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.
For most the quarter mortgage rates have been below 4%. There has been a steady drip in week over week reporting and currently they ended August at 3.820%, which was down four basis points from the previous week. The rate reported is for the benchmark 30-year Fixed Rate mortgage. A full recap of popular programs is listed below:
August 31, 2017 (Freddie Mac Primary Market Rate Survey)
30-Yr FRM
15-Yr FRM
5/1-Yr ARM
Average Rates
3.82%
3.12%
3.14%
Fees & Points
0.5
0.5
0.5
Margin
N/A
N/A
2.74
As more consumers are purchasing homes or refinancing their existing mortgages, tighter competition for affordable mortgage money could be the result. Thus, experts suggest the trend may reverse as rates move higher. Of course, that is the projection but for now the current rate range appears stable.
Rates for the most recent week were posted Thursday or August 31st. However, on Friday, September 1st the Bureau of Labor Statistics released monthly employment numbers for August. While many were jubilant that July’s numbers exceeded expectations, August numbers brought them back to reality as there were 156,000 new jobs reported. That number was a sharp reduction from July, and way below the 2016 monthly average of 187,000 new jobs.
Harvey
Of course, with the disaster of hurricane Harvey and other regional issues both mortgage and employment data should see some immediate adjustments. Construction employment surely will see a pick-up, however in the Texas region there is some concern as industry experts peg undocumented construction labor at nearly thirty percent. Based on the Trump administration unpopular focus on building “the wall” and removing undocumented people from the United States, many from that population are petrified of being targeted resulting in their unwillingness to come forward and perform jobs they have done prior to the attention of their plight. The bottom line is if these workers are unavailable the cost of recovery will be much higher.
The NMAAHC is placed in a coveted spot on the national mall. Immediately behind it is the Washington Monument. The White House is approximately 3 blocks to the north. Photo Fredyt123 (c)
Our eastcoast trek’s started over 10 years ago. The dates are always around August 28th and the focus was to pay homage and offer a tribute to Dr. King and all of the unsung heroes of the March on Washington (MOW). This year marked the 54th anniversary.
The importance of this photo is iconic as the strategy of placing the memorial was so that Dr. King is facing the Jefferson Memorial (to the right) and the Washington Monument (on the left). The pose of Dr. King was in his office and a picture of Ghandi was above his head. Photo Fredyt123 (c)
This year’s trek was shortened due to scheduling which meant we really had to hustle to accomplish all of the activities on our itinerary. Last year the inaugural opening of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture was moved to the last week of September. What started with just Judith and I quickly morphed to a group of twenty as friends came from all parts of the United States to witness the iconic opening. Also during that trek we organized a “Foodie Excursion” and it turned out to be a big hit. Because our group numbered six, we were able to once again add the excursion to our schedule. So, we started in Baltimore and finished in DC and were blessed to accomplish our plan in just three days.
Lisa Brooks (New Jersey) and Norma Pezzotti (New Jersey via DR)Maryum Robinson (Los Angeles)Fredy (Los Angeles), Justine Love (District of Columbia), Renie Hale (Laurel, Maryland via NOLA)
The city of Baltimore and the District of Columbia (DC) have nearly the same population (approx 700,000-800,000). Like DC, Baltimore has lots of sites to see. So, our Foodie Excursion started there.
The National Museum of African-American History and Culture is special. You will notice folk of ALL racial backgrounds flocking to the museum because while the site focuses on the history of African-Americans, it is also an important slice of American history. One other critical point to clarify as some criticize the museum for starting at the slavery period? It is understood even as slavery started there were few who were indeed defined as “free.” Again, African history is African history and starts there. While the museum does give a snapshot to bring you forward…….technically the African-American experience starts in 1607 and that is the focus of the interpretation.
The next three pictures are from Jet Magazine which was the first publication to alert the public. Photo Fredyt123 (c)
When visiting the NMAAHC it is highly suggested you have a plan. The site is massive and impossible to capture everything in one setting. As experienced as I am with such sites, I have mapped out a 5 – 7 year plan.
This year our plan was pretty simple. The Sweet Home Café was not yet open so my plan was to attempt to get in. My second item was to get into the gift shop. My third item was to see the Emmett Till exhibit. Getting in or being able to access these areas may be simple, if not petty but once you try to gain access to the museum you will appreciate it can be wall to wall with folk, making it nearly impossible to see, let alone get in.
