Merry Christmas!

And a Healthy and Happy New Year!

Great article on what is really in the Tax Bill

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-money-taxes-impact/an-update-on-winners-and-losers-on-the-u-s-tax-scorecard-idUSKBN1EA0QJ

How Net Neutrality will change your monthly bill

http://www.businessinsider.com/net-neutrality-internet-bill-increase-2017-12

An interesting take on Net Neutrality

https://www.cnet.com/news/7-things-net-neutrality-wont-do/

House and Senate Tax Bill

https://www.usnews.com/news/economy/articles/2017-12-13/house-senate-reach-agreement-on-tax-bill

Net Neutrality Winners and Losers

http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-nws-net-neutrality-explainer-20171214-story.html

House vs. Senate Tax Reform Bills

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2017/11/10/whats-different-and-whats-the-same-in-the-senate-and-house-tax-reform-proposals/#60676ad75a87

SALT deduction may still make new tax plan

https://www.newsmax.com/Politics/salt-deduction-senate-kevin-brady/2017/11/29/id/828844/

Lastest comparison of Tax Plan to current tax law

http://www.businessinsider.com/senate-tax-plan-brackets-trump-tax-reform-two-charts-2017-11

Rubio looks to increase child tax credit

http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tax-reform-plan-rubio-lee-child-credit-corporate-rate-2017-11

Happy Thanksgiving

Future of U.S. Energy is Nuclear Power?

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/press/2017-11-16/americas-energy-future-could-be-nuclear-argues-varun-sivaram-foreign-affairs

Senate tax plan diagrammed plus other provisions

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2017/11/16/senate-markup-would-make-individual-tax-cuts-temporary-corporate-tax-cuts-permanent/#25a58c6f56c2

Tax Cuts: Types, how they work and history

https://www.thebalance.com/tax-cuts-definition-types-and-how-they-work-3306328

Puerto Rico fiscal crisis hampers recovery

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/16/business/dealbook/puerto-rico-promesa-hurricane.html

GOP tax bill feels the need for speed

http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-gop-tax-reform-bill-odds-pass-2017-11

Time running out on funding CHIP (children's health insurance)

http://fortune.com/2017/09/27/chip-kids-health-insurance/

What is net neutrality?

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/net-neutrality

Senate tax bill includes Paid Family Leave

http://www.webgrio.com/_news/44276-senate-includes-paid-family-leave-proposal-in-its-tax-plan.html

Why and how to invest in Infrastructure

https://www.forbes.com/sites/trangho/2017/10/01/why-and-how-to-invest-in-u-s-infrastructure/#5799aaa4638f

Top 10 U.S. Infrastructure projects

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/infrastructure/g85/4257814/?slide=1

Senate tax bill takes on ACA

https://www.usnews.com/news/economy/articles/2017-11-15/updated-senate-tax-bill-sunsets-personal-tax-changes-targets-obamacare

The death of Votech education and the demise of the middle class

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/top_performers/2012/01/the_death_of_vocational_education_and_the_demise_of_the_american_middle_class.html

4 Metal plans of Health Insurance Exchanges

http://bhmpc.com/2013/05/the-4-metal-plans-of-health-insurance-exchanges/

Economists take on crumbling U.S. Infrastructure

https://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2016-03-15/ask-an-economist-is-americas-infrastructure-destined-to-crumble

Update on winners and losers with House Tax Reform

http://money.cnn.com/2017/11/05/news/economy/tax-reform-bill-house-republicans/index.html

Next 4 days crucial to tax reform bill

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-06/tax-bill-to-run-four-day-gauntlet-on-route-to-house-floor-vote

Why pass more gun control laws? Current laws aren't enforced!!

http://dailysignal.com/2017/11/06/current-gun-laws-made-impossible-texas-shooter-buy-gun/

Slow recovery in Puerto Rico, not too late to donate to relief funds

https://weather.com/news/news/2017-11-06-puerto-rico-power-outages-hurricane-maria

Regulation reform now, but institutional reform is needed

https://www.theregreview.org/2017/10/23/speer-strengthening-legislative-responsibility/

Small Businesses not helped by Trump tax plan

https://www.inc.com/emily-canal/republican-tax-bill-could-hurt-small-businesses-entrepreneurs.html

