Author: Jason

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

Wormwood Reports Success

This is a reply to this letter.

Uncle Screwtape,

I trust this missive finds you basking in the eternal fires, perhaps even enjoying a particularly choice vintage of human despair. Your last letter, outlining the exquisite potential of “social media,” was nothing short of revelatory. I have, with the utmost diligence (and a surprising amount of enjoyment), been applying your counsel, and I am thrilled to report on the Patient’s progress – or rather, regress.

The constant stream of comparison has been, as you predicted, a resounding triumph. I’ve ensured his feed is saturated with the triumphs of his peers – the exotic holidays, the dazzling promotions, the impossibly harmonious family photos. The Patient, bless his little human heart, now spends an inordinate amount of time scrolling through these curated fictions, his own perfectly adequate life curdling into a bitter paste of mediocrity. He sighs frequently, a delicious sound, and often mutters about “missing out.” He even attempted a rather pathetic imitation of a ‘perfect’ brunch photo himself, only to become frustrated when it didn’t garner the same effusive praise as his online acquaintances. A small victory, but a victory nonetheless, as it led to him snapping at his spouse, thereby chipping away at a genuine relationship for the sake of digital vanity.

The performative virtue is also blossoming beautifully. The Patient, once content to simply do good, now feels compelled to announce it. A small, anonymous donation became a lengthy post about his commitment to a cause, garnished with a carefully chosen, flattering selfie. He is more concerned with the ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ than the actual impact of his actions. I overheard him lamenting that a particularly thoughtful comment he made online received fewer reactions than a rather vapid meme. His motivation, once pointed towards the Enemy, is now firmly directed at the fickle approval of strangers. The genuine humility that once underpinned his charitable impulses is being slowly but surely replaced by a hollow pride.

The addiction to the trivial is perhaps my greatest success. The Patient, who once enjoyed reading substantial books or engaging in thoughtful hobbies, now finds his attention fractured. He picks up a book, glances at a page, and then, as if by an irresistible compulsion, reaches for his device. Hours dissolve into the digital ether, filled with endless scrolling through fleeting images and vapid pronouncements. The Enemy’s attempts at quiet contemplation are utterly drowned out by the incessant chatter of the online world. He complains of being tired, yet he cannot put the device down. It is glorious, Uncle, to watch his mind become a sieve, unable to hold onto anything of lasting significance.

The righteous indignation has been particularly gratifying to cultivate. The Patient, once a fairly peaceable fellow, now seethes with a righteous anger over minor online disagreements. He has discovered the intoxicating thrill of the “comment section,” where he can unleash his thinly veiled frustrations upon anonymous adversaries. Charity evaporates, replaced by a self-righteous fury. He spends more time arguing with strangers about politics or trivial matters online than he does engaging in meaningful conversation with his actual loved ones. I’ve even nudged him towards a few particularly inflammatory posts, watching with glee as he takes the bait, his temper flaring, his heart hardening towards his fellow man.

And finally, the pervasive sense of isolation is truly reaching its peak. Despite having hundreds of “connections,” the Patient feels profoundly alone. He avoids real-life social gatherings, preferring the curated, low-effort interactions of the digital realm. He believes he is “connected,” yet he rarely experiences true intimacy or vulnerability. He shares trivial updates with a vast audience, but rarely confides his deepest fears or joys to a trusted friend. This subtle yet profound loneliness, I predict, will be a rich source of despair for years to come.

In short, Uncle, the Patient is becoming a perfectly self-absorbed, easily distracted, and perpetually dissatisfied creature, all thanks to the ingenious machinery of social media. He is less engaged with the world around him, less connected to real people, and far, far less attentive to the Enemy’s tiresome whispers.

Thank you, dear Uncle, for this most excellent instruction. I eagerly await your next pronouncements.

Your devoted (and increasingly successful) nephew,

Wormwood

Young Boys Dreams

This is a story that I’m sure my Dad told dozens of times throughout his life. His good friend Rick Paashaus wrote down the story and posted it on Facebook just days after my Father’s passing.

