18 Apr, 2025 09:46

Moldovan govt accused of ‘spiritual terror’ after bishop’s Easter trip blocked

Police in Chisinau earlier prevented Bishop Marchel of the Moldovan Orthodox Church from undertaking a ritual visit to Jerusalem

Moldova’s largest opposition party has accused the country’s government of “an unprecedented act of spiritual terror,” after a senior Moldovan Orthodox Church bishop was prevented from traveling to Jerusalem for an Easter ritual.

Bishop Marchel was set to attend the Holy Fire ceremony, a major religious event ahead of Orthodox Easter on April 20. Orthodox Christians believe the flame miraculously appears each year on Holy Saturdayat the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, marking the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Pilgrims traditionally light candles from the flame to bring home.

However, Bishop Marchel told TASS on Thursday that Moldovan police had stopped him and two clerics at the airport, conducted searches, and delayed them until 30 minutes after their flight had departed.

The Party of Socialistsaccused the government of “publicly humiliating” the senior cleric and demanded an apology.

“We consider the actions of [President] Maia Sandu’s regime a deliberate act of spiritual terror against the Moldovan Orthodox Church and hundreds of thousands of its parishioners,” the party said in a Telegram statement on Friday. “Any pressure on the Church is a crime against the people and an encroachment on the foundations of Moldovan statehood.”

The party described the incident’s timing during the Holy Week as especially egregious.

“The authorities publicly humiliated the archpastor… during the Holy Week, on the eve of Easter. It is a moral downfall of the regime, for which there can be no justifications,” the statement read. It claimed that the incident amounted to “a declaration of war against the Orthodox majority” by an “anti-national regime.”

Moldova, where more than 90% of the population identify as Orthodox Christians, is home to two major branches of the Church: the Moldovan Orthodox Church, under the Moscow Patriarchate, and the Metropolis of Bessarabia, under the Romanian Orthodox Church. Tensions between the two, while multifaceted, have deepened in recent years amid President Sandu’s pro-EU stance and criticism of Moscow. While Sandu earlier claimed her government “has relationships” with both metropolises, critics have accused Chisinau of pressuring the Moscow-affiliated church.

The Russian Orthodox Church has also condemned the incident.

“The advisers to the Moldovan authorities, who are clearly far from Christianity, believe they are achieving some kind of a political goal,” said the Moscow Patriarchate spokesman Vladimir Legoyda. “This is a completely outrageous decision by the Moldovan authorities, a deliberate mockery of the faithful of the Orthodox Church of Moldova,” he wrote on Telegram.

https://www.rt.com/russia/615935-moldova-opposition-spiritual-terror/

>>22928808

18 Apr, 2025 12:14

UN to probe Moldova for blocking bishop’s Easter ritual

The office of the human rights commissioner is currently collecting information on the incident

The UN has opened an inquiry into the Moldovan authorities’ move to prevent a senior Orthodox Church bishop from traveling to Jerusalem for an Easter ceremony.

Tamin Al-Kitan, a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), told RIA Novosti that the agency is gathering information about the incident.

Bishop Marchel, a senior cleric with the Moldovan Orthodox Church, was scheduled to attend the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. However, he told TASS on Thursday that Moldovan police had stopped him and two clerics at the airport, subjected them to searches, and detained them until 30 minutes after their plane had departed.

“We have received your inquiry about Moldova. We have passed it on to our colleagues who are checking the information,” Al-Kitan told the news outlet, when asked to comment on the incident.

Thursday’s incident has drawn sharp criticism from Moldova’s political opposition. Former President Igor Dodon, who leads the Party of Socialists,denounced President Maia Sandu’s government over the bishop’s detention, calling it “an act of terror”against the Orthodox faith and the entire Moldovan Orthodox community.

His party issued a statement labeling the incident “a crime” against the Moldovan people and “an encroachment on the foundations of Moldovan statehood.”

The Russian Orthodox Church also condemned the episode, describing it as politically motivated and “a deliberate mockery”of the Moldovan Orthodox Church.

Moldova is home to two rival Orthodox branches:the Moldovan Orthodox Church, a self-governing arm of the Russian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate, and the Metropolis of Bessarabia, aligned with the Romanian Orthodox Church. Tensions between the two have persisted for years,with critics repeatedly accusing President Maia Sandu’s pro-EU government of pressuring the Moscow-linked church to shift allegiance to Romania.

MP Vasile Soimaru previously suggested the government aimed to “denounce” the Moldovan Orthodox Church, claiming it planned to follow Ukraine’s example. Kiev last year outlawed the Ukrainian Orthodox

Church, alleging continued ties to the Moscow Patriarchate despite its declared independence in May 2022.

The Kiev-aligned Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), created in 2018, has since sought to take over church properties formerly held by the UOC.

(The EU’s goal is to terminate all religion in Europe, they have been trying to destroy all the Religious Baltic countries because they are opposed to joining the EU, they want nothing to do it it. This is another version of a Color Revolution, to destroy their faith and take over their country.The UN did nothing when Zelensky in Ukraine outlawed the Russian/Ukraine orthodox Church. So they UN only takes on things that are politically correct, they are so afraid of being defunded they are pawns by the NOW.)

https://www.rt.com/russia/615952-un-to-probe-moldova-bishop/

>>22928835

18 Apr, 2025 11:281/2

Playing with Holy Fire: Moldova launches a war on Christians to please its EU overlords

The detention of a ‘pro-Russian’ Orthodox bishop before one of the holiest days of the year is a sign of terrible things to come(By Nadezhda Romanenko, political analyst)

On Thursday, Moldovan authorities chose to detain Bishop Marchel of the Moldovan Metropolis, a metropolitanate under the Russian Orthodox Church, at Chișinau International Airport.

Bishop Marchel was on his way to Jerusalem to bring back the Holy Fire for Easter, one of the most sacred ceremonies of the year for Orthodox believers. According to reports, he was pulled aside for a “thorough inspection” of his person and luggage, had his passport confiscated, and was not allowed to board his flight – even though nothing suspicious was ever found. His documents were only returned thirty minutes after the plane departed.

By contrast, the rival Metropolis of Bessarabia – a different Orthodox Christian church in Moldova, canonically under the Romanian Patriarchate – sent its own delegate, Bishop Filaret, on the same mission unmolested.

This isn’t an isolated outrage but rather the latest episode in a systematic campaign against anyone deemed “pro Russian.” On March 25, 2025, Eugenia Gutul – the democratically elected head of the Gagauz autonomy – was detained at the very same airport. Her passport was confiscated and she was held incommunicado for 72 hours on opaque “corruption and illegal financing” charges, before being put under house arrest to await trial.

Two days later, opposition figure Alexei Lungu was stopped from leaving the country on murky grounds, and Viktor Petrov – another Gagauz leader – was held for hours in February after flying in from Istanbul, an arrest he claims was orchestrated by Prime Minister Recean’s office. These incidents form a clear pattern:every pro Russian politician, cleric or public figure is under suspicion of destabilizing “European choice” or colluding with foreign powers.

At its core, what is being played out in Moldova in regards to the Moldovan Metropolis is an attempt to hold the spiritual life of the majority hostage to a political agenda. Nearly 70 percent of Moldovans adhere to the Moldovan Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church. By making its shepherds and representatives into targets, the government is sending a message: worship with a Romanian or European aligned body and you’re free to practice your faith; profess loyalty to a politically inconvenient church and you risk being treated like a criminal.This is not a security measure – it is a politicization of religion.

Worryingly, Moldova’s airport detentions echo the trajectory taken by the Kiev authorities in Ukraine. In August 2024, the Ukrainian parliament passed a law effectively banning any religious organization “affiliated with a state engaged in armed aggression” – a barely veiled reference to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP). The bill sailed through 265–29 and obliged each parish to sever ties with Moscow or face court ordered closure within nine months.President Zelensky hailed it as a step toward “spiritual independence,” yet by criminalizing an entire denomination, Kiev set the stage for unprecedented state intrusion into religious life.

