bonginoreport--2020-02-09--AOC Gaffeocalpse (Part 5,238)

AOC Gaffeocalpse (Part 5,238)

It ’ s getting embarrassing at this point .
The Left ’ s darling Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , who is supposed to be ready to redesign the world with her Green New Deal , can ’ t stop putting her foot in her mouth and betraying her own ignorance .
The latest own-goals from the New York Democrat and proud member of the Democratic Socialists of America are even worse than you ’ d expect .
Ocasio-Cortez ’ s latest economic blunder really embarrassed Boston University , the school where she apparently received a bachelor ’ s degree in economics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it from her total lack of understanding of , or her inability to do basic math when it comes to her socialist proposals .
But if there was any doubt that Ocasio-Cortez deserves a refund from BU , it ’ s now been removed by her hilarious , yet sad , misstep this weekend , wherein she the “ famed economist Milton Keynes.
” Milton Keynes is the name of a British town north of London .
Not an economist .
Ocasio-Cortez clearly mixed up “ John Meynard Keynes ” and “ Milton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distinct scholars .
Of course , it ’ s perhaps not shocking to see these kinds of mistakes from the same congresswoman whose initial promised to provide “ economic security for all who are unable or unwilling to work ” and to eliminate “ cow farts.
” But it ’ s the frequency of the congresswoman ’ s errors that is truly striking .
Her latest mistake comes after just on Friday , Ocasio-Cortez put on her global analyst hat and “ decolonization , ” “ indigenous rights , ” and “ climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our foreign policy .
We ’ re told the congresswoman is a serious person we ’ re supposed to take seriously , but she seems determined to put the lie to that with every ridiculous tweet or fact-free , woke Instagram Live rant-session she goes on .
Her career is really becoming a comedy of errors at this point .
These two hilarious missteps come in the same week Ocasio-Cortez , a former bartender now serving in Congress , ( which is quite a feat ) , “ It is a physical impossibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by your shoelaces .
It ’ s physically impossible .
The whole thing is a joke !
” Not only did she the idiom a metaphor and oddly hone in on the literalness of this remark , but she also totally missed the irony of her being the messenger for such a statement .
And her position that people ca n't lift themselves up in American life is one that ’ s at odds with economic reality , anyhow .
The oddest part of Ocasio-Cortez ’ s bumbling career is that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the Democratic Party and one of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders most powerful 2020 campaign surrogates .
It says quite a bit about the merits of this socialist uprising that they can not find a more coherent , serious , and articulate person to be the star of their movement .

It’s getting embarrassing at this point.
The Left’s darling Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is supposed to be ready to redesign the world with her Green New Deal, can’t stop putting her foot in her mouth and betraying her own ignorance. The latest own-goals from the New York Democrat and proud member of the Democratic Socialists of America are even worse than you’d expect.
Ocasio-Cortez’s latest economic blunder really embarrassed Boston University, the school where she apparently received a bachelor’s degree in economics. You certainly wouldn’t know it from her total lack of understanding of global poverty, economic development, trade , or her inability to do basic math when it comes to her socialist proposals. But if there was any doubt that Ocasio-Cortez deserves a refund from BU, it’s now been removed by her hilarious, yet sad, misstep this weekend, wherein she cited the “famed economist Milton Keynes.”
Milton Keynes is the name of a British town north of London. Not an economist. Ocasio-Cortez clearly mixed up “John Maynard Keynes” and “Milton Friedman” — quite ideologically and economically distinct scholars.
.@AOC, who routinely boasts about her economics degree, confused John Maynard Keynes with Milton Friedman.
She referred to him as "Milton Keynes."https://t.co/sqbfl0VNNB pic.twitter.com/TT1cfarbIE — John Gage (@johnrobertgage) February 8, 2020
Of course, it’s perhaps not shocking to see these kinds of mistakes from the same congresswoman whose initial Green New Deal draft promised to provide “economic security for all who are unable or unwilling to work” and to eliminate “cow farts.” But it’s the frequency of the congresswoman’s errors that is truly striking.
Her latest mistake comes after just on Friday, Ocasio-Cortez put on her global analyst hat and declared that “decolonization,” “indigenous rights,” and “climate action” should form the basis of our foreign policy. We’re told the congresswoman is a serious person we’re supposed to take seriously, but she seems determined to put the lie to that with every ridiculous tweet or fact-free, woke Instagram Live rant session she goes on.
Her career is really becoming a comedy of errors at this point. These two hilarious missteps come in the same week Ocasio-Cortez, a former bartender now serving in Congress, (which is quite a feat) declared , “It is a physical impossibility to lift yourself up by a bootstrap, by your shoelaces. It’s physically impossible. The whole thing is a joke!”
Not only did she mistakenly label the idiom a metaphor and oddly hone in on the literalness of this remark, but she also totally missed the irony of her being the messenger for such a statement. And her position that people can't lift themselves up in American life is one that’s at odds with economic reality, anyhow.
No, @AOC did not *literally* lift herself up by her bootstraps.
But @BecketAdams wonders, if she is too dim-witted to recognize that she is proof of the mentality she now denounces, if she has actually tried to physically lift herself by her shoelaces.https://t.co/PKAma1Rouu — Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 7, 2020
The oddest part of Ocasio-Cortez’s bumbling career is that she’s seen as an emerging star among the Democratic Party and one of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders's most powerful 2020 campaign surrogates. It says quite a bit about the merits of this socialist uprising that they cannot find a more coherent, serious, and articulate person to be the star of their movement.


bonginoreport--2020-02-09--Pete Buttigieg Won High School Essay Contest With Essay Praising Bernie Sanders

South Bend , Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg took issue with Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ “ my way or the highway ” politics at Friday ’ s debate — but a 20-year-old essay written by Buttigieg had nothing but praise for the self-described socialist .
In the early moments of the ABC-hosted debate in New Hampshire , Buttigieg warned against “ my way or the highway politics ” and when moderator George Stephanopoulos asked whether he was referring to Sanders , he said that he was .
( RELATED : ‘ This Is Going To Hurt You ’ : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Late-Term Abortion Stance Crosses A Line ) Just two decades earlier , however , Buttigieg won the John F. Kennedy “ Profiles in Courage ” essay contest with a piece lauding Sanders — both for his willingness to take unpopular stands and his ability to work across the aisle .
Buttigieg began by praising the Vermont senator for his fearlessness with regard to claiming the name “ socialist ” : Sanders ’ courage is evident in the first word he uses to describe himself : ‘ Socialist ’ .
In a country where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dirty words , in a climate where even liberalism is considered radical , and Socialism is immediately and perhaps willfully confused with Communism , a politician dares to call himself a socialist ?
He does indeed .
Here is someone who has ‘ looked into his own soul/ and expressed an ideology , the endorsement of which , in today ’ s political atmosphere , is analogous to a self-inflicted gunshot wound .
Even though he has lived through a time in which an admitted socialist could not act in a film , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders is not afraid to be candid about his political persuasion .
Buttigieg went on to note Sanders ’ early acceptance of same sex marriage , his willingness to challenge the NRA and his independently organized drug-purchasing trips to Canada that were intended to draw attention to the rising cost of prescription drugs — all issues that Sanders still prides himself on 20 years later .
Buttigieg then argued that simply taking a principled stand , while courageous , was not the full picture of Sanders .
It was his ability to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that truly made him a “ profile in courage.
” It is the second half of Sanders ’ political role that puts the first half into perspective : he is a powerful force for conciliation and bi-partisanship on Capitol Hill .
In Profiles in Courage , John F. Kennedy wrote that ‘ we should not be too hasty in condemning all compromise as bad morals .
For politics and legislation are not matters for inflexible principles or unattainable ideals.
’ It may seem strange that someone so steadfast in his principles has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Washington , but this is what makes Sanders truly remarkable .
He represents President Kennedy ’ s ideal of ‘ compromises of issues , not of principles.
’ The two frontrunners — Buttigieg leads the delegate count after last week ’ s disastrous Iowa caucuses , but Sanders holds the lead in raw vote counts — have clashed on several occasions , particularly with regard to health care .
Sanders favors Medicare for All , while Buttigieg stresses the need to leave the people a choice and favors a plan he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Want It .
”

