westernjournal--2020-01-21--New Jersey Bill Could Turn Painful Layoffs into Death Spirals for Companies

You can ’ t make a worker ’ s paradise without breaking a few companies .
It was understood that the business climate in New Jersey would change when Democrat Gov .
Phil Murphy was elected in 2017 .
Generally blue New Jersey had a Republican governor in the person of Chris Christie for eight years , and one could have reasonably anticipated a rubber-band effect ; with the governor ’ s mansion back in their control , particularly in control of an inveterate left-winger like Murphy , there was going to be a pent-up release of progressive legislation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rubber-banding continues unabated , with the business climate being one of the areas most adversely affected .
A plan to phase in a $ 15-an-hour minimum wage law over five years was passed last year and corporate tax rates were hiked significantly .
The good news is that this hasn ’ t affected the state ’ s unemployment — yet , anyway , thanks to a booming economy .
Still , New Jersey was one of the top five states for residents moving out in 2019 , according to a North American Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the No .
1 state for out-migration , the North American Van Lines report from that year showed .
And 46 percent of movers said they left due to job-related circumstances .
Oh well — less competition in the incipient labor Shangri-La , right ?
Now , as CBS News reported , the Democrat-dominated New Jersey legislature has a new gift for the state ’ s employers : A mandate that companies that lay off more than 50 workers at a time give the employees longer notice and give them one week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee has worked for the company , among other benefits .
The bill , S-3170 , is known colloquially as the “ Toys ‘ R ’ Us Bill , ” CBS reported .
It ’ s named for the bankrupt children ’ s retailer that shut down in 2018 and had its headquarters and distribution center in the Garden State .
According to Law.com , this resulted in 2,028 lost jobs .
The bill passed both the state Senate and the Assembly on Jan. 13 and is on its way to the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadline for Murphy to sign or veto the bill , NJ.com reported .
The legislation , CBS News reported , would extend the prior notice period for mass layoffs — designated as any layoff of over 50 employees by a company with over 100 employees — from 60 days to 90 days .
The severance pay mandate would be extended to all employees , as opposed to just full-time ones .
It would also categorize the severance payments as wages owed , which could have a substantial legal effect , according to Alvaro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phillips who talked to The Washington Post .
Hasani said that most companies require a “ release of claims ” agreement in return for severance payments , in which the laid-off employee agrees not to sue the employer .
Under the “ Toys R Us Bill , ” Hasani says , “ what ’ s unclear is whether that can be a continuing practice given the law.
” “ Under the [ bill ] , the severance is characterized as wages owed , so you can ’ t bargain , ” Hasani said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect their profits while workers lose their jobs and severance pay , ” state Sen. Joseph Cryan , one of the bill ’ s co-sponsors , said in a statement after the bill passed the Senate .
“ Employees shouldn ’ t be left in the dark as companies are pillaged for their resources after equity firms load them down with debt and the top officials walk away with bonuses .
The law needs to be upgraded to better protect the rights of the workers .
RELATED : The New Yorker Appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anti-Semitic NJ Shooting “ In this and other cases , the bankrupt companies were purchased by private equity firms that imposed massive layoffs while top executives walked away with millions of dollars in bonuses , ” he added .
The details of the Toys R Us death are irrelevant here ; its business model was thoroughly untenable in the era of Amazon and Target , where most of what it offered could be purchased online or in a retailer with a more varied selection of goods .
Its shutdown was inevitable , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing “ retail apocalypse.
” Protecting companies from leveraged buyouts by private equity firms wouldn ’ t have made Toys R Us profitable nor would it have saved those jobs , in the long run .
Nor , in fact , does this legislation do anything of the sort .
What it does do , however , is potentially create a death spiral for companies that are based in New Jersey or that choose to locate a substantial portion of their workforce there .
“ If enacted , this proposal would make our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Wallace , a vice president with the New Jersey Business & Industry Association , said in a December statement .
“ It would come after the enactment of a series of tax increases and other expensive mandates imposed on employers during the past year , including a higher corporate business tax , higher state income tax , new paid sick leave requirements and the signing of a $ 15 minimum wage.
” “ This is an example of a piece of legislation that was a reaction to a really unacceptable situation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Commerce Southern New Jersey , told The Washington Post .
“ It ’ s going to make New Jersey an outlier.
” The new law wouldn ’ t just have a deleterious effect on for-profit businesses , either .
“ My nonprofit clients are really concerned , ” Newark , New Jersey-based attorney Maxine Neuhauser told The Post .
“ These are not folks who are being driven into bankruptcy by private equity companies .
These are organizations trying to do good work.
” Of course , the primary danger is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at their most vulnerable .
Most corporations aren ’ t Toys R Us and they ’ re not trying to pick up stakes and leave employees in a lurch to make a quick profit for executives .
If they can ’ t afford to reorganize , however , or have to make employment termination decisions further in advance , you ’ re going to see more jobs lost than you would have .
For companies trying to become profitable the right way , this bill is a millstone around their neck — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thanks to the increased expenses it contains .
As for the Democrats ’ contention this bill will somehow help thwart iniquitous behavior by private equity firms , that ’ s either deliberately over-optimistic or adorably naïve .
The danger is that New Jersey isn ’ t just an outlier , however .
Remember how we conservatives used to ridicule $ 15-an-hour minimum wage legislation , when and where it was enacted , as a thoroughly untenable fantasy ?
That sort of legislation is still thoroughly untenable , but it ’ s hardly a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the norm as opposed to the exception in blue jurisdictions nationwide .
The same thing could be said for New Jersey ’ s bill .
The Post reported that United For Respect , a labor group that worked with Democrats on crafting the New Jersey statute , is also working with legislators in California , New York and Michigan to enact similar laws in those states .
Which is alarming , since this bill hurts those it purports to protect .
Democratic lawmakers want you to believe that they ’ re standing behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employment ladder , particularly in the retail sector .
What they ’ re doing , however , is scaring away employers from directing more jobs away from New Jersey .
Given the scarcity of jobs in the retail sector as it is , the stand Democrats are taking is cold comfort at best .
Meanwhile , those on the lowest part of the lowest rung are part-time employees , who are no longer exempted from the protections for laid-off workers .
However , to count this as a protection , you have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be created after the law is passed .
When you consider the additive effect of a minimum wage that will increase to $ 15 an hour by 2024 , that ’ s hardly a guarantee for New Jerseyans .
It ’ s not good for workers , it ’ s not good for businesses and there ’ s zero evidence this will restrain private equity .
It sounds great on paper , though — and like any supposedly well-intentioned piece of legislation introduced by the Democrats , it ’ ll be held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the little guy from the machinations of big business .
Meanwhile , I can guarantee you Gov .
Murphy and Co. will feign cluelessness as to why people are fleeing the worker ’ s paradise they ’ re busy setting up in the Garden State .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

You can’t make a worker’s paradise without breaking a few companies.
It was understood that the business climate in New Jersey would change when Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy was elected in 2017.
Generally blue New Jersey had a Republican governor in the person of Chris Christie for eight years, and one could have reasonably anticipated a rubber-band effect; with the governor’s mansion back in their control, particularly in control of an inveterate left-winger like Murphy, there was going to be a pent-up release of progressive legislation.
It’s now 2020 and that rubber-banding continues unabated, with the business climate being one of the areas most adversely affected. A plan to phase in a $15-an-hour minimum wage law over five years was passed last year and corporate tax rates were hiked significantly. The good news is that this hasn’t affected the state’s unemployment — yet, anyway, thanks to a booming economy.
Still, New Jersey was one of the top five states for residents moving out in 2019, according to a North American Van Lines report. In 2018, it was the No. 1 state for out-migration, the North American Van Lines report from that year showed. And 46 percent of movers said they left due to job-related circumstances. Oh well — less competition in the incipient labor Shangri-La, right?
Now, as CBS News reported, the Democrat-dominated New Jersey legislature has a new gift for the state’s employers: A mandate that companies that lay off more than 50 workers at a time give the employees longer notice and give them one week’s pay for every year the employee has worked for the company, among other benefits.
The bill, S-3170, is known colloquially as the “Toys ‘R’ Us Bill,” CBS reported. It’s named for the bankrupt children’s retailer that shut down in 2018 and had its headquarters and distribution center in the Garden State. According to Law.com, this resulted in 2,028 lost jobs.
The bill passed both the state Senate and the Assembly on Jan. 13 and is on its way to the governor’s desk. Tuesday is the deadline for Murphy to sign or veto the bill, NJ.com reported.
The legislation, CBS News reported, would extend the prior notice period for mass layoffs — designated as any layoff of over 50 employees by a company with over 100 employees — from 60 days to 90 days. The severance pay mandate would be extended to all employees, as opposed to just full-time ones.