Update on Puerto Rico's Electrical Crisis: Going Solar

http://ieefa.org/ieefa-update-puerto-ricos-solution-microgrid-system-supported-solar-energy/

How to find Free Help with Healthcare Open Enrollment

https://www.healthcentral.com/article/find-free-help-with-health-insurance-enrollment

How Trump tax plan changes your take home pay

http://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-tax-plan-reform-change-take-home-pay-calculator-brackets-2017-11

Winners and Losers under Trump Tax Plan, as of now

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2017/04/27/likely-winners-losers-under-the-trump-tax-plan/

What was the FCC's Fairness Doctrine

https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R40009.pdf

What is the DIversity Visa Lottery?

http://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-diversity-visa-lottery-trump-eliminate-nyc-terror-attack-2017-11

Shameful: FBI to investigate Puerto Rico electric deal with Whitefish

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/30/us/puerto-rico-whitefish-fbi-power-.html

Help for applying during open enrollment, Nov. 1

https://www.healthcare.gov/apply-and-enroll/get-help-applying/

Nov. 1: Open enrollment, 6 things you should do

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/6-must-dos-for-open-enrollment/

Puerto Rico still needs our help

http://money.cnn.com/2017/10/23/news/economy/puerto-rico-ad-hoc-aid-groups/index.html

Bipartisan healthcare bill to stabilize ACA

https://www.politico.com/story/2017/10/25/cbo-score-murray-alexander-health-care-244158

Effects of tax changes on growth, not that simple

https://www.brookings.edu/research/effects-of-income-tax-changes-on-economic-growth/

State and Local tax break in jeopardy with tax reform

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanellis/2017/07/11/tax-reform-and-the-state-and-local-tax-deduction-quandry/

Puerto Rico cancels energy contract

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/29/puerto-ricos-governor-demands-nullification-of-whitefish-energys-300m-power-grid-contract.html

How opioid addiction starts

https://www.whitesandstreatment.com/2017/04/03/how-opioid-addiction-starts/

Open enrollment for healthcare starts Nov. 1

https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/open-enrollment-for-federal-health-insurance-begins-nov-1#.WfJl17pFy1s

Tax reform details to be announced next week

https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/melanie-arter/details-trumps-tax-reform-plan-be-announced-next-week

Hurricane relief not the same in PR for rich and poor

http://newsok.com/article/feed/1473407

Glimpse of solar future in Puerto Rico

https://www.truthdig.com/articles/elon-musk-offers-glimpse-future-solar-puerto-rico-project/

Chinese opioids coming to US from Mexico cartels and USPS

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/01/20/lethal-opioids-china-united-states-postal-service/96831328/

Opioid addiction: More kids ending up in ER

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20170915/more-us-kids-landing-in-er-with-opioid-addiction

Where is Niger and why are U.S. troops there?

http://www.wpxi.com/news/national/where-is-niger-and-what-are-us-troops-doing-there/627697547

Where are U.S. forces deployed around the world

http://www.businessinsider.com/us-military-deployments-may-2017-5/#heres-a-look-at-some-of-the-most-significant-deployments-for-american-soldiers-2

Could Tesla help Puerto Rico reenergize island?

https://chargedupweb.wordpress.com/2017/10/21/news-could-tesla-really-rebuild-puerto-ricos-power-grid/

Company picked to rebuild Puerto Rico electrical grid

http://flatheadbeacon.com/2017/10/21/whitefish-company-tapped-rebuild-puerto-rico-power-grid/

It's not too late to give to Puerto Rico hurricane relief

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/can-help-hurricane-victims-puerto-rico/

Problems with Puerto Rico power grid, why it's so hard to turn the lights back on

http://www.wfuv.org/content/why-its-so-hard-turn-lights-back-puerto-rico

Walk and Chew Gum? Infrastructure bill forgotten!

https://www.usw.org/blog/2017/trump-loved-talking-about-infrastructure-when-will-he-actually-get-to-work

What is "Underemployment Rate"?

