Author: Jason

Christian Libertarian, software engineer by trade, part-time political pundit. Graduate of Moravian College, Bethlehem PA

Upholding the Supremacy Clause

Trump’s Bold Deportation Actions in Chicago and Charlotte Are Restoring Law and Order

In a time when America’s immigration system has been strained to the breaking point by years of lax enforcement, President Trump’s second administration is taking decisive action to secure our borders and protect our communities. Drawing on the ironclad authority of the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, the Trump team is overriding obstructive local policies in sanctuary cities and states, ensuring that federal immigration laws are upheld nationwide. Nowhere is this more evident than in the recent operations in Chicago and Charlotte, where targeted deportations are not only legal but essential for public safety, economic fairness, and national security. Let’s break it down and see why these moves deserve our full support.

The Supremacy Clause: The Constitutional Backbone of Federal Immigration Power

At the heart of Trump’s deportation strategy lies Article VI, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution—the Supremacy Clause. This foundational provision declares that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the “supreme Law of the Land,” binding on all states regardless of conflicting local rules. In simple terms, when the federal government acts within its authority on immigration—a field the Supreme Court has long recognized as exclusively federal—states and cities cannot stand in the way.

This isn’t just theory; it’s been affirmed time and again by the courts. In landmark cases like *Arizona v. United States* (2012), the Supreme Court struck down state attempts to create their own immigration enforcement schemes, emphasizing federal preemption. Similarly, rulings during Trump’s first term, such as *United States v. California* (2018), clarified that while states can’t be forced to assist federal agents, they absolutely cannot obstruct them. This principle is now powering the administration’s efforts to dismantle sanctuary policies that have shielded criminal aliens and undermined public trust in the rule of law.

By invoking this authority, the Trump administration is fulfilling its mandate under federal statutes like 8 U.S.C. § 1226 and § 1231, which require the detention and removal of certain undocumented individuals. Recent court decisions, including those enjoining Biden-era non-enforcement policies, further reinforce that the executive branch has a duty to act—not an option to ignore congressional intent.

Chicago: Cracking Down on Sanctuary Obstruction and Protecting American Lives

Chicago, long a bastion of sanctuary city policies under Democratic leadership, has been a prime target for Trump’s renewed focus on deportations. In November 2025, the administration launched “Operation Midway Blitz,” a coordinated effort involving ICE and other federal agencies to apprehend and remove undocumented immigrants, many with criminal ties.

This operation has already led to the detention of hundreds, with a strong emphasis on those posing threats to community safety—despite misleading claims that “nearly all” had no criminal records, data shows a significant portion did, and all were in violation of federal immigration law.

Critics, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, have protested these actions, demonizing federal agents and the National Guard while leading chants against deportations.

Tragically, this rhetoric coincided with the heartbreaking loss of two National Guardsmen in the line of duty, underscoring the dangers of politicizing law enforcement.

But the Supremacy Clause cuts through the noise: Chicago’s sanctuary ordinances, which limit cooperation with ICE, cannot block federal operations. The administration has rightfully pushed back, using tools like withholding grants and direct federal intervention to ensure compliance.

The results speak for themselves. With over 500,000 deportations nationwide since January 2025, including many from high-crime areas like Chicago, violent incidents are declining—Chicago’s shootings are down 33% and homicides 25% compared to 2024.

By prioritizing the removal of violent gang members and other threats, Trump’s team is making streets safer for law-abiding citizens. This isn’t about politics; it’s about enforcing laws that protect Americans first.

Charlotte: Boosting Jobs, Easing Burdens, and Demonstrating Efficiency

Shifting south to Charlotte, North Carolina, the Trump administration’s “Operation Charlotte’s Web” has been a resounding success in demonstrating how federal supremacy can deliver tangible benefits.

Over just a few days in mid-November 2025, federal agents arrested more than 250 undocumented individuals, surging resources to target those straining local economies and infrastructure.

While some reports highlight that not all arrestees had criminal records, the operation aligns perfectly with federal priorities: removing those here illegally, regardless of additional crimes, to free up jobs and resources for Americans.

