bonginoreport--2020-10-27--Lela Gilbert: International Religious Freedom Day: It’s Time to Applaud President Trump’s Remarkable

Lela Gilbert: International Religious Freedom Day: It’s Time to Applaud President Trump’s Remarkable IRF Accomplishments

Has there ever been an election year quite like 2020 ?
Intense polarization divides Americans from coast to coast with regard to furiously defended philosophical , moral , religious , and political convictions .
Much attention has been focused on President Donald Trump himself , while some of his most significant achievements have been overlooked .
Seemingly innumerable issues , disputes , and disagreements continue to come between friends , families , and foes alike .
But far too little time seems to have been spent reflecting on something very positive , hopeful and indisputable : The Trump administration ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
International Religious Freedom Day on Oct. 27 is an ideal opportunity to applaud all he has done .
We can attest to another key fact : President Trump ’ s efforts have not been , as some claim , a cynical ploy to win the votes of Christian conservatives .
In fact , the Trump administration has repeatedly defended millions of Uighur Muslims in Chinese prison camps , 700,000-plus Rohingya Muslims violently driven out of their homes in Burma , tortured Jehovah ’ s Witnesses in Russia , and countless other beleaguered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 an unprecedented Executive Order was issued by the president of the United States , recognizing the promotion of international religious freedom as an imperative for the United States .
It declared , “ Religious freedom , America ’ s first freedom , is a moral and national security imperative .
Religious freedom for all people worldwide is a foreign policy priority of the United States , and the United States will respect and vigorously promote this freedom… [ O ] ur Founders understood religious freedom not as a creation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God to every person and a right that is fundamental for the flourishing of our society….
” However , that 2020 Executive Order was far from the first effort made by the Trump administration on behalf of religious freedom .
A significant step was taken in April 2018 , when Mike Pompeo was confirmed as Secretary of State .
President Trump intentionally chose a man who cares deeply about religious liberty and fully understands it global significance .
That same year , on April 30 , during a press conference with Nigeria ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue of the carnage of Christians taking place in that country—until then the bloodshed had largely been ignored by U.S. officials .
On July 24-26 , 2018 the State Department hosted the first-ever Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom .
This brought hundreds of political , religious , and civil society leaders from around the globe to Washington , D.C. , for a three-day summit promoting global religious liberty ; a fund was also announced to aid international victims of religious abuse .
On August 1 , the Trump administration sanctioned two Turkish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Brunson due to his Christian faith .
This , along with persistent U.S. government efforts , ultimately resulted in Pastor Brunson ’ s release .
In July , during the State Department ’ s second Ministerial , FCC Chairman Ajit Pai spoke powerfully about the illicit use of technology to track and control the lives of religious minorities .
The United States was among 14 signatory countries on a statement of concern about technology and religious freedom .
During the Ministerial the U.S. joined 34 countries signing a statement of concern about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the repression of religious freedom ; it was as well one of 27 countries signing a statement condemning blasphemy , apostasy , or other laws restricting religious freedom .
The U.S. was also one of 46 countries to sign a statement condemning attacks on places of worship and committing to help protect threatened religious communities .
On July 16 , the State Department placed targeted sanctions on Burmese military officials for their human rights and religious freedom violations committed against the Rohingya Muslim population .
In September , the State Department placed targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom violations and torturing of Jehovah ’ s Witnesses .
On September 23—and for the first time any U.S. president had done so—President Trump hosted a meeting during the U.N. General Assembly and gave a speech solely focused on religious freedom .
The next day , Trump addressed the necessity for protection of religious freedom during his U.N. General Assembly speech , affirming that China and Iran are two major violators of religious freedom .
On December 19 , the Treasury Department sanctioned two Iranian judges responsible for human rights violations , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Iran ’ s Christian and Baha ’ i religious minority communities .
On February 5 , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo launched the International Religious Freedom Alliance .
And on February 7 , President Trump spotlighted Iran ’ s arrest of 21-year-old Christian convert Mary Mohammadi .
On April 2 , U.S. Ambassador-at-Large Sam Brownback called upon China , North Korea , Iran , and Russia to release their prisoners of conscience in light of COVID-19 .
Many of these prisoners were incarcerated for their religious faith .
These actions and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump signed the Executive Order on Advancing International Religious Freedom—a extraordinary achievement .
As the U.S. election approaches , those of us who work to extend religious freedom across the world are grateful for President Trump ’ s remarkable efforts .
We hope to see his accomplishments remain securely in place .
And we pray the U.S.A. will continue to stand in the gap between life and death , permitting millions of endangered people to choose life—for themselves and their children .
Lela Gilbert is Senior Fellow for International Religious Freedom at @ @ @ @

Has there ever been an election year quite like 2020? Intense polarization divides Americans from coast to coast with regard to furiously defended philosophical, moral, religious, and political convictions. Much attention has been focused on President Donald Trump himself, while some of his most significant achievements have been overlooked.
Seemingly innumerable issues, disputes, and disagreements continue to come between friends, families, and foes alike. But far too little time seems to have been spent reflecting on something very positive, hopeful and indisputable: The Trump administration’s remarkable accomplishments regarding international religious freedom. International Religious Freedom Day on Oct. 27 is an ideal opportunity to applaud all he has done.
We can attest to another key fact: President Trump’s efforts have not been, as some claim, a cynical ploy to win the votes of Christian conservatives. In fact, the Trump administration has repeatedly defended millions of Uighur Muslims in Chinese prison camps, 700,000-plus Rohingya Muslims violently driven out of their homes in Burma, tortured Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia, and countless other beleaguered minorities—including persecuted Christians.
On June 2, 2020 an unprecedented Executive Order was issued by the president of the United States, recognizing the promotion of international religious freedom as an imperative for the United States. It declared,
“Religious freedom, America’s first freedom, is a moral and national security imperative. Religious freedom for all people worldwide is a foreign policy priority of the United States, and the United States will respect and vigorously promote this freedom…[O]ur Founders understood religious freedom not as a creation of the state, but as a gift of God to every person and a right that is fundamental for the flourishing of our society….”
However, that 2020 Executive Order was far from the first effort made by the Trump administration on behalf of religious freedom.
A significant step was taken in April 2018, when Mike Pompeo was confirmed as Secretary of State. President Trump intentionally chose a man who cares deeply about religious liberty and fully understands it global significance.
That same year, on April 30, during a press conference with Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, Trump raised the issue of the carnage of Christians taking place in that country—until then the bloodshed had largely been ignored by U.S. officials.
On July 24-26, 2018 the State Department hosted the first-ever Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. This brought hundreds of political, religious, and civil society leaders from around the globe to Washington, D.C., for a three-day summit promoting global religious liberty; a fund was also announced to aid international victims of religious abuse.
On August 1, the Trump administration sanctioned two Turkish officials over the detention of American pastor Andrew Brunson due to his Christian faith. This, along with persistent U.S. government efforts, ultimately resulted in Pastor Brunson’s release.
The administration’s religious freedom efforts increased in 2019.
In July, during the State Department’s second Ministerial, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai spoke powerfully about the illicit use of technology to track and control the lives of religious minorities. The United States was among 14 signatory countries on a statement of concern about technology and religious freedom.
During the Ministerial the U.S. joined 34 countries signing a statement of concern about counterterrorism being used as a pretext for the repression of religious freedom; it was as well one of 27 countries signing a statement condemning blasphemy, apostasy, or other laws restricting religious freedom. The U.S. was also one of 46 countries to sign a statement condemning attacks on places of worship and committing to help protect threatened religious communities.
On July 16, the State Department placed targeted sanctions on Burmese military officials for their human rights and religious freedom violations committed against the Rohingya Muslim population. In September, the State Department placed targeted sanctions on Russian officials for their religious freedom violations and torturing of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
On September 23—and for the first time any U.S. president had done so—President Trump hosted a meeting during the U.N. General Assembly and gave a speech solely focused on religious freedom. The next day, Trump addressed the necessity for protection of religious freedom during his U.N. General Assembly speech, affirming that China and Iran are two major violators of religious freedom.
On December 19, the Treasury Department sanctioned two Iranian judges responsible for human rights violations, one of whom had specifically violated the rights of Iran’s Christian and Baha’i religious minority communities.
On February 5, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo launched the International Religious Freedom Alliance. And on February 7, President Trump spotlighted Iran’s arrest of 21-year-old Christian convert Mary Mohammadi.
On April 2, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large Sam Brownback called upon China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia to release their prisoners of conscience in light of COVID-19. Many of these prisoners were incarcerated for their religious faith.
These actions and more preceded June 2, 2020, when President Trump signed the Executive Order on Advancing International Religious Freedom—a extraordinary achievement.
As the U.S. election approaches, those of us who work to extend religious freedom across the world are grateful for President Trump’s remarkable efforts. We hope to see his accomplishments remain securely in place. And we pray the U.S.A. will continue to stand in the gap between life and death, permitting millions of endangered people to choose life—for themselves and their children.
Lela Gilbert is Senior Fellow for International Religious Freedom at Family Research Council.


