Tag: trump

  • You Can’t Make this Stuff up

    The shocking news broke today, Monday, that Pete Hegseth had quietly settled a financial dispute with a woman who accused him of harassment in 2017, President-elect Donald Trump decided to stick by his man and nominate him as the next Secretary of Defense. Trump’s trusty communications director, Steven Cheung, defended the decision by pointing out that Hegseth, despite the allegations, has not been formally charged with any crimes. “President Trump only selects the finest, most qualified individuals to join his administration,” Cheung declared with a straight face.

    However, Hegseth’s past actions before his gig as a Fox News TV host in 2017 paint a less-than-flattering picture of his character. Reports and testimonies from former colleagues reveal a troubling pattern of financial mismanagement, shady dealings, and questionable behavior that led to his ousting from not one, but two nonprofit organizations he headed—Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America. It seems like Hegseth’s resume is more suited for a reality TV show than running the most powerful military force in the world. Read more here

  • The Bigger picture – Biden Pardon

    Biden went out of his way to avoid interfering with this prosecution, even though it cost his family a pretty penny. He didn’t remove or alter the Trump-appointed prosecutor handling the case, even when that prosecutor’s investigation was upgraded to special counsel status last year. That was a questionable move in its-self and demanded by republicans!!

    Biden pointed out in his statement announcing the pardon, his son was unfairly targeted and prosecuted. The president rightly pointed out that people aren’t usually hauled into court on felony charges just for messing up a gun form, and those who pay their overdue taxes with interest and penalties due to serious addictions (like Hunter) typically get off with a slap on the wrist. But Hunter was treated differently to smear Biden and sabotage his election campaign, according to the president.

    He’s got a point – but don’t just take my word for it. Trey Gowdy, a former House member and federal prosecutor, said on Fox News that there probably weren’t even ten cases nationwide of addicts or drug users getting prosecuted for possessing firearms or lying on applications. Senator Lindsey Graham also chimed in, saying the average American wouldn’t have been charged for the gun incident. These charges are so minor they wouldn’t have made it to court if Hunter Biden wasn’t, well, Hunter Biden.

    To the republicans criticizing President Biden for this decision, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. A lot has changed since June when he said he wouldn’t pardon Hunter. Trump won the White House, not Biden or Kamala Harris, and the president-elect seems dead set on getting payback, with his nominations hinting at plans to weaponize the FBI and the Justice Department. He’s even talking about axing the current FBI director before his term ends and replacing him with Kash Patel, who’s vowed to “shake things up.” Oh, what a surprise!

  • The Effects of Tariffs on Imported Goods…the Trump Promise

    Understanding Tariffs

    Tariffs come in two primary forms: specific tariffs, which are a fixed fee per unit of imported goods, and ad valorem tariffs, which are a percentage of the value of the imported goods. These taxes can be levied for various reasons including protecting domestic industries, generating government revenue, and responding to unfair trade practices.

    Direct Effects on Prices

    One of the most immediate consequences of tariffs is the increase in prices for imported goods. When a government imposes a tariff, it raises the cost of these goods for importers. These costs are usually passed on to consumers, resulting in higher retail prices. For example, if a country imposes a 25% tariff on imported steel, the price of products using that steel—like cars and appliances—will also rise. This leads to inflationary pressures in the economy, affecting not just goods that are directly subject to tariffs, but potentially many related products as well.

    Impact on Domestic Markets

    Tariffs are often implemented to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. In the short term, this can benefit local producers, allowing them to maintain or increase their market share as consumers seek alternatives to more expensive imported goods. However, this protection can also lead to complacency among domestic producers, reducing their incentive to innovate or improve efficiency. Over time, failing to compete with foreign manufacturers can hinder the growth of a country’s industry.

    Additionally, while some sectors may thrive due to tariffs, others may suffer. Industries that rely on imported raw materials may see their costs rise, leading to higher production costs and reduced competitiveness. This creates a complex dance of winners and losers in the domestic market.

    In summary, Trump’s proposed tariffs will increase costs for the very people he vowed to help by lowering prices.

    Read more in the below article:

    We’re Economists. Here’s What We Really Think Of Trump’s Plan To ‘Lower’ Grocery Prices.