Worth Knowing, Probably Not Quite Threadworthy 2/18

[SVPete]

Epstein, The View, and the Permanent Double Standard

https://pjmedia.com/eric-florack/2026/02/18/epstein-whoopi-what-goes-around-comes-around-n4949632

It’s amazing how quickly things change when one finds oneself cornered. Case in point: Back on the sixth of this month, I offered a column on Whoopi Goldberg being in the Epstein files. I even posted the receipts. Her name pops up some 21 times. From her, nothing but denial at the time, calling it a “fake list.”

When the evidence became insurmountable, that changed into this. Fox News:

"In the name of transparency," Goldberg began as she asked for the email to appear on the screen. "My name is in the files."

Funny how she didn't seem all that worried about "transparency" when she was in denial. Now that the lie is exposed, she talks about "transparency" as if it were her idea to be transparent. That's like getting out in front of an angry mob, pretending it's a parade you're leading. Now, the correct interpretation is that Anyone can be on that list, and simply being on the list doesn’t indicate guilt. President Trump, unsurprisingly, is the exception.

Trouble is, of course, being on the list means guilt is exactly the standard Goldberg and so many other leftists have been using against their nemesis, Donald John Trump. She would have you believe that the standard she applies to Trump doesn’t apply to her and her co-hosts, who also show up on that list, many times. She’s now finding out what it’s like to have a bit of information out there and have it twisted into a tool against you.

Like the PJMedia article author, I do not believe she was a participant in Epstein's perversions. Epstein probably was interested in her for her potential $$ investments and/or for her potential in his connections-for-finding-fees business. The big point is that suddenly she is facing Dems' and other Trump-Haters' Mentions = Guilt standard they apply to Trump. Whoopster exemplifies the simple fact that the Epstein files embody mentions and contacts pertinent to Epstein's non-criminal businesses and his general, non-criminal, social interests.

[enslaved1]

Wildfires rage in Oklahoma as thousands urged to evacuate a small city

Warm, dry and windy weather in Oklahoma has fueled multiple wildfires and prompted authorities to urge nearly one-third of the residents of the small city of Woodward to flee.

Matt Lehenbauer, director of emergency management for Woodward and its nearly 12,000 inhabitants, said the evacuation recommendation covers roughly 4,000 people. It is voluntary, he said, because Oklahoma prohibits mandatory evacuations.

The wildfire in Woodward, about 140 miles northwest of Oklahoma City, is approaching a "worst-case scenario," Lehenbauer said, but it hasn't moved into the most populated area of the city.

These moved into parts of Kansas, some into my old stomping grounds.  Ash was falling deep into Kansas.  Does look like things are settling down quickly, but it still dangerous possibilities.

Some video updates of the impacts on Kansas The story itself is concerning, but the interesting lack of coverage is also concerning, especially how much attention California wildfires always get, since they are close to rich people. 

[SVPete]

California wildfire news coverage is not entirely due to proximity to "rich" people. For example, last year's Altadena fire, the city of Altadena is very middle class. For example, the Camp Fire, which erased the town of Paradise. Paradise - and the Chico area generally - are mostly middle class.

Please refrain from stereotyping.

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Education Department Investigates Portland Schools for Racism

https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/02/17/education-department-investigates-portland-schools-for-racism-n4949630

Woke Portland Public Schools (PPS) are in trouble for blatantly racist programs. I know you’re shocked.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has opened an investigation into PPS over its Center for Black Student Excellence (CBSE). ED believes this CBSE could be illegal under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, according to a Feb. 17 press release. PPS has allocated millions of dollars specifically for black students, discriminating on the basis of skin color.

The new ED investigation is in response to a civil rights complaint that advocacy group Defending Education filed last year. Sarah Parshall Perry, vice president and legal fellow at Defending Education, reacted to the investigation in the following statement shared with PJ Media: “We at Defending Education are incredibly gratified that the Department of Education's Civil Rights Office is opening an investigation into Portland Public Schools over its Black Student Success Plan and the millions in associated taxpayer dollars it intends to expend in advancing learning for students of only one race.”

At the rate Trump's Education Department is going, even some Dems will be hating it and quietly hoping for its demise.

[SVPete]

Former UCSB student government president sues school alleging antisemitic harassment

https://www.thecollegefix.com/former-ucsb-student-government-president-sues-school-alleging-antisemitic-harassment/

UC Santa Barbara’s former student government president recently filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging she was the victim of antisemitic abuse and harassment while campus leaders did nothing to protect her.

