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Listen to the podcast on Inkandescent Radio Ep16 Tim’s Travails: This month we interview journalist and children’s book author Karen Leggett Abouraya About Karen's book, illustrated by Susan L. Roth: Zamzam is a young boy who enjoys life with his Egyptian grandparents in Alexandria, Egypt, and his American grandparents in New York City. He shares big and small differences in his daily experiences in each country—including phrases in Arabic and English—but ultimately realizes that the most important experiences are the same across cultures. Read

Ep16 Tim’s Travails: This month we interview journalist and children’s book author Karen Leggett Abouraya

August 2026 — This month on IP attorney and author Timothy Trainer’s podcast/video show we talk about the art of writing books for kids and adults with journalist and children’s book author Karen Leggett Abouraya

Today’s Topic: What it means to write well!

Tim asks:

How did you go from being a broadcast journalist to writing children’s books?
Your book talks about the similarities among all people — whether they live in New York or Egypt. What inspired you to tackle this topic?
What do you want kids around the world to know based on this story?
The book is for your grandson. How does he feel about being featured?
What are you working on now?

About our guest: Karen Leggett Abouraya was surrounded by writing and books in her youth. Her father was a journalist and her mother a school librarian. Karen is an award-winning broadcast journalist, as she worked in the field for more than two decades. She began reviewing and discussing children’s books on ABC WMAL Radio in Washington, D.C. She has also reviewed children’s books and interviewed authors for the Washington Post, New York Times, the Baltimore Sun, Children’s Literature, Washington Parent and others. She is a widely published freelance author and actively involved in disability advocacy in her home state of Maryland. Karen graduated from Brown University (international relations). Karen has received a long list of awards for her books (e.g., Children’s Africana Book Awards for Best Books for Young Children, California Reading Association Eureka Silver Honor Award, Middle East Studies Association Best Picture Book) and journalism (e.g., Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association, Education Writers Association). Learn more: karenleggettabouraya.com

About Karen’s latest book, Zamzam: Zamzam is a young boy who enjoys life with his Egyptian grandparents in Alexandria, Egypt, and his American grandparents in New York City. He shares big and little differences in his daily experiences in each country – including phrases in Arabic and English — but ultimately realizes that the most important experiences are exactly the same across cultures. Illustrations by Susan L. Roth.

Click here to buy your copies of the book!

What critics are saying about the 2025 Children’s Africana Book Award for Best Picture Book:

“Educators have an opportunity to discuss their students’ own experiences with family members from around the country or the world and have them compare similarities and differences of their cultures.” — A Book and a Hug

“Page after page weaves a message of difference into a fabric of harmony, across continents and customs, contexts and cultures, showing a seamless, integrated life that is bridged by love in both directions…The sweetness of the text is well-matched by the whimsy of the art in a way that every child can enjoy. A true pleasure to see and share!” — Andrea E. Stumpf, author of Memoirs of an Arabian Princess

“Conveying that even though sights and sounds and language might be different, the love is the same. The book does a good job of not othering one set or making one seem better than the other. It also weaves in Arabic words and culture.” — Edelweiss

Photos of Tim by AnnaGibbs.com

About Tim’s Travails: In this podcast/video sereis, IP attorney and author Tim Trainer introduce us to experts around the country who have insight into the law, international trade, and more, to help us better understand our world in 2025 and beyond.

Tim, himself, fits the bill for he worked for three decades for the US government and private law firms focusing on international trade, and has developed a deep understanding of global economics and politics.

Writing books is his passion. The author of seven books as of 2025, he has penned several non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2020. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2017, Pendulum Over the Pacific was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains. In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection. In December 2024, he followed it with The China Factor.

Stay tuned for more episodes on InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv, and of course, log in regularly for new blog entries and other information on Tim’s website, www.TimothyTrainer.com.

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August 13, 2026 — The Great Blind Spot: Immigrants

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Image: britannica.com/topic/Project-Paperclip

Today, immigrants are one of our greatest targets for blame and our great blind spot. Immigrants live among us, work among us, and do a lot of jobs that native born individuals don’t want to do. They are everywhere. Given the political rhetoric and how that rhetoric has been embraced by many, many would like to deport them, many overlook them, many sneer at them, and many have no clue that our current hypocrisy toward the issue of immigrants, legal or otherwise, makes little sense.

Indeed, the U.S. has embraced foreigners if they contribute the “right” way. We’ve overlooked and ignored some egregious wartime activity of enemies in order to benefit from what they have to offer. As World War II ended, the U.S. Government sponsored World War II immigration of German and Austrian scientists and technicians to exploit their knowledge for military and industrial purposes as part of Project Paperclip: Operation Paperclip | Definition, History, & World War II | Britannica.

Perhaps the most famous and well-known rocket scientist brought to the U.S. was Wernher von Braun. Wernher von Braun and the Nazis | American Experience | Official Site | PBS. He was a member of the Nazi Party and an SS officer. He and his team of rocket scientists developed the V-2 rocket used to target London, Paris and Antwerp. He and his team were part of the German war machine that killed thousands of people. Nevertheless, at the end of the war, the U.S. overlooked his war time activity in support of Hitler’s Germany to bring him and his team of over a hundred to the U.S. and employed them. Wernher von Braun – NASA. He contributed to the U.S. space program by working for both the U.S. Army and NASA.

Today, if one listens only to the political drivel from the Administration there are no positive contributors among the tens of thousands of immigrants coming to the U.S. The State Department reported days ago that it has revoked 175,000 visas during this Administration’s time in office. State Department Revokes More Than 175,000 Visas – United States Department of State.

With the anti-immigrant sentiment that pervades, it’s easy to ignore or be blind to the contributions many have made. The notion that immigrants from countries that Trump has identified as the worst type of place to be from could deliver exceptional individuals may be difficult to accept, but it happens.

Nigerian born Philip Emeagwali came to the U.S. to study computer science and mathematics. In 1989, emulating the bees’ honeycomb construction, this Nigerian born immigrant used 65,000 processors to invent the world’s fastest computer that performed computations at a rate of 3.1 billion calculations per second. He was awarded the Gordon Bell Prize – the Nobel Prize for computation. Dr. Philip Emeagwali: Inventor of the World’s Fastest Computer — Famous Black Inventors.

Fazlur Rahman Khan was Muslim and from Bangladesh. He specialized in building skyscrapers and pioneered a structural system of frame tubes and was considered by some in his profession as the Einstein of structural engineering. The Muslims who shaped America – from brain surgeons to rappers | Islam | The Guardian.

Pakistan born Dr. Ayub Khan Ommaya developed a device to deliver drugs directly to the brain. Because of its groundbreaking technology, it changed treatment of brain tumors and enabled medical professionals to administer medication with precision. The device Dr. Ommaya created is now known as the Ommaya reservoir. Dr Ayub Khan Ommaya (1930–2008): The eventful life of a revolutionary neurosurgeon – PMC.

Of course, not all those who are born abroad and come (or brought) to the U.S. contribute like those above. It’s well-documented that Melania Trump, the “First Lady” (Slovenia, Yugoslavia at that time of her birth) was a model. Where is Melania Trump from? | Britannica.

As the political re-election season heats up in the coming weeks, the current anti-immigration campaign is likely to be an important talking point for the GOP. The one talking point that won’t be heard is about Congress’s own inability to do the hard work of reforming the U.S. immigration legal structure, though they might provide funds for immigration judges to deal with today’s unworkable framework. While there will always be some bad individuals crossing the border and entering the U.S., the scorecard on how immigrants contribute appears to favor the country trying to keep them out.

There will be little or nothing said about the nearly $100 billion that undocumented immigrant workers paid in federal, state and local taxes. While politicians will accuse undocumented workers of denying citizens services, they won’t clarify the point that these immigrants’ payroll taxes fund Social Security, Medicare and unemployment insurance which they are barred from accessing. Tax Payments by Undocumented Immigrants – ITEP.