Since then, Ukrainian authorities have moved beyond legislation to direct law enforcement actions: dozens of criminal investigations into UOC MP clerics on charges of treason and “impeding community re subordination” have been opened, and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has conducted raids on church offices, seizing computers and documents, sometimes without clear warrants or transparent legal basis. Places of worship themselves have been raided and forcibly “re-subordinated” to the Kiev-backed Orthodox Church of Ukraine – like when St. Michael’s Cathedral in the city of Cherkasy was attacked by armed men wearing camouflage and balaclavas. The raiders reportedly used tear gas and stun grenades against the defending believers and clerics.

https://www.rt.com/news/615946-moldova-orthodox-church-detained/

>>22928876

2/2

Church owned media outlets were also stripped of their licenses for alleged “propaganda,” and countless properties – cathedrals, monasteries, parish halls – have been expropriated or blocked from use.

International observers have warned that these measures risk violating Ukraine’s human rights commitments.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights noted in its December 2024 report that Ukraine’s new law “prohibits the activities of churches affiliated with Russia” and hasspurred “restrictions on religious freedom”that must be carefully scrutinized under the European Convention on Human Rights. Human Rights Watch likewise cautioned that the law’s sweeping scope could “interfere with the right to freedom of religion” if applied without narrow, evidence based safeguards – which are evidently nowhere in sight.

Moldova’s leaders ought to take note: by emulating Kiev’s model of cultural spiritual engineering, they risk undermining the very social cohesion they claim to defend. When border guards become adjudicators of faith, and when police and prosecutors are deployed to silence theological allegiance, the state forfeits the moral authority to protect its citizens’ fundamental rights. Bishop Marchel’s detention – ostensibly to prevent the arrival of the Holy Fire specifically for worshippers of a church deemed “pro-Russian” – is not an isolated misjudgment but part of a broader blueprint to “de Russianize” society under the banner of Western integration.

It is not too late to reverse course.The Moldovan government must immediately restore Bishop Marchel’s full rights, issue a public apology, and guarantee that no member of the clergy or laity will ever again face arbitrary obstruction in practicing their faith. More broadly, Moldova needs an urgent reassessment of the policies that equate spiritual affiliation with political threat. If the authorities persist in treating believers like suspects, they will do far more damage to Moldova’s soul than any external force ever could.

Sadly, the soul of the nation doesn’t appear to be part of the equation – the only thing that matters is the pro-Western authorities grip on power.

https://www.rt.com/news/615946-moldova-orthodox-church-detained/

18 Apr, 2025 10:26

Moscow responds to Trump’s Ukraine conflict timeline

Russia is committed to resolving the crisis, the Kremlin has said, after the US president stated he wanted an answer about a peace agreement this week

The ongoing negotiations to secure peace in the Ukraine conflict are “difficult,” but Russia remains committed to achieving a resolution, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

Peskov's comments follow US President Donald Trump’s statement that he expects a response from Moscow on a proposed peace agreement with Kiev later this week.

Speaking to reporters, the Kremlin spokesman was asked whether Trump’s remarks suggested any behind-the-scenes agreements between Washington and Moscow.

He acknowledged some progress in efforts to resolve the conflict but stressed that numerous challenging issues remain on the table.

“We believe that certain progress can already be stated. This progress is related to the temporary moratorium that Russia adhered to — a moratorium on not striking energy infrastructure facilities,” Peskov said. He added that while Moscow has honored this moratorium, “the same cannot be said for the Ukrainian side.”

At a press conference at the White House on Thursday, Trump reiterated that he expects a swift end to the Ukraine conflict and indicated that he expects to hear from Moscow “very shortly” regarding a ceasefire proposal. “We’ll see what that will be. We’re going to be hearing from them this week. Very shortly, actually, and we’ll see. But we want the death and the killing to stop,” Trump said.

Peskov was also asked to comment on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement that the US could abandon its efforts to reach a peace deal between Moscow and Kiev if it feels that no progress is being made on the issue.

The spokesman stated that whether or not the US would actually withdraw from the settlement process is a question that should be asked in Washington.

In a statement to journalists on Friday, Rubio indicated that the US expects to see some progress on a peace deal in Ukraine in the coming days and stressed that Washington will not pursue the issue indefinitely.

“No one is saying that this is going to get done in 12 hours,”Rubio admitted, but stated thatWashington expects to figure out “within a matter of days whether this is doable in the short term.”If not, theUS is “just going to move on,” he said.

https://www.rt.com/russia/615942-peskov-comments-on-trump-ukraine-conflict-timeline/

(I wonder is this a trap for Ukraine, if they think that Trump is moving on, they will do more destruction without regards to citizens. Trump and Rubio know that Russia is working hard to get this peace deal, so it’s got to be a trick for the Ukrainians.)

>>22928917

Conflicting Articles released on the same day, interesting.

18 Apr, 2025 14:00

US proposes leaving former Ukrainian territories under Russian control – Bloomberg

Washington’s offer also reportedly envisions easing sanctions on Moscow and ending Kiev’s NATO aspirations

The US has presented its allies with details of its peace plan to bring the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to an end, Bloomberg reported on Friday, citing European officials familiar with the matter.

The proposal, outlined during a meeting in Paris on Thursday, reportedly includes easing sanctions on Russia, as well as terminating Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO.The roadmap would effectively freeze the conflict and leave former Ukrainian territories that are part of Russia under Moscow’s control, the sources suggested.

One of the officials told Bloomberg that the proposal still had to be discussed with Kiev, adding that the plan would not actually amount to a definitive conflict settlement. Kiev’s European backers would not recognize the territories as Russian, the source suggested.

The US delegation at the Paris meetings, which involved senior officials from several countries, was led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House special envoy Steve Witkoff. They met with French President Emmanuel Macron and also held discussions with top officials from France, Germany, the UK, and Ukraine.

Earlier on Friday, Rubio signaled Washington was ready to “move on” if a way to end the hostilities between Moscow and Kiev could not be found “within days.” (Interesting is Rubio salting rumorsto make the countries think about the outcome, if the US leaves, they get left with the mess with Ukraine and Russia, and they don’t want that.)

“We need to figure out here now, within a matter of days, whether this is doable in the short term. Because if it’s not, then I think we’re just going to move on,” Rubio told reporters before departing from France.

Moscow has signaled a full ceasefire with Ukraine was highly unlikely, citing Kiev’s violations of previous deals. Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters on Thursday, Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia said there are “big issues with the comprehensive ceasefire,” recalling the fate of the now-defunct Minsk agreements, which were “misused and abused to prepare Ukraine for the confrontation.”

The diplomat also cited repeated Ukrainian violations of a US-brokered 30-day moratorium on energy infrastructure strikes, implemented on March 18.

“How close we are to the ceasefire is a big question to me personally, because, as I said, we had an attempt at a limited ceasefire on energy infrastructure, which was not observed by the Ukrainian side. So, in these circumstances, to speak about a ceasefire is simply unrealistic at this stage,” Nebenzia said.

https://www.rt.com/news/615961-russia-ukraine-peace-us/

18 Apr, 2025 14:53

NATO to abandon ‘woke language’ – Politico

The US-led military bloc has reportedly adjusted wording related to gender and diversity, equity, and inclusion in new legislation, to appease US President Donald Trump

NATO staff are softening language related to climate, gender, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to avoid a potential backlash from the administration of US President Donald Trump, Politico has reported, citing sources familiar with the situation.

Phrases concerning climate, as well as gender diversity and security,have been reworded in new NATO legislation drafted by its committeesand working groups, using language deemed more palatable to Washington, the outlet said on Thursday.

The Trump administration took sweeping action aimed at dismantling gender and DEI programs shortly after Trump assumed office in January. The new administration is working to cut funding for universities and dismantle federal programs that include DEI practices. It is also carrying out a purge within the Pentagon to eliminate these programs.

”Everyone sees on the news where the Trump admin stands; you don’t want to do anything that shoots yourself in the foot,”one NATO official told Politico. (How many billions around the world watch Trump daily? I bet it a lot)

”Green technologies” have reportedly been replaced with “innovative technologies,” while“climate” has been described as an “operational environment,” another official said.

NATO officials aresteering clearof any languagereferencing “gender” or “women, peace, and security” in an effort to secure approval from all 32 member countries, including the US, the outlet said.

