Miracles in the (In)famous Pfizer Trial

Eyal Shahar examines the Pfizer mRNA Covid vaccine trial conducted five years ago, questioning its design and trustworthiness. It discusses the methodology and results of the trial, focuses on the initial spike in vaccine effectiveness, and highlights issues related to underreported Covid cases among participants.

1. Trial Overview:

• The Pfizer vaccine trial involved about 40,000 participants divided equally between receiving the vaccine and a placebo.

• Participants reported symptoms during the trial, and if they reported any Covid-like symptoms, a PCR test was conducted to confirm if they had Covid.

2. Suspicious Effectiveness Observations:

• The effectiveness of the vaccine reportedly jumped from 50% to 90% just days after the second dose, a change questioned for its plausibility.

• There are concerns that this sudden increase raises doubts about the reliability of the results.

3. Potential Undercounting of Cases:

• Participants often reported side effects that overlapped with Covid symptoms, particularly after the second dose.

• It was noted that not all participants with such symptoms received PCR tests to rule out Covid, leading to concerns about missing numerous cases.

4. Analysis of Reporting Practices:

• Investigators were given discretion on whether to test participants showing symptoms, which may have led to underreported Covid cases among vaccinated individuals.

• The data presented in the FDA briefing documents suggest a significant discrepancy in the number of suspected but unconfirmed Covid cases between vaccine and placebo groups within the week of vaccination.

5. Comparative Analysis of Symptoms:

• Vaccine recipients were reported to show more non-Covid symptoms in the immediate week after vaccination due to vaccine reactogenicity but fewer in later follow-ups.

• This raises several questions, including whether the vaccine not only affected Covid but potentially impacted other non-Covid symptoms.

6. Concerns Over Data Transparency:

• There are significant questions about how information regarding the reports and cases was communicated, particularly in the lengthy FDA documents.

• The omission of crucial details in the main research paper may lead to misunderstandings regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

7. General Skepticism:

• The article emphasizes the author’s skepticism about the trial results, questioning how much faith can be placed in the published data, especially after witnessing adverse outcomes in real-world vaccination scenarios.

Eyal Shahar's analysis reveals several possible flaws and hidden details in the Pfizer vaccine trial, raising concerns about the credibility and overall effectiveness of the vaccine. The increase in reported effectiveness shortly after vaccination and the handling of participant symptom reporting are critical points of focus. The discussion calls for a review of the methodologies used in large-scale vaccine trials and highlights the importance of transparency in clinical research findings. 

https://brownstone.org/articles/miracles-in-the-infamous-pfizer-trial/

China-Linked Groups Join Push to Defund ICE

 A coalition of over 1,000 organizations, including the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) and the Chinese Progressive Association (CPA), is pushing Congress to completely defund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U. S. Border Patrol. This initiative aims to halt all federal immigration enforcement, potentially ending deportation and interior enforcement across the nation.

• The coalition’s letter, organized by Amnesty International USA, demands the dismantling of federal immigration enforcement capabilities, without suggesting reforms.

• Both CPC and CPA have established ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and have received significant funding from Chinese government-linked sources.

• CPC’s financial records indicate donations exceeding $445,000 from entities connected to the Chinese government since 2018.

• CPA, founded by members of a pro-CCP group in 1972, has historically promoted Chinese interests and has connections with the Chinese Consulate in New York.

• The leader of CPA, Alex Tom, has expressed intentions of strengthening ties between American leftists and China.

The involvement of these China-linked organizations in U. S. immigration activism raises concerns regarding foreign influence in domestic policy, particularly as they actively seek to eliminate U. S. immigration enforcement.

https://nataliegwinters.substack.com/p/exclusive-china-linked-groups-join

House Democrat Appears Hundreds of Times in New Epstein Documents

New information has emerged linking Democratic Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett to Jeffrey Epstein through released documents. These connections indicate ongoing interactions even after Epstein's 2008 conviction for sex crimes.

• Stacey Plaskett, a Democratic Delegate from the U. S. Virgin Islands, has been identified in emails from 2014 as having arranged a visit to Epstein's island.

• Correspondence shows that Plaskett communicated with Epstein back in 2017, including scheduling phone calls and discussing fundraising for her political campaigns.

• Specific instances include a text Plaskett sent to Epstein thanking him for sharing ideas and expressing friendship, to which Epstein responded positively.

• Further texts reveal friendly exchanges, such as Epstein wishing Plaskett a happy birthday and commenting on her appearance during a congressional hearing.

