The Trump administration woke up this morning knowing many eyes and ears would be focused on Michael Wolff’s scathing new book “Fire and Fury.” In the past several days regardless of how they have attempted to dismiss it as full of crap, fake news or otherwise unreliable, their strategy has backfired as even with the bitter cold in the east coast, the public is snatching up the book in record numbers.
Customer at book store in D.C. Photo credit ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images)
Many supporters of Donald Trump and his administration cry foul that the media refuses to focus on all of the great things they are accomplishing. The problem with that narrative is perhaps more focus would be given on accomplishments and positive news if Trump and his administration didn’t have so many self-inflicted issues which become newsworthy, thus journalist and reporters have an ethical obligation to report that, as well of other issues of the presidency!
The book Fire and Fury is just one example that is blocking great news such as the soaring stock market. The other may be the January jobs report which was released this morning by the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Unfortunately, the 148,000 jobs reported in December fell 42,000 short of projections. While the news is not alarming or worthy of concern, it does present an awkward sign for a person such as Trump who likes to boast of his success
The reduction in numbers have been attributed to the decline of jobs in the retail sector.
“A little bit of a disappointment when you only get 2,000 jobs out of the government and get retail at the absolute busiest time of the year losing 20,000 jobs. It just goes to show the true struggle that traditional brick and mortar is having now,” said JJ Kinahan, chief market strategist at TD Ameritrade.
Just today while discussing President Trump, nationally acclaimed journalist David Gregory reported on CNN, “He is his own worst enemy.”
One more critical point and indicative of Donald Trump’s communication style is this afternoon on his way to Camp David but taking time to have an impromptu chat with the media belted out, “the jobs report released this morning is good.” A perflexing comment when you compare January 2016 data while President Obama was in office as the numbers were 151,000 but better than the 148,000!
“Never apologize, never back down, never admit you were wrong, use every means possible toward achieving your ends,” Donald Trump as private citizen
[Washington, D.C.] In its last meeting for 2017 the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC`) agreed to raise the discount rate from 1.250% to 1.500%. The move was expected and based on the health of the economy and the unemployment rate falling, if not holding steady, the Fed’s felt the move will benefit the economy in the long run. It was also mentioned the move is designed to thwart inflation and keep it no higher than two percent.
“The stance of monetary policy remains accommodative, thereby supporting strong labor market conditions and a sustained return to 2 percent inflation.” FOMC
Two dissenting votes
On the nine FOMC voting members, surprisingly there were two who voted against the increase due to concerns of maintaining the existing target.
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Voting for: Janet L. Yellen, Chair; William C. Dudley, Vice Chairman; Lael Brainard; Patrick Harker; Robert S. Kaplan; Jerome H. Powell; and Randal K. Quarles.
Voting against the action were Charles L. Evans and Neel Kashkari.
We are flooded with so much information, most of it we push it aside and keep moving. Then, there is a little we keep and ponder what it means.
The exact date escapes me but it seems about ten years ago that I heard the issue of race in Cuba explained in a way I had never heard nor appreciated. I was listening to an interview with Professor Dwayne Wickham. He taught at Morgan State University as well as being a columnist with U.S. Today. Interestingly he was speaking about his many visits to Cuba and the notion of remittances. His conclusion was yes, Cuba has a problem with race and among other things it could be seen through remittances, among other social dynamics!
Afro-Cubans
Cuba became a colony of Spain in 1492. The natural resources the Spaniards found required a large labor pool to extract and develop. Thus, thirteen years later or in 1512 African slaves were imported to the country.
“At the peak of the slave-based economy, enslaved people comprised nearly one-third of the Cuban population.”
Fast forward to the Haitian revolt as once it occurred, owners of sugar plantations moved their operations to Cuba, specifically on the eastern shores to Santiago. The result was Cuba became the largest producer of sugar and those slaves needed for labor became important as communities of Afro-Cuba folk developed and once slavery was abolished they took a foothold in the population and the rest is history.
