From the Back Forty: Teamsters, Somalis, SEALs, and Papa Gaga

Editor's Note: From the Back Forty is Liberty Nation's longest running and most popular weekly column. 

While the Heartland is still desperately trying to understand how a "nice lawn" equates to economic relief, many paused to discuss what was going on in Minnesota and the non-endorsement (or endorsement by omission?) of the Teamsters. SEAL teams are being suggested to take over Trump's presidential detail, and if that didn't keep beers and bets flowing for the upcoming election, then add in the pops of Lady Gaga going all in on "patriot Trump," which had From the Back Forty folks hoping for an invite to the family's Thanksgiving dinner.

Minnesotans Bristle

There is a job opening at the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA). On Wednesday, Sharmarke Issa, the first Somalian immigrant to chair the MPHA board, pled guilty to federal wire charges. Issa found himself in a position to launder millions of dollars through fake vendors via the Feeding Our Future (FOF) program. The illegal activities forced the Minnesota Department of Health and FOF sponsors to expend over $7.4 million for the Federal Child Nutrition Program, according to court documents. And that cost the federal government a whopping $50 million loss.

And did Issa and his buddies have a ball on the citizen's dime? Well, let's say he isn't Robin Hood of Minnesota. Issa bought himself a $700,000 home, went on swanky travel vacations, and purchased expensive cars.

Minnesotans were not amused at the man, who grew up in public housing, taking food and shelter away from the kids and deserving families.

Minnesota Grandpa Dave Heath wasn't a bit surprised: "Not surprising since our own Somali immigrant/refugee Ilhan Omar, who is now a (congresswoman) and member of the notorious/infamous radical left (squad) has thumbed her nose at and protested and broken just about every American law and custom that we have with impunity."

Approximately one-third of Minneapolis Public Housing residents are members of the East African community. Dave Hahn from the Twin Cities also had a crusty reaction: "What a surprise? A person from a culture of corruption involved in a crime – oh my."

The Real Teamsters Endorsement

Both Democrats and Republicans have waited with bated breath for the all-powerful – 1.8 million members strong – Teamsters Union endorsement. And the winner is: No one. Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien explained:

"Unfortunately, neither major candidate was able to make serious commitments to our union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before Big Business. We sought commitments from both Trump and Harris not to interfere in critical union campaigns or core Teamsters industries — and to honor our members' right to strike — but were unable to secure those pledges."

O'Brien cited Trump's refusal to commit to vetoing right-to-work legislation.

But if one reads between the lines, a clearer picture emerges. During the week of September 9 through the 15th, 2024, the Teamsters polled their members and found that 58% supported Trump in the presidential election, while just 31% backed Harris. So even though the union leadership won’t endorse the former president, most of its members do.

It prompted Ellen Blake of Normal, IN, to ask: "Why should you give up if you're holding all the ACES?"

Kelli Ballard of Liberty Nation News reminds us just how unusual a stance this is: "Kamala Harris [is] the first Democrat in more than two decades not to be backed by the organization."

"In the poll ending Sept. 15, Teamsters selected Trump over Harris," noted Shelley Buer in the Buckeye State. "That's an endorsement without their President declaring – look it up, Buttercups."

Navy SEAL Team Obsessed: Yes, We Are

It's no great secret that Americans – especially in flyover states – are obsessed with television shows and movies about Navy SEALs: top tier operators who get the job done. SEALs – the good guys – beat the bad guys. We need heroes who are proud of this country and will lay down their lives so we can lay down our heads in comfort and be protected. It's that simple. So, when Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) was fired up after a second assassination attempt on Trump in as many months, he suggested that former President Donald Trump's security detail should be Navy SEALs.

Dawn Scruggs in Macon County, TN, was all in: "Yes, they are patriots. Obviously, some in the SS are not."

"They're trying to kill the only guy that has a chance to get this fixed," Tuberville said. "And of course, President Biden — I don't know who's running our country, but somebody needs to step up to the plate and at least act like you care about a Republican candidate. But they truly don't. They could care less."

"There needs to be SEAL teams," Tuberville said. "There needs to be military."

And Russ Boone in Tennessee couldn't agree more, with one caveat: "If politics are kept out of it, a Seal Team would be almost invincible."

From The Back Forty: "Hats off to all the Frogmen who fight for this nation without complaint."

The Gaga's Papa

Lady Gaga's house will be fun over the upcoming holidays. New York restauranter Joe Germanotta – Lady Gaga’s father – went on Fox News to endorse Trump.

"They're two vastly different people," Germanotta said, referencing Harris and Trump. "One of 'em is pure, and he's a patriot, and the other is just gonna say whatever she needs to say to get elected, and that's basically what I hear."

Germanotta continued mockingly, saying he was "tired of hearing about her neighbors' lawn," adding: "I'm into low fuel and food prices, right, low interest rates, good economy, pro-police. You can't get worse than it is now."

In Hothouse, NC, Rick Varnell pondered the thought: "So is Lady Gaga. She just doesn't want anyone to know."