One unexpected upside? Charlotte’s notorious traffic woes are easing as construction sites and businesses, previously reliant on undocumented labor, now stand ready for American workers.

Entire job sites have opened up, creating opportunities for citizens and legal residents—proving that Trump’s “America First” approach isn’t just rhetoric; it’s revitalizing local economies.

Even as North Carolina Republicans express concerns about the scale, the operation’s swift conclusion shows the administration’s commitment to targeted, efficient enforcement without unnecessary disruption.

Here again, the Supremacy Clause reigns supreme. North Carolina’s more cooperative stance allowed for seamless federal action, but even in resistant areas, the Constitution empowers the president to bypass local hurdles. This operation has removed burdens on taxpayers, reduced competition for entry-level jobs, and sent a clear message: illegal presence won’t be tolerated.

Why These Actions Are Essential—and Why We Should Stand Behind Them

President Trump’s deportation initiatives in Chicago and Charlotte aren’t radical; they’re a return to constitutional order. For too long, sanctuary jurisdictions have flouted federal law, harboring individuals who drain resources and, in some cases, commit crimes that devastate families. By leveraging the Supremacy Clause, the administration is reclaiming control, deporting over 527,000 people since taking office, and aiming to deport even more.

This isn’t cruelty—it’s justice, ensuring that our laws apply equally and our communities thrive.

Opponents may cry foul, but the facts are clear: these operations are reducing crime, opening jobs, and upholding the rule of law. As Americans, we should applaud this courage and support the Trump administration’s efforts to make our nation safer and stronger. The Supremacy Clause isn’t just a legal tool—it’s the shield protecting our sovereignty. Let’s keep America great by enforcing it fully.

North Carolina Ends Cashless Bail

A Victory for Public Safety and Common Sense

On December 1, 2025, North Carolina officially shut down the dangerous experiment known as cashless bail. With the stroke of a pen, Governor Josh Stein signed “Iryna’s Law,” ending the practice of letting violent and repeat offenders walk free on a simple promise to show up in court later.

This reform was born out of tragedy. In August 2025, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was riding the light-rail train in Charlotte when she was randomly stabbed to death in broad daylight. Her alleged killer? A man with a long rap sheet who had been released just months earlier on a written promise to appear after yet another arrest. No money posted. No GPS monitor. No real consequences. Just another catch-and-release cycle that ended with an innocent young woman murdered in a horrific, preventable attack.

Enough was enough.

“Iryna’s Law” eliminates written promises to appear, requires secured bonds or strict monitoring for violent crimes, and forces judges to put their reasoning in writing when they release dangerous defendants. It also adds mental-health screenings and accountability for magistrates who repeatedly put the public at risk.

The results speak for themselves: violent criminals will no longer be free to re-offend while awaiting trial. Communities—especially in high-crime areas like Charlotte—will finally get the protection they’ve been begging for. A recent Carolina Journal poll found that nearly three out of four North Carolinians support holding judges accountable when their lenient decisions result in more victims.

This isn’t about punishing poverty; it’s about punishing predators. Low-risk, non-violent defendants still have reasonable paths to pretrial release. But if you’re charged with a violent felony or you keep cycling through the system, society has a right—and now a legal duty—to keep you off the streets until your day in court.

Iryna Zarutska came to America seeking safety and a new life. She never got the chance to live it. Thanks to the courage of North Carolina lawmakers in passing this law, fewer families will have to endure the pain she now carries forever.

Rest in peace, Iryna. Your death was not in vain. North Carolina just became a safer place because of you.

Cyborg Monday

Overhead Highway Sign Collapses on I-77 near Charlotte, NC

It looked like a scene straight out of an action movie, but for drivers on I-77 South late Friday night, it was terrifyingly real.

Just before 11 p.m. on November 28, a massive overhead sign gantry near Exit 3 (Arrowood Road) came crashing down onto the highway after an impaired driver slammed into one of its support columns. The twisted metal pinned a vehicle underneath, trapping its driver inside a crumpled car beneath tons of steel.

Charlotte Fire Department crews worked frantically for over an hour to cut the driver free. Both the trapped motorist and another person were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. As of Sunday evening, no updates on their conditions have been released.

