Democrats don’t limit themselves to adherence to reality. Morally and intellectually superior beings, the self-imagined elite create their own reality and demand everyone else live in it. So perfect are they, their beliefs and policies are non-falsifiable. They can’t possibly be wrong and there can exist no evidence that can convince them otherwise. They’re also long-term thinkers, because rejecting reality mystically allows them to see things as they ought to be and will be when their policies inevitably correct the errors and inherent deficiencies of Normal Americans.
One manifestation of this kind of superiority is the “Defund the Police” Movement, which has never entirely died. However, it has been such a disaster that even a few blue cities have had to backtrack while pretending they’re not backtracking at all. Others have tried to replace the police with “Violence Interrupters” or “Peacekeepers.” That too has been disastrous.
The problem is people of good will and actual ability aren’t going to work for a blue city that won’t give them the training, equipment and backing to protect their lives as they journey out into the worst neighborhoods to do the jobs sane people know require police officers. Accordingly, the self-imagined elite usually hire criminals for those positions on the apparent theory they know all about violence and other criminals will surely obey them. They’re right about the violence part and tragically wrong about the rest. To be fair, some well-intentioned people are also involved but quickly come to realize we’re lucky to have competent cops.
It will come as no surprise to learn Chicago has had such a “Peacekeeper” program for several years, and while Illinois Governor JB Pritzger and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson claim that program has miraculously reduced crime, reality has, as it tends to do, asserted itself:
There has been debate in Chicago over the wisdom and effectiveness (or lack thereof) of the Windy City’s so-called “peacekeeper” program for years. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) touted its supposed effectiveness back in April, while critics have noted that some of the former gang members and ex-convicts who are members of the program have gone on to commit more crimes.
Over the last four or so months alone, it would seem that the critics’ point has been strengthened after multiple arrests among some of the members on allegations that they’ve committed violent crimes.
Like one Michael Nash:
Graphic: X Post
Why anyone would hire someone like Nash for a pseudo-police job surely pushes the boundaries of reality:
Court records show Nash’s felony history includes two years for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon last year, eight years for being a felon in possession of a firearm in 2019, three years for the same offense in 2014, one year for possession of a controlled substance in 2012, three years for attempted robbery in 2008 and three years for possessing a stolen motor vehicle in 2007.
This Peacekeeper took a swing—on camera—at a Chicago cop:
Graphic: X Post
Sure Governor, Chicago needs more people like Alexander and this guy:
Chicago police said it was a squad of seven who shattered the Magnificent Mile storefront of Louis Vuitton and sped off with hundreds of thousands worth of designer goods on September 11 before one the alleged getaway cars crashed into Mark Arceta’s vehicle, killing the expectant father whose son was born the next day.
It turns out this particular “Peacekeeper” was exceptionally well-qualified, if outstanding warrants and a stellar criminal record count as qualifications:
Graphic: X Post
Mayor Johnson is particularly fond of such people:
Graphic: X Post
A Newsmax storyrevealed that over $60,000,000 in taxpayer funding had been poured into this program over the last three years.
Planning to visit Chicago anytime soon? You might want to put those plans on indefinite hold.
Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog isStately McDaniel Manor.
Various lawsuits have been filed against the company, but now federal prosecutors have indicated that ChatGPT may have played a role in enabling or encouraging an accused criminal stalker.
The New York Postis reporting that federal prosecutors are alleging that ChatGPT served as the “therapist” and “best friend” to Brett Michael Dadig, a Pittsburgh man who violently stalked at least 11 women across more than five states.
Dadig, 31, is a social media influencer who referred to himself as “God’s assassin” and allegedly would threaten to strangle people with his bare hands.
He reportedly used AI to facilitate his conduct and prosecutors say ChatGPT encouraged him to continue his social media posts.
The account is strikingly similar to the suicide cases where ChatGPT allegedly encouraged him to ignore the “haters” and boosted his ego to “build a voice that can’t be ignored.”
Dadig was reportedly convinced that the messages from ChatGPT reaffirmed “God’s plan” for his alleged criminal conduct.
