US Views Of Islam Have Deteriorated In Past 25 Years

Recent data indicates a significant shift in American perceptions of Islam since the September 11 attacks in 2001. A Pew Research survey reveals growing concerns about the religion's association with violence.

In 2002, about 25% of Americans believed Islam encouraged violence. By January 2023, this figure rose to 51%, with a stark contrast between political affiliations: 76% of Republicans and 29% of Democrats share this view.

After 9/11, President George W. Bush visited an Islamic Center, promoting a message of peace, contrasting the current sentiments.

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that followed 9/11 appear to have worsened relations between the U.S. and Islam more than the attacks themselves.

A survey reported that approximately 40% of U.S. adults perceive Muslims as having a negative impact, while another 40% see their influence as neutral, and 17% believe it to be positive.

Between 2000 and 2020, the number of mosques in the U.S. increased from around 1,200 to 2,800, and the Muslim population doubled to approximately 5.5 million.

The American perspective on Islam has shifted markedly over 25 years, influenced by political polarization and the aftermath of 9/11. Despite an increasing Muslim population and infrastructure in the U.S., negative perceptions have become more common, highlighting a complex and changing relationship between American society and Islam. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/us-views-islam-have-deteriorated-past-25-years

Energy groups warn Hochul to restart Indian Point nuclear plant or ‘the lights go out’

 Energy groups in New York are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to restart the Indian Point nuclear plant, which has been inactive since 2021. This push coincides with Climate Week, and highlights concerns about energy reliability and rising utility costs.

Current Situation: Indian Point was shut down in 2021 under former Governor Andrew Cuomo due to safety concerns raised by anti-nuclear activists. The closure resulted in a loss of 25% of New York City's power generation capacity.

Advocacy Campaign: During Climate Week, energy groups launched advertisements urging Governor Hochul to reopen Indian Point. The campaign features a billboard truck displaying her image and a message warning that if the plant remains closed, "the heat goes out and the lights go out."

Governor Hochul’s Stance: Hochul has criticized the decision to close Indian Point as a "mistake" but has yet to show any interest in reopening it. She is exploring other nuclear energy options to increase New York’s energy generation capacity amidst rising utility costs.

Political Implications: This issue has become part of the electoral landscape, with incumbent Hudson Valley Representative Mike Lawler advocating for the plant's reopening as he campaigns against his Democratic opponent, Cait Conley. Lawler, along with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, has been spotlighting the need for reliable power sources, especially as demand from data centers grows.

Expert Opinions: Critics, like Steve Milloy from the Energy and Environment Legal Institute, argue that if Hochul truly aims to reduce electricity costs through nuclear energy, she should prioritize the reopening of Indian Point rather than pursuing new nuclear projects.

The reactivation of the Indian Point nuclear facility stands as a contentious topic in New York. Advocates are pushing for its return to stabilize the state's power supply and manage energy costs, while political dynamics continue to shape the discourse around nuclear energy in the region.

https://nypost.com/2026/09/22/us-news/energy-groups-warn-hochul-to-restart-indian-point-nuclear-plant-or-the-lights-go-out/

Finnish Study Finds Rise in Mental Illness Following 'Gender-Affirming' Surgeries

A recent study from Finland raises concerns about the mental health effects of "gender-affirming care" among adolescents who undergo sex-alteration procedures. This study contradicts claims from some political groups that such treatments are necessary for mental well-being.

Study Overview: The study published in Acta Paediatrica analyzed data from over 2,000 individuals under 23 who sought treatment from gender clinics in Finland between 1996 and 2019. It aimed to measure the psychiatric outcomes following these interventions.

Findings on Psychiatric Illness: The research indicated a significant increase in psychiatric issues post-treatment: the rate of psychiatric morbidity rose from 9.8% to 60.7% for those undergoing feminizing procedures and from 21.6% to 54.5% for masculinizing procedures.

