Americans are on the move. They're leaving various cities and states to avoid high taxes, crime, high costs of living, and to seek better jobs; or, to simply retire. The downside to this is potential bankruptcies as the tax bases shrink; leaving cities and states with expensive pensions and other commitments that are left over from a time when populations were much higher.
This was certainly the case in the now-bankrupt Detroit. In 1950, that city's population was 1.8 million. By 2013, it had only 700,000 residents. But, Detroit's problems -- as the largest city in Michigan -- are taking that state along with it. Right now, Michigan is on the verge of losing one of it's Congressional seats due to it's slowing growth. As a state with nearly 10 million residents, the population increased by only 6,270 from 2014 to 2015; according to the Census Bureau.
Illinois is in a similar "state" of affairs. It, too, is close to losing a Congressional seat to some other faster growing states like Texas. Key to the loss there, is the fact that its largest city, Chicago, is shrinking in size. New York state is also losing people, but in its case, many of those leaving are high end earners. Even the weather-desirable California is seeing its population growth slowing. The fact is that 8 states have growth rates of less than 1/2 of a percent and well below the inflation rates for running the state's expenses.
We are getting very close to an actual bankruptcy of the entire State of Michigan, and not just a single city like Detroit. Not far behind are Cleveland, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Youngstown, Ohio who have all seen losses greater than 50% from their peak populations. The list of all the cities (see references) that have lost populations is substantial. As a result, people located in those areas are bound to see higher taxes as the legislatures try to cope with increased costs and a lower tax base. Raising taxes would only cause even more people to leave. This is a serious spiral that America cannot afford. The city/states that are effected need to rethink ways to restore population without raising taxes or we will all wind up paying higher taxes to bail them out.
References:
The Incredible Shrinking Illinois: http://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/February-2016/Where-Is-Illinois-Losing-Population/
Chicago area sees greatest population loss of any major U.S. city, region in 2015: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-population-record-loss-met-20160324-story.html
Taxpayers are fleeing New York in droves: http://nypost.com/2016/09/15/taxpayers-are-fleeing-new-york-in-droves/
The Decline of Detroit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decline_of_Detroit
Mich. population rebound is slowing, census shows: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/12/22/mich-population-rebound-slowing-census-shows/77746798/
Once a boom state, California sees a historic period of slow population growth: http://www.sacbee.com/site-services/databases/article69054977.html
Warning: New Jersey in Midst of Millennial Outmigration: http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/16/02/15/new-report-warns-that-new-jersey-is-in-midst-of-millennial-outmigration/
New Jersey Herald: Time to address population loss: http://www.njherald.com/article/20160327/ARTICLE/303279973#
List of U.S. states by population growth rate: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_by_population_growth_rate
Shrinking cities in the United States: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrinking_cities_in_the_United_States
Friday, September 30, 2016
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Hillary's False Implication That the Rich Don't Pay Their Fair Share
Time and time, again, Hillary Clinton keeps repeating her Bernie Sanders-lite comment that she would pay for all her spending plans by taxing the rich, because they should pay their fair share. But really, what is the definition of "fair share"? To Bernie Sanders, it was 90%. Hillary believes that there should be another 4% added on to the current top tax rate 39.6%, plus a 3.8% surcharge that was introduced for ObamaCare. In addition, they pay hefty real estate taxes on all their properties and large amounts of monies in state income taxes. But, Hillary says that's not enough. In fact, if she does become president, she will ask the rich to pay even more so she will be able to buy even more votes with some new social program that conjures up.
It was no surprise that she brought up Trump's wealth during the debate and reiterated the "fair share" pitch. But, here's the reality, the top 1% of tax payers pay more in taxes than the bottom 90% of tax payers. At the same time, 45% of American's pay no taxes. Well, is that fair?
Personally, I would prefer a person like Trump to keep more of his money because I know he will use it to build more properties, and in the process: Create Jobs. Highly paid jobs to construct the buildings and good paying jobs to staff them. That is something the federal government doesn't do with the money it is given. Trillions in tax dollars has been paid, and still we have a large number of people living in poverty, without jobs. The worst place for money to go is the federal government, where abuse and fraud are rampant.
Lastly, increasing taxes on the rich will only give them a reason to take their money and leave the country. France found that out when it raised taxes on the wealthy. After all, the rich are highly mobile and aren't necessarily tied to a specific job. Of course, if we start losing our rich, who will pay for all the benefits that those 45% who don't pay taxes are enjoying?
References:
To Ensure Tax Fairness, Clinton Unveils New 'Fair Share Surcharge: https://www.hillaryclinton.com/briefing/factsheets/2016/01/11/to-ensure-tax-fairness-clinton-unveils-new-fair-share-surcharge-on-multi-millionaires/
The Top 1 Percent Pays More in Taxes than the Bottom 90 Percent: http://taxfoundation.org/blog/top-1-percent-pays-more-taxes-bottom-90-percent
45% of Americans pay no federal income tax: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/45-of-americans-pay-no-federal-income-tax-2016-02-24
New figures published this week suggest that an increasing number of France’s top earners are leaving the country, with some observers blaming high taxes for the rising “wealth drain”: http://www.france24.com/en/20150808-france-wealthy-flee-high-taxes-les-echos-figures
pb
It was no surprise that she brought up Trump's wealth during the debate and reiterated the "fair share" pitch. But, here's the reality, the top 1% of tax payers pay more in taxes than the bottom 90% of tax payers. At the same time, 45% of American's pay no taxes. Well, is that fair?
Personally, I would prefer a person like Trump to keep more of his money because I know he will use it to build more properties, and in the process: Create Jobs. Highly paid jobs to construct the buildings and good paying jobs to staff them. That is something the federal government doesn't do with the money it is given. Trillions in tax dollars has been paid, and still we have a large number of people living in poverty, without jobs. The worst place for money to go is the federal government, where abuse and fraud are rampant.
Lastly, increasing taxes on the rich will only give them a reason to take their money and leave the country. France found that out when it raised taxes on the wealthy. After all, the rich are highly mobile and aren't necessarily tied to a specific job. Of course, if we start losing our rich, who will pay for all the benefits that those 45% who don't pay taxes are enjoying?
References:
To Ensure Tax Fairness, Clinton Unveils New 'Fair Share Surcharge: https://www.hillaryclinton.com/briefing/factsheets/2016/01/11/to-ensure-tax-fairness-clinton-unveils-new-fair-share-surcharge-on-multi-millionaires/
The Top 1 Percent Pays More in Taxes than the Bottom 90 Percent: http://taxfoundation.org/blog/top-1-percent-pays-more-taxes-bottom-90-percent
45% of Americans pay no federal income tax: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/45-of-americans-pay-no-federal-income-tax-2016-02-24
New figures published this week suggest that an increasing number of France’s top earners are leaving the country, with some observers blaming high taxes for the rising “wealth drain”: http://www.france24.com/en/20150808-france-wealthy-flee-high-taxes-les-echos-figures
pb
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Hillary vs.Trump Debate: No Clear Winner
On the Tuesday following the presidential debate, leading liberal media outlets declared Hillary the winner. Right leaning media outlets thought Trump the winner. Snap-shot online polls followed the same trend depending on the right or left leaning of the outlet taking the poll. But, online polls are historically biased towards the politics of the media outlet conducting it, and thus, are highly unreliable.
I personally think the debate was, at best, a tie. Trump was good at the beginning but lost ground in the second half by not taking advantage of obvious openings and distortions of facts. For example, when Hillary talked about a single architect being stiffed by Trump, he should have countered with the thousands of jobs that Trump properties have created. And, it certainly didn't help Trump to have the moderator, Lester Holt, clearly take sides, badger, and constantly interrupt him.
The only way we will know who had the best night, is if the polls going forward shift. If Trump's improving poll numbers start to slide again, Hillary can be confident that she won the night. Obviously, the inverse effect would reveal Trump as the winner. However, I think the polls won't show much movement either way. Just my opinion.
References:
How Trump won over a bar full of undecideds and Democrats: http://nypost.com/2016/09/26/the-best-debate-takes-come-from-inside-the-bar/
Byron York: Donald Trump's missed opportunities: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/article/2602948
Post-debate poll: Hillary Clinton takes round one: http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/27/politics/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-debate-poll/
Online Polls Declare Trump Debate Winner, Despite Media Consensus For Clinton: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/09/27/online-polls-declare-trump-debate-winner-despite-media-consensus-for-clinton.html
Lester Holt: The Third Debater?: http://heatst.com/politics/lester-holt-the-third-debater/
NBC Crank Lester Holt Interrupted Trump 41 times, Hillary 7 Times ...And Lied About His Positions: http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2016/09/nbc-crank-lester-holt-interrupted-trump-41-times-hillary-7-times-lied-positions/
I personally think the debate was, at best, a tie. Trump was good at the beginning but lost ground in the second half by not taking advantage of obvious openings and distortions of facts. For example, when Hillary talked about a single architect being stiffed by Trump, he should have countered with the thousands of jobs that Trump properties have created. And, it certainly didn't help Trump to have the moderator, Lester Holt, clearly take sides, badger, and constantly interrupt him.
