As an Iranian watching this rescue mission unfold, I was praying the American pilot would make it out alive, not just for him, but so the Islamic Republic could not use him as a bargaining chip or claim some twisted “victory.”
At the same time, I felt a deep envy.
Your government sent elite special forces, million-dollar aircraft, and moved heaven and earth to bring one American home. No hesitation. No excuses.
In Iran, the regime uses human shields and recruited child soldiers to clear minefields during the Iran-Iraq war. They treat their own people like disposable tools. They are now recruiting child soldiers as we speak.
The Islamic Republic has zero regard for human life. That’s the brutal difference.
One side risks everything to save their own.
The other sacrifices their own to stay in power.
This hits hard when you have lived under both realities.
George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1789:
"By the President of the United States…
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor— and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to ‘recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.’
Therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.
May we all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks— for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation— for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war— for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed— for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted— for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed— to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us— and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Under my hand at the City of New-York, 3rd of October in the year of our Lord 1789."
Do you not understand these are there every day, but if its dry, you don't see them. Notice the cirrus showing up as high level moisture is there. Its like seeing your breath on a cold morning, there is still the same amount there, but you can't see it when it's warmer and drier. You have many people following you , but you are making an arse of yourself, as are other conspiracy nuts. You are in good company though. Fidel Castro accused the US of doing this in 1963, blocking Hurricane Flora so it would stall over his island. We have been seeding clouds since the 1940s and they can mitigate short term events, but all you are seeing here is the condensation trails from the flight paths of the jets over you. We had them here today as cirrus showed up, nothing yesterday as high levels were dry
How cool is this? That’s a bald eagle sitting on the steeple at Belin UMC in Murrells Inlet as the moon rises at sunset. Perfectly captured by Kathy Dowling.
🦅 🌕⛪️
This isn’t my strong suit and I don’t even know how to begin to put into words the loss I am feeling right now over the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charlie wasn’t just a friend — he was like a little brother to me - and to millions of people around the world - he was a true inspiration.
He was one of the most courageous, principled men I’ve ever known, and he lived every day with purpose. His faith in God was unshakable, his love for Erika was inspiring, and the way he adored and cared for his two beautiful kids showed the kind of man he truly was.
Charlie dedicated his life to something bigger than himself. He fought tirelessly for this country, for the values that make America great, and for the next generation. The impact he had on young people — reaching them in masses, giving them courage to stand up, to think for themselves, and to fight for freedom — is immeasurable. There is no question that Charlie’s work and his voice helped my father win the presidency. He changed the direction of this nation.
Charlie was never a threat to anyone. He was civil, he was kind, he listened and responded with respect. The only “threat” he ever posed was that he was incredibly effective. He was a powerful messenger of truth, and people heard that truth. That’s what made him a target.
This loss is absolutely devastating — not only for Erika and the kids, but for our country. We’ve lost a leader, a fighter, and a man whose character and conviction were rare. Too rare. To think that his life was cut short by a brutal, heinous, evil act is beyond comprehension. It is horrible and it is heartbreaking.
Moments like this remind us just how fragile life is. We can’t wait to tell people how much they mean to us — we can’t admire them in silence. Charlie knew he was loved, but I want to say it again: he was a brother to me, and I will carry that with me forever.
I know Charlie’s legacy doesn’t end here. He poured into millions of young people who will carry forward the torch he lit. He built something that will outlast him, because it was grounded in faith, in truth, and in courage. And as his friend, I will never forget him. I’ll honor him by loving boldly, speaking truth without fear, and continuing his spirit of courage. His fight lives on in all of us who loved him.
This is an unimaginable loss. For me, for his family, for everyone who loved him, and for America. Rest in peace, brother. You will be missed more than words can ever say — but your legacy will never be forgotten and we will keep fighting the good fight.
@BreannaMorello I disagree with most comments I’ve read. His character just took a big hit. There is loss of trust now. I was really excited that we were going to have a real statesman. Not sure now. Yes over Cornyn. Give me a good third option.
MAHA tip of the day:
Snacking on beef jerky made with just beef & salt is a game-changer.
It’s packed with protein to keep you full & satisfied for hours.
Plus, it’s loaded with essential nutrients like vitamin B, iron & zinc!
Pure, simple fuel for your body.
Eat more beef!