As the Administration works to deny entry, prevent entry, deport people and revoke visas, the question must be asked: As we attempt to protect our borders to keep the criminal elements out, have we inflicted another wound on ourselves. Have we discouraged a generation of great contributors from coming to our shores and injecting new ideas and thoughts that are necessary to refresh and encourage progress?

About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector, and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights;the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

August 7, 2026 — Purple Heart Day

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Image: T. Trainer, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster earned by author’s father for wounds received in Korea and Vietnam

August 7^th is officially Purple Heart Day. On August 7, 1782, George Washington created the “Badge for Military Merit”. At that time, it wasn’t bestowed on those wounded or killed in action but presented to soldiers for meritorious action. George Washington creates the Purple Heart | August 7, 1782 | HISTORY. This original medal was awarded more in line with the requirements of today’s Medal of Honor. The original badge was made of silk. The silk badge was purple and heart-shaped with the word “Merit” stitched across the badge.

On George Washington’s 200^th birthday in 1932, the U.S. War Department (the official agency name from 1789-1947) created the Order of the Purple Heart. George Washington creates the Purple Heart | August 7, 1782 | HISTORY. The Order of the Purple Heart, the oldest American military decoration for military merit, is awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who have been killed or wounded in action against an enemy or may thereafter die of wounds received. A Purple Heart is authorized for the first wound suffered under conditions as prescribed, but for each subsequent award an Oak Leaf Cluster is awarded and worn on the Purple Heart Medal or Ribbon: hrc.army.mil. The Army’s website provides detailed criteria for awarding the Purple Heart.

Sadly, we’re adding hundreds of new recipients of the Purple Heart due to hostilities with Iran. Thus far, there have been 18 service members killed and over 600 injured. Pentagon says new Iran war casualties category tied to end of Operation Epic Fury. Information disclosed in response to a Freedom of Information Act request indicates that head trauma is disproportionately high among those who have been injured since the U.S. initiated the war earlier this year. Shrapnel, broken bones and head trauma: New records show how US troops were wounded in Iran war.

As this on-again, off-again war progresses, it is worth reminding ourselves of the tens of thousands of service members deployed around the world. We should be aware that at any given moment the U.S. or an adversary might initiate hostilities that result in death or injury to our troops. Service members and their families continue to pay a heavy price for their service. It is incumbent upon the rest of us to demand that the U.S. isn’t the one initiating hostilities unless there are clearly articulated reasons and objectives and a commitment to provide the best health care available to those who are injured.

“The Fortunate Son,” by Timothy Trainer

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

August 3, 2026 — The Fauci Effect: Political Theater Actors

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Image source: Wikipedia

It’s difficult to understand what all the GOP politicians are mad about. Last week’s hearing on Capitol Hill gives them more time in front of the spotlight, more air-time in front of television cameras, phone cameras and whatever other device can capture this new “outrage”. Of course, this new round exposes their anti-science, anti-common-sense approach to try and save lives. Did they want more people to die from covid? Did they want those who contracted covid to suffer longer? Did they want people to be hospitalized longer? The only thing that seems clear is that it’s a great diversion from a fellow GOP congressman fighting his sexual abuse allegations from an ex-wife or the U.S.-Iran war or how tariffs are raising prices on everyday U.S. consumers.

GOP elected officials are upset that Fauci invoked the 5^th Amendment during last week’s hearing. Actually, the amendment is there for a reason and we all (should) know that the felon in the White House invoked it over 400 times during a deposition. Trump invokes Fifth Amendment nearly 450 times in N.Y. AG’s civil probe of his business practices. Given the GOP political class’s embrace of the felon who deftly used and relied on the 5th Amendment against self-incrimination, it’s surprising that Fauci isn’t receiving a medal from the GOP for having learned something from their cult leader and felon.

In the aftermath of last week’s hearing, it becomes apparent that many GOP politicians always wanted to be actors. They are now perfecting political theater to grandstand to make their statements in the hopes of headlines. Over the weekend, it was announced that “Louisiana will join Alabama & Florida in investigating Fauci and whether he committed any other offenses that could be pursued in our State courts.” Louisiana AG Liz Murrill to investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci following Senate hearing. Other offenses? What offenses has he already committed? Exercising a constitutional right is NOT an offense. These same people have no outrage toward their cult leader who took the fifth 400+ times.

But let’s move on. Some of the basic initial responses to covid: distancing and masks that so many opposed were some of the most basic common-sense recommendations. Over 100 years ago, with the Spanish flu and other illnesses that rampaged through the population, public health officials recommended basic steps to combat disease. “In the military camps, soldiers were instructed to eat five feet apart in the mess halls. Head to foot sleeping was also implemented to reduce the sharing of air space.” The 1918 Influenza Pandemic: Response. Maybe, the public health folks were on to something.

The U.S.’s entry into World War I provided health officials with a unique opportunity to observe and react to illnesses when thousands of people were suddenly crammed into small spaces. It also provided health officials opportunities to test and develop new practices. “Respiratory disease is a major medical problem for military personnel living in close quarters. Crowded conditions are often found at military training barracks, classrooms, dining facilities, tent cities, and deployment staging areas.” https://ph.health.mil/resources/Barracks%20Layout%20Jan%202010.pdf.

The more one looks at what the public health community has learned from examining practices in the military, the more it becomes obvious that today’s political actors don’t want to understand what has been observed and learned. “To minimize disease agent transmissions, the normal sleeping space allowance for persons in basic training is prescribed at not less than 72 square feet of floor space per person . . . .” https://www.armymwr.com/application/files/5615/3675/0457/DA_PAM_40-11_Preventive_Medicine.pdf. These are things observed and learned well in advance of covid.

In a two-page fact sheet prepared by the U.S. Army Public Health Command, it states that respiratory diseases are transmitted when “infected people expel viruses when they cough, sneeze or talk” and “droplets are propelled a short distance and can either land on or be breathed in by another person”. https://ph.health.mil/resources/Barracks%20Layout%20Jan%202010.pdf. Given how these diseases are transmitted, it makes sense to either keep some distance and/or wear a mask. Interestingly, the military health officials identified the risks and ways to reduce those risks to maintain a ready force.

“When the COVID-causing pathogen emerged, it was a virus that was completely new to science, and authorities understood very little about its transmissibility or any other features. . . . In this environment of uncertainty and rapidly shifting available information, some emergency decisions were made that later proved to be errors and were corrected when frenetic research provided more information.” The Science Behind COVID’s Six-Foot Rule | Scientific American.

In view of the pre-covid era work by public health officials and their understanding of respiratory diseases and transmission, the idea that Fauci is somehow guilty of something worthy of wasting more taxpayer time and revenue is due only to politicians’ need for theater, more attention and the exercise of power. In the end, it looks more like Fauci and his colleagues erred on the side of being overly cautious to protect the public in confronting something that was new and unknown.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

July 28, 2026 — Trump Governs for Trump

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Image sources: cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov • Thakur v. Trump

Some U.S. citizens have known this for years: the current White House occupant governs for himself. This is not truly an “administration” so much as it is about one person’s empowerment and one person’s self-enrichment. He does not oversee the country in a manner that helps those who voted for him. To say that he engages in any deep thought relating to decisions is giving him (and his advisors?) too much credit. He governs and makes decisions that are first and foremost about satisfying his needs, his cravings. Between his desire to project power (bullying?) and satisfying his pursuit of retribution politics, there’s no room to do anything that would equate to progress for the country.

There is now concrete evidence of this style of “self-governance”, and it exists in the administration’s court filing in recent days. In the case of Thakur v. Trump, the parties suing the administration argued that federal grants had been unlawfully terminated or suspended. The parties initiating the case also raised constitutional issues that their free speech and due process rights were violated. (Here’s a detailed summary of motions, procedures at Thakur v. Trump 3:25-cv-04737 (N.D. Cal.) | Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse.)