The only way we will know who had the best night, is if the polls going forward shift. If Trump's improving poll numbers start to slide again, Hillary can be confident that she won the night. Obviously, the inverse effect would reveal Trump as the winner. However, I think the polls won't show much movement either way. Just my opinion.
References:
How Trump won over a bar full of undecideds and Democrats: http://nypost.com/2016/09/26/the-best-debate-takes-come-from-inside-the-bar/
Byron York: Donald Trump's missed opportunities: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/article/2602948
Post-debate poll: Hillary Clinton takes round one: http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/27/politics/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-debate-poll/
Online Polls Declare Trump Debate Winner, Despite Media Consensus For Clinton: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/09/27/online-polls-declare-trump-debate-winner-despite-media-consensus-for-clinton.html
Lester Holt: The Third Debater?: http://heatst.com/politics/lester-holt-the-third-debater/
NBC Crank Lester Holt Interrupted Trump 41 times, Hillary 7 Times ...And Lied About His Positions: http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2016/09/nbc-crank-lester-holt-interrupted-trump-41-times-hillary-7-times-lied-positions/
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Why North Korea is Becoming More Dangerous
With all the presidential politicking consuming our daily intake of news, one event, that should have been front and center, went by with little notice.
On August 24, North Korea launched a ballistic missile from a submarine. The missile flew more than 300 miles towards Japan before falling into the sea. Experts believe that, had the arc been higher, it could have reached a distance of over 600 miles.
This is a very dangerous move by North Korea. Subs are silent killers that are difficult to detect without airborne magnetic anomaly detection (MAD). And, then, only if the sub is within a narrow range and shallow depth for detection. A sub with a nuclear tipped missile could easily roam off the West coast of the U.S., be undetected, and put many of our cities at risk like Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco.
While it is highly unlikely that North Korea has currently achieved the miniaturization of nuclear technology to place a nuke on a sub launched missile, it probably is just a matter of time before they have that technology. Add to this the obvious irrational behavior of Kim Jong-un, and our allies such as Japan could be facing a very dangerous future.
References:
North Korea fires submarine-launched ballistic missile towards Japan: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-idUSKCN10Y2B0
Magnetic anomaly detector: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_anomaly_detector
On August 24, North Korea launched a ballistic missile from a submarine. The missile flew more than 300 miles towards Japan before falling into the sea. Experts believe that, had the arc been higher, it could have reached a distance of over 600 miles.
This is a very dangerous move by North Korea. Subs are silent killers that are difficult to detect without airborne magnetic anomaly detection (MAD). And, then, only if the sub is within a narrow range and shallow depth for detection. A sub with a nuclear tipped missile could easily roam off the West coast of the U.S., be undetected, and put many of our cities at risk like Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco.
While it is highly unlikely that North Korea has currently achieved the miniaturization of nuclear technology to place a nuke on a sub launched missile, it probably is just a matter of time before they have that technology. Add to this the obvious irrational behavior of Kim Jong-un, and our allies such as Japan could be facing a very dangerous future.
References:
North Korea fires submarine-launched ballistic missile towards Japan: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-idUSKCN10Y2B0
Magnetic anomaly detector: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_anomaly_detector
Monday, September 26, 2016
Was This the Reason for the Charlotte Policeman's Killing of Keith Scott?
Just recently, the Brennan Center for Justice released its 2016 preliminary report of projected year-end increases in violent crime activity in the 30 largest cities. Based on the news reports, one would think that Chicago would be number one on the "Brennan" list. But, no. Instead, San Antonio saw the largest increase in projected violent crime for 2016 at 52.5%. In second place was Charlotte, with an increase of 22.5% over 2015. Chicago was actually third at 16.2%.
While spending years working as a manager, I can honestly tell you that when the workload increases unexpectedly, the level of stress goes up, and even the best employees, will start to make mistakes. This is apparently the case for the police in Charlotte. A 22.5% projected increase in violent crime, along with increases in almost every other category of crime in 2016, has apparently caused a quick increase in stress in just a short time. The police chief has called for enough money to hire 50 more officers, 20 additional dispatchers, and five more crime scene techs, in order to deal with the relatively fast increase in crime activity.
I can't say that stress was solely responsible for the police shooting and killing of Keith Lamont Scott, but it certainly could have been a contributing factor. And, why, unlike other cities, Charlotte's crime rate is soaring is a question that has to be addressed to insure that police aren't overworked; making what is already a tough job a lot tougher.
References:
Study: Violent Crime And Murders Slightly On The Rise This Year In Largest Cities: http://www.npr.org/2016/09/19/494293952/study-violent-crime-and-murders-slightly-on-the-rise-this-year-in-largest-cities
Charlotte-Mecklenburg: Crime on the rise in nearly every major category: http://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/cmpd-to-release-2016-q1-crime-stats-announce-summer-initiative/261701976
While spending years working as a manager, I can honestly tell you that when the workload increases unexpectedly, the level of stress goes up, and even the best employees, will start to make mistakes. This is apparently the case for the police in Charlotte. A 22.5% projected increase in violent crime, along with increases in almost every other category of crime in 2016, has apparently caused a quick increase in stress in just a short time. The police chief has called for enough money to hire 50 more officers, 20 additional dispatchers, and five more crime scene techs, in order to deal with the relatively fast increase in crime activity.
I can't say that stress was solely responsible for the police shooting and killing of Keith Lamont Scott, but it certainly could have been a contributing factor. And, why, unlike other cities, Charlotte's crime rate is soaring is a question that has to be addressed to insure that police aren't overworked; making what is already a tough job a lot tougher.
References:
Study: Violent Crime And Murders Slightly On The Rise This Year In Largest Cities: http://www.npr.org/2016/09/19/494293952/study-violent-crime-and-murders-slightly-on-the-rise-this-year-in-largest-cities
Charlotte-Mecklenburg: Crime on the rise in nearly every major category: http://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/cmpd-to-release-2016-q1-crime-stats-announce-summer-initiative/261701976
Friday, September 23, 2016
The Greens are Nervous About Hillary's Climate Agenda
Just recently, the U.K.'s 'The Guardian' posted a story noting that a green activist group was sincerely upset with the fact that Hillary Clinton doesn't talk about climate change anymore. In fact, a review of her speech transcripts showed that once she was endorsed by Bernie Sanders, the words "climate change" have generally disappeared from her campaign.
However, it isn't just 'The Guardian' that is questioning Hillary's dedication to climate change. Liberal MSNBC criticized her in an opinion piece titled: "Clinton’s ‘comprehensive’ climate change policy is anything but".
Perhaps green activists should recognize that 'climate change' is a low priority among most Americans. Why talk about it when there are better vote getting issues to discuss?
References:
Green Panic: Hillary Barely Mentions Climate Anymore: https://wattsupwiththat.com/2016/09/21/green-panic-hillary-barely-mentions-climate-anymore/
Hillary Clinton 'dropped climate change from speeches after Bernie Sanders endorsement': https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/20/hillary-clinton-dropped-climate-change-from-speeches-after-bernie-sanders-endorsement
Gallup: Americans still rank climate change as low-priority concern: http://climatechangedispatch.com/gallup-americans-still-rank-climate-change-as-low-priority-concern/
However, it isn't just 'The Guardian' that is questioning Hillary's dedication to climate change. Liberal MSNBC criticized her in an opinion piece titled: "Clinton’s ‘comprehensive’ climate change policy is anything but".
Perhaps green activists should recognize that 'climate change' is a low priority among most Americans. Why talk about it when there are better vote getting issues to discuss?
References:
Green Panic: Hillary Barely Mentions Climate Anymore: https://wattsupwiththat.com/2016/09/21/green-panic-hillary-barely-mentions-climate-anymore/
Hillary Clinton 'dropped climate change from speeches after Bernie Sanders endorsement': https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/20/hillary-clinton-dropped-climate-change-from-speeches-after-bernie-sanders-endorsement
Gallup: Americans still rank climate change as low-priority concern: http://climatechangedispatch.com/gallup-americans-still-rank-climate-change-as-low-priority-concern/
Thursday, September 22, 2016
The U.S. Has Nearly a Quarter Million Unsolved Murders Since 1980
Much of the recent news about Chicago has been regarding this year's number of shootings and murders. What isn't well publicized is the fact that only 21% of murders in the city are cleared (solved). A similar problem exists in Detroit where only 30% are cleared. Los Angeles is only slightly better at 40%. In the country as a whole, only 64% of murders are solved. This average is well down from 90% in 1965. All told, nearly a quarter of a million murders have gone unsolved since 1980 with another 5,000 added each year.