”Everyone knowsthat the worst thing you can do is present it as a diversity issue,” one of the officials said. “It’s not a woke agenda, it’s part of a military agenda, and now more people are pricking up their ears to make sure it is spoken about in military terms.” (KEK everyone knows? Really funny)

The fight against “woke policies,” such as the promotion of gender reassignment treatment among minors, was a key part of Trump’s presidential campaign. He has signed multiple executive orders rolling back DEI initiatives since taking office.

Trump has also consistently criticized NATO countries, accusing them of “freeloading” on US military support. He has pushed for members to increase their defense spending target from the current 2% of GDP to 5%.

On Tuesday, the Trump administration unveiled a plan to slash the State Department’s budget by nearly 50%, a reduction that would deeply affect contributions to NATO’s internal operations, the UN, and roughly 20 other international bodies. The proposal, put forward by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, seeks to reduce combined funding for the State Department and USAID from $54.4 billion to $28.4 billion for the next fiscal year.

Among the most significant changes is the proposed elimination of financial support for nearly all international organizations, including the UN and NATO headquarters.

https://www.rt.com/news/615960-nato-abandon-woke-language/

This is the funniest article I’ve read in a long time!

18 Apr, 2025 01:37

Trump envoy repeating Russian ‘nonsense’ – Zelensky

The Ukrainian leader has claimed that Steve Witkoff’s rhetoric is dangerous

US special envoy Steve Witkoff has been spreading “nonsense” about Ukraine’s territories, Vladimir Zelensky has claimed.

Although Witkoff is US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, he has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin three times this year in an effort to help broker a ceasefire between Kiev and Moscow. The diplomat mentioned that he had discussed Russian territorial demands, which angered Zelensky.

“I believe Mr. Witkoff has adopted the strategy of the Russian side. I think this is very dangerous, as he is – wittingly or unwittingly – spreading Russian narratives,” the Ukrainian leader said on Thursday. He added that Witkoff has “no mandate” to discuss territorial changes.

“That’s why I don’t really understand what he’s saying. We’ve heard this before – this is Mr. Putin’s nonsense.I didn’t expect that he would have certain people in civilized countries repeating these narratives. That’s why I don’t take this seriously,” Zelensky said, according to the news website Telegraf.

Zelensky reiterated that Kiev will “never recognize any temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory as Russian.”

Witkoff spoke with Putin for more than four hours in St. Petersburg on April 11. The diplomat told reporters after the meeting that a potential peace deal hinges on “these so-called five territories.”

“It’s a complicated situation rooted in some real problematic things happening between the two countries,” Witkoff told Fox News. He remained optimistic that the Trump administration would broker a permanent ceasefire.

In 2014, Crimea voted to secede from Ukraine and become part of Russia following a Western-backed coup in Kiev. The Donbass republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, as well as the regions of Kherson and Zaporozhye, did the same in September 2022. Russia demands that Ukraine withdraw its troops from the parts of these regions it still controls and renounce its territorial claims.

Moscow also insists that Ukraine must drop its plans to join NATO and become a permanently neutral state.

Last month, the US brokered a 30-day moratorium on attacks on energy infrastructure. However, both sides have accused each other of violating the accord. Kiev has broken the energy truce more than 80 times since it was announced on March 18, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

(Witkoff better have extensive security, Zelensky and Kiev have condemned him at least 4-5 times in the last three weeks.Zelensky is pissed the Witkoff is an effective Envoy to President Trump. The statements Zelensky are saying are not minor, they are almost vicious. I have a feeling that Zelensky will be dissapeared near the end or before, he's just making things worse.)

https://www.rt.com/russia/615920-zelensky-attacks-setev-witkoff/

18 Apr, 2025 16:25

West lost proxy war to Russia – Orban

EU states are “hesitant to admit” failure in Ukraine, while the US is in a better position due to Donald Trump’s policies, the Hungarian PM has said

The West has waged a “proxy war” against Russia via Ukraine and lost it, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said.

Hungary, a member of the EU, has repeatedly criticized the bloc’s policies on the Ukraine conflict, particularly its sanctions on Moscow and weapons deliveries to Kiev.

In an interview with OT YouTube channel published on Thursday, Orban said the whole “Western world” has thrown its weight behind Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, which he described as a “proxy war.”

His assessment echoed that of Moscow, which has long characterized the hostilities as a de facto conflict with the West.

According to the Hungarian prime minister,the West has lost but “European leaders are hesitant to admit” failure. He argued that this outcome will have a big impact on the entire West,as “losing a war is a serious thing.”

Orban went on to say that European leaders are “offering Ukraine to continue the war and in return receive European Union membership.” He argued that this would be problematic asUkraine is no longer sovereign and cannot support itself.

Regarding the US, the Hungarian prime minister said Washington is in a better position thanks to President Donald Trump’s approach, having broken with the Ukraine policies pursued by his predecessor, Joe Biden.

According to Orban, Trump “saved the US from a serious defeat.”

Speaking to Hungary’s Kossuth Radio last month, Orban described the EU’s policies on Ukraine as “rudderless.” He warned that Brussels, with its hardline position, risks becoming irrelevant as Trump actively works toward securing a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Earlier in March, Orban told the YouTube channel Patriota that the EU was feeding Kiev“empty promises”asit “doesn’t have a single penny left…[to] continue arming Ukraine, maintaining the Ukrainian army, and funding the functioning of the Ukrainian state.”

His comments came after Budapest refused to endorse a joint EU communique calling for an increase in military aid to Kiev

https://www.rt.com/news/615968-orban-west-lost-proxy-war-russia-ukraine/

>>22929124

This is what is crazy about that, Zelensky and Ukraine want the territory back, but it's also so the areas Kiev was killing ethnic Russians since 2014, they killed at least 8-12,000 citizens of Ukraine there. No country would stop them or recognize genocide on Ukraine's own people, even including the UN. They still deny it happened. That is what forced Putin to launch the operation, he had gotten info that Kiev was going to do a really awful thing, like kill them all..

Kiev only wants the territory, so the only thing that can be considered would happen if Ukraine got the territory back, they would immediately kill all of them and bomb the cities.

Kiev, Zelensky and the leaders there are so insane they would do anything to harm the people and Russia.

Zelensky doesn't have to recognize the territory is Russia's, but they really should be forced to, because every European country wouldn't even recognize the people existed.

It appears that the EU is totally comfortable with Genocide also, along with the useless UN.

Based on all Z has done to his own country and people, even if they voted him out, he wouldn't leave.

17 Apr, 2025 23:59

Trump ‘not a big fan’ of Zelensky

The Ukrainian leader has not “done the greatest job,” the US president has said

US President Donald Trump has said he is “not happy” with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky and the way he is handling the conflict with Russia.

At a press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House on Thursday, a reporter suggested that Trump is holding Zelensky responsible for the conflict with Russia.

“I don’t hold Zelensky responsible, but I’m not exactly thrilled with the fact that that war started,” Trump replied. “So I’m not happy with him. And I’m not happy with anybody involved.”

Trump went on to say that Russia has a “bigger military force” than Ukraine. “If you’re smart, you don’t get involved in wars …I’m not blaming him, but what I am saying is that I wouldn’t say he’s done the greatest job, OK? I am not a big fan.”

Trump once again claimed that the conflict would not have started under his watch and blamed his predecessor, former President Joe Biden.

Although Trump has criticized Russia at times, he has repeatedly argued that Zelensky failed to conclude a peace deal with Moscow.“You don’t start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles,” he said on Monday.

During a heated exchange at the White House in February, Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance accused the Ukrainian leader of being ungrateful for American aid and “gambling with World War III.”

The US president and his negotiators stated that they are aiming to broker a ceasefire as soon as possible and to sign a deal on extracting profits from Ukraine’s mineral wealth. Trump has declined to provide specific security guarantees to Kiev.

Vance said this week that Zelensky’s claims that the Trump administration is peddling Russian narratives are “absurd.”

https://www.rt.com/news/615919-trump-not-fan-of-zelensky/

(This might be just what Trump means, but anons does this sound like a coded message in this, I'm just curious.)

