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Female teacher discussing with preteen children about LGBT

In the 2026 Oregon U.S. Senate race, Republican candidate Russell (Russ) McAlmond is challenging incumbent Democrat Jeff Merkley. A U.S. Marine veteran, financial advisor, and advocate for human equality through his nonprofit, McAlmond brings a distinctive philosophical perspective to the campaign. Central to his worldview is "Ethical Individualism," a human relational philosophy he developed and outlined in his book Ethical Individualism: A Human Relational Philosophy. This framework emphasizes treating every person as a unique individual of infinite and equal value, regardless of group identities such as skin color, gender, or sexuality. McAlmond's views on transgenderism stem directly from this principle, positioning it as a key point of contrast with Merkley, whom critics associate with support for gender-affirming medical interventions for minors, including puberty blockers and surgeries.Ethical Individualism posits that no individual is fully defined by any single group affiliation. Instead, each person is a multifaceted being deserving of equal respect and dignity. Group-based judgments—whether positive or negative—distort human relations by creating hierarchies of value. McAlmond argues that elevating one group above others fosters division and undermines true equality. This philosophy is not about denying differences but about rejecting the idea that group membership confers superior moral authority or special status.Applied to transgenderism, McAlmond views it not merely as personal identity but as an ideology that has been politicized and placed atop an "intersectional hierarchy." In contemporary discourse, transgender individuals are often portrayed as possessing heightened moral authority, with their experiences prioritized over those of other groups. This elevation, McAlmond contends, violates Ethical Individualism by implying that transgender people hold greater value or insight than others. It creates an unequal playing field where certain voices are amplified while others are marginalized, harming interpersonal and societal relations.Crucially, McAlmond's opposition to transgenderism as an ideology does not entail denying the equal value of transgender individuals. On the contrary, he asserts that his critique reinforces their equality. By opposing the ideological framework that lifts any group—including transgender people—above others, he seeks to affirm that every person, transgender or not, possesses infinite worth as an individual. No one should be reduced to a group label, nor granted privileged status because of it. This stance echoes his broader rejection of "group judgmentalism," where collective guilt or merit is assigned based on identity.The Senate race highlights a stark policy divide on issues related to transgender youth. Merkley, a progressive Democrat, has aligned with positions defending access to gender surgery care on minors, including opposition to bans on puberty blockers and hormone therapies for minors contested by critics concerned about long-term effects and irreversibility. McAlmond, drawing from Ethical Individualism, likely sees policies promoting such interventions for children as part of the ideological elevation he opposes: prioritizing one group's claims in a way that overrides individual nuance and broader societal equality.McAlmond's philosophy warns that hierarchical ideologies, even those framed as advancing justice, ultimately erode human connections. When transgenderism becomes a political litmus test granting moral superiority, it divides rather than unites. True progress, in his view, lies in treating all as equals—free from group-based hierarchies—fostering relationships built on mutual respect for individuality.In challenging Merkley, McAlmond offers Oregon voters a vision rooted in common-sense balance and ethical clarity: a society where no group is exalted, and every individual stands on equal ground. By opposing transgenderism as an elevating ideology, he aims not to diminish transgender people but to uphold the infinite value of all, preventing the harmful dynamics of division in pursuit of genuine human harmony. This principled stand reflects his commitment to restoring equitable representation in the Senate, prioritizing the many over narrow interests.

