Thomas Reports was created in 2006. For over 30 years Fred Thomas, III developed a successful career in real estate financing, focused on consumer lending. He is a licensed broker (DRE 01097630) and has managed over two-thousand closed transactions. ThomasReports was created to weave writings and passions under one platform; Real Estate, History, Travel & Culture, Politics and Technology. In today's social media demands, Thomas' voice has been recognized as an official Influencer, Tester and Reviewer for international marketing organizations.
Donald Trump is riding a high wave as the economy continues to post record-breaking numbers! This morning the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly jobs report. For the first time in 17 years unemployment fell below four percent as 164,000 new jobs were created. Consumer confidence is up. There is optimism in the Korean peninsula. Yet, although there is growing skepticism of the effects of the heralded Republican passed December’s tax bill as echoed by Senator Marco Rubio, for the most part on surface things appear to be going favorably.
BUT…….
can he stop shooting himself in the foot?
Riding on the coattails of all of the fundamental economic restoration strategies implemented by the Obama administration, Trump appears to be positioned for continued success in the months ahead, particularly as long as he can hold onto the reins of the presidency? The big BUT is can he stop from shooting himself in the foot? Can he stop having so many news blunders where the media is consumed with ferreting out the truth? Can he grasp and comprehend that running the United States has much different accountability standards than running Trump enterprises?
The American people didn’t elect a Saint!
Illustration by Seymour Chwast
Donald Trump has been around a long time. In his early 70’s people know him as a savvy businessperson, an expert in managing media, a keen negotiator and even as a con-man, a manipulator, a person of unethical character or an outright pathological liar, just to name a few.
The constant refrain you hear from Trump supporters is the Democrats are just upset they lost the election. Or, they will state they voted and support him knowing full well he wasn’t a saint but someone who would support their positions. All might be true but however it is justified the presidency holds the prestige of being the top voice in the free-world. Thus, it’s one thing to push agendas but it is another for the leader to establish the ideals, character and integrity that represent all who call the United States home.
Even though there have been successes, Trump’s presidency has been riddled with negative responses based on his actions. So, however it is justified there can be no excuse for minimizing his actions just for the sake of feeling he is on “your side.” The thirty-five to forty percent who have taken a blood oath to support Trump deserve him responding to their issues. But, what about the other sixty of so percent who did not vote for him? They too are citizens of the United States and look for the government, especially the president to represent their issues as well?
No Collusion! No Russian interference! No Obstruction of Justice!
cartoon courtesy of Marian Kamensky
For all of those who swear Robert Mueller has overstepped his mandate or directions from Deputy Attorney General, Rod Rosonstein I would plead they step away from the TV or Cable shows that project a witch hunt is being conducted and to please read IN FULL the original mandate as listed HERE.
As specific as it is, what is clear is that Mueller has the responsibility to investigate any areas which morph from the original charge, yet is clearly tied to Russian interference. It is that charge which has gotten in the craw of Trump and those who swear Mueller is “off his rocker.” Hence, Stormy Daniels! Hence Kushner, Hence Manafort supporting the notion of a back channel and so many other actions which have criminal implications.
How can you give an opinion on anything you have not read or fully understand?
You may remember when the United States invaded Iraq one of the primary spokespersons was the character known as Baghdad Bob?
He took to the airwaves to communicate to the public the impact of the invasion with the intent to minimize any threat to his country. His rants became laughable as they were stoked in denial even though most had enough sense to see the obvious and realized how ridiculous he sounded.
Like Baghdad Bob, Trump has taken to the airwaves to proclaim he, his White House and his campaign have done nothing wrong.
cartoon courtesy of HAZE
YOU CAN FOOL SOME OF THE PEOPLE SOME OF THE TIME…….BUT YOU CAN’T FOOL ALL OF THE PEOPLE ALL OF THE TIME
Worse, how in the world can anybody proclaim various results or outcomes about an investigation that has not been completed? Shockingly this is done even as those in Trump’s inner circle have pleaded guilty to a variety of crimes? Why claim you had nothing to do with Russia when there is so much evidence to the contrary? There is nothing wrong with having relationships with anyone, but why deny knowing full well the truth will eventually come out?