Ongoing Risks: Researchers found that the psychiatric needs of these adolescents did not diminish after undergoing medical gender reassignment and that the risks were notably higher for all gender-referred adolescents, regardless of their prior mental health status.

Historical Context: The study tracked individuals for up to 25 years, providing a comprehensive look at their mental health over time, demonstrating that mental health challenges persisted even after gender-affirming surgeries.

Political Implications: The findings have drawn criticism towards political narratives that promote gender-affirming care as lifesaving, with some commentators suggesting that the procedures are damaging and equating them to "gender mutilation."

Response from Public Figures: Several public figures and commentators have echoed the sentiment that gender-affirming treatments do not address underlying mental health issues and have elevated risks of psychiatric disorders, with some calling for accountability for those who perform such procedures on minors.

The Finnish study provides significant evidence raising questions about the mental health impacts of gender-affirming surgeries on adolescents. As debates continue over transgender rights and medical practices for minors, this research underscores the need for cautious consideration of the outcomes associated with such treatments. 

https://townhall.com/news/amy-curtis/2026/09/21/finnish-study-trans-kids-mental-illness-after-surgery-n2683304

Soros Pours Millions Into Democrat Abdul El-Sayed Who Campaigns on Getting ‘Money Out of Politics’

Leftist billionaire George Soros is financially supporting Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in his campaign for the U.S. Senate from Michigan, despite El-Sayed's focus on eliminating large financial contributions in politics.

1. Soros's Financial Contributions:

Soros's political network has allocated over $40 million to Democrat groups, including $30 million pledged to support El-Sayed's campaign.

The Democracy PAC and Democracy PAC II are significant sources of this funding, benefiting groups like the Senate Majority PAC.

2. El-Sayed's Stance:

El-Sayed campaigned on the promise to "get money out of politics," criticizing the influence of billionaires like Soros in political funding.

He emphasized the corruption that allows wealthy individuals to buy political influence and wants to implement policies like Medicare for all.

3. Criticism from Opponents:

Republican candidate Mike Rogers criticized El-Sayed, stating that he only opposes big money in politics when it does not benefit him.

El-Sayed is seen as contradictory in his statements against billionaire contributions while accepting significant funds from Soros-backed groups.

4. Broader Context of Soros's Spending:

The Soros network also supports various progressive causes and politicians across the country, including campaigns for progressive prosecutors and issues related to criminal justice reform.

Other beneficiaries of Soros's contributions in the current election cycle include prominent Democratic figures and organizations focused on mobilizing voters and pushing progressive agendas.

5. Future Reporting on Contributions:

Much of Soros’s political spending may remain undisclosed until reports are released a year after the elections, as funds are often channeled through nonprofit organizations.

Soros's financial involvement in El-Sayed's campaign raises questions about the tension between advocating for reduced financial influence in politics and benefiting from substantial contributions from wealthy donors. The full scale of Soros's 2026 political contributions will be clearer only after the elections. 

https://slaynews.com/soros-pours-millions-democrat-abdul-el-sayed-campaigns-getting-money-out-politics/

America’s education system has a ‘new Trojan horse’ — and it’s conditioning kids to turn on their parents

 PragerU CEO Marissa Streit recently discussed on Glenn Beck's program how ethnic studies are negatively influencing America’s education system. She believes these programs create a divide between parents and children, promoting a narrative of oppression that can undermine traditional family values.

Shift in Education: Streit notes a growing dissatisfaction with public schools, leading parents to seek alternative education methods. An increase in quality educational resources is prompting this change.

Ethnic Studies as a 'Trojan Horse': Streit describes ethnic studies, which she claims are spreading across 26 states, as a harmful curriculum that portrays parents as oppressors. It emphasizes collective grievance rather than individualism.

Radical Educational Resources: She points to various materials, including a book called “Lessons in Liberation,” which teaches concepts like “adultism,” suggesting that adults are oppressing children by guiding their decisions.

Normalization of Gangs: Streit argues that some ethnic studies materials downplay gang violence and terrorism, framing them as valid forms of expression for marginalized communities.