http://www.investopedia.com/terms/u/underemployment.asp

Corporate tax cuts really do generate jobs

https://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2015/04/22/tax-cuts-do-increase-employment-do-create-jobs-the-science-is-in/#1bd22ef7cf61

Trump administration still lagging on staffing and nominations

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/trump-administration-appointee-tracker/database/

Tax plan adding new fourth bracket for higher earners

http://www.politico.com/story/2017/10/20/trump-tax-plan-paul-ryan-243996

How many congressional bills are actually read?

https://mic.com/articles/59033/out-of-5-000-bills-in-every-congress-guess-how-many-become-law#.Hr2TPIpEQ

What is an opioid drug and how do they work?

https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Opioids.aspx

Opioid epidemic harming people and the economy

http://www.dhbusinessledger.com/ledger/20171011/how-opioid-epidemic-affects-the-us-economy

Can medical marijuana lower opioid abuse and overdoses

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/epiphany-medical-marijuana-article-1.3512096

Attention Congress: 4 ways ending subsidies affects consumers

http://wbtw.com/2017/10/15/4-ways-consumers-will-feel-the-end-of-obamacare-subsidies/

Puerto Rico desperate for drinkable water

http://www.onenewspage.com/video/20171015/9067251/Puerto-Rico-Water-Crisis-Has-Many-Contributing.htm

How ending ACA subsidies will effect you

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-trumps-threat-to-sink-obamacare-may-hit-you/

What ending ACA subsidies means

http://money.cnn.com/2017/10/13/news/economy/trump-obamacare-subsidies/index.html

Trump ends healthcare subsidies for ACA

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/10/13/trump-to-halt-obamacare-subsidies-legal-fight-likely.html

European support for Iran Deal is about business not diplomacy

https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/10/iran-nuclear-trump-europe/542094/

Trump Executive Order on Healthcare

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-signs-health-care-executive-order-live-updates/

President Trump, listen to your chief of staff, stay in Puerto Rico till the job is done!

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/kelly-trumps-tweet-accurate-us-stay-pr-until-job-done

House appoves $36 billion disaster aid

Message to the 69 Republicans who voted against this bill:  You do not seem to understand the role of government.  How can you turn your back on your fellow Americans when they are in desperate need?  The political stunt of voting against this bill, knowing it will pass overwhelmingly, shows how out of touch and inept you are.  You are the same people who voted to repeal the ACA for 7 years not bothering to have a plan to replace it since you had cover of the repeal being vetoed.  You do not deserve your positions and your constituency deserves better.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/10/12/house-approves-36-billion-in-disaster-aid-responding-to-wildfires-and-puerto-rico-crisis/?utm_term=.0874cceeced7

Congress needs to fund Childrens Health Insurance Program

https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2017/10/09/md-childrens-health-insurance-program-is-running.html

What does "full employment" mean? Not what it sounds like

http://www.economicsdiscussion.net/employment/meaning-of-full-employment-in-an-economy/655

Lack of infrastructure plan could be lack of both administration focus and staffing

https://www.apmreports.org/story/2017/10/05/infrastructure-trump-public-private-uncertainty

Trump tax plan: Eliminating state and local deduction could doom bill

http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tax-reform-plan-state-local-tax-deduction-2017-10

Puerto Rico Update: Farms destroyed by hurricane

https://www.circa.com/story/2017/10/09/nation/puerto-rico-farms-destroyed-in-hurricane-maria

News on Healthcare open enrollment, may be harder to sign up this year

https://www.help.senate.gov/ranking/newsroom/press/-senate-house-dem-leaders-slam-latest-move-by-trump-to-sabotage-open-enrollment-you-are-risking-health-of-millions-

Buffett on Trump tax plan

http://www.businessinsider.com/warren-buffett-on-trump-gop-tax-reform-plan-cuts-berkshire-hathaway-2017-10

291 Key Government positions still have no nominee

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/trump-administration-appointee-tracker/database/

Federal Gun Laws are not enforced

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/feds-shoot-blanks-on-gun-laws/

NRA and lawmakers say Bump Stock days are numbered

http://www.pennlive.com/news/2017/10/nra_increasing_number_of_lawma.html

U.S. Virgin Islands along with Puerto Rico needs assistance

http://www.denverpost.com/2017/10/03/americans-are-suffering-in-the-u-s-virgin-islands-they-could-use-some-help/

