bonginoreport--2020-08-07--Antifa Activist Submits False “Terrorist” Report to FBI to Stop British Conservative From Entering U

Antifa Activist Submits False “Terrorist” Report to FBI to Stop British Conservative From Entering U.S.

By submitting a fake tip to the Federal Bureau of Investigation , an Antifa activist allegedly blocked a British man from living with his wife in the United States , denying the start of their family for four years and counting .
Jack Buckby has spent most of his relationship apart and has yet to step foot on US soil since November 2016 .
Despite no criminal record , he received suspicious visa denials because of an allegation that falsely claimed he 's a terrorist , Buckby told The Post Millennial in an exclusive interview .
`` I have spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rectify this , '' Buckby stated .
`` And lost four years of our life .
I just want to be with my wife . ''
Buckby is a counter-extremism researcher who authored a book , Monster Of Their Own Making : How the Far Left , The Media , And Politicians Are Creating Far Right Extremists , describing his experiences in the British National Party in his youth and how the far- right recruit the young generation .
His wife , Martina Markota , is a victim of Antifa doxxing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a performance artist in New York City who was well-known by her stage persona , `` Lady Alchemy . ''
Using her real name , Markota publicly advocated for President Donald Trump during the 2016 primaries , appearing on The Gavin McInnes Show to express her support for Trump and detail how she survived as a conservative in the liberal arts scene .
Following Trump 's presidential election , Markota was doxxed by NYC Antifa who published her address , her family 's address , and described her as a fascist online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theatre she had worked at for years , dropped by her agent , and canceled from independent gigs when left-wing performers would contact her clients and call Markota a “ Nazi.
” To this day , Markota is regularly blacklisted from booking rosters .
Then in 2017 , Markota was contacted by an FBI agent who told her that they had received a tip , alleging that she was then-engaged to a British man plotting to commit terrorist acts in the U.S. and that their engagement was a fraud for Buckby to obtain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is named , but Buckby and Markota have asked for her identity to remain anonymous to prevent her social media presence from gaining traction .
That same year , the named informant , also from the NYC arts world , admitted to the tip in her personal blog .
In the post , she smears Markota , calling her `` Portia '' to avoid a defamation lawsuit she knowingly admits she 's liable `` [ f ] or legal reasons . ''
Working alongside other burlesque performers who felt Markota had made them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' with her Republican views , the FBI tipper , a self-described `` not so bitter divorcee '' with too much time on her hands , sought to take down Markota .
`` This was more difficult than you can imagine some days , '' the blogger wrote as she used her old camcorder and a laptop to capture episodes of The Gavin McInnes Show featuring Markota to show producers proof that the conservative performer was `` espousing ... anti-LGBTQ and racist views . ''
`` The trickiest part was keeping my cats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shot , '' she continued .
She went on to admit that she contacted a local NYC-based Antifa group , switching her focus from Markota to McInnes .
`` Portia gave me exactly what my friends wanted , '' she blogged .
`` The other performers were happy with what I was giving them but Portia didn ’ t really interest me . ''
The Antifa group asked for evidence of McInnes inciting violence , but within a couple of months of inactivity , she realized that the organisation was n't `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t about to sit through dozens of hours of toxic rants by McInnes for nothing , '' she wrote .
The blogger moved on to anonymously send a flash drive of footage with a one-page document to the FBI headquarters in NYC .
Then when McInnes was fired from his show on the newly-formed Blaze TV for his association with the far-right Proud Boys , she followed up with roughly 20 padded envelopes of similar contents , using the FBI address as the return address .
`` I knew Gavin for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the early Proud Boys days .
I was n't happy with the behaviour of the group , '' Buckby urged .
But Buckby was still looped in with the Proud Boys leak , he alleged .
Within days of the FBI tip , Buckby said that he logged online to view his visa waiver status , but his account read `` Travel Not Authorized . ''
Shortly after , Buckby arranged an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in London to obtain a tourist visa .
After a long interview , his case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to be decided after a 60-day background check .
Buckby was ordered to leave .
For now , his case was considered denied .
Two years passed with no contact , decision , or explanation .
Luke Burke , a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee , told Buckby : “ I have spoken to the FBI and to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and all I can say is that your name is being flagged for something in the [ Electronic System for Travel Authorization ] application system.
” Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ King asked the U.S. Embassy in London for answers , noting that the `` extremely long wait time '' was `` highly unusual . ''
King was told : “ Mr .
Buckby ’ s application is subjected to additional , mandatory administrative processing…While administrative processing usually lasts up to 60 days , in some instances it can take significantly longer.
” A year after the tourist visa application , a British member of European Parliament , Janice Atkinson , requested information on Buckby 's behalf and received a similar response .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visa out of frustration to see if that would be accepted .
He was denied because the tourist visa was still inexplicably in administrative processing .
Then Buckby decided to file a civil rights lawsuit against Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , former Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen , and former acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker .
`` After two years of no response from the Embassy , and no answers to numerous politicians requesting information as to why I was being treated in such a mysterious way , I sued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to process the visa , '' Buckby told The Post Millennial .
The suit was withdrawn once Buckby received an answer on his tourist visa , which was successfully processed but denied .
`` Again , I meet all the criteria for a visa .
I have never broken the law .
I am a law-abiding , tax-paying citizen , '' Buckby emphasized .
Once the lawsuit ended , Buckby applied for a spousal visa , which is still ongoing .
And for seven months now , Markota has not visited him in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 shutdown .
Since , Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar has assisted Buckby with his case .
Tom Van Flein , Gosar 's chief of staff , wrote that his office has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and `` ultimately had the matter reviewed to clear the Buckbys . ''
`` What happened to them is a clear case of doxxing and bordered on the crime of swatting , '' Van Flein stated in an email to The Post Millennial .
Gosar 's office determined that the false allegation had `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel . ''
“ At no point was there ever any evidence of violence , threats or anything else that would violate U.S. laws that could even remotely warrant a travel ban , '' he wrote .
Van Flein noted that `` [ t ] here was no reason for the extremely long delay '' in reviewing the claim against Buckby `` to which the bureaucracy unfortunately failed to vet , verify , confirm or reject . ''
Meanwhile , Markota 's sister was diagnosed with leukemia and hospitalized .
Not only was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family at a grave time , but Markota , a blacklisted performer , could not financially support her family when they needed it most .
There has been no mainstream media coverage on Buckby 's case and `` how Antifa worked to destroy our lives , '' Buckby exclusively told The Post Millennial .
To this day , Buckby is mocked by leftists online .
If Buckby 's case is told by left-wing outlets , the FBI informant will be rewarded with the attention she craves and hailed as a hero , Buckby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get credit for hurting us and others , and is really clambering to be relevant , '' Buckby warned .
`` But at the same time , we feel like we need to get this story out there to show how vindictive these people are , '' he continued .
`` [ The accuser ] and her friends in Antifa and the NYC performing arts scene really believe they are fighting Nazis , but we are just a couple who want to be together and start a family , '' Buckby concluded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antifa activist who told us that she did not name Buckby or his wife by name .
She went on to say , `` As far as Antifa is concerned , I 'm a moderate Democrat who is against fascism and that 's all you 'll get out of me . ''

