Several key advisers to former President Barack Obama have poured scorn on President Donald Trump’s support for the protests sweeping Iran in recent days.
In 2009, when the “Green Revolution” threatened the Iranian regime, Obama and his administration refrained from supporting the protests. Obama said that “we respect Iranian sovereignty and want to avoid the United States being the issue inside of Iran.”
That weak response, and the administration’s general lack of support for the demonstrators, allowed the regime to consolidate power.
Obama was more concerned with preserving the possibility of an eventual deal on Iran’s nuclear program than he was in removing the Iranian regime as a strategic threat or in standing up for human rights. Critics charge that Obama missed a golden opportunity.
Former National Security Advisor Susan Rice tweeted a New York Times op-ed by former Obama aide Philip Gordon, “How Can Trump Help Iran’s Protesters? Be Quiet.”
More shilling for the mullahs here..
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, January 03, 2018
Judicial Watch: New Clinton Emails On Weiner Laptop
On Friday, the U.S. Department of State began releasing Huma Abedin’s work-related documents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that were found on her estranged husband Anthony Weiner’s personal laptop.
This is a major victory. After years of hard work in federal court, Judicial Watch forced the State Department to finally allow Americans to see these public documents. We have been following this case closely because from our past experience we know that Abedin’s emails include classified and other sensitive materials.
The document are still being posted, but our team has seen enough to confirm that classified information from Hillary Clinton’s email server has been found on the laptop of Anthony Weiner, the disgraced former congressman from New York who was married to Clinton aide Huma Abedin. The fact that classified information has been found from Clinton and Abedin on Weiner’s laptop shows the urgent need for a criminal investigation by the Justice Department.
Back in October, in accordance with a court ordered production of documents, the State Department announced: “The State Department identified approximately 2,800 work-related documents among the documents provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.” The State Department told the court it expected to complete its review and production of the FBI records by December 31, 2017.
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This is a major victory. After years of hard work in federal court, Judicial Watch forced the State Department to finally allow Americans to see these public documents. We have been following this case closely because from our past experience we know that Abedin’s emails include classified and other sensitive materials.
The document are still being posted, but our team has seen enough to confirm that classified information from Hillary Clinton’s email server has been found on the laptop of Anthony Weiner, the disgraced former congressman from New York who was married to Clinton aide Huma Abedin. The fact that classified information has been found from Clinton and Abedin on Weiner’s laptop shows the urgent need for a criminal investigation by the Justice Department.
Back in October, in accordance with a court ordered production of documents, the State Department announced: “The State Department identified approximately 2,800 work-related documents among the documents provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.” The State Department told the court it expected to complete its review and production of the FBI records by December 31, 2017.
More
Five of the worst university policies restricting free speech in 2017
This past year’s political landscape has been quite tense with riots, protests, stand-outs, and demonstrations. Participants in these protests and nonviolent demonstrations were expressing their right to free speech, which is protected under the First Amendment. Unfortunately, many students across the country were restricted from participating in the aforementioned actions due to public universities infringing on freedom of speech through campus policies.
Public education, funded by taxpayers, must be free from any influence of the opinions of administrators or faculty. Our tax dollars should not go to a school to teach or promote one point of view. Rather, they must be dispassionate and promote the free discussion and cordial debate of ideas – even ideas with which the majority of students, or administration, may not agree.
To promote one point of view and censor another is infringing on the freedom of speech for those of the opposite view – the exact oppression that our founders wished to prevent when they wrote the Constitution.
The following five universities have speech code policies that restrict their students from free expression and speech:
Public education, funded by taxpayers, must be free from any influence of the opinions of administrators or faculty. Our tax dollars should not go to a school to teach or promote one point of view. Rather, they must be dispassionate and promote the free discussion and cordial debate of ideas – even ideas with which the majority of students, or administration, may not agree.
To promote one point of view and censor another is infringing on the freedom of speech for those of the opposite view – the exact oppression that our founders wished to prevent when they wrote the Constitution.