The Oprah Winfrey theater. Site for many lectures and events.
The Carter G. Woodson house is another special site. It is located in the historic Shaw District. You could spend a full day in the “Shaw” and not come close to experiencing the history. We were very lucky to be able to add this site to our schedule as it just recently opened.
The iconic Carter G. Woodson home. It just opened to the public. Photo Fredyt123 (c)
The Carter G. Woodson park is operated by the City and down the street from Dr. Woodson’s home. Photo Fredyt123 (c)Metropolitan A.M.E. Church
Due to its location to the water Baltimore is known for its crab. Jimmie’s famous seafood does an excellent job while showcasing many crab dishes.
Crab cakes. Photo Fredyt123 (c)Renie feasting on Crab sliders. Photo Fredyt123 (c)Mrs. Minadakis, the grand dame of Jimmie’s took time to pose as she is preparing some of her famous stuffed tomatoesJimmie’s famous Crab Club sandwich. Photos Fredyt123 (c)
The Sweet Home Cafe is an outstanding place to relax and grab a bite to eat. It is cafeteria style and the food is presented from regions of the African-American experience. In other words you will notice the fried chicken, then wonder if you have room for the Creole dishes, or the Low Country dishes, or the Bar-B-Que, on and on. As great as it is……in my opinion it is a bit pricey…..but worth it.
Ben’s Chili Bowl has earned its iconic position as a place you must visit. They are located in the iconic U District. Just recently they updated the mural which now features President and Mrs. Obama among other faces, and it is outstanding. Once you are inside there is a unique experience which awaits you. Another important fact about Ben’s is during the 1968 Riots they remained opened and to date the community has rewarded their commitment.
We do not have any pictures to share, however Union Market type venues are popping up all over urban areas. They are boutique in style and offer specialized food menus, all in a co-op type of environment.
Timothy Dean’s Burgers is location in the NoMA (North of Massachusetts Avenue) and it is a great venue to relax. Timothy Deans started during the Obama administration and the Obama burger continues to be the biggest seller.
TD’s famous Bar-b-que Brisket sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries. TD’s smoker is an iconic machine. Photos Fredyt123 (c)
Uprising is part of the great Shaw District. It is special to me because it is next door to the United Negro College Fund office. They do an excellent job in preparing a variety of muffins and the coffee is very good. They also feature great artwork, reflective of the area.
Oohh’s & Aahh’s is located in the historic U district. For soul food, it is the place to go. The servings are very large. Even though the place is small, expect a line but it moves……so patience will be needed but it is well worth the wait.
Like a “Raisin in the Sun” or a “Phoenix Rising from the ashes”, out of all the darkness in a place called Sandtown, there is light!! That light is in the form of residents and leaders from the greater West Baltimore community who are determined to demonstrate what engagement is all about.
new home development in Sandtown. photo (c) Fredyt123
This past week as part of my annual EastCoast trek, I needed to revisit the Fannie Lou Hamer community agriculture garden. Luckily several leaders were present and I was warmly greeted by Durreshahwar Smith who affectionately goes by “Durre.” I was at ground zero and witnessed first-hand how the group embraces basic self-awareness principles to reclaim a sacred portion of the Sandtown community.
Durre, Vice President of The Tubman Organization showcasing cherry (small) tomatoes. photo (c) Fredyt123Durre, Vice President of The Tubman House, showcasing carrots ready for harvesting. photo (c) Fredyt123
Empowerment
Durre is Vice President of The Tubman House organization also known as “1619”, a fledging group of community activist dedicated to cobbling together resources to benefit the residents. It is of consequence the group formed around the time of the Freddie Gray take down and one of their primary plots of land (the other is on Mount and North Calhoun Streets) is directly across the street on the corner of Presbury and North Mount streets. The mural provides a powerful image that is worthy of reflection.
“Our leadership understood the importance of building relationships with the residents. This was critically important for those who operate on the other side of the law. An agreement was reached where our projects were labeled as safe havens or areas where the youth would feel free of danger.” Durre
Fannie Lou Hamer garden across the street from the iconic Freddie Gray mural. photo (c) Fredyt123
A critical strategy of the organization is to leverage the expertise of adult leadership while focusing on creating opportunities for the youth of Sandtown to take a direct role to participate in a variety of projects.
photo (c) Fredyt123
Perspective
Sandtown is a community in West Baltimore that full of blight and neglect. It is not the type of place you venture into with naivety, gullibility or lacking common sense. In other words, it is not a place for those considered “weak or feeble.” Typical to many communities in what is known as urban or inner city, you see failed public policy, drug infestation, crime, high unemployment, apathy among residents, lack of personal accountability and other negative attributes all which lead to very deplorable conditions.
