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Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Trump voters cheer his move against Iran. MAGA leaders had warned the bombing could backfire.
Advertisement Ken Slabaugh, a retired Air Force veteran from Warrensburg, Missouri, said he was '100% supportive' of the strikes. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Speaking Sunday near Whiteman Air Force Base, home of the B-2 bombers used in the attack, Slabaugh said it was clear to him that negotiations and attempts to strike deals with Iran were futile, and Trump had to act. The Iranians, he said, 'can't be trusted and they certainly can't have a nuke.' The response was exactly what he expected from the president. 'What he said was he's not gonna start new wars. He doesn't start wars. He finishes them,' Slabaugh said. 'It's pretty obvious that when the situation requires it, he don't monkey around with it. He gets in it and gets it done.' MAGA's enthusiastic response More than 1,000 miles away, at an American Legion post in Brunswick, Maryland, Denny Bayer said the attacks were 'awesome.' Advertisement 'He wants global peace,' the Army National Guard veteran said Tuesday. 'He gave them 60 days' to make a nuclear deal. Bayer, 72, is not concerned about possible retribution because he said Trump had made clear what would follow: 'If you hurt one hair on an American's head I'll rain hellfire down on you.' In Front Royal, Virginia, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) from the nation's capital, retired drywaller Stacey Roles said Trump's decision was 'the right one.' Roles, 77, described himself as part of Trump's 'MAGA' movement. 'Trump's got my support,' Roles said Tuesday. Targeting 'a bully' Pam Pollard, 65, a longtime GOP leader in Oklahoma, said her first thought upon hearing the U.S. had dropped bombs was that the action would be supported by 'the entire world, save a very small few.' Presidents going back multiple administrations have talked about Iran's nuclear buildup, Pollard said, calling Iran a bully in the region. 'President Trump isn't someone to be bullied,' she said. Pollard was not worried about a military escalation. She does worry about the possible activation of 'terrorist cells.' 'I am very fearful of that all over the world, not just in America,' she said. In La Grange, Kentucky, on the outskirts of Louisville, Donna Williamson, a Republican from nearby Carrollton, said she worries about the U.S. being drawn into a protracted war in the Mideast. 'I hope and I pray that Trump is doing the right thing, but I will reserve judgment,' she said Monday. What early polling shows Early polls suggest Republicans are far more supportive of the military action than are Democrats. A Quinnipiac University poll Wednesday found that about 80% of registered voters who are Republicans back the U.S. joining Israel in striking Iran's nuclear sites. Advertisement Overall, however, about half of those polled say they disapprove of the strikes, and 75% of Democratic voters were opposed. The poll found that 80% of Republicans believe the strikes will make Americans safer, while nearly as many Democrats believe the strikes will make Americans less safe. Meanwhile, nearly 8 in 10 voters are either very concerned or somewhat concerned about the possibility the U.S. will get drawn into war with Iran. A Fox News poll conducted immediately after Israel attacked Iran, but before the U.S. became involved, found that about 8 in 10 registered voters were 'extremely' or 'very' concerned about Iran getting a nuclear bomb. Trump has a history of foreign intervention Trump won the presidency in 2016 in part due to anger over the 'forever wars' in Afghanistan and Iraq, but he has never been opposed to foreign intervention. In 2019, U.S. special forces killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the shadowy leader of the Islamic State group, during a raid in Syria, as part of a campaign that involved U.S. troops on the ground. A year later, Trump ordered the assassination of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian general, and some worried that strike would lead to full-blown war. In March, Trump ordered airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen. He promised to use 'overwhelming lethal force' until the Iran-backed rebels ceased their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor. Trump has brushed has off the suggestion that his base would be put off by the attacks on Iran, telling reporters, 'My supporters are more in love with me today.' 'He should finish the job' Bill Cantle, a Republican from Clearwater, Florida, said he thinks Trump is 'doing the right thing' on Iran. Advertisement 'I just think he should finish the job. Not leave it half-done,' Cantle said while he and his wife explored downtown La Grange, Kentucky, during a visit. Republican Peter Espinosa, a retired Army sergeant who was born in Cuba and lives in the Miami suburb of Doral, said he sees Iranian officials as 'the bad guys' and views Trump as 'disciplined.' 'I truly believe he's a peacekeeper,' he said. 'We just need to fight the hostility that's going on in the Middle East right now and take care of it, because if we don't, our country is going to be jeopardized.' At a GOP fundraiser Tuesday in Lima, Ohio, headlined by Vice President JD Vance, Clark Spieles said he has faith in the administration's actions. 'Nobody likes war, everybody wants peace,' said Spieles, a Shawnee Township, Ohio, trustee, adding 'I have confidence that they're doing the right thing.' Gomez Licon reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Schreiner from La Grange, Kentucky and Colvin from New York. Associated Press polling editor Amelia Thomson DeVeaux in Washington, and AP Writers Nicholas Ingram in Knob Noster, Missouri and Julie Smyth in Lima, Ohio, contributed to this report.
