summary
On Thanksgiving and Christmas, our family joined hundreds of volunteers at God’s Love We Deliver to prepare and deliver nutritious, medically tailored meals to New Yorkers too sick to cook for themselves, continuing a legacy that began in the early days of the AIDS crisis. From the bustling kitchen to quiet apartment doorways, we witnessed how food, compassion, and community come together to bring dignity, hope, and genuine holiday spirit to our neighbors in need.
TAGS:Gods Love We Deliver, New York City, HIV AIDS epidemic, holiday volunteering, food as medicine, nonprofit leadership, Michael Kors, Karen Pearl, Luce Foundation, J Luce, family philanthropy, medically tailored meals
Social Media
Facebook
Volunteering with God’s Love We Deliver has become our family’s holiday tradition, delivering nutritious, medically tailored meals to New Yorkers living with serious illness. Every visit reminds us that food is truly medicine, and that compassion shared door-to-door can transform lives. Join the thousands of volunteers who chop, cook, and deliver with heart across our city each year.
Instagram
From the kitchen line to the last delivery, serving with God’s Love We Deliver showed our family what “food as medicine” really means for New Yorkers living with serious illness. Each carefully prepared meal carries dignity, hope, and holiday joy straight to our neighbors’ doors. Volunteering together turned gratitude into action.
LinkedIn
Proud to spend the holidays volunteering with God’s Love We Deliver, a New York nonprofit that prepares and delivers individually tailored, medically appropriate meals for people too ill to shop or cook. Their expert dietitians and chefs design menus that support complex health needs while volunteers power an operation serving more than a million meals annually. A model of mission-driven, volunteer-led efficiency and impact.
X / Twitter
This Thanksgiving our family joined God’s Love We Deliver, helping cook and deliver medically tailored meals to New Yorkers living with serious illness. Food, compassion, and community—delivered to the door.
BlueSky
Spent the holiday with God’s Love We Deliver, where dietitians, chefs, and volunteers team up to bring medically tailored meals to New Yorkers too sick to cook. It is food as medicine and community in action—and a tradition our family hopes to continue every season.
Dogs and cats in the U.S. produce approximately 5.1 million tons of feces each year—equivalent to the waste generated by 90 million Americans.
New York, N.Y. — Pets contribute significantly to emissions through meat-based diets and waste, but the love they inspire may motivate broader climate action. A recent WIRED article explores how climate researchers attempting to quantify the carbon footprint of pet ownership inadvertently triggered a defensive backlash when media coverage was perceived as an attack on dogs, revealing the psychological barriers that emerge when climate messaging touches deeply personal choices.
Dogs and cats account for approximately 25 to 30 percent of the environmental impact of meat consumption in the U.S.—equivalent to the annual emissions of 46 million cars—with dog ownership in America surging from 52.9 million in 1990 to over 89 million in 2024, according to the American Pet Products Association.
The Carbon Cost of Canine Companionship
Gregory Okin, a geography professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, published research in 2017 calculating that American dogs and cats consume roughly 19% of the calories humans do in meat and fish products.
His findings suggested that the 163 million U.S. dogs and cats were responsible for emitting about 64 million tons of carbon dioxide annually through their meat-heavy diets.
The study also examined waste production, estimating that dogs and cats produce approximately 5.1 million tons of feces each year—equivalent to the waste generated by 90 million Americans.
That’s as many people who live in California, Texas and Florida combined!
When Love Meets Logic
The research sparked immediate controversy. Pet owners flooded social media with defensive reactions, some suggesting that scientists should focus on livestock or human consumption instead. Okin received messages ranging from concerned to hostile, with one person asking whether he would recommend euthanizing pets to reduce emissions.
“I knew it would be controversial, but I didn’t expect the level of emotional response,” Okin said in interviews following the publication. “People felt I was attacking their relationship with their pets.”
The backlash revealed a fundamental tension in climate communication: how to discuss carbon-intensive lifestyle choices without alienating people or triggering psychological defenses that shut down productive conversation.
Small Dogs, Smaller Footprints
Not all dogs carry equal environmental weight. A 2020 study in the journal Global Environmental Change found that smaller dogs have substantially lower carbon footprints than larger breeds, primarily because they consume less food over their lifetimes.
A Chihuahua weighing nine pounds might consume approximately 1,700 calories weekly, while a German Shepherd weighing 88 pounds requires about 9,000 calories during the same period. Over a typical lifespan, this translates to dramatically different environmental impacts.
For advocates like those at the New York Shih Tzu Rescue Society, this research offers unexpected validation. “We’ve always encouraged people to consider small breeds, especially for apartment living,” explains the organization’s president. “Now there’s an environmental argument too, though that’s never been our primary focus. We rescue these dogs because they deserve homes, full stop.”
The Psychology of Pet Defense
Environmental psychologist Kathryn Stevenson at North Carolina State University studies why climate messages often fail to change behavior. She notes that pets occupy a unique psychological space—they’re family members, sources of unconditional love, and for many people, essential to mental health and wellbeing.
“When you suggest someone’s pet contributes to climate change, you’re not just presenting data,” Stevenson explains. “You’re challenging their identity as a good person and a good pet owner simultaneously. That triggers powerful defensive mechanisms.”
Research shows that people are more likely to deny or minimize environmental problems when solutions require sacrificing things they deeply value. Pet ownership falls squarely into this category, particularly in cultures where dogs and cats are treated as children.
Finding Middle Ground
Some researchers and advocates argue the pet carbon footprint discussion could ultimately advance climate action rather than hinder it. If pet owners who initially react defensively later engage with the science, they might become more aware of their overall environmental impact and make changes in other areas.
Several companies now offer sustainable pet food options using insect protein, plant-based ingredients, or cultured meat—products that significantly reduce carbon emissions while meeting nutritional requirements. Market research suggests these alternatives remain niche but are growing approximately 15 percent annually.
Additionally, adopting rescue dogs rather than purchasing from breeders reduces demand for new breeding operations and gives homeless animals second chances—a win for both animal welfare and environmental ethics, according to shelter advocates.
Dog waste is one of the topics discussed in meetings of the New York Shih Tzu Rescue Society. Photo credit: The Stewardship Report.
Love Without Denial
The controversy around pet carbon footprints ultimately reflects broader challenges in climate communication. People need space to love what they love while also confronting uncomfortable truths about modern life’s environmental costs.
Jim Luce of the New York Shih Tzu Rescue Society in his living room on Roosevelt Island off Manhattan. Photo credit: The Stewardship Report.
“Nobody’s saying you shouldn’t have a dog,” Okin emphasizes. “But we should be honest about impacts and look for ways to reduce them where possible. That might mean choosing sustainable food, adopting rather than buying, or considering a smaller breed.”
For rescue organizations working with small dogs, the environmental angle remains secondary to their core mission: saving lives.
But they acknowledge that every conversation about sustainability—even uncomfortable ones—helps build awareness that can lead to broader climate action.
“Our Shih Tzus and Chihuahuas aren’t going to single-handedly solve climate change,” New York Shih Tzu Rescue Society president Jim Luce notes.
“But if adopting a small rescue dog instead of buying a large puppy mill breed makes even a modest difference while giving a deserving animal a home, that feels like progress worth celebrating.”
The dogs themselves, of course, remain blissfully unaware of the carbon calculations surrounding their kibble bowls—their primary concerns limited to walks, treats, and the next available lap.
Summary for Audio (75 words)
Researchers quantifying pets’ carbon footprints sparked unexpected backlash from dog lovers. Dogs and cats produce emissions equivalent to 46 million cars through meat-heavy diets. Smaller breeds like Shih Tzus have substantially lower environmental impacts than large dogs. The controversy reveals how climate messaging fails when challenging deeply personal choices. Rather than abandoning pets, experts suggest sustainable solutions: insect-based foods, adopting rescues, choosing smaller breeds. The debate demonstrates that meaningful climate action requires honest conversations about uncomfortable truths while respecting what people love.