• In February 2019, during a House hearing, Epstein texted Plaskett to compliment her outfit and later acknowledged her performance in questioning a witness, indicating a close relationship.

• Despite the revelations, a motion to censure Plaskett in November failed. Republican Representative Ralph Norman criticized the relationship, stating that no one should seek advice from a convicted predator, especially in official proceedings.

The documents expose significant ties between Plaskett and Epstein, raising ethical questions about her conduct while serving on the Intelligence Committee. The failure to censure her highlights ongoing divisions in Congress regarding accountability and trust in the institution. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/02/house-democrat-appears-hundreds-times-new-epstein-documents/

America at 250: The Words That Helped Ignite a Revolution

In 1776, Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet, Common Sense, challenged monarchy and advocated for America's independence from Great Britain. This document significantly shaped public opinion and mobilized support for the revolutionary cause.

• Paine's Critique of Monarchy: Paine argued that absolute power in monarchy and hereditary succession are detrimental to society and future generations.

• Publication of Common Sense: On January 10, 1776, Robert Bell printed Paine's pamphlet, which quickly gained traction, selling around 100,000 copies. It effectively turned public sentiment in favor of independence.

• Rise in Support: Initially, only about 25% of Americans supported independence; however, after the pamphlet's release, this figure rose to over 50%.

• Paine's Further Work: In December 1776, Paine published The American Crisis, inspiring George Washington's troops with its powerful messages.

• Military Struggles: Despite facing a formidable British army, early American forces suffered losses. Washington had to resort to bold tactics to achieve crucial victories at the Battles of Trenton and Princeton.

• Historical Context: The American Revolution faced overwhelming odds. However, decisive moments, including the surrender of British General Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781, changed the course of the war.

Paine's writing and the early struggles of the American military reflect a significant turning point in the fight for independence. The spirit of liberty ignited during this time not only shaped the United States but also inspired future democratic movements worldwide. 

https://realclearwire.com/articles/2026/01/04/america_at_250_the_words_that_helped_ignite_a_revolution_1156643.html

The Welfare State and Ideological Hubris

The challenges facing Europe, focusing on its welfare state, immigration issues, and defense weaknesses. It argues that these factors contribute to a broader decline, threatening the continent's cultural integrity and economic stability.

1. Welfare State Issues:

• Post-WWII, Europe built a welfare state aimed at providing security for all citizens. However, this system is leading to dependency instead of productivity.

• By 2025, social protection expenditures made up about 40% of public spending in the EU, resulting in significant public debt in countries like France, Italy, and Greece.

• This welfare model disincentivizes work and innovation, leading to economic stagnation.

2. Demographic Challenges:

• The article highlights a demographic shift due to mass immigration, particularly from Muslim-majority countries, which is affecting European cultural identity.

• The EU's Muslim population rose significantly, speculating that they could represent 7-12% of the population by 2050.

• While some immigrants succeed in integrating, there are concerns about those who may strain public services and contribute to social tensions.

3. Defense Capabilities:

• Europe relies heavily on the United States for security, compounding its vulnerabilities as it has not adequately prepared for potential threats.

• NATO’s new funding requirements emphasize that many EU countries fall short of the needed defense spending.

• Rising tensions with the US also highlight European defensive inadequacies, especially in the context of global threats from Russia and China.

4. Internal Conflicts:

• The article discusses how Europe’s current political climate is eroding democratic norms, with cases of censorship and suppression of dissent.

• U. S. officials have expressed concern regarding internal troubles in Europe and their implications for transatlantic relations.

5. Geopolitical Consequences:

• The article suggests that without significant reforms to welfare policies, immigration controls, and defense spending, Europe risks becoming geopolitically irrelevant.

• There are warnings that the EU’s inability to address these internal issues could lead to its collapse, leaving the U. S. isolated among rising authoritarian powers.

The article posits that Europe faces a precarious future unless decisive action is taken to reform its welfare systems, secure its borders, and strengthen defense capabilities. The author questions whether Europeans are aware of the gravity of their situation or if they are collectively resigned to a path of decline, potentially endangering their cultural legacy and global standing. 

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

Senate GOP Can Fix Elections, Boost Trump, And Wreck Dems With The SAVE Act

The implications of a proposed filibuster in the Senate concerning national voter ID legislation, spearheaded by Senate Majority Leader John Thune. This strategy could reshape political dynamics for the Republican Party by positioning them strongly against the Democrats, who are largely opposed to such legislation.

