Who is Buddy Dyer? | The Mayor of Orlando 2026

John Hugh “Buddy” Dyer was born on August 7, 1958, in Orlando, Florida, and raised in nearby Kissimmee. He graduated from Osceola High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in civil engineering from Brown University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the University of Florida Law Review and was a member of the Florida Blue Key honor society.

Before entering politics, Dyer worked as an environmental engineer and later as an attorney.

Florida State Senate (1992–2002)

Dyer was elected to the Florida Senate (District 14) in 1992 and served until 2002. His colleagues elected him Senate Democratic Leader for the final three years of his tenure. In 2002, he ran unsuccessfully for Florida Attorney General.

Mayor of Orlando (2003–present)

Dyer was elected the 48th (and current) Mayor of Orlando in a special election on February 25, 2003, following Glenda Hood’s resignation (he took office in March 2003). He has been re-elected five times and is now in his sixth full term, which runs through January 10, 2028. He is Orlando’s longest-serving mayor.

Notable Events and Controversies

In 2005, Dyer and others faced (and later had dismissed) felony charges related to a state law on absentee-ballot collection; he was briefly suspended by Gov. Jeb Bush but returned to office.

He supported a 2006 city ordinance restricting large group feedings in downtown parks (aimed partly at addressing homelessness concerns); it was struck down in federal court as unconstitutional.

No major unresolved personal or ethical scandals appear in recent credible reporting.

Personal Life

Dyer was married to attorney Karen Caudill Dyer from 1989 until their divorce in 2017; she passed away in 2022 after battling a brain tumor. They have two sons, Trey (John Hugh Dyer III) and Drew. Dyer remarried Susie Pinson Galloway Shields in 2021 and is a grandfather to Forrest. He has noted the family tradition of generational male-line nicknames (his father was “Butch”).

Hasan Piker and CodePink's Susan Medea Benjamin Subpoenaed by Trump Treasury Over Cuba Sanctions Violations

Hasan Piker and CodePink co-founder Susan Medea Benjamin have been subpoenaed by the U.S. Treasury as part of a probe into potential Cuban sanctions violations. In March 2026, they participated in the Nuestra América Convoy, which allegedly delivered aid to Cubans living under a dictatorial regime. Questions surrounding Piker's stay at a five-star hotel amid widespread blackouts, as well as his documentary, "The American War Against Cuba", which blames U.S. sanctions for the island's crises, have raised concerns about possible violations. Critics have also pointed to the documentary's pro-Cuba and anti-American bias.

Activism Driven By Familial Wealth

Hasan Piker, like many progressive social media creators, has benefited from living under a capitalist system with some nepotism; however, he often portrays capitalism as entirely harmful. Coming from a wealthy Turkish family that understands the difficulties of living among violent Islamic extremists, Hasan Piker instead focuses heavily on promoting a progressive academic narrative that often depicts white men as inherently oppressive or racist. Ironically, he speaks of socialism positively and defends it fervently just as his wealthy uncle who runs The Young Turks, Cenk Uygur. With their wealth they have been able to expand their holdings and their rhetoric.

Piker speaks about the proletariat, but lives in a West Hollywood home that was purchased on August 13, 2021, for $2.74 million. At the time of the sale, the property featured five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. Today, the home is estimated to be worth approximately $3.725 million. His net worth has exploded in recent years with expert estimates suggesting his wealth to be around $9 million in May 2026. This raises questions about his intentions regarding his trip to Cuba with Susan Medea Benjamin, who comes from a wealthy real estate development dynasty and is the President of The Benjamin Fund (EIN 84-1618483), an organization estimated to have held approximately $48 million in assets in 2022.

Nuestra América Convoy

Hasan Piker and Susan Medea Benjamin traveled to Cuba under the organization CodePink to allegedly document conditions and provide aid to Cubans suffering from unreliable access to electricity and infrastructure issues. During their trip, they conducted interviews with local residents; however, many critics argued that Hasan Piker’s film, "The American War Against Cuba", presented a heavily biased narrative. Critics claimed that the footage was selectively edited and that many of the interviews reflected a strong anti-American perspective. 

According to those critics, the documentary notably lacked meaningful criticism of the Cuban government or its policies. This led some viewers to argue that the film functioned more as political propaganda than as balanced journalism. Others also questioned whether the documentary adequately represented the broader range of opinions held by ordinary Cuban citizens, particularly dissidents and critics of the regime. Few defended the film as being examples of how the Cuban people feel about the United States embargo.

During the Nuestra América Convoy, several blackouts occurred in Cuba. However, the CodePink team, Hasan Piker, and Susan Medea Benjamin were unaffected. In one scene, you could see CodePink's crew enjoying themselves with music and drinks while the neighborhood around them was pitch black.