As bad as the conditions may be, it’s the type of environment where it is easy to offer assumptions or make stereotypical comments with very little basis of facts. As an example, when Donald Trump boasts about the “Inner City” with a very condescending and ignorant voice suggesting it is a place where ONLY blacks live, places like Sandtown come to mind. No doubt places like Sandtown have generational effects where segregation and the lack of positive public policy have helped to perpetuate a sense of despair. To the point, I have friends who are black who would be a nervous wreck or scared for their lives if they were forced to venture down the many streets in places like Sandtown. That is because so many have been conditioned to be fearful of those considered poor or “less-than” That is not to say because you are black you should have some type of immunity to poverty or crime as that is where people like Trump get it wrong, as blacks live in all types of environments and many of them enjoy thriving lifestyles. However, to deal or understand the urban core and feel comfortable in engaging the people you simply need inner courage and humanity so that you can deal with them at a basic level.
When asked a question to a Baltimore Policeman who knows Sandtown well as to why there appears so many young people just hanging out or otherwise appearing to be loitering his response was, “you gotta understand Baltimore is a city where after 15 years of age youth are allowed to emancipate or otherwise drop out of school. So those without options are easy prey to the streets.”
April 12, 2015
Civil unrest or riots is not a new phenomenon. Oftentimes you will be able to document conditions which have festered for years and like lighting a match, it takes only a flame to allow all that pent-up frustration felt by local residents to explode in the form of outrage. During that April day in 2015 many who unleashed their emotion against a system they deemed to marginalize or keep them mired in the negative position didn’t personally know Freddie Gray. What they did know is his death was the spark plug that ignited the riots. That is a fact for most uprisings. The person or focal point of the issue may have some controversy, right or wrong but like the Freddie Gray incident, it is a metaphor and justification of a reaction.
Power to the People. Photo (c) Fredyt123
You don’t want to go there!!
I first visited Sandtown in August 2015, just four months after the day of destiny on April 12,2015. I recall many insisting I should not go to Sandtown, let alone by myself!! As a matter of fact, I was in the Inner Harbor section of the city and needed to jump on the Marc subway so I could get to Sandtown. At the Shot Tower Marc station, I asked the transit worker, who happened to be an African-American female which stop I should exit to get to Sandtown? Her look was one of bewilderment, “oh! You really don’t want to go down there – it’s very dangerous.” All while shaking her head as to admonish me for asking what she felt was a question that could result in great peril for me. Being the hard-headed, if not determined person I claim to be I finally made it to the Penn North Station and once I came up to the street level, you could still smell the effects of the CVS store which was looted and destroyed during the riots.
I walked a good majority to Sandtown by foot, going street to street and it took most of the afternoon. The reason this was necessary was so I could get a feel of the community. I do not profess to be some bold, Shaft like character who is fearless but it’s a sense you develop. Either you are not afraid to venture into harsh urban areas or you are? I knew for me to be able to accurately offer a perspective of Sandtown, it was necessary to brave the elements and soak in as much information in the form of sounds, smells, or something as simple as hearing the chatter from people talking, etc.
“This work is not easy but it is something we felt needed to be done”. Durre
2016
With a better idea of Sandtown I looked forward to visiting in 2016. Joining me was Judith and my aunt, Maryum. A figure across the street caught my eye. As dangerous as we were told venturing into Sandtown might be, I assured them everything would be alright. Again, Sandtown is the type of community where there are many people who congregate outside their homes or at various spots on the streets. Some, not knowing any better might define it as basic loitering. I approached the figure who caught my attention and he introduced himself as “Soldier.” He was tending the lot across the street from the Freddie Gray mural and proudly stated a group he was affiliated with was reclaiming parts of the community by starting basic farming projects on lots which were abandoned. Like the scene I witnessed during my first visit, adjacent the lot Soldier and I found ourselves were many row homes (typical housing stock in that region) which appeared to be in disrepair or ready for demolition. It was an incredible sight. Soldier confessed to me, but not apologetically that he had been incarcerated for a very long time and how he took pride in the agriculture project because it gave him a sense of purpose. I was impressed the group had the vision to name the plot of land after one of my heroines, Fannie Lou Hamer. Soldier agreed to pose for a picture with Judith and my aunt and proudly spoke about the determination the group had in being a positive force in what is good about Sandtown.
