U.S. Representative Ted Lieu draft bill: “Swamp Flyers Act” (28.09.2017)

The Republican’s plan of fixing the tax-code is by bailing out corporations and the wealthy!

Just like the leaflet dropped in April 2017 as a serious Tax Plan, which was one-page long. Clearly, the people in charge of the economy and financial state of the United States. Are more preoccupied with taking private jets and eating while in office than actually working. I can question that after months after the leaflet, there was a tiny amendment on the newly proposed tax-plan. Since it is just small expanded text. Now instead of one single page, its gone up to 9 pages. Not like a handbook into the codes, neither economic implications of the taxes. Like which groups gets benefits, who will pay more and what sort of “damage” will the tax-cuts made by Republican Party do.

This released Tax plan: “Unified Framework for Fixing Our Broken Tax Code”, that was released today. You should expect better work, especially from former businessmen and bankers who are running the Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin. Both of them has been bankers, but they still has no stats or proof of how these tax codes really affects society. It’s like selling house on only the paperwork and have no official showing of the house. When you get there it either be just a big lie or it be a shiny palace.

That the United States Government and Republican Party are delivering this sort ploy to trigger their wishes is insane. What is striking is words like these: “An additional top rate may apply to the highest-income taxpayers to ensure that the reformed tax code is at least as progressive as the existing tax code and does not shift the tax burden from high-income to lower- and middle-income taxpayers” (Republican Tax, 2017). This is like saying we will take away and make it simpler for the highest earners to pay less, while this will not burden the ones who earn less than us. So that the progressive though is that the highest earner will get a tax-cut and we promise it will not bother anyone.

But the framework are really showing its love for corporation and giving them tax-holidays from the last quarter of 2017: “The framework allows businesses to immediately write off (or “expense”) the cost of new investments in depreciable assets other than structures made after September 27, 2017, for at least five years. This policy represents an unprecedented level of expensing with respect to the duration and scope of eligible assets. The committees may continue to work to enhance unprecedented expensing for business investments, especially to provide relief for small businesses” (Republican Tax, 2017). So they can easily just tap lots of investments without showing them to the Internal Revenue Service, this means the investments would be easily invested and written-off, without considering the tax-record in general. This will be quickly profitable for big corporations and real-estate businesses. Who can easily invest and get profits within months. As they sell in the next year, as they are investing in 2017 and writing it off. While in 2018 selling it. Then they didn’t need to pay the tax for the investment done in 2017. This is double profit for the bigger businesses. It’s a match made in heaven for the multi-national corporations in the United States. The state will earn less and just make sure the investment will be even more short-term and be more buy-in and takeovers. Since they can earn lot’s on the investments, before dropping it or selling it the next year after writing it off.

The framework limits the maximum tax rate applied to the business income of small and family owned businesses conducted as sole proprietorships, partnerships and S corporations to 25%. The framework contemplates that the committees will adopt measures to prevent the recharacterization of personal income into business income to prevent wealthy individuals from avoiding the top personal tax rate” (Republican Party, 2017). Again, the proposed Tax is made to secure the wealthy, so they will get tax-cuts, this is not for the betterment of the state. It is to secure the wealthy and make sure their tax-rate is cut. Clearly, the treasury and commerce secretary are trying to help their friends and family on Wall Street and in the big business with a fancy tale of tax codes and cuts.

If you thought President Trump cared about Middle-America or even about the Working-Class, they we’re needed props and needed ballots for the election. But now that he got you in his pockets. He can get a payday, cut his taxes and make sure his friend on Wall Street gets their payday too! Peace.

Reference:

Republican Tax Plan – ‘UNIFIED FRAMEWORK FOR FIXING OUR BROKEN TAX CODE’ (September 2017)

Trump Administration planned from July 2017 to build a migrant tent-camp at Guantanamo, Cuba!

On the 7th July 2017 the United States Navy published a Modification Notice on the U.S. land on Cuba, the famous Guantanamo. Again, a new administration has plans to use this land and the parts of island to good use. Seemingly for other purposes than keeping non-trialed terrorist suspects. They are planning to immigrants and asylum seekers put on the Cuban. People who are fleeing camps and war-zones already to be transported to another facility under United States jurisdiction.