Even today Cuba is known for its vast sugar and tobacco plantations.
Remittances
The little I knew about CUBA didn’t focus on race or more specifically those of Spanish descent and those of African descent. Perhaps like you I just viewed Cubans from a singular perspective, not one from obvious racial characteristics? The discussion on remittances brought the issue into more focus as while the majority of Cubans proclaim unity or oneness, those relatives who were forced off the island or otherwise left after the 1959 revolution eventually settled in the United States. As their lives were rebuilt they were better able to transition as Cubans in America. Yes, this came with much struggle, sacrifice and perseverance.
The impact of those survivors resulted in them being better off than those family members or friends who were left behind. Thus, through all of the years and up to today the money and the goods received are called remittances. So, to the issue of race the majority of those who fled to the U.S. were Spanish Cubans or of European descent and the result was the recipients in CUBA became materially “better-off” than their Afro-Cuban fellow countrymen. The people who left are to be applauded for their resilience and ability to “start-over.” The issue of race raises it head as in Cuba everybody could use a little help but once the first batch of Cubans arrived after the Revolution, the United States changed its policy and those of darker hue or of Afro descent were discouraged or otherwise told they would not be welcomed, thus many simply stayed in CUBA and continued their lives. Could it have been they were deemed supporters of Fidel and his regime? The subtlety is race played a pivotal role in determining who was on the receiving in, and who was not.
Discussing race, not an easy discussion
Discussing race as a topic is not easy. It’s very polarizing and people simply shun away as some feel the discussion centers of who is the “good” and who is the “bad.” Or, they simply don’t want to be reminded of historical facts so for them it’s easy not to discuss.
Race has long been a paradigm to distinguish people of different ethnic groups. While people are people race illustrates the great divide. In the United States the work of noted social scientist, Dr. Francis Crest-Welsing is a leading authority. For those serious about obtaining an objective analysis of the topic her book, “The Isis Papers” is a great reference and must read.
While race is used to distinguish people, it’s engine is racism. Therefore, as a construct, the lighter one’s hue the better the opportunity or privilege. Likewise, the darker one’s hue, opportunity lessens as well as their privilege.
Aside from those initial Cubans who settled in Miami, it’s not until you are inside Cuba that you fully appreciate the race dynamic. You quickly come to accept of the 11 million plus people, there are many more than the 13% who are defined as Afro-Cubans? The effects of racism slap you in the face as for many it is much easier to dismiss any signs of African heritage and proclaim you are “white” or “other” than for who you truly are.
“Make no mistake, Afro-Cuban also fled. But they typically were workers of the Spanish Cubans.” Professor Esteban Morales Dominguez
In 2015 I discovered “Race in Cuba, Essays on the Revolution and Racial Inequality” written by Esteban Morales Dominguez. The book is very intriguing and places the race issue front and center. You come to quickly understand Morales Dominguez is not an apologist for the Castro regime or trying to sugarcoat the obvious. Instead the book highlights facts supported by documentation that help to better understand how and why race in Cuba is a hot topic.
The Castro critics
Having a solid grounding of contemporary history on Cuba might help you establish a better perspective. No doubt, Fidel Castro and the current administration has many critics. At the same time, it must be noted the extreme racism Afro-Cubans suffered up to the regimes of the Revolution. The racism being meted out in Cuba was similar to that of the rest of the world, particularly where there was European dominance. The revolution singled out those who supported or benefited from the likes of Fulgencio Bautista and his predecessors. The ideals Castro adopted centered on making CUBA equal for all. Thus, the notion of educational equality, employment equality, and social equality was a centerpiece of why the Revolution was necessary. As you might imagine, these measures motivated most Afro-Cubans to side with Fidel and support the cause. Once the revolution occurred people saw immediate results as Afro-Cubans were given equality and some elevated into the power structure.
