Author: Californiacontrarian

If there are to be programs that favor low income individuals, and I think there should be, then these programs need to be made available to all low income individuals and families of all races.

Seems like common sense to me, and especially since in June the Supreme Court ruled against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina’s affirmative action policies in a decision that had a profound effect on the admissions processes at universities across the country.

From the Daily Wire:

“A group of Asian parents filed a federal lawsuit this week claiming that New York’s state-funded STEM summer program is declining to accept their children in favor of black and Hispanic students.

The parents sued New York’s Department of Education on Wednesday, Jan 17, over the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP), claiming that black and Hispanic kids are accepted to the program regardless of their income while Asian and white kids must show proof of their low-income status.

‘In other words, the Hispanic child of a multi-millionaire is eligible to apply to STEP, while an Asian American child whose family earns just above the state’s low-income threshold is not, solely because of her race or ethnicity,’ the lawsuit alleges.

The free program accepts about 11,000 students in 7th grade and up every year for classes at 56 colleges and medical schools across the state, the New York Post reported. The program features “instruction, exam preparation, hands-on and research training, college admissions guidance and career-focused activities such as field trips and college visits.”

The program’s website says it accepts ‘economically disadvantaged, or African American, Hispanic/Latino, Alaskan Native or American Indian” students.’”

Even though these STEP  admission based criteria have been present since it’s inception in 1985, it is likely that these restrictions are no longer going to pass muster. If a program is for low income families, then it should be for all low income families, and only low income families.

1/22/24

On Sundays I write about individuals who are worthy of our praise. These individuals are not restricted to us hoi polloi, but can also include those more famous individuals.

Earlier this month, “Reacher” star Alan Ritchson said during an interview that he actually imitated his show’s crime-fighting character, Jack Reacher, while on date with his wife when they saw a crook breaking into car.

According to Ritchson

“We were on a date in Montreal walking to a very nice dinner all dressed up, and we saw somebody breaking into a car. And, like, she put it together before I did,” Ritcher recalled noting that there was “glass everywhere” and a crook was “rooting through somebody’s stuff and came out with all these bags.”

He added that his wife said, “I think he’s breaking into that car.” Richter’s response? “By gosh, I think you’re right.”

“And she goes, ‘Don’t do it!’ And I was like, ‘Instant Reacher Mode,’ and I was like, ‘Some justice has to be done here.’ And I chased that dude like four blocks until I tossed him into a building and the cops came,” Richter added.

According to the Internet Movie Database, the hit Amazon series “Reacher” focuses on a retired Military Police officer who’s arrested for a murder he didn’t commit.

It nice to hear that movie stars are sometimes like real people, and do what is the right and the brave thing to do. Kudos to Alan Ritchson.

1/21/24

To me throughout Biden’s immigration nonchalance, one thing is abundantly clear … he and the rest of his Democrat colleagues seem to have no concept of “what do we do, if?”

As I have alluded to many times before, liberals are mostly ‘midbrain thinkers,’ which means that most, if not all, of their thinking is based on emotion. Both logic and the ability to plan ahead are just not in their bailiwick, and often they appear confused and bewildered when problems arise … problems which could have been, and should have been, foreseen.

For example, let’s look at the masses of illegals that Biden et al have allowed to just stroll across our southern border. Did Biden and his Democrat colleagues ever consider that these multitudes would make their way north? It gets cold up north in the winter, and since most of these illegals come from much warmer climates, they are not aware of, nor are they prepared for the cold. So of course, what transpires? Since it is dangerous for anyone to have to spend the night in sub-freezing temperatures, these illegals are then brought inside to schools or recreation centers which are used by U.S. children.

What happens next? Predictably, the U.S. children are told that these facilities are no longer available to them. The parents of these children are then forced to fend for themselves as someone needs to care for these children especially during the day. Predictably, as is often the case with Democrat policies, those in the lower socioeconomic strata are hurt the most as they cannot work online.

When the mayors of both New York and Chicago plead to Joe Biden for federal help, they are ignored. It’s as if this problem could not have been predicted! Yet, Biden and his colleagues seem to be of the “hear-no-evil,’ see-no-evil’ mentality! Indeed this easily foreseen issue should have already been considered … “what shall we do, if?”

