Liberation Day was kicked off yesterday! Let’s see how that’s going to go.
Trump defunds a group that should have never been funded by the government in the first place.
And the Democrats really hate American voters.
Liberation Day
The Trump administration used a straightforward formula to calculate the “discounted reciprocal tariffs” imposed on other countries. The methodology centered on addressing trade deficits between the United States and its trading partners. Here is the step-by-step calculation:
- Trade Deficit as the Basis: The administration began by identifying the trade deficit with each country. This deficit represents the difference between the value of goods imported from a country and the value of goods exported to that country136.
- Dividing by Total Imports: The trade deficit was divided by the total value of imports from the respective country, yielding a percentage. This step essentially measured how much of the trade imbalance was attributable to imports relative to their total value368.
- Halving the Result: To arrive at the final tariff rate, this percentage was divided by two, producing what was described as a “discounted” reciprocal tariff rate378.
For example, in the case of China:
- The U.S. had a trade deficit of $295 billion with China in 2024.
- Total imports from China amounted to $438 billion.
- Dividing $295 billion by $438 billion yielded approximately 67%.
- Halving this figure resulted in a tariff rate of 34% imposed on Chinese goods357.
This formula was applied across various countries, leading to tariff rates ranging widely from 10% to 50% depending on the size of the trade deficit and import volume8. Additionally, all imports were subject to a baseline 10% tariff, which was additive to these calculated rates2.
While initially presented as addressing unfair trade practices such as currency manipulation or non-tariff barriers, critics noted that this simplified calculation did not account for these factors comprehensively. Instead, it focused on bilateral trade deficits, disregarding complexities like service trade balances or existing tariffs imposed by other nations145.
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-reciprocal-tariff-math-explained-2054743
Other news:
- The Trump administration is reportedly moving to freeze federal family-planning grants to Planned Parenthood and other organizations as a review is undertaken into whether they were complying with President Donald Trump’s executive order barring federal funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
- The groups that would be subject to the freeze were set to receive around $120 million this year from the federal government.
- Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, told the outlet, “The Trump-Vance-Musk administration wants to shut down Planned Parenthood health centers by any means necessary, and they’ll end people’s access to birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and more to do it.”
They Are Worried About Everyone Else
The Democratic Party and several nonprofit organizations have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, challenging an executive order issued in late March 2025 that mandates proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration, restricts mail-in ballot deadlines, and threatens to withhold federal funding from states that do not comply. The plaintiffs argue that the executive order is unconstitutional and exceeds presidential authority, potentially disenfranchising millions of eligible voters.
Key Points of the Lawsuit:
- Constitutional Violations: The lawsuits emphasize that the U.S. Constitution grants states and Congress—not the president—the authority to regulate elections. The “Elections Clause” specifically delegates the power to determine the “times, places, and manner” of elections to states, with Congress having the ability to override state regulations for federal elections127.
- Claims of Overreach: The Democratic National Committee (DNC) and other plaintiffs argue that President Trump has overstepped his authority by attempting to unilaterally impose election rules through an executive order. They assert that this action undermines the independence of entities like the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, which is tasked with setting voluntary voting guidelines257.
- Impact on Voting Rights: Critics of the executive order warn that it could disenfranchise millions of voters, particularly those who lack immediate access to proof of citizenship documents or rely on mail-in voting. Studies cited in the lawsuits indicate that approximately 21 million U.S. citizens do not have ready access to such documentation56.
- Privacy Concerns: The order directs federal agencies to cross-reference voter registration data with federal databases to identify non-citizens, raising concerns about privacy violations and potential errors in data matching46.
- Motivation and Context: The lawsuits also highlight that this executive order aligns with President Trump’s long-standing claims—widely debunked—that non-citizens voting is a significant issue in U.S. elections. Studies have consistently shown that instances of non-citizen voting are exceedingly rare37.
