News Burst: April 25, 2017 (Patreon)

Hey All,

I hope you are doing well, and that you enjoyed yesterday’s new episode of Colin’s Last Stand (which was Part II of the CalExit miniseries, if you’re curious). Thursday’s episode is going to be about something more inherently political (and timely), and will be filmed in my emptying old apartment. So, stand by for that. Or, as they say in Japan, “please look forward to it.”

Speaking of moving, I’m already very tired. Then again, it’s strangely satisfying going through things, tossing shit away, and taking stock of what you actually have. And let me tell you, even living intentionally as a minimalist, I have way too much shit. C’est la vie.

Alright, let’s do the news!

Michael Flynn’s Russia Connection Grows Clearer: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/25/us/politics/michael-flynn-white-house-documents-russia.html

My Take: We’re all so exhausted by the constant Russia prodding and blaming -- including me -- but it seems like, in a sea of absolutely nothing, there’s something going on here with Michael Flynn. Perhaps not the world’s biggest revelation, considering Michael Flynn was booted out of the Trump administration weeks into the term, and weeks later offered to talk to the FBI in exchange for immunity. I suppose it was fairly obvious that the other shoe was going to drop sooner or later.

Here’s the rub: Michael Flynn didn’t appear to disclose his business goings-ons in Russia, specifically when he needed to disclose such information to work within the administration itself (as National Security Advisor, in this case). Making matters more interesting is that this new assault is bipartisan; Jason Chaffetz, Utah Republican who recently, mysteriously announced he wouldn’t run again in his completely safe district, is the guy pointing the finger. Obviously, the Democrats have already been after him.

Is this as far as it goes? I have no idea. I’m not sure any of us really do. I’ll remain in a wait-and-see formation until further notice...

Ann Coulter’s Going to Berkeley: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2017/04/25/uc-berkeley-readies-police-as-ann-coulter-plans-to-speak-in-public-plaza-on-campus/?utm_term=.11f05fdcc5ad

My Take: This is an important issue, and I’ve been so pleased to see so many from across the political spectrum come out in defense of Ms. Coulter, including Bernie Sanders and Nancy Pelosi. It’s a great sign that the left (and, more exactly, the far left) still have some modicum of decency left when it comes to the freedom of speech, and for the freedom of someone to express themselves without suffering from a so-called Heckler’s Veto. With mainstream Democrats now coming out in defense of Coulter, it appears that only a small group of strangely fascist anti-fascists and their cohorts are the only ones against having her speak. Oh well.

All of this comes on the back of an agreed-upon, and then rescinded invitation from UC Berkeley and associated student groups to have Coulter speak in two days, on April 27th. As UC Berkeley is a publically-funded school, her freedom of speech and expression, in this regard and in this situation, cannot be infringed upon. Which is why the student groups opted to sue UC Berkeley, and why even the ACLU -- notoriously left wing, but occasionally coming out in defense of right wing people -- are defending Coulter.

Coulter will now be speaking in Sproul Plaza, which is symbolic, as the Free Speech Movement that Berkeley helped create 50-someodd years ago was centered there. I have no doubt whatsoever that violence is going to occur and Antifa are going to be babies and all of that, but I’m glad Coulter is speaking (even if I don’t agree with her at times [and almost never agree with her demeanor]). When’s the last time so many people that are usually at each other’s throats agreed with one another about something? It’s a silver lining to the anti-speech cloud, as it were.

Trump’s Sanctuary City Move is Blocked: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SANCTUARY_CITIES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-04-25-16-15-56

My Take: During one of last week’s News Bursts, I spoke a bit about how the Trump administration -- particularly its Justice Department -- would be making moves against so-called Sanctuary Cities by withholding certain government funds from them. I personally felt like it was a good, smart move, to take what I thought would be perfectly legal punitive steps against cities that refuse to follow federal law in regard to something important like immigration.

But it seems federal judges disagree. The crux of the issue here is that, according to one federal judge in particular, POTUS cannot alter the nature of government outlays to force a political point through. Makes sense to me, honestly… can’t say I really thought of it that way. Allowing him to do that would open up a whole can of worms down the line (not that that stops anyone from doing anything stupid in Washington D.C.).

