"There are no coincidences in politics"......

If you listen to radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh you probably have

heard him say this subject quote often.

Revelations over the past few months by so many women coming forward,

primary in Hollywood, but also in the media and politics, speaking out

about being sexually assaulted brings Limbaugh's words to mind.

We are told such behavior has been well known,  but also well hidden, 

from the public at large. So, why are so many women speaking out now, 

after many years and even decades of being silent? 

What could be the reason this wall of silence is now being breached?

If what Limbaugh believes, "there are no coincidences in politics", this 

is not happenstance, so its not a stretch to conclude its 'political', and 

aggressively advanced to benefit the desires conjured up by the new 

and  younger leaders of the women's movement who refused to turn
a blind eye to such behavior as women such as Hillary Clinton,
Gloria Steinem and other noted 'feminists' did. 

If  there is such an effort, its being done at the expense of all men,
not solely the ones that deservedly should be held to account.

All men now become "specimens" to be examined, whether they are 

the target  of accusations or not, and regardless of their support of

issues important to women!

This political 'machine' may have been actively seeking out women 

that have been victims of physical assault, which should not have

been hard, as the rumors were ripe so they could be easily found.

Assaulted women were encouraged to come forward, and assured

they will get full support and legal council if needed. They no longer

needed to fear the threat to their careers.

I expect to see the evidence of the politics coming, in the form of 

fund raising emails, public service announcements in the media 

and politicians campaigning on "workplace behavior".

There may even be a new wrinkle in women's forums across academia, 

where male behavior will analyzed and result in a scholarly lobotomy

of the male species by learned professors.

This will be good, as the curtain will be pulled back so everyone can see
how those with the power to control others will be exposed and rightfully prosecuted.

Political or not, this needs to be done!

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Generosity of wealthiest Americans needs to be applauded

The generosity of the past needs to be remembered today, especially

when the most generous of today are scorned for not paying as much 

as some politicians demand they should.

Thankfully, this divisive criticism has not kept those who have given
the most continue to give the  most, even to a government which violates
its responsibility of being good stewards of taxes paid, whether the money 

comes from minimum wage earners or billionaires.

Most of us know of the generosity of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet but few

know the names of the people that can be found on the front of major 

hospitals, universities and museums in most cities spread from coast 

to coast.

Rather than criticizing these philanthropists even as the enormous
amounts they pay in taxes already fund over 90% of our government,
they should be applauded for doing the good they do, providing all
Americans the benefitsof their generosity.

History reminds us of Andrew Mellon, a leader in American philanthropy

who funded cherished institutions such as the National Gallery of Art. 

Even today the Mellon Foundation continues the philanthropy of its 

founder, eighty years after his passing. 

There was also JP Morgan who funded the New York Museum of Natural 

History and Metropolitan Museum of Art.

These vital resources allow the poorest of the poor to benefit from the
generosity of America's wealthiest!

But, philanthropy did not die when Mellon, Morgan and Rockefeller died,
it still continues today!

Here is a snapshot of giving in the first twenty years of this century.

Top university donations:

Bill and Melinda Gates: Gate scholarship program. $1 billion over decades

Ted Stanley: the Broad Institute, $650 million since 2006

Gordon and Betty Moore: California Institute of Technology, $600 million

Florence and Herbert Irving: Columbia & New York Presbyterian, $600 million bequest

Note: There are many more, including Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, Univ.
of Oregon and Johns Hopkins.

Top hospital donations:

Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation: New York Presbyterian
Hospital, $75 million

Bernie Marcus (Home Depot): Marcus Heart and Vascular Center,
community hospital, $75 million

Kingsley and Kenyon Gillespie: Stamford CT Hospital Foundation,
$50 million.

Ernest Tschann: US Davis (California) Health System, $38 million.

Brian and Aileen Roberts: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, $25 million

Note: there are dozens more with donations $5 million of greater.

