Rip's Newsletter
June 17, 2026
Rip’s Newsletter
June 17, 2026
Compiled and Edited
by
Jim Reynolds
Articles in This Issue
Michael Smith - Atlas Stands Tall
Linda Moss Mines - America 250: Uncommon ‘Common Sense’
John Hinderaker - Southern Poverty Law Center, America’s Leading Supporter of Racism
Chris Bray - There Are Some Hints About The Newsom Investigation
J Garrett - A Tale of Two Cities
Today’s political landscape is marked by a deepening divide in cultural and linguistic understanding, as laws and language are increasingly manipulated, leading to societal confusion. The Southern Poverty Law Center faces serious allegations of misusing donor funds, further fueling tensions around issues of racism and accountability. Meanwhile, Gavin Newsom’s potential involvement in a financial scandal raises questions about political integrity and influence. Amidst these controversies, historical reflections on Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” remind us of the enduring struggle for clarity and independence in governance.
Atlas Stands Tall
Site: The Patriot Post
Author: Michael Smith
Date: 2026-06-17
The article discusses the erosion of shared cultural and linguistic understanding in America.
Laws and language are increasingly manipulated, leading to societal confusion and division.
Media amplifies crises, fostering public exhaustion and demoralization.
Electoral chaos is portrayed as part of a broader assault on democratic engagement.
The author urges Americans to resist demoralization and uphold democratic values.
The article highlights the urgent need to resist societal demoralization and protect democratic integrity.
Reader Experience: ★★★★☆ Minor clutter but easy reading.
America 250: Uncommon ‘Common Sense’
Site: The Patriot Post
Author: Linda Moss Mines
Date: 2026-06-17
Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” advocated for American independence from Britain in 1776.
The pamphlet sold 100,000 copies, influencing colonial opinion on independence.
Paine criticized the English constitution as monarchical and aristocratic tyranny.
He proposed a Continental Charter with a lottery system for selecting a president.
Paine’s work fueled debate and helped shape revolutionary ideas among colonists.
Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” was pivotal in shaping American revolutionary thought and advocating independence.
Reader Experience: ★★★★☆ Minor clutter but easy reading.
Southern Poverty Law Center, America’s Leading Supporter of Racism
Site: Power Line
Author: John Hinderaker
Date: 2026-06-17
The DOJ indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center for allegedly misusing donor funds.
SPLC allegedly funded leaders of racist groups, not informants, contradicting their defense.
Heidi Beirich, a top SPLC official, allegedly funneled money to a white supremacist lover.
The National Alliance, a defunct racist group, was allegedly supported by SPLC funds.
The indictment claims SPLC funds were used for personal expenses by Beirich and her lover.
The SPLC’s alleged misuse of funds raises serious questions about its anti-racism claims.
Reader Experience: ★★★★☆ Minor clutter but easy reading.
There Are Some Hints About The Newsom Investigation
Site: The Federalist
Author: Chris Bray
Date: 2026-06-17
Gavin Newsom is under investigation, possibly linked to “behested payments” to his wife’s charity.
Corporations donated millions to Newsom’s causes, raising concerns of quid pro quo.
Newsom’s interventions in federal disputes coincided with donations to his wife’s nonprofit.
His former chief of staff’s corruption case adds to scrutiny around Newsom’s dealings.
Investigations began during Biden’s presidency, challenging Newsom’s claims of a Trump-driven probe.
The investigation into Newsom highlights ongoing concerns about political corruption and influence in California.
Reader Experience: ★★★★☆ Minor clutter but easy reading.
A Tale of Two Cities
Site: Substack
Author: J Garrett
Date: 2026-06-17
The New York Knicks won their first NBA Championship in 53 years.
Jalen Brunson, Finals MVP, led the Knicks with exceptional work ethic and competitiveness.
New York City’s socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, attempted to politicize the victory.
The article contrasts Brunson’s meritocratic success with Mamdani’s socialist values.
Brunson’s story is presented as a model for personal accountability and achievement.
The Knicks’ victory highlights the power of meritocracy over political ideology.
Reader Experience: ★★★★★ Clean Substack. No ads. Fast loading.
