Memorial Day 2025

Thank you to the Albany Times Union for an affordable six-month Memorial Day 2025 special subscription offer. I am now signed up. As I think about President Trump laying a wreath in Arlington, I cannot help but recall two stories I read this morning on page A5 of the Times Union. They are both from the Associated Press: Crowd marks George Floyd murder anniversary and Israel's latest Gaza strikes kill 38, including children. 

Digging deeper into the settler colonial counter-narrative, here is an image of the Wounded Knee Memorial:

And here is the logo of the Native American Veterans Association:

We remember all sides on Memorial Day in America.

I am still somewhat confused by the distinction between intentional murder and unintentional murder as it applies in the case against Derek Chauvin. Furthermore, Chauvin was not charged with a hate crime. Does this mean that the unintentional police homicide of George Floyd had nothing to do with the victim being black, as far as the best available evidence is concerned? (Cf. Trump administration dismisses police investigations in several cities | NPR).  

Under significant international pressure this week, will Prime Minister Netanyahu call for a pause in Gideon's Chariots, even if Hamas doesn't capitulate? If Netanyahu shows no signs of ending the war on his own, will President Trump tell him to strike a deal with Hamas, on the road to a two-state solution, or will Trump defend Israel's continued freedom of action in Gaza, including at the high-stakes UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday morning, 28 May? The American left is accusing President Trump of white supremacy. The Israeli left is accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu of genocide. Will Trump and Netanyahu stand together, fall together, or stand and fall apart?

Europe, along with much of the UN system, is pushing for immediate ceasefires from both Netanyahu and Putin. Trump may find himself moving further in the EU/UN direction with Netanyahu and Putin this week. Trump's unique brand of compassionate conservatism is integral to America's recovery. If Trump doesn't keep his compassionate conservatism balanced down the center, he will be overtaken by the left. But he also has to watch out on the right (cf. Big, beautiful bill could be sidelined by the Senate, Ron Johnson predicts).