Do you think this bill should be signed? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 6% (25 Votes) No: 94% (398 Votes)
It would also categorize the severance payments as wages owed, which could have a substantial legal effect, according to Alvaro Hasani, an employment attorney for Fisher Phillips who talked to The Washington Post.
Hasani said that most companies require a “release of claims” agreement in return for severance payments, in which the laid-off employee agrees not to sue the employer. Under the “Toys R Us Bill,” Hasani says, “what’s unclear is whether that can be a continuing practice given the law.”
“Under the [bill], the severance is characterized as wages owed, so you can’t bargain,” Hasani said.
“Companies have exploited bankruptcy laws to protect their profits while workers lose their jobs and severance pay,” state Sen. Joseph Cryan, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, said in a statement after the bill passed the Senate.
“Employees shouldn’t be left in the dark as companies are pillaged for their resources after equity firms load them down with debt and the top officials walk away with bonuses. The law needs to be upgraded to better protect the rights of the workers.
“In this and other cases, the bankrupt companies were purchased by private equity firms that imposed massive layoffs while top executives walked away with millions of dollars in bonuses,” he added.
The details of the Toys R Us death are irrelevant here; its business model was thoroughly untenable in the era of Amazon and Target, where most of what it offered could be purchased online or in a retailer with a more varied selection of goods. Its shutdown was inevitable, one way or another, particularly given the ongoing “retail apocalypse.”
Protecting companies from leveraged buyouts by private equity firms wouldn’t have made Toys R Us profitable nor would it have saved those jobs, in the long run. Nor, in fact, does this legislation do anything of the sort.
What it does do, however, is potentially create a death spiral for companies that are based in New Jersey or that choose to locate a substantial portion of their workforce there.
“If enacted, this proposal would make our business climate even less competitive,” Mike Wallace, a vice president with the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, said in a December statement.
“It would come after the enactment of a series of tax increases and other expensive mandates imposed on employers during the past year, including a higher corporate business tax, higher state income tax, new paid sick leave requirements and the signing of a $15 minimum wage.”
“This is an example of a piece of legislation that was a reaction to a really unacceptable situation,” CEO Christine Renna of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, told The Washington Post. “It’s going to make New Jersey an outlier.”
The new law wouldn’t just have a deleterious effect on for-profit businesses, either.
“My nonprofit clients are really concerned,” Newark, New Jersey-based attorney Maxine Neuhauser told The Post.
“These are not folks who are being driven into bankruptcy by private equity companies. These are organizations trying to do good work.”
Of course, the primary danger is to companies, particularly when they’re at their most vulnerable.
Most corporations aren’t Toys R Us and they’re not trying to pick up stakes and leave employees in a lurch to make a quick profit for executives. If they can’t afford to reorganize, however, or have to make employment termination decisions further in advance, you’re going to see more jobs lost than you would have.
For companies trying to become profitable the right way, this bill is a millstone around their neck — and one that could well pull them under thanks to the increased expenses it contains.
As for the Democrats’ contention this bill will somehow help thwart iniquitous behavior by private equity firms, that’s either deliberately over-optimistic or adorably naïve.
The danger is that New Jersey isn’t just an outlier, however. Remember how we conservatives used to ridicule $15-an-hour minimum wage legislation, when and where it was enacted, as a thoroughly untenable fantasy? That sort of legislation is still thoroughly untenable, but it’s hardly a fantasy at this point, having become the norm as opposed to the exception in blue jurisdictions nationwide.
The same thing could be said for New Jersey’s bill. The Post reported that United For Respect, a labor group that worked with Democrats on crafting the New Jersey statute, is also working with legislators in California, New York and Michigan to enact similar laws in those states.
Which is alarming, since this bill hurts those it purports to protect. Democratic lawmakers want you to believe that they’re standing behind workers on the lowest rung of the employment ladder, particularly in the retail sector. What they’re doing, however, is scaring away employers from directing more jobs away from New Jersey. Given the scarcity of jobs in the retail sector as it is, the stand Democrats are taking is cold comfort at best.
Meanwhile, those on the lowest part of the lowest rung are part-time employees, who are no longer exempted from the protections for laid-off workers. However, to count this as a protection, you have to presuppose those positions will exist or continue to be created after the law is passed. When you consider the additive effect of a minimum wage that will increase to $15 an hour by 2024, that’s hardly a guarantee for New Jerseyans.
It’s not good for workers, it’s not good for businesses and there’s zero evidence this will restrain private equity. It sounds great on paper, though — and like any supposedly well-intentioned piece of legislation introduced by the Democrats, it’ll be held up as an example of how they protect the little guy from the machinations of big business.
Meanwhile, I can guarantee you Gov. Murphy and Co. will feign cluelessness as to why people are fleeing the worker’s paradise they’re busy setting up in the Garden State.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-22--Kanye Faces Backlash Over Announcement He Is Moving Operations to Solid-Red Wyoming

Millionaire musician and businessman Kanye West has taken no shortage of news and social media abuse over the last decade for everything from feuding with fellow celebrities to supporting President Donald Trump to even his new-found Christian faith .
Yet at the outset of a new decade , West has somehow managed to emerge once again as the subject of an even more ridiculous public controversy — one centered around his desire to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States .
According to Complex magazine , West acknowledged in an October appearance on Beats 1 Radio that he intends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a billion-dollar apparel brand created in partnership with German sportswear company Adidas — stateside within the next two years .
The announcement came soon after West made the decision to move Yeezy headquarters out from Calabasas , California , to one of two multi-million-dollar ranches near Cody , Wyoming , in order to avoid regulatory pressure .
“ We ’ re gon na ’ bring them back to the States , ” West told Zane Lowe at the time .
“ For me , as a founder , it ’ s really important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” TRENDING : As House Dems Get Out of Impeachment Quagmire , Maxine Waters Drags Them Right Back In And with Cody city planning and zoning board members reviewing site plans in December for a production facility known as the Adidas Yeezy Cody Sample Lab , according to local media , it would seem actions are already being taken to make that dream a reality .
Of course , however , the idea of bringing potentially thousands of manufacturing jobs to a heartland community of less than 10,000 — and West ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform programs to staff the site — was apparently too compassionate toward American citizens .
The decision may reek of opportunity for West and the American worker , the Daily Mail reported , but it “ could spell disaster ” for Asia ’ s laborers and manufacturing base .
At least , that is what those at a massive , global humanitarian NGO network known as the Clean Clothes Campaign are arguing .
That ’ s right .
According to the heroic left-wing humanitarians at the CCC , American business people simply do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one West is about to make deprive laborers in the developing world of “ decent work.
” “ Ultimately , sourcing practices should ensure that workers have decent work , meaning labor standards are respected and employment is stable and secure , ” the organization ’ s campaign and outreach director Christie Miedema told the Daily Mail .
RELATED : Californians Literally Swimming in Fecal Material Thanks in Part to Left 's Homelessness Crisis “ If a company , such as Adidas , pulls out production of a factory , whether to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to relocate out of political or sustainability reasons , ” Miedema continued , “ it is of utmost importance that it does so in a way that does not put the workers at risk of losing their livelihood .
“ Buyers such as Adidas should take concrete measures to mitigate and minimize the damage to workers and their communities when a workplace does close , or a significant buyer decides to relocate , ” she added .
“ That includes fair severance payments for workers , possible re-employment at other suppliers and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a contract , instead of a unilateral decision by the brand.
” What Miedema fails to mention , however , is the fact that Adidas ’ laborers in East Asia work in terrible conditions for wages as low as $ 3 per day , according to the outlet .
An anti-capitalist humanitarian that would advocate for American businesses to leave Americans unemployed and continue operating sweatshops because it would be better than leaving foreign laborers unemployed .
Of course , chances are these fools are bending over backwards to make this argument @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like another popular American figure intent on bringing jobs back to the U.S .
Seems the America-first rhetoric that has taken root in Washington these last few years is contagious — and it has the globalist left doing Olympic levels of mental gymnastics .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Millionaire musician and businessman Kanye West has taken no shortage of news and social media abuse over the last decade for everything from feuding with fellow celebrities to supporting President Donald Trump to even his new-found Christian faith.
Yet at the outset of a new decade, West has somehow managed to emerge once again as the subject of an even more ridiculous public controversy — one centered around his desire to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States.
According to Complex magazine, West acknowledged in an October appearance on Beats 1 Radio that he intends to move the production of Yeezy — a billion-dollar apparel brand created in partnership with German sportswear company Adidas — stateside within the next two years.
The announcement came soon after West made the decision to move Yeezy headquarters out from Calabasas, California, to one of two multi-million-dollar ranches near Cody, Wyoming, in order to avoid regulatory pressure.