Because of a preliminary injunction imposed on the government by the district court judge and the judge’s decision to provisionally certify plaintiffs as a class, the federal government agencies appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Ninth Circuit provided a detailed discussion on the law supporting plaintiffs’ claim of free speech violations by the government. The Court of Appeals reached conclusions about the provisional class certifications by recognizing one class but not another. Ultimately, the Court of Appeals affirmed parts and reversed parts of the district court’s decision and remanded the case to the district court for further proceedings: cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov.

Case: Thakur v. Trump

Unfortunately for Trump, the Department of Energy acknowledged to the district court that:

With one exception, the 284 terminated grants had a recipient location and/or at least one place of performance in a state that awarded its electoral votes to Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and has two Democratic-caucusing Senators (“Blue State” grants).
The remaining approximately 340 grants proposed for termination were not terminated in October 2025, and they have not since been terminated. All such grants had a recipient location and/or at least one place of performance in a state that awarded its electoral votes to President Trump in the 2024 election or has at least one Republican-caucusing Senator (“non-Blue State”).
DOE accepts that the inclusion of grants in the October notice tranche was based solely on the political identity of the grant recipient’s state, i.e., whether the recipient’s location and/or place of performance was in a Blue State or a non-Blue State. DOE will not contend that it looked beyond the prime grantee(s) to consider the political identity or geographic distribution of downstream beneficiaries of the grant funds.
DOE accepts that the differential treatment resulting in the October 2025 termination of Blue State grants and the non-termination of non-Blue State grants was not based on a rational connection between the recipient’s location and/or place of performance and DOE’s past or current agency priorities. gov.uscourts.cand.450653.211.6.pdf.

Read for yourself the documents and other statements that the government submitted and concedes regarding its actions against states voting for Trump’s political rivals.

Here’s an element of this approach that needs stating.

In every state where Trump’s political rival took the electoral votes, there are many individuals who voted for Trump. Yet, his actions, his instructions to his minions are to turn his back on the millions of his own supporters in states that have demonstrated a majority vote for someone other than him or his handpicked choice. It becomes obvious that he and his administration are incapable of considering the possibility that by taking punitive political actions like those exposed in these documents many who supported him become victims of his revenge tactics.

The Energy Department’s stipulations in court documents are clear evidence of Trump’s governing style that has been obvious from the beginning. Nothing he does is about governing. His actions are about the constant need to satisfy and mollify his personal needs. He is, indeed, the Commander-of-Corruption.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

July 23, 2026 — Mali: A Military Target or Is There Something Else?

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

No, really, no joke. Headlines on numerous news organizations’ homepages report that the U.S. is considering military action in another country: Trump administration weighs military options in Mali, officials say | The Washington Post. The Washington Post article characterizes the Mali government as a repressive military government. Maybe that’s what attracts our wannabe dictator to help those in power in Mali, as the article also states that we’ve increased our intel sharing with the repressive government.

Actually, the articles reporting on the possibility of military action aren’t all that clear as to the “why” except to say that there is “an al-Qaeda-linked group in Mali:” Trump considers military strikes in Mali — which would be the 8th country he’s attacked this term | The Independent.

Given the way this administration operates, it’s doubtful that it’s this simple. There are groups like al-Qaeda operating in many countries and we’re not bombing them … yet. We know how transactional this administration, specifically Trump, is.

It isn’t surprising that the U.S. (Trump) suddenly has an interest in Mali. One article highlights an interesting fact about Mali by underscoring that “Mali, one of the largest gold-producing nations in Africa”. Is that the attraction for Trump? His family? His friends? Is it pure speculation to think that Mali has something Trump and his family want. Or, what about some of the others in this administration who are finding that they can enrich themselves through government self-service?

Mali’s resources aren’t limited to gold. According to a May 2026 Al-Jazeera article, “Mali also has significant deposits of lithium, uranium, phosphates, iron ore, manganese and diamonds.” Mapping Mali’s gold and natural resource wealth | Interactive News | Al Jazeera. This short list of resources includes enough to attract attention given today’s competitive world and the U.S.’s need to find alternative sources for valuable natural resources that power many of today’s tech products.

The notion that the U.S./Trump would consider military action simply because of a terror group’s presence in a country seems unlikely. The terror group explanation might be the official government version to cover up the real reason: gold, lithium, uranium, etc. At this point, we, the people, should realize that basically all Trump actions and decisions are predicated upon getting something in return. What might Mali offer to the U.S. or Trump personally to encourage our military action?

Given the rising number of deaths on all sides in Iran, how many more military misadventures should we allow this one man to pursue? The Iran situation is concrete evidence of this administration’s inability to apply strategic analysis to possible actions that will be taken. This leaves us with only one thing to ask about what the administration might do: What’s in it for Trump?

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

July 13, 2026 — Numbers, Really BIG Numbers

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Image source: visualcapitalist.com

We’re going to defeat Iran for the umpteenth time as we’ve restarted the bombing campaign. Are we hallucinating, or were we told we’d won already? This military misadventure has caused this inept administration to ask Congress for billions more because of the price tag associated with military operations in the Middle East/Gulf region.

The U.S. defense budget for fiscal year 2026 was over a trillion dollars ($1,088.7 billion/$1,088,700,000,000): Unpacking the $1.5 Trillion FY 2027 Defense Budget Topline. It might be easier to think about that number in a different way. The 2026 defense budget equates to spending $34,522.00 every SECOND. It probably isn’t much of a stretch to think that many U.S. households would like to have a yearly income equal to three or four seconds of that defense budget to house, feed, clothe, and provide health care for the family.

Because defense is crucial to our national security, this administration seeks more, a lot more, for defense in its fiscal year 2027 defense budget request. Unable to operate and manage a trillion-dollar budget, it’s asking Congress to hand over $1,541.4 billion for fiscal year 2027 ($1,541,700,000,000). Given the length of that number, here it is broken down in seconds: $48,887 per SECOND.

Given the mismanagement and poor decision-making already demonstrated in the use of our military, it would be beyond irresponsible for Congress to approve a request for such a large budget increase. It raises questions about why such a large increase in the budget is necessary. Of course, one obvious reason for the increase is that we must now replenish depleted stockpiles of drones, bombs, and missiles. Attempting to dictate how the money is to be used is useless with this administration because it would simply ignore restrictions on the use of appropriated funds.

Numbers in trillions or hundreds of billions are difficult to comprehend. Thinking about what that number looks like on a per-second or per-minute basis puts into perspective just how much money we are giving any government agency or department. As this administration seeks to spend nearly $50,000 per second for the Defense Department, under its requested 2027 budget, there is nothing improper about asking questions about how all these billions will be spent, especially as the same administration cuts back on disaster preparedness, health programs, basic nutrition needs of citizens, education, and many other programs.

Ultimately, taxpayers, i.e., voters, need to “speak” out through contacts with members of Congress and in the voting booth. Handing over such a large defense budget to this Criminal-in-Chief may be viewed as permission to initiate more wars of choice.

Timothy Trainer in Washington, DC. Photo by AnnaGibbs.com

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

July 6, 2026 — An Officer and an Oath

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Image: militarytimes.com

An interesting event occurred on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on July 3rd. A uniformed U.S. Air Force officer attended a Removal Coalition event that included a serving member of Congress. The Removal Coalition is an activist group. Apparently, the Air Force major believes that the Commander-in-Chief and the Vice President have failed to honor their oaths of office: Air Force Detains Officer Who Called for Trump’s Impeachment at Capitol – The New York Times. There’s that “silly” oath that every government official (elected officials and those hired into a federal government position) and members of the military swear to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

The catalog of laws and constitutional rights this administration has violated is easy to find. Courts at every level have issued opinions finding actions of this administration contrary to law or constitutional rights. Courts at every level have instructed the administration to correct its conduct to conform to the laws of the United States.

