Fleecing the Taxpayer in the Deep Background

 While the Somalis and illegals are 'foreground' thieves and scammers, there is also a 'background' group of thieves and scammers.  You don't know their names because they are not stupid enough to make a big splash with their dealings.

 ...[Interior Secretary] Ernst has investigated issues surrounding the federal government’s real estate holdings. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) memo provided to the Daily Caller News Foundation in December 2023 showed that only six out of 24 agencies had building utilization rates below the Transportation Department’s 14%, with the Social Security Administration having the lowest utilization rate at 7%.

Ernst’s office told the DCNF in December 2023 that every government agency is using less than half of its office space, with the State Department using 49% of its office space, which was the highest total....

Some of those buildings are owned by the Government.

MANY OTHERS are owned by Deep Background investors, and leased to the Government.  They are very happy to build and lease a building to the Feds.  They make a profit AND the rent is going to be paid, as the Gummint is a good credit risk.

If the building is on a 10-year lease (most are), and the Gummint moves out after 4 years, well, the investor still gets paid.

We'll bet that you have no idea who those investors are.  And they're very happy about that. 

 Need another example?  Thanks for asking!!

...The federal government also spent $3.3 billion on new furniture, despite the bulk of government employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the New York Post. ...

We are acquainted with the office furnishings biz.  Trust us when we tell you that the FedGov buys a HELLUVALOT of furniture, and tosses out the "old" stuff, or puts it into another leased building for "storage." Not because the "old" stuff is useless--but because Gummint Boss-Lady/Boss-Man wants to "re-decorate" the place.  Most of you readers have furniture that is far greater than 5 years old, and lots of you have stuff that is >20.

Why does Gummint-Man/Wimmin have to have better than that? 

Because they are Entitled.  They are Superior.  Don't you know that yet???? 

Illegal?? No Welfare For YOU!!

 This is a blow to Evers, the Communists Voces de la Frontera bunch, and lots of other "human rights" jackwads.

... In a major reversal, the Department of Justice has discarded a decades-old interpretation of a law that essentially allowed illegal aliens to collect welfare benefits.

In a 20-page slip opinion bearing Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser's signature, the Department of Justice reversed its reading of "federal means-tested public benefit" in light of last year's overturn of Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council Inc....

The Chevron overturn meant that Congressional intent--not bureau-weenies--determines how TAXPAYER MONEY is spent.  Or, as in this case, that bureau-weenies cannot make up s**t and put it onto the taxpayer's credit card.

... The previous interpretation, stemming from the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 under Democratic President Bill Clinton, extended welfare to illegal aliens by splitting hairs between mandatory and discretionary spending. The DOJ previously directed the Departments of Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development to interpret this phrase to allow the extension of benefits to illegal aliens under discretionary benefit programs....

Yah, well....

 ...The new opinion rules that the PRWORA includes benefits under both mandatory and discretionary spending programs and withdraws the preceding 1997 opinion, effectively closing this loophole that allowed illegal aliens to collect welfare benefits.

The opinion notes that the PRWORA had many other parts that would seem to resist the old interpretation, particularly since the relevant section of the law was enacted "to address abuse of the welfare system by aliens in the United States."...

Eric Holder basically told Congress to F.O.A.D.  The Trump peeps fixed that.

By the way, about 60% of illegals are collecting FEDERAL TAXPAYER DOLLARS.  That's going to stop.  Let's see if Voces de la Frontera and their ilk steps up and disgorges their cash to make up for it.  After all, giving welfare privately is perfectly legal.

Wanna bet they step up?? 

Shameful Headline at CBS 58

Under "Local Politics" on the Channel 58 site, we have this headline:

US Justice Department sues 3 states, District of Columbia for voter data

Oh?  WHICH three States?

 ...The latest lawsuits were filed against Wisconsin, Illinois, Georgia and the District of Columbia....

Huh.  We happen to think that Wisconsin is actually "local"--and that when our State is sued by the Feds, it is of "local" interest; that is, it should not be buried in graf 2.

But then, Scott Bauer is the author of the story.... and he has Particularly Good Friends in the office of the Governor and the State Elect-the-Democrat Election Commission.

So, for the purposes of Certain People, Wisconsin is NOT "Local."

Gaming the Dugan Trial: No Confirmed Verdict Yet

The jury reached two verdicts, one being "Guilty", in the Judge Dugan trial.  But the game is not over.