The electricity was available at the five-star hotel they were staying at while those in surrounding barrios were in darkness. The Iberostar Marqués de la Torre is a five-star hotel that Hasan Piker claimed was chosen because it was not owned by the Cuban government, but instead Spanish investors. Piker and Benjamin defended their actions, claiming that this was one of the few options that complied with U.S. sanctions on Cuba.

Hasan Piker and Susan Medea Benjamin faced serious criticism by Cuban democracy activists while many progressive supporters defended their documentary and alleged humanitarian efforts.

Treasury OFAC Subpoena on Hasan Piker and Susan Medea Benjamin

As a result of this, it is reported that the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued administrative subpoenas—formally called “Requests for Information” (RFI)—to streamer Hasan Piker (HasanAbi) and CODEPINK co-founder Susan Medea Benjamin (and as part of a broader dragnet involving up to 40 American citizens) on May 23, 2026.

These subpoenas were issued as part of a federal investigation by Treasury, State, and Justice Department officials into whether the recipients and other activists violated long-standing U.S. Cuba sanctions laws (specifically the Cuban Asset Control Regulations) through the financing, coordination, or delivery of goods during their participation in the mid-March 2026 “Nuestra América Convoy” (also called “Our America Convoy”), a mission that allegedly brought ~650 delegates from 33 countries and 120 organizations to Havana to deliver approximately 20 tons of humanitarian supplies to Cuba’s ruling Communist Party and government entities, with possible contacts with Cuban officials and stays at foreign-owned hotels such as the Iberostar Marqués de la Torre.

The RFIs specifically demand financial, logistical, travel, and communications records related to the trips (which the participants publicly bragged about on social media and streams), with no criminal charges filed to date and the probe framed by officials as routine sanctions enforcement while Piker and Benjamin have called it an attempt to criminalize humanitarian aid.

United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, SLAMS Cuban Regime On Cuban independence Day Leaving Trump Open To Cuban Intervention

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this morning, May 20, 2026, delivered a scathing rebuke of the Cuban regime and its lack of progress for the Cuban people. Rubio highlighted the island’s economic failures under the Castro-era system and argued that corruption within the regime has continued to expand while ordinary Cubans suffer through worsening economic limitations. He stated that Cubans deserve the same opportunities enjoyed by Cuban Americans living in Florida and throughout the United States, placing President Donald Trump at the center of growing discussions surrounding possible U.S. involvement and policy expansion toward Cuba and the Caribbean.

In Rubio’s video message, he specifically referenced how, in 1902, the Cuban flag flew for the first time over an independent Cuba in resistance to Castilian rule and foreign domination. He contrasted that historic moment with modern-day Cuba, where many citizens continue to suffer under the current regime. Rubio publicly expressed support for the Cuban people not only in spirit, but through potential direct U.S. assistance aimed at helping secure a better future for the island. He described the ongoing blackouts as unacceptable for a nation in the Americas while, according to his remarks, wealthy Cuban elites control approximately $18 billion in assets tied to nearly 70% of the Cuban economy through the military-linked conglomerate GAESA.

Prior to Rubio’s remarks, Cuban leadership had engaged in increasingly confrontational rhetoric, arguing that the country has the right to defend itself against foreign pressure. While that argument is valid from a sovereignty standpoint, critics contend that the government has focused more on preserving its political pride against the United States than addressing the worsening conditions faced by ordinary Cubans. The island’s blackouts continue to damage the economy and deepen the country’s recessionary conditions. At the same time, broader geopolitical tensions, including complications surrounding the U.S.–Iran conflict and disruptions in global energy markets, are contributing to unstable fuel supplies throughout Cuba and parts of the Caribbean.

In 2023 and 2024, Cuba’s economy contracted by 1.9% and 1.1%, respectively. Energy shortages and weak tourism performance were among the primary causes of the decline. Chronic shortages of medical supplies and humanitarian aid have further strained hospitals and recovery efforts across the country, while limited access to international financing has constrained Cuba’s economic potential under its state-dominated system. Although the United States embargo remains in place, the Cuban leadership has continued to mismanage the economy and plunge much of the population into worsening poverty and instability.

Cuba’s dependence on oil cannot be overstated. The Communist Party has struggled to successfully modernize the island’s energy infrastructure or significantly expand solar and wind alternatives, leaving the country heavily reliant on oil-based energy production. Domestic oil production has remained relatively stagnant despite rising global oil prices. Estimates suggest Cuba produces between 24,000 and 40,000 barrels of oil per day while importing more than 110,000 barrels daily, a dependency made even more difficult by sanctions and trade restrictions connected to the embargo. Renewable energy sources account for only approximately 3.6% of the country’s total energy production.

Meanwhile, reports indicate increasing U.S. military activity throughout the Caribbean and near the Florida Straits. According to recent reporting, an MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone has been operating off the coast of Cuba since at least February 2026. Additional reports have also confirmed the presence of U.S. destroyers and active Coast Guard units throughout the northern Caribbean. U.S. Southern Command has maintained a heightened regional presence following the reported extraction of Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela.