At the same time, those who were on the opposite end of the Revolution never stopped their vitriol. While many left the country, or were imprisoned or otherwise dealt the blow of not supporting the regime, they never stopped their criticism or counter-revolutionary tactics to take back control. As a matter of fact, their antics are very similar to those Americans who even today continue to want to fight the Confederate War.
In his book Professor Morales Dominguez makes clear the issue of equality is a process and the remnants of racism and its stubborn effects are not wiped out just like that. Therefore, the fact that some lives are better off today than before the revolution is a positive reality, but leads to criticism of those who never fully supported the Castro regime or those who through the years have become disgruntled.
No doubt, race in CUBA remains an issue.
Why write the book?
I asked Dr. Morales Dominguez why he wrote the book? His eyes gleamed as he stressed the pride most Cubans have of their country. “It’s very simple, either you support or appreciate what Fidel is trying to accomplish………or you don’t!”
He went on to explain in 2009 a group of prominent African-Americans presented a document to the Cuban government, denouncing it as a racist regime. “Statement of Conscience” created quite an uproar as the government felt it was anything but racist, despite Afro-Cubans still being dealt the hand of systemic racism. The ideal was even though progress had been made there was still much work to be done. Interesting the letter was signed by the likes of Cornel West, actress Ruby Dee Davis, former congresswoman Carrie Meek and Rev. Jeremiah Wright just to name a few. Afro-Cuban author Enrique Patterson called the declaration “historic.”
It was through this declaration that Professor Morales Dominguez felt compelled to use his educational gift and resources to provide a counter position or one that more related to the majority of Afro-Cubans in Cuba. Thus, a series of essays were created and subsequently became the material for the book, “Race in Cuba.”
As Morales Dominguez told me, yes, we still have many problems in Cuba but ever since the Revolution groups have attempted to use a variety of mechanisms to divide the country, even those such as the signers of the petition who you might feel would be an ally given their likeness of Afro Cubans. His contention was they are entitled to their opinions but never was it intimated that Cuba had been transformed into some oasis. Most like him, accepted and understood progress is not necessarily immediate but more of a process.
Cruz, Rubio, et. At…..20 Million Dollars
Speaking of counter groups, I asked the professor why so many, particularly those in Florida despise their own country? His response was interesting. Ever since Fidel took control and even though the subsequent battles, those who fled assumed with the support and intervention of the United States they would be able regain control of the country. This became a rallying cry for many and that remains their fuel for the hatred of the Castro regime and anyone who supports it. The Professor pointed out that is why so many from the Cuban-American community in Florida opposed the actions of President Barack Obama. Having written extensively on Obama, which includes over twenty-three articles, the Professor voiced appreciation of the common-sense approach he was taking.
He then pointed out the 20-million-dollar fund that politicians with Cuban heritage use to appease various groups and maintain counter-revolution support aimed at thwarting the Castro regime. Professor Morales Dominguez mentioned, “they are like paid employees” who work for the funders of the money and distribute it to various groups in the disguise of democracy but the intent is to denounce the Castro regime.
So, this brings us back to the race issue. Cubans are defined as one. Yes, since the Revolution Afro-Cubans have seen progress but there is still much work to be done. Professor Morales Dominguez is the consummate work horse as even though he no longer teaches, he is in much demand as an authority on the subject. At seventy-six, he beams with pride when recounting why he joined the Revolution. Even his wife, Katia who was a master professor in Economics talks about how serious she took her meetings with Fidel and leaders of the movement to help create a better Cuba. The notion of prior to the Revolution, illiteracy was at epidemic levels. A call went out to those in their teens such as Esteban, Katia and so many who accepted the goal of making Cuba a more literate country. This topic comes up often when I speak here in Los Angeles to the critics of the Castro regime. As much as they may despise Fidel and anyone associated with him or my empathy for the people of CUBA, they can’t explain the success of the educational policy and why the literacy rate in Cuba is higher than the United States?