Transgenderism

As a proud U.S. Marine veteran running for the United States Senate against incumbent Jeff Merkley, I am deeply troubled by the actions of Oregon's two Democratic senators—Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden—in December 2025. On December 17, the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a critical bipartisan bill authorizing $901 billion for our military, including a well-deserved pay raise for our troops and essential resources to modernize our defenses. This legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, 77-20, reflecting broad agreement that strengthening our national security is a top priority.Yet both Oregon's senators Merkley and Wyden chose to vote against it, placing partisan concerns above the needs of our service members and the safety of our nation. Senator Merkley's opposition stemmed in part from his failed attempt to amend unrelated legislation earlier in the year with provisions that would force federal law enforcement officers, including those with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to publicly display their full names and remove any face coverings during operations. While accountability is important, such requirements in high-risk enforcement actions—particularly deportations of individuals who may pose threats—could endanger officers and their families by exposing them to doxing, harassment, or retaliation from extremists. Merkley's amendment was rightly defeated, but his frustration with that outcome appears to have influenced his "no" vote on the NDAA, prioritizing protections for those facing deportation over the urgent needs of our military personnel.Senator Wyden, for his part, criticized the bill for containing what he called "authoritarian" elements and lacking sufficient guardrails against potential abuses. However, this characterization rings hollow when the NDAA garnered strong support from many of his fellow Democrats who recognize the bill's core mission: honoring our troops and ensuring their missions are safer and more effective. If the bill truly had authoritarian flaws severe enough to warrant rejection, it is unlikely that a majority of Democrats would have joined Republicans in supporting it.The extreme votes of Merkley and Wyden align more closely with the priorities of far-left groups, such as the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), who have long opposed robust military funding and traditional national defense measures. By rejecting this bipartisan bill, our senators effectively abandoned the men and women in uniform who risk everything to protect our freedoms—troops who deserve better than their ideological gamesmanship in Washington.My vote would have proudly joined the overwheliming majority of senators to fund the NDAA which was a bipartisan bill. As a veteran who served overseas and understands first-hand the sacrifices of military service firsthand, I believe we must always put our service members safety first with funding. This bill provides critical pay increases, modernizes weapons systems, and enhances readiness—making our troops' missions more successful and keeping them safer in an increasingly dangerous world. Oregon families, veterans, and active-duty personnel deserve senators who stand firmly and honorably with our military, not against it. In 2026, we have a chance to elect leadership that honors our troops, secures our borders, and prioritizes American strength over extremist agendas. I am committed to being that voice in the Senate for Oregon.

Abandoning Our Troops: Oregon's Merkley and Wyden

ANTISEMITISM - image with words associated with the topic RACISM, word, image, illustration