Top Arts donations:

Paul Alan, numerous gifts, totaling over $370 million

Arthur and Margaret Glasgow: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, $70 million

Phillip and Patricia Frost: Miami Science Museum, $35 million

Jorge Perez: Miami Art Museum, $30 million

Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest: art complex at Columbia University,
$30 million

David Rubinstein: Kennedy Center, $12 million

We are Blessed to live in the most generous nation in history.  We should
tune out divisive rhetoric of self-serving politicians and "tune in"  to the
self-less acts the wealthiest provide for all Americans.

.

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Presidential Conservative Black Council

An unlikely advocate for a conservative movement in Black communities

appears to be President Trump as he addressed these constituents directly.

As some may recall, when Trump was campaigning he reached out
to the Black  community as no Republican presidential candidate has
ever done,  when he cited the failed Democrat policies and ended his
statement with  "What have  you got to lose?" A simple direct message
long past being asked.

As president, Mr Trump can do something as significant as Lyndon
Johnson did, give voice to people who have been muted today for the 

way they think as all Blacks were fifty years ago when they did not

have equal rights for the color of their skin.

These Black Americans are being told how to think and for even which

political party to vote for.  Those who do not adhere to these 'directives' 

are shamed, some even shunned by members of their own families.

It is long past time conservative Blacks gained the same respect enjoyed
by Blacks who are both Democrat and liberal.

President Trump has the opportunity to give voice to a group that has

been disrespected and silenced simply for believing as they do.

The answer would be a presidential council for Black conservatives,

from many backgrounds, in academia, faith, politics, journalism and

industry.

Conservatism is the essential, yet missing, 'ingredient' not found in
impoverished communities and hurt Blacks the most for it has been 

unable to crack the impenetrable wall of govt. mandated "socialism" 

permeating throughout their commutities.  

The purpose of this council would be to achieve a single objective,
to end the cycle of despair millions of Blacks have endured as they
lived through and could not escape the failed policies of the "Great

Society".

Such a council would bring together conservatives of note, like Walter

Williams, Thomas Sowell, Shelby Steel, Jesse Lee Peterson, Larry Elder,

Alveda King, Darrell Scott, Herman Caine and Vernon Robinson among

others.

Gaining this long overdue visibility would be a giant step for the values

of conservatism once again returning to Black communities where at

one time had thrived, yet now has been decimated while communities

with freedom to think  differently and vote accordingly have prospered.

In closing, I can only ask President Trump the same question he asked 

members of Black communities across our nation while campaigning, 

"what have you got to lose?".

Those in agreement, pass along and even drop your own note to the 

president via the White House website.

In Faith,

Anthony Bruno

Cary, NC

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Duel cartridges, the true cause of mass carnage

Its not surprising every time there is "mass carnage" where firearms are 

used the argument resonates of what must be done, pass more stringent

gun legislation or completing disarm the public from defending itself.

This is appealing to the 'quick fix' crowd that believes firearms are the 

problem and if only the availability of guns and ammo was greatly reduced

"mass carnage" would not occur.

What proponents of tougher gun laws do not add to the mix are the number events of "mass carnage" where fire arms were not used.  

We don't  need to begin any earlier than 1983  when  241 US and 58 French

peace keepers were killed when a truck bomb was used to destroy the barracks they occupied in Lebanon.

For more than three decades bombs, even suicide bombers, were used to
kill the innocent throughout the Middle East.

Now, advance to 1995 when 168 people were murdered in the Oklahoma City bombing. 

Nor, we will never forget the 3000 lives lost when jet planes deliberately 

crashed into buildings in 2001 on 9/11.

Finally, more recently bombings in London subways and trucks running over people in Spain and New York City resulted in the latest "mass carnage".  

In none of these events were firearms used to kill these multitudes!  Yet, 

within the political sphere the debate continues, a tug-o-war that always

ends in a draw until the next occurrence revisits the same argument using

the same rhetoric.

What needs to be remembered is that there are two 'cartridges' that go
hand-in-hand by those who commit these heinous acts, they suffer from
either one or both.  They can always  be found, even if rarely mentioned,
when scores of innocent people are murdered. 