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the driver who caused the crash was impaired. The impact was so violent that the entire sign structure buckled and fell across multiple lanes, instantly shutting down all southbound traffic just south of the city.

For nearly seven hours, I-77 South was a parking lot. Detours funneled thousands of vehicles onto surface streets like Nations Ford Road and Arrowood, turning a typical Friday night into a logistical nightmare. The highway finally reopened around 5 a.m. Saturday, after NCDOT crews removed the mangled sign sections and inspected the remaining supports.

King Saul Hurls Spear At David For Playing Christmas Music Before Thanksgiving

Israel

In a shocking escalation of holiday-season tensions, palace officials confirmed today that King Saul attempted to pin young David to the wall after catching him playing Christmas music before the official start of the Thanksgiving feast.

Witnesses say the incident occurred early in the morning when David, freshly caffeinated and apparently feeling festive, began strumming what sources are calling “an unmistakably jolly rendition” of Joy to the World on his lyre.

According to one palace servant, Saul froze mid-bite of his pre-breakfast turkey leg.
“He looked confused at first,” the servant reported. “Then horrified. Then the king whispered, ‘It’s still November… he wouldn’t dare.’”

Moments later, Saul allegedly bellowed, “NOT BEFORE THE HARVEST FESTIVAL!” and hurled his royal spear across the room. David dodged the projectile—reportedly with the same agility he later used against a large Philistine and, also, small children trying to steal cookies cooling on the palace windowsill.

When questioned about the incident, David shrugged.
“I don’t see the problem,” he said, tuning his lyre. “The earlier the Christmas music starts, the sooner people feel joy. Also, Saul asked for something ‘uplifting.’ I thought he meant ‘Mariah-adjacent.’”

Royal advisors were quick to clarify that while King Saul does enjoy holiday cheer, he believes all Israelites should adhere to the strict Fall Festival First policy, which requires gratitude-themed celebrations, pumpkin-spice sacrifices, and ceremonial reenactments of “that time the Lord gave us food even though we definitely didn’t deserve it.”

Public reaction has been mixed.

Some citizens agree with Saul, insisting it is a slippery slope from early carols to year-round garland. Others defend David, claiming that if you don’t start at least lightly humming carols in mid-autumn, you’ll never be emotionally prepared for December.

In response to the uproar, palace musicians have proposed a compromise: no Christmas music until after the Thanksgiving offering—but sleigh bells may be jingled quietly in private as long as they do not exceed “moderate festivity.”

Meanwhile, Saul’s spear has been retrieved and placed back on its ceremonial hook, though officials admit it may see action again if David even thinks about playing Feliz Navidad before the Feast of Booths.

David, however, remains undeterred.

“Next week I’m introducing the king to the concept of Christmas lights,” he said. “Pray for me.”

The Humble Penny

How Many Are Still Out There?

The question of how many pennies are currently in circulation in the United States yields a surprisingly broad answer. While it’s difficult to pin down an exact figure, estimates from authoritative sources like the Federal Reserve, the U.S. Mint, and the American Bankers Association suggest a vast number: anywhere from an estimated 114 billion to 300 billion pennies.

This wide range is largely because a significant number of pennies are stored in homes—think coin jars, drawers, and car cup holders—and are thus severely underutilized in daily commerce. This makes precise tracking of the active money supply a challenge for financial institutions.

Despite the common use of the penny, the U.S. Mint made a significant announcement to cease circulating production in November 2025. Pennies, however, will remain legal tender and can continue to be used for transactions. The decision to halt production was purely an economic one: it was costing the government approximately 3.7 cents to produce a single one-cent coin, leading to an annual financial loss.

So, what’s next for the humble one-cent coin? The existing supply will gradually diminish over time as pennies are lost or otherwise removed from circulation. In the future, some retailers might adopt a practice of rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel, a system already in place in countries such as Canada. For collectors, the U.S. Mint will still produce numismatic (collector) versions of the penny in limited quantities, ensuring the coin’s legacy endures even as its role in everyday commerce fades.

Big Pete

A Troll sculpture by Thomas Dambo in the Charlotte River District