The following five universities have speech code policies that restrict their students from free expression and speech:
City Of Salisbury Offices Closed Tomorrow
In anticipation of heavy snowfall and difficult travel conditions, City of Salisbury offices will be CLOSED tomorrow, January 4th, 2018. It is currently anticipated that the City will reopen for normal operation on Friday, the 5th. If you have an emergency, please call 911. For non-emergency issues, call 410-548-3165.
County Declares emergency. Wicomico County closes
Executive Culver has determined that Wicomico County offices will be closed on Thursday, January 4, 2018. Essential personnel must report as scheduled.
Blizzard conditions with 50 miles per hour winds are expected from 3:00 a.m. until Thursday afternoon. For that reason, we believe it is important for travelers to be at home and off County roadways.
Blizzard conditions with 50 miles per hour winds are expected from 3:00 a.m. until Thursday afternoon. For that reason, we believe it is important for travelers to be at home and off County roadways.
Department heads and supervisors are to adhere to the following county declared emergency policy to compensate employees, and to ensure that all county personnel with the exception of those determined to be essential, do not report to work tomorrow.
'Not Just Murder' - Chicago Carjackings Surge To Highest Point In At Least A Decade
While already the murder capital of America, it appears law and order is really losing control as The Daily Caller's Anders Hagstrom reports that Chicago residents suffered more carjackings in 2017 than in any other year since at least 2007, new statistics released by the Chicago Police Department (CPD) show.
The CPD reported 967 carjackings in 2017 through Dec. 27, a sharp 30 percent increase over 2016’s 682 total, the Chicago Tribune reported Sunday. The past three years have shown a stark upward trend in car thefts after eight consecutive years of decline since 2007, when 898 jackings were reported. The crime rate bottomed out at roughly 300 reports in 2014.
The CPD have joined with the FBI to create a carjacking task force, however. They have reported that one of the most popular carjacking methods is the “bump and run,” where a driver will lightly rear-end another car only for his passenger to steal the vehicle when the owner gets out to inspect the damage.
These incidents almost always include the use of force, with the passenger threatening the owner with a weapon before stepping driving off in the vehicle.
More
The CPD reported 967 carjackings in 2017 through Dec. 27, a sharp 30 percent increase over 2016’s 682 total, the Chicago Tribune reported Sunday. The past three years have shown a stark upward trend in car thefts after eight consecutive years of decline since 2007, when 898 jackings were reported. The crime rate bottomed out at roughly 300 reports in 2014.
The CPD have joined with the FBI to create a carjacking task force, however. They have reported that one of the most popular carjacking methods is the “bump and run,” where a driver will lightly rear-end another car only for his passenger to steal the vehicle when the owner gets out to inspect the damage.
These incidents almost always include the use of force, with the passenger threatening the owner with a weapon before stepping driving off in the vehicle.
More
Snow Emergency in Effect January 3, 2018
The Maryland State Police Barrack "V" Berlin along with State Highway Administration has put a snow emergency plan into effect for January 3, 2018 at 1930 hours . The plan will remain in effect until further notice.
Snow Emergency Plan Somerset County
SNOW EMERGENCY IN EFFECT
The Maryland State Police at the Princess Anne Barrack in Somerset County in conjunction with local agencies and the State Highway Administration have implemented the Snow Emergency Plan. This plan is to assist the State Highway Administration in snow clearing operations throughout the county.
Effective on 1/3/2018 at 9:00 p.m. all vehicles on the roadway must be equipped with snow chains or snow tires on both driving wheels of motor vehicles. In addition, a parking ban is imposed on all snow emergency routes in the County.
A press release will be sent out advising when snow emergency plan has been lifted. Questions should be addressed to the Maryland State Police Barrack in Princess Anne at 443-260-3700.
The Maryland State Police at the Princess Anne Barrack in Somerset County in conjunction with local agencies and the State Highway Administration have implemented the Snow Emergency Plan. This plan is to assist the State Highway Administration in snow clearing operations throughout the county.