One would have thought that with today's high tech tools such as DNA and the national fingerprint data base and identification system, crime fighting would have gotten much better. But, the ability to solve murders still relies heavily on the human element.
In Chicago, the low clearance rate is a result of three factors that are probably common to many of the cities that have this problem. First, many of the murders are committed by gangs and the members of the community fear that they too will be murdered if they come forth as witnesses. Additionally, there is an increasing mistrust of the police; and again, witnesses not coming forward. Finally, because of budget cuts, too few personnel are available to perform proper crime scene investigations and detective work.
It always seems as if videos are taken when a police officer shoots someone, but where are those same cameras when someone is being murdered or shot without police involvement? Also, mistrust has only increased because we have a President and other leaders that continually imply that police are guilty of racial bias.
Something has to change, or many more murders will go unsolved. This is especially true due to the rising murder rates in our major cities as a result of the Ferguson effect. Sending in the Justice Department to discipline our police on the reckless assumption that they're racist isn't going to resolve anything.
References:
Getting Away With Murder: Police fail to make an arrest in more than a third of the nation’s killings: http://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21656725-police-fail-make-arrest-more-third-nations-killings-getting-away
As Chicago killings surge, the unsolved cases pile up: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-homicide-clearance-rate-20160909-story.html
Shoddy LAPD record keeping muddies murder statistics: http://www.dailynews.com/general-news/20140628/shoddy-lapd-record-keeping-muddies-murder-statistics
One would have thought that with today's high tech tools such as DNA and the national fingerprint data base and identification system, crime fighting would have gotten much better. But, the ability to solve murders still relies heavily on the human element.
In Chicago, the low clearance rate is a result of three factors that are probably common to many of the cities that have this problem. First, many of the murders are committed by gangs and the members of the community fear that they too will be murdered if they come forth as witnesses. Additionally, there is an increasing mistrust of the police; and again, witnesses not coming forward. Finally, because of budget cuts, too few personnel are available to perform proper crime scene investigations and detective work.
It always seems as if videos are taken when a police officer shoots someone, but where are those same cameras when someone is being murdered or shot without police involvement? Also, mistrust has only increased because we have a President and other leaders that continually imply that police are guilty of racial bias.
Something has to change, or many more murders will go unsolved. This is especially true due to the rising murder rates in our major cities as a result of the Ferguson effect. Sending in the Justice Department to discipline our police on the reckless assumption that they're racist isn't going to resolve anything.
References:
Getting Away With Murder: Police fail to make an arrest in more than a third of the nation’s killings: http://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21656725-police-fail-make-arrest-more-third-nations-killings-getting-away
As Chicago killings surge, the unsolved cases pile up: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-homicide-clearance-rate-20160909-story.html
Shoddy LAPD record keeping muddies murder statistics: http://www.dailynews.com/general-news/20140628/shoddy-lapd-record-keeping-muddies-murder-statistics
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Obama: Low Black Voter Turnout is an Insult to Him
In a speech last week to a predominately black audience, President Obama said:
The reality, is that blacks today, aren't better off after two terms of the first black President. That appraisal isn't only mine, but also the opinion of a website that considers itself the "Voice of the Black Community" known as "BlackpressUSA". Blacks, in general, are far worse off than before the Great Recession. For example, the black poverty rate is statistically the same today, as it was in 2007 at 24%. The disparity in wages has remained the same under this President's watch.
This is a true insult to the black community, and I personally believe that these sobering statistics are the direct result of Barack Obama and his failed legacy. I don't think blacks would be wise to vote for another 4 years of President Obama's legacy by electing Hillary Clinton; but, they will anyway.
References:
Obama: Low black voter turnout would be 'insult to my legacy': http://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/18/obama-low-black-voter-turnout-would-be-insult-to-my-iegacy.html
Ronald Reagan v. Jimmy Carter: "Are You Better Off Than You Were Four Years Ago?": http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2008/01/17/the-actor-and-the-detail-man
BlackpressUSA: Is Black America Better Off Under Obama?: http://www.blackpressusa.com/is-black-america-better-off-under-obama/
2016: US Poverty: http://federalsafetynet.com/us-poverty-statistics.html
Poverty in the United States, 2007: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0104520.html
American Median Incomes By Race Since 1967 [CHART]: http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-median-income-in-the-us-by-race-2013-9
pb
"I will consider it a personal insult, an insult to my legacy, if this community lets down its guard and fails to activate itself in this election."However, I want to remind every black voter hearing Obama's words, to recall the words of another President, Ronald Reagan:
"Are You Better Off Than You Were Four Years Ago?"In fact, that quote should updated, in this case, to "Eight Years Ago".
The reality, is that blacks today, aren't better off after two terms of the first black President. That appraisal isn't only mine, but also the opinion of a website that considers itself the "Voice of the Black Community" known as "BlackpressUSA". Blacks, in general, are far worse off than before the Great Recession. For example, the black poverty rate is statistically the same today, as it was in 2007 at 24%. The disparity in wages has remained the same under this President's watch.
This is a true insult to the black community, and I personally believe that these sobering statistics are the direct result of Barack Obama and his failed legacy. I don't think blacks would be wise to vote for another 4 years of President Obama's legacy by electing Hillary Clinton; but, they will anyway.
References:
Obama: Low black voter turnout would be 'insult to my legacy': http://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/18/obama-low-black-voter-turnout-would-be-insult-to-my-iegacy.html
Ronald Reagan v. Jimmy Carter: "Are You Better Off Than You Were Four Years Ago?": http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2008/01/17/the-actor-and-the-detail-man
BlackpressUSA: Is Black America Better Off Under Obama?: http://www.blackpressusa.com/is-black-america-better-off-under-obama/
2016: US Poverty: http://federalsafetynet.com/us-poverty-statistics.html
Poverty in the United States, 2007: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0104520.html
American Median Incomes By Race Since 1967 [CHART]: http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-median-income-in-the-us-by-race-2013-9
pb
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
The Murky World of the Clinton Foundation
According to Bill Clinton, the Clinton Foundation has raised $2 billion since 2001; and helped 430 million people in 180 countries. That certainly sounds like a very effective charitable concern. However, the facts get a little murky when people start digging into the spending habits of this foundation.
According to their tax return for 2014, the Clinton Foundation took in $178 million. Just $5.2 million was doled out to other non-Clinton charities. The largest donations went to other "Clinton" charities. $23.2 million was given to the Clinton Global Initiative. $12.3 million to the Clinton Library. And, $8.3 million to the Clinton Climate Initiative. Most all of the rest of the monies went to salaries and administration, travel, rent, and office supplies. For example, in 2014, the foundation spent $7.9 million on travel and $6.6 million on office supplies. That's a lot of pencils, and far more than the $5.2 million in other charitable giving.
In fact, the Clinton Foundation's charitable activities were so confusing that a leading monitoring group, the Charity Navigator, put them on their "watch list" as being problematic.
On top of all of that, we find that in Hillary's recent release of she and her husband's tax return, 96% of the slightly more than $1 million in charitable deductions went to the Clinton Foundation.
Simply, it appears that under the umbrella of charitable giving, a lot of money does not go to charitable giving. Certainly, this is why the FBI was investigating the "Foundation" as a public corruption case until Obama shut the investigation down. Perhaps the fact that Bill Clinton has decided to close the Clinton Foundation in the Fall, even if Hillary loses, has more to do with an attempt to evade more scrutiny by the FBI should the Republican become president. As usual, its always something with the Clinton's!
References:
Bill Clinton shuts down his 'global initiative' even if Hillary loses in bid to stop cash-for-access controversy - and will severely limit Foundation if she wins: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3747959/Clintons-foundation-alter-donations-policy-elected.html
Obama administration blocked FBI probe of Clinton Foundation: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/aug/11/obama-admin-blocked-fbi-probe-clinton-foundation/
Clinton Foundation Spent Less Than 6 Percent On Charitable Grants In 2014: http://thefederalist.com/2016/09/16/clinton-foundation-spent-6-percent-charitable-grants-2014/
Charity watchdog: Clinton Foundation a ‘slush fund’: http://nypost.com/2015/04/26/charity-watchdog-clinton-foundation-a-slush-fund/
96 Percent Of Hillary’s Charitable Donations In 2015 Went To Clinton Foundation: http://dailycaller.com/2016/08/12/96-percent-of-hillarys-charitable-donations-in-2015-went-to-clinton-foundation/
Obama admin blocked FBI probe of Clinton Foundation corruption: Report: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/aug/11/obama-admin-blocked-fbi-probe-clinton-foundation/
pb
According to their tax return for 2014, the Clinton Foundation took in $178 million. Just $5.2 million was doled out to other non-Clinton charities. The largest donations went to other "Clinton" charities. $23.2 million was given to the Clinton Global Initiative. $12.3 million to the Clinton Library. And, $8.3 million to the Clinton Climate Initiative. Most all of the rest of the monies went to salaries and administration, travel, rent, and office supplies. For example, in 2014, the foundation spent $7.9 million on travel and $6.6 million on office supplies. That's a lot of pencils, and far more than the $5.2 million in other charitable giving.