Major Watson is quoted to have said that “Congress remains unconvinced of the urgency and necessity for them [Trump/Vance] to honor their oath, so we must persuade them, with our unrelenting, uncompromising civil resistance.” He also advocated for Americans “to peacefully exercise your First Amendment rights.” Ultimately, he punctuated his attendance at the event by holding a sign reading “Impeach,” “Convict,” and “Remove.”

Active-duty military personnel should know that this conduct will result in some kind of punishment. Indeed, the Air Force secretary has issued a statement saying he expects “every Airman and Guardian to comply with all laws and policies governing personal conduct, political participation, and the wear of the uniform”.

The Air Force officer is likely to find himself the subject of a court-martial and see the end of his military career. It isn’t surprising that an officer who has sworn an oath to serve and support and defend the Constitution might be angered by what he sees as the daily violation of that oath by his ultimate commanders: the men who have the title of President and Vice President.

Many, perhaps most, will react with the view that if the officer wants to make or engage in such political activity, he should resign his commission. Indeed, if one disagrees to that extent with the person who is the Commander-in-Chief, the only viable action is to leave military service in order to avoid having to fulfill orders that one deems to be illegal or serve under a commander who constantly violates the oath.

What this event and its aftermath expose is the contradictory weight and seriousness of the oaths sworn to by members of the military vis-à-vis elected officials. Those who serve in uniform are to take their oath seriously and somehow live up to certain expectations. On the other hand, we have allowed elected officials who represent the people, propose legislation and sign legislation to make it the law of the land to treat the oath as a simple formality to be forgotten after the ceremony.

Unlike the sign on President Truman’s desk that stated, “The buck stops here”, indicating that he accepted the responsibility of his decisions and the weight of his office, we now have elected individuals who want the prestige of office, the celebrity of office, the fame of having a title, but take little or no responsibility.

The Air Force officer who has consciously decided to end his career by his actions reminds us that we have allowed elected officials to ignore their duty to the people and country.

While the Air Force officer is already facing confinement for his actions that violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice, we can only hope that the people of the United States will retain their ability to vote and hold elected officials accountable. It is, however, still a question whether elected members of congress, fearing that they might be held accountable, will take drastic steps to disenfranchise the voters and undermine the right to vote.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

July 4, 2026 — Independence Day: July 4 (U.S. Progress Stunted?)

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

It has been 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The plan for the big party on the Washington Mall has changed. According to some headlines, a number of celebrities/entertainers realized that this year’s celebration would be too political and divisive. Many artists drop out of D.C. concert series for America’s 250th anniversary shortly after lineup announced – CBS News.

Two hundred and fifty years. There may be a handful of people who believe that the country’s efforts toward a more perfect union were stunted at the 240-year mark. In May 2016, there were enough Republican delegates supporting Trump for him to win the party’s nomination later in July of that year.

In Trump’s rambling June 2015 remarks announcing his candidacy, he may have inadvertently said something foretelling the future. “Hey, I have lobbyists. I have to tell you. I have lobbyists that can produce anything for me. They’re great.” Election 2016: Transcript – Donald Trump announces presidential candidacy – CBS News. Indeed, everything is centered on him, not citizens, not people, not the country, just him. The sad and unfortunate part of this foretelling is that those who would “produce” anything for Trump went beyond the world of lobbyists and include billionaire CEOs, an army of politicians, law enforcement officers, and many others.

That rambling 2015 speech included his statement that “We have to repeal Obamacare and it can be replaced with something much better for everybody. Let it be for everybody. But much better and much less expensive for people.” Election 2016: Transcript – Donald Trump announces presidential candidacy – CBS News. For millions of Americans, health care remains a distant dream as Obamacare (Affordable Care Act-ACA) subsidies expired. Just days ago, it was reported that the absence of any replacement program has caused approximately four (4) million Americans to drop out of ACA coverage. Millions dropped ObamaCare plans after subsidies ended. A GOP plan? What plan? At this point, health care in the U.S. means an expensive visit to the emergency room.

Trump’s promise of the American Dream and bringing it “back bigger and better and stronger than ever before” seems to be a distant goal for someone else to fulfill given the current state of the economy. A June 2026 report by the Joint Economic Committee found housing, energy, food and health care costs rising and taking a bigger bite out of household budgets. NEW DATA: Trump Says “I Love the Inflation,” As Families Have Had to Spend $3,100+ More on Everyday Essentials – NEW DATA: Trump Says “I Love the Inflation,” As Families Have Had to Spend $3,100+ More on Everyday Essentials – United States Joint Economic Committee.

The Oval Office occupant’s constant boasting about his wins and victories ring hollow. He said “I beat China all the time. All the time.” Election 2016: Transcript – Donald Trump announces presidential candidacy – CBS News. Really? China demonstrates its ability to respond to the economic threats expressed and tariffs imposed. China’s advantageous position in rare earth minerals provides it with significant negotiating power. China’s massive stockpile of oil has, thus far, allowed it to avoid negative economic side affects from the US-Iran conflict. China controls an estimated 80% of global solar manufacturing. China is moving beyond rare earths to restrict key goods needed by the U.S. – The Washington Post. China’s understanding that the U.S. is an unreliable trading partner caused China to invest in ways to become less dependent on the U.S. thereby strengthening its negotiating hand. The question is how much we have weakened our hand by gutting various government offices and firing China experts in relevant government offices.

And, when it comes to China, it is worth recalling that Trump’s own construction projects relied on less expensive Chinese provided steel and aluminum rather than those materials made in the U.S. How Donald Trump Ditched U.S. Steel Workers in Favor of China – Newsweek. Moreover, millions of dollars flow from China into Trump businesses, raising the question about how “tough” he really can be with China when he’s profiting from business with that country. Trump businesses took in nearly $8 million from foreign governments: House Democrats.

Trump campaigned saying “I will find – within our military, I will find the General Patton or I will find General MacArthur, I will find the right guy. I will find the guy that’s going to take that military and make it really work.” Election 2016: Transcript – Donald Trump announces presidential candidacy – CBS News. Has anyone ever noticed our military “not working”? The problem with Trump’s statement is it looks to the past, not the future. The world is different from the days of Patton and MacArthur. From Ukraine to Iran, new methods of warfare challenge old notions. The problem is not the military and the men and women at the top of each of the services. The problem is that the current Oval Office occupant and his minions heading the Defense Department keep removing highly qualified, experienced, and talented leadership. Perhaps all this firing is why he can’t find the right guy. Perhaps that “guy” is a woman.

The high hurdles confronting the U.S. citizenry exist because of one man’s obsessions. He is obsessed with the evidence free claim that the 2020 election was stolen. Trump administration widens its 2020 election probe as it obtains records from Arizona | PBS News. He’s self-absorbed, fighting in the courts regarding personal judgments against him where juries and judges have found him guilty of fraud and sexual assault. The Cases Against Trump: A Guide – The Atlantic. Trump’s campaign of retribution against his perceived political enemies has resulted in dismissals of cases against James Comey and Letitia James. Trump’s Retribution Push Has Expanded Even as It Hits Legal Barriers – The New York Times. A judge quashed subpoenas brought by the Department of Justice against Minnesota officials, finding the subpoenas to be an effort to silence dissent of federal policies. Judge Finds Justice Dept. Overreach in Subpoenas to Minnesota Officials – The New York Times.

Trump oversees an administration that violates the oath to protect and defend the basic rights guaranteed by the constitution. Through his appointees, Trump uses law enforcement agencies to deny people of free speech. See Trump’s assault on the First Amendment | International Bar Association. Courts have stepped in where this administration has denied individuals due process. Supreme Court finds Trump violated migrant due process rights with speedy deportations | Courthouse News Service.