By submitting a fake tip to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, an Antifa activist allegedly blocked a British man from living with his wife in the United States, denying the start of their family for four years and counting.
The Antifa activist who submitted the fake tip to the FBI abt me, delaying my visa by years, didn't just cause heartache by separating my wife & I by 1000s of miles.
That person stopped us from being able to have a family. Four years now. And (biologically) running out of time. — Jack Buckby (@jackbuckby) August 4, 2020
Jack Buckby has spent most of his relationship apart and has yet to step foot on US soil since November 2016. Despite no criminal record, he received suspicious visa denials because of an allegation that falsely claimed he's a terrorist, Buckby told The Post Millennial in an exclusive interview.
"I have spent a very significant sum of money trying to rectify this," Buckby stated. "And lost four years of our life. I just want to be with my wife."
Buckby is a counter-extremism researcher who authored a book, Monster Of Their Own Making: How the Far Left, The Media, And Politicians Are Creating Far Right Extremists, describing his experiences in the British National Party in his youth and how the far- right recruit the young generation.
His wife, Martina Markota, is a victim of Antifa doxxing and cancel culture in her industry. She is a performance artist in New York City who was well-known by her stage persona, "Lady Alchemy." Using her real name, Markota publicly advocated for President Donald Trump during the 2016 primaries, appearing on The Gavin McInnes Show to express her support for Trump and detail how she survived as a conservative in the liberal arts scene.
Following Trump's presidential election, Markota was doxxed by NYC Antifa who published her address, her family's address, and described her as a fascist online. She was then fired from a theatre she had worked at for years, dropped by her agent, and canceled from independent gigs when left-wing performers would contact her clients and call Markota a “Nazi.”
To this day, Markota is regularly blacklisted from booking rosters.
People don’t understand how I had a full career that I lost over this bullshit. 4 years later and I’m still blacklisted from the scene by people that I never worked with before. #cancelculture what exactly did I do? Vote for potato trump? What did I say? My posts? What was it? pic.twitter.com/bpWmYgSeZa — Martina Markota (@MartinaMarkota) June 28, 2020
Then in 2017, Markota was contacted by an FBI agent who told her that they had received a tip, alleging that she was then-engaged to a British man plotting to commit terrorist acts in the U.S. and that their engagement was a fraud for Buckby to obtain a green card.
The FBI informant is named, but Buckby and Markota have asked for her identity to remain anonymous to prevent her social media presence from gaining traction.
That same year, the named informant, also from the NYC arts world, admitted to the tip in her personal blog. In the post, she smears Markota, calling her "Portia" to avoid a defamation lawsuit she knowingly admits she's liable "[f]or legal reasons." Working alongside other burlesque performers who felt Markota had made them "extremely uncomfortable" and "unsafe" with her Republican views, the FBI tipper, a self-described "not so bitter divorcee" with too much time on her hands, sought to take down Markota.
"This was more difficult than you can imagine some days," the blogger wrote as she used her old camcorder and a laptop to capture episodes of The Gavin McInnes Show featuring Markota to show producers proof that the conservative performer was "espousing...anti-LGBTQ and racist views."
"The trickiest part was keeping my cats from meowing too much or walking through the shot," she continued.
She went on to admit that she contacted a local NYC-based Antifa group, switching her focus from Markota to McInnes.
"Portia gave me exactly what my friends wanted," she blogged. "The other performers were happy with what I was giving them but Portia didn’t really interest me."
The Antifa group asked for evidence of McInnes inciting violence, but within a couple of months of inactivity, she realized that the organisation wasn't "a good fit."
"I wasn’t about to sit through dozens of hours of toxic rants by McInnes for nothing," she wrote.
The blogger moved on to anonymously send a flash drive of footage with a one-page document to the FBI headquarters in NYC.
Then when McInnes was fired from his show on the newly-formed Blaze TV for his association with the far-right Proud Boys, she followed up with roughly 20 padded envelopes of similar contents, using the FBI address as the return address.
"I knew Gavin for many years and was associated with him during the early Proud Boys days. I wasn't happy with the behaviour of the group," Buckby urged.
But Buckby was still looped in with the Proud Boys leak, he alleged.
Within days of the FBI tip, Buckby said that he logged online to view his visa waiver status, but his account read "Travel Not Authorized."
Shortly after, Buckby arranged an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in London to obtain a tourist visa. After a long interview, his case was considered “Pending Administrative Processing," to be decided after a 60-day background check. Buckby was ordered to leave. For now, his case was considered denied. Two years passed with no contact, decision, or explanation.
Luke Burke, a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, told Buckby: “I have spoken to the FBI and to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and all I can say is that your name is being flagged for something in the [Electronic System for Travel Authorization] application system.”
Then in December 2017, Iowa Rep. Steve King asked the U.S. Embassy in London for answers, noting that the "extremely long wait time" was "highly unusual."
King was told: “Mr. Buckby’s application is subjected to additional, mandatory administrative processing…While administrative processing usually lasts up to 60 days, in some instances it can take significantly longer.”
A year after the tourist visa application, a British member of European Parliament, Janice Atkinson, requested information on Buckby's behalf and received a similar response.
In 2018, Buckby applied for a journalist visa out of frustration to see if that would be accepted. He was denied because the tourist visa was still inexplicably in administrative processing.
Then Buckby decided to file a civil rights lawsuit against Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, and former acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker.
"After two years of no response from the Embassy, and no answers to numerous politicians requesting information as to why I was being treated in such a mysterious way, I sued the United States government to compel them to process the visa," Buckby told The Post Millennial.
The suit was withdrawn once Buckby received an answer on his tourist visa, which was successfully processed but denied.
"Again, I meet all the criteria for a visa. I have never broken the law. I am a law-abiding, tax-paying citizen," Buckby emphasized.
Once the lawsuit ended, Buckby applied for a spousal visa, which is still ongoing. And for seven months now, Markota has not visited him in the United Kingdom due to the global COVID-19 shutdown.
Since, Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar has assisted Buckby with his case.
Tom Van Flein, Gosar's chief of staff, wrote that his office has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and "ultimately had the matter reviewed to clear the Buckbys."
"What happened to them is a clear case of doxxing and bordered on the crime of swatting," Van Flein stated in an email to The Post Millennial.
Gosar's office determined that the false allegation had "harmed [Buckby's] ability to travel."
“At no point was there ever any evidence of violence, threats or anything else that would violate U.S. laws that could even remotely warrant a travel ban," he wrote.
Van Flein noted that "[t]here was no reason for the extremely long delay" in reviewing the claim against Buckby "to which the bureaucracy unfortunately failed to vet, verify, confirm or reject."
Meanwhile, Markota's sister was diagnosed with leukemia and hospitalized. Not only was Buckby restricted from visiting his wife's family at a grave time, but Markota, a blacklisted performer, could not financially support her family when they needed it most.
There has been no mainstream media coverage on Buckby's case and "how Antifa worked to destroy our lives," Buckby exclusively told The Post Millennial.
To this day, Buckby is mocked by leftists online.
I'm now on year four waiting for my visa to be with my American wife and start a family, courtesy of Antifa making fake tips about me.
And this is the kind of thing people send me, celebrating how they caused my family great heartache.
Because I'm not a radical leftist. pic.twitter.com/ZflYWWIPzx — Jack Buckby (@jackbuckby) August 5, 2020
If Buckby's case is told by left-wing outlets, the FBI informant will be rewarded with the attention she craves and hailed as a hero, Buckby explained.
"She is desperately trying to get credit for hurting us and others, and is really clambering to be relevant," Buckby warned.
"But at the same time, we feel like we need to get this story out there to show how vindictive these people are," he continued.
"[The accuser] and her friends in Antifa and the NYC performing arts scene really believe they are fighting Nazis, but we are just a couple who want to be together and start a family," Buckby concluded.
The Post Millennial reached out the Antifa activist who told us that she did not name Buckby or his wife by name. She went on to say, "As far as Antifa is concerned, I'm a moderate Democrat who is against fascism and that's all you'll get out of me."


bonginoreport--2020-08-07--NCSC Director: China and Iran Interfering in 2020 Election to Hurt Trump

Statement by NCSC Director William Evanina : Election Threat Update for the American Public On July 24 , 2020 , I issued a statement to the American public providing an unclassified overview of foreign threats to the 2020 election and offering basic steps to mitigate some of these threats .
At that time , I pledged that the U.S. Intelligence Community ( IC ) would continue to update the American public and other key stakeholders on the evolving election threat landscape , while also safeguarding our intelligence sources and methods .
Today , we are making good on that promise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the intentions and activities of our adversaries with respect to the 2020 election .
This information is being released for the purpose of better informing Americans so they can play a critical role in safeguarding our election .
Below is the latest public update : Ahead of the 2020 U.S. elections , foreign states will continue to use covert and overt influence measures in their attempts to sway U.S. voters ’ preferences and perspectives , shift U.S. policies , increase discord in the United States , and undermine the American people ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They may also seek to compromise our election infrastructure for a range of possible purposes , such as interfering with the voting process , stealing sensitive data , or calling into question the validity of the election results .
However , it would be difficult for our adversaries to interfere with or manipulate voting results at scale .
Many foreign actors have a preference for who wins the election , which they express through a range of overt and private statements ; covert influence efforts are rarer .
We are primarily concerned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Russia , and Iran .
• CHINA – We assess that China prefers that President Trump – whom Beijing sees as unpredictable – does not win reelection .
China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States , pressure political figures it views as opposed to China ’ s interests , and deflect and counter criticism of China .
Although China will continue to weigh the risks and benefits of aggressive action , its public rhetoric over the past few months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Administration ’ s COVID-19 response , closure of China ’ s Houston Consulate , and actions on other issues .
For example , it has harshly criticized the Administration ’ s statements and actions on Hong Kong , TikTok , the legal status of the South China Sea , and China ’ s efforts to dominate the 5G market .
Beijing recognizes that all of these efforts might affect the presidential race .
• RUSSIA – We assess that Russia is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ establishment.
” This is consistent with Moscow ’ s public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in the Obama Administration ’ s policies on Ukraine and its support for the anti-Putin opposition inside Russia .
For example , pro-Russia Ukrainian parliamentarian Andriy Derkach is spreading claims about corruption – including through publicizing leaked phone calls – to undermine former Vice President Biden ’ s candidacy and the Democratic Party .
Some Kremlin-linked actors are also seeking to boost President Trump ’ s candidacy on social media and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assess that Iran seeks to undermine U.S. democratic institutions , President Trump , and to divide the country in advance of the 2020 elections .
Iran ’ s efforts along these lines probably will focus on on-line influence , such as spreading disinformation on social media and recirculating anti-U.S. content .
Tehran ’ s motivation to conduct such activities is , in part , driven by a perception that President Trump ’ s reelection would result in a continuation of U.S. pressure on Iran in an effort to foment regime change .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , accurate , and objective election threat information the IC has to offer in an unclassified setting at this time .
Providing objective intelligence analysis is the solemn duty of the men and women of the IC , who work day and night around the world , often at great personal risk , to safeguard our nation .
The IC also recognizes there will continue to be demand for more information as the election approaches .
The IC has and will continue to provide classified election threat briefings to the presidential campaigns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have provided nearly 20 classified election threat briefings to these stakeholders since mid-May 2020 .
We will also keep providing updates to the American public , consistent with our national security obligations .
The steps we have taken thus far to inform the public and other stakeholders on election threats are unprecedented for the IC .
Aside from sharing information , let me assure you that the IC is also doing everything in its power to combat both cyber and influence efforts targeting our electoral process and continues to support DHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election .
As I emphasized in my July 24 , 2020 public statement , we are all in this together as Americans .
Our election should be our own .
Foreign efforts to influence or interfere with our elections are a direct threat to the fabric of our democracy .
For more information on election participation , understanding foreign influence and disinformation , and ways in which the U.S. Government is working to secure the 2020 election , we encourage Americans to visit the following websites :