There was no Collusion (it is a Hoax) and there is no Obstruction of Justice (that is a setup & trap). What there is is Negotiations going on with North Korea over Nuclear War, Negotiations going on with China over Trade Deficits, Negotiations on NAFTA, and much more. Witch Hunt!
3:45 AM – 2 May 2018
Approximately three months ago or on March 11th Trump nemesis Congressperson Maxine Waters stated the obvious, “If Mueller doesn’t get Trump……Stormy Will!!”
Again, it is no crime to have a relationship with a porn star. Yet, all of these months later something so simple is creating a migraine headache for Trump, as his earlier statements of denial are being corrected with facts or the latest snafus by longtime ally, Rudy Giuliani.
Who remembers the tax return hustle?
Years ago, candidates running for the office of President established a tradition of publicly disclosing full copies of their tax returns. The reason was simple as it was to establish there was no conflict with regard to their income and investments.
Trump boast himself as a successful businessperson. Early during the campaign he promised his tax returns would be released to the public. As time went on, month after month he kept singing a song that as soon as his audit was completed, he would fully release the returns. The problem is he knew full well he had no intention of ever releasing the returns. Trump has used this ruse time and time again whenever he had not intentions in complying with various request. He gives the intimation he will cooperate, then at the last-minute he claims some dubious reason prevents him from complying.
“I will absolutely give my return but I’m being audited now for two or three now so I can’t,” Donald Trump
The latest barrage of Donald Trump claiming he would unequivocal do something BUT…..has to do with the notion of him sitting down with an interview with Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team of investigators.
Trump sounds convincing but those who understand his behavior have accepted it is just another one of his ruses to proclaim support, knowing full well he will never comply. No doubt, his most rabid supporters, or those who admit he may have issues but as long as “their agenda” gets accomplished, he has their support and have accepted Mueller is out to get him!! Just this morning he belted out he would love to sit down with Mueller as long as he feels he can trust them. The problem with that retort is he knows full well he will never trust them but his strategy is to stoke the notion with his supporters that he is fully cooperating with the investigation.
“Nobody wants to speak more than me — in fact, against my lawyers. Because most lawyers say, ‘Never speak with anybody.’ I would love to speak, because we’ve done nothing wrong. I have to find that we’re going to be treated fairly because everybody sees it now and it’s a pure witch hunt.” Donald Trump, May 4, 2018
Dealing with a Know-it-All
Many agree it was Trump’s populist message which was supported by a thirsty media that propelled him to eventually zip past the republican contenders and snake bite Hillary Clinton in the end. Unfortunately, he takes no prisoners and maintains the posture there is nobody that knows more about anything than him! So whether its Attorney’s, Accountant’s, White House Secretary’s, Doctor’s or even media spokespersons, he has continued a dangerous pattern in undercutting their voice by his behavior which has done more to damage his basic credibility.
Sadly, Donald Trump may never be indicted for anything, let alone spend any time in the brig. The same cannot be true for those who salivated associating with him (i.e., Manafort, Kushner, Flynn, Paige, Cohen, etc.) as they have been dealt the blow of maneuvering serious legal issues.
Come clean with the people and the ride could be as smooth as silk!
As good as things appear to be going such as the economy or jobs report; as evidenced by the Russia issue, the Stormy issue, the media issue, the tax issue or just basic credibility, Trump has brought these problems on himselfby actions or tweets he has directed. Then again, what we are witnessing could be the disruptions many voted for?
The news is not enough to create panic but mortgage rates reached their highest level of 2018 and now sit at 4.470%. That is the rate reported by Freddie Mac from their weekly primary market rate survey, which is the industry standard for gauging consumer mortgages. It represents the benchmark thirty-year mortgage. The survey is compiled from a sampling of lenders who sell mortgages to them.
The increase represents a five-basis point increase from week over week reporting. Among other things the rate increase is attributed to the uncertainty over the impact of tariffs which the Trump administration recently announced.