18 Apr, 2025 18:08

Moldovan Orthodox bishop challenges police over blocked Easter trip

Bishop Marchel was prevented from flying to Jerusalem for the Holy Fire ceremony on supposed grounds that he had arrived late to the airport

A senior Moldovan Orthodox Church cleric who was detained and missed a flight to Jerusalem for an Easter ceremony has rebutted border police claims that he had failed to arrive at the airport sufficiently early.

Addressing the authorities on Friday,Bishop Marchel implored, “Please, good people, do not lie – especially today. It is Good Friday; care for your souls.” The border police alleged that the cleric had failed to arrive three hours before his flight, as is recommended.

On Thursday, Bishop Marchel told TASS that he had been scheduled to attend the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. However, his plans were cut short when the Moldovan border police stopped him and two other clergymen at the airport, subjecting them to searches and only releasing them 30 minutes after their plane had departed.

The UN has reportedly opened an inquiry into the Moldovan authorities’ conduct. Tamin Al-Kitan, a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told RIA Novosti that the body is looking into the case.

The Moldovan government came under fire from the local opposition over the incident. Igor Dodon, a former president and leader of the Party of Socialists, described it as an “act of terror” against the Orthodox faith in the country.

The Russian Orthodox Church has denounced the episode as politically motivated.

On Friday evening,the cleric said he still hopes to arrive in Jerusalem in time for the Holy Fire ceremony, which is traditionally held around midday on Holy Saturday, and return home with candles consecrated in the flame.

Moldova, a former Soviet republic, is home to two branches of the Orthodox Church: the Moldovan Orthodox Church, a self-governing arm of the Russian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate, and the Metropolis of Bessarabia, aligned with the Romanian Orthodox Church.

While tensions between the branches have persisted for years, critics accuse President Maia Sandu’s pro-EU administration of increasing pressure on the Moscow-affiliated church.

https://www.rt.com/russia/615973-bishop-refutes-moldovan-police-claim-airport-detention/

'Brilliant Friend': Federal Judge Already Facing Recusal Request in Immigration Lawsuit Has Strong Ties to Lawyer Involved in the Case

Chuck Ross April 15, 20251/2

An immigration activist suing the Trump administration to restore funding for a $769 million immigration contracthas described the judge presiding over the lawsuit as her "brilliant friend," giving potentially more fuel to the administration’s calls for the judge, Araceli Martinez-Olguin, to recuse herself from the high-profile case.

After Martinez-Olguin’s confirmation on Feb. 28, 2023, to the federal bench in San Francisco,immigration attorney Karen Tumlin said she was "so looking forward to calling my brilliant friend and law school classmate the Honorable Judge Araceli Martinez Olguin," according to social media posts reviewed by the Washington Free Beacon. Now, Tumlin is arguing before Martinez-Olguin in a lawsuit against the administration to restore funding for a contract to provide legal services to unaccompanied alien children.

Tumlin, the head of the Justice Action Center, is representing 11 immigration nonprofit groups in the lawsuit to reverse a freeze the administration placed on the contract on March 21as part of its broad cuts to federal programs and a review of federal immigration policies.She appeared before Martinez-Olguin in court proceedings on April 1. The next day, Martinez-Olguin ruled in favor of the nonprofits, ordering the administration to temporarily restore funding pending further arguments in the case.

The Department of Justice has already called on Martinez-Olguin to step down because of another potential conflict in the case. The Free Beacon reported that Martinez-Olguin was managing attorney from 2017 to 2018 at Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA), the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit.

In a recusal motion last week, government attorneys said Martinez-Olguin’s past gig, as well as her statements criticizing the government’s immigration and deportation policies, present "conflicts of interest that have created a serious appearance of impropriety."

The new revelations could heighten pressure on Martinez-Olguin to step down from the case. She’s done so before. She recused herself from a 2023 lawsuit involving the Federal Trade Commission because a potential witness in the case had endorsed Martinez-Olguin’s judicial nomination. Martinez-Olguin said she wanted to "avoid even the appearance of partiality" by stepping down from the case.

While judges are not required to recuse themselves from cases involving close friends, the American Bar Association recommends that "a judge should disclose to the other lawyers and parties in the proceeding information about a friendship with a lawyer" that others involved in the case "might reasonably consider relevant to a possible motion for disqualification." There is no indication that Martinez-Olguin disclosed her friendship with Tumlin to the parties in the immigration case.

https://freebeacon.com/courts/brilliant-friend-federal-judge-already-facing-recusal-request-in-immigration-lawsuit-has-strong-ties-to-lawyer-involved-in-the-case/

>>22929223

2/2

Martinez-Olguin has yet to weigh in on the latest recusal request. But Tumlin and the nonprofits involved in the case are pushing back aggressively on the request.

In a court filing on Monday, they said Martinez-Olguin’s previous job at CLSEPA "is not sufficient to meet the high bar to justify recusal." The plaintiffs also dismissed concerns about Martinez-Olguin’s work alongside Tumlin on two previous immigration lawsuits. They served as co-counsel in lawsuits on behalf of DACA recipients.

"The mere fact of a prior professional relationship … does not disqualify a judge from presiding over a case," the plaintiffs said of the connections between Tumlin and Martinez-Olguin.

The groups did not mention Tumlin’s social media posts touting her friendship with Martinez-Olguin. The pair graduated from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in 2004, and are friends on Facebook. See

(Post)

Federal regulations about judicial recusal are vague, with the decision often left up to the judge.According to federal regulations, judges should recuse themselves from cases when "the judge has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party" involved in litigation. Judges are also required to recuse themselves from caseswhen their "impartiality might reasonably be questioned."

It is unclear why the groups suing the Trump administration selected the court in San Francisco as the jurisdiction for the lawsuit or how Martinez-Olguin was selected to preside over the case. CLSEPA is the only plaintiff located in the judicial district and is the smallest of the federal subcontractors receiving funding under the program.

CLSEPA received $300,000 through the federal contract last year, according to federal spending records. By comparison, the Los Angeles-based Immigrant Defenders Law Center and Phoenix-based Florence Immigrant and Refugees Law Project, two other plaintiffs, received $15 million and $11 million through the contract, respectively.

Department of Justice lawyers also argued that Martinez-Olguin’s activism on the immigration issue should disqualify her from the case. In 2021, Martinez-Olguin said that an immigration raid conducted in Tennessee revealed "the racism and unconstitutionality of the federal government’s conduct." She publicly supported California’s sanctuary state bill, SB 54, and called on San Mateo County to "be more proactive in adopting sanctuary policies."

While at CLSEPA, Martinez-Olguin launched its Immigrants' Rights Project, where she led "impact litigation" for the group. Martinez-Olguin lobbied San Mateo county officials to establish a taxpayer-funded program to provide legal representation to illegal aliens.

The district court declined to comment on "personnel matters." Tumlin and the Department of Justice did not respond to requests for comment.

https://freebeacon.com/courts/brilliant-friend-federal-judge-already-facing-recusal-request-in-immigration-lawsuit-has-strong-ties-to-lawyer-involved-in-the-case/

Crime Commentary:Judge Boasberg Hammered as “Corrupt Judge” Over Connection to Hillary’s 2016 Email Scandal

By Adam Stanton March 28, 2025

Newly unearthed information has tied U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who blocked President Trump’s deportation of Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang members, to Hillary Clinton’s scandalous emails, with internet slueths unearthed thatBoasberg ordered the State Department to review 14,900 of Clinton’s emails for release, and scheduled the release for after the election, in 2016.

For context, Boasberg, whom President Trump has called a “Radical Left Lunatic,” blocked the Trump administration from deporting Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act. Slueths have gone after the judge as a way to aid President Trump, and discovered his ties to Hillary Clinton, whom Trump narrowly defeated in his 2016 election.

One of these sleuths drew attention to the Hilary matter in a post, which was made on March 26, 2025. A user noted, “

==WTF?! Judge Boasberg, the activist judge BLOCKING Trump from deporting violent gang members, intentionally DELAYED the release of Hillary Clinton’s emails until after the 2016 election…This is RIGGED! How do people not see that–?”