My one grievance here, however, is this note from the judge: “Federal funding that bears no meaningful relationship to immigration enforcement cannot be threatened merely because a jurisdiction chooses an immigration enforcement strategy of which the president disapproves.” That’s not really what’s happening, which is why I’m wondering if Trump and company will appeal. It’s not a matter of personal disapproval; they are literally nullifying federal law. But I digress.

Poor Ivanka: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/04/25/ivanka-trump-europe-women-backlash-237601

My Take: If you didn’t see Last Week Tonight this past weekend, you should go watch it, because it’s all about Ivanka Trump (and her husband, Jared). I didn’t really agree with Oliver’s assessment there, simply because, as he admits, we don’t know much about Ivanka. We hear rumors and innuendo, but it never gets down to facts. How close is she to the levers of power? How much sway does she really have over her dad? The answers are “close” and “a lot,” according to a lot of people, but who knows.

What I do know is that I kinda feel bad for her. To me, she seems to be a pretty normal, grounded, and intelligent person (considering the circumstances, anyway) who is often put into awkward positions defending some stupid shit her father said. She’s a good daughter, and she clearly loves her dad, which makes her loyal -- an amazing trait in any person -- but she must feel like shit a lot, too. Sure, she probably never saw herself in the position she’s in two years ago, or even one, but still… her day-to-day can’t be that easy.

That’s why I thought it was strange that POTUS would send his daughter to the European wolves (not an insult, by the way… I just know how Europeans feel about the President), and, of course, she wasn’t greeted very warmly when she spoke of her dad, specifically in regard to his stances on women. An interesting piece of this story, which I encourage you to read, relates to how Ivanka (and her family) are viewed in China as compared to Europe. A little tidbit that I didn’t know.

Tax Reform’s A-Comin’: http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/330552-gop-trump-administration-huddles-on-tax-reform

My Take: As we discussed last week, tax reform is coming down the pike, and we should learn more about it -- at least in terms of some actionable specifics -- as soon as tomorrow. Unfortunately, what’s coming out about the tax deal isn’t really too appealing, at least to me. Lowering the corporate tax 20 points is a great first step, but taxing people’s 401(k) accounts as a result? What? Why would anyone think that’s a good idea. The entire idea of putting money into 401(k) and IRA accounts is to dodge taxes now and take the money out (far) later. Removing the no-tax incentive means fewer people will likely save, even if the tax is minor.

I need to see the personal rates to really get excited. Still, everyone involved -- from the administration to Senate and House officials -- note that it’s early. Until tomorrow, I suppose…

(Associated Reading... Ryan’s Role in Tax Reform Unclear: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/04/25/ryan-trump-tax-reform-237604)

Will the Government Shut Down?: http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/330561-shutdown-fears-spur-horse-trading

My Take: This is always a battle every fucking year, because Congress can’t act like adults, work with one another, or get anything done. It’s actually outright embarrassing at this point. In anycase, it seems like the adults in the room are prevailing, as folks are making deals with one another to make sure the shutdown doesn’t occur (which would happen on Saturday, if nothing was done, as we stand now).

The trade is that Democrats will get Obamacare subsidies, and the Republicans will get an increase in military funding, which is exactly what we need right now, so that’s fantastic.

Where the hell does all of this money come from? Oh, that’s right. It’s borrowed, to the tune of $20 trillion and counting. Really scary stuff, when you think about it. So do yourself a favor and don’t think about it.

Our Trade War With… Canada?!: http://www.politico.com/agenda/story/2017/04/25/canada-becomes-a-prime-target-in-trumps-trade-offense-000427

My Take: In case you missed it, the Trump administration has enacted tariffs on Canadian-exported softwood lumber hailing from the Great North and entering our precious American borders. The tariffs amount to no more than 24% -- a steep tariff, indeed -- but what’s puzzling about it is why Trump is aiming at the neighbors we have an actual friendly and reasonable relationship with. (You’ll remember that last week, I noted that Trump and Canada were in a tizzy over milk imports and exports.)

The reason this article is interesting isn’t only because it goes into this new tariff, but because it goes into why Trump feels so comfortable attacking Canada instead of the actual targets of his ire during the campaign when it came to trade: China and Mexico. The reason? Canada can’t retaliate. Our trade relationship with Canada is such that they couldn’t be nearly as punitive as Mexico and (especially) China, so we’re going after them first.

Sorry, Canadians. I still love you.