The BLUE PRESS JOURNAL

We aim to be a voice in the ongoing political discourse, providing both factual information and opinionated analysis, from a progressive or center-left perspective, free from the direct influence of major
established Main Street Media.

  • It’s Time for California to Seize the Tax Leverage

    Blue Press Journal (Opinion) – As the fifth-largest economy in the world, California is an economic powerhouse and a leader in national policy. However, despite its significant contribution to the nation’s wealth, the state receives only a fraction of its tax dollars back in funding for essential priorities such as healthcare, housing, climate resilience, and infrastructure. It’s time for California to take a bold step and establish the California Federal Tax Administration (CFTA) to collect and remit federal taxes, thereby gaining control over its own wealth and leveraging its economic power.

    CategoryAmount
    Annual Tax Revenue$400 billion
    Federal Funding Received$30 billion
    Net Outflow$370 billion

    The CFTA would be a new state agency responsible for collecting all federal personal and corporate income taxes from California residents and businesses and then remitting the funds to the federal government. This move would not only simplify the tax collection process but also provide California with a level of autonomy and bargaining power in its dealings with Washington. As noted by Governor Gavin Newsom, “California is not just a state, it’s an economic engine that drives the nation. It’s time we take control of our own destiny and ensure that our tax dollars are being used to benefit our own citizens.

    By instituting the CFTA, California would be able to highlight the significant outflow of its wealth to the federal government, making it clear that the state is subsidizing the rest of the nation. This would be a powerful statement, as Kamala Harris has noted, “California is a donor state, meaning we give more to the federal government than we receive in return. It’s time we change that dynamic and ensure that our tax dollars are being used to benefit our own state and its residents.”

    The benefits of establishing the CFTA extend beyond political leverage. The state would have a system to ensure government continuity and preserve revenue, offering an advantage during economic downturns or funding uncertainties. As former Governor Jerry Brown stated, “California has always been a leader in innovation and progressive policy. Establishing the CFTA would be a bold step toward controlling our economic destiny and ensuring our state’s long-term prosperity.

    It’s time for California to seize the tax leverage and establish the CFTA. This move would empower the state to negotiate with Washington from a position of strength. Californians must unite to demand that their elected officials take action, ensuring our state’s wealth benefits our citizens instead of subsidizing underperforming RED STATES. As Governor Newsom has said, “It’s time for California to take control of its own destiny and become the economic powerhouse it was meant to be.”

  • CDC Officials Resign Amidst Concerns Over RFK Jr.’s Leadership

    Blue Press Journal (NYC) – In a shocking turn of events, several top officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have resigned, citing philosophical differences with Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The mass exodus is a clear indication that Kennedy’s leadership is detrimental to the agency’s mission to protect the health of the American people.

    Demetre Daskalakis, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, was one of the officials who stepped down, stating that he could no longer continue in his role due to Kennedy’s questionable decisions. Daskalakis specifically pointed to the recent changes in the immunization schedule for children and pregnant women, which were made without sharing the supporting data with the CDC.

    This lack of transparency and disregard for scientific expertise is alarming, and Daskalakis’s resignation is a testament to the fact that Kennedy is not fit to lead the CDC. As we have consistently stated at the Blue Press Journal, Kennedy’s proven record of ignorance on critical health issues makes him unsuitable for this role.

    The resignations of Daskalakis and other top officials, including Monarez, who was ousted as CDC director, demonstrate the depth of concern within the agency about Kennedy’s leadership. The fact that no CDC subject matter expert has briefed Kennedy in the seven months since he took office is a stark indication of his disinterest in scientific expertise.

    This latest attack on science will have far-reaching consequences for the American public. The CDC’s mission to protect the nation’s health is being compromised by Kennedy’s ineptitude, and it is imperative that he is held accountable for his actions. As the nation’s premier public health agency, the CDC deserves a leader who respects science and prioritizes the health and well-being of the American people.

  • Fed Governor Lisa Cook Sues President Trump Over Removal Threat

    Blue Press Journal (DC) – In a courageous move, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has filed a lawsuit against US President Donald Trump, claiming that he has no authority to remove her from office. The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, argues that Trump’s announcement on August 25 to fire Cook violates a federal law that only allows the president to remove a Fed governor for cause.  “For cause” is generally understood to mean gross misconduct, such as malfeasance (wrongdoing), neglect of duty, or significant inefficiency while in office. 

    Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Fed’s governing body, was appointed by former President Joe Biden in 2022. Trump, a Republican, has accused Cook of committing mortgage fraud in 2021, a year before she joined the Fed. However, experts have questioned whether these transactions, which were public record at the time of her appointment and confirmation by the US Senate, constitute adequate cause for removal.

    The lawsuit raises concerns about the Fed’s independence from the White House in setting monetary policy, which may affect the global economy. Following Trump’s announcement to remove Cook, the US dollar weakened against major currencies.

    Cook’s lawyers argue Trump’s demands lack a proper basis or legal authority. Cook stated that “no causes exist under the law,” asserting that Trump has no power to remove her.

    This latest development has sparked concerns about Trump’s ongoing attempts to undermine the country’s checks and balances. Critics argue that Trump’s actions are a clear example of executive overreach, threatening the independence of institutions like the Federal Reserve.

  • The Hypocrisy of Trump’s Crime Crusade: Many Red States Cities Have Higher Crime Rates!!

    Blue Press Journal – As President Trump continues to push for a tougher stance on crime in Democratic cities, critics are pointing out the glaring omission of red states with equally high crime rates. The President’s threat to deploy National Guard troops to more American cities has sparked controversy, with many arguing that his focus on blue states is motivated by politics rather than a genuine concern for public safety.

    The data tells a different story. According to the FBI, some of the cities with the highest crime rates are actually located in red states, where Republican governors have been notably silent on the issue. Take Memphis, Tennessee, for example, which tops the list with a staggering 2,501 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Kansas City, Missouri, and Houston, Texas, also make the list, with 1,547 and 1,148 violent crimes per 100,000 people, respectively.

    CityStateViolent Crimes per 100,000 people
    MemphisTennessee2,501
    Kansas CityMissouri1,547
    HoustonTexas1,148
    NashvilleTennessee1,124

    As Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) noted, “It’s hypocritical for the President to focus on crime in Democratic cities while ignoring the same issues in red states. This is not a partisan issue; it’s a matter of public safety and justice for all Americans.”

    In contrast, cities like Washington, D.C., and Chicago, which have been targeted by Trump’s crime initiative, have actually seen significant decreases in crime rates. According to the Chicago Police Department, homicides in the city decreased by 11% in 2022, while Washington, D.C. saw a 10% decrease in violent crime.

    As the debate over crime and public safety continues, Trump’s focus on Democratic cities is misguided. By ignoring high crime rates in red states, the President fails to address the root causes of violence and perpetuates a partisan narrative that undermines society. It’s time for a new approach that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all Americans, regardless of political affiliation or location.

  • New Report Suggests Kennedy Center Honors Now Require Support for MAGA Politicians

    Blue Press Journal (DC) – A shocking revelation has emerged about the selection process for the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, with a new report indicating that donations to Republican politicians who support former President Donald Trump’s MAGA agenda may be a prerequisite for receiving the award. The latest recipient to raise eyebrows is singer Gloria Gaynor, known for her iconic 1978 hit “I Will Survive,” which has been embraced by the LGBTQ community as an empowering anthem.

    According to Federal Election Commission records reviewed by MeidasTouch, Gaynor has made significant donations to several prominent Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Sen. Ted Cruz, and Rep. Elise Stefanik, all of whom are staunch supporters of Trump’s policies. Additionally, she has contributed to the campaigns of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ohio gubernatorial hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, who ran for the GOP presidential nomination in 2023 and early 2024.

    This discovery has sparked outrage and criticism, with many questioning the criteria for selecting honorees for the Kennedy Center awards. The implication that support for MAGA politicians is a requirement for the award is alarming, suggesting a politicized and biased selection process.

    The Kennedy Center Honors are intended to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts, and the selection process should be based on merit and artistic achievement, not political affiliation or donations to specific politicians. By prioritizing support for MAGA politicians, the awards risk losing their credibility and integrity.

    It remains to be seen how the Kennedy Center will address these allegations and whether they will ensure a fair selection process based on artistic merit instead of political influences. One thing is certain: the Kennedy Center Honors will never be viewed the same way again.

  • Joe Rogan Delivers Blow to Trump’s “Big Lie” Claim

    Blue Press Journal – In a shocking turn of events, podcast giant Joe Rogan has publicly challenged Donald Trump’s longstanding claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Rogan, who had previously endorsed Trump and hosted him on his show, joined comedian and commentator Dave Smith in questioning the validity of Trump’s assertions.