The Navy is planning this:

The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast (NAVFAC SE) has been tasked to develop, solicit, and award a single-award, firm fixed-price (FFP), design-bid-build (DBB) contract for the construction of a contingency mass migration complex (Leeward South) for 13,000 migrants and 5,000 support forces, at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The estimated price range for the entire project is between $25,000,000.00 and $100,000,000.00” (…) “The scope of this project is for the construction of a contingency mass migration complex (Leeward South) for 13,000 migrants and 5,000 support forces. Provide site shaping for tents, concrete pads for camp headquarters, galleys and dumpsters, perimeter and service roads, and Mass Notification System. Supporting facilities include utility systems (electrical, water, and sanitary sewer), exterior lighting, information systems to include fiber optic cable service, expansion of the waste, vehicle parking area, storm drainage, and removal of two family housing trailer units. Measures in accordance with the Department of Defense (DoD) Minimum Antiterrorism for Buildings standards will be provided. Facilities will be designed to a minimum life of 50 years in accordance with DoDs Unified Facilities Code (UFC 1-200-02) including energy efficiencies, building envelope and integrated building systems performance. Sustainability/Energy measures will be provided” (NECO Synopsis Database – ‘Subject: Y–Contingency Mass Migration Complex, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba’ – 07.07.2017).

So the Trump Administration together with the Navy, the other agencies really has a plan of moving immigrants and asylum-seekers to Guantanamo. To make sure their stay in the United States will be in tents, instead of trying to get them integrated into society. The ones who are worried about the public business into building of the camp and the price of installation.

That the United States can plan to move and create a temporary space for people in camps on the outside of their territory, to scare more from not coming and also making it worse for their moral obligations to facilitate for their refugees. Just like Americans has said it is problematic with the state of camps in Italy, Greece and Turkey. This one will not make it better, especially when it is a created affair and professional enterprises creating it. As the tenders and government procurement of the camp are clearly planned affairs on how the refugees will leave.

That the United States are planning a tent-camp not far from the U.S. state of Florida and on leased land on Cuba, is extremely bad and offensive. Especially, since many of the refugees are leaving from places that the Americans has attacked with military operations, where the United States has supported drones, where U.S. Soldiers has killed and created turmoil in the nations. Therefore, as moral obligations to where they sent troops and made a fuzz, they should accept that people are fleeing these wars and conflicts for a safe-haven in the Untied States.

Therefore, that the Navy and the United States government plans a tent-camp on territory of Guantanamo, Cuba for 13,000 migrants and 5,000 support personnel. This means they planning a small-town size of tents and needed necessities for them. Instead of taking care of them through more friendly neighborhood, they are now planning to drop them off in tents. Hope they get tired of the meager lifestyle to go home. Even if it means leaving peace and going back into war-zones and dictatorships.

The moral fall of the United States is clearly there. They could have used other means, used other types of facilitation for migrants. Instead of making provisions without creating a permanent tent-camp for them. Usually, they are put-up because the need for it.

Why I find it strange that UNHCR from 2007 says: “Family tents may be useful and appropriate, for example, when local materials are either not available at all or are only seasonally available or for refugees of nomadic background. The life-span of an erected canvas tent depends on the manufacturing, length of storage before deployment, as well as the climate and the care given by its occupants. Where tents are used for long durations, provisions for repair materials should be considered. Larger or communal tents may serve as transit accommodation while more appropriate shelter is constructed” (…) “In general, tents are difficult to heat as walls and roof do not provide sufficient insulation. Therefore, tents are not suitable as cold climate shelters, but if there is no choice, they can save lives and bridge the time until more suitable shelters are established” (UNHCR P: 221-222 – ‘ Handbook for Emergencies – Third Edition’ February 2007).

So, when the U.S. Government puts up a tents, that is not suitable for long-term solution. Because even the UNHCR says it is temporary, since the tents are not insulated. Therefore, Guantanamo tent-camp for the migrants coming to the US. Clearly, the US state will not build a proper place for the migrants, but the people fleeing should get proper shelter. Not be put in tents, but build more suitable shelters. Especially, when the US can build proper housing for the migrants. Since they are moving them from main-land US to the area controlled by US on Cuba. Peace.

Kid Rock’s Senate Race in 2018 in Michigan would be yet another celebrity into politics!

In a not to distant future the world has to all remember the legacy of men like reality star and real-estate supposed tycoon becoming President of the United States, that being Donald Trump winning the election in November 2016. That after a two year stint of campaigning and doing whatever he could become the Commander-in-Chief. That actually happen by all reach of margins off the electoral college and getting the position. So now in Michigan, there is seemingly a new type of race going to happen possibly between the Democrat Senator Debbie Stabenow and against Republican Robert James Ritchie aka Kid Rock.

