TRUMP LAYS TARIFFS ON CANADA AND MEXICO

WRONG PLACEMENT OF TARIFFS

By: Derek Varsalona

I do support the tariffs by President Trump and his administration.  But the placement is on the wrong countries mathematically.  President Trump is placing a 10% tariff on Canada and Mexico while Giving China a pass.

China should be paying the most in tariffs.  That would punish them for giving coronavirus to the world.  To this date, China has not paid for the effects of the coronavirus that they placed on the world.  It is time that China pays its fair share of the blame for the coronavirus.

Canada and Mexico are also right to be paying tariffs.  They are paying tariffs to let illegal drugs and illegal immigrants into America.

This is a smart move by President Trump.  President Trump thank you for fixing the trade imbalance with tariffs on nations that do us harm including Mexico and Canada. As always comments accepted.

Source: Skylar Woodhouse. " Trump Says Tariffs on Mexico and Canada Take effect Duty on China. Bloomberg.com Washington, DC: February 27, 2025. 

Trump Tariffs
Image: Bloomberg.com
February 27, 2025

THE HORRIBLE HURTFUL REPUBLICAN BUDGET

THE HOUSE BUDGET PLAN

By: Derek Varsalona

The House of Representatives bowed down to President Trump's passing of the Budget proposal.  The multi-billion dollar plan addresses defense spending, energy, immigration, and tax policy.  It was a close vote 217-215 with one Republican voting in the Nay. The issues raises the country's debt, with 2 Trillion in spending cuts.

I am concerned about the $2 trillion in spending cuts.  This probably cuts vital spending programs like Medicare, Social Security, and others.  With this deal, the country is essentially on life support.

Another concern is the country's debt limit.  The Republicans seem to talk about a good game when it comes to spending and debt.  But in the end, they fail to deliver.  Raising the country's debt limit is not a good option.  Out debt is out of control and needs to be addressed.  This bill does neither of that.

The bill addresses immigration.  But did we get funding for the wall? No.  The plan addresses defense spending.  The problem there is the fact that we get involved in others afraid.  I do not want any money going to fund the Ukraine-Russia war, which America should not be involved in.

The bill addresses energy policy.  That probably means there is going to be more drilling for oil so the Republicans can get their money from big oil companies.  It does not address a clean environment or clean energy solutions to the problem.  That is because the Republicans are in the pockets of big oil.

The immigration proposal is a joke.  Without building off the wall there can be no solution to the immigration crisis.

The tax policy is a pay-off to billionaires in this country.  The tax policy cuts vital programs and it is great to cut spending.  But it does not address the waste, fraud, and abuse of government programs. 

In the end, this is a bad deal for America.  As always comments accepted.

Horrible Republican Budget
Image: Center for Budget and Policy Priorities
September 23, 2023

Source: Brittney Melton. " The House Passes Budget Resolution. " NPR.org Washington, DC: February 26, 2025. https://www.npr.org/2025/02/26/g-s1-50799/up-first-newsletter-house-budget-passed-elon-musk-doge-bird-flu

TRUMP PLAYS POLITICS WITH KENTUCKY STORM FUNDING

TRUMP OFFERS DISASTER RELIEF TO KENTUCKY

By: Derek Varsalona

Yesterday, President Trump offered disaster relief to Kentucky.  I  appreciate the effort. Is this in good faith?  I think the reason Kentucky got disaster relief is because it seems to be a Conservative Trump-supporting state.  I bet if this was a Liberal state the state would get less to no funding at all from President Trump.

Kentucky faced severe storms and flooding.  This is a result of climate change which President Trump and his Conservative allies will not concede that it exists, unfortunately.

I do not believe that President Trump's actions are genuine.  I think that he is only doing this because it was a Conservative Red Republican-leaning state.  As always comments accepted.

Kentucky Snow Storm
Image: June 5, 2025

Source: President Donald Trump. " President Trump Takes Decisive Action to Deliver Relief to Kentucky." The White House. Washington, DC: February 25, 2025. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/president-trump-takes-decisive-action-to-deliver-relief-to-kentucky/

PLEASE PRAY FOR POPE FRANCIS

PLEASE PRAY FOR POPE FRANCIS

By: Derek Varsalona

Pope Francis is not doing well.  He is asking for Catholics around the world and non-Catholics alike to pray for his detention into heaven.  The pope is very sick and might not make it past this month.

Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on Valentine's Day.  That is one of the worst days besides Christmas to be put in the hospital since they're both a day of love.  I will pray for the pope that he rest easily.  But I think there is little that the doctors can do for him at this point other than to rest peacefully.

Pope Francis has a lung infection and difficulty breathing.  He is probably going to die of a loss of oxygen due to an infection.  As always comments are welcomed.

Pope Francis is very ill

Source: Vicki Wong and Sarah Ransford. "Pope Francis asks for Prayers in Message from Hospital." BBC.com Vatican City: Sunday, February 23, 2025.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd650yq0zdxo

PRESIDENT TRUMP IS A GREAT DEAL MAKER

TRUMP IS A GREAT DEAL MAKER

By: Derek Varsalona

If it was not for the United States President Zelensky would be dead.  But now, President Zelensky will not sign the minerals deal.

President Zelensky owes his life to President Donald Trump.  Without the United States President Zelensky would be six feet under the ground.  Now, President Zelensky is not going to sign a mineral deal with the United States.  I get that he needs to think of what is in the best interest of Ukraine.  But any stalling by Ukraine on minerals will be a loss of funding for his war effort.

Without President Trump, Zelensky would have died.  The fact of the matter is President Trump is a great deal-maker.  President Zelensky owes his life to President Trump.  President Zelensky, sign the mineral deal and do what is in the best interest of your country to get funding for your war effort.  As always comments are welcomed.

Trump is a great deal-maker
Image: RFI.fr
Tetiana Dzhafarova
FEbruary 20, 2025

Source: Agence France Presse. " Zelensky NotReady to Sign Minerals Deal." Paris: February 22, 2025. https://www.barrons.com/news/zelensky-not-ready-to-sign-minerals-deal-with-us-source-1f966800

MISELS OUTBREAK IS ON THE RISE IN THE UNITED STATES

MEASLES OUTBREAK ON THE RISE

By: Derek Varsalona

Well, the fear factor of Covid has subsided.  People are going to make their choice to get vaccinated or not.  Now another fear is hitting us with pandemic-like proportions.  Now, the fear is the measles outbreak.

I am not afraid since God tells me not to be scared.  But I will get vaccinated.  I am not saying you should or should not get vaccinated.  I am pro-choice when it comes to vaccines.  Both sides of the debate have credible arguments.  Pro Vaccine says it protects from diseases, and that is true.  However, anti-vaxxers are worried about other ailments from vaccines such as autism.

Listen, do what you want with the vaccine.  The pro-choice community says my body is my choice.  Just not this time right?  As always comments accepted.

Measles Outbreak
Image: HIV.gov

Source: Maia Pandley. " Two States Have Reported Recent Measles Outbreaks Wisconsin Next." USAToday. Milwaukee: February 21, 2025. https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2025/02/21/is-wisconsin-at-risk-of-a-measles-outbreak/79194006007/

PEOPLE STILL LOVE TO SAVE AT WALMART

PEOPLE ARE STILL SHOPPING AT WALMART

By: Derek Varsalona

The economy is improving under President Trump.  But people are still shopping at Walmart and will be forever.  Go figure, Walmart is where America shops.  The fact of the matter is people are looking for deals as inflation is going down.

Walmart did better than expected last quarter.  They collected 180.55 billion in sales.  Yes, the economy is improving. Thank you President Trump for that.  But the fact is that inflation is still at a high even though prices are going down.  The inflation is a result of the trade war that America is in under President Trump.

The fact of the matter is Americans shop at Walmart.  I was just in Walmart the other day and loved the experience.  The fact of the matter is nothing is going to beat Walmart's experience.  As always comments accepted.

