Month: June 2025

The Senate is arguing over Trump’s so-called Big Beautiful Bill. Senator Schumer demanded that all 940 pages be read aloud to him and the other Senators. Did he sit there, listening intently and taking notes for the 16-hour read-a-thon? Not likely. Instead of asking a relay team of clerks to read it, they should have brought in the guy who does the disclaimers at the end of commercials for drugs. He could have finished the 940 pages in 2.5 hours flat.

After listening to the 940 pages, Republicans and Democrats act like it’s two totally different bills. Trump and the Republicans say if it is not passed, taxes will increase by $5 Trillion. Sen. Schumer and other Democrats say the bill will increase national debt by $4.5 Trillion. Both could be true. Trump cut income taxes in his first term. And Schumer is an expert at increasing the national debt.

Republicans are squabbling among themselves over the tax credits for State and Local Taxes (SALT). The current deduction limit is $10,000. That was passed in 2017. The intention was that state legislators and local officials would keep property and sales taxes low so most people would be able to deduct their entire SALT payments. But obnoxious elected officials balked, ignored taxpayers, and kept raising taxes. (The taxes on our house went up 40% in 5 years).

These officials, and many Republican Congressmen, are trying to raise the deduction to $40,000. A lot of folks in the middle of the country, especially ones who don’t even make $40,000 a year, can’t figure why residents of California, New York and New Jersey, for example, who make almost $500,000 should get to deduct all of their property taxes on their multi-million-dollar mansions. (My friends in San Francisco may remind me that a “million-dollar mansion” might be 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.) An analysis shows that more than 95% of a $40,000 SALT deduction benefit would go to the top 20%.

Maybe the best plan is to eliminate ALL deductions and reduce the tax rate. That would get a howl from lobbyists and almost everyone else, but would be a good plan in the long run.

Did President Trump push for the cease fire too soon? Should Israel have been allowed to blast Iran military facilities another week or two? I realize both sides were apparently running low on “ammunition” (missiles and launchers for Iran; Iron Dome anti-missiles for Israel).  Before the precise bombing of the nuclear sites, Trump had demanded “Unconditional Surrender.” The cease fire has allowed Khomeini to even claim they won. However, he knows that Trump wouldn’t hesitate to send those B-2s back again. So don’t be concerned about Iran jumping back in the “game” with their second-string nuclear scientists. (Their “first team” was eliminated by Israel.)

What happened to New York City? Out of the millions of Democrats, they could only find two interested in being mayor. You remember Andrew Cuomo. As governor during Covid he took actions that resulted in deaths of hundreds of old folks in nursing homes. Then a sex scandal led to his resignation. And the winner of the Democrat Primary, Zohran Mamdani, hates Jews and embraces illegal immigrants. He would ban the Police, close prisons, raise the minimum wage to $30, make bus rides free, and city employees would run all grocery stores.

Mamdani would raise taxes on billionaires and millionaires, especially if they live in a white neighborhood. He does not understand that those wealthy people, white and otherwise, will leave. And they will take the New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street banks, and other company headquarters with them. NYC could be the new Havana.

Florida came up with a good idea (actually a location) for a federal prison. But it’s not new. Almost fifty years ago I heard a great speaker from Kansas, Dr. Kenneth McFarland, talk about a problem facing society. I remember him saying, “You can’t rehabilitate people who were never habilitated in the first place.” He added, “They should be secured in a prison. You can easily keep them there with love, and understanding, and a ditch full of alligators.” (That last sentence is paraphrased, but I remember distinctly the line about alligators.) Instead of Dr. McFarland’s joke about bringing the alligators to the prison, Florida is taking the prison to the alligators.

Historic quotes by Will Rogers:

“Congress is so strange. A man gets up to speak and says nothing. Nobody listens, and then everybody disagrees.” Notes, undated

        “I am going out among the people whom New Yorkers call Rubes. But these people I am going out among are the people that look at New Yorkers and laugh.” WA # 147, October 4, 1925

A day after the U.S. conducted a secret, flawless attack on three uranium enrichment facilities, we don’t know for sure if Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been obliterated. Khomeini is still defiant, launching rockets into Israel, not against military targets, but aiming to kill ordinary citizens.

President Trump has said for months, or years, the leading terrorist state cannot have a nuclear bomb and missiles that can deliver those bombs to the United States. It’s common horse sense.

Today at the United Nations, the Iranian representative continued to claim their uranium was only for electric generation. Here are a couple of facts. Uranium for electric power has to be enriched to only 3 to 5%. Iran had enriched it to at least 60%. Also, the enrichment facility does not need to be 300 feet under a mountain.

This is not over; we are in danger here at home. About 20% of Iranians still shout “Death to America.” They intend to kill as many Americans as possible. Groups of Iranians and Iranian sympathizers are scattered throughout the country, especially in large cities. The Biden Administration allowed over 700 Iranians who crossed the border illegally to stay. While the vast majority of Iranian-Americans love the freedom of this country, it only takes a few radical Islamists to organize attacks. Among the prime suspects are a handful of university professors and students who hate Jews.

