Rubik's Cuba

"That's what Monica said!"

Hope n' Change Monday Pop Quiz: Please read the following eulogy carefully, and then choose whether it's about A) Mother Teresa, B) Adolph Hitler, or C) Florence Henderson...

"We know that this moment fills (people) with powerful emotions, recalling the countless ways in which (this person) altered the course of individual lives, families, and of (a culture). History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around (her or him). // We offer condolences to (the deceased's) family and our thoughts and prayers are with (those closest to the deceased). In the days ahead, they will recall the past and look to the future."

Okay, so let's make this easy - is it the eulogy for a wonderful person or a rotten one?

Wait, now that we're read it again, maybe even that's not so easy to tell.

Give up? Well, it could clearly be about any of the choices listed above - or any other human who has ever lived - but these actually are the entirely meaningless words babbled by Barack Obama regarding the passing of Cuba's monstrous, murderous, freedom-suppressing, communist dictator for life, Fidel Castro. A man who has been a blight upon the people of his nation and a sworn enemy of the United States for more than half a century.

Not that you'd know any of this from Barry's bland and non-judgemental pronouncements. But then, what would you expect from the president who recently "normalized" relations with Cuba in order to direct American funds to prop up the Castro dictatorship and further kill hopes for freedom and democracy among the oppressed still trapped within Cuba's borders?

Yet another reason why the radically anti-Freedom socialist in the Oval Office can't hit the street soon enough (hopefully on his rear end).

Meanwhile, Barry's not the only one feeling grief in the White House...

The hospital gift store was selling Whitman Sampler boxes from 1957.

Axe Not What Your Country Can Do For You

While we wouldn't have been surprised to see the above scenario actually happen, it now appears less likely that Hillary "I Lied About Everything" Clinton will be in need of a presidential pardon to escape justice.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he no longer intends to request a special prosecutor to go after Hillary. Instead, according to Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway, "if Donald Trump can help her heal, perhaps that's a good thing."

Uh...no.

Look, we understand the bad optics of having the new President zero in on a former political rival, and are fine with the idea that he doesn't do it personally. But healing?! Give us a break. Do any of the Bond villains get a hug after their plans for world domination fail? They do not. In fact, they usually disappear in gigantic, satisfying explosions.

And while Trump should not pursue Hillary his DOJ most definitely should, in order to send a signal that criminal activity simply isn't excusable in the privileged and well-connected classes anymore. If Trump truly wants to send a message about Law & Order, that's a good place to begin.

Additionally, on his first day in office we think Trump needs to permanently cancel security clearances for Hillary, Bill, Huma, Cheryl Mills, and the rest of the gang that so blithely gave away our most guarded intelligence. They should never, ever, under any circumstances, be privy to national secrets again.

On top of that, we'd like to see President Trump make it publicly known that anyone (individual, corporation, or nation) donating to the Clinton Family Foundation will be considered persona non grata by the new administration. Which should finally mean the end of any million dollar speeches or book deals by these detestable grifters.

BONUS: A LOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR


Our good friend Johnny doesn't appear on Hope n' Change very often, but we thought his perspective for this Thanksgiving was worth sharing.

Every one of us in this country has a lengthy list of things to be thankful for - and not just the fact that following the election, we'll be eating turkey this year while half the country and all of the media are forced to eat crow.

Here in the Jarlsberg household, we're grateful for many good things which have happened this year, especially in the life of daughter Jarlsberg (including a new job and a new dog, Ladybug - the world's most watchful watchdog). 2017 beckons as a fresh start, and we're feeling an optimism that has been missing for a long time - as you may have noticed in these pages over the past 8 years.

On a very personal level, we're truly thankful for YOU - our many loyal friends who have supported this website and shared your thoughts, insights, humor, and camaraderie on a daily basis.

Here's hoping you all have a wonderful and meaningful Thanksgiving!

NOTE: Unless something crazy happens (which is never unlikely), we'll be taking Friday off to spend time with family, catch up on some TV, or maybe hit some crazy sales at the stores. Because #BlackFridayMatters.

Cabinet Maker

Donald Trump continues to interview everyone under the sun for potential cabinet appointments, and Hope n' Change is enjoying the torment each new name causes those on the Left.

As of this writing, the President-elect is said to be considering General James "Mad Dog" Mattis for Secretary of Defense, which we're enthusiastically in favor of if only to watch liberal heads explode after hearing that Trump has appointed someone nicknamed "Mad Dog."

Much like Trump, the General isn't shy about generating attention-grabbing quotes. Among our favorites is "be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet."  Granted, there are rumors that the phrase was originated by Hillary Clinton, but we find it unlikely owing to her inability to be either polite or professional.

We don't have much to add just now, other than that we're pleased to see the outreach that Trump is making, and delighted with the quality of the people he's putting in important roles. The next four years are looking better and better.

Also, in case the position of Secretary of Smart-Assery is still available, our phone lines are open.

BONUS: STAGED FRIGHT

Yes, that's really the price.

It's hardly shocking that Broadway is something of a liberal cesspool, but those on The Great White (Privileged) Way hit new depths of dipshittery on Friday night when VP-elect Mike Pence attended a performance of "Hamilton."

Pence was booed by the audience, and at the evening's curtain call the cast delivered this insulting message from the stage: "We are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights."

As much as Hope n' Change would like to call for a boycott of the show (a retelling of our nation's formation in Rap music), it would run contrary to our support of our precious First Amendment right to say things that are stupid and offensive.

Rather, we're thinking of kicking off a fundraising campaign. If a bunch of us can put together $849, we can buy a ticket to the show for Mad Dog Mattis and encourage him to (ahem) meet the cast.