“We’re gonna’ bring them back to the States,” West told Zane Lowe at the time. “For me, as a founder, it’s really important to bring these jobs back to America.”
Kanye West is preparing to build a Yeezy prototype Lab in Cody, Wyoming: https://t.co/81EFHhfWaU pic.twitter.com/MH10Te5dD7 — Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) December 17, 2019
Kanye West is moving his Yeezys factory to Wyoming which will obviously create American jobs…and there are actually people upset that this will “hurt” foreign sweatshops. Some people just need to go to hell and never come back.https://t.co/gs2wR97V9D — Mindy Robinson ?? (@iheartmindy) January 18, 2020
And with Cody city planning and zoning board members reviewing site plans in December for a production facility known as the Adidas Yeezy Cody Sample Lab, according to local media, it would seem actions are already being taken to make that dream a reality.
Of course, however, the idea of bringing potentially thousands of manufacturing jobs to a heartland community of less than 10,000 — and West’s reported goal of partnering with second-chance prison reform programs to staff the site — was apparently too compassionate toward American citizens.
The decision may reek of opportunity for West and the American worker, the Daily Mail reported, but it “could spell disaster” for Asia’s laborers and manufacturing base.
At least, that is what those at a massive, global humanitarian NGO network known as the Clean Clothes Campaign are arguing.
That’s right. According to the heroic left-wing humanitarians at the CCC, American business people simply do not understand the fact that decisions like the one West is about to make deprive laborers in the developing world of “decent work.”
“Ultimately, sourcing practices should ensure that workers have decent work, meaning labor standards are respected and employment is stable and secure,” the organization’s campaign and outreach director Christie Miedema told the Daily Mail.
“If a company, such as Adidas, pulls out production of a factory, whether to find an even cheaper production location or to relocate out of political or sustainability reasons,” Miedema continued, “it is of utmost importance that it does so in a way that does not put the workers at risk of losing their livelihood.
“Buyers such as Adidas should take concrete measures to mitigate and minimize the damage to workers and their communities when a workplace does close, or a significant buyer decides to relocate,” she added. “That includes fair severance payments for workers, possible re-employment at other suppliers and a transparent, timely process for a closure of a contract, instead of a unilateral decision by the brand.”
What Miedema fails to mention, however, is the fact that Adidas’ laborers in East Asia work in terrible conditions for wages as low as $3 per day, according to the outlet.
Imagine.
An anti-capitalist humanitarian that would advocate for American businesses to leave Americans unemployed and continue operating sweatshops because it would be better than leaving foreign laborers unemployed.
Do you think West's apparel brand should focus production stateside? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (653 Votes) No: 0% (3 Votes)
A more convoluted argument I cannot fathom.
Of course, chances are these fools are bending over backwards to make this argument because West just so happens to sound like another popular American figure intent on bringing jobs back to the U.S.
Seems the America-first rhetoric that has taken root in Washington these last few years is contagious — and it has the globalist left doing Olympic levels of mental gymnastics.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-22--Even Dem Senator Who Vowed To Convict Trump Says House Dems Didn’t Do Their Job

Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono has been at the head of the President Donald Trump impeachment train for as far back as we can remember .
Her temper tantrum over the results of the 2016 presidential election has rivaled only those of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , California Rep. Adam Schiff and New York Rep. Jerry Nadler .
In fact , Hirono pledged to convict the president a month ago , before she had all the evidence .
Which is why it comes as something of a surprise that she has blasted her Democratic colleagues in the House for their failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TRENDING : As House Dems Get Out of Impeachment Quagmire , Maxine Waters Drags Them Right Back In Appearing on CNN with Wolf Blitzer and Jake Tapper on Monday , the ornery senator was as irritable as ever .
Blitzer began the interview by noting that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell likely had enough votes to pass his rules for the impeachment trial .
“ Senator Schumer says Democrats will fight it .
Realistically , what options does your party have at least now ?
” Blitzer asked the senator .
Hirono fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ is to continue to offer an amendment to the McConnell process , and also during the trial , the house managers will be able to propose motions.
” “ So there will be votes .
Any time that either side calls for witnesses , there will be votes .
So that ’ s what we ’ re going to do , ” she said .
“ We can be the loyal opposition to the end .
But the good thing , Wolf , is that this is a trial without witnesses or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of such a thing ?
And this is why the American people — they are on our side , and wanting to have a fair trial.
” The American people are on their side ?
Which ones ?
The ones in the bubble they live in where the only voices they hear are those of the people who agree with them ?
Blitzer went on to ask Hirono about Senate Republicans ’ plans for the trial .
“ One of the departures from the Clinton trial some 21 years ago is that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be automatically admitted .
It will now require a vote , ” the CNN host said .
RELATED : Cruz Turns Tables Back on Dems as Impeachment Trial Opens , Keeps Spotlight on Schiff “ Are you concerned by not subpoenaing witnesses or documents , the house , the House of Representatives may not have the strongest case here , that some of this evidence actually will be dismissed ?
” he asked the senator .
“ Every time I hear Mitch McConnell say that they ’ re following the Clinton playbook , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me a break , ’ ” Hirono responded .
“ This is another departure , massive departure , because of course during the Clinton impeachment there had already been a lot of witnesses , a lot of depositions taken , lots of evidence produced — none of which occurred in this instance , with President Trump stonewalling every request .
“ So I ’ m shocked .
But , you know , nothing that Mitch McConnell does to speed up this trial and make it harder for the process to be fair surprises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hirono took some time to mock the president and his supporters before Tapper asked her the question that had her tear into her own party .
“ During the Senate trial 21 years ago for Bill Clinton ’ s impeachment , the testimonies were done behind closed doors , videotaped and then the video excerpts were shown to the members of the Senate .
That would be following the Clinton precedent .
Would that be acceptable to you ?
” he asked .
“ If we ’ re following the Clinton precedent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovery done at the House level and that ’ s not what ’ s happening at all , ” the Hawaii senator replied before catching herself and turning her attention back to Republicans .
“ They want to trickle out and limit as much as possible anything that any witness that we want can testify to , so that is their whole modus operandus , to limit the information that is produced for our consideration as well as to the American public .
It is all par for the course with those guys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of evidence or not , she has still vowed to convict the president because it never really mattered to her if there was evidence for impeachment .
The crime the president committed in her eyes is having the audacity to win the 2016 presidential election .
And for that he is guilty as charged .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono has been at the head of the President Donald Trump impeachment train for as far back as we can remember.
Her temper tantrum over the results of the 2016 presidential election has rivaled only those of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Rep. Adam Schiff and New York Rep. Jerry Nadler.
In fact, Hirono pledged to convict the president a month ago, before she had all the evidence. Which is why it comes as something of a surprise that she has blasted her Democratic colleagues in the House for their failure to do their job on impeachment.
The fact is @realDonaldTrump shook down the Ukrainian President for his personal, political gain with a taxpayer-funded bribe. He has yet to present a defense, which leaves us with the overwhelming evidence that he committed impeachable offenses. pic.twitter.com/chBiJlLunZ — Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) December 19, 2019
Appearing on CNN with Wolf Blitzer and Jake Tapper on Monday, the ornery senator was as irritable as ever.
Blitzer began the interview by noting that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell likely had enough votes to pass his rules for the impeachment trial.
“Senator Schumer says Democrats will fight it. Realistically, what options does your party have at least now?” Blitzer asked the senator.
Hirono fired back saying that the Democrats’ option “is to continue to offer an amendment to the McConnell process, and also during the trial, the house managers will be able to propose motions.”
Do you think impeachment is going to backfire on the Democrats? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (3198 Votes) No: 1% (29 Votes)
“So there will be votes. Any time that either side calls for witnesses, there will be votes. So that’s what we’re going to do,” she said.
“We can be the loyal opposition to the end. But the good thing, Wolf, is that this is a trial without witnesses or without the appropriate documents. Whoever heard of such a thing? And this is why the American people — they are on our side, and wanting to have a fair trial.”
The American people are on their side? Which ones? The ones in the bubble they live in where the only voices they hear are those of the people who agree with them?
Blitzer went on to ask Hirono about Senate Republicans’ plans for the trial.
“One of the departures from the Clinton trial some 21 years ago is that the evidence from the house investigation will not be automatically admitted. It will now require a vote,” the CNN host said.
“Are you concerned by not subpoenaing witnesses or documents, the house, the House of Representatives may not have the strongest case here, that some of this evidence actually will be dismissed?” he asked the senator.