South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg took issue with Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ “my way or the highway” politics at Friday’s debate — but a 20-year-old essay written by Buttigieg had nothing but praise for the self-described socialist.
In the early moments of the ABC-hosted debate in New Hampshire, Buttigieg warned against “my way or the highway politics” and when moderator George Stephanopoulos asked whether he was referring to Sanders, he said that he was. (RELATED: ‘This Is Going To Hurt You’: Meghan McCain Says Pete Buttigieg’s Late-Term Abortion Stance Crosses A Line)
Just two decades earlier, however, Buttigieg won the John F. Kennedy “Profiles in Courage” essay contest with a piece lauding Sanders — both for his willingness to take unpopular stands and his ability to work across the aisle.
Buttigieg began by praising the Vermont senator for his fearlessness with regard to claiming the name “socialist”:
Sanders’ courage is evident in the first word he uses to describe himself: ‘Socialist’. In a country where Communism is still the dirtiest of ideological dirty words, in a climate where even liberalism is considered radical, and Socialism is immediately and perhaps willfully confused with Communism, a politician dares to call himself a socialist? He does indeed. Here is someone who has ‘looked into his own soul/ and expressed an ideology, the endorsement of which, in today’s political atmosphere, is analogous to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Even though he has lived through a time in which an admitted socialist could not act in a film, let alone hold a Congressional seat, Sanders is not afraid to be candid about his political persuasion.
Buttigieg went on to note Sanders’ early acceptance of same sex marriage, his willingness to challenge the NRA and his independently organized drug-purchasing trips to Canada that were intended to draw attention to the rising cost of prescription drugs — all issues that Sanders still prides himself on 20 years later.
Buttigieg then argued that simply taking a principled stand, while courageous, was not the full picture of Sanders. It was his ability to bring both side together, Buttigieg explained, that truly made him a “profile in courage.”
It is the second half of Sanders’ political role that puts the first half into perspective: he is a powerful force for conciliation and bi-partisanship on Capitol Hill. In Profiles in Courage, John F. Kennedy wrote that ‘we should not be too hasty in condemning all compromise as bad morals. For politics and legislation are not matters for inflexible principles or unattainable ideals.’ It may seem strange that someone so steadfast in his principles has a reputation as a peacemaker between divided forces in Washington, but this is what makes Sanders truly remarkable. He represents President Kennedy’s ideal of ‘compromises of issues, not of principles.’
The two frontrunners — Buttigieg leads the delegate count after last week’s disastrous Iowa caucuses, but Sanders holds the lead in raw vote counts — have clashed on several occasions, particularly with regard to health care. Sanders favors Medicare for All, while Buttigieg stresses the need to leave the people a choice and favors a plan he’s dubbed “Medicare for All Who Want It.”


bonginoreport--2020-02-09--House Managers: Trump Not Acquitted Because Everything is Unfair, or Something

The seven House managers claimed during a sit-down interview Friday with CNN ’ s Anderson Cooper that President Donald Trump has not been acquitted following the Senate impeachment trial because it was not “ a fair trial.
” Trump was acquitted on both articles of impeachment Wednesday after over four months of debate .
The House managers sat down in an exclusive interview with “ Anderson Cooper 360 ” Friday to discuss the trial and what comes next , and all appeared to be in agreement that despite the Senate ’ s vote , the president was still not exonerated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been exonerated , ” California Rep. Zoe Lofgren began .
Colorado Rep. Jason Crow quickly chimed in , adding that “ it ’ s hard to have an acquittal without a fair trial.
” ( RELATED : All The Times The Media Said Trump ’ s Presidency Was Toast ) “ And this was the first impeachment trial in American history where we didn ’ t have witnesses and documents , ” Crow said .
“ And I think the American people realize that , because , as we sit here right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking into courthouses across the country , and they ’ re taking their oath , and they ’ re going to be sitting as jurors in trials.
” “ And they ’ re going to hear from witnesses and documents .
And they ’ re asking themselves why Washington and Donald Trump should be any different .
And , of course , the answer is , it shouldn ’ t .
And they understand that.
” New York Rep. Jerry Nadler also lamented about the Senate ’ s vote , backing up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump was not yet innocent .
The House managers appeared to agree that the Senate ’ s decision to refuse additional witnesses meant the trial was unfair .
The Senate narrowly voted against allowing additional witnesses Jan. 31 , with two Republicans voting with the Democrats to allow it .
The House manager ’ s interview with Anderson echoed their co-authored op-ed in the Washington Post Feb. 5 .
They attacked the Senate for its decision to not allow further witnesses .
“ Well , and back to the acquittal part of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because we did not have a fair trial , ” Florida Rep. Val Demings added .

The seven House managers claimed during a sit-down interview Friday with CNN’s Anderson Cooper that President Donald Trump has not been acquitted following the Senate impeachment trial because it was not “a fair trial.”
Trump was acquitted on both articles of impeachment Wednesday after over four months of debate. The House managers sat down in an exclusive interview with “Anderson Cooper 360” Friday to discuss the trial and what comes next, and all appeared to be in agreement that despite the Senate’s vote, the president was still not exonerated.
“I think he’s not been exonerated,” California Rep. Zoe Lofgren began. Colorado Rep. Jason Crow quickly chimed in, adding that “it’s hard to have an acquittal without a fair trial.” (RELATED: All The Times The Media Said Trump’s Presidency Was Toast)
WATCH:
“And this was the first impeachment trial in American history where we didn’t have witnesses and documents,” Crow said. “And I think the American people realize that, because, as we sit here right now, there are thousands of Americans walking into courthouses across the country, and they’re taking their oath, and they’re going to be sitting as jurors in trials.”
“And they’re going to hear from witnesses and documents. And they’re asking themselves why Washington and Donald Trump should be any different. And, of course, the answer is, it shouldn’t. And they understand that.”
WATCH:
New York Rep. Jerry Nadler also lamented about the Senate’s vote, backing up the other House managers who told Cooper that Trump was not yet innocent. The House managers appeared to agree that the Senate’s decision to refuse additional witnesses meant the trial was unfair.
The Senate narrowly voted against allowing additional witnesses Jan. 31, with two Republicans voting with the Democrats to allow it. The House manager’s interview with Anderson echoed their co-authored op-ed in the Washington Post Feb. 5. They attacked the Senate for its decision to not allow further witnesses.
“Well, and back to the acquittal part of this, I would consider that fake news, because we did not have a fair trial,” Florida Rep. Val Demings added.
“The president is not exonerated today.”


bonginoreport--2020-02-09--Virginia’s Gun Grabbers Are Boosting Gun Sales Massively

On Friday , the Democrats in the Virginia legislature took the first step toward a sweeping gun ban and confiscation scheme that they plan to put into effect on July 1st .
( Just in time for the 4th of July .
How patriotic . )
The House Public Safety Committee approved a ban on AK-47s and AR-15 style rifles , as well as all suppressors and magazines holding 12 rounds or more .
There was a last-minute concession made to allow rifle owners to grandfather their weapons legally purchased before the ban goes into effect .
There is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Everyone saw this coming once the last election ended and these moves have produced a predictable effect .
Gun sales are skyrocketing in Virginia and are anticipated to continue at a brisk pace until the ban hits .
( Free Beacon ) The number of gun sales in Virginia nearly doubled last month as the Democrat-controlled state government advanced several new gun-control bills .
There were 67,699 gun purchase-related background checks in the state during January , an 84.6 percent increase over January 2019 , according to an analysis of FBI data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a three-month upward trend , according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation ( NSSF ) .
The surge in sales has coincided with a push from a newly empowered Democratic majority to pass new gun-control laws supported by Governor Ralph Northam ( D ) .
“ It ’ s clear that Virginians are purchasing the firearms they want while they can , ” NSSF spokesman Mark Oliva told the Washington Free Beacon .
This is largely the same thing you see happening on a national level every time a Democrat wins the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or both chambers of Congress .
It ’ s often been wryly noted that Barack Obama was probably the greatest gun salesman of the 21st century .
Now Ralph Northam is vying to capture that title in his home state .
It ’ s also obvious that Northam and the Democratic legislative leaders are growing nervous about the huge rallies taking place around the state where gun rights advocates have been chanting We Will Not Comply .
If they weren ’ t , I doubt we ’ d have seen the grandfather clause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As in other states passing such laws , the nightmare scenario involves the need to send officers to the home of a gun owner who refuses to turn in their weapons and adopts more of a “ come and get ’ em ” attitude .
But if they ’ re willing to take that cautionary measure , why not grandfather the magazines and suppressors as well ?
It seems likely that the same scenario will wind up playing out in at least some locations .
Do the Democrats really think that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect magazines and suppressors without owning something to attach them to ?
If they refuse to turn them in and law enforcement is sent to their residence , it would seem obvious that they ’ ll be met at the door by someone who also owns a functioning firearm .
It would appear that this legislative standoff is heading for an end involving at least one of a couple of scenarios .
First , supporters of the Second Amendment will stock up on rifles while they can and keep them in the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners will probably turn in their magazines and suppressors unless they find a way to store them out of state , perhaps with friends or relatives .
Why ?
Because that ’ s what law-abiding gun owners do .
They obey the law .
And they are also the least likely people to commit any gun crimes for the same reason , making bans like this one worse than useless .
The actual criminals they should be worrying about aren ’ t going to be turning anything in , nor will they be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons on the black or gray markets .
Further , as FBI data has consistently shown , criminals – gang members in particular – almost never use long rifles when committing crimes .
They ’ re too difficult to hide when making your getaway .
So the net effect of Virginia ’ s proposed gun ban on crime in that state will likely be essentially zilch .
There may be a couple of standoffs with owners of larger magazines and suppressors , but hopefully , nothing disastrous will result .
And then they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back control of the legislature and the governorship .
At that point , the bans will likely be repealed almost immediately and the situation will return to normal .
And what happens if they fail to carry the day at the ballot box ?
Well… West Virginia ’ s offer to adopt the southern and eastern counties is still on the table .
Failing that , people can just begin moving out of the state and abandon Virginia to the liberals .