A key to the success of the flawless attack was secrecy. Other than those directly involved, no one knew of the attack until President Trump announced that the seven B-2 stealth bombers had dropped 14 “bunker buster” bombs and were headed home. A submarine had fired 30 cruise missiles into one of the uranium sites. About 125 aircraft assisted, especially fighter jets and refueling planes.

Naturally a few members of Congress howled that they should have been informed and allowed to vote on a declaration of war. Secrecy would have disappeared instantly. You can guess which ones would have immediately sent a text directly to Khomeini, warning the attack would start June 21, at 6:30 pm ET.

In case you are dubious, Iran has been at war with us since 1979. Before the radical Islamists took control of the country, the Persian people lived much like we do. American-style clothing was common. The country was prosperous.

In 1983 Iran killed 241 U.S. service members in Beirut. More fatal attacks during the next 42 years were met with minimal response.  President Trump is the first to take decisive action. Let’s hope it pays off with an uprising within Iran to kick out Khomeini and the mullahs.

Will Rogers would be happy to know the Oklahoma City Thunder won their first NBA championship tonight. It took 7 games for them to beat an inspiring, over-achieving Indianapolis Pacers team, 103-91. But Will would be shocked to know they are still playing basketball on June 22.

Historic quote by Will Rogers:

         “They are pretty bad, these big wars over commerce… But one over religion is really the most bitter.” WA #350, Sept. 8, 1929

Yesterday was Flag Day. In Washington, DC the Army held a huge parade to celebrate its 250^th anniversary. Yes, the Army was founded in 1775 with the single goal of separating the 13 colonies from a King.

While a lot of folks opposed spending $45 Million dollars on a parade, it is a bargain if it gives a huge boost for Army recruitment over the next few years.

Do you know how much the Army spends on marketing and advertising to attract enough young men and women each year to reach a goal of 60,000 recruits? Any guesses?

In 2022, the total for recruiting was $1.1 Billion. And only 45,000 joined, a 25% shortfall. Similar disappointing results for 2023.

With four months to go in the 2025 fiscal year, the Army has already signed 61,000 recruits.

“No Kings” parades were held across the U.S., including about 200 in California alone. Well, the Army defeated King George of England by 1783. In 1790 the U.S. Constitution was ratified, almost guaranteeing we could never be ruled by a King. The Constitution set up three separate branches of government: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.

The organizers of the “No Kings” events probably don’t know that the closest any President came to having the power of a King was Franklin D. Roosevelt. And he wasn’t close despite appointing 8 of the 9 Justices of the Supreme Court and having huge majorities of his own party in Congress. Congress did not pass everything he wanted and the Supreme Court knocked out a few of FDR’s favorite laws.

Millions of “No Kings” marchers had fun waving horrifying signs and wearing T-shirts promoting 86 47. They should know that President Trump appointed only 3 of 9 Supreme Court Justices and has a hair-thin majority in Congress. And when we add the cost of police for those parades, and the continuing anti-ICE protests in LA and other cities, it probably will equal the cost of the Army parade.

Have you noticed how Israel infiltrated Iran? Israel even built a factory in Iran to build drones that were used to kill Iranian military leaders and top nuclear scientists. A lot of Iranians, especially women, oppose the rulers and are helping Israel. About 80% of Iranians don’t like being ruled by a King (Khamenei).

Here’s a concern: are the Chinese Communists infiltrating us in the same way? Hundreds of men from China have sneaked into the country, and thousands of our citizens hate Trump and love socialism. It is reasonable to assume Xi Jinping has planned a similar barrage of deadly attacks on multiple targets.

Happy Father’s Day. Even with all the distractions yesterday and the upcoming June 19^th celebrations, I have seen an abundance of wonderful messages on social media about fathers, both living and deceased. And so far, no one has complained about their dad being a King (for one day only).

Historic quote by Will Rogers:

     “Father had a day, but you can’t find anybody who remembers when it was…  It’s been so confused with April the first.”  Radio, on Mother’s Day, 1935

“I’m not advertising or trying to sell you anything.” Will Rogers said that on a radio broadcast in 1931. And I’m saying it now.

The “before and after” photos  (below) will never be seen on a TV commercial for Ozempic, Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, Adkin’s, WW, or any other similar ad. Unlike most of those products, I’m not promising anything. This works for me, but may not work for you. HOWEVER, if you have failed at losing weight, I suggest you give it a solid, dedicated effort.

Bottom line: I eliminated about 90% of desserts, 90% of snacks, and in 14 months lost 50 pounds.

I’m sharing more personal information than usual so you know details. In September 2023, my doctor advised me to do “weight-bearing exercises.” So, I started exercising at the nearby YMCA, mainly building muscles (legs, but also arms and chest). In about 6 months, I had indeed added muscle. But I was disappointed that my weight had not changed. Then two granddaughters who are nutritionists explained that muscle weighs more than fat. Duh.