bonginoreport--2020-10-27--Wayne Allyn Root: This Is the Michael Dukakis Election of 2020

I 've been calling this presidential election the `` Michael Dukakis election of 2020 '' for months now -- all through the summer , when Joe Biden was up by double digits , just like Dukakis .
That was before Rudy Giuliani announced he had Hunter Biden 's infamous laptop with a treasure trove of emails that appeared to implicate Joe Biden in a massive pay-for-play conspiracy and identify Biden as `` the big guy '' -- a partner in business with the Chinese Communist Party .
That was before Hunter Biden 's former business partner Tony Bobulinski announced he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the dirty deals .
He 's now meeting with the FBI .
That was before President Donald Trump dominated Joe Biden in Thursday night 's presidential debate .
That was before Joe Biden announced in that debate that he plans to destroy the oil industry .
Biden just lost every oil and energy state ( see Pennsylvania ) and the votes of millions of oil-industry employees .
Back to Michael Dukakis .
Remember him ?
In 1988 , he was the Democratic presidential candidate .
He led Republican candidate George H.W .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Seventeen .
Remember that number .
It 's significant .
On Election Day , Bush destroyed Dukakis .
Bush won by 7 points .
That 's a 24-point turnaround .
More importantly , Bush beat Dukakis in an electoral landslide of 426 to 111 .
Bush won 40 states .
Think about that for a moment : down by 17 and then winning in close to a 4-to-1 electoral landslide .
That 's pretty close to what I predict is about to happen in this Trump-Biden race .
Keep in mind as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll still shows a big lead for Biden .
Still , Politico reports a massive Democratic early-vote lead in swing states .
Still , Peggy Noonan writes in the Wall Street Journal that Biden `` has a formidable lead . ''
Still , the Biden team is measuring curtains for the White House -- just like Hillary Clinton and Dukakis did .
The Wall Street Journal wrote in a headline , `` Biden Team Prepares for Potentially Bumpy Transition . ''
The D.C .
Swamp `` experts '' clearly believe it 's over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeat itself ; it rhymes .
Folks , this is Dukakis all over again .
And , of course , Clinton in 2016 .
How quickly they forget .
The NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll showed Trump losing by 17 only two weeks ago .
Most other polls showed double-digit leads .
As Peggy Noonan puts it , `` formidable . ''
Except there 's a fly in the ointment .
Just like four years ago , the experts have it all wrong .
History proves that whichever candidate leads with enthusiasm wins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with tens of thousands attending , waiting in line all night to see their hero .
Trump car parades and boat parades feature thousands of cars and boats .
In Miami , Trump car parades in consecutive weeks brought out 35,000 and 75,000 cars .
These are fans who would walk on broken glass to fight for Trump .
Meanwhile , Biden and Kamala Harris keep showing up to rallies with 10 people , covered in masks , in socially distant circles .
How depressing .
Biden 's car parade in Miami attracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's attracted 35,000 .
Folks , this is a carbon copy of Clinton four years ago , except much worse .
There 's much less enthusiasm .
It 's much more depressing .
I did n't think that was possible .
Yet the D.C .
Swamp media are clueless .
They do n't see it coming .
They have no idea .
What 's happening ?
It 's what I named in 2016 `` the Whisper Vote , '' except this time , it 's squared , times 1,000 .
In 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out loud they voted for Trump .
They were scared of the stigma , of being called a racist .
Fast-forward to today .
It 's been four years of vicious media assaults on Trump ; four years of impeachment attempts ; four years of calling Trump a `` Nazi , '' `` Hitler '' and `` the KKK '' ; four years of liberals on social media begging for Trump 's death or assassination .
And , lately , it 's been riots ; looting ; burning ; entire downtown business districts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump supporters ; and surging murder and violent crime rates .
Add in censorship and banning by Twitter , Facebook and the rest of Silicon Valley .
And Trump supporters ostracized , losing their jobs and careers .
And we all know liberals have plans in place to burn American cities to the ground if Trump wins .
They 've made it clear the revolution begins the day after the election .
So , you think anyone anywhere wants to tell a stranger they 're voting for Trump this year ?
This election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laughable .
This is pre-Civil War .
Trust me .
The polls are dead wrong .
This is a revolution , all right .
The entire middle class and the so-called silent majority are voting for Trump : in private , in secret , in that voting booth .
Yes , suburban mothers tell pollsters they 're voting for Biden .
Once in that voting booth , once the curtain closes , they 'll vote overwhelmingly for Trump .
The polls no longer matter .
The voters do n't talk to pollsters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming for Trump .
It 's the Michael Dukakis election all over again .
With a touch of Hillary .

I've been calling this presidential election the "Michael Dukakis election of 2020" for months now -- all through the summer, when Joe Biden was up by double digits, just like Dukakis.
That was before Rudy Giuliani announced he had Hunter Biden's infamous laptop with a treasure trove of emails that appeared to implicate Joe Biden in a massive pay-for-play conspiracy and identify Biden as "the big guy" -- a partner in business with the Chinese Communist Party.
That was before Hunter Biden's former business partner Tony Bobulinski announced he can prove Biden had a piece of all the dirty deals. He's now meeting with the FBI.
That was before President Donald Trump dominated Joe Biden in Thursday night's presidential debate.
That was before Joe Biden announced in that debate that he plans to destroy the oil industry. Biden just lost every oil and energy state (see Pennsylvania) and the votes of millions of oil-industry employees.
Back to Michael Dukakis. Remember him? In 1988, he was the Democratic presidential candidate. He led Republican candidate George H.W. Bush by 17 points over the summer. Seventeen. Remember that number. It's significant.
On Election Day, Bush destroyed Dukakis. Bush won by 7 points. That's a 24-point turnaround. More importantly, Bush beat Dukakis in an electoral landslide of 426 to 111. Bush won 40 states.
Think about that for a moment: down by 17 and then winning in close to a 4-to-1 electoral landslide.
That's pretty close to what I predict is about to happen in this Trump-Biden race.
Keep in mind as I make this prediction that almost every poll still shows a big lead for Biden. Still, Politico reports a massive Democratic early-vote lead in swing states. Still, Peggy Noonan writes in the Wall Street Journal that Biden "has a formidable lead." Still, the Biden team is measuring curtains for the White House -- just like Hillary Clinton and Dukakis did. The Wall Street Journal wrote in a headline, "Biden Team Prepares for Potentially Bumpy Transition." The D.C. Swamp "experts" clearly believe it's over.
Funny how history doesn't just repeat itself; it rhymes.
Folks, this is Dukakis all over again. And, of course, Clinton in 2016. How quickly they forget.
The NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll showed Trump losing by 17 only two weeks ago. Most other polls showed double-digit leads. As Peggy Noonan puts it, "formidable."
Except there's a fly in the ointment. Just like four years ago, the experts have it all wrong. History proves that whichever candidate leads with enthusiasm wins. Trump holds two rallies a day with tens of thousands attending, waiting in line all night to see their hero. Trump car parades and boat parades feature thousands of cars and boats. In Miami, Trump car parades in consecutive weeks brought out 35,000 and 75,000 cars. These are fans who would walk on broken glass to fight for Trump.
Meanwhile, Biden and Kamala Harris keep showing up to rallies with 10 people, covered in masks, in socially distant circles. How depressing. Biden's car parade in Miami attracted 15 cars, the day after Trump's attracted 35,000.
Folks, this is a carbon copy of Clinton four years ago, except much worse. There's much less enthusiasm. It's much more depressing. I didn't think that was possible.
Yet the D.C. Swamp media are clueless. They don't see it coming. They have no idea.
What's happening? It's what I named in 2016 "the Whisper Vote," except this time, it's squared, times 1,000. In 2016, many Trump voters were afraid to say out loud they voted for Trump. They were scared of the stigma, of being called a racist.
Fast-forward to today. It's been four years of vicious media assaults on Trump; four years of impeachment attempts; four years of calling Trump a "Nazi," "Hitler" and "the KKK"; four years of liberals on social media begging for Trump's death or assassination. And, lately, it's been riots; looting; burning; entire downtown business districts held hostage; attacks on police and Trump supporters; and surging murder and violent crime rates. Add in censorship and banning by Twitter, Facebook and the rest of Silicon Valley. And Trump supporters ostracized, losing their jobs and careers.
And we all know liberals have plans in place to burn American cities to the ground if Trump wins. They've made it clear the revolution begins the day after the election.
So, you think anyone anywhere wants to tell a stranger they're voting for Trump this year? This election is so far beyond 2016 it's laughable. This is pre-Civil War.
Trust me. The polls are dead wrong. This is a revolution, all right. The entire middle class and the so-called silent majority are voting for Trump: in private, in secret, in that voting booth. Yes, suburban mothers tell pollsters they're voting for Biden. Once in that voting booth, once the curtain closes, they'll vote overwhelmingly for Trump.
The polls no longer matter. The voters don't talk to pollsters. They whisper.
An electoral landslide is coming for Trump. It's the Michael Dukakis election all over again. With a touch of Hillary.


