Tag: Trump

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Day 57: March 17, 2017

Earlier this week, Rachel Maddow tweeted  that she had Donald Trump’s tax returns.

4 million viewers tuned in to watch. She spent the first 20 minutes of the show speaking very excitedly about why it was important to look at Trump’s tax returns, and what they could tell the American people about where his money came from, and with whom he was doing business. She alluded to a property that he bought and sold at a ridiculously high price to a Russian oligarch, and how tax returns might shed some light on who may or may not be pulling the president’s strings.

That’s where the “sense” ended. She then pulled out 2 pages – the 1040  – of Trump’s tax return from 2005.  Only 2 pages. Showing he paid 24% in tax on over $100m in reported earnings, after taking a higher amount in depreciation. And, yeah, that’s still low for a billionaire, but two pages doesn’t really tell us much, and probably helped his supporters more, as they can now say that we’ve seen that he pays taxes. Well, not really, but, yeah.

Turns out the pages “showed up” in the mailbox of David Cay Johnston, a Pulitzer Prize winner and tax expert. Even he didn’t know where they came from. Did he check to see if they were real? Yes. He contacted the White House and they more or less confirmed they were real. He even admitted they may have come from Trump, himself. If you look at images of the tax returns, they are stamped “Client Copy,” which means they are Trump’s copy.

So, yeah, probably sent by Trump. Tax year probably selected by Trump. Probably Trump controlling the narrative.

Another perspective of what the tax returns tell us from Kevin Drum (Mother Jones)

Summary – Trump’s primary income comes from:

  • Interest: $9 million
  • Business: $42 million
  • Capital gains: $32 million
  • Rental: $67 million
  • Miscellaneous: $2 million
  • Total: $152 million

After a $103 million depreciation write off, his adjusted gross income comes to $49 million.

This makes his taxable income  $31 million.

His tax bill for this was $5 million, or 3 percent.

However, this is where the Alternative Minimum Tax applies, and he actually had to pay $38 million in taxes (25%). That’s still low for a billionaire, who should be paying closer to 45%.

Guess what? Trump is planning to get rid of the Alternative Minimum Tax. Wonder why?

In 2005, Forbes estimated Trump’s net worth at $2.6 billion.

This means that in 2005, Trump earned 5.8% of his net worth. During the housing bubble. While that’s not bad for the average Joe, this is a man people have elected because they view him as a shrewd businessman. I have to say… not really impressed.  My financial advisor earns me higher returns than Donald Trump. I mean, Trump earned $67 million in rental income, but took $103 million in depreciation. That just doesn’t sound like good business to me.

In other news, Trump basically “made up” the story about Obama wiretapping Trump Towers during the election because he read the word “wiretap” in the New York Times and because Fox’s Bret Baier mentioned the word “wiretap.” Ergo, “Obama – wiretap – Trump Towers.”

Yes, that’s essentially what he said. To Fox’s Tucker Carlson. Here you go:

ON Fox, Donald Trump cites Fox Anchor Bret Baier To Justify His Wiretapping Conspiracy

 

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Day 48: March 8, 2017

Crazy.

Today is International Women’s Day. Women everywhere are planning to stop working for a day, shop from women-owned businesses, support important issues, and generally work to bring attention to the importance of women in our society. Those who cannot take a day off from work have been asked to wear red in support.

Twitter hashtag: #BeBoldForChange

That’s not what’s crazy.

In the past week:

March 2nd: The Department of Justice claims that Attorney General Jeff Sessions met twice last year with the Russian Ambassador to the U.S. This is important, given the ongoing questions about the current president’s ties to Russia. (See previous mention of the resignation of Mike Flynn for not being transparent about his interactions with the Russian Ambassador.) Democrats are calling for an investigation into Donald Trump’s campaign team and their interactions with Russian diplomats. Republicans, unsurprisingly, are deflecting and downplaying the story. Why is Jeff Sessions’ meetings an issue? Because he was specifically asked, under oath, about meeting with Russian Diplomats, and claimed he did not. The suggestion is that Sessions has committed Perjury, which – considering he’s the Attorney General – is a serious offense. At best, Sessions has agreed to recuse himself from any investigations regarding Russia. At worse, there are many people calling for his resignation.