Tags: climate change, carbon footprint, pet ownership, sustainable living, dog rescue, small dog breeds, environmental impact, animal welfare, green pets
Facebook: New research reveals dogs contribute as much carbon as 46 million cars—but the backlash shows how hard climate conversations become when they touch what we love. Should pet owners feel guilty? Scientists say no, but suggest smaller rescue dogs and sustainable food as solutions. What do you think? 🐕 (www.stewardshipreport.org/wiki)
Instagram: Your dog’s carbon pawprint might be bigger than you think 🐾 New studies show pets = major emissions through meat diets. But smaller rescue breeds like Shih Tzus offer a greener option. Love your dog AND the planet? Link in bio. #DogCarbonFootprint #SustainablePets #RescueDogs (www.stewardshipreport.org/wiki)
LinkedIn: Climate researchers faced fierce backlash when quantifying pet carbon footprints—revealing psychological barriers to sustainability messaging. The controversy offers lessons for communicating uncomfortable environmental truths while respecting personal values. Key insight: smaller rescue dogs have dramatically lower emissions than large breeds. (www.stewardshipreport.org/wiki)
X/Twitter: Dogs = 64M tons of CO2 yearly. Smaller rescues = smaller footprints. Climate meets cuddles. (www.stewardshipreport.org/wiki) #ClimateChange #DogLovers
BlueSky: Research on dog carbon footprints triggered massive backlash—but opened important conversations. Smaller rescue breeds offer compromise between love & sustainability. Should we factor emissions into pet choices? (www.stewardshipreport.org/wiki)
Groundbreaking study reveals genetic overlaps in anxiety, intelligence and emotional regulation between humans and their golden retrievers
New York, N.Y. – A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has uncovered remarkable genetic parallels between golden retrievers and the humans who love them, suggesting that the bond between the breed and its owners may run deeper than affection—it may be written in DNA.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and the Morris Animal Foundation compared genomes from more than 1,300 golden retrievers enrolled in the ongoing Golden Retriever Lifetime Study with large human genetic databases.
The results, released November 18, 2025, show that certain behavioral traits in the popular breed map directly onto the same genetic pathways that influence human personality, intelligence, and mental health.
A Breed Chosen for the Experiment—and Perhaps for a Reason
Golden retrievers were not selected at random. The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, launched in 2012, is one of the largest longitudinal canine health projects ever undertaken, tracking thousands of dogs from puppyhood through old age. Because all participants are purebred golden retrievers, genetic noise is reduced, making it easier to spot meaningful signals.
Owners of the 1,300 dogs aged three to seven years completed exhaustive behavioral questionnaires—over 70 specific items—that were grouped into 14 broad traits, ranging from trainability and energy level to fearfulness and aggression toward strangers.
Dr. Eleanor Raffan, a veterinarian and geneticist at the University of Cambridge who led the analysis, called the convergence “really striking.” In an interview, she explained: “The findings provide strong evidence that humans and golden retrievers have shared genetic roots for their behavior. We’re seeing the same genes influencing how anxious a dog gets and how prone a person is to worry.”
Specific Genes, Shared Stories
Among the standout discoveries:
The gene PTPN1, previously linked to human intelligence and cognitive processing speed, also affects aggression levels in golden retrievers.
Variants in ROMO1 correlate with trainability in dogs and emotional sensitivity in people.
HUNK and ASCC3 regions, associated in humans with neuroticism and mood disorders, influence nervousness and fear responses in the breed.
Perhaps most intriguing is the overlap in rumination—the tendency to dwell on negative experiences. Dogs that scored high on “owner-directed attention-seeking after correction” carried variants also tied to prolonged negative thinking in humans.
“We all joke that golden retrievers look guilty for hours after stealing a sandwich,” Raffan said. “It turns out that lingering guilt may share a biological basis with the human habit of replaying embarrassing moments at 3 a.m.”
Implications for Training and Veterinary Care
Dog behaviorists say the findings could reshape how trainers and owners approach common challenges.
“Knowing there’s a genetic component to excitability or stranger-directed fear doesn’t mean we throw out training,” said Dr. Brian Hare, director of the Duke Canine Cognition Center (not involved in the study). “But it does mean we can set realistic expectations and use methods that work with biology rather than against it.”
Two women in Beijing with their Golden Retriever. Photo credit: Unsplash / Jimmy Liu.
Veterinarians see potential clinical applications as well. Medications developed for human anxiety disorders target many of the same pathways now implicated in canine fearfulness.
The overlap could accelerate the repurposing of existing drugs for dogs—or even inform breeding practices aimed at reducing extreme anxiety in the breed.
Why Golden Retrievers? The Co-Evolution Hypothesis
Scientists have long noted that golden retrievers consistently rank among the most “human-attuned” breeds.
The new genetic evidence lends weight to the idea that centuries of selective breeding for companionship—rather than just herding, hunting, or guarding—may have inadvertently mirrored human emotional and cognitive profiles.
“Golden retrievers were bred to work closely with people, to read human cues, and to remain calm under pressure,” Raffan noted. “It appears that, over generations, the genes that made them good partners also made them genetically more similar to us in temperament.”
A Mirror in Fur
For the millions of Americans who share their homes with golden retrievers—approximately 2.3 million households, according to the American Kennel Club—the study feels less like science and more like confirmation of a long-held suspicion.
“They really are little blond versions of ourselves,” one study participant wrote in the questionnaire margin, a sentiment echoed in countless social-media posts showing goldens displaying uncanny empathy, comedic timing, or dramatic flair.
The research also raises a lighter, almost philosophical question: when a golden retriever stares soulfully after being scolded, is the dog reflecting its own genetic tendency toward rumination—or mirroring the owner who can’t let go of the moment either?
As Raffan put it: “Maybe the reason we love golden retrievers so much is that, on some level, we recognize ourselves in them.”
Summary
In a landmark study, scientists have found that golden retrievers and their owners share genetic pathways influencing anxiety, intelligence, emotional regulation, and even the tendency to dwell on mistakes—suggesting the beloved breed’s personality may literally mirror our own.
Tags: golden retriever, canine genetics, human-dog bond, behavioral genetics, Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, Eleanor Raffan, University of Cambridge, Morris Animal Foundation, PNAS study, dog behavior
Social Media Posts
Facebook Ever feel like your golden retriever is your emotional twin? Science now says you might be right—literally. A massive new study shows goldens and humans share genes for anxiety, smarts, and even rumination. 🧠❤️ Read the full story: [link]
Instagram The reason your golden retriever gives you that guilty look for HOURS? Same genes that make YOU replay awkward moments at 3 a.m. 😅 Science just proved the bond is in the DNA. Full story in bio.
LinkedIn A fascinating peer-reviewed study in PNAS reveals significant genetic overlap between golden retrievers and humans in traits like anxiety, intelligence, and emotional regulation. Implications for veterinary medicine, behavior training, and understanding co-evolution of companion animals. Worth the read for anyone in animal health or genetics.
X / Twitter Golden retrievers and their owners literally share genes for anxiety, intelligence, and overthinking embarrassing moments. Science says your dog really IS your spirit animal. 🧬 New PNAS study: [link]
BlueSky Just in: Golden retrievers share behavioral genes with humans—same pathways for worry, trainability, and neuroticism. The ultimate “dogs are like their owners” proof. Link in thread.
President Irfaan Ali launches digital school as nation leverages petroleum revenues for regional educational advancement
Forty years ago, Guyana’s president Cheddi Jagan asked me to bring computers and experts to its capital Georgetown. Today, they are leading the Caribbean — and India.
New York, N.Y. — The transformation of Guyana from a struggling former British colony to an oil-rich regional power has taken another significant turn with the December 6, 2025 launch of the Guyana Digital School, a free online platform designed to expand educational access throughout the Caribbean and beyond.
President Irfaan Ali announced the initiative late Friday, marking a watershed moment for a nation that has experienced dramatic economic change since major offshore petroleum discoveries.
For those who have followed Guyana’s trajectory over decades, the contrast is striking. The nation that once required international charitable assistance now channels nearly US$10 million daily from its oil sector into ambitious public programs, including the restoration of free university education earlier this year and this new digital educational platform. The Guyana Digital School represents more than technological innovation—it embodies the aspirations of a nation seeking to leverage its newfound wealth for lasting social transformation.
From Petroleum Revenues to Educational Investment
The economic foundations supporting this educational initiative rest on Guyana’s remarkable petroleum development. Since ExxonMobil and partners discovered substantial offshore reserves in 2015, the nation has witnessed unprecedented growth. The South American country’s economy expanded by more than 60% in recent years, fundamentally altering its fiscal landscape and enabling investments previously impossible.
Deputy Chief Education Officer Ritesh Tularam characterized the digital school launch as a “game changer,” reflecting official optimism about the platform’s potential impact. The initiative addresses longstanding challenges in Amazonian regions where geographic isolation has historically limited educational access. By providing high-quality digital instruction, officials hope to overcome barriers that traditional brick-and-mortar schools cannot easily surmount in remote areas.
The enrollment figures demonstrate substantial initial interest, with more than 30,000 students already registered. The platform currently offers high-school level courses with plans to expand its curriculum in the coming year. Significantly, Guyana has opened access to neighboring Caribbean nations and users in India, positioning the platform as a regional rather than purely national resource.