bonginoreport--2020-10-27--Andrew Wilford: Latest Dem Coronavirus Legislation Contains Significant Tax Changes

For months now , the House has repeatedly demanded hundreds of billions of dollars in state aid and massive increases in appropriations for existing programs , contributing to congressional gridlock on further aid in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The latest offer from House Democrats , however , has made some news on account of the concessions to smart tax policy that it includes .
A major sticking point for negotiations up to this point has been the treatment of net operating losses ( NOLs ) .
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ( TCJA ) , the 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limitations on how pass-through businesses and C corporations could claim NOLs , primarily so that the TCJA could be passed within the rules of budget reconciliation .
But these rules were some of the few negative features of the TCJA .
Net operating loss deductions are often derided by progressives because they can significantly reduce a business ’ s tax liability , but that comes mostly from the nature of corporate taxes .
Corporate income is far less steady than most individuals ’ income — a year with significant losses due to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by a profitable year — and the tax year calendar doesn ’ t always match neatly with the profits and losses businesses experience .
NOL provisions are an important element of the tax code because they help to smooth out tax burdens and ensure that businesses don ’ t pay tax on more than their actual actual income .
Take the simplified example of a business that spends $ 20,000 on inputs in December and sells a total of $ 15,000 of product in January , incurring a $ 5,000 loss .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would tax the $ 15,000 of January sales as pure profit , ignoring the normally-deductible $ 20,000 expenditure on inputs the previous month .
This would mean the business would be forced to pay tax despite a net loss .
Taking this into account , the Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act reversed most of the TCJA ’ s changes to NOLs to minimize the negative impact the tax code would impose on business liquidity in the face of a pandemic-induced recession .
This would allow our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss they suffered , reducing their tax bill to zero .
Democrats immediately cried foul , deriding it as a giveaway to the rich .
This is in part the story behind clickbait articles about low tax liabilities for big corporations like Amazon .
Now , however , House Democrats are saying they will “ reserve discussion on NOL provisions.
” While reading Congressional tea leaves is a dangerous game , one hopes this is a suitably pouty way of waving the white flag on the issue … for now .
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see Democrats dropping their resistance to provisions that will be important for all the businesses that have faced losses due to pandemic-induced lockdowns — or at least being willing to stop holding the negotiations hostage over that issue .
Another encouraging sign in Democrats ’ latest offer is their willingness to accede to proposals to provide tax certainty and relief to Americans working remotely due to the pandemic .
Any American who used to commute to a different state but is now working remotely at home faces the risk of higher taxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is particularly concerning for residents of zero income tax states such as New Hampshire , which recently sued Massachusetts for trying to tax its residents who used to work in Massachusetts but now work remotely .
Senate Republicans included a fix to this problem in their initial Phase Four proposal , laying out clear protections against tax threats for remote work .
The new Democrat counteroffer agrees to such a fix , though it limits it to COVID-related remote work only .
While there is quite a bit more work to be done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to be providing relief to American workers now , so this is a welcome development .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remains a major hurdle here , as his home state of New York has been one of the most aggressive in claiming the tax income of remote-working Americans .
One hopes that the senator will not sacrifice the well-being of millions of American telecommuters in order to provide cover for his home state ’ s tax grab .
Though there remain sticking points to be worked out , it is encouraging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where their positions had been most indefensible .
Hopefully these two compromises on NOLs and remote work remain in this form ( or better ) should they advance to the President ’ s desk .
Andrew Wilford is a policy analyst with the National Taxpayers Union Foundation , a nonprofit dedicated to tax policy research and education at all levels of government .

For months now, the House has repeatedly demanded hundreds of billions of dollars in state aid and massive increases in appropriations for existing programs, contributing to congressional gridlock on further aid in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest offer from House Democrats, however, has made some news on account of the concessions to smart tax policy that it includes.
A major sticking point for negotiations up to this point has been the treatment of net operating losses (NOLs). The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the 2017 tax reform law, had placed some limitations on how pass-through businesses and C corporations could claim NOLs, primarily so that the TCJA could be passed within the rules of budget reconciliation.
But these rules were some of the few negative features of the TCJA. Net operating loss deductions are often derided by progressives because they can significantly reduce a business’s tax liability, but that comes mostly from the nature of corporate taxes. Corporate income is far less steady than most individuals’ income — a year with significant losses due to a weak economy or investment can be immediately followed by a profitable year — and the tax year calendar doesn’t always match neatly with the profits and losses businesses experience. NOL provisions are an important element of the tax code because they help to smooth out tax burdens and ensure that businesses don’t pay tax on more than their actual actual income.
Take the simplified example of a business that spends $20,000 on inputs in December and sells a total of $15,000 of product in January, incurring a $5,000 loss. A tax code without an NOL provision would tax the $15,000 of January sales as pure profit, ignoring the normally-deductible $20,000 expenditure on inputs the previous month. This would mean the business would be forced to pay tax despite a net loss.
Taking this into account, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act reversed most of the TCJA’s changes to NOLs to minimize the negative impact the tax code would impose on business liquidity in the face of a pandemic-induced recession. This would allow our aforementioned company to account for the actual loss they suffered, reducing their tax bill to zero.
Democrats immediately cried foul, deriding it as a giveaway to the rich. This is in part the story behind clickbait articles about low tax liabilities for big corporations like Amazon.
Now, however, House Democrats are saying they will “reserve discussion on NOL provisions.” While reading Congressional tea leaves is a dangerous game, one hopes this is a suitably pouty way of waving the white flag on the issue … for now. At the very least, it’s encouraging to see Democrats dropping their resistance to provisions that will be important for all the businesses that have faced losses due to pandemic-induced lockdowns — or at least being willing to stop holding the negotiations hostage over that issue.
Another encouraging sign in Democrats’ latest offer is their willingness to accede to proposals to provide tax certainty and relief to Americans working remotely due to the pandemic. Any American who used to commute to a different state but is now working remotely at home faces the risk of higher taxes and potentially even double taxation. This is particularly concerning for residents of zero income tax states such as New Hampshire, which recently sued Massachusetts for trying to tax its residents who used to work in Massachusetts but now work remotely.
Senate Republicans included a fix to this problem in their initial Phase Four proposal, laying out clear protections against tax threats for remote work. The new Democrat counteroffer agrees to such a fix, though it limits it to COVID-related remote work only. While there is quite a bit more work to be done to fully protect taxpayers, priority one has to be providing relief to American workers now, so this is a welcome development.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remains a major hurdle here, as his home state of New York has been one of the most aggressive in claiming the tax income of remote-working Americans. One hopes that the senator will not sacrifice the well-being of millions of American telecommuters in order to provide cover for his home state’s tax grab.
Though there remain sticking points to be worked out, it is encouraging to see Democrats bending on two issues where their positions had been most indefensible. Hopefully these two compromises on NOLs and remote work remain in this form (or better) should they advance to the President’s desk.
Andrew Wilford is a policy analyst with the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to tax policy research and education at all levels of government.


bonginoreport--2020-10-27--Stephen Moore: Is the Stock Market Telling Us That Trump Will Win?

