Model City: Portland’s Journey From Symbol of Chic to Shabby

Portland, once celebrated as a vibrant and trendy city, has become known for crime, homelessness, and drug addiction, drawing concern and criticism from both locals and outsiders. This shift is attributed to a combination of ineffective policies and progressive ideology that have seemingly worsened the city's situation.

Public Perception

• David Sedaris, a notable author, described his alarming experience in Portland, where he observed high levels of homelessness and drug use. His experience highlighted a lack of concern among residents regarding the crises surrounding them.

• Despite its issues, Portland remains a beautiful city nestled in a spectacular natural setting, but its reputation has taken a hit due to increasing crime.

Rising Crime and Homelessness

• Portland is struggling with high crime rates, now the second highest in the U. S. It has become home to many crime-related incidents, including arson tied to homelessness.

• Reports of criminal activity illustrate deeper issues, such as welfare fraud connected to organizations that are also tied to criminal elements.

Policy Impact

• The passage of increasingly progressive measures, such as the Measure 110, which effectively decriminalized drug possession, has exacerbated drug issues in the city. Overdose deaths surged dramatically following the implementation of this law.

• Despite early support, the growing public safety concerns have made the law highly unpopular, prompting calls for repeal and amendments.

Economic Crisis

• A significant economic downturn is affecting Portland, characterized by a high commercial vacancy rate and departures of businesses and residents, which is described as a doom loop.

• Notable companies, including Columbia Sportswear and Nike, have expressed frustrations over the city's policies and safety, prompting speculation about relocating outside of Oregon.

Urban-Rural Divide

• Movements like "Greater Idaho" arise from frustrations in rural counties within Oregon wanting to separate from Portlands liberal influence. Residents feel that urban policies are detrimental to their communities.

• The divide highlights broader discontent with how Portland's progressive governance impacts rural areas.

Opportunities for Reform

• Recent political events, including backlash against unpopular policies, indicate an opportunity for reform. Grassroots movements have gained traction, signaling a shift in political dynamics within Oregon.

• Political leaders are being compelled to reconsider certain policies due to public pressure, revealing a potential pathway for change in Portland.

Portland's transformation from a lively, admired city to one plagued by crime, drug abuse, and economic woes serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of progressive governance devoid of accountability and effectiveness. The dissatisfaction among citizens, business leaders, and local politicians suggests that significant changes may soon be necessary to restore the city's former reputation and viability. The growing movements for change reflect a critical moment in Portlands future, where reevaluation and reform could pave the way for a resurgence. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/02/model-city-portlands-journey-symbol-chic-shabby/

Germany Rejects Billion-Euro Data Center: Bureaucracy Wins

In Gro-Gerau, Germany, a significant investment of 2.5 billion for a data center was rejected due to local opposition and the majority decision of the town council. This decision reflects broader issues in Germany regarding bureaucracy, citizen concerns, and a resistance to modernization.

• Location and Significance: Gro-Gerau is a commuter town with good connections to major cities, representing traditional middle-class values while facing economic challenges.

• Project Rejection: The town council voted 18-14 against the proposed data center by Vantage Data Centers, despite the potential for significant economic benefits.

• Protest and Concerns: Local protests centered around noise, property value impacts, and environmental concerns, overshadowing the potential advantages of infrastructure improvement.

• Political Dynamics: The rejection highlights the complexities within German politics, where parties like the CDU, traditionally aligned with larger coalitions, acted independently.

• Bureaucratic Challenges: The decision reflects a pervasive bureaucratic mindset that views private investment as a threat rather than an opportunity, stifling innovation and economic growth.

• Comparison to Other Countries: The approach taken by German local politics contrasts sharply with practices in the U. S. and France, where private investments are often welcomed and supported.

Germany's rejection of the data center illustrates a larger reluctance to embrace change and innovation. There is a pressing need for Germany to evolve from its regulatory constraints to seize opportunities for economic development and modernization. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/germany-rejects-billion-euro-data-center-bureaucracy-wins

Loeffler: SBA Suspends Over 100,000 California Borrowers In Pandemic-Loan Fraud Sweep

 The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has suspended over 100,000 borrowers in California due to suspected fraud related to pandemic relief loans.

• Suspensions: 111,620 borrowers were linked to possible fraud involving the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).

• Loan Amount: These borrowers received 118,489 loans totaling more than $8.6 billion.