Most consumers understand mortgage rates are cyclical and even the five-point increase would be considered normal movement. On the other hand, those in the market for a mortgage pay attention to trends as positioning is a big factor in determining when to apply for a loan. Purchase transactions are driven by the close of escrow and refinance transactions take approximately sixty days to close. So, if the assumption is that rates will further increase it is more prudent to lock in the rate at time of application. Of course, if your analysis conclude rates might drop, then your strategy might be to submit your application but “float” the rate or lock in at a later time.
Tax Cuts
The financial projection for 2018 was that rates would increase from their 2017 level. There was much fanfare about the historic tax bill which was passed in December 2017. Hopefully you were lucky enough to receive bonuses touted by the majority political party as well as Donald Trump?
“Still, the vast majority of adults don’t seem to have sensed the effects of the tax cut on their personal finances.” Politico
Although the public still hasn’t been told of how the government plans to pay for the tax cuts which by 2020 will push the tax deficit pass the TRILLION-dollar mark, many have taken the position to support anything which puts a little money in their pocket, even on a temporary basis.
Donald Trump proclaims tax cuts will revolutionize economy. Some are still waiting on promised bonuses or larger paychecks.
Expect Mark Short to be taken to the woodshed
Perhaps he misspoke but later this week do not be surprised if Trump and his strong allies do not take one of their own directly to the woodshed. Why? There was so much hype in attempting the justify the tax cuts and/or more money in worker’s paychecks, one would surely assume the numbers would be more than five percent!!!!
However, contrary to what the Trump administration has been boasting their own Director of Legislative Affairs and Assistant to the President for U.S. President Donald J. Trump, Mark Short belted out on “Meet the Press” that there is good news as five million people have financially benefited from the tax bill passed in December. The problem with Short’s assessment is while five million represents lots of folk, it represents less than five percent of the total workforce which is nearly 125 million, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wasn’t it presented that nearly every worker would see an immediate gain? Maybe you were one of the lucky five million?
Hear Short’s specific comment at the 40 second mark.
Cost of good increase
Everyone appreciates a good economy. The result is consumer confidence has increased and that is a positive sign which doesn’t get much debate.. The impact for most consumers is even though they have more money in their pocket, the increased cost of goods has eaten away at those gains.
People take part in a protest against the Republican tax bill in Los Angeles, California on December 4, 2017. Democrats and many economists warn that the GOP tax plan gives large tax cuts to corporations and the wealthy and will hurt middle class families. (Photo by Ronen Tivony/NurPhoto)
On the mortgage front today’s rate represents a fifty-basis point increase from year over year reporting. The result is the average consumer ($244,000) is paying an additional $102 per month over a tad over $1,200 for the year. Based on those numbers you will need more than a tax cut or bonus to break even.
Our recent Southern States trek featuring some new sites, as well as those we were familiar with, and even included some from days of the past. We ventured into Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas and covered about 1,500 miles.
Dr. King
Our dear friend James from San Francisco connected with us in Memphis, TN. This was our primary destination as the world commemorated the 50th anniversary on April 4th which was the day of Dr. King’s assassination at the Lorraine Motel. At the time of Dr. King’s death we were teenagers. Now as adults we had a sense of urgency and consciousness which highlighted the historical importance of joining the hundreds of thousands who were also making the pilgrimage to Memphis.
Iconic Mountaintop Speech
Dr. King had an oratorical gift and many of his speeches are historic. Most had no idea that his “Mountaintop Speech” at Mason Temple on April 3, 1968 would be his last. Mason Temple through their connection with AFSME and the “I AM A MAN 2018” organization hosted an event where the full speech would be heard. We were blessed to be in attendance to hear the speech and pay homage to Dr. King and the sanitation worker’s.
On April 4th events were going on all over the nation. We participated in the events sponsored by the National Civil Rights Museum of which the Lorraine Motel is part of.
Roland Martin of TV took time to capture the day’s event
Later that evening, we were present to hear icons from the Civil Rights era participate in “An Evening of Storytelling.”