Why is the stock market so high ?
I get asked this riddle every day .
The standard answers we hear these days are that the market is anticipating another $ 2 trillion Donald Trump-Nancy Pelosi stimulus bill ( either before or right after the election ) and investors are craving another drink from the federal firehose .
Deficit spending has apparently become the crack cocaine for investors .
Economists at the Federal Reserve Bank , UBS , Bank of America and Goldman Sachs also tell us that a President Joe Biden would be bullish for the markets because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deficit spending in the trillions of dollars .
UBS even says that a Democratic clean sweep would be `` moderately bullish '' for stocks .
And people actually pay economists for such lame-brained analyses .
The historical evidence shows the market does best with divided control of Washington and worst when Democrats run everything .
More importantly , government spending stimulus bills have never worked anywhere , anytime , at any amount .
They are NEGATIVE for the economy , and the increased government spending in the end only crowds out private spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Obama years and the anemic growth rates for four years of `` stimulus . ''
The unavoidable truth is that debts must be paid for now or with interest later — and the taxes to pay for the spending will assuredly punish investors , and hard .
For example , a major feature of the Biden tax plan is to raise the corporate income tax from 21 % to 28 % and to raise the capital gains tax from roughly 24 % to 40 % .
These are direct taxes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a larger share of corporate profits , then , by definition , the shareholders get a smaller share .
This should get capitalized into the value of shares of stock .
Right now , under the current tax code , a shareholder has an after-tax rate of return of about 60 % on the stock , with the other 40 % going to government taxes .
Under the Biden tax plan , the after-tax return on the stock falls to about 48 % for the shareholder , with 52 % snatched away by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me how this scheme RAISES stock values .
To be honest , I do n't have a good explanation for why the market has been so dizzyingly high , except for the fact that the economy is doing MUCH better than anyone expected during the pandemic .
But here is another explanation .
Perhaps the market 's collective wisdom knows something about this crazy election that pollsters and political pundits are n't seeing .
Maybe the market is making a bet that President Donald Trump will defy the odds and win .
Right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 40 % .
Do n't forget that the unexpected Trump win four years ago caused a massive market rally hours after he was declared the winner — a rally that lasted three years .
Maybe investors do n't want to be caught surprised a second time .
The only sure bet is that if Trump loses and Democrats sweep , the rally in the stock market and the real economy will come to a screeching halt .
Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and an economic consultant with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Trumponomics : Inside the America First Plan to Revive the American Economy . ''
To find out more about Stephen Moore and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists , visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com .

Why is the stock market so high? I get asked this riddle every day.
The standard answers we hear these days are that the market is anticipating another $2 trillion Donald Trump-Nancy Pelosi stimulus bill (either before or right after the election) and investors are craving another drink from the federal firehose. Deficit spending has apparently become the crack cocaine for investors.
Economists at the Federal Reserve Bank, UBS, Bank of America and Goldman Sachs also tell us that a President Joe Biden would be bullish for the markets because he will deluge the economy with even more deficit spending in the trillions of dollars. UBS even says that a Democratic clean sweep would be "moderately bullish" for stocks. And people actually pay economists for such lame-brained analyses. The historical evidence shows the market does best with divided control of Washington and worst when Democrats run everything.
More importantly, government spending stimulus bills have never worked anywhere, anytime, at any amount. They are NEGATIVE for the economy, and the increased government spending in the end only crowds out private spending, investment and profits. Just look at the Obama years and the anemic growth rates for four years of "stimulus."
The unavoidable truth is that debts must be paid for now or with interest later — and the taxes to pay for the spending will assuredly punish investors, and hard. For example, a major feature of the Biden tax plan is to raise the corporate income tax from 21% to 28% and to raise the capital gains tax from roughly 24% to 40%.
These are direct taxes on stock ownership. If the government takes a larger share of corporate profits, then, by definition, the shareholders get a smaller share. This should get capitalized into the value of shares of stock. Right now, under the current tax code, a shareholder has an after-tax rate of return of about 60% on the stock, with the other 40% going to government taxes. Under the Biden tax plan, the after-tax return on the stock falls to about 48% for the shareholder, with 52% snatched away by the government.
Someone please explain to me how this scheme RAISES stock values.
To be honest, I don't have a good explanation for why the market has been so dizzyingly high, except for the fact that the economy is doing MUCH better than anyone expected during the pandemic.
But here is another explanation. Perhaps the market's collective wisdom knows something about this crazy election that pollsters and political pundits aren't seeing. Maybe the market is making a bet that President Donald Trump will defy the odds and win. Right now, the betting odds have him at 40%.
Don't forget that the unexpected Trump win four years ago caused a massive market rally hours after he was declared the winner — a rally that lasted three years. Maybe investors don't want to be caught surprised a second time. The only sure bet is that if Trump loses and Democrats sweep, the rally in the stock market and the real economy will come to a screeching halt.
Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and an economic consultant with FreedomWorks. He is the co-author of "Trumponomics: Inside the America First Plan to Revive the American Economy." To find out more about Stephen Moore and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.


bonginoreport--2020-10-27--Bruce Abramson: Why the Tech Giants Censor Conservatives – and How to Stop Them

Why do the tech giants censor conservative thought and suppress news that makes progressives look bad ?
To many , the answer appears easy : tech executives and their employees are overwhelmingly progressive .
They want to promote the progressive worldview , spread progressive values , and secure power for progressives .
That ’ s true as far as it goes—but it doesn ’ t go far enough , because it ’ s a trick question .
The conventional answer explains why , given that the tech giants have decided to censor and suppress , they deploy those tools to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address the more important underlying question : why would a rational , profit-maximizing corporation choose to engage in censorship and suppression ?
At first blush , it seems to make little sense .
The entire business model underpinning social media involves making the experience easy , cheap , and pleasurable for the broadest possible audience , then selling information about audience members .
Like all businesses , social media companies attempt to achieve that goal while minimizing exposure to costly liability , government intrusion and competitive entry .
While economists may disagree about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and competition , all would agree these external constraints impose necessary discipline on corporate behavior .
Corporations are thus highly sensitive to the rules and the environment that society hands them .
If we don ’ t like their behavior , we probably need to change that environment .
Are we as a society pleased to have a social media environment that censors and suppresses information to suit the tastes of its corporate leaders ?
If so , we ’ re doing fine .
If not—and everything about traditional American values favoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free and responsible press , and individual decision-making screams that social media censorship and suppression is unacceptable—we ’ ve got a serious problem .
We ’ ve motivated deeply dangerous , antisocial , and anti-American behavior .
That societal “ we ” hardly lets companies like Twitter , Facebook , and Google off the hook .
They ’ ve become significant contributors to the dangerous downward spiral of debate and civic engagement rapidly destroying the American cultural landscape .
It does , however , emphasize that we allowed , or worse , perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media companies censor and suppress because the benefits those activities return far exceed the costs they impose .
And they can get away with it because most of the major rules governing Internet businesses trace back 20 years or more when Americans had very different issues on our minds .
Back then , everyone recognized that the fledgling public Internet would revolutionize information , communication , entertainment , finance , and many other aspects of life , but no one knew how that revolution would unfold .
The dominant objective of those setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Internet develop as freely as possible without trampling too many pre-existing rights and expectations .
The resulting light-touch rules thus favored minimizing regulation , liability , and antitrust scrutiny .
That approach proved wildly successful .
The Internet flourished .
Technologies and businesses boomed .
Fledgling startups became the world ’ s most valuable , powerful , and entrenched incumbents .
Then they started to exercise that power .
They learned to eliminate competition , influence regulations , and regulators and behave with the abandon characteristic of those who know that they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nurture an infant technology and an immature industry is proving woefully inadequate at disciplining powerful giants .
Only altered incentives can change behavior .
Some have called for invasive regulation to turn social media companies into utilities .
Others advocate the antitrust sledgehammer to break up these behemoths .
While such draconian actions would likely address today ’ s problems—including censorship and viewpoint suppression—they would impose significant costs .
A far simpler and safer approach would reconsider the assignment of liability .
Prior to the Internet , editorial and publisher liability provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media relatively honest .
For a variety of reasons , Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act ( CDA ) of 1996 exempted Internet businesses from this general rule .
Were this exemption eliminated , anyone who decided what to publish and what to block would become responsible for the integrity of the published materials .
The tech giants are already screaming that holding them to basic standards of decency would destroy the Internet as we know it .
What they neglect , however , is the emergence of a next-generation Internet with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because if Internet companies are forced to choose between providing an open forum and filtering content , an entire new competitive industry of tailored filtering services will arise .
That ’ s precisely how technology moves industry ahead .
Today ’ s innovative application becomes tomorrow ’ s platform , as competition ratchets forward to serve the needs of those using the platform .
Again , why do the tech giants engage in censorship and viewpoint suppression ?
Because the incentives that built the Internet made it rational for them to do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and civil discourse , we ’ d better change those incentives before it ’ s too late .
Dr. Bruce Abramson is a member of the Board of Directors at the American Center for Education and Knowledge .
He is an attorney specializing in technology policy .