There are some different reports on Kid Rock’s candidacy, let’s look at them:

At least since “Devil Without a Cause”—his breakthrough LP, from 1998, which sold more than eleven million copies in the U.S.—Kid Rock has self-styled as a patriotic iconoclast, a rebel cowboy on a rampage against anything effete, élite, or soft. He is particularly enraged by rules or customs that might be construed as infringements on personal freedom, such as the choice to meld rap and rock into a shouty, bullish pastiche. He did not invent the right-wing-outlaw archetype—he’s preceded, in music, by the rock guitarist and N.R.A. activist Ted Nugent, the country singer Hank Williams, Jr., and others—but he nonetheless revels in its actualization” (Petrusich, 2017).

If Rock is really preparing to run for Senate, it’s news to the Michigan Republican Party. The Michigan GOP has “not had any contact with him at all,” spokeswoman Sarah Anderson said Thursday, “so I can’t speak to the validity of it.” Although the state party does not endorse in Republican primaries, potential candidates typically talk to GOP leaders and activists around the state before launching campaigns. Rock caused an uproar Wednesday when he tweeted a mock image of a political lawn sign and said his website is “absolute YES” for real” (Gerstein, 2017).

He also responded to incumbent Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who’d tweeted, “I know we both share a love of music. I concede he’s better at playing guitar and I’ll keep doing what I do best: fighting for Michigan.” His take? “I concede she is better at playing politics than I am, so I’ll keep doing what I do best, which is being a voice for tax paying, hardworking AMERICANS,” said Rock, who hasn’t kept his Trump-supporting ideology under wraps” (…) “ The “Kid Rock for U.S. Senate” website diverts from the typical parameters associated with campaign-affiliated sites in a number of ways. For example, campaign sites must confirm that potential donors are U.S. citizens before completing any transactions” (Czachor, 2017).

Now that we see this, it wouldn’t be shocking in the state of affairs in the United States that Kid Rock would suddenly become a politician. There been certainly a dozen other public figures who became politicians in the United States, even Ronald Reagan was in commercials before becoming President. Therefore, the legacy of the American Democracy would not be destroyed, but would be more of a show. Since the President of the current day is a former reality star and that is showing in his persona.

That this would be a special election in Michigan and the state would certainly become galvanized by such a candidate. As the Democrats knows the volatile state after other election losses of late. Not that the Republicans are Teflon, since the scandals surrounding the President keeps them more hurt and less to show for in their time as majority. Especially considering the devastating legislation’s trough the Congress. This will not benefit a Republican candidate in Michigan and the rest of the Senate races, but a wild-card might help. Certainly, a Kid Rock would be a wild-card and would be something else. After a while, the public see what something does as President and they want to vote for safety instead.

Time will tell, if it is a PR Campaign, if it is real start of campaign as the settling with FEC to become candidate has to happen. Also where he disclose what needed to the state before becoming a candidate. Clearly, he needs also to connect with the Republican Party. If he is not planning to run as an independent. But then the musician turned candidate will work against the two biggest parties. Than, he can’t only run on his celebrity status, but has to show that he is a genuine candidate.

Time will tell if he is a real candidate, who will follow protocol and become a possible senator. If he decides to do so, then the Michigan race will be special for the Senate in 2018. Peace.

Reference:

Czachor, Emily Mae – ‘Kid Rock for U.S. Senate? ‘It’s not a hoax,’ he says. ‘It’s a strategy.’ (14.07.2017) link: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-entertainment-news-updates-july-kid-rock-1500056630-htmlstory.html

Gerstein, Michael – ‘Kid Rock amps up Senate tease with expletives’ (13.07.2017) link: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2017/07/13/kid-rock-senate-run-comments/103678072/

Petrusich, Amanda – ‘Kid Rock’s Senate Run Is a Terrifying New Normal’ (13.07.2017) link: http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/kid-rocks-senate-run-is-a-terrifying-new-normal

Presidential Inauguration crowds investigation clears the State Officials of NAMA and NPS!

The White House Officials and Press Secretaries like Sean Spicer and even the President Donald J. Trump has claimed how big his crowd was. Even as the pictures of the event show otherwise. Not like the President will accept that and therefore has spend tax-payers dollars on investigating the National Park Service (NPS) and the NPS National Mall and Memorial Parks (NAMA), who we’re in charge of the inauguration and the state response to the matter. However, the allegations made by the White House of tampering was and is not verified of being hogwash. That the President and his august house is spending time on this and valuable time of state officials to determine the state of affairs. Proves how this administration has an ego problem. Here is the statements worth taking note from the new NPS report!

