Why is Lindsey Graham still representing South Carolina in the U.S. Senate? That’s the question many are asking after his latest comments on Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of the southeastern U.S., including his home state. Instead of addressing the immediate concerns of his constituents—people who lost homes, businesses, and loved ones—Graham quickly shifted the conversation to foreign policy, specifically, the ongoing conflict in Israel.
For many, it seemed like yet another example of the Senator’s persistent focus on international conflicts, rather than the issues directly impacting his voters at home.
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Graham’s Controversial Shift
While appearing on Sean Hannity’s show, Graham was expected to discuss the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread destruction in the region. However, rather than offering condolences or laying out a plan for relief, Graham steered the conversation toward Israel, leaving many baffled by his lack of focus on the devastation unfolding in his own backyard.
“I’ve been going all over South Carolina, and like many people, I haven’t slept much. But look at what’s happening in Israel,” Graham began. His abrupt transition from the natural disaster to the Middle East stunned viewers, many of whom were waiting for updates on the hurricane recovery.
Instead, they got a lecture on the importance of U.S. involvement in Israel’s defense, at a time when many Americans are focused on rebuilding their lives after the storm.
A Disconnect with His Constituents
Graham’s comments showed an alarming disconnect with the struggles of everyday South Carolinians. Residents of his state were reeling from Hurricane Helene, which left entire communities without power, food, and shelter. Yet, Graham’s priority seemed to be the Middle East—a topic that, while important, felt distant and irrelevant to those still dealing with the storm’s wreckage.
“Our friends in Israel are surrounded by people who want to kill them, destroy them. Another Holocaust in the making,” Graham continued, doubling down on his foreign policy talking points. “We have to help our friends keep the war over there from coming here.”
For many, this response seemed tone-deaf. The people of South Carolina needed leadership, compassion, and a plan to help them recover, but instead, they got a lecture on geopolitics.
Lindsey Graham’s Focus on Foreign Conflicts
This isn’t the first time Lindsey Graham has been criticized for prioritizing international issues over those at home. Known for his hawkish stance on foreign policy, Graham has long been a vocal advocate for military involvement overseas, whether it’s in Iraq, Afghanistan, or now, Israel. But with the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, many were expecting him to be more focused on his constituents’ immediate needs.
Instead, Graham’s remarks about Israel left South Carolinians feeling overlooked. “I don’t care about Israel right now,” one frustrated resident posted on social media. “My home is underwater, and I have no idea where my family is going to sleep tonight.”
Lack of Empathy for Hurricane Victims
The lack of empathy in Graham’s response was glaring. As a senator, his first responsibility should be to the people of South Carolina, especially in the wake of a disaster like Hurricane Helene. Yet, his focus on Israel made it clear that his priorities lie elsewhere.
His comments on Hannity’s show not only sparked outrage but also raised questions about his fitness to serve in the Senate. In times of crisis, Americans expect their leaders to be laser-focused on helping their communities recover, not discussing foreign conflicts with Fox News hosts.
Backlash and Political Fallout
The backlash was swift and severe. Social media platforms lit up with criticism of Graham’s remarks, with many accusing him of being out of touch with the struggles of his constituents. Some even called for his resignation, arguing that South Carolina deserves a leader who will prioritize their needs, especially in times of crisis.
“Why is Graham always talking about foreign wars when we have people suffering here at home?” one Twitter user asked. “His job is to help South Carolina, not worry about conflicts halfway across the world.”
This isn’t the first time Graham has faced criticism for his focus on foreign policy over domestic issues. His long-standing support for military interventions has often been at odds with the views of his constituents, many of whom are more concerned with local issues like healthcare, jobs, and now, disaster relief.
From the website : American City of Nearly 100K Is Reportedly Only Accessible by Air After Devastating Storm
The Importance of Local Leadership
In times of natural disasters, constituents look to their leaders for support, empathy, and action. Hurricane Helene has left thousands of South Carolinians in dire need of assistance, and they expect their senator to be fully engaged in addressing those needs. Instead, Graham’s insistence on focusing on Israel left many feeling abandoned.