Why do the tech giants censor conservative thought and suppress news that makes progressives look bad?
To many, the answer appears easy: tech executives and their employees are overwhelmingly progressive. They want to promote the progressive worldview, spread progressive values, and secure power for progressives.
That’s true as far as it goes—but it doesn’t go far enough, because it’s a trick question. The conventional answer explains why, given that the tech giants have decided to censor and suppress, they deploy those tools to help progressives. It doesn’t address the more important underlying question: why would a rational, profit-maximizing corporation choose to engage in censorship and suppression?
At first blush, it seems to make little sense. The entire business model underpinning social media involves making the experience easy, cheap, and pleasurable for the broadest possible audience, then selling information about audience members. Like all businesses, social media companies attempt to achieve that goal while minimizing exposure to costly liability, government intrusion and competitive entry. While economists may disagree about the optimal mix of liability, government, and competition, all would agree these external constraints impose necessary discipline on corporate behavior.
Corporations are thus highly sensitive to the rules and the environment that society hands them. If we don’t like their behavior, we probably need to change that environment. Are we as a society pleased to have a social media environment that censors and suppresses information to suit the tastes of its corporate leaders?
If so, we’re doing fine. If not—and everything about traditional American values favoring free speech, robust debate, a free and responsible press, and individual decision-making screams that social media censorship and suppression is unacceptable—we’ve got a serious problem. We’ve motivated deeply dangerous, antisocial, and anti-American behavior.
That societal “we” hardly lets companies like Twitter, Facebook, and Google off the hook. They’ve become significant contributors to the dangerous downward spiral of debate and civic engagement rapidly destroying the American cultural landscape. It does, however, emphasize that we allowed, or worse, perhaps even encouraged that destructive behavior.
Social media companies censor and suppress because the benefits those activities return far exceed the costs they impose. And they can get away with it because most of the major rules governing Internet businesses trace back 20 years or more when Americans had
very different issues on our minds. Back then, everyone recognized that the fledgling public Internet would revolutionize information, communication, entertainment, finance, and many other aspects of life, but no one knew how that revolution would unfold.
The dominant objective of those setting the rules was thus to let the Internet develop as freely as possible without trampling too many pre-existing rights and expectations. The resulting light-touch rules thus favored minimizing regulation, liability, and antitrust scrutiny. That approach proved wildly successful. The Internet flourished. Technologies and businesses boomed. Fledgling startups became the world’s most valuable, powerful, and entrenched incumbents.
Then they started to exercise that power. They learned to eliminate competition, influence regulations, and regulators and behave with the abandon characteristic of those who know that they can skirt responsibility. A rule set optimized to nurture an infant technology and an immature industry is proving woefully inadequate at disciplining powerful giants.
Only altered incentives can change behavior. Some have called for invasive regulation to turn social media companies into utilities. Others advocate the antitrust sledgehammer to break up these behemoths. While such draconian actions would likely address today’s problems—including censorship and viewpoint suppression—they would impose significant costs.
A far simpler and safer approach would reconsider the assignment of liability. Prior to the Internet, editorial and publisher liability provided important disciplinary restraints that helped keep our media relatively honest. For a variety of reasons, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA) of 1996 exempted Internet businesses from this general rule. Were this exemption eliminated, anyone who decided what to publish and what to block would become responsible for the integrity of the published materials.
The tech giants are already screaming that holding them to basic standards of decency would destroy the Internet as we know it. What they neglect, however, is the emergence of a next-generation Internet with additional competition and more responsible players. Because if Internet companies are forced to choose between providing an open forum and filtering content, an entire new competitive industry of tailored filtering services will arise.
That’s precisely how technology moves industry ahead. Today’s innovative application becomes tomorrow’s platform, as competition ratchets forward to serve the needs of those using the platform.
Again, why do the tech giants engage in censorship and viewpoint suppression? Because the incentives that built the Internet made it rational for them to do so. For the future of American society and civil discourse, we’d better change those incentives before it’s too late.
Dr. Bruce Abramson is a member of the Board of Directors at the American Center for Education and Knowledge. He is an attorney specializing in technology policy.


bonginoreport--2020-10-27--Amy Coney Barrett Sworn in as Supreme Court Associate Justice

Judge Amy Coney Barrett , fresh off her confirmation to serve as an associate justice on the nation 's highest court , took her constitutional oath on Monday at the White House .
The Supreme Court said in a press release that Barrett will be able to start her new role after Chief Justice John Roberts administers her judicial oath on Tuesday .
Justice Clarence Thomas administered the constitutional oath at Monday 's ceremony .
Thomas has long been considered one of the more conservative justices on the court , along with Barrett 's mentor , the late Justice Antonin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underscored the need for a separation of powers between the judicial and legislative branches .
`` It is the job of a senator to pursue her policy preferences , '' Barrett said to an audience on the South Lawn of the White House .
`` In fact , it would be a dereliction of duty for her to put policy goals aside .
By contrast , it is the job of a judge to resist her policy preferences .
It would be a dereliction of duty for her to give into them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thus , they have no basis for claiming that their preferences reflect those of the people . ''
The separation of duty is what makes the judiciary distinct , she said .
`` A judge declares independence not only from Congress and the president , but also from the private beliefs that might otherwise move her , '' she said .
The Senate confirmed Barrett with a 52-48 vote .
All 45 Democrats and two independents who caucus with the Democrats opposed her confirmation .
Controversial from the start , her confirmation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Almost immediately after the Senate voted , Democratic lawmakers panned the decision while some called demanded leaders `` expand the court . ''
SEN. JOHN KENNEDY LAUDS BARRETT SUPREME COURT CONFIRMATION AS 'VICTORY FOR OUR FOUNDERS' Barrett 's confirmation solidified a conservative majority on the nation 's highest court , and gave Trump another victory as he headed into election day .
Whoever wins on Nov. 3 will likely have major consequences on the Supreme Court as an American institution .
Former Vice President Joe Biden has mostly refused to answer questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Monday , Biden said that he might be open to shifting Supreme Court justices to lower courts if elected president , noting that he had n't made any judgment yet on the issue .
“ There is some literature among constitutional scholars about the possibility of going from one court to another court , not just always staying the whole time in the Supreme Court but I have made no judgment , '' Biden said at a campaign stop in Chester , Pa. AMY CONEY BARRETT CONFIRMED TO SUPREME COURT , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BENCH He went on to say that `` there are just a group of serious constitutional scholars , have a number of ideas how we should proceed from this point on . ''
`` That 's what we 're going to be doing .
We 're going to give them 180 days God-willing if I 'm elected , from the time I 'm sworn in to be able to make such a recommendation . ''
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP During an interview with `` 60 Minutes , '' Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would make recommendations for reforming the court system .
`` I will ask them to , over 180 days , come back to me with recommendations as to how to reform the court system because it 's getting out of whack , '' he said .