On Friday, the Democrats in the Virginia legislature took the first step toward a sweeping gun ban and confiscation scheme that they plan to put into effect on July 1st. (Just in time for the 4th of July. How patriotic.) The House Public Safety Committee approved a ban on AK-47s and AR-15 style rifles, as well as all suppressors and magazines holding 12 rounds or more. There was a last-minute concession made to allow rifle owners to grandfather their weapons legally purchased before the ban goes into effect. There is no such grandfather clause for magazines or suppressors.
Everyone saw this coming once the last election ended and these moves have produced a predictable effect. Gun sales are skyrocketing in Virginia and are anticipated to continue at a brisk pace until the ban hits. (Free Beacon)
The number of gun sales in Virginia nearly doubled last month as the Democrat-controlled state government advanced several new gun-control bills. There were 67,699 gun purchase-related background checks in the state during January, an 84.6 percent increase over January 2019, according to an analysis of FBI data. The number of background checks continued a three-month upward trend, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). The surge in sales has coincided with a push from a newly empowered Democratic majority to pass new gun-control laws supported by Governor Ralph Northam (D). “It’s clear that Virginians are purchasing the firearms they want while they can,” NSSF spokesman Mark Oliva told the Washington Free Beacon.
This is largely the same thing you see happening on a national level every time a Democrat wins the White House and liberals take control of one or both chambers of Congress. It’s often been wryly noted that Barack Obama was probably the greatest gun salesman of the 21st century. Now Ralph Northam is vying to capture that title in his home state.
It’s also obvious that Northam and the Democratic legislative leaders are growing nervous about the huge rallies taking place around the state where gun rights advocates have been chanting We Will Not Comply. If they weren’t, I doubt we’d have seen the grandfather clause for rifles sneaking into the legislative package. As in other states passing such laws, the nightmare scenario involves the need to send officers to the home of a gun owner who refuses to turn in their weapons and adopts more of a “come and get ’em” attitude.
But if they’re willing to take that cautionary measure, why not grandfather the magazines and suppressors as well? It seems likely that the same scenario will wind up playing out in at least some locations. Do the Democrats really think that there are many people out there who simply collect magazines and suppressors without owning something to attach them to? If they refuse to turn them in and law enforcement is sent to their residence, it would seem obvious that they’ll be met at the door by someone who also owns a functioning firearm.
It would appear that this legislative standoff is heading for an end involving at least one of a couple of scenarios. First, supporters of the Second Amendment will stock up on rifles while they can and keep them in the family. The vast majority of lawful gun owners will probably turn in their magazines and suppressors unless they find a way to store them out of state, perhaps with friends or relatives.
Why? Because that’s what law-abiding gun owners do. They obey the law. And they are also the least likely people to commit any gun crimes for the same reason, making bans like this one worse than useless. The actual criminals they should be worrying about aren’t going to be turning anything in, nor will they be going through background checks before purchasing their weapons on the black or gray markets. Further, as FBI data has consistently shown, criminals – gang members in particular – almost never use long rifles when committing crimes. They’re too difficult to hide when making your getaway. So the net effect of Virginia’s proposed gun ban on crime in that state will likely be essentially zilch.
There may be a couple of standoffs with owners of larger magazines and suppressors, but hopefully, nothing disastrous will result. And then they will all mobilize and try to take back control of the legislature and the governorship. At that point, the bans will likely be repealed almost immediately and the situation will return to normal.
And what happens if they fail to carry the day at the ballot box? Well… West Virginia’s offer to adopt the southern and eastern counties is still on the table. Failing that, people can just begin moving out of the state and abandon Virginia to the liberals.


bonginoreport--2020-02-09--Rush Limbaugh Reveals Story Behind SOTU Invitation

Rush Limbaugh shares some 'good news ' related to his cancer diagnosis and treatment The talk radio legend said he @ @ @ @ @ State of the Union invitation

Millions of Americans were shocked when conservative icon Rush Limbaugh announced on Monday that he's battling an advanced form of lung cancer.
"So, I have to tell you something today that I wish I didn't have to tell you. It's a struggle for me because I had to inform my staff earlier today," Limbaugh said. "I can't help but feel that I'm letting everybody down. The upshot is that I have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer."
After being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the State of the Union earlier in the week, "America's Anchorman" was back to work on Friday. While sharing the behind-the-scenes story of his trip to Washington, D.C., to accept the award, "El Rushbo" said that he has received some good news from doctors.
'It's advanced lung cancer. But there's good news...'
"It's late stage. It's advanced lung cancer," Limbaugh said.
"But there's good news associated with the diagnosis and the treatment," he added without going into further details.
In a later segment, while speaking with a caller, Limbaugh noted he has "great doctors that have already discovered some interesting things that should facilitate treatment" of his disease.
The conservative radio legend also said he cannot tell the full story behind his invitation to the State of the Union, as doing so would reveal "medical details" he would rather keep confidential.
Now, I know many of you want to know the story of the State of the Union address on Tuesday night and how that all happened, and someday I hope to be able to tell you the entire story. I can't tell you the entire story now without divulging medical details that I, frankly, don't want to give. I don't want to give people an opportunity to start investigating and writing about and pronouncing opinions and this kind of thing. People know enough about what I have.
'I'm stunned'
However, Limbaugh did disclose some details of the phone call he received from President Donald Trump on Tuesday morning when the commander-in-chief invited him to his annual address to Congress.
I answered the phone, and they said, "Can you hold for President Trump?"
I said, "Yes."
"Rush! Rush! How you doing, buddy? Great to hear from you! Hey, look, what are you doing later today?"
I said, "Well, I have a serious medical procedure that's gonna start — all this — at 5 o'clock."
"Well, look, what's the doctor's name? I want to call him and have him delay it for a couple days 'cause I need you down here tonight."
I said (chuckles), "Uh… (chuckles) Mr. President, um… I'm stunned."
Limbaugh said the President told him: "Look, your health comes first; there's no question. But can't they just do half of what they're gonna do and then send you down here? Believe me, you don't want to miss this. It's gonna be great."
The conservative commentator said his wife strongly encouraged him to accept the president's invitation and immediately went to work planning their travel arrangements to Washington.


bonginoreport--2020-02-10--DNC Vice Chair Accused of Profiting From Government Housing Program

A vice chair of the Democratic National Committee is accused of abusing a New York affordable housing program for his own benefit .
State Assemblyman Michael Blake , who was tapped for a state task force investigating corruption in one housing program , “ has for years taken advantage of a different homeownership program by improperly subletting a government-subsidized condominium intended for moderate-income tenants , in violation of a host of rules and restrictions , ” Crain ’ s New York magazine reported Monday .
The magazine noted that state and city housing officials pledged to investigate the issue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state legislature , is also a Democratic candidate for New York ’ s 15th Congressional District .
He previously worked in former President Barack Obama ’ s administration .
Blake ’ s state office did not return the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s request for comment .
( RELATED : DNC Chair Tom Perez Complains That Voters Influenced By Church ) The DNC vice chair drew headlines in November 2019 after demanding that Fox News fire host Tucker Carlson , a co-founder of the DCNF .
Blake interrupted his own interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has “ a job here in the first place.
” Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

A vice chair of the Democratic National Committee is accused of abusing a New York affordable housing program for his own benefit.
State Assemblyman Michael Blake, who was tapped for a state task force investigating corruption in one housing program, “has for years taken advantage of a different homeownership program by improperly subletting a government-subsidized condominium intended for moderate-income tenants, in violation of a host of rules and restrictions,” Crain’s New York magazine reported Monday.
The magazine noted that state and city housing officials pledged to investigate the issue.
Blake, who represents the Bronx in the state legislature, is also a Democratic candidate for New York’s 15th Congressional District. He previously worked in former President Barack Obama’s administration.
Blake’s state office did not return the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment. (RELATED: DNC Chair Tom Perez Complains That Voters Influenced By Church)
WATCH:
The DNC vice chair drew headlines in November 2019 after demanding that Fox News fire host Tucker Carlson, a co-founder of the DCNF. Blake interrupted his own interview on the network to demand why Carlson has “a job here in the first place.”
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


bonginoreport--2020-02-10--(WATCH LIVE) President Trump Holds “Keep America Great” Rally in New Hampshire

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bonginoreport--2020-02-10--Florida Congressional Candidate Laura Loomer Is Picking Up Steam Despite Social Media Blackout