Caribbean Integration and Regional Leadership
The response from Caribbean leadership suggests the initiative addresses broader regional needs. Dickon Mitchell, Grenada’s prime minister, instructed active participation while officials emphasized that the digital platform would complement rather than replace traditional classroom instruction. This clarification appears designed to address concerns about educational quality and the irreplaceable value of in-person teaching.
The regional approach reflects Guyana’s evolving role within Caribbean affairs. Once among the poorest nations in the hemisphere, Guyana now possesses resources enabling it to provide public goods benefiting neighboring states. This shift in relative economic power carries implications for regional dynamics and Guyana’s diplomatic influence.
The decision to extend free access to Caribbean nations acknowledges historical and cultural ties while potentially strengthening regional cooperation. Education has long represented a cornerstone of Caribbean development strategies, with islands like Barbados and Jamaica establishing strong traditions of educational achievement despite limited resources. Guyana’s contribution adds a new dimension to regional educational infrastructure.
Digital Economy Preparation And Workforce Development
Officials have framed the Guyana Digital School within broader economic development objectives, emphasizing preparation for digital economy participation. This rationale connects educational policy to national economic strategy, recognizing that petroleum wealth, while substantial, requires complementary human capital development for sustainable prosperity.
The focus on digital skills aligns with global employment trends and reflects awareness that resource-dependent economies face particular challenges in diversifying their economic bases.
By investing in education emphasizing technological competency, Guyana seeks to avoid the “resource curse” that has afflicted other petroleum-exporting nations, where natural resource wealth failed to translate into broad-based development.
The platform’s design reportedly emphasizes interactive learning and skills directly applicable to contemporary workplace demands. This practical orientation distinguishes it from purely theoretical academic approaches, though the specific pedagogical methods and content quality will ultimately determine the initiative’s educational effectiveness.
Historical Context And National Transformation
Understanding Guyana’s current position requires historical perspective. The nation gained independence from Britain in 1966, embarking on a challenging post-colonial journey marked by political tensions, economic difficulties, and periodic social unrest.
The governments of Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, and Bharrat Jagdeo navigated these challenges with varying degrees of success, maintaining national unity despite limited resources.
President Ali, who assumed office in August 2020, leads a nation transformed by circumstances his predecessors could scarcely have imagined. The petroleum discoveries occurred during the Jagdeo administration but production began reaching significant levels only recently. Ali has inherited the complex task of managing newfound wealth while avoiding the pitfalls that have undermined development in other resource-rich nations.
The emphasis on education represents a strategic choice about how to deploy petroleum revenues. Rather than focusing exclusively on infrastructure or immediate consumption, the government has prioritized investments with potentially transformative long-term impacts. Free university education, restored earlier in 2025, complements the digital school initiative in creating a comprehensive educational support system.
Cheddi Jagan, founder of modern Guyana, with his protege Bharat Jagdeo – both served as presidents of Co-operative Republic of Guyana, as well as Janet Jagan. I worked with all three to bring assistance to this English-speaking South American nation, a former British colony. Cheddi served jail time with the British for being a “Communist.” Today, the main airport is named n his honor. I remember his stories of how the University of the West Indies, spread across the Caribbean, began in his living room. I knew Cheddi through my mentor Betty Millard.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the optimistic framing, significant challenges remain. Digital education platforms have produced mixed results globally, with effectiveness varying based on implementation quality, technological infrastructure, and student circumstances. Questions about internet access, device availability, and home learning environments will influence actual educational outcomes.
The platform’s sustainability beyond initial petroleum revenues also merits consideration. Building institutional capacity and ensuring quality standards requires ongoing commitment and resources. The temptation to treat the digital school as a completed achievement rather than an ongoing project requiring continuous improvement could undermine long-term effectiveness.
Additionally, the regional dimension introduces complexity. Different Caribbean nations possess varying technological infrastructure and educational systems, potentially complicating efforts to create genuinely useful content for diverse audiences. Balancing Guyanese national priorities with regional needs will require careful management.
Nevertheless, the Guyana Digital School represents a significant commitment to educational advancement funded by resource wealth. Whether it achieves its ambitious objectives will depend on sustained implementation efforts and willingness to adapt based on results. For now, it stands as evidence of how dramatically Guyana’s circumstances have changed and how the nation seeks to use its transformed position for lasting benefit.
Guyana has launched the Guyana Digital School, a free online platform offering high-school courses to more than thirty thousand enrolled students across the Caribbean. President Irfaan Ali announced the initiative December sixth, leveraging nearly ten million U.S. dollars flowing daily from the petroleum sector. The platform aims to expand educational access in Amazonian regions while providing free instruction to Caribbean neighbors and users in India. Officials characterize the launch as preparing students for digital economy participation, complementing rather than replacing traditional classrooms. The initiative reflects Guyana’s transformation from a nation requiring charitable assistance to a regional power investing oil revenues in educational advancement.
Social Media
Facebook: Guyana has launched the Guyana Digital School, offering free online high-school education to students throughout the Caribbean. More than 30,000 students have enrolled in the platform, which President Irfaan Ali announced on December 6. The initiative is funded by petroleum revenues generating nearly US$10 million daily and represents the nation’s commitment to educational advancement. Caribbean leaders including Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell have welcomed the platform, which officials say will complement traditional classroom instruction while preparing students for the digital economy.
Instagram: Guyana launches free digital high school for Caribbean students. President Irfaan Ali announced the Guyana Digital School on December 6, with over 30,000 students already enrolled. The platform offers high-school courses and plans curriculum expansion next year. Funded by petroleum revenues generating nearly US$10 million daily, the initiative extends free access to Caribbean neighbors and users in India. Officials call it a game changer for educational access in Amazonian regions while preparing students for digital workforce participation.
LinkedIn: Guyana’s launch of the Guyana Digital School represents a significant development in Caribbean educational infrastructure. President Irfaan Ali announced the free online platform on December 6, attracting more than 30,000 enrolled students. The initiative leverages petroleum sector revenues generating approximately US$10 million daily to provide high-school level instruction with planned curriculum expansion. Deputy Chief Education Officer Ritesh Tularam characterizes the platform as a game changer, emphasizing digital economy preparation while Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has instructed active participation, noting the platform will complement rather than replace traditional classrooms.
X / Twitter: Guyana launches free digital high school for Caribbean students. President Ali announced December 6 the Guyana Digital School has enrolled 30,000+ students. Platform funded by US$10M daily petroleum revenues offers high-school courses with planned expansion. Caribbean leaders welcome initiative as game changer for regional education access.
BlueSky: Guyana’s new digital school offers free high-school education across the Caribbean. President Irfaan Ali announced the platform December 6 with 30,000+ enrolled students. Petroleum revenues of nearly US$10M daily fund the initiative providing courses to Amazonian regions, Caribbean neighbors, and users in India. Officials emphasize digital economy preparation while maintaining traditional classroom instruction.
Venturing into a perilous and unknown sea, New England whalers from the Luce family and others found immense fortune, fierce storms, and a hostile shore in 1840s Korea.
New York, N.Y. — From the bustling docks of New Bedford, Massachusetts, they set sail, their holds filled with empty barrels and their minds with dreams of fortune. They were bound for the far side of the world, a place so remote it existed only as a blank space on their charts: the East Sea of Korea.
The mid-1840s witnessed a quiet invasion of the East Sea’s peaceful isolation. Large, three-masted vessels, their sails patched and their decks stained with soot and oil, began to appear off the Korean coast. They flew the red, white, and blue flag of the United States, and they were crewed by a motley collection of men from New England, the Azores, Cape Verde, and beyond.
Their mission was singular: to hunt the great whales that swam in the cold, deep waters between Korea and Japan.
Driven by the insatiable demand for whale oil to light the lamps and lubricate the machines of the Industrial Revolution, these American whalers, many hailing from the Luce family of Martha’s Vineyard, embarked on a chapter of maritime history defined by both staggering profit and profound peril.
The beauty of the East Sea, stunning but potentially dangerous, in the 1930’s. Photo credit: Robert Neff Collection.
The Allure of a Virgin Whaling Ground
By 1843, the U.S. whaling fleet was a global industrial powerhouse, with nearly 643 ships turning the ports of New England into boomtowns. New Bedford, Massachusetts, was the undisputed capital, its fortunes literally built on blubber. As established whaling grounds in the Atlantic and Pacific became increasingly depleted, ship owners and captains were forced to look for new, unexploited territories. Whispers and logbook entries began to speak of a new El Dorado for whalers: the East Sea.