• Crackdown: Administrator Kelly Loeffler stated that this action is part of a larger initiative to combat misuse of emergency funding created during the pandemic, indicating a need for accountability.

• Previous Actions: This California crackdown follows similar enforcement in Minnesota, where 6,900 borrowers were flagged for suspicious activity.

• Ongoing Investigations: The SBA's review of pandemic-related loans continues, with further actions expected as part of the agency's commitment to recoup fraudulently obtained funds.

The SBA's efforts reflect a significant push to address fraud amid claims of insufficient enforcement in recent years, stressing that those who exploited pandemic assistance will face legal repercussions.

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/loeffler-sba-suspends-over-100000-california-borrowers-pandemic-loan-fraud-sweep

With Democrats, the I’s Have It: Impeachment and Insurrection

 The evolving use of impeachment by the Democratic Party, particularly focusing on its implications for U. S. politics and their accusations against former President Trump.

1. Impeachment as a Political Tool: Impeachment, once a rare occurrence, has now become a standard tactic for Democrats. Speaker Nancy Pelosi's comment about Trump being "impeached forever" highlights the lasting impact of these actions on Trump's reputation, irrespective of the validity of charges.

2. Democratic Policies: The article argues that impeachments have transitioned from rare political actions to core strategies for the Democratic Party. The author reflects on past impeachments and claims they were unjustified, drawing parallels to comments made by Democrats like Bill Clinton regarding their motivations.

3. Accusations Against Trump and the GOP: The narrative presented claims that Trump did not incite insurrection and that previous actions to impeach him were politically motivated. The writer asserts that evidence that supports Trumps claims about Biden's corruption and the integrity of the 2020 election exists.

4. Violence and Political Rhetoric: The article alleges that Democrats, while accusing Trump of inciting violence, have themselves engaged in political acts that could be considered violent insurrection. It highlights how language used by Democrat leaders has contributed to an environment of hostility, leading to actual violence.

5. Call for Condemnation: The article concludes with a call against using impeachment and insurrection for political gain, urging a collective denunciation of all political violence, regardless of the party involved. It stresses the need for politicians to promote constructive dialogue instead of divisive actions.

The article posits that Democrats have shifted towards a strategy that employs impeachment as a weapon while simultaneously stirring up political unrest, ultimately calling for accountability and a condemnation of political violence across the board.

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/02/with_democrats_the_i_s_have_it_impeachment_and_insurrection.html

FBI secretly prepared for disputed election and political violence in 2020, bombshell J6 memos show

Internal memos from the FBI, revealed by Director Kash Patel, outline the agency's preparations for potential violence surrounding the disputed 2020 presidential election. These documents show that the FBI had significant concerns about domestic and foreign threats leading to violence in the U. S. after the election.

1. Preparedness Exercises: In summer 2020, the FBI conducted a tabletop exercise to foresee and plan for possible violence related to the presidential election. This included strategies involving undercover informants and stringent prosecutions for minor offenses, later applied during the January 6 Capitol riot.

2. Threat Assessments: Memos indicated that the FBI's Boston office identified growing domestic violent extremist (DVE) threats as the election approached. They noted that election-related violence could involve threats against candidates and events, alongside civil unrest emanating from both left- and right-wing extremists.

3. Foreign Interference Concerns: The documents warned that foreign actors, particularly from Iran and China, might instigate domestic violence should the election results be disputed. The FBI believed these nations aimed to undermine U. S. democratic processes, contrary to claims by some advocacy groups dismissing foreign election interference as conspiracy theories.

4. Failed Alerts Before January 6: Despite recognizing these threats, the memos suggest that the FBI did not appropriately notify relevant authorities, particularly the Capitol Police, about the significant risk of violence prior to the January 6 riot. Rep. Barry Loudermilk criticized the agency for not taking preventive measures.

5. Use of Informants: Investigations indicated that several FBI informants were present during the January 6 events, and the agency deployed over 250 agents to manage the situation. The extensive prosecutions following the riot, sometimes for minor acts, contributed to rising concerns about domestic extremism, leading to expanded federal surveillance and law enforcement measures.

6. Response to January 6: Following the incident, the Biden administration published a "National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism" which referenced earlier FBI concerns regarding domestic extremists as heightened due to events like the Capitol riot.