Judge Amy Coney Barrett, fresh off her confirmation to serve as an associate justice on the nation's highest court, took her constitutional oath on Monday at the White House.
The Supreme Court said in a press release that Barrett will be able to start her new role after Chief Justice John Roberts administers her judicial oath on Tuesday. Justice Clarence Thomas administered the constitutional oath at Monday's ceremony.
Thomas has long been considered one of the more conservative justices on the court, along with Barrett's mentor, the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Echoing her mentor, Barrett underscored the need for a separation of powers between the judicial and legislative branches.
"It is the job of a senator to pursue her policy preferences," Barrett said to an audience on the South Lawn of the White House. "In fact, it would be a dereliction of duty for her to put policy goals aside. By contrast, it is the job of a judge to resist her policy preferences. It would be a dereliction of duty for her to give into them. Federal judges don't stand for election. Thus, they have no basis for claiming that their preferences reflect those of the people."
CNN, MSNBC SKIP HISTORIC SENATE VOTE CONFIRMING AMY CONEY BARRETT TO SUPREME COURT
The separation of duty is what makes the judiciary distinct, she said.
"A judge declares independence not only from Congress and the president, but also from the private beliefs that might otherwise move her," she said.
The Senate confirmed Barrett with a 52-48 vote. All 45 Democrats and two independents who caucus with the Democrats opposed her confirmation.
Controversial from the start, her confirmation prompted a wave of backlash on Monday. Almost immediately after the Senate voted, Democratic lawmakers panned the decision while some called demanded leaders "expand the court."
SEN. JOHN KENNEDY LAUDS BARRETT SUPREME COURT CONFIRMATION AS 'VICTORY FOR OUR FOUNDERS'
Barrett's confirmation solidified a conservative majority on the nation's highest court, and gave Trump another victory as he headed into election day.
Whoever wins on Nov. 3 will likely have major consequences on the Supreme Court as an American institution. Former Vice President Joe Biden has mostly refused to answer questions about whether he would pack the courts.
On Monday, Biden said that he might be open to shifting Supreme Court justices to lower courts if elected president, noting that he hadn't made any judgment yet on the issue.
“There is some literature among constitutional scholars about the possibility of going from one court to another court, not just always staying the whole time in the Supreme Court but I have made no judgment," Biden said at a campaign stop in Chester, Pa.
AMY CONEY BARRETT CONFIRMED TO SUPREME COURT, 'SQUAD' MEMBERS CALL FOR EXPANDING THE BENCH
He went on to say that "there are just a group of serious constitutional scholars, have a number of ideas how we should proceed from this point on."
"That's what we're going to be doing. We're going to give them 180 days God-willing if I'm elected, from the time I'm sworn in to be able to make such a recommendation."
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
During an interview with "60 Minutes," Biden said he would set up a commission that would make recommendations for reforming the court system.
"I will ask them to, over 180 days, come back to me with recommendations as to how to reform the court system because it's getting out of whack," he said.
Fox News' Tyler Olson contributed to this report.


bonginoreport--2020-10-27--Hunter Biden Whistleblower Tells Tucker Carlson That Joe’s Denials of Involvement in Son’s Business

Hunter Biden Whistleblower Tells Tucker Carlson That Joe’s Denials of Involvement in Son’s Business Are a “Blatant Lie”

Programming Alert : Tony Bobulinski will join `` Tucker Carlson Tonight '' on Fox News Channel tonight at 8 p.m .
ET Tony Bobulinski , a former business associate of Hunter Biden , will tell `` Tucker Carlson Tonight '' in an exclusive interview Tuesday evening that Joe Biden 's denials of knowledge or involvement in his son 's foreign dealings are `` a blatant lie . ''
Bobulinski , a Navy veteran and the former head of SinoHawk Holdings -- which he describes as a partnership between the CEFC China Energy conglomerate and two Biden family members -- told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week 's second presidential debate when Biden discussed the topic .
WATCH TUCKER CARLSON 'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TONY BOBULINSKI AT 8 PM ET ON FOX NEWS CHANNEL '' In that debate , he made a specific statement around questions around this from the president , '' recalled Bobulinski , who attended the debate as Trump 's guest .
`` And I 'll be honest with you , I almost stood up and screamed 'liar ' and walked out because I was shocked that after four days or five days that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family is taking that position to the world . ''
Text messages obtained by Fox News last week include an exchange between Bobulinski and James Biden , the Democratic nominee 's younger brother , in which Bobulinski asks James to `` thank Joe for his time '' .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The messages seem to indicate that a meeting took place , though it 's unclear what the substance of the meeting may have been .
The messages are unrelated to the laptop or hard drive purportedly belonging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president 's son .
“ Mrng plse let me knw if we will do early dinner w your Uncle & dad and where , also for document translation do you want it simple Chinese or traditional ?
” Bobulinski texted Hunter Biden on May 2 , 2017 .

Tony Bobulinski, a former business associate of Hunter Biden, will tell "Tucker Carlson Tonight" in an exclusive interview Tuesday evening that Joe Biden's denials of knowledge or involvement in his son's foreign dealings are "a blatant lie."
Bobulinski, a Navy veteran and the former head of SinoHawk Holdings -- which he describes as a partnership between the CEFC China Energy conglomerate and two Biden family members -- told Carlson that he almost walked out of last week's second presidential debate when Biden discussed the topic.
WATCH TUCKER CARLSON'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TONY BOBULINSKI AT 8 PM ET ON FOX NEWS CHANNEL
"In that debate, he made a specific statement around questions around this from the president," recalled Bobulinski, who attended the debate as Trump's guest. "And I'll be honest with you, I almost stood up and screamed 'liar' and walked out because I was shocked that after four days or five days that they prep for this, that the Biden family is taking that position to the world."
Text messages obtained by Fox News last week include an exchange between Bobulinski and James Biden, the Democratic nominee's younger brother, in which Bobulinski asks James to "thank Joe for his time".
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The messages seem to indicate that a meeting took place, though it's unclear what the substance of the meeting may have been. The messages are unrelated to the laptop or hard drive purportedly belonging to Hunter Biden, the former vice president's son.
“Mrng plse let me knw if we will do early dinner w your Uncle & dad and where, also for document translation do you want it simple Chinese or traditional?” Bobulinski texted Hunter Biden on May 2, 2017.
Fox News' Brooke Singman contributed to this report.


bonginoreport--2020-10-27--NXIVM Sex Cult Leader Sentenced to 120 Years in Prison

Gov .
Andrew Cuomo 's administration is not illegally stonewalling the release ...

Nxivm leader Keith Raniere was slammed with 120 years behind bars Tuesday for running a twisted sex-slave cult where women were branded like cattle and forced to sleep with him.
The arrogant 60-year-old sicko — who billed himself as a Ghandi for the wayward, only to be unmasked as a perverted master manipulator — remained defiant until the end, insisting to the judge that his slew of accusers were lying.
But Brooklyn federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis scoffed at the notion — calling the Svengali’s crimes “cruel, perverse and extremely serious’’ as he ensured the con would remain in prison for life.
“To him, the brave victims … are liars,” Garaufis said in bringing down the gavel on the sex-trafficker, including ordering him to pay a $1.75 million fine.
“Mr. Raniere remains unmoved. … [He] has therefore failed to demonstrate remorse.’’
Raniere, wearing navy prison scrubs over an orange shirt, stood stoically as he was hit with the life sentence — which was handed down after 15 people, mostly female victims, told the judge about the horrific abuse they suffered at the cult leader’s hands.
Raniere had faced as little as 15 years on seven felony convictions involving everything from sex-trafficking to racketeering, child pornography and forced labor amid a yearslong saga of sexual, physical and mental abuse involving scores of young women.
The shaggy-haired supposed self-help guru ran the Albany-based group Nxivm, draining members of dough amid promises of promoting individual growth — all while grooming the women for his sexual pleasure, the feds said.
His reach proved far and wide — from disadvantaged towns in Mexico to Hollywood, luring actresses such as Allison Mack and Nicki Clyne, as well as Seagram’s booze heiress Clare Bronfman and India Oxenberg, the daughter of TV’s Catherine Oxenberg, into Nxivm’s ranks.
He formed a secret master-slave group within Nxivm to carry out his illicit deeds. It was called DOS, for “Dominant Over Submissive.”
Those who spoke against Raniere at the hearing included his first sex slave and a former DOS “master” identified only as Camila, who finally broke her silence to tell the judge that the cult leader took her virginity at age 15.
“It is difficult for me to utter his name, so I will only refer to him as ‘he,’ ” said Camila, recounting how she met Raniere in her native Mexico at age 13.
Previous 1 of 6 Next Advertisement India Oxenberg (right), a victim of Nxivm, arrives at the Eastern District of New York court. Rashid Umar Abbasi Keith Raniere Shannon DeCelle Advertisement A photo entered into evidence shows Sarah Edmondson's Nxivm brand. A graphic entered into evidence shows an organizational chart of Nxivm. Advertisement
She and her two older sisters were all allegedly impregnated by Raniere, then forced to get abortions.
Camila was branded with Raniere’s initials, as were many other members, who described being burned with a cauterizing pen to make the mark above their genitals.
India Oxenberg, 29, wept as she told the judge Raniere starved her to make her look like a 12-year-old — and raped her.
She said that before he forced her to have sex with him, he would sometimes rub his hand over her branding.
It took a jury less than five hours to convict Raniere of all the counts against him at trial last year — but Garaufis said the verdict would have come even more quickly had Camila taken the witness stand.
“Had she testified, it would have taken a jury 10 minutes to convict him,” the jurist said. “She was groomed from the age of 13 to 15, then was seduced by Mr. Raniere for his sexual pleasure. That’s a fact.”
When Raniere’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, tried to argue that his client’s intent was not to hurt anyone, the judge shot back, “Excuse me, pardon me.
“But what do you think intent is when you’re a 13-year-old girl and a 43-year-old man?” the jurist said, referring to Camila and Raniere’s ages when they met.
“I’m not going to tolerate what his intent was when he seduced a 15-year-old girl,” Garaufis said of Raniere. “It’s an insult.
“The branding of Camila was cruel to the part of inhumane. The harm he inflicted on her was incalculable.”
Agnifilo tried again to defend his client, saying, “He was in love with some of these women. … He doesn’t know how to let go.”
But the judge just shut him down again — as Raniere’s victims made faces at each other in disbelief at the lawyer’s assertion.
Still, Raniere continues to have supporters.
Clyne, Mack’s wife, who appeared on TV’s “Battlestar Galactica,” was among about 20 of Raniere’s pals who showed up in court Tuesday. The group also included Marc Elliot, who claimed he overcame Tourette syndrome thanks to Nxivm.
“I think Keith is a good man who has helped the lives of thousands and thousands of people, and currently there is only one narrative in the media because another side has been completely silenced until only a couple of days ago,” Elliot said.
Bronfman and Mack have already pleaded guilty to roles in the case, with the heiress landing nearly seven years behind bars earlier this month.
Garaufis also sentenced Bronfman — slamming her with well over a year more than prosecutors had sought.
Mack is still awaiting sentencing.
Raniere made a plea to the judge Tuesday to go easy on her.
“Allison should spend no time in prison,” he said.


