Column Front Lines and Frontiers Lumbering to the Stars: The Star Beast by Robert A. Heinlein A beloved family pet causes an intergalactic incident… By Alan Brown | Published on February 6‚ 2024 icon-comment 0 Share New Share Twitter Facebook Pinterest RSS Feed In this bi-weekly series reviewing classic science fiction and fantasy books‚ Alan Brown looks at the front lines and frontiers of the field; books about soldiers and spacers‚ scientists and engineers‚ explorers and adventurers. Stories full of what Shakespeare used to refer to as “alarums and excursions”: battles‚ chases‚ clashes‚ and the stuff of excitement. The Star Beast is the story of young John Thomas Stewart XI‚ a boy who has inherited Lummox‚ a creature brought home from space by one of his ancestors. While Lummox is a good-natured family pet‚ the “pet” has grown to the size of a dump truck and is now seen as a threat to the community. While the book takes place on Earth‚ its main focus is on humanity finding its place among a galaxy full of alien races. It turns out Lummox holds a secret that brings Earth to the attention of a previously unknown alien race‚ one that is powerful and possibly dangerous. The story is full of twists and turns‚ with high stakes and fascinating characters. At first glance‚ The Star Beast seems reminiscent of Heinlein’s earlier juvenile Red Planet‚ another story of a young boy with an alien pet who has completely misunderstood the pet’s true nature. However‚ in addition to the obvious differences in the size of the respective pets‚ Lummox’s story takes some unique and interesting turns along the way. The Star Beast first appeared (under the title “Star Lummox”) as a serial in the May through July 1954 issues of The Magazine of Fantasy &; Science Fiction‚ and was then published later that year as a Scribner and Son’s juvenile. For this review‚ I used a Del Rey paperback reissue borrowed from my son‚ a Science Fiction Book Club omnibus edition entitled To the Stars‚ and an audio drama version from Bruce Coville and his Full Cast Audio team (those audio dramas‚ from the early 2000s‚ are well worth seeking out for fans of audible entertainment). About the Author Robert A. Heinlein (1907-1988) was one of America’s most widely known science fiction authors‚ frequently referred to as the Dean of Science Fiction. I have often reviewed his work in this column‚ including Starship Troopers‚ The Moon is a Harsh Mistress‚ “Destination Moon” (contained in the collection Three Times Infinity)‚ The Pursuit of the Pankera/The Number of the Beast‚ and Glory Road. From 1947 to 1958‚ he also wrote a series of a dozen juvenile novels for Charles Scribner’s Sons‚ a firm interested in publishing science fiction novels aimed at young boys. These novels include a wide variety of tales‚ and contain some of Heinlein’s best work‚ including many works I’ve covered in previous columns: Rocket Ship Galileo‚ Space Cadet‚ Red Planet‚ Farmer in the Sky‚ Between Planets‚ The Rolling Stones‚ Starman Jones‚ The Star Beast‚ Tunnel in the Sky‚ Time for the Stars‚ Citizen of the Galaxy‚ and Have Spacesuit Will Travel. This is not the first time The Star Beast has been discussed on this site‚ as James Davis Nicoll mentioned it briefly last year in a column on “Five Tough‚ Rough‚ and Rugged Heinlein Stories.” A Tale of Two Bureaucrats Heinlein generally inserted some educational elements into his juveniles‚ touching on topics such as space travel‚ exploration‚ farming‚ revolutions‚ spacesuits‚ or other issues—a bit of didactic medicine mixed with the spoonful of sugar‚ if you will. In the case of The Star Beast‚ the author endeavors to educate his young readers about politics‚ to the point where the juvenile adventure sometimes disappears as the political characters take over the narrative. Some of that political intrigue will likely be lost on readers who don’t understand the difference between political appointees and career civil servants‚ and other aspects of bureaucratic organizations. Of course‚ politics has often been a major theme and focus of science fiction‚ and the online Encyclopedia of Science Fiction has a good overview of the topic here. While Heinlein’s politics and beliefs shifted and changed over the course of his life‚ he often spoke and wrote about libertarian ideas‚ and those familiar with his work will not be surprised that the government of Westville‚ where young John Thomas lives‚ is portrayed as inept and filled with people who often let personal feelings