Political Indoctrination in Schools: She highlights teaching resources that prepare students for events like “communist May Day.” These resources encourage discussions on social and political topics, often tying them to current events and perceived injustices.

Publishers’ Role: Streit claims that publishers of educational materials are often aligned with the unions that create these ideologies, forming a cycle where both profit from controversial curricula. She cites Scholastic as a major distributor of these progressive materials.

Marissa Streit warns that ethnic studies and similar programs are reshaping the American educational landscape, potentially eroding family dynamics and traditional parental roles. She advocates for greater awareness and alternative educational approaches as parents seek to regain control over their children's education.

https://www.theblaze.com/shows/the-glenn-beck-program/americas-education-system-has-a-new-trojan-horse-and-its-conditioning-kids-to-turn-on-their-parents

Arab-American advocacy group works to 'mobilize 3 million more' Muslims in midterm elections to back DSA, Democrats

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) aims to mobilize an additional 3 million Muslim voters for the 2026 midterm elections, focusing on increasing participation in the Democrat party, as 53% of Muslims in the U.S. lean Democrat. Their initiative, called Muslims Vote, seeks to remove obstacles to civic participation and encourage voter turnout.

CAIR Action, a related organization, has endorsed several progressive candidates in various states, including Michigan and Minnesota. The project launched in July to prepare for primary and general elections, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement among American Muslims.

Despite CAIR's requirement to remain non-partisan in their voter outreach, the organization has faced criticism and scrutiny regarding its political connections and funding, particularly with allegations of supporting Democratic candidates financially. This mobilization effort is viewed by some, like Turning Point Action's COO, as potentially harmful to Republican election prospects in 2028. 

https://thepostmillennial.com/arab-american-advocacy-group-works-to-mobilize-3-million-more-muslims-in-midterm-elections-to-back-dsa-democrats

Sore Losers Are Socialism's Allies

 The upcoming midterm elections in 2026 present a complex political landscape, featuring tensions both within the Democratic and Republican parties. The ability of these parties to maintain unity is critical for securing control of the Senate.

1. Republican Control and Infighting:

The Republicans currently hold a slight majority in the Senate, but they face significant internal conflicts, especially between the MAGA faction and traditional conservatives.

Polling shows mixed results; despite Republican infighting, some Democratic strongholds are struggling to maintain a lead.

2. Democratic Challenges:

In traditionally Democratic states like Minnesota and Michigan, Democrats are facing precarious conditions. One example is the tight Senate race in Michigan, where Abdul El-Sayed leads by only two points over Republican Mike Rogers.

El-Sayed’s challenges stem from intra-party issues, as some party members, particularly Black and Jewish voters, question his commitment and past statements.

3. Republican Weakness in Texas:

The Senate race in Texas mirrors Michigan's tight competition, with Democrat James Talarico currently leading.

Senator John Cornyn's lack of support for fellow Republicans and criticism of the party's direction complicate the GOP's chances in Texas.

4. Political Dynamics:

There are notable shifts in political loyalty, with prominent conservative figures like George Will showing unexpected support for Democratic candidates, which could impact Republican unity.

Tensions within parties make it difficult to form a stable coalition, as both sides need to find common ground to attract undecided voters.

5. The Role of Trump:

Donald Trump’s ability to unite the GOP is seen as a key factor in their success. His endorsement of candidates is strategically timed to align with the party's interests.

Emphasizing unity among ordinary Republicans is crucial to counteract the divisions highlighted by figures like Cornyn and Will.

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the ability of both Democrats and Republicans to maintain internal unity will significantly affect their chances of success. The ongoing discord within the parties presents challenges, but also opportunities for candidates who can navigate these complexities and appeal to a broader voter base. The upcoming months will be vital in shaping the political landscape leading to November.

https://pjmedia.com/daniel-mccarthy/2026/09/21/sore-losers-are-socialisms-allies-n4957495