Likewise in Denver from National Review:

“Financial Stress from Migrant Crisis Threatens to ‘Break’ Denver Hospital System, CEO Says”

Similar to ‘it gets cold up north in the winter,’ everybody should realize that these illegals have medical issues. In fact, I would guess that as a group, they have comparatively more medical issues than permanent residents …. for a variety of obvious reasons. This issue should not have a surprise, and yet those who have purposely opened our border, are apparently clueless as to what to do about it. The mayor of Denver has appealed to the feds for help … but again he is receiving a ‘hear-no-evil,’ ‘see-no-evil’ response from Biden and the feds. Thing foreseeable problem should have already been considered … “what shall we do, if?”

1/20/24

As many of you know I am a physician … albeit a retired physician. To me being an M.D. is kind of like being a marine – “once a marine, always a marine!”

However, since I am retired, I no longer have the ability to prescribe meds. Nonetheless, I can still fall back on my fund of medical knowledge and my medical experience to make recommendations and suggestions when asked.

I have had documented Covid twice. During the first episode years ago, I did not have any accessibility to get some Ivermectin, as the FDA, in essence, forbade it’s use to treat Covid. However, during my recent second Covid infection, I was able to get a supply of Ivermectin, which I took over four days as directed. The purpose of this piece is not to convince anyone that the Ivermectin can significantly and quickly alleviate Covid symptoms .. although that’s exactly what did happen for me – but rather to ask, “What in the hell was the FDA doing? Where did the FDA get the authority to tell any physician that they could not prescribe Ivermectin for Covid?” Perhaps, even more important is why did the FDA assume some authority that they clearly never had … and still do not have?

Furthermore the FDA refuses to let bygones be bygones. They are still adamant that they had some authority to forbid the use of Ivermectin … which they clearly did not have. Perhaps at this point they should simply said, “The FDA was wrong about Ivermectin and its use in Covid. We apologize, and will not overstep our authority in the future.”

If the FDA recanted and seemed sorry, many might forgive them. However, they are recalcitrant, and continue to be adamant that they were right. … Why?

Presently, in Texas, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking to persuade a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging its repeated advisories against using ivermectin to treat COVID-19. The suit

 was brought by three doctors who allege the FDA’s warnings concerning Ivermectin were illegal.

“The FDA exceeded its authority by repeatedly issuing public directives not to use ivermectin for COVID-19, even though the drug remains fully approved for human use,” the attorneys for the doctors stated.

The government motion to dismiss came after an appeals court found that the FDA likely overstepped its authority with the warnings.

“FDA can inform, but it has identified no authority allowing it to recommend consumers ’stop’ taking medicine,” U.S. Circuit Judge Don Willett, an appointee of then-President Donald Trump, wrote in the ruling.

According to lawyers for the doctors, the FDA’s motion includes the argument that the plaintiffs haven’t suffered injuries that are traceable to the FDA and that can’t be remedied by a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs.””The FDA is wrong,” the lawyers said. “Plaintiffs have suffered interference with their practice of medicine and the doctor-patient relationship, economic harm, reputational harm, and increased exposure to malpractice liability, and have been subject to disciplinary proceedings and forced resignations, all of which clearly trace to the FDA’s campaign against ivermectin and would be remedied by equitable relief.”

Certainly in individual cases it would be impossible to prove that that individual would have done better if they had had access to Ivermectin.

However, I continue to be suspicious that something, perhaps even something illegal, occurred with the FDA’s position on Ivermectin, and the more adamant the FDA continues to be, the more my suspicion increases.

1/19/24

Up to this point I have not commented too much on the border crisis. More specifically on the “why.” Why are the Democrats staying silent as more than a million illegals come across our southern border? 

As it turns out I just had to wait. I knew that the obvious answer would come out, and it just did.

Democratic Rep. Yvette Clarke, a radical leftist congresswoman running for re-election this year in New York’s 9th District, made clear in an undated video that went viral this last week that this avoidable crisis is not all for naught. Rather, she regards it as a good thing for the right people.

“I’m from Brooklyn, New York. We have a diaspora that can absorb a significant number of these migrants,” said Clarke, who has served on the House Committee on Homeland Security. “When I hear colleagues talk about, you know, the doors of the inn being closed — ah, no room at the inn — I’m saying I need more people in my district just for redistricting purposes.”

Why? … Aaah! Now I get it! The number of representatives is determined by the number of people. For the census in 2030 the number of representatives allotted will be determined not by the number of citizens, but rather by the number of people. Whether these individuals are legal or illegal, no se importa!

With citizens leaving blue states, especially New York and California, it now becomes clear why the Dems are pro-open border!

1/18/25

As one of the now Republican ex-candidates for President, Vivek Ramaswamy continues to attract my attention. While I never thought  that he would win the Iowa caucus or the Republican nomination, he certainly has some elucidating things to say.