and relationships drive their decisions. The exact location of the town is not specified‚ but it appears to be somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. At one point‚ an important decision seems to be made based on who has been fishing with the local judge most recently‚ rather than the merits of the issue. The head of the local police force‚ Chief Dreiser‚ while he means well‚ and even serves as a deacon in a local church‚ is quick to jump to conclusions‚ and at one point‚ decides to move ahead with a plan to execute Lummox as a public threat‚ even though he has been ordered not to take that action. Contrasted with the clumsy local government of Westville‚ however‚ is a fairly effective Federation bureaucracy. And one bureaucrat in that world-wide government has become one of my favorite Heinlein characters of all time… He is introduced by his full title‚ which is a mouthful: His Excellency the Right Honorable Henry Gladstone Kiku‚ M.A. (Oxon‚) Litt. D. honorus causa (Capetown)‚ O.B.E.‚ Permanent Under Secretary for Spatial Affairs. In keeping with the diversity of characters we see throughout Heinlein’s juveniles‚ Mr. Kiku is Kenyan‚ and offers a contrast to the parochial inhabitants of Westville. Mr. Kiku is not without flaws. He is fretful and prone to anxiety-related maladies like ulcers. He also has a lifelong phobia involving snakes that is triggered by tentacles‚ something that makes his job difficult when dealing with alien races. But he is wise‚ brave‚ and has the knowledge accumulated through a long civil service career behind him. His competence stands in clear contrast to the politically appointed Secretary MacClure‚ who is a politician of the type seen in John Thomas’ home of Greenville‚ and who is clearly in over his head. It might seem that an effective character like Mr. Kiku would contradict the depiction of government officials as inept elsewhere in the novel‚ but Heinlein always favored effectiveness over doctrine‚ and celebrated competence and expertise wherever it was found. And while the necessity of qualified‚ capable civil servants is questioned or even mocked by some in anti-intellectual circles‚ they are often the glue that holds together many a governmental entity. The Star Beast The book begins from the viewpoint of Lummox‚ a large eight-legged alien creature who was brought home from an interstellar journey many years ago‚ and has lived with the Stuart family for generations. Lummox is hungry and bored. The Stuart home has a walled backyard‚ but Lummox is able to escape by squeezing through a section of beams—although it’s a tight fit‚ thanks to a recent growth spurt (brought about when Lummox devoured John Thomas’ Buick). After eating some of the neighbor’s rose bushes‚ as well as a stray dog that has been terrorizing the neighborhood‚ and the hungry creature turns to the vegetables in a nearby truck farm. The owner shoots at the intruder‚ sending the terrified Lummox crashing through a pair of greenhouses. After running into town‚ Lummox is attacked by police‚ first cornered in the display window of a local department store‚ and then herded into a local viaduct. This sequence of over-the-top action suggests Heinlein might be in the mood for a slapstick satire‚ but the story soon settles into the more grounded and realistic style for which he is known. We then meet high school senior John Thomas Stuart XI‚ Lummox’s owner‚ who is called upon to get his pet under control. He gets the news of the rampage from his mother‚ a fretful woman who has wanted to get rid of Lummox for years. She is a widow whose explorer husband was lost on a space voyage‚ and has been grieving ever since. Afraid to lose John Thomas to adulthood‚ she has been doing her best to ensure he sticks close to home and does not follow in the footsteps of his adventurous ancestors. John Thomas is summoned by Chief Dressler to guide Lummox back home‚ and is joined by his girlfriend‚ Betty Sorenson. Betty is an extremely intelligent and self-assured young woman‚ confident enough that she’s divorced her parents and moved into government-provided quarters. While we don’t get Mrs. Stuart’s opinion of Betty‚ she must be horrified by her son dating someone so independent. Because the book is a Heinlein juvenile‚ there is no kissing or physical affection displayed between John Thomas and Betty; instead‚ they settle for mocking each other‚ name-calling‚ punching each other in the arm‚ and things like that. Betty exhibits her