    During a recent episode of his podcast, Smith noted that Trump has consistently claimed that Joe Biden became president due to election cheating, yet has failed to provide concrete evidence to support this claim. “So I’m gonna need to know who ‘they’ is, and I’m going to need to know when we’re gonna see ’em perp-walked,” Smith said, highlighting the lack of accountability and transparency surrounding Trump’s allegations.

    Rogan interjected, stating, “I don’t think they have any evidence.” He went on to argue that if Trump or his team had credible proof of election tampering, they would have presented it by now. “If that was you or if that was me, and there was some reason why I knew that they did something, and I could give you all the facts, I would have that ready for anybody,” Rogan said. “For four fucking years they’ve been telling him he’s crazy for questioning the election. So after four years I’d have a fucking tight 10 minutes on the election where I could just rattle off at you and rock your world with it like, ‘These are the facts, Jack.’”

    Rogan’s comments are significant, as they come from a prominent figure sympathetic to Trump’s views. By questioning Trump’s claims, Rogan sends a powerful message to his audience, many likely influenced by his opinions. This may serve as a wake-up call for Trump’s supporters, who have clung to the “big lie” narrative for years.

    Rogan’s comments remind us that facts matter. By challenging Trump’s claims and demanding transparency, he is promoting a more informed discussion about American politics. Whether Trump’s supporters will listen is uncertain, but it’s clear Rogan has dealt a blow to the “big lie” narrative that won’t go unnoticed.

  • The Importance of an Independent Federal Reserve: Why Trump’s Politicization is a Recipe for Disaster

    Blue Press Journal – The Federal Reserve Bank, the central bank of the United States, has long been a bastion of independence, making decisions based on economic data and expertise rather than political considerations. However, with recent attempts by President Donald Trump to politicize the Fed, there are growing concerns about the potential consequences of such a move. In this blog post, we will explore the dangers of politicizing the Federal Reserve and why other countries that have taken this path have faced significant economic challenges.

    The Risks of Politicization

    Politicizing the Federal Reserve would undermine its independence and potentially lead to a range of negative consequences, including increased inflation and economic instability. As former Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke, once stated, “The independence of the Federal Reserve is essential to its ability to make decisions based on its mandate to promote maximum employment and price stability, rather than based on short-term political considerations.”

    CountryCentral BankOutcome
    TurkeyCentral Bank of the Republic of TurkeyHigh inflation, economic instability
    ArgentinaCentral Bank of ArgentinaHyperinflation, economic crisis
    VenezuelaCentral Bank of VenezuelaHyperinflation, economic collapse

    As the table above illustrates, countries that have politicized their central banks have faced significant economic challenges. In Turkey, for example, the government’s interference in the central bank’s decisions led to a sharp increase in inflation and economic instability. Similarly, in Argentina and Venezuela, the politicization of their central banks resulted in hyperinflation and economic crisis.

    Why Trump’s Plan is Flawed

    President Trump’s desire to politicize the Federal Reserve is particularly concerning given his own history of financial mismanagement. As a businessman, Trump has filed for bankruptcy multiple times, raising questions about his ability to make sound economic decisions. As Nobel Prize-winning economist, Joseph Stiglitz, noted, “The idea of putting the Federal Reserve under political control, particularly with someone like Donald Trump who has a history of bankruptcy, is a recipe for disaster.”

    The Federal Reserve’s politicization would risk far-reaching consequences for the US economy. Its independence is crucial for decisions based on economic data rather than political pressures. History shows that politicizing central banks can lead to inflation, instability, and crisis. We must protect the Fed’s independence from political interference.

    As former Federal Reserve Chairman, Alan Greenspan, once stated, “The Federal Reserve’s independence is a cornerstone of its ability to maintain price stability and promote economic growth.” Let us hope that policymakers will heed this warning and reject any attempts to politicize the Federal Reserve. The future of the US economy depends on it.

  • Trump’s Revenge Tour Rolls On: Bridgegate Resurfaces in Latest Attack on Chris Christie

    Blue Press Journal – In a blatant display of pettiness and vindictiveness, President Donald Trump has dredged up the notorious Bridgegate scandal, more than a decade after it marred the reputation of then-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. The move is the latest stop on Trump’s Revenge Tour, a relentless campaign to target perceived enemies and critics.