After the fact law enforcement, politicians, academic and the public at large

get close to them when they attempt to understand  "why did he do this?"

On occasion the state mind is mentioned, but quickly dispatched as fire
arms once again becomes the go-to reason.

These cartridges have been with us since the beginning of mankind, spoken

often in the Biblical context to draw attention and warn us. They will never 

go away, and must always be fought relentlessly.

They are 'evil' and 'insanity' and no new laws will ever stop them from 

being 'fired' indiscriminately to cause mass carnage.

Your feedback greatly appreciated.....

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Congress "Hush Money" piggy bank!

This is the opening in a CNN report on sexual harassment in Congress. 

(CNN) Two things have become painfully clear on Capitol Hill this week: 

Lawmakers and staffers say sexual harassment is "rampant", but even 

members of Congress have no idea just how widespread the problem is.

I can believe the first part but find it difficult to believe the second,
members had "no idea how widespread it is".

This issue became public when Rep. Jackie Speier, a California Democrat

held a press conference to address it.  Details found on CNN link:

http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/16/politics/settlements-congress-sexual-harassment/ 

Rep. Speier told of the problem, the stealth payments totally more than

$15 million, even the source of the money, the House administration 
committee chaired by Gregg Harper, Mississippi Republican, newly 
elected in January and yet to make any payments.

Even Speaker Paul Ryan attempted to comfort us by ordering 'mandatory' 

sexual harassment training for members and their staff, which only 
solidified the "rampant" claim CNN reported!  This is not minor by any
yardstick used.

It also appears the US Congress has been complicit, protecting its
members from embarrassing publicity and even worse, prosecution,
by silencing women with courage to speak out about sexual harassment
in their workplace, which happens to be the US Capitol.

With reports of sexual harassment in Hollywood and corporate America
it  should be no surprise even in politics it can be found, as there is already
a lengthening  'wall of shame' of past and even current members.

You would think forty years after the birth of the 'women's movement',
men had "moved" outside the Neanderthal caves they lived in!

But, it appears many members of Congress have not and the reason we
now learn of the Congressional "piggy bank" used to silence women, and
even men, that came forward to complain they have been harassed.

Like so many problems uncovered in Congress sexual harassment may
run the course for a week, maybe two, than die as most things that blemish
the stellar reputations of the people we elect.

But, it does not have to disappear from the radar.  The American people
can stoke the coals so the heat of the political fire will get even hotter until
the sexual abusing members "cool down" and behave accordingly.

This is a rare issue that should easily receive bi-partisan support. Not from

lawmakers, they can only be counted to slap themselves on the wrist with 

one hand while slapping each other on their backs with the other.

Only pressure from constituents will end the abuse of power so proper
behavior and mutual respect will become the only conduct found in the
US Capitol.

We have a good starting point, contacting:
Rep. Speir:  https://speier.house.gov/

Rep. Harper: https://harper.house.gov/ 
Speaker Ryan:  https://paulryan.house.gov

Next, contact your member of Congress, this site will searches by zip code: 

https://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

Let each of them know you demand that no members of Congress or their
staff receive dispensation for their behavior or actions and expect full
review of all allegations and prosecution when evidence is presented.

Get engaged, it is the only way to get results...

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FINALLY, good news coming out of Washington......

Once again the media is focusing on 'identity politics' rather what

is actually happening in the Trump Administration.  

This time the media finds it "newsworthy" to report who the president

is appointing which is the polar opposite to criteria found in most 

newsrooms.

The headlines across the media spectrum blare, "In search of federal

judges, Trump taps mostly white men" and "Trump picking

white males for judiciary at highest rate in 30 years".

This should not be unexpected, for it once again sets a false narrative 

of what is actually occurring, something the public has been resigned 

to accept.

Now, why would President Trump appoint White jurists at a higher rate

than his recent predecessors have done? What could reason possibly be?

Its simple, but don't expect to see the answer in the headlines.

President Trump has selected conservative jurists as he campaigned he 

would do. THAT is the story....period!

