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.

  • Social Security and Medicare: Problem Solved

    Why didn’t Republicans consider this brilliant solution instead of attempting to slash Medicare and Social Security? Democrats have introduced a groundbreaking bill that would extend the solvency of these crucial programs.

    Social Security and Medicare are lifelines for millions of American seniors, protecting them from poverty and medical bankruptcy. Economic justice advocates have long argued that these programs could be strengthened and remain fully solvent if the wealthiest Americans, like Elon Musk, contributed more. On Thursday, two Democratic lawmakers, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), reintroduced the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act.

    This bill aims to require individuals, with yearly incomes exceeding $400,000 to contribute a fairer share of their wealth to Social Security and Medicare. Working-class seniors who have paid into these programs their entire careers deserve a dignified retirement, yet they end up shouldering a disproportionate tax burden compared to billionaires due to a rigged tax code.  

    The legislation would lift the Social Security tax cap, ensuring that high-income taxpayers pay the same tax rate on all income exceeding the threshold. Currently, American workers only pay Social Security taxes on earnings up to just over $176,000.

    Republicans have proposed slashing Medicare to fund tax cuts for the wealthy, but this bill offers a more equitable solution. Without new revenue, the trust funds supporting Medicare and Social Security are projected to be fully solvent only through 2036.

    Endorsed by organizations such as Social Security Works, the National Council on Aging, and the Center for Medicare Advocacy, this legislation represents a crucial step towards ensuring the long-term stability of these vital programs. It’s time for the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share and protect the future of Social Security and Medicare for generations to come.

  • Dr. Casey Means for Surgeon General: Can it get any crazier?

    Just when we thought Trump’s picks for his administration couldn’t get any crazier, in walks his Surgeon General, Dr. Casey Means. Her academic achievements include dropping out of a medical residency in otolaryngology, and her medical license is currently inactive according to Oregon medical board records. Dr. Casey Means has been known to promote the idea that chronic disease is caused by diet and lifestyle choices, a theory that seems to align with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s talking points.

    Her life’s work supposedly includes co-founding Levels, a business that claims to sell glucose monitors, co-writing the book Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health, and promoting an eight-day online course on metabolic health, but one might wonder if these ventures truly deliver on their promises.

    In her various speaking engagements, Dr. Casey Means emphasizes the importance of metabolic health, a topic that excites many alternative health practitioners. She has even claimed that “the universe” speaks to her and that people can “manifest” their desires by writing them down. Perhaps she believes the body is just a “radio receiver” for divine messages, as she wrote in a newsletter from October 2024.

    Dr. Casey Means’s tendency to make statements about medicine and health that lack scientific backing is concerning. Her preferred treatment method, functional medicine, is not a recognized medical specialty and often involves unnecessary tests and unproven supplement regimens.

    It’s becoming increasingly clear that Trump may not have a clue what he’s doing. With his age and lifestyle (hello, daily Big Macs), it seems like he’s lost touch with reality and is showing his advanced years. It appears that his habit of watching TV and selecting cabinet members based on their on-screen appearances has left America with some of the most bizarre choices for our government. It’s starting to feel like we’re stuck in a really bad reality TV show.

  • The Consequences of Trump’s U. K. Tariff Deal on U.S. Automakers

    The so-called Trump Tariff deal with the U.K. is actually a disaster for America and U.S. auto makers. Let’s not forget that the U.K. tariff is still higher at 10 percent on everything except for 100,000 cars. The previous tariff rate was around 3 percent, but now Trump has decided to crank it up to 10 percent. 

    Under this deal, it will now be more cost-effective to import a UK vehicle with minimal U.S. content than a USMCA compliant vehicle from Mexico or Canada that is made up of half American parts. This is a real slap in the face to American automakers, suppliers, and auto workers.

    GM has indicated that levies could result in a loss of approximately $5 billion from its profits this year, whereas Ford anticipates experiencing a $1.5 billion impact.

    America’s “big three” automakers wasted no time in expressing their displeasure with President Trump’s latest trade agreement with the United Kingdom. As a result of the increased tariffs on imported goods, Stellantis had to halt production at plants in Canada and Mexico, both of which are subject to taxes on foreign vehicles. The council, which represents Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis, is not holding back in criticizing the president. Despite having factories in the United States, these companies are bracing themselves for significant setbacks due to the tariffs imposed by Trump. It’s almost as if the president doesn’t realize the interconnectedness of the auto industry across North America. But hey, who needs a thriving auto industry anyway, right?

  • Empty Ports a ‘good thing’?

    Can you believe the Longshoremen’s Union actually supported Donald Trump after he promised to slap massive tariffs on countries? Did they not realize that fewer ships at ports would mean fewer jobs for their union members? It’s like shooting yourself in the foot and then wondering why you can’t walk!

