Application For Review Of Claim - Johnsons: Fill & Download for Free

ON TRADEKILLED TPP$350+ billion deal with Saudi Arabia ($110 billion in arms $250 billion in trade/investment) creating 100,000’s of jobs in both countries, historic.Pulled out of PARIS ACCORDHad a major victory on sugar exports from Mexico, made Mexico drop the exports % and the amount of refined sugar. This will help our sugar industry and the US sugar mills that produce refined sugar from raw sugar.Notified Congress of NAFTA renegotiation on May 18th. Talks can start 90 days later on Aug 16th, 2017Sec Ross has slapped more than $2 billion in fines on China and Canada for illegal trade practices.U.S. Department of Agriculture has reached agreement with Chinese officials on final details of a protocol to allow the U.S. to begin the beef exports to China (6/12/17). The first beef has been imported to China (06/30/17)Renegotiations of KORUS ( South Korean )trade deal announced on 06/30/17) started per White House week of (07/14/17)The first shipment of LNG to Poland (07/08/17) per Foreign policyPres Trump attended the Three Seas summit in Central Europe to begin the opening up of energy and other economic trade between central/east Europe and the USA (07/6/17) per TimeThe United States Trade Representative released its objectives for upcoming NAFTA negotiations (07/18/17)Canceled the Cuba Trade deal done by Obama (06/16/17)Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration. From January 20, 2017, through July 21, 2017, Commerce has initiated 54 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – a 40 percent increase from the previous year. (07/21/17) per Sec Ross of Commerce.The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cash deposits from importers of steel concrete reinforcing bar from Taiwan in an effort to stop dumping (07/21/17)Since the Presidential Summit at Mar-lar-go, the first 100 days USA made progress on important trade issues including credit ratings, bond clearing, electronic payments, commercial banking, and liquefied natural gas. Also, this is the first time since 2003 that the Chinese have allowed for imports of American beef, (07/19/17) per Commerce and Treasury Dept.On EconomyUnemployment rate 4.4% u-3 and 8.6% U6 (for June 07/07/17)222,000 Jobs created in June per BLS (07/7/17)Stock Market at Historic Highs (Dow up 18%, NASDAQ up 21.5%, S&P 500 up 14.9% since election day as of 07/18/17)US homes prices climb at fastest pace In 3 years at an avg of 7% year over year rate per CNBC (06/06/17)Jobless claims hit 28 year low in last week of April per Labor Department.Thurs July 13th claims report also showed the number of people still receiving benefits after an initial week of aid decreased 20,000 to 1.95 million in the week ended July 1. The continuing claims have now been below 2 million for 13 straight weeks, pointing to a strong labor market. (07/13/17) per CNBCOPEC broken can no longer set prices due to USA energy production unleashed per CNN money (05/18/17)Secured $50 billion investment from Japan Japanese telecom and internet conglomerate SoftBank (12/06/16) per WAPOSecured $20 billion investment from Exxon in US Gulf coast refinery (03/07/17) per CNBCGasoline at $1.95/gallon in Central NC lowest price in 12 years. (7/23/17)Gas Prices Drop to 12-Year Low for July 2017 per AAARepealed 14 Obama regulations via CRA saving $60 billion in costs to the economy yearly per American Action Forum (04/20/17)GDP early estimate for 2nd quarter is 2.6% per commerce department. 1.2% higher than 2nd Qrt growth in 2016Federal debt is 132,273,000 billion LOWER since Dec 30th 2016 (as of 06/30/17) per TreasuryDirect - HomeFederal surplus was $182 billion at end of Apr (unexpected) per US TreasuaryConsumer confidence increased to a near 16 year high in June per CNBC (06/27/17)Small business confidence remains at highest levels in more than a decade per CNBC (07/11/17)North Dakota experiencing a boom since Dakota access pipeline finished (500,000 Barrels now flowing through pipeline per day) per AP (05/13/17)Keystone pipeline approved by State Department (03/24/17) construction ongoing…1,079,000 JOBS created since Jan1st (per BLS) 1,395,000 per ADP (07/07/17)Directed Dep’t of Commerce to streamline Federal permitting processes for domestic manufacturingLaunched United States-Canada Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders with Canadian PM Justin TrudeauCut 1.6 billion costs from Air Force one and F-35 airplanes.Regulatory freeze on all federal governmental agencies via EO signed (1/30/17)Making agencies cut 2 regulations for each new one. OMB reporting that as of June 2017 the real ratio is closer to 16 to 1 per Washington Examiner (07/19/17)Saw the opening of the first NEW COAL MINE IN PA in YEARS creating 70 jobs at the mine and more than 400+ supporting jobs in the community. (06/10/17) Per foxnews.Coal prices for Central Appalachian coal has increased 8.95% this year. Increasing the economy for SE OH, SW PA, VA, MD and WVAMaine unemployment at 32 year low. The State dept of unemployment forced to layoff people because of lack of claims (06/14/17) per BangordailynewsFood Stamp spending is down almost $1 billion per month and $12 billion per year per USADBlack unemployment at a 17 year low in May at 7.5% per Bureau of Labor Statistics. (06/24/17)Coal mining rose 19% in USA for first 5 months per US energy Department1st qrt GDP revised up to 1.4%USA now pumping 500k more barrels of oil per day since Dec 31st. Now at 9.3 million bpd. 3rd in the world only 1.2 million bdp behind Russia and Saudi Arabia per energy departmentUSA is the world leader in natural gas production and continues to increase productionInstitute for Supply Management says its manufacturing index rose to 57.8 last month(June) from 54.9 in May. Anything above 50 signals that factory activity is increasing (07/03/17)15 of 18 manufacturing industries posted growth in JUNE per ISM (07/03/17)The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics for fiscal year (FY) 2017 show that food stamp enrollment decreased nationwide by 2.9 percent over the past year (07/05/17)Oil exports FROM the USA are running at 1.3million BPD worth more than $1.5 billion per month to the economy. Per NYT (07/5/17)Crude exports from Corpus Christi have already increased from an average of 68,000 barrels a day during the first half of 2016 to 384,000 barrels a day this April NYT (07/05/17)India-based information technology outsourcing company Infosys plans to hire 2,000 workers within for years in North Carolina and 10,000 total in USA. Infosys emphasized Thursday that the jobs created as part of its U.S. expansion would go to American workers. Per Charlotte Observer (07/06/17)Trade deficit fell 2.2 % in the month of May on higher exports and less imports. China imports dropped 6.1% and Mexico imports increased 5.8% Trade deficit for the year is still growing by about 13.1% yoy per Breitbart even with the drop in May’s numbers. It will take a while to turn the ship but the ship is turning (07/06/17)Labor participation rate 62.8% (07/07/17)In June, mining employment grew by 8,000, with most of the growth in support activities for mining (+7,000). Since a recent employment low in October 2016, mining has added 56,000 jobs. (07/07/17) per BLSFICO scores for Americans has hit and ALL time high per CNBC (07/11/17)Expedited the permitting and approval processes of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals and exports, including the approval of the Lake Charles LNG terminal in Louisiana.guidance from the Treasury Department to allow the United States to export coal.(first 6 months)Expedited new pipeline approval and production such as the New Burgos Pipeline to Mexico. (First 6 months)Updated guidance from the Treasury Department to allow the United States to export coal.Signed the Buy American, Hire American EO on (04/18/17)President Trump signed an Executive Order, making it easier for businesses to start and expand apprenticeship programs (06/15/17)FOXCONN making of LCD screens announced at White House they are investing $10 billion into new plant in WI bringing up to 13,000 high paying jobs to WI. (07/26/17)Coal EXPORTS increased by 60.3% for 2017 per US EIA data (07/28/17)US inflation at a 8 month low at 1.6% per BLS due in part to Pres Trump’s energy policy keeping gas prices low. (07/17/17)Pres Trump promoted a policy to leverage $200 billion in his budget proposal into a $1 trillion of projects to privatize the air traffic control system, strengthen rural infrastructure and repair bridges, roads and waterways. (06/07/17) per ReutersOn ImmigrationAuthorized DHS to hire 10,000 ICE officers & 5,000 border patrol agentsSecured funding for more immigration judges for deportation cases in 2017 budgetEnded "catch and release” policyICE arrests up 40% as of MayICE arrests are 75% criminal illegals as of MayIce Arrests for non criminal illegals up 150% as of May due to sanctuary cities polices making Ice go to the home instead of the court houses70%+ decrease in border crossings of illegal aliens in first 6 months per head of ICE (07/18/17)No Cuban refugees seen by Coast Guard in Apr 2017 first time in 7 yearsOpen bidding and plans submitted for the WALL. Finalists selected prototypes to be unveiled this fall per CBP official/Breitbart news. Process being held up by lawsuits on bidding process per ABC news (07/27/17)6ft chain linked fences being replaced by 20ft hardened steel fencing at border (05/04/17) per White houseMore than 3311 gang members have been arrested by ICE as of 07/25/17) per White house briefing by ICE directorThis year the U.S. has already deported 398 MS-13 gang members back to El Salvador – compared to only 534 for all of 2016 per Breitbart news (05/28/17)Texas has passed a law outlawing sanctuary cities (05/08/17)Foods stamp requests by ILLEGALS D O W N per Breitbart (05/19/17)The Trump administration has moved to reopen the cases of hundreds of illegal immigrants who had been given a reprieve from deportation by Obama (06/09/17) per ReutersPer Sec Kelly Plans are to start building the WALL by end of summer.Travel ban EO cut refugees to 50,000 limit has been reached as of 07/12/17). USA now closed to refugee without a close connection to the USAper Breitbart Sec Kelly has refused to expand H2-B visa program in FY 2017. Update 06/22/17 Sec Kelly will expand the H2-b visa program for a limited number of businesses that are in danger of failing and can’t find employment (15,000 visa) per breitbart.Pres Trump and Sec of DHS ended DAPA (06/16/17)Refugees dropped by half entering the USA in first three months of Pres Trump’s admin over Obama’s admin. (6/24/17 per Washington Times)In fiscal year 2017 so far, ICE has removed over 3311 criminal gang members, compared to 2,057 criminal gang members in all of fiscal year 2016. (07/27/17) per WhitehousePer Sec Kelly 66,000 mostly criminal illegals arrested by ICE in first 5 monthsKate’s Law passed the House (06/29/17)No Sanctuary Cities Law Passed the House (06/29/17)Illegal immigrant arrests in San Diego, Ca have more than doubled from 2016 and 2015 figures per the San Diego Union Tribune (07/04/17)In a reversal of Obama administration policy, federal prosecutors with Operation Streamline are filing criminal charges against migrants the first time they are caught crossing the border illegally. Per tucson.com | Tucson.com - Arizona Daily Star - No. 1 Tucson website for news, sports, cars, homes, jobs and breitbart (07/05/17)Refugee Arrivals Plummet in Week After Supreme Court Ruling on Trump Executive Order per Breitbart and Department of State website (07/05/17)The International Entrepreneur Rule obama era loophole was closed by DHS on (07/11/17). The rule allowed illegals to stay in the country for 2 and half years if they were “starting a business” per breitbart.ICE crackdown in Pueblo scaring some families back to Mexico per the Pueblo chieftain (07/10/17)House subcommittee includes $1.6 billion in funds for Wall in approbations bill (07/12/17) goes to full house for vote. Passed Full House (07/25/17)DHS proposes rule change to increase length (from 2 weeks to 90 days) and Distance (from 100 miles from the border to entire USA) for people to be immediately deported freeing up courts and stopping the lawfare over immigration. (07/15/17 ) per dailymailThomas D. Homan, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said in an interview that since Trump entered office, illegal border crossings have crashed by almost 70 percent, "an historic low," arrests inside the country have jumped 40 percent and that demands for illegal criminals in local jails has skyrocketed 80 percent. (07/18/17) per