So… to deflect the story from Russia…

March 4th: The current sitting president accused the previous president of wiretapping his phones before the election. He made the accusation at 6:35 in the morning. He has submitted no evidence. It is suspected that he read an article suggesting that Obama might have done so, and then decided it was real, and made the accusation.

 

If that’s not enough crazy for you, the Republican Congress has called for an investigation. Now, my understanding is that wiretapping requires some pretty serious “probable cause,” and a federal warrant. Seems to me that the president could easily ask someone to locate that warrant. Unless he’s suggesting that Obama did so covertly and outside of the legal process. Which is, again, a pretty serious accusation. Now, if there IS a warrant, then it follows that there was some serious probable cause. In which case, the current president needs one of these:

Oh, but right in the middle of all of that, he had time to worry about his old show, The Apprentice. Turns out the new host is leaving. Here’s what was so important only an hour after accusing Obama of wiretapping:

And, while we’re busy freaking about about that

March 6th: The president released a new executive order to replace his previous “Travel Ban” (which we all know was a Muslim ban). The order changed changed from banning travelers from 7 countries to 6 countries. Apparently IRAQ was able to lobby their way off of the list by ‘splaining how they vet their visitors. The new EO details the reasoning behind the order, and even provides a brief history, including the court-ordered delay of the previous EO. It also specifically lists exceptions, which include lawful permanent residents of the United States. Apparently, holding a visa is not enough, so those here with visas should probably not leave without first obtaining a waiver – which might be dangerous, because it might get them deported. Hmmmm

Tired yet? No? Okay.

Also on March 6th, the Republicans — well, specifically Paul Ryan — released the American Health Care Act (you can download a copy of the bill here), the proposed solution to the republican promise to “Repeal and Replace Obamacare” (which was actually titled the “Affordable Care Act”). Twitter is calling it #republicare, to ensure that the entire Republican Congress receives credit.

I read it.

On page 3, they defund Planned Parenthood. In fact, the word “abortion” appears 32 times in the 123 page document. Basically, the goal is to ensure that not one red cent of federal dollars will fund an abortion that is not for a pregnancy as a result of rape or incest, or a threat to the woman’s health. If you want to have insurance pay for abortion services, you’ll have to get a separate policy for that (page 74). Same goes for small companies providing insurance – if the insurance covers abortion services, no tax breaks will be allowed (page 81). On page 100, they require married couples to file jointly, or receive no tax credit. Oh, and on page 10 they make sure that they include the ability to dis-enroll lottery winners from Medicaid – oh, and it ends the Medicaid expansion in 2020. And if you lose your job and therefore your health coverage, you’d better jump on board, because if you lack coverage for more than 63 days, insurance companies will charge you 130% of the standard premium to penalize you for having a gap in coverage. But, not everyone is required to buy coverage.

Anything good?

Okay — yes, kids can stay on their parents’ plans until they are 26. The bill allows us to put more money in our HSAs (this is a wealthy person benefit, since people who are poor can’t afford high deductible plans, much less contribute to an HSA). And insurance companies are still required to cover our pre-existing conditions.

Most of the analysis shows that the bill is great for people who are young and healthy, and very expensive for those who are old and/or sick.

When asked how much it would cost, and how many people they thought would be covered, Republicans were unable to answer the questions. Yet, they want to push it through as part of the budget so that Democrats can’t filibuster it. (Yes, this administration has been all about bullying and taking shortcuts.)

I call for some actual RESEARCH. Do the homework. Run the numbers. I’m not against a plan that works. I’m against a plan that discriminates against women, the elderly, and doesn’t solve the problems it proposes to solve.

My favorite meme of the week – Obama spying on 45:

 

 

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Day 29: February 17, 2017

Two things more important than yesterday’s Press Conference:

National Day of Action

This is today. February 17th, hosted by Strike4Democracy.