The Big Tech censorship of Republican Congressional primary candidate Laura Loomer appears to have failed in tipping the scales against her Florida campaign , with new polling and financial numbers showing Loomer with a significant lead .
As a result , a media storm has again begun , in order to discredit the Trump-favored candidate .
CNN contributor and far-left radio host Dean Obeidallah lamented Loomer ’ s recent victories in an opinion article published by the Daily Beast this weekend in which he complained : “ Loomer is someone who , in the times before Trump , would ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society along with other bigots and racists .
But these aren ’ t normal times .
This is the time of Trump , and Loomer is Trumpism personified .
She fits perfectly in today ’ s party of Trump which is why in August 2019 she announced her run for Congress as a Republican to take on Democratic Rep. Lois Frankel in the Palm Beach-area district.
” The 26-year-old Jewish woman , a broadcast journalism graduate from Barry University in Florida , has scarcely let big tech censorship and media bias stand in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handcuffing herself to the doors of Twitter HQ after a number of anti-First Amendment bans against her , Loomer has outraised her political opponents financially and appears to hold the favor of “ MAGA ” stalwarts , President Trump included .
In early December , the President of the United States retweeted a donation call from one of Loomer ’ s supporters .
More recently , the Trump 2020 campaign used her email list to reach potential donors .
The ‘ Loomered ’ header comes from her personal news site .
Rep. Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s impeachment defense team – also used her email list for his 2020 campaign , and she has received an equally warm reception from Fox News host Jeanine Pirro who reportedly endorsed her in December .
Now the knives are out again , with extremists and their sympathizers taking to the pages of left-wing outlets like the Daily Beast and Twitter to trash Loomer .
Hardline anti-Semite Linda Sarsour resumed her grudge against Loomer this weekend after the citizen journalist-turned-candidate exposed her multiple times .
Loomer has previously worked at James O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which continues to expose hard-left operatives and has been similarly targeted by Big Tech for having the temerity to do so .
Loomer has recently also attracted the ire of CNN contributor and Qatar-funded commentator Mehdi Hasan , who fled his positions in the United Kingdom after being exposed as a radical who called non-Muslims “ cattle ” .
Loomer told the National Pulse exclusively : “ Obeidallah ’ s article on the Daily Beast was typical for a leftist commentator .
Regardless of what he had to say about me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Project Veritas and their proven work .
The article is nothing more than fantasy being written by an author who hates America ’ s values .
But at least the Daily Beast admits I ’ ll be the GOP nominee for the 21st Congressional district .
Even my haters know I ’ m a winner.
” Closer to home , the Florida Republican Party Chairman and State Senator Joe Gruters had Loomer headline a press conference announcing bill to stop social media censorship , the pièce de résistance of her conservative activism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ proclaimed : “ I am proud to have Laura Loomer stand with me here today.
” Loomer has outraised the district ’ s Democratic incumbent for two months straight , amassing a nearly $ 400,000 war chest in the district .
She told the Pulse : “ People are paying attention to my race .
From President Trump ’ s retweet of a supporter who told people to donate to my campaign to our record setting fundraising dominance .
My race to win Florida 21 has become the top Congressional race to watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the mainstream media has done their best to ignore me , which is typical and expected .
The leftist media has even attempted to remain silent but now that it ’ s clear that my race is competitive , they are on the attack.
” Asked if she believes she is in a genuine position to win in President Trump ’ s official home and voting district ( Florida 21 ) , Loomer responded : “ Yes , we ’ re going to win .
I am going to win , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world .
“ Facebook , Twitter , and PayPal have banned my accounts , even creating new , frivolous rules to sideline my campaign .
In response , my campaign has retained top election attorney Charlie Spies who has filed an FEC complaint against Twitter on behalf of my campaign .
By allowing my campaign to not have access to Twitter while allowing my opponents to have access , Twitter is making illegal in kind contributions to my opponent.
” Recent developments – including extraordinary polling in Loomer ’ s favor – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the establishment left : they ’ re sounding the alarm on her candidacy , conceding she “ could actually get to Congress ” .
Obeidallah ’ s article laments the possibility of Loomer winning the Republican primary and Congressional race , branding her as “ Trumpism Personified ” .
But the SiriusXM host unintentionally makes a resounding case for people in Florida ’ s 21st district to vote for Loomer : “ for those who think Trumpism ends with Trump , think again .
Loomer is [ … ] part of a younger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Trump .
”

The Big Tech censorship of Republican Congressional primary candidate Laura Loomer appears to have failed in tipping the scales against her Florida campaign, with new polling and financial numbers showing Loomer with a significant lead.
As a result, a media storm has again begun, in order to discredit the Trump-favored candidate.
CNN contributor and far-left radio host Dean Obeidallah lamented Loomer’s recent victories in an opinion article published by the Daily Beast this weekend in which he complained:
“Loomer is someone who, in the times before Trump, would’ve been marginalized to the fringes of society along with other bigots and racists. But these aren’t normal times. This is the time of Trump, and Loomer is Trumpism personified. She fits perfectly in today’s party of Trump which is why in August 2019 she announced her run for Congress as a Republican to take on Democratic Rep. Lois Frankel in the Palm Beach-area district.”
The 26-year-old Jewish woman, a broadcast journalism graduate from Barry University in Florida, has scarcely let big tech censorship and media bias stand in her way.
Shooting to fame after handcuffing herself to the doors of Twitter HQ after a number of anti-First Amendment bans against her, Loomer has outraised her political opponents financially and appears to hold the favor of “MAGA” stalwarts, President Trump included.
In early December, the President of the United States retweeted a donation call from one of Loomer’s supporters.
https://twitter.com/JulieReichwein1/status/1211029205514735616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1211029205514735616&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdeadline.com%2F2019%2F12%2Fpresident-donald-trump-tweetstorm-the-saturday-edition-53-1202817987%2F
More recently, the Trump 2020 campaign used her email list to reach potential donors. The ‘Loomered’ header comes from her personal news site.
Rep. Jim Jordan – who served on the President’s impeachment defense team – also used her email list for his 2020 campaign, and she has received an equally warm reception from Fox News host Jeanine Pirro who reportedly endorsed her in December.
Now the knives are out again, with extremists and their sympathizers taking to the pages of left-wing outlets like the Daily Beast and Twitter to trash Loomer.
Hardline anti-Semite Linda Sarsour resumed her grudge against Loomer this weekend after the citizen journalist-turned-candidate exposed her multiple times. Loomer has previously worked at James O’Keefe’s Project Veritas organization, which continues to expose hard-left operatives and has been similarly targeted by Big Tech for having the temerity to do so.
Loomer has recently also attracted the ire of CNN contributor and Qatar-funded commentator Mehdi Hasan, who fled his positions in the United Kingdom after being exposed as a radical who called non-Muslims “cattle”.
Loomer told the National Pulse exclusively: “Obeidallah’s article on the Daily Beast was typical for a leftist commentator. Regardless of what he had to say about me, he recycled false talking points to attack Project Veritas and their proven work. The article is nothing more than fantasy being written by an author who hates America’s values. But at least the Daily Beast admits I’ll be the GOP nominee for the 21st Congressional district. Even my haters know I’m a winner.”
Closer to home, the Florida Republican Party Chairman and State Senator Joe Gruters had Loomer headline a press conference announcing bill to stop social media censorship, the pièce de résistance of her conservative activism.
Alongside other Republican state officials, he proclaimed: “I am proud to have Laura Loomer stand with me here today.”
Loomer has outraised the district’s Democratic incumbent for two months straight, amassing a nearly $400,000 war chest in the district.
She told the Pulse: “People are paying attention to my race. From President Trump’s retweet of a supporter who told people to donate to my campaign to our record setting fundraising dominance. My race to win Florida 21 has become the top Congressional race to watch in the nation. With that said, the mainstream media has done their best to ignore me, which is typical and expected. The leftist media has even attempted to remain silent but now that it’s clear that my race is competitive, they are on the attack.”
Palm Beach newspaper highlights Big Tech’s influence on the election
Asked if she believes she is in a genuine position to win in President Trump’s official home and voting district (Florida 21), Loomer responded: “Yes, we’re going to win. I am going to win, even while being the most banned woman in the world.
“Facebook, Twitter, and PayPal have banned my accounts, even creating new, frivolous rules to sideline my campaign. In response, my campaign has retained top election attorney Charlie Spies who has filed an FEC complaint against Twitter on behalf of my campaign. By allowing my campaign to not have access to Twitter while allowing my opponents to have access, Twitter is making illegal in kind contributions to my opponent.”
Recent developments – including extraordinary polling in Loomer’s favor – have no doubt triggered a reaction from the establishment left: they’re sounding the alarm on her candidacy, conceding she “could actually get to Congress”.
https://twitter.com/Education4Libs/status/1225843032194461696
Obeidallah’s article laments the possibility of Loomer winning the Republican primary and Congressional race, branding her as “Trumpism Personified”.
But the SiriusXM host unintentionally makes a resounding case for people in Florida’s 21st district to vote for Loomer: “for those who think Trumpism ends with Trump, think again. Loomer is […] part of a younger generation that will be with us long after Trump.”


bonginoreport--2020-02-10--White House “Anonymous” Op-Ed Writer Reportedly Identified

The White House has identified and will soon part ways with the “ anonymous ” official behind a recently released book and a “ resistance ” focused editorial published in the New York Times , former U.S. attorney Joe diGenova claimed Monday morning .
DiGenova made his claim on WMAL ’ s “ Mornings on the Mall , ” but senior White House officials declined to comment on the topic when asked by the Daily Caller .
In the book , “ A Warning , ” released in November , the anonymous official states there is a group of White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s “ downfall.
” ( RELATED : Five Key Questions About The New York Times ’ Anonymous ‘ Senior Official ’ ) White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham previously called the anonymous official a “ coward ” and the claims within the book “ nothing but lies.
” “ Real authors reach out to their subjects to get things fact checked–but this person is in hiding , making that very basic part of being a real writer impossible , ” she said in response to the news of the book ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book ’ s release , the Justice Department took steps toward possibly unmasking the official .
Joseph Hunt , assistant attorney general for the civil division , sent a letter to the anonymous official ’ s publisher and literary agency asking about the official ’ s access to classified information .
“ If the author is , in fact , a current or former ‘ senior official ’ in the Trump administration , publication of the book may violate that official ’ s legal obligations under one or more nondisclosure agreements , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Adviser Robert O ’ Brien are cutting 70 Obama-era holdovers from the National Security Council , The Washington Examiner reported Monday morning .
The most public of these firings was that of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman on Friday .
Vindman testified during the impeachment inquiry that the president and his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani sought to pressure Ukraine into opening an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son , Hunter .