Washington ExaminerAG Sessions said one goal of DOJ is to totally end illegal immigration (07/18/17) per BreitbartThe Trump Administration is providing funding for the Texas National Guard’s efforts to assist in securing the state’s border with Mexico per Breitbart (07/18/17)Acting ICE Director Thomas D. Homan said he is going to deploy more officers and agents to “sanctuary cities” to arrest illegal criminal (07/18/17) per Washington examinerPresident Trump ordered the creation of the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office at DHS, ensuring that our Government can no longer ignore the victims of criminal acts by illegal aliens. (04/26/17)Trump administration has changed the focus of a Department of Homeland Security immigrant citizenship training program managed by USCIS to “assimilation,” a significant shift from the Obama era focus on “integration.” Per Breitbart (07/28/17)AG Sessions announced new policy on Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grants which provide $100’s of millions. The new policy refuses to give them to sanctuary cities. (07/25/17)ON LAW and ORDERAuthorities have arrested an unprecedented number of sexual predators involved in child sex trafficking rings in the United States and around the worldDOJ issues new sentencing guideline to enforce tougher laws on drug dealers (05/12/17) per DOJDOJ stops Obama’s slush funds (06/08/17) per Washington ExaminerMassive raids on gangs going on across the nationMore arrests for voter fraud in 2017 then anytime in recent history.DOJ and DHS ordered to take on transnational criminal gangs (02/07/17) per POTUS EONo tolerance for violence against LEO with a signed EO (02/07/17)Fired FBI director who is and was a nutjob.Nominated Wray for FBI director, confirmation hearing 07/12/17. Confirmed by committee, waiting for full senate confirmation (07/20/17)Nominated 21 conservative judges to the federal courtAG Sessions dismantling the Obama legal doctrine brick by brick at the DOJ per Bloomberg (06/29/17)Operation Broken Heart lead by the DOJ arrested over 1,012 sexual child predators across the nation bringing 69,000 cases against them. (06/28/17)AG Sessions has asked for an extra $26 million to hire 300 prosecutors devoted to gang violence and deportation cases per Bloomberg (06/29/17)DOJ drops case against the Washington Redskins (06/30/17) the era of Political correctness is over.AG Sessions continues to back LEO by condemned murder of NYPD on (07/05/17) calling the attack cowardly.April 13, 2017-Under President Trump, The Justice Department prosecuted two doctors and one other for practicing female genital mutilation– the first such prosecutions under a federal law passed by Congress in 1996 prohibiting the practice.June 30, 2017—The Trump Administration sent 20 ATF agents to Chicago to help the city fight gun violence.AG Sessions and Deputy AG visit GITMO to see operations and conditions in effort to frame future Trump policy on Gitmo. (07/07/17)AG Sessions and Sec Price announce the biggest ever Healthcare Fraud operation. Arresting 412 people including Doctors who have committed more than 1.3 Billion in medical fraud including opiod fraud. (07/13/17)AG Sessions/FBI took down largest dark web site Alphabay (07/20/17)Pres Trump took to twitter to push AG Sessions to drain the swamp in the DOJ/FBI week of (07/24/17)AG Sessions issued new policy on civil asset forfeiture (07/19/17) per DOJON Congressional and Executive actionConfirmed Gorsuch to SCOTUS (04/07/17)Signed 39+ Laws so farSigned more than 30+ EOPres Trump signed EO directing his interior secretary to review the designation of dozens of national monuments on federal lands, calling the protection efforts "a massive federal land grab" by previous administrations. (04/25/17)Obamacare repeal and replace passed House stuck/ Failed in Senate (07/28/17)Pres Trump admin is reviewing all regulations. At the end of June 2017 his admin have done away with 860 regulations so far saving $billions to the economy per OMB and Brietbart (07/21/17)Tax cuts and reform moving through Congress waiting on obamacare repeal. On 07/26/17 the border adjustment tax (BAT) was dropped by the House freeing up movement on tax reform.Submitted 2018 Budget that cuts spending and gives a pathway to a balanced budget in 10 years. (05/23/17)Returned power to make decisions on “transgender bathrooms” to states (02/27/17)Instituted 5-year lobbying ban for all Executive branch appointees (01/28/17)Instituted permanent lobbying ban for foreign governments for all Executive branch appointees (01/28/17)Banned aid helping foreign countries provide abortions (Mexico City Policy) (01/23/17)Formed Commission on voter fraud led by VP Pence had first meeting on 07/19/17)Returned the mission of NASA to space exploration (03/21/17)Installing aspects of extreme vetting at points of entry to the USA per State department and DHSSigned Two bills into Law on June 2nd that makes it easier for family members of slain LEO to get benefits and that helps hire Veterans as LEOSec of VA is starting process to combine the DOD and VA medical records to improve Veteran’s health. Massive shift in government policy (06/05/17)Pushing a massive overhaul of our FAA Air Traffic control (06/05/17)House votes to roll back Dodd Frank goes to the Senate (06/08/17)Senate votes for VA accountability act. Goes to House passed house 06/13/17 major victory for Trump agenda signed into law on 06/23/17Rolled out an apprentice program to train skilled works to fill 6 million open positions. (06/10/17)The U.S. Treasury Department unveiled a sweeping plan on to upend the country's financial regulatory framework, 80% of which will be done from the executive side and does not need Congress. MAGA!!!!! (06/13/17)Signed EO to reshape the education system of the USA to include votech and apprenticeships (06/13/17)Did away with rules requiring the Federal government to report on the Y2K bug 17 years after 2000.President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating an accountability and whistleblower protection office at the Department of Veterans Affairs.(04/ 27/2017)Sec Zinke moves to purge the Interior department of Obama holdovers (6/16/17 per Washington post)Energy Department eliminating the Office of International Climate and Technology22 federal agency task force formed to help the rural America fight regulations and lack of prosperity led by Sec PerdueEnvironmental Protection Agency has ended a nearly $1 million program that provided gym memberships for employees5-0 in special elections (GA6 primary, KS, MT, GA6 final election, SC)Sec Kelly dropped many “Pro-Obama Islamic groups from funding” Groups that pushed for sharia law and closed muslim communities within the USA. (06/23/17 per breitbart)TRAVEL BAN upheld by SCOTUS by 9-0 ruling. Extreme vetting will now become law of the land. (06/26/17)ScottPruitt signed #WOTUS proposed rule, supporting @POTUS order to restore the rule of law.Travel BAN now in full effect across the world. (06/29/17)Signed agreement to construct oil pipeline into Mexico per Pres trump speechOpening up LNG centers to ship LNG across the world (06/29/17)Introduced 6 point plan to unleash American energy (off shore, Nuclear, coal, NG,Oil, renewable) (06/29/17)President Trump Signs EO Reviving the National Space Council (06/30/17)Pentagon halts Obama’s transgender plan (07/01/17 per Breitbart)Sec Devos has stopped two obama regulations from going into effect which would have harmed for profit colleges. The Gainful Employment rule and the Borrower Defense rule (06/30/17)On May 4th, 2017 Pres Trump signed the Religious Freedom EO ordering his admin among other things to not enforce the Johnson amendment.Reduced White House expenses by $22 million by reducing staffing levels from Obama levels. Doing more with lessPres Donald Trump’s first-quarter salary donation will help fund the restoration of two projects at Antietam National Battlefield, Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced Wednesday per Breitbart (07/05/117)Returned the Winston Churchill bust back to the Oval Office and Kept the Martin Luther King Jr bust proving we can respect and honor both men. Something Obama was unable or unwilling to do.Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke ordered the agency to resolve a backlog of more than 2,000 oil and natural gas permit applications for drilling on public lands per Washington Examiner (07/06/17)The Department of Veterans Affairs announced (07/07/17) 747 disciplinary actions including 526 employees who were fired since January 20th 2017 per CBS news (07/07/17) suspended 200, demoted 33 (22 of which were senior management) and per White house (07/20/17)Sec Carson of HUD announced a $500+ billion “error” in the Obama HUD’s 2015 and 2016 budgets was found by an Audit completed by the Office of Inspector General (04/08/17) per CBNHe had ordered that he gets 2 scoops of Ice Cream per CNN so might be fake news:)Working hard to get the Olympics for the United States (L.A.) (07/10/17) per POTUS twitterHouse cuts State Department funding by 17% in approbations bill (07/12/17) goes to full House for voteThe Department of Veterans Affairs has acted to increase transparency and accountability by launching an online “Access and Quality Tool” to provide veterans a way to access wait time and quality of care data. (07/20/17) per White HousePresident Trump signed legislation allowing our veterans to receive care outside of the Veterans Affairs medical system.President Trump created the Office of American Innovation to streamline and improve the Government for future generations. (03/27/17)Starting later this year, all honorably discharged veterans, no matter their branch of service, will be eligible to shop tax-free online at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service with the same discounts they enjoyed on base while in the military per AP news service (07/21/17)Pres Trump commissioned the U.S.S Ford into service, 100,000 tons of America Might. (07/22/17)Pres Trump reversed Obama policy on Trans genders serving in the military via twitter (07/26/17)House abandons border adjust tax idea in major win for Pres Trump’s tax reform push (07/27/17) major defeat for RyanPres Trump threatens to end subsidies/bailout payments to insurance companies and congressional staff if repeal and replace of Obamacare is not passed via twitters breathing new life into the repeal effort (07/29/17)In first 6 months Pres Trump has signed more than 150 EO, memoranda and proclamations per White House .gov site (07/29/17)On PoliticsPresident Trump's job approval rating in the American counties that fueled his 2016 victory stands at 50 percent, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll of these "Trump counties. (07/16/17) per NBCPPD poll from OH has Pres Trump at 54% approval to 41% disapproval (07/15/17) per PPD pollRNC continues to have record high monthly funding contributions while the DNC continues to have record low contributions (07/20/17) per all news sourcesAmericans have never felt better, 74% very happy per rasmussenreports (07/20/17)Number of registered lobbyists plunges 14% in 2017 per Breitbart (07/25/17) showing efforts at draining the swamp are getting some results.Rep Steve Scalise was released from the hospital (07/26/17) prayers answered.Pres Trump revived the tradition that Obama stopped of POTUS speaking at Boy Scouts jamboree. He spoke to 45,000 Boy Scouts (07/25/17) .Russia hoax suffered big defeat this week. Fake media not even reporting on it anymore (07/29/17)On Foreign PolicySecured a 34,000 Arab force to fight ISIS in Iraq and SyriaSent 3 carrier battle groups to NK to pressure them on nuclear program, installed THADD in SK and JapanWorking with China on NK but results are not going well as of (07/29/17).Sent Navy to South China Sea to secure sea linesFired 60 Tomahawks after a gas attack in SyriaGot the G7 countries to agree that a nation has a right to control migration and immigrationHad G7 countries agree NK was a threatHad G7 nations agree that Trade should be FAIR as well as FREE and that nations can punish non fair tradeHad NATO agree to pay more and got more countries to pay their fair share of defense pact (increasing by $10 billion contributions)Have met with more than 100 of the world leaders many at the white housePulled out of Paris Accord and freed the USA from the economic Slavery Obama sold us intoHave surrounded ISIS in Iraq and Syria strongholdsHave killed the ISIS commander in Afghanistan and reduced their strength by 2/3rd in AfghanistanDropped the MOAB on ISIS killing more than 90 ISIS fightersFirst sitting POTUS to pray at the Western WallRestarted peace process between Israel and PLOVisited the lands of the three major religions in the worldOpening of center to defeat radical Islam in cyberspace during Saudi Arabia visit. One orb to find them and in the darkness and bind them.Gave powerful speech in the heart of Islam about the need to reform Islam and drive out the radicalsHad G7 countries agree that refugees should stay as close as possible to home country and be returned when the threat is goneGot the Arab nations to cut ties to Qatar for funding terrorists, massive historic shift in diplomatic actions in the Muslim world.Started the assault on Raqqa in Syria to defeat ISIS on June 6th 2017.Got Romania to up it’s NATO funding to 2.1% of GDPHas the Special Forces helping relieve siege in Philippines.Visited Poland, gave a historic speech in Warsaw and attended the Three Seas summit (07/05/16)Pres Trump’s State department secured the release of American citizen Otto Warmbeir from NK without paying $400 million ransomPres Trump admin secured the release of American citizen, Aya Hijazifor, from Egypt Jail without paying $400 million ransom.Obama appointed Ambassador to Qatar “quit” during the biggest Crisis in Qatar’s history. What was she hiding?Gave Sec Mattis authority to set troop numbers in Afghanistan to turn the tide of the war. 06/16/17 .Rolled back Obama’s Cuban policy. 