WATCH: Sen. Hirono, who has already said she will “vote to convict him,” tells CNN that House Dems didn’t do their job: “If we were following the Clinton precedent, there would have been all of this discovery done at the House level, and that’s not what’s happening at all.” pic.twitter.com/oOY30SUTRn — Mark Bednar (@MarkBednar) January 21, 2020
“Every time I hear Mitch McConnell say that they’re following the Clinton playbook, I just want to say ‘give me a break,’” Hirono responded.
“This is another departure, massive departure, because of course during the Clinton impeachment there had already been a lot of witnesses, a lot of depositions taken, lots of evidence produced — none of which occurred in this instance, with President Trump stonewalling every request.
“So I’m shocked. But, you know, nothing that Mitch McConnell does to speed up this trial and make it harder for the process to be fair surprises me anymore,” she said.
Hirono took some time to mock the president and his supporters before Tapper asked her the question that had her tear into her own party.
“During the Senate trial 21 years ago for Bill Clinton’s impeachment, the testimonies were done behind closed doors, videotaped and then the video excerpts were shown to the members of the Senate. That would be following the Clinton precedent. Would that be acceptable to you?” he asked.
“If we’re following the Clinton precedent, there would have been all of the discovery done at the House level and that’s not what’s happening at all,” the Hawaii senator replied before catching herself and turning her attention back to Republicans.
“They want to trickle out and limit as much as possible anything that any witness that we want can testify to, so that is their whole modus operandus, to limit the information that is produced for our consideration as well as to the American public. It is all par for the course with those guys,” she said.
But lack of evidence or not, she has still vowed to convict the president because it never really mattered to her if there was evidence for impeachment.
The crime the president committed in her eyes is having the audacity to win the 2016 presidential election.
And for that he is guilty as charged.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-21--Trump Defiant as Impeachment Trial Begins: ‘Read the Transcripts!’

President Donald Trump was defiant on Tuesday as the Senate impeachment trial began with opening arguments by his attorneys and the Democratic House impeachment managers .
“ READ THE TRANSCRIPTS !
” Trump tweeted from the World Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland .
Talking to the media earlier in the day , the president described the impeachment proceedings as a “ hoax.
” TRENDING : As House Dems Get Out of Impeachment Quagmire , Maxine Waters Drags Them Right Back In “ That whole thing is a hoax , ” he said .
“ It goes nowhere because nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve done is a great job.
” White House counsel Pat Cipollone strongly defended Trump during his opening argument before the Senate , directing some of his harshest criticism at House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff , who is the House ’ s lead impeachment manager .
“ Let ’ s remember how we all got here , ” Cipollone said .
“ They made false allegations about a telephone call .
The president of the United States declassified that telephone call and released it to the public.
” Turning toward Schiff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked , “ How ’ s that for transparency ?
” The White House attorney argued that after the release of the transcript of Trump ’ s July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ( which showed Democratic allegations about a quid pro quo demand to be false ) , Schiff then turned around and made false claims about an earlier call Trump had had with Zelensky .
“ So the president of the United States declassified and released that telephone call .
Still nothing , ” Cipollone said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States releasing a classified telephone call with a foreign leader.
” Cipollone then said that when Schiff knew both of his claims were false , the congressman “ manufactured a fraudulent version that call ” during a House Intelligence Committee hearing in late September .
“ He read it to the American people , ” Cipollone said .
“ And he didn ’ t tell them it was a complete fake.
” In his opening argument on Tuesday , Schiff called for the testimony of former National Security Advisor John Bolton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mick Mulvaney .
“ Let ’ s get this trial started , shall we ?
We are ready to present our case .
We are ready to call our witnesses .
The question is , will you let us ?
” Schiff said .
Cipollone responded to the Democrats ’ demand for more witnesses after they claimed to have “ overwhelming evidence ” of Trump ’ s wrongdoing by charging that Schiff and his team are “ afraid to make their case.
” He argued if he showed up in any court saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the judge he needed more evidence to try to make it , he would get thrown out .
“ That ’ s exactly what should happen here , ” Cipollone said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump was defiant on Tuesday as the Senate impeachment trial began with opening arguments by his attorneys and the Democratic House impeachment managers.
“READ THE TRANSCRIPTS!” Trump tweeted from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
READ THE TRANSCRIPTS! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2020
Talking to the media earlier in the day, the president described the impeachment proceedings as a “hoax.”
“That whole thing is a hoax,” he said. “It goes nowhere because nothing happened. The only thing we’ve done is a great job.”
White House counsel Pat Cipollone strongly defended Trump during his opening argument before the Senate, directing some of his harshest criticism at House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who is the House’s lead impeachment manager.
“[Schiff] went to the House and he manufactured a fraudulent version of that call… He read it to the American people and he didn’t tell them it was a complete fake.” -Pat Cipollonepic.twitter.com/rjp2dFc2PF — GOP (@GOP) January 21, 2020
Do you think impeachment helps Trump's re-election chances? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (642 Votes) No: 3% (20 Votes)
“Let’s remember how we all got here,” Cipollone said. “They made false allegations about a telephone call. The president of the United States declassified that telephone call and released it to the public.”
Turning toward Schiff and his fellow Democratic impeachment managers, Cipollone asked, “How’s that for transparency?”
The White House attorney argued that after the release of the transcript of Trump’s July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (which showed Democratic allegations about a quid pro quo demand to be false), Schiff then turned around and made false claims about an earlier call Trump had had with Zelensky.
“So the president of the United States declassified and released that telephone call. Still nothing,” Cipollone said.
“I’m unfamiliar with any president of the United States releasing a classified telephone call with a foreign leader.”
Cipollone then said that when Schiff knew both of his claims were false, the congressman “manufactured a fraudulent version that call” during a House Intelligence Committee hearing in late September.
“He read it to the American people,” Cipollone said. “And he didn’t tell them it was a complete fake.”
In his opening argument on Tuesday, Schiff called for the testimony of former National Security Advisor John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.
“Let’s get this trial started, shall we? We are ready to present our case. We are ready to call our witnesses. The question is, will you let us?” Schiff said.
“We are ready…The House calls John Bolton. The House calls Mick Mulvaney. Let’s get this trial started, shall we? We are ready to present our case. We are ready to call our witnesses. The question is, will you let us?” – @RepAdamSchiff pic.twitter.com/dcvaQVdgMZ — Karine Jean-Pierre (@K_JeanPierre) January 21, 2020
Cipollone responded to the Democrats’ demand for more witnesses after they claimed to have “overwhelming evidence” of Trump’s wrongdoing by charging that Schiff and his team are “afraid to make their case.”
He argued if he showed up in any court saying his case is overwhelming and then told the judge he needed more evidence to try to make it, he would get thrown out.
“That’s exactly what should happen here,” Cipollone said.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-21--Experts Estimate Wuhan Virus Has Spread to 5x More People Than China Claims

As a new mystery virus from China is taking footholds in America and other countries , one group of experts is estimating that the disease may be spreading much more rapidly than officials are letting on .
The Imperial College London ’ s MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis published the paper outlining the bombshell estimate on Friday .
Although Chinese state media claims at least 300 people have been infected by the disease , named 2019-nCoV , the Imperial College estimates that there could be well over 1,700 cases .
“ It is likely that the Wuhan outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more cases of moderate or severe respiratory illness than currently reported , ” the analysis states .
The Imperial College didn ’ t rely on simple guesswork for their paper , but hard numbers and the presence of a major airport right in the middle of the outbreak zone .
TRENDING : As House Dems Get Out of Impeachment Quagmire , Maxine Waters Drags Them Right Back In According to the analysis , more than 3,300 international travelers make their way through Wuhan International Airport every day .
Because it takes an estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , this means anyone unknowingly ill with the bug could have made their way through the airport , interacting with airport officials , vendors , and fellow travelers along the way .
Since every interaction is a new opportunity for the virus , it ’ s not hard to see how cases began popping up in Thailand , Japan , and now even the United States .
While this large discrepancy may be an oversight by China , it wouldn ’ t be the first time the country has downplayed or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the SARS outbreak of the early 2000s , the communist regime failed to inform the World Health Organization about the disease .
The virus spread across the globe , and the aftermath even drew a rare apology from the Chinese government .
It took over a decade before scientists finally landed on the most likely origin for the disease : a colony of bats in China .
There are still many unknowns with the new disease , and it will likely be years before we start seeing most of the answers .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming infected with the new virus .
The CDC is even publishing guidelines for healthcare professionals in an effort to identify any cases in the United States .
Authorities are speculating the disease first hit the public at a seafood and wildlife market in Wuhan , China , and spread from there .
RELATED : Trump Trade War Works as US Economy Sizzles & China Sees Weakest Growth in 29 Years While cases of the disease remain low , there ’ s a monster on the horizon that could spell disaster for China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s biggest celebration , begins in less than a week .