The White House has identified and will soon part ways with the “anonymous” official behind a recently released book and a “resistance” focused editorial published in the New York Times, former U.S. attorney Joe diGenova claimed Monday morning.
DiGenova made his claim on WMAL’s “Mornings on the Mall,” but senior White House officials declined to comment on the topic when asked by the Daily Caller.
In the book, “A Warning,” released in November, the anonymous official states there is a group of White House staffers actively hoping for President Donald Trump’s “downfall.” (RELATED: Five Key Questions About The New York Times’ Anonymous ‘Senior Official’)
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham previously called the anonymous official a “coward” and the claims within the book “nothing but lies.”
“Real authors reach out to their subjects to get things fact checked–but this person is in hiding, making that very basic part of being a real writer impossible,” she said in response to the news of the book’s release.
Just prior to the book’s release, the Justice Department took steps toward possibly unmasking the official. Joseph Hunt, assistant attorney general for the civil division, sent a letter to the anonymous official’s publisher and literary agency asking about the official’s access to classified information.
“If the author is, in fact, a current or former ‘senior official’ in the Trump administration, publication of the book may violate that official’s legal obligations under one or more nondisclosure agreements,” the letter reads.
Trump and National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien are cutting 70 Obama-era holdovers from the National Security Council, The Washington Examiner reported Monday morning. The most public of these firings was that of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman on Friday. Vindman testified during the impeachment inquiry that the president and his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani sought to pressure Ukraine into opening an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.


bonginoreport--2020-02-10--Dems’ Overton Window Shifts in Favor of $22 Minimum Wage

Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer vowed to call for a $ 22 hourly minimum wage if he wins his longshot bid to unseat incumbent President Trump in November .
Steyer , a billionaire who founded investment company Farallon Capital Management in 1986 and sold it in 2012 , is campaigning heavily on addressing climate change .
He made the announcement during a campaign block party on Sunday while campaigning in South Carolina , according to The Associated Press .
Progressive candidates Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders have released competing plans to hike the minimum wage to $ 15 per hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING RACE The federal minimum wage rate has remained at $ 7.25 per hour for the past decade , though 29 states and Washington have set it higher .
( At the beginning of January , more than 20 states raised base pay even higher ) .
The annual earnings for a full-time minimum-wage worker are $ 15,080 , which is slightly above the federal poverty line for one person .
According to a Congressional Budget Office report published in July 2019 , increasing the federal minimum wage to $ 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers losing their jobs .
( The report estimated there ’ s about a two-thirds chance that somewhere between zero and 3.7 million workers would lose their jobs ) .
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS It could also have negative consequences for small businesses , which tend to operate in more competitive markets with thin margins .
“ A higher minimum wage reduces the family income of business owners to the extent that firms ’ profits are reduced , ” the CBO report said .
“ Real income is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the prices of goods and services weaken families ’ purchasing power .
Over time , as businesses increasingly pass their higher costs on to consumers , the losses in business income diminish and the losses in families ’ real income grow.
” Over the past seven months , Steyer has poured $ 14 million into blanketing South Carolina ’ s airwaves with ads -- a strategy that ’ s beginning to take hold .
According to the RealClearPolitics voting averages , Steyer is polling second in the state , behind only former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a close third .
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer vowed to call for a $22 hourly minimum wage if he wins his longshot bid to unseat incumbent President Trump in November.
Steyer, a billionaire who founded investment company Farallon Capital Management in 1986 and sold it in 2012, is campaigning heavily on addressing climate change.
He made the announcement during a campaign block party on Sunday while campaigning in South Carolina, according to The Associated Press. Progressive candidates Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders have released competing plans to hike the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
SANDERS, BUTTIGIEG ARE WINNING THE 2020 CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING RACE
The federal minimum wage rate has remained at $7.25 per hour for the past decade, though 29 states and Washington have set it higher. (At the beginning of January, more than 20 states raised base pay even higher). The annual earnings for a full-time minimum-wage worker are $15,080, which is slightly above the federal poverty line for one person.
According to a Congressional Budget Office report published in July 2019, increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour could result in 1.3 million workers losing their jobs. (The report estimated there’s about a two-thirds chance that somewhere between zero and 3.7 million workers would lose their jobs).
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
It could also have negative consequences for small businesses, which tend to operate in more competitive markets with thin margins.
“A higher minimum wage reduces the family income of business owners to the extent that firms’ profits are reduced,” the CBO report said. “Real income is also reduced for nearly all people because increases in the prices of goods and services weaken families’ purchasing power. Over time, as businesses increasingly pass their higher costs on to consumers, the losses in business income diminish and the losses in families’ real income grow.”
Over the past seven months, Steyer has poured $14 million into blanketing South Carolina’s airwaves with ads -- a strategy that’s beginning to take hold. According to the RealClearPolitics voting averages, Steyer is polling second in the state, behind only former Vice President Joe Biden. Sanders is a close third.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE


bonginoreport--2020-02-10--Man Accusing of Shooting Two NYPD Officers Threatens to Shoot More From Hospital Bed

We are officially one week into the new-look XFL ’ s inaugural ...

Alleged Bronx cop-shooter Robert Williams still wants to draw more blue blood, threatening from his hospital bed to shoot more police upon his release, prosecutors revealed Monday at his arraignment.
“I’m going to shoot one of you when I get out,” Williams snarled to cops while laid up in Lincoln Hospital on Sunday, according to prosecutors.
Williams made the threat while recovering from injuries sustained during his bust for the second of two alleged attacks on NYPD officers in less than half-a-day, according to authorities.
Roughly a hundred NYPD cops packed the Bronx courtroom for the arraignment, glaring silently at the career criminal accused of trying to shoot dead their fellow Finest.
Wearing a gray hoodie and dark gray sweatpants, Williams kept his head down and uttered not a word as he was ordered held without bail, and charged with 13 counts of attempted murder.
Williams, 45, allegedly began his anti-cop rampage around 8:30 p.m. Saturday when he fired at two cops sitting inside a marked NYPD patrol van near the intersection of East 163rd and Fox streets, according to authorities.
Officer Paul Stroffolino was grazed on the neck and chin by bullets that nearly struck his carotid artery, while his partner was unharmed, according to officials.
Less than 12 hours later, Williams allegedly stormed into the 41st Precinct station-house on Longwood Avenue around 8 a.m. Sunday and opened fire with his 9mm SIG Sauer, hitting Lt. Jose Gautreaux in the upper left arm, authorities said.
Gautreaux returned fire, but missed Williams, who allegedly continued to unload on the cop-shop until he ran out of ammo and surrendered, according to police.
Both Stroffolino and Gautreaux were treated at Lincoln Hospital and released.
Williams has been described by NYPD officials as a “career criminal” whose lengthy police record includes a 2002 attempted murder conviction for a Bronx crime spree that ended with a shoot-out with cops.


bonginoreport--2020-02-10--President Trump’s 2021 Budget Includes Reforms to Student Loan System

President Trump proposed new changes to student loans as part of his annual budget proposal .
Here ’ s what you need to know .
The White House released the president ’ s fiscal 2021 budget .
The budget requests $ 66.6 billion for the U.S. Department of Education , which represents a $ 5.6 billion , or 7.8 % , decrease from the current year .
Among the key initiatives for student loans and student loan repayment : • Undergraduates can get federal student loan forgiveness after 15 years • Limits annual and lifetime student loan limits for graduate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Pell Grants , supports borrower defense rule , and provides discretionary funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities ( HBCUs ) There is no plan to cancel student loan debt .
During the 2016 presidential campaign , Trump proposed combining the existing federal student loan repayment plans into a single , simpler repayment plan to help borrowers pay off student loans faster .
Trump proposed an income-based repayment plan that would cap monthly student loan payments at 12.5 % of discretionary income and forgive remaining balances after 15 years .
While Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cap from 10 % to 12.5 % of income , his proposal would forgive the remaining student loan balance five to 10 years sooner than the current income-driven repayment plans .
Parent PLUS Loans help parents and grandparents fund undergraduate education for their dependent children or grandchildren .
Graduate student loans also borrow PLUS loans to fund their graduate school education .
Parent PLUS Loans are federal loans with a relatively high interest rate - about 7 % - that can be expensive for borrowers in or near retirement .
The proposal would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and graduate PLUS Loans so that parents , grandparents and graduate students can borrow less to mitigate the risk of financial hardship and potential default .
Despite these potential limits and high interest rates , parents and graduate ( and undergraduate ) borrowers can still refinance student loans to lower their interest rate .
Student loan refinancing rates dropped again this month to 1.89 % .
The budget repeats the president ’ s call to end public service loan forgiveness .
Under Trump 's proposed budget , the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Loan Forgiveness program is a federal program that forgives federal student loans for borrowers who are employed full-time with a qualified public service or a non-profit employer .
The proposal would impact future borrowers , not existing borrowers who are already work in public service and currently paying off student loans .
The president 's budget also would eliminate subsidized student loans , which means that the federal government no longer would pay the interest costs on federal student loans while borrowers are enrolled in school .
Will This Budget Become Law ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget proposal submitted to Congress , which decides federal spending .
Therefore , the budget proposals do not become law without congressional approval .
The latest student loan debt statistics show that 45 million Americans collectively owe $ 1.6 trillion of student loan debt .
Today , student loan debt is the second highest category of consumer debt after mortgages , and the average student loan debt is about $ 29,200 per borrower .