The 2026 United States Senate election in Oregon pits incumbent Democrat Jeff Merkley, seeking a fourth term, against emerging Republican challenger Russ McAlmond, a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran challenging Merkley directly. McAlmond, drawing on his military service and commitment to moral clarity, has positioned himself as a strong, unwavering supporter of Israel—the Middle East's only democracy and a key U.S. ally. In sharp contrast, Merkley has aligned with far-left voices in criticizing Israel's defensive actions against Hamas, employing inflammatory rhetoric that many view as unfair and harmful. This divide highlights a critical choice for Oregon voters on U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding support for Israel amid ongoing threats from terrorists in Gaza and other hostile Arab states.&nbsp;Russ McAlmond's pro-Israel stance reflects a deep appreciation for Israel's role as a moral nation defending itself against existential threats. As a Marine veteran who served overseas and understands the realities of war, McAlmond views Israel as a beacon of democracy surrounded by adversaries committed to its destruction. It is committed to self defense of its people - which is absolutely moral - just as when the USA defends its people.&nbsp;He firmly believes that Israel, a country founded in the aftermath of the Holocaust—the worst genocide in history perpetrated against the Jewish people—would never commit such atrocities itself. Accusations of "genocide" against Israel are not only factually baseless but represent a dangerous blood libel, echoing historical antisemitic tropes designed to demonize the Jewish state and its people. McAlmond has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward antisemitism in his campaign, pledging to call out hate wherever it appears, even if it comes from within Jewish communities or political allies. He argues that the extreme left has unfairly demonized Israel over its necessary response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas atrocities, and he supports Israel's right to defend itself fully without undue restrictions on U.S. aid.In contrast, Jeff Merkley has repeatedly criticized Israel's military operations in Gaza, describing them as involving "indiscriminate bombing" and "ethic cleansing" that are antisemitic statements. He has aligned closely with extreme figures like Senator Bernie Sanders and elements of the Democratic Socialists of America, co-sponsoring efforts to condition or block U.S. weapons transfers while demonizing Israel.&nbsp;Merkley has called for early ceasefires and halting aid until certain conditions are met, framing Israel's actions in ways that isolate it on the world stage. An early ceasefire would have kept Hamas intact to attack Israel again. Critics, including pro-Israel advocates, argue that such language applies a double standard to Israel, ignoring Hamas's use of human shields and its charter calling for Israel's destruction. Sanders and Merkley both have labeled Israel's response as "ethnic cleansing" or worse—fueling narratives that demonize Israel and contribute to rising antisemitism by portraying the Jewish state as uniquely villainous. These claims are antisemitic themselves by any rational basis and not factual. Israel is clearly targeting Hamas terrorists, not all Palestinian Arabs.&nbsp;Sander's accusation of "genocide" in particular stands out as a pernicious falsehood used by antisemites to delegitimize Israel. No credible evidence supports this charge; Israel's operations target Hamas terrorists who embed among civilians, while the IDF takes extraordinary measures—such as warnings and evacuations—to minimize harm. McAlmond believes this charge and similar claims made by Sanders and Merkley to be extremely hateful. &nbsp; The Jewish people, having endured the Holocaust, would never perpetrate such evil. Jewish critics like Sanders or historical figures like Karl Marx, who held antisemitic views despite their heritage, do not exempt such rhetoric from being called what it truthfully is.&nbsp;True support for Israel recognizes its moral right to exist and defend itself as a homeland for the indigenous Jewish people after centuries of persecution. As Oregon's 2026 Senate race unfolds, Russ McAlmond offers voters a clear alternative: steadfast support for Israel as a moral ally fighting terrorism, coupled with a rejection of antisemitic tropes masquerading as criticism. Merkley's antisemitic remarks and approach risks undermining a vital partnership and emboldening Israel's enemies. Oregonians deserve a senator who stands firmly with Israel, recognizing its people as moral defenders of freedom and on the front lines of that fight. McAlmond's veteran perspective and zero-antisemitism commitment make him that choice, ensuring U.S. policy reflects strength, clarity, and unwavering alliance with the Jewish state.

McAlmond versus Merkley's Antisemitism

Hanukkah Menorah - Candles With Glittering And Stars Of David In Shine Lights - Abstract Defocused Background

