SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:51 P.M. ET: 

SWEDEN LURCHES RIGHT – FROM DAILYWIRE:   Sweden's far-right Sweden Democrats party is poised for major gains in the country's September elections, a new poll shows, as voters seek to send a message that they want stricter controls on immigration and a tougher approach to crime.  Politico Europe reports that the Sweden Democrats party scored just four points behind the ruling Social Democrats Party, and just two points behind the Swedish moderate party.  The Social Democrats have ruled Sweden for years, turning the country into a leftist paradise — Sweden is, of course, routinely referenced as a model for the United States, largely for its progressive policies — but the Swedes say they've tired of the government's lax approach to immigration and crime, and want a ruling party that will tackle those issues head on.  Looks like another leftist failure coming up.  Of course, the liberal press will blame it all on racism and Donald Trump, but the voters know better.

CITIZENS VOTE WITH THEIR DOLLARS – FROM DAILYWIRE:  The Florida-based grocery store chain Publix is facing severe backlash after they caved to far-left activist David Hogg and his intimidation tactics on Friday as many customers are now saying they will no longer shop at the store.  Hogg and other far-left activists laid on the floor of the grocery store for 720 seconds – which Hogg falsely claimed is a second for each mass shooting that has happened in the U.S. since the Pulse nightclub massacre – and screamed for a boycott of the store.  The boycott came after it was revealed that the grocery store had donated money to a politician in the past who had described himself as a major advocate for the NRA and the Second Amendment.  Following Publix's decision to cave to the far-left activists, many people announced that they were no longer going to be shopping at the store.  It is sad that Publix caved immediately to a misguided intimidation tactic.  It should be punished financially.   In caving, the store in effect gave up its First Amendment rights to a mob.  Not a great contribution to democracy.

NAVY TRAGEDY – FROM ABC NEWS:   The former commanding officer of the destroyer USS John S. McCain pleaded guilty Friday to a charge of dereliction of duty for his role in last year's deadly collision that killed 10 sailors.  Commander Alfredo J. Sanchez was sentenced to a letter of reprimand and a $6,000 fine; as part of his plea deal agreement he will be required to retire from the Navy.  On August 21, 2017 10 sailors were killed when the destroyer collided with an oil tanker as it entered the busy waterway into the port of Singapore. The collision occurred two months after seven sailors were killed when the destroyer USS Fitzgerald collided with a container ship off the coast of Japan.  Both collisions resulted in the removal of senior leaders in the Navy's Seventh Fleet and to criminal proceedings against the senior leaders and some of the crew members of both ships.  He's a decorated officer with a fine record, but his plea demonstrates how much we demand of those in command positions.  He clearly made some serious mistakes, and our thoughts must, as we observe Memorial Day, go to the families of the men lost. 

May 26, 2018