The Korea Strait became the gateway to this promised land. Ships would sail past the volcanic cliffs of Japan and through the narrow passage, emerging into a sea one captain described as teeming with whales “so numerous that we had no occasion to chase them with our ship: We had nothing to do but to lower our boats, harpoon them and bring them alongside for stripping.”
This account, from Captain John H. Peck of the Milton, painted a picture of almost effortless harvest. For captains and ship owners, this meant a quick fill of the holds and a rapid return to port with a valuable cargo of whale oil and baleen, the bone-like substance used for corsets and buggy whips. The potential for immense wealth was a siren call that the industry could not resist.
Whale ships at New Bedford, Mass. circa 1905. Photo credit: Robert Neff Collection.
A Floating Factory of Filth and Deprivation
The romantic image of the whaler, however, was a stark contrast to the grim reality of life aboard ship. These vessels were not sleek clipper ships but slow, sturdy floating factories. The processing of a whale was a brutal, round-the-clock operation that transformed the ship into a reeking slaughterhouse. The deck became a slick, dangerous surface of grease and blood, while the try-works—the brick furnaces used to render blubber into oil—belched thick, acrid smoke and coated everything in a layer of greasy soot.
According to Professor Curtis Martin, an expert on maritime history, the crew’s quarters were “literally a rat’s nest.” The stench from the deck permeated everything below. Fresh water was a precious commodity, strictly rationed for drinking, not washing. Sailors’ memoirs describe hanging their tin cups and plates near their bunks after a meal, only to find them cleaned by cockroaches by morning.
Vermin were a constant plague;rats, lice, and bedbugs were ubiquitous companions for the crew, who slept in cramped, damp forecastles. The food, typically hardtack and salted meat, was often barely edible, and morale was intrinsically tied to the quality of the occasional fresh meal.
The Perils of a Hostile and Unforgiving Coast
The dangers of whaling were monumental even under ideal conditions. A thrashing whale could easily smash a whaleboat to splinters, drowning or maiming the crew. But for those in the East Sea, the environment itself was a primary antagonist. The weather was notoriously unpredictable, with sudden, violent storms that could push a ship onto a lee shore. Navigation was fraught with hazard; Korean charts were nonexistent in the West, and the rocky, uncharted coastline was a ship-killer.
Furthermore, Korea in the 1840’s was the “Hermit Kingdom,” a nation fiercely resistant to foreign contact. The Joseon Dynasty enforced a policy of isolation, and any foreign sailors who shipwrecked or came ashore were often imprisoned, or worse. This made resupply or seeking aid an immense risk.
While a New Bedford newspaper might recommend Hong Kong for its efficient British police and abundant supplies of “beef, pigs, yams [and] sweet potatoes,” it was a journey of weeks away. For a ship damaged in a storm or running low on provisions, the welcoming port was a distant dream, and the nearby Korean coast was a deadly threat.
A view of the East Sea from the coast of Gangwon Province in the 1930’s. Photo credit: Robert Neff Collection.
Mutiny, Desertion, and the Human Toll
The combination of harsh conditions, constant danger, and the psychological strain of a multi-year voyage often proved too much for the crews. These were not always seasoned mariners; many were young, inexperienced men lured by the promise of a share of the profits, only to find themselves trapped in a floating hell. Some had joined to escape past misdeeds or social stigma, and they chafed under the rigid, often draconian discipline of the ship’s officers.
The threat of brutal punishment could not always quell discontent. Demoralized crews were prone to desertion if an opportunity presented itself in a remote port, and mutiny was a constant, lurking fear for every captain. A failed voyage could leave a sailor not only penniless but in debt to the ship’s owners, forcing him to sign on for another grueling expedition simply to break even.
The human cost of this industry was etched into the faces of the men and recorded in the logs of ships that never returned to their home port, lost to the sea, the whale, or the unforgiving coast of a hidden kingdom.
The era of the American whaler in the East Sea was brief but intense. By the late 1850s, the opening of Japanese ports like Hakodate in Hokkaido provided safer havens, and the gradual depletion of the whale populations pushed the fleet elsewhere. The discovery of petroleum in Pennsylvania in 1859 spelled the beginning of the end for the industry.
Yet, for a few short years, the rugged coast of Korea formed the backdrop for an extraordinary tale of adventure, where New England mariners, including the intrepid Luce family, ventured into the unknown, seeking fortune and finding instead a legacy of peril on the deep, blue waves of the East Sea.
Summary
In the 1840s, American whaling ships from New England, including captains from the Luce family, breached the isolation of Korea’s East Sea. They discovered incredibly rich whaling grounds, but faced immense perils: violent storms, an uncharted and hostile coast, and brutal living conditions aboard their ships. This is the story of their brief, profitable, and dangerous adventure in the waters of the Hermit Kingdom.
Facebook: In the 1840s, Yankee whalers from the Luce family and others sailed into the uncharted waters of Korea’s East Sea. They found a whale hunter’s paradise—and a perfect storm of danger. Discover the true story of fortune, filth, and fear on the high seas in our latest deep-dive feature. #MaritimeHistory #AmericanWhalers #Korea
Instagram: Fortune & peril in the Hermit Kingdom’s sea. 🐋 In the 1840s, American whalers from New England braved uncharted waters, hostile shores, and brutal conditions to hunt in Korea’s East Sea. Link in bio to read the full story of adventure on the edge of the map. #WhalingHistory #AmericanWhalers #EastSea #MaritimeAdventure #History
LinkedIn: The 1840s American whaling venture into Korea’s East Sea presents a fascinating case study in high-risk, high-reward exploration. Our new feature examines the logistics, leadership, and immense challenges faced by these maritime entrepreneurs, including captains from the Luce family, as they operated in a completely unknown and hostile environment. #MaritimeHistory #Leadership #Exploration #BusinessHistory
X/Twitter: Yankee whalers in the Hermit Kingdom: a story of immense profit and profound peril. How New Englanders like the Luce family hunted whales in Korea’s East Sea in the 1840s, facing storms, mutiny, and a hostile shore. #WhalingHistory #AmericanHistory #Korea
BlueSky: The East Sea, 1845. American whaling ships, their decks slick with blood and oil, hunt in waters off a hostile Korea. A new feature tells this gritty tale of the Luce family and other mariners seeking fortune at the world’s edge. #Maritime #History #Whaling
New Study Reveals City-Dwelling Raccoons Evolving Shorter Snouts Through Natural Selection in Human Environments
New York, N.Y. – In a striking parallel to the millennia-long journey that turned wolves into dogs, raccoons living in American cities such as New York are rapidly evolving shorter snouts, offering the clearest evidence yet that human-altered environments can kickstart domestication without deliberate breeding.
Raccoon on the streets of Los Angeles. Photo credit: Animal Capture Wildlife Control.
Researchers from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock have documented that urban raccoons possess snouts roughly 3.5% shorter than their rural counterparts—a subtle but statistically significant shift identified through analysis of nearly 20,000 citizen-science photographs uploaded to the iNaturalist platform.
The study, published October 2, 2025, in the journal Frontiers in Zoology, suggests this morphological change is part of the broader domestication syndrome that has appeared in dozens of species intentionally domesticated by humans over thousands of years.
Garbage as the Great Selector
“Trash is really the kickstarter,” said Raffaela Lesch, assistant professor of biology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and co-author of the study. “All they have to do is endure our presence, not be aggressive, and then they can feast on anything we throw away.”
In cities and suburbs, raccoons that are bold enough to approach human settlements but calm enough to avoid lethal conflict gain access to an abundant, predictable food source: household garbage, pet food, and compost bins. Individuals that panic, flee too far, or act aggressively are less likely to survive and reproduce. Over generations, this creates powerful natural selection for tameness—the same initial filter that began the domestication of dogs, pigs, and foxes.
The result is a measurable shortening of the facial skeleton. Shorter snouts reduce bite force and jaw musculature, traits consistently seen in domesticated animals from cats to cattle.
Raccoons in Kassel near Weisbaden, the capital city of Hesse, Germany. Photo credit: David Hup.
The Neural Crest Connection
The Arkansas findings lend strong support to the Neural Crest Domestication Syndrome hypothesis, first proposed in the 1990s and refined over the past two decades. According to the theory, when selection favors reduced fear and aggression toward humans, it inadvertently affects neural crest cells—embryonic stem cells that migrate throughout the developing fetus and contribute to multiple systems.
“Select for tameness, and you get a cascade,” Lesch explained. Neural crest deficits can simultaneously produce shorter faces, floppy ears, smaller teeth, patchy coat coloration, curlier tails, and even changes in brain chemistry that reduce reactivity.