On December 14, 2025, the iconic shores of Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia—a place synonymous with summer joy and community gatherings—were transformed into a scene of unimaginable horror. During the "Chanukah by the Sea" event celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, two gunmen, a father and son inspired by Islamic State ideology, opened fire on hundreds of attendees. At least 15 people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi who had dedicated his life to the Jewish community, and a Holocaust survivor. Dozens more were injured in what authorities swiftly declared a terrorist attack motivated by antisemitism.This was not a random act of violence. The attackers targeted Jewish Australians specifically because of their faith, turning a festival of light into one of darkness. Among the victims were Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a beloved organizer of the event and father of young children, and other innocent families gathered for music, games, and celebration. The root cause was clear: hatred toward Jewish people, a hatred that has been surging in Australia for years.Yet, in the immediate aftermath, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's response emphasized tightening Australia's already strict gun laws, vowing further restrictions on firearms despite the country's low rates of gun violence since the 1996 Port Arthur reforms. In other words, the PM wants to blame the guns used in this horrific attack and not the root cause of it - which was group hatred of the Jewish people. Over a dozen Jews murdered in his country and he is blaming inanimate objects instead of the human beings pulling the triggers. Can any politician be more out-of-touch with the reality in his country? Jewish community leaders and international figures, argued that his government's broader approach to rising antisemitism has been inadequate for years. Reports from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry document thousands of antisemitic incidents in recent years—graffiti, assaults, arson on synagogues yet concrete actions to combat hate have lagged.Australia has seen one of the sharpest global increases in antisemitic attacks since October 2023, with incidents remaining at unprecedented levels even in 2025. Jewish leaders have repeatedly warned that unchecked vitriol could escalate to violence, and the Bondi attack tragically proved them right. Blaming guns while downplaying the need for a robust, zero-tolerance stance against antisemitic hatred sends a weak signal. It deflects from the ideological root cause: bigotry that views Jews as targets simply for existing and celebrating their heritage.In stark contrast, voices from abroad have been unequivocal in naming the problem. Russ McAlmond, a U.S. Marine veteran and Republican candidate challenging Senator Jeff Merkley for Oregon's U.S. Senate seat in 2026, swiftly condemned the attack as a direct result of antisemitism, not the weapons used. McAlmond has made zero tolerance for antisemitism and racism a cornerstone of his campaign, pledging to confront all group hatred head-on if elected. His clear-eyed focus on the motive—Jew-hatred—stands as a model for domestic and international political leadership in times of crisis, reminding us that true strength lies in addressing evil by name, not deflecting to secondary factors. The Bondi Beach massacre is a wake-up call. Governments must do more than offer condolences or tweak laws around inanimate objects; they must actively eradicate the scourge of antisemitism through education, enforcement, and unwavering condemnation of hate in all forms. Anything less dishonors the victims—a child robbed of her future, a rabbi slain while bringing light to his community, and survivors of past horrors killed again by intolerance. Light must defeat darkness, but only if political leaders have the moral courage to shine it directly on the source of the shadows - hate and antisemitism.&nbsp;

Australia's Hanukkah Atrocity

Affordability remains a top concern for many American families, particularly when it comes to essential expenses like food and energy. During President Joe Biden's term from 2021 to early 2025, the United States experienced a significant surge in inflation, peaking at 9.1% year-over-year in June 2022—the highest in over four decades. This spike was driven by a combination of post-pandemic supply chain disruptions, energy price volatility following global events, and expansive fiscal policies. Critics have attributed much of this inflationary pressure to Biden-era spending, which contributed to higher costs across the board. One of the most painful areas was food prices. Grocery costs rose sharply, with cumulative increases exceeding 20% over the Biden years in many categories. Even as headline inflation cooled to around 3% by the end of his term in January 2025, food prices did not fully retreat. Many staples remained elevated compared to pre-2021 levels, straining household budgets and reducing purchasing power for everyday Americans. Real wages declined slightly over the period when adjusted for inflation, meaning families often felt squeezed despite nominal pay increases.In contrast, by late 2025, overall inflation had moderated to approximately 2.5-3%, closer to the Federal Reserve's target. Gasoline prices, which had soared under Biden, began trending downward significantly, reaching multi-year lows in some regions and providing relief at the pump. The stock market also thrived, with major indices like the S&amp;P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average repeatedly hitting record highs throughout 2025, reflecting investor confidence in economic growth and corporate earnings.Another key aspect of trade policy involves tariffs. While tariffs can sometimes lead to short-term price increases for imported goods—as seen in studies showing partial pass-through to consumers in certain sectors—they have often served as a negotiating tool. In past administrations, targeted tariffs pressured trading partners to address unfair practices, such as intellectual property issues or market distortions. Examples include revisions to agreements like the USMCA (replacing NAFTA), which improved terms for U.S. workers and industries, and phased deals that ultimately reduced barriers. The leverage from tariffs has helped secure concessions, fostering fairer trade without broad, long-term inflationary impacts in many cases.Looking ahead, optimism about the U.S. economy is growing. Strong stock market performance, cooling inflation, and falling energy costs signal potential for sustained improvement. Candidates like Russ McAlmond, a U.S. Marine veteran and financial expert running for U.S. Senate in Oregon, embody this forward-looking view. McAlmond believes the U.S. economy will only get better from here, emphasizing policies that support working families, rural communities, and long-term prosperity.In summary, while the Biden-era inflation peak created real affordability challenges—especially persistent high food prices—recent trends in lower inflation, cheaper gas, and booming markets offer hope. Strategic trade tools like tariffs, when used effectively, can protect American interests and lead to better global agreements. With continued prudent policies, the outlook for American citizens' economic well-being appears increasingly positive.