People still love Walmart
Image: Walmart.com
Friday, February 21, 2025

Source: Aaron McDade. " Walmart Stock Sinks on Soft Outlook." Investopedia.com  New York City: February 20, 2025. https://www.investopedia.com/walmart-earnings-q4-fy25-11681695

PRESIDENT TRUMP MAKES POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS

TRUMP MAKES APPOINTMENTS TO POLITICAL AFFAIRS

By: Derek Varsalona

 

President Trump fulfilled his commitment to make political appointments to the White House. These positions were largely seen as rewards for political loyalty during the campaign rather than selections based on public service experience, which is somewhat concerning.

 

I have reservations about one appointment: placing Trevor Naglieri in the Office of Political Affairs as Deputy Director. I believe he is not suited for this role. Ideally, I would have preferred to see a communications expert in this position. Trevor previously served as Budget and Paid Voter Contact for the Trump campaign, but I do not think that experience qualifies him as a communications expert.

 

On the other hand, I believe Christopher Escobedo is an excellent choice for Special Assistant to the President. This appointment is politically motivated, reflecting backdoor favoritism, especially considering his role in helping President Trump secure victory in the Battleground State of Arizona.

 

Another commendable appointment is Jon George as the Southeast Regional Affairs Director. He played a significant role in helping President Trump win the Battleground State of Georgia.

 

Marshall Moreau is another strong appointment, recognized for his efforts that contributed to winning the national campaign and ensuring the election favored President Trump without resorting to dishonesty.

 

Ashley Wealukevich also deserves mention as a great appointment, having served as the Battleground Director for Pennsylvania. President Trump secured a victory in Pennsylvania, and this appointment is a reward for that achievement.

 

Samantha Feldman represents another solid pick for the Staff Assistant Position in the Office of Political Affairs, having worked as the Election Integrity Data Coordinator for the Trump campaign.

 

In conclusion, most of these high-level appointments appear qualified for their positions. While they are indeed political payback for their support of President Trump, that is often how politics operates, my friends. As always, comments are welcome.

President Trump 
Whitehouse.gov

STAMPEDE KILLS 18 IN INDIA RAIL DISASTER

STAMPE KILLS 18 IN NEW DELHI

By: Derek Varsalona

Next time please watch where you are going.  In India yesterday a stampede to catch a rail car killed at least 18 people in New Delhi.  The people were on a Hindu pilgrimage.

This is just sad news.  People need to be careful the next time.  The pilgrimage can wait.  I am sure they will not start the services without people in attendance since the people in attendance supply the money.

This is just horrible news.  It is best to wait your turn and get to your destination safely.  As always comments accepted.

Stamped Kills 18 in India
Image: APNews.com
Associated Press
Sunday, February 16, 2025

Source: CBSNews.com " Stampede At Railstation in India Kills at Least 18." New Delhi: Sunday, February 16, 2025.    https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stampede-railway-station-new-delhi-india/

PRESIDENT TRUMP TAKES A CHAINSAW TO GOVERNMENT WORKERS

TAKING A CHAINSAW TO GOVERNMENT

By: Derek Varsalona

America your federal government is getting a haircut.  This time it is a shaved head.  President Trump is trimming the fat in the federal government by cutting thousands of employees in the workforce.  My big concern is what if we have a major disaster and no one is there to answer the call.

But I do support these cuts in government.  For too long our government has been fat and happy.  After working in the union I noticed that people in unions do not generally care about the people they serve.  That is because they are not beholden to anyone and do not run for office to keep their job.

Americans will surely feel the effects of the layoffs.  But it is a situation that America needs at the moment.  Yes, I do support thousands losing their jobs.  From what I noticed being in a union, most people are lazy and often sleep at their desk, usually after coffee break and lunch.  Their theory was a well-rested worker is a more productive worker.

Thank God for President Donald Trump and Thank God for trimming the fat from the government.  As always comments accepted.

OMG, How can I fire people?
Image: Ross D. Franklin
TheGuardian.com
July 15, 2015

Source: Liz Frampton. " Like a TornadoHit: Stunned Federal Workers Take Stock of Mass Layoffs and Brace for Repercussion." Politico.com Washington, DC: Saturday, February 15, 2025. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/15/trump-purges-real-world-consequences-disasters-00204475