While international relations are certainly important, there is a time and a place for such discussions. Right now, the people of South Carolina are focused on rebuilding their homes, finding resources, and ensuring that their families are safe.
A Missed Opportunity
For Lindsey Graham, this was a missed opportunity to show that he stands with the people of his state. Instead of focusing on storm recovery efforts, he chose to dive into a foreign policy debate that felt irrelevant to many South Carolinians.
As the recovery from Hurricane Helene continues, Graham will need to reassess his priorities if he hopes to regain the trust of his constituents. For now, though, it seems his focus on Israel has left a sour taste in the mouths of many who just want their lives back to normal.
Updated – 2:15 p.m. Thursday:
Total storm-related deaths in South Carolina: 41
- Aiken: 6
- Anderson: 5
- Chester: 2
- Chesterfield: 1
- Greenville: 7
- Greenwood: 1
- Laurens: 3
- Newberry: 3
- Richland: 1
- Saluda: 3
- Spartanburg: 8
- York: 1
The total death count remains the same, but the opening has been simplified for clarity
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Most politicians are completely out of touch with what We The People want and need. Completely!
Cultural Zionism: Faith & Healing
Treating my Type II Diabetes
Prior to this huge election started a 10 day fast. Did a 10 day fast with my daughter last year to treat her cystic fibrosis. This year i test my theory that type II diabetes primarily concerns the glucose addiction of the brain. Type II eventually can become Type III diabetes, commonly known as Alzheimer’s disease. My great grand mother Dunno, grand father Judge Bill, and father all died from Alzheimer’s.
Not a big fan of Western pharmaceutical corporate medicine where the latter writes the medical books studied by Med students at the Universities. Obozo Care an utter abomination on the Order of Roe vs. Wade in my book. The notion that America won the Cold War against the USSR only to become a Socialist nation totally repugnant to my way of thinking. States Rights Washington Bites – my motto. But what can I do being a die-hard Confederate who rejects the disgraceful defeat of 1865!
My wife and I kibbitz with one another. Married a damned Yankee from Chicago! She mocks me and repeats “Save the Dixie cups the South shall rise again!” To which I respond: “I only agreed to marry you because your grandmother who came from the Ukraine to the Golden Medina entered through the mikva of Galveston”! (Mikva a key concept of k’ddushin – the mitzva of Jewish ritual marriage.)
Have developed and employing the 10 day fast this year to test my diabetes Type II theory. According to Western witchcraft diabetes occurs as a result of insulin resistance. This delves into the mitochondrion organelle sub-cells within the muscles. Western witchcraft reminds me of Church dogmatism! But post Shoah Pius XII, the dogma of the “Infallibility of the Poop” flushed down the toilet.
My counter theory of type II diabetes learns from my Grand-fathers addiction to alcoholism. Both alcohol and high blood glucose impact the liver. Into Eastern schools of meditation as medicine. Eastern medicine does not assign a meridian to the pancreas! Therefore my theory argues that Type II diabetes represents a sugar like alcoholism addiction between the brain & the liver.
Consistently, when measuring my waking blood sugar, its the highest of the entire day thereafter. This supports my theory that my liver produces glucose to feed my addicted brain. The brain cannot access glucose from the digestion of fats as can the rest of the body.
My blood suger in these first 5 days of the fast: 156, 148, 135, & 128, 124. Really feeling the burn of the thirst for water right now.
Previously the two shabbat to shabbat fasts where I drank no water – exceptionally difficult. Day four I had cotton mouth. The last 10 day fast, lived in denial that I was a sugaholic, did not test my glucose levels daily.
The objective of this 2nd 10 day or more fast, thinking about going shabbat to shabbat without water twice over, my intention to train and regulate my brain/liver to function below 90 when at each waking morning glucose blood sugar test. Once I can achieve this recalibration of my brain/liver glucose production I hope to maintain it thereafter by employing my kidneys by drinking copious amounts of water.