Effective on 1/3/2018 at 9:00 p.m. all vehicles on the roadway must be equipped with snow chains or snow tires on both driving wheels of motor vehicles. In addition, a parking ban is imposed on all snow emergency routes in the County.
A press release will be sent out advising when snow emergency plan has been lifted. Questions should be addressed to the Maryland State Police Barrack in Princess Anne at 443-260-3700.
Citywide State of Emergency and Snow Emergency declared
Salisbury – The expectation of extreme winter conditions over the next 18-24 hours has led to the declaration of a State of Emergency, and a Snow Emergency in the City of Salisbury. Both the State of Emergency and the Snow Emergency will take effect when the average snowfall citywide reaches four inches (4”), which is anticipated to occur during the overnight hours tonight.
Pursuant to Chapter 10.12.020 of the Municipal Code of the City of Salisbury, the Chief of Police may declare a snow emergency for all snow emergency routes as a whole or for any one or more snow emergency routes as deemed necessary.
Pursuant to Chapter 10.12.040 of the Municipal Code of the City of Salisbury, it is unlawful for any person to park a vehicle on any city street that is designated and appropriately signposted as a snow emergency route and for which a snow emergency has been declared and is in effect.
Additionally, pursuant to Chapter 10.12.050, during the time when a snow emergency is in effect, the police department shall have the authority to take possession of, issue citations for, remove, tow away and impound any vehicle found parked, stalled, incapable of proceeding under its own power or left unattended upon any street designated as a snow emergency route; and, before the owner thereof may thereafter obtain possession of such vehicles, he shall first pay the cost of removing such vehicle and any storage charges.
Again, these emergency declarations are being announced in advance of them actually taking effect, to allow citizens to prepare. Depending upon the rate of snowfall, expect both states of emergency to begin at some point overnight tonight.
Citizens are urged to stay at home and avoid driving if at all possible. If you must drive during this snow event, it is important to realize that the most slippery surfaces do not appear as hazardous as they actually are. Bridges, overpasses and intersections are common areas where the pavement freezes faster than on ordinary roadways. Please slow down, and allow extra distance when braking.
For service calls after normal business hours, please contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165. For emergency situations, please dial 911 immediately.
For information on snow emergency routes and plowing/salting operations, visit http://bit.ly/2BhxRj0
Pursuant to Chapter 10.12.020 of the Municipal Code of the City of Salisbury, the Chief of Police may declare a snow emergency for all snow emergency routes as a whole or for any one or more snow emergency routes as deemed necessary.
Pursuant to Chapter 10.12.040 of the Municipal Code of the City of Salisbury, it is unlawful for any person to park a vehicle on any city street that is designated and appropriately signposted as a snow emergency route and for which a snow emergency has been declared and is in effect.
Additionally, pursuant to Chapter 10.12.050, during the time when a snow emergency is in effect, the police department shall have the authority to take possession of, issue citations for, remove, tow away and impound any vehicle found parked, stalled, incapable of proceeding under its own power or left unattended upon any street designated as a snow emergency route; and, before the owner thereof may thereafter obtain possession of such vehicles, he shall first pay the cost of removing such vehicle and any storage charges.
Again, these emergency declarations are being announced in advance of them actually taking effect, to allow citizens to prepare. Depending upon the rate of snowfall, expect both states of emergency to begin at some point overnight tonight.
Citizens are urged to stay at home and avoid driving if at all possible. If you must drive during this snow event, it is important to realize that the most slippery surfaces do not appear as hazardous as they actually are. Bridges, overpasses and intersections are common areas where the pavement freezes faster than on ordinary roadways. Please slow down, and allow extra distance when braking.
For service calls after normal business hours, please contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165. For emergency situations, please dial 911 immediately.
For information on snow emergency routes and plowing/salting operations, visit http://bit.ly/2BhxRj0
"Black Cities Are Still Bleeding To Death": Baltimore Pastor Blames Police Absence For Surge In Killings
For the third consecutive year (2017), Baltimore City, Maryland, has had between 319-343 homicides, making it the most dangerous city in America.