During deliberations, the jury sent some questions to the judge, Adelman.  According to the defense, his responses are a problem:

 

...The defense plans to focus on how Adelman responded to two key jury questions seeking clarity about what Dugan knew regarding the federal agents' arrest warrant and who it was for.

"The verdict encompasses the problem with how the questions were answered. Our main argument is going to be how the questions were answered," said Steven Biskupic, Dugan's attorney and a former U.S. Attorney....

 

..."They were essentially the same questions, and in count one it's answered one way, and in count two it's answered another," Biskupic said.

Biskupic described the mixed verdict as a "big thing from the defense perspective."

He pointed out that if the "same elements," meaning alleged conduct of count one, are in count two, why different conclusions?...

Adelman will have to consider the defense's request to set aside (vacate) the jury's "Guilty" verdict.  Apparently, under Fed procedures, Dugan is not technically "guilty" until Adelman confirms the jury verdict.

Not that we are suspicious or anything..........but given what we know about Adelman's hard-Left inclinations and the circle-the-wagons mindset in the Ruling Class, Adelman's response here--and the responses of the 7th Circuit--will be very telling.

It ain't over.

"Monsters of Da Munster"??

 Perhaps Da Bears are moving to Indiana (!!!!)

 The Chicago Bears are increasingly frustrated with politicians in Chicago and Illinois and are now reportedly considering locations in Northwest Indiana for a new stadium....

Well, then.

How about settling in Munster, IN?  They could retain their "Monsters" nick and everything.  Added benefit:  they could virtually OWN the town instead of being a mere pawn in the hands of politicians every bit as corrupt as Zelenskiy or Walz.

Hmmmm. 

Monsters of Da Munster.

Hmmmm. 

How About a Nice Stable, Bishops??

 Looks like the US Bishops are heading for a money-crunch.  Prolly going to sell their Puzzle Palace in DC.

...While conference leaders say that USCCB finances are healthy, the task force approaches its work after a significant loss of federal funds, and personnel cuts across several departments in recent years.

At the USCCB’s plenary meeting in Baltimore last month, outgoing treasurer Archbishop James Checchio told bishops that the conference was facing “a challenge.”

“Succinctly,” Checchio said, “times have changed, but our physical structure has not, and the way we do business largely remains the same.”.....

Somebody Who accomplished great things started off in a stable.

You ought to consider it, Bishops. 

 

Jobs?? We Got 'Em!!

Nice piece of arithmetic over at PowerLine, quoting St Onge:

 ...The BLS says we lost 41,000 jobs in 2 months. But control for Federal layoffs and we gained 121,000. Control for deportations and we gained 300,000. The “Weak” job numbers are entirely made of Federal layoffs and millions of illegals going home....

Native Americans are working.

And buying stuff.

PLENTY of "affordability" here. 

A Trump War? War Crime? Yup.

One of the more knowledgeable peeps on the 'net regarding matters of war and peace (not to mention Harleys and pizza) is Grim.

... It seems very likely to me that the Trump administration is committing the war crime of aggression by blockading Venezuela; it is certainly already committing acts of war against Venezuela, which means that even absent a declaration we are already at war with Venezuela. That doesn't matter legally, since the United States is a permanent member of the Security Council and will certainly veto any attempt to hold it responsible for doing so. 

It merits notice, at least. We should at least speak the truth. These laws aren't really laws, and they're not enforceable, and the institutions that claim the power to enforce them are jokes at best; the diplomacy around it is hypocritical to the point of being ridiculous. Nevertheless, it does look as if the US is committing an act of war that is a war crime against a nation that has not in fact attacked us in any way that would violate the rules. ...

The combox is also interesting. 

MKE County Board Shoves Money Into the Black Hole

 Some news stories are pure entertainment.  You've read about "Black Holes"; this is one of them.

 

The Milwaukee County Board voted Thursday to save six bus routes from being cut in 2026 due to a projected $14 million budget shortfall....

 ...To address the budget gap, the county plans to use the last of its federal COVID-19-era money, along with an extra nearly $5 million set aside in the County Executive's 2026 budget, to minimize route changes for riders.

Starting Jan. 1, bus fares will increase from $2 to $2.75 for the regular fare, and from $1 to $1.25 for the reduced fare....

 This means that the Covid funds are zeroed out.  No more Free Fun Money!

Further, a VERY large number of bus riders does not pay the fare.  They just get on the bus and take a ride.  Nobody does anything about it.

Best part?

.... The vote on Thursday saves the routes through 2026, but MCTS is projecting an even bigger deficit in 2027, though the exact amount has not been disclosed....