Capping off the commemoration was “An Evening of Storytelling” hosted by the MLK50 organization
clip courtesy of Roland Martin
Jim Crow
A typical Jim Crow sign highlighting customs Blacks must follow
Jim Crow is not a new foodie item! It is the euphemism White leadership created once legalized slavery ended. The emphasis was to develop a system and to establish customs which Blacks and other non-whites were mandated to follow. Failure to abide resulted in harsh punishment and for many; DEATH!!!
This is the site – Arcade theater in Ferriday, LA where my brother and I first experienced southern Jim Crow. In 1962 we were directed upstairs to the colored section to see the movie
As African-Americans were emancipated from slavery, many whites or those in control could not fathom they had the same rights as them. Those who were in power took on a very stubborn attitude. The result was for them to create regulations, codes, customs to minimize or thwart African-Americans from obtaining equal rights. As mentioned they cleverly called the system Jim Crow.
The legacy of Jim Crow is evident even in 2018 as some whites have never accepted African-Americans as equal. It is engrained in the culture (in the United States and around the world). Interestingly the psyche affects whites and even Blacks who invariably marginalize other blacks.
“if we are to implement the American dream we must get rid of the notion once and for all that there are superior and inferior races.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
While Jim Crow was beaten down with legal victories during the civil rights movement, just like the Civil War; some uninformed Whites want to keep fighting it, as if it never ended. They do not accept the fact their ancestors or those who they revere participated in treason! The result in today’s reality is Jim Crow has spawned into a more sophisticated dynamic called James Crow, Esq. From voter suppression to economic discrimination; the bottom line is to do what is necessary to keep certain segments of the population in check.
more Jim Crow
Many stops
There where many stops we made during our trek. Some were event specific or where we had reservations to attend. Others were the type of stops you make on a “day trip.” In addition to the Lorraine, we swung by Ruleville to finally get to see the Fannie Lou Hamer Memorial Garden.
Fred & Judith at the Fannie Lou Hamer Memorial Garden
A bigger find was traveling about forty minutes southeast through the Mississippi Delta and winding up in Money. For those who don’t know, Money is the site of Bryant’s Grocery and Meat Store and where 14-year-old Emmett Till while in the store allegedly whistled at the store’s owner, Mrs. Carolyn Bryant. The act cost Till his life as he was accosted at 3am the next morning from the home where he was staying, which was with his uncle Moses Wright. Like most homes in the rural south, it was in the woods (or in the country) about three miles from the store. At gunpoint, Bryant’s husband, brother and others who formed a posse demanded Wright turn him over. After being savagely beaten and lynched the incident became national news as his mother, Mrs. Mamie Mobley shocked the world during the funeral and took the brave act insisting the casket remain open for all to see what Bryant’s posse had done.
Money, MS. A shadow of the store can be seen in the foreground.Bryant’s Store – courtesy of Mississippi Civil Rights MuseumThis was one of the boldest moves of the time!!! It shows Till’s uncle, Moses Wright testifying at the trial. Like many who were untrained Wright spoke in broken and barely audible vocabulary but he spouted off “Dar he” (there he is) as he pointed out Bryant as the person who came to his door and took his nephew. photo courtesy of Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
Claim recanted
Sadly fifty-three years later or in 2008, Carolyn Bryant recanted her claim that Till EVER whistled at her!!!!!!. Her interview is chronicled in a book which came out in 2017. Regardless, that was the custom of the south or behavior certain Whites took toward harassing Blacks. Through the years many who made claims or assertions against Blacks, which caused great harm have been found to be untrue.
For those like us who had never been to Money, we quickly realized the town is more of an outpost of Greenwood. Our next stop took us two hours to the south and we finally arrived at the state capitol in Jackson. The site we were eager to see was the new Mississippi Civil Rights museum. The organizers have done an amazing job of interpreting Mississippi’s involvement as it relates to African-American’s. The violence showcased is incredible.