negotiating skills right from the start. There is a hearing scheduled to decide what to do about Lummox and how to deal with all the damage‚ and Betty takes the lead on arguments‚ tying the local magistrate‚ Judge O’Farrell‚ into knots. The adventures of Lummox‚ and the mysteries surrounding the creature’s origin‚ reach the attention of Mr. Kiku‚ and he dispatches one of his Commissioners‚ Sergei Greenberg‚ to investigate. Sergei decides to assume jurisdiction for the Federation‚ and takes charge of the hearing. But Betty ties him in knots as well‚ and he ends up with a decision to destroy Lummox that will be held in abeyance until the creature’s origin can be investigated. Mrs. Stuart‚ eager to resolve this issue‚ brings home a representative from a natural history museum‚ who offers to buy Lummox‚ keep him safely‚ and even offers John Thomas a job as an animal handler to keep the two together. Mrs. Thomas doesn’t like the animal handler part‚ as she wants John Thomas to go to college and study a nice‚ safe profession that will keep him close to home. John Thomas reluctantly agrees to the sale‚ but then changes his mind‚ and in the wee hours of the morning‚ heads out into the mountains with Lummox‚ following the path of an old-fashioned highway that has been abandoned and fallen into disrepair. He thinks he is being clever‚ but is soon joined by Betty‚ who deduces exactly where he is headed. Meanwhile‚ Mr. Kiku is dealing with an alien race represented by an alien named Doctor Ftaeml‚ whose head tentacles unfortunately trigger Mr. Kiku’s phobias. The alien race is threatening Earth with destruction if they do not produce a member of their species who was kidnapped from their homeworld decades ago‚ and it doesn’t take Mr. Kiku long to realize that Lummox may be the object of their search. Meanwhile‚ orders to capture Lummox without harming him have gone awry‚ and Chief Dressler has put a bounty on his head. I will leave the recap at this point‚ as saying more would spoil some adventurous twists and turns that occur later in the book. Before I end my discussion‚ however‚ I do want to address the female characters. The first is Mrs. Stuart‚ for whom I feel sorry. She is defined almost completely by her marriage‚ her son‚ and her grief. The men of the Stuart family have a proud heritage that includes explorers‚ warriors‚ and even a founding member of the Mars Republic. But her goal at every turn is to stifle any ambition shown by John Thomas‚ and keep him close to her. The only time we learn her first name‚ Marie‚ is in a court document‚ and no one ever refers to her by that name. While other characters move on to new roles‚ new jobs‚ and new adventures‚ she is afforded no such opportunity for growth‚ and is instead left only with her unresolved grief. For different reasons‚ I also found Betty Sorenson’s portrayal problematic. She runs circles around John Thomas intellectually‚ and she constantly shows more initiative and confidence than he does. She is the one who negotiates most successfully with Misters Greenberg and Kiku. Yet it is clear throughout the book that her main goal in life is to support John Thomas and make him happy. Their relationship does not feel like a partnership‚ and certainly not one between equals. Heinlein’s juveniles often show wives subordinating themselves to their husbands‚ and it is irritating to see such a promising character starting that trajectory at a young age. Final Thoughts The Star Beast‚ while not one of my favorite Heinlein juveniles‚ ranks in the upper half of those books‚ at least in my humble opinion. The sections dealing with politics‚ which went over my head as a youth‚ were the best part of the book when reading as an adult. And Mr. Kiku has shot up the ranks to become one of my favorite Heinlein characters of all time. The one complaint I have with the book‚ which is a problem I’ve had with other Heinlein juveniles‚ is the way female characters are portrayed. It’s a shame that Heinlein‚ while doing an excellent job of portraying other types of diversity in his juveniles‚ did such a poor job with gender roles. And now it’s your turn to talk: I’m interested in your thoughts on The Star Beast in particular‚ or Heinlein’s juveniles in general. And if there are there any other YA stories on the topic of alien pets that you think are worthy of mention‚ I’d enjoy hearing about them. [end-mark] The post Lumbering to the Stars: <;i>;The Star Beast<;/i>; by Robert A. Heinlein appeared first on Reactor.