From VNN article, titled, “Why Vivek Ramaswamy is Right About Climate Change:”

“Vivek Ramaswamy, one of the leading Republican Candidates behind Donald Trump, holds a controversial stance, asserting that the current climate agenda is more about political control than environmental concern. He boldly declares, ‘The climate change agenda is a hoax,’ a statement he has repeated emphatically to underscore his skepticism towards prevailing climate policies .”

“Repeated.” “Emphatically.” “Hoax.” … all three of these words got my attention.

Again from VNN:

“Ramaswamy argues that the repercussions of these policies are more detrimental than the environmental issue they aim to address, stating, ‘More people are dying of bad climate change policies than they are of actual climate change’. This perspective positions him as a challenging voice in the climate debate, questioning the motives and efficacy of the policies and initiatives being promoted in the name of climate action.

“Ramaswamy’s argument gains further traction when considering the actions of some climate change advocates. High-profile figures and politicians, who vociferously warn of rising sea levels and catastrophic weather changes, often contradict their public stances in their private lives. Private jets, extensive air travel, and luxurious lifestyles with substantial carbon footprints mark a stark contrast to their public advocacy. Another notable example is the purchase of seafront properties by those who profess an imminent threat to such locales. This dichotomy raises legitimate questions about the sincerity and integrity of their environmental concern.” (think Al Gore, John Kerry, Leonardo Di Caprio, the Obamas).”

The VNN article continues as to why the author agrees with Ramaswamy, and he expresses it quite well.

Perhaps I will have to pay more attention to “vigilant news.com”

In addition, on 1/10/24, just days before the Iowa caucus, Ramaswamy took on a bunch of reporters, challenging them to publicly recant their previous support of positions that have since been proven to be wrong:

“‘Show of Hands!’ Vivek Ramaswamy Calls Out the Lying Press to Their Faces.”

None of the throng of reporters had the gumption to challenge Ramaswamy. Again although he will not be the Republican nominee, he continues to attract my attention!

After vote tallies for the caucus in Iowa were said and done, Ramaswamy came right out and withdrew from his campaign and threw his support to Trump. To me this was the honest and straightforward thing to do, and it is this sort of demonstrative unifying action that again got my attention.

1/17/24

I just read the results of 2023 statistics from both sides of the Atlantic. 

From Breitbart:

“Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are defying the combined urging of green lobbyists and government diktat with just a quarter making up new purchases for 2023, UK data reveals.

Figures sourced by the MailOnline revealed individuals bought 71,984 of the vehicles last year – 23 percent of the total of 314,687. But in 2022 they purchased 88,910 – 33 percent of the total.

“Consumer resistance to EVs is not just restricted to the UK market.

As Breitbart News reported, EVs are “piling up on dealer lots” across America as consumers continue buying traditional gas-powered cars at faster rates.

“Despite major investments from the federal government and automakers into EVs, Americans are just not warming to President Joe Biden’s green energy agenda the way the administration and the industry had predicted.”

While perhaps surprising to the pro-EV crowd, these statistics are not at all surprising to me. Everyone is aware that EVs cost considerably more the gas-powered vehicles, and to me, the initial rush to buy EVs was by those individuals who basically have “money to burn” – meaning that they are in the upper level of economic groups. Once these individuals have their new toys, for the most part, they do not need duplicates. Then the next group to consider purchasing an EV are a bit further down on the economic ladder. They will be more cautious and thus more hesitant to put a large chunk of change into an EV. Here the numerator (those buying an EV)  is predictably smaller, and I project that this will continue to continue to decrease as time goes on.

1/16/24

Who is Dr. Mustafa Ali? 

He is a renowned Malaysian expert in endocrine disruptors research, clinical pharmacology, and environmental toxicology, and was a former WHO Expert Panel Advisor. He’s published over 40 books and 100 international papers.

Why devote an entire blog to this renown Malaysian Professor?

There a clip from a Malaysian interview (subtitled), in which Dr. Ali described hearing about vaccine regret from patients. “Vaccine regret” is kinda like closing the barn door after all the animals have gotten out.

However, there is more than mere regret according to Dr. Ali.

Here is Dr. Ali from Twitter:

“So, those who have gotten the vaccine, initially they feel confident because they feel that they will be protected from the disease. But unfortunately, they are often the main ones to get the disease. They get COVID. They experience side effects. And indeed, many have died. And there are also those who suffer from various side effects to this day. 

