What Christmas Activities Are You Planning?

It is Christmas. The shopping is finished, and the wrapping is done. Now it is time to make the pies and give assignments for Christmas dinner. Whether you have your big dinner earlier in December, on Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day, Christmas is a suitable time to gather with family and friends.

Christmas holidays are also a suitable time for activities with family and friends. My family has an activity that my husband and I started when our oldest children were toddlers. Our children carried the activity into their homes. Christmas Eve is the time that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We have our big Christmas dinner, act out the Nativity story, and end by singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus before eating angel food cake. This is, of course, the most meaningful activity of the Christmas season for us. However, there are numerous other activities to do.

In places with snow, sledding and skiing are fun. In warm climates, other activities are acceptable for Christmas. However, there are times when outside activities are not possible – after dark, in sub-zero temperatures, and other such times. At such times, a common activity is to watch movies.

Since the Christmas season is magical, the classic movies seem to “capture the heart, humor and nostalgia that make Christmas movies so enduring.” This site suggests the following classics. 

‘The Santa Clause’ (1994)

Rated: PG

Streaming: Disney+, Hulu

Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) isn’t expecting his life to change on Christmas Eve, but then Santa falls off his roof and Scott inherits the job. Follow along as he accepts his new role as the one and only Santa Claus.

‘A Christmas Story’ (1983)

Rated: PG

Streaming: Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, YouTube

All Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) wants for Christmas is the “Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred Shot Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time.” But every adult has the same warning: “You’ll shoot your eye out.” A favorite full of charm and a bit of holiday chaos.

‘White Christmas’ (1954)

Rated: Not rated

Streaming: AMC+, Amazon Prime Video

Two Army buddies turned musical-comedy partners (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) cross paths with a pair of rising singer sisters (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen). They follow the sisters to a Vermont inn owned by their former Army commander, and soon hatch a plan to save the charming lodge from closing. A heartwarming, song-filled

classic.

‘Miracle on 34^th Street’ (1947)

Rated: PG

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, YouTube

Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) steps in as a department-store Santa and immediately causes a stir – not because he’s bad at the job, but because he insists he’s the real Santa Claus. A skeptical world soon learns that a man in red suit just might be their miracle.

‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (1966)

Rated: Not rated

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video (requires add-on)

Dr. Seuss’s classic tale comes to life as the Grinch (Boris Karloff), a grouchy green fellow who lives at the top of Mount Crumpet, plots to steal Christmas from Whoville. But even he can’t predict how the holiday spirit might expand his heart.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946)

Rated: PG

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu

George Bailey (James Stewart) feels the weight of the world during the holiday season – until an angel gives him a profound glimpse of how deeply he’s impacted the lives around him. A timeless story filled with hope, community and redemption.

‘Home Alone’ (1990)

Rated: PG

Streaming: Disney+, Hulu

When his large family takes off to Paris for the holidays, they accidentally leave Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) behind. However, while he is home alone he becomes the sole protector of his family home when a pair of burglars target the house, leading Kevin to engineer the ultimate homemade security system to protect it.

‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ (1992)

Rated: G

Streaming: Disney+

A Muppet twist on Charles Dickens’ beloved story, this adaptation is packed with signature Muppet humor, heart and faithful retelling of the classic tale.

‘While You Were Sleeping’ (1995)

Rated: PG

Streaming: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video

A lonely transit worker rescues her commuter crush after he falls onto the tracks. Through a series of misunderstandings, she’s mistaken for his fiancée while he’s in a coma, but finds herself unexpectedly falling for his brother instead.

‘Elf’ (2003)

Rated: PG

Streaming: HBO Max, Hulu, YouTube

Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human raised at the North Pole who heads to New York City to find his long-lost father. However, things in the Big Apple aren’t what he dreams of finding.

 

Who Is Jesus Christ?

My VIP for this Christmas week is Jesus Christ, the reason for the Christmas season. I love Jesus Christ, and I worship Him as the Son of Heavenly Father. Yet, I feel inadequate to write about Him. Therefore, I will use the words of other people to answer the question, who is Jesus Christ?

In April 1976, Elder Eldred G. Smith, then-Patriarch to the Church, spoke on the topic “Who Is Jesus?” He opened his address by quoting the words of the Savior as He was praying to Heavenly Father, just prior to his crucifixion: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). 

We must know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to have eternal life. So, what does it mean to know Them, and how do we gain that knowledge. I propose that we must go to the beginning, even our premortal life. Elder Smith shares essential information.