The listing of ways in which this Trump-led government undermines the foundations of the country could go on and on. Ultimately, the public policies and personal pursuits of this administration tend to be free of any concern for the people or the country. Political appointees exist to placate the criminal who occupies the White House. As the U.S. counts down to its July 4^th celebration, the question is whether the country can survive the onslaught against the Constitution. Will the country recover from the divisiveness the criminal head of government has created, and whether we, the people, believe in the kind of country the founders envisioned and outlined in the Declaration of Independence?

Timothy Trainer • Photo by AnnaGibbs.com

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books

Watch

Listen

Listen to the podcast on Inkandescent Radio July 2026, Ep15 Tim’s Travails: This month we interview Elaine Church who sits on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for the Semester at Sea program What is the future of wine in the US? Learn all about it from our June 2026 guest: Elyse Kudo, Vice President, Spire Collection by Jackson Family Wines Read

July 2026, Ep15 Tim’s Travails: This month we interview Elaine Church who sits on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for the Semester at Sea program

July 2026 — This month on IP attorney and author Timothy Trainer’s podcast/video show we meet

Today’s Topic: A Semester at Sea — for grownups

About our guest: A former principal of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PWC), Elaine Church spent her career 27-year working on Tax Quality and Risk Management, as well as tax policy and compliance issues. She educated clients on tax shelter regulations. Previously, she served as a legislative attorney with the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation.

Elaine and the elephant

Before retiring, her travel interests merged with her involvement with Semester at Sea. With multiple trips and continued interest in education, Elaine’s involvement with the Semester at Sea program includes service on the Alumni Association Advisory Committee and the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Tim asks:

What inspired you to join the Semester at Sea program?
What did you learn that you didn’t know before you boarded the ship?
Is this a program that you’d encourage others to join?

Don’t miss it!

Photos of Tim by AnnaGibbs.com

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June 15, 2026 — Peace? Prosperity? Perversion?

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Images Sources (right) The New York Times, (below) BloombergNEF

We awake the morning of June 15, 2026, to news of some kind of deal between the U.S. and Iran to cease military hostilities. Does this mean peace? No one really knows and that includes the Criminal-in-Chief telling us he’s obtained a great agreement that, at the moment, seems to be short on the details (where the devil resides). The only thing that is somewhat certain is that we’ve entered a 60-day talking period. Thus, this isn’t a real peace. This is a temporary halt with the possibility of more military actions against Iran.

Despite the absence of details and the real possibility that we could return to hostilities by Labor Day, or sooner, if the Criminal-in-Chief changes his mind again, the markets in many countries shot upward on the announced development. With the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz about to occur and the flow of oil resuming, optimism of lower oil prices spurred markets with the hope that the global economy would slowly return to the new “normal” and companies will prosper (millions of consumers, well, maybe less so).

The world wants desperately to return to the pre-U.S./Israel-Iran war days. It is a return to a global environment when the U.S.’s Criminal-in-Chief created constant chaos by imposing tariffs, threatening to impose tariffs, threatening trade agreements, threatening to take over Greenland and undermining NATO. Indeed, after 100+ days of war and instability in the Middle East with soaring energy prices and the impact of those increased prices on the world’s economy, the acceptance of the perverse new normal is welcomed and embraced.

Source: Bloomberg article

The embrace of this new normal, perverse as it may be, might be hiding something. Underneath the surface, most of the U.S.’s major global trading partners had already embarked on rethinking their global economic and trade relationships arising from the U.S.’s international trade policy disruptions. What is also clear is that the 100+ days of war and chaos in the Middle East prodded a few governments to rethink energy security strategies.

As we know, under this administration, U.S. government policy decisions at the federal level are made to undercut renewable energy projects. Indeed, the 80-year-old Criminal-in-Chief has directed $700 million to coal-fired power plants.

Trump announces $700M in new support for struggling coal industry – NBC4 Washington. The administration has also rescinded over $2 billion intended to support clean hydrogen projects. Trump’s cuts to billion-dollar hydrogen hubs rattle… | Canary Media. Some of the administration’s efforts to shut down funding for solar and wind energy projects have been reversed by the courts. US judge scraps Trump policy restricting wind, solar tax breaks | Reuters. These actions demonstrate the inability of this administration to evaluate and assess security issues given how critical energy security is to the nation’s overall security—beyond the military.

The irony is that the U.S.’s war of choice against Iran prompted some to look at how our economic adversaries, especially China, are considering actions to improve their energy security and reduce reliance on the Middle East. With China as the U.S.’s greatest economic competitor, it’s worth noting that China may become the country all look to for technology developments in the area of green hydrogen energy (remember, China leads everyone in the area of rare earth minerals processing). According to China’s 15^th Five-Year Plan, its objective is “Large scale green hydrogen use for coal substitution and green fuel production”. No, Iran War Won’t Boost Clean Hydrogen – Except in China | BloombergNEF.

The temporary end to hostilities between the U.S. and Iran returns the global economic environment to this perverse new “normal”, but with a twist. The U.S. Government seems blind to addressing energy security except to fund archaic energy sources like coal. Other governments are seeking to support new ways of reaching a higher level of energy security that reduces their dependence on the Middle East and on oil.

Given the attitudes of those in this administration, it is not a question of will we lose the race for energy-related technology and security but a question of how much of an advantage have we already surrendered.

Timothy Trainer • Photo by AnnaGibbs.com

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books

Read

Meet Meilin Moy: An Interview with a character in “The China Connection,” a novel by Timothy Trainer

Interviewer: Ms. Moy, are you comfortable conducting this interview in English?

Ms. Moy: Very comfortable. My English is limited only in the book. The author has given me permission to be fluent in English for this interview.

Interviewer: Knowing that The China Connection will receive an award in MWSA’s 2024 award season, it’s a pleasure to interview a character from an award-winning novel. As a character from the novel, how does it feel?

Ms. Moy: Well, it doesn’t mean much to me because I don’t really exist except on paper or on an ebook screen.

Interviewer: The author must’ve done a good job to receive any award, right?

Ms. Moy shrugging: I think he’s got lots of room for improvement but that’s just my opinion. He could’ve given my more lines, more scenes. You’d have to ask him what he thinks of the result.

Interviewer sensing a distant interviewee: What do you think about how you came across in The China Connection?

Ms. Moy takes a deep breath before responding: I wasn’t impressed by the way I first appeared in the book. I thought he could’ve done better. It worked out well in the end.

Interviewer: But aren’t you happy about having such a vital role in the overall story?

Ms. Moy listening to the question and answering without expression: Did you notice that I didn’t appear in the book until Chapter 4? When I finally appear in Chapter 4, I have no name. I felt like I wasn’t even as much as an afterthought. And look at me! I’m a figureless woman and he, the guy who created me, describes me as looking both boyish and bookish. How am I supposed to feel about that? It isn’t a very complimentary way of introducing me to the readers.

Interviewer taps his fingers on the arm of his chair thinking about his next question. Eventually, you had a key role in the book. Wouldn’t you say that it was equal to being the main character in the book?

Ms. Moy scoffs before answering: You don’t realize how many conversations I had with the author to get him to understand the importance of my role. I give him a little credit for listening to my complaints.

Interviewer, leans forward in his chair: I don’t understand that. Can you provide examples.

Ms. Moy: How many would you like? There was that scene where he finally allowed me to show my martial arts skills. I had the author rewrite that scene several times before I told him he finally got that right.

Pausing, Ms. Moy shakes her head then continues. Then there’s a scene where I was supposed to meet with my father, Roger, and Aaron in the hotel lobby. Well, I decided that the story would be better served if I just took off and didn’t show up. Sure enough, after I forced the author to think about why I didn’t appear at the meeting, he chased me down and got things going again. I got the story back on track.

Interviewer chuckles. How often do you talk to the author?

Ms. Moy: I had to take him aside and talk to him often. Sometimes, he’d be listening to music, and I’d interrupt him or keep him up at night and wouldn’t let him go to sleep until he got my message.

Interviewer: Really? You’re the character, he’s the author. I can’t believe that you can just interrupt him anytime you want. Aren’t you starting to overstate your importance?