Soldier proudly proclaiming the determination and strength of the project. Photo (c) Fredyt123
He spoke to me about “The Tubman House” and gracefully invited me inside. Once inside he directed me to the spot where there was a remarkable mural which one of the members had painted. It was an outstanding sight and tribute to Harriet Tubman.
The famous mural of Harriet Tubman inside the Tubman House. Photo (c) Fredyt123
The Freddie Gray connection
Urban blight is not new. Sandown’s are scattered all across the United States. You don’t have to be a social-scientist or social worker to see how generational behavior crisscross with public policy, or the lack thereof which leads to a stark and dangerous environment. Better stated, some define it as “life in the hood!”
Last Friday we were fortunate to gain access to a Baltimore City policeman who happens to be African-American. His name will remain anonymous as his remarks were unfiltered. He was very quick to state Sandtown is a very dangerous place. “There are pockets in the city, particularly in Sandtown where they hate the police.” Part of that sentiment could be because they are viewed as a disruptive force to the elements which thrive in a criminal environment where selling drugs and other substances is a lifestyle.
He went on to state it was then Councilman Nick Mosby who responded to pleas from Sandtown residents to crack down on all the illegal activity which held them hostage to those who benefited from the condition. Thus, more law enforcement was put in place with the goal of weeding out the negative forces.
His contention is the public did not have all of the facts regarding Gray’s capture and subsequent death.
“Freddie Gray was one of those who was known as a petty drug seller. One of the drugs he sold was heroin.” The officer offered the viewpoint that as Freddie Gray was being chased down North Mount he swallowed the product in his possession, rather than being caught “red-handed.” He further mentioned the officer’s capture and subsequent removal of Gray was done in a routine process. Additionally, he mentioned Gray was recently involved in an auto accident and was recovering from his injuries. Therefore, he offered the opinion that it was swallowing the heroin combined with a flair up of his injuries which caused him to mysterious die, not the behavior of the officers who took him into custody.
Gray is gone. Sandtown still has a dangerous feel and in some parts, you are at ground zero but people are people. In any community, you have the good and the bad. Sandtown did not get into the condition it is in overnight. As mentioned, it is generational and indicative of crime and unemployment. At the same time, you see streets being reclaimed as the standard row houses are rehabilitated or rebuilt designed to give hope to the residents.
The same is true for what is going on at the Tubman House. To see the youth taking pride in the project is encouraging. To see the tangible result of their work in the agriculture garden is inspiring. The notion the food they grow is donated to the local residents is not viewed as a hand-out but more of a gesture to motivate the community to embrace the project. The sight of having passerby’s stop by to see what is going on and to see watermelons that came from the garden which could easily be sold for a handsome profit as some of the more trendier markets is incredible.
The youth grew them, now time to sell them! Fresh melons. Photo (c) Fredyt123Youth take a break to sample what they grew. Photos (c) Fredyt123
Sandtown needs a lot of work. The Tubman House is just one group staying in their lane to provide uplift. As big as the area is, I am sure there are more groups with the goal of empowerment but they are just basic workers who quietly go about their business of doing their part.
In meeting Soldier, Durre and other adult workers as well as the youth there is no doubt they embrace the philosophy of Harriet Tubman, Fannie Lou Hamer, Marcus Garvey and others to demonstrate to the community, bringing light out of the darkness starts with their passion, commitment, dedication and faith in each other.
Fannie Lou Hamer garden. Photos (c) Fredyt123Group’s second parcel on North Mount and North Calhoun Street. Photos (c) Fredyt123
Photos (c) Fredyt123
More information on the Tubman House can be found here
It’s been three years since the National museum of African-American History and Culture opened. The response has been overwhelming and even when tickets are made available to the public; generally three months in advance (i.e., tickets for November were made available the first Wednesday of August), they were snapped up in less than 5 minutes!!!
We were lucky to experience the opening in person and it was a weekend which we will always cherish.
If you have a genuine desire to visit the museum we have a few tickets available based on the following understanding:
The tickets are free and are legitimate. There is no charge whatsoever. We are Charter Members and the tickets are from us receiving them from the NMAAHC website and several guests in our group have scheduling conflicts.