Every Sunday‚ Tanaka’s Amazing Commodities will show up on your TV with useful items to purchase. We’ll outline all the shopping channel items in Persona 3 Reload and how much they’ll cost you. Since this TV program will run throughout most of your playthrough‚ that’s a lot of items mostly exclusive to this shopping channel. This list should help you make sure you have enough money to buy the desired items before each Sunday. Persona 3 Reload: All Tanaka’s Amazing Commodities shopping channel items Beginning May 3‚ you can head down to your TV in the Dormitory nearly every Sunday and check out what two items are for sale. They’re typically worth the price in whatever bundle they come in‚ and after that date‚ you won’t be able to purchase them again. Screenshot: PC Invasion DateItemsCost5/3Rose Bouquet (Gift)x2 Luxury Chocolate (+30 SP)2‚9805/10x2 Antibiotic Gel (HP)x5 Sappy Jelly (HP)3‚9805/17Blinding Flashlightx5 Freeze Spray2‚9...

All you lovebirds might be wondering how to invest your money. Well‚ now that you mention it. Here is how to unlock the “Support Your Local Artisans” achievement in the World of Warcraft “Love is in the Air” event. World of Warcraft: How to unlock “Support Your Local Artisans” achievement in Love is in the Air event “Love is in the Air” is a yearly event that transpires during the days surrounding Saint Valentine’s Day – which makes sense‚ after all‚ love is in fact in the air. There’s a good bunch of activities and even the traditional “sinister plot” that we all have to investigate. Well‚ if you have a significant other‚ you know that buying gifts‚ chocolates‚ and planning romantic dates is not cheap – except if you try your absolute best – and‚ in the spirit of the economic implications of dating‚ the “Love is in the Air” event in World of Warcraft has introduced the “Su...

One of Elizabeth’s Requests is for you to find a Rose Bouquet in Persona 3 Reload. And after hours of only buying weapons and working part-time in a cafe‚ you may be stuck figuring out where to buy flowers. Well‚ here’s everything you need to know about that. How to get Rose Bouqet in Persona 3 Reload The Rose Bouquet is located in a store called Rafflesia. Now if you’re anything like me‚ you might be very confused at this point because you’ve never even seen this store. And that’s because the shop is located around Port Island Station. A location that you haven’t had much reason to visit at this point in the game. Rafflesia is located just down the stairway next to where you’ll load in. Then just turn to the left and you’ll see the small flower store in the corner. You can also look to the minimap to see a flower icon. This is where Rafflesia will be in Persona 3 Reload and the Rose Bouquet will cost 2‚000 Yen. That’s a pr...

Smash the Star is the premier multiplayer mode in Foamstars‚ offering a unique combination of objectives. The in-game description does a pretty poor job of explaining what to do‚ so here’s how to win Smash the Star in Foamstars. How to play Smash the Star in Foamstars Every round of Smash the Star has two unique goals. The first is a race to score seven Chills against the enemy team. The second is a furious scramble to defeat the enemy team’s Star Player while protecting your own. When you score seven Chills‚ the best player on the enemy team will become their ‘Star Player.’ This Star Player has more health than usual and is highlighted with a Star icon. You win the game when you beat this player; just make sure to protect your Star Player from harm. Tips to win Smash the Star in Foamstars Screenshot: PC Invasion You’ll get the basics down after a few matches‚ but there are a few things you can do to tip the scales in your favor. Stick...

Schematics are important in Palworld. They can give you shortcuts in what you can create‚ and speed up the game for you as a whole. Now‚ Legendary Schematics are the same‚ but coming across them can be the opposite of a walk in the park. To learn the best ways to get Legendary Schematics in Palworld‚ I suggest you follow along.  Palworld: How to get Legendary Schematics Normal schematics can be found in a couple of ways‚ and they’re easier. But to get Legendary Schematics‚ you must beat certain dungeons that have Alpha Bosses which are bigger versions of their counterparts. However‚ it’s reported that even if you beat the Alpha Pal and get the chest at the end of the dungeon‚ you have a low chance of a Legendary Schematic dropping.  Related: Differences between schematic rarities in Palworld There is a way to increase your odds though‚ and it’s a little morbid. If you have the stomach for it‚ you can first weaken the Alpha Pal and catch it. Then‚ once it’s...