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ODNI News Release No. 29-20
August 7, 2020
Statement by NCSC Director William Evanina: Election Threat Update for the American Public
On July 24, 2020, I issued a statement to the American public providing an unclassified overview of foreign threats to the 2020 election and offering basic steps to mitigate some of these threats. At that time, I pledged that the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) would continue to update the American public and other key stakeholders on the evolving election threat landscape, while also safeguarding our intelligence sources and methods.
Today, we are making good on that promise by sharing additional information with the public on the intentions and activities of our adversaries with respect to the 2020 election. This information is being released for the purpose of better informing Americans so they can play a critical role in safeguarding our election. Below is the latest public update:
------------------------
Ahead of the 2020 U.S. elections, foreign states will continue to use covert and overt influence measures in their attempts to sway U.S. voters’ preferences and perspectives, shift U.S. policies, increase discord in the United States, and undermine the American people’s confidence in our democratic process. They may also seek to compromise our election infrastructure for a range of possible purposes, such as interfering with the voting process, stealing sensitive data, or calling into question the validity of the election results. However, it would be difficult for our adversaries to interfere with or manipulate voting results at scale.
Many foreign actors have a preference for who wins the election, which they express through a range of overt and private statements; covert influence efforts are rarer. We are primarily concerned about the ongoing and potential activity by China, Russia, and Iran.
CHINA – We assess that China prefers that President Trump – whom Beijing sees as unpredictable – does not win reelection. China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States, pressure political figures it views as opposed to China’s interests, and deflect and counter criticism of China. Although China will continue to weigh the risks and benefits of aggressive action, its public rhetoric over the past few months has grown increasingly critical of the current Administration’s COVID-19 response, closure of China’s Houston Consulate, and actions on other issues. For example, it has harshly criticized the Administration’s statements and actions on Hong Kong, TikTok, the legal status of the South China Sea, and China’s efforts to dominate the 5G market. Beijing recognizes that all of these efforts might affect the presidential race.
RUSSIA – We assess that Russia is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia “establishment.” This is consistent with Moscow’s public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in the Obama Administration’s policies on Ukraine and its support for the anti-Putin opposition inside Russia. For example, pro-Russia Ukrainian parliamentarian Andriy Derkach is spreading claims about corruption – including through publicizing leaked phone calls – to undermine former Vice President Biden’s candidacy and the Democratic Party. Some Kremlin-linked actors are also seeking to boost President Trump’s candidacy on social media and Russian television.
IRAN – We assess that Iran seeks to undermine U.S. democratic institutions, President Trump, and to divide the country in advance of the 2020 elections. Iran’s efforts along these lines probably will focus on on-line influence, such as spreading disinformation on social media and recirculating anti-U.S. content. Tehran’s motivation to conduct such activities is, in part, driven by a perception that President Trump’s reelection would result in a continuation of U.S. pressure on Iran in an effort to foment regime change.
------------------------
The intelligence assessments above represent the most current, accurate, and objective election threat information the IC has to offer in an unclassified setting at this time. Providing objective intelligence analysis is the solemn duty of the men and women of the IC, who work day and night around the world, often at great personal risk, to safeguard our nation.
The IC also recognizes there will continue to be demand for more information as the election approaches. The IC has and will continue to provide classified election threat briefings to the presidential campaigns, political committees and all Members of Congress. We have provided nearly 20 classified election threat briefings to these stakeholders since mid-May 2020. We will also keep providing updates to the American public, consistent with our national security obligations. The steps we have taken thus far to inform the public and other stakeholders on election threats are unprecedented for the IC.
Aside from sharing information, let me assure you that the IC is also doing everything in its power to combat both cyber and influence efforts targeting our electoral process and continues to support DHS and FBI in their critical roles safeguarding the election. As I emphasized in my July 24, 2020 public statement, we are all in this together as Americans. Our election should be our own. Foreign efforts to influence or interfere with our elections are a direct threat to the fabric of our democracy. For more information on election participation, understanding foreign influence and disinformation, and ways in which the U.S. Government is working to secure the 2020 election, we encourage Americans to visit the following websites:
DHS Election Security: https://www.dhs.gov/topic/election-security
DHS/CISA #Protect2020: https://www.cisa.gov/protect2020
FBI Protected Voices: https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/foreign-influence/protected-voices
National Association of Secretaries of State #TrustedInfo2020: https://www.nass.org/initiatives/trustedinfo-2020
# # #


bonginoreport--2020-08-07--U.S. Economy Adds 1.8 Million Jobs in July – Unemployment Rate Falls to 10.2%

An alternative measure that includes discouraged workers and the underemployed holding part-time jobs for economic reasons fell from 18 % to 16.5 % .
Nonfarm payrolls increased 1.763 million for the month , the Labor Department reported Friday .
The unemployment rate fell to 10.2 % from its previous 11.1 % , also better than the estimates from economists surveyed by Dow Jones .
Two months of record-setting payroll growth slowed in July but was still better than Wall Street estimates even as a rise in coronavirus cases put a damper on the struggling U.S. economy .
The consensus was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unemployment rate of 10.6 % .
However , there were wide variations around the estimates as the pandemic 's resurgence dented plans to get the shuttered U.S. economy completely back online .
Forecasts ranged from a decline of half a million jobs to a rise of 3 million , with a report Wednesday from ADP showing a gain of just 167,000 in private payrolls fueling downside expectations .
May and June saw a combined increase of more than 7.5 million , the fastest two-month rise in U.S. history .
The reason for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the return of displaced workers who were laid off as the nation sought to flatten the rise in the Covid-19 pandemic .
July 's report `` confirms that the resurgence in new virus cases caused the economic recovery to slow , but also underlines that it has not yet gone into reverse , '' said Andrew Hunter , senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics .
`` With new infections now trending clearly lower again and high-frequency activity indicators showing tentative signs of a renewed upturn , employment should continue to rebound over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a three-month gain of 9.3 million workers either newly hired or back to their old jobs , the total employment level remained 12.9 million below its February level .
The May and June counts were revised up by a total 17,000 .
The total unemployment level is at 16.3 million Americans , a decline of more than 1.4 million , according to the survey of households .
That compares with a peak of nearly 23.1 million in April .
`` What the data continues to tell me is that we 're making progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in March and April .
So we continue to have this recovery , but it 's uneven , '' said Michael Arone , chief investment strategist for the U.S. SPDR business at State Street Global Advisors .
`` We still have a lot of wood to chop here , but we 're moving in the right direction . ''

An alternative measure that includes discouraged workers and the underemployed holding part-time jobs for economic reasons fell from 18% to 16.5%.
Nonfarm payrolls increased 1.763 million for the month, the Labor Department reported Friday. The unemployment rate fell to 10.2% from its previous 11.1%, also better than the estimates from economists surveyed by Dow Jones.
Two months of record-setting payroll growth slowed in July but was still better than Wall Street estimates even as a rise in coronavirus cases put a damper on the struggling U.S. economy.
The consensus was for growth of 1.48 million jobs and an unemployment rate of 10.6%.
However, there were wide variations around the estimates as the pandemic's resurgence dented plans to get the shuttered U.S. economy completely back online. Forecasts ranged from a decline of half a million jobs to a rise of 3 million, with a report Wednesday from ADP showing a gain of just 167,000 in private payrolls fueling downside expectations.
May and June saw a combined increase of more than 7.5 million, the fastest two-month rise in U.S. history. The reason for those big gains, though, primarily was the return of displaced workers who were laid off as the nation sought to flatten the rise in the Covid-19 pandemic.
July's report "confirms that the resurgence in new virus cases caused the economic recovery to slow, but also underlines that it has not yet gone into reverse," said Andrew Hunter, senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics. "With new infections now trending clearly lower again and high-frequency activity indicators showing tentative signs of a renewed upturn, employment should continue to rebound over the coming months."
Even with a three-month gain of 9.3 million workers either newly hired or back to their old jobs, the total employment level remained 12.9 million below its February level. The May and June counts were revised up by a total 17,000.
The total unemployment level is at 16.3 million Americans, a decline of more than 1.4 million, according to the survey of households. That compares with a peak of nearly 23.1 million in April.
"What the data continues to tell me is that we're making progress from the pain that was most acute back in March and April. So we continue to have this recovery, but it's uneven," said Michael Arone, chief investment strategist for the U.S. SPDR business at State Street Global Advisors. "We still have a lot of wood to chop here, but we're moving in the right direction."