People will pack the streets for parades , fireworks , and other activities .
If the Imperial College London is right in their analysis , this country-wide celebration could be coming at the worst time possible .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As a new mystery virus from China is taking footholds in America and other countries, one group of experts is estimating that the disease may be spreading much more rapidly than officials are letting on.
The Imperial College London’s MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis published the paper outlining the bombshell estimate on Friday.
Although Chinese state media claims at least 300 people have been infected by the disease, named 2019-nCoV, the Imperial College estimates that there could be well over 1,700 cases.
“It is likely that the Wuhan outbreak of a novel coronavirus has caused substantially more cases of moderate or severe respiratory illness than currently reported,” the analysis states.
The Imperial College didn’t rely on simple guesswork for their paper, but hard numbers and the presence of a major airport right in the middle of the outbreak zone.
According to the analysis, more than 3,300 international travelers make their way through Wuhan International Airport every day.
Because it takes an estimated 10 days from infection to detection of the virus, this means anyone unknowingly ill with the bug could have made their way through the airport, interacting with airport officials, vendors, and fellow travelers along the way.
Since every interaction is a new opportunity for the virus, it’s not hard to see how cases began popping up in Thailand, Japan, and now even the United States.
While this large discrepancy may be an oversight by China, it wouldn’t be the first time the country has downplayed or outright covered up disease outbreaks.
Do you think this virus is worse than China is letting on? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (200 Votes) No: 1% (2 Votes)
During the SARS outbreak of the early 2000s, the communist regime failed to inform the World Health Organization about the disease. The virus spread across the globe, and the aftermath even drew a rare apology from the Chinese government.
It took over a decade before scientists finally landed on the most likely origin for the disease: a colony of bats in China.
There are still many unknowns with the new disease, and it will likely be years before we start seeing most of the answers.
So far, several people have died after becoming infected with the new virus. The CDC is even publishing guidelines for healthcare professionals in an effort to identify any cases in the United States.
Authorities are speculating the disease first hit the public at a seafood and wildlife market in Wuhan, China, and spread from there.
While cases of the disease remain low, there’s a monster on the horizon that could spell disaster for China.
Chinese New Year, by far the country’s biggest celebration, begins in less than a week. People will pack the streets for parades, fireworks, and other activities.
If the Imperial College London is right in their analysis, this country-wide celebration could be coming at the worst time possible.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-21--Pete Buttigieg Suffers His Own Version of Jeb Bush’s Infamous ‘Please Clap’ Moment

Democratic 2020 candidate Pete Buttigieg had to instruct audience members to clap for him in an awkward moment on the campaign trail Tuesday .
The former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , asked audience members at an Iowa campaign event if he “ can look to you to spread that sense of hope to those that you know ?
” The room went silent as the audience neither clapped nor applauded in response to Buttigieg ’ s question .
“ Come on !
” Buttigieg said , motioning with his arms for the audience to cheer .
The awkward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida Gov .
Jeb Bush ’ s much-mocked “ please clap ” gaffe during the 2016 Republican primary .
TRENDING : As House Dems Get Out of Impeachment Quagmire , Maxine Waters Drags Them Right Back In Bush ’ s plea to his audience ended up becoming one of the defining moments of his doomed 2016 campaign .
A splice-up of Buttigieg and Bush asking their audiences to clap showed the similarities between the two moments : Other social media users also found the two moments similar : RELATED : Warren Claims She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Experience Buttigieg is currently running fourth in the RealClearPolitics average of Iowa primary polls .
Former Vice President Joe Biden , Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren are all polling ahead of Buttigieg in Iowa , according to the RCP average .
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Democratic 2020 candidate Pete Buttigieg had to instruct audience members to clap for him in an awkward moment on the campaign trail Tuesday.
The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, asked audience members at an Iowa campaign event if he “can look to you to spread that sense of hope to those that you know?”
The room went silent as the audience neither clapped nor applauded in response to Buttigieg’s question.
“Come on!” Buttigieg said, motioning with his arms for the audience to cheer.
The awkward moment immediately drew comparisons online to former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s much-mocked “please clap” gaffe during the 2016 Republican primary.
Bush’s plea to his audience ended up becoming one of the defining moments of his doomed 2016 campaign.
A splice-up of Buttigieg and Bush asking their audiences to clap showed the similarities between the two moments:
I put the Buttigieg “Come On” and the Jeb “Please Clap” side by side and it’s kind of mesmerizing pic.twitter.com/Gp4L5oRq0J — Alec Sears (@alec_sears) January 21, 2020
Other social media users also found the two moments similar:
The new “please clap” moment of 2020 is FINALLY here y’all. @PeteButtigieg: *awkward pause* “COME ON” Audience: *hesitates then claps*
pic.twitter.com/NNenYhf7CK — Calli Norton (@CalliNorton) January 21, 2020
Buttigieg is currently running fourth in the RealClearPolitics average of Iowa primary polls.
Do you think Pete Buttigieg will win the 2020 Democratic nomination? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 3% (2 Votes) No: 97% (78 Votes)
Former Vice President Joe Biden, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren are all polling ahead of Buttigieg in Iowa, according to the RCP average.
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 version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-21--NFL Unveils Wild Draft Plans That Include Floating Stage and Players Transported on Boats

Here comes another big show to Las Vegas .
The NFL on Tuesday detailed its draft plans for April 23-25 on the city ’ s glittering Strip , complete with a red carpet stage on the lake in front of the Bellagio hotel with boats ferrying players and VIPs to the action .
The league knows it has a long way to go to match the previous road shows , particularly in Philadelphia and Nashville .
It believes it has found the right place in the Nevada desert .
“ The success of the planning and execution of draft relies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local leadership and communities , ” said Peter O ’ Reilly , the NFL ’ s executive vice president of club business and league events .
“ Fortunately , we have had exceptional partners along the way to help us grow the draft to what it is today .
“ Las Vegas is no different .
This is a city that understands the importance of attracting and delivering large-scale events and has a talented team in place to help support those efforts.
” TRENDING : As House Dems Get Out of Impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Back In Those efforts will center around a prime area of the Strip across from Caesars Palace and in front of the Bellagio hotel .
The main stage for the draft will be constructed beginning April 3 next to Caesars Forum .
It will include a viewing zone in front of the High Roller observation wheel to watch the first-round selections on Thursday night , the second and third rounds on Friday night and the remaining four rounds on Saturday .
That stage also will host daily performances by a variety of entertainers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make their selections at the Caesars Forum conference center in what the league and city are dubbing Selection Square .
Adjacent to the main stage will be the NFL Draft Experience where fans can participate in interactive games , view the Vince Lombardi Trophy and attend autograph sessions with NFL players and former players .
There also will be a stage for performances by local talent , all available without charge .
A red carpet area will be constructed beginning April 8 at the fountains of Bellagio , one of the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Strip will be closed to vehicular traffic during the three days of the draft .
That ’ s a big deal in Las Vegas usually reserved for New Year ’ s Eve and for the city ’ s marathon .
The Strip will turn into a giant gathering area outside Bellagio and Caesars .
The league notes that it is working closely with local government agencies as well as the resort properties , businesses and their employees to build the draft locations with the least amount of impact to traffic as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vegas officials to identify additional parking and transportation options for both locals and visitors attending the draft .
For decades , the NFL had a virtually nonexistent relationship with Las Vegas .
But then the Raiders announced they were moving there from Oakland , and sports betting became legalized in much of the country .
Voila , Vegas was on the league ’ s map .
Don ’ t bet against it hosting a Super Bowl in this decade .
One of the newest attractions will be the Raiders ’ stadium , located @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving factor for the league selecting Las Vegas to host the 2020 draft is the Raiders ( and the NFL ) entering the market and the Raiders playing their first game there just months later , ” O ’ Reilly said .
“ The draft is an incredible way to help make a splash in the Raiders ’ new home , and while we won ’ t host the draft itself at the Stadium , we ’ re working closely with the Raiders to highlight Allegiant Stadium both locally and nationally during each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began moving the draft around in 2015 , going to Chicago for two years , then Philly , then Dallas and Nashville .
Most of the league ’ s cities , particularly those that won ’ t likely host a Super Bowl , have shown interest in having it .
Next year , Cleveland gets the assignment , and Kansas City has it in 2023 .
The 2022 “ selection meeting ” is still up for grabs .
“ Each new draft city offers a unique landscape to produce an exciting and unforgettable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We focus on embracing the city ’ s personality and iconic locations to intertwine the event and broadcasts with the host city to make it feel local and connected .