Fred & Judith pose with Mrs. Pamela Junior who is the Executive Director of the new Mississippi Civil Rights museum
Following Jackson we ventured another two hours to antebellum Natchez. Crossing the mississippi river we finally landed into Louisiana and made some stops in Vidalia, Ridgecrest and Ferriday, which is where my father hails from. In summary, the four-state trek was a blessing and something we will remember for the rest of our lives. Here are some scenes we are happy to share.
Stax Museum
Kolongi created this masterpiece
Confederate marker
LeMoyne-Owens College – Memphis
LeMoyne-Owens College – Memphis
Stax museum
even Bonanza took a stance
the new Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
the great Unita Blackwell
great portrait inside the National Civil Rights Museum – Memphim
[Memphis, TN] If you appreciate culture you more than likely have art hanging on your wall. If you are like me you treasure great work but have run out of wall space or money? However, just when you thought you had enough art you come across a piece that you must have.
On the 50th commemoration of the day Dr. King was assassinated, Judith and I were trekking down south Main street near Talbot avenue, which is down the street from the National Civil Rights Museum and came across this artist who was just setting up. We now know his name is KOLONGI. Once he pulled out his prints, all manner of being broke as a belglade Indian or being financially embarrassed disappeared, as we knew this was a special piece which we had to have.
It is a remarkable piece. It has an African-American theme and Kolongi calls it, “Summoned by the Ancestors.” However, regardless of your ethnicity if you too appreciate art, history or culture I would encourage you to add this to your collection.
It depicts President Barack Obama during a meeting. He was summoned by the ancestors to discuss issues of importance to the African American community and the best path forward for our people. The ancestors that summoned him were Marcus Garvey, Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr, Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali.
I asked Kolongi what was his inspiration for creating this masterpiece? He indicated, “I always look for things which are unique and because so many people appreciated Obama and what he represented I wanted to create a piece featuring him while calling on the ancestors for guidance.”
I was happy to hear the large supply of prints Kolongi made sold out within hours and I am glad we had sense to scrape up enough money to grab it and have it framed.
[Natchez, MS] We recently completed a trek which took us to the south, specifically Natchez, MS. My father is buried in the National Cemetery which is reserved for those eligible from their military service. Down the road is the Natchez City Cemetery, which I also visited as relatives are there as well.
If you have never been to the “south” or unfamiliar with the history, customs or the culture you may come across……. you might have the reaction as my wife Judith in seeing gravesites highlighted with confederate battle flags.
The flags were a sense of pride for those supporting the confederacy. There are many today, from all over the world who still proudly display support and recognize it as part of their “tradition.” Whatever the explanation, I respect their choice to be honored by that symbol. Although, I would encourage those who in 2018 claim the flag as some type of honor (unless, they are burying someone from that era) to immediately enroll in my american history class!!!!
It boils down to education or knowledge
The confederate battle flag was created to provide a distinct difference. In its day it was known as the “Stainless Banner.” The confederacy was created as opposition to those in the united states who wanted to abolish slavery, among other things. The result was the Civil War. The confederacy was basically identified as states in the southern region (i.e., Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, etc.).
I have friends or know of folk who even today, have adopted the confederate flag. Their explanation is it has been a “family custom” or “tradition” and such, embrace it with pride. While some would go ballistic or be willing to disown them, I respect their opinions. Instead of vilifying them or excoriating them from planet earth I view it as an opportunity to educate and have dialogue, as long as there is genuine communication.
What you don’t know, you don’t know!!!!
While the flag is embraced by some, and perhaps by more than you might imagine……many do so because they simply conflate reality or historical facts.
Treason & Fear
The fact the confederacy wanted to have their own flag to identify allegiance is understood. Fortunately, the Civil War ended and the desire of the confederacy to have their own government was squashed by their defeat. Interestingly, some still fight the tenets of the civil war as if it never ended.
trea·son
ˈtrēzən/
noun
the crime of betraying one’s country, especially by attempting to kill the sovereign or overthrow the government.
So, from most historical accounts the actions of the confederacy were treasonous as their primary attack was to overthrow the current government.