Survival struggle in Puerto Rico

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/in-puerto-rico-acute-shortages-plunge-the-masses-into-survival-struggle/ar-AAsINbC?li=AA4ZnC&ocid=spartandhp

Puerto Rico looks like Iraq in 2003

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/army-corps-puerto-rico-looks-a-lot-like-iraq-in-2003/ar-AAsDZgT?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartandhp

How to stop athletes from protesting during National Anthem

1.  Increase funding on every level to our police for training, both initial and ongoing.  Provide help funding body cameras and non-lethal weapons.
2.  Increase recruitment of persons of color to become first responders and law enforcement officers on all levels.
3.  Use more education dollars for vocational, technical and computer programs.  Set up more internships and on the job training programs that also provide college or high school credit.
4.  Decriminalize possession of small amounts of controlled substances.  Misdemeanor possession violations punished by fines or equivalent amount of community service.

What we all can do to help:
1.  Stop buying illegal drugs.
2.  Shop more at minority owned businesses.
3.  Don't take someone protesting as a personal attack on you or your country.
4.  Keep discussions civil, don't question someone else's patriotism, motivation, education or sanity, just because you disagree with them.

Afghanistan provides 90% of opium used to make heroin

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/heroin-use-grows-u-s-poppy-crops-thrive-afghanistan-n388081

Puerto Rico recovery needs military assistance ASAP

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/sep/28/puerto-rico-recovery-requires-the-military/

How to help Puerto Rico hurricane victims

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/can-help-hurricane-victims-puerto-rico/

Puerto Rico needs help beyond rebuilding

http://www.jsonline.com/story/opinion/columnists/emily-mills/2017/09/29/mills-puerto-rico-needs-help-and-not-just-hurricanes-devastation/716444001/

Puerto Rico Hurricane Donations

http://www.foodandwine.com/news/puerto-rico-hurricane-donations

What is the Jones Act?

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/25/opinion/hurricane-puerto-rico-jones-act.html

Trump considers waving Jones Act for Puerto Rico

http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2017/09/27/jones-act-waiver-puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-marsh-lead.cnn

Deduction increases proposed by Trump

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/washington-braces-for-details-of-trumps-tax-reform-plan/2017/04/25/1fba8b30-29df-11e7-a616-d7c8a68c1a66_story.html?utm_term=.fcbe63498753

Tax Question: What is the pass through tax rate?

https://www.thebalance.com/pass-through-taxes-and-business-owners-398390

Trump tax plan analysis

http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/publications/analysis-donald-trumps-tax-plan/full

GOP House tax reform proposal

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/25/trump-tax-plan-what-we-know-about-republican-tax-reform-proposal.html

Four basic models of health care systems explained

http://www.pnhp.org/single_payer_resources/health_care_systems_four_basic_models.php

Puerto RIco needs major relief effort

http://www.theamericanconservative.com/larison/puerto-rico-needs-a-major-relief-effort/

Mexico rebounding after earthquake

http://www.latimes.com/world/mexico-americas/la-fg-mexico-earthquake-pride-20170925-story.html

Hurricane Irma relief organizations

http://www.miaminewtimes.com/arts/hurricane-irma-disaster-relief-organizations-staging-operations-in-miami-9661744

Why GOP can't pass healthcare bill

http://theweek.com/articles/725995/why-cant-gop-make-case-healthcare-bill

Teens on bikes help aid workers in Mexico

http://www.npr.org/2017/09/23/553204495/packs-of-teens-on-bikes-join-volunteer-effort-after-mexico-earthquake

Hurricane sets Puerto Rico back decades

http://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/official-hurricane-maria-set-puerto-rico-back-decades/ar-AAspofz?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartandhp

Humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico

https://apnews.com/06f5077aff384e508e2f2324dae4eb2e

Trump ignoring problem of lack of staffing, blames dems

https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-06-05/trump-needs-to-get-serious-about-staffing-up

Obstacles to Infrastructure plan

http://www.enidnews.com/news/nation_world/obstacles-hit-trump-infrastructure-plan/article_c1ef0c55-d30e-59ab-a8ec-822f1b583e1b.html

Tuesday Group

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/10/20/house-freedom-caucus-what-is-it-and-whos-in-it/

House Freedom Caucus, what is it and who are they?