Cuba remains central to broader U.S. strategic concerns regarding security and stability throughout the Caribbean region. However, the question now facing Havana is whether the Cuban government will allow its current system to collapse under mounting economic pressure, political unrest, and growing international scrutiny. Marco Rubio is correct in exposing Cuba's issues, and it may be time for the Cuban people to call for a change.

Mamdani’s Twisted Priorities: Focusing on "Bigotry" While Dodging Islamic Terror at Gracie Mansion

OPINION- In a press conference that will live in infamy, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the “Gracie Bombing” with the moral clarity of a man reading from two different scripts. An anti-Islam protest organized by Jake Lang outside the mayor’s official residence turned chaotic when two men hurled improvised explosive devices at the crowd. The attackers, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, traveled from Pennsylvania, allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS, and hoped to top the Boston Marathon bombing. NYPD and federal prosecutors are charging them with ISIS-inspired terrorism—yet Mamdani’s first instinct was not to name radical Islam.

Instead, the mayor opened by branding the protest “a vile protest rooted in white supremacy” and “rooted in bigotry and racism.” He called it appalling. Only then, almost as an afterthought, did he condemn the violence that actually put lives at risk. He did pause to affirm that even those he abhors have a “sacred” right to peaceful protest—effectively patting "white supremacists" on the head while the chaos from Islamist IEDs that failed still lingered in his own neighborhood.

Conveniently absent from Mamdani’s remarks: any mention that the bombers were Muslim. No condemnation of the ideology that radicalized them. No acknowledgment that the very protest he smeared as racist was warning against the exact threat that was just about to explode on his doorstep. As the city’s first Muslim mayor, he had a golden opportunity to draw a bright line between peaceful Muslim New Yorkers and the jihadists who tried to maim their critics. He chose selective silence.

This is more than tone-deaf. It’s dangerous. When Islamist terrorists attack Americans exercising their First Amendment rights, the response cannot begin with lectures about “white supremacy.” New York’s communities and especially Latino communities—large, vibrant, and often on the front lines of urban crime and terror threats—deserve better than a mayor who prioritizes identity politics over public safety.

If local leadership refuses to call radical Islam by its name, perhaps it’s time for federal intervention. Donald Trump may indeed need to step in to protect all New Yorkers from the very ideology Mamdani refuses to confront. Free speech is sacred. So is the truth.

Donald Trump and Latinos: Opportunities for Impact in his Second Term

Donald Trump has made notable inroads in gaining support for the Republican Party among Latino Americans. Now that he is the President of the United States, I hope to see him implement policies that benefit Latinos and all Americans. Early in his presidency, I was not among his supporters, but he won me over during the COVID era. His focus on issues like cartel violence, the effects of undocumented immigration on housing, reducing regulations for small businesses, and promoting tax cuts resonated deeply with me. As he returns to office, fulfilling these commitments will be critical to meeting the expectations of Latino Americans who supported him.

Shifting the Latino Vote: Cartel Violence and Immigration Policy

Traditionally, Democrats have secured Latino support by emphasizing immigration reform and accusing Republicans of being anti-immigrant. However, Trump’s firm stance against cartel violence has started to shift that narrative. The Democratic Party’s focus on immigration without addressing the root causes, like cartel influence in Latin America, has alienated some Latino voters. Today, we have unprecedented access to information, and many of us witness the brutal atrocities of cartels through our smartphones. This makes the Democrats’ reluctance to take a hard stance against organized crime seem disconnected from reality.

For instance, dismissing Republicans as racist for discussing cartel violence and its links to illegal immigration misses the mark. Trump’s messaging has emphasized eliminating cartel violence and working with Latin American nations, like Perú and El Salvador, to achieve this goal. By addressing the root causes of migration, Trump has an opportunity to slow undocumented immigration effectively, rather than offering temporary fixes like lenient immigration laws.

Housing prices have skyrocketed, creating a nationwide housing crisis, and undocumented immigration has exacerbated the issue. Increasing demand for housing—particularly affordable housing—due to undocumented populations has strained resources for citizens and legal residents. Democrats have avoided addressing this, but Trump can champion a more realistic approach that benefits all Americans.

Supporting Small Businesses and the American Dream

Small business ownership is another area where legal migrants, particularly Latinos, thrive. My father, a migrant from Peru, is a prime example. He built a small business and earned his American citizenship through hard work. Stories like his highlight the importance of creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Trump can reignite the American Dream by removing unnecessary fees and simplifying the process of starting a business. The U.S. economy desperately needs rejuvenation, especially after the missteps of Joe Biden’s presidency. While business ownership has grown under Biden, much of that growth can be attributed to the simplified tax code passed during Trump’s first term. By revising the tax code further and streamlining the corporate tax process, Trump could create an unprecedented boom in small business development.