bonginoreport--2020-10-27--MASSIVE: Biden Rally Attracts Tens of Supporters

Presidential candidate Joe Biden held a rally in Warm Springs , Georgia today , exactly one week until Election Day .
The Peach State , which is expected to vote in favour of Trump , has not backed the Democratic Party for president since 1992 .
Video of the event shows dozens in attendance , each abiding by social distancing regulations .
The former vice president 's rallies , compared to those of the incumbent , appear to be `` low energy , '' as Biden has made it a point of his campaign to criticize Trump for `` waving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the virus .
In response to the remark , Trump said that Biden had `` waved a white flag on life . ''
Trump 's latest rally , held in Pennsylvania—a key battleground state which Trump won in 2016—saw `` thousands '' in attendance , with less of an emphasis on social distancing .
Temperature checks were required to enter , and masks were encouraged .
At the rally , Trump claimed that Biden ’ s refusal to hold rallies more Trumpian in size were out of fear that no one would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t do these kinds of rallies because of COVID .
No , he doesn ’ t do them because nobody shows up .
”

Presidential candidate Joe Biden held a rally in Warm Springs, Georgia today, exactly one week until Election Day. The Peach State, which is expected to vote in favour of Trump, has not backed the Democratic Party for president since 1992.
Video of the event shows dozens in attendance, each abiding by social distancing regulations.
Listen to the excitement and energy from Joe Biden’s hufe 20 person rally in Georgia today. When he walked in the crowd went absolutely MILD and could entirely contain their non-existent enthusiasm. I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like it for a presidential candidate. pic.twitter.com/dXT8gJi847 — Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) October 27, 2020
Biden breaks into a couple of jogs on his way up to podium pic.twitter.com/TfrdaP7MyT — Alexandra Jaffe (@ajjaffe) October 27, 2020
The former vice president's rallies, compared to those of the incumbent, appear to be "low energy," as Biden has made it a point of his campaign to criticize Trump for "waving the white flag" in the fight against the virus. In response to the remark, Trump said that Biden had "waved a white flag on life."
Trump's latest rally, held in Pennsylvania—a key battleground state which Trump won in 2016—saw "thousands" in attendance, with less of an emphasis on social distancing. Temperature checks were required to enter, and masks were encouraged.
Have trouble sleeping at night?
Just attend a Joe Biden rally!pic.twitter.com/a3OuNU0r5f — Students For Trump (@TrumpStudents) October 27, 2020
At the rally, Trump claimed that Biden’s refusal to hold rallies more Trumpian in size were out of fear that no one would attend. “He said that he doesn’t do these kinds of rallies because of COVID. No, he doesn’t do them because nobody shows up.”


bonginoreport--2020-10-27--Pennsylvania National Guard Deployed to Philadelphia

The Pennsylvania National Guard was deployed to Philadelphia Tuesday as the city braces for a second night of violent riots after tense confrontations between angry demonstrators and police hours after two officers shot and killed a Black man .
Several hundred guardsmen will assist local agencies in `` protecting life , property and the right to peacefully assemble and protest , '' Lt. Col. Keith Hickox said in a statement Tuesday .
`` We are able to conduct operations in support of civil authorities to enhance local law enforcement ’ s ability to provide continued public safety and critical infrastructure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tom Wolf , a Democrat , to activate the guard is a stark difference from other Democratic governors who have been hesitant or slow to mobilize troops in response to unfolding unrest .
The Philadelphia Police Department will also beef up its presence across the city in anticipation of possible unrest over the death of Walter Wallace Jr. , 27 , city leaders said .
`` For today and this evening , we anticipate the chance of additional incidents of civil unrest and , as such , we will be taking additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said during a news conference along with Mayor Jim Kenney and city leaders .
The city will increase the number of officers at `` key locations '' within the city to respond to any reports of violence , she said .
Officials have also asked law enforcement agencies outside the city to help bolster personnel , Outlaw said .
Specifics regarding the number of officers and locations of where they will be placed were not released .
`` We were hoping that we wo n't have any repeat of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're taking every precaution that we can , '' Kenney said .
Wallace , who struggled with mental health issues , was shot Monday by two officers responding to a domestic call about someone with a weapon .
He was armed with a knife and refused to drop it , police said .
Each officer fired approximately seven rounds , officials said .
It was not clear how many times Wallace was hit .
The shooting ignited outrage among residents and prompted hundreds to take to the streets in protest .
The gathering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured , including one who was `` intentionally run over '' by a pickup truck .
Some officers were pelted with objects and 91 people were arrested .
Outlaw said eight police vehicles were damaged , including one that was set on fire .
`` This completely caught us off guard , '' she said of the unrest .
In a joint statement , Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , denounced Wallace 's death and the unrest that followed .
`` Walter Wallace 's life , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black life that mattered -- to his mother , to his family , to his community , to all of us , '' the statement said .
`` At the same time , no amount of anger at the very real injustices in our society excuses violence .
Attacking police officers and vandalizing small businesses , which are already struggling during a pandemic , does not bend the moral arc of the universe closer to justice . ''
Outlaw said the department has not determined when police body camera footage of the shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Larry Krasner reportedly said he hopes that his office will release the footage , but that he would need to discuss it with Outlaw and other city leaders .
In a news conference Tuesday afternoon , he pledged that his office will conduct an impartial investigation , the Philadelphia Inquirer reported .
“ We are not out to cover for anybody .
We are not out to get anybody , ” Krasner said .
In his three years in office , Kranser has charged two police officers over misconduct .
Both cases are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been charged for an on-duty shooting in two decades , according to the newspaper .
Calls from Fox News to the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police , the union that represents rank-and-file officers , were not returned .
In anticipation of more unrest , businesses across the city were boarding up windows or closing early .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Several were damaged Monday night , including 10 CVS Health stores , a company spokeswoman told Fox News .
In response , all CVS stores in the city will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an abundance of caution . ''
`` Thankfully , no employees were hurt , '' the spokeswoman said .
`` We ’ re working to repair the damage and will reopen stores as soon as it is safe to do . ''

