3 Ways Trump has Weakened the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

December 23, 2017

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was one of the most important ways the Obama administration responded to the financial meltdown of 2008. Under Elizabeth Warren’s leadership, the CFPB did important work holding banks and businesses accountable for practices that harmed American consumers. The large banks and financial services companies proved in 2008 that they … More 3 Ways Trump has Weakened the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

When Loyalty is the Most Important Qualification

December 20, 2017

Matthew Peterson, President Trump’s nominee to be a Federal District Judge, spectacularly flubbed a confirmation hearing last week. Under relatively benign questioning from Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), Peterson was unable to answer even the most basic questions about legal procedure and the operation of the courts. Peterson, who was nominated several months ago, had time … More When Loyalty is the Most Important Qualification

Reduce Taxes…Increase Debt

December 18, 2017

Republicans have been dismissive of claims – including CBO projections – that the tax plan winding its way through Congress will increase the national debt by an estimated 1.5 trillion dollars. Other estimates put the cost of the tax cuts at 2.3 trillion dollars if  they are extended. Whatever the actual amount that the tax … More Reduce Taxes…Increase Debt

Manafort and Gates Told to Surrender

October 30, 2017

Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his long-time business associate, Rick Gates have been ordered to surrender in the first apparent indictments of Robert Mueller’s probe of obstruction of justice and meddling in the 2016 campaign by Donald Trump’s associates. While the charges are not yet clear, the timing of the charges couldn’t be worse … More Manafort and Gates Told to Surrender

It’s Not a Bailout

October 19, 2017

As President Trump’s position on the Alexander-Murray Obamacare stabilization plan whipsawed throughout the day on Tuesday, he started to use the term “bailout” more and more to describe the subsidies that help the neediest Americans afford health care. To be clear: Providing funds for Americans who need health insurance is not a bailout of the … More It’s Not a Bailout

Economic Growth Projections: Coast to Coast Reaction

October 10, 2017

If you’re getting ready to debate Trump’s proposed tax plan at the holiday dinner table with your uncle or aunt who wants to make America great again, here are some articles and columns that can help you organize your arguments a little. There’s feedback on the Trump tax plan from California to Kansas to New … More Economic Growth Projections: Coast to Coast Reaction

3 Things You Need to Know About Trump’s Tax Plan

October 5, 2017

The Trump Tax Plan is gaining steam and momentum even as natural disasters and the horrific events of this weekend in Las Vegas have changed the national dialogue. Here are three things you need to be watching on taxes: Growth Projections and Deficit – In addition to the disastrous outcome of the Kansas/Brownback tax cut … More 3 Things You Need to Know About Trump’s Tax Plan

Talking About Russia to Trump Supporters: 3 Suggestions

September 26, 2017

Watching Oprah Winfrey’s segment on 60 Minutes on Sunday night was revealing and important. With the help of pollster Frank Luntz, Winfrey facilitated a conversation with a group of Trump supporters and non-Trump supporters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Among the many fascinating moments was a veritable explosion of differing perspectives when she brought up the … More Talking About Russia to Trump Supporters: 3 Suggestions

Three Reasons the Latest Version of Trumpcare is Bad Legislation

September 20, 2017

Here are three reasons the GOP’s latest attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act is a complete disaster: 1. The latest version of Trumpcare is not bipartisan. Americans want the Congress to work across the aisle to solve the nation’s biggest problems. While the ACA became the law of the land with a … More Three Reasons the Latest Version of Trumpcare is Bad Legislation

Equifax and Trump

September 16, 2017

As of September 16, 2017 Donald Trump has yet to tweet about the Equifax data breach or express outrage on behalf of the millions of Americans whose credit and identities could be vulnerable for decades. As an English teacher for almost 20 years, I would suggest the following edits to a recent Trump tweet about … More Equifax and Trump