The desire to bring new life into the world runs deep in human nature. We know instinctively that children are worthy of the greatest care, and that the mission of parents is among the noblest in life. If our natures did not tell us this so strongly, the pain of childbirth—with all the toil, trials, and heartbreak that follow—would never seem worth it.

The pain of unfulfilled desire for children runs equally and correspondingly deep. In Jewish and Christian Scripture, infertility is almost a byword for anguish, much as having children is a byword for joy, chief among the blessings of God (“Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine…” “The barren wife shall bear seven sons….”). From the beginning of our species to its present, the importance of raising and forming the next generation has been self-evident to all generations.

Like all good desires, it must be guided by reason. We see so painfully today and across history how seeking to fulfill natural and good desires in unnatural and distorted ways leads to chaos and unhappiness. Consider how the yearning for intimacy and for belonging has led to so much confusion in the areas of sexuality, identity, and gender. So many attempt to satiate these yearnings in disordered ways and are left unhappy and unfulfilled.

Likewise, even the powerfully good desire for children will, if unguided and unchecked, cause serious harm. Conversely, if rightly guided, that same desire will drive the healthy building up of the family and society. With this in mind, how does IVF fit into the picture?

The Ethics and Implications of IVF

On the surface, IVF might seem like a good way to support couples who strongly desire children. In a time of rising infertility, when many hesitate to bring children into the world, shouldn’t we help people fulfill the dream of having children of their own?

Yet laudable as those ends are, the means of IVF raise major moral concerns.

If it really is true—as pro-lifers have argued from the beginning of the abortion debate—that life begins at conception, then IVF almost always leads to the destruction of some of the human lives it creates. Only a small percentage of them will ever be born.

The children created by IVF are the subject of contracts. They are bought, stored, used, donated, or discarded like property. In what other context would we approve of freezing and storing human children indefinitely? Or (as when donor sperm or eggs are used) willfully depriving them of the chance to know their biological mother and father?

There is also the ever-looming temptation of eugenics. Doctors typically try to select the “best” embryos to implant, and it is also common to select embryos for other characteristics, such as sex. The temptation to “perfect” our God-given humanity is great.

But even if we could guarantee that no lives would be destroyed, that the biological mother and father were the ones bearing and raising the child, and that anything that smelled of eugenics was banned, there still remains a deeper issue that makes the creation of children outside the womb fundamentally wrong.

Simply put: IVF takes the creation of a new human life out of its proper context. With IVF, the cause of new life is no longer the embrace of the parents, but the tools of a stranger. The place where life begins is not the sanctuary of the mother’s womb, but the cold and sterile environment of a lab. The very bodies of men and women point to the reality that new life is meant to come from the free and loving intimacy of a man and a woman. Across time and culture, mankind has sought to protect this truth through the institution of marriage. Humans have recognized—not only for the good of the couple and their children, but also for society itself—that the loving bond between man and wife is the natural and best source of new life.

IVF thus undermines the same fundamental principle that the sexual revolution sought to destroy—that sex has as its ends both the union of man and wife and the creation of children. The war on monogamy and the LGBTQ movement devalued the union of man and wife; abortion in its various forms thwarted the fruitful purpose of that union.

We can see today the devastation that this war on sexual reality has caused: the breakdown of families, a general confusion about sexuality, and millions dead to abortion. It is not enough just to point these things out and argue against the immorality of the sexual revolution and its aftermath. We need strong, loving, rightly ordered marriages open to life to showcase the truth, the beauty, and ultimately the joy that comes as a result of following this fundamental principle. We have to show that life is a gift that comes from love. It is not something we create but something that we accept.

A Word on Infertility

This knowledge might seem little comfort to those who struggle with infertility. To miss out on one of life’s greatest gifts might seem a weight too great to bear. But there are reasons for courage and hope.

Many couples have struggled with this suffering. Some, believing or being told they would never have a child, were given one. There are technologies and medications that help couples conceive naturally without taking conception out of its proper context. Another option is adoption—a wonderful way to bring a child into the context of a loving relationship they might not otherwise have had.

There is a third way, too. Couples could look at infertility as an opportunity to be fruitful in other ways that would not be possible with biological children of their own. They could live out a sort of spiritual motherhood or fatherhood through service and presence to the many who need such a figure in their lives. Throughout history, many men and women who had no children of their own mirrored the role of a parent through their sacrifice and devotion: George Washington, Mother Theresa, and Father Damien are some examples. It is no coincidence that so many of these men and women were called by the title “Father” or “Mother.”

Technology today can numb us to many pains. But there are still many forms of suffering that can only be eliminated at a great and unacceptable cost. For one who truly appreciates the blessing that children can be, the cross of childlessness may be a hard one to bear—but it is not a fruitless one.

The post How to Conceive of Conception appeared first on The American Mind.

SUCCOTH — Local patriarch Jacob was reportedly confused this week when his wife, Leah, appeared unimpressed with the Valentine's Day card he gave her that read, "I love you almost as much as I love your sister."