A National Day of Action to push back against assaults on Democratic principles. Click to view the page and review actions that you can take. If you’re reading this after February 17th, the actions are still valid, and are a great way to #resist and participate!

Planning ahead for A Day Without a Woman. This will be March 8th (also International Women’s Day), and unites with the International Women’s Strike. See the pinned post on the International Women’s Strike Facebook page to learn how to participate.

Please note that these activities represent ways that we can “act together creatively to withdraw from the corporations that harm us and find ways to support the businesses, organizations and communities that sustain us.”

Be the change.

 

Unhinged.

This is the word making the rounds yesterday and today about our President. It seems he woke up in a good mood and made a decision. “Let’s hold a Press Conference today!”


Video source from CNN

The general consensus was that #45 was “unhinged,” “rambling,” and that the entire event was “chaotic.”

Topics covered included:

  • Winning the election. How could we ever expect this guy to show up somewhere and not talk about his win again. I mean, it only happened in November, and he has started the job.  Oh, and he lied, too. He said that he “has been told it was the biggest Electoral College win since Ronald Reagan” (304 EC votes). Later, one of the reporters reminded him that Obama won with 365 in 2008, and 333 in 2012, George H.W. Bush with 426. LIE
  • His approval rating — he claims it is 55% Keeping his campaign promises. His preferred data comes from the conservative leaning Rasmussen Report, which is showing a 55% approval rating, 45% disapproval. Pew Research shows 39%. The Pew Research survey notes that Trump’s “strong disapproval has surpassed the strong disapproval of former President Obama during his entire presidency.”  Is the truth somewhere in the middle?
  • Keeping his campaign promises. Valid reminder that he promised to build a wall, deport immigrants, and impose a Muslim ban. He also claimed that companies are bringing their factories back to America — it sounded as though they’re all rushing across the border, as we speak.
  • Russia. Which apparently is “fake news.” Oh, but the leaks are real. Just the news that’s fake.

You can see the entire video, above.

Rolling Stone had an interesting take on 18 WTF Moments from Trump’s Unhinged Press Conference. (video on the target page loads automatically, so check your volume if you’re at work).

Even Shepard Smith, from Fox News (which essentially “created” Trump and led his supporters to the trough) has had it.

What am I doing? I’m getting the word out. I’m sharing the full video, not the clipped version (which could be accused of being altered and therefore “fake news.”).  I’m staying informed. I’m Tweeting. I’m asking questions. I’m resisting.

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Day 22: February 10, 2017

More hope.

Last night, the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld the restraining order for Executive Order 13769 “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States.” (The Government requested a decision to stay the restraining order.)

Full text is here.

The single statement I want to make today is that I feel so relieved to see our government system of checks and balance at work, successfully, as my one fear of this presidency is the power grab that has been so obviously attempted (and is ongoing) by the Republican Congress, led by Mitch McConnell, and by the frightening trinity in the White House (Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, Kellyanne Conway).

This is no way means that we should “give up the fight.” It means I’m feeling better about the integrity of the system. But I also believe that the fourth branch of government — the people — must continue to be vigilant. Because if we’re not, then nothing will go to the courts. So, stay the course, people, it’s working!

There were essentially two things that I, personally, focused on in this case.

  1. The President’s assertion that his decisions are “unreviewable.” Why? Because it sets him up with too much power to make sweeping decisions with the stroke of a pen, that impact human beings who have lives, loved ones, and property.
  2. Specifically, the impact to people who have already been granted visas, green cards, and permission to stay in the United States, and especially those who are situated here already with homes, jobs, families, friends, and “stuff” that simply belongs to them. Many of them were immediately prevented to returning to their homes and lives – what are they supposed to do? They’ve already been cleared. If there is a concern that they are a risk, bring them home, and continue your vetting.

So, after reading the decision, in its entirety, I offer this easy-to-follow (although admittedly with some personal bias likely) interpretation:

Government (aka, Trump): “You aren’t the boss of me! I’m the freaking President, and what I say goes! You don’t have the right to question anything I decide!”