On top of the death and despair, Baltimore gained national attention during the 2015 riots, after Freddie Gray, a young black male was arrested and died in police custody. Needless to say, there are much larger trends at play, including 50-years of failed Democratic leadership and decades of de-industrialization, which have ultimately given today’s war-zone a silver patter to thrive.
The Reverend Kinji Scott, a pastor in Baltimore who’s held various positions in local government, recently spoke with Lauren Frayer, an NPR journalist, on the current environment in Baltimore. Scott clearly describes the city as a war-zone and said, “we have broad daylight shootings–all over the city.”
He’s among a group of activist who believes the higher homicide rate is due to a relaxation of police patrols following the Ferguson effect and the death of Freddy Gray. “We wanted the police there,” Scott said. “We wanted them engaged in the community. We didn’t want them beating the hell out of us, we didn’t want that.” Scott believes real change will come when the black community forms strong relationships with the police; however, that has yet to happen.
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On top of the death and despair, Baltimore gained national attention during the 2015 riots, after Freddie Gray, a young black male was arrested and died in police custody. Needless to say, there are much larger trends at play, including 50-years of failed Democratic leadership and decades of de-industrialization, which have ultimately given today’s war-zone a silver patter to thrive.
The Reverend Kinji Scott, a pastor in Baltimore who’s held various positions in local government, recently spoke with Lauren Frayer, an NPR journalist, on the current environment in Baltimore. Scott clearly describes the city as a war-zone and said, “we have broad daylight shootings–all over the city.”
He’s among a group of activist who believes the higher homicide rate is due to a relaxation of police patrols following the Ferguson effect and the death of Freddy Gray. “We wanted the police there,” Scott said. “We wanted them engaged in the community. We didn’t want them beating the hell out of us, we didn’t want that.” Scott believes real change will come when the black community forms strong relationships with the police; however, that has yet to happen.
More
Garrett & Wicomico County included in job development initiative
ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Larry Hogan has announced a series of new initiatives to spur job creation and economic growth in Maryland and further establish the state’s leadership in key STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) industries.
Hogan pledged to introduce new legislation in the upcoming session to expand on the More Jobs for Marylanders Act, which was passed in the 2017 session and went into effect June 1. The program incentivizes manufacturing companies to create jobs in areas with higher unemployment by providing a tax credit for each new job created.
The new legislation, the More Jobs for Marylanders Act 2.0, will expand the reach of the program to additional jurisdictions, including Garrett, Caroline, Kent, and Wicomico counties, and allow all eligible jurisdictions to select up to three industries or sectors in addition to manufacturing where the tax credits would be applicable. This will give jurisdictions the ability to leverage their unique economic development goals and strengths to create even more jobs. The expanded program will also increase the available funding for tax credits from $9 million to $15 million.
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Hogan pledged to introduce new legislation in the upcoming session to expand on the More Jobs for Marylanders Act, which was passed in the 2017 session and went into effect June 1. The program incentivizes manufacturing companies to create jobs in areas with higher unemployment by providing a tax credit for each new job created.
The new legislation, the More Jobs for Marylanders Act 2.0, will expand the reach of the program to additional jurisdictions, including Garrett, Caroline, Kent, and Wicomico counties, and allow all eligible jurisdictions to select up to three industries or sectors in addition to manufacturing where the tax credits would be applicable. This will give jurisdictions the ability to leverage their unique economic development goals and strengths to create even more jobs. The expanded program will also increase the available funding for tax credits from $9 million to $15 million.
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Congress has a Black Caucus Racism Problem
Vicious cycle of racism, thievery in CBC must be broken
The Congressional Black Caucus had a front seat to #MeToo with the revelation that $220,000 had been paid out to a staffer alleging sexual harassment by Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL), a former judge impeached for bribery whose girlfriend has been on his payroll to the tune of $2.4 million, and that Rep. Conyers (D-MI) had his own sexual harassment settlement.