In fact, the Clinton Foundation's charitable activities were so confusing that a leading monitoring group, the Charity Navigator, put them on their "watch list" as being problematic.
On top of all of that, we find that in Hillary's recent release of she and her husband's tax return, 96% of the slightly more than $1 million in charitable deductions went to the Clinton Foundation.
Simply, it appears that under the umbrella of charitable giving, a lot of money does not go to charitable giving. Certainly, this is why the FBI was investigating the "Foundation" as a public corruption case until Obama shut the investigation down. Perhaps the fact that Bill Clinton has decided to close the Clinton Foundation in the Fall, even if Hillary loses, has more to do with an attempt to evade more scrutiny by the FBI should the Republican become president. As usual, its always something with the Clinton's!
References:
Bill Clinton shuts down his 'global initiative' even if Hillary loses in bid to stop cash-for-access controversy - and will severely limit Foundation if she wins: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3747959/Clintons-foundation-alter-donations-policy-elected.html
Obama administration blocked FBI probe of Clinton Foundation: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/aug/11/obama-admin-blocked-fbi-probe-clinton-foundation/
Clinton Foundation Spent Less Than 6 Percent On Charitable Grants In 2014: http://thefederalist.com/2016/09/16/clinton-foundation-spent-6-percent-charitable-grants-2014/
Charity watchdog: Clinton Foundation a ‘slush fund’: http://nypost.com/2015/04/26/charity-watchdog-clinton-foundation-a-slush-fund/
96 Percent Of Hillary’s Charitable Donations In 2015 Went To Clinton Foundation: http://dailycaller.com/2016/08/12/96-percent-of-hillarys-charitable-donations-in-2015-went-to-clinton-foundation/
Obama admin blocked FBI probe of Clinton Foundation corruption: Report: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/aug/11/obama-admin-blocked-fbi-probe-clinton-foundation/
pb
Monday, September 19, 2016
Fact Check: Trump's Claim Hillary Campaign Started Obama Birther Story
In putting the Obama "Birther" story behind him, Donald Trump said this: "Hillary Clinton and her campaign of 2008 started the birther controversy. I finished it."
Almost immediately members of the press and supporters of Mrs. Clinton came to her defense by saying that her campaign had nothing to do with the birther story. And, for sure, there is no direct evidence that it had.
However, there seems to be a strong connection to Hillary through someone called Sydney Blumenthal; a long time, close friend of both Hillary and Bill Clinton's, who was also known to play the roll of hatchet-man for them. This was especially true during the 2008 primary race between Clinton and Obama. So much so, that Obama banned Hillary from bringing Blumenthal on board when she was appointed Secretary of State.
Just recently, following Trump's comment, McClatchy papers decided to set the record straight on who started the birther movement. And, guess what? The pitch that Obama was not born in the U.S.A., was started by a volunteer to the Clinton campaign in Iowa and who was subsequently fired, and by none-other than close friend of the Clinton's, Sydney Blumenthal. What a coincidence on the latter.
I'm quite sure that neither Hillary nor Sydney would admit working together on this, but there sure seems to be a bit of "smoke" there. Something that always seems to follow Hillary Clinton around.
References:
No, Hillary Clinton did not start the 'birther' movement: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/09/16/no-hillary-clinton-did-not-start-birther-movement/90500762/
2 Clinton supporters in ’08 reportedly shared Obama ‘birther’ story: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article102354777.html
Why Blumenthal Was Banned: http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/418670/why-blumenthal-was-banned-rich-lowry
NYT: Banned from State Dep’t, Clinton Foundation crony advised Hillary on Libya anyway — while pursuing business there: http://hotair.com/archives/2015/05/18/nyt-banned-from-state-dept-clinton-foundation-crony-advised-hillary-on-libya-while-trying-to-drum-up-business-there/
Who Is Sidney Blumenthal? - WSJ: https://www.google.com/search?q=Who+Is+Sidney+Blumenthal%3F+-+WSJ&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
Almost immediately members of the press and supporters of Mrs. Clinton came to her defense by saying that her campaign had nothing to do with the birther story. And, for sure, there is no direct evidence that it had.
However, there seems to be a strong connection to Hillary through someone called Sydney Blumenthal; a long time, close friend of both Hillary and Bill Clinton's, who was also known to play the roll of hatchet-man for them. This was especially true during the 2008 primary race between Clinton and Obama. So much so, that Obama banned Hillary from bringing Blumenthal on board when she was appointed Secretary of State.
Just recently, following Trump's comment, McClatchy papers decided to set the record straight on who started the birther movement. And, guess what? The pitch that Obama was not born in the U.S.A., was started by a volunteer to the Clinton campaign in Iowa and who was subsequently fired, and by none-other than close friend of the Clinton's, Sydney Blumenthal. What a coincidence on the latter.
I'm quite sure that neither Hillary nor Sydney would admit working together on this, but there sure seems to be a bit of "smoke" there. Something that always seems to follow Hillary Clinton around.
References:
No, Hillary Clinton did not start the 'birther' movement: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/09/16/no-hillary-clinton-did-not-start-birther-movement/90500762/
2 Clinton supporters in ’08 reportedly shared Obama ‘birther’ story: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article102354777.html
Why Blumenthal Was Banned: http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/418670/why-blumenthal-was-banned-rich-lowry
NYT: Banned from State Dep’t, Clinton Foundation crony advised Hillary on Libya anyway — while pursuing business there: http://hotair.com/archives/2015/05/18/nyt-banned-from-state-dept-clinton-foundation-crony-advised-hillary-on-libya-while-trying-to-drum-up-business-there/
Who Is Sidney Blumenthal? - WSJ: https://www.google.com/search?q=Who+Is+Sidney+Blumenthal%3F+-+WSJ&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
Friday, September 16, 2016
A Miracle! Record Rise in Household Incomes
In 2012, a presidential election year, the unemployment rate held stubbornly above 8%. Many believed that President Obama couldn't be reelected unless the rate was below 8%. Some referred to it as the "8-percent rule". But, then a miracle happened. In early October -- less than 30-days before the election -- the Obama Administration reported that the unemployment rate fell from 8.1% to 7.8% and, of course, Obama was able to tout this as an economic success and went on to win the election. However, subsequent analysis of this miraculous drop in the unemployment rate was impossible and was probably faked.
Now, flash forward to just less than two months before the the 2015 presidential election. This time, the miracle is the fact that the Obama Administration has reported real median household incomes in 2015 rising by a never before seen record amount of 5.2%. Of course, this helps Hillary by weakening Trump's argument about low wage growth. But, what makes this a true miracle is the fact that it flies in the face of what the Obama Administration has been reporting throughout 2015.
First, you need to understand that the term "real" when referring to incomes, means that the number has been adjusted for inflation through the subtraction of the percent of the rate of inflation. Then, if you refer to page 8 of the employment report for December 2015, you would see that average weekly earnings rose 2.2% from $851.85 in December 2014 to $870.78 in December 2015. In 2015, inflation rose 7-tenths of a percent. This means that the "real" wage growth rose just 1.5% in 2015.
This is quite the stretch to 5.2%; even if "median" analysis is applied. I think we have another 2012 rigging of a critical number before an election. The only way we will find out if I am right is when next year's report is issued, and we see a significant drop in incomes to adjust them back to reality.
References:
Record rise in incomes could boost Clinton: http://www.politico.com/story/2016/09/census-report-boosts-clinton-campaign-228103
Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance in the United States in 2015: https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2016/09/13/income-poverty-and-health-insurance-united-states-2015
The 8-percent rule: Can Obama win with high unemployment?: http://www.marketplace.org/2012/11/05/elections/maps-election-2012/8-percent-rule-can-obama-win-high-unemployment
The October 2012 Pre-Election Jobs Report Was Faked: http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-11-18/october-2012-pre-election-jobs-report-was-faked
Did The BLS Give Obama A Major Election 2012 Gift?: http://www.forbes.com/sites/peterferrara/2013/11/27/did-the-bls-give-obama-a-major-election-2012-gift/#578482cd2800
Census ‘faked’ 2012 election jobs report: http://nypost.com/2013/11/18/census-faked-2012-election-jobs-report/
December 2015 Employment report: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/empsit_01082016.pdf
US Inflation Rates: 2006-2016: http://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/
Now, flash forward to just less than two months before the the 2015 presidential election. This time, the miracle is the fact that the Obama Administration has reported real median household incomes in 2015 rising by a never before seen record amount of 5.2%. Of course, this helps Hillary by weakening Trump's argument about low wage growth. But, what makes this a true miracle is the fact that it flies in the face of what the Obama Administration has been reporting throughout 2015.