Whether it is Nashville ’ s Lower Broadway , the Rocky Steps in Philadelphia or Chicago ’ s Grant Park , each has afforded us the ability to celebrate these cities and create an event that captures the spirit and energy of our hosts.
” Of course , only fans who think their teams did well in the draft will likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Here comes another big show to Las Vegas.
The NFL on Tuesday detailed its draft plans for April 23-25 on the city’s glittering Strip, complete with a red carpet stage on the lake in front of the Bellagio hotel with boats ferrying players and VIPs to the action.
The league knows it has a long way to go to match the previous road shows, particularly in Philadelphia and Nashville. It believes it has found the right place in the Nevada desert.
“The success of the planning and execution of draft relies heavily on the support and enthusiasm of the local leadership and communities,” said Peter O’Reilly, the NFL’s executive vice president of club business and league events. “Fortunately, we have had exceptional partners along the way to help us grow the draft to what it is today.
“Las Vegas is no different. This is a city that understands the importance of attracting and delivering large-scale events and has a talented team in place to help support those efforts.”
Those efforts will center around a prime area of the Strip across from Caesars Palace and in front of the Bellagio hotel.
The main stage for the draft will be constructed beginning April 3 next to Caesars Forum.
It will include a viewing zone in front of the High Roller observation wheel to watch the first-round selections on Thursday night, the second and third rounds on Friday night and the remaining four rounds on Saturday.
That stage also will host daily performances by a variety of entertainers throughout the three days.
Teams will make their selections at the Caesars Forum conference center in what the league and city are dubbing Selection Square.
Adjacent to the main stage will be the NFL Draft Experience where fans can participate in interactive games, view the Vince Lombardi Trophy and attend autograph sessions with NFL players and former players.
There also will be a stage for performances by local talent, all available without charge.
A red carpet area will be constructed beginning April 8 at the fountains of Bellagio, one of the city’s more famous attractions.
Portions of the Strip will be closed to vehicular traffic during the three days of the draft. That’s a big deal in Las Vegas usually reserved for New Year’s Eve and for the city’s marathon. The Strip will turn into a giant gathering area outside Bellagio and Caesars.
The league notes that it is working closely with local government agencies as well as the resort properties, businesses and their employees to build the draft locations with the least amount of impact to traffic as possible.
The NFL is working with Las Vegas officials to identify additional parking and transportation options for both locals and visitors attending the draft.
For decades, the NFL had a virtually nonexistent relationship with Las Vegas. But then the Raiders announced they were moving there from Oakland, and sports betting became legalized in much of the country.
Your first look at the 2020 #NFLDraft ? pic.twitter.com/e4erKkAdEk — The Raiders (@Raiders) January 21, 2020
Voila, Vegas was on the league’s map. Don’t bet against it hosting a Super Bowl in this decade.
One of the newest attractions will be the Raiders’ stadium, located just off the Strip.
Do you like the NFL draft moving to different locations every year? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 83% (10 Votes) No: 17% (2 Votes)
“The driving factor for the league selecting Las Vegas to host the 2020 draft is the Raiders (and the NFL) entering the market and the Raiders playing their first game there just months later,” O’Reilly said. “The draft is an incredible way to help make a splash in the Raiders’ new home, and while we won’t host the draft itself at the Stadium, we’re working closely with the Raiders to highlight Allegiant Stadium both locally and nationally during each day of the draft.”
The NFL began moving the draft around in 2015, going to Chicago for two years, then Philly, then Dallas and Nashville.
Most of the league’s cities, particularly those that won’t likely host a Super Bowl, have shown interest in having it.
Next year, Cleveland gets the assignment, and Kansas City has it in 2023.
The 2022 “selection meeting” is still up for grabs.
“Each new draft city offers a unique landscape to produce an exciting and unforgettable draft,” O’Reilly said. “We focus on embracing the city’s personality and iconic locations to intertwine the event and broadcasts with the host city to make it feel local and connected. Whether it is Nashville’s Lower Broadway, the Rocky Steps in Philadelphia or Chicago’s Grant Park, each has afforded us the ability to celebrate these cities and create an event that captures the spirit and energy of our hosts.”
Of course, only fans who think their teams did well in the draft will likely be singing “Viva Las Vegas.”
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-23--There’s a Massive Difference in Min. Wage Across the Country — It’s $16 Some Places

Minimum wage hikes !
Are you against them ?
Why do you hate poor people so much ?
If there ’ s one throughline to the minimum wage debate , it ’ s that it ’ s essentially free money for the impoverished and the young .
On the other hand is what Greta Thunberg might call “ fairy tales of eternal economic growth ” — the idea that the minimum wage actually matters when it comes to job creation and the financial bottom line .
This is where Paul Krugman is usually trotted out , fresh from a beard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how dare you !
” What gets tossed away in this script about the minimum wage is that it ’ s generally applied to those with minimum skills .
TRENDING : Even Dem Senator Who Vowed To Convict Trump Says House Dems Did n't Do Their Job That ’ s not to cast aspersions on anyone ; you have to start somewhere , particularly if you ’ re young or have gotten knocked off-track .
Thus , these jobs help generate a skill set , if not particularly in the line of work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least in giving you some sense of how the working world operates .
To get these skills , however , you ’ ll have to get the job first .
If you ’ re in certain locales , that may be more difficult than in other places — particularly since the minimum wage can vary by up to $ 9 depending on where you live .
As Zenefits , which provides human resources software to other companies , points out , the federal minimum wage is $ 7.25 an hour .
Tipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agriculture — might potentially earn less , but most employees can expect to see at least that .
There are five states with no minimum wage laws : Alabama , Louisiana , Mississippi , South Carolina and Tennessee .
In these states , the federal minimum wage would apply .
There are an additional 18 states where $ 7.25 is legally the minimum wage at a state level ( not including one state , Nevada , where minimum wage employees can be paid $ 7.25 only employer health benefits are provided ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in Washington , where it ’ s $ 13.50 .
RELATED : New Jersey Bill Could Turn Painful Layoffs into Death Spirals for Companies There are a number of states where a $ 15 minimum wage is being phased in .
In some jurisdictions , however , the minimum wage is even higher than that .
Large employers in Seattle — home to the corporate headquarters of both Amazon and Microsoft , inter alia — companies with over 500 employees must pay each worker at least $ 16.39 an hour , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation .
At least three California locales will be phasing in minimum wages of over $ 16 an hour , as well .
Twenty-one states have increased their minimum wage in 2020 , in addition to 43 cities , counties and other jurisdictions .
So what does this mean for job growth ?
According to Statista , the top three states in job growth from 2017 to 2018 had low minimum wages : Nevada , Utah and Idaho all have $ 7.25 minimum wages , albeit with Nevada requiring health benefits if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the federal minimum .
However , the next three have high minimum wages , at least in 2020 : Arizona , Washington and Colorado all had minimum wages of over $ 10 an hour in 2018 and have higher minimum wages now .
Overall job growth was strong , and wages continue to increase for the lowest-paid workers , a sign that minimum wage hikes are having their desired effect without limiting job opportunities or hurting the economies in those states .
You ’ ve been Krugmanned , conservatives — right ?
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s website , James Pethokoukis argued last month it ’ s primarily the strong economy that ’ s kept wages rising and unemployment low .
He quoted Atlanta Federal Reserve policy adviser John Robertson , who noted that , in the lowest-wage quartile , “ [ w ] e would expect to see a rise in the relative median wage in the states that raised their minimum wage , and indeed we do.
” “ Interestingly , though , even in the ‘ no increase ’ states , the relative median wage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tightness of labor markets , or some other factor than hikes in state minimum wages , is playing a role in pushing up the pay for those in lower-wage jobs , ” he added .
In Seattle , which has the highest minimum wage in the nation , small businesses have been forced to cut hours and lay off workers .
Even The New York Times , in an October 2018 article otherwise championing the city ’ s minimum wage hikes , said “ the growth rate in new workers in Seattle making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out and was lagging behind the growth rate in new workers making less than $ 15 outside Seattle ’ s county .
This suggests that the minimum wage had priced some workers out of the labor market , ” according to the authors of a study on how the minimum wage laws had affected job growth in city .
“ For folks trying to get a job with no prior experience , it might have been worth hiring and training them when the going rate for them was $ 10 an hour , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , study author Jacob Vigdor said .
It ’ s not just employment that ’ s going to be affected by minimum wage hikes , either .
The price of goods and services are also going to increase , although not in the way you might think .
In a 2017 report for the Heritage Foundation , economics research fellow James Sherk cited a survey from University of Leicester economist Sarah Lemos of more than 30 studies from that looked at the effect of minimum wage increases .
“ These studies found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the overall price level .