This article is more than 3 years old.
President Donald Trump (Photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage) WireImage
President Trump proposed new changes to student loans as part of his annual budget proposal.
Here’s what you need to know.
Student Loans
The White House released the president’s fiscal 2021 budget. The budget requests $66.6 billion for the U.S. Department of Education, which represents a $5.6 billion, or 7.8%, decrease from the current year. Among the key initiatives for student loans and student loan repayment:
Undergraduates can get federal student loan forgiveness after 15 years
Limits annual and lifetime student loan limits for graduate students and parent borrowers
Eliminates subsidized federal student loans
Eliminates public service loan forgiveness
Expands eligibility for Pell Grants, supports borrower defense rule, and provides discretionary funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
There is no plan to cancel student loan debt.
Simplify student loan repayment
During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump proposed combining the existing federal student loan repayment plans into a single, simpler repayment plan to help borrowers pay off student loans faster. Trump proposed an income-based repayment plan that would cap monthly student loan payments at 12.5% of discretionary income and forgive remaining balances after 15 years. While Trump’s proposal raises the monthly payment cap from 10% to 12.5% of income, his proposal would forgive the remaining student loan balance five to 10 years sooner than the current income-driven repayment plans.
Limit Parent PLUS borrowing and Graduate Borrowing
Parent PLUS Loans help parents and grandparents fund undergraduate education for their dependent children or grandchildren. Graduate student loans also borrow PLUS loans to fund their graduate school education. Parent PLUS Loans are federal loans with a relatively high interest rate - about 7% - that can be expensive for borrowers in or near retirement. The proposal would limit the amount of Parent PLUS Loans and graduate PLUS Loans so that parents, grandparents and graduate students can borrow less to mitigate the risk of financial hardship and potential default.
Despite these potential limits and high interest rates, parents and graduate (and undergraduate) borrowers can still refinance student loans to lower their interest rate. Student loan refinancing rates dropped again this month to 1.89%.
End Student Loan Forgiveness
The budget repeats the president’s call to end public service loan forgiveness. Under Trump's proposed budget, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program would be eliminated. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is a federal program that forgives federal student loans for borrowers who are employed full-time with a qualified public service or a non-profit employer. The proposal would impact future borrowers, not existing borrowers who are already work in public service and currently paying off student loans.
End Subsidized Student Loans
The president's budget also would eliminate subsidized student loans, which means that the federal government no longer would pay the interest costs on federal student loans while borrowers are enrolled in school.
Will This Budget Become Law?
At this point, this is a budget proposal submitted to Congress, which decides federal spending. Therefore, the budget proposals do not become law without congressional approval.
The latest student loan debt statistics show that 45 million Americans collectively owe $1.6 trillion of student loan debt. Today, student loan debt is the second highest category of consumer debt after mortgages, and the average student loan debt is about $29,200 per borrower.


bonginoreport--2020-02-10--How Tax Friendly Is Your State?

How Tax Friendly Is Your State?

Compare state tax rates and rules — on income , ordinary purchases , gas , sin products , property , @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Click on any state in the map below for a detailed summary of state @ @ @ @ @ , and everything you buy .
Check out our slideshows below , including our picks @ @ @ @ @ and the 10 least tax-friendly states in the U.S. ( Retirees , visit our Retiree @ @ @ @ @ each state taxes different kinds of retirement income and to discover special tax breaks for @ @ @ @ @ or click on any state in the map for the option to add the state @ @ @ @ @ quickly see how selected states stack up .
SOURCES : State tax departments , the @ @ @ @ @ Tax Foundation , the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the Distilled Spirits Council of @ @ @ @

Almost 28 million Americans moved in 2021. That's over 8% of the country's entire population. Many of those moves were from one state to another, which can have a significant impact on your overall state tax burden. That's because there are wide variations in taxes by state. In fact, for a typical middle-class family, relocating to another state can knock your state tax bill up or down by thousands of dollars. You could, for instance, go from a state with no income taxes to one with very high taxes. Other state and local taxes ‒ like sales taxes and property taxes ‒ can vary dramatically from one state to another, too. That's why it's so important to understand the tax consequences of an interstate move before you pack up the moving van.
The map below will help you compare taxes by state for middle-class families. (The state tax burden may be different for people in other income levels, retirees, or others with unique financial circumstances.) Hover over and click on any state in the map to open detailed information about its income, sales, property, gasoline, cigarette, and other taxes that affect middle-income Americans. Or, in the alternative, you can also click on the state-specific links near the bottom of this page to get the full tax picture for a particular state.
Also check out the tax-specific articles listed below the map, including our picks for the 10 most tax-friendly states and the 10 least tax-friendly states in the U.S. for middle-class families. (Retirees, visit our Retiree Tax Map to learn how each state taxes different kinds of retirement income and to discover special tax breaks for seniors.) If you're contemplating a move across state lines, hopefully this information on taxes by state will help you make a proper decision and/or avoid any state tax surprises in your new home.
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bonginoreport--2020-02-11--Alleged “Lying Dog-Faced Pony Soldier” Says She Was “Humiliated” by Comment From Joe Biden

The college student branded a “ lying dog-faced pony soldier ” by Joe Biden said on Monday that being on the receiving end of a dig from the former vice president was “ humiliating.
” Madison Moore , 21 , told the Macon Telegraph that for people to wave off the bizarre jibe as a joke was “ kind of insulting.
” “ It was kind of humiliating to be called a liar on national TV by the former vice president , ” Moore told the newspaper .
“ Instead of answering that question straightforward , his immediate response was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my inexperience.
” The Mercer University economics student was at a New Hampshire campaign event on Sunday with a school trip when she asked the Democratic presidential hopeful about the viability of his campaign given his fourth-place standing in the Iowa caucuses .
Biden responded : “ Iowa ’ s a caucus .
Have you ever been to a caucus ?
” When she nodded yes , Biden retorted : “ No , you haven ’ t .
You ’ re a lying dog-faced pony soldier , ” drawing laughter from the crowd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida , said she was nervous when Biden asked if she ’ d been to a caucus and nodded yes .
She hasn ’ t been to a caucus , but said she felt that was irrelevant to her question .
“ He has been performing extremely poorly in this race and the fact that he couldn ’ t just straight answer my question without bullying or intimidating just exacerbates that fact , ” Moore told the Telegraph .
“ I am 21-year old college student , like what the hell do I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or my experience .
Just answer the damn question.
” Biden has used the phrase before and his campaign maintains that it ’ s from a John Wayne movie .
During a 2018 rally for then-Sen. Heidi Heitkamp , Biden said “ there ’ s a line in a John Wayne movie where the Indian chief turns to John Wayne and says , ‘ This is a lying dog-faced pony soldier.
’ ” But the 77-year-old may be conflating lines from several films .
The phrase “ dog-faced soldiers ” appears in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Yellow Ribbon , ” according to Slate , while there are a few references to “ pony soldiers ” in the 1953 John Wayne movie “ Hondo.
” Biden could have also been referring to the 1952 Tyrone Power western “ Pony Soldier.
” It ’ s not the first time Biden has put his foot in his mouth on the campaign trail .
In December , he called 83-year-old Iowa farmer Merle Gorman a “ damn liar ” for accusing him of selling access to Ukraine .
As Biden wrapped up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he conceded her question was legitimate , saying “ It ’ s not a mean question .
It ’ s an honest question , ” according to The Washington Post .

The college student branded a “lying dog-faced pony soldier” by Joe Biden said on Monday that being on the receiving end of a dig from the former vice president was “humiliating.”
Madison Moore, 21, told the Macon Telegraph that for people to wave off the bizarre jibe as a joke was “kind of insulting.”
“It was kind of humiliating to be called a liar on national TV by the former vice president,” Moore told the newspaper.
“Instead of answering that question straightforward, his immediate response was to attempt to invalidate me by exposing my inexperience.”
The Mercer University economics student was at a New Hampshire campaign event on Sunday with a school trip when she asked the Democratic presidential hopeful about the viability of his campaign given his fourth-place standing in the Iowa caucuses.
Biden responded: “Iowa’s a caucus. Have you ever been to a caucus?”
When she nodded yes, Biden retorted: “No, you haven’t. You’re a lying dog-faced pony soldier,” drawing laughter from the crowd.
Moore, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, said she was nervous when Biden asked if she’d been to a caucus and nodded yes. She hasn’t been to a caucus, but said she felt that was irrelevant to her question.
“He has been performing extremely poorly in this race and the fact that he couldn’t just straight answer my question without bullying or intimidating just exacerbates that fact,” Moore told the Telegraph.
“I am 21-year old college student, like what the hell do I know? Who cares who I am or my experience. Just answer the damn question.”
Biden has used the phrase before and his campaign maintains that it’s from a John Wayne movie.
During a 2018 rally for then-Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, Biden said “there’s a line in a John Wayne movie where the Indian chief turns to John Wayne and says, ‘This is a lying dog-faced pony soldier.’ ”
But the 77-year-old may be conflating lines from several films.
The phrase “dog-faced soldiers” appears in the 1949 John Wayne film “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon,” according to Slate, while there are a few references to “pony soldiers” in the 1953 John Wayne movie “Hondo.”
Biden could have also been referring to the 1952 Tyrone Power western “Pony Soldier.”
It’s not the first time Biden has put his foot in his mouth on the campaign trail. In December, he called 83-year-old Iowa farmer Merle Gorman a “damn liar” for accusing him of selling access to Ukraine.
As Biden wrapped up his answer to Moore on Sunday, he conceded her question was legitimate, saying “It’s not a mean question. It’s an honest question,” according to The Washington Post.