bonginoreport--2020-08-07--Rand Paul Introduces SCHOOL Act to Fund Families Directly Using Existing Education Spending

Under the status quo , taxpayer dollars fund government schools , not education .
Americans are taxed to provide federal education funding , ostensibly for the education of their children and others , but the money goes to finance public schools regardless of whether those students end up attending them .
If families choose to homeschool or send their children to private schools , the taxpayer money marked for their child ’ s education still goes to the public school , and the family is left to cover the actual cost of their kids ’ schooling on their own .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ low-income families have no choice but to send their children to public schools , even if those very schools are failing their students .
The broken system for the allocation of federal education funds was already a problem before the COVID-19 pandemic .
However , due to that crisis and sweeping government restrictions , many public schools will remain closed for in-person learning this fall .
Some families who have been forced to rely on these schools simply can not work and pay their bills without the crucial childcare services that go along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances may be such that draconian COVID-19 avoidance efforts are not necessary nor warranted .
Sen. Rand Paul , a Kentucky Republican , just unveiled a new bill that would help give parents and students the flexibility to choose the learning environment that ’ s right for their family—by ensuring that the distribution of federal funds lets them do so .
The SCHOOL Act would alter the structure of federal education funding to allow the allotted taxpayer dollars to follow any given student regardless of whether their family chooses homeschool , private school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could still only be used for proper educational expenses , but this way , the funding would flow to whatever ’ s best for the student—which is supposed to be the point—not end up in the coffers of public schools by default .
“ If the government schools decide not to meet in person in the fall , I think every parent should have the right to take their tax dollars to the school of their choice , ” Paul wrote in an op-ed accompanying his bill ’ s rollout .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public school or another public school that has in-person classes , or a private or parochial school .
It ’ s hard to imagine why anyone would oppose letting parents decide the school of their choice.
” Paul ’ s bill provides a partial solution to a serious problem plaguing American families amid the current COVID-19 crisis .
Some parents are desperate for their kids to go back to school , and have no one in their household who is at risk for COVID-19 .
( For children , the disease has almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults under 40 with no preexisting conditions , the death rate is very low as well . )
Keeping their money stuck in a public school system that isn ’ t opening this fall isn ’ t reasonable .
These families should be able to take the funding our government has allocated for their child ’ s education and put it toward homeschooling solutions ( like the “ pandemic pods ” that are sprouting up ) or a private school that has decided to reopen , if that ’ s what they feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very reasonably decide to not send their kids to any in-person program .
They might not feel comfortable with the risks , or they may have an elderly or immuno-compromised person in their household and fear that COVID-19 exposure could have grave consequences .
For that family , remote learning is the right decision .
The great thing about Paul ’ s proposed system is that it supports families in both situations , and empowers them to decide for themselves .
This aspect is key , because as economic philosopher Friedrich Hayek explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” that dooms centralized planning and top-down government efforts .
Government bureaucrats simply aren ’ t familiar enough with the wildly different conditions in differing parts of the country under COVID-19 or the vastly disparate situations different families are in to decide what ’ s right for every student and school .
They can ’ t make decisions for the entire country with any degree of competence .
Yet if empowered , families can make the right decisions for themselves .
Of course , Rand Paul ’ s bill only affects federal funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the state and local level .
So , the SCHOOLS Act alone can ’ t completely deliver us an education system that works for students—but it can certainly take us a large step in the right direction .

Under the status quo, taxpayer dollars fund government schools, not education.
Americans are taxed to provide federal education funding, ostensibly for the education of their children and others, but the money goes to finance public schools regardless of whether those students end up attending them. If families choose to homeschool or send their children to private schools, the taxpayer money marked for their child’s education still goes to the public school, and the family is left to cover the actual cost of their kids’ schooling on their own. This means that in many cases, low-income families have no choice but to send their children to public schools, even if those very schools are failing their students.
The broken system for the allocation of federal education funds was already a problem before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to that crisis and sweeping government restrictions, many public schools will remain closed for in-person learning this fall. Some families who have been forced to rely on these schools simply cannot work and pay their bills without the crucial childcare services that go along with educational programs, and their personal circumstances may be such that draconian COVID-19 avoidance efforts are not necessary nor warranted.
Sen. Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, just unveiled a new bill that would help give parents and students the flexibility to choose the learning environment that’s right for their family—by ensuring that the distribution of federal funds lets them do so.
Empower parents. Help students. Support their choices and needs. https://t.co/p7d6xg3VcI — Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) August 5, 2020
The SCHOOL Act would alter the structure of federal education funding to allow the allotted taxpayer dollars to follow any given student regardless of whether their family chooses homeschool, private school, or public school. The money could still only be used for proper educational expenses, but this way, the funding would flow to whatever’s best for the student—which is supposed to be the point—not end up in the coffers of public schools by default.
“If the government schools decide not to meet in person in the fall, I think every parent should have the right to take their tax dollars to the school of their choice,” Paul wrote in an op-ed accompanying his bill’s rollout. “The choices would include homeschool, the local public school or another public school that has in-person classes, or a private or parochial school. It’s hard to imagine why anyone would oppose letting parents decide the school of their choice.”
Let’s empower low income students and families with freedom of choice. The Obamas chose private school over DC public. Why can’t you? https://t.co/dKSd2wDFIi — Kelley Paul (@KelleyAshbyPaul) August 5, 2020
Paul’s bill provides a partial solution to a serious problem plaguing American families amid the current COVID-19 crisis. Some parents are desperate for their kids to go back to school, and have no one in their household who is at risk for COVID-19. (For children, the disease has almost a 0 percent mortality rate. For adults under 40 with no preexisting conditions, the death rate is very low as well.)
Keeping their money stuck in a public school system that isn’t opening this fall isn’t reasonable. These families should be able to take the funding our government has allocated for their child’s education and put it toward homeschooling solutions (like the “pandemic pods” that are sprouting up) or a private school that has decided to reopen, if that’s what they feel is best.
Yet other families may very reasonably decide to not send their kids to any in-person program. They might not feel comfortable with the risks, or they may have an elderly or immuno-compromised person in their household and fear that COVID-19 exposure could have grave consequences. For that family, remote learning is the right decision.
The great thing about Paul’s proposed system is that it supports families in both situations, and empowers them to decide for themselves.
This just in: @RandPaul actually thinks we should decide what to do with our own money. Especially if most parents are having to homeschool their kids this year 💁🏾♀ https://t.co/AhUgYdqa3c — Antonia Okafor Cover (@antonia_okafor) August 5, 2020
This aspect is key, because as economic philosopher Friedrich Hayek explained, there is a “knowledge problem” that dooms centralized planning and top-down government efforts. Government bureaucrats simply aren’t familiar enough with the wildly different conditions in differing parts of the country under COVID-19 or the vastly disparate situations different families are in to decide what’s right for every student and school.
They can’t make decisions for the entire country with any degree of competence. Yet if empowered, families can make the right decisions for themselves.
Of course, Rand Paul’s bill only affects federal funds, and most education money is funded at the state and local level. So, the SCHOOLS Act alone can’t completely deliver us an education system that works for students—but it can certainly take us a large step in the right direction.


bonginoreport--2020-08-07--New York to Reopen Schools With Strict Guidelines

NEW YORK ( WABC ) -- New York schools can reopen their doors and bring students into the classrooms for the start of the school year , Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday.Citing success in battling the coronavirus in the state that once was the U.S. heart of the pandemic , the governor 's decision clears the way for schools to offer at least some days of in-person classes , alongside remote learning.Students will be required to wear masks throughout the school day , and schools will urge parents to check children for symptoms .
`` It is just great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are probably in the best situation in the country right now .
`` The infection rate in the state was at 1 % on Friday with 5 deaths .
`` If anyone can open schools we can open schools , '' he said .
`` That 's true for every region in the state , period .
`` The governor had said last month that even if schools are technically open , he said it 's up to parents whether or not they want to send their children.He called on the schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer sessions before August 21st to help set parents ' minds at ease and provide information .
He said the Big 5 School Districts should have five sessions .
The Conference of Big 5 School Districts represents the city school districts of New York City , Buffalo , Rochester , Syracuse , Yonkers , Albany , Mount Vernon , and Utica.There will need to be at least one session between the school districts and their teachers.Two unions , New York State United Teachers and the United Federation of Teachers , have demanded clearer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down immediately for two weeks if any student or member of the staff contracts the virusGovernor Cuomo said that in addition to their learning plan , COVID-19 testing procedures for students and staff , and contact tracing components should be on the schools ' websites.Last month , the governor had laid out the formula and the guidelines for how schools can hold classes this fall.He had said that regions must be in Phase 4 , which all are as of August 7 , and the daily infection rate must remain below 5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also establishing stringent guidelines for how schools can safely reopen.Those guidelines include regular cleaning of classrooms , COVID-19 screenings , and contact tracing for anyone who gets infected.Schools will be closed if the infection level rises to 9 % or greater before the day school opens .
If a region is shut down for education , all schools will have to close , both public and private.Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza had unveiled their `` Blended Learning '' plan for the city 's 1.1 million schoolchildren.De Blasio says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` health and safety while maintaining an understanding that the best way to educate our kids is in the classroom . ''
He set the threshold for reopening at 3 % , not 5 % .The governor was critical of the city 's plan , however , after saying they submitted more of an outline than an actual plan.The city education department had until the end of the day on Friday to submit its plans for its 1,800 individual schools to the state.Parents also had until Friday to notify the city education department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full remote learning this fall .
Total count of NYC , Long Island COVID-19 cases based on patient address He ca

