In a time when credible intelligence is vital to the safety and stability of the nation, it is deeply troubling to witness leadership that favors superstition and spectacle over facts and expertise. Instead of placing trust in the dedicated professionals of the intelligence community, we see a disturbing pattern of turning to unreliable sources — from internet influencers to conspiracy theories — for guidance on matters of grave consequence.

Even obvious lies, when repeated enough, start to feel true. This is known as the illusory truth effect. The more often we hear something — even if it's absurd — the more familiar and comfortable it feels.

Since President Donald Trump took over as chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in February 2025, at least 26 shows have been canceled or postponed, as reported by the Kennedy Center in a statement released on March 7, 2025. This list, described as a "complete account of program cancellations over the last six months," includes 15 cancellations attributed to reasons unrelated to illness, availability, sales, or finances, with several artists explicitly citing Trump’s takeover as their reason for pulling out. Notable cancellations include:

These proposals follow Trump’s appointment of himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center’s board in February 2025, after replacing Biden-appointed trustees with his own allies, including Richard Grenell as president.

The Kennedy Center, established in 1971 as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy under Public Law 88-260, is a major cultural institution hosting thousands of performances.

Critics, including Kennedy’s grandson Jack Schlossberg and niece Maria Shriver, argue that renaming it violates federal law, which prohibits additional memorials or plaques within the center. Schlossberg called the move an attempt by Trump to overshadow JFK’s legacy, while Shriver labeled it “petty” and “small-minded.”

Claiming he beat Obama in an election (he ran against Hillary Clinton and Biden)

Repeated confusion of basic facts he used to confidently wield (dates, countries, officials)

Forgetting major policy positions he previously pushed

But laughter made it safe.

Laughter made it seem like it wasn’t really serious.

They poked fun at Biden too, right? They always poke fun at everyone.

So we dismissed the threat. We smirked, shrugged, and said, “Yeah, that was funny.”

Trump may be impeached, but unless the movement itself is rejected—and the people propping it up held accountable—we’re just swapping one version of autocracy for a smoother, more effective one.

The U.S. Constitution sets the bar for impeachment at “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” That last phrase, intentionally broad, has historically been interpreted to include serious abuses of power or violations of public trust—even if they’re not technically criminal.

The Carter Center (Founded 1982)

Created with Rosalynn Carter to promote peace, fight disease, and strengthen human rights globally.

Disease Eradication: The Carter Center led efforts that reduced Guinea worm disease from 3.5 million cases in 1986 to fewer than 10 in 2023. Carter once said:

“I’d like the last guinea worm to die before I do.”

The Center also fought river blindness, malaria, and other neglected diseases.

Election Monitoring: Carter personally observed over 100 elections in 39 countries — from Nicaragua to Ghana — helping ensure democratic integrity where it was fragile or new.

Conflict Mediation: Often working behind the scenes, Carter brokered peace talks or humanitarian access in North Korea (1994), Sudan, Ethiopia, Haiti, Bosnia, and beyond.

Habitat for Humanity

Starting in 1984, Carter became the face of Habitat for Humanity, physically helping build and repair homes in more than 14 countries.

Even into his 90s — after cancer and surgeries — he was still swinging a hammer. The annual “Carter Work Project” continues his legacy of hands-on compassion.

Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force (SCAEF): This was Eisenhower's most famous and consequential title, which he held from late 1943 until the end of the war in Europe. In this capacity, he was the supreme commander of all Allied forces in the European Theater of Operations. He was responsible for planning and executing Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and the subsequent campaign to defeat Nazi Germany.