The question is whether any of these stalked women will join others in suing OpenAI as have families of those who committed suicide.
As I previously noted, there is an ongoing debate over the liability of companies in using such virtual employees in dispensing information or advice.
If a human employee of OpenAI negligently gave harmful information or counseling to a troubled teen, there would be little debate that the company could be sued for the negligence of its employee.
As AI replaces humans, these companies should be held accountable for their virtual agents.
All three dose groups (50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg) showed impressive monotherapy efficacy, with VGPR+ (very good partial response or better) of ≥70% despite limited follow-up; evidence shows that these responses are expected to deepen over time
Across all dose groups, 95% (19 of 20 patients) of all evaluable VGPR+ patients achieved minimal residual disease negative status
Data featured in an ASH oral presentation; LINKER-MM4 is the first clinical trial to evaluate a BCMAxCD3 bispecific monotherapy in NDMM and is part of a broad clinical development program evaluating Lynozyfic-based regimens in earlier lines of treatment
Telix Pharmaceuticals has announced the dosing of the first patient in Part 2 of its ProstACT Global Phase 3 study, which evaluates the prostate cancer therapy candidate TLX591 in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. This trial is notable for combining a PSMA-targeted radio antibody drug conjugate therapy with standard care treatments. The study is expanding globally, with recruitment ongoing in several countries, and plans to submit data to the FDA to further expand the trial in the U.S. This milestone is significant for Telix’s prostate cancer therapeutics pipeline and may enhance its industry positioning by potentially offering a new treatment option with fewer adverse effects compared to existing therapies.
Chief executives of large European companies are downbeat on Europe's economic prospects, albeit less so than six months ago, and have become more bullish about investing in the U.S. than at home, according to a survey published on Sunday.
The survey of the European Round Table for Industry, which comprises about 60 CEOs and chairs of companies such as ASML, BASF and Vodafone, showed respondents found that the business case for investing in Europe was weakening further and that the European Union was too slow to implement required reforms.
Some 38% said they would invest less than they had planned six months earlier in Europe or had put decisions on hold, while just 8% said their European investments would increase. By contrast, 45% said they intended to invest more in the United States.
The business leaders want to see the reforms recommended in influential reports last year by former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta, both previously Italian prime ministers. Both said the EU needed urgent action to boost its competitiveness and keep pace with the U.S. and China.
However, a large majority of survey respondents said they had seen little or no positive impact from EU initiatives in critical areas of regulatory simplification, single market completion, competition policy and energy affordability.
The survey was published just before a meeting on Monday of ministers from the 27-nation EU to discuss competitiveness issues such as simplification and internal barriers within the EU single market.
Russia on Sunday issued new statements voicing deep concern over the US force posture in the southern Caribbean, warning against any possible slide toward direct military action.
The fresh Kremlin statement said Moscow is standing shoulder to shoulder with Caracas, with a fresh appeal for the Trump administration to avoid exacerbating tensions which could lead to open and unnecessary conflict.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov criticized Washington's desire to establish unconditional dominance in the region, and decried that this has become the norm for the current administration.
He warned that "tensions are not easing" and "escalation continues" off Latin America, also after the last few months stretching back to September have seen a string of nearly two dozen deadly US attacks on alleged drug smuggling boats near Venezuela.
"This is primarily due to the desire to assert the unquestioning dominance of the United States in the region, this is a trademark of the Trump administration," Ryabkov explained.
According to more of his statement:
"We express our solidarity with Venezuela, with whom we recently signed a strategic partnership and cooperation agreement," the deputy foreign minister noted.
"We support Venezuela, as it supports us, in many areas. In this hour of trial, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Caracas and the Venezuelan leadership. We hope that the Trump administration will refrain from further escalating the situation toward a full-scale conflict. We urge it to do so."
The Kremlin in these remarks might also have in mind the just published (on Friday) US National Security Strategy and its significant refocus of America's priorities on the Western Hemisphere.
The document clearly establishes this as the top priority, saying that the US will now "assert and enforce a 'Trump Corollary' to the Monroe Doctrine."