They reported that a 10 percent minimum-wage increase raises overall prices by about 0.2 percent to 0.3 percent , ” Sherk wrote .
“ Most businesses pay more than the current minimum wage , so minimum-wage increases do not affect their costs or prices very much .
But Lemos found that studies of industries with higher concentrations of minimum-wage workers generally showed larger price effects .
“ One noteworthy study that Lemos surveyed examined the federal minimum wage in the 1970s .
The federal minimum wage affects Southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states have lower living costs and lower wages than the rest of the U.S. ; these differences were even greater in the 1970s than today .
The study found the South ’ s higher effective minimum wage increased service prices .
Each 10 percent difference in the effective minimum wage raised Southern service prices by 2.7 percent.
” Perhaps most frightening is the fact we don ’ t know where this will go once economic growth dims , as it invariably does .
Without an engine powering growth on a national level , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can expect to see the true cost of these minimum wage increase .
As it is right now , the evidence is already pretty damning .
And , if the minimum wage gets hiked to $ 15 at a federal level , things could get even worse .
Last July , the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said in a report “ that raising the federal minimum wage to $ 15 an hour , up from the current rate of $ 7.25 a hour , would likely cause 1.3 million people to lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Examiner .
“ This would erase the overall benefits of the higher wage , with family income falling by $ 9 billion or about 0.1 % , adjusted for inflation , ” the Examiner reported .
Yet , that ’ s the minimum wage that Democrats are pushing for nationally .
If they have control of Congress and the White House , that ’ s likely to be among their first moves .
The minimum wage isn ’ t designed to be a living wage .
What it ’ s there for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money while they work their way up the employment ladder .
There are plenty of states where the first few rungs of that ladder have been forcibly removed by do-gooding politicians who are more than happy to tell low-income Americans they ’ ve done it for their benefit .
Now , Democrats at the federal level want to do that for everyone .
If you were a business owner and you had your druthers , would you put low-skilled jobs in a locale where there ’ s a $ 7.25 minimum wage or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that doesn ’ t seem like a very serious question to you , then ask yourself why so many politicians keep coming up with the wrong answer .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Minimum wage hikes! Are you against them? Why do you hate poor people so much?
If there’s one throughline to the minimum wage debate, it’s that it’s essentially free money for the impoverished and the young.
On the other hand is what Greta Thunberg might call “fairy tales of eternal economic growth” — the idea that the minimum wage actually matters when it comes to job creation and the financial bottom line.
This is where Paul Krugman is usually trotted out, fresh from a beard trim, to deliver the requisite “how dare you!”
What gets tossed away in this script about the minimum wage is that it’s generally applied to those with minimum skills.
That’s not to cast aspersions on anyone; you have to start somewhere, particularly if you’re young or have gotten knocked off-track.
Thus, these jobs help generate a skill set, if not particularly in the line of work you’ll end up in then at least in giving you some sense of how the working world operates.
To get these skills, however, you’ll have to get the job first.
If you’re in certain locales, that may be more difficult than in other places — particularly since the minimum wage can vary by up to $9 depending on where you live.
Do you think the federal minimum wage should be $15? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 13% (37 Votes) No: 87% (252 Votes)
As Zenefits, which provides human resources software to other companies, points out, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. Tipped employees and seasonal workers — particularly in agriculture — might potentially earn less, but most employees can expect to see at least that.
There are five states with no minimum wage laws: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee.
In these states, the federal minimum wage would apply.
There are an additional 18 states where $7.25 is legally the minimum wage at a state level (not including one state, Nevada, where minimum wage employees can be paid $7.25 only employer health benefits are provided).
The highest state-level minimum wage right now is in Washington, where it’s $13.50.
There are a number of states where a $15 minimum wage is being phased in. In some jurisdictions, however, the minimum wage is even higher than that.
Large employers in Seattle — home to the corporate headquarters of both Amazon and Microsoft, inter alia — companies with over 500 employees must pay each worker at least $16.39 an hour, which is currently the highest minimum wage in the nation.
At least three California locales will be phasing in minimum wages of over $16 an hour, as well.
Twenty-one states have increased their minimum wage in 2020, in addition to 43 cities, counties and other jurisdictions.
So what does this mean for job growth?
According to Statista, the top three states in job growth from 2017 to 2018 had low minimum wages: Nevada, Utah and Idaho all have $7.25 minimum wages, albeit with Nevada requiring health benefits if you’re to pay workers at the federal minimum.
However, the next three have high minimum wages, at least in 2020: Arizona, Washington and Colorado all had minimum wages of over $10 an hour in 2018 and have higher minimum wages now.
Overall job growth was strong, and wages continue to increase for the lowest-paid workers, a sign that minimum wage hikes are having their desired effect without limiting job opportunities or hurting the economies in those states. You’ve been Krugmanned, conservatives — right?
Not entirely. At the American Enterprise Institute’s website, James Pethokoukis argued last month it’s primarily the strong economy that’s kept wages rising and unemployment low.
He quoted Atlanta Federal Reserve policy adviser John Robertson, who noted that, in the lowest-wage quartile, “[w]e would expect to see a rise in the relative median wage in the states that raised their minimum wage, and indeed we do.”
“Interestingly, though, even in the ‘no increase’ states, the relative median wage has improved, suggesting that the increased tightness of labor markets, or some other factor than hikes in state minimum wages, is playing a role in pushing up the pay for those in lower-wage jobs,” he added.
In Seattle, which has the highest minimum wage in the nation, small businesses have been forced to cut hours and lay off workers.
Even The New York Times, in an October 2018 article otherwise championing the city’s minimum wage hikes, said “the growth rate in new workers in Seattle making less than $15 an hour flattened out and was lagging behind the growth rate in new workers making less than $15 outside Seattle’s county. This suggests that the minimum wage had priced some workers out of the labor market,” according to the authors of a study on how the minimum wage laws had affected job growth in city.
“For folks trying to get a job with no prior experience, it might have been worth hiring and training them when the going rate for them was $10 an hour,” but not at a higher wage, study author Jacob Vigdor said.
It’s not just employment that’s going to be affected by minimum wage hikes, either.
The price of goods and services are also going to increase, although not in the way you might think.
In a 2017 report for the Heritage Foundation, economics research fellow James Sherk cited a survey from University of Leicester economist Sarah Lemos of more than 30 studies from that looked at the effect of minimum wage increases.
“These studies found that minimum-wage increases have relatively small effects on the overall price level. They reported that a 10 percent minimum-wage increase raises overall prices by about 0.2 percent to 0.3 percent,” Sherk wrote. “Most businesses pay more than the current minimum wage, so minimum-wage increases do not affect their costs or prices very much. But Lemos found that studies of industries with higher concentrations of minimum-wage workers generally showed larger price effects.
“One noteworthy study that Lemos surveyed examined the federal minimum wage in the 1970s. The federal minimum wage affects Southern businesses more than Northern firms. Southern states have lower living costs and lower wages than the rest of the U.S.; these differences were even greater in the 1970s than today. The study found the South’s higher effective minimum wage increased service prices. Each 10 percent difference in the effective minimum wage raised Southern service prices by 2.7 percent.”
Perhaps most frightening is the fact we don’t know where this will go once economic growth dims, as it invariably does.
Without an engine powering growth on a national level, irrespective of wage and price levels, you can expect to see the true cost of these minimum wage increase.
As it is right now, the evidence is already pretty damning. And, if the minimum wage gets hiked to $15 at a federal level, things could get even worse.
Last July, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said in a report “that raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, up from the current rate of $7.25 a hour, would likely cause 1.3 million people to lose their jobs,” according to the Washington Examiner.
“This would erase the overall benefits of the higher wage, with family income falling by $9 billion or about 0.1%, adjusted for inflation,” the Examiner reported.
Yet, that’s the minimum wage that Democrats are pushing for nationally. If they have control of Congress and the White House, that’s likely to be among their first moves.
The minimum wage isn’t designed to be a living wage.
What it’s there for is to allow workers to make some money while they work their way up the employment ladder.
There are plenty of states where the first few rungs of that ladder have been forcibly removed by do-gooding politicians who are more than happy to tell low-income Americans they’ve done it for their benefit.
Now, Democrats at the federal level want to do that for everyone.
If you were a business owner and you had your druthers, would you put low-skilled jobs in a locale where there’s a $7.25 minimum wage or a $16 minimum wage?
If that doesn’t seem like a very serious question to you, then ask yourself why so many politicians keep coming up with the wrong answer.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-23--Trump-Supporting Man Murdered by His Employee in Politically Motivated Attack: Police

Politics turned deadly in Florida this week as a staunch Trump supporter was killed by a co-worker after an argument about politics .