In the upstate Pennsylvania town of Gordon, Wolfgang’s Sporting Goods Store was the place for buddies to gather and make world-changing decisions. Retired “coal crackers,” the old boys came daily for conversation and lingered over a cup of coffee and kibitzing with the neighbors. Life was good in the postwar era when miners could make a decent living and retire to live out their days in their clapboard houses along Main Street. 

Jim loved the old store. Tommy Wolfgang welcomed not just the retired guys but also the young boys with their dreams. The 10-year-old would stop anytime he could to browse and listen to the old guys share their stories, their Monday morning quarterbacking, stories of the big one that got away.

But Jim usually had one thing in mind.

A baseball lover, one mitt caught his eye. Wouldn’t it be the cat’s meow to own such a beauty? But the $12.00 price tag was far too steep in the 1950s. He tried it on, punched his hand in it, looked at the price tag, and carefully replaced it on the shelf at least once a week for months. The old boys looked on with their own memories glistening in their eyes.

One Saturday, when Jim tried on that glove again, the owner pulled him aside. “Jim, you should enter our raffle. Tickets are only a quarter each, and at the end of this month, we’re picking one. The winner gets a $10.00 gift certificate. Do you have a quarter?”

Jim shook his head, but smiled…knowing just what to do. He headed home and, for the next week, gathered up as many pennies and nickels as he could find. He picked up a bottle of milk from the grocer for his Uncle, who lived nearby, and smiled when the kind-hearted man said, “Keep the change.” Another dime. Finally, he had enough for the raffle! Racing to the Sporting Goods Store, he handed over the quarter in exchange for what he hoped would be the winning ticket. Ticket #154.

“When is the drawing?” the little boy asked.

“Next Saturday morning at 10:00. Make sure you’re here!” Tommy Wolfgang said with a grin.

Saturday finally came, and at 9:30 am, Jimmy was there, ticket #154 in his hand. The gang that usually gathered for gossip and coffee was there as well. When 10:00 came, each of them expectantly held their own ticket in hand. The owner shook the box with a flourish, dragging out the event, then finally reached deep inside and pulled out a single ticket.

He squinted as Jim waited anxiously, and the old men held their tickets up to the light. “The winner is… #154!” The men all groaned and acted disappointed, but each had a strange smile on their face.

“Jim! You win!” Tommy announced. Then he added, “You know, that glove you’ve been eying up is just a bit more than the $10.00, but I’d be willing to have you take it as your prize if you choose!”

With a huge grin, the 10-year-old said, “Yes, Sir!” sliding that oversized mitt on his hand. He was the winner! The men congratulated him, gently slapping him on the back, punching his arm. “Good Job, Jim! Enjoy!”

It wasn’t until years later, as Jim reminisced about that day, that he thought: “Hmmm. I wonder why only those old men had tickets? I wonder why so few were sold? I wonder why there was no poster or flyer on the cash register inviting others to participate?” He finally realized that, between Tommy Wolfgang and the guys standing around the hunting gear and fishing poles, not only was the “raffle” concocted, but also the coins and bills gathered by those old Coal Crackers were all prearranged to make one little baseball player’s dreams come true.

Yes, this story is true… and yes, the little boy grew up to be my friend, Jim Trommetter. Jim passed away late last week. Just a few days before his death, he shared the story with me (again), and I share it with you in his honor. It may not be a “devotional,” but I thought it was worth repeating.

Rest in peace, my friend.

With the birth of Jesus, human history turned from night to day. His word and his example call us to love one another, to serve one another, and to honor the sacred truth that every child is specially made in the image of God.

Donald Trump, remarks at Christmas tree lighting 2025

Drunken Raccoon Rampage

I did not have this on my 2025 Bingo Card:

Raccoon goes on drunken rampage in Virginia liquor store and passes out on bathroom floor

The masked burglar broke into the closed Virginia liquor store early on Saturday and hit the bottom shelf, where the scotch and whisky were stored. The bandit was something of a nocturnal menace: bottles were smashed, a ceiling tile collapsed, and alcohol pooled on the floor.

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.