According to this column, "In Venezuela, the Department of War is indeed playing offense, as Trump promised, but the opponent isn’t really Maduro, it's Putin" pic.twitter.com/1W0ros2WvM
The US national security authors write that this means "a readjustment of our global military presence to address urgent threats in our Hemisphere, and away from theaters whose relative import to American national security has declined in recent decades or years."
While Russia has been a longtime ally of President Maduro, it is unlikely to come to his defense in any direct way, also given the delicate and sensitive efforts to improve bilateral ties with Washington amid talks to de-escalate the Ukraine war. This despite Caracas having formally pleaded for more help from Moscow of late, including arms deliveries.
Tax hikes being considered by Gov. Kathy Hochul and other moderate Democrats to satisfy NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and his radical comrades will cause a mass exodus of New Yorkers if implemented, according to former Gov. George Pataki.
“It’s bad enough the way things are now. If [Hochul] goes ahead and raises taxes on New Yorkers again, I think there comes a point where it becomes the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” the Republican told billionaire WABC-AM radio owner John Catsimatidis on his “Cats Roundtable” show set to air Sunday.
“New York just can’t afford this,” the ex-governor added, according to excerpts of the interview provided to The Post.
Tax hikes being considered by Gov. Kathy Hochul and other moderate Democrats to satisfy NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and his radical supporters would cause a mass exodus of New Yorkers, ex-Gov. George Pataki charged.Getty Images
“We have taxes that are already too high. Regulations that are too severe … New Yorkers have been leaving New York in droves for places like Florida and Texas.”
Hochul, once a staunch opponent of raising corporate tax rates, is no longer ruling the idea out to help balance the state’s budget following the silver-spoon socialist’s win in last month’s mayoral election.
The potential flip-flop for a governor with a history of them comes as she continues to be taunted in public with chants to “tax the rich” from liberals looking to push her in line with Mamdani, who wants at least $9 billion in extra dough to fund pie-in-the-sky initiatives like free buses.
Pataki blamed Hochul and other moderate Democrats’ change on the heart regarding tax hikes on the threat of the far-left coming for their jobs.
Hochul, once a staunch opponent of raising corporate tax rates, is no longer ruling the idea out to help balance the state’s budget following Mamdani’s win in last month’s mayoral election.Michael Brochstein/ZUMA Press Wire / SplashNews.com
“I think they’re looking at Mamdani’s victory and thinking, ‘Oh my God! I could have a primary. So we’d better raise taxes,’” he said.
“Mamdani wants to raise taxes, and I’m afraid that Hochul and the Legislature are going to go along with him.”
Searching for smart ways to use your leftover FSA or HSA funds?
You’ve probably heard the terms FSA-eligible or HSA-eligible, but you may not know exactly how these accounts work, who they’re designed to benefit or how to use them creatively to check items off your or your loved ones’ Christmas list — or your own.
Some employers offer Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which let you set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified healthcare expenses. That list includes certain healthcare treatment as well as basic over-the-counter products like sunscreen, first-aid supplies and feminine care items.
“You would be surprised at all the ways you can spend your FSA and HSA dollars,” Rachel Rouleau, chief compliance officer at Health E-Commerce, the parent brand to the FSA Store and HSA Store, previously told The Post. “The FSA Store and HSA Store carry more than 2,500 IRS-eligible products that people buy every day.”
These days, even more stores are marking products as FSA-eligible, so you can shop directly through their websites and save. Brands likeRenphoandUlta Beautynow have dedicated FSA-eligible pages to streamline the shopping experience for anyone looking to use up their dollars.
While certain items require a doctor’s letter or medical evaluation, many can be purchased with your FSA card right at checkout. If it’s not possible to check out with your HSA/FSA card, you can still qualify; just remember to save your receipts in case you need to submit a reimbursement claim later.
There is one catch: under many FSA plans’ “use it or lose it” rules, unspent funds don’t roll over into 2026. That means the clock is ticking if you want to put those dollars toward gifts that won’t go to waste.
Remember, FSA/HSA coverage can vary. Always confirm with your provider, and browse our guide on the best FSA-eligible gifts to grab now.
