LENOIR, N.C. – Can you think of 1,050 reasons why Donald Trump is a danger to America and the world? I can. Yesterday, for instance, I posted, “Bondi, Blanch and Trump’s DOJ Give the American People the Finger by Not Releasing Esptein Files.”

Because of how I was raised – to recognize, oppose and fight injustice – I hope to post a daily reminder for the next 1,049 days regarding the grave threat that Donald Trump and his sycophants pose to the United States and world peace. While we do have to wait three more years for that day to arrive, there are only 318 days until the mid-term elections to mitigate the damage done to our nation by this lawless and evil administration.

Today’s proof: Bulgarian Chicago business owner dies in ICE custody, sparking calls for ‘immediate investigation’. The reporting speaks for itself. As usual, the Trump Administration remains completely opaque regarding releasing information.

It’s horrid isn’t it? That is only why I’m sharing one story a day. Our brains can’t handle more than that. But we must force ourselves to seek the truth. As a newsman, I still believe the press is your best source for that. It is certainly not the U.S. Government or any local or state government run by MAGA maniacs. The real challenge will be to limit each day’s report to one item.

The mission of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is, “Protecting National Security and Upholding Public Safety,” The motto is: Honor, Service, Integrity.”

Words. Mere words. Actions speak louder. So, let not your prejudices blind you to what the whole world is watching – We are at war! Literally. American troops are in American cities, beating, detaining, and killing people on our own soil. Without due process. The enemy is within.

Now, let me be clear. I do not advocate violence as it begets more violence. If you’re a little more emphatic about how to oppose this evil, just remember, for practical reasons, that isn’t a good idea. I don’t think any weapon any of us might have (I have a dull pocket knife) is a match for tanks.

That doesn’t matter though. I have a much more powerful weapon – the ability to string together words of truth (which disqualifies me for employment in the Trump administration).

So, stay tuned and please invite others to subscribe to the Appalachian Chronicle. It’s a labor of love, but it’s still work. I share it with you at no cost in hopes that you’ll do the same with your circle of family and friends. ICE is literally kicking people while they are down. As the Eagles sing in “Dirty Laundry,” we’ve got to do the same. We must, figuratively, “Kick them when they’re up, kick them when they’re down.” So, you must be courageous, informed by truth. In time, that will end this national nightmare.

© Michael M. Barrick, 2025.

PS: A note about “Dirty Laundry.” The irony of this song being about journalism is not lost on me; in fact, I agree with it. It simply inspires me to live up to the high standards I was held to from my first day pounding a typewriter for my high school newspaper in 1971.

Election countdown

• 1,049 days until the end of the Trump presidency; Election Day will be Nov. 7, 2028
• 318 days until the mid-term election on Nov. 3, 2026