First, you need to understand that the term "real" when referring to incomes, means that the number has been adjusted for inflation through the subtraction of the percent of the rate of inflation. Then, if you refer to page 8 of the employment report for December 2015, you would see that average weekly earnings rose 2.2% from $851.85 in December 2014 to $870.78 in December 2015. In 2015, inflation rose 7-tenths of a percent. This means that the "real" wage growth rose just 1.5% in 2015.
This is quite the stretch to 5.2%; even if "median" analysis is applied. I think we have another 2012 rigging of a critical number before an election. The only way we will find out if I am right is when next year's report is issued, and we see a significant drop in incomes to adjust them back to reality.
References:
Record rise in incomes could boost Clinton: http://www.politico.com/story/2016/09/census-report-boosts-clinton-campaign-228103
Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance in the United States in 2015: https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2016/09/13/income-poverty-and-health-insurance-united-states-2015
The 8-percent rule: Can Obama win with high unemployment?: http://www.marketplace.org/2012/11/05/elections/maps-election-2012/8-percent-rule-can-obama-win-high-unemployment
The October 2012 Pre-Election Jobs Report Was Faked: http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-11-18/october-2012-pre-election-jobs-report-was-faked
Did The BLS Give Obama A Major Election 2012 Gift?: http://www.forbes.com/sites/peterferrara/2013/11/27/did-the-bls-give-obama-a-major-election-2012-gift/#578482cd2800
Census ‘faked’ 2012 election jobs report: http://nypost.com/2013/11/18/census-faked-2012-election-jobs-report/
December 2015 Employment report: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/empsit_01082016.pdf
US Inflation Rates: 2006-2016: http://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Roof-Top Solar Is Putting Our Electrical Grid at Risk
If elected, Hillary Clinton plans to deploy another half-billion solar panels by the end of her first term. But, there is a serious problem with solar, as both California and Germany are finding out. Too much roof-top solar can actually fry the power grid by generating more power than the grid can handle; causing a catastrophic power outage.
As an unreliable, independent, and distributed power source, roof-top solar output can't be controlled by the power companies. Thus, they must closely monitor the load on the grid to insure that there is just enough supplemental conventional power (nuclear, natural gas, or coal) to avoid brown-outs. For this reason, the power companies are always running their conventional generators; even if 90%+ of the power is being generated by solar. The simple fact is that conventional power generators can't be shutdown because it can take up to 8 hours to restart them and bring them back on line on a gradual basis.
However, the real problem is when solar produces more than 100% of the needed power. This will cause an overload condition that will literally do serious damage to the electrical grid. In fact, Germany just found that out in May of this year when it was forced to have its citizens "waste" as much power as possible in order to avoid a collapse of the grid.
California is approaching this same problem. What to do when too much solar is produced. In their case, the contemplated plan is to sell their excess to other western states who depend more heavily on natural gas and coal for energy. Sounds logical, but the truth is, that just puts California's excess power problems in the laps of the power companies in the other states who must constantly adjust their output to account for California's excesses.
While some say the real solution to the problem is the "storage of excess electricity", that is easier said than done. There is no economical way of accomplishing that task. Therefore, I think California and the other states that are pushing roof-top solar with heavy subsidies, have to rethink the policies and back off this risky push to supposedly save the planet from global warming.
Our politicians, especially on the political left, need to stop listening to the climate change activists and start listening to the power companies and electrical engineers regarding the risks of too much solar.
References:
Germany Forcing People To Waste Traditional Electricity To Prevent Green Energy Meltdown: http://dailycaller.com/2016/05/11/germany-forced-people-to-use-traditional-electricity-to-prevent-green-energy-meltdown/
What Will California Do With Too Much Solar?: https://ww2.kqed.org/science/2016/04/04/what-will-california-do-with-too-much-solar/
Clinton: ‘Deploy Half a Billion More Solar Panels by End of My First Term’: http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/penny-starr/clinton-deploy-half-billion-more-solar-panels-end-my-first-term
As an unreliable, independent, and distributed power source, roof-top solar output can't be controlled by the power companies. Thus, they must closely monitor the load on the grid to insure that there is just enough supplemental conventional power (nuclear, natural gas, or coal) to avoid brown-outs. For this reason, the power companies are always running their conventional generators; even if 90%+ of the power is being generated by solar. The simple fact is that conventional power generators can't be shutdown because it can take up to 8 hours to restart them and bring them back on line on a gradual basis.
However, the real problem is when solar produces more than 100% of the needed power. This will cause an overload condition that will literally do serious damage to the electrical grid. In fact, Germany just found that out in May of this year when it was forced to have its citizens "waste" as much power as possible in order to avoid a collapse of the grid.
California is approaching this same problem. What to do when too much solar is produced. In their case, the contemplated plan is to sell their excess to other western states who depend more heavily on natural gas and coal for energy. Sounds logical, but the truth is, that just puts California's excess power problems in the laps of the power companies in the other states who must constantly adjust their output to account for California's excesses.
While some say the real solution to the problem is the "storage of excess electricity", that is easier said than done. There is no economical way of accomplishing that task. Therefore, I think California and the other states that are pushing roof-top solar with heavy subsidies, have to rethink the policies and back off this risky push to supposedly save the planet from global warming.
Our politicians, especially on the political left, need to stop listening to the climate change activists and start listening to the power companies and electrical engineers regarding the risks of too much solar.
References:
Germany Forcing People To Waste Traditional Electricity To Prevent Green Energy Meltdown: http://dailycaller.com/2016/05/11/germany-forced-people-to-use-traditional-electricity-to-prevent-green-energy-meltdown/
What Will California Do With Too Much Solar?: https://ww2.kqed.org/science/2016/04/04/what-will-california-do-with-too-much-solar/
Clinton: ‘Deploy Half a Billion More Solar Panels by End of My First Term’: http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/penny-starr/clinton-deploy-half-billion-more-solar-panels-end-my-first-term
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Obama's War on For-Profit, Profession-Focused Colleges
On September 6th, ITT Tech was forced to shut down all if its national schools after President Obama's Department of Education pulled the plug on federal student loan support for their students. This action slammed the door on 35,000 students and 8,000 employees. One of the primary reasons for the Department of Ed's action was overly-stated promises of job placement.
In January, Obama's Federal Trade Commission effectively put DeVry University's national schools out of business for misleading students on career placement availability and expected incomes. Similarly, Corinthian Colleges were sued out of existence for misleading students. First by the California State's Attorney General, and then, the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Almost 80,000 students were affected by these actions; leaving them with the option to transfer their credits to another school. However, the chances that another school would accept all credits is probably low since, in effect, ITT Tech, Corinthian, and DeVry are types of "trade" schools with a more focused profession-oriented curriculum.
In my opinion, the Federal Government could have handled this differently by forcing the schools to rectify any problems they may have had. Then, giving the students the option of continuing at those schools or dropping out. Instead, most of these student may have lost months or years that they have invested towards their education.
References:
ITT Tech shuts down all its schools; one student says he's 'angry times 10 million': http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-itt-tech-20160906-snap-story.html
Feds Sue DeVry University, Alleging For-Profit College Misled Students: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/feds-sue-devry-university_us_56a904c7e4b0f7179928af63
Corinthian Colleges must pay nearly $1.2 billion for false advertising and lending practices: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-corinthian-colleges-judgment-false-advertising-20160323-story.html
In January, Obama's Federal Trade Commission effectively put DeVry University's national schools out of business for misleading students on career placement availability and expected incomes. Similarly, Corinthian Colleges were sued out of existence for misleading students. First by the California State's Attorney General, and then, the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Almost 80,000 students were affected by these actions; leaving them with the option to transfer their credits to another school. However, the chances that another school would accept all credits is probably low since, in effect, ITT Tech, Corinthian, and DeVry are types of "trade" schools with a more focused profession-oriented curriculum.
In my opinion, the Federal Government could have handled this differently by forcing the schools to rectify any problems they may have had. Then, giving the students the option of continuing at those schools or dropping out. Instead, most of these student may have lost months or years that they have invested towards their education.
References:
ITT Tech shuts down all its schools; one student says he's 'angry times 10 million': http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-itt-tech-20160906-snap-story.html
Feds Sue DeVry University, Alleging For-Profit College Misled Students: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/feds-sue-devry-university_us_56a904c7e4b0f7179928af63
Corinthian Colleges must pay nearly $1.2 billion for false advertising and lending practices: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-corinthian-colleges-judgment-false-advertising-20160323-story.html
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Did Hillary Put People at Risk with Contagious Pneumonia?