Not all smartwatches are created equal, but Garmin stands out for its health-focused features and durable steel construction (we tested, and yes, it’s drop-proof). Several Garmin models are FSA/HSA eligible, allowing you to save through reimbursement after completing a quick health assessment.
With up to 14 days of battery life, the Garmin Venu 3 gives you a complete picture of your health. Track your sleep, monitor your body battery energy and access over 30 sport apps and personalized workouts designed to fit your lifestyle. It can even connect to an ECG app, using built-in sensors to track the electrical signals that regulate your heartbeat.
We previously tested the Garmin Forerunner and found that the brand offers some of the most advanced fitness trackers on the market — designed for serious athletes, adventurers and anyone committed to taking their health seriously.
Compact, rechargeable, and ADA-accepted, the Waterpik is perfect for travel or small spaces. With three pressure settings, a 360-degree rotating tip and a 7-ounce reservoir giving about 45 seconds of flossing bliss, it’s convenience meets clean. It charges up in four hours and runs up to four weeks per charge.
Maybe it’s not the most flashy Christmas gift, but a Waterpik Flosser is a practical buy, and a great investment in your long-term health (just ask the Post Wanted team, who swear by it for pearly whites).
Not to mention, oral care is instrumental to overall health. In this case, also HSA-eligible, so long as your Dentist can fill out a Letter of Medical Necessity for you.
The Peloton Bike Cross Training Bike transforms home workouts with its sleek design, immersive touchscreen, and thousands of live-streamed spin classes. Users can enjoy high-energy rides led by top instructors while tracking their progress with real-time metrics. And with an adjustable resistance level, you can chase your goals (and some wildly steep hills).
Best of all, the Peloton delivers studio-quality workouts at home, making it a great exercise bike for an at-home fitness fanatic. And, of course, it’s FSA-eligible. You will need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a healthcare provider — but for something this splurge-worthy, it’s worth the extra step.
Wearables can be tricky to navigate when it comes to FSA-eligible purchases, but there’s one health-focused tracker that qualifies: WHOOP. This sleek device is more than just a fitness tracker; it’s a comprehensive health monitor designed to help you optimize your performance.
WHOOP pairs seamlessly with your smartphone to track sleep, activity, workouts and recovery, providing detailed trend reports that let you see how your habits impact your overall health. It can also give personalized recommendations to help you improve performance, reduce fatigue and help you make healthier choices every day.
The HSA/FSA eligibility applies to all WHOOP memberships with 12-month subscriptions. This means you could save 30% on whichever membership type works best for you. It’s more than a gift — it’s like having a personal trainer, nutritionist and wellness coach all in one.
Need a perfect gift for a high-schooler or college kid? Adolescents are notoriously hard to shop for, but one thing almost everyone agrees on is the TikTok-famous Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Duo. These drug-free, non-drying patches effectively clear breakouts and help heal skin.
The Post Wanted Team agrees they’re among the best pimple patches around — gentle enough for sensitive skin and proven to work. Bonus: they’re FSA/HSA eligible, making it easy to stock up and share with friends and family (those hard-to-shop-for Sephora teens included).
It can be tricky to navigate whether red-light gadgets are considered medical necessities rather than just consumer cosmetic products. But the Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand makes the cut; it’s FSA/HSA eligible and recommended by board-certified dermatologists.
The wand combines red light, galvanic current, warmth and facial massage to deliver multiple benefits: smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, fading blemishes, brightening dark circles and spots, reducing puffiness and even enhancing the effectiveness of your serums.
Dr. Hadley King, a NYC-based dermatologist, gave it her seal of approval. And in her review, Commerce Writer Emma Sutton-Williams claimed, “If you’re looking for a convenient, effective red light therapy tool under $200 that targets red spots, the Solawave Wand is one of the best options on the market.”
Meet the HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket, the internet-famous blanket that boosts your body’s thermal energy and leaves your skin glowy while supporting healthy circulation. It’s the ultimate self-care gift, and something thousands of reviewers swear by for boosting mood and alleviating stress.