How can I lose pounds? I like ice cream, pie, cake, donuts, Doritos, peanuts, Hershey bars and sweet tea to name a few favorites. But I made an important change. I eliminated 90% of desserts, soft drinks, and salty snacks. I don’t add sugar or salt to anything. (My only snack is plain almonds.) The 10% allows me to eat “normal” on special occasions, meetings and conferences. Then, if I added a couple of pounds I intentionally cut back for a day or two.

Here’s my timeline. I weighed 225 in March 2024. I set a goal of dropping to 200, which is what I had weighed for several years. Seemed quite reasonable. Well, I got down to 200 in September. Wahoo! I decided this change was not so difficult, so I set another goal of 185, which is what I weighed fifty years ago. I reached 185 by the end of January. (Note that the holidays from Thanksgiving to New Years are always tough for weight loss.)

Then I decided on one more goal. 175 pounds! And I’ll admit, the last 5 pounds were tough, but I made it on May 1. Total loss of 50 pounds.

What I learned may help you or someone you love. I did not set a goal to lose 50 pounds. That would have seemed unreasonable. But getting down to 200 was reasonable. By then I was accustomed to different eating habits, and decided to set another goal, 185. Then the third and final goal, 175 pounds.

If you are wondering, I eat pretty normal for an old country boy. Breakfast is plain oatmeal with milk and a teaspoon of honey and a banana. Plus, coffee with cream. I don’t eat anything else until supper. (For several years I had skipped lunch, or eaten lightly.)  Foods that I typically choose from for supper include beef, potatoes (with butter), eggs, pork, cheese, bread, beans, beets, tomatoes, peppers, blueberries and peaches. I do my own grocery shopping; if I don’t buy it, I don’t eat it.

For you, eating with the family may require more determination. It’s hard to turn down cherry pie with ice cream if everyone else is eating it.

Losing weight with this plan will save money instead of costing more for pharmaceuticals or special foods.

However, you will want to buy new clothes to fit the new body. Interestingly, I still had a few shirts and pants in the back of the closet from earlier days that helped get me through the “transition” times. My waist shrank by 4 inches, and shirt size dropped from XL to M. (And I can wear a shirt size S if I want to show off.)

As I said at the top, this may not work for you. Note that I did not set a specific date for any step in the weight loss. If you decide to lose pounds to fit into a certain size outfit for a wedding or high school reunion, there’s more risk. One would be disappointment if you don’t reach that goal on time, and second, after the event you may revert to old eating habits.

For me, a key is the “allowable” 10%. Allowing yourself to indulge once in a while is easier than total denial of sweets and salty snacks. You can enjoy eating at a buffet restaurant or a family reunion where everyone brings a favorite food.

And be prepared for the honest question of concern from someone who hasn’t seen you in a year or two, “Are you okay?” Your answer may be, “YES, and far better than okay!”

Photos: January 2024 (speaking), and May 2025.

Randall Reeder
WillRogersToday (dot) com     614-477-0439

 

Countries around the world are mad at us for equalizing tariffs. They remind me of a beautiful woman who latches onto a wealthy man (or in reverse, a young guy with a rich lady). Everything is hunky-dory as long as the cash keeps flowing. But one day the wealthy man (or woman) admits to the loving companion, “Honey, I can’t afford this anymore. I’m in debt $36,000,000,000,000.00.”

See, our diplomats have used our wealth to make friends and calm stormy waters around the world. As Will Rogers wrote, “There’s the one thing no nation can ever accuse us of and that is Secret Diplomacy. Our foreign dealings are an Open Book, generally a Check Book.” (WA #45, Oct. 21, 1923)

President Trump thought he could reason with Putin to end the war in Ukraine “in one day.” But Putin cannot be reasoned with. Like Stalin, he doesn’t care how many of his own soldiers die, or how many Ukrainians he kills. He is determined to take ALL of Ukraine. And the fewer Ukrainians who survive the war, the better. Then Putin wants to take the other countries that were behind the Iron Curtain forty years ago.

China’s Communist leader, Xi Jinping, is watching Putin. If he succeeds in Eastern Europe, Xi will attack Taiwan with the same goal and brutality. And an open check book won’t persuade either Putin or Xi.

Elon Musk left Washington to return to building Teslas and finish plans to inhabit Mars. A lot of folks are thrilled. While he and his DOGE team uncovered horrible wasteful, useless spending, I agree that many good and needed Federal employees were fired or coerced into leaving. The DOGE guys are now in the different departments and agencies. While it proved nearly impossible to stop fraudulent projects already funded, don’t be surprised if the Secretaries and Agency Administrators cut future spending on ridiculous ventures and unneeded positions.

Historic quotes by Will Rogers:

“You will try and show that we are prosperous, because we HAVE MORE. I will show where we are NOT prosperous because we haven’t PAID for it YET.” Life magazine, Aug. 9, 1928

“There is dozens of great humanitarian things that could be done at very little cost, if the tax was properly applied. It’s the waste in government that gets everybody’s goat.” WA #622, Nov. 25, 1934

“There are 800 people at work in the Library of Congress. Didn’t know there was anybody there but a watchman. Why, that’s a librarian to each book… The total salary in there is $773,300, so the Democrats figure there is about $750,000 of this is a total waste to the country.” DT #2147, June 21, 1933