That scandal forced Rep. Conyers to resign and hand the seat to his son at the behest of his wife, Monica, who had been convicted of bribery.
Corruption, fraud and bribery are ongoing problems at the Congressional Black Caucus.
Read more
The Congressional Black Caucus had a front seat to #MeToo with the revelation that $220,000 had been paid out to a staffer alleging sexual harassment by Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL), a former judge impeached for bribery whose girlfriend has been on his payroll to the tune of $2.4 million, and that Rep. Conyers (D-MI) had his own sexual harassment settlement.
That scandal forced Rep. Conyers to resign and hand the seat to his son at the behest of his wife, Monica, who had been convicted of bribery.
Corruption, fraud and bribery are ongoing problems at the Congressional Black Caucus.
Read more
Trump's Prioritizing DACA Illegal Aliens Breaks with 'No Amnesty' Commitment
President Trump’s seeming prioritization of nearly 800,000 illegal aliens shielded from deportation under former President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program breaks a long-held commitment by the populist leader to put American citizens first in every decision.
As Breitbart News reported, Trump posted to Twitter on Tuesday that the open borders activists behind recent protests demanding DACA amnesty will begin “falling in love” with himself and Republicans, hinting that he is interested in a deal to begin giving illegal aliens a pathway to U.S. citizenship.
The statement, though, breaks with Trump’s key commitment to his supporters that Americans will always come first in not only the immigration issue, but on every issue, including trade, healthcare, and foreign policy.
This “America First” commitment best is exemplified in Trump’s historic 2016 immigration speech, in which he repeatedly promised that “there will be no amnesty.”
More/Video
As Breitbart News reported, Trump posted to Twitter on Tuesday that the open borders activists behind recent protests demanding DACA amnesty will begin “falling in love” with himself and Republicans, hinting that he is interested in a deal to begin giving illegal aliens a pathway to U.S. citizenship.
This “America First” commitment best is exemplified in Trump’s historic 2016 immigration speech, in which he repeatedly promised that “there will be no amnesty.”
More/Video
American Airlines, Southwest employees to get bonus after tax reform
U.S. airlines American Airlines Group Inc (AAL.O) and Southwest Airlines Co (LUV.N) said on Tuesday that they would give their employees a $1,000 bonus in light of the recent U.S. tax bill.
The airlines join a host of other companies such as AT&T (T.N), Boeing Co (BA.N) and Wells Fargo & Co (WFC.N) promising to pay bonuses or invest more in training after the biggest overhaul of the U.S. tax code in 30 years, which cuts the corporate tax rate.
American Airlines will distribute the bonus to each team member, excluding officers, at its mainline and wholly owned regional carriers, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.The distributions will total approximately $130 million and will be made in the first quarter of 2018, the company said.
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The airlines join a host of other companies such as AT&T (T.N), Boeing Co (BA.N) and Wells Fargo & Co (WFC.N) promising to pay bonuses or invest more in training after the biggest overhaul of the U.S. tax code in 30 years, which cuts the corporate tax rate.
American Airlines will distribute the bonus to each team member, excluding officers, at its mainline and wholly owned regional carriers, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.The distributions will total approximately $130 million and will be made in the first quarter of 2018, the company said.
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How Trump Abandoned Populism
Scott Galupo writes in THE WEEK that the tax reform legislation passed by congress doesn’t fulfill Trump’s campaign promises to give breaks to the working and middle class by clamping down on the wealthy and the big banks:
Conservatives inclined to cheer major tax-cut legislation even if it’s signed by a president they don’t particularly care for are frustrated by its unpopularity. They blame the media and Democrats for torquing up class warfare. In effect, they ask, don’t you know you’ll get a tax cut, too?!
Here is an alternative explanation: Working- and middle-class voters don’t much care that they might get a (temporary) tax cut. The problem is, when they hear Republicans touting the magic of cuts, they smell a rat. They’ve been hearing the same rhetoric for 40 years, and they know the fix is in. They suspect that the wealthiest Americans stand to gain the most — and they would be right.