Mason Toney , 28 , has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of William Steven Knight on Monday , according to USA Today .
The Associated Press reported that Knight was an “ outspoken American ” and “ pro-Donald Trump , ” according to an Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office arrest affidavit .
Meanwhile , Toney was described as “ anti-government and very outspoken in his beliefs that the government is bad and out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Knight picked up Toney to drive him to a job site , but that they argued over politics on the way , WESH-TV reported .
At a Florida Turnpike job site in Orlando , co-workers said they heard Knight yelling for help .
TRENDING : Even Dem Senator Who Vowed To Convict Trump Says House Dems Did n't Do Their Job When they reached Knight , they saw him being stabbed , and Toney was standing over him with a trowel .
The workers told police they threw things at Toney to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he appeared to brandish what they thought was a knife .
As Toney drove off , the workers who spoke to police said he called them terrorists .
When the workers reached Knight ’ s body , they found a brand new American flag and the packaging that it had been in .
The construction workers told police that Toney had come to work with a backpack , which was not common , according to the affidavit said .
Toney was arrested several hours later .
During a Tuesday bail hearing , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two men had known each other for years , Knight ’ s father , also named William , told WESH .
“ He was a friend of the family .
My son went to elementary school with him and to middle school and high school , ” Knight said .
“ He would give his shirt off his back to anybody , feed anybody , ” he said about his son .
The victim ’ s mother , Julia Knight , told WKMG-TV , “ I can ’ t explain what happened to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand .
I never thought Mason would do this to my son.
” Both of Knight ’ s parents said Toney had been going through difficult times .
Blair Hester , William Steven Knight ’ s girlfriend , told reporters , “ All he did was want to help [ Toney ] , that ’ s all .
He was just trying to give him a chance , even though we all told him he didn ’ t seem right .
He ’ s like , ‘ It ’ s OK , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' ” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Politics turned deadly in Florida this week as a staunch Trump supporter was killed by a co-worker after an argument about politics.
Mason Toney, 28, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of William Steven Knight on Monday, according to USA Today.
The Associated Press reported that Knight was an “outspoken American” and “pro-Donald Trump,” according to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit.
Meanwhile, Toney was described as “anti-government and very outspoken in his beliefs that the government is bad and out to get him.”
Mason Toney, 28, was charged with first-degree murder for the killing of William Knight on Monday, according to an arrest affidavit from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. https://t.co/QAE0dFeYEY — Florida Times-Union (@jaxdotcom) January 22, 2020
Police were told that Knight picked up Toney to drive him to a job site, but that they argued over politics on the way, WESH-TV reported.
At a Florida Turnpike job site in Orlando, co-workers said they heard Knight yelling for help.
When they reached Knight, they saw him being stabbed, and Toney was standing over him with a trowel.
The workers told police they threw things at Toney to make him stop but backed off when he appeared to brandish what they thought was a knife. As Toney drove off, the workers who spoke to police said he called them terrorists.
When the workers reached Knight’s body, they found a brand new American flag and the packaging that it had been in.
The construction workers told police that Toney had come to work with a backpack, which was not common, according to the affidavit said.
OCSO Homicide Unit is searching for Mason Trever Toney (28).
He is wanted for the murder of his employer at a construction site off Turnpike exit 254. He fled the area driving a white Dodge Ram w/ FLTag: LGZX24
He is believed to be armed & DANGEROUS. If you see him call 911 pic.twitter.com/QgsNrjlKQC — Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) January 20, 2020
Toney was arrested several hours later.
During a Tuesday bail hearing, he was ordered held without bond.
The two men had known each other for years, Knight’s father, also named William, told WESH.
“He was a friend of the family. My son went to elementary school with him and to middle school and high school,” Knight said.
“He would give his shirt off his back to anybody, feed anybody,” he said about his son.
The victim’s mother, Julia Knight, told WKMG-TV, “I can’t explain what happened to my son. I don’t understand. I never thought Mason would do this to my son.”
Both of Knight’s parents said Toney had been going through difficult times.
Blair Hester, William Steven Knight’s girlfriend, told reporters, “All he did was want to help [Toney], that’s all. He was just trying to give him a chance, even though we all told him he didn’t seem right. He’s like, ‘It’s OK, I’m going to help him.'”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-23--Trump Returns to World Economic Forum, Announces Fulfillment of Promise Made 2 Years Earlier

President Trump returned to the World Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland , this week for the first time in two years .
At the 2018 forum , Trump had promised that the “ great American comeback ” had officially been launched , and this year he chose to let the world know that he had kept his promise .
In a speech on Tuesday , Trump went on to tout the American economy despite the impeachment trial taking place back home .
According to the New York Times , this was the first international stage appearance the president has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ articles of impeachment to the Senate .
Since Trump ’ s bold promise at the 2018 World Economic Forum , Americans have seen a large surge in the economy .
The unemployment rate of 3.9 percent is the lowest it ’ s been in 50 years .
TRENDING : Even Dem Senator Who Vowed To Convict Trump Says House Dems Did n't Do Their Job The housing market is up 16.9 percent just from November and is the highest it ’ s been since 2016 , according to CNBC .
During the forum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy .
“ Today I ’ m proud to declare the United States is in the midst of an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen before , ” the president said .
He declared that “ the American dream is back bigger , better and stronger than ever before.
” According to Fox News , Trump also used the first day of his two-day trip to vow to never let “ radical socialists ” get in the way of the booming economy .
The president also discussed his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying that the negotiations made have strengthened the relationships between the countries involved .
RELATED : There 's a Massive Difference in Min .
Wage Across the Country -- It 's $ 16 Some Places Fox News reported that Trump said that his relationship with China ’ s president Xi Jinping “ has never been better.
” “ He is for China , I ’ m for the U.S. , but other than that , we love each other , ” Trump said at the forum .
The president not only addressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he also brought up his environmental policies .
While Trump is a vocal skeptic of “ prophets of doom ” climate activists like Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg , he did announce that his administration was committed to joining an initiative aiming to plant 1 trillion trees around the world to absorb carbon emissions from industrialization .
“ We ’ re committed to conserving the majesty of God ’ s creation and the natural beauty of our world , ” Trump said , according to the Washington Examiner .
Prior to Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speculation ” he might cancel it because of the impeachment trial , according to Fox , but he chose to highlight the state of the American economy at the forum , and the fulfillment of a promise .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Trump returned to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week for the first time in two years.
At the 2018 forum, Trump had promised that the “great American comeback” had officially been launched, and this year he chose to let the world know that he had kept his promise. In a speech on Tuesday, Trump went on to tout the American economy despite the impeachment trial taking place back home.
According to the New York Times, this was the first international stage appearance the president has made since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent articles of impeachment to the Senate.
Since Trump’s bold promise at the 2018 World Economic Forum, Americans have seen a large surge in the economy.
The unemployment rate of 3.9 percent is the lowest it’s been in 50 years.
Look at Obama’s numbers. He was a wet blanket on the US economy.https://t.co/Zh3FZcIa3n — David A. Clarke, Jr. (@SheriffClarke) January 17, 2020
The housing market is up 16.9 percent just from November and is the highest it’s been since 2016, according to CNBC.
During the forum, President Trump touted the booming American economy.
“Today I’m proud to declare the United States is in the midst of an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen before,” the president said.
He declared that “the American dream is back bigger, better and stronger than ever before.”
Tax cuts, paid family leave, a doubled child tax credit and expanded childcare access and affordability nationwide — just some of the ways @realDonaldTrump is winning big for America’s hard working families! ?? #wef20 #davos pic.twitter.com/pv8jHG8Ta9 — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) January 22, 2020
According to Fox News, Trump also used the first day of his two-day trip to vow to never let “radical socialists” get in the way of the booming economy.
The president also discussed his United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and China trade deals, saying that the negotiations made have strengthened the relationships between the countries involved.
Is the economic boost really the result of Trump and his administration? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (242 Votes) No: 1% (3 Votes)
Fox News reported that Trump said that his relationship with China’s president Xi Jinping “has never been better.”
“He is for China, I’m for the U.S., but other than that, we love each other,” Trump said at the forum.
The president not only addressed the economic success of the U.S., but he also brought up his environmental policies.
While Trump is a vocal skeptic of “prophets of doom” climate activists like Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, he did announce that his administration was committed to joining an initiative aiming to plant 1 trillion trees around the world to absorb carbon emissions from industrialization.
“We’re committed to conserving the majesty of God’s creation and the natural beauty of our world,” Trump said, according to the Washington Examiner.
Prior to Trump’s trip, there had been “speculation” he might cancel it because of the impeachment trial, according to Fox, but he chose to highlight the state of the American economy at the forum, and the fulfillment of a promise.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.