06/16/17Canada promised to increase defense spending by 70% (06/16/17)Gulf Countries sent Qatar a list of demands to defund terrorism, reject the Muslim brother hood so Qatar can return to the fold, direct consequence of Pres Trump’s trip to the Middle East. Qatar has since rejected these demands setting a possible military conflict (updated 06/30/17). Sec Tillerson is working hard to solve crisis diplomatically (07/11/17)NATO countries (excluding the US) increase defense spending by 4.3% from last year per daily mail and breitbart(06/30/17).Per Iraq military Mosul has fallen. ISIS no longer controls the city. Just a couple pockets of resistance left per independent (06/30/17) PM of IRAQ declares the complete pacification of the city (7/09/17)Imposed Sanctions on major China Bank for its funding of North Korea and has declared the admin will work to cut North Korea off from access to the US financial market. (06/29/17)Approved a $1.42billion arms deal with Taiwan (07/02/17)Reached out by Twitter to offer help to save baby Charlie Gard and has started the conversation on Baby Charlie’s fate. (07/03/17). UK refused to allow Baby Charlie to leave and he died on (07/28/17)The US ambassador to the UN threatens China and other countries that trade with North Korea with blockage from the USA market. (07/05/17)Pres Trump also increases the threat to use trade access to the US market to stop North Korea setting up a potential for a trade war with China and other nations (07/05/17)Gave a major speech in Warsaw Poland to a crowd of thousands reaffirming Western Civilization (07/6/17)Pres Trump has had 50% more meetings with foreign leaders than Pres Obama did during the same time period. Per Breitbart (07/06/17)US, Russia, and Jordan announce ceasefire in Southern Syria (07/07/17) Cease Fire still holding as of (07/29/17)OLD City walls in Raqqa were breached by US led forces on July 4th 2017. Less than a month after the battle for Raqqa began. Per Economist (07/07/17)Pres Trump got three major victories in G20. Trade he had the G20 agree that nations can protect themselves from unfair trade. He got them to agree a nation has control over their borders and can control immigration and migration. He stood firm on the climate hoax known as the Paris accords and included the importance of fossil fuels. Per the G20 communiqué (07/08/17)U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday promised $639 million in aid to feed people left starving because of drought and conflict in Somalia, South Sudan, Nigeria and Yemen. (07/08/17) per ReutersSec of State signed a counter terrorism funding agreement with QATAR giving Pres Trump and the Gulf allies major victory and moving along the impasse in the region to a hopeful peaceful solution (07/11/17) per state. GovVisited France to hold bilateral meetings and take part in Bastille day marking the 100th anniversary of the USA entering WW1 (07/13/17)President Donald Trump has sent out another clear message on the worsening political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, promising “strong and swift economic actions” should socialist leader Nicolás Maduro push ahead with plans to create a non-elected “constituent assembly.” (07/18/17) per BreitbartPresident Trump has lifted restrictions that had prevented the Secretary of Defense and our commanders in the field from fully using their judgement and expertise. (07/20/17)The United States sanctioned sixteen entities and individuals that have supported Iran’s military and Revolutionary Guard Corps in the development of drones, fast attack boats, and other military equipment.(07/20/17) per WhitehouseThe Department of the Treasury sanctioned over 25 entities and individuals involved in Iran’s ballistic missile program, ensuring our ability to monitor potentially malicious actors while preventing future acts of terrorism. (07/20/17)The US has refused to pay $350m in military aid to Pakistan because it is not tackling terrorism, the Pentagon has announced (07/21/17) per FTimesState Department official in charge of diplomatic security bureau resigned. He was in charge during Benghazi (07/26/17) per WAPO . This continues the exodus of Obama/Clinton holdovers at State. Sec Tillerson has down a major effort to reform the Dept of State over the last several months, including firing the entire “7th floor of State” containing the entire senior Clinton/obama admin team on (1/26/17)

List made by Reddit user unseen1_unseenON TRADEKILLED TPP$350+ billion deal with Saudi Arabia ($110 billion in arms $250 billion in trade/investment) creating 100,000’s of jobs in both countries, historic.Pulled out of PARIS ACCORDHad a major victory on sugar exports from Mexico, made Mexico drop the exports % and the amount of refined sugar. This will help our sugar industry and the US sugar mills that produce refined sugar from raw sugar.Notified Congress of NAFTA renegotiation on May 18th. Talks can start 90 days later on Aug 16th, 2017Sec Ross has slapped more than $2 billion in fines on China and Canada for illegal trade practices.U.S. Department of Agriculture has reached agreement with Chinese officials on final details of a protocol to allow the U.S. to begin the beef exports to China (6/12/17). The first beef has been imported to China (06/30/17)Renegotiations of KORUS ( South Korean )trade deal announced on 06/30/17) started per White House week of (07/14/17)The first shipment of LNG to Poland (07/08/17) per Foreign policyPres Trump attended the Three Seas summit in Central Europe to begin the opening up of energy and other economic trade between central/east Europe and the USA (07/6/17) per TimeThe United States Trade Representative released its objectives for upcoming NAFTA negotiations (07/18/17)Canceled the Cuba Trade deal done by Obama (06/16/17)Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration. From January 20, 2017, through July 21, 2017, Commerce has initiated 54 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – a 40 percent increase from the previous year. (07/21/17) per Sec Ross of Commerce.The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cash deposits from importers of steel concrete reinforcing bar from Taiwan in an effort to stop dumping (07/21/17)Since the Presidential Summit at Mar-lar-go, the first 100 days USA made progress on important trade issues including credit ratings, bond clearing, electronic payments, commercial banking, and liquefied natural gas. Also, this is the first time since 2003 that the Chinese have allowed for imports of American beef, (07/19/17) per Commerce and Treasury Dept.On EconomyUnemployment rate 4.4% u-3 and 8.6% U6 (for June 07/07/17)222,000 Jobs created in June per BLS (07/7/17)Stock Market at Historic Highs (Dow up 18%, NASDAQ up 21.5%, S&P 500 up 14.9% since election day as of 07/18/17)US homes prices climb at fastest pace In 3 years at an avg of 7% year over year rate per CNBC (06/06/17)Jobless claims hit 28 year low in last week of April per Labor Department.Thurs July 13th claims report also showed the number of people still receiving benefits after an initial week of aid decreased 20,000 to 1.95 million in the week ended July 1. The continuing claims have now been below 2 million for 13 straight weeks, pointing to a strong labor market. (07/13/17) per CNBCOPEC broken can no longer set prices due to USA energy production unleashed per CNN money (05/18/17)Secured $50 billion investment from Japan Japanese telecom and internet conglomerate SoftBank (12/06/16) per WAPOSecured $20 billion investment from Exxon in US Gulf coast refinery (03/07/17) per CNBCGasoline at $1.95/gallon in Central NC lowest price in 12 years. (7/23/17)Gas Prices Drop to 12-Year Low for July 2017 per AAARepealed 14 Obama regulations via CRA saving $60 billion in costs to the economy yearly per American Action Forum (04/20/17)GDP early estimate for 2nd quarter is 2.6% per commerce department. 1.2% higher than 2nd Qrt growth in 2016Federal debt is 132,273,000 billion LOWER since Dec 30th 2016 (as of 06/30/17) per TreasuryDirect - HomeFederal surplus was $182 billion at end of Apr (unexpected) per US TreasuaryConsumer confidence increased to a near 16 year high in June per CNBC (06/27/17)Small business confidence remains at highest levels in more than a decade per CNBC (07/11/17)North Dakota experiencing a boom since Dakota access pipeline finished (500,000 Barrels now flowing through pipeline per day) per AP (05/13/17)Keystone pipeline approved by State Department (03/24/17) construction ongoing…1,079,000 JOBS created since Jan1st (per BLS) 1,395,000 per ADP (07/07/17)Directed Dep’t of Commerce to streamline Federal permitting processes for domestic manufacturingLaunched United States-Canada Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders with Canadian PM Justin TrudeauCut 1.6 billion costs from Air Force one and F-35 airplanes.Regulatory freeze on all federal governmental agencies via EO signed (1/30/17)Making agencies cut 2 regulations for each new one. OMB reporting that as of June 2017 the real ratio is closer to 16 to 1 per Washington Examiner (07/19/17)Saw the opening of the first NEW COAL MINE IN PA in YEARS creating 70 jobs at the mine and more than 400+ supporting jobs in the community. (06/10/17) Per foxnews.Coal prices for Central Appalachian coal has increased 8.95% this year. Increasing the economy for SE OH, SW PA, VA, MD and WVAMaine unemployment at 32 year low. The State dept of unemployment forced to layoff people because of lack of claims (06/14/17) per BangordailynewsFood Stamp spending is down almost $1 billion per month and $12 billion per year per USADBlack unemployment at a 17 year low in May at 7.5% per Bureau of Labor Statistics. (06/24/17)Coal mining rose 19% in USA for first 5 months per US energy Department1st qrt GDP revised up to 1.4%USA now pumping 500k more barrels of oil per day since Dec 31st. Now at 9.3 million bpd. 3rd in the world only 1.2 million bdp behind Russia and Saudi Arabia per energy departmentUSA is the world leader in natural gas production and continues to increase productionInstitute for Supply Management says its manufacturing index rose to 57.8 last month(June) from 54.9 in May. Anything above 50 signals that factory activity is increasing (07/03/17)15 of 18 manufacturing industries posted growth in JUNE per ISM (07/03/17)The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics for fiscal year (FY) 2017 show that food stamp enrollment decreased nationwide by 2.9 percent over the past year (07/05/17)Oil exports FROM the USA are running at 1.3million BPD worth more than $1.5 billion per month to the economy. Per NYT (07/5/17)Crude exports from Corpus Christi have already increased from an average of 68,000 barrels a day during the first half of 2016 to 384,000 barrels a day this April NYT (07/05/17)India-based information technology outsourcing company Infosys plans to hire 2,000 workers within for years in North Carolina and 10,000 total in USA. Infosys emphasized Thursday that the jobs created as part of its U.S. expansion would go to American workers. Per Charlotte Observer (07/06/17)Trade deficit fell 2.2 % in the month of May on higher exports and less imports. China imports dropped 6.1% and Mexico imports increased 5.8% Trade deficit for the year is still growing by about 13.1% yoy per Breitbart even with the drop in May’s numbers. It will take a while to turn the ship but the ship is turning (07/06/17)Labor participation rate 62.8% (07/07/17)In June, mining employment grew by 8,000, with most of the growth in support activities for mining (+7,000). Since a recent employment low in October 2016, mining has added 56,000 jobs. (07/07/17) per BLSFICO scores for Americans has hit and ALL time high per CNBC (07/11/17)Expedited the permitting and approval processes of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals and exports, including the approval of the Lake Charles LNG terminal in Louisiana.guidance from the Treasury Department to allow the United States to export coal.