It didn’t have to be this way.
In fact, Donald Trump, the candidate, promised the country a different way, a different kind of Republicanism; he promised a kind of radical-center populism. Candidate Trump entertained the idea of raising taxes on the wealthy, including himself. As late as this past September, he signaled a commitment to eliminating the carried-interest loophole for hedge fund and private equity managers. As late as this past March, there was still talk of breaking up the big banks and reinstating Glass-Steagall legislation. He says he still wants an infrastructure bill — but the deficits caused by these tax cuts (estimates vary from $500 billion to $1 trillion over the next 10 years, depending on how much growth they stimulate and, conversely, how much easier it becomes to game the tax code) will make it hard to find money for new spending.
President Trump could’ve turned Washington, D.C., on its head. The conventional wisdom about the grand bargain between Trump and the Republican establishment is that they will tolerate his antics and flagrant corruption in exchange for his signing their agenda into law. But Trump could’ve struck an entirely different bargain than the one he’s wedded to now — the one that has him and his congressional allies both mired in approval ratings that are astonishingly low given economic conditions.
Read the rest of the story here.
Conservatives inclined to cheer major tax-cut legislation even if it’s signed by a president they don’t particularly care for are frustrated by its unpopularity. They blame the media and Democrats for torquing up class warfare. In effect, they ask, don’t you know you’ll get a tax cut, too?!
Here is an alternative explanation: Working- and middle-class voters don’t much care that they might get a (temporary) tax cut. The problem is, when they hear Republicans touting the magic of cuts, they smell a rat. They’ve been hearing the same rhetoric for 40 years, and they know the fix is in. They suspect that the wealthiest Americans stand to gain the most — and they would be right.
It didn’t have to be this way.
In fact, Donald Trump, the candidate, promised the country a different way, a different kind of Republicanism; he promised a kind of radical-center populism. Candidate Trump entertained the idea of raising taxes on the wealthy, including himself. As late as this past September, he signaled a commitment to eliminating the carried-interest loophole for hedge fund and private equity managers. As late as this past March, there was still talk of breaking up the big banks and reinstating Glass-Steagall legislation. He says he still wants an infrastructure bill — but the deficits caused by these tax cuts (estimates vary from $500 billion to $1 trillion over the next 10 years, depending on how much growth they stimulate and, conversely, how much easier it becomes to game the tax code) will make it hard to find money for new spending.
President Trump could’ve turned Washington, D.C., on its head. The conventional wisdom about the grand bargain between Trump and the Republican establishment is that they will tolerate his antics and flagrant corruption in exchange for his signing their agenda into law. But Trump could’ve struck an entirely different bargain than the one he’s wedded to now — the one that has him and his congressional allies both mired in approval ratings that are astonishingly low given economic conditions.
Read the rest of the story here.
Trump: Send Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin to 'jail'
President Trump on Tuesday demanded Hillary Clinton's former aide Huma Abedin be sent to jail for not properly handling classified information.
"Crooked Hillary Clinton’s top aid, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others," Trump tweeted Tuesday morning.
On Dec. 29, the State Department released emails Abedin sent and received while employed at the State Department during Clinton's stint as secretary from 2009 to 2011.
The emails were obtained as the result of a Judicial Watch lawsuit that was launched after federal investigators determined Abedin had sent government information on a laptop that belonged to her ex-husband, former Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y.
Weiner's computer was seized by the federal government after he was accused of sexting with a minor. He was later found guilty and sentenced to 21 months in prison.
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"Crooked Hillary Clinton’s top aid, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others," Trump tweeted Tuesday morning.
On Dec. 29, the State Department released emails Abedin sent and received while employed at the State Department during Clinton's stint as secretary from 2009 to 2011.
The emails were obtained as the result of a Judicial Watch lawsuit that was launched after federal investigators determined Abedin had sent government information on a laptop that belonged to her ex-husband, former Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y.