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/10/20/house-freedom-caucus-what-is-it-and-whos-in-it/

Sanders single payer health care

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/19/opinion/sanders-health-care-medicare.html

Update on Puerto Rico

http://www.nasdaq.com/article/puerto-rico-st-croix-devastated-by-powerful-hurricane-maria-20170921-01109

How to help earthquake victims in Mexico

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mexico-earthquake-how-to-help-victims/

Puerto Rico aid needs to be historic in size and speed

http://www.colorlines.com/articles/how-help-residents-puerto-rico-and-us-virgin-islands-recover-after-hurricane-maria

Maria: 3rd strongest hurricane to ever hit U.S.

http://www.businessinsider.com/photos-hurricane-maria-puerto-rico-damage-caribbean-2017-9/#hurricane-maria-made-landfall-on-the-southeastern-corner-of-puerto-rico-as-a-powerful-category-4-storm-with-155-mph-winds-on-wednesday-morning-1

How to help victims in Puerto Rico

http://time.com/money/4952092/hurricane-maria-puerto-rico/

Graham Cassidy Health Care

http://www.businessinsider.com/graham-cassidy-health-care-bill-whats-in-it-details-2017-9

What is Federalism?

https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalism_in_the_United_States

Red Cross Hurricane Relief

https://www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-harvey?scode=RSG00000E017&utm_campaign=Harvey&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Disaster%7CNonBrand&utm_term=hurricane%20relief&utm_content=Hurricane%20Generic&gclid=CMnqtPrjtNYCFQWVswodkngLjA&gclsrc=ds&dclid=CNzKuvrjtNYCFUwHDAodoFEJmA

Hurricane Maria

http://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/maria-knocks-out-power-triggers-flooding-in-puerto-rico/ar-AAsfl1t?OCID=ansmsnnews11

National Fraud Hotline for Hurricane relief scams

https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/pressrel/press-releases/national-center-for-disaster-fraud-to-coordinate-hurricane-irene-fraud-complaints

Lessons not learned. Govt. not staffed enough.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/trump-administration-appointee-tracker/database/

Impact of Medicare for All

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/09/14/us/impact-of-sanders-medicare-for-all-plan.html

Sander's Medicare for All

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/09/medicare-for-all-tax-policy/539715/

Russian buildup in Europe overshadowed by NK

http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2017/09/13/whats-putin-up-to-the-russian-military-buildup-on-europes-border-raises-tension/

Churches left out of FEMA hurricane relief

http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/national/trump-churches-fema-funds-hurricane-relief-article-1.3481814

Russia pushes NATO's buttons with war games

http://www.dw.com/en/what-are-russias-zapad-war-games/a-39702331

The future of infrastructure: High Speed Rail

https://www.engadget.com/2017/09/14/hyperloop-one-global-challenge-winner-routes/

Trump moving towards center to make deal on DACA

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-immigration-trump-daca/trump-says-immigration-deal-with-democrats-close-without-border-wall-idUSKCN1BP18F

Trump tax plan moves to center, looks for Democratic support

http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/09/12/trump-is-putting-republican-leadership-on-spot-on-tax-reform-varney.html

Hurricanes expose vacant government positions

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-06/trump-s-sluggish-pace-of-staffing-may-slow-hurricane-response

What medicare for all means to you

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/09/13/what-would-sen-bernie-sanders-medicare-for-all-bill-mean-you-obamacare/662362001/

Democrats move left to Single Payer Health Care

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/03/us/democrats-universal-health-care-single-payer-party.html

Hurricane Irma: How to help

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/08/us/hurricane-irma-help-donate.html

U.S. Governors plan on stabilizing health care

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/31/apnewsbreak-governors-health-care-plan-retains-man/

Hurricane Irma, stay safe people!

