Does the Trade Deficit Matter?

 Watch Here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfFv5YkrgGs

What exactly is the trade deficit - and should you be worried about it? Does it really mean America is “losing” in global trade, or is the scoreboard misleading us? Read more about the trade deficit here: https://fee.org/articles/a-deficit-of... https://fee.org/articles/milton-fried... Visit FEE.org and our Substack: https://substack.com/@thefreemanmag for more! Sources: https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/us-t... https://www.hoover.org/research/clear... https://www.cato.org/blog/bad-solutio... https://www.cato.org/blog/ignore-poli... https://www.cato.org/trade-policy-ana... https://www.stlouisfed.org/on-the-eco... https://www.industryweek.com/the-econ... https://www.cato.org/commentary/remem...

Does Taxing the Rich Make Us Wealthy?

 Watch Here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUKHD5iEc6Y

Politicians often claim that if the rich just “paid their fair share,” we could fund everything from free college to universal healthcare. But economics - and history - tell a different story. In this video, we break down why “taxing the rich” isn’t the silver bullet it sounds like. From France’s failed millionaire tax to JFK and Reagan’s pro-growth reforms, we’ll explore how high tax rates often backfire by discouraging investment, driving people away, and shrinking the economy. You’ll also learn who actually pays the majority of U.S. taxes, why the math doesn’t add up for wealth taxes, and what real prosperity looks like when incentives are aligned. Learn more by going to FEE.org or our Substack: https://thefreemanmag.substack.com/ Sources: Taxes and Growth: A Cautionary Graph — Brookings Institution https://www.brookings.edu/articles/ta... History Shows Raising Top Tax Rates Doesn’t Lead to Revenue Windfalls — National Taxpayers Union Foundation https://www.ntu.org/foundation/detail... Taxes Have Consequences: An Income Tax History of the United States — EconLib https://www.econlib.org/taxes-have-co... The Reagan Tax Cuts: Lessons for Tax Reform — Joint Economic Committee (U.S. Congress) https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/ind... Revenue Effects of a 70 Percent Top Tax Rate — Penn Wharton Budget Model https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu... Summary of the Latest Federal Income Tax Data, 2023 Update — Tax Foundation https://taxfoundation.org/publication... France Forced to Drop 75% Supertax After Meagre Returns — The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/201... Don’t Forget About Migration’s Long-term Implications — Pacific Research Institute https://www.pacificresearch.org/dont-... Why Europe Axed Its Wealth Taxes — Cato Institute https://www.cato.org/commentary/why-e... The Law — Frédéric Bastiat (via FEE) https://fee.org/resources/the-law/

Study Reveals Taxpayer Funds Meant to End Homelessness Are Being Used to Fund the Radical Left’s Agenda

A recent study has highlighted significant misuse of taxpayer money intended to combat homelessness in the United States. It suggests that these funds have been redirected towards political causes associated with radical left agendas rather than addressing the homelessness crisis.

• Study Findings: The investigation, titled “Infiltrated,” backed by the Capital Research Center and Discovery Institute, reveals corruption in the homelessness sector. Billions of dollars meant to help homeless individuals have instead supported political activism.

• Homelessness Industrial Complex: The report describes a network of nonprofits and activists that, while purporting to help the homeless, have become dependent on the perpetuation of homelessness for their financial gain. This system has evolved into what is termed the "Homelessness Industrial Complex. "

• Exploitation of Vulnerable Populations: The study argues that many advocates are more focused on maintaining their jobs and political influence than genuinely addressing homelessness. The funds meant for the homeless are often funneled into efforts that support the election of Democrats and other political causes.

• Call for Accountability: Bill Essayli, a special U. S. attorney in California, is reportedly investigating these claims, with advocates calling for a national audit of the funds devoted to homelessness assistance.