Globe and Mail
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Utah Boys State: Shane Krauser Returns as Featured Speaker
Shane Krauser is a nationally-renowned educator, a constitutional expert, and a youth speaker. Ogden, Utah, United States - Shane Krauser returned for his fourth consecutive appearance at the prestigious, five-day youth leadership conference held at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. Utah Boys State is a top-tier symposium emphasizing leadership, civics, and political engagement. Collaborating with Weber State University's Political Science Department, the American Legion Utah Boys State program offers an exceptional educational experience, equipping young people with a deep understanding of the political principles that shape America. During the program, students learn about the rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of citizenship. The training is hands-on with students elected by their peers to manage city, county, and state governments. The program features activities such as legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement demonstrations, assemblies, musical performances by bands and choruses, and recreational activities. Shane Krauser was, once again, a highlighted presenter at this year's June 2025 event. Since 2021, Shane Krauser has been a staple with the program. During his presentation, he takes the students through a variety of scenarios, allows for debate and discussion, and highlights the underlying principle at stake. Krauser values the intensity of these discussions, as they mirror real-world challenges. Dr. Ninzel Rasmuson, the Executive Director of Utah Boys State, said, "Shane Krauser's ability to interact with the Utah Boys State 2025 class was a masterful blend of scholarly insight and articulate exposition. His capacity to engage with the citizens and debate issues was impactful as he conveyed complex constitutional principles significantly enriching the citizens' understanding. As staff, we are grateful for his invaluable contribution to the academic discourse on constitutional law, governance, and civic education.' Boys State, held annually in all fifty states, draws some of the most driven and committed students from high schools throughout the nation. Notable Boys State alumni include President Bill Clinton, political commentator Hugh Hewitt, General Wesley Clark (U.S. Army), U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (AR), U.S. Senator Trent Lott (MS), Governor Bruce Babbitt (AZ), U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman (CT), NFL player Hines Ward (Pittsburgh Steelers), NBA coach Phil Jackson, NBA player Michael Jordan, U.S. Senator Mike Lee (UT), musician Jon Bon Jovi, political consultant James Carville, political commentator Rush Limbaugh, and many other distinguished individuals. Shane Krauser, the director of Veritas Debate Academy, remarked, 'These young people are our future, and my heart is filled with optimism as I interact with them. They care deeply about America, cherish her principles, and are eager to take action to safeguard freedom. I feel privileged to contribute to their understanding of the crucial role they can play in upholding the flame of liberty during this crucial time in history.' With over 3,000 speaking engagements throughout the United States and countries like Mexico, Peru, and Canada, Shane Krauser draws on his extensive experience and impressive credentials to educate and motivate young men. Krauser served as a felony prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office in Phoenix, Arizona for 12 years. He later transitioned from government work to become a partner at one of Arizona's leading law firms, where he worked as a criminal defense consultant. Additionally, Krauser taught constitutional and criminal law as an adjunct professor for over ten years. As a speaker, he has shared the stage with individuals such as Glenn Beck, Ron Paul, David Barton, and many others. For media or general inquiries, contact Janelle Krauser at 480.570.3698 or email Contact@ Website: Social Media: Media Contact Company Name: Veritas Debate Academy Contact Person: Janelle Krauser Email: Send Email Phone: +1 480.570.3698 City: Gilbert State: Arizona Country: United States Website:
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Are you required to destroy a U.S. flag if it touches the ground?
