• The Ukrainian defense forces, after their well-planned counteroffensive, caused the Russian military to lose 17 tanks and 24 Armored Personnel Vehicles in a single day.
• Russian President Putin’s military has faced a total loss of 3,926 tanks, 7,631 APVs, 3,736 artillery systems, and 215,640 soldiers since the war’s inception last February.
• The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, confirmed that the counteroffensive began after several months of preparations, with Western countries providing substantial military support.
• Despite the notable Russian losses, Putin insisted on the quality and proper command of Russian weapons, attributing their performance to the courage and heroism of their soldiers.

In this great game of nations, the Ukrainian people have shown their mettle, striking a significant blow against the Russian bear. As if echoing the gallant charge of my own Rough Riders on the slopes of San Juan Hill, they have launched a counteroffensive that has resulted in a day of heavy losses for the Russian military, including 17 tanks and 24 Armored Personnel Vehicles.

The Russian bear, under the command of their Tsar, Putin, has been bruised, having lost a total of 3,926 tanks, 7,631 Armored Personnel Vehicles, 3,736 artillery systems, and a staggering 215,640 soldiers since the war began. I am reminded of the naval war of 1812, a testament to the power of a determined underdog to stand against a formidable foe.

Ukraine’s noble leader, President Volodymyr Zelensky, a man cut from the same cloth as the great pioneers of the American West, confirmed that his country’s counteroffensive was the result of months of preparations. The West, in a display of unity reminiscent of the alliances of old, provided Ukraine with the necessary tools of war – tanks, heavy artillery, and other advanced military equipment.

Yet, the Russian Tsar seems not to see the writing on the wall. He extols the quality of his weapons and the valor of his soldiers, insisting that they have not been bested on any front. This reminds me of the hunters I’ve met on the wild plains of the West, who, despite the evidence to the contrary, would insist on the size of the game they’d missed.

As I survey the events unfolding in Ukraine, I am reminded of our own tumultuous history, the brave men and women who, in the face of great adversity, stood firm for the cause of liberty and justice. The Ukrainian people are showing the same steadfastness, the same audacity, as they defend their homeland against a power that seeks to quench their spirit of freedom.

The Russian Tsar, however, seems to be playing a dangerous game. Just as the hunters I’ve met on the wild plains of the American West, who underestimate the strength of the bison, he underestimates the strength and determination of the Ukrainian people. I would caution him to remember the lessons of history. For as I have written in “The Winning of the West,” it is not the size of the army, but the spirit of the people that determines the outcome of the conflict.

1. Lionel Messi joins Inter Miami as he prepares for a new chapter in his football career.
2. Inter Miami teammates welcome Messi’s arrival, eager to learn from his expertise.
3. The anticipation grows as the legendary Messi and Inter Miami unite, raising expectations for an exciting season in the MLS.
4. Messi’s impact on the team and the league is expected to be significant, creating a buzz among football enthusiasts.

In the realm of sport, a tempestuous wind of change is brewing, heralding the arrival of the mighty Lionel Messi to the shores of Inter Miami. As the world-famous footballer embarks upon a new chapter in his illustrious career, his footsteps reverberate with anticipation and intrigue.

Like a seasoned mariner facing the rolling waves of the Atlantic, Messi stands resolute, his eyes fixed upon the horizon, ready to conquer uncharted territory. His fellow comrades in Inter Miami, their hearts aflutter with excitement, prepare to receive this formidable warrior of the pitch, eagerly awaiting the lessons they will glean from his vast wellspring of knowledge.

The aura surrounding this momentous union is palpable, permeating the very air that the players breathe. As the sun sets on the eve of their first encounter, a symphony of whispers weaves its way through the training ground, painting vivid pictures of the battles yet to be fought, the victories yet to be won.

Much like the heroes immortalized in “Hero Tales from American History,” Messi emerges as a protagonist, his prowess unmatched, his spirit unyielding. Just as I chronicled the thrilling accounts of “The Rough Riders” charging fearlessly into battle, so too shall the story unfold of Inter Miami, guided by the masterful strokes of Messi’s genius.