Sadly, there is clear evidence most 'people of color' serving on the bench

are not conservative, they are overwhelmingly liberal or progressive and 

worse believe in judicial activism rather than ruling on existing law.

This story may be worthy of reporting, but not for the reason the 'bean 

counters' in Washington and academia are focusing on. 

The reason is simple, this increase in White jurists being appointed is due

to one reason only, they are the most conservative, qualified judges that 

do rule on existing law and deserving of an appointment by a president to 

thinks likewise! 

Its nice to finally read REAL news coming from the media, especially when

it has the reporters so unhinged!!!!

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Tax Reform, 2018 edition

As the year is coming to a close many of us are giving thought to 

preparing our taxes.

Earlier this year I viewed next April 15th with anticipation as it 

was to be the last year complex tax returns would be required 

by the IRS. 

We were told future submissions would be so simple the highly 

touted "post card" politicians have been promising for decades 

is all that would be required!

Unfortunately, promises 'post marked' from Washington usually 

can only be found in the 'dead letter office'.

Add, if what we are now hearing from politicians is true than tax

"reform' will be little more than shifting the burden from some 

taxpayers to others  and not eliminate much of  the 70,000 pages

of our tax code, which should please the lobbyists working for

HR Block and Turbo tax!

The simplification effort began in the House, which initiates all 

taxing and spending, by promoting the replacement post card

earlier this year.  But, other than speculation of what was to some, 

little if anything was presented to the public.

The House, which hasn't even produced its required budget on time,

began to work in earnest last month when its offered a reduction in

the number of brackets from five to four with the highest rate remaining.

And, to appease the 'get the rich' loons the House introduced an 8% 

surcharge on their income.

The only thing that dropped was the promise all taxpayers would see

their taxes cut!

Additionally, coupled with tax plan,  the House offered a $4 trillion 

budget that would add $500 billion in new debt to the $22 trillion we 

already owe!  

It appears the only person in Washington who wants to cut federal

spending is President Trump!

Once the House submitted its plan the Senate rolled up its collectives

sleeves and began to develop its own tax reform plan. 

Not to be outdone by the broken promises coming from the House the

Senate 'trumped' its  colleagues by ADDING two brackets, now totaling 

seven!

The other promise, lowering corporate taxes to 20% from 39% never 

made it out of committee, citing any reduction would not occur until

2019, notably after the 2018 election, more than a coincidence in a 

city governed by a calendar.

History serves as a reminder when Congress commits to doing something

'down the road', the road is usually filled with political land mines to give 

them cover for not doing anything at all, leaving it for a future Congress.

Keep this in mind as to begin your Christmas shopping, don't overspend. Congress is no different than Santa and we all know who pays for what

Santa delivers!

Oh, also there will be no need to purchase a 'post card' either.   

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Once again, the media insults 'our' intelligence!!

After the Democrat victories in both NJ and VA you would think

it was a major defeat for the Republican Party and a 'repudiation' 

(the scripted word used over and over) of President Trump.

But, in all the blather we have heard, one statement of fact has

been omitted in every media report, ​a comparison with ​each 
state's winner in  last year's presidential election!  

And, for good reason, it throws a monkey wrench in their asinine 

reporting!!!

Here is a reminder of what occurred in 2016 compared with the
2017 NJ and VA elections:

Virginia results:

2016 Presidential election 
1,981,473      49.73%                   1,769,443      44.41%

2017 Governor election                                   
1,405,007     53.9%                     1,172,533    45.0%

New Jersey results:
2016 Presidential election   
2,148,278      53.9%​                    1,601,9333    41.35%

2017 Governor election 
1,164,980     55.60%                 1,172,533     45.0%

The results show Hillary won BOTH VA and NJ just as Northam
and Murphy won their respective contests.

No network dared to air these comparative results, and for good 

reason, it would prevent them from making a fraudulent stretch 

from reality to the fantasy world they prefer to report from​.

Yet, the media is still asking us to believe it was a major setback
for President Trump.  Hardly!!