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at1.shtml?cone

Since it's back on the front pages, a review of what single payer healthcare system is.

http://time.com/money/4733018/what-is-single-payer-healthcare-system/

Economic impact of Hurricane Irma

http://fortune.com/2017/09/07/hurricane-irma-damage-estimates/

Trial starts for Senator Menendez

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/09/06/sen-bob-menendez-corruption-and-bribery-trial-what-to-know.html

Hurricane Irma

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/09/07/hurricane-irmas-storm-path-what-should-know.html

Why Congress is responsible for immigration reform

https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government

Hurricane Irma

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at1+shtml/085048.shtml?cone

Economic effect of ending DACA

https://www.cato.org/blog/economic-budgetary-cost-repealing-daca-state-level

Further explanation of DACA

http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/04/politics/daca-dreamers-immigration-program/index.html

What is DACA?

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/09/01/daca-undocumented-immigrants-protections/624678001/

Opinion: Note on proper govt. staffing

Mr. President,

Qualified people need to be nominated to run the government efficiently.  Efficiency is the way to downsize government.

Where to give to help Hurricane Harvey victims

http://abcnews.go.com/US/hurricane-harvey-victims/story?id=49451305

Government cannot function properly w/o key positions filled

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/trump-administration-appointee-tracker/database/

Shale oil blunts impact of Hurricane Harvey

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/oil-markets-harvey-reaction-a-product-of-shale-revolution-2017-08-28

Hurricane Harvey: How you can help

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/hurricane-harvey-where-you-can-donate-to-help-with-disaster-relief-and-recovery/ar-AAqOb7F?li=AA4ZnC&ocid=spartandhp

Trumps true progress on vet issues

https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2017/08/23/trumps-accomplishments-on-veterans-issues-fall-short-of-administration-boasts/

Hurricane Harvey

Good luck and God bless the people of the Texas coast as they prepare for a Cat 3 hurricane.  Be safe and listen to the advice of experts when deciding whether to evacuate and what preparations need to be done.

Hurricane Harvey's impact on energy markets

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2017-08-25/hurricane-harvey-s-impact-on-the-energy-markets-video

progressive vs. flat vs. fair tax plans

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2015/08/07/our-current-tax-v-the-flat-tax-v-the-fair-tax-whats-the-difference/#e8ad80655612

U.S. Govt. debt ceiling explained

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2015/10/16/debt-ceiling-explained/24895981/

Open Enrollment coming soon, will ACA be fixed?

http://www.insure.com/health-insurance/open-enrollment-for-individual-health-insurance.html

North Korea backs down after pressure from Trump and China

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-korea-north-idUSTOE6BG05Y20101220

Governors work on bipartisan healthcare fixes

http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2017/08/01/a-bipartisan-health-care-fix-governors-have-some-ideas

Opinion: 10 Things President Trump should do next

1.  RULE #1!!  Condemn neo-nazis, KKK, white supremacists and their ilk.  Then stop talking/tweeting.  There will be another time/place to focus on other groups or issues.
2.  Hate groups use issues to cloud their intentions, play the victim.  DON'T fall for their trap.  Ignore the issue they are playing to and just condemn them.
3.  Confederate monuments need to go.  Confederate memorials should only be allowed in Civil War graveyards and at battle sites.  Know the difference between memorial and monument.
4.  Memorials should not glorify the Confederates or their cause, just educate about the times, the horrendous waste of lives and the aftermath of their actions.
5.  Learn to say these things.  I was wrong.  I am learning more about this issue.  I am sorry.
6.  Instruct FBI and Homeland Security to declare war on these hate groups and domestic terrorism.  Make sure they are well funded and make their agenda a priority in private and public.
7.  Whenever these groups are about to have a rally that will get any attention, denounce them publicly beforehand.
8.  Offer federal funding to defray the cost for the removal or relocation of these monuments/memorials.  Try to drum up matching funds from the private sector to benefit college funds for descendants of Southern slaves.
9. Work harder to staff your administration.  Use twitter and other means to call out obstructionists.  Some of the blame has to be shared for not being fully staffed.
10.  Learn from Reagan, don't attack your Republican allies.  Remember to praise in public, criticize in private.  Twitter can be your best friend.