The investigation suggests a troubling pattern where organizations claiming to help the homeless may be prioritizing their interests over those of the vulnerable population they are supposed to serve. This misuse of funds undermines efforts to effectively combat homelessness in the U. S., warranting a reevaluation of how taxpayer dollars are allocated. Taking action to ensure these funds are used appropriately is deemed essential to genuinely mitigate the homelessness crisis rather than allowing political agendas to thrive. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/10/study-reveals-taxpayer-funds-meant-end-homelessness-are/

Trump Hails "Amazing" Xi Meeting - Trade Concessions, U.S. Soybean Farmers Win, China Eases Rare-Earth Controls

U. S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a significant meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Busan, South Korea. This event marked their first in-person summit in six years and is expected to impact U. S.-China trade relations.

1. Meeting Outcome: Trump described the meeting as "amazing" and rated it a 12 out of 10, signaling strong optimism about the future relationship between the two nations.

2. Trade Concessions:

• China agreed to resume purchases of large quantities of U. S. soybeans, providing relief to American farmers.

• The U. S. will cut tariffs on fentanyl-related imports from China from 20% to 10%.

• Beijing announced it would temporarily suspend rare-earth export controls for one year.

3. Tariff Truce: Both leaders agreed to roll back some existing tariffs and restrictions, aiming to ease trade barriers between the countries.

4. Negotiations on Technology: Trump discussed Chinese access to Nvidia’s AI chips but noted that he would not allow access to the Blackwell line. The issue surrounding TikTok is also set to be resolved in the future.

5. Future Meetings: Plans for Trump to visit China in April were mentioned, as both leaders aim to strengthen their cooperation and resolve disputes.

The meeting between Trump and Xi resulted in several trade concessions and an optimistic outlook for future relations. While the leaders expressed positive sentiments, analysts caution that the outcomes may lack significant depth, with many details already anticipated by the market. Despite this, the talks signify a commitment to improving U. S.-China relations and may lead to a broader trade agreement in the future. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/trump-hails-amazing-xi-meeting-trade-concessions-us-soybean-farmers-win-china-eases-rare

Foreign Terror Designation Could Boost US Efforts to Dismantle Antifa

The Trump administration has ramped up investigations into the financial and operational aspects of Antifa, a far-left extremist group, fueling discussions on whether it should be labeled a foreign terrorist organization. Following a violent incident involving Antifa, President Trump declared the group a domestic terrorist organization and suggested that it should also be designated as a foreign terrorist group.

• Executive Order and Incident: On September 22, Trump declared Antifa a domestic terrorist organization after a shooting at an event in Utah that resulted in the death of a conservative influencer. The alleged shooter left messages on bullet casings, highlighting the ongoing tensions and violence associated with the group.

• Interest in Foreign Terror Designation: During an October 8 discussion, Trump expressed support for the idea of designating Antifa as a foreign terrorist organization. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller endorsed this step due to Antifa's alleged international ties.

• National Response: Senator Eric Schmitt from Missouri believes a foreign terrorist designation is necessary, citing evidence of Antifa's network of safe houses and international operations. He urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to act on this issue but received no immediate response due to the ongoing government shutdown.

• Criticism of Designation: Representatives like Bennie Thompson criticized the move to label Antifa as a terrorist organization, arguing it represents government overreach and is a tactic to suppress dissent. Some Democrats suggested that Antifa’s involvement in riots is exaggerated or nonexistent.

• Antifa's Historical Context: Antifa's roots trace back to opposition against fascism, with its modern manifestation emerging from various anti-fascist movements. Members often dress in black to conceal their identities during protests.

• Overseas Links: Schmitt's letter to Rubio emphasized that Antifa functions as an organized international network rather than a collection of independent domestic actors. Recent protests in Atlanta revealed connections to groups from other countries, including Canada and France.

• Financial Support and Operations: Antifa allegedly receives funding from NGOs and crowdfunding sources to support its activities. The International Anti-Fascist Defence Fund (IAFD) is one such group that provides financial assistance in various international locations.

• Call for Action: Intelligence experts like Ammon Blair note that designating Antifa as a foreign terrorist organization could enhance intelligence gathering and enable the government to disrupt funding and resources for the group.

• International Reactions: Some European politicians also support labeling Antifa a terrorist organization, reflecting a transnational concern over its activities.

