TSA: No Shoes, No Problem

Above, TSA checkpoint at Albuquerque Sunport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thank goodness that the adults have regained control of the TSA.

We don't have to take off our shoes anymore at TSA airport checkpoints thanks to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

I received an email from the Daily Caller which read:

NO SHOES, NO PROBLEM

Great news, everyone. If you’re flying anywhere in the near future, you won’t have to take off your shoes in the security line. 

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed Tuesday that TSA will no longer require passengers to put their shoes through the scanner. The shoe removal policy started in 2006 in response to a man who tried to detonate an explosive device he hid in his shoe while on a flight from Paris to Miami. The device failed. 

Since that busted bombing, millions of airline customers have been subjected to metatarsal tyranny. 

Audits in years past found that the TSA missed 70% of fake weapons that made their way through the security line, but we’re supposed to believe that slipping off a sandal is going to save us from terrorism. Although, to be fair, maybe the TSA had an unofficial shoe policy none of us knew about. Cowboy boots? Wave ‘em through. Adidas Sambas? Randomly selected! 

I usually have worn slip-on shoes (like deck shoes) on days that I would be flying somewhere.  

Removal of Sen. Alex Padilla Videos

 Sen. Alex Padilla was removed from a press conference held by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem:

Here is the full video.

You can see that the security pounces on Padilla as he attempted to interrupt Noem with a question. That's why they pounced on him.

Also in the video: Padilla quickly calms after the initial contact. The security continues pushing him back as he tells… pic.twitter.com/cj9LrK3QnI

— Rachel Bitecofer 🗽🦆 (@RachelBitecofer) June 12, 2025

After he interrupted our press conference with law enforcement, I met with Senator Padilla for 15 minutes. We probably disagree on 90% of the topics but we agreed to exchanged phone numbers and we will continue to talk—that is the way it should be in this country.

I wish he… pic.twitter.com/WdDs26jyCY

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) June 12, 2025

Illegals: Message Received

 

“President Trump and Secretary Noem have sent a clear message to illegal aliens: do not come to our country. You will not be allowed in. And if you get in, we will hunt you down and deport you,” DHS said. “That message has been received.”https://t.co/zwnKhtD2QX pic.twitter.com/DaDe9uOPMu

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 25, 2025

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Kicked A Hornets Nest

Above, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream may be good ice cream, but I refuse to purchase any of it and never have.

The company was founded by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in a Vermont garage in 1978. They are noted leftists not without past controversy, which is why I never bought any.

They are taking a lot of heat for posting the following on Independence Day:

Ah, the Fourth of July. Who doesn't love a good parade, some tasty barbecue, and a stirring fireworks display? The only problem with all that, though, is that it can distract from an essential truth about this nation’s birth: The US was founded on stolen Indigenous land. 

This year, let’s commit to returning it. 

Here’s why we need to start with Mount Rushmore.

That certainly is a provocative statement if there ever was one. They want to "return" Mount Rushmore to the Indians.

It should be pointed out that Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream company isn't suddenly "woke" since they've always been leftists. That's probably the nicest thing to say about them. At least they're consistent.

Gov. Kristi Noem hit back. To read her response, go here.

A Vermont Native American chief says that Ben & Jerry's Vermont headquarters is on indigenous land. To read about that, go here.

Gov. Kristi Noem: This Is A Threat To Our Freedom

You can trust the government with our money like you can with the FBI. Right?

Wonder why some of us are buying gold and/or silver?

Gov. Kristi Noem: No Fireworks At Mt. Rushmore "Part of Radical Left's Agenda"

Above, Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A federal judge decided not to overturn the Biden Administration's ban on Independence Day fireworks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

The decision will be appealed, according to South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.

According to Fox News:

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem vowed on "Fox & Friends" Thursday to appeal a court ruling that upheld the Biden administration’s decision to cancel a Fourth of July fireworks show at Mount Rushmore.

"The decision was really arbitrary, that's why we’ll be appealing this decision, and the fight isn't over," Noem said. "This is part of the radical left's agenda. They don't want to celebrate America or our freedoms. They're pushing critical race theory. They're pushing the 1619 Project. And this is just another one of those battles to erase our true, honest and patriotic history in this country."

Fireworks were reintroduced at the federal landmark for the first time since 2009 last year under Donald Trump, but the National Park Service (NPS) denied Noem’s permit request earlier this year, citing health reasons relating to coronavirus, wildfire risks, environmental concerns, and ongoing construction at the national monument, which is not set to be concluded by the Fourth of July.  