As the Civil War ended, the dynamic of racial equality resulted in violence which still exist in some pockets of our country. Those in opposition of equality, particularly terrorist groups such as the Klu Klux Klan adopted the confederate battle flag. That is why even today, many who see the confederate battle flag being used, especially if they are African-American or non-white are reminded of the terror and oppression meted out by those who embrace the flag.
I recall during the Trayvon Martin murder and was completing some research in Sanford, we came across several confederate battle flags flying from homes. Remarkably, these were noticed in the same tract as the police department! We simply concluded that for many they embrace the flag and don’t associate the negative reaction, or don’t care from those who are not like them.
The confederate battle flag is a part of history. It may be easy to dismiss or prevent honest dialogue, even with those you may consider as friends? I understand the sense of pride of those who used it during the participation as part of the confederacy. However, for those who continue to embrace it, perhaps that represents the great opportunity for some basic conversation, education and reality.
Ruleville is in the “Delta” and is about 2 hours southeast of Memphis and about 2 miles northwest of Jackson. Fannie Lou’s story is remarkable and we were blessed to finally be able to visit the site and pay our respect.
On the way from Memphis, surprisingly you will pass Parchman prison which is where Fannie Lou wound up simply for attempting to register folk to vote!!!! It was also the temporary home for many other civil right heroes, especially Freedom Riders who too took great risk of their lives in the fight of equality.
The Fannie Lou Hamer Park is part of the Fannie Lou Complex. In addition the museum (currently being updated), next door is the memorial gardenJudith and I take time for a quick pose at the great Fannie Lou Hamer statue
If you want to learn more about Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer please see this clip from the iconic “Eyes on the Prize” as it chronicles the Mississippi movement as well as her role, including the sacrifices she had to endure.
[Memphis, TN] For a good many of you the question is moot because you were not born! But there are a good many like me who were around that first Thursday of April 1968.
Dr. King and entourage getting ready to go to the Kyles for dinner. Dr. King had ordered Rev. Jackson to go and put a tie on. His famous quote was, “Dr. King the only thing you need for dinner is a good appetite!!!”
My memory is foggy but being a student of history, particularly the Civil Rights movement one thing I do remember is it is one of those days where you try and remember what you were doing or where you were at.
Pomona
I was a student at Ganesha High School in Pomona, CA. More than likely it was a basic day and the week was rolling by. At 6:01 pm (CST) a bullet tore threw Dr. King’s lower jaw and neck. While many have accepted the notion James Earl Ray was the lone assassin, I defer to the King family, Judge Joe Brown and others who accept the fact the bullet that fell Dr. King was not fired by Ray………but that’s another post for another time.
Being a motely student-athlete, in Pomona 6:01pm, translates into 4:01pm so more than likely I was at baseball practice. I can’t patch much more because there was not 24/7 cable news and if I recall the news at the “major” channels (2,4,7, etc.) was a whopping thirty minutes! Most of the news was communicated by CBS’s perennial anchor, Walter Cronkite. You can even do a search and see the iconic clip of him informing the nation.
6:01pm folk came running to the spot were Dr. King lay
After practice, I don’t remember if I went to work or went straight home? My mother was a “news junkie” so more than likely the reality of Dr. King’s death was the focus of discussion later that evening.
What about you? Do, you remember anything from the news that rocked the nation at 6:01 pm, Thursday evening, April 4, 1968
Dr. King’s room 306 is memorialized at the Lorraine Motel, which is now part of the National Civil Rights Museum
You’ve seen the character who professes everything he touches turns to gold? Or, they profess being truly self-made while convincing themselves and those who fall prey to their hustle they possess the magic to make lives better?
In the example of Donald Trump, he has convinced those who believe him that anything and everything President Barack Obama accomplished, in fact had a negative impact to their lives. Worse, he has convinced them any success they currently have or that they project to have is the direct result of him taking over as the 45th president of the United States.