New studies from the world’s leading research institutions show that Christians who actively practice their faith are more hopeful‚ less likely to become unhappy during times of global crisis and isolation‚ and more likely to lend a hand to fellow citizens. Two studies showed that religious believers in the U.K. suffered less during the COVID-19 pandemic— and the stronger their faith‚ the less they suffered. Meanwhile‚ a third survey in the U.S. found that regular churchgoers were the least likely Americans to describe themselves as lonely‚ and were far more likely to be satisfied with life and volunteer for charity in more normal times. “[B]eing religious significantly reduces the negative mental health outcomes associated with COVID-19‚” concluded researchers based in the U.K.‚ Australia‚ and India. Strong faith decreased suffering during a COVID-19 infection by 60%. Although researchers attempted to control for such apparently intersectionality-based criteria as race‚ sex‚ and employment status‚ “only religiosity has a significant ameliorating effect of COVID on mental health‚” they found. But that advantage is “strongly driven by attendance at religious services‚” and not just by prayer or mental belief. Areas with “higher lockdown strictness‚” which prevented Christians from attending in-person worship services‚ “eroded any benefits that emanated from being religious.” Yet even attendance at online services modestly lessened people’s suffering‚ they found. People who seriously practiced their faith suffered less during the U.K.’s pandemic lockdowns‚ according to another study. “[R]eligious people (in that it makes a difference to their life) were around one-fifth less likely to suffer an increase in unhappiness or depression” during the pandemic‚ they said. But church attendance also impacted British believers‚ researchers stated. The U.K. implemented more sweeping measures than the United States‚ closing churches altogether. “[W]hen places of worship were closed‚ religious Muslims and Catholics suffered disproportionately‚” the study found‚ since both faiths stress weekly attendance at religious services. “The recent U.K. studies that correlate religion and happiness are not surprising. It is also not surprising that church closures correlate with higher degrees of unhappiness‚” David Closson‚ director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at Family Research Council‚ told The Washington Stand. “As relational beings‚ humans are meant to live in community. Lockdowns deprived people of connections with other people‚” which caused them to “suffer emotionally‚ physically‚ and even spiritually‚” said Closson‚ who discussed other aspects of the Pew survey on “Washington Watch With Tony Perkins.” Closson said the correlation makes sense‚ because “human nature consists of spiritual and physical components.” “The churches that either refused to close or opened quickly provided opportunities for the spiritual and physical encouragement that comes with being in physical proximity to other people‚” Clossen said. Christians are also likely to be satisfied with life‚ to volunteer and be engaged in civic affairs‚ and to feel more hopeful than those who specify “None” as their religious affiliation‚ according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. Those who attend religious services at least monthly are nearly 50% more likely to say they feel hopeful‚ and are about half as likely to feel lonely as atheists. The most active Christians are also 58% more likely to volunteer than those who call themselves “Nones.” Regular churchgoers are the most likely to say they are satisfied with their own life‚ their family‚ and community life. Christians who go to church at least monthly are also nearly twice as likely to volunteer for nonreligious charities than those who say their religion is “nothing in particular.” Christians who attend church regularly are slightly more likely to vote or contact their representatives. But atheists are modestly more likely to follow the news and public affairs than are churchgoers. The three teams of researchers merely confirmed what numerous prior studies established: People who believe in and live a Christian way of life enjoy longer‚ better‚ more prosperous‚ and less stressful lives: Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warned in 2023 that Americans’ health “may be undermined” by not attending religious services. A 2023 study concluded that “religious practice has significant effects” on the likelihood of dying from suicide‚ drug poisoning‚ and liver disease caused by alcoholism. Another 2023 study discovered that “religious Americans tend to believe their life is meaningful more often than do those who are not religious.” A 2023 poll found Americans who believe in God and value marriage are more likely to say they’re “very happy” than nonbelievers and singles. Another 2023 poll found that 82% of Christians say they are optimistic and take pride in their church. A 2023 study concluded that practicing Christians who regularly read the Bible report a higher score on the Human Flourishing Index than nonpracticing Christians or the “Nones”/religiously unaffiliated. (The index measures “happiness and life satisfaction‚” “mental and physical health‚” “meaning and purpose‚” “character and virtue‚” “close societal relationships” and “financial