Professor Esteban Morales debunks the notion that only 13% of Cuban are of Afro heritage. He blames the flawed data of the census questionnaire or the type of questions asked for the conflict. His hope is the next census is clearer so there is no ambiguity of what percentage of Cubans are Afro. He stated from his observation the number is clearly thirty-five percent, if not more, as the majority of the country are comprised mestizo or mixed blood and there is little if any defined as “white”
This is a recent photo book on Fidel which the Professor gave me from his personal library.
U.S. President Barack Obama nominates Richard Cordray a former attorney general of Ohio to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as Elizabeth Warren, the Obama administration adviser who is setting up the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, listens during an announcement at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, July 18, 2011. Photographer: Joshua Roberts/Bloomberg
If you thought president Barack Obama was a person the Republican party despised, you are correct. Or, in addition to him, you may have noticed that Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren have also gotten in the craw of the party? And, in Warren’s case, even Donald Trump takes great glee to call her out of her name. If this is so, you may have missed the lad by the name of Richard Cordray who was selected the first official director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, after Warren set up the frame-work and subsequently trekked back to Massachusetts to reclaim Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat.
Cordray has caused much consternation for the Republicans. You would think the remnants of the 2008 financial meltdown was only felt by those who claimed not to beRepublicans (i.e., Democrats, Independents, Green Party, etc.)? Cordray is the director of the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau (CFPB). Created out of the Dodd-Frank legislation designed to offer consumer protection from banks and those in the financial industry, their mandate was simple. Yet, many and particularly those who identify as Republican policy makers have gone to great measures to reduce the agency’s effectiveness and have been vocal that such protection is no longer needed. It’s the same example, anything the other team did, especially if named Obama must be dismantled or vilified as ineffective.
Fret no more! Today Richard Cordray announced he is stepping down from the CFPB and plans to leave by the end of this month. He has done a remarkable job to “steady the ship” in some very turbulent political waters. His eyes are laser-focused on moving back to Ohio and to throw his name in the hat for the run of the Governor’s race.
“The new director of the CFPB must be someone with a track record of protecting consumers and holding financial firms responsible when they cheat people. This is no place for another Trump-appointed industry hack.” Elizabeth Warren
Since the director of the CFPB is an appointed position, it will be interesting who the Trump administration appoints or even if they feel bold enough to try to eliminate the agency altogether? It’s one thing to be partisan, as if there is only one way to do things, it’s another to use government as a tool to protect the people and that is all of the people, especially those who are not in your party.
Ta-Nehisi Coates “We Were Eight Years in Power – An American Tragedy” is a must read for those who desire to stay informed in our current environment.
CLICK PHOTO ABOVE TO VIEW ENTIRE VIDEO. (L-R), Ta-Nehisi Coates, author and national correspondent for The Atlantic, and moderator Michele Norris, freelance journalist and author, participate in The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, DC hosted “A Conversation with Ta-Nehisi Coates: We Were Eight Years in Power”, on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. (Photo by Cheriss May/NurPhoto)
“We Were Eight Years in Power” showcases Coates’ voice who is a Gen X’r but offers credible perspectives as seen through the African-American lens, or at least from those such as his. The book weaves eight essays and demonstrates a new thought of how our world is changing. The notion of Barack Obama running for president, let alone thinking he could get elected seemed like a lark, if not an impossible reality to so many. Yet, people like Coates and later generations such as millennial’s write with pride as Obama defied the odds to become President and successfully completed two terms. Starting as a Blogger, Coates joined the team at the Atlantic and in a short period has taken off.
The content of the book takes you on a journey of historic reality. Some may be troubled from how Coates portrays racism and how it has shaped our culture. He admits there has been progress but while so many dismiss the gains as we are “so better off,” his point is to remind you of the vestiges created from the notion of using race as a benchmark.
Regardless of whether you agree with some of Coates perspectives or not, the book is chalk-full of personal examples and other documented facts which allow you to better appreciate his writing style. He is unapologetic and reminds you how African-American’s have risen to tremendous levels of success, despite the barriers of how life is conducted in the United States.