Hundreds of thousands have already started the pilgrimage to Memphis, TN. Millions more are expected to join those for local activities or tune in to participate on Wednesday, April 4th in the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Rev., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King was an influential leader who had developed exceptional oratorical skills. As Donald Trump continues to boast his prowess, including his followers or base supporters who feel he is the core reason for the success of the economy, they are unfortunately missing a basic reality! No doubt there is positive movement in the economy but what gets lost with partisanship or trained pundits who have taken a blood-oath to never make any comments which might be perceived as minimizing Trump’s achievements are the facts of what he inherited in what most agree were positive signs targeted for future growth.
One of Dr. King’s famous quotes in trying to help leaders understand the plight of negroes (African-Americans) and the negative legacy of slavery, Jim Crow and institutional racism which resulted in insuring that population would always remain deficient, was the bootstrap example.
“It’s all right to tell a man to lift himself by his own bootstraps, but it is cruel jest to say to a bootless man that he ought to lift himself by his own bootstraps.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. April 1, 1968
Barack Obama made sure Trump had boots
Dr. King’s words have an interesting parallel with what Barack Obama received when he assumed the presidency versus what he left for Donald Trump.
Many have forgotten or have wiped out of their minds what was going on in 2007 and 2008. Economically, things were as bad as one could imagine and president Obama could have been defined as that “bootless man.”
Eight years later or when he handed over the reins to Donald Trump the economy had already made a recovery. There were unprecedented measures of success that even the most ardent Obama critic would have to admit. The result is yes, the economy continues to rack up impressive numbers but the notion that Donald Trump has achieved it all by himself or didn’t inherit anything positive from the Obama administration would leave a reasonable person scratching their head. Dr. King would caution Trump to be a bit humbler and remind him it is more honorable to give credit where credit is due versus proclaiming to never receiving a helping hand, especially from the lad he convinced millions that he was not a legitimate citizen. The boots president Obama left for Trump have helped improve his step.
[Chavez Ravine, Los Angeles] Opening day is always a special event in major league baseball. At Dodger stadium or “the ravine” it takes on significance due to the team and their tie to the city. The fact the Dodgers would be hosting their arch-rival Giants was enough for most fans. But the treat about opening day is you never know what presentations the host team will unveil.
George Lopez and Samuel Jackson stole the show
Kirk Gibson’s monumental home run in 1988 has its place high atop baseball lore as an unforgettable event. Comedian George Lopez and Actor Samuel Jackson are unabashedly die-hard Dodger fans. They recreated the special time in history when Gibson was blessed by the baseball gods. The seven minute clip was quite a production and done so to introduce Gibson as he threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The production was amazing!!
As for the game, Dodgers ace and one known as the “best pitcher on the planet,” Clayton Kershaw got snakebit as his two-strike slider to the Giants pesky Joe Panik slipped inside the right field foul pole for a home run, as well as the only run as the Giants handed the Dodgers an opening day loss. One game down, one hundred and sixty-one to go.
7 MINUTE HISTORIC CLIP, courtesy of Los Angeles Dodgers
Jerome Powell holding press conference following FOMC meeting. Generated by IJG JPEG Library. Getty Images
After approximately two months since taking over the helm as the chairman of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell announced a rate increase. The move was expected as while rates are cyclical they are based on a variety of economic factors. Powell and the rest of the board agreed recent unemployment numbers, household confidence and the positive direction of the economy provided justification of moving the rates one-quarter of a percent or to the highest level of the year at 1.750%.
The formal announcement via a press conference followed the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting held earlier today. The vote was unanimous as all members of the FOMC voted to increase the rate.
“The Committee expects that economic conditions will evolve in a manner that will warrant further gradual increases in the federal funds rate; the federal funds rate is likely to remain, for some time, below levels that are expected to prevail in the longer run. However, the actual path of the federal funds rate will depend on the economic outlook as informed by incoming data.” Federal Reserve.
The Federal Reserve is responsible for U. S. monetary policy and when there are positive economic signs, rate increases are a necessary buffer to control inflation or other negative impacts. During the press conference, Powell mentioned at least two more rate increases are scheduled for 2018.
The fed rate is related to what banks are charged to obtain funds.