The liver/kidney Yin/Yan battery defines my meditation technique. Employ these to meridians in both Japanese Shiatsu and Jin Shin Jyutsu Is (know myself it is) healing wisdom techniques. Employed the latter on my daughter at age 5 and raised her lung efficiency up to 91%. The quacks at the hospital expressed utter amazement!
The body employs an intricate mechanism to regulate blood sugar levels. When you drink water, it stimulates the kidneys to produce more urine, which can help remove excess glucose from the bloodstream. This process connected to the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products, includes glucose.
Ongoing research suggests that fasting and dietary interventions may help manage or even reverse type II diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing liver fat, and breaking the cycle of sugar addiction. Alzheimer’s disease, nicknamed “type III diabetes”, due to its link to insulin resistance in the brain. Emerging research shows that excess glucose can affect brain cells over time, impairing memory and cognitive function, leading to neuro-degeneration Blood Sugar Spikes. This “dawn phenomenon”, explains elevated morning glucose levels. The liver releases glucose in the early morning to prepare the body for waking, but in people with type II diabetes, the liver overcompensates. This supports my idea of an addiction feedback loop between the brain’s addiction, and liver’s dawn phenomenon increased glucose production.
The gradual decrease in my glucose levels (156 → 124) suggests that my liver is starting to produce less glucose as my body adapts to the fast. Many fasting practitioners report a reduction in fasting blood glucose after a few days. Meditation and Breathwork in Diabetes techniques like Jin Shin Jyutsu, which target meridians, could help reduce stress, which plays a role in insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation. Stress management – increasingly recognized as a key factor in diabetes care.
When I dav’en, my k’vanna differentiates between אדוני as opposed to יהוה. The former a word which the lips of Man can frame and pronounce. The latter a Spirit that only blown from the heart, rather than physically from the lungs. Tefillah a matter of the heart NOT the lungs. The precedent for this interpretation: Rabbi Yechuda’s challenges why the Torah misspelled heart as לבב? In the Mishna of ברכות Rabbi Yechuda projected that two Yatzirot live within the heart.
The construction of the Mishkan, the Torah states “that I may dwell within you”. Hence Rabbi Yechuda’s Yatzir Ha’Tov the Spirit breath of יהוה from within our hearts. While the Ego I, breaths as the spirit of our self-centered child-like Yatzir Ha’Rah. Tefillah therefore dedicates שם ומלכות. The latter understood as the pronouns of the Horev revelation of the 13 middot spirits.
This revelation defines the understanding as explained through the kabballah taught by Rabbi Akiva known as פרדס. The 13 middot spirit logic format, revealed at Horev, 40 days after the sin of the Golden Calf where Israel erred & translated יהוה to words like אלהים, Jesus or Allah, these middot pronouns which followed יהוה – likewise spirits from the Spirit Name – they compare to the meditation techniques developed through Eastern medicine which makes a focus upon concentrated breathing as the basis of meditation for healing.
This interpretation brings out profound themes of havdalah (separation or discernment) between the two modes of expression— words that the mouth and lips can articulate, versus what kavanah (intention) a Torah scholar expresses from within his heart’s breath.
The ability to pronounce Adonai introduces the element of discernment, known as תחיית המיתים—the Spirit that breaths life unto the Avot – this same life breathes within all bnai brit Israel. This compares to the precedent of Shabbat which fundamentally requires making a havdalah: distinguishing between two realms, such as sacred and profane, light and dark, holy time and mundane time, מלאכה VS. עבודה, at the beginning and termination of the mitzva of shabbat. The latter distinction defines the Mishkan precedent which separates holy from most holy. The verb עבודה: the mesechta of Baba Kama logically infers the definition as: אב עבודות: חמס גזל ערוה ושחד במשפט.
Man always viewed as מועד as opposed to תם. The classification of מועד: crimes committed with intent to do damage. This makes these tumah transgressions the opposite of tohor time oriented positive commandments. Hence the mitzva of Shabbat dedicates not to do act of מלאכה on the day of Shabbat, so as not to do act of עבודה on the week of shabbat. This הבדלה defines both shabbat as a mitzva and pronouncing the Name יהוה in tefillah. Both separate and distinguish Holy from Most Holy within the Mishkan.