In that council in heaven, the plan and purpose of this earth life was explained to all the spirits [all of us because we were there], and then “the Lord [Heavenly Father] said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man [Jehovah]: Here am I, send me. And another [Lucifer] answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first.” ([Pearl of Great Price, Abraham] 3:27).

He who was selected was Jehovah, the oldest, who had promised that in going he would honor the Father and give him all the glory.

The Father has declared: “This is my work and my glory – to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” ([Pearl of Great Price,] Moses 1:39.)

Jehovah was, then, under the direction of the Father, the creator of this earth and many other worlds. Moses was shown in vision “many lands; and each land was called earth, and there were inhabitants on the face thereof.” (Moses 1:29.) God declared to Moses: “By the word of my power, have I created them, which is mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth.

“And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.” (Moses 1:32-33.)

To get some idea of the magnitude of these creations: President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., said, “Astronomers now yield what they did not formerly yield, that there may have been many, and probably were, many worlds like ours. Some say there were in this galaxy perhaps from its beginning, one million worlds like unto this one.

“’Worlds without number have I created,’ through ‘mine Only Begotten Son.’ I repeat, our Lord is not a novice, he is not an amateur; he has been over this course time and time and time again.

“And if you think of this galaxy of ours having within it from the beginning perhaps until now, one million worlds, and multiply that by the number of millions of galaxies, one hundred million galaxies, that surround us, you will then get some view of who this Man we worship is.” (J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Behold the Lamb of God, Deseret Book Company, 1962, pp. 16-17.)

He was truly no novice, no amateur, in the art or skill of a creator. “Worlds without number” he has created.

It was he, then, who came to this earth in the meridian of time, born of the virgin Mary – the literal Son of God the Father, “the Only Begotten Son.”

He declared who he was. Throughout his life on earth, he repeatedly declared that he was the Son of God….

On numerous occasions, he declared that he was the Christ, the Son of God.

Is it any wonder then that he, the Son of God, the great Creator, had power over the elements of this earth, even to violate the law of gravity by walking on the water?

I suppose it was quite simple for him, the Creator, when obligated to provide wine at the wedding feast to change the water to wine.

Nor was it a trick of the imagination when he fed five thousand plus the women and children with a few loaves and fishes, and on another occasion, four thousand plus the women and children. (See Matt. 14:16-21; 15:32-38.)

He also showed his power over the elements when at his command to “be still,” the stormy sea was calmed. (Mark 4:39.)

He demonstrated his power over the animal kingdom; on two separate occasions, at his command, a great catch of fish was made when they had had no success before. (See Matt. 14:16-21; 15:32-38.)

He showed his power over the vegetable kingdom when he cursed the fig tree. (See Matt. 21:19.)

On each occasion, he was declared to be the Christ, the literal Son of God.

He healed all manner of illness or disease. At his command, the evil spirits departed, they, too, declaring who he was. He made the blind to see, the lame to walk. Yes, he even controlled life itself, for he restored Lazarus to life, who had been declared dead for four days. There were others, too….

He took upon himself the sins of all who shall repent, and gave his life that all might live. He brought about the resurrection for all. Do you realize that the creation of this earth, and all the work of Jesus and the prophets since the very beginning, was for you – that you might have immortality and eternal life – just as much as for anyone else? …

In March 2008, President Boyd K. Packer, then-Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, authored an article titled, “Who Is Jesus Christ?” He wrote of the many titles of Jesus Christ – such as Mediator, Savior, Redeemer and then quoted the Apostle John and Joseph Smith. 

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16) ….

The Prophet Joseph Smith was often asked, “What are the fundamental principles of your religion?”

“The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.” [Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 49]

Who is Jesus Christ? He is the Creator of the earth and “worlds without number.” He is the Son of God. He is our Mediator with the Father. He is the Savior of the world. He is the Redeemer of all people who believe on His name and repent of their sins. He is our loving Elder Brother.

He is the Head of His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through His Atonement, He made it possible for each of us to repent of our sins and become clean. Through His resurrection, He overcame death and made it possible for all of us to overcome death and live forever.

I love Jesus Christ. I know that He loves you and me. I know that He lives, and that He made it possible for you and me to live forever with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Who Should Be Our Christmas Guest?

It is Christmas week, and our thoughts should be on Jesus Christ and His mission to redeem all the children of God. He can redeem us only as soon and as much as we allow Him to influence us and our lives. A good start is to invite Jesus Christ into our Christmas celebration. A friend sent this story written by Helen Steiner Rice in her Christmas card.