Ms. Moy: Oh please. Do you really think we let these writers have that much control over us? Me, Kaili, Roger, and other characters are competing for page space. We’re in his head about something all the time. We make sure he’s hearing voices. He’s like other authors. He gets stuck and needs a shove in the right direction with me or any of the other characters. Once he’s got me going in a particular direction, he can’t slam on the brakes and have me do something inconsistent or too far out of character. I have to keep him on the right path and do right by me. You should interview a couple of the other characters. They’ll confirm what I’m saying.

Interviewer: Uh-huh. Do you have any favorite and least favorite scenes from the novel?

Ms. Moy: Absolutely. Without giving things away, my least favorite is that scene where the balaclava was put over my head. It smelled like it had been in a dirty clothes bin for days or weeks. That was awful and I had to keep it on for several pages. Yuck. My two favorite scenes were at very different points in the story. Like I said, the scene where I had to have the author rewrite the scene where I show off my martial arts skill and then toward the end of the book on that jet foil with Liwei. The jet foil scene would be great for a movie because I’d be able to do what I did over and over in different takes. Unfortunately, in the book it was a one-time shot. I really enjoyed doing what the author had me do in that scene, but I can’t go into it any deeper or I’ll spoil it for those who haven’t read it.

Book 3 coming soon!

Interviewer: Any future appearances in a novel?

Ms. Moy: Rumor has it that I’ll be in the next one.

Interviewer: Is it a reliable rumor?

Ms. Moy smiling: It’s more than a rumor. I’ve spent a lot of time in his head. He assures me that I get my page space.

Interviewer: Thank you and enjoy your future page appearances.

The China Connection published in January 2023 (Bronze Award from the Military Writers Society of America)

The China Factor published December 2024 (Bronze Award from the Military Writers Society of America)

Timothy Trainer • Photo by AnnaGibbs.com

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

June 6, 2026 — Burden Sharing: Not So Much

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Waking up on June 6, this page is blank. Memorial Day weekend is still visible in the rearview mirror when people in the United States remembered those who gave all in the defense of the country in all the wars that we have fought since the Civil War.

June 6 is different. It is a day when millions in many countries commemorate the day that thousands of allied troops stormed the beaches in France hoping that this would be the beginning of the end of the global war. Eighty-two years after D-Day, very few actual survivors of that day and that war remain.

In less than a month, the United States will celebrate 250 years since declaring its independence. Undoubtedly, there’ll be a lot of parades, fireworks and other celebrations. The flag will be the predominant symbol. We’ll see it on hats and other apparel, the flag will be fluttering in the breeze, hanging from lamp posts, fitted and displayed on front porches and in every other way imaginable. It’s the symbol of freedom.

Yet, interestingly, over the decades, the percentage of the U.S. population willing to bear the burden of serving in uniform to protect what millions profess to be our valued freedoms and rights has fallen.

As I write this on June 6, World War II likely marked the high point of service. With over 16 million serving in uniform, this represented 12 percent of the U.S. population.

Twelve percent of the U.S. population served in World War II. – History Facts. During the Vietnam War, despite its unpopularity, conscription (draft) resulted in roughly five percent of Americans serving in uniform. Statistics – Vietnam Veteran Project. Another source indicates that at the peak of the Vietnam War in 1968 about two percent of the U.S. population served on active duty. Which States Carry the Greatest Military Burden? | Security.org.

After the attacks in the U.S. on September 11, 2001, and despite the surge in military enlistments for the war on terror, today’s uniformed service members make up less than one (1) percent of the population. Which States Carry the Greatest Military Burden? | Security.org.

Like a sporting event, the sidelines are packed with flag-waving fans. I wouldn’t doubt that some shout in unison USA! USA! when they watch a clip of a US launched missile destroying a target. They’ll feel pride hearing news announcing that our troops have destroyed an enemy asset.

What 99% won’t see is the physical and mental price paid by those who are on the playing field wearing the uniform and doing the dangerous and life-threatening deeds.

Given all the solicitations to provide funding to help those who have served and suffered, do our commemorations of D-Day, Memorial Day and our celebrations on July 4 prod us to insist on better health care for those who do serve? Why are so many of the programs now in place to help veterans initiated by individuals and private or charitable organizations?

If we continue to have a system that places the burden of national defense on less than one percent of the population on active duty, it seems the rest of us should bear the burden of insisting that they are cared for through government programs that provide the physical and mental support necessary after they’ve served and sacrificed.

Any administration that wants over a trillion dollars for more weapons systems for wars of choice should be required to ensure that there are tens of billions made available for future care of those being placed in harm’s way.

Timothy Trainer • Photo by AnnaGibbs.com

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Watch

Listen

Listen to the podcast on Inkandescent Radio June 2026, Ep14 Tim’s Travails: This month we raise a glass with wine industry expert Elyse Kudo, Vice President of the Spire Collection by Jackson Family Wines A tenured industry professional, Elyse Kudo specializes in relationship-building and networking and has an in-depth knowledge of fine wines and spirits, both imported and domestic. She is highly knowledgeable about food and wine integration, and her superpower is forecasting industry trends. Listen to this episode and hear her work her magic! Read

June 2026, Ep14 Tim’s Travails: This month we raise a glass with wine industry expert Elyse Kudo, Vice President of the Spire Collection by Jackson Family Wines

June 2026 — This month on IP attorney and author Timothy Trainer’s podcast/video show we meet a wine expert who gives us insights into a popular industry

Today’s Topic: The future of wine in the US

Meet our guest: Elyse Kudo, Vice President, Spire Collection by Jackson Family Wines

About Elyse: A tenured industry professional, Elyse specializes in relationship-building and networking and has an in-depth knowledge of fine wines and spirits, both imported and domestic. She is highly knowledgeable about food and wine integration, and her superpower is forecasting industry trends.

Tim will ask:

How did you get into this world of wine?
How many women are in the industry when you were first breaking in?
Tell us about some of the influential people (winery owners, sommeliers, chefs) that you have worked with and how they influenced you as you grew as a professional in the community.
Talk about your delicious wines! What are some of your favorites, and why?
With fewer people drinking, tariffs, and the abundance of unsold wine on the market, what is your forecast for the future of the US wine business?

Don’t miss it!

Photos of Tim by AnnaGibbs.com

About Tim’s Travails: In this podcast/video series, IP attorney and author Tim Trainer introduces us to experts around the country who have insight into the law, international trade, and more, to help us better understand our world in 2025 and beyond.

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May 25, 2026 — Memorial Day: Something Left Behind?

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Image: farmersalmanac.com

Memorial Day’s observance is to honor those who died serving in our wars. Memorial Day 2026 occurs only days after two Vietnam veterans who served together in the same rifle company passed away within 48 hours of each other. They survived their combat tour of duty in Vietnam. They came home bodily whole. Still, it’s difficult to believe that every combat engagement didn’t take a part of them as they fought to survive.

Bill, the lieutenant, and Larry, the nineteen-year-old soldier, carried the weight of their world on their backs. Spending weeks out on the trails, creating new ones in the jungle, and carrying everything they needed, including the weight of ammunition and their weapons. Rank didn’t lessen Bill’s load. Larry was no stranger to walking point. Their respective ranks might have imposed different responsibilities on them, but ultimately, they depended on each other and the rest of their brothers-in-arms to endure the jungle and combat.

Serving under an aggressive but experienced and knowledgeable company commander, Bill and Larry experienced their share of combat. They survived all the gunfights. Their bodies were exposed to Agent Orange. Their hearing suffered from the sounds of combat: small-arms fire, exploding grenades, artillery, and mortar fire. They saw things they could never unsee.