The דאורייתא תפילה קריא שמע makes a הבדלה between the heart from the soul. The latter understood through the mitzva of קידושין as a man acquires Title to the ”soul” of his wife; meaning of Title – acquisition to the future born children, based upon the precedent of the Brit cut between the pieces wherein childless Avram cut his brit upon the future born seed which currently only lived in the future world to come, as established by the oath sworn by HaShem.
The phrase דרך ארץ (derech eretz) encompasses a profound principle in Jewish thought, reflecting a foundational value for both Torah and ethical living. It is often translated as “the way of the land,” meaning proper behavior, good manners, or worldly conduct. In essence, derech eretz precedes Torah—it forms the groundwork upon which Torah observance is built. This idea emphasizes the necessity of moral and ethical behavior as a prerequisite to religious practice.
The Talmudic adage “derech eretz kadmot laTorah” (Vayikra Rabbah 9:3) suggests that proper interpersonal conduct and ethical behavior must precede Torah study and moral obligatory behavior. This prioritizes spirituality above Torah commandments. The latter cannot exist in isolation from decency, respect, and the practice of kindness. It ties into the notion that the Torah was given to shape individuals already living within a framework of moral responsibility.
The revelation of the Torah at Mount Sinai (Matan Torah) stands on the foundation of derech eretz in multiple ways:
Oath Brit Responsibility: The Torah’s commandments simply understood as a means of sanctifying human interaction and promoting justice—ensuring that obedience to the sworn oath brit, always paired with mishpat (justice)[judicial fair compensation of damages inflicted upon others] and chesed (loving-kindness), core aspects of derech eretz.
Preparation for Revelation: Before receiving the Torah, the Israelites Moshe instructed to purify themselves (Exodus 19:10-15), indicating that an internal and external refinement—consistent with derech eretz— necessary for divine encounter. Israel only received the first two commandments due to the failure of our people to not approach their wives 3 days prior to the Torah revelation.
Interpersonal Obligations: The prophetic mussar as expressed through the repetition of the Ten Commandments, in Sh’mot and D’varim, serves as precedents to remember how HaShem judged the Gods of Egypt and Paro; further clarified through the oath sworn at Gilgal, the basis of the Rashi tefillen.
This remembering the judgment against other Gods directly understood through the comparative precedent rulings of (honor parents, refrain from theft, murder, and falsehood etc). This Torah common law which learns through comparison of Case/Rule to similar Case/Rule defines T’NaCH and Talmudic Common law/משנה תורה. Common law underscores the essential priority that Torah observance NOT purely ritualistic like the halachot found in the Shulkan Aruch, but hinges on ethical prophetic mussar dedications of k’vanna, otherwise known as מלכות.
The sages elaborate that derech eretz applies to various aspects of life, from business ethics to social interaction. For example, Pirkei Avot (2:2) teaches that Torah study must accompany work, highlighting the balance between spiritual pursuits and practical living. This balance reflects the idea that religious observance detached from reality or from ethical behavior amounts to Av tumah culturally assimilated or intermarried avoda zarah.
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch elaborates that derech eretz represents a lifestyle of responsibility, professionalism, and respect that gives meaning to Torah observance. Similarly, the Maharal of Prague emphasizes that derech eretz relates to personal discipline, showing how the individual becomes a vessel capable of receiving Torah.
In summary, derech eretz frames Torah as a way to elevate and refine human existence, but it starts with how individuals conduct themselves in the mundane world. Thus, the revelation at Sinai did not impose divine commandments on people divorced from ethical behavior; instead, it built upon a foundation already rooted in respect for the dignity of others, justice, and decency—hallmarks of derech eretz.