9th Circuit Court: “um… yes we do.”

States (aka, the People): “Hey, you can’t just leave people stranded and take away their life, liberty, or property without Due Process!”

Government: “Of course we can! These people aren’t American citizens, therefore they have not rights, so we can treat them any way we want.”

9th Circuit Court: “um, no you can’t. They have Constitutional Rights.”

Government: “But, White House counsel already said the Executive Order won’t apply to lawful residents!”

9th Circuit Court: “Seriously? Who is this guy? He’s not the boss of you, and in fact, he’s not really the boss of any of the Executive Departments.”

States: “Religious discrimination! This is a Muslim ban. Trump said so.”

9th Circuit Court: “Good point. Looks like maybe. Let’s talk about this some more.”

Government: “Tell them to stop it and let me do what I want!”

9th Circuit Court: “Nope. DENIED!”

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Day 21: February 9, 2017

Interesting week, but mostly a week of observation and listening.

There has been live audio from the hearings regarding the Executive Order, also known as the ‘travel ban’ or ‘Muslim ban.’ The door has been opened to argue ‘intent,’ which means that they’ll be looking at things that Trump said during the Campaign, and outside of the exact wording of the Executive Order. The court may also have some leeway to reword the order so that it is clear and ‘legal.’

On Wednesday, Trump used his @POTUS Twitter account to retweet his own tweet (from his personal @realDonaldTrump account) accusing Nordstrom of treating his daughter, Ivanka, unfairly. Nordstrom had announced that they would no longer carry Ivanka’s products, as they were not selling well.

This earned Trump some air time, from discussions about whether or not it was appropriate to use the Office of the President to interact with Nordstrom and make such an accusation, to calling him a “helicopter parent” to his adult child.

My response:

The issue with a decline in sales is certainly likely to a voluntary boycott across the country. Many people feel that Ivanka was a big part of her father’s campaign, and has been involved in calls at the White House, and therefore deserves a level of censure, and have pointedly refused to buy her products.

My opinion – it’s much better to boycott specific products (e.g., Ivanka’s products) than to boycott the store that carries them. The store is a business, and stocks products from a variety of businesses. To boycott the entire store would harm other businesses in the process. By targeting the one set of products, Nordstrom, and businesses like them, can be left alone to make business decisions based on product response, without having to get involved in politics.

The Big Story

Real outrage was caused on Tuesday night when the hearings began for the confirmation of Jeff Sessions as Attorney General. It has already been in the news for some time that Coretta Scott King wrote a letter back in 1986 that kept Sessions from becoming a federal judge. Senator Elizabeth Warren stood up to speak, and began reading the letter. Because Jeff Sessions is currently a Senator, Mitch McConnell (Majority Leader,  and he doesn’t want you to forget it) stopped her. He said she “has impugned the motives and conduct of our colleague from Alabama, as warned by the chair. I call the Senator to order under the provision of Rule 19.” Within minutes, she was told to “sit down,” and thereafter was not allowed to say anything on the floor of the Senate for the next 24 hours.

Mitch McConnell’s Twitter banner. I think he really wants us to know he’s the Senate Majority Leader…

Apparently, Rule 19 was created to keep Senators from damaging each other’s character. So, thoughts:

— If a letter stating factual information impugns the character of a Senator who is up for the position of Attorney General, we should probably listen.

— This is a hearing to see if he’s qualified, and the right choice for Attorney General. This isn’t a discussion about differing opinions about a bill. Sessions shouldn’t even be viewed as a Senator in this case. He’s a prospective AG.

Results:

Senator Warren immediately went outside of the Senate Chamber and read the full text of the letter, on video, which was streamed live on Facebook. The video immediately went viral. The video is the first thing I viewed when I woke up to on Wednesday morning.

Millions of people across America read, linked, tweeted, and retweeted Coretta Scott King’s Letter (you can read it here).