The FBI's memos indicate a well-documented awareness of potential violent upheaval stemming from the 2020 presidential election. This awareness raises questions about the agency's actions and preparedness, especially its failure to act on the predictions outlined in the documents. The revelations highlight ongoing tensions in U. S. politics concerning election integrity and domestic extremism.

https://justthenews.com/government/security/monfbi-secretly-prepared-disputed-2020-election-and-political-violence 

Broke Bureaucracies: America's 5 largest U.S. cities don’t have enough money to pay bills: report

A report titled Financial State of the Cities 2026 reveals that the five largest U. S. citiesNew York City, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, and Chicagodo not have enough money to meet their financial obligations for 2024. The report assesses their fiscal health and taxpayer burden, indicating significant financial challenges across these metropolitan areas.

• Cities Analyzed: The report focuses on New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, and Chicago, all governed by Democratic leadership.

• Taxpayer Burden: Each city has a specific taxpayer burden, which represents the amount each taxpayer would need to pay to cover the citys debt:

• New York City: $61,700

• Chicago: $42,600

• Philadelphia: $17,000

• Houston: $4,800

• Los Angeles: $1,300

• Debt and Assets: Combined, these cities have $144 billion in assets, but their total debt, including unfunded pension liabilities and other obligations, is $384 billion. This results in a combined shortfall of $240 billion.

• Pension Problems: All cities face ongoing issues due to long-term costs related to pensions and retiree health care benefits, which strain their financial resources.

• Grades Assigned: The cities received grades based on their taxpayer burden:

• New York City and Chicago: F grades

• Philadelphia: D grade

• Houston and Los Angeles: C grades

• Report Insights: The analysis notes that city financial reporting varies significantly due to different state laws and structures, making comparisons complex and less transparent for voters.

The Financial State of the Cities 2026 report highlights significant fiscal difficulties for the largest cities in the U. S., emphasizing the need for improved financial reporting practices and accountability by local leaders. The findings raise urgent questions about how these cities will manage their financial obligations moving forward, particularly concerning pension and health care liabilities. 

https://justthenews.com/nation/states/center-square/exclusive-5-largest-us-cities-dont-have-enough-money-pay-bills-report

The Ruling Class Panic

The current state of the Western ruling class, highlighting how recent events have exposed their weaknesses and the growing divide between the elite and the general population. The author, Stephen Soukup, identifies a pattern in various news stories that illustrates the crumbling authority of these elites, which could lead to significant societal changes.

1. Protests in Minneapolis: Despite efforts by federal officials to calm the situation in Minneapolis, local politicians continue to ignore federal laws, exhibiting a blatant disregard for governance.

2. Epstein Files Revelations: The release of new documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein reveals troubling connections between high-profile elites and criminal activity, undermining public trust in these figures.

3. Decline of Major Media: The Washington Post has faced significant layoffs and shutdowns, raising concerns about the future of journalism. The author notes that some media outlets have lost touch with the public and their role as credible news sources.

4. Shifting Medical Opinions: The American Medical Association has reversed previous support for providing gender-altering surgeries to minors, reflecting a change in the medical communitys stance on this controversial issue.

5. Censorship in Europe: European leaders, including Spain's Prime Minister, are pushing for increased censorship of social media. This move suggests a fear among elites regarding unregulated speech and its potential to challenge their authority.

6. Rising Tensions Between Classes: The article draws parallels between these developments, arguing that they symbolize a larger crisis facing the ruling class. The so-called "country class" feels increasingly marginalized and discontent with the perceived corruption and incompetence of their leaders.

7. The Historical Context: A reference is made to commentator Angelo Codevillas insights on the consolidation of power by the ruling class and the struggle for self-governance by the country class. This tension has escalated over the past quarter-century.

8. Intellectual Disconnect: The ruling class is portrayed as out of touch with the public, focusing on intellectual fads and moral radicalism rather than genuine public service. The author compares todays elites unfavorably to the ideal ruling class envisioned by Plato.

9. Future Uncertainty: The article concludes with an acknowledgment that the ruling classs authority is in question, but the outcomes of this struggle between classes remain uncertain.

The article outlines a narrative of rising panic among Western elites as their grip on power appears to weaken in the face of social upheaval and changing public sentiment. The events discussed reflect a broader clash between the ruling class and the ruled, suggesting that turmoil and reevaluation of authority may be on the horizon. The outcome of this conflict is unpredictable, and it calls into question the future of governance and society as a whole. 

https://amgreatness.com/2026/02/09/the-ruling-class-panic/