If you’re after a gift that gives spa vibes without leaving the couch, this sauna blanket is a genius buy before the holidays. It comes with a one-year warranty for peace of mind if anything acts up. According to HigherDOSE, you can save up to 40% off when using your HSA/FSA funds.
Don’t overlook this skincare essential, which is also FSA/HSA-approved. Dermatologists agree that sunscreen is a non-negotiable, helping prevent sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging. And if you have a friend or family member heading off on a winter getaway, it makes the perfect practical stocking stuffer.
The Vacation Classic Whip SPF 50 Sunscreen Mousse offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection in a delightfully airy foam that dispenses in star-shaped peaks thanks to its retro tilt-valve canister. After testing the brand’s full lineup, Victoria McDonnell, our resident beauty expert and commerce reporter, found the formula delivered a “lighter-than-air, beach-day feeling” better than any other sunscreen she tried.
Browse more HSA/FSA-approved skincare and beauty essentials from Ulta.
Upgrade your wellness routine with a massage gun trusted by thousands. The FDA-registered Therabody Theragun Prime delivers powerful, streamlined percussive therapy that drills away tension and speeds up recovery by targeting trigger points. Users enjoy customizable speed settings, a quiet motor and an ergonomic design.
It’s a great gift for anyone in need of muscle relief, from professional athletes to seniors recovering from injury. You can also connect it to the Therabody app for guided, step-by-step routines tailored to conditions like arthritis, sciatica, and plantar fasciitis.
Whether you’re holiday shopping or improving your own self-care, the Theragun Prime is a smart, HSA/FSA-eligible investment. It’s also on sale for $100 off.
Finally, FSA-eligible funds can go toward better sleep. One of our favorite ways to upgrade your bedtime routine is the best-selling Hatch Restore 3, Hatch’s most advanced sunrise alarm clock.
The Restore 3 lets you create fully customizable or pre-set routines with a growing library of calming soundscapes, science-backed meditations and soothing audio to help your brain unwind at night and reset your circadian rhythm. The Post Wanted team considers it a game-changer for new parents.
Shoppers can save up to 30% with their HSA/FSA dollars through the Hatch website. At checkout, choose “Truemed – Pay with HSA/FSA”, also listed under the Alternative Payment Methods section. Otherwise, save your receipts for reimbursement.
Give a gift they’ll actually use and need. Warby Parker offers a range of sleek, stylish eyeglasses for every prescription, including progressive, blue-light-filtering and anti-fatigue lenses, many of which are FSA/HSA eligible (you can also save an average of $100 when you use insurance).
McDonnell notes, “The pair we deem flattering on everyone is the Warby Parker Whalen Eyeglasses.” These cat-eye frames are crafted from hand-polished cellulose acetate and come in a range of neutral and bold shades to suit any personal style.
While most regular lip glosses or balms aren’t FSA/HSA eligible, this lip balm with SPF can count toward your pre-tax dollars.
The Sun Bum Tinted Lip Balm SPF 15 is nourishing and small enough to keep in your pocket or purse at all times. It comes in vibrant shades, and thousands of reviewers rave about its smooth texture and delicious flavor. A practical and fun pick, it’s perfect for daily use or as a thoughtful stocking stuffer.
Foot pain affects millions, and it’s no joke. Whether you struggle with plantar fasciitis, bunions or general foot discomfort, the RENPHO Foot Massager is designed to help ease your pain and soothe tired feet.
Crafted with insights from over 300 massage therapists, it features deep kneading and compression technology that is said to boost comfort by 30%. The 360-degree wraps fully relax your feet, while the high-precision airbag sensor automatically adjusts to your foot size for a custom massage.
You can purchase the RENPHO Foot Massager with your HSA or FSA card, just like a regular credit card. At checkout, select HSA/FSA Cards as your payment method or save your receipt for reimbursement.
If you’re looking for a unique and thoughtful gift, consider the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service: Personal Genetic DNA Test — now FSA/HSA-approved. 23andMe provides an FSA/HSA calculator to help you determine exactly how much of the test is eligible.