(first 6 months)Expedited new pipeline approval and production such as the New Burgos Pipeline to Mexico. (First 6 months)Updated guidance from the Treasury Department to allow the United States to export coal.Signed the Buy American, Hire American EO on (04/18/17)President Trump signed an Executive Order, making it easier for businesses to start and expand apprenticeship programs (06/15/17)FOXCONN making of LCD screens announced at White House they are investing $10 billion into new plant in WI bringing up to 13,000 high paying jobs to WI. (07/26/17)Coal EXPORTS increased by 60.3% for 2017 per US EIA data (07/28/17)US inflation at a 8 month low at 1.6% per BLS due in part to Pres Trump’s energy policy keeping gas prices low. (07/17/17)Pres Trump promoted a policy to leverage $200 billion in his budget proposal into a $1 trillion of projects to privatize the air traffic control system, strengthen rural infrastructure and repair bridges, roads and waterways. (06/07/17) per ReutersOn ImmigrationAuthorized DHS to hire 10,000 ICE officers & 5,000 border patrol agentsSecured funding for more immigration judges for deportation cases in 2017 budgetEnded "catch and release” policyICE arrests up 40% as of MayICE arrests are 75% criminal illegals as of MayIce Arrests for non criminal illegals up 150% as of May due to sanctuary cities polices making Ice go to the home instead of the court houses70%+ decrease in border crossings of illegal aliens in first 6 months per head of ICE (07/18/17)No Cuban refugees seen by Coast Guard in Apr 2017 first time in 7 yearsOpen bidding and plans submitted for the WALL. Finalists selected prototypes to be unveiled this fall per CBP official/Breitbart news. Process being held up by lawsuits on bidding process per ABC news (07/27/17)6ft chain linked fences being replaced by 20ft hardened steel fencing at border (05/04/17) per White houseMore than 3311 gang members have been arrested by ICE as of 07/25/17) per White house briefing by ICE directorThis year the U.S. has already deported 398 MS-13 gang members back to El Salvador – compared to only 534 for all of 2016 per Breitbart news (05/28/17)Texas has passed a law outlawing sanctuary cities (05/08/17)Foods stamp requests by ILLEGALS D O W N per Breitbart (05/19/17)The Trump administration has moved to reopen the cases of hundreds of illegal immigrants who had been given a reprieve from deportation by Obama (06/09/17) per ReutersPer Sec Kelly Plans are to start building the WALL by end of summer.Travel ban EO cut refugees to 50,000 limit has been reached as of 07/12/17). USA now closed to refugee without a close connection to the USAper Breitbart Sec Kelly has refused to expand H2-B visa program in FY 2017. Update 06/22/17 Sec Kelly will expand the H2-b visa program for a limited number of businesses that are in danger of failing and can’t find employment (15,000 visa) per breitbart.Pres Trump and Sec of DHS ended DAPA (06/16/17)Refugees dropped by half entering the USA in first three months of Pres Trump’s admin over Obama’s admin. (6/24/17 per Washington Times)In fiscal year 2017 so far, ICE has removed over 3311 criminal gang members, compared to 2,057 criminal gang members in all of fiscal year 2016. (07/27/17) per WhitehousePer Sec Kelly 66,000 mostly criminal illegals arrested by ICE in first 5 monthsKate’s Law passed the House (06/29/17)No Sanctuary Cities Law Passed the House (06/29/17)Illegal immigrant arrests in San Diego, Ca have more than doubled from 2016 and 2015 figures per the San Diego Union Tribune (07/04/17)In a reversal of Obama administration policy, federal prosecutors with Operation Streamline are filing criminal charges against migrants the first time they are caught crossing the border illegally. Per tucson.com | Tucson.com - Arizona Daily Star - No. 1 Tucson website for news, sports, cars, homes, jobs and breitbart (07/05/17)Refugee Arrivals Plummet in Week After Supreme Court Ruling on Trump Executive Order per Breitbart and Department of State website (07/05/17)The International Entrepreneur Rule obama era loophole was closed by DHS on (07/11/17). The rule allowed illegals to stay in the country for 2 and half years if they were “starting a business” per breitbart.ICE crackdown in Pueblo scaring some families back to Mexico per the Pueblo chieftain (07/10/17)House subcommittee includes $1.6 billion in funds for Wall in approbations bill (07/12/17) goes to full house for vote. Passed Full House (07/25/17)DHS proposes rule change to increase length (from 2 weeks to 90 days) and Distance (from 100 miles from the border to entire USA) for people to be immediately deported freeing up courts and stopping the lawfare over immigration. (07/15/17 ) per dailymailThomas D. Homan, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said in an interview that since Trump entered office, illegal border crossings have crashed by almost 70 percent, "an historic low," arrests inside the country have jumped 40 percent and that demands for illegal criminals in local jails has skyrocketed 80 percent. (07/18/17) per Washington ExaminerAG Sessions said one goal of DOJ is to totally end illegal immigration (07/18/17) per BreitbartThe Trump Administration is providing funding for the Texas National Guard’s efforts to assist in securing the state’s border with Mexico per Breitbart (07/18/17)Acting ICE Director Thomas D. Homan said he is going to deploy more officers and agents to “sanctuary cities” to arrest illegal criminal (07/18/17) per Washington examinerPresident Trump ordered the creation of the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office at DHS, ensuring that our Government can no longer ignore the victims of criminal acts by illegal aliens. (04/26/17)Trump administration has changed the focus of a Department of Homeland Security immigrant citizenship training program managed by USCIS to “assimilation,” a significant shift from the Obama era focus on “integration.” Per Breitbart (07/28/17)AG Sessions announced new policy on Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grants which provide $100’s of millions. The new policy refuses to give them to sanctuary cities. (07/25/17)ON LAW and ORDERAuthorities have arrested an unprecedented number of sexual predators involved in child sex trafficking rings in the United States and around the worldDOJ issues new sentencing guideline to enforce tougher laws on drug dealers (05/12/17) per DOJDOJ stops Obama’s slush funds (06/08/17) per Washington ExaminerMassive raids on gangs going on across the nationMore arrests for voter fraud in 2017 then anytime in recent history.DOJ and DHS ordered to take on transnational criminal gangs (02/07/17) per POTUS EONo tolerance for violence against LEO with a signed EO (02/07/17)Fired FBI director who is and was a nutjob.Nominated Wray for FBI director, confirmation hearing 07/12/17. Confirmed by committee, waiting for full senate confirmation (07/20/17)Nominated 21 conservative judges to the federal courtAG Sessions dismantling the Obama legal doctrine brick by brick at the DOJ per Bloomberg (06/29/17)Operation Broken Heart lead by the DOJ arrested over 1,012 sexual child predators across the nation bringing 69,000 cases against them. (06/28/17)AG Sessions has asked for an extra $26 million to hire 300 prosecutors devoted to gang violence and deportation cases per Bloomberg (06/29/17)DOJ drops case against the Washington Redskins (06/30/17) the era of Political correctness is over.AG Sessions continues to back LEO by condemned murder of NYPD on (07/05/17) calling the attack cowardly.April 13, 2017-Under President Trump, The Justice Department prosecuted two doctors and one other for practicing female genital mutilation– the first such prosecutions under a federal law passed by Congress in 1996 prohibiting the practice.June 30, 2017—The Trump Administration sent 20 ATF agents to Chicago to help the city fight gun violence.AG Sessions and Deputy AG visit GITMO to see operations and conditions in effort to frame future Trump policy on Gitmo. (07/07/17)AG Sessions and Sec Price announce the biggest ever Healthcare Fraud operation. Arresting 412 people including Doctors who have committed more than 1.3 Billion in medical fraud including opiod fraud. (07/13/17)AG Sessions/FBI took down largest dark web site Alphabay (07/20/17)Pres Trump took to twitter to push AG Sessions to drain the swamp in the DOJ/FBI week of (07/24/17)AG Sessions issued new policy on civil asset forfeiture (07/19/17) per DOJON Congressional and Executive actionConfirmed Gorsuch to SCOTUS (04/07/17)Signed 39+ Laws so farSigned more than 30+ EOPres Trump signed EO directing his interior secretary to review the designation of dozens of national monuments on federal lands, calling the protection efforts "a massive federal land grab" by previous administrations. (04/25/17)Obamacare repeal and replace passed House stuck/ Failed in Senate (07/28/17)Pres Trump admin is reviewing all regulations. At the end of June 2017 his admin have done away with 860 regulations so far saving $billions to the economy per OMB and Brietbart (07/21/17)Tax cuts and reform moving through Congress waiting on obamacare repeal. On 07/26/17 the border adjustment tax (BAT) was dropped by the House freeing up movement on tax reform.Submitted 2018 Budget that cuts spending and gives a pathway to a balanced budget in 10 years. (05/23/17)Returned power to make decisions on “transgender bathrooms” to states (02/27/17)Instituted 5-year lobbying ban for all Executive branch appointees (01/28/17)Instituted permanent lobbying ban for foreign governments for all Executive branch appointees (01/28/17)Banned aid helping foreign countries provide abortions (Mexico City Policy) (01/23/17)Formed Commission on voter fraud led by VP Pence had first meeting on 07/19/17)Returned the mission of NASA to space exploration (03/21/17)Installing aspects of extreme vetting at points of entry to the USA per State department and DHSSigned Two bills into Law on June 2nd that makes it easier for family members of slain LEO to get benefits and that helps hire Veterans as LEOSec of VA is starting process to combine the DOD and VA medical records to improve Veteran’s health. Massive shift in government policy (06/05/17)Pushing a massive overhaul of our FAA Air Traffic control (06/05/17)House votes to roll back Dodd Frank goes to the Senate (06/08/17)Senate votes for VA accountability act. Goes to House passed house 06/13/17 major victory for Trump agenda signed into law on 06/23/17Rolled out an apprentice program to train skilled works to fill 6 million open positions. (06/10/17)The U.S. Treasury Department unveiled a sweeping plan on to upend the country's financial regulatory framework, 80% of which will be done from the executive side and does not need Congress. MAGA!!!!! (06/13/17)Signed EO to reshape the education system of the USA to include votech and apprenticeships (06/13/17)Did away with rules requiring the Federal government to report on the Y2K bug 17 years after 2000.President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating an accountability and whistleblower protection office at the Department of Veterans Affairs.