Broader Implications:
- Legal Challenges: In addition to the Democratic lawsuit, nonprofit organizations like the Campaign Legal Center and State Democracy Defenders Fund have also filed separate legal challenges against the order, labeling it an unconstitutional overreach27.
- Congressional Debate: The executive order mirrors provisions in legislation proposed by congressional Republicans, such as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which seeks to codify proof-of-citizenship requirements into law8.
- Potential Disenfranchisement: If implemented, critics argue the order could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including low-income voters, military personnel overseas, and those relying on mail-in ballots45.
The Trump administration has defended the order as necessary to ensure election integrity, though legal experts and advocacy groups widely dispute its legality and effectiveness in addressing voter fraud—an issue already considered rare in U.S. elections38.
Bye Bye!
Leonel Moreno, a Venezuelan migrant and social media influencer, has been deported from the United States after gaining notoriety for advocating illegal squatting in American homes. Moreno, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 via Eagle Pass, Texas, used platforms like TikTok to encourage migrants to “invade” abandoned properties under squatter laws. His videos, which showcased him flaunting cash and mocking hard-working immigrants and U.S. taxpayers, sparked widespread outrage. He also boasted about earning money through social media and receiving U.S. government welfare benefits for his family, including $350 per week in aid and up to $1,000 weekly from viral posts135.
Moreno’s social media antics included ridiculing U.S. citizens for their labor-intensive jobs, claiming he came to the U.S. “to claim his space” rather than work. His content amassed over 500,000 followers on TikTok before his account was disabled. He continued posting on Facebook and Instagram until his arrest in Ohio in 2024 for failing to comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) check-ins13.
An immigration judge ordered Moreno’s deportation in 2023, but logistical challenges delayed the process due to Venezuela’s previous refusal to accept deportation flights. Under renewed deportation efforts by the Trump administration, Moreno was eventually removed from the U.S. Despite claiming persecution in both Venezuela and the U.S., he was sent back to Venezuela last week. His deportation flight reportedly involved disruptions that required extra security measures35.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/migrant-influencer-turned-squatter-ringleader-deported-after-advocating-taking-over-americans-homes
Makes Sense
San Francisco has launched a new program under the Speed Safety System Pilot Program, which issues speeding tickets based on a driver’s income level. This initiative, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2023, is the first of its kind in California and aims to promote equity in traffic enforcement. The program uses speed cameras installed across the city to monitor and penalize drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 11 mph.
Key Features of the Program:
- Income-Based Fines:
- Standard fines range from $50 to $500 depending on the severity of the violation.
- Drivers with household incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level qualify for a 50% discount.
- Homeless individuals or those classified as “indigent” can receive an 80% discount124.
- Payment Flexibility:
- Low-income drivers can opt for a payment plan with monthly installments capped at $25.
- Community service may also be an alternative to paying fines4.
- Speed Camera Deployment:
- A total of 33 speed cameras have been installed, with 12 currently operational. These cameras are located in “high injury” areas, which account for 12% of San Francisco’s streets but are responsible for over 68% of severe traffic injuries and fatalities13.
- Large signs indicate enforcement zones, and there is a 60-day warning period during which violators will receive warnings instead of fines25.
- Fine Structure:
- Speeding violations are categorized by how much a driver exceeds the speed limit:
- 11-15 mph over: $50 fine ($25 with discount).
- 16-25 mph over: $100 fine ($50 with discount).
- Over 26 mph: $200 fine ($100 with discount).
- Over 100 mph: $500 fine ($250 with discount)5.
Goals and Equity Considerations:
The program aims to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities by targeting speeding, which is identified as the leading cause of such incidents in San Francisco. It also seeks to ensure fairness by scaling fines according to income levels, preventing undue financial hardship for low-income residents. Cameras are distributed equitably across neighborhoods to reflect the city’s socio-economic diversity134.
Future Expansion:
Other California cities, including Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Jose, plan to adopt similar programs. Los Angeles is set to implement its version in 2026, offering community service options for low-income violators13