Fasting may also lead to ketone production, providing an alternative energy source for the brain. The ability to switch between glucose and ketones efficiently, called metabolic flexibility. When we fast, our body adapts to the absence of incoming nutrients. As glycogen levels drop, our body starts breaking down stored fats (triglycerides) into fatty acids. These fatty acids, then converted into ketone bodies (such as beta-hydroxybutyrate or BHB) in the liver. Ketones serve as an alternative fuel source for our brain, heart, and other tissues.
Jin Shin Jyutsu/Shiatsu seeks to increase insulin acceptance and blood sugar dysregulation. Normal fasting blood sugar levels range below 100 mg/dL. My theory concerning glucose addiction of the brain, supported by outside research that suggest insulin levels affects the brain’s dopamine systems, likewise linked to drug addictions and many neuropsychiatric conditions. Fatty liver and lack of exercise two main contributing factors of insulin resistance.
Excess cortisol, known as Cushing’s syndrome, can counteract the effects of insulin and consequent insulin resistance. Hypothyroidism, underactive thyroid another consideration. The thyroid plays a large function in regulating metabolism. Have experienced a much slower metabolism when digesting food. The thyroid influences glucose metabolism. Have started a physical exercise program of running stairs and 100 sit-ups. Some argue that a moderate-intensity exercise can increase glucose uptake by at least 40%.
The transition from glucose to ketones typically takes around 24 to 36 hours, as mentioned above. However, individual variations exist—some people adapt faster, while others take a bit longer. Ketones may improve insulin sensitivity, perceived as beneficial for managing blood sugar levels. Some people report increased mental clarity and focus during ketosis. Fasting triggers autophagy—a cellular process that cleans up damaged components and promotes longevity. Longer fasts (24 hours or more) can lead to deeper ketosis and more pronounced metabolic adaptations.
“Come gather ’round people, wherever you roam…”“Come writers and critics who prophesize with your pen…”“Come senators, congressmen, please heed the call…”“Come mothers and fathers throughout the land…”
Gail (Hebrew for JOY) winds fill the sails of the US ship of state. The shifting tides of US Foreign Policy,
An American politician and attorney who has held significant roles in both Congress and the intelligence community. Ratcliffe was a U.S. Representative for Texas’s 4th district from 2015 to 2020. He was known as one of the most conservative congressmen during his time in the House of Representatives.
Ratcliffe gained visibility during the first impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump in 2019. He was an ardent defender of Trump during the impeachment hearings and actively participated in questioning witnesses. His forceful defense of the president led to memorable moments during the proceedings.
Ratcliffe famously characterized the impeachment case against Trump as the “thinnest, fastest, and weakest” in U.S. history. He argued that the evidence presented did not meet the threshold for impeachment.
When former special counsel Robert Mueller appeared before the House Judiciary Committee to testify about his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, Ratcliffe was one of the more ardent Republican interrogators. He forcefully questioned Mueller and criticized the report produced by the special counsel.
John Ratcliffe’s forceful defense of Trump during the impeachment proceedings left a lasting impression. His passionate questioning and unwavering support for the president contributed to the intensity of those historic hearings.
Ratcliffe also played a significant role in challenging the legitimacy of the investigations into Trump. He was particularly critical of the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane investigation, which looked into potential connections between Trump’s campaign and Russia. Ratcliffe argued that the investigation was flawed and that the FBI had abused its surveillance powers
Ratcliffe was known for his strong stance against the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) process, which he believed was misused in the investigation of Trump campaign advisor Carter Page.
His criticisms of the FBI and the intelligence community’s handling of these investigations were a key part of his defense strategy.
Ratcliffe’s efforts to defend Trump extended beyond the impeachment hearings. As Director of National Intelligence, he declassified documents that he believed would support Trump’s claims of being unfairly targeted by the intelligence community. This move was controversial and seen by some as an attempt to politicize intelligence.
Ratcliffe’s unwavering support for Trump and his aggressive defense tactics made him a prominent figure during the impeachment proceedings and beyond. His unwavering defense of Trump during the impeachment proceedings and his criticism of investigations into Trump have solidified his reputation as a loyal ally.