(04/ 27/2017)Sec Zinke moves to purge the Interior department of Obama holdovers (6/16/17 per Washington post)Energy Department eliminating the Office of International Climate and Technology22 federal agency task force formed to help the rural America fight regulations and lack of prosperity led by Sec PerdueEnvironmental Protection Agency has ended a nearly $1 million program that provided gym memberships for employees5-0 in special elections (GA6 primary, KS, MT, GA6 final election, SC)Sec Kelly dropped many “Pro-Obama Islamic groups from funding” Groups that pushed for sharia law and closed muslim communities within the USA. (06/23/17 per breitbart)TRAVEL BAN upheld by SCOTUS by 9-0 ruling. Extreme vetting will now become law of the land. (06/26/17)ScottPruitt signed #WOTUS proposed rule, supporting @POTUS order to restore the rule of law.Travel BAN now in full effect across the world. (06/29/17)Signed agreement to construct oil pipeline into Mexico per Pres trump speechOpening up LNG centers to ship LNG across the world (06/29/17)Introduced 6 point plan to unleash American energy (off shore, Nuclear, coal, NG,Oil, renewable) (06/29/17)President Trump Signs EO Reviving the National Space Council (06/30/17)Pentagon halts Obama’s transgender plan (07/01/17 per Breitbart)Sec Devos has stopped two obama regulations from going into effect which would have harmed for profit colleges. The Gainful Employment rule and the Borrower Defense rule (06/30/17)On May 4th, 2017 Pres Trump signed the Religious Freedom EO ordering his admin among other things to not enforce the Johnson amendment.Reduced White House expenses by $22 million by reducing staffing levels from Obama levels. Doing more with lessPres Donald Trump’s first-quarter salary donation will help fund the restoration of two projects at Antietam National Battlefield, Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced Wednesday per Breitbart (07/05/117)Returned the Winston Churchill bust back to the Oval Office and Kept the Martin Luther King Jr bust proving we can respect and honor both men. Something Obama was unable or unwilling to do.Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke ordered the agency to resolve a backlog of more than 2,000 oil and natural gas permit applications for drilling on public lands per Washington Examiner (07/06/17)The Department of Veterans Affairs announced (07/07/17) 747 disciplinary actions including 526 employees who were fired since January 20th 2017 per CBS news (07/07/17) suspended 200, demoted 33 (22 of which were senior management) and per White house (07/20/17)Sec Carson of HUD announced a $500+ billion “error” in the Obama HUD’s 2015 and 2016 budgets was found by an Audit completed by the Office of Inspector General (04/08/17) per CBNHe had ordered that he gets 2 scoops of Ice Cream per CNN so might be fake news:)Working hard to get the Olympics for the United States (L.A.) (07/10/17) per POTUS twitterHouse cuts State Department funding by 17% in approbations bill (07/12/17) goes to full House for voteThe Department of Veterans Affairs has acted to increase transparency and accountability by launching an online “Access and Quality Tool” to provide veterans a way to access wait time and quality of care data. (07/20/17) per White HousePresident Trump signed legislation allowing our veterans to receive care outside of the Veterans Affairs medical system.President Trump created the Office of American Innovation to streamline and improve the Government for future generations. (03/27/17)Starting later this year, all honorably discharged veterans, no matter their branch of service, will be eligible to shop tax-free online at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service with the same discounts they enjoyed on base while in the military per AP news service (07/21/17)Pres Trump commissioned the U.S.S Ford into service, 100,000 tons of America Might. (07/22/17)Pres Trump reversed Obama policy on Trans genders serving in the military via twitter (07/26/17)House abandons border adjust tax idea in major win for Pres Trump’s tax reform push (07/27/17) major defeat for RyanPres Trump threatens to end subsidies/bailout payments to insurance companies and congressional staff if repeal and replace of Obamacare is not passed via twitters breathing new life into the repeal effort (07/29/17)In first 6 months Pres Trump has signed more than 150 EO, memoranda and proclamations per White House .gov site (07/29/17)On PoliticsPresident Trump's job approval rating in the American counties that fueled his 2016 victory stands at 50 percent, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll of these "Trump counties. (07/16/17) per NBCPPD poll from OH has Pres Trump at 54% approval to 41% disapproval (07/15/17) per PPD pollRNC continues to have record high monthly funding contributions while the DNC continues to have record low contributions (07/20/17) per all news sourcesAmericans have never felt better, 74% very happy per rasmussenreports (07/20/17)Number of registered lobbyists plunges 14% in 2017 per Breitbart (07/25/17) showing efforts at draining the swamp are getting some results.Rep Steve Scalise was released from the hospital (07/26/17) prayers answered.Pres Trump revived the tradition that Obama stopped of POTUS speaking at Boy Scouts jamboree. He spoke to 45,000 Boy Scouts (07/25/17) .Russia hoax suffered big defeat this week. Fake media not even reporting on it anymore (07/29/17)On Foreign PolicySecured a 34,000 Arab force to fight ISIS in Iraq and SyriaSent 3 carrier battle groups to NK to pressure them on nuclear program, installed THADD in SK and JapanWorking with China on NK but results are not going well as of (07/29/17).Sent Navy to South China Sea to secure sea linesFired 60 Tomahawks after a gas attack in SyriaGot the G7 countries to agree that a nation has a right to control migration and immigrationHad G7 countries agree NK was a threatHad G7 nations agree that Trade should be FAIR as well as FREE and that nations can punish non fair tradeHad NATO agree to pay more and got more countries to pay their fair share of defense pact (increasing by $10 billion contributions)Have met with more than 100 of the world leaders many at the white housePulled out of Paris Accord and freed the USA from the economic Slavery Obama sold us intoHave surrounded ISIS in Iraq and Syria strongholdsHave killed the ISIS commander in Afghanistan and reduced their strength by 2/3rd in AfghanistanDropped the MOAB on ISIS killing more than 90 ISIS fightersFirst sitting POTUS to pray at the Western WallRestarted peace process between Israel and PLOVisited the lands of the three major religions in the worldOpening of center to defeat radical Islam in cyberspace during Saudi Arabia visit. One orb to find them and in the darkness and bind them.Gave powerful speech in the heart of Islam about the need to reform Islam and drive out the radicalsHad G7 countries agree that refugees should stay as close as possible to home country and be returned when the threat is goneGot the Arab nations to cut ties to Qatar for funding terrorists, massive historic shift in diplomatic actions in the Muslim world.Started the assault on Raqqa in Syria to defeat ISIS on June 6th 2017.Got Romania to up it’s NATO funding to 2.1% of GDPHas the Special Forces helping relieve siege in Philippines.Visited Poland, gave a historic speech in Warsaw and attended the Three Seas summit (07/05/16)Pres Trump’s State department secured the release of American citizen Otto Warmbeir from NK without paying $400 million ransomPres Trump admin secured the release of American citizen, Aya Hijazifor, from Egypt Jail without paying $400 million ransom.Obama appointed Ambassador to Qatar “quit” during the biggest Crisis in Qatar’s history. What was she hiding?Gave Sec Mattis authority to set troop numbers in Afghanistan to turn the tide of the war. 06/16/17 .Rolled back Obama’s Cuban policy. 06/16/17Canada promised to increase defense spending by 70% (06/16/17)Gulf Countries sent Qatar a list of demands to defund terrorism, reject the Muslim brother hood so Qatar can return to the fold, direct consequence of Pres Trump’s trip to the Middle East. Qatar has since rejected these demands setting a possible military conflict (updated 06/30/17). Sec Tillerson is working hard to solve crisis diplomatically (07/11/17)NATO countries (excluding the US) increase defense spending by 4.3% from last year per daily mail and breitbart(06/30/17).Per Iraq military Mosul has fallen. ISIS no longer controls the city. Just a couple pockets of resistance left per independent (06/30/17) PM of IRAQ declares the complete pacification of the city (7/09/17)Imposed Sanctions on major China Bank for its funding of North Korea and has declared the admin will work to cut North Korea off from access to the US financial market. (06/29/17)Approved a $1.42billion arms deal with Taiwan (07/02/17)Reached out by Twitter to offer help to save baby Charlie Gard and has started the conversation on Baby Charlie’s fate. (07/03/17). UK refused to allow Baby Charlie to leave and he died on (07/28/17)The US ambassador to the UN threatens China and other countries that trade with North Korea with blockage from the USA market. (07/05/17)Pres Trump also increases the threat to use trade access to the US market to stop North Korea setting up a potential for a trade war with China and other nations (07/05/17)Gave a major speech in Warsaw Poland to a crowd of thousands reaffirming Western Civilization (07/6/17)Pres Trump has had 50% more meetings with foreign leaders than Pres Obama did during the same time period. Per Breitbart (07/06/17)US, Russia, and Jordan announce ceasefire in Southern Syria (07/07/17) Cease Fire still holding as of (07/29/17)OLD City walls in Raqqa were breached by US led forces on July 4th 2017. Less than a month after the battle for Raqqa began. Per Economist (07/07/17)Pres Trump got three major victories in G20. Trade he had the G20 agree that nations can protect themselves from unfair trade. He got them to agree a nation has control over their borders and can control immigration and migration. He stood firm on the climate hoax known as the Paris accords and included the importance of fossil fuels. Per the G20 communiqué (07/08/17)U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday promised $639 million in aid to feed people left starving because of drought and conflict in Somalia, South Sudan, Nigeria and Yemen. (07/08/17) per ReutersSec of State signed a counter terrorism funding agreement with QATAR giving Pres Trump and the Gulf allies major victory and moving along the impasse in the region to a hopeful peaceful solution (07/11/17) per state. GovVisited France to hold bilateral meetings and take part in Bastille day marking the 100th anniversary of the USA entering WW1 (07/13/17)President Donald Trump has sent out another clear message on the worsening political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, promising “strong and swift economic actions” should socialist leader Nicolás Maduro push ahead with plans to create a non-elected “constituent assembly.” (07/18/17) per BreitbartPresident Trump has lifted restrictions that had prevented the Secretary of Defense and our commanders in the field from fully using their judgement and expertise. (07/20/17)The United States sanctioned sixteen entities and individuals that have supported Iran’s military and Revolutionary Guard Corps in the development of drones, fast attack boats, and other military equipment.(07/20/17) per WhitehouseThe Department of the Treasury sanctioned over 25 entities and individuals involved in Iran’s ballistic missile program, ensuring our ability to monitor potentially malicious actors while preventing future acts of terrorism. (07/20/17)The US has refused to pay $350m in military aid to Pakistan because it is not tackling terrorism, the Pentagon has announced (07/21/17) per FTimesState Department official in charge of diplomatic security bureau resigned. He was in charge during Benghazi (07/26/17) per WAPO . This continues the exodus of Obama/Clinton holdovers at State. Sec Tillerson has down a major effort to reform the Dept of State over the last several months, including firing the entire “7th floor of State” containing the entire senior Clinton/obama admin team on (1/26/17)