A Need for Permanent and Fair Tax Reform

While Trump’s tax changes benefited corporations, the temporary nature of the personal income tax cuts was a missed opportunity. Moving forward, his proposals to abolish the IRS or eliminate the income tax altogether, though ambitious, would be transformative. A more practical step, however, would be simplifying the tax brackets to three or four, with a maximum marginal rate of 5%. A permanent increase to the standard deduction would especially help low-income families who don’t itemize.

The tax code is overly complicated, and Trump must prioritize its overhaul, ensuring simplicity and fairness for all Americans.

The Path to Success

If Donald Trump secures another term, he has the potential to significantly impact the nation—particularly for Latino Americans. However, he must deliver on his promises to cement their continued support. While he can pressure Congress to act, Americans have little trust in the legislative branch. For Trump to succeed, he must not only push Congress but also inspire bipartisan cooperation to prioritize Americans’ needs over partisan agendas.

For Latinos and Americans alike, we need Donald Trump to succeed. His leadership in tackling issues like cartel violence, undocumented immigration, housing, and small business growth could ensure a brighter future for all. Donald Trump can cement himself as the best president of the 21st century if he can successfully fulfill these expectations.

Should Joe Biden Face Impeachment and Removal from Office?

OPINION - As the political landscape continues to evolve, debates on President Joe Biden’s performance and his potential impeachment have gained significant traction. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the arguments surrounding this hotly disputed topic. 

Critics argue that under President Biden’s tenure, the national debt has skyrocketed, jeopardizing the financial future of the United States. While it is true that the debt continues to expand, it is important to acknowledge that deficits have shown a downward trend in recent studies, suggesting small progress in managing the economy. Additionally, inflation rates on food are a complex issue, influenced by a multitude of factors beyond any single administration’s control. Gradual wage increases, though some may perceive them as inadequate, are yet another point of contention. 

One of the most contentious aspects involving President Biden is the alleged financial scandals surrounding his son, Hunter Biden. It is crucial to approach this with objectivity and recognize that such allegations remain under investigation. While it is understandable that concerns may arise due to potential conflicts of interest, it is essential to remember that the president cannot be directly held accountable for his adult son’s actions or struggles. 

To impeach and remove a sitting US president, there must be clear evidence of high crimes and misdemeanors – a necessary but challenging threshold. At present, no concrete evidence has emerged to warrant President Biden’s impeachment. Yet, there may be some key concerns that stem from Hunter Biden's deals with Chinese officials and the federal complaints that surround his taxes. Impeachment proceedings should be approached with caution and backed by substantial evidence to prevent undermining the democratic process. 

While criticisms are inherent in any political discourse, it is crucial to separate subjective opinions from factual evidence when evaluating President Joe Biden’s tenure and considering impeachment. Debates surrounding national debt, inflation rates, wages, and allegations against Hunter Biden must be approached with an open mind, relying on credible information. As we navigate these divisive times, the importance of engaging in well-informed discussions cannot be overstated, as it is only through such debates that we can collectively shape the future of our nation.

What charges, if any, should be brought on President Joe Biden?

Donald Trump Released His Taxes And Why It Doesn't Matter...

OPINION - Donald Trump was berated by the democrats and progressives in the United States for not releasing his taxes. People were assuming he was trying to hide his taxes and what he does but he has been transparent about his taxes since his 2016 Presidential Campaign. The fixation of the mainstream media on Trump's taxes amounted to nothing substantial. Not only did the release of his taxes reveal to us that he paid his required taxes, but also it revealed that the hate-mongering by the Democrats was completely unneeded.

Trump's taxes are not important and were never important. He has stated on the campaign trail that he has paid his taxes and utilized losses to his advantage. On one hand, we have Democrats calling Trump a failed businessman for having bankruptcies and losses, but it turns out he and his advisers are well-versed in tax policy. Trump, like many other business people in the US, paid his taxes and used the benefits and deductions that people like Hillary Clinton supported. The tax policy was written by the same politicians who dislike Donald Trump.

This endeavor to get Trump to release his taxes has nothing to do with transparency and everything to do with a political witch hunt against an individual who has hired tax professionals to lower his taxable income. Essentially, they are mad that Trump does what the vast majority of tax filers do; they look for the best way to lower their taxable income. Basically, this wasn't just a political witch hunt against Donald Trump, this was an attack on American citizens who pay taxes.

Democrats are not after transparency, they are after your money as the hard workers you are. Every single American wants to pay fewer taxes, Donald Trump isn't special in that.

US Lifting Some Travel Restrictions For Covid

The United States has finally begun relaxing its Covid restrictions regarding international travel and it seems that the authoritarian limitations have been somewhat relaxed for the time being. As Covid cases fall, more countries will be looking to liberalize their trading efforts to begin the process of accepting more tourists and other travelers into their country's.