Weiner's computer was seized by the federal government after he was accused of sexting with a minor. He was later found guilty and sentenced to 21 months in prison.
More
Will 2018 Be The Year That Interest Rate Hikes Crush Auto Sales?
We've long argued that elevated auto sales in the U.S. are nothing more than yet another debt bubble resulting from perpetually low interest rates and a gradual loosening of underwriting standards, primarily coming in the form of longer loan maturities. Now, asBloomberg points out today, more and more wall street analysts are suddenly starting to question whether 2018 might be the year that interest rate hikes from the Fed finally crush auto sales.
As the Chief Economist of Cox Automotive notes, "monthly payments matter"...and with each 25bps hike from the fed resulting in $8-$20 worth of higher monthly payments one can quickly understand why the notion of three rate hikes in 2018 might start worry auto OEMs...
“Consumers could face slightly higher costs for all their borrowing: credit-card balances, student loans, financing a house or a car,” said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive, which owns websites including Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. “At the same time, higher rates drive up the cost to provide low-rate financing, which eats into profit margins and hurts the carmakers as well.”
“The monthly payment matters,” said Jonathan Smoke, Cox’s chief economist. “When rates rise, many consumers do not have an option to pay more. We believe higher rates have already led the automotive market to see some shift” toward used-vehicle purchases instead of new ones.
More
As the Chief Economist of Cox Automotive notes, "monthly payments matter"...and with each 25bps hike from the fed resulting in $8-$20 worth of higher monthly payments one can quickly understand why the notion of three rate hikes in 2018 might start worry auto OEMs...
“Consumers could face slightly higher costs for all their borrowing: credit-card balances, student loans, financing a house or a car,” said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive, which owns websites including Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. “At the same time, higher rates drive up the cost to provide low-rate financing, which eats into profit margins and hurts the carmakers as well.”
“The monthly payment matters,” said Jonathan Smoke, Cox’s chief economist. “When rates rise, many consumers do not have an option to pay more. We believe higher rates have already led the automotive market to see some shift” toward used-vehicle purchases instead of new ones.
More
Pepco Seeking Rate Increase to Cover $41.4 Million in Improvements Made Last Year
Pepco is asking the Maryland Public Service Commission for a rate increase that would add $5.14 to an average consumer’s bill, the company said Tuesday.
The rate increase covers $41.4 million for work done in 2017. The company spent about $222.9 million in the year, said Donna Cooper, Pepco region president, in a conference call with reporters.
The utility spent the money to improve safety, reliability and customer service through replacing and improving aging equipment and installing advanced equipment to automatically identify and isolate issues and automatically restore service to customers, according to a Pepco news release.
More
The rate increase covers $41.4 million for work done in 2017. The company spent about $222.9 million in the year, said Donna Cooper, Pepco region president, in a conference call with reporters.
The utility spent the money to improve safety, reliability and customer service through replacing and improving aging equipment and installing advanced equipment to automatically identify and isolate issues and automatically restore service to customers, according to a Pepco news release.
More
Donald Trump: DACA Amnesty Activists Will Be ‘Falling in Love’ with Republicans
President Donald Trump promised to deliver results for DACA activists who are demanding amnesty for illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children.
“Democrats are doing nothing for DACA – just interested in politics,” Trump wrote. “DACA activists and Hispanics will go hard against Dems, will start ‘falling in love’ with Republicans and their President! We are about RESULTS.”
Trump’s comment signaled an effort to pry Democrats loose on the issue and signal good faith negotiations as he prepares to make a deal on the issue in January.
Previously, Trump signaled that he would demand funding for his long-promised wall in exchange for a DACA deal.
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“Democrats are doing nothing for DACA – just interested in politics,” Trump wrote. “DACA activists and Hispanics will go hard against Dems, will start ‘falling in love’ with Republicans and their President! We are about RESULTS.”
Previously, Trump signaled that he would demand funding for his long-promised wall in exchange for a DACA deal.
More
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