Rip’s Newsletter
May 17, 2026
Rip’s Newsletter
May 17, 2026
Articles in This Issue
Brad Slager
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Now the Press Claims Kash Patel Desecrated a Historic War Site, and Disprove Themselves In the Process
Derek Hunter
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Democrats Refuse to Even Talk to the American People Anymore
Joseph Chalfant
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Cuba Acquires Over 300 Attack Drones As Tensions With US Rise
Steve Stockman
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From Sleeper Cells to Liberation Army: Trump’s Genius Plan to Free Iran and Secure America › American Greatness
Overview
Welcome to today’s political insights! Things are heating up on a number of fronts, from debates about accountability and media accuracy to growing geopolitical concerns. We’re seeing a fascinating tension between political engagement—or lack thereof—and the ways different voices are shaping our national conversation. Plus, there’s a lot happening internationally, with developments in Cuba and ongoing unrest within Iran demanding our attention. I’ve gathered a selection of perspectives to help you navigate it all, so let’s dive in.
1. Now the Press Claims Kash Patel Desecrated a Historic War Site, and Disprove Themselves In the Process
Site: RedState
Author: Brad Slager
Date: 2026-05-17
Recent media reports alleged that FBI Director Kash Patel desecrated the Pearl Harbor memorial, specifically the sunken U.S.S. Arizona. These reports centered on Patel’s participation in a snorkeling excursion around the battleship, which entombs over 900 sailors and Marines. However, investigations revealed that Patel’s visit was a “VIP snorkel” coordinated by the military and included Navy SEAL guides, following an invitation from the head of the United States Indo-Pacific Command. The practice of allowing select dignitaries, including government and military officials, to snorkel at the site has reportedly occurred since at least the Obama administration. While some experts expressed concern, news outlets ultimately acknowledged the practice’s relative normalcy and its prior occurrence without similar scrutiny.
2. Democrats Refuse to Even Talk to the American People Anymore
Site: Townhall
Author: Derek Hunter
Date: 2026-05-17
A recent article argues that Democrats increasingly avoid engaging with those who disagree with them, creating an echo chamber of agreement. The author cites examples such as President Biden declining interviews with Fox News and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez primarily appearing in friendly media outlets. Other examples include California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter’s apparent dismissal of appealing to voters who supported Donald Trump, and Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen’s decision to retire rather than campaign in a newly redrawn district. The piece also references disruptions on college campuses and claims that Democrats resort to threats rather than reasoned arguments, suggesting a departure from democratic principles. Ultimately, the author contends that Democrats now only succeed in districts where they can select their voters.
3. Cuba Acquires Over 300 Attack Drones As Tensions With US Rise
Site: Townhall
Author: Joseph Chalfant
Date: 2026-05-17
A recent report indicates that Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran since 2023, amid rising tensions with the United States. According to classified intelligence reviewed by Axios, Cuba has developed operational plans that could involve using these drones to target U.S. assets, including the Guantanamo Bay base, American military vessels, and Key West, Florida. U.S. officials have expressed concern about the proximity of these technologies and potential involvement from various actors, including terrorist groups and drug cartels. Intelligence also suggests that Cuban troops have been gaining experience in drone warfare while participating in combat operations in Ukraine. While officials do not currently view Cuba as an imminent threat, they acknowledge the need to plan for this evolving capability. The intelligence disclosures follow a recent visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Cuba regarding the island’s fuel crisis.
4. From Sleeper Cells to Liberation Army: Trump’s Genius Plan to Free Iran and Secure America › American Greatness
Site: American Greatness
Author: Steve Stockman
Date: 2026-05-17
Recent widespread protests within Iran, building on previous demonstrations and escalating in 2025-2026, indicate significant public discontent with the current regime. Reports suggest millions of Iranians have participated in these demonstrations, facing severe repression from authorities that has resulted in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of detentions. The author argues that this internal unrest presents a unique opportunity for the United States, suggesting a strategy of empowering Iranian citizens through providing them with means of self-defense. This approach, likened to the American Revolution and championed as a low-risk alternative to military intervention, aims to enable Iranians to dismantle the regime from within. Concerns about Iranian-linked operatives entering the Americas through vulnerabilities in border security are also cited as a factor supporting this strategy.
Thanks. We are optimizing through iteration. Jim
That was supposed to be a test newsletter. I thought only I was on the list! I’m experimenting with various formats. Trying to construct the NL in the Substack environment has its challenges. But overall, the Substack system will work much better, especially for feedback.