On President Donald Trump’s social media platform, someone in the administration–the White House offered different versions of how this happened–posted a 62-second cartoon video set to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

This was posted on a Thursday night and, following cries of “racism,” was removed by noon the following day. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the reaction “fake outrage.” Trump said: “I guess during the end of it, there was some kind of picture people don’t like. I wouldn’t like it either, but I didn’t see it. I just, I looked at the first part, and it was really about voter fraud.”

Asked by a reporter, if he condemns the racist part of the video, Trump said, “Of course I do.”

The video shows Trump’s head attached to a lion confidently strolling through the jungle. Other animals dance as the Trump lion saunters through. On the heads of the other animals are well-known Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Joe Biden, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and others.

Near the end for about one second, the video showed the heads of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama on the heads of monkeys. A screenshot of the Barack and Michelle heads on apes went viral. That Biden’s face was on that of a banana-eating orangutan did not seem to disturb anyone.

The outrage was predictable. “Racist” Donald Trump strikes again! Those crying out included Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer.

Jeffries said, “He definitively needs to apologize. It was a disgusting video … even a handful of Republicans … finally showed some backbone in pushing back against the president’s malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.”

But Jeffries has his own record of “malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.” As a college student, Jeffries praised two of the country’s most prominent antisemites — his uncle and City College of New York professor Leonard Jeffries, who compared Jews to “dogs” and “skunks” and claimed “rich Jews financed the slave trade, and Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan, who has a decadeslong record of antisemitism.

Hakeem has long insisted he only “vaguely remembers” defending them. But, in 2023, CNN reported the Binghamton University Black Student Union, of which Hakeem was a leader, invited Uncle Leonard to speak. When Jewish students protested, Hakeem “led a press conference” to defend his uncle, despite later saying that “he did not recall any press coverage” of the controversy.

CNN said Jeffries’ 1992 op-ed undermines claims he wasn’t aware of uncle’s antisemitic controversy. Hakeem wrote that his uncle challenges the “existing white supremacist educational system and long-standing distortion of history. His reward has been a media lynching complete with character assassinations and inflammatory, erroneous accusations.”

In a research paper called “Dr. Jeffries and the Anti-Semitic Branch of the Afrocentrism Movement,” Kenneth Stern with the American Jewish Committee wrote, “… Leonard Jeffries was already known for his teaching that blacks are racially superior to whites because blacks, whom he calls ‘sun people,’ have more melanin in their skin than whites, whom he calls ‘ice people.'” But Hakeem defended his uncle.

After this CNN report, the Republican Jewish Coalition said, “Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries owes the Jewish community an explanation as to why he lied and attempted to cover up his defense of these revolting antisemites.”

At the time, Hakeem also described black conservatives as “token,” “opportunists” and “house negroes.” He wrote: “Clarence Thomas was appointed by George Bush to the highest court in the nation. Colin Powell was appointed by George Bush to lead the military establishment ‘policemen of the Wall Street Bankers.'”

As for Schumer, he called the video “racist. Vile. Abhorrent.” Yet, in 1974, the then-freshman New York assemblyman proposed a blatantly racist scheme to appease whites by ridding blacks from their New York neighborhood. Read the 2006 “American Spectator” article “Race to the Top” by a writer who was present when Schumer outlined his plan.

Democrats and the media, who lick their chops to pounce on “racist” Trump, are silent about Jeffries’ record of antisemitism and indifferent about the allegations of Schumer’s anti-black racism. 

We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal.

The post Jeffries and Schumer Denounce Trump’s ‘Racist’ Video–but Who Are They to Complain? appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Luth-AR’s Globe Charging Handle replaces the traditional latch with a spring-loaded metal ball for improved grip. Will this simple $49 upgrade makes a real difference?

The post Luth-AR Globe Charging Handle: Why Didn’t I Think Of That? appeared first on The Truth About Guns.

Gun Owners of America Launches State of the Second, Its First Digital Magazine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 13, 2026

Springfield, VA – Gun Owners of America (GOA) is proud to announce the launch of State of the Second, the organization’s first-ever digital magazine and a new exclusive benefit for GOA members.

Building upon the success of GOA’s State of the Second Podcast, the new digital publication expands the State of the Second brand into long-form storytelling and analysis, tailored specifically for gun owners.

State of the Second will provide GOA members with in-depth, original content that blends advocacy, industry insight, and exclusive access. The magazine will feature expert gun reviews from trusted voices within the firearms industry, behind-the-scenes factory tours that take members inside some of the top brands in the firearms space, and substantive coverage of Second Amendment advocacy efforts. Through reporting on legislation, court battles, grassroots activism, and the broader cultural fight for the right to keep and bear arms, State of the Second will equip members with both the knowledge and perspective needed to defend their freedoms.

Kailey Nieman, Co-Host of the State of the Second for Gun Owners of America, added: 

“As our podcast audience has grown, so has the demand for deeper analysis and more immersive content. State of the Second allows us to build on that foundation by delivering a premium publication that informs, educates, and energizes our members—both on the policy front and within the firearms community.”

Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement:

“GOA is committed to serving our members, and we are thrilled to be adding yet another benefit for them. It’s the grassroots that propel GOA and its mission to protect, defend and restore the Second Amendment. This magazine helps us share the stories that the mainstream media doesn’t want to tell and the real impact that only GOA members are making.”

As a digital-first publication, State of the Second reflects GOA’s continued investment in modern communications and member engagement, ensuring supporters have access to timely, relevant, and impactful content in an evolving media landscape.

The magazine will be published digitally and made available exclusively to GOA members as part of their membership benefits, reinforcing GOA’s mission to educate, mobilize, and lead the grassroots fight for constitutional freedom.

GOA spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit, grassroots lobbying organization representing millions of members and activists nationwide, dedicated to preserving and defending the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.

Source

BLUE SPRINGS, MO — One of nature's most wondrous events was on full display at one suburban home this week, as a local husband followed his innate instinct to enter his annual hibernation period between the Super Bowl and Major League Baseball Opening Day.

Former CNN host Don Lemon pleaded not guilty in federal court in Minnesota Friday for accompanying agitators who invaded a Sunday service in a Minnesota church, Reuters reports. 

Lemon, who professes he was covering the outburst in the church as a journalist, and eight agitators were charged with conspiracy in violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1994, a law that specifically bans obstruction or threats at places of worship and abortion clinics. 

A federal grand jury in Minnesota indicted Lemon and others for alleged conspiracy against the right of religious freedom at a place of worship, as well as conspiracy to intimidate and interfere with exercise of the right of religious freedom at a place of worship.

The case appears to be about Lemon’s First Amendment right to press freedom, juxtaposed with federal laws protecting church attendees.

Federal prosecutors allege that Lemon participated in the planning of the intrusion at Cities Church in St. Paul on Jan. 18. 

Lemon’s defense is that he was merely observing and covering the disruption and had the First Amendment right to document it as a news event. 

Agitators entered the church carrying signs opposing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

The post Lemon Arraigned in Court After Charges on Church Invasion appeared first on The Daily Signal.

After CBS News gave a teary-eyed account of a Chicago man detained by the Department of Homeland Security for being in America illegally, DHS made it clear that that weepy […]

The post DHS Nukes CBS for Drumming Up Sympathy for Illegal Alien 'Caretaker' Accused of Ramming ICE Agents appeared first on The Western Journal.

Americans are losing love for their country. The education system is taking our young in a different direction by dismissing our nation’s past and introducing ideologies contradicting our founding principles. Much of our culture seems determined to treat America’s 250th birthday with condemnation rather than celebration. 

Yet, in this age of pessimism toward our nation’s past, Matthew Spalding offered a new invitation: to fall in love with America again—by rediscovering the story and principles of the Declaration of Independence. 

The Hillsdale College professor introduced his new book, “The Making of the American Mind: The Story of Our Declaration of Independence,” this week at the Washington, D.C., campus of Hillsdale College. 

Spalding’s introductory speech highlighted the beauty of the declaration, its founding truths, the role of prudence, and the use of theology. 

America is beautiful not only because of its land, but because of its story, he explained. “We have this wonderful document, like a symphony; has different tones, different speeds, moments. It all comes together.”   

Spalding underscored that the declaration invokes prudence as a governing standard. He argued that this principle is the document’s hinge point, the mechanism that allows leaders to navigate between reality and abstract truth. He noted, “Politics requires us sometimes to make compromises. To do things that are imperfect, because we’re imperfect.”   

Spalding emphasizes the fact that “God appears five times in the declaration … notice how those references to God become more personal and intimate as God proceeds? Such that by the end, this creator, God, now sees into our hearts.”  

History, he shared, has pointed back to the references to God in the decades following the declaration. The uprising and resistance of America’s Founding Fathers against the British reminds us of our defensiveness and freedom we have in our Creator. Abraham Lincoln’s first speech in Chicago reminds the audience to remember our Creator. 

Our country’s independence story is a testament about our patriotism. It is “what makes America exceptional.” 

Capturing the Imagination of Students 

After his speech, Spalding answered audience questions. One asked, “What is your advice for teaching middle school students how to fall in love with America again?”   

Spalding responded: “We often are too academic. We like to talk about parties and principles … and sometimes we forget what captures the imagination … capture the imagination, then you can do it. And what’s so exciting about the American Revolution, which is a wonderful story, is what happened.” 

In an earlier interview with The Daily Signal, Spalding explained his passion for teaching the next generation, saying his ultimate goal is to “help them fall in love with their country again.”  

He added that understanding American history can help young people address the challenges they face. They “are looking for something that’s strong and sacrificial and manly. Our founding tells that story. And it’s that American spirit that then creates these great heroes and will hopefully inspire and create other great Americans in the future going forward.”   

The post How to Fall in Love With America Again appeared first on The Daily Signal.