    Chinese freight vessels are avoiding the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach like the plague, thanks to Trump’s tariffs. The trade war and recession fears are hitting major ports hard, with a significant drop in container vessel traffic. It’s like watching a sinking ship in slow motion.

    Despite the obvious negative impact on jobs and the economy, Trump seems unfazed. When warned about the consequences for truckers and dock workers, he actually praised the downturn, claiming it means the country isn’t “losing money.” Because, you know, less ships from China is definitely a win in Trump’s book.

    ILA President Harold Daggett must be thrilled with Trump now. I mean, who wouldn’t love a president who puts American working people last while claiming to be their greatest friend? With friends like Trump, who needs enemies, right?

    The ILA Leader said his union now regards President Donald Trump as one of the greatest friends of Organized Labor and champion of the working men and women of this country. ILA President Harold Daggett

    The reality is crystal clear: these tariffs are not about putting ‘America First’ – they’re about putting American workers dead last. They’re a recipe for job losses, higher costs, and economic instability that will hit every corner of the country. But hey, at least we’re losing less money, right? Thanks, Trump!

  • Trumps New Deal Triples Taxes On Americans 

    History Lesson on Tariffs and Taxes, Boston Tea Party.

    Trump is proudly touting a new deal that will have Americans shelling out three times the amount in taxes for British products. How exciting! Who doesn’t love paying more for the same stuff they bought last year?

    According to Trump’s trusty chart, this new trade agreement with the United Kingdom will rake in a whopping $6 billion in “external revenue” – a fancy term for the extra cash U.S. Customs will be collecting from American importers. The cherry on top? A nice, round 10% tax rate on nearly all goods, which is three times higher than what we were previously paying for goods from across the pond. Thanks, Trump!

    Economist Justin Wolfers from the University of Michigan is absolutely ecstatic about this new tariff, describing it as “ridiculously high”! Tariffs are taxes, plain and simple, and their impact cannot be underestimated.

    But fear not, dear consumers! Our beloved importers will graciously pass along these added taxes in the form of higher prices, ensuring that we get to enjoy the full benefits of this new deal. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving – straight from our wallets to the government’s coffers.

    And let’s not forget Trump’s impressive grasp of how tariffs work. Who needs a history lesson on the Boston Tea Party when we have a president who thinks he can single-handedly impose taxes on incoming goods? Congress? Who needs ’em! The real heroes here are the spineless Republicans who are too busy cowering in the shadows to stand up for us hardworking Americans.

    So here’s to Trump and his brilliant new deal – may our wallets be forever empty and our British goods forever overpriced. Cheers!

  • The Cost of GOP Tax Cuts: Medicaid Cuts Will Hurt Millions

    GOP is pushing for the poor to shoulder more burdens for Medicaid just so they can funnel tax cuts to the wealthy elite.

    The GOP is proposing a plan that would force low-income Americans to pay more for healthcare so that the wealthy can receive tax cuts. Congressional Republicans are considering a highly regressive proposal to increase Medicaid premiums and copays in order to offset the cost of tax breaks for the rich. This means that the Republican bill will ultimately cut healthcare for children, seniors, Americans with disabilities, and working families.

    Another harmful option being considered by the GOP is implementing work requirements for Medicaid recipients, despite evidence showing that such requirements do little to increase employment and only make it harder for eligible individuals to receive benefits. It is clear that Republicans are using deceptive tactics to push through a reckless plan that will hurt millions of Americans.

    The Republican plan to provide handouts to billionaires and corporations will come at a significant cost, including kicking millions of Americans off their health insurance, raising the cost of living through tariffs, and increasing child hunger.

    Cuts to Medicaid also pose a threat to hospitals, nursing homes, and safety-net providers nationwide, with many providers relying heavily on Medicaid funding for their operations.

    It is unconscionable that the GOP is willing to sacrifice the health and well-being of millions of Americans in order to benefit the wealthy. The consequences of their actions will be devastating, leading to closures of hospitals and providers in rural and underserved areas. It is time to hold Republicans accountable for their harmful policies and prioritize the needs of all Americans.

  • Ford Raises Prices: Tariffs putting Pressure on Companies

    Exciting news! Ford is making some changes to their pricing strategy in response to the pressures from President Trump’s tariffs. The price tags for Ford’s popular Bronco Sport, Maverick pickup, and Mustang Mach-E electric SUV will be increasing by up to $2,000 for certain models. 

    This adjustment comes as Ford Motor Company navigates the challenges posed by the tariffs affecting the automobile industry. Stay tuned for more updates on how Ford is adapting to these changes!

  • Mother’s Day Alert!