The ongoing debate over Antifa's classification reveals a broader conflict regarding political violence in the U. S. and the balance between security measures and civil liberties. While some officials advocate for stricter designations and international actions against the group, others view these measures as excessive and potentially harmful to democratic discourse. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly affect the ways in which political dissent and extremist activities are dealt with in the future. 

https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/foreign-terror-designation-could-boost-us-efforts-to-dismantle-antifa-5934497?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=ZeroHedge

Biden's Jack Smith 'Enemies List' Scandal Widens As 400 Republican Targets Revealed

 The Biden administration has faced serious allegations regarding its surveillance of Republican members of Congress as part of an investigation called "Arctic Frost. " Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley has revealed that nearly 20% of Senate Republicans were included in a wide-reaching campaign involving numerous subpoenas aimed at gathering information.

• Allegations of Surveillance: Senator Chuck Grassley disclosed that 197 subpoenas were issued as part of the Arctic Frost investigation. These subpoenas targeted over 400 Republicans, organizations, and even media companies.

• Scope of Subpoenas: The subpoenas sought confidential materials, including communications involving conservative groups like Turning Point USA, as well as personal data from GOP donors and strategists.

• Political Reaction: Several Republican senators, including Ted Cruz, expressed outrage, likening the investigation to the Watergate scandal and calling for accountability from the Biden administration.

• Media Targets: The investigation reportedly included media outlets such as CBS, Fox News, and Newsmax, along with influential individuals close to Trump.

• Investigation Details: Newly released documents indicate that the FBI conducted interviews across the country and sought funding for additional investigative travel.

• Call for Accountability: House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has emphasized the need to investigate the political motives behind the operation and has requested testimony from Jack Smith, the lead investigator.

The disclosures surrounding the Arctic Frost investigation raise significant questions about the extent of government surveillance and potential political bias in law enforcement. The ongoing discussions highlight the growing concerns among Republicans about accountability and transparency within the Biden DOJ. Further investigations and testimonies are anticipated as this situation unfolds.

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/bidens-jack-smith-enemies-list-scandal-widens-400-republican-targets-revealed

‘100 Times Worse Than Watergate’: 3 Biggest Revelations From Latest ‘Arctic Frost’ Document Dump

Recent allegations have emerged regarding the Biden administration's handling of inquiries into Republican figures and organizations. According to whistleblower documents disclosed by Senator Chuck Grassley, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have reportedly compiled lists of Republican targets and engaged in invasive surveillance practices.

1. Whistleblower Revelations: Senator Grassley presented over 1,700 pages of documents from whistleblowers. These documents suggest that the Biden administration labeled certain Republican individuals as enemies and targeted them through surveillance methods, including phone wiretaps and subpoenas.

2. "Arctic Frost" Inquiry: This investigation, called "Arctic Frost," was aimed at targeting Republicans in crucial battleground states. It allegedly involved claims of electoral fraud in states like Arizona and Georgia, leading to the DOJ's actions against these individuals.

3. Targeting Republican Officials: It was revealed that subpoenas were issued by Special Counsel Jack Smith, allowing for the collection of personal phone record data from high-profile Republican senators and congressional representatives. Senator Ted Cruz's records were specifically mentioned, and he claimed that a subpoena violated constitutional protections for legislative communications.

4. Legal and Constitutional Concerns: Cruz expressed that the subpoenas represented an abuse of power and an infringement on constitutional rights. Reports indicated that the FBI sought extensive records from numerous conservative entities, leading to accusations of violating fundamental rights such as free speech and privacy.

5. Internal Sabotage Accusations: Senate members voiced concerns about internal turmoil within the FBI and DOJ, suggesting that certain individuals within those agencies were undermining efforts from leadership and creating a hostile environment for those seeking reform.

6. Impact of Surveillance: The documents indicated that nearly 20% of Republican senators were affected by this investigation, raising alarms about the potential misuse of federal resources to surveil political opponents.

The disclosed allegations suggest serious misconduct within the Biden administration's DOJ and FBI towards Republican figures and organizations. Concerns about the legality of these actions and their implications for constitutional rights continue to unfold. As investigations into these matters progress, they may raise significant questions about political integrity and the boundaries of governmental authority. 

https://thefederalist.com/2025/10/29/100-times-worse-than-watergate-3-biggest-revelations-from-latest-arctic-frost-document-dump/