and material stability.”) Pew found in 2019 that Americans who attended religious services regularly were 44% more likely to say they were “very happy” than the religiously inactive. A 2019 study found “robust effects of religiosity on depression that are stronger for the most depressed.” A 2018 study from Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health announced that “people who attended weekly religious services or practiced daily prayer or meditation in their youth reported greater life satisfaction and positivity in their 20s—and were less likely to subsequently have depressive symptoms‚ smoke‚ use illicit drugs‚ or have a sexually transmitted infection—than people raised with less regular spiritual habits.” The secret may come‚ in part‚ from distinctive Christian teachings about life and attitude. The Bible encourages believers: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). It says Christians who acquire the Holy Spirit will bear such fruit as joy‚ peace‚ and longsuffering (Galatians 5:22-23). The greatest virtue‚ Christian love‚ “bears all things … hopes all things‚ endures all things” (I Corinthians 13). Yet lockdowns during the pandemic indisputably damaged the churches that gave citizens the strength and resilience to shoulder adversity. Although individual donors increased their financial contributions‚ Protestant churches have 10% less spending power today than they did before the pandemic‚ according to a November 2023 study from Villanova University. Roman Catholic parishes saw an 11% drop in spending power. “Free societies depend on vibrant mediating institutions‚ namely those that are intermediate between the individual and the state. They include the family‚ church‚ and voluntary organizations‚” Catholic League President Bill Donohue said. “The data indicate that the religiously involved are a net plus to society; the religiously unaffiliated are a net minus.” Originally published by The Washington Stand Have an opinion about this article? To sound off‚ please email letters@DailySignal.com‚ and we’ll consider publishing your edited remarks in our regular “We Hear You” feature. Remember to include the URL or headline of the article plus your name and town and/or state. The post Believers Have Less Suffering‚ More Hope‚ and Volunteer More‚ Studies Find appeared first on The Daily Signal.

This coming Sunday‚ at the most widely viewed sporting event in America‚ the Super Bowl‚ the National Football League will feature the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing‚” the song first known as the “Negro national anthem” and now known as the “black national anthem.” In order to ensure that those present at the game and the more than 100 million people watching on television cannot avoid hearing it‚ the “black national anthem” will‚ according to the schedule I have seen‚ be played after the actual national anthem of the United States. If that’s the case‚ this will presumably be done in order to also ensure that everyone is still standing when it is sung. The NFL probably fears that some of those attending the game—specifically‚ those who possess two increasingly rare traits: love of America and courage—might not rise for the “black national anthem.” But if they were already standing for the national anthem‚ few will sit when the “black national anthem” is then sung. The NFL doesn’t want a repeat of what occurred at last year’s Super Bowl in Arizona‚ when‚ as ABC News reported‚ “Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake went viral in 2023 for remaining seated during a performance of the song at Super Bowl LVII.” Last year‚ the “black national anthem” was played prior to the national anthem. How destructive a decision performing the “black national anthem” at sporting events is—whether before or after the national anthem—can be summarized this way: Roger Goodell‚ the NFL commissioner‚ is among the few Americans of whom it will one day be said that he seriously damaged America. In 2021‚ The Washington Times noted‚ “Under Roger Goodell‚ the NFL has gone far beyond the kneeling; it’s doubling down on ‘social justice.’ In addition to painting more slogans in the end zones and on players’ helmets‚ the League will be donating $250 million to Black Lives Matter and other activist groups to ‘combat systemic racism and support the battle against the ongoing and historical injustices faced by African Americans.’” (Also in 2021‚ the NFL released a 30-second video titled “Football Is Gay.”) On Jan. 28‚ the “black national anthem” was sung before the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Detroit Lions playoff game. The National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball are competing with the NFL to see which organization can inject more divisive left-wing politics into sports. For example‚ before the 2023 NBA All-Star Game‚ played in Salt Lake City‚ black singer Jully Black changed an opening word of the Canadian national anthem from “O Canada! Our home and native land!” to “O Canada! Our home on native land!”