Ha ha ha! Maybe we need a little American history refresher.Recent history would do. Poor President Barack Obama had it much worse than Trump ever has, and with far less reason. The most vicious, bald-faced lies about him were heavily circulated and believed by Rabid Republicans (foam-at-the-mouth Tea-party types aka extreme alt-Right. ) “Obama was: a communist, an extremest Muslim in league with al-Qaeda; deliberately trying to take away all our civil rights; not an American citizen; coming to take our guns; not actually born in this country …” The list goes on and on. Nothing was too cruel, vicious, or patently A TOTAL BASELESS LIE for Rabid Republicans to circulate, expound upon, print and believe.Throughout U.S. history, most POTUS’s have been HEAVILY and SERIOUSLY and sometimes very viciously criticized. Trump simply hasn’t been in office long enough to be a serious contender.To start one off on a historical exploration, try looking into Andrew Johnson and how the media treated him. So far, I don’t recall any threats on Trump’s life, nor even actual assaults, all things that poor impeached and nearly found guilty president had to deal with.I’ve been appalled by how media and politics have generally degenerated during my lifetime—complete lack of manners; debaters shouting at each other and making up complete lies on the spur of the moment, while claiming provable facts were lies aka “fake news”; the absolute loss of reasonable discourse or the ability to compromise or even discuss things like “adults.” Note I am not complaining about teenagers. Most teens actually have better manners than these alleged adults.Personally, I blame Fox News for a lot.Turns out I just needed a refresher in American history. This crap may be cyclical. During the relatively prosperous 1950’s - 1970’s, people generally behaved better—at least while on TV, or usually in public. Good manners, reasonable debate, at least trying to be honest with facts (huge exception—O.G. McCarthyism and the Red Scare) and never shouting at a guest on one’s show. In fact, no shouting on any news show, talk show, etc. No shouting unless it was obviously fictional entertainment.Most of that, I was too young to actually or clearly remember. But history is now at our fingertips. Get this; there have been periods in American history where some newspapers actually called for some presidents to be lynched.Abraham Lincoln? In retrospect, a pretty great guy, and we were all damn lucky to have him when we did. While he was alive? HA! He was criticized in ways that Trump probably can’t even envision.George Washington seems to be the only president pretty much everyone loved or at least liked. He received lots of pressure to serve more terms, but his basic response was “Fuck this shit, I’m out of here,” and did exactly that. Public service—from General to government work aka POTUS—was a huge pain in the ass as far as he was concerned. IMO, he did what he felt he owed his country and his countrymen, and as soon as his conscience was OK, he was all GTFO. He was happier at his plantation, and he made a much higher income from that than any of his public service. Another guy we were damn lucky to have when we had him.Yes, I know neither were perfect. Both Abe and George were human beings. If you haven’t taken a good luck around lately, a lot of human beings kind of suck. I submit those guys both sucked far less than the average human being.Now, back to history and cycles. Right now, we’re in sort of a hysterical McCarthyism era, only worse, because people are combining mass media with McCarthyism with atrocious manners and complete disregard for provable facts. Although O.G. McCarthy himself was a rare example of atrocious manners; his behavior being shown on live TV appalled many people, and helped bring him down.This one might be the worst: Make a point that you can back up with all the proof there could be: multiple scientific papers, experts, actual physical evidence; the works. But if your opponent doesn’t like your point, they just say “Fake news.” Over and over.A: “All this evidence attests—”B: “Fake news.”A: “But all these scientists and peer-reviewed journals say—”B: “Fake news!”A: “But these videos, photos and eyewitnesses—”B: “Fake news!”A: “BUT I WAS FUCKING THERE!!! I SAW IT MYSELF!”B: “FAKE NEWS, BITCH! I don’t even believe you’re real.” (And of course, you’re standing right in front of them.)Where the hell is Edward R. Murrow, now that we really need him again?!?“We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men.”—-Edward R. Murrow, 1954I am an American. I was born that way. I grew up mostly in the Midwest, pledging Allegiance to the U.S. Flag (even after it was optional). When I was old enough to understand what that really meant, I still pledged; not really to a piece of cloth, but to the idea of a Country where all human beings are created with equal opportunity and equal rights.I am a patriot, and I have been one as long as I can remember. I am moderate, leaning towards liberal. I have voted both Democratic and Republican during my life; I do my best to judge each candidate individually, instead of blindly trying to rely on untrustworthy ancient party labels.I am sick to death of the term “fake news” as an automatic, unthinking, parrot-like response to information that is disagreed with, especially when no facts are checked; or if facts are presented, dismissed without the slightest investigation into their validity.I am also sick to death of all liberals automatically being accused of not being patriotic. I am even sicker of the term “liberal” being used as a deadly insult and a reason to disparage all of an accused liberal’s opinions and facts.Most Rabid Republicans would probably call me a liberal, although I consider myself a moderate.HOW the hell do Rabid Republicans justify calling liberals “not patriotic” or “against making America great again” or “incompetent” or even going so far to brand us “traitors” if we have a low opinion of certain Republican elected bureaucrats?Let’s look at the record, shall we? We’ll take each liberal accusation in turn:Liberals are ‘treasonous traitors.” All right. Let’s consider one of the most treasonous traitors of our history.Timothy J. McVeigh.His politics were definitely NOT liberal at all. He wasn’t a Muslim. He wasn’t even a Democrat. Most Republicans weren’t far enough Right for him. It was noted he fit in happily with the furthest Right NRA and other pro-gun organizations. Rabid Republican aka Extreme Radical Far Right is probably the best fit, in trying to describe this guy’s politics.This fine American was responsible for the Oklahoma City Bombing, which murdered 168 people (including 19 innocent children; for that matter, all his victims were innocent) and injured over 600.This was the deadliest act of terrorism within the United States prior to the infamous 9/11 attacks, and many still consider it the most significant act of domestic terrorism in the history of the United States. (Look up the definition of domestic terrorism, before you harangue me about 9/11.)So, an American, subscribing to Far Right politics, has beat out every other act of terrorism against the U.S. except for bin Laden, who planned 9/11.Moving along…Liberals are “incompetent.” Exactly how so? For example, was a Democratic regime in power when the worst terrorist attack in history took place? No. It was Republican. Under Rabid Republican reasoning, everything bad that happens during a Democratic president’s term, is all his and other Democrat’s fault.Funny how that reasoning inverts when something bad happens under a Republican’s term. Funny.And bin Laden’s attack was probably preventable; almost certainly damage could have been greatly reduced. Our intelligence provided W. Bush with proof August 6, 2001 that Osama bin Laden and his organization al-Qaeda was planning a major attack against the U.S., AND that he was planning to hijack airplanes. Bush took no preventative actions. If security had been heightened, perhaps some or all of those terrorists would have failed. There is such an incredible amount of information out there, and from so many sources, that 9/11 was highly preventable, I’m not even going to try to list them here. The interested can find and read their own books and do their own web searches. (Hint: It’s really incredibly easy.)Now, let’s talk some accomplishments:PATRIOTISMHOW COME the Rabid Republicans don’t seem to notice that it was under a Democrat administration—Mr. Barack Obama’s—that bin Laden was finally captured? W. Bush kept promising he would see to it bin Laden was captured. Well, he did not. Another broken W. promise.The Republicans did NOT accomplish capturing bin Laden. A Democratic president was in charge when bin Laden was finally captured.Republicans did NOT accomplish finally capturing Saddam Hussein either, nor ending the Iraq War; it was those pesky Democrats again. But how very… ***Republican(???), American, Salute-The-Flag and PATRIOTIC, not to mention COMPETENT of Them*** to do all that. Democrats! Why do Rabid Republicans keep trying to insinuate Democrats or liberals aren’t “real” Americans???DEMOCRATS ARE THE REALEST AMERICANS THERE ARE!!!***WE*** caught bin Laden! ***WE ***caught Hussein. ***WE AREN’T*** the ones responsible for the Oklahoma City Bombing. ***THAT one was a Rabid Republican’s doing.*** McVeigh was as Rabid a Republican as it gets, and he was one of our biggest traitors, ever.So sorry, Rabid Republicans. The record shows that Democrats are really much more… well, Patriotic Americans—by your own definitions—in their major PATRIOTIC accomplishments.2, FISCAL AND POLITICAL COMPETENCEThis can get boring real fast, so I’ll try to keep it short and summarized. The interested can easily find any and all additional data they want; go with the official sources, K? Because this is one of those areas where plenty of Fake News actually does exist.(The peanut gallery can just keep chanting “Fake News” over and over to comfort themselves. )Executive Summary: Our country has consistently been better off under Democratic presidents, and worse off under Republican presidents, during recent history (say, since roughly 1976).Democrat (D) > Republican (R)We were all better off under Jimmy Carter (D) than under Ronald Reagan (R).Reaganomics is where all the economic going to hell started. We are confronted with the basic problem of a politician DOING the exact OPPOSITE of what they SAY. If you ever learn one thing about politics, this is it. Listen to all the fine speeches a politician may spout, but don’t take it seriously. LOOK AT THE RECORD! What have they actually DONE? Whatever that is, that is what they WILL DO.Reagan promised to decrease government spending and the deficit. Under his regime, government spending reached RECORD levels. Even the Wall Street Journal said so, and there are fewer more heavily Republican-weighted rags with credibility.Reagan promised a revolution in job creation—lots of new service industry jobs! Everyone cheered! Except my mom. I remember us watching some of this on TV, and a worried little crease appeared in the middle of her forehead.“Except…service industry jobs are lousy.” she said. It hurt her to say that, because she’d voted for Reagan. But she’s right. Nobody ever got to be middle-class saying “Ya want fries with that?”Trickle-down economics has been conclusively proved to NOT WORK. It is a bad economic theory to base a country’s economy on, because evidence proves it dramatically reduces the middle-class; dramatically increases the population of poor; and makes the 1% richest even richer, at the expense of all the other, poorer classes.Regardless of political affiliation, can it not be agreed that a large, healthy middle-class is a generally good thing for a country? And that it is important in making that country a better place to live?Let’s move on.Clinton (D) > Bush (R) (Both of ‘em, though W. was the major disaster.) Under liberal Democrat Clinton, the economy was the best it’s been in recent history. Clinton actually managed to have a Federal Budget Surplus, and reduce the deficit aka The National Debt! No Republican administration can match that.Obama (D) > OMG WTF DO WE HAVE NOW??? Is it some kind of malevolent orange hatemonster space alien potato? I dunno, but I can’t even put an (R) after him, because most Republicans in office now hate him. The economy finally started improving under Obama; but you can only clean up so much dirt in a couple of terms. Economics is complicated and hard for most people, though it doesn’t have to be; as I will eventually demonstrate.Also, under competence, let’s give Obama credit for passing some incredibly valuable laws. It gets complicated as hell, so I’ll just leave a couple easy links at the end, and summarize that due to Obama’s laws, we are much, MUCH less likely to suffer another near for-realz almost happened, complete financial COLLAPSE. No joke—I know people who know people, and kings of Wall Street were actually stocking up on shotguns and survival stuff for a while there. Of course, some of the dumber/more bribable Republicans are already trying to repeal those protective laws.Obama got FEMA working great! He had to do some hard work, but he got it done.Finally, let’s finish up with one of the most insane weirdness in our insane political climate:Donald Trump really has some kind of major love affair with the Russians in general, and Putin in particular.Just think about that for a moment, K? HOW is THAT PATRIOTIC???Trump just LOVES himself some Russians! That goes for both Donald Jr. and the current POTUS. Business ties, partying, trips to Russia… and some really suspect, nasty-smelling, but still vague stuff. Investigation is currently ongoing as full throttle as it can (despite obvious obstruction attempts), and new