bonginoreport--2020-02-11--Michael Bloomberg Under Fire From Libs for Past Comments Defending Stop-and-Frisk

An unearthed recording from a 2015 Aspen Institute event reveals former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg defending the city ’ s stop-and-frisk policy by justifying police disproportionately stationed in minority neighborhoods “ because that ’ s where all the crime is.
” “ Ninety-five percent of your murders — murderers and murder victims — fit one M.O.
” Bloomberg said in audio released by podcaster Benjamin Dixon .
“ You can just take the description , Xerox it and pass it out to all the cops .
They are male , minorities , 16 to 25.
” That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s true in virtually every city ( inaudible ) .
And , that ’ s where the real crime is .
You ’ ve got to get the guns out of the hands of the people that are getting killed .
You want to spend the money on a lot of cops in the streets .
Put those cops where the crime is , which means in minority neighborhoods .
So one of the unintended consequences is people say , ‘ Oh my God , you are arresting kids for marijuana that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s true .
Why ?
Because we put all the cops in minority neighborhoods .
And the way you get the guns out of the kids ’ hands is to throw them up against the walls and frisk them .
Since making his late entrance into the Democratic presidential primary last fall , Bloomberg has apologized for championing the city ’ s aggressive “ stop-and-frisk ” policing for a decade that a federal judge ruled in 2013 as racial harassment .
As The Federalist ’ s New York Correspondent David Marcus points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policing more accurately described as “ Stop , Question , and Frisk ” dramatically reduced crime in the city .
Thus Bloomberg ’ s apology is little more than a sop to African-American voters , who are a key voting bloc essential to securing the Democratic nomination .
Bloomberg , who has a Forbes estimated net worth of $ 61.5 billion , has spent more than $ 300 million on his campaign and is polling fourth in nationwide polls , according to RealClearPolitics ’ latest aggregate .
of surveys .

An unearthed recording from a 2015 Aspen Institute event reveals former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg defending the city’s stop-and-frisk policy by justifying police disproportionately stationed in minority neighborhoods “because that’s where all the crime is.”
“Ninety-five percent of your murders — murderers and murder victims — fit one M.O.” Bloomberg said in audio released by podcaster Benjamin Dixon. “You can just take the description, Xerox it and pass it out to all the cops. They are male, minorities, 16 to 25.”
Bloomberg continued.
That’s true in New York, that’s true in virtually every city (inaudible). And, that’s where the real crime is. You’ve got to get the guns out of the hands of the people that are getting killed. You want to spend the money on a lot of cops in the streets. Put those cops where the crime is, which means in minority neighborhoods. So one of the unintended consequences is people say, ‘Oh my God, you are arresting kids for marijuana that are all minorities.’ Yes, that’s true. Why? Because we put all the cops in minority neighborhoods. And the way you get the guns out of the kids’ hands is to throw them up against the walls and frisk them.
Share this far and wide. Unless the mainstream media picks it up, it will be isolated to twitter. pic.twitter.com/Fm0YCi4ZRy — Benjamin Dixon (@BenjaminPDixon) February 11, 2020
Since making his late entrance into the Democratic presidential primary last fall, Bloomberg has apologized for championing the city’s aggressive “stop-and-frisk” policing for a decade that a federal judge ruled in 2013 as racial harassment.
As The Federalist’s New York Correspondent David Marcus points out however, the revolutionary method of policing more accurately described as “Stop, Question, and Frisk” dramatically reduced crime in the city. Thus Bloomberg’s apology is little more than a sop to African-American voters, who are a key voting bloc essential to securing the Democratic nomination.
Bloomberg, who has a Forbes estimated net worth of $61.5 billion, has spent more than $300 million on his campaign and is polling fourth in nationwide polls, according to RealClearPolitics’ latest aggregate. of surveys.


bonginoreport--2020-02-11--Joe Manchin Says He Won’t Rule Out Voting for Trump in November After Brief Spat With President

Sen. Joe Manchin left open the possibility of voting for President Trump if surging 2020 Democratic candidates do n't shift their rhetoric to the political center .
Manchin is seen as one of the most centrist Democrats in Congress and represents a state that backed Trump by more than 10 points in 2016 .
He has voted with the president on legislation 53 % of the time , according to FiveThirtyEight .
`` Well , you know , we ’ d have to see where we are at that time .
Sanders , I can tell you one thing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and he wants to do the right thing , '' the West Virginia Democrat told CNN on Monday when asked if he would `` support Sanders over Trump if it came down to that . ''
`` His solution for fixing it might not be palatable , might not be something doable .
I ’ ll have to see , '' he continued .
`` Who knows ?
Bernie might change and moderate just a little bit from now to then.
” Manchin angered Trump last week when he voted to convict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power .
The president slammed him in a series of tweets over a few days , including writing , `` They are really mad at Senator Joe Munchkin in West Virginia .
He couldn ’ t understand the Transcripts .
Romney could , but didn ’ t want to ! ''
The senator explained his vote by saying , “ The people of America and the people of West Virginia want some adults in the room . ''
He also hit back at Trump 's `` Munchkin '' insult , pointing out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit bigger than he is . ''
Prospective Democratic voters have been debating what is more valuable to the party as it prepares to take on Trump in the general election : big , structural change or a message of unity and pragmatism that will win over voters who cast their ballots for Trump in 2016 .
Sen. Bernie Sanders , a self-described Democratic socialist who favors Medicare for All and heavily taxing billionaires in America , has been surging in most national polls and is expected to fare well in Tuesday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrowly won reelection in 2018 and has not announced his intentions to run again in 2024 , applauded Sanders for his consistency along the campaign trail despite not committing to voting to him .
“ If that ’ s resonating , then there ’ s got to be a middle somewhere , '' he said .
`` Because Bernie is taking you to where your deep conscience is — and thinking , yeah , people haven ’ t been treated fair .
People have been left behind . ''
Manchin has previously expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , refusing to back the Vermont senator in a hypothetical match-up with Trump in October .

Sen. Joe Manchin left open the possibility of voting for President Trump if surging 2020 Democratic candidates don't shift their rhetoric to the political center.
Manchin is seen as one of the most centrist Democrats in Congress and represents a state that backed Trump by more than 10 points in 2016. He has voted with the president on legislation 53% of the time, according to FiveThirtyEight.
"Well, you know, we’d have to see where we are at that time. Sanders, I can tell you one thing, he’s got a good heart, and he wants to do the right thing," the West Virginia Democrat told CNN on Monday when asked if he would "support Sanders over Trump if it came down to that."
"His solution for fixing it might not be palatable, might not be something doable. I’ll have to see," he continued. "Who knows? Bernie might change and moderate just a little bit from now to then.”
Manchin angered Trump last week when he voted to convict him on an impeachment charge for abuse of power. The president slammed him in a series of tweets over a few days, including writing, "They are really mad at Senator Joe Munchkin in West Virginia. He couldn’t understand the Transcripts. Romney could, but didn’t want to!"
The senator explained his vote by saying, “The people of America and the people of West Virginia want some adults in the room." He also hit back at Trump's "Munchkin" insult, pointing out that "I’m a little bit bigger than he is."
Prospective Democratic voters have been debating what is more valuable to the party as it prepares to take on Trump in the general election: big, structural change or a message of unity and pragmatism that will win over voters who cast their ballots for Trump in 2016.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, a self-described Democratic socialist who favors Medicare for All and heavily taxing billionaires in America, has been surging in most national polls and is expected to fare well in Tuesday's New Hampshire primary.
Manchin, who narrowly won reelection in 2018 and has not announced his intentions to run again in 2024, applauded Sanders for his consistency along the campaign trail despite not committing to voting to him.
“If that’s resonating, then there’s got to be a middle somewhere," he said. "Because Bernie is taking you to where your deep conscience is — and thinking, yeah, people haven’t been treated fair. People have been left behind."
Manchin has previously expressed concern over Sanders's White House bid, refusing to back the Vermont senator in a hypothetical match-up with Trump in October.


bonginoreport--2020-02-11--The Federal Government’s Secretive Plundering of Medical Records