On January 21, 2017, the NAMA official allegedly asked staff during a meeting to “scrub” attendance records to remove information about the size of the crowd at the inauguration. We found no evidence to substantiate the allegation that the NAMA official asked staff to alter crowd size information. The official told us that during this meeting she asked the staff to make sure they did not include crowd size estimates in any reports. She told us that she did not say the word “scrub” during the meeting, and she denied telling the staff to alter any information” (…) “The official told us she also gave the staff this instruction because the press and the White House had expressed interest in the size of the crowd at the inauguration. She said that she asked a few staff members to review the reports to verify that no reference to crowd size was included. According to the official, the review revealed that no reports contained references to crowd size” (NPS, P: 2, 2017).

While at work on January 21, 2017, several NPS staff members were watching a live White House press conference on television. During the press conference, an NPS public affairs employee allegedly said that he disagreed with, and needed to “refute,” statements that White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer made about the inauguration. The complainant could provide no information beyond this initial complaint, but believed that based on the public affairs employee’s comments, either that employee or another public affairs employee may have disclosed information to the press about the phone conversation between President Trump and Reynolds. We found no evidence to substantiate this allegation. Both of the public affairs employees denied disclosing information to the press about the President’s phone call to Reynolds. In addition, Reynolds and NPS National Capital Region Director Bob Vogel told us that knowledge of the phone call was widespread throughout the NPS, since the initial call from the White House came in to the U.S. Park Police operations center. Reynolds stated that he did not consider his conversation with the President protected information. He also felt the news articles that reported on the phone call did not contain details that the two public affairs employees would have known” (NPS, P: 3, 2017).

Regarding the DOI employee’s photos, the public affairs employee said he saw emails that led him to believe that these photos were sent to the White House through the Office of the Secretary of the Interior. We interviewed the two employees whose photographs were submitted to the White House, and they described how they chose their photos and to whom they sent them. The NPS employee explained that he selected a number of photos, based on his professional judgment, that concentrated on the area of the National Mall where most of the crowd was standing. The DOI employee told us that upon receiving Reynolds’ request, she selected seven photos, based on what she thought were the best angles, and sent them to an employee of the Secretary. The Secretary’s employee told us she forwarded two or three of those photos to the White House” (NPS, P: 4, 2017).

If these words isn’t evident enough, there is no conspiracy of lacking morals or trying to make the inauguration of President Trump look small or portraying it wrongly by the State Officials. If it was otherwise, the report and investigation would have unravel that fact. Mere thought of it and that the White House had to create this confusion of reality, proves the little faith the President has in his own men and organizations. Who are all loyal to the Republic and its ideals. Clearly, the self obsessed President thinks different. Total vindication of all the claims from the White House. President Trump cannot now spend more time on the matter. But his ego will. Peace.

New Jersey Governor Christie Sanctions a ‘State of Emergency’ over a State Budget standoff!

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, the Donald Trump lackie has clearly had an all-powerful vision as the budget for 2018 hasn’t been able to negotiate. Therefore, he signed the Executive Order No. 228, this one he sealed on the 30th June 2017. Just before the Independence day weekend. So the Jersey Shore will be sealed of the people going on vacations, the ones wants to chill in New Jersey, has to hit the casino’s and not the beaches. Clearly, not a populist strategy by the Republican governor.

Because the state representatives couldn’t constructively make a budget with his fellow people in the State Assembly. Clearly, the Governor must have an agenda, since he pulls the State Constitution and uses his powers to pull a ‘State of Emergency’. So the state functions stops, because of the powers he has as a governor. Certainly, he needs to show power and his strength towards the State Assembly.

What is striking from any perspective is these passages:

I invoke the emergency powers conferred upon me by N.J.S.A. App. A:9-33 et seq., and all amendments and supplements thereto, and such other powers as may be conferred upon me by the Constitution and the Statutes of the State of New Jersey” (Executive Order No. 228). “Until such time as there is enacted a General Appropriations Law for Fiscal Year 2018, I reserve the right to take such actions and issue such orders or directives as may be necessary to meet the various problems presented by this emergency, to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this State, and to ensure the continued provision of essential State services. The exercise of these emergency powers shall, when required, be subject to future payment of the reasonable value of goods and services, subject to appropriation, and as provided by law” (Executive Order No. 228).