    Just hours after Christie told ABC News that Trump is unconcerned with the separation of powers, the president took to social media to resurrect the 2013 scandal, which involved the deliberate closure of traffic lanes on the George Washington Bridge, causing chaos and gridlock in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Two top Christie aides were eventually sentenced to prison time for their roles in the scheme, while Christie himself was cleared of wrongdoing.

    Trump’s tweet, which claimed that Christie “refused to take responsibility for these criminal acts,” is a gross misrepresentation of the facts. Christie has consistently maintained that he had no knowledge of the scheme, and multiple investigations have borne out his claims. Nevertheless, the scandal has continued to haunt Christie’s political ambitions, and Trump’s decision to revive it now can be seen as a clear attempt to further discredit and humiliate his former ally.

    This latest salvo comes on the heels of the FBI’s raid on the home of former national security adviser John Bolton, another outspoken critic of Trump’s foreign policy. The timing of these events is unlikely to be coincidental, and suggests that Trump is escalating his campaign of revenge against perceived enemies.

    Trump’s actions are chilling; by targeting and intimidating critics, he undermines our democracy. His indifference to the separation of powers, a crucial check on presidential authority, alongside his use of government for personal vendettas, poses a serious threat to the rule of law and institutional integrity.

  • Trump’s Sudden Announcement to Fire Federal Reserve Governor Sparks Widespread Backlash and Legal Questions

    Blue Press Journal (DC) – In a shocking move, President Donald Trump announced late Monday that he would be firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, effective immediately. The unexpected decision has sent shockwaves throughout the economic and political spheres, with many critics denouncing the move as a potentially disastrous blow to the US economy.

    The reasoning behind Trump’s decision is alleged mortgage fraud committed by Cook, claims that have yet to be substantiated or proven in a court of law. Despite the lack of evidence, Trump has seen fit to publicly declare his intention to remove Cook from her position, sparking a heated debate about the limits of presidential power and the potential consequences of such an unprecedented action.

    Cook, however, has refused to back down, stating her intention to remain on the Federal Reserve despite Trump’s announcement. The standoff has raised questions about the stability of the US financial system and the potential repercussions of a president interfering with the independence of the Federal Reserve.

    Critics, including prominent social media personality Brian Krassenstein, have been swift to condemn Trump’s move, accusing him of attempting to remove Cook without credible evidence. Krassenstein argue that Trump’s actions are a clear case of “phony projection and slander” against a distinguished public servant. Many have pointed out that Trump’s own history of questionable business dealings, his conventions of thirty five felonies and alleged misconduct make him unfit to dictate the fate of others.

    The implications of Trump’s actions are far-reaching and potentially devastating. As the first president to attempt to fire a member of the Federal Reserve Board, he sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine the independence of the central bank and destabilize the economy. With significant economic challenges already facing the US, the last thing needed is a president willing to disregard decades of rules governing the Federal Reserve.

    As the situation unfolds, Trump’s decision to fire Lisa Cook has ignited controversy that could significantly impact the US economy. Regardless of Cook’s fate at the Federal Reserve, the damage is done, and the American people will watch closely.

  • Trump Administration Betrays Promise to Military Veterans

    Blue Press Journal (DC) – In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, the Trump administration is dismantling and privatizing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), breaking the nation’s promise to provide comprehensive care and support to military veterans and their families. Despite the president’s boasts about his support for the military, his actions reveal a callous disregard for the well-being of those who have served.

    The VA provides a wide range of essential services to over 18 million veterans, including healthcare, disability payments, education assistance, and support for caregivers. However, the Trump administration’s 2025 budget proposal allocates a staggering 75% of the VA’s spending increase to private medical providers, representing a 67% increase in privatized care. This shift towards privatization has already led to the loss of 600 doctors and 1,900 nurses, with a four-fold increase in job rejection rates among prospective medical staff.

    A leaked memo in March revealed plans to cut 83,000 jobs from the VA, prompting Senator Richard Blumenthal to call it “a gut punch… breathtaking… in its malevolence and cruelty.” Although the agency later aimed for 30,000 job cuts, the damage is done. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed on July 4, is expected to worsen the crisis by eliminating Medicaid for some veterans, leaving 1.6 million without care.

    The consequences of dismantling the VA will be devastating for future veterans, who will face a profit-driven system that fails to address the unique challenges of military service. The administration’s prioritization of private interests over public service betrays the nation’s promise to its veterans. The Trump administration’s actions highlight that rhetoric on supporting the military can be mere empty words, with veterans’ true interests sacrificed for privatization and profiteering.