Around the Nation and the World

By Robin Itzler

Editor's Note:    This is one of the commentaries selected from Robin's weekly newsletter Patriot Neighbors.  Any cartoons will have been added by me.   If you wish to get the full edition, E-mail her at PatriotNeighbors@yahoo.com to get on her list, it's free. RK 

Some Events From Around the Nation

The New Jersey Governor's Race: Last month, Rutgers-Eagleton released a poll that showed many New Jerseyans remain troubled with issues of affordability, cost of living and taxes. These kitchen table concerns will take center stage in the November gubernatorial race between Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Republicans have done a great job in boosting registration in some counties, but it is not a guarantee that it will turn into victory.

Republicans are cautiously optimistic since the 2024 presidential race was much closer than many predicted. Kamala Harris received 52 percent of the popular vote and Donald Trump received 47 percent in New Jersey. There are more Democrats in the Garden State than Republicans, but the key to winning the gubernatorial race will be the unaffiliated that represent nearly 30 percent.

Oklahoma: Superintendent Ryan Walters announced that teachers moving to the Sooner State from liberal blue states must pass an “America First” certification test to ensure that they align with the state’s values. Walters said in a recent interview that Oklahoma wants first to be sure they are hiring great teachers. Equally as important, Oklahoma does not want “woke, indoctrinating social justice warriors in the classroom.”

To share your thoughts with Superintendent Walters: Email: Not available Phone: 405-521-3308 Write: Oliver Hodge Bldg., 2500 N. Lincoln Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 74105

Washington DC: BLM/Antifa rioters took down many statues during the 2020 mayhem including the bronze statue of Albert Pike. Communist Democrats will be focusing on Pike having served as a general during the Civil War. But this statue recognizing Pike came 36 years after the war ended and honors his years of service as a Freemason. Moreover, Pike’s figure is in civilian dress, not his Confederate uniform. The National Park Service anticipates returning the statue to D.C.’s Judiciary Square, where it had stood since 1901. 

Voting With Our Feet:  Americans continue to vote with our feet.  Between 2011 and 2021.

1. Florida gained the most residents with 1.5 million moving into the Sunshine State.
2. Texas was in second place, gaining 1.2 million new residents.
3. North Carolina, Arizona and South Carolina also attracted new residents. 

These red states saw a tax revenue increase in billions thanks to internal migration.  During this same 2011 and 2021 period: 

1. California lost 1.6 million residents. 
2. New York was in second losing place.
3. Sharing the losing crown were Illinois, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

These blue states saw a tax revenue decrease in the billions due to internal migration.

Is anyone surprised?

Events From Around the Globe

Brazil: On August 3, thousands of supporters of conservative former President Jair Bolsonaro marched peacefully in 62 Brazilian cities protesting President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Supreme Federal Tribunal (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes. They were also thanking President Trump for his continued support for Bolsonaro.

Britain: On August 2, British protestors against the country’s immigration policies protested in several cities. In one news story, protestor Brendan O’Reilly said the same as Americans have been saying: “Send them back, don’t let them in – just stop them coming in, we’ve got hotels full of immigrants, and we’ve got our own homeless people in the streets begging for food but nowhere to live.”

Canada: We thought you’d like to see a photo of Canada’s current prime minister. Here is Mark Carney with a constituent.