All employees whose services are not deemed essential pursuant to this Order shall be deemed furloughed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 11A:6-1.1 and shall be governed by the rules implementing that program, except as may be prohibited by law. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply to any such employees who are necessary to implement the orderly shut down of programs and functions as provided in paragraph 16 of this Order upon the completion of such shut down, as determined and documented by the head of the department or agency” (Executive Order No. 228).

So within the bounds of the State now, the core essentials will be working, the needed services and state officers will be there, but the rest will be suspended. Therefore, the famous lackie Christie decided to stop the funding and allocations to the different state functions. Because he wants the State to be on its knees, so the will of the governor can be counted in the budget of 2018. This proves his will for power. He will use Emergency Powers to settle the score of the budget negotiations. So he will keep the state functions hostage over debate and needed State voting in the State Assembly for budget. This isn’t for time of war, this isn’t for time of terrorist crisis. The Governor does this over Budget voting and Budget allocations for the next Financial Year. So they are making sure there a fiscal sound budget and good balance accordingly to the State needs.

Chris Christie has really taken the powers in his hands and he should also fix it with the representatives within the State Assembly, the State of Emergency over budget negotiations and voting of budget post is bewildering. Does seem like he feels his voice isn’t respected or his standing isn’t graceful enough. Clearly, the New Jersey National Assembly needs to talk and vote on the coming election. The State Services and the State Organizations shouldn’t be suspended by the governor, since the state representatives has their duty, the same has their executive. What is visible, that the invisible and needed show of power came into play. Since Christie clearly cannot talk or negotiate with his peers in New Jersey. Not only his ratings, but his scandals are now following him. Peace.

USA: DHS Announces Implementation of Travel Restriction Provisions (29.06.2017)

Sigiri Bridge collapse is the perfect breakdown and picturesque misuse of government loans by Jubilee!

We are the only political party that has a track record that speaks for itself in an array of areas” – Deputy President William Ruto (Jubilee Manifesto Launch, 26.06.2017).

Certainly the relationship between Chinese Government and Kenyan Government is paying-off under the Jubilee Administration, as President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto. Who had inspected the done project of building the Sigiri Bridge over River Nzoia in Budalangi. A promise he made in September 2014, when he was traversing the district. Therefore, that it just under two weeks after falls to pieces, is showing how shoddy the works of the bridge must have been.

The business of the bridge that makes it special is that Geotechnical Sub Consultants, second company BAC Engineering and Architecture Ltd, third company China Overseas Engineering Group Co Ltd (COVEC), which is a Chinese State Owned Engineering, and the last company is Abdul Mullick Associates Ltd (AMA), therefore the should have been enough man-power and consultants for securing the bridge building in Budalangi and over the River Nzoia. So it took 5 companies to make a faulty bridge on the price of a fortune. That should boggle your mind, all of them are displaying the working on their pages. I checked it out today on the 26th June 2017.

That a project started in 2016 and finished early June 2017. Should have the time and preparation for building it, as the State started in 2014 the whole infrastructure project, they signed with the Chinese Engineering company on the 1st July 2015. The whole project was anticipated to cost about Ksh. 1 Billion. Therefore, the visit of the President and deputy in mid-June checking of the bridge seems now a bit pointless. Since it broke-down last night.

Citizen TV Kenya also reported this today: “10 construction workers injured after a section of Sigiri bridge in Busia County collapsed last night” (Citizen TV Kenya, 26.06.2017). But if there was 10 construction workers on open bridge, means that they we’re done yet. That the construction still continued after the President and Vice-President visited it in June. Certainly, the Kenyan government could have made this better and made sure both the engineering, architecture, geotechnical consultation and implementation of the works. The government should have made sure the infrastructure project of this size and spend this sort of funding, as the Ksh. 1 billion.

That all of the contractors and suppliers, together with the engineers are clearly not delivered. If so the bridge would last longer than a month. As the project started as a promise in 2014 and broke down in 2017. This is proof of lack of governance and procurement of infrastructure projects. We should be able to see the reason for why COVEC got the deal, why the other companies was hired and the reason for the broken down bridge in Budalangi and over River Nzoia. This is clearly a giant slap in the face and proof of bad work and not of promising use of state funds. Since this was a Billion Kenyan Shillings used on building it!

That the Jubilee needs answer, the locals in Budalangi needs answers, also the Kenyan people need answers as this bridge was built on commercial loans and for the possible benefit of them all. Instead, it will be more expensive and need to be fixed. Maybe even get another design to make it safe. What is certain, is that this massive project and its expenses will be remembered as the tax wasted by President Kenyatta and DP Ruto. Peace.