It happened one day near the year’s winter end,

Two neighbors called on their long-time good friend;

And they found his shop, most often meager and lean,

Made merry with a thousand boughs of green.

And their friend was sitting with face all a-shine

When suddenly he stopped as he stitched a twine,

And said, “Old friends, at dawn today,

When the cock was crowing the night away,

The Lord appeared in a dream to me,

And said, “I am coming your guest to be.”

So I’ve been busy with feet astir;

Strewing my shop with branches of fir.

The table is spread, and the kettle is shined,

And over the rafters the holly is twined.

And now I will wait for my Lord to appear

And listen closely so I will hear

His step as He nears my humble place,

And I will open the door to His celestial face.

So his neighbors went home leaving him alone,

For this was the happiest day he had known,

‘Ere, long since his family had all passed away,

Their friend has spent many a sad Christmas Day.

But he knew with the Lord as his Christmas guest

This Christmas would be the dearest and best.

So he listened with sweet joy in his heart,

And with every sound he would rise with a start,

And look for the Lord to be standing there

In answer to his earnest prayer.

Then he ran to the window after hearing a sound,

But all that he saw on the snow-covered ground

Was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn

Wrapped in clothes so ragged and worn.

The shopkeeper was touched and went to the door

And said, “Your feet must be frozen and sore,

I have some shoes in my shop for you

And a coat that will keep you warmer, too.”

As the shopkeeper noticed the time of day

He wondered what made the dear Lord delay?

Then he heard a knock and ran again to the door,

It was another stranger just as before.

A bent, old crone with a shawl of black,

A bundle of kindling piled on her back;

She asked only for a place to rest,

But that was reserved for his Heavenly Guest.

Her voice seemed to plead, “Don’t send me away

Let me rest awhile on Christmas Day.’

So, he brewed her a bowl steaming to the brim,

But after she left, he was filled with dismay

For he saw that the hours were passing away;

And the Lord had not come as He said He would,

The shopkeeper felt sure he had misunderstood!

When out of the stillness he heard a plea,

“Please tell me, kind sir, where might I be?”

So again, he opened his friendly door,

And stood disappointed as twice before,

It was only a child who had wandered away

Lost from her family on Christmas Day.

So he invited her in and wiped her wet tears

And carefully quieted her heart-felt fears.

Then he led her back to her home once more

But as he entered his own darkened door,

He knew that the Lord was not coming today;

For the hours of Christmas had passed away.

He went to his room and knelt down to pray

And said, “Dear Lord, why did You delay?

What kept You from coming to call on me,

For I wanted so much Your face to see.”

When soft in the silence a gentle voice he heard,

“Lift up your head, for I kept My word.

Three times My Spirit crossed your floor.

Three times I came to your lonely door.

For I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet,

I was the woman you gave to eat,

And I was the child on the homeless street.

Three times I knocked and thee times I came in,

And each time I found the warmth of a friend.

Of all the gifts, love is the best,

I was honored to be your true Christmas guest.”

Merry Christmas to all!

Why Is the Family Central to God’s Plan of Happiness for His Children?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” in a lesson titled “The Family Is Central to the Creator’s Plan.” The lesson was introduced by the following information. 

Even before we were born, we were part of a family—the family of our heavenly parents. That pattern continues on earth. Families here, at their best, are meant to echo the perfect pattern in heaven.

Of course, there are no guarantees that earthly families will be ideal or even functional. But as President Henry B. Eyring taught, families “give God’s children the best chance to be welcomed to the world with the only love on earth that comes close to what we felt in heaven—parental love” (“Gathering the Family of God,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 20). Knowing that families are imperfect and subject to attacks from the adversary, God sent His Beloved Son to redeem us and heal our families. And He sent latter-day prophets with a proclamation to defend and strengthen families. If we follow the prophets and put faith in the Savior, even though mortal families fall short of the divine ideal, there’s hope for families—on earth and in heaven.

The family proclamation declares numerous principles. The lesson outlined the following four principles: (1) “The family is central to the Creator’s plan.” (2) “Each [person] is a beloved son or daughter of heavenly parents.” (3) “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (4) “We call upon responsible citizens … to maintain and strengthen the family.” This essay will discuss principle #3 about happiness in family life, which is taught in paragraphs 6 and 7 of the family proclamation as follows. 

The Family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to his eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

The overall principle taught in these two paragraphs is “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Therefore, there are additional principles to support and instruct about the main one.