Through his credibility as a journalist/writer he was given the opportunity to be in the company of Barack Obama. The first meeting morphed into a relationship where then president Obama invited him to the White House for more robust discussion centered around race and progress. Coates writes how much he treasured the invite and subsequent relationship.
The chapter “My President is Black” came from an essay which received international acclaim. Despite your feelings of Barack Obama, Coates allows you to better understand the rise and how he and first lady Michelle took the notion of being the first African-American president with pride and conducted themselves impeccably.
As this review is being written, Coates is concluding his book tour. Also, the recent elections of November 7, 2017 which brought a solid rebuke to Donald Trump, his politics and the rhetoric he spews is a point Coates makes, still in disbelief the voting public elected him as the 45th president is very interesting. The book references this point with a unique twist. Coates brings it home by helping the reader understand the dilemma and pressures Obama had to contend while, while Trump with just the reality of being a “white man” desiring to be president never had to deal with the continuousness. His primary issue was brought on by his own actions, not from systemic racism.
Coates admits not trying to be a “voice” for people or causes, but through his writing and how he has penned this book you quickly are thought to elevate him to a credible voice, which will be prominent for years to come.
The book which is a tad under 400 pages is a quick read. The good news is each chapter is its own separate essay and does a very good job of referencing how Coates saw things during the eight years of Barack Obama’s presidency. It is a worthy investment for your library, especially if part of your frequent communication is on politics and race, and you truly desire a different perspective.
[Washington, D.C.] Updated regulations for U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba to be effective Thursday, November 9, 2017
** It is important to note that those who have already made legitimate travel arrangements prior to November 9th, and fall within the categories of travel will not be negatively impacted by the updated regulations.
The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is amending the Cuban Assets Control Regulations to implement the National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM), “Strengthening the Policy of the United States Toward Cuba,” signed by the President on June 16, 2017. These amendments implement changes to the authorizations for travel to Cuba and related transactions and restrict certain financial transactions. These amendments also implement certain technical and conforming changes.
Click here for the FAQ’s on the updated guidelines.
Part of the irritation for many who applauded the Obama administration’s common sense approach of offering hope in establishing communication with Cuba, is to see Donald Trump and his administration hell-bent on trying to dismantle anything viewed positively by Obama, with very little regard to the desires of the american people.
“I think overall it’s certainly a step backwards. It’s bad for U.S. companies. It’s bad for U.S. travelers.” Collin Laverty, president of Cuba Educational Travel
Today, Donald Trump appointed Jerome Powell as the next chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve system (Fed) replacing Janet Yellen. The announcement was expected as Powell must now prepare himself to go through the gauntlet called confirmation. Since he is already part of the board there should be no surprises and he is expected to be in place when Yellen’s term ends in February.
“I congratulate my colleague Jay Powell on his nomination to be Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board. Jay’s long and distinguished career has been marked by dedicated public service and seriousness of purpose. I am confident in his deep commitment to carrying out the vital public mission of the Federal Reserve. I am committed to working with him to ensure a smooth transition.” Janet Yellen, 11/2/17
Yellen was appointed as chair by President Barack Obama in 2014 and her term officially ends February 3, 2018.
Generated by IJG JPEG Library
Prior to taking over the chair’s functions she was second in command under then Fed chair Ben Bernanke. Many in the financial sector applaud her tenure as being a steady force in guiding the United States monetary policy. Even though the position is supposed to be non-partisan, her primary criticism came from those on the opposite side of President Obama who took fault with anything and everything he proposed. Yet, like most things history has the final say and the economy is in much better shape as she exits – stage left!
Not fake news
Her critics and several others have short memories or blatant amnesia as they forget about a decade ago, the United States economic condition was becoming quite perilous and eventually exploded in 2008 resulting in hardships for millions of citizens and people around the globe. It was through focus and commitment that Bernanke and his team as well as the leadership of President Obama who accepted the daunting task of stabilizing the markets. The rest is history and the residual effect is an economy which has regained its footing, including a stock market which has grown to unprecedented levels.