Gee.  Wonder why the County won't tell us the Black-Hole-Deficit number for '26?

Because Crowley thinks he'll be elected Governor and will send another Umpty-Million in taxpayer funds to cover that deficit. 

Dugan Guilty. Send More Money!!

To many of us, the guilty verdict on the FELONY charge is a surprise.  Not because she is innocent (far from it), but because we thought Adelman would find a way to spring her.

This means that she will be disgracefully drop-kicked from the bench AND she will most likely lose her law license.  (We say "most likely" because the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which makes that decision, is loaded with Lefty Harridan AWFLs.)

Meantime the defense lawyers want Mo'Money!!

..  We have planned for this potential outcome and our defense of Judge Dugan is just beginning. This trial required considerable resources to prepare for and public support for Judge Dugan’s defense fund is critical as we prepare for the next phase of this defense...

Dugan has lived on a $174,000/year salary for quite a while and will draw a large County pension when she is drop-kicked from her job.  But paying $300-$500K for defense lawyers requires LOTS of outside support.

So the Illegal Alien Benevolent Society will be joining Soros in making defense lawyers rich while STILL losing on the felony count. 

The illegals can afford it:  59% of them are drawing welfare here in the USA. 

"Tariff Inflation"? Nope.

Cadged from the Epoch Times through Ace:

 Tariff-sensitive items were little changed over the past 12 months.

The apparel index is up 0.2 percent year over year, while the new-vehicle index has risen 0.6 percent over the 12 months ending in November. Additionally, on an annualized basis, appliances have increased by 0.5 percent, smartphones have declined by 9.4 percent, and footwear has dipped by 0.1 percent...

But But But 25-year-old pimpled "reporters" told us that DOOM DOOM DOOM is here.

You mean we cannot trust them to be correct??? 

SSPX's Recruiter of the Year

A Bishop (perhaps a Catholic) in Charlotte wins the SSPX "Recruiter of the Year" award.

Bishop Michael Martin of Charlotte, North Carolina, has banned the public use of kneelers for receiving Communion with effect from 16 January 2026....

As you recall, this "Catholic Bishop" also shut down every single Old Rite Mass in Charlotte save one--which will be celebrated in a very small chapel. 

The SSPX, which has ordained over 700 priests since its beginning, should be looking at Charlotte as a ripe fruit which will fall into their hands. 

England Pokes the Bear

This woman happens to be the grand-daughter of the Ukrainian Nazi Constantine Dobrowolski.

... In a rather remarkable speech to the British people, Blaise Metreweli proclaimed Europe is in “the space between peace and war,” with a direct military conflict with Russia looming as the biggest threat.  Metreweli declared, “Our world is being actively remade, with profound implications for national and international security.”...

... Seemingly targeting a shift in U.S. position toward Europe, Metreweli said, “Institutions which were designed in the ashes of the Second World War are being challenged. New blocs and identities forming and alliances reshaping. Multipolar competition in tension with multilateral cooperation.”...

Only a few days ago, the head of NATO said essentially the same thing. 

The EU also confiscated about $300BN in Russian money a few days back.

This is not a war that Putin is starting.  And Trump had best be sending the EuroWeenies a message:  YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN. 

Added:  

... Britain, France, and Italy each saw sluggish growth of only 0.4%, 1.1%, and 0.75%, respectively, in 2024...

.Perhaps Britain wants to revive its economy with WAR MONEY???

 

Witkoff & Kushner Offer US Troops??? WTF???

That's according to this article.

 The United States has offered to provide Nato-style security guarantees for Kyiv as US and European negotiators report progress in talks to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, but a deal on territorial concessions remained elusive. Envoys sent by Donald Trump made the unprecedented offer at talks on Monday with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Berlin. US officials have warned that such a deal would not be on the table forever. European leaders stressed the outcome of the talks would affect their own countries’ security for decades to come...

Oh, really?

Fine--but only if Witkoff and Kushner send ONLY THEIR OWN FAMILIES into that charnel house.

Other US citizens may choose to participate--or not.

Deal? 

The Clinton Crooks, Protected

Best be sitting down before you read this shocker.

 ...FBI agents tried to get the help of federal prosecutors to determine whether or what crimes occurred while Hillary Clinton served as Secretary of State, most notably, because at that time, her family foundation solicited hundreds of millions of dollars from foreign and U.S. interests with business before her department.

"Shut it down!" then-Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates is quoted as demanding in the shorter timeline of the politicized barriers that agents in New York City, Little Rock, Ark., and Washington D.C. reported....