    As if Trump’s tariffs weren’t already putting a damper on Christmas, now it seems they’re set to rain on Mother’s Day too. Trump’s erratic tariff policies are taking a toll on imported goods, including flowers and all the fancy vases and containers that come with them, imported from China.

    Did you know that a whopping 80% of the flowers we enjoy in the United States are actually imported? In 2024 alone, we imported over $2.2 billion worth of greens and cut flowers, mostly from South America. That’s a whole lot of petals!

    For small businesses like Indiana florist Phil Hurlbutt’s Flower Cart LLC, which imports goodies from Canada and Ecuador, Trump’s tariffs could mean a hefty increase in expenses – up to 125%! Ouch.

    And it’s not just flowers feeling the pinch. Trump’s tariffs are hitting Americans where it hurts – in their wallets. The National Federation of Independent Business found that 30% of businesses planned to raise prices after Trump’s tariff announcement. So, whether you’re tying the knot, tossing your cap at graduation, or picking out a bouquet for Mother’s Day, be prepared to shell out a little extra cash.

    Looks like Trump’s trade war is blooming into a full-blown flower fiasco. So, this Mother’s Day, show your mom some extra love – she deserves it, especially with those flower prices on the rise!

  • Election Integrity at Risk: GOP’s Attempts to Discard Votes

    It appears that Republicans will stop at nothing to secure a victory, even if it means resorting to cheating. The recent GOP attempt to overturn a Democratic win in a North Carolina state Supreme Court race faced a significant setback on Monday night. Federal District Court Judge Richard Myers, a staunch conservative appointed by President Donald Trump, rejected Republican candidate Jefferson Griffin’s efforts to discard thousands of votes. Instead, Myers ordered the State Board of Elections to certify Democrat Allison Riggs’ 734-vote victory.

    This case raises the question of whether a state can change election rules after the fact and apply them retroactively to a select group of voters, treating them differently than others. Essentially, the Republican state judges wanted to cherry-pick voters to ensure a win.

    The state court decisions would have infringed upon the equal protection and due process rights of overseas military and civilian voters. Shockingly, they did not want to count overseas military votes, despite claiming to support our military. Judge Myers found this scheme to be a violation of these voters’ rights, as it required them to go to extra lengths to have their votes counted compared to voters in other counties.

    The retroactive invalidation of overseas military and civilian voters’ ballots was deemed a violation of their due process rights. In the end, it is clear that the Republicans are willing to bend and break the law to achieve their goals.

  • The Truth About Canada’s Trade Deficit with the US … What Trump is Not Saying

    A lot of people don’t really get the whole trade deficit situation with Canada that Donald Trump keeps bringing up, plus the tariffs he’s slapped on Canadian goods. Honestly, this trade setup is pretty complicated, and we think Trump doesn’t really grasp all the little details.

    Canada and the US have one of the closest economic relationships in the world, with billions of dollars worth of goods and services exchanged between the two countries every year. However, there is a common belief that Canada consistently runs a trade deficit with its southern neighbor. But is this true?

    First, it’s important to understand what a trade deficit is. A trade deficit occurs when a country imports more goods and services than it exports to other countries. This means that the country is spending more on foreign goods and services than it is earning from exports.

    When it comes to Canada’s trade relationship with the US, the numbers can be interpreted in different ways. On one hand, it’s true that Canada imports more goods from the US than it exports. In 2019, for example, Canada imported $314.2 billion worth of goods from the US, while it only exported $266.9 billion worth of goods to the US. This would appear to show a trade deficit of $47.3 billion.

    However, when it comes to trade in services, the picture is different. In 2019, Canada exported $61.3 billion worth of services to the US, while it imported $53.5 billion worth of services. This means that Canada had a surplus in trade in services with the US of $7.8 billion.

    When you add the trade in goods and services together, the overall picture changes. In 2019, Canada’s total exports to the US were $328.2 billion, while its total imports from the US were $367.7 billion. This would appear to show a trade deficit of $39.5 billion.

    But it’s important to note that this trade deficit includes the cost of oil and other energy products that Canada imports from the US. If you exclude these products, Canada’s trade deficit with the US is significantly smaller.

    Furthermore, it’s important to consider the broader economic context. Canada and the US are each other’s largest trading partners, and the flow of goods and services between the two countries is highly integrated. Many of the goods that Canada imports from the US are used as inputs in Canadian exports, and vice versa. This means that the trade relationship between the two countries is more complex than simply looking at the value of imports and exports.

    In conclusion, while it’s true that Canada imports more goods from the US than it exports, the picture is more nuanced when you consider trade in services and the broader economic context. When you add trade in goods and services together, Canada does have a trade deficit with the US, but it’s smaller than it might first appear. And when you exclude energy products, the trade deficit is even smaller. Ultimately, the trade relationship between Canada and the US is highly integrated and benefits both countries.