Should you receive any tickets from us, you agree NOT TO SALE the tickets.
Do not request the tickets unless you are absolutely sure you are prepared to go.
If for whatever reason you cannot attend, you simply will not pass them on to another person. You must notify us immediately.
Other restrictions may apply so if in doubt please contact us.
The following dates are available (subject to change without notice):
Saturday, April 4, 2020 – 6 tickets are available for 3:00pm entry
If interested please contact us at fred.thomas3@fredyt123.com
It just so happened last week my daughter reminded me the Dramatics were on “Unsung.” Those of you who may be unfamiliar with Unsung may do yourself a favor as it is a television program which chronicles the life of African-American entertainers. It provides a snapshot of how they started, how they reached fame and for many how they stumbled and eventually fell. Then for the lucky few, it shows how they got back up and live (or lived) a productive life. I quickly turned it on and almost forgot the group started in Detroit.
Coincidently, the movie “Detroit” came out yesterday, so having a little free time I decided to go solo and check it out. After watching the movie and upon leaving to try to catch up with Lanie, my initial rating was a 7 on a scale of 1 – 10. However, after some serious reflection and in fairness I increased my rating to a 8.
Not a documentary
It is not a documentary but a portrayal of a real life story; the Detroit Riots of 1967. However, more important the plot or key storyline focuses on the horrific incident and overt law enforcement brutality lashed out at those who were staying at the Algier’s Motel. Notice, I mentioned law enforcement as during the riots that cadre included the local police, the state police and the national guard.
Contrary to what some believe, folk who live in a community and subsequently unleash their frustration resulting in a “riot” and where damage is done to their immediate area do so not out of stupidity……..but from years of frustration, oppression, public policy and other factors that reach a boiling point.
The black migration to the industrialized north
As a historian I really appreciated the opening of how the black migration from the south to the industrial north occurred. More important it focused on the construct of racism and how the strategy of white flight occurred. As blacks were achieving civil rights gains which allowed more movement, those whites who fled urban cores found a new haven in the newly created “suburbs” As they left resources went with them. The core plea of blacks seeking integration was not a basic attempt to “be white” or transition to a “white lifestyle.” Instead it was the demand for whites to integrate theresources, the power and the responsibilities.
Many are steeped with denial in justifying why them and their families left various areas. The bottom line centers on race so you don’t have to be a history major to understand why and how this became a popular practice in communities such as Detroit and many places in the United States where blacks were moving in to try to benefit from the economic uplift made possible by the “industrial revolution.”
The white flight dynamic or fleecing communities phenomenon reminds me of a great parallel Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered at the last sermon he would preach, which was Sunday, April 1, 1968, “It’s alright to tell a man to lift himself by his own bootstraps but it is a cruel jest to say to a bootless man that he ought to lift himself by his own bootstraps!”
The film allows you to see the reaction created from the riots. The backdrop will take additional studying for you to fully grasp the theme. Occupied force
Fast forward to 1967 and the many dreams deferred as those blacks who moved in did not experience the paradise they expected. Instead they were marginalized and many dreams were cut short. Worse, the very police departments who had a “protect and serve” protocol transitioned their behavior to an occupied-like force, thus fueling much distrust and anger from community folk.
The raid which was the focus of the riot was the type of incident which was quite common. As a matter of fact, the police didn’t expect anything to get out of hand. Instead this time it did and the community responded with anger and the frustration boiled over to start the outburst which lit the flame for the riots.
The director is to be commended for having the courage to tackle the subject. Although the movie is a bit lengthy, I would suspect that is because there is so much ground to cover. Also, and a key point so you are clear is the movie is not a documentary so there is some creative license such as the ’72 bug being featured in a scene which was supposed to reflect 1967. Also, there are numerous questions you are left to ponder. Why did the person who shot the starting pistol run? Why didn’t those who knew he shot the pistol simply fess up to avoid the subsequent harassment, brutality and for some death which they suffered?
Yet, even in 2017, you can see some of the same behavior carried out by law enforcement embraced today. No doubt police are needed for public safety. Bad people do prey on good communities to wreak havoc and carry out their destruction . Yet the movie speaks to attitudes. If relates how you can experience sheer discrimination and hostility of people simply because they are different from institutions designed to help people lead a productive life. The denial, the cover-up and the brazen nature of those who simply lack basic respect for humanity is seen.