1. Voter ID Legislation and Public Support:

• Voter ID laws are widely supported by the American public, with 84% approval.

• Currently, 36 states have such laws, indicating a strong national preference for requiring identification to vote.

2. Democrats' Opposition:

• Democratic leaders and activists oppose voter ID laws, believing they hinder voting rights, especially among noncitizens.

• This opposition poses a political risk, as public sentiment strongly favors voter ID.

3. The SAVE Act:

• The Republican-led House passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.

• In the Senate, a filibuster is anticipated, which requires a 60-vote threshold to pass bills.

4. Strategic Use of the Filibuster:

• Instead of avoiding a filibuster, Republicans could leverage it to create a high-profile debate.

• By keeping the SAVE Act under continuous discussion, Democrats would have to defend their stance on voter ID publicly against a backdrop of significant public support.

5. Political Advantages for Republicans:

• A voter ID filibuster would provide an ongoing platform for the GOP, likely generating substantial media coverage and voter engagement.

• Republicans could reclaim the narrative and draw attention away from unfavorable topics, including other political challenges they face.

6. Senate Procedure Dynamics:

• The traditional Senate procedure allows for open debate, and filibustering senators would have to maintain their speeches continuously.

• This can create a scenario where Democrats appear to disregard popular opinion while trying to sustain their argument.

7. Consequences for Democrats:

• As the filibuster extends, it would likely prompt public questioning about Democrat motivations and draw further public engagement in favor of voter ID laws.

• The prolonged debate might damage their electoral prospects as the general populace witnesses the division between Democratic rhetoric and the majority opinion.

Implementing a voter ID filibuster in the Senate could significantly shift political dynamics, allowing Republicans to capitalize on widespread public support for voter ID laws. It presents an opportunity to challenge the Democrats on a contentious issue while reinforcing their own legislative goals. The outcome could influence not only the present political landscape but also the future electoral success of both parties. 

https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/02/senate-gop-can-fix-elections-boost-trump-and-wreck-dems-with-the-save-act/

Judge overturns Hawaii's criminalization of 'deceptive' election memes as broad, vague and biased

A federal judge recently ruled against Hawaii's law criminalizing "deceptive" political content, declaring it unconstitutional. This ruling comes after similar efforts in other states have also met legal challenges. The judge emphasized the law’s overly broad scope and vagueness, ultimately siding with humorists and satirists who argued that it infringed on free speech rights.

1. Overview of the Law:

• Hawaii's Act 191 was designed to target "materially deceptive" political content, including images, videos, and audio that misrepresented a candidate's actions.

• It aimed to prevent disinformation in political campaigns and was set to be active during even-numbered election years.

2. Legal Challenge:

• The law faced opposition from satirists like The Babylon Bee and local meme creator Dawn O'Brien, who argued that it restricted protected speech.

• After seven months of litigation, U. S. District Judge Shanlyn Park ruled in favor of the plaintiffs without requiring a trial.

3. Judicial Findings:

• Judge Park criticized the law as "substantially overbroad," containing undefined and vague standards that could stifle political commentary, satire, and parody.

• The judge noted that the law could not effectively combat deceptive political media better than educational initiatives promoting media literacy.

4. Implications for Free Speech:

• The ruling underscored the importance of satire and humor in political discourse, which have long been tools for social commentary.

• Legal experts observed that the law unfairly targeted certain types of speech while not adequately demonstrating its necessity or effectiveness.

5. Concerns Over Enforcement:

• The law allowed for civil suits from candidates or groups claiming to be harmed by deceptive content, creating a chilling effect on free expression.

• Judge Park emphasized that such broad enforcement risks censoring legitimate political speech due to its ambiguous guidelines.

6. Broader Context:

• Hawaii's law is reminiscent of an earlier California regulation aimed at deceptive political content that was also struck down.

• Both cases form part of a larger national conversation about how to deal with misinformation in politics, balancing regulatory efforts against the need to protect free speech.

The federal court's ruling against Hawaii's Act 191 highlights ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of expression, particularly in the political arena. While the intent behind such laws—to maintain the integrity of elections and combat misinformation—is significant, the court found that Hawaii's approach excessively infringed on fundamental speech rights. This case and others like it will likely continue to influence future legislation and legal interpretations regarding political speech and satire. 

https://justthenews.com/nation/free-speech/judge-strikes-down-hawaiis-criminalization-deceptive-election-memes-sweeping