Under the new restrictions, travelers still must show proof of negative Covid test and must also be "fully vaccinated" before taking their flight into the United States. Children are not required to be vaccinated but they must return a negative Covid test traveling by air. Children 2 and under are exempt from both requirements. Land travel from Mexico or Canada will only require proof of vaccination.

Beginning Today (Monday, November 8, 2021),

Travel bans from specific countries have now been lifted. These countries include:

Mexico

Canada

United Kingdom (for European Travelers).

Many other European Nations.

The new policies come after over a year in a half of harsh travel limitations during the China Virus outbreak of 2019/2020 that has devastated the entire globe, with no repercussions against the Chinese regime. Many other European countries and other allies are still pressuring countries to open up to expand trade efforts, however, some nations are still very cautious about liberating their people out of fear of another mutation.

Joe Biden Losing Young Latino Support

 

The relationship between the Latino community and Joe Biden seems to worsen over time. Data from Civiqs reveals a long downward trend in Joe Biden's approval rating, especially among young Latino voters across the United States. Will this trend last for Joe Biden?

Joe Biden's support among Latino voters aged 18-34 was very positive, sitting around 30% for the first few months of his presidency. Some scandals clouded Joe Biden's support, such as the ongoing detainment of unaccompanied minors in federal custody. Yet, Biden was able to sign the American Rescue Plan that bolstered his support. It seemed Biden held off any fall in support with many in the mainstream padding his blunders, for now. 

As his presidency unfolded later into the year, net support for Joe Biden fell to 16% for young Latinos. There are many reasons as to what contributed to the fall in support. The failure in Afghanistan, and DACA recipient's legal status still being in immigration limbo, are hotbed issues for some Latino communities. Net support for Joe Biden is still positive, but if the trend continues on its current path, net support for Biden may fall into the negatives before the 2022 midterms. Biden currently retains a support base with the elderly. Support among elderly Latinos across the country remains positive. 

With the rise of the Taliban, the climb of ISIS-K, and a rocky relationship with France, Biden will have a tough time retaining support among independents and even some Democrats for the time being. Overwhelmingly, Democrats continue to support Joe Biden, but independent voters and centrists are moving away from Biden's strict authoritarian policies regarding covid. Democrats seem to be in a political bubble as the country progressively disapproves of Joe Biden.

What do you think about Joe Biden's job so far?

Joe Biden Demands National Vaccine Mandate

Joe Biden, by decree, has issued a national vaccine mandate for Covid-19 related infections in the United States for federal employees. This vaccine mandate has been highly criticized by many for being an overreach of executive power. Biden has also suggested that the Department of Labor enforce stricter policies where some people have questioned the reasoning behind discriminating against the unvaccinated. Some others have praised this attack on American Civil Liberties.

In a bazaar speech by the president, Joe Biden, Thursday afternoon on national television, accosted the public for unvaccinated people still being able to walk the streets of America. "Our patience is wearing thin..." Joe Biden said during this speech, digging deeper against the people who dare exercise some level of medical autonomy. Biden has issued new rules with his vaccine mandates that affect Federal employees. He is expanding the policy where federal employees (except for particular agencies and organizations like USPS) must be vaccinated while firing the unvaccinated.

Joe Biden had also demanded that private organizations with more than 100 employees enforce these Covid-19 vaccine mandates while telling smaller businesses to apply stricter policies for Covid-19. The vaccine mandate from the Department of Labor declares that all employees must be vaccinated or else the organization will face some consequences with no exceptions. The impact will affect over 100 million US workers in businesses with 100 employees or more. There is no telling how many US Citizens will be affected by this for years to come. 

Joe Biden has told organizations and public agencies to become stricter with their covid-19 policies while effectively subverting Congress to push mandates at the federal level. Other agencies like the FAA have also increased fines against those who refuse to wear masks when traveling in airplanes and other vehicles. Republicans have declared that they will sue Joe Biden and Joe Biden stated: "Have at it." Essentially welcoming the challenge to, what some would say, his authoritarian policies.

Some fear a rise in a medical police state is upon us and that Joe Biden is a threat to the American way of life. What do you think? Do you support these federal vaccine mandates and declarations?

Planet 13 Cannabis MegaStore Coming To Florida!

Here in Orlando, Florida, we are no stranger to flying past Cloud 9, but it seems that a new green planet is closer to us than we realize. Scientists have discovered that a new celestial body is heading right towards us to provide us with some fresh chronic that's out of this world, Planet 13. It is also coming to some other major cities in Florida that should also stay wary.

Planet 13, a Nevada-based cannabis company, has decided to open up multiple cannabis dispensary superstores in the State of Florida as the state slowly opens up its market to the cannabis industry. The cannabis company has paid roughly $55 Million for licenses and certifications to operate within Florida. The cannabis industry in Florida generates $1.9 billion in revenue and has expected to climb as tourism rates return and people move to the Sunshine State. The cities on the hit list in Florida include Orlando, Tampa, and Miami; Expected to open doors sometime within a year.