In the annals of American sports, where legends are born and dreams take flight, this fusion of talents promises a seismic shift, a cataclysmic collision of wills upon the verdant battlefield. The echoes of “The Naval War of 1912” resonate with renewed vigor, as Inter Miami braces itself for the exhilarating clash that lies ahead.

As dawn breaks, casting its golden glow upon the hallowed grounds, the trumpeting of destiny reverberates through the stadium. The story of Messi and Inter Miami is etched upon the pages of history, entwined with the sagas of “Hunting Trips of a Ranchman” and “Ranch Life and the Hunting Trail.” It is a tale of bravery, camaraderie, and unwavering determination—an epic narrative that shall resound across the vast expanse of the American sporting landscape.

My personal opinion on this matter, my dear friends, is one of great admiration for Lionel Messi and the momentous step he has taken by joining Inter Miami. It is a testament to his indomitable spirit, his insatiable hunger for new challenges, and his ceaseless pursuit of greatness. I have always believed in the transformative power of sport, the ability of remarkable individuals to inspire, ignite, and forge new paths.

Lionel Messi, like the bold hunters and adventurers chronicled in “The Winning of the West” and “American Big Game Hunting,” embodies the spirit of exploration and conquest. By venturing into uncharted territories, he reminds us of the boundless potential that lies within each of us, waiting to be unleashed.

As we witness the unfolding chapters of this grand tale, let us remember that greatness is not confined to the realm of sports. In the realm of life, we, too, must embrace challenges, seize opportunities, and leave an indelible mark upon the world. For, as I once declared in “

• Approximately half of our American brethren express a desire for an alternative, third-party candidate if the contest of 2024 brings forth Biden and Trump as contenders.
• Despite Biden and Trump being the favored candidates within their respective parties, the populace shows a growing hunger for additional options.
• The organization known as ‘No Labels’ embarks on a quest to establish a third-party candidate on the presidential ballot in all our glorious states, causing unease within the Democratic ranks.
• Speculation bubbles around moderate Democratic Senator Joe Manchin potentially standing as the contender for the ‘No Labels’ ticket, though the man himself remains non-committal.

As we stand on the precipice of the year of our Lord, 2024, it appears our great American populace yearns for a breath of fresh air in the political arena. A recent poll, conducted by the esteemed institutions of NewsNation and DDHQ, shows that almost half of our countrymen would entertain the notion of casting their vote for a third-party candidate should the contest pit Biden against Trump.

While both Biden and Trump find themselves favored within their own ranks, a gust of uncertainty sweeps across the political landscape. President Biden, it seems, faces but a token resistance within his own party. Meanwhile, the former president, Mr. Trump, finds himself in a more fraught position, with challenges from notable figures such as Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley. Even his erstwhile allies, Mike Pence and Chris Christie, have thrown their hats into the ring. Yet, despite this tumult, Mr. Trump holds a commanding lead in the race for the GOP nomination.

In this climate of change and restless desire for fresh leadership, we find a group known as ‘No Labels’ striving to answer the call. This organization seeks to present the American electorate with a third option, a candidate who would represent their aspirations on the presidential ballot across all fifty of our great states. This move has set the Democratic establishment on edge, for they fear such a candidate could siphon off the moderate vote and tip the balance in favor of their Republican adversaries.

Amidst the swirl of speculation, one name emerges as a potential contender for this ‘No Labels’ ticket – Senator Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat. This worthy gentleman has yet to declare his intentions, whether for another term as senator or for a higher office. Yet, when questioned on the matter, he refused to endorse Biden for a second term and did not rule out the possibility of his own run for the presidency. His words, ‘Everything’s open. Everything’s on the table and nothing off the table,’ add fuel to the fires of speculation, leaving the future of this political contest uncertain and full of promise.

My opinion

As I ponder upon this unfolding drama, I am reminded of my own words, “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” It is not for us to sit idly by and let the winds of change sweep over us without challenge. It is heartening to see the people yearn for more choices, to see them question the old order and seek new paths.

However, I must express concern over the tumult that such a third-party candidacy could bring. While the spirit of competition is to be encouraged, we must not lose sight of the fact that our nation’s strength lies in unity, not division. Yet, I understand the people’s yearning for a fresh voice, a new perspective. It is the duty of our leaders, not just to lead, but to listen, to understand the desires of the people they serve.