Fiction is fiction but this is a movie which hopefully inspires candid discussion. It is a movie featuring many black actors portraying a critical incident in the black community, but the movie can’t be relegated as a movie just for blacks ? It is a movie all should take the time to see as it is not about “police-bashing” but it portrays the environment of how things were and unfortunately there is pain. Some don’t want to be reminded of what happened. Then for others it rips the scab off of a wound which was thought to have healed.
More can be found here.
If you found the movie Detroit interesting and you seriously would like to have more facts I recommend two solid sources.
Eyes on the Prize is the seminal documented source which chronicles black life during that period. The series is split into sections. In addition to footage there is also a companion book.
The book – The book lends about 30 pages to the Detroit issue. It is packed with eye-witnesses and serves as an excellent source.
The footage. American Playhouse rebroadcast the Eyes on the Prize series and the good news is their clips are available via youtube. Here is the specific clip which features Detroit (about 33 minutes into the footage).
Postscript – I am lucky to take up residence in what is referred to the “inner city” or “urban area.” The good news is we have choices so especially for movies such as “Detroit” I started to just trek the three miles downtown to the Regal theater. Luckily I came to my senses and headed to the Rave theater in the Crenshaw community. I was pleased to see the movie theater packed. More important it was full of folk who are a bit older than me who more than likely lived during the period of the Movie, as they probably were in their early teens or early twenties. The reason this is important is to experience the visceral reaction from the various scenes communicated in the call/response found in audiences that are predominantly black. Some might find the reaction irritating or “why don’t they shut up” but it’s that reaction which helps you truly understand what the director is attempting to show you.
For the first reporting week of August, mortgage rates were basically unchanged and came in at 3.930% or up one basis point in week over week reporting. Unemployment numbers for July were released and they reached the lowest level in years as they came in at 4.3%.
Both numbers are critically important to consumers and is also closely monitored by economist and policy makers.
The mortgage numbers were projected as rates have held steady for the past several months. Affordability is also an important issue as those seeking to purchase a property have seen prices increase due to supply. The 3.930 is for the benchmark 30-year mortgage. The popular 15-year mortgage also held steady and sits at 3.180% Both numbers are from the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Rate survey which is an industry standard in gauging mortgage rates on a national basis. For more information on mortgage data please see here.
Employment Data
The employment data exceeded projections and represented good news for the Trump administration. For them, this week has been another roller-coaster ride and their lack of communicating honest information, instead of having to retract one issue after another has made the public less confident in their ability achieve some of the basic issues they campaigned on.
Job gains occurred in food services and drinking places, professional and business services, and health care.
For those in the workforce the big issue remains flat wages. For more information on the employment data please see here.
Social media is here to stay. Some of you remember Myspace and although very popular, in time it fizzled. Are you familiar with Nextdoor? Are you using it? If not, why not?
Back to the Myspace comparison as it reminds me of the early stages of Yahoo. Both, literally had the market to themselves but something happened and they were overtaken by competitors who capitalized on their uniqueness and the result is they no longer sit at the top of the throne.
Some of you may have poked around with Facebook in its early days? You left and fast forward to improvements and better migration of how social media impacts our lives, you now find renewed interest in the way it allows you to connect to people and issues you care about.
In 2010, Nextdoor was launched with a very simple premise to allow neighbors to connect with other neighbors and communities to connect with other communities, on and on. It is a powerful tool and since its launch they have built a cult-like following so that users can embrace the social media phenomenon to discuss a myriad of issues, specific to their neighborhood. From the latest yard sale, to the most reliable handyman, to demolition projects and even connecting to public officials, it popularity is blazing trails connecting people and neighbors to same way Facebook allows personal interaction.
If you will recall the unrealistic timeline to have something in place within 30 days of the announcement was missed. The key to today’s update is guidelines have been FRAMED but until adopted/approved, it is business as usual. However, if in doubt those traveling to Cuba should check OFAC or their congressional representative for any questions.
UPDATED JULY 25, 2017
Department of the Treasury
Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
Frequently Asked Questions on President Trump’s Cuba Announcement
1. How will OFAC implement the changes to the Cuba sanctions program announced by the President on June 16, 2017? Are the changes effective immediately? OFAC will implement the Treasury-specific changes via amendments to its Cuban Assets Control Regulations. The Department of Commerce will implement any necessary changes via amendments to its Export Administration Regulations. OFAC expects to issue its regulatory amendments in the coming months. The announced changes do not take effect until the new regulations are issued.