When the time arrived, both men left the uniform behind and returned to civilian life. For each, the time came when reconnecting with their fellow soldiers was welcome. Eventually, both attended reunions, traveling long distances to Washington, D.C., Michigan, and other parts of the country. The reunions provided a certain sense of freedom: freedom to talk about Vietnam with others who knew and didn’t judge, and freedom to grieve and mourn those who were lost. Being with their fellow soldiers allowed their emotions to escape.

Having attended reunions of those who’ve been in combat, the one thing we should all remember this Memorial Day is that the survivors of combat, regardless of which war, left a part of themselves back there. How much was left behind differs with each individual. For some like me, Memorial Day, a day for remembrance, isn’t just for those who gave their lives in battle; it’s a day to think about what we ask those in uniform to do in our name.

Wars are not limited to the destruction of things but are about the taking of life. Asking those in uniform to undertake such a burden in our name should be done only after all other options are exhausted.

Timothy Trainer

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Watch

Listen

Listen to the podcast on Inkandescent Radio May 2026, Ep13 Tim’s Travails: This month, our guest is attorney Ronald Sharpe, former United States Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands From September 2009 to March 2017, Ronald served as the presidentially appointed United States Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands. He led numerous high-profile, criminal and civil investigations, including public corruption cases implicating elected members of the Virgin Islands Senate, federal employees, and police officers, as well as significant financial fraud cases and international organized crime investigations. Learn all about it! Read

May 2026, Ep13 Tim’s Travails: This month, our guest is attorney Ronald Sharpe, former United States Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands

May 2026 — This month on IP attorney and author Timothy Trainer’s podcast/video show we meet attorney Ronald Sharpe

Our Topic: A powerful conversation with a former U.S. Attorney

About our guest: Ronald is an experienced trial attorney with proven leadership who managed complex litigation matters and planned and implemented effective investigative and trial strategies. He is a former partner at Jones Day who practiced in the firm’s Investigations and White Collar Defense Group. During his tenure at Jones Day, Ronald worked out of the Washington office, focusing on white-collar defense, internal investigations, and the representation of corporations and individuals in connection with government enforcement actions.

From September 2009 to March 2017, Ronald served as the presidentially appointed United States Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands. He led numerous high-profile, criminal and civil investigations, including public corruption cases implicating elected members of the Virgin Islands Senate, federal employees, and police officers, as well as significant financial fraud cases and international organized crime investigations. While U.S. Attorney, Ronald served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee.

Prior to becoming the U.S. Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands, he served as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the District of Columbia, where he was a Senior Assistant in the Fraud and Public Corruption Section. While an AUSA, he tried dozens of jury trials and led hundreds of investigations involving a wide range of matters, including bank and wire fraud, homicide, money laundering and narcotics trafficking.

Don’t miss this interview on Tim’s Travails Radio • TimothyTrainer.tv

Photos of Tim by AnnaGibbs.com

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April 27, 2026 — Reminders and Re-Emergence

Don’t miss this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Global hotspots, flashpoints for new violence and wars, seem to be everywhere as we look at the latest news of the world. There are numerous conflicts like those in Africa that do not attract as much U.S. media attention and, therefore, seem non-existent to most people in the U.S. Global Conflict Tracker | CFR Interactives.

Two countries are on the verge of re-emerging as future military powers. They have the technological capabilities to be immediate “players” on the world stage in the production of the most lethal weapons.

Japan’s recent reassessment of the global situation, including the retreat or unreliability of the U.S. as a security guarantor, has resulted in change to policies. Japan has announced that it has loosened its previous limits on exports of military hardware. Japan opens door to global arms market with overhaul of defence export rules | Reuters.

With China, North Korea and Russia as neighbors, Japan realizes the need to upgrade its military capabilities and sees the need to help regional neighbors. Japan and its regional neighbors confront a more aggressive China as conflicting claims to islands in the region are constant flashpoints. Ironically, the Philippines, a country that suffered devastating destruction at the hands of the Japanese military during World War II, now welcomes changes to Japan’s policies.

Japan’s change in policy means future exports of naval vessels, missiles and other high-tech military weapons. Earlier this month, Australia entered into a contract for numerous naval vessels that will be manufactured and delivered by Japan. Australia’s A$20 Billion Mogami Frigate Deal With Japan Creates Powerful New Indo-Pacific Naval Alliance – Defence Security Asia.

As Japan’s evaluation of the regional and global situation dictates the need for change, it’s important to remind ourselves that Japan and Russia have never officially ended World War II. There is nothing to suggest this state of affairs will change in the immediate future as bilateral relations remain cool due to Japan’s opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia sees no reason to discuss peace with Japan, the Kremlin says | Reuters.

In Europe, Germany is also responding to the everchanging winds of geopolitics. Russia’s war with Ukraine and, more recently, the whiplash caused by Trump’s statements about NATO and his questionable commitment to European security are cause for concern and reassessment. The Guardian view on Germany, Japan and the end of the postwar order: as US alliances crumble, a new world emerges | Editorial | The Guardian.

Apparently, Germans view Donald Trump’s verbal attacks on NATO and Europe as equally threatening to European and German security as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Efforts to understand German sentiment through focus groups find that two-thirds agree that “when in doubt, we can and should no longer rely on military assistance from the U.S.” Germany’s Rearmament Is Stunning | Washington Monthly.

The current German Chancellor took steps immediately to change the constitution in order to allow the government to borrow more for weapons and ammunition. In addition, a new conscription law went into effect at the beginning of this year to significantly increase the number of active duty and reserve German soldiers. Military service returns to Germany: we outline the most important rules.

As the United States projects an image as an unreliable ally, injecting instability in global affairs, it is not surprising that countries reassess. What is significant is that two former. ful countries that pursued pacifist policies for 80 years loosenmilitarily power limits and restrictions that had been in place for decades. Japan and Germany have the industrial capabilities to introduce high-tech, sophisticated weaponry into the world’s weapons supply chain.

The re-emergence of these two countries may contribute to some stability in Asia and Europe. While we can only hope that these two countries will help keep situations stable and deter wars and violence, their military build-up should be viewed as a failure of the global environment that allowed them to remain committed to their more pacifist policies for the past 80 years. Unfortunately, given recent U.S. actions, threats, and statements regarding allies and security pacts, the United States shoulders the blame for the deterioration of the global environment that forces these two countries to rearm themselves.

Tim in Washington, DC • Photo by AnnaGibbs.com

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

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My China Trilogy: Kellie Liang Returns in The China Dilemma

April 18, 2026, A Note from author Timothy Trainer: I’m fortunate to have signed a publishing contract to get The China Dilemma out later this year. Things happen when writing fiction.

Having created Kellie Liang in The China Connection (published in 2023), it was an easy decision to write a second novel with her having a central role in The China Factor (published in 2024).

However, the ending in The China Factor (yes, even I was surprised by the ending) left me scratching my head, asking, well, what happens? Kellie Liang wasn’t done.

In fact, things that cause tension in U.S.-China relations have only gotten more complex, and she continues to find herself mixed up in ways she couldn’t have predicted. Scroll down to read more about the new book!

If you haven’t read the two previous novels, there’s time before The China Dilemma is published. Click here to buy Tim’s books!

Timothy Trainer in Washington, DC • Photo by AnnaGibbs.com

About The China Dilemma

Attempts to expose China’s stranglehold on rare earth minerals and resulting U.S. vulnerability poses risks to those who want to publicize the China threat.

A publishing contract signed on April 17 with Joshua Tree Publishing assures readers that Kellie Liang, the central character in two previous mystery novels The China Factor and The China Factor, will return later this year.

“Kellie forced my hand because of the way The China Factor ended,” says author Timothy Trainer. “I didn’t have a particular scene or ending in mind for the China Factor. I confess that when I typed the last sentence then reread it, I stopped writing. But, because I stopped writing, it left me and readers asking the question, what happens to her?”

The title of the next installment of the trilogy is The China Dilemma. The story is set in 2007. Readers can follow Kellie’s exploits in Europe and the United States. China’s global impact is evident through the story. “Given the way The China Factor ended, I had to take Kellie to Europe. Hopefully, anyone who has read either of the previous books will notice her character evolve,” Mr. Trainer says.