Barcelona: As ISIL loses territory, World must brace for random attacks of terror

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/08/17/several-killed-in-spain-anti-terror-operation-after-barcelona-attack.html

Trump ends business councils after execs resign,

http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/08/16/trump-announces-end-manufacturing-council-strategic-policy-forum.html

Charlottesville rally timeline

http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/14/us/charlottesville-rally-timeline-tick-tock/index.html

Heather Heyer: Memorial held today in Charlottesville

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/charlottesville-victims-mom-to-white-supremacists-you-just-magnified-her/ar-AAqcSwt?ocid=spartandhp

Todays work force needs to constantly adapt to job oppurtunities

https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-08-09/lifelong-training-is-the-future-of-work

President tries to speed up infrastructure projects

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-15/trump-said-to-be-signing-order-to-speed-up-public-works-permits

Opinion: Confederate memorials and symbols

Those who look to the South as "dear old Dixie" may balk at removing their monuments.  They may feel that their flags aren't symbols of racism or white supremacy.  And maybe, at one time they weren't.  Maybe there was a time when the Duke boys wandered through the roads of Hazzard county. fighting against local corruption while only slightly breaking the law.  Always to do good in the end, of course.  But that isn't real, never was.  The battle flag, the monuments are now used as a tool by the neo-nazis, KKK members and their ilk to terrorize those for whom they have no respect.  They seek to divide.  These are not the sentiments condoned by the mythical "Southern Gentlemen" or that utopia of bygone times known as "Dixie".  Confederate symbols and memories belong in the history books, classrooms and graveyards.  Understanding the mistakes both sides made, the beliefs that both sides had that were so wrong, the disrespect that man had and has for their fellow man based on their differences should not be glorified.

Vigils to be held for Charlottesville victims

http://www.heraldsun.com/latest-news/article166972277.html

Charlottesville Riots

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Rep-Marsha-Blackburn-Unite-the-Right-Charlottesville-Va/2017/08/12/id/807306/

Can the ACA (Obamacare) be fixed?

http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-obamacare-reforms-health-policy-experts.html

Senate still holding up Presidential appointees

President Trump and the Senate are both responsible for the government not being properly staffed.  Appointments need to be made and confirmed, NOW!

http://www.news-leader.com/story/opinion/contributors/2017/08/08/its-august-after-all-time-staff-up-not-stonewall/549506001/

Guam: Where and what it is

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/09/world/asia/guam-north-korea-visual.html

Infrastructure bill should be a priority, Congress needs to multi-task!

http://www.contractorsupplymagazine.com/pages/News---20170809-US-records-lowest-level-ever-of-infrastructure-spending.php

North Korea: No good options

https://www.voanews.com/a/us-north-korea-showdown-comes-with-catastrophic-risk/3978251.html

President Trump needs to prioritize Administration appointments

https://politicalwire.com/2017/08/09/trump-still-no-ambassador-south-korea/

Trump tax reform plan needs bipartisan support, therefore it has no chance

https://cdn.klove.com/news/2017/08/02/President-s-Proposed-Tax-Reform-Will-Need-Bipartisan-Support

Trump and Senate Dems both to blame for Administration not being staffed

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2017/08/07/President-Trumps-nominations-lagging-after-200-days-in-office/8301502128028/

Turbulent times ahead for Venezuela

http://sasknow.com/article/672709/whats-next-new-venezuela-assembly-has-vast-powers

Breaking down the new unemployment report

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-economists-say-about-the-jobs-report-trump-calls-excellent-2017-08-04

Trump's new chief of staff, Who is Gen. John Kelly

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jul/28/general-john-f-kelly-new-white-house-chief-of-staff-profile

Options with North Korea

https://www.vox.com/world/2017/8/1/16068716/north-korea-icbm-missile-test-bomber-south-korea-japan

What is a single payer healthcare system and who wants it

http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/single-payer-healthcare-pluses-minuses-means-201606279835

Next step taken in Trump/Russia Investigation. Grand Jury impaneled.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/3/robert-mueller-impanels-grand-jury-russia-probe/

Trump helps spouses of Armed Forces when moved

https://federalsoup.com/blogs/federal-resume/2017/07/jobs-priority-for-relocated-military-spouses.aspx

Dow hits record 22000, what does it mean?