After fainting at the 9/11 Ceremony last Sunday, we were told that Hillary Clinton became overheated. Later that day, her doctor said that she had been diagnosed with pneumonia the Friday before; and that she was being treated with antibiotics. The "antibiotics" statement is important in determining what type of pneumonia she has: either bacterial or viral. If she had viral pneumonia, she wouldn't normally be treated with antibiotics. Instead, she would be given a viral suppression drug such as Tamiflu. The fact that she was treated with antibiotics probably points to her having bacterial pneumonia.
If she does have bacterial pneumonia, it is hard to believe she is out-and-about. First, because of symptoms:
Then, more importantly, this is how the disease is transmitted from person-to-person:
References:
Doctor: Hillary Clinton Diagnosed With Pneumonia, On Antibiotics: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/09/11/clinton-leaves-911-ceremony/
Symptoms, Treatment and Transmission of Bacterial Pneumonia: http://www.healthline.com/health/bacterial-pneumonia#Overview1
Symptoms, Treatment and Transmission of Viral Pneumonia: http://www.webmd.com/lung/viral-pneumonia-lung-infection#5
WebMD: How Long is Pneumonia Contagious? How long you are contagious depends on what is causing the pneumonia and whether you get treatment. You may be contagious for several days to a week: http://www.webmd.com/lung/tc/pneumonia-what-happens
If she does have bacterial pneumonia, it is hard to believe she is out-and-about. First, because of symptoms:
- a cough with thick yellow, green, or blood-tinged mucus
- chest pain that worsens when coughing or breathing
- sudden onset of chills
- fever of 102°F or above (fever lower than 102°F in older persons)
- headache
- muscle pain
- breathlessness or rapid breathing
- lethargy or severe fatigue
- moist, pale skin
- confusion, especially among older persons
- loss of appetite
Then, more importantly, this is how the disease is transmitted from person-to-person:
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) occurs when you get an infection after exposure to bacterial agents outside of a healthcare setting. This is the most common type of bacterial pneumonia. You can get CAP by breathing in respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes or by skin-to-skin contact.I can't imagine that Clinton's doctor didn't discuss the kind of risk that she would pose by being in public. Especially, when the contagious stage of the disease can last several days to a week. I don't think Friday to Sunday qualifies as several days. Just a cough or skin contact could transmit the disease to someone else. That's why I am inclined not to believe this pneumonia story. Things just don't add up. If she knew she had pneumonia, why the initial "overheated" story? Is this all an attempt to hide a more serious condition?
References:
Doctor: Hillary Clinton Diagnosed With Pneumonia, On Antibiotics: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/09/11/clinton-leaves-911-ceremony/
Symptoms, Treatment and Transmission of Bacterial Pneumonia: http://www.healthline.com/health/bacterial-pneumonia#Overview1
Symptoms, Treatment and Transmission of Viral Pneumonia: http://www.webmd.com/lung/viral-pneumonia-lung-infection#5
WebMD: How Long is Pneumonia Contagious? How long you are contagious depends on what is causing the pneumonia and whether you get treatment. You may be contagious for several days to a week: http://www.webmd.com/lung/tc/pneumonia-what-happens
Monday, September 12, 2016
Hillary's Health Problem(s) Just Became More Certain
When Drudge published this photo of Hillary Clinton having to be held up by several staffers while going up a small flight of stairs, many questioned her health. This is especially true given her history of falling (noted in the above screen shot).
But, when she fell sick at yesterday's 9/11 ceremony, an even more "wobbly" event took place as shown in the YouTube video (linked below). It appears clearly that something is wrong with this woman. Looking like a stumbling drunk, the incident looks too much like the photo above; but worse. Of course, the Clinton staffers were quick to say she was simply "overheated" at the 9/11 ceremony. That would be believable if the temperature wasn't just 80 degrees at the time.
I think its time that the American people hear the whole truth regarding Hillary's health. Only 3 days before the 9/11 collapse, a survey was taken. 250 doctors were polled who feel that her health concerns looked serious. Historically, it wouldn't be the first time presidential health issues were covered up: like a wheel-chair bound FDR, or JFK taking steroids for his Addison's disease, strong pain meds for a bad back, and anti-spasmodics for colitis.
Perhaps CNN should rethink their firing of Dr. Drew for his negative analysis of Hillary's health.
References:
Video: Hillary Clinton leaves 9/11 ceremony sick and almost falls. Needs help getting into van: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSMBWdpMnrA
Caught on video: The moment Hillary Clinton collapses as she is helped into her van after being rushed from 9/11 memorial - but her aides try to explain it away as 'overheating': http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3784098/Hillary-Clinton-rushed-9-11-memorial-service-following-medical-episode.html
Hillary's Health Concerns Serious, Say Most Doctors Polled by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) : http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hillarys-health-concerns-serious-say-most-doctors-polled-by-the-association-of-american-physicians-and-surgeons-aaps-300325065.html
‘Dr. Drew’ show canceled days after host’s negative speculation about Hillary Clinton’s health: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/08/26/dr-drew-show-canceled-days-after-his-negative-speculation-about-hillary-clintons-health/
Friday, September 9, 2016
The Speech Cocoons Being Created by Our Universities
Increasingly, political speakers and other controversial speakers are being uninvited by universities as a result of pressure from certain students and faculty members who feel that their very presence on campus is a personal encroachment of their own rights. Interestingly, most of those being uninvited are from the political right; demonstrating how politically left colleges and universities have moved.
Campuses are also promoting the concept of "trigger warnings" when a professor who is about to discuss a subject that might be offensive or uncomfortable to even one person in the class must announce it beforehand. In other words, it is like saying "children leave the room".
However, the control of speech doesn't stop there. We now have the inconsistent concept of "safe spaces". At some universities, a "safe space" is an area where you can freely speak you mind. On other campuses, it's like the "trigger warnings" when you can not freely speak about anything that may make someone else uncomfortable.
The problem here, is that American universities are sheltering students from real life. The shock that is awaiting them when they emerge from the cocoon the university has placed them in will be great. To me, a university or college should not just be a place of learning, but a place of discussion of ideas and debate. That's always been part of the college experience that will ultimately make someone a stronger person when they meet real life head on.
References:
Nationwide: Colleges Across the Country Disinvite Commencement Speakers: https://www.thefire.org/cases/disinvitation-season/
List of disinvited speakers at colleges - Business Insider: http://www.businessinsider.com/list-of-disinvited-speakers-at-colleges-2016-7
Disinvitation Attempts: https://www.thefire.org/resources/disinvitation-database/
U. of C. [University of Chicago] tells incoming freshmen it does not support 'trigger warnings' or 'safe spaces': http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-university-of-chicago-safe-spaces-letter-met-20160825-story.html
Brown University president: A safe space for freedom of expression: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/brown-university-president-safe-spaces-dont-threaten-freedom-of-expression-they-protect-it/2016/09/05/6201870e-736a-11e6-8149-b8d05321db62_story.html?utm_term=.499e23b207c4
Definition of Safe-Space: https://www.google.com/search?q=safe+spaces&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
In College and Hiding From Scary Ideas - The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/22/opinion/sunday/judith-shulevitz-hiding-from-scary-ideas.html
Campuses are also promoting the concept of "trigger warnings" when a professor who is about to discuss a subject that might be offensive or uncomfortable to even one person in the class must announce it beforehand. In other words, it is like saying "children leave the room".
However, the control of speech doesn't stop there. We now have the inconsistent concept of "safe spaces". At some universities, a "safe space" is an area where you can freely speak you mind. On other campuses, it's like the "trigger warnings" when you can not freely speak about anything that may make someone else uncomfortable.
The problem here, is that American universities are sheltering students from real life. The shock that is awaiting them when they emerge from the cocoon the university has placed them in will be great. To me, a university or college should not just be a place of learning, but a place of discussion of ideas and debate. That's always been part of the college experience that will ultimately make someone a stronger person when they meet real life head on.