Last month, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had laid out the formula that will be used to reopen schools across the state and the guidelines for how schools can hold classes this fa
NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York schools can reopen their doors and bring students into the classrooms for the start of the school year, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday.
Citing success in battling the coronavirus in the state that once was the U.S. heart of the pandemic, the governor's decision clears the way for schools to offer at least some days of in-person classes, alongside remote learning.
Students will be required to wear masks throughout the school day, and schools will urge parents to check children for symptoms.
"It is just great news," Cuomo said. "We are probably in the best situation in the country right now."
The infection rate in the state was at 1% on Friday with 5 deaths.
"If anyone can open schools we can open schools," he said. "That's true for every region in the state, period."
RELATED: What Cuomo's announcement means for NYC schools
The governor had said last month that even if schools are technically open, he said it's up to parents whether or not they want to send their children.
He called on the schools to have at least three question and answer sessions before August 21st to help set parents' minds at ease and provide information. He said the Big 5 School Districts should have five sessions. The Conference of Big 5 School Districts represents the city school districts of New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Yonkers, Albany, Mount Vernon, and Utica.
There will need to be at least one session between the school districts and their teachers.
Two unions, New York State United Teachers and the United Federation of Teachers, have demanded clearer health protocols dictating that schools should shut down immediately for two weeks if any student or member of the staff contracts the virus
RELATED: Teachers in NYC protest schools reopening
Governor Cuomo said that in addition to their learning plan, COVID-19 testing procedures for students and staff, and contact tracing components should be on the schools' websites.
Last month, the governor had laid out the formula and the guidelines for how schools can hold classes this fall.
He had said that regions must be in Phase 4, which all are as of August 7, and the daily infection rate must remain below 5% using a 14-day average.
RELATED: Mayor de Blasio outlines NYC schools reopening plan
New York state is also establishing stringent guidelines for how schools can safely reopen.
Those guidelines include regular cleaning of classrooms, COVID-19 screenings, and contact tracing for anyone who gets infected.
Schools will be closed if the infection level rises to 9% or greater before the day school opens. If a region is shut down for education, all schools will have to close, both public and private.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza had unveiled their "Blended Learning" plan for the city's 1.1 million schoolchildren.
De Blasio says that he believes this plan will preserve "health and safety while maintaining an understanding that the best way to educate our kids is in the classroom." He set the threshold for reopening at 3%, not 5%.
The governor was critical of the city's plan, however, after saying they submitted more of an outline than an actual plan.
The New York City Department of Education submitted its district plans for its 1,800 individual schools to the state on Friday. The DOE had until the end of the day to submit their plans.
Parents also had until Friday to notify the city education department if they want their child to have full remote learning this fall.
WATCH THE SERIES: EYEWITNESS TO A PANDEMIC (Episode 6 below)
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE
abc7NY Phase Tracker:
COVID-19 Help, Information. Stimulus and Business Updates
UPDATES
New York City
New Jersey
Long Island
Westchester and Hudson Valley
Connecticut
7 On Your Side Investigates: Up to 4,000 coronavirus cases prevented by NYC contact tracers
REOPENING INFORMATION
What's Open, What's Closed
Reopening New York State
Reopening New Jersey
Reopening Connecticut
Total count of NYC, Long Island COVID-19 cases based on patient addressHe ca


bonginoreport--2020-08-07--Poland Forges Ahead With Plans to Limit Foreign Ownership of Media in the Country

WARSAW ( Reuters ) - Poland is ready to craft rules to reduce foreign ownership of media outlets such as newspapers and TV channels , while making further changes to the judiciary , Poland ’ s de facto leader has signaled , raising the prospect of fresh battles with the EU .
The leader of the ruling Law and Justice ( PiS ) party Jaroslaw Kaczynski made the comments at a strategy meeting on Thursday in Jachranka , a tourist spot outside Warsaw , two sources in attendance and one with knowledge of the meeting told Reuters .
The meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won re-election in a July presidential vote , triggering plans for a government reconstruction and a new political programme set to be introduced in September or October .
PiS has long insisted that foreign-owned outlets distort the public debate and are unfairly critical of its government .
While judiciary reforms have gone forward since PiS came to power in 2015 , bringing Poland into conflict with the EU over perceived interference in the independence of the judiciary , PiS ’ s desire to restrict foreign ownership of the media has remained no more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources did not say if Kaczynski had mentioned any specific media outlets as possible targets of any reform , but the issue came into focus during the presidential election campaign in July after partly German-owned tabloid Fakt reported on a pardon Duda granted to a man who had served his sentence in a paedophilia case .
Duda asked if this meant Germany was trying to meddle in the election .
Fakt denied any political meddling and said it is run by Polish journalists and editors .
A fear of igniting further fights with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on other political priorities stopped the government from pushing ahead with media ownership reforms in the past , officials have told Reuters .
But the recent PiS electoral win , likely cementing its power until parliamentary elections in 2023 , bolstered the debate to finally push ahead with media reforms , party insiders indicated .
“ If he said it , there is a big chance that it ’ ll go ahead , ” one source allied with PiS said .
Officials said the reforms would focus on reducing the proportion of foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be modeled on existing legislation in France and Germany .
“ The current situation can ’ t be reconciled with a pro-nation policy , ” another PiS politician told Reuters .
“ We realise we will start a huge fight with the European Union , we have to be prepared for this.
” PiS officials have also discussed in the past the possibility of purchasing a chain of German-owned regional newspapers by a state-owned company , although it ’ s unclear if this would be part of the current media push .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday by Polish private radio RMF FM .

WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland is ready to craft rules to reduce foreign ownership of media outlets such as newspapers and TV channels, while making further changes to the judiciary, Poland’s de facto leader has signaled, raising the prospect of fresh battles with the EU.
FILE PHOTO: Poland's Law and Justice (PiS) leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski speaks in Warsaw, Poland, October 13, 2019. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel
The leader of the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party Jaroslaw Kaczynski made the comments at a strategy meeting on Thursday in Jachranka, a tourist spot outside Warsaw, two sources in attendance and one with knowledge of the meeting told Reuters.
PiS didn’t respond to a Reuters request for comment.
The meeting was held after PiS candidate Andrzej Duda won re-election in a July presidential vote, triggering plans for a government reconstruction and a new political programme set to be introduced in September or October.
PiS has long insisted that foreign-owned outlets distort the public debate and are unfairly critical of its government.
While judiciary reforms have gone forward since PiS came to power in 2015, bringing Poland into conflict with the EU over perceived interference in the independence of the judiciary, PiS’s desire to restrict foreign ownership of the media has remained no more than a topic of debate.
The sources did not say if Kaczynski had mentioned any specific media outlets as possible targets of any reform, but the issue came into focus during the presidential election campaign in July after partly German-owned tabloid Fakt reported on a pardon Duda granted to a man who had served his sentence in a paedophilia case.
Duda asked if this meant Germany was trying to meddle in the election. Fakt denied any political meddling and said it is run by Polish journalists and editors.
A fear of igniting further fights with the EU as well as a focus on other political priorities stopped the government from pushing ahead with media ownership reforms in the past, officials have told Reuters.
But the recent PiS electoral win, likely cementing its power until parliamentary elections in 2023, bolstered the debate to finally push ahead with media reforms, party insiders indicated.
“If he said it, there is a big chance that it’ll go ahead,” one source allied with PiS said.
Officials said the reforms would focus on reducing the proportion of foreign ownership allowed in media companies and would be modeled on existing legislation in France and Germany.
“The current situation can’t be reconciled with a pro-nation policy,” another PiS politician told Reuters. “We realise we will start a huge fight with the European Union, we have to be prepared for this.”
PiS officials have also discussed in the past the possibility of purchasing a chain of German-owned regional newspapers by a state-owned company, although it’s unclear if this would be part of the current media push.
The topic of the meeting was first reported on Friday by Polish private radio RMF FM.


bonginoreport--2020-08-07--Upcoming Elections in Belarus a Challenge to Russia’s Imperialism