http://www.barrons.com/articles/what-does-dow-22-000-even-mean-1501692276

Reasons health care costs are increasing higher than inflation

http://www.frontiergroup.org/reports/fg/diagnosing-high-cost-health-care

Would a malpractice awards cap lower healthcare cost

http://health.wusf.usf.edu/post/house-seeks-cap-malpractice-awards#stream/0

why generic drugs take so long to get to market

http://raps.org/Regulatory-Focus/News/2016/08/17/25632/Patents-vs-Market-Exclusivity-Why-Does-it-Take-so-Long-to-Bring-Generics-to-Market/

Tax Reform battle about to begin

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/quick-guide-upcoming-battle-tax-reform/

Trump needs to focus on getting his administration staffed

http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/14/trump-political-appointees-compared-to-obama-bush-240573

Trump and Dems still both to blame for government appointment failures

http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/democrats-senate-trump-recess-appointments/2017/07/25/id/803700/

Congress still not able to make any progress on Health Care.

http://www.businessinsider.com/senate-health-care-vote-repeal-without-replace-2017-7

Good News: Scalise discharged from hospital

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/scalise-discharged-from-hospital-beginning-rehabilitation/ar-AAoRXyR?OCID=ansmsnnews11

Trump needs to ignore Russia distractions and focus on tax plan

http://www.newsmax.com/Finance/NigelGreen/trump-tax-reform-growth/2017/07/20/id/802839/

Republicans start process for tax reform in House

http://www.unionleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20170719/news06/170729950

What's next for ISIL in Iraq?

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2017/07/20/after-mosul-whats-next-for-the-fight-in-iraq/

Infrastructure is a job creator and may become a crisis

http://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/

Helping youth find jobs, why couldn't this be bipartisan?

https://democraticunderground.com/10029346006

GOP doesn't know what bill they are about to vote on. Reminds me of Pelosi with O-Care saying you have to pass it to find out what's in it. Unacceptable then and surely now after 7 years to get their ducks in order

http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-ahead-of-key-vote-details-of-gop-health-bill-still-unknown-2017-7

Trump nominess, both White House and democrats to blame for slow confirmations

http://www.therepublic.com/2017/07/11/us-trump-nominees-spin-meter-2/

List of President Trump's executive orders

http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/here-s-full-list-donald-trump-s-executive-orders-n720796

Bills passed by President Trump

http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/29/politics/president-trump-legislation/index.html

Kate's Law to have tough fight in Senate

https://www.amren.com/news/2017/07/kates-law-battle-shifts-senate-testing-dems/

ISIL driven out of Mosul but destruction is everywhere

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/09/world/middleeast/mosul-isis-liberated.html

G20 Summit: Syrian ceasefire and not much more accomplished.

http://www.newsnation.in/world-news/g20-summit-president-donald-trump-wins-key-concessions-on-climate-trade-from-world-leaders-article-176421.html

The other side of the Interstate Health Insurance Question

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/01/upshot/the-problem-with-gop-plans-to-sell-health-insurance-across-state-lines.html

One side of the Interstate Health Insurance argument

http://thefederalist.com/2014/05/28/why-selling-health-insurance-across-state-lines-is-a-good-thing/

Transfer Obamacare to state level?

http://thefederalist.com/2017/06/30/solve-health-care-impasse-gop-senators-extend-flexibility-want-states/

US/Cuba Policy Changes

http://www.denverpost.com/2017/07/02/donald-trump-cuba-policy-travel/

2017 Tax Reform proposals

https://www.kitces.com/blog/understanding-the-2017-income-tax-reform-proposals-president-trump-vs-the-house-republicans/

ISIS in Iraq

http://www.torontosun.com/2017/07/02/isis-is-down-in-iraq-but-not-destroyed

Progress of VA Accountability Act

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/hr1259

Summary of "TrumpCare"

https://lintvwavy.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/kkf-summary-of-the-american-health-care-act-march-2017.pdf

Left and center democrats split over healthcare

http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/democrats-split-joining-gop-health-care-fix-n777816

Mission Statement

The purpose of this blog is to provide news and analysis of the top stories for the week.  I'm not getting into "twitter wars" or other nonsense.  I'm focusing on issues, accomplishments and events that influence our daily lives and culture.