While the Arkansas team has not yet documented floppy ears or white blaze markings in city raccoons, preliminary observations suggest lighter facial masks and more varied coat patterns are becoming common in urban populations—additional hallmarks of the syndrome.
A Massive Citizen-Science Effort
The scale of the project was made possible by iNaturalist, a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. Volunteers and researchers worldwide have uploaded more than 200 million observations since the platform launched in 2008.
Researchers trained an artificial intelligence model to measure snout length from photographs in which raccoons faced the camera at roughly the same angle. After filtering for image quality and geographic metadata, the team analyzed 19,847 usable images spanning rural, suburban, and densely urban habitats across the United States and southern Canada.
Statistical models controlled for age, sex, season, and camera angle, confirming the 3.5% average reduction in urban populations held across regions.
Students Take Center Stage
Unusually for a high-profile paper, 16 of the 24 co-authors are undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
“It was a phenomenal learning experience,” said Alanis Bradley, a master’s student at the time who has since begun doctoral work. Bradley is now comparing three-dimensional CT scans of raccoon skulls collected in the 1970s with modern specimens to determine whether the shortening trend has accelerated in the past half-century.
Broader Implications for Urban Wildlife
The research team plans to extend the same photographic analysis to other North American species that thrive in cities, including Virginia opossums, nine-banded armadillos, and coyotes.
“If we see similar facial shortening in multiple lineages, it would confirm that mere proximity to humans—without intentional breeding—is sufficient to initiate domestication syndrome,” Lesch said.
Some evolutionary biologists argue the process has already gone further than most people realize. Urban red foxes in the United Kingdom, for example, show reduced brain size and adrenal gland activity compared with rural foxes—changes that parallel those seen in domesticated silver foxes bred in Russia since the 1950s.
No Pet Raccoons Anytime Soon
Despite viral social media posts joking about “future apartment raccoons,” experts emphasize that today’s city raccoons remain wild animals. They carry rabies, roundworm, and leptospirosis at higher rates than rural populations and can cause thousands of dollars in property damage.
“Evolution is happening, but it’s measured in decades and centuries, not years,” Lesch cautioned. “These animals are still very much wild, and attempting to keep one as a pet is both illegal in most states and a terrible idea.”
Even if domestication continues unchecked, full transition to a companion species would likely require thousands of generations and, at some point, deliberate selective breeding by humans—something no responsible scientist is advocating.
A Window Into Our Shared Future
The Arkansas study offers a rare real-time glimpse of evolution in action, driven not by glaciers or predators but by pizza boxes and overflowing dumpsters.
As humans continue reshaping the planet, more species may begin walking the same path that wolves started 20,000 to 40,000 years ago. Whether that leads to new companions, new pests, or simply new neighbors remains an open question.
For now, the masked bandits rummaging through suburban trash cans at 3 a.m. are quietly becoming something slightly different from their country cousins—one discarded chicken wing at a time.
Summary
A new study shows urban raccoons across America are evolving shorter snouts than rural raccoons, mirroring early stages of dog domestication from wolves. Researchers analyzed 20,000 citizen-science photos and found city raccoons have 3.5 percent shorter faces, a hallmark of domestication syndrome triggered by natural selection for tameness around human garbage. The findings support the neural crest hypothesis and suggest human presence alone can initiate domestication in wild species.
Tags:urban raccoons, domestication syndrome, raccoon evolution, city wildlife, neural crest hypothesis, iNaturalist, University of Arkansas, wildlife adaptation, evolutionary biology, citizen science
Social media posts
Facebook City raccoons are evolving shorter snouts—exactly like the first steps that turned wolves into dogs. A new study of 20,000 photos shows trash is driving natural selection for tameness. Full story: [link] #UrbanWildlife #RaccoonEvolution #DomesticationSyndrome
Instagram Swipe to see how pizza boxes might be domesticating raccoons 🦝 City raccoons now have 3.5% shorter snouts than country ones. Same pattern seen in every animal humans have ever domesticated. Story in bio. #UrbanEcology #WildlifeAdaptation #RaccoonEvolution
LinkedIn Groundbreaking research from University of Arkansas at Little Rock published in Frontiers in Zoology demonstrates that urban raccoons are undergoing morphological changes associated with early domestication—driven purely by natural selection in human environments. A remarkable example of evolution in real time. Read the full feature: [link]
X / Twitter Urban raccoons now have shorter snouts than rural ones—first clear sign they’re on the domestication path dogs took from wolves. Trash = the new selective pressure. New study drops in Frontiers in Zoology. [link] #RaccoonEvolution #UrbanWildlife
Bluesky Just in: urban raccoons are evolving the same shorter snouts seen in every domesticated species. 20,000 iNaturalist photos prove it. Human garbage is unintentionally selecting for tameness. Full story → [link] #UrbanEcology #DomesticationSyndrome
You may know of Harry’s military service in Afghanistan, or that he rides well (his team won) – but did you know he co-founded a charity for children including AIDS orphans in Lesotho, Africa? His polo event tours the world raising funds and awareness for the orphanage – Sentebale – combining the Prince’s love for children and polo.
Greenwich, CT –– Not often do I have the chance to meet with royals who care deeply about orphans. Unable to get out of meetings in Manhattan, I did the next best thing: I requested one of the Global Advisers and patrons of the J. Luce Foundation, Sara Herbert-Galloway, to represent us. Sara lives in Greenwich, is also a supporter of our sister charity, Orphans International Worldwide, and had met him on a previous trip. She was delighted to again meet the man who walks in the shadow of Princess Diana, HRH Prince Harry of Wales.
The Prince has been working his way up the East Coast, from meeting Michelle Obama in the White House, Chris Christie in New Jersey, promoting British trade on a double-decker bus with British Prime Minister David Cameron in Manhattan – and wrapped up his tour of the U.S. with The Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup at the pristine Greenwich Polo Club on May 15th, 2013.
HRH Prince Harry speaks to guests about his charity Sentebale in Lesotho. Photo credit: Herbert Collection.
The ultra-exclusive luncheon, hosted by billionaire industrialist and avid horseman Peter Brandt and his wife Stephanie Seymour, was attended by 400 VIP guests and press.
Guests were pre-screened a month in advance for security clearance prior to being put on the “list.”
Sara was especially honored to be among the invited guests as she is particularly proud of her ‘Herbert’ family’s Welsh ancestry that traces back to the 1400’s.
The festivities surrounding the young Royal’s visit were welcomed by the people of Greenwich, an enclave thirty miles north of New York City.
Despite the formidable wealth of the area, its residents have suffered their share of loss during the past few months.
Cynthia Jorge, Prince Harry, Michael Carrazza, and Sara Herbert-Galloway. Photo: Herbert Collection.
The tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in nearby Newtown as well as the devastation of Hurricane Sandy were almost too much for any community to bear. The Prince’s visit brought excitement and hope.
Sentebale, meaning “forget-me-not,” was founded in Lesotho in 2006 by both Prince Harry in memory of his mother Princess Diana, and by Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in memory of his mother, Queen Mamohato.
Their common efforts aim to raise awareness of the plight of this small country in mountainous South Africa with a population of almost two million, of which 500,000 are children who have been left vulnerable, including many living with and/or orphaned by HIV/AIDS.
To raise funds for these children, an annual polo event was established named “The Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup.” Simultaneous with the Greenwich event and Prince Harry’s visit, the local Patriot National Bank launched its own fundraising initiative to raise funds for Sentebale “across the world” and for the Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center – “around the corner.” How wonderful that HRH’s visit resulted in helping children both near and far.
Sentebale Land Rover Team: Michael Carrazza, Malcolm Borwick, Marc Ganzi, Prince Harry. St. Regis Team: Dawn Jones, Steve Lefkowitz, Peter Orthwein, Nacho Figueras. Photo credit: Herbert Collection.
My friend Frank Recchia of Connecticut’s News 12 told me, “Our news director Tom Appleby reminded the entire reporting staff that Prince Harry’s visit was one of the hottest stories ever to hit our viewing area.
Tom told us people were going gaga over this brush with royalty, and we needed to focus more so than ever on the human reaction to this important news event. It was an extremely exciting story to cover.”
Michael Carrazza, Patriot‘s Chairman and CEO of Solaia Capital, was invited to play on Prince Harry’s team in the polo match. He told me, “It was an honor to play alongside the Prince and compete for the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup particularly knowing the thrust of the event was aimed at helping children in dire need – both far and near.
Patriot’s ‘Lend a Hand’ fund raising efforts are helping children in Lesotho through Sentebale and locally here in Connecticut through the Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center.”