The brewing confrontation between Russia and Belarus is coming to a head .
For the past few months , the Minsk government has resisted Moscow ’ s pressure to establish a closer union and to even amalgamate the two states .
The presidential in Belarus on Aug. 9 will not only indicate the extent of opposition to President Alexander Lukashenka , but they will also test Russia ’ s response to a country that is veering away from its imperial orbit .
Belarus is Russia ’ s largest ally in Europe .
Since his election in 1994 , Lukashenka has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to retain Belarusian sovereignty while benefiting from economic links with Moscow .
As Russia ’ s economy has taken a nosedive over the last year , Lukashenka can no longer count on cheap energy to prop up the budget in the midst of a pandemic induced recession .
He has sought closer relations with the European Union and the United States and calculated that Western support could help shield him from Kremlin pressures to transform the hollow into an enlarged Russian state .
Yet a new element has appeared on the scene and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a real prospect that a hotly contested election could challenge the authoritarian status quo that has restricted Belarus ’ s progress into Western institutions .
Large pre-election demonstrations in support of Svetlana Tikhanovskaya ’ s bid for the presidency indicate that Lukashenka finally confronts a credible challenger to his rule .
The authorities have been hesitant to conduct mass repressions lest this provokes even greater unrest .
A Lukashenka victory amid charges of ballot-rigging could spark a more extensive revolt reminiscent of the “ colored revolutions ” in and Georgia .
Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus and has three main options to keep the country estranged from the West .
First , he may try to preserve Lukashenka ’ s rule and even offer to help subdue public protests in return for a clearer Russia-oriented foreign policy .
He may also try to replace him with a more compliant figure in the midst of post-election mayhem and even claim that the successor is a more democratic figure who will prevent chaos .
The third option would be a more direct Russian intervention to forestall the installation of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used by Moscow , as they were in Ukraine before the 2014 invasion , including claims that the democratic opposition are fascists , that the new government wants to turn Russians into second-class citizens , or that incoming officials are American proxies paid to transform Belarus into a forward base for NATO operations against Russia .
Putin fears independence and democracy in neighboring states as a threat both to his imperial goals and his hold on power .
Belarus is not a democratic state , but if it remains independent , it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve as an example for Russia itself .
Under Kremlin control , that chance will be extinguished .
The Kremlin will calculate that the Western reaction to a Russian-supported crackdown or regime change in Belarus would be tolerable .
A few statements about the “ unacceptability ” of Moscow ’ s moves together with nominal sanctions may be the only repercussions at a time when Europe and the U.S. are embroiled in domestic crises .
Despite persistent Russian attacks on Western democracies and independent states like Belarus , the U.S. and EU approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offers of detente work to the Kremlin ’ s advantage , as Western compromises simply nourish the pursuit of more targets .
The only policies that have proven successful in reversing Moscow ’ s offensives , as evident in the Soviet era , is to focus on Russia ’ s internal weaknesses and support the demands of its citizens , nations , and regions .
To be taken seriously , Washington needs a clearer signal for Putin not to interfere in Belarus ’ s politics .
If the transatlantic alliance openly backs the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principle should apply to Russia .
A more effective strategy to oppose Moscow ’ s aggression would be to encourage political pluralism , regional devolution , and republican autonomy in Russia itself .
The wave of anti-Kremlin protests in and other cities indicates that as in Belarus , the population is finally awakening .
Janusz Bugajski is a Senior Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington , D.C. His recent book , co-authored with Margarita Assenova , is entitled Eurasian Disunion : Russia ’ s Vulnerable Flanks .

The brewing confrontation between Russia and Belarus is coming to a head. For the past few months, the Minsk government has resisted Moscow’s pressure to establish a closer union and to even amalgamate the two states.
The presidential elections in Belarus on Aug. 9 will not only indicate the extent of opposition to President Alexander Lukashenka, but they will also test Russia’s response to a country that is veering away from its imperial orbit. Belarus is Russia’s largest ally in Europe. Since his election in 1994, Lukashenka has been engaged in a precarious balancing act to retain Belarusian sovereignty while benefiting from economic links with Moscow.
As Russia’s economy has taken a nosedive over the last year, Lukashenka can no longer count on cheap energy to prop up the budget in the midst of a pandemic induced recession. He has sought closer relations with the European Union and the United States and calculated that Western support could help shield him from Kremlin pressures to transform the hollow Russia-Belarus Union into an enlarged Russian state.
Yet a new element has appeared on the scene and unsettled both Minsk and Moscow. There is a real prospect that a hotly contested election could challenge the authoritarian status quo that has restricted Belarus’s progress into Western institutions. Large pre-election demonstrations in support of Svetlana Tikhanovskaya’s bid for the presidency indicate that Lukashenka finally confronts a credible challenger to his rule. The authorities have been hesitant to conduct mass repressions lest this provokes even greater unrest. A Lukashenka victory amid charges of ballot-rigging could spark a more extensive revolt reminiscent of the “colored revolutions” in Ukraine and Georgia.
Vladimir Putin fears instability and political change in Belarus and has three main options to keep the country estranged from the West. First, he may try to preserve Lukashenka’s rule and even offer to help subdue public protests in return for a clearer Russia-oriented foreign policy. He may also try to replace him with a more compliant figure in the midst of post-election mayhem and even claim that the successor is a more democratic figure who will prevent chaos.
The third option would be a more direct Russian intervention to forestall the installation of a pro-Western government. Numerous pretexts could be used by Moscow, as they were in Ukraine before the 2014 invasion, including claims that the democratic opposition are fascists, that the new government wants to turn Russians into second-class citizens, or that incoming officials are American proxies paid to transform Belarus into a forward base for NATO operations against Russia.
Putin fears independence and democracy in neighboring states as a threat both to his imperial goals and his hold on power. Belarus is not a democratic state, but if it remains independent, it has a chance to develop into one and serve as an example for Russia itself. Under Kremlin control, that chance will be extinguished.
The Kremlin will calculate that the Western reaction to a Russian-supported crackdown or regime change in Belarus would be tolerable. A few statements about the “unacceptability” of Moscow’s moves together with nominal sanctions may be the only repercussions at a time when Europe and the U.S. are embroiled in domestic crises. Despite persistent Russian attacks on Western democracies and independent states like Belarus, the U.S. and EU approach has been defensive and ineffective. Any offers of detente work to the Kremlin’s advantage, as Western compromises simply nourish the pursuit of more targets. The only policies that have proven successful in reversing Moscow’s offensives, as evident in the Soviet era, is to focus on Russia’s internal weaknesses and support the demands of its citizens, nations, and regions.
To be taken seriously, Washington needs a clearer signal for Putin not to interfere in Belarus’s politics. If the transatlantic alliance openly backs the democratization of Belarus, surely the same principle should apply to Russia. A more effective strategy to oppose Moscow’s aggression would be to encourage political pluralism, regional devolution, and republican autonomy in Russia itself. The wave of anti-Kremlin protests in Khabarovsk and other cities indicates that as in Belarus, the population is finally awakening.
Janusz Bugajski is a Senior Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington, D.C. His recent book, co-authored with Margarita Assenova, is entitled Eurasian Disunion: Russia’s Vulnerable Flanks.


bonginoreport--2020-08-07--Pence Gives Iraqi PM a Warm Welcome Ahead of Upcoming White House Visit

Vice President Mike Pence is giving Iraq 's new prime minister a warm embrace ahead of an expected visit to the White House later this month , saying the administration has high hopes Mustafa al-Kadhimi can return his country to prosperity and peace after two decades of war .
Al-Kadhimi 's visit , which U.S. officials told Just the News could happen Aug. 18-21 , comes at a critical time for both Washington and Baghdad .
President Trump is looking for a partner to help him fulfill one of his last open campaign promises — to bring U.S. troops home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Al-Kadhimi , who earned U.S. trust as the country 's intelligence chief before being named prime minister in April , is looking for urgent help to boost Iraq 's sagging economy , which has been stifled by war , sectarian strife , the pandemic and a sudden drop in oil prices and a shortage of electricity during a long , hot summer .
The need for help grows more dire as Iraq approaches debt ceilings it can not exceed .
Pence told Just the News in a written statement Thursday night that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Kadhimi in carrying out his promised reforms and bringing long-term economic stability and security .
`` When I visited Iraq last November , I learned firsthand the aspirations of the Iraqi people for a rebuilt and stable nation , '' Pence said .
`` Prime Minister al-Kadhimi is determined to implement reforms that reflect these aspirations , and the United States supports a strong , sovereign , and prosperous Iraq . ''
Al-Kadhimi has signaled his commitment to reforms with several moves , including freeing some political protesters and setting new elections for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned .
And his planned first visit to Washington as prime minister has been preceded by some extensive shuttle diplomacy .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took the first actions to help al-Kadhimi with an energy crunch shortly after he took over as prime minister , signing a temporary waiver to allow Baghdad to buy badly needed electricity from neighboring Iran without violating sanctions .
State Department officials then held an official strategic dialogue with al-Kadhimi 's new government in June , meetings that ended with a commitment for economic and security assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's oil minister met U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette to discuss new ways the two countries could jump-start Iraq 's oil industry , including such ideas as a partnership with the semi-autonomous Kurds .
`` Iraq ’ s energy sector is full of promise , and together , @ ENERGY can work on policies to chart a sustained energy future for the Iraqi people , '' Brouillette tweeted after the meeting .
In between , al-Kadhimi made a brief visit to Iran , where he signaled a desire for better relations with Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not allow attacks on Iran to be launched from Iraqi soil .
As the meeting between al-Kadhimi and Trump draws near , several ideas have been floating around Washington for how the West can assist Baghdad on its most pressing issues : maintaining and growing security stability , rooting out long-rampant corruption and jump-starting a long-stalled economy made worse by COVID-19 and low oil prices in recent months .
Among the ideas being discussed in official and unofficial policy arenas : • Creating an oil marketing and distribution agreement between Iraq 's oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an idea first floated late in the Obama administration and renewed in recent weeks under Trump as an American energy company has offered its assistance for such a plan .
• Seeking debt relief and economic investment from some of Iraq 's Arab neighbors • Converting some U.S. tax dollars committed to supporting U.S. troops on Iraqi soil in 2021 and 2022 to provide either debt relief or economic investment to help Baghdad to jump-start its economy , produce more electricity and keep its government from hitting its debt limits .
• Continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tasks from U.S. troops to Iraqi forces as the latter continue to improve capabilities .
• Finding ways to lessen the threat from Iran-backed militias that for years have created violence , strife and chaos on the streets The stakes and rewards for both country 's leaders are high : Trump is widely known to want to complete his promised drawdown of U.S. troops from Iraq , and al-Kadhimi needs signs of rapid economic , political and security progress to strengthen his hold on power to a degree that his predecessors as prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for early elections signaled he knows the populist wave that ushered him into office will be short-lived without measurable progress on such issues as rooting out corruption , providing stable electricity and enhancing security in the face of threats ranging from ISIS to Iran .
Outside observers are watching with intrigue .
The situation in Iraq is a `` wide-ranging subject , '' Samir F. Ghattas , spokesman for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq , told Just the News in a statement .
`` Iraq faces multiple security , political , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Bilal Wahab , an analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy , said trade and U.S. troop levels will be the two most important issues being monitored at any summit between al-Kadhimi and Trump in Washington .
And Wahab said the meeting will give Trump an opportunity to define where Iraq ranks in his overall foreign policy strategy .
`` Between the United States and Iraq , the main issues are , where is Iraq positioned in U.S. foreign policy ?
Is Iraq part of a U.S. Middle East policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-ISIS actions , or is it an arena for the maximum pressure on Iran policy ?
I think those are questions Washington is not clear on , ” he said '' What is missing , '' he added , `` is a normal relationship between the two countries , where Iraq itself has value that is not exclusively anti-ISIS or part of U.S. policy toward Iran .
What is missing is a cultural and diplomatic exchange .
A normal , full relationship .
This relationship is not normal . ''
A Washington meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this relationship on a normal path .
If the PM comes to Washington , it will be an important step in a bilateral relationship . ''