·         God ordains family, and marriage between a man and a woman is crucial to His plan. Why are opposite sex partners necessary in marriage? Because a man and a woman are needed to make a baby, and every child is entitled to be born to parents who are married to each other and committed to the family.

·         Happy and successful family life is most possible when all family members live the teachings of Jesus Christ by living the principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. Families who pray together, go to church together, work together, and play together are more likely to stay together as well as respect, forgive, and love each other.

·         God’s design is for husbands/fathers to preside over [lead], provide for, and protect his wife and children, AND for wives/mothers to nurture the children. However, husband and wife, father and mother are to work together for the good of their family. Extended family can also be called upon to help.

·         Adultery, abuse of spouse and/or children, and failure to “fulfill family responsibilities” are serious sins. Disintegration of the family unit will bring calamities to individuals, communities, and nations.

The family unit is the core unit of any society, community, or nation. When the family is strong, it forms a strong foundation for the community. When fathers and mothers are teaching their children to be honest, kind, and obedient, the community is a safer, kinder place to live.

Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy spoke about the importance of family during the April 2020 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shared four observations about what makes a fine home. (See “The Finest Homes,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 107-90.) 

First, from the Lord’s perspective, establishing the finest homes has everything to do with the personal qualities of the people who live there…. The finest characteristic of any home is the image of Christ reflected in the home’s residents….

The attributes of Christ are acquired in the “process of time” by intentional progress along the covenant path. Christlike attributes adorn the lives of those who strive to live with goodness. They fill homes with gospel light, whether the floor is mud or marble….

Second, residents in the finest homes make time to study the scriptures and the words of living prophets every day. President Russell M. Nelson has invited us to “transform” and “remodel” our homes through gospel study. His invitation recognizes that fine homes house the tender, vital work of personal growth and remodeling our weaknesses. Daily repentance is a transformative tool that enables us to grow a little kinder, more loving, and more understanding. Studying the scriptures brings us closer to the Savior, whose generous love and grace assist us with our growth….

Third, fine homes follow the blueprint created by the Lord for His finest home, the temple. Building a temple begins with basic steps – clearing brush and leveling land. Those initial efforts to ready the ground might be compared to keeping the basic commandments. The commandments are the foundation on which discipleship is built. Steady discipleship leads us to become firm, steadfast, and immovable, like the steel framework for a temple. This steady framework allows the Lord to send His Spirit to change our hearts. Experiencing a mighty change of heart is like adding beautiful features to the interior of a temple.

As we continue in faith, the Lord gradually changes us. We receive His image in our countenance and begin to reflect the love and beauty of His character. As we become more like Him, we will feel at home in His house, and He will feel at home in ours….

Fourth, the finest homes are refuges from the storms of life. The Lord has promised that those who keep the commandments of God “prosper in the land.” God’s prosperity is the power to press forward despite the problems of life….

[For those who live in the finest homes, their] faithful living provided them the strength, vision, and heavenly help they needed [to face the problems of life….

  

How Do You Plan to Celebrate America’s 250 Years of Freedom?

American families are stronger when the strengths of America are celebrated. America will celebrate its 250^th birthday next summer. President Donald Trump declared that the celebration will be “like no other, honoring our nation and all of its glory.” His plans will go forth “through a public, private partnership called Freedom 250.” According to Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell at The Daily Signal, Trump’s plans include the following. 

“We will renew the patriotism, pride and pioneering spirit of America and lay the groundwork for the next 250 years of independence and freedom.”

“This will be like a time you’ve never had in your lives,” declared the president.

Trump said the Washington Monument will be lit up with “festive birthday lights to honor the start of this historic anniversary year.”

From June 25-July 10, there will be a “Great American State Fair” on the national mall with pavilions from every state.

In the fall, Washington, D.C., will host the “Patriot Games,” “an unprecedented four-day athletic event featuring the greatest high school athletes, one young man and one young woman from each state and territory.”

“But I promise there will be no men playing in women’s sports,” he said.

Trump promised to start construction in the near future on a National Garden of American Heroes, featuring statues of “all-time greatest Americans,” as well as a “triumphal arc.” …

He also announced a “major prayer event” on the National Mall in the spring “to rededicate our country as one nation under God.”

On Flag Day, June 14 [Trump’s birthday], Trump will host a UFC event at the White House.

“It’ll be the greatest champion fighters in the world, all fighting that same night,” he said.

The federal government is not the only organization planning to celebrate America’s 250^th birthday anniversary. This site reported the following information about how one group will be celebrating. 