Merritt Piro, Dr. Phil Piro and wife Marion. Photo credit: Herbert Collection.
Michael is no stranger to taking on challenges that benefit the community. In 2010, Michael led the turnaround recapitalization of Patriot National Bank and rescued the failing bank.
All told, Michael’s plan saved over 130 jobs in the community and taxpayers an estimated $185 million. “Patriot is now in a position to give back to the community and help children around the world, it is our corporate and individual responsibility,” he added.
Sara reports that Prince Harry exudes the same compassion and empathy to help those in need that was the driving force in his beautiful mother. She tells me his warm, friendly, charismatic demeanor was contagious.
He openly shared his love for children. His royal highness is following in Diana’s footsteps as a humanitarian. The beloved Princess had an intense interest in helping people inflicted with serious illnesses and health-related matters including AIDS.
Cathy Ferrier, Sentebale CEO, with the Sentebele Team including Argentine polo playerIgnacio “Nacho” Figueras. Photo credit: Herbert Collection.
Sara believes that Princess Diana and Mother Teresa were the greatest humanitarian’s of our time.
“Unfortunately,” she tells me, “I will never meet either of them. Meeting Harry was the next best thing to meeting Princess Diana whose work will live on through him.”
Prince Harry addressed the guests at the polo match, stressing that the situation in Lesotho remains critical.
“The HIV pandemic continues to leave thousands of children without parents and family structures to guide them through life. Without this support, basic needs such as food, shelter and care remain unmet, leaving children vulnerable and often without very much hope in their lives.”
He invited people to visit Lesotho saying, “By giving today, you are directly influencing the next generation of kids in Lesotho that can easily change Lesotho forever.”
Sentebale Land Rover Team: Michael Carrazza, Malcolm Borwick, Marc Ganzi, and Prince Harry. Photo: Herbert Collection.
The eloquently spoken Prince humbly thanked everyone saying, “During the past week, I’ve witnessed the extraordinary generosity of the people of this great nation.”
Sara had met Prince Harry during his visit to the Greenwich Country Club in 2010. She learned about Sentebale and his remarkable work during that time. “It was enlightening to learn how much the charity has grown,” she told me.
Sara spoke at length with Cathy Ferrier, C.E.O. of Sentebale.
Cathy said, “The event in Greenwich was incredibly successful. We have so many people interested in supporting us. We are extremely grateful to Nacho and Harry for their support and all they have done. We are grateful to the people of Greenwich and the area who attended and worked to make this event a success.”
Our Global Adviser also spoke with a young lady at the event named Dominique Sinagra who stayed a year at the Orphanage Mants’ase Children’s Home in Lesotho that is partially supported by Sentebale.
The elite crowd included Jay Fielden, Editor-in-chief Town & Country. Photo credit: Herbert Collection.
Dominique said, “I believe the connection between Prince Harry and the children is very real and means a lot to both him and them.
When the children see a picture of the Prince they point to it and say ‘friend.'”
Among the guests seated for the tented luncheon were model Karolina Kurkova, Jessica Stam, Jason Wu, Olivia Palermo, Gayle King, Jay Fieldman, Valentino Garavani, Amanda Hearst, Bob Woodruff, Jeff Slonem, and Johan Lindeberg.
Peter Brandt welcomed everyone. Jokes were made that the English brought the British weather with them to pleasure the guests since it was raining.
Argentine polo player and Ralph Lauren model Nacho Figueras was introduced as the newly appointed Sentebale Ambassador as well as St. Regis Connoisseur.
Kate Stoupas, Suzanna Pasque, and Anthony Viscogliosi. Photo credit: Herbert Collection.
As if someone turned on a switch, the sun came out and the rain stopped the minute the polo match began.
Prince Harry’s Sentebale team won 4 -3. Sponsors included St. Regis Hotels, Town & Country, Royal Salute Whiskey, Range Rover, Garrard, and The Greenwich Polo Club.
During HRH Prince Harry’s visit to the U.S., he visited Seaside Heights, a hurricane ravaged Jersey Shore community.
While Prince Harry was serving in Afghanistan, he met someone who’s home was destroyed by the hurricane. The Prince wanted to see the devastation and show his support to his friend.
Sara Herbert-Galloway first met Prince Harry two years ago at the Greenwich Country Club. Photo: Herbert Collection.
Prince Harry also showed support to wounded troops. He opened the Warrior Games for wounded service members at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
Britain sent a team of 35 wounded soldiers to take part in the games.
There are more orphaned children in the world than any one human can deal with, but with global leadership of thought leaders like H.R.H. Prince Harry of Wales – and Sara Herbert-Galloway,Michael Carrazza, you and me – humanity can make an impact.
In Greenwich, Connecticut, Prince Harry combined his passion for polo with his profound humanitarian work. He competed in a polo match to benefit Sentebale, the charity he co-founded for vulnerable children and AIDS orphans in Lesotho, Africa. The event, attended by global elites, highlighted his commitment to continuing the legacy of his mother, Princess Diana. His visit brought hope and significant support, aiding children both in distant Africa and locally in Connecticut, demonstrating the power of global compassion and leadership.
Facebook A royal visit with a profound purpose. Prince Harry’s polo match in Greenwich, Connecticut, was more than a game; it was a major fundraiser for Sentebale, his charity supporting vulnerable children and AIDS orphans in Lesotho. This piece reflects on his commitment to continuing Princess Diana’s humanitarian legacy and how the event helped children both in Africa and locally. #PrinceHarry #Sentebale #RoyalCharity #PoloForACause #Lesotho
Instagram Beyond the polo field and royal title lies a deep commitment to humanitarian work. Prince Harry’s visit to Greenwich, Connecticut, was for the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, benefiting the charity he co-founded for vulnerable children and AIDS orphans in Lesotho. A story of compassion, legacy, and global impact. #PrinceHarry #Sentebale #Humanitarian #Lesotho #Polo
X / Twitter From a polo field in Connecticut to supporting orphans in Africa. Prince Harry’s charity, Sentebale, highlights his work for vulnerable children in Lesotho. See how the event made a global impact. #PrinceHarry #Sentebale #RoyalCharity #Lesotho
LinkedIn The intersection of influence and social impact: Prince Harry’s Sentebale Polo Cup in Greenwich, CT, demonstrates how leadership can drive philanthropic success. The event raised crucial funds and awareness for vulnerable children and AIDS orphans in Lesotho, showcasing a model of effective, globally-minded charity. A compelling case study in modern philanthropy. #Philanthropy #SocialImpact #PrinceHarry #Sentebale #CorporateSocialResponsibility
BlueSky A closer look at Prince Harry’s philanthropic mission. His polo match in Connecticut supported Sentebale, the organization he founded to help vulnerable children and AIDS orphans in Lesotho. This story details the event and the lasting impact of his humanitarian work, carried out in the spirit of his mother, Princess Diana. #PrinceHarry #Sentebale #Lesotho #Humanitarian
New York, N.Y. — Ten years ago, Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden reached the point where she could no longer witness the appalling conditions of children around the world – especially child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. She took action and founded the World Childhood Foundation, known often as simply “Childhood.”
Today, the foundation has supported over 500 projects in fifteen countries, including Brazil, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine, and the U.S.
Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, Founder of the World Childhood Foundation. Photo: Stewardship Report / John Lee.
I heard Queen Silvia speak at the United Nations last week, was able to join a press conference with her, and then speak to her in person. What an incredible human being.
The Childhood Anniversary Symposium was built on the theme of the Articles of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which forms the basis for Childhood’s work. This year, UNCRC celebrates 20 years of enormous impact.
Her Majesty Queen Silvia believes strongly in both the Rights of the Child and the Swedish notion, “Fire Souls.” People whose passion to better the world burns within them.
The World Childhood Foundation has two primary functions: to act as a Silicon Valley-like incubator for small NGOs helping disadvantaged children to grow large and connect with better established organizations, and to serve as a royal magnet to attract additional funding to support them.
The Queen is particularly interested in Fire Souls, who – through their passion – have devoted their lives to helping children.
In her Opening Remarks in the ECOSOC Chamber, Queen Silvia said (excerpts):
“Ten years ago I had a vision, a dream to reach out to the world’s most vulnerable children. To give them a real childhood. I had seen them during my travels, I had met them in the favelas, I had read the shocking statistics on the sexual abuse of millions of children around the world.
Mats Agurén, secretary general of Childhood, Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, and Charlotte Brandin, executive director, Childhood USA at United Nations press conference. Photo credit: Stewardship Report / John Lee.