Planet 13 is one of many other businesses that are expanding their operations in the state. The Florida cannabis industry is slowly liberalizing, yet companies are eager to set up shop in Florida, which has paved the way to further legalization. Cannabis has yet to be recreationally legal, but the medical cannabis industry has been pushing for legalization, which Floridians support. 

A recreationally legal Florida Cannabis industry sounds like a good time to me. Do you support legal cannabis in Florida, or should it remain medicinal?

Liberty Is Under Attack

Liberty is under attack in the United States as many people are calling for vaccine passports and other authoritarian mandates for the Covid-19 virus and its variants. Sometimes under pressure, the public is prone to giving up their liberties for some level of feeling secure, which can lead to tyranny in the end. 

People took the opportunity during the pandemic to learn to become self-sufficient. Yet, the government wants to limit your growth with lockdowns. The powers that control this nation want to fundamentally change what we view as normal and acceptable in society. 

Mainstream narratives would convince the public to discriminate against the unvaccinated people and deem it acceptable to push legislation that segregates these people for the sake of public safety. It has been in practice in history with other harmful diseases, except the level of government control will likely become progressively more severe. We take a stand to protect our communities from strict government overreach and support people who have the right to choose to wear a mask or get vaccinated. We continue to defend liberty.

6th SpaceX Starlink Mission Scheduled For Next Week In Florida

SpaceX has provided details on their upcoming Starlink mission which will be launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 reusable-rocket. If conditions allow, Brigadier General Doug Schiess has stated that SpaceX will be permitted to launch from Florida if they follow social distancing procedures.

Citizens were concerned about this particular launch due to the ongoing health pandemic that has ravaged the country and the global community. The coronavirus has halted many manufacturing businesses throughout Florida and social distancing policies have led to some communities overpacking for resources that have strained some supply lines. “We believe we can execute the Starlink mission with no degradation to resource protection or public safety,” Schiess said.

SpaceX has a current expected launch date for April 16th from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. SpaceX will be launching 60-Starlink satellites as the GPS 3 launch for the US Space Force will be postponed for a later launch date. 

National Guard Deployed In Florida To Assist With Test Distribution

The National Guard has deployed combat medics to assist with COVID-19's test distribution. This comes as more people are becoming infected in the state of Florida and Governor Ron DeSantis pushes for more restrictions to quell the spread of the virus, including curfews.

Orlando, Florida - National Guard setting
up drive-thru cones for coronavirus testing
Credit -  Eddie Melendez

Videos and images are coming from social media users asking questions about why the National Guard has been deployed in some areas in Florida. Ron DeSantis stated that the National Guard would be deployed in some areas earlier this month. The National Guard is reportedly setting up drive-through COVID-19 testing sites due to the expected large increase in active cases throughout the country. Many drivers have already gone through these checkpoints in many counties. Ron DeSantis has stated that these sites would have above 80 National Guardsmen with multiple separate lanes and at least one of those lanes will be used for first responders. Reportedly, 400 have already been tested in Broward County.

At these sites, there will primarily be combat medics, memorial physicians and medical technicians to assist in test collection. The Florida Highway Patrol will also be assisting them in some locations. The test will be provided to those who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 and meet their criteria, some locations may have different criteria based on CDC guidelines. The test results could take 3 days unless more efficient tests have been approved by the FDA.

Some speculate that the Florida National Guard will also allow combat medics to directly treat those with illnesses if hospitals are unable to bring enough care. There are also rumors that the National Guard is imposing martial law, that however, has not been confirmed by any sources.

Pete Buttigieg May Have Won Iowa Caucus After Shadow Inc. Mishap

The Democrat Iowa caucus results have been finally released after delays since Monday, February 3rd, due to a mobile app malfunction. This mobile app is owned by a business known as Shadow Incorporated, which has alleged ties to Pete Buttigieg and Hillary Clinton.

Democrats throughout the country were concerned over the past week over accusations that the Democrats in Iowa were manipulating the results of the Iowa caucus. Both the supporters of Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg have accused each other of cheating and manipulating the results. Many other states who are running Democrat Party caucuses have even stated that they will no longer be using this new app. The CEO of Shadow Inc. has released a public announcement stating that "We sincerely regret the delay in the reporting of the results of last night's Iowa Caucuses and the uncertainty it has caused to the candidates, their campaigns, and Democratic caucus-goers." He went on to say, "... our process to transmit [the] caucus results data generated via the app to the IDP was not [sound and accurate]."

The Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity division stated that "at this time, we have no reporting of any malicious cyber activity." The Iowa Democrat Chairman has since apologized for the entire mishap. Since the mishap began and more accurate data came forward, Pete Buttigieg has repeated that he was the winner of the Iowa caucus before the final results were ever released. Bernie Sanders has also declared victory before the results were released. The DNC Chairman Tom Perez has also previously called for a recanvass of the Iowa caucus, amid the accuracy of votes concerns during the Shadow Inc. debacle.

As a final result of all that has occurred, the results are in at 99% with one precinct left to gather votes and Pete Buttigieg has possibly won the Democrat Iowa caucus by a .1% spread over Bernie Sanders according to current numbers.

At the time of this writing here are the top 3 candidates from the Iowa caucus:

1. Pete Buttigieg at 26.2% with 564 State Delegate Equivalents.
2. Bernie Sanders at 26.1% with 562 S.D.E.'s
3. Elizabeth Warren at 18% with 387 S.D.E.'s
4. Joseph Biden at 15.8% with 341 S.D.E.'s

The other candidates received a total of 13.9% with 264 S.D.E's, one precinct at the time of this writing has not been reported on.

NOTE:*These numbers may be subject to change in the future as the recanvass commences. Some say we may get the final results of the New Hampshire nomination before Iowa's is officially completed.

Is Antifa A Terrorist Organization?

(OPINION) - There is no question that many of our readers know who the Antifa are, and there's a lot of people suggesting that we should classify their group as a terrorist organization. In many ways, I can support that sentiment, and in others, it would be tough to classify them as such.

There are a lot of things to consider when characterizing a group as a terrorist organization. Naturally, just by the general definition of terrorism and the FBI's description of domestic terrorism, we can see a great deal of violence coming from Antifa groups against people who peacefully support the United States President, Donald Trump, and these attacks are inspired by political motives. These attacks include throwing "milkshakes" at people, throwing cement at commuters, and outright violent confrontations with other protesters where weapons such as hammers, crowbars and other blunt objects are used. For some Antifa members, the political motive is due to having a "white nationalist" president and opposing him, others are more directly opposed to our current economic system as they support blatant anti-capitalist values. Of course, these attacks on people are not justified but are they uniform or are they organized?

We can view some of their attacks, where they unjustly attacked people, as an act of domestic terrorism, not extreme violent terrorism that has led to mass murder but politically-inspired assaults. Generally speaking, most individuals who claim they are Antifa are just riding the bandwagon. This doesn't mean their concerns are not just but it does suggest that they are easily influenced by organized Antifa rhetoric. Not every single member of the Antifa participate in these attacks, but many within their ranks condone these attacks. The 'organized' Antifa members or those who allegedly may have gained their funds from rich donors are the primary suspects for the violence and this has naturally created a wedge between the moderate left and far-left, even within the Democratic Party. Most Antifa groups tend to not be organized; in fact, many are locally grown communities and they tend to be "leaderless" even though they do have public speakers who represent said local Antifa groups.

These leaderless groups are not classified as a registered organization, and if the US Federal authorities were to try and declare them as such, they may inadvertently place innocent Antifa protesters in the crosshairs of a nasty political war. It would be tough to classify them as a terrorist organization with no leader and no real chain of command. This doesn't suggest that they can't be arrested but it's a slippery slope to classify them all as a domestic terrorist threat, and if we do classify them as such their ranks will grow as they continue to spread misinformation through social media sites.

There is no question that Antifa engages in terrorist actions, and so far they have not directly resulted in mass murder as a collective but I think it's important to monitor the groups further as a possible Homegrown Violent Extremist (HVE) threat. I do consider them to be far-left wing terrorists, however, we must be certain to separate the militant Antifa group from the peaceful protesters who oppose Donald Trump. We need to be certain of whom we are classifying and if we target them all, this will lead to a far worse unintended consequence.

China Leaks US Diplomat's Private Information Amid Hong Kong Protests

As protests in Hong Kong persists over China slowly encroaching on Hong Kong's relative sovereignty, which will last until 2047, Pro-Beijing media outlets leaning with the Communist Party of China have recently disclosed private information of a US Diplomat, Julie Eadeh, amid tensions coming from the trade war and accusations of foreign manipulation regarding these protests.

Ta Kung Pao, a pro-Beijing newspaper, published images of protesters meeting with Julie Eadeh in a hotel on Thursday (August 8th, 2019), while also disclosing Eadeh's private information such as information of her personal career, and the names of her husband and her children, which triggered a strong response from the US State Department claiming that China is engaging in "thuggish" behavior. Julie Eadeh is a political section chief working for the US Consulate in Hong Kong.  The report by Ta Kung Pao circulated throughout Chinese state media as China continues to accuse the United States and the CIA of encouraging a "color revolution" to destabilize relations between Hong Kong's people and Beijing's rule. China's foreign ministry has accused the US of direct involvement in the Hong Kong protests calling it a "creation of the United States".