Affordability Versus Biden's 9% Inflation

Military silhouettes of a soldiers against the sunset

In the closing pages of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, Prince Andrei lies wounded on the battlefield of Borodino and suddenly understands the grotesque disproportion between the grand strategies drawn on maps in St. Petersburg and the fragile, bleeding reality of a single human life. Russ McAlmond did not need to read Tolstoy to learn that truth. He lived it as an eighteen-year-old who enlisted in downtown Portland and left Oregon to be sent overseas across the Pacific. He had a rifle in his hands and the knowledge that the decisions made by distant men in Washington could end his life—or the lives of the men sleeping in the racks beside him—before sunrise.McAlmond joined the Marines in 1970, at the ragged end of the Vietnam era, and served three years of active duty, much of it forward-deployed. He came home with some disabilities and carried back the permanent, quiet weight that every combat veteran recognizes: the understanding that war is not a continuation of policy by other means, as Clausewitz coolly phrased it, but a moral catastrophe that must be entered only when it is critical to the survival of the nation's future as a free country.Tolstoy wrote that history is the sum of countless individual wills, not the puppetry of great men. McAlmond’s foreign policy vision begins there—with the individual will of the nineteen-year-old rifleman, the twenty-year-old corpsman, the twenty-one-year-old pilot who raises her right hand and volunteers to stand in the breach. When Congress debates intervention, McAlmond insists the first question must never be “What do the allies want?” or “How will the markets react?” or “What does the think-tank consensus say?” The first and overriding question must be the one Tolstoy’s soldiers implicitly asked on every battlefield: Is this cause worthy of the life of even one of these young men and women?Because Russ McAlmond has been that young man, that number on original orders that represents him without knowing who he really is. He knows the stakes in a way no staff memo can convey. He has watched friends’ names appear on casualty lists. He has seen the ripple of grief move through families and hometowns. That intimate, irreversible knowledge is the lens through which he will judge every future call to arms. He is not a dove. He believes America must remain unambiguously the strongest military power on earth—because predators respect only strength, and peace is preserved by deterrence, and weakness invites aggression. Yet he is equally certain that strength misused becomes suicide. He will demand that any authorization for military force contain precise objectives and public accounting of progress toward victory or withdrawal. No more forever wars launched by vague resolutions and sustained by bureaucratic inertia. Like Tolstoy’s Kutuzov, who understood that sometimes the wisest strategy is to let the enemy defeat himself, McAlmond believes American power is most effective when it is restrained, deliberate, and overwhelming only when unavoidable. When it is unavoidable—when the nation’s survival or the prevention of genocide truly requires it—he will vote to unleash that power without hesitation or apology.But he will never forget the human arithmetic Tolstoy laid bare: every grand strategic design is paid for in blood measured one life at a time. Oregon has the opportunity to send to the United States Senate a man who has already paid part of that price himself - a Marine combat infantryman who knows exactly what it feels like to be the chip placed on the geopolitical table by the DC politicians who may never have risked their own lives for the country.&nbsp;Russ will carry the memory of every Marine, Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Guardian who never came home into the committee rooms and onto the Senate floor. He will insist that America wages war only when the cause is as just as the sacrifice is terrible—and that we seek peace not because we are weak, but because we are strong enough to bear its cost.But the only victory worth winning, the only cause worthy of an American rifleman’s life, is the one that springs from love — love of country, love of liberty, love of the young men and women who raise their right hands and stand ready to pay the ultimate price. Semper Fidelis.&nbsp;