Other Democratic Senators stepped in opposition to Senator Warren’s censure. It was noted that there was a time when Leader McConnell was called a liar on the floor of the Senate, but Rule 19 was not invoked. Additional examples were given. Then, several (male) senators read the letter, and were allowed to do so without censure. This has further cast aspersions on McConnell’s actions, as a Southern White Man shutting up a woman speaking out.

A quote from Mitch McConnell became a new rallying cry for feminists and protesters across the country. He said, “She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.”


Twitter went crazy.

#LetHerSpeak

#LetLizSpeak

#NeverthelessShePersisted

And some memes were inspired.

 

 

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Day 14: February 2, 2017

The National Prayer Breakfast is held every year on the first Thursday of February. hosted by members of the United States Congress, and organized by the Fellowship Foundation (a Christian organization), the breakfast has taken place every year since 1953, and is typically attended by around 3,500 guests that include international invitees from more than 100 countries.

The purpose? To be a forum for the political, social, and business elite to assemble and build relationships, and to acknowledge the importance of prayer and faith. Speakers often raise controversial issues for attendees to consider/address.

For his first prayer, President Donald Trump decided to pray for…

Arnold Schwarzenegger, and his TV ratings for The Apprentice. Really?

“[W]e had tremendous success on ‘The Apprentice,’” Trump said, adding, “And they hired a big, big movie star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to take my place. And we know how that turned out. The ratings went down the tubes. It’s been a total disaster and Mark will never, ever bet against Trump again. And I want to just pray for Arnold if we can, for those ratings, OK?” (Source)

Nice start.

Next, he went on to quote Thomas Jefferson, and promise to “totally destroy the Johnson Amendment.” (Source)

The Johnson Amendment is what keeps our “faith leaders” (pastors/priests, etc.) from endorsing politics in the church. Because of the Johnson Amendment, churches who do so can lose their tax exempt status. If Trump rolls this back, it opens the door for churches to become a place of religion and politics. It means that churches can donate to campaigns without oversight.

I’m sorry, but that’s unethical.

 

By the way… Arnold’s response:

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Day 13: February 1, 2017

Supreme Court

Last night, President Trump announced his nomination for Justice of the Supreme Court, to replace Justice Scalia (Scalia’s unexpected death left the Supreme Court shorthanded since last year. The Republican Congress, led by Mitch McConnell refused to give President Obama’s nominee a hearing, citing that it was Obama was a “lame duck,” referring to his last year in office, and insisted that the people should have a say in who was selected. This was unprecedented. Opinion: President Obama continued to work his last year – Congress should have done their job. It was a political move to ensure a conservative judge was selected to replace the loss of a conservative judge on the bench) .

Trump selected Neil Gorsuch, reported (as expected) to be a conservative-leaning pick. He is the youngest nominee ever (49), which would ensure a conservative on the bench for many years to come. I don’t know much about Gorsuch yet, so I will not take a position until I learn more. I hope to be pleasantly surprised.

From Gorsuch: “It is the role of judges to apply, not alter, the work of the people’s representatives. A judge who likes every outcome he reaches is very likely a bad judge, stretching for results he prefers rather than those the law demands.”

 

Black History Month

February is Black History Month.

13 Days in, and Trump could not have a meeting about Black History Month without gloating over his win (it’s been 3 months), vowing to win bigger next time (at least 51%), and complaining about the media.

I don’t believe I saw Bannon in this one. But then, why would a white supremacist attend a meeting attended by mostly black people?

Note that when it comes to actual historic figures, he has to read from his notes – doesn’t mention any of the actual contributions to history.

The people in the room are all self-proclaimed Trump supporters. I’d be more impressed if he took a risk and met with people who have real issues to discuss, and who may not necessarily agree with him. Otherwise, this is little more than an ego boost. AKA, “what my African Americans have done for me.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLFe-cDxGxY

On a humorous note: if you stop the video at :24 in, you’ll see Trump supposedly doing a hair sweep. With his middle finger. So, either he’s giving the media a silent salute, or someone needs to teach him what finger to use for his hair sweep. The world is watching.