Chinese state media has also targeted Joshua Wong, a known protestor who was released from jail after he was arrested back in 2014 for participating in pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, while also accusing him of foreign manipulation. On Facebook, Wong has disclosed that he did meet with US officials but has dismissed accusations of foreign manipulation regarding the recent leaks. He said within a post on Facebook, "In the past, I've also visited Washington and communicated directly with U.S. Lawmakers," he continues, "This meeting is nothing special."

The protests in Hong Kong have gone on for 9 consecutive weeks with no sign of dissolving. Trump has also made a recent announcement that "We are not ready to make a deal" regarding trade with China and Huawei.

United States Federal Reserve To Cut Interest Rates

The United States Federal Reserve has officially begun talks on cutting or interest rates for the first time in a decade after fears of a global economic slowdown. The interest rate prior to the announcement of a cut was 2.5%.



The Federal Reserve is expected to cut the interest rate from 2.5% to 2.25%, many economists and industry leaders expect this quarter-point drop in interest rates, while others fear a larger drop. JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, UBS, and Citi all predict a quarter-point drop while Morgan Stanley, Nomura, and others expect a half-point drop. Overall, the markets seem to have responded well to these assumptions, the DOW currently has grown and is expected to beat its all-time high record either by the end of this week or next week. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has yet to officially announce the cut but everyone is positive they will make these cuts.

The European Central Bank has also hinted at a cut of their fund's rate as well as the US-China trade war continues on. Industry experts believe that decreasing trade regulations and lowering taxes even further will serve the US economy better than lowering interest rates.

Anarchism Is Not 'Extreme'

OPINION - Anarchism isn't the 'extreme', it is the natural 'order' of the world. What is extreme is the millenniums of abuse by governments to try and submit the will of the people to its own doctrines or rules of what is 'moral' for society.

Anarchism has had a very negative connotation especially when it comes to statist Americans defining them within in the United States. The typical anarchist in the eyes of authority is just a group of violent individuals who want to seek the destruction of common way of life, even though the vast majority of anarchists are actually community-oriented individuals working together to better each other's lives including their own. Anarchism and chaos go hand-in-hand according to conservatives and Democrat liberals that dominate our two-party system yet its this very two-party system that has led to major disasters across the globe. They both blame the anti-war crowd for their own failures, or they point the blame at the opposing party without taking any responsibility for the violence they promoted. Who are truly the violent ones? The violent ones have been consistently those who advocate for violence against peaceful people, no matter if you're on the left or the right, the violence has been here for centuries and it has continued in many of our communities whether white, black, or Latino (and for others).

Anarchism is no more extreme than you telling your neighbor that you don't wish to be oppressed by their political views, naturally, your neighbor won't care because at the end of the day the democracy or the constitutional republic that we are in, are filled with people who do not want to protect your rights, and will ultimately not care about your personal individual feelings of oppression by the system that they defined, defend and prop up. That very system is the authority, or the force, that comes in with armoured personnel with armoured vehicles ready to turn on the hoses and force the community away from the protests they justly formed. Again, they force this action against the public who has very just concerns. Why is nonviolence an extreme for one group, but the system can exhibit all forms of censorship and violence, and yet do not get the same treatment for the rhetoric and the actions they actually have committed? Why is anarchism generally an 'extremist' ideology and statism is not?

It's unjustified to claim Anarchism is extremist in most cases, unless you truly believe living peacefully and nonviolently without fear of government coercion is extreme in our society. I don't believe it is extreme, we were all born free, it was a 'society' that pushed their thoughts and bigotry onto the individual, it wasn't the individualist anarchist.

SpaceX: Succesful Launch of the "Most Difficult Launch Ever"

SpaceX successfully launched (June 25th, 2019 @ 2:30 AM) with the Falcon Heavy for the STP-2 Mission and SpaceX successfully recovered two of three of the core boosters; two returned to Florida, while a third did not successfully land on a drone-ship in the Atlantic. 24 Satellites were deployed.

This mission from SpaceX was the first time they reused the side core boosters from previous launches, which arguably, has come with concerns such as if it could have been sustainable. Nonetheless, the Mission successfully deployed its payload which included an Atomic Clock from NASA and a new fuel will be tested for the Green Propellant Infusion Mission by NASA. The Falcon Heavy also successfully deployed a suite of satellites from the NOAA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which includes technology that will help meteorologists and climatologists monitor earth's weather patterns with greater accuracy and predictions of major storms. Bill Nye also joined this launch with The Planetary Society which will use a solar sail to propel a small satellite into space within the next week. This was one of the first largest ride-share of US government agencies on one single launch, which includes a mission for the US Air Force.

This launch was expected to be the first time that all three boosters were to be recovered which would have been a major accomplishment for SpaceX and their main priority mission of bringing humans to Mars for colonization missions! Still a great mission nonetheless, and for one of their most difficult launches ever we hope to see even more from SpaceX!