Fed rate remains unchanged
Yesterday the Fed’s Monetary Committee met and decided to maintain the fed discount rate, although it is still projected to increase before the end of the year. The concern conveyed by members was acknowledgment the economy is moving is a positive direction.
As Yellen is preparing to move on the one concern being voiced is the GOP’s proposed tax reform bill. Monetary policy is a methodical process and it takes extreme discipline to not allow partisan politics to be the guiding force to ensure normalization.
“That task could be complicated by the GOP plan to inject huge stimulus into an already-healthy economy. Doing so may force the Fed to more aggressively raise rates to prevent the economy from overheating. “
Donald Trump portrays himself as a prolific successful business person. He is known by his bombasity, arrogance, bullying and otherwise keen on convincing anyone who comes in contact with him that his faults are few, if any. He has claimed to only associating with the smartest people, going to the best schools, having the best luck, on and on. Those who support him maintain he is simply misunderstood and his gift is what this country needs to move forward. Those who do not support him, can’t understand why the supporters can’t see the obvious?
While many pleaded for caution as he announced his run for the presidency, there were more who grew frustrated with government and the politicians who operated within it. Thus, as Trump ran a Boston on the field of candidates of the GOP primary, the result was successfully high-jacking the party by becoming their leader. His personality convinced more than a handful of voters that he would provide the type of leadership they were desperate for. His bottom line proclamation to his supporters was it was now or never! The rest is history.
Sometimes it’s best to keep your mouth shut!
Another interesting thing about Donald Trump is his boastful remarks. Unfortunately words do matter and in his case they have proven to be a thorn in his side. Yet, he talks and tweets as if in some type of robotic craze, then gets upset when people challenge the very remarks which came from him.
You may recall during the presidential campaign of 2016, Trump boasted with great gravitas how the professional politicians; particularly Hillary Clinton operated with an army of staff? The contrast that he offered was that his team consisted of a fraction of his opponents. He promised he knew what he was doing and when questioned on the number of staff operating his campaign, he boasted one of his favorite phrases, “trust me!”
Can he be a great guy and a liar at the same time?
This brings us to the Papadopoulos connection. Some have intimated the entire Russia issue would be a non-issue, if not for Donald Trump commenting about it during the campaign. There is no crime in meeting with Russia. The problem Trump finds himself in is because he professed a blanket denial of having ANY connection! How hard would it have been just to say, “sure, I have connections……? what’s the big deal?”
During the course of the past eighteen months, Trump and his supporters have insisted the entire Russia issue is ridiculous and only used as a disguise to block him from successfully executing his agenda. Despite evidence to the contrary, Trump has dispensed an army of supporters who frequent the media airwaves with the core objective to dismiss the entire issue as nonsense. In reviewing some of their comments you feel as if they have taken a “blood oath” in promising never to agree to obvious contradictions, especially when the topic is Trump and his actions.
The sin of arrogance
One part of an arrogant personality is attempting to exude confidence and projecting knowing more than most. It is nothing wrong with this trait, as long as it is truth. It becomes a big problem when it is clear the person is being dishonest and merely speaking to speak, as if the sound of their voice will overwhelm any common sense.
Part of Trump’s behavior is never admitting “you don’t know” as perhaps in his mind that shows a sign of weakness? The irony is it is absolutely nothing wrong to state “you don’t know, if in fact you don’t know,” especially if asked a question.
The Washington Post Editorial Board Meeting
It was March 2016 and Trump’s popularity was steamrolling through the nation. He met with the Washington Post editorial board and for some bizarre reason belted out the name of George Papadopoulos. As a matter of fact, if you are even concerned, go back and listen to the audio and you will conclude he hesitated when the question was posed, yet felt he had to provide something so among other names Papadopoulos was mentioned as a key part of Trump’s team. The words came from Trump’s mouth.