“I knew that there was a need, an urgent need, but I had not yet formulated a plan on what could be done. Together, with those who became my co-founders, we were able to make my vision a reality.
“Today I am proud to say that we together have built a solid structure working intensively to identify the most competent organizations with which to collaborate as well as the best practices to combat abuse and violence of children.
“And I also take pride in what Childhood has achieved in the past ten years. I know that we have made a difference for children around the world. Our efforts, projects and results will be explored during this symposium.
“Our project partners are what we call “fire souls” — people who burn with passion and commitment — people who have a strong belief in how to help and how to change the lives of street children, of children in institutions and of young mothers and sexually abused children.
“In all these different areas we identified committed partners who are compassionate and who with Childhood’s support and collaboration make a difference as they reach out to the most vulnerable children. Childhood is proud to provide that support.
“We often see the problems, the children who suffer, or statistics on children who have been exploited. At Childhood we see this as well.
But we also try to see the positive aspects – that we are able to help and that there, in the past ten years, have been positive changes in attitudes about children’s rights.
Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden. Photo credit: The Royal Court of Sweden / Bruno Ehrs.
“The sexual abuse of children or trafficking of children are crimes that today are well defined and governments cooperate in identifying the perpetrators as well as supporting initiatives to prevent child abuse.
“The Convention on the Rights of the Child is now high on the global agenda and there are few countries which have not ratified the convention.
“However, we must continue talking, because raising the awareness of the rights of the child is the most important challenge we face.
For the child to be seen, we adults need to see them, and we need to hear them.
“Let us therefore commemorate the upcoming anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child on November 20th by ensuring that everyone we work with is aware of the Convention and its contents. This can be done in many ways.
“In Childhood, we have chosen to highlight some of the articles of the Convention through very tangible, hands-on projects.
“We want to be close to the children and through our work show concrete examples and best practices.
“Many of our projects are run by small organizations that through their passion and dedication create models and methods – but which need support in illustrating and possibly replicating.
“Most of all, our work is about prevention. We need to ensure that the child is not at risk, that a child is not used as a product in the trafficking market and that the child always has access to trusted adults.
“In short we need to ensure that children have the right to a childhood in which they are allowed to grow in a natural way both physically and emotionally.
“We must also recognize the critical role of the private sector in our work. It has only been possible to achieve my vision to launch Childhood because of the commitment of private companies and family foundations.
“Without their compassion, their ability to see the need and their willingness to help fund our work, my vision could not have become a reality.
“It is also the collaboration between the private sector and our “fire souls” – that has enabled Childhood to reach out to the most vulnerable children of our world.”
A panel discussion with Childhood project and corporate partners – along with other representatives working with children at risk – focused on prevention and intervention approaches on how to spread public awareness about child sexual abuse and exploitation.
H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden with a little girl at a Childhood project in Russia. Photo credit: Jens Rötzsch.
The panel discussed how existing as well as new stakeholders can provide sustainable intervention strategies for the well-being and protection of children who are victims of this kind of abuse.
Some of the speakers are Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chairman, Carlson Co., Jenny Bowen, founder of Half the Sky in China, Natasha Jackson, GSMA Mobile Alliance, and Mats Agurén, Secretary General of World Childhood Foundation.
Childhood has a generous group co-founders, each of whom contribute $1 million dollars.
These include The Axel Johnson Group, The Barbro E. Heinz Family, The Charles B. Wang Foundation, The Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation, The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund, Heimbold Foundation, The Oriflame-af Jochnick Foundation, SAP AG, and Skandia.
Childhood has a focus on corporate responsibility and has over the last decade engaged a long list of corporate sponsors who have contributed not only through direct monetary donations, but through integrating Childhood into their advertising and branding strategies.
Major partner companies have each signed a three year cooperation contract with the foundation, working with Childhood in its cause-related issues. The Major Partners include Volvo.
Meeting Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, Founder of the World Childhood Foundation. Photo credit: Stewardship Report / John Lee.
During the press conference I addressed Her Majesty by stating that I wear two hats: I build orphanages and family care models around the world through Orphans International Worldwide, begun with the proceeds of my mother’s estate, and I write on Thought Leaders and Global Citizens, both of which epitomize the Queen.
She responded, “I can see your mother (child psychologist Frances D. Alleman-Luce) was a Fire Soul, and I see that you take after her.”
“We cannot do it alone, for the needs of children are a global issue. It is a global question of how best to respond. All of us – individuals, NGOs, governments – need to work together,” she told me.
The Queen, and her youngest daughter, Royal Highness Princess Madeleine, are part of the pantheon of royalty who care so much for humanity. Prince Albert. Princess Diana. The Aga Khan.
No Fire Soul that I have met burns more brightly than the Queen of Sweden.
The United Nations Office for Partnerships serves as a gateway for public-private partnerships with the United Nations system, in furtherance of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). UNOP provides Partnership Advisory Services and Outreach to a variety of entities, including academic institutions, companies, foundations, government agencies, and civil society organizations.
The Office encourages investment in high-impact initiatives by assisting in the design of programs and projects; helping establish and manage networks; advocating the use of the MDGs as a framework for action; and advising on UN procedures and best practices.
Furthermore, the Office manages the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships, established by the Secretary-General in 1998 to serve as the interface for the partnership between the U.N. system and the U.N. Foundation. This is the public charity responsible for administering Ted Turner’s $1 billion contribution in support of U.N. causes.
Summary
Ten years ago, Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden founded the World Childhood Foundation to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. Speaking at the United Nations, she celebrated supporting over 500 projects worldwide and honored passionate “Fire Souls” — dedicated leaders driven to ensure every child has a safe childhood. The foundation incubates innovative NGOs and attracts vital funding through royal and corporate partnerships.
TAGS: Queen Silvia, World Childhood Foundation, Fire Souls, child sexual abuse prevention, U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, child protection leaders, royal philanthropy
Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden has spent a decade fighting for the world’s most vulnerable children through the World Childhood Foundation. At the United Nations, she honored passionate “Fire Souls” — leaders whose inner flame drives them to protect children from abuse and exploitation. Supporting over 500 projects globally, Childhood incubates innovative NGOs and attracts critical funding. Every child deserves a safe childhood. Read more on LucePedia: www.stewardshipreport.org/wiki #QueenSilvia #FireSouls #ChildProtection #WorldChildhoodFoundation #ChildRights #UNCRC
Instagram Post
Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden speaking at the UN about “Fire Souls” — passionate leaders burning to protect children worldwide. Founded a decade ago, the World Childhood Foundation has supported 500+ projects against child sexual abuse and exploitation. A royal vision that turns compassion into action. 🔗 Full story on LucePedia (link in bio) #QueenSilvia #FireSouls #ChildProtection #WorldChildhoodFoundation #ChildRights #UNCRC
LinkedIn Post
Ten years ago, Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden transformed personal concern into global impact by founding the World Childhood Foundation. At a recent UN symposium, she spotlighted “Fire Souls” — passionate leaders dedicated to child protection and preventing sexual abuse and exploitation. The foundation acts as an incubator for emerging NGOs and leverages royal influence to secure corporate partnerships, supporting over 500 projects in 15 countries. A powerful example of purpose-driven leadership and public-private collaboration advancing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Explore the initiative on LucePedia: www.stewardshipreport.org/wiki #QueenSilvia #FireSouls #ChildProtection #WorldChildhoodFoundation #ChildRights #UNCRC
X / Twitter Post
Sweden’s Queen Silvia honors “Fire Souls” — passionate leaders protecting children from abuse. Her World Childhood Foundation has backed 500+ projects worldwide in 10 years. Royal leadership in child rights. Full story on LucePedia → www.stewardshipreport.org/wiki #QueenSilvia #FireSouls #ChildProtection #WorldChildhoodFoundation
BlueSky Post
Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden on “Fire Souls” — the passionate changemakers protecting children from sexual abuse & exploitation. A decade of impact through World Childhood Foundation: 500+ projects, 15 countries, innovative NGO incubation + corporate partnerships. Child rights need Fire Souls. Read on LucePedia: www.stewardshipreport.org/wiki #QueenSilvia #FireSouls #ChildProtection #WorldChildhoodFoundation #ChildRights
Princess Diana is positioned as a global icon of style, empathy, and cultural influence—a celebrity whose impact far transcended her royal title.
New York, N.Y. – In the heart of Paris, a city forever linked to her tragic end, Princess Diana has made a triumphant, and pointed, return. The Grèvin Museum, France’s answer to Madame Tussauds, has unveiled a new waxwork of the late Princess of Wales, capturing her not in a demure royal gown, but in the iconic “revenge dress”—a garment that symbolized her defiant reclamation of power and narrative at the zenith of her public humiliation.