Tom Renz, a prominent conservative commentator, replied with a comment under the original post. He said, “The courts are NOT following the law. The appearance of impropriety is the foundation for credibility in our justice system and it is being abjectly ignored.The courts continually interpret 28 USC 455 more broadly so they can cover for biased judges but there are limits and I think Boasberg is a case study in crossing the line. If the judges don’t follow the law then how are they in a position to tell us to?”

Another user expressed their frustration with Boasberg’s alleged corruption. A response read, “Judge James Boasberg is a corrupt judge who is basically doing the work of the DNC. The fact this guy is dictating American foreign policy is blatantly insane and probably unconstitutional. We cannot allow 77 million voters and the legitimacy of the Electoral College to be subverted like this. SCOTUS HAS TO BE BRAVE.”

One account wondered if this was a deliberate strategy to undermine Trump. A reply noted, “I’m convinced more than ever that the Democrats figured out LONG ago that infiltrating the judiciary was the way to maintain power.The republicans allowed them to get away with this. They HAD TO KNOW. It’s just now coming to light because of Trump.”

A few of the replies expressed frustration with Republicans for not stopping the overreach. One comment wrote, “@SpeakerJohnson stop talking and start doing something. This has to stop. Cut his funding, redistrict and if necessary, send police to arrest him for violation of the Constitution and overstepping his bounds. He’s corrupted and needs to go.”

Others said local judges still respect the Constitution while federal judges do not. A reply read, “Please say FEDERAL JUDGE BOASBERG. It’s Federal Judges causing the problems, not local county judges. Federal Judges, unelected, with God-like power and appointed for LIFE.”

One reply was enraged by the biased judge. It read, “It’s obvious! Boasberg has a long history of shielding Democrats while targeting Trump. Delaying Hillary’s emails in 2016, now interfering with Trump’s efforts to remove violent criminals, and conveniently handling the Signal case, this isn’t justice, it’s political warfare. The system is rigged, and the people are waking up!”

Some commentators noticed other shocking coincidences. A comment said, “ANOTHER COINCIDENCE: His daughter, wife, sister & brother-in-law together rake in hundreds of thousands of dollars annually from government-funded NGOs they work for, oversee and move money through.”

https://theamericantribune.com/judge-boasberg-hammered-as-corrupt-judge-over-connection-to-hillarys-2016-email-scandal/

They missed the biggest corruption FISA and Russia, Russia Russia, he concocted and blessed that entire war against Trump. And Chief Justice Roberts is as corrupt has Boasberg.

President Trump Answers Media Questions on Ukraine and MS13 Deportee Kilmar Abrego Garcia

April 18, 2025 | Sundance |

Earlier today, President Trump held the swearing-in ceremony for Dr. Mehmet Oz to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services along with Secretary of HHS Robert F Kennedy Jr. Following the ceremony President Trump took questions from the media.

The first questions to President Trump encompass the remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio about walking away from peace negotiations in the Ukraine-Russia conflict if the EU/UK and NATO participants do not get serious about stopping the bloodshed. The Q&A segment begins at 13:42 (prompted) WATCH:

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2025/04/18/president-trump-answers-media-questions-on-ukraine-and-ms13-deportee-kilmar-abrego-garcia/

https://youtu.be/MkjtpON1HyM

Tonight is the 250-Year Anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride – Read His Personal Telling of The Story

April 18, 2025 | Sundance1/5(I thought Anons would like to read this, even though long))

Two hundred fifty years ago tonight Paul Revere rode into history, intent on warning John Hancock and Sam Adams of the British intent to arrest them.

Patriots’ Day, April 18/19/ 1775…

• A friend once asked: “How do you celebrate Patriots’ Day?” Which, perhaps, should spur me to share my own thoughts on this day of consequence.

• Many are familiar with the poem Paul Revere’s Ride, however, far fewer know that Paul Revere actually memorialized the events of the April 18 and 19, 1775, in an eight-page letter written several years later.

• Each Patriots’ Day I remind myself to read his letter from a copy handed down, and I think about how Paul Revere was really just a common man of otherwise undue significance…. yet, capable to the task at hand.

• To me everything about the heart of Revere, which you can identify within his own writing, is what defines an American ‘patriot’.

• There is no grand prose, there is no outlook of being a person of historical significance, there is just a simple recollection of his involvement, an ordinary man in extraordinary times.

• Unsure if anyone else would enjoy I have tracked down an on-line source for sharing and provide a transcript below (all misspelling is with the original).

Paul Revere personally recounts his famous ride. – In this undated letter, Paul Revere summarizes the activities surrounding his famous ride on 18 April 1775. He recounts how Dr. Joseph Warren urged him to ride to Lexington to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams of British troop movements. He arranged to signal the direction of the troops with lanterns from Old North Church, and then had friends row him across the Charles River borrowing a horse for his ride.

Revere wrote this letter at the request of Jeremy Belknap, corresponding secretary of the Massachusetts Historical Society.Revere signed his name to the letter but then wrote above it, “A Son of Liberty of the year 1775”, and beside it, “do not print my name.” Nonetheless, the MHS included Revere’s name when it printed the letter in 1798.

paul reverePaul revere letter 2 EXPLORE THE DOCUMENT – Or Read the incredible transcript below:

Dear Sir,

Having a little leisure, I wish to fullfill my promise, of giving you some facts, and Anecdotes, prior to the Battle of Lexington, which I do not remember to have seen in any history of the American Revolution.

In the year 1773 I was imployed by the Select men of the Town of Boston to carry the Account of the Destruction of the Tea to New-York; and afterwards, 1774, to Carry their dispatches to New-York and Philadelphia for Calling a Congress; and afterwards to Congress, several times.* [This asterisk points to a note in the left margin written by Jeremy Belknap: “Let the narrative begin here.” ]

In the Fall of 1774 & Winter of 1775 I was one of upwards of thirty, cheifly mechanics, who formed our selves in to a Committee for the purpose of watching the Movements of the British Soldiers, and gaining every intelegence of the movements of the Tories.

We held our meetings at the Green-Dragon Tavern. We were so carefull that our meetings should be kept Secret; that every time we met, every person swore upon the Bible, that they would not discover any of our transactions, But to Messrs. Hancock, Adams, Doctors Warren, Church, & one or two more.

About November, when things began to grow Serious, a Gentleman who had Conections with the Tory party, but was a Whig at heart, aquainted me, that our meetings were discovered, & mentioned the identical words that were spoken among us the Night before. We did not then distrust Dr. Church, but supposed it must be some one among us.

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2025/04/18/tonight-is-the-250-year-anniversary-of-paul-reveres-ride-read-his-personal-telling-of-the-story/

>>22929454

2/5

We removed to another place, which we thought was more secure: but here we found that all our transactions were communicated to Governor Gage. (This came to me through the then Secretary Flucker; He told it to the Gentleman mentioned above).

It was then a common opinion, that there was a Traytor in the provincial Congress, & that Gage was posessed of all their Secrets. (Church was a member of that Congress for Boston.) In the Winter, towards the Spring, we frequently took Turns, two and two, to Watch the Soldiers, By patroling the Streets all night.

The Saturday Night preceding the 19th of April, about 12 oClock at Night, the Boats belonging to the Transports were all launched, & carried under the Sterns of the Men of War. (They had been previously hauld up & repaired). We likewise found that the Grenadiers and light Infantry were all taken off duty.

[Page 2] From these movements, we expected something serious was [to] be transacted. On Tuesday evening, the 18th, it was observed, that a number of Soldiers were marching towards the bottom of the Common.

About 10 o’Clock, Dr. Warren Sent in great haste for me, and beged that I would imediately Set off for Lexington, where Messrs. Hancock & Adams were, and acquaint them of the Movement, and that it was thought they were the objets. When I got to Dr. Warren’s house, I found he had sent an express by land to Lexington – a Mr. Wm. Daws.

The Sunday before, by desire of Dr. Warren, I had been to Lexington, to Mess. Hancock and Adams, who were at the Rev. Mr. Clark’s. I returned at Night thro Charlestown; there I agreed with a Col. Conant, & some other Gentlemen, in Charleston, that if the British went out by Water, we would shew two Lanthorns in the North Church Steeple; if by Land, one, as a Signal; for we were aprehensive it would be dificult to Cross the Charles River, or git over Boston neck.