The lawsuit alleges Tessa Veksler, who is Jewish, was the “victim of repeated and systematic assaults and other abuse by a horde of antisemitic instigators on campus.”

“Tessa suffered this nightmare despite having repeatedly pleaded for help from UCSB administrators and representatives,” the complaint alleges. “But her pleas fell on deaf ears. And the assaults and abuse intensified, all with the full knowledge, consent, and even the active participation of one of the University’s representatives.”

The university’s media relations division did not respond to a request from The College Fix seeking comment. Most recently, attorneys for the university were granted extended time to respond to the lawsuit by Judge Christina Snyder. Their response is now due in April.

I'm sure UCSB will waste as much $$$$ fighting this as possible, because the plaintiff is a Joooooooo.

[SVPete]

Look at the Defensive Gun Uses that Hawaii Wants to Criminalize

https://pjmedia.com/amy-swearer/2026/02/17/look-at-the-defensive-gun-uses-that-hawaii-wants-to-criminalize-n4949620

Late last month, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Wolford v. Lopez, a case challenging a newly imposed Hawaii law that presumptively bans concealed carry permit holders from any private property open to the public (like gas stations and shopping malls) unless they first get express permission from the owner. Combined with other restrictions, the law has the practical effect of making lawful public carry virtually impossible in Hawaii.

Fortunately, the nation’s highest court appears likely to strike down the new restriction. But there’s still so much work left for the court to do when it comes to protecting the right to keep and bear arms—including, specifically, against infringements by the Hawaiian government. Even without the express permission requirement hanging over their heads, Hawaiian concealed carry permit holders will still be prohibited from exercising their rights in an absurdly long list of “sensitive places.” 

These include, among other locations:

Any bar or restaurant that serves alcohol, regardless of whether the permit holder imbibes;

Any “stadium, movie theater, or concert hall”;

Any place at which any sporting event of any level of competition is being held;

Any beach, playground, or park, including “any state park, state monument, county park, tennis court, golf course, swimming pool, or other recreation area or facility under control, maintenance, and management of the State or a county”;

Any parking area adjacent to the prohibited locations above.

Constitutionally, it’s abhorrent. As a matter of public policy, it’s laughable – and dangerous.

I'm sure the State of Hawai'i's Dem legislators have new, similarly unconstitutional, bills to replace this if they lose.

[SVPete]

WHERE ARE AMERICA’S JEWISH LEADERS?

https://instapundit.com/777159/

But my friend and former newsroom co-conspirator Richard Pollock — who made the long journey from 60s Lefty buddy of the Chicago 7 to a hugely successful journalism career and ultimately commonsense conservatism — looks around today and here’s what he sees:

“Today’s vicious antisemites are constantly in the streets. Yes, they act fiercely and thrive on intimidation. They are loud, impertinent, pushy and in your face. Muslims and political progressives have joined in an alliance to denounce Jews and Israel.

“They own the streets. They act with impunity. They physically assault Jews. ...

Where are today’s Jewish leaders fighting back against this swelling wave of anti-semitism, Pollock asks?

The sad answer is that too many "leaders" are holding their tongues because they are Prog, and supporting ordinary Jews, especially the observant, is too "right-wing". It's been that way for several decades, especially since a certain 2001 event.

[SVPete]

Doesn't Tell the Truth About Tesla Paying Taxes

https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2026/02/17/elizabeth-warren-tesla-taxes-n2671430#google_vignette

Senator Elizabeth Warren isn't exactly known for her honesty. She's repeated the oft-debunked lie about the SAVE Act preventing women from voting, she lied about the affordability crisis being the fault of the Trump administration (and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent nuked her for it), and she lied about President Trump causing "chaos" by firing air traffic controllers.

Now she's back, and lying about Tesla not paying federal taxes.

Well, seeing as corporate taxes are passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services, yes, it does. But it's also not true. Tesla simply didn't refuse to pay federal taxes or anything; under the current tax law, it didn't have to.

Tesla has been unprofitable for most of its history. How can you pay taxes on money you didn't make? Of course, Warren and other Democrats like capital gains taxes on unrealized gains, so they're fine with forcing people to pay taxes on money they didn't make.

Lying by omission has become the norm for Dems and other Progs. It's simpler than discussing things that are true. Dems also exploit ordinary people who do not understand the difference between Gross Revenue and Profit.