The installation, far from the figures of the monarchy she left behind, serves as a potent, three-dimensional footnote in the ongoing reassessment of her complex legacy.
The Unveiling of an Icon, Not a Royal
The ceremony on Thursday, November 20, was rich with unspoken symbolism. The date marks the exact thirtieth anniversary of Diana’s explosive 1995 BBCPanorama interview, where she famously stated, “there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a little bit crowded” —a direct reference to Camilla Parker Bowles.
The original “revenge dress”: Princess Diana at the Serpentine Gallery in London on June 29, 1994. She wore the daring Christina Stambolian gown on the very night a television interview aired in which Prince Charles admitted to adultery.
This calculated timing transforms the waxwork from a mere tourist attraction into a statement of historical commentary.
A museum spokesperson described the date as a “sly reference” to that pivotal moment, acknowledging the intelligence of an audience still deeply familiar with the nuances of the House of Windsor’s most public crisis.
For the Grèvin Museum, which boasts a collection of over 200 figures, Diana was a conspicuous absence.
The institution had been in discussions with the Princess toward the end of her life, but her death in a Paris car crash on August 31, 1997, halted all plans.
“There was a sense of reverence, and perhaps trepidation, about creating a likeness so soon after the tragedy,” the spokesperson explained.
Now, with sufficient temporal distance and Diana’s legend firmly cemented in global culture, the museum felt the moment was right to introduce her to their halls, not as a tragic ghost, but as the vibrant, assertive woman she projected in that defining sartorial choice.
The Sculptor’s Daunting Task
The high-pressure commission fell to Paris-based master sculptor Laurent Mallamaci, whose previous subjects range from Beyoncé to Pope Francis. The challenge was immense: to create a likeness that would satisfy the exacting memories of millions of admirers and withstand the scrutiny of a media ever-eager to critique a Diana representation. Mallamaci and his team pored over hundreds of photographs and hours of film footage from the June 1994 Serpentine Gallery event, focusing not just on the dress’s structure, but on Diana’s demeanor—the slight, confident smile, the directness of her gaze, the way she carried herself with a newfound assurance.
“The objective was to capture a moment of metamorphosis,” Mallamaci noted in an interview. “This was not the shy ‘Shy Di’ of the early years. This was a woman stepping into her own power. The dress is the catalyst, but the expression, the posture—that is the true story. We worked for months to ensure the resin and wax conveyed the human resilience behind the glamour.” Every detail, from the precise shade of the sapphire-and-diamond choker she repurposed as a headband to the subtle, off-the-shoulder drape of the gown, was meticulously recreated, with the final product costing an estimated US$25,000 (€23,000) to produce.
A Garment That Shook a Monarchy
To understand the power of the waxwork, one must understand the cultural earthquake of the original garment. The dress, a sleek, off-the-shoulder black cocktail number by Greek designer Christina Stambolian, had been sitting in Diana’s closet for three years, deemed too daring for a future queen. But on the night of June 29, 1994, it became the perfect armor. As Prince Charles was on national television admitting his adultery with Camilla in a documentary authorized by Jonathan Dimbleby, Diana arrived at the Serpentine Gallery, a vision of stunning vitality and confidence.
The contrast could not have been more stark. While Charles’s confession was seen as staid and damaging, Diana’s appearance was a masterclass in non-verbal communication. The black silk crepe, form-fitting and daringly chic, screamed modernity and independence, a stark departure from the frilly, pastel outfits of her royal past. The British press immediately dubbed it the “revenge dress,” and it instantly entered the annals of fashion history as a weapon of soft power. “The gown became a statement of reclaimed self-assertion,” the Grèvin Museum stated, “a powerful image of determined femininity and renewed confidence.”
A Deliberate New Court
Time Magazine cover: Diana, Princess of Wales, “The People’s Princess,” 1987. Paper sculpture by Yulia Brodskaya. Image: Time Magazine.
Perhaps the most telling aspect of the new exhibition is its placement within the museum’s galleries.
The waxwork of King Charles III and his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, reside in a separate, stately hall dedicated to heads of state—a space of tradition and formal power.
Diana, however, has been installed in a vibrant section dedicated to fashion and entertainment.
She stands alongside figures like designer Jean Paul Gaultier and Franco-Malian pop sensation Aya Nakamura.
This curatorial decision is a profound declaration of Diana’s ultimate identity.
She is not presented as a member of the royal institution that defined, and then confined, her.
Instead, she is positioned as a global icon of style, empathy, and cultural influence—a celebrity whose impact far transcended her royal title.
She is among her true peers: those who shaped the global conversation through image, sound, and persona.
It is a posthumous liberation, visually severing her from the monarchy that failed to contain her and aligning her with the forces of modernity she came to represent.
An Enduring Legacy in Wax and Memory
The “revenge dress” waxwork is more than a new photo opportunity for tourists; it is a barometer of Diana’s enduring hold on the public imagination. In the years since her death, the narrative has steadily shifted, fueled by projects like the theatrical film The Queen, the Broadway play Diana, and the latest television series The Crown.
She is increasingly viewed through a lens of feminist reclamation—a woman who battled an unfeeling institution, bulimia, and profound loneliness to find her own voice and use her platform for revolutionary humanitarian work, from H.I.V./AIDS advocacy to landmine removal.
“Princess Diana is one of the 36 Global Role Models we have raised our children with over the last 25 years,” stated Jim Luce, founder of Orphans International Worldwide. “Her unique power was in making empathy actionable,” Luce elaborated. “We didn’t just teach our children about her fame, but about her methodology: the intentional, often controversial causes she championed, from H.I.V./AIDS to landmines, demonstrated that true leadership involves going where the need is greatest, not where the spotlight is most comfortable. She modeled that ‘your influence is your greatest currency, and you must spend it on those the world has forgotten.'”
The Grèvin Museum’s latest addition taps directly into this modern interpretation. It freezes in time not a victim, but a victor of a specific, brutal media battle. It acknowledges that three decades later, the story of the woman in the black dress still resonates more powerfully than the official narratives of palaces and kings. As visitors now line up to stand beside her determined gaze and iconic silhouette, they are not just commemorating a princess; they are bearing witness to a moment a woman took back her story, ensuring it would be told on her terms for generations to come.
Nearly three decades after her death, Princess Diana’s story continues to captivate. The Grèvin Museum in Paris has unveiled a new waxwork, immortalizing her in the famous “revenge dress” she wore in 1994 after Prince Charles admitted to infidelity. The installation places her among fashion and music icons, deliberately separate from the royal family. This strategic presentation underscores her enduring status not as a passive victim, but as a symbol of reclaimed identity and resilient femininity, ensuring her narrative remains a powerful force in popular culture.
Facebook: She’s back, and she’s still making a statement. The Grèvin Museum in Paris has unveiled a stunning new waxwork of Princess Diana, capturing her in the legendary “revenge dress.” Discover the powerful symbolism behind this new installation and why Diana is placed far from the other royals. A must-read for anyone fascinated by her enduring legacy. #PrincessDiana #RevengeDress #RoyalFamily
Instagram: (Image description: A photo of the new waxwork) The People’s Princess, redefined. ✨ The Grèvin Museum in Paris has just unveiled this powerful new waxwork of Princess Diana, immortalizing her in the iconic “revenge dress.” Every detail, from her confident gaze to the famous off-the-shoulder silhouette, tells a story of reclaimed power and identity. Swipe up in our story to read more about this incredible tribute. #PrincessDiana #RevengeDress #LadyDi #FashionIcon #Paris #GrevinMuseum
X/Twitter: Paris waxwork museum unveils Princess Diana in the “revenge dress”—a deliberate snub to the royal narrative? Placed away from Charles and the Queen, the figure celebrates her as a pop culture icon. The power of a dress, 30 years later. #LadyDi #RoyalScandal [Link to article]
LinkedIn: The Grèvin Museum’s new waxwork of Princess Diana offers a masterclass in personal branding and narrative reclamation. Analyzing the strategic presentation of the “revenge dress” figure provides insights into legacy management, cultural influence, and how public figures can harness symbolism. A fascinating case study in reputation and resilience. #PersonalBranding #Leadership #CulturalImpact #PrincessDiana
BlueSky: New post: The Grèvin Museum in Paris has a new star. They’ve unveiled a waxwork of Princess Diana in the iconic “revenge dress,” a garment that symbolized her defiance. The curation is telling—she’s with fashion and music icons, not the royals. A powerful, posthumous statement. #PrincessDiana #RoyalFamily #FashionHistory [Link to article]