—emphasizing the word “on.” During the 2023 baseball season‚ the Los Angeles Dodgers honored—yes‚ honored‚ not merely featured—an LGBT activist group‚ the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence‚ composed of men dressed as Catholic nuns mocking nuns. Meanwhile‚ the NFL continues to paint “anti-racist” slogans in end zones and play the “black national anthem” before important games. Not to be outdone by the NFL‚ NBA or MLB‚ the U.S. Open men’s and women’s tennis singles finals did not even feature the U.S. national anthem. Instead‚ the “black national anthem” and “America the Beautiful” were sung. The latter is indeed a beautiful and patriotic song‚ but the fact is that one “national anthem” was played—and it wasn’t America’s. As former ESPN anchor Sage Steele wrote on X: “Ahhh … the irony of refusing to allow our national anthem … at the *US* Open. I remain hopeful that we can get back to truly appreciating the greatness of America‚ but man … this is sad.” Two big lessons here. The first is that the Left seeks to destroy America as we have known it. Playing two “national anthems” has no other goal than disuniting Americans. The message of singing the “black national anthem” is as clear as day: There is a black America‚ and there is the rest of America. That many Americans‚ especially blacks‚ welcome this is nothing less than a national tragedy. The second is the more important: The Left destroys everything it touches. High schools‚ elementary schools‚ universities‚ journalism‚ the nuclear family‚ young Americans’ mental health‚ male-female relations‚ religion‚ our borders‚ love of country‚ medicine‚ and medical schools—the list includes every noble institution and ideal in our country. And sports. In 2001‚ following 9/11‚ the great black Chicago Cubs player Sammy Sosa hit a home run and ran around the bases waving a small American flag. Fifteen years later‚ Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the playing of the national anthem. The Left‚ led by Barack Obama‚ Joe Biden‚ the Democratic Party‚ the media‚ the schools and universities‚ had done their damage. So‚ now we play two “national anthems.” “E Pluribus Unum” is dead. For the Left‚ it’s another touchdown. The Daily Signal publishes a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Heritage Foundation. Have an opinion about this article? To sound off‚ please email letters@DailySignal.com‚ and we’ll consider publishing your edited remarks in our regular “We Hear You” feature. Remember to include the URL or headline of the article plus your name and town and/or state. The post NFL’s Plan for 2 ‘National Anthems’ at Super Bowl: Divisive Not Unifying appeared first on The Daily Signal.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties‚ subscribe to Reclaim The Net. A supporter of the Newcastle United football team in England‚ Linzi Smith‚ has found herself facing a game ban until 2026 due to her public expression of gender-critical perspectives on social media. Smith underwent an intense four-month investigation‚ led by a special team formed to combat racism in football. Their focus shifted from uncovering racism to evaluating Smith after she shared her views on X. As a vocal defender of lesbian‚ gay‚ and bisexual rights and herself a gay woman‚ Smith was shocked when she received an 11-page dossier‚ constructed by the Premier League‚ embedded with in-depth personal details about her life. Living arrangements‚ professional engagements‚ and even the path she took when walking her dog were labeled. “They’d basically referred to me as a target‚ they had tried to find my identity‚” Smith told the Free Speech Union. This unfolding situation has left her feeling unsettled‚ fearing for her safety. The all-consuming investigation led to severe restrictions for Smith. Her association with Newcastle United was cut short when her membership was canceled and she faced prohibition from entering the club’s St James’ Park stadium for the foreseeable future. Determined to fight against the imposed ban‚ she has now resolved to involve the courts. Her argument holds that expressing views critical of modern transgender ideology is within her lawful right and that the Premier League overstepped its mark by infringing data protection laws. This grave intrusion into Smith’s life was the motivation for the Free Speech Union to assist in rigorously challenging the ban imposed on her. The original complaint against Smith originated from alleged screenshots from her social media account‚ indicating claims she made about mental illness in transgender individuals. The complainant expressed feelings of discomfort sharing a space with someone they perceived to be openly “transphobic‚” citing that Smith was openly mocking the transgender movement. In October‚ an email from Newcastle United reached Smith’s inbox‚ ominously stating that she was being scrutinized by Northumbria Police for a potential hate crime offense. Consequently‚ her membership was placed in immediate suspension. Smith’s controversy wasn’t ignited by any misconduct during a game‚ inside the stadium‚ or indeed any direct involvement with the club. Shortly after‚ she was visited by two police officers at her home‚ where she agreed to an interview under caution regarding her tweets. The interview lasted for 25 minutes but was soon followed by a phone call from the police‚ stipulating that no action was to be taken as they found she hadn’t committed any offense. The post Newcastle United Fan Faces Ban Over Gender-Critical Social Media Posts appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

'Everything Is Dead': Senate Border Bill Heading for Doomed Vote; UPDATE: Cornyn a No