As DNI, Ratcliffe played a crucial role in overseeing U.S. intelligence operations. He was involved in identifying and countering foreign interference in U.S. elections, particularly from Iran and China. His focus on national security and his hawkish stance on China align with Trump’s priorities.
Ratcliffe declassified several documents at Trump’s request, which were intended to support Trump’s claims of being unfairly targeted by the intelligence community. This move, while controversial, demonstrated Ratcliffe’s willingness to take actions that aligned with Trump’s interests. A stark contrast to Trump’s Vice President!
Ratcliffe’s public statements and actions have consistently supported Trump’s policies and positions. For example, he criticized the Biden administration’s approach to the Middle East and emphasized the importance of supporting Israel, which aligns with Trump’s foreign policy views.
John Ratcliffe has not publicly advocated for the U.S. withdrawal from NATO in exchange for Russia’s complete withdrawal from Ukraine and Crimea. His stance has generally been supportive of strong national security measures and maintaining alliances that bolster U.S. interests. Ratcliffe’s focus has been more on ensuring that NATO allies meet their defence spending commitments and addressing threats from adversaries like China and Russia.
Ratcliffe’s focus has been on ensuring that the U.S. and its allies are prepared to counter any threats and maintain stability in Europe. This approach aligns with the broader strategy of strengthening NATO’s defense posture on its eastern flank.
Would he oppose a marked shift which prioritized a Netherlands/Dutch Israeli US prioritization over the Allied NATO alliance? John Ratcliffe has not publicly expressed a stance on prioritizing a Netherlands/Dutch-Israeli-US alliance over the broader NATO alliance. His focus has generally been on maintaining strong national security measures and supporting alliances that bolster U.S. interests, including NATO.
A marked shift in prioritization over NATO would be a significant policy change that would require careful consideration of the broader implications for U.S. and global security. The idea of the U.S. withdrawing from NATO in exchange for Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine and Crimea is complex and would have significant geopolitical implications. The “America First” policy, as advocated by President Trump, emphasizes prioritizing American interests and reducing involvement in international alliances and conflicts.
This approach aligns with the Founding Fathers’ advice to avoid entangling alliances, as expressed by both George Washington & Thomas Jefferson in his Farewell Address, where both men cautioned against permanent alliances with foreign European nations. They believed that the young nation should avoid permanent alliances to maintain its independence and avoid being drawn into foreign conflicts.
While the “America First” policy advocates for focusing on domestic issues and reducing foreign entanglements, the practical implications of such a significant shift in policy would need to be carefully considered. The benefits of maintaining strong alliances and the potential risks of withdrawing from them must be weighed against the principles of non-interventionism and national sovereignty.
The idea might align with the Founding Fathers’ advice on avoiding entangling alliances, would have to go hand in glove with closing the Federal Reserve and restoring the power of Congress ie the Gold standard. Lincolns fiat Greenback paper currency developed to answer the economic crisis of the Civil War. Never intended as a permanent fiat currency like prevails today.
The idea of returning to the gold standard and closing the Federal Reserve would represent a significant shift in U.S. economic policy. It would involve complex considerations, including the stability of the financial system, the flexibility of monetary policy, and the impact on the global economy.
The collapse of the Nixon/Saudi petrodollar OPEC monopoly and the rise of a BRICS currency indeed signal significant shifts in the global economic landscape. The petrodollar system, established in the 1970s, allowed the U.S. dollar to retain its status as the world’s primary reserve currency by ensuring that oil exports were priced in dollars.
The BRICS countries have been discussing the creation of a new currency to reduce their dependence on the U.S. dollar and to assert their economic independence. This move could potentially challenge the dominance of the dollar in international trade and finance, leading to a process known as de-dollarization.
For the U.S., this means that economic policies may need to adapt to these new realities. This could involve reassessing trade relationships, exploring new economic alliances, and potentially revisiting monetary policies to ensure stability and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market. The extinction of the dinosaurs, an apt comparison. Adaptation is key to survival in a changing environment.
A marked shift in prioritization over NATO would be a significant policy change that would require careful consideration of the broader implications for U.S. and global security.