As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250^th birthday, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are stepping forward in a nationwide effort that blends gratitude, unity, and Christlike service. In collaboration with America250, a nonpartisan congressional commission overseeing the nation’s Semiquincentennial commemorations, the Church is launching a yearlong slate of initiatives designed to honor both American freedoms and the responsibilities that come with them.

According to Church Newsroom, the partnership centers on service, family history, and music – three areas where the Church hopes to help Americans come together during a milestone year. That spirit of unity was already on full display as Church leaders and America250 representatives gathered at the Bishops’ Central Storehouse in Salt Lake City for the send-off of the first of 250 semitrucks delivering food to 250 food banks in all 50 states….

The most visible symbol of the Church’s involvement in America250 is a fleet of specially designated semitrucks, each carrying roughly 40,000 pounds of food produced or funded by Latter-day Saint donations. The first truck made its debut during the send-off event, with Chair of America250 Rosie Rios stepping forward to honk the horn as cameras snapped photographs.

America will be celebrating 250 years of freedom in 2026. How will you and your family be celebrating? You might plan to visit a certain number of national parks or monuments. You might make a trip to Washington, D.C. You might plan to provide 250 hours of service in your community. There are lots of diverse ways that individuals, families, and organizations can join in the celebration of 250 years of freedom.

Here are some more ideas, generated by AI for how families can join the celebration of America’s 250 years of freedom. 

·         Educational Programs: Participate in educational programs that explore the history and significance of the Declaration of Independence. Look for opportunities to learn about the Founding Fathers and the events that shaped the nation.

·         Patriotic Displays: Display patriotic symbols and displays in your home or community to honor the country’s heritage. This can include flags, banners, and other symbols of freedom.

·         Family-Friendly Events: Attend family-friendly events such as parades, festivals, and historical reenactments that celebrate America’s freedom. These events often include educational content and activities for all ages.

·         Creative Activities: Engage in creative activities that reflect the values of freedom and democracy. This can include arts and crafts, storytelling, and other activities that inspire and educate.

·         Educational Outreach: Share knowledge about America’s freedom with others through educational outreach programs. This can include sharing stories and facts about the nation’s history and values.

·         Community Engagement: Participate in community events and activities that promote civic engagement and a sense of belonging. This can include volunteering, participating in local government, and supporting community initiatives.

What Did Trump Say in His National Address?

The liberty principle for this Freedom Friday concerns the need for a leader of a democratic republic to communicate accomplishments and goals to the people he or she governs. Wednesday night, President Donald Turmp spoke to the nation to tout his 2025 accomplishments.

According to Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell, Trump introduced his remarks as follows: “Tonight, after 11 months, our border is secure, inflation is stopped, wages are up, prices are down, our nation is strong, America is respected, and our country is back, … [s]tronger than ever before.” He added, “We’re poised for an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen.” He then discussed the biggest four accomplishments of his administration. 

1. Lower Prices

Trump said the Biden administration “looted the Treasury,” driving up prices, but he is bringing them down.

“Under the Biden administration, car prices rose 22% and in many states 30% or more. Gasoline rose 30 to 50%, hotel rates rose 37%, airfares rose 31%,” he said. “Now under our leadership, they are all coming down and coming down fast.” …

“The price of a Thanksgiving turkey was down 33% compared to the Biden last year. The price of eggs is down 82% since March, and everything else is falling rapidly, and it’s not done yet,” he said. “But boy, are we making progress.”

Wages are going up much faster than inflation, Trump said. He said tariffs are to thank for record investments, leading to jobs, in America.

“I’ve secured a record breaking $18 trillion of investment into the United States, which means jobs, wage increases, growth, factory openings and far greater national security,” he said. “Much of this success has been accomplished by tariffs….”

2. Securing the Border

According to Trump, the worst thing President Joe Biden did was open the border, but he has secured it.

“Our border was open, and because of this, our country was being invaded by an army of 25 million people, many who came from prisons and jails, mental institutions and insane asylums,” he said.

“Starting on day one, I took immediate action to stop the invasion of our southern border,” he continued. “For the past seven months, zero illegal aliens have been allowed into our country….”

Trump said America didn’t need legislation to secure the border, just a new president….

Trump said his administration has cracked down on cartels which smuggled drugs across the border….

3. Ending Eight Wars in 10 Months

“I’ve restored American strength, settled eight wars in 10 months, destroyed the Iran nuclear threat and ended the war in Gaza, bringing for the first time in 3000 years, peace to the Middle East, and secured the release of the hostages, both living and dead,” Turmp said.

Trump touted his reforms to the U.S. military during his first year….