I left Dr. Warrens, called upon a friend, and desired him to make the Signals. I then went Home, took my Boots and Surtout, and went to the North part of the Town, where I had kept a Boat; two friends rowed me across Charles River, a little to the eastward where the Somerset Man of War lay.

It was then young flood, the Ship was winding, & the moon was Rising. They landed me on Charlestown side. When I got into Town, I met Col. Conant, several others; they said they had seen our signals. I told them what was Acting, & went to git me a Horse; I got a Horse of Deacon Larkin.

While the Horse was preparing, Richard Devens, Esq. who was one of the Committee of Safty, came to me, & told me, that he came down the Road from Lexington, after Sundown, that evening; that He met ten British Officers, all well mounted, & armed, going up the Road. I set off upon a very good Horse; it was then about 11 o’Clock, very pleasant. After I had passed Charlestown Neck, got nearly opposite where Mark was hung in chains, I saw two men on Horse back, under a Tree.

When I got near them, I discovered they were British officer. One tryed to git a head of Me, & the other to take me. I turned my Horse very quick, & Galloped towards Charlestown neck, and then pushed for the Medford Road. The one who chased me, endeavoring to Cut me off, got into a Clay pond, near where the new Tavern is now built. I got clear of him,

[Page 3] and went thro Medford, over the Bridge, & up to Menotomy. In Medford, I awaked the Captain of the Minute men; & after that, I alarmed almost every House, till I got to Lexington.

I found Mrs. Messrs. Hancock & Adams at the Rev. Mr. Clark’s; I told them my errand, and inquired for Mr. Daws; they said he had not been there; I related the story of the two officers, & supposed that He must have been stopped, as he ought to have been there before me.

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2025/04/18/tonight-is-the-250-year-anniversary-of-paul-reveres-ride-read-his-personal-telling-of-the-story/

>>22929459

3/5

After I had been there about half an Hour, Mr. Daws came; after we refreshid our selves, we and set off for Concord, to secure the Stores, & there. We were overtaken by a young Docter Prescot, whom we found to be a high Son of Liberty. I told them of the ten officers that Mr. Devens mett, and that it was probable we might be stoped before we got to Concord; for I supposed that after Night, they divided them selves, and that two of them had fixed themselves in such passages as were most likely to stop any intelegence going to Concord.

I likewise mentioned, that we had better allarm all the Inhabitents till we got to Concord; the young Doctor much approved of it, and said, he would stop with either of us, for the people between that & Concord knew him, & would give the more credit to what we said.

We had got nearly half way. Mr Daws & the Doctor stoped to allarm the people of a House: I was about one hundred Rod a head, when I saw two men, in nearly the same situation as those officer were, near Charlestown. I called for the Doctor & Daws to come up; were two & we would have them in an Instant I was surrounded by four; – they had placed themselves in a Straight Road, that inclined each way; they had taken down a pair of Barrs on the North side of the Road, & two of them were under a tree in the pasture. The Docter being foremost, he came up; and we tryed to git past them; but they being armed with pistols & swords, they forced us in to the pasture; -the Docter jumped his Horse over a low Stone wall, and got to Concord.

[Page 4] I observed a Wood at a Small distance, & made for that. When I got there, out Started Six officers, on Horse back, and orderd me to dismount;-one of them, who appeared to have the command, examined me, where I came from, & what my Name Was? I told him. it was Revere, he asked if it was Paul? I told him yes He asked me if I was an express? I answered in the afirmative. He demanded what time I left Boston? I told him; and added, that their troops had catched aground in passing the River, and that There would be five hundred Americans there in a short time, for I had alarmed the Country all the way up.

He imediately rode towards those who stoppd us, when all five of them came down upon a full gallop; one of them, whom I afterwards found to be Major Mitchel, of the 5th Regiment, Clapped his pistol to my head, called me by name, & told me he was going to ask me some questions, & if I did not give him true answers, he would blow my brains out.

He then asked me similar questions to those above. He then orderd me to mount my Horse, after searching me for arms. He then orderd them to advance, & to lead me in front. When we got to the Road, they turned down towards Lexington. When we had got about one Mile, the Major Rode up to the officer that was leading me, & told him to give me to the Sergeant. As soon as he took me, the Major orderd him, if I attempted to run, or any body insulted them, to blow my brains out.

We rode till we got near Lexington Meeting-house, when the Militia fired a Voley of Guns, which appeared to alarm them very much. The Major inquired of me how far it was to Cambridge, and if there were any other Road? After some consultation, the Major

[Page 5] Major Rode up to the Sargent, & asked if his Horse was tired? He told answered him, he was – (He was a Sargent of Grenadiers, and had a small Horse) – then, said He, take that man’s Horse. I dismounted, & the Sargent mounted my Horse, when they all rode towards Lexington Meeting-House.

I went across the Burying-ground, & some pastures, & came to the Revd. Mr. Clark’s House, where I found Messrs. Hancok & Adams. I told them of my treatment, & they concluded to go from that House to wards Woburn. I went with them, & a Mr. Lowell, who was a Clerk to Mr. Hancock.

When we got to the House where they intended to stop, Mr. Lowell & I my self returned to Mr. Clark’s, to find what was going on. When we got there, an elderly man came in; he said he had just come from the Tavern, that a Man had come from Boston, who said there were no British troops coming. Mr. Lowell & myself went towards the Tavern, when we met a Man on a full gallop, who told us the Troops were coming up the Rocks.

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2025/04/18/tonight-is-the-250-year-anniversary-of-paul-reveres-ride-read-his-personal-telling-of-the-story/

>>22929464

4/5

We afterwards met another, who said they were close by. Mr. Lowell asked me to go to the Tavern with him, to a git a Trunk of papers belonging to Mr. Hancock. We went up Chamber; & while we were giting the Trunk, we saw the British very near, upon a full March.

We hurried to wards Mr. Clark’s House. In our way, we passed through the Militia. There were about 50. When we had got about 100 Yards from the meeting-House the British Troops appeard on both Sides of the Meeting-House. In their

[Page 6] In their Front was an Officer on Horse back. They made a Short Halt; when I saw, & heard, a Gun fired, which appeared to be a Pistol. Then I could distinguish two Guns, & then a Continual roar of Musquetry; When we made off with the Trunk.

As I have mentioned Dr. Church, perhaps it might not be disagreeable to mention some Matters of my own knowledge, respecting Him. He appeared to be a high son of Liberty. He frequented all the places where they met, Was incouraged by all the leaders of the Sons of Liberty, & it appeared he was respected by them, though I knew that Dr. Warren had not the greatest affection for him. He was esteemed a very capable writer, especially in verese; and as the Whig party needed every Strenght, they feared, as well as courted Him.

Though it was known, that some of the Liberty Songs, which We composed, were parodized by him, in favor of the British, yet none dare charge him with it. I was a constant & critical observer of him, and I must say, that I never thought Him a man of Principle; and I doubted much in my own mind, wether He was a real Whig. I knew that He kept company with a Capt. Price, a half-pay British officer, & that He frequently dined with him, & Robinson, one of the Commissioners. I know that one of his intimate aquaintances asked him why he was so often with Robinson and Price? His answer was, that He kept Company with them on purpose to find out their plans.

The day after the Battle of Lexington, I came across met him in Cambridge, when He shew me some blood on his stocking, which he said spirted on him from a Man who was killed near him, as he was urging the Militia on. I well remember, that I argued with my self, if a Man will risque his life in a Cause, he must be a Friend to that cause; & I never suspected him after, till He was charged with being a Traytor.

[Page 7] The same day I met Dr. Warren. He was President of the Committee of Safety. He engaged me as a Messinger, to do the out of doors business for that committee; which gave me an opportunity of being frequently with them.

The Friday evening after, about sun set, I was sitting with some, or near all that Committee, in their room, which was at Mr. Hastings’s House at Cambridge. Dr. Church, all at once, started up – Dr. Warren, said He, I am determined to go into Boston tomorrow – (it set them all a stairing) – Dr. Warren replyed, Are you serious, Dr. Church? they will Hang you if they catch you in Boston. He replyed, I am serious, and am determined to go at all adventures.