Vice President Mike Pence is giving Iraq's new prime minister a warm embrace ahead of an expected visit to the White House later this month, saying the administration has high hopes Mustafa al-Kadhimi can return his country to prosperity and peace after two decades of war.
Al-Kadhimi's visit, which U.S. officials told Just the News could happen Aug. 18-21, comes at a critical time for both Washington and Baghdad.
President Trump is looking for a partner to help him fulfill one of his last open campaign promises — to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq after 17 years of war.
Al-Kadhimi, who earned U.S. trust as the country's intelligence chief before being named prime minister in April, is looking for urgent help to boost Iraq's sagging economy, which has been stifled by war, sectarian strife, the pandemic and a sudden drop in oil prices and a shortage of electricity during a long, hot summer.
The need for help grows more dire as Iraq approaches debt ceilings it cannot exceed.
Pence told Just the News in a written statement Thursday night that the Trump administration is eager to assist al-Kadhimi in carrying out his promised reforms and bringing long-term economic stability and security.
"When I visited Iraq last November, I learned firsthand the aspirations of the Iraqi people for a rebuilt and stable nation," Pence said. "Prime Minister al-Kadhimi is determined to implement reforms that reflect these aspirations, and the United States supports a strong, sovereign, and prosperous Iraq."
Al-Kadhimi has signaled his commitment to reforms with several moves, including freeing some political protesters and setting new elections for 2021, a year before they were planned.
And his planned first visit to Washington as prime minister has been preceded by some extensive shuttle diplomacy.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took the first actions to help al-Kadhimi with an energy crunch shortly after he took over as prime minister, signing a temporary waiver to allow Baghdad to buy badly needed electricity from neighboring Iran without violating sanctions.
State Department officials then held an official strategic dialogue with al-Kadhimi's new government in June, meetings that ended with a commitment for economic and security assistance ahead.
Late last month, Iraq's oil minister met U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette to discuss new ways the two countries could jump-start Iraq's oil industry, including such ideas as a partnership with the semi-autonomous Kurds. "Iraq’s energy sector is full of promise, and together, @ENERGY can work on policies to chart a sustained energy future for the Iraqi people," Brouillette tweeted after the meeting.
In between, al-Kadhimi made a brief visit to Iran, where he signaled a desire for better relations with Iraq's meddlesome neighbor by vowing he would not allow attacks on Iran to be launched from Iraqi soil.
As the meeting between al-Kadhimi and Trump draws near, several ideas have been floating around Washington for how the West can assist Baghdad on its most pressing issues: maintaining and growing security stability, rooting out long-rampant corruption and jump-starting a long-stalled economy made worse by COVID-19 and low oil prices in recent months.
Among the ideas being discussed in official and unofficial policy arenas:
Creating an oil marketing and distribution agreement between Iraq's oil ministry and the Kurdish Regional Government, an idea first floated late in the Obama administration and renewed in recent weeks under Trump as an American energy company has offered its assistance for such a plan.
Seeking debt relief and economic investment from some of Iraq's Arab neighbors
Converting some U.S. tax dollars committed to supporting U.S. troops on Iraqi soil in 2021 and 2022 to provide either debt relief or economic investment to help Baghdad to jump-start its economy, produce more electricity and keep its government from hitting its debt limits.
Continuing to transfer more of the daily security tasks from U.S. troops to Iraqi forces as the latter continue to improve capabilities.
Finding ways to lessen the threat from Iran-backed militias that for years have created violence, strife and chaos on the streets
The stakes and rewards for both country's leaders are high: Trump is widely known to want to complete his promised drawdown of U.S. troops from Iraq, and al-Kadhimi needs signs of rapid economic, political and security progress to strengthen his hold on power to a degree that his predecessors as prime minister failed to achieve.
His call for early elections signaled he knows the populist wave that ushered him into office will be short-lived without measurable progress on such issues as rooting out corruption, providing stable electricity and enhancing security in the face of threats ranging from ISIS to Iran.
Outside observers are watching with intrigue.
The situation in Iraq is a "wide-ranging subject," Samir F. Ghattas, spokesman for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, told Just the News in a statement. "Iraq faces multiple security, political, humanitarian, social and economic challenges."
Bilal Wahab, an analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said trade and U.S. troop levels will be the two most important issues being monitored at any summit between al-Kadhimi and Trump in Washington.
And Wahab said the meeting will give Trump an opportunity to define where Iraq ranks in his overall foreign policy strategy.
"Between the United States and Iraq, the main issues are, where is Iraq positioned in U.S. foreign policy? Is Iraq part of a U.S. Middle East policy? Is it to be used for anti-ISIS actions, or is it an arena for the maximum pressure on Iran policy? I think those are questions Washington is not clear on,” he said
"What is missing," he added, "is a normal relationship between the two countries, where Iraq itself has value that is not exclusively anti-ISIS or part of U.S. policy toward Iran. What is missing is a cultural and diplomatic exchange. A normal, full relationship. This relationship is not normal."
A Washington meeting will provide "an opportunity to put this relationship on a normal path. If the PM comes to Washington, it will be an important step in a bilateral relationship."


bonginoreport--2020-08-08--Transgender Activist’s Attempt at Internet Shaming Grocery Store Worker Backfires

Transgender rights activist Danielle Muscato wants everyone to think she 's a hero for harassing a fellow shopper and a store manager at Kroger .
Mask wearing is all the rage these days , and it 's even mandated in some places .
Muscato , an activist firebrand known for her outlandish antics on social media , complained to a Kroger manager after she spotted a woman not wearing a mask at the grocery retailer .
When the manager refused to take Muscato 's side , the activist sparked a cancel campaign against the manager and revealed his name to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Posting on Twitter , Muscato said that she told a fellow shopper to wear a mask .
When the woman refused , Muscato tracked down the manager to lodge a complaint .
Muscato reported that Andy , the manager , `` found her and talked to her , but refused to do anything more . ''
When Muscato asked for the security footage , Andy apparently `` blew [ her ] off . ''
Muscato wants the world to know about this crime against humanity .
But the internet , in all its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager Andy 's side .
Author Douglas Karr suggests that instead of complaining about Andy , Muscato should thank him for doing his job .
`` Maybe you should thank Andy and show him some appreciation for exposing himself to the public [ every day ] , keeping food available , and having a clean store stocked around the clock so you can feed yourself , '' Karr wrote .
Jack Posobiec called Muscato out for trying to shame a man out of his job for simply doing his job .
Mickey White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to who the villain is in this story .
Muscato calls herself as a civil-rights activist , debater , columnist , writer , public speaker , and transgender woman .
She has attracted infamy for shaming people online for disagreeing with her .
Last January , a Target employee was shamed by a journalist who was incensed that the employee did n't honour the price of $ 0.00 on a toothbrush .
Target Tori took to Twitter in support of Andy .
Target Tori is now raising money for Andy .

