Rip's Newsletter -- Test #6
Rip’s Newsletter
June 6, 2026
Compiled and Edited
by
Jim Reynolds
Articles in This Issue
Victor Davis Hanson - Iranian Endgames?
Erick Erickson - Trust Fund Commies
Eric Schmitt - How to Fill the Supreme Court with Justices Like Clarence Thomas
Joe Abraham - The Collapse Was Not an Accident
Jim Reynolds - THEY KNEW
Overview
Good morning, and thanks for joining me as we dive into today’s most pressing debates. We are looking at a landscape defined by deep-seated distrust, from the perceived failures of government oversight to the hidden agendas behind mass immigration. I’m particularly struck by the tension between ideological pursuits and their real-world consequences, whether that involves the rise of a new political elite or the long-term stability of our judicial system. We also grapple with the complexities of global security as we weigh whether diplomatic efforts can truly curb nuclear ambitions in Iran. It is a heavy mix of perspectives today, but I hope these insights help you navigate the noise.
Iranian Endgames?
Site: Townhall
Author: Victor Davis Hanson
Date: 2026-06-04
Victor Davis Hanson argues that despite recent military actions and diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration, the Iranian regime remains unlikely to voluntarily abandon its nuclear ambitions. Hanson contends that Tehran views negotiations as a tool for strategic delay rather than genuine resolution, seeking instead to maintain regional hegemony through coercion and proxy warfare. While U.S. airpower has inflicted unprecedented damage on Iran’s infrastructure, the author warns that a negotiated settlement might only allow the regime to consolidate power and rebuild for future nuclear pursuits. Hanson suggests two potential paths forward: a negotiated exit to stabilize global oil prices or a high-risk strategy of decisive strikes to force total denuclearization and regime humiliation. Ultimately, he asserts that the United States must decide between a transitory victory and a more permanent solution to neutralize Iran’s long-term threats.
Trust Fund Commies
Site: Townhall
Author: Erick Erickson
Date: 2026-06-05
Erick Erickson argues that the Democratic Socialists of America is increasingly led by a well-bred, highly credentialed elite rather than the working class. He contends that historical communist movements have consistently resulted in the creation of a new hereditary aristocracy rather than true social equality. According to Erickson, socialism serves as an escape for the inherited elite, allowing them to replace market meritocracy with bureaucratic control. He suggests that this movement relies on a grievance apparatus to maintain power by convincing the underclass that upward mobility is impossible. Finally, Erickson cites Maine’s Graham Platner as a modern example of a candidate using a working-class persona to mask an insulated, privileged background.
How to Fill the Supreme Court with Justices Like Clarence Thomas
Site: Rcp Web
Author: Eric Schmitt
Date: 2026-06-01
In this article, Eric Schmitt argues that Supreme Court selection should prioritize “judicial fortitude” alongside originalist legal methodology. He contends that candidates must demonstrate a proven history of defending constitutional principles despite social, political, or professional pressures. Using Justice Clarence Thomas as a model, Schmitt suggests that true fitness for the bench is found in “battle-tested” individuals who prioritize the text of the Constitution over elite consensus. Ultimately, he asserts that the judiciary requires courageous constitutionalists to effectively check the power of the administrative state.
The Collapse Was Not an Accident
Site: Townhall
Author: Joe Abraham
Date: 2026-06-03
In this column, Joe Abraham argues that the death of his daughter, Katie, was a preventable tragedy caused by systemic government failures. He contends that reckless policies and weakened enforcement in states like Illinois prioritize ideological narratives over public safety and accountability. Abraham asserts that centralized government systems inherently reward self-preservation and institutional loyalty rather than honesty or competence. He concludes that the expansion of bureaucracy often leads to a decline in societal stability and an inability to protect innocent citizens from harm.
THEY KNEW
Site: Substack
Author: Jim Reynolds
Date: 2026-06-03
In “THEY KNEW,” Jim Reynolds argues that Western governments are aware of the social and security risks posed by mass immigration but choose to suppress this information. Using a 2025 attack at Bondi Beach and various European incidents as case studies, the author claims that certain immigrant groups possess cultural and religious frameworks that resist integration into secular liberal democracies. Reynolds asserts that political and corporate elites prioritize demographic shifts and cheap labor over the stability of the working class. To address these issues, he proposes reducing migration volumes, implementing stricter compatibility screenings, and mandating assimilation to protect national sovereignty.
[We are leaving in Rip’s sign-off block just for these test runs.]
Thanks. They are getting better. I want to sharpen them enough to make people actually want to read the stories, not just glance at the links. But if you’re in a hurry — and who isn’t — a good summary should still give you the point and save you some time. That’s part of the job.
No, that would not be Rip-like. Perhaps new features that you never dreamed of before, but certainly not the basic articles. Rip did basically two things: 1. Selected articles people wanted to read. Maybe not all the time, but most of the time. That takes care and reading time. 2. His presentation was pleasant, straight-forward, easy to understand, and consistent. Those two characteristics need to be met first. In that regard, he set a high bar.