This editor-approved DNA test not only traces your family lineage but also provides 100+ personalized genetic insights, including FDA-authorized reports on health predispositions, carrier status, wellness and more. Results are ready in as little as a month.
Ready to get in on the red-light trend? Multiple scientific studies show that LED face masks can benefit a variety of skin types, from mature skin looking to reduce wrinkles to acne-prone skin aiming to minimize scarring. If you’re curious about red-light therapy, the Omnilux is the mask to try.
Known as the “Rolls-Royce of red-light devices,” the Omnilux is priced at $395 for a reason — it delivers real results, according to thousands of reviewers. We’ve tested it ourselves on acne-affected skin, and it truly works. It’s also easy to use, comfortable to wear and FDA-approved for good measure.
If you want to save on this pricey device, the best way is to use FSA-eligible funds. To ensure eligibility, you may need to complete the telehealth consultation (required for some Omnilux products) or provide a Letter of Medical Necessity through the Omnilux website.
Simple and practical, the Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer is the one you’ve seen all over your feeds. It’s also a no-brainer FSA-eligible item to throw on your list. And, it doesn’t just kill bacteria.
These sleek little dispensers are offered in a travel-size case just right for a stocking, and they come in refreshing scents like Pure Lavender and Blue Sandalwood. Each bottle delivers over 500 sprays of a non-sticky formula infused with aloe vera and radish root ferment to keep hands hydrated and soft.
Consider another great gadget from Renpho to throw on the Christmas list: the mini massager.
Equipped with a heat-conductive steel head, this deep-tissue massage gun provides immediate warmth and fast, pulsing vibrations that effectively reduce muscle tension and soreness. Each one comes with four silicone massage heads to target different pressure points.
The RENPHO mini massager may be pocket-sized, but it’s exceptionally powerful — featuring a high-torque motor that reaches up to 3000 RPM. Best of all, it’s a gift that keeps giving, rechargeable in minutes. And you can with dozens of Renpho products, it’s FSA/HSA-approved.
Skincare can be a gray area for FSA/HSA eligibility, but certain Peter Thomas Roth products now qualify — including the cult-favorite Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer.
Moisturizing is an essential step in any skincare routine, especially during the dry winter months. This hydrating cream helps replenish and nourish the skin, featuring 30% hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture for 72 hours. Available in both small and large sizes, it’s easy to redeem pre-tax with FSA/HSA funds.
If you’re looking for a great gift that will mesh right into their lifestyle, this is it. Think of the Oura Ring as an all-in-one wellness hub that adapts to your goals and helps you focus on what truly matters.
Crafted from lightweight titanium, the Oura Ring 4 combines durability with all-day comfort. Its recessed sensors track everything from motion and heart rate to blood oxygen levels and subtle temperature changes. Your data syncs directly to the Oura App, where you can access daily insights, goal tracking and even guided wellness meditations to support your overall health.
Not everyone knows that the Oura Ring is also HSA/FSA-eligible. It qualifies as a health-tracking device because it monitors medically relevant metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen and sleep patterns. You can often use your FSA or HSA card directly at checkout on the Oura online store, or keep your receipt for reimbursement.
Yes, feminine care products are FSA/HSA-eligible, and Ulta Beauty has some great options for anyone who uses them. The Good Patch Cycle Plant-Based Wellness Patch is one of them — it’s your discreet, plant-powered ally during that time of the month.
Infused with 5% menthol and soothing black cohosh, this patch delivers targeted, temporary relief for those minor aches and pains. The four-way stretch, water-resistant fabric moves with you, so you get comfort and support without having to worry about it falling off.
It’s not fun at all, but most of us have experienced a sore back, and others live with chronic back pain. According to hundreds of reviewers, the RENPHO Heating Pad works wonders for pain relief, even for menstrual cramps.
This pad heats up quickly, fits most body shapes and offers six heat settings and three timing options (30, 60 and 90 minutes) for a fully customizable experience. The soft, plush material is gentle against the skin. It makes an excellent holiday gift, especially during those chillier winter months.
Head to Renpho to purchase with your HSA Card, or save your receipt for reimbursement