Because if we look, many things are happening now. For example, an increase in cancer rates. I have seen an alarming increase in cancer rates. Especially metastasis and all that. People who had cancer previously and recovered, suddenly it’s stage 4, recurring very quickly.”

Look for lawsuits … many lawsuits involving young people who have been afflicted with either of these two noted side effects. Here I specifically refer to young individuals, because they did not these vaccines in the first place. Beside the fact that the mortality from Covid is minuscule in young individuals, the vaccines did not even prevent them from getting it, Here I am specifically referring to college students, and young school teachers who basically had the vaccines forced on them. 

Dr. Ali closed with, “The second thing is, those who have effects and have not yet expressed them. Because, this can happen in the case of mRNA vaccines. Where you get the vaccine today, maybe 10 years later, then only the thing is expressed.”

This is truly a frightening prospect as according to this expert a lot of individuals will suffer maladies from these Covid vaccines for years and years into the future.

1/15/24

Another Sunday special person who risked her life to save another. 

From the Epoch Times:

“A Vermont state trooper plunged into a frigid pond and pulled out an 8-year-old girl who had fallen through the ice while playing with siblings. The child survived and fully recovered after a brief hospital stay.

The girl and her younger sister fell through the thin ice on the pond on private property in the town of Cambridge on Dec. 17, state police said in a news release. The 80-year-old homeowner was able to pull the younger girl to shore but couldn’t reach the older girl, so called 911, officials said.

Trooper Michelle Archer was nearby and arrived less than five minutes later, police said. She pulled a rope and flotation device from her cruiser, ran to the pond, and swam to the girl, according to body camera video released by state police. She swam back to shore with the girl, and a second trooper who arrived as she was bringing her out of the water carried the child to a waiting ambulance.

Vermont State Police leadership have commended Troopers Ms. Archer and Keith Cote and the homeowner ‘for their selfless, heroic conduct, and all three have been recommended to receive the agency’s Lifesaving Award,’ state police said.

Wow! Michelle Archer went right into the extremely cold water with no hesitation in order to save the little girl’s life.

Certainly a hero!

1/14/24

I just read something very disheartening in my local “newspaper.” Because the overall problem that the article was addressing is a basic problem of “supply and demand,” the stats shouldn’t be a surprise. However, what was surprising was the extent of the the problem.

The title of the front page piece was:

“Pantries Struggle As More Need Food Aid In S.D.”

The subtitle read, “Nonprofits feel biggest squeeze in years as high prices hit donors, visitors.”

Much of the following is from this article.

“At one free food pantry visits swelled by 900 more households in October, November, and December.

“At another free produce distribution point more than 800 households stock up every month. Back in 2022 the weekly traffic was less than 100.

“At three food charity nonprofits, donations have fallen year over year. At a fourth donations are flat.

What’s happening in San Diego with significant increases in hunger is not just a local problem, but is being seen throughout the country.

So as I mentioned above what we have here is a basic “supply-demand imbalance.” As demand goes up, if supply doesn’t keep up, then the gap between what is needed and what is supplied widens. In this particular situation this means that more people go hungry. Although typically the causes of complicated problems are usually multi-factorial, here the root cause can be attributed to one basic thing  … I-N-F-L-A-T-I-O-N !

Again what follows is from this same article.

“Donations by individuals are the largest category of donors, and these were down 5% in November and December.”

“Those who carve out a portion of their budget for charitable giving have been hit by the same wave of high prices and inflation as those who visit food banks and pantries.”

“The Hunger Coalition saw a 22% decrease in individual giving in 2023 compared to the prior year.”

“At Feeding San Diego private donations in 2023 were down 11%. Many small donors-up to $20 per month- called to cancel about a year ago, , saying that they could not afford it any more.”

“Along with more demand and lower donations, operating costs are higher. Food costs more. One non-profit said that one dollar used to cover four meals, and now covers only two.”

Of course, in addition, inflation has caused rents to be significantly higher. This then leaves less money to pay for food, and subsequently a higher utilization of food pantries.

In conclusion, the donations are down due to inflation. The cost of food is up due to inflation. And finally the number of families that require food assistance is up due to inflation.

As I have pointed out multiple previous times, again here it seems that what Joe Biden and his fellow Democrat elites are doing is ending up hurting those who are least able to afford it!

This inflation is Joe Biden’s inflation because of what he has done to markedly increase the cost of gas and oil. Some might argue, as President Biden says, that anti-fossil fuel dictums are necessary to save the planet. Explain that to those hungry individuals who are in line every day at food banks and food pantries across the country … I am sure they will understand !

1/13/24