When a U.S. government demand for genetic data from Ancestry.com was revealed earlier this week , it caused anxiety around the kinds of access police have to people ’ s DNA data .
But there ’ s something else that Americans should be paying attention to : the government ’ s secretive plundering of citizens ’ medical histories .
It ’ s largely flying under the radar of public perception , which is odd , given data doesn ’ t get much more personal than that found in medical records , whether it ’ s details on embarrassing or serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re on .
And it seems police raids on medical tech companies may be more frequent and more fruitful than those on the likes of Ancestry .
Who is the government getting medical data from ?
I ’ ve found multiple cases where federal agents have been quietly rummaging through databases of American citizens ’ medical histories .
They ’ re doing so via little-known healthcare tech companies .
According to court files I reviewed , the government has found at least one new possible reservoir of medical information : a 10-year-old , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DrChrono .
It ’ s worth close to $ 50 million , according to Pitchbook , and just last month raised $ 20 million .
DrChrono ’ s aims to make electronic health records easier for doctors and their practices to manage , placing everything from patient histories and billing information in one place in the cloud .
It claims its software manages data on around 17.8 million patients and processed more than $ 11 billion in medical bills to date .
Sounds useful for the doctors , but it ’ s also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigating a crime in which they want to access medical records .
The search warrants I discovered show that when cops come knocking with a valid legal request , DrChrono is happy to hand over data .
Lots of data .
How much medical data can they get ?
In January last year , DrChrono provided 9.3GB of medical records , amounting to 8,316 files from the Gaby Medical Clinic in Fort Smith , Arkansas .
In that case , the Drug Enforcement Administration was investigating two doctors—Donald Hinderliter and Cecil Gaby—over claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potent drugs like Oxycodone and Xanax .
The DEA had heard from witnesses that some patients had suffered fatal overdoses .
( Both Hinderliter and Gaby have pleaded guilty to charges of distributing controlled substances and are awaiting sentencing ) .
In a separate case , in July 2019 , DrChrono supplied the government with records related to the Pennsylvania-based practise of Neil Anand .
He was being investigated for handing out “ goody bags ” of drugs to patients who didn ’ t need or ask for them .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of healthcare fraud and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances .
In a search warrant I uncovered , the investigating agent goes into a little detail about what exactly he was able to determine from DrChrono records : “ I am aware that the medical records contained entries from DrChrono with notes for office visits on September 9 , 2018 and July 23 , 2018 indicating that Former Employee 2 was Patient 4 ' s medical provider on these dates.
” It ’ s clear that even appointment notes are included in its files @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sensitive and revealing data .
And in this case it seems the government has acquired data belonging to at least one victim , not a suspect .
Are my medical records being sold without my knowledge ?
According to Dr Deborah Peel , founder and president for Patient Privacy Rights , companies like DrChrono can and will aggregate and sell your data .
“ The data holders now control our health data , ” she warns .
Looking at the DrChrono privacy policy , it certainly reserves some rights to sell users ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We do not rent , sell or share personal information about you with other people or non-affiliated companies for their direct marketing purposes , unless we have your permission.
” A closer read indicates it does reserve the right to sell data to affiliated companies , or to anyone for non-direct marketing purposes .
And , it adds , DrChrono can share your information with partners and : “ We are not responsible for the privacy practices of the others who will view and use the information you disclose to others.
” Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue to happen .
Investigations using DrChrono data appear to be ongoing .
I put in a freedom of information request with the Department of Health and Human Services ’ Office of Inspector General , asking it for any communications it had with DrChrono .
That agency is notable for being the largest inspector general 's office in the federal government and it ’ s playing a major role in the fight against opioid epidemic .
The agency said it couldn ’ t provide records , but it noted : “ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an open and ongoing investigation concerning the subject of your request.
” Neither DrChrono nor its CEO Michael Nusimow had responded to multiple requests for comment .
I found just a small number of requests for medical records for DrChrono and similar businesses .
But it ’ s possible , even likely , there are others and DrChrono ’ s competitors are most likely being asked to hand over people ’ s health data too .
I discovered one other case where the government wanted to search an account at rival Practice Fusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Should you be worried ?
If you care about privacy , you should be more concerned about why the government ’ s looking into your healthcare history than your DNA data .
As Dr Peel puts it : “ We have no right to health privacy , no right to control our health data in the US.
” First , Ancestry only received one demand for genetics data in 2019 ( one which it rebuffed ) , compared to the two that I found for DrChrono .
Second , unlike Ancestry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have transparency reports that inform people how often governments are telling them to reveal data .
And not only do they have masses of super-sensitive data , these small businesses don ’ t have the same financial clout to fight broad , invasive government orders as much larger tech companies .
Whilst federal investigators are legitimately looking into serious crimes , ones that contribute to America ’ s severe opioid crisis , it appears the victims of that particular menace are , perversely , having their privacy invaded alongside pill pushers .

This article is more than 3 years old.
American medical records are being raided by police and tech companies may even be selling your most ... [+] personal data too. (Photo by: BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Universal Images Group via Getty Images
When a U.S. government demand for genetic data from Ancestry.com was revealed earlier this week, it caused anxiety around the kinds of access police have to people’s DNA data.
But there’s something else that Americans should be paying attention to: the government’s secretive plundering of citizens’ medical histories.
It’s largely flying under the radar of public perception, which is odd, given data doesn’t get much more personal than that found in medical records, whether it’s details on embarrassing or serious illness, or what medications you’re on.
And it seems police raids on medical tech companies may be more frequent and more fruitful than those on the likes of Ancestry.
Who is the government getting medical data from?
I’ve found multiple cases where federal agents have been quietly rummaging through databases of American citizens’ medical histories.
They’re doing so via little-known healthcare tech companies. According to court files I reviewed, the government has found at least one new possible reservoir of medical information: a 10-year-old, successful Sunnyvale, California, startup called DrChrono.
It’s worth close to $50 million, according to Pitchbook, and just last month raised $20 million. DrChrono’s aims to make electronic health records easier for doctors and their practices to manage, placing everything from patient histories and billing information in one place in the cloud. It claims its software manages data on around 17.8 million patients and processed more than $11 billion in medical bills to date.
Sounds useful for the doctors, but it’s also useful for police when they’re investigating a crime in which they want to access medical records. The search warrants I discovered show that when cops come knocking with a valid legal request, DrChrono is happy to hand over data. Lots of data.
How much medical data can they get?
In January last year, DrChrono provided 9.3GB of medical records, amounting to 8,316 files from the Gaby Medical Clinic in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
A screenshot of a search warrant document shows DrChrono providing more than 8,000 files of medical ... [+] records to the U.S. government. Forbes Media
In that case, the Drug Enforcement Administration was investigating two doctors—Donald Hinderliter and Cecil Gaby—over claims they were giving out large quantities of potent drugs like Oxycodone and Xanax. The DEA had heard from witnesses that some patients had suffered fatal overdoses. (Both Hinderliter and Gaby have pleaded guilty to charges of distributing controlled substances and are awaiting sentencing).
In a separate case, in July 2019, DrChrono supplied the government with records related to the Pennsylvania-based practise of Neil Anand. He was being investigated for handing out “goody bags” of drugs to patients who didn’t need or ask for them. He’s since pleaded not guilty to all charges of healthcare fraud and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
In a search warrant I uncovered, the investigating agent goes into a little detail about what exactly he was able to determine from DrChrono records:
“I am aware that the medical records contained entries from DrChrono with notes for office visits on September 9, 2018 and July 23, 2018 indicating that Former Employee 2 was Patient 4' s medical provider on these dates.”
It’s clear that even appointment notes are included in its files. Again, that’s incredibly sensitive and revealing data. And in this case it seems the government has acquired data belonging to at least one victim, not a suspect.
Are my medical records being sold without my knowledge?
According to Dr Deborah Peel, founder and president for Patient Privacy Rights, companies like DrChrono can and will aggregate and sell your data. “The data holders now control our health data,” she warns.
Looking at the DrChrono privacy policy, it certainly reserves some rights to sell users’ information, but does say: “We do not rent, sell or share personal information about you with other people or non-affiliated companies for their direct marketing purposes, unless we have your permission.” A closer read indicates it does reserve the right to sell data to affiliated companies, or to anyone for non-direct marketing purposes.
And, it adds, DrChrono can share your information with partners and: “We are not responsible for the privacy practices of the others who will view and use the information you disclose to others.”
Is this happening now?
Yes and it will continue to happen. Investigations using DrChrono data appear to be ongoing.
I put in a freedom of information request with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, asking it for any communications it had with DrChrono. That agency is notable for being the largest inspector general's office in the federal government and it’s playing a major role in the fight against opioid epidemic. The agency said it couldn’t provide records, but it noted: “This office has been informed that there is an open and ongoing investigation concerning the subject of your request.”
Neither DrChrono nor its CEO Michael Nusimow had responded to multiple requests for comment.
I found just a small number of requests for medical records for DrChrono and similar businesses. But it’s possible, even likely, there are others and DrChrono’s competitors are most likely being asked to hand over people’s health data too. I discovered one other case where the government wanted to search an account at rival Practice Fusion, though the case files were sealed.
Should you be worried?
If you care about privacy, you should be more concerned about why the government’s looking into your healthcare history than your DNA data. As Dr Peel puts it: “We have no right to health privacy, no right to control our health data in the US.”
First, Ancestry only received one demand for genetics data in 2019 (one which it rebuffed), compared to the two that I found for DrChrono.
Second, unlike Ancestry, the likes of DrChrono don’t have transparency reports that inform people how often governments are telling them to reveal data.
And not only do they have masses of super-sensitive data, these small businesses don’t have the same financial clout to fight broad, invasive government orders as much larger tech companies.
Whilst federal investigators are legitimately looking into serious crimes, ones that contribute to America’s severe opioid crisis, it appears the victims of that particular menace are, perversely, having their privacy invaded alongside pill pushers.