References:
Nationwide: Colleges Across the Country Disinvite Commencement Speakers: https://www.thefire.org/cases/disinvitation-season/
List of disinvited speakers at colleges - Business Insider: http://www.businessinsider.com/list-of-disinvited-speakers-at-colleges-2016-7
Disinvitation Attempts: https://www.thefire.org/resources/disinvitation-database/
U. of C. [University of Chicago] tells incoming freshmen it does not support 'trigger warnings' or 'safe spaces': http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-university-of-chicago-safe-spaces-letter-met-20160825-story.html
Brown University president: A safe space for freedom of expression: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/brown-university-president-safe-spaces-dont-threaten-freedom-of-expression-they-protect-it/2016/09/05/6201870e-736a-11e6-8149-b8d05321db62_story.html?utm_term=.499e23b207c4
Definition of Safe-Space: https://www.google.com/search?q=safe+spaces&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
In College and Hiding From Scary Ideas - The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/22/opinion/sunday/judith-shulevitz-hiding-from-scary-ideas.html
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Trump's Impossible Dream for Detroit
By any measure, the city of Detroit is a perfect example of the failure of Democratic rule in many of our major cities. Run by Democrats for decades, the Motor City has the highest black population of any city in America. 81.6% of Detroit is African American. Unfortunately, it is also the most violent. At its peak, it had 1.8 million residents. By 2013, only 689,000 could claim residency. Worse yet, 47% of Detroit's residents are functionally illiterate and can only read at a fourth grade level or below. It is the poorest big city in the country with 40.1% living below the poverty line.
Illiteracy and crime will not bring good jobs and businesses back to this town. It will take decades of reform to improve the educational system sufficiently enough to attract hiring by well-paying businesses, and, the high crime rate will just continue to cause people to leave the city in fear.
In light of all these problems, it may seem that there is no way that anyone can put this town back together.
However, in the short term, Trump could attract new businesses to the Motor City by declaring Detroit an enterprise zone. In other words, give tax breaks for every new job a business creates. He can also provide substantial tax breaks for any company who relocates to, or starts a new business there.
Another way to help rebuild the city would be to start a revitalization program. Using federal funds from the Department of Education, they can take unskilled and unemployed men and women, and train them to rehab properties while learning trades such as painting, carpeting, dry walling, etc. A program like this would help gentrify entire neighborhoods and attract people back to the city; while preparing many for new careers.
Sadly, because Hillary will be elected, Detroit will never see any movement towards the rebuilding of a once vibrant city. There are only so many "green" jobs Hillary can create to get Detroit and America back on its feet. Sorry for the sarcasm (Not really!). At least, Trump's trip to Detroit has focused a bright light on the condition of many black lives in America.
References:
Detroit mayor slams Trump's visit to black church: http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/294420-detroit-mayor-slams-trumps-visit-to-black-church
At Least A Few Black Churchgoers Liked Trump's Detroit Speech: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-detroit-black-voters_us_57cb60c6e4b078581f13559f
Blackest Cities in America: https://www.google.com/search?q=detroit+blackest+city+in+america&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
Census bureau: Detroit is poorest big city in U.S. - Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/09/16/census-us-uninsured-drops-income-stagnates/32499231/
Detroit Population 2013: https://www.google.com/search?q=detroit+population&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
US Cities With The Highest Violent Crime Rates: https://www.google.com/search?q=most+dangerous+city+in+u.s.&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
Nearly Half Of Detroit's Adults Are Functionally Illiterate, Report Finds: https://www.google.com/search?q=detroit+literacy+rate&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
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Illiteracy and crime will not bring good jobs and businesses back to this town. It will take decades of reform to improve the educational system sufficiently enough to attract hiring by well-paying businesses, and, the high crime rate will just continue to cause people to leave the city in fear.
In light of all these problems, it may seem that there is no way that anyone can put this town back together.
However, in the short term, Trump could attract new businesses to the Motor City by declaring Detroit an enterprise zone. In other words, give tax breaks for every new job a business creates. He can also provide substantial tax breaks for any company who relocates to, or starts a new business there.
Another way to help rebuild the city would be to start a revitalization program. Using federal funds from the Department of Education, they can take unskilled and unemployed men and women, and train them to rehab properties while learning trades such as painting, carpeting, dry walling, etc. A program like this would help gentrify entire neighborhoods and attract people back to the city; while preparing many for new careers.
Sadly, because Hillary will be elected, Detroit will never see any movement towards the rebuilding of a once vibrant city. There are only so many "green" jobs Hillary can create to get Detroit and America back on its feet. Sorry for the sarcasm (Not really!). At least, Trump's trip to Detroit has focused a bright light on the condition of many black lives in America.
References:
Detroit mayor slams Trump's visit to black church: http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/294420-detroit-mayor-slams-trumps-visit-to-black-church
At Least A Few Black Churchgoers Liked Trump's Detroit Speech: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-detroit-black-voters_us_57cb60c6e4b078581f13559f
Blackest Cities in America: https://www.google.com/search?q=detroit+blackest+city+in+america&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
Census bureau: Detroit is poorest big city in U.S. - Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/09/16/census-us-uninsured-drops-income-stagnates/32499231/
Detroit Population 2013: https://www.google.com/search?q=detroit+population&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
US Cities With The Highest Violent Crime Rates: https://www.google.com/search?q=most+dangerous+city+in+u.s.&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
Nearly Half Of Detroit's Adults Are Functionally Illiterate, Report Finds: https://www.google.com/search?q=detroit+literacy+rate&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
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Wednesday, September 7, 2016
A Few Words for Colin Kaepernick
In this country, you can protest anything you want. It's your right. But, when you broadly brush all cops as pigs by wearing socks depicting a pig's head with a police cap, you force reasonable people to ignore whatever point you were trying to make. Those supposed pigs keep a lot of black citizens safe because, much of the crime is black on black in mostly black neighborhoods. Cops arrest 2-1/2 million blacks each year for a variety of offenses. Yet, for yourself, and those in the Black Lives Matter movement, the focus is always on a handful of incidents that go terribly wrong. There is no such thing as perfection when humans are involved. I doubt that you think you're perfection on the football field.
Then, there's your practice of sitting during the National Anthem and the presentation of the flag. Again, it is your right. But, again, you are broadly painting the entire country as, I guess, racist. You seem to forget that a million and a half of mostly white Union soldiers fought a civil war to end slavery; of which, nearly 600,000 were either killed, wounded, and went missing in order to do what was right. They fought that fight under the very flag you now disrespect.
You may be getting a lot attention at the moment. But, for me, and whatever it is that you think your cause is, it is falling on my now deaf ears. And, I think that it true for a lot of Americans.
References:
5 Devastating Facts About Black-on-Black Crime: http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/11/28/5-devastating-facts-black-black-crime/
FBI: 2014 Arrests by Race and Ethnicity: https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2014/crime-in-the-u.s.-2014/tables/table-43
FBI: 2014 Homicides by Race: By Offender and Victim: https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2014/crime-in-the-u.s.-2014/tables/expanded-homicide-data/expanded_homicide_data_table_6_murder_race_and_sex_of_vicitm_by_race_and_sex_of_offender_2014.xls
Civil War Casualties: http://www.civilwar.org/education/civil-war-casualties.html
Then, there's your practice of sitting during the National Anthem and the presentation of the flag. Again, it is your right. But, again, you are broadly painting the entire country as, I guess, racist. You seem to forget that a million and a half of mostly white Union soldiers fought a civil war to end slavery; of which, nearly 600,000 were either killed, wounded, and went missing in order to do what was right. They fought that fight under the very flag you now disrespect.
You may be getting a lot attention at the moment. But, for me, and whatever it is that you think your cause is, it is falling on my now deaf ears. And, I think that it true for a lot of Americans.
References:
5 Devastating Facts About Black-on-Black Crime: http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/11/28/5-devastating-facts-black-black-crime/
FBI: 2014 Arrests by Race and Ethnicity: https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2014/crime-in-the-u.s.-2014/tables/table-43
FBI: 2014 Homicides by Race: By Offender and Victim: https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2014/crime-in-the-u.s.-2014/tables/expanded-homicide-data/expanded_homicide_data_table_6_murder_race_and_sex_of_vicitm_by_race_and_sex_of_offender_2014.xls
Civil War Casualties: http://www.civilwar.org/education/civil-war-casualties.html
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Hillary Skirts the Truth With "Can't Remembers"
One sure way to wind up in jail is to lie to the FBI. Answering a specific question with a definite "yes" or "no" when they know the opposite is true will put you in the slammer under Section 1001 of Title 18 of the US Code. So, one of the ways to avoid running afoul of that law is to simply say "I don't remember" or "I can't recall"; making it impossible for the FBI to catch you in a lie. That is, unless, you are already on record as having clearly shown you did recall or did remember.
It is interesting then, that when the FBI released their notes on Hillary Clinton's interview with agents regarding her email server, Hillary used the "can't remember/can't recall" tactic 39 times. Here's a women that specifically recalled talking to Colin Powell about private emails, and receiving an email from him over the issue, but can't seem to recall if she was ever briefed on how to handle classified documents.
Really?????