Both Virginia and New Jersey are states governed by centralized
powers that place partisan Democrat 'thumb prints' elections.

In NJ its the teacher's unions that have the power and ensures

the highest property taxes in the nation will remain and never 
give homeowners the tax relief they have long deserved.

In Virginia, its the "swamp", the people that depend on Washington

for their livelihood. In fact, even ​many ​Republicans prefer anyone
but an outsider who threatens to cut federal agency budgets. 

This is what we can count on seeing in these states for the forseeable

future, which you should remember when you listen to the same 
fraudulent reason Democrats won these elections.

​Thankfully, agents of change can still be elected as President Trump
has proven!​

Found wanting.....'good Samaritans' in Hollywood

For those who watched 'Seinfeld' you may remember the last two episodes 

as the cast was on trial for ignoring the 'Good Samaritan" law when they

failed to come to the aid of a mugging victim by remaining bystanders.

Jerry, Kramer, George and Elaine were convicted and the judge said they 

showed  a "callous indifference and utter disregard for everything that is 

good and decent".

This came to mind as I observe what is going on in Hollywood with allegations against movie executive Harvey Weinstein and notable actors.

We have learned many in the Hollywood 'community' were well aware of 

this pattern of  behavior yet showed the same indifference to this abuse 

and even criminal behavior as people in powerful positions took advantage

 of young women and men by making unwanted sexual advances.

But, there may have been a 'clue' of what was going on that was hidden 
by a 'wall of silence' throughout the industry. 

The clue presented itself eight seasons ago when "Entourage", an 
HBO series, came on the air.  'Entourage' tells the story of a young, 
successful actor, his brother and two friends, his entourage. 

In addition to following their exploits we also learn Hollywood is 
a den of misogynists consumed with 'bedding' young, vulnerable
women, then bragging of their conquests. 

As we read the true stories today, the fictional 'Entourage' draws a 
troubling parallel.

It needs to be asked, where were are all the Hollywood stars that knew 
what was going on yet remained mute?  And, aren't they equally culpable 
in the real world as the Seinfeld cast was in his fictional portrayal?

Where is THEIR shame, where is THEIR responsibility?  These  are the
same people that publicly 'celebrate' the women in their industry when 
it suits them and  privately denigrates them with their behavior, treating 
as chattel, rather than people deserving of respect and keeping their dignity.

As the allegations lead to prosecutions I hope the judge assigned to the trial
is equal in his disdain towards the Hollywood community for its failure to do 
what is right as the 'judge' from Seinfeld was when he rendered judgement.

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The Silence of Republicans is deafening......

When Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller announced the indictments I thought back to Ken Starr,

who served as Independent Council investigating former President Bill Clinton.

When I think of Mueller and Starr I take note of a disappointing distinction.  The Republicans 

did not attack Mueller who once served as FBI director, not even after Mueller chose a staff

that only served either Clinton or President Obama.  

The deference of the Republicans in Congress towards Mueller is what the public expects

to ensure partisanship does not undermine the process.

Thinking back, this did not occur during the Clinton investigation by Starr. The Democrats

immediately went on the attack against Starr, insulting him throughout the investigation

to portray hims as a partisan investigator. You would think Starr was being investigated, 

not a sitting president.

This is where we are, the Democrats do what Democrats do, show little, if any, respect for

their political adversaries, they 'circle the partisan wagons' to protect anyone on "their side",

yet go on a full assault against the opposition party.

I write this as I heard Sen. Chuck Schumer go on a political attack against President 

Trump today after the horrendous attack in NYC yesterday that killed eight.

While Schumer does have the right to offer into the Congressional record his opinion

of Trump, I could not help but wonder where are the Republican voices supporting the

president's desire to strengthen our immigration vetting process.  

The pattern of behavior remains the same, the Democrats kick, scream and rant

and the Republican behave with expected polite decorum.

At least we now have a president that understands the problems of our flawed immigration

policy and rightly speaks out against it rather than allow its failures to go unchallenged.

Be thankful at least one Republican stands with those of us equally  deeply concerned.

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