One way to reconcile Americans to agree on taxes could be in the so-called “fourth tier”. States, counties, and cities could be allowed to set that rate themselves, keeping half of their rate, but it still be taxed as a federal tax. That could also solve “no deduction for state and local taxes paid”. We’ll see.
Trump has new immigration proposals that could be enough to solve problems for the “Dreamers”. But, Washington likes its gridlock. It just wouldn’t be the same without telling we the people that we have to hate each other because of who is in office.
Both guns and gun laws can become a false sense of security. The big “takeaway” from the Las Vegas Rampage is how Americans are not only irritated with the news media, but are losing respect for celebrities “shooting” their mouths off only because they have an audience. Sometimes, “it” happens. It’s easy to exploit any tragedy to justify one’s own ideals. Las Vegas victims deserve better than to become politicized squabble fodder. Respect demands that those discussions offer freak disasters a moment of silence before resuming.
The NFL is getting back to its own rulebook. That may solve the controversy. Pence didn’t walk out without prior warning or plans. If players kneel to the flag that defines them as “not British”, they can’t object to their Vice President leaving their game.
The genuineness and individual integrity of the players should not be questioned. They just don’t know that disrespect of the flag isn’t activism; it’s a request that a different government to take over. But, when government-funded schools don’t teach that, players can’t be expected to know. Perhaps they could hold a fist over their heart to indicate they are “heartbroken” over the country they love.
There is also the issue of “raising awareness”. Martin Luther King, Jr. brought much progress by “making waves” when the Evangelical community objected to just that. Perhaps this is the only way players feel they have at their disposal to raise awareness about ongoing grievances. That is understandable. Awareness has, indeed, been raised. Now, NFL rules—that players stand, hold their helmet in their left hands, and refrain from talking—will be enforced even among dissenters. The country can get back to important discussions and the NFL can start playing football, hopefully.
More than 40,000 troops in Russian war games, US general says | Yahoo – AFP
Limbaugh: GOP establishment ‘can’t afford’ to have Trump succeed with agenda | The Hill
Ken Starr predicts indictments in Russia probe | The Hill
Satanist wins transfer of her abortion rights case to the Missouri Supreme Court | Kansas City Star
Guns
I used to think gun control was the answer. My research told me otherwise. | Washington Post
Further Calls for Gun-Safety in NY Among Reactions to Las Vegas Shooting | WAER
Gun-maker stocks rally after mass shooting in Las Vegas | Market Watch
The Bubble: Hillary ‘never misses a chance to exploit a tragedy,’ conservatives say | USA Today
Seven Dumbest Celebrity Reactions to Las Vegas Massacre | News Busters
Immigration
Trump unveils new strict 70-point immigration enforcement plan | WA Times
ICE director signals ‘at-large arrests’ over new California sanctuary law | The Hill
California becomes first ‘sanctuary state’ for undocumented migrants | Yahoo – AFP
Tax Reform
Tax Reform in The Trump Era Has a Rocky Start | Study Breaks
Warning signs emerge in GOP’s tax reform push | The Hill
Football
Vice President Mike Pence leaves Colts-49ers game after players kneel during anthem | Fox News
Vice President Pence Leaves 49ers Game After Players Protest During National Anthem | NBC Bay Area