The transcript of the interview shows Post Publisher Fred Ryan Jr. saying to Trump, “We’ve heard you’re going to be announcing your foreign policy team shortly. … Any you can share with us?”
Trump responds in part, “Well, I hadn’t thought of doing it, but if you want I can give you some of the names … Walid Phares, who you probably know, Ph.D., adviser to the House of Representatives caucus, and counter-terrorism expert; Carter Page, Ph.D; George Papadopoulos, he’s an energy and oil consultant, excellent guy; the Honorable Joe Schmitz, [former] inspector general at the Department of Defense; [retired] Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg; and I have quite a few more.”
Yet, now that the Mueller probe has finally started unleashing names of those accused of wrongdoing, Trump has insisted Papadopoulos is a nobody. He has insisted he didn’t know who in the hell Papadopoulos is, yet can’t explain why he volunteered his name to the Washington Post in the first place!.
….came to the campaign. Few people knew the young, low level volunteer named George, who has already proven to be a liar. Check the DEMS!
What do Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Bagdad Bob have in common?
When the Papadopoulos news broke Trump demanded Sarah Huckabee Sanders face the press and insist not only was Papadopoulos a nobody and a liar but that his involvement had nothing to do with the Trump campaign?
Some of you may remember the infamous Bagdad Bob who swore Iraq was not being attacked – despite the obvious
Unfortunately, however you try to slice it, the facts are Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to his behavior and the indictment highlights more than enough information for a reasonable person to conclude indeed his actions were at the heart of the campaign and specifically dealt with an attempt to connect it with Russia. Of course, those who are not happy of Mueller’s indictment of Papadopoulos are very quick to offer the red-herring about Hillary Clinton and the uranium deal, or for allegedly paying for the Trump dossier, or anything which will divert your attention to the real issue; the serious indictment of Papadopoulos.
Papadopoulos presents a problem. While he may in fact was just a motely volunteer, his overzealousness caught the attention of leadership within the campaign. As the fledgling team bragged their frugal operation at the same time they embraced Papadopoulos and what he had to offer. Interestingly many of them are perhaps a bit fidgety, thus who knows how many will have federal marshals’ contacting them. Only time will tell what the impact will conclude and whether Donald Trump and his supporters will come to accept what most others already know; his campaign sought support from the Russians.
This week’s news could result what some have insisted – the entire Mueller investigation is a big “NOTHING BURGER.” At the opposite end of the spectrum, social media has already projected a different conclusion in this “Russia with Love” clip.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
[Washington, DC] To the chagrin and frustration of Donald Trump and his administration, today the Bureau of Labor Statistics released employment data for September. The decline was expected but goes against the mantra Trump spouted about the HUGE success workers would see once he was running things.
No one can predict natural disasters. Hurricane season is common for the Caribbean and states which buffer against the Gulf of Mexico. It’s something you can never get use too, however the magic of those states, territories and countries is why people choose to call it home. Harvey and Maria packed a punch not seen in years. The result was pure devastation and many workers were sidelined as whatever job they previously performed disappeared.
Unemployment rate dips to 4.2%
Even though job numbers dipped, there was good news as the unemployment rate slid to 4.2%. These numbers are important as they affect the psyche of those in the workforce and have a direct impact on consumer confidence.
Trump is known for his bombastic rhetoric and marginalization of anything which places him in a negative context. Ever since taking over as the president, he coined a new phrase to counter such news as “fake.” He was warned repeatedly that running government is different from a family held business. Yet, he boasted tremendous improvement that has never been seen before would occur! The big difference is accountability and factual public data which will contradict even the most confident-appearing person. While the clock is ticking, reality is setting in for many and they are pleading for his critics, “just to give him a chance.”
As we move into the fall season, October is also projected to be down as the employment effects of hurricane Maria will be announced.
The October 31st tweet
Thomas Reports 