The Pennsylvania National Guard was deployed to Philadelphia Tuesday as the city braces for a second night of violent riots after tense confrontations between angry demonstrators and police hours after two officers shot and killed a Black man.
Several hundred guardsmen will assist local agencies in "protecting life, property and the right to peacefully assemble and protest," Lt. Col. Keith Hickox said in a statement Tuesday. "We are able to conduct operations in support of civil authorities to enhance local law enforcement’s ability to provide continued public safety and critical infrastructure security."
The move by Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, to activate the guard is a stark difference from other Democratic governors who have been hesitant or slow to mobilize troops in response to unfolding unrest.
The Philadelphia Police Department will also beef up its presence across the city in anticipation of possible unrest over the death of Walter Wallace Jr., 27, city leaders said.
"For today and this evening, we anticipate the chance of additional incidents of civil unrest and, as such, we will be taking additional steps to ensure order," Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said during a news conference along with Mayor Jim Kenney and city leaders.
PHILADELPHIA GRANDMOTHER BLINDED IN RANDOM ACID ATTACK, DAUGHTER SAYS
The city will increase the number of officers at "key locations" within the city to respond to any reports of violence, she said. Officials have also asked law enforcement agencies outside the city to help bolster personnel, Outlaw said.
Specifics regarding the number of officers and locations of where they will be placed were not released.
"We were hoping that we won't have any repeat of we've seen last night and we're taking every precaution that we can," Kenney said.
Wallace, who struggled with mental health issues, was shot Monday by two officers responding to a domestic call about someone with a weapon. He was armed with a knife and refused to drop it, police said. Each officer fired approximately seven rounds, officials said.
It was not clear how many times Wallace was hit.
The shooting ignited outrage among residents and prompted hundreds to take to the streets in protest.
The gathering turned violent. About 30 officers were injured, including one who was "intentionally run over" by a pickup truck. Some officers were pelted with objects and 91 people were arrested.
Outlaw said eight police vehicles were damaged, including one that was set on fire.
"This completely caught us off guard," she said of the unrest.
In a joint statement, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., denounced Wallace's death and the unrest that followed.
"Walter Wallace's life, like too many others', was a Black life that mattered -- to his mother, to his family, to his community, to all of us," the statement said. "At the same time, no amount of anger at the very real injustices in our society excuses violence. Attacking police officers and vandalizing small businesses, which are already struggling during a pandemic, does not bend the moral arc of the universe closer to justice."
Outlaw said the department has not determined when police body camera footage of the shooting will be released.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner reportedly said he hopes that his office will release the footage, but that he would need to discuss it with Outlaw and other city leaders. In a news conference Tuesday afternoon, he pledged that his office will conduct an impartial investigation, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
“We are not out to cover for anybody. We are not out to get anybody,” Krasner said.
In his three years in office, Kranser has charged two police officers over misconduct. Both cases are pending. No Philadelphia police officers have been charged for an on-duty shooting in two decades, according to the newspaper.
Calls from Fox News to the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police, the union that represents rank-and-file officers, were not returned.
In anticipation of more unrest, businesses across the city were boarding up windows or closing early.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Several were damaged Monday night, including 10 CVS Health stores, a company spokeswoman told Fox News. In response, all CVS stores in the city will close at 7 p.m. "out of an abundance of caution."
"Thankfully, no employees were hurt," the spokeswoman said. "We’re working to repair the damage and will reopen stores as soon as it is safe to do."


bonginoreport--2020-10-27--VA Secretary Calls Religious Restrictions Under Obama Administration “Offensive”

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie said restrictive rules on religious displays at VA agencies have been changed because they @ @ @ @ @ support .
The VA changed the religious rules after the Obama administration prohibited Bibles and @ @ @ @ @ displayed in veteran centers and chapels because it might show signs of religious establishment by @ @ @ @ @ our veterans of the sustenance of their faith , their faith leaders , their priests @ @ @ @ @ offensive to me , '' Wilkie said .
`` We allow now our faith leaders @ @ @ @ @ in order to provide that spiritual sustenance that our veterans demand .
It 's just @ @ @ @ @ of our doctors . ''
The change went into effect last year to protect the @ @ @ @ @ their families .

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie said restrictive rules on religious displays at VA agencies have been changed because they deprived veterans of indispensable spiritual support.
The VA changed the religious rules after the Obama administration prohibited Bibles and other religious materials from being displayed in veteran centers and chapels because it might show signs of religious establishment by the government
"To deprive our veterans of the sustenance of their faith, their faith leaders, their priests, their rabbis, was offensive to me," Wilkie said. "We allow now our faith leaders to preach what they believe in order to provide that spiritual sustenance that our veterans demand. It's just as important as the competence of our doctors."
The change went into effect last year to protect the religious freedom of veterans and their families.


bonginoreport--2020-10-27--Pentagon Releases Suicide Data, Shows Continued Rise

The Pentagon released its long-awaited , second-quarter suicide data in October , again declining to comment on rising suicides that took place during coronavirus lockdowns and prompting Congress to act to help veterans and active-duty service members .
The Army was the hardest-hit service , with a 20 % rise in suicide deaths over 2019 figures .
Some 67 soldiers died by suicide through the first half of 2019 , compared to 81 in the first half of 2020 .
Across the services , the second-quarter period of April 1 to June 30 registered 10 additional active-duty service members deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 ( 82 versus 72 suicide deaths ) .
All Reserve components also registered higher suicide numbers in quarter two compared to 2019 , with the Army Reserve registering 10 additional suicides and the Marine Corps Reserve registering eight additional suicides .
Guard numbers were down slightly , with 46 suicides , compared to 51 in 2019 after a concerted outreach effort .
Across all service components , there have been 306 suicide deaths through June 20 , 2020 , compared to 302 suicide deaths through the first two quarters of 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for year-end totals or evaluations of root cause .
Instead , it only emphasizes that the Department of Defense is committed to preventing suicides .
The second-quarter report , however , acknowledges that the coronavirus does have a mental health impact .
“ DoD recognizes the potential impact of COVID-19 on the well-being of our Service members and families , ” the report states .
“ We are closely monitoring potential impacts and proactive steps to mitigate those potential impacts from COVID-19.
” Servicewide , the Pentagon pushed to emphasize its efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kelley , the director of the military community support programs , said relationship stress is a primary factor leading to depression among service members .
“ Relationships are the top reason that service members and families seek nonmedical counseling through some of the programs that I work with , '' she said .
Former member of the Iowa National Guard , Republican Sen. Joni Ernst , filed legislation Friday to increase funding for national suicide prevention from $ 7.2 million to $ 20 million per year .
“ This bipartisan bill will help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s suicide prevention lifeline and mental health crisis centers , ” she said in a statement .
Earlier the same week , Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin highlighted that more than 6,100 veterans are lost to suicide each year .
The senator was successful in passing into law legislation that created the suicide and crisis hotline number `` 9-8-8 . ''
Once the number is activated by the Federal Communications Commission , veterans can press “ 1 ” to be directed straight to the Veterans Crisis Line .
“ Death by suicide is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with about 17 veterans committing suicide every day , on average , ” Baldwin noted in a statement .

The Pentagon released its long-awaited, second-quarter suicide data in October, again declining to comment on rising suicides that took place during coronavirus lockdowns and prompting Congress to act to help veterans and active-duty service members.
The Army was the hardest-hit service, with a 20% rise in suicide deaths over 2019 figures. Some 67 soldiers died by suicide through the first half of 2019, compared to 81 in the first half of 2020.
Across the services, the second-quarter period of April 1 to June 30 registered 10 additional active-duty service members deaths by suicide compared to the same period in 2019 (82 versus 72 suicide deaths).
All Reserve components also registered higher suicide numbers in quarter two compared to 2019, with the Army Reserve registering 10 additional suicides and the Marine Corps Reserve registering eight additional suicides. Guard numbers were down slightly, with 46 suicides, compared to 51 in 2019 after a concerted outreach effort.
Across all service components, there have been 306 suicide deaths through June 20, 2020, compared to 302 suicide deaths through the first two quarters of 2019.
The quarterly report makes no predictions for year-end totals or evaluations of root cause. Instead, it only emphasizes that the Department of Defense is committed to preventing suicides.
The second-quarter report, however, acknowledges that the coronavirus does have a mental health impact.
“DoD recognizes the potential impact of COVID-19 on the well-being of our Service members and families,” the report states. “We are closely monitoring potential impacts and proactive steps to mitigate those potential impacts from COVID-19.”
Servicewide, the Pentagon pushed to emphasize its efforts to reach service members in distress.
Lee Kelley, the director of the military community support programs, said relationship stress is a primary factor leading to depression among service members.
“Relationships are the top reason that service members and families seek nonmedical counseling through some of the programs that I work with," she said.
Congress steps in
Former member of the Iowa National Guard, Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, filed legislation Friday to increase funding for national suicide prevention from $7.2 million to $20 million per year.
“This bipartisan bill will help increase the surge capacity of our nation’s suicide prevention lifeline and mental health crisis centers,” she said in a statement.
Earlier the same week, Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin highlighted that more than 6,100 veterans are lost to suicide each year.
The senator was successful in passing into law legislation that created the suicide and crisis hotline number "9-8-8."
Once the number is activated by the Federal Communications Commission, veterans can press “1” to be directed straight to the Veterans Crisis Line.
“Death by suicide is a severe problem in the veteran community with about 17 veterans committing suicide every day, on average,” Baldwin noted in a statement.