(WHTM) — Today is Flag Day, and many people will be flying their red, white, and blue flags on this patriotic anniversary. However, as Americans nationwide fly their flags, a common question arises: If a U.S. flag touches the ground, are you required to destroy it? Maintaining flag etiquette is crucial, as the American flag serves as a symbol of patriotism, freedom, and unity. According to the United States Flag Code, 'The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.' However, according to the American Legion, the code was created to emphasize that citizens must exercise care when handling a flag to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. The Legion says you are not required to destroy the flag in the event it touches the ground, but you should try your best to avoid letting it become damaged. As long as the flag remains suitable for display, you may continue to display the flag, per the American Legion. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The Legion adds that the Flag Code does not prohibit the washing or dry-cleaning of the flag, as the decision would depend upon the type of material of the flag. The Department of Defense released some 'Dos and Don'ts' for displaying the American flag. To see the tips, click here. To learn how to properly dispose of a U.S. flag, click here. Flag Day commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the United States' flag on June 14, 1777. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Purple Heart reunited with WWII veteran's family in Geneva
The Brief Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs' Operation Purple Heart reunited a lost Purple Heart with the family of WWII veteran Edward Gorski Jr. during a ceremony in Geneva. Gorski, wounded in the Battle of the Bulge while protecting a fellow soldier, died in 1993; his medal was found in a bank deposit box and turned over as unclaimed property. Gorski's grandson, Shawn, an Army veteran himself, accepted the medal and said the honor deepened the meaning of his own service. GENEVA, Ill. - A Purple Heart that lost its way has now been reunited with the family of a World War II veteran. What we know "These medals don't deserve to be in a cold vault in Springfield," said Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs. "They should be in the warm, loving embrace of family."Frerichs launched Operation Purple Heart in 2021 to return lost or unclaimed combat medals to the families of those who earned Thursday, during a ceremony at the American Legion post in west suburban Geneva, Army veteran Shawn Gorski accepted the Purple Heart awarded to his late grandfather, Edward Gorski Jr. The elder Gorski served in the Army's 65th Infantry Division, which fought in Europe during 1944 and 1945, including in the Battle of the Bulge. Gorski's son, Scott, recalled that his father was wounded while trying to shield a fellow soldier from a mortar blast. "There was a mortar that got shot in a fox hole and he do over a guy that was in bad shape already," Gorski said. "He dove on top of him and it blew and did a lot of damage around his eye. And he carried that scar through life as I remember on his face."Edward Gorski died in 1993. His Purple Heart, which had been stored in a bank's safe deposit box, was eventually turned over to the treasurer's office as unclaimed property. "This program came about because when I came into office, I discovered that we held certain Purple Hearts. I saw one in a display case. and asked who does that belong to? The staff couldn't tell me."Thursday's event marked the 14th time the state has returned a Purple Heart to a veteran's family. Shawn Gorski, who was just a child when his grandfather died, said he was honored to receive the medal. A veteran himself, he plans to proudly display it in his home. "When the Treasurer's office reached out to me and said your grandfather has this, I was shocked. This just makes it all more real. And more meaningful. I think it makes my service feel more important too. So now I'm going to put it in a case and hang it up in my basement and show it off," Gorski said. What's next Frerichs said the state still has eight more Purple Hearts awaiting reunification and is asking the public to visit to see if they can help connect the medals with their rightful families.
Miami Herald
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Flag Day feels different this year, but it doesn't have to
Saturday is Flag Day. In previous years, June 14 came and went for most people without a second thought. But this year, Flag Day is making a lot of waves — not only because of the Washington, D.C., military parade for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary or because it coincides with President Donald Trump's birthday, but also because of the nationwide protests planned. 'No Kings' protests are scheduled across the country as a response to Trump's military parade. Recently, it seems like there have been a lot of protests, not just those held last weekend in Los Angeles, but also outside Tesla dealerships, the May Day rallies, the Hands Off protest in April and others. While I appreciate and respect the First Amendment right to protest and exercise free speech, something that doesn't sit right with me is watching protesters fly the flag upside down. The upside American flag was used in the past to signal a ship in distress, but both the left and the right also have employed it as a way to show dissent. I understand that people want to protest Trump's policies, and many may feel these are dire circumstances deserving of the strongest response. But do we all still remember the outrage when Trump supporters flew the flag upside down after his conviction on 34 felonies last summer? Upside down flag Before recent events, I had never seen the American flag fly upside down. But it has happened before. After President Harry Truman fired General Douglas MacArthur in the middle of the Korean War, Americans turned their flags upside down in protest. According to the American Legion, the flag should only be flown upside when there is extreme danger to life or property. In Spence v. Washington, a 1974 Supreme Court decision, the court found that desecrating the flag, including flying it upside down as a symbol of protest, is protected speech under the First Amendment. Nevertheless, it's sad to see Old Glory upside down — especially at the recent May Day protest in Miami. The protests were in response to the administration's actions against immigrants and federal workers in the first 100 days of Trump in office. What is most troubling here is what the recent embrace of using the flag as a protest symbol reveals about where we are as a nation. When both sides wave an upside down American flag, it signals that a lot of us believe democracy is in peril. They may be right, but have we lost sight of what the flag is meant to represent? Stars and stripes The flag has long been a symbol of what unites us as a nation — 13 stripes for the original colonies and 50 stars for each state. Despite our differences, the flag has served as reminder that we are united in one nation, even when we disagree. On this Flag Day, whether that means parades or protests, take a moment and think about what the American flag has stood for in history. During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner, as the British attacked Fort McHenry, about the flag continuing to wave over 'the land of the free and the home of the brave.' Old Glory has weathered wars, terror attacks, the Great Depression and elections. It has covered the coffins of service members who died while defending our rights, including the right to protest. It has been a beacon of hope for many and stood tall in our nation's darkest hours. On Saturday, let us remember what it stands for. Mary Anna Mancuso is a member of the Miami Herald Editorial Board. Her email: mmancuso@