References:
CNN: FBI releases Hillary Clinton email report: http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/02/politics/hillary-clinton-fbi-interview-notes/
How to Avoid Jail Time for Lying to the Government: http://www.criminal-law-lawyer-source.com/tips/avoiding-jail-time.html
Hillary Clinton Told FBI Colin Powell Advised Her to Use Private Email: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/19/us/politics/hillary-clinton-told-fbi-colin-powell-advised-her-to-use-private-email.html?_r=0
pb
It is interesting then, that when the FBI released their notes on Hillary Clinton's interview with agents regarding her email server, Hillary used the "can't remember/can't recall" tactic 39 times. Here's a women that specifically recalled talking to Colin Powell about private emails, and receiving an email from him over the issue, but can't seem to recall if she was ever briefed on how to handle classified documents.
Really?????
References:
CNN: FBI releases Hillary Clinton email report: http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/02/politics/hillary-clinton-fbi-interview-notes/
How to Avoid Jail Time for Lying to the Government: http://www.criminal-law-lawyer-source.com/tips/avoiding-jail-time.html
Hillary Clinton Told FBI Colin Powell Advised Her to Use Private Email: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/19/us/politics/hillary-clinton-told-fbi-colin-powell-advised-her-to-use-private-email.html?_r=0
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Friday, September 2, 2016
Too Many Guns On Our Streets?
Amid the uproar about NBA star Dwyane Wade's cousin, Nykea Aldridge, being shot and killed in Chicago after being caught in the middle of a gun fight between two brothers, some have called for gun control because they believe there are too many guns on our streets.
This is true. We do have too many guns on our streets. But it is also true that the two brothers who murdered Nykea were convicted felons who would have never passed a background check if they attempted to buy a gun legally. So, their guns were illegally obtained on the streets. And no amount of gun control is going to solve that problem. In the same way drug laws have not eliminated drugs.
One of these guys was on parole; thanks to an early release. The other had six felony arrests. That, to me, is the real problem. We have too many felons on the streets who can access guns with criminal intent. Right now the mood in this country is to empty prisons in order to reverse mass incarcerations. This push is being promoted by the political left and black activists. President Obama just release 111 felons from federal prisons; 35 of which were serving life sentences. Prior to that release, he had given clemency to a record 214 federal prisoners; all felons.
I think we need to stop the early release of felons so the killing of people like Nykea Aldridge can be avoided. I live in Las Vegas, and this year crime has spiked. One of the reasons for the spike is the influx of felons from early release programs in California. Releasing people without the promise of a job and without reform is insanity.
References:
Two brothers arrested in shooting death of basketball star Dwyane Wade’s cousin: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/08/28/two-brothers-arrested-in-shooting-death-of-basketball-star-dwyane-wades-cousin/?utm_term=.d5434294b361
Top cop on holiday violence: Too many guns on street, maybe not enough officers: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-shootings-july-holiday-weekend-20160705-story.html
Obama Grants Clemency To 111 Prisoners: http://www.npr.org/2016/08/30/491964417/obama-grants-clemency-to-100-prisoners-doj-confident-it-will-clear-backlog
Obama issues record-breaking 214 commutations: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/08/03/obama-issues-record-breaking-214-commutations/88007750/
Crime and Guns: http://www.gunfacts.info/gun-control-myths/crime-and-guns/
Las Vegas crime spike blamed on police shortage and California prison policy: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/31/las-vegas-violent-crimes-police-shortage-california-gangs
pb
This is true. We do have too many guns on our streets. But it is also true that the two brothers who murdered Nykea were convicted felons who would have never passed a background check if they attempted to buy a gun legally. So, their guns were illegally obtained on the streets. And no amount of gun control is going to solve that problem. In the same way drug laws have not eliminated drugs.
One of these guys was on parole; thanks to an early release. The other had six felony arrests. That, to me, is the real problem. We have too many felons on the streets who can access guns with criminal intent. Right now the mood in this country is to empty prisons in order to reverse mass incarcerations. This push is being promoted by the political left and black activists. President Obama just release 111 felons from federal prisons; 35 of which were serving life sentences. Prior to that release, he had given clemency to a record 214 federal prisoners; all felons.
I think we need to stop the early release of felons so the killing of people like Nykea Aldridge can be avoided. I live in Las Vegas, and this year crime has spiked. One of the reasons for the spike is the influx of felons from early release programs in California. Releasing people without the promise of a job and without reform is insanity.
References:
Two brothers arrested in shooting death of basketball star Dwyane Wade’s cousin: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/08/28/two-brothers-arrested-in-shooting-death-of-basketball-star-dwyane-wades-cousin/?utm_term=.d5434294b361
Top cop on holiday violence: Too many guns on street, maybe not enough officers: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-shootings-july-holiday-weekend-20160705-story.html
Obama Grants Clemency To 111 Prisoners: http://www.npr.org/2016/08/30/491964417/obama-grants-clemency-to-100-prisoners-doj-confident-it-will-clear-backlog
Obama issues record-breaking 214 commutations: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/08/03/obama-issues-record-breaking-214-commutations/88007750/
Crime and Guns: http://www.gunfacts.info/gun-control-myths/crime-and-guns/
Las Vegas crime spike blamed on police shortage and California prison policy: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/31/las-vegas-violent-crimes-police-shortage-california-gangs
pb
Thursday, September 1, 2016
ObamaCare Lacks Competition In Order to Keep Premiums Low
Just a few days ago, on August 18th, I wrote a blog titled "ObamaCare: Will the Last Insurer Leaving Turn Off the Lights?". When I posted that, I fully expected it to take a few more years for the reality of that prediction to actually start happening. However, the following day, the New York Times published an article called "Obamacare Options? In Many Parts of Country, Only One Insurer Will Remain" It pointed out that 17% of Americans eligible for ObamaCare will have only one insurer to chose from.
Then, on August 25th, Senator John McCain of Arizona wrote an opinion piece for Fox News in which he complained that in Pinal County Arizona, 10,000 residents lost their ObamaCare insurance because no insurer (carrier) would cover that particular county anymore. Also, just two days after his piece, the Washington Post published an article titled: "Health-care exchange sign-ups fall far short of forecasts". That article explains that enrollments are less than half of what the White House had originally forecast. Most importantly, 1 in 4 counties in this country will have only one insurer to choose from when signing up for ObamaCare. As the "Post" so noted, this certainly flies in the face of President Obama's 2009 prediction when he said:
References:
Cutting through the Fog: ObamaCare: Will the Last Insurer Leaving Turn Off the Lights?: http://cuttingthroughthefog.blogspot.com/2016/08/obamacare-will-last-insurer-leaving.html
Obamacare Options? In Many Parts of Country, Only One Insurer Will Remain: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/20/upshot/obamacare-options-in-many-parts-of-country-only-one-insurer-will-remain.html?_r=0
Sen. John McCain: ObamaCare nightmare may leave 10,000 Arizonans with no insurance options: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/08/25/sen-john-mccain-obamacare-nightmare-may-leave-10000-americans-with-no-insurance-options.html
Health-care exchange sign-ups fall far short of forecasts: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/health-care-exchange-sign-ups-fall-far-short-of-forecasts/2016/08/27/3d93f602-6895-11e6-99bf-f0cf3a6449a6_story.html
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Then, on August 25th, Senator John McCain of Arizona wrote an opinion piece for Fox News in which he complained that in Pinal County Arizona, 10,000 residents lost their ObamaCare insurance because no insurer (carrier) would cover that particular county anymore. Also, just two days after his piece, the Washington Post published an article titled: "Health-care exchange sign-ups fall far short of forecasts". That article explains that enrollments are less than half of what the White House had originally forecast. Most importantly, 1 in 4 counties in this country will have only one insurer to choose from when signing up for ObamaCare. As the "Post" so noted, this certainly flies in the face of President Obama's 2009 prediction when he said:
"This exchange will allow you to one-stop shop for a health-care plan, compare benefits and prices, and choose a plan that’s best for you and your family. You will have your choice of a number of plans that offer a few different packages, but every plan would offer an affordable, basic package.”The bottom line here is simple. ObamaCare is imploding with too few people signing up and little to no competition. Let's stop the charade and dump this horribly crafted law.
References:
Cutting through the Fog: ObamaCare: Will the Last Insurer Leaving Turn Off the Lights?: http://cuttingthroughthefog.blogspot.com/2016/08/obamacare-will-last-insurer-leaving.html
Obamacare Options? In Many Parts of Country, Only One Insurer Will Remain: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/20/upshot/obamacare-options-in-many-parts-of-country-only-one-insurer-will-remain.html?_r=0
Sen. John McCain: ObamaCare nightmare may leave 10,000 Arizonans with no insurance options: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/08/25/sen-john-mccain-obamacare-nightmare-may-leave-10000-americans-with-no-insurance-options.html
Health-care exchange sign-ups fall far short of forecasts: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/health-care-exchange-sign-ups-fall-far-short-of-forecasts/2016/08/27/3d93f602-6895-11e6-99bf-f0cf3a6449a6_story.html
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