“Tim brings current events to life through his books,” says journalist and author Hope Katz Gibbs, founder of the Inkandescent PR + Publishing Co. “He shares with us the implications of China’s control of rare earth minerals in The China Dilemma. It’s a reality-based story and what the government doesn’t want us to know and how Kellie gets involved in trying to educate the public about the dire consequences of failing to be informed,” says Ms. Gibbs.

Honors and Awards: The China Factor and The China Factor received awards in the Mystery, Thriller, Crime category from the Military Writers Society of America.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in 2025.

Don’t miss this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

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Listen to the podcast on Inkandescent Radio April 2026, Ep12 Tim’s Travails: This month, Tim honors our heroes on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2026 March 29 has been the official date of National Vietnam War Veterans Day since March 29, 1973, when the Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) was disbanded, and the last U.S. combat troops departed the Republic of Vietnam. The last unit to leave was the Special Guard, MACV’s Infantry Security Force. Read

April 2026, Ep12 Tim’s Travails: This month, Tim honors our heroes on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2026

March 29, 2026 — This month on IP attorney and author Timothy Trainer’s podcast/video show we meet two Vietnam vets Monico Rodriguez and Josue Silva.

Today’s Topic: Shining a light on American heroes

Meet our guests:

Monico Rodriguez: In Vietnam, served in Company A, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Vietnam Sept-Dec 1965)

Josue Silva: In Vietnam, served in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Vietnam Oct. ’68-August ’69)

About National Vietnam War Veterans Day: March 29 has been the official date of National Vietnam War Veterans Day since March 29, 1973, when the Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) was disbanded, and the last U.S. combat troops departed the Republic of Vietnam. The last unit to leave was the Special Guard, MACV’s Infantry Security Force.

On March 29, 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed: ” I call upon all Americans to observe thisriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50- day with appropyear anniversary of the Vietnam War.”
On December 26, 2016, the Vietnam Veterans Day Coalition of States Council presented a letter to President-elect Donald Trump and Congressional leadership outlining the history and timeline of the cause to establish March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day and requesting that it be one of the first pieces of legislation passed and signed into law during the 115th Congress. Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. This act officially recognizes March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Learn more here.

The Fortunate Son

About The Fortunate Son: The Fortunate Son recounts the parallel lives of an army brat and a group of Vietnam veterans who intersect decades after the war.

“The veterans open up to me, the army brat, perhaps in a way they never have with their own families,” explains author Timothy Trainer. “Through my father, Top, their First Sergeant, we have a common link. Over the years, we’ve gotten to know each other. They begin to understand the sacrifices of an army family. But, more importantly, they want me to understand how our family’s sacrifice and my father’s tour of duty in Vietnam with them, in the jungles, gave them confidence to believe they would make it home alive.”

The Fortunate Son is not about a single battle or a single soldier’s tour of duty. You will meet us, learn something about us, and get a glimpse of our lives during the war years. You’ll find out why half a century after that tour of duty ended, we remain bound together. If you’ve ever been in the military or part of a military family, you’ll know that we all are bound together. For those who find the military to be foreign and unknown, our story may help you to understand why it binds so many together.

Fourteen of these soldiers have shared their stories. Their stories describe two life transitions—first from civilian teenagers or young men to combat grunts trying to stay alive in the jungle—and then back to stateside life. What happens between these transitions, as they slog through the jungle day by day paints their portrait of Top, my father. Now, I appreciate why they remain bound together half a century after their tour ended. Their stories are an unexpected gift that bestows new insight to me on my father. So, as you read and “listen” to these soldiers’ stories, both what they say and how they describe Top, you understand why I’ve learned that I am The Fortunate Son. Click here to buy The Fortunate Son.

Photos of Tim by AnnaGibbs.com

About Tim’s Travails: In this podcast/video series, IP attorney and author Tim Trainer introduces us to experts around the country who offer insights into the law, international trade, and more, helping us better understand our world in 2025 and beyond.

Tim himself fits the bill, as he worked for three decades for the US government and private law firms, focusing on international trade and has developed a deep understanding of global economics and politics.

Writing books is his passion. The author of seven books as of 2025, he has penned several non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2020. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2017, Pendulum Over the Pacific was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains. In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection. In December 2024, he followed it with The China Factor.

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March 27, 2026: Boots on the Ground, Knocks on the Door

Don’t miss this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

March 27 marks four weeks since the U.S.-Israel bombardment of Iran began. We’re a month into the war of choice. U.S. Central Command announced that the U.S. has hit more than 10,000 targets in just under four weeks: Iran war latest: Trump ‘pauses’ threat to bomb Iran’s energy facilities for 10 days – and says talks ‘going very well’ | World News | Sky News.

On March 24, our Criminal-in-Chief was heard saying that the war in Iran has been won and we’ve achieved regime change: Trump declares Iran war ‘won’ as Tehran denies claims of peace talk progress – The Washington Post. Apparently, the Iranians are not acting as if the war has been lost and is now over.

Indeed, even as the words of our victory pass the Criminal-in-Chief’s lips, he’s ordering the deployment of additional ground troops to the region. The thousands being deployed to the region will add to the roughly 50,000 U.S. military personnel who were already there. US expected to send thousands of soldiers to Middle East, sources say.

Based on the announced deployments, the U.S. will increase the number of Marines in the region by approximately 5,000 (U.S. orders more warships, thousands of Marines to the Middle East) and Army soldiers by 2,000 to 3,000: More than 2,000 troops from Fort Bragg’s 82nd Airborne Division are headed to the Middle East | WUNC News.

Nancy Mace • Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Mace

As contradictory statements of winning and escalation emanate from the White House, it isn’t surprising to read that members of the Criminal-in-Chief’s political party are frustrated. The Republican chairman of the House Armed Services Committee said the Pentagon wasn’t providing sufficient information about its aims in the Middle East. Even Republicans Flip Out After Classified Pentagon Briefing on Iran – NewsBreak. Even Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace walked out of a classified briefing, commenting that the administration is trying to drag the country into another Iraq: MAGA rep sounds alarm on war after walking out of meeting.

Sustaining any losses and casualties is painful. Thus far, despite the mixed and contradictory messaging regarding the many U.S. objectives of this war of choice, we have not sustained a high number of casualties. A late March report indicated that thirteen service members have been killed and over 230 injured: Iran war takes mounting toll on America’s military. We should be thankful that all the Iranian missiles and drones aimed at U.S. personnel have not caused more death and injury.

Unfortunately, with the possibility of inserting thousands of ground troops into the war effort, we must ask ourselves how many more U.S. service members may be killed and injured. We should demand a better, clearer statement of purpose and mission before placing more service members in harm’s way. Given the erratic decision-making already displayed, it is frightening to think that our Criminal-in-Chief may be baited by Iranian taunts urging the U.S. to “come closer”: zambianobserver.com

More American service members on the ground and in the direct line of fire will undoubtedly mean more dreaded knocks on the door. Sadly, we have a history of wars dragging on, resulting in ever-growing lists of names of those who give their lives and those who incur war-related injuries. The prospect of boots on the ground means even more knocks on the door to notify family members of those lost and injured.

Before additional marines and soldiers arrive in the region, before they are confronted with the reality of war, before the knocks on the door become a daily or hourly occurrence, will our elected members of Congress do their job? Will they act and demonstrate to us that they truly believe that those who serve in uniform are our nation’s treasure, or is that, too, empty political rhetoric? Before the number of door knocks grows, I want to see proof that those who serve are treated as national treasures, at least as important and valuable to the country as the Criminal-in-Chief.

We shouldn’t have to wait for the list of those killed and injured to grow before demanding a more thorough explanation from this administration of what is being asked of our military, the people, is worthy of their sacrifice.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

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