Transgender rights activist Danielle Muscato wants everyone to think she's a hero for harassing a fellow shopper and a store manager at Kroger.
Mask wearing is all the rage these days, and it's even mandated in some places. Muscato, an activist firebrand known for her outlandish antics on social media, complained to a Kroger manager after she spotted a woman not wearing a mask at the grocery retailer.
When the manager refused to take Muscato's side, the activist sparked a cancel campaign against the manager and revealed his name to the world for all to see.
Posting on Twitter, Muscato said that she told a fellow shopper to wear a mask. When the woman refused, Muscato tracked down the manager to lodge a complaint.
Muscato reported that Andy, the manager, "found her and talked to her, but refused to do anything more." When Muscato asked for the security footage, Andy apparently "blew [her] off."
I didn't get a pic of the woman who threatened me. But it's all on camera, @Kroger has footage. I asked the manager about that footage, too, and he blew me off.
Kroger, this is unacceptable. — Danielle Muscato (@DanielleMuscato) August 8, 2020
Muscato wants the world to know about this crime against humanity. But the internet, in all its wisdom, has instead taken up Kroger manager Andy's side.
Author Douglas Karr suggests that instead of complaining about Andy, Muscato should thank him for doing his job.
"Maybe you should thank Andy and show him some appreciation for exposing himself to the public [every day], keeping food available, and having a clean store stocked around the clock so you can feed yourself," Karr wrote.
Maybe you should thank Andy and show him some appreciation for exposing himself to the public everyday, keeping food available, and having a clean store stocked around the clock so you can feed yourself. @kroger delivers and has pickup if you don’t like it. #thanksandy — Douglas Karr (@douglaskarr) August 8, 2020
Jack Posobiec called Muscato out for trying to shame a man out of his job for simply doing his job.
Literally trying to get Twitter to harass a grocery store mgr who upset you https://t.co/bhQ0NDnMqg — Jack Posobiec ?? (@JackPosobiec) August 8, 2020
Mickey White notes that Muscato is entirely unclear as to who the villain is in this story.
Danielle doesn’t seem to realize She is the asshole in this scenario. https://t.co/y2CkEm0smG — Mickey White (@BiasedGirl) August 8, 2020
Muscato calls herself as a civil-rights activist, debater, columnist, writer, public speaker, and transgender woman. She has attracted infamy for shaming people online for disagreeing with her.
Last January, a Target employee was shamed by a journalist who was incensed that the employee didn't honour the price of $0.00 on a toothbrush. Target Tori took to Twitter in support of Andy.
Dear Andy, I didn’t want the twitter world to know my name either. Turns out it isn’t half bad. If you need someone to talk to... I’m here for you. (Can we stop using social media as a tool to shame people at their place of work?) https://t.co/Pg3HvtkJxg — Target Tori (@RealTargetTori) August 8, 2020
Target Tori is now raising money for Andy.


bonginoreport--2020-08-08--Elizabeth Warren Pushes Student Debt Cancellation as COVID-19 Relief

Sen. Elizabeth Warren has based her entire political career on promises to fight for “ economic justice ” and the working class .
But now , the supposedly progressive Democrat is pushing for the inclusion of a policy that mostly benefits the well-off in Congress ’ s next COVID-19 relief bill .
“ One way to address the economic crisis facing working families is to broadly cancel student loan debt , ” the senator .
“ We need to do it because it ’ s morally right , '' Warren in a video shared on social media .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s economically right .
We need to do it because we ’ re in a crisis , and we need to do it because we can do it.
” Yet student debt “ cancelation , ” which really means taxpayers like you have to pay other peoples ’ debt off , disproportionately benefits the well-off and well-educated .
Amid an economic crisis , we shouldn ’ t prioritize using limited taxpayer resources to help more privileged sectors of society .
The last thing the working class needs right now is higher taxes or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help well-educated millennials and the white-collar class .
But wait : Aren ’ t student loans crushing struggling young people ?
Aren ’ t they an enormous burden on the working class ?
The facts suggest otherwise .
According to the Census Bureau , just over age 25 has a four-year college degree .
On average , these college graduates earn than individuals with just a high school diploma .
Some graduates are buried in debt , but this is not the norm .
Data shows the average monthly student loan payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an insurmountable expense for most college graduates .
Only this relatively more well-off segment of society is helped by a student loan bailout .
In practice , progressive-sounding plans to “ cancel ” student debt don ’ t deliver “ economic justice.
” They really mean forcing Emma the grocery store clerk to pay higher taxes to pay off Tyler the corporate lawyer ’ s undergraduate debt .
You don ’ t have to take my word for it — many left-leaning think tanks and policy scholars draw the same conclusion .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be regressive … providing the largest monetary benefits to those with the highest incomes.
” The organization points out that almost 65 % of student loan debt is held by the top half of income earners .
The Brookings Institution drew a similar conclusion while analyzing Warren ’ s debt cancellation plan during the Democratic presidential primaries .
“ Despite [ Elizabeth Warren ’ s ] best intentions and her description of the plan as progressive , a quick analysis finds the Warren proposal to be regressive , expensive , and full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Looney .
“ The top 20 percent of households receive about 27 percent of all annual savings , and the top 40 percent about 66 percent .
The bottom 20 percent of borrowers by income get only 4 percent of the savings.
” Warren may be sincere in her belief that student loans are crushing the disadvantaged , but in reality , her proposal mainly helps well-educated and well-off young people — the demographic that overwhelmingly constitutes her supporters .
This is no coincidence .
“ The greatest moral claim of the political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masses in general and the poor in particular , ” famed free-market economist Thomas Sowell once said .
“ That is also their greatest fraud .
It even fools many leftists themselves.
” This is the fate that awaits would-be socialists and their empty promises of working-class solidarity .
They rise by promising to fight for the lowest among us , but the inevitably corrupting nature of government power quickly leads them down a different path .
Warren has proven to be no exception .
Brad Polumbo ( @ Brad_Polumbo ) is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a Washington Examiner contributor .

Sen. Elizabeth Warren has based her entire political career on promises to fight for “economic justice” and the working class. But now, the supposedly progressive Democrat is pushing for the inclusion of a policy that mostly benefits the well-off in Congress’s next COVID-19 relief bill.
“One way to address the economic crisis facing working families is to broadly cancel student loan debt,” the senator wrote .
“We need to do it because it’s morally right," Warren said in a video shared on social media. “We need to do it because it’s economically right. We need to do it because we’re in a crisis, and we need to do it because we can do it.”
People outside of Washington get it: one way to address the economic crisis facing working families is to broadly cancel student loan debt.
That's why I'm fighting with @SenSchumer, @PattyMurray, and others to include it in the next relief package. https://t.co/9YBD2PX3lm — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) July 17, 2020
Yet student debt “cancelation,” which really means taxpayers like you have to pay other peoples’ debt off, disproportionately benefits the well-off and well-educated. Amid an economic crisis, we shouldn’t prioritize using limited taxpayer resources to help more privileged sectors of society. The last thing the working class needs right now is higher taxes or more debt on their shoulders, all to help well-educated millennials and the white-collar class.
But wait: Aren’t student loans crushing struggling young people? Aren’t they an enormous burden on the working class? The facts suggest otherwise.
According to the Census Bureau, just 1 in 3 adults over age 25 has a four-year college degree. On average, these college graduates earn $30,000 more per year than individuals with just a high school diploma.
Some graduates are buried in debt, but this is not the norm. Data shows the average monthly student loan payments range from $200 to $300 . That’s hardly an insurmountable expense for most college graduates.
Only this relatively more well-off segment of society is helped by a student loan bailout. In practice, progressive-sounding plans to “cancel” student debt don’t deliver “economic justice.” They really mean forcing Emma the grocery store clerk to pay higher taxes to pay off Tyler the corporate lawyer’s undergraduate debt.
You don’t have to take my word for it — many left-leaning think tanks and policy scholars draw the same conclusion.
According to the Urban Institute , “debt forgiveness plans would be regressive … providing the largest monetary benefits to those with the highest incomes.” The organization points out that almost 65% of student loan debt is held by the top half of income earners.
The Brookings Institution drew a similar conclusion while analyzing Warren’s debt cancellation plan during the Democratic presidential primaries.
“Despite [Elizabeth Warren’s] best intentions and her description of the plan as progressive, a quick analysis finds the Warren proposal to be regressive, expensive, and full of uncertainties,” Brookings economist Adam Looney concluded . “The top 20 percent of households receive about 27 percent of all annual savings, and the top 40 percent about 66 percent. The bottom 20 percent of borrowers by income get only 4 percent of the savings.”
Warren may be sincere in her belief that student loans are crushing the disadvantaged, but in reality, her proposal mainly helps well-educated and well-off young people — the demographic that overwhelmingly constitutes her supporters. This is no coincidence.
“The greatest moral claim of the political left is that they are for the masses in general and the poor in particular,” famed free-market economist Thomas Sowell once said. “That is also their greatest fraud. It even fools many leftists themselves.”
This is the fate that awaits would-be socialists and their empty promises of working-class solidarity. They rise by promising to fight for the lowest among us, but the inevitably corrupting nature of government power quickly leads them down a different path. Warren has proven to be no exception.
Brad Polumbo (@Brad_Polumbo) is a fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education and a Washington Examiner contributor.