Yates--another crook--was hardly the only criminal conspirator in the FBI.  Plenty more at the link.

Remember this:  Hillary told us it was all 'for the chillrrrren.'

How many of the Clinton Criminal Gang are going to prison?

Zero. 

Trump To Tear Apart the EU? Good!!

 The EU invented a "crisis" and voted to retain the frozen Russian assets on deposit at European banks.  It was a blatantly-illegal move, although it is true that the EU's economic situation is rapidly deteriorating.

Result?

...The USA wants to achieve the withdrawal of Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Poland from the European Union.

    This is stated by the publication Defense One, citing an unpublished version of the US national security strategy, which was privately sent to journalists....

Hmmm.

Even more fun:

... Trump’s team has had some surprising ideas of late, like the new C5 (Core Five) to replace the outmoded G7. The C5 countries would be the five biggest economic superpowers: China, US, India, Russia, Japan—a tad humiliating for Germany to be left out of such a group, but reality isn’t ‘polite’ or pleasant....

The EuroWeenie crowd (all hat, no cattle) is apoplectic, now depicting Trump and Putin as partners in Eeeeeeeeeeeeeevillllllllll.

Trump's used to that.  We don't think he's shedding tears over it. 

Trump vs.the Second Amendment

Certain People do not like Hamas' response to Trump.  They seem to think that "rights" do not accrue to Palestinians.  (Remember that the New Testament refers to that land as "PALESTINE."  It has been around for a while.)

Trump demands that Hamas 'turn in its weapons' as part of a "peace agreement" in the Middle East.

Hamas' response?

... “the resistance and its weapons are our honor and glory” and that “the battle is not over,” boasting that rights are won “at the recruitment office, not the U.N. Security Council”...

Maybe Donald Trump needs to re-read the Bill of Rights.  Skip to Amendment Number Two.

Got it? 

Biden Gave Illegals FHA Loan Guarantees

There are about 20 million illegals in the US.

They live in places--like apartments and homes.

How do they buy homes?

With Biden-approved Federal Housing Administration mortgage-loan guarantees!!

So.

They got money which is supposed to go to low-income CITIZENS.

Now--when they suddenly leave town--the taxpayer pays off the mortgage.

How long before the rope-tree-some-assembly-required formula takes place for Certain Former Government Officials?? 

"Cost" Crisis? Or "Too Many Cooks" Crisis?

 We're just asking questions here because we don't have answers.

 

Some Milwaukee restaurant owners are fighting to keep their doors open as they face a perfect storm of challenges that have made 2025 one of the most difficult years in recent memory....

... The challenges extend beyond ingredient costs to shipping delays and changing consumer habits. The situation has become so dire that several Milwaukee establishments have been forced to ask for help publicly or close entirely....

Costs rise.  Ask anyone who pays an electric bill, or who buys foodstuffs.

But in a business there is the other side:  sales.  If you cannot get people to buy your stuff, "cost" is irrelevant:  you're going out of business.

It would be interesting to find out how many restaurant licenses were active in Milwaukee County in, say 1970, compared to today.  That would provide perspective.  Another question:  are these businesses providing 'stuff' to a vanishingly-small niche market?  If you can only count on 100 regular customers, instead of 1,000 or 5,000, you may have a problem.  

Finally:  a lot of restaurants and bars barely survived the Biden Chinese Red Death, and unless they were recapitalized, many staggered on for a few more years before folding their tent.  It's Bankruptcy 101:  first slowly, then all at once.  We are sympathetic, but stuff happens.

But The Narrative has been served, you know:  Trump is in office.  So its his fault.

Hmmmm.  

Trump Trolling? Or Losing His Mind??

We prefer to think that this is another of Trump's laser-pointer-near-kittycat moves.

 ...Trump noted that his administration is ending several taxes, but taxes on gambling are not among them at this time, Fox Business Network (FBN) reported.

“We have no tax on tips, we have no tax on Social Security, and we have no tax on overtime,” Trump said. “No tax on gambling winnings, I don’t know. I’m gonna have to think about that.”...

Note well:  this asinine response was prompted by a Fox Business News question.  Gee.  Is Fox tied to professional sports?  Would Fox viewership (and ad revenues) increase if gambling on sports were tax-free?  

Or did FBN try to trap Trump into making a dumb remark?

Gambling is like porn:  addictive, and a powerful means of demolishing men and families.  Make it more rewarding?

Not Good.