4. Passing One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Trump said tax cuts for working families under his “One, Big Beautiful Bill” will yield massive tax refunds this spring.

“Under these cuts, many families will be saving between $11,000 and $20,000 a year, and next spring is projected to be the largest tax refund season of all time because of tariffs, along with the just passed One Big, Beautiful Bill,” he said. “Next year, you will also see the results of the largest tax cuts in American history that were really accomplished through our great Big, Beautiful Bill, perhaps the most sweeping legislation every passed in Congress.”

Trump said the bill included 12 bills wrapped up in one, including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on Social Security.

 

Is “Affordability” the New “It’s the Economy, Stupid”?

Affordability has become a popular word with Democrats as they seek to slow President Donald Trump’s improvements in America. At first, Trump called it a hoax but later realized that affordability was picking up support. Now Trump and Vice President JD Vance are discussing affordability in their speeches.

The shocking thing to me – and it should not shock me or anyone – Democrats blame Trump for the bad economy when it was former President Joe Biden’s administration that destroyed the good economy from Trump’s first administration. Victor Davis Hanson explained the situation as follows. 

[Trump administration] have belatedly responded to [affordability]…. Perhaps they thought it was sort of absurd when the 21.5% aggregate inflation came under President Joe Biden. And their inflation rate that they inherited in the month of January was 3% -- it’s already gone down. It’s 3% - 2.7%. Gas is cheaper, etc.

So, I don’t think they took it seriously that anybody would believe that the people who caused the problem would blame the people who are trying to clean it up. And four years the problem, 10 months the cleanup?

And then I think they thought their foreign policy successes would mitigate any criticism. In fact, they amplified it because the Democrats said: You’re all involved with these ceasefires or Ukraine, you don’t care about us.

And so, then they had all these initiatives, which will boom, I think, the economy in 2026. But they didn’t emphasize them, exactly how increased oil and gas will help us very quickly. How all this foreign investment, how all this new deregulation, how these new tax cuts, how the new trade policies, how artificial intelligence and the jobs they will create are going to boom the economy in ’26.

Could I go back in history just a minute to offer a warning? In 1992, George Bush was up for reelection – George H. W. Bush, the elder Bush. He was riding high because the 1991 Gulf War had finished…with the survival of Saddam Hussein. But he ended that threat, expelled him from Kuwait with a four-day ground war, following a brilliant air campaign. Very few American casualties. He was at the top of his game as an international diplomat, former war veteran.

George H. W. Bush came into campaign cycle 1992 as high as 90% approval rating. There had been a recession in ’90-’91, but by ’92, when the year started, that year would show 3% inflation. That’s not too bad. It would show 3.5% gross domestic product growth. The unemployment rate had gone down. It was still over 7% too high, but it was going down. And he was at 90%.

What happened? He had a lackluster campaign….

He had a new Wall Street-type of team, and they played by the rules, and they didn’t take the Clinton-Gore campaign seriously, and they did not take the third-party candidacy of Ross Perot seriously.

Why didn’t they do it? Because – I hope this doesn’t sound eerily similar to the problem today – but they said: We had such foreign policy successes. We were polling 90%. They said: The recession is almost over. Look at all the GDP, the inflation. They’re all going in the right direction, and they’re not at recessionary levels.

Meanwhile, the Clinton-Gore-George Stephanopoulos team was saying, “It’s the economy, stupid.” And they took that meme and said: This is the worst economy since the Great Depression. We have no jobs. Inflation is affordable. And then they got an amplification from Ross Periot. He was kind of like the never Trumpers of that age, although he was an independent third party.

And the result of it? Bush’s popularity went from 90% to 40% that election year. And he would lose that election, partly because of Ross Periot, partly because of a lackluster, complacent campaign, and partly because they created this meme, “It’s the economy, stupid,” and turned a recovering economy that they had, in a sense, inherited … into the Great Depression.

I hope that doesn’t sound too familiar, but that’s exactly what is happening now. The economy is on the uptake. President Donald Turmp is overseas with a lot of successes. And the same Democrats are saying: It’s affordability, stupid. And they need to get out in front of that issue and not discount it in the way that Republicans did in 1992.

History is a great teacher. We can either learn from our mistakes, or we will repeat them. Hopefully, the Trump administration will be wiser – learn from history – than the elder Bush administration. If Democrats take over the House and/or Senate in 2026, they will win back the White House in 2028. If the Democrats win the House, Senate, or White House, the United States will start moving down the same road that the Biden administration was taking us.