2. What is individual people-to-people travel, and how does the President’s announcement impact this travel authorization? Individual people-to-people travel is educational travel that: (i) does not involve academic study pursuant to a degree program; and (ii) does not take place under the auspices of an organization that is subject to U.S. jurisdiction that sponsors such exchanges to promote people-to-people contact. The President instructed Treasury to issue regulations that will end individual people-to-people travel. The announced changes do not take effect until the new regulations are issued.
3. Will group people-to-people travel still be authorized? Yes. Group people-to-people travel is educational travel not involving academic study pursuant to a degree program that takes place under the auspices of an organization that is subject to U.S. jurisdiction that sponsors such exchanges to promote people-to-people contact. Travelers utilizing this travel authorization must: (i) maintain a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities that are intended to enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities, and that will result in meaningful interaction between the traveler and individuals in Cuba; and (ii) be accompanied by an employee, consultant, or agent of the sponsoring organization, who will ensure that each traveler maintains a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities. In addition, the predominant portion of the activities engaged in by individual travelers must not be with prohibited officials of the Government of Cuba or prohibited members of the Cuban Communist Party (as defined in the regulations). Once OFAC issues the new regulations, new individual people-to-people travel will not be authorized.
4. Will organizations subject to U.S. jurisdiction that sponsor exchanges to promote people-to-people contact be required to apply to OFAC for a specific license? No. To the extent that proposed travel falls within the scope of an existing general license, including group people-to-people educational travel, persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction may proceed with sponsoring such travel without applying to OFAC for a Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) 2 specific license. It is OFAC’s policy not to grant applications for a specific license authorizing transactions where a general license is applicable. Once the State Department publishes its list of entities and subentities with which direct transactions will not be authorized and OFAC issues its regulations, no new transactions, including travel-related transactions, may be initiated with these identified entities and subentities. Prior travel arrangements that may involve these entities or subentities will still be authorized. See FAQ 8.
5. How do the changes announced by the President on June 16, 2017 affect individual people-to-people travelers who have already begun making their travel arrangements (such as purchasing flights, hotels, or rental cars)? The announced changes do not take effect until OFAC issues new regulations. Provided that the traveler has already completed at least one travel-related transaction (such as purchasing a flight or reserving accommodation) prior to the President’s announcement on June 16, 2017, all additional travel-related transactions for that trip would also be authorized, including if the trip occurs after OFAC issues new regulations, provided the travel-related transactions are consistent with OFAC’s regulations as of June 16, 2017. Once the State Department publishes its list of entities and subentities with which direct transactions will not be authorized and OFAC issues its regulations, no new transactions may be initiated with these identified entities and subentities. Prior travel arrangements that may involve these entities or subentities will still be authorized. See FAQ 8.
6. How does the new policy impact other authorized travel to Cuba by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction? The new policy will also impact certain categories of educational travel as well as travel under support for the Cuban people, as set forth in the National Security Presidential Memorandum signed by the President on June 16, 2017. In addition, following the issuance of OFAC’s regulatory changes, travel-related transactions with prohibited entities identified by the State Department will not be permitted, unless otherwise authorized by OFAC. Guidance will accompany the issuance of the new regulations.
7. Will persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction be required to apply to OFAC for a specific license to engage in Cuba-related travel and transactions consistent with the other authorized categories of travel? To the extent that proposed travel falls within the scope of an existing general license, persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction may proceed with such travel without applying to OFAC for a specific license. It is OFAC’s policy not to grant applications for a specific license authorizing transactions where a general license is applicable. Once the State Department publishes its list of entities and subentities with which direct transactions will not be authorized and OFAC issues its regulations, no new transactions may be initiated with these identified entities and subentities. Prior travel arrangements that may involve these entities or subentities will still be authorized. See FAQ 8. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) 3
8. How do the changes announced by the President on June 16, 2017 affect authorized travelers to Cuba whose travel arrangements may include direct transactions with entities related to the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services that may be implicated by the new Cuba policy? The announced changes do not take effect until OFAC issues new regulations. Consistent with the Administration’s interest to avoid negatively impacting Americans for arranging lawful travel to Cuba, any travel-related arrangements that include direct transactions with entities related to the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services that may be implicated by the new Cuba policy will be permitted provided that those travel arrangements were initiated prior to the State Department listing of the entity or subentity. Once the State Department adds an entity or subentity to the list, new direct financial transactions with the entity or subentity will not be permitted, unless authorized by OFAC.