I attended a Mount Rushmore fireworks program 30 years ago and it was an inspiring and awesome spectacle.

To read more, go here. 

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEW MEXICO’S “OPERATION FREEDOM” IN AMARILLO A HUGE SUCCESS

 Source: Press Release from Republican Party of New Mexico

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEW MEXICO’S “OPERATION FREEDOM” IN AMARILLO A HUGE SUCCESS AS NEW MEXICANS GET A TRUE TASTE OF FREEDOM

HUNDREDS OF REPUBLICANS EXPERIENCE LIBERTY DURING RPNM’S IMPRESSIVE 3-DAY CONVENTION   Albuquerque, May 16—The Republican Party of New Mexico’s “Operation Freedom” concluded today on a triumphant note, as the party’s 3-day retreat, featuring a star-studded bill, wrapped up in Texas. The exciting convention became a true metaphor for freedom as a result of Gov. Lujan Grisham’s restrictive COVID policies that prevented RPNM from holding the convention in New Mexico.    Hundreds of supporters attended “Operation Freedom” this weekend and got a true taste of freedom. The attendees got a first-hand look at the stark contrasts between New Mexico and Texas. Amarillo is open for business, and its economy is flourishing—sales tax revenues rolling in.   Gov. Lujan Grisham’s restrictions have severely damaged our economy, workforce and education system. Her heavy-handed policies threatened the rights and freedoms of her citizens.   Republican leadership never would have closed New Mexico.   As one speaker at “Operation Freedom” pointed out: “Liberty will always find a way to win.”   Attendees at the event could breathe freely and enjoy life as normal, as they took in a dazzling program.    The theme of “Operation Freedom” was positive change for New Mexico, and the speakers, panels and presentations focused on how Republicans can work to improve the lives of New Mexicans, county-by-county, community-by-community.   South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Ohio U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan highlighted the convention with powerful, compelling speeches that addressed freedom, a need to return to traditional conservative values and the importance to fight the nationwide radical agenda that’s poisoning our country.    South Dakota, which never closed down or shut school doors during the pandemic, is prospering. The state has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation, while New Mexico, with its harsh restrictions, now ranks 48th.   RPNM was particularly proud to have Congressional candidate Sen. Mark Moores address the convention.    Mark is a champion of freedom, and he spoke of his love of liberty and why we must stop the ongoing radical agenda in New Mexico that’s hurting our state. He talked about how his leftist opponent, Melanie Stansbury, wants to defund the police, close prisons, eliminate ICE and the DEA. Mark stands with law enforcement, our vital oil and gas industry and has strong political convictions that adhere to family, faith and freedom.   Mark will demonstrate his love for liberty when he’s in Congress.         Mark arrived at “Operation Freedom” Friday evening and returned to Albuquerque the next morning so he could meet with more constituents. Momentum is building in the 1st Congressional District to send Mark to Washington. Republicans are ready to flip this seat.   “’Operation Freedom’ was a smashing success, and we are on our way to turn anger into action for New Mexico,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce. “Our party is armed with ideas and ready to raise optimism and work with counties, businesses and all New Mexicans to show that Republicans stand for progress, strong conservative values and principles that all people want. Our belief system is something New Mexicans will identify with, and we are dedicated to accomplish our mission. New Mexico is in pain, and Republicans are ready to heal our state. Our Governor really shot herself in the foot by forcing us to hold our event in Texas. New Mexico lost an economic boom, and that’s unfortunate, but Texas has always been open for business, and Amarillo welcomed us. Our left-leaning leaders refuse to understand what’s been happening—we’re losing students, businesses and opportunities to neighboring states.”

New Mexico GOP To Hold Convention In Texas

The Republican Party of New Mexico will be holding its annual state convention in Amarillo, Texas on May 14-16 due to excessive restrictions in New Mexico.

The Las Cruces Sun News reported:

The Republican Party of New Mexico is holding its annual state convention next month, but it won't be in-state.

The three-day event, dubbed Operation Freedom, will be held in Amarillo, Texas, which has much looser COVID-19 restrictions than New Mexico, where mass gatherings under even the most lenient conditions are limited to 150 people.

"It was named 'Operation Freedom' because had we been able to have it in our own state, we would not have to travel," Kim Skaggs, the state GOP's executive director, said in a telephone interview Monday.

New Mexico's COVID-19 restrictions, some of the most stringent in the nation, are likely to be a hot topic during the convention, particularly since Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, both Republicans, will be the keynote speakers.

To read more, go here.