evidence is frequently uncovered.Back in 2016, the CIA concluded Russia authorized hacking and other tactics in order to help Trump and hurt Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton during the U.S. Presidential election campaign. In 2017, ALL the different U.S. Intelligence Agencies concurred the CIA was right. Democrats and even Republicans began calling for hearings and further investigation into Russia’s election tampering. Trump’s response was the usual denial and “fake news”; same as whenever anything negative is said about him, whether trivial or important.BREAKING NEWS: As of Friday, October 27, 2017, the very first actual charges have finally been filed in the ongoing investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian tampering in 2016’s U.S. presidential election. These charges remain sealed at this time. Those facing charges could be taken into custody as soon as Monday or as late as… who knows? There are many valid reasons to delay taking suspected criminals into custody; particularly waiting on more and better evidence against higher level criminals.The complete mess could take years to fully uncover. That goes for both Donalds. On the other hand, dominoes might start falling, and it’s possible Trump could make some real history, if he becomes the first POTUS found guilty of serious impeachment charges and actually sentenced to jail and fines.The POTUS frequently praises Russia. He especially praises Putin, in such an effusive, glowing way you’d think he was talking about an American Medal of Honor winner, not a Russian dictator and crime boss. He’s publicly praised Putin over 80 times!Meanwhile, John McCain has bluntly stated “Vladimir Putin is a thug and a murderer and a killer and a KGB agent.” I’m no big McCain fan, but when the guy’s right, he’s right. (There are TONS of other similar references about Putin, but McCain did a very good summary job.)A lot of highly placed Intelligence officials believe the Russians influenced the election in Trump’s favor. Pretty much all of them, at this point.If any Democrat, (especially poor, much-abused Mr. Obama) did even a fraction of all the Trump Russian stuff, every Republican would be baying for his blood from election's end to this day and beyond.But because Mr. Trump somehow managed to stamp himself with “Patriotic Republican™”, (But it’s just a fake label.) actual Republicans have remained strangely quiet on this issue. Maybe a few are complaining, but let’s put it this way: While Obama was in office, I was unable to prevent stumbling across random, ridiculous, vile, false slurs against the man almost every single day I used the Internet. I’ve had to deliberately search pretty hard to find Republicans concerned about Trump/Russia. I find that fearsome.Russia is mostly not a good place to live right now, unless you’re very, very rich and can afford a lot of personal protection and bribes. In many ways, it’s a lot like the U.S. territories were more than 100 years ago in the Wild, Wild West part.During Wild West Days, crime was rampant. Uncorrupt lawmen were few and far between, and they often got killed off far more than movies would have you think. In general, the bad guys (outright criminals) usually won. (More in Appendix.)When it’s lawless, the rich and powerful outright blatantly steal everything from the poor to upper middle-class, and get away with it. That’s Russia right now. That is, and always has been Putin, who Trump is on record (many times!) as thinking is just wonderful and great.Donald Trump may well have won in 2016 due to Russian election tampering. If so, that is the opposite of patriotism. That is treason. The longer the investigation continues, the worse things look for Trump.If Obama had ever the slightest whiff of this sort of shenanigans, Republicans would not have rested until he was at least impeached. Clinton’s impeachment was childish game-playing, and of course he wasn’t found guilty.Trump our current POTUS, may earn his greatest distinction by being found the worst, most incompetent president the U.S. ever had.He has many ties with Russia, and is very favorably disposed towards Putin. He may actually be a traitor.Trump lied publicly every single day his first 40 days in office. He lies constantly and blatantly. He makes “facts” up (lies), apparently at whim. He makes no effort to support his lies with evidence. (See Ref. 1.)His mantra is “fake news.” He uses it to counter any criticism, from trivial to extreme. Has anyone every counted how many times he has said this? Does he ever provide supporting facts that news is actually fake? (Ans.: Not yet.)He is the only POTUS in many years who refuses to make his income taxes public, or put his businesses in a trust. Why? Where are IRS auditors when you need them?He claims to be a successful businessman, but he is not and never has been. All objective analyses show he would have much more money today, if he had simply kept his inherited wealth in conservative investments (e.g. T-Bills) instead of any/all of his business adventures. His businesses have all failed.He literally does not know nor understand how the U.S. government and his current job, works, in details both major and minor. He has proven that by his own statements and actions. This situation is so desperately frightening, John Oliver has actually paid for ads on cable shows Trump is known to watch, explaining elementary facts about important government things Trump has shown himself ignorant of.During the 2016 election, Trump made despicable and provably false statements against his opponent, Clinton. He actually made threats against her. Clinton has since been exhaustively investigated, and no wrong-doing was ever found. Not so for Trump. I am willing to bet interesting amounts of money, Trump will eventually be found guilty of serious wrong-doing. Whether he manages to “pull a Nixon”, and get a pardon is another issue.16 women (so far) have accused Trump of sexual harassment. His response? “Lying” and “Fake news.” Really? All 16, huh? Please recall Trump’s immortal banter about meeting beautiful women and he liked to “grab them by the pussy.” Because “When you are a star they let you do anything…” He couldn’t deny this, because it was caught on tape. Doing that IS sexual harassment. Those women were not consenting or “letting” you do that; they were simply so shocked, frightened and traumatized, they did not know what to do, and so simply froze in fear.It wouldn’t matter a bit to me if Trump were a Democrat or member of any other political party. I would still dislike, oppose and criticize the man for his policies, his incompetence, his utter disregard for the truth, his sexist speech and behavior, his ties with Russia and possible treason and abominably bad behavior and manners.I further submit that it is every citizen’s patriotic duty to protest, criticize and oppose any government official who is lying, behaving unethically, incompetently or otherwise engaging in wrong-doing. This not only includes the POTUS; it especially includes the POTUS.A historical quote appropriately sums up my opinions about Trump, particularly in light of his obstructive behavior during the Russian election tampering investigations:"Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?"---- Joseph Welch, Army - McCarthy Senate Hearings, 1954APPENDICES & REFERENCESREFERENCESThe New York Times made a list of Trump’s lies, current to July 21, 2017, Although very conservative, erring in Trump’s favor, the list is incredibly long and incredibly frightening. President Trump’s Lies, the Definitive ListOther sources list Trump’s lying as much higher: All False statements involving Donald TrumpJohn McCain, tell us how you really feel about Putin, Russia’s dictator: When John McCain calls Putin a “thug and a murderer” this is what he’s talking aboutBack in 2016, Trump denies/dismisses CIA findings (in a rude disparaging manner, as is his custom): Trump dismisses CIA findings of Russian election tamperingTrump-Russia Scandal Explained (but it’s still pretty complicated) The newest developments in the Trump-Russia scandal, explainedFirst charges filed in Trump Admin-Russia Scandal (Remember how Bill Clinton’s whacky impeachment process seemed to drag on forever? I suspect this stuff could take at least five times as long): First charges filed in Mueller investigationAPPENDIX 1Lots of economics is hard, but not as much as you think. Most people just cringe and stop listening as soon as someone says those dreaded words “U.S. Economy…’Well, DON’T! Just this once, K? We’re going to talk about a family, instead.Let’s take a family of four. Ursula and Stanley both have good jobs, own a nice house in a nice area, and have two children named Oliver and Andrea. Let’s call this family U.S. O. A. for short, or even just US for max shortness.Look at what US did with their money from 1993 - 2016, and what happened as a result of those decisions!A. From 1993–2001, US were usually pretty careful with money. They managed to save a whole bunch, and reduced down that pesky credit card debt they ran up when they were a couple of crazy kids. Things were going well with both jobs, and things were fine with the kids. They look back on those years, and think of them as mostly happy.(A is an analogy for the Bill Clinton terms. He managed a federal budget surplus, we weren’t in any wars, all the confusing numbers economists like to rattle off and baffle people with were good or at least acceptable. Think back. Maybe you hated Clinton, maybe you hated his policies; but in general, how were people feeling and acting? Were they sort of happy or optimistic? Or mostly sort of scared? The numbers say much, much more optimistic than scared.)B. From 2001 - 2009, US started spending like mad again. They got in a useless and pointless lawsuit with a neighbor, which cost a ton of money. It cost more than all that money they saved during those A years. Whoops—ran those credit cards right back up again and more! What does that mean? It meant they couldn’t buy anything close to all the fun stuff they could during A. They both took off way more time from work than they should/could have, and didn’t actually make as much money as they needed. Their budget was almost, but not quite, screwed. One time things got so bad they almost lost the house, but just in time, managed to barely pull together enough money to keep it. Disaster came close. There were lots of different problems during these years. A hurricane wrecked their house, and the insurance just wouldn’t process the claim properly. Took forever, and was expensive. There were more problems; some small, but they all add up. US look back on those years, and don’t really feel good about a lot of them, especially 2005–2009, which pretty much sucked.