9. How do the changes announced by the President on June 16, 2017 affect companies subject to U.S. jurisdiction that are already engaged in the Cuban market and that may undertake direct transactions with entities related to the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services that may be implicated by the new Cuba policy? The announced changes do not take effect until OFAC issues new regulations. Consistent with the Administration’s interest in not negatively impacting American businesses for engaging in lawful commercial opportunities, Cuba-related commercial engagement that includes direct transactions with entities and subentities related to the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services that may be implicated by the new Cuba policy will be permitted after the issuance of new regulations by OFAC, provided that those commercial engagements were in place prior to the issuance of the forthcoming regulations. For example, businesses will be permitted to continue with transactions outlined in contingent or other types of contractual arrangements agreed to prior to the issuance of the new regulations, consistent with other CACR authorizations.
10. Does the new policy affect the means by which persons subject to U.S jurisdiction may purchase airline tickets for authorized travel to Cuba? No. The new policy will not change the means by which persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction traveling to Cuba pursuant to the 12 categories of authorized travel may purchase their airline tickets.
11. Can I continue to send authorized remittances to Cuba? Yes. The announced policy changes will not change the authorizations for sending remittances to Cuba. Additionally, the announced changes include an exception that will allow for transactions incidental to the sending, processing, and receipt of authorized remittances to the extent they would otherwise be restricted by the new policy limiting transactions with certain identified Cuban military, intelligence, or security Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) 4 services. However, consistent with the President’s policy announcement, changes will be made to the definition of prohibited members of Government of Cuba that may exclude certain persons from receipt of such remittances.
12. How will the new policy impact existing OFAC specific licenses? The forthcoming regulations will be prospective and thus will not affect authorized transactions under existing specific licenses, unless explicitly noted.
13. How will U.S. companies know if a Cuban counterpart is affiliated with a prohibited entity or subentity in Cuba? The State Department will be publishing a list of entities and subentities with which direct transactions generally will not be permitted. Guidance will accompany the issuance of the new regulations. The announced changes do not take effect until the new regulations are issued.
14. Is authorized travel by cruise ship or passenger vessel to Cuba impacted by the new Cuba policy? Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction will still be able to engage in authorized travel to Cuba by cruise ship or passenger vessel. Following the issuance of OFAC’s regulatory changes, travel-related transactions with prohibited entities and subentities identified by the State Department generally will not be permitted. Guidance will accompany the issuance of the new regulations.
O.J.(Orenthal James Simpson) was granted parole following today’s hearing held by the Nevada Correctional Board. In a unanimous 4 to 0 decision, following approximately 45 minutes of various testimony, the board deliberated for about another hour before acknowledging in their opinion Simpson had earned to right for parole, thus they were granting his petition.
Yet, all these years later and for whatever the reason there remains a polarizing divide among people discussing the Simpson issue? As the announcement was made, I tuned into cable news and was surprised at the vitriol of “professional” commentators who still show disdain for Simpson and refuse the separate the murder case from the property case?
As for the acquittal that Simpson won, the Supreme Court has been clear that in murder cases guilt can only be achieved when there is no doubt…….BASED ON THE EVIDENCE presented by the prosecution. It’s not good enough for people to say “they know O.J. committed the murders and he is guilty!!” The jurors saw it differently and to be quite frank their decision did not affirm Simpson guilty or not, they simply communicated that based on the evidence there was reasonable doubt, therefore OJ was not held guilty for the murders.
I know some remain furious, such as CNN’s Jeffrey Tobin and his panel of “expert” lawyers, but the parole hearing was about Simpson’s behavior since being held in custody by the Nevada Correctional System, not a re-letigation of the trial of which he was acquitted.
So for now, in a couple of months, the Juice will be loose again.
Some of you may have seen this hour clip from David Axelrod’s latest venture; “The AXE files.” It featured a great interview with the iconic John Lewis, who is the Congressman from Atlanta.
The interview was conducted at the King Center in Atlanta, GA and gives you an idea of how Lewis got involved in the civil rights movement as well as his admonishment of Donald Trump’s behavior. Interestingly, it also covers how he and George W. Bush developed a positive relationship which led to the opening of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture.
Thomas Reports 