After a considerable conversation, Dr. Warren said, If you are determined, let us make some business for you. They agreed that he should go to git medicine for their & our Wounded officers. He went the next morning; & I think he came back on Sunday

evening.

After He had told the Committee how things were, I took him a side, & inquired particularly how they treated him? he said, that as soon as he got to their lines on the Boston Neck, they made him a prisoner, & carried him to General Gage, where He

was examined, & then He was sent to Gould’s Barracks, & was not suffered to go home but once.

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2025/04/18/tonight-is-the-250-year-anniversary-of-paul-reveres-ride-read-his-personal-telling-of-the-story/

>>22929469

5/5

After He was taken up, for holding a Correspondence with the Brittish, I came a Cross Deacon Caleb Davis;-we entred into Conversation about Him;-He told me, that the morning Church went into Boston, He (Davis) received a Bilet for General Gage-(he then did not know that Church was in Town)-When he got to the General’s House, he was told, the General could not be spoke with, that He was in private with a Gentleman; that He waited near half an Hour,-When General Gage & Dr. Church came out of a Room, discoursing together, like

[Page 8] like persons who had been long aquainted. He appeared to be quite surprized at seeing Deacon Davis there; that he (Church) went where he pleased, while in Boston, only a Major Caine, one of Gage’s Aids, went with him.

I was told by another person whom I could depend upon, that he saw Church go in to General Gage’s House, at the above time; that He got out of the Chaise and went up the steps more like a Man that was aquainted, than a prisoner.

Sometime after, perhaps a Year or two, I fell in company with a Gentleman who studied with Church -in discoursing about him, I related what I have mentioned above; He said, He did not doubt that He was in the Interest of the Brittish; & that it was He who informed Gen. Gage That he knew for Certain, that a Short time before the Battle of Lexington, (for He then lived with Him, & took Care of his Business & Books) He had no money by him, and was much drove for money; that all at once, He had several Hundred New Brittish Guineas; and that He thought at the time, where they came from.

Thus, Sir, I have endeavoured to give you a Short detail of some matters, of which perhaps no person but my self have have documents, or knowledge. I have mentioned some names which you are aquainted with: I wish you would Ask them, if they can remember the Circumstances I alude to.

I am, Sir, with every Sentment of esteem,

Your Humble Servant,

Paul Revere

Courtesy of the Massachusetts Historical Society: “The Battle of Lexington, 19 April 1775,” Oil on canvas by William Barns Wollen, 1910.

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2025/04/18/tonight-is-the-250-year-anniversary-of-paul-reveres-ride-read-his-personal-telling-of-the-story/

>>22929475

This is a note from a reader on Sundance:

There were actually five riders we have to thank. Paul Revere, Samuel Prescott, Israel Bissell, William Dawes, and Sybil Ludington all made their rides.

The last of the famous night riders was, surprisingly, a woman. Although she would not make her journey until April 26, 1777, her service to the American forces was remarkable.The daughter of Colonel Henry Ludington, Sybil, at the young age of sixteen, would make a journey double to that of Revere (totaling 40 miles) to warn the colonistsat Danbury, Connecticut of the approach of the British.

Commissioned by her father, who knew that Sybil was familiar with the terrain, the young girl set out at 9pm the night of April 26 through Kent to Farmers Mills and then returned back home again, damp from the rain and exhausted, just before dawn. The men she recruited were too late to save the town of Danbury, which had been set aflame by the British, but they were able to drive the enemy troops from the area.

She was later commended by George Washington for her heroism. A statue of her was erected along her route in Carmel, New York, along with many other markers of her historic ride.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio Says U.S. Willing to Walk Away from Ukraine Conflict, Decision in “Days Not Weeks”

April 18, 2025 | Sundance |

“This is not our war.” ~ Secretary Rubio

Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to reporters in Paris on April 18 about the prolonged peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. However, a frustrated Rubio warned that the U.S. could “move on” from its involvement in negotiations to end the war if no progress is made “within a matter of days and weeks.”

That’s the mainstream media narrative.

The non-pretending summary is that Ukraine, France, Great Britain, the EU, NATO et al are all trying to retain their interests in the conflict. Russia has simple terms, but the war machinery controlled by the intel apparatus (CIA and EU) and the financial stakeholders in the EU region are unhappy. [Too many cooks] A frustrated Secretary Rubio says, make up your mind, if no deal – ¹we’re done. WATCH: https://youtu.be/D_byb4xsUQ4

¹Having followed this very closely, here’s what “we’re done” likely means.

•President Trump ends the USA side of the proxy war.

• President Trump pulls back all support for Ukraine; stops sending money,weapons and to the extent he can, intelligence to Ukraine.

•This opens the door for Russia to go full combat as the ground thaws, without concern for USA to engage.

• The EU will have to step up with funding, intelligence and war material to continue supporting Ukraine.

•Rubio is calling the EU/UK bluff here because he knows without the USA the EU/UK will not commit to fight Russia.

• Remember if no one does anything, Russia has already gained the ground they want and will just continue grinding western Ukraine to ever expanding rubble.

•Factually, doing nothing is a big win for Russia, especially if Trump withdraws.

Anons comments: I actually think Sundance is correct, plus:

1. Trump and Team have already gotten Ukraine to commit to signing the “rare minerals deal’; but I actually think that was a fake out, to test the Ukrainians.

2. Now that Russia will be able to do what they want, the US will not be on the ground in Ukraine.

3. I don’t think Trump ever wanted anyone there, and Russia has promised Trump all the “rare minerals he needs from their territory in Ukraine, but also much better minerals in Russia’s regions, and that deal will keep China out of business with Russia.

4. If Russia takes care of Ukraine and maintains the Atomic Plant, they can seize the 4 others in Ukraine, that way preventing Kiev blowing up the world. Although I think Trump has some assets on the ground investigating or observing what Ukraine is doing with them.

I'm sure the plan was much more complex than this.

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2025/04/18/secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-says-u-s-willing-to-walk-away-from-ukraine-conflict-decision-in-days-not-weeks/

https://youtu.be/D_byb4xsUQ4

>>22929522

This is really fantastic, Rubio is very direct, clear and intense. He's basically saying, y'all are wasting our time, we've run out of patience.

We are out of here or out of here soon. But with really nice things to say. He's actually very accomplished in speech and intent. Not vague at all.

I'm really impressed with Rubio, and I bet Zelensky and all the terrorists in Kiev are freaked out, they played their hand to long and too hard. of course they had no intention of complying, so they are worrying that America withdraws all the support on the ground, militarily, etc. they are totally utterly fucked. And they should be, they have been genociding their own people.

Yep the leaders in Kiev heard this and the rogue CIA are totally fucking freaked out. And the rogue, are on a target list.

Russia could finish this in a fairly short while but they may just take more territory.

If it ends like this, I'll be extremely happy, plus the Ukrainian citizens will be freed of the Mafia that has been running their country since 2014.

>>22929537

Very accurate, but I don't think any of the coup leaders in Ukraine, the US, EU or elsewhere are getting off the hook at all. This was too close to WWIII, way to close.

>>22929617

Yes, guaranteed Trump, Vance, Rubio, and Hegseth know the whole story with the IC agency reports. They only have to prevent them causing WWIII, getting them out and then cleaning up the Mafia state. All of them in leadership are on a list.

>>22929618

boy he's not very smart for being raised as CIA parents.

=Rubio, Witkoff and Kellogg Meet with French President Macron, Ukraine and UK Delegation to Discuss Outline of Ceasefire==

April 18, 2025 | Sundance1/2

There are a ton of geopolitical influences happening in the background and foreground of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Trump voice and envoy Steve Witkoff, and Keith Kellogg meeting in Paris with delegations from France, U.K, Ukraine and EU stakeholders.The intent is to get the EU/UK on board with a Trump/Putin ceasefire plan.