(B is an analogy for the W. Bush years. They really sucked, especially second term. But notice that the economy/employment/other economic gibberish numbers didn’t really start seriously sucking until his second term. Psychologically speaking, people stayed relatively optimistic even after 9/11. It wasn’t until Hurricane Katrina and W.’s absolutely disastrous handling—yes, it was HIS FAULT (because W. was totally responsible for appointing the incompetent jerks running FEMA), plus the Iraq War was really escalating and tons of money was spent on destroying things. Protip: Most wars are very stupid, bad ways for a country to spend its money. WWII was the right choice; hell, the U.S. stayed out for longer than it should have. But the rest of the 20th century wars—nope. U.S. should have stayed home and done things like rebuild highways, dams, and other important, cool, useful stuff that people want and need. Can you say “crumbling infrastructure”? I know I can!The Iraq War was stupid, cruel, pointless and actually dangerous for our country, because we created a whole new generation of terrorists with literally nothing to lose, and they blame us. Just wait another 5 or 10 years for those poor bastards to grow up. There will be some serious shit as a direct result of that stupid, expensive, economy-wrecking war. All the oil in Iraq will not pay all our country’s costs of that war. Look it up. (Or chant “fake news” a few times, if it makes you feel better.)The U.S. economy actually almost did go to hell under W. Look up Financial Crisis of 2008. It was the worst since the Great Depression. Some experts believe it was actually worse than the GD. Extreme measures had to be taken to prevent total economic collapse and bank failures. This was when Wall Street royalty were stocking up on shotguns, generators and other survival gear. Hey, you reading this, did you even know about any of this stuff? Yeah, economics is pretty boring. EXCEPT WHEN ALL THE BANKS HAVE FAILED AND YOU CAN’T CASH YOUR LAST PAYCHECK, and that last paycheck really is your last official one till you can find a new job. Yeah, turns out economics can be pretty damn exciting. We all just barely missed a bullet. Thanks again, W. (This is the US family almost losing their house analogy bit.)W. did a whole lot of other really dumb, expensive stuff, some of which only a relative few people know how really bad it was. For just one example: W. forced a bill forbidding creation/use of new stem cells. (Mind you, from medical waste that was just being thrown away otherwise.) To quiet those pesky “Separation of church and state” people, he said it was OK to still use existing stem cell lines. That fooled most people into thinking U.S scientists could still do stem cell research. WRONG! Those legal old stem lines were degraded and useless. A lot of research came to a halt in this country. As a result, countries like Japan and many others are over a decade ahead of us in many different ways, because stem cell research has lots of different, really valuable medical applications.There are many more bad W. decision examples like the stem cells, but OMG this is way too long already. Do the research yourself if you care. It’s not terribly hard. Wikipedia is an OK start.So, notice that a pretty bad president usually can’t screw things up in just a couple of years. It takes several years of making very bad decisions to really hurt a country; just like it take at least several months of really stupid spending for a family to begin to get in financial trouble. These things have a momentum to them. And just as you can’t get that heavy destruction engine really moving without some time, no-one can clean up all the damage it makes in only a couple years.The Sad Fact of the Matter: It takes at least twice as many years of good decisions to clean up after X # of years of bad decisions.Put it back in family terms. Think of a family who accumulates two years of heavy credit card debt. It will take them at least 4 years of being very frugal to pay it all off; and probably longer!C. From 2009 - 2016, US looked at their lives and the previous 8 years, and said to themselves, well, we have been screwing up big time. We need to make some big changes. They finally got out of that long, stupid, expensive lawsuit; although they’ll be paying it off for years. They stopped making so many dumb financial decisions. They also made some good rules for themselves to ensure they would not screw up quite that badly again. The first couple years were kind of tough sometimes, but things kept slowly getting better. They finally got health insurance for the whole family; not perfect, but much better than nothing. US look back on these years, and feel reasonably OK about them. Things were getting better instead of worse. US still didn’t feel as good about the C years as they did those golden A years; but a big part of the problem was that huge B years mess still affecting everything. Why is it so easy to run up a huge balance on credit cards, but so hard to pay off those credit cards? Why is so easy to make some dumb decisions that almost destroy your financial life, but so hard to clean up and fix all those bad decisions? It doesn’t seem fair!(C is an analogy for Obama’s terms. Wow, did he inherit a huge economic mess and other problems! A country can’t clean up enormous debts and problems accumulated over 8 long years of seriously bad decisions, in just a couple years. It actually takes closer to 16 years to fix 8 years of bad decisions. Unfortunately, a country can’t even hope to win a lottery like a family can. Not that a family should—sorry, but lotteries are mostly a tax on people who are bad at math; though it can be argued they have some entertainment value for a brief while. YMMV.OK, so Obama’s a human being, and thus his flaws are many. But far fewer than W.’s. Obama accomplished a lot of good and important things:Health Care: People should get to have health care with reasonable coverage that’s affordable. Obama did his best to implement that. Countries like Argentina are still ahead of us in providing health care, but at least we’re not down there with places like Somalia any more. Isn’t the U.S. supposed to be a developed nation, not a Third World country? If so, it should not treat its citizens as if they belong to a Third World country.Iraq Wars: Stopped escalating, started ending, ended. We will be paying for that War for years to come. Again, Obama did his best. I think he realized/listened to advisers about what a bad idea the whole War was, and GTFO. There’s a huge drain on our economy that…well, we’ll still be paying for years to come, but at least we’re not adding more on.Obama fixed FEMA for his entire term, and he fixed it fast. It’s a question of finding competent people who know the job, and appointing them. So he did just that. Yay! (I know someone who knows a top person at FEMA, so I have some inside scoop. Obama definitely accomplished some very good work with FEMA.)Really important major legislation. Look up Dodd-Frank, and we can mostly leave it at that; Wikipedia is good enough, unless you want to get serious about research. Except, I need to mention Dodd-Frank is meant to and in fact, should prevent another near-death crisis like the Great Depression or the Financial Crisis of 2008.)2017 and beyond: Sorry, my crystal ball is pretty obtuse. “Omens not particularly good.” That’s all I got.APPENDIX 2GOLD PRICES—WHAT DO THEY REALLY MEAN???OK, since you got this far, I’m going to share a nasty, but cool little secret most economist types tend to keep… well, secret.First take a quick glance at a long-term graph of gold prices, from 1974 to today. (Or don’t, your call.):Spot GoldHere are some dull, yet boring facts from that chart (or any other long-term gold price chart) that I will explain, with a fascinating pay-off (You can jump straight to the pay-off if it’s all too much):Around 1980, gold shot up to a historical highest ever price—almost $1,000/oz. Wow. But it quickly dropped way down again. From about 1986 to about 1998, the gold price just putzed around between about $300/oz. to about $400/oz. Nothing exciting going on.Then, from about 1998 to roughly 2004, gold dropped way more and stayed there. Even less excitement. Anyone heavily invested in gold back then got pretty screwed. The price stayed around $250 - $300/oz for a pretty long time.About 2005, things started happening. The price of gold finally rose over $400/oz, and kept going. It hit $600/oz around 2006; $800/oz about 2008; $1,000/oz somewhere briefly earlier, but for real in 2010; an all-time new high of almost $1,900/oz in 2011—but that didn’t last. Gold prices then dropped fairly steadily from 2011 - 2016, reaching below $1,100/oz. in 2016.Then Trump got elected. Gold went up, zoom, came close to briefly hitting almost $1,400/oz, but then dropped, and since then has been floating around between $1,200/oz and $1,300/oz.THE BIG PAY-OFF AKA EXPLANATIONWhy did all these gold price changes happen? Well, there are lots of reasons, but the BIG DEAL MAJOR PRIMARY WHAT IT ALL REALLY MEANS REASON IS: The price of gold is a good reflection of how scared/frightened/nervous/uncertain but mostly scared, that people are feeling in general. Or the converse: how optimistic people are generally feeling.What is the real price of gold? Ha Ha. Whatever anyone is willing to pay you for it. Seriously. BUT, what if we phrase that question another way? A more useful way? Like this:What would be the price of gold if most people were less scared than they are now? Say, they were only as scared (or optimistic) as they were during about 1998 to roughly 2004, when the gold price stayed around $250 - $300/oz for a relatively long time? Well, we’ve had some inflation since then, so my best rough guess is it’s somewhere in the $400/oz to $600/oz range. I could probably get more accurate/probable figures, but I’d have to do a lot of fancy inflation math, and I don’t feel like it at the moment.Notice what gold prices did when Trump was elected. They zoomed up. Then people noticed Trump wasn’t actually able to accomplish anything, especially his stupider and scarier notions, due to a lucky (for us all) mix of ignorance of the job and general incompetence; gold prices stabilized. Still pretty high (because a Trump president is pretty scary) but pretty stable. However, if some powerful idiot manages some kind of nuke exchange, I promise new record gold prices. But later, depending on how bad things get, (major power grid damage, for instance) gold could become less valuable than quality alcohol or chocolate (Only stock up on what you like kids, and always do it on sale!). After all, you can’t eat gold.Anyway, there are two big take-aways from all this Economics blather:1. Think of how wisely the U.S. government uses money in the same way you think of how a family uses its money, and you’ll be more often generally right than wrong.If a family doesn’t carry much debt, has savings, tries to keep adding to savings, and spends wisely, they are likely to be doing well.If a family carries lots of debt, keeps adding dept, never has savings (because it usually makes more sense to pay off debt than create savings) and spends a lot of money on stupid, useless stuff—spends foolishly—then they tend to wind up in trouble.Same deal pretty much goes for countries. Darn shame, that. I wonder if politicians deliberately keep economics talk incredibly dull and/or incredibly incomprehensible, so most people don’t realize this and get irked.Here, I'll quickly explain one allegedly complex topic: The National Debt.a. What is the National Debt aka The Deficit? It is a whole bunch of money that our federal government (The U.S.A.) owes to people and other countries.b. Why is a big National Debt bad? For the same reason a big credit card debt is bad for a family. The family has to pay a lot of money in interest on all that debt. Same deal with a country, including ours.That's most of that story. I could go into infinite boring detail about exceptions, etc. but it's pretty much all blah blah blah from there.2. The price of gold is an excellent indication of the general mood of the investing public; maybe even the general public as a whole—mostly, are they scared, or are they optimistic? If they are more scared, gold prices tend to go up. If they become more optimistic, gold prices tend to go down. These are very strong tendencies, that can be traced over hundreds of years, if you really want to research this.For extra credit, when and why did gold prices really get stratospheric?Ans: During and after the Financial Crisis of 2008 aka almost the Second Great Depression. Maybe YOU (average person with average money; NOT wealthy) didn't pay much/if any attention at that time, but all the people with serious money did, and it scared them senseless. If you think back though, you may recall that's when the general economic climate got really extra super crappy.APPENDIX 3U.S. History: Most of it is not as pretty as we might like to think.During America’s Wild West Days, just to make sure everyone’s illusions are properly destroyed:A. In the vast U.S. territories, crime was rampant. Uncorrupt lawmen were few and far between, and they often got killed off far more than movies would have you think.B. In general, the bad guys (outright criminals) usually won.C. To survive, some towns had to resort to wholesale lynchings because the nearest lawman was either dead, or weeks away; and probably severely outgunned even if he showed up. Since the the most successful bad guys had large gangs (organized crime in the rough) the towns had to track down most of the gang and eliminate them, to avoid revenge murders. Many towns couldn’t organize that well, and were mostly wiped out if they only killed, say, half a large gang.D. Lawlessness winning ended slowly and gradually, as more people and wealth moved West, and more towns could finally afford proper legal protection.E. Those Western movie cliches of the evil rich cattle land baron trying to steal the poor widder woman’s land with his gang of hired guns have some truth in them. Except usually the bad guys totally won, and everyone else wound up in a shallow grave or left for the coyotes to gnaw. When it’s lawless, the rich and powerful outright blatantly steal everything from the poor to upper middle-class, and get away with it. That’s Russia right now. That is, and always has been Putin, who Trump is on record (many times!) as praising as just wonderful, great and the bestest guy ever. Urrrrgh.