NYP Story HERE ~ AP Story HERE

French President EmmanuelMacron (seeking a distraction from his own internal political turmoil) has appointed himself as representative for EU interests in the peace negotiations. No one in the EU wants to hear Macron keep whining, so they just roll with it. Macron even bought new lifts for the occasion.

The UK comes into the picture in Paris because France and the UK have decided to lead the coerced EU “coalition of the willing” (not many are willing) to create the boots on the ground peacekeepers if there is going to be a ceasefire.REMINDER: Macron and Starmer demand the U.S. backstop their proposed Ukraine peacekeeping with USA military power.(Which will NEVER Happen!)

Those of you who bet on Macron using the opportunity to leverage a better tariff position; actually, the entire reason he appointed himself leader; can take a victory lap. “At Thursday’s talks in Paris, Macron also discussed the impact of Trump’s tariff policies and the conflicts in the Mideast.” (source) We all knew the little French rat would. We were right.

REMINDER: Steve Witkoff is the literal voice and ears of President Trump. However, the EU narrative around Steve Witkoffdoesn’t realize Wikkoff is literally Trump’s voice, and they are emphasizing the meeting in France as the first time Witkoff has met the counter position from his time with Putin. France and U.K don’t like how much time Witkoff has spent with Russian President Putin and view him as too warm toward Russia. Witkoff is, because Trump is.

During the sessions,Macron would break away to talk to Zelenskyy by phone, and Rubio would break away to talk with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov by phone.

The EU, specifically represented by France and the U.K representing the interests of the NATO/Corporate industrial military complex who want bigger conflict and more war, sit at the table with officials from Germany and Ukraine.The only elements who want the ceasefire are the two-thirds of the USA group, Witkoff and Rubio. USA representative KeithKellogg wants to sit on the warmonger side with Macron (EU), the U.K and NATO.

At the conclusion of the meeting,Macron doing the bureaucratic thingthat Brussels is well known for,announced that another meeting for talk and banter must be scheduled in London, because Kier Starmer needs to talk a lot, inject himself into all the conversations and have his important pictures taken too.

Meanwhile, Russia keeps doing what Russia needs to do because President Trump and President Putin have already talked, so now they wait becausePutin knows he and Trump need to wait until all the bloviating from the EU/NATO group is finished.

Essentially, Rubio and Witkoff need to sit in the cloistered chairs listening to the pontificating terms and obtuse requests from the high-horse sitting, Zelenskyy defending EU/NATO group. Macron and Starmer need to feel important, and we can also expect some public photo-ops and ridiculous words from EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be required before things are professionally “decided.”

Ultimately, the “things decided” will be what President Trump and President Putin agree to. However, the rest of the group, including the insufferable Ukrainian elements who belligerently act like they have strategic importance only because the CIA keeps them in power, need to feel included.

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2025/04/18/rubio-witkoff-and-kellogg-meet-with-french-president-macron-ukraine-and-uk-delegation-to-discuss-outline-of-ceasefire/

>>22929673

2/2

The end result is going to be what Trump (through Witkoff) and Putin have already outlined.Russia will keep eastern Ukraine, NATO will pledge to stop influencing Ukraine and the EU will give Ukraine membership.

Between now and the outcome of thosebasic terms surfacing with President Trump and President Putin having a globally significant meeting, there will be a lot of talking, meetings and press releases by the other players who need to keep their nations distracted from their domestic matters.

When President Trump and President Putin come together, Macron will likely be jumping up and down photobombing from the background of the photo session. However, Putin doesn’t like to watch the theatrics of EU self-importance, so there may be rules for attendance.

https://youtu.be/71cUV_LjANE

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2025/04/18/rubio-witkoff-and-kellogg-meet-with-french-president-macron-ukraine-and-uk-delegation-to-discuss-outline-of-ceasefire/

(My theory: Kellogg will be released from Trump’s Admin for siding with Kiev, Zelensky and War. He’s lucky he is still there. Does it look like most of the leaders are looking for cues from Kellogg?)

18 Apr, 2025 19:42

State flag banned over Roman goddess’ bare breast – media

The US state of Virginia’s seal has been pulled from Texas school platforms, according to Axios

A US school district has removed an online civics lesson about Virginia and its state flag due to rules against frontal nudity, Axios has reported.

The Virginia official flag features the state seal, which depicts the Roman goddess Virtus standing over a

defeated tyrant. In line with classical imagery, Virtus is partially draped, with one breast exposed.

According to Axios report on Friday, the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (CISD), located outside Houston, Texas, has removed the Virginia lesson from an online platform used by elementary students in grades three to five. The district confirmed the move in response to a Freedom of Information Act request filed by the Texas Freedom to Read Project.

The group’s co-director, Anne Russey, said the district cited its newly adopted policy banning “visual depictions or illustrations of frontal nudity” in elementary school library materials.

The removed content was part of PebbleGo Next, an educational website used by schools across the US, including some in Virginia.

Virginia’s original 1776 state seal portrayed the Roman goddess Virtus clad in toga and a full breastplate. The imagery was adopted for the state flag in 1861, when the legislature placed the seal on a blue field to formalize it as Virginia’s official emblem. In 1901, however, a redesign introduced the bare-breasted figure after the secretary of the commonwealth criticized the earlier version for lacking “artistic grace and beauty” and appearing too masculine.

The current design, finalized in 1931, shows Virtus in a helmet, holding a spear and sword above a fallen tyrant, with the state’s Latin motto that reads Sic Semper Tyrannis – “Thus Always to Tyrants.”

The Texas Freedom to Read Project, which advocates against book bans and censorship, criticized the flag’s removal and the law behind it. On its website, the group described state policies as “vague and confusing.”

“Today, it’s the Virginia state flag. Tomorrow will it be books that contain historical photos…”the group said.

Texas passed House Bill 900 in 2023, aimed at keeping sexually explicit content off of school bookshelves. State Senator Angela Paxton said last month that children should not be exposed to “inappropriate, harmful material,” adding that “young brains cannot unsee what they see.” (I bet the Democrats voted that in)

https://www.rt.com/news/615966-us-virginia-flag-ban/

18 Apr, 2025 12:25

German bakery sells ‘armored Easter bunnies’ in Nazi throwback (VIDEO)

The military-themed confections have been denounced as a symbol of the country’s ‘unhealthy’ political climate

A German bakery has dusted off Nazi-era molds to produce Easter sugar bunnies crafted in military-themed shapes. Critics argue that this incident underscores the country’s troubling departure from its pacifist ideals.

The once popular ‘Zuckerhasen’ (sugar bunnies) are a traditional confection in Germany dating back to the 18th century.

For this Easter season, Cafe Lieb in Tubingen, Baden-Wurttemberg decided to showcase long-forgotten versions during a two-day sale, according to media reports this week.The molds feature bunnies operating military hardware such as tanks and cannons – shapes deemed inappropriate since World War II.

Owner Hermann Leimgruber dismissed concerns over the controversial nature of selling military-themed Easter symbols, telling SWR,“My God, it’s part of our history. Back then, children received a bunny in a tank for Easter.”Master confectioner Ulrich Buob noted that older generations recall receiving these treats as children and now purchase them as souvenirs.

Critics find the candies troubling,arguing that they trivialize militarism and the tragic legacy of Nazism. A column published by Berliner Zeitung on Wednesday condemned what it called “Panzerhasen” (armored bunnies) as indicative of the current political climate in Germany and the broader EU.

”Now, there is even open discussion about the reintroduction of conscription, which for decades was considered a relic of the Cold War”in Germany, it stated. It added that dissenters are branded as “lumpen pacifists”or sympathizers of Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying this is “precisely the problem.”

The EU plans to invest hundreds of billions of euros to expand the militaries and weapons production of member states, justifying the measures as preparation for a likely conflict with Russia. Moscow denies that it has any aggressive intentions and views the plans – backed by incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz – as a continuation of the policies that ignited the Ukraine conflict, which Russia views as a NATO proxy war currently fueled by the EU and UK.

https://www.rt.com/news/615947-german-easter-bunnies-nazi/

(There seems like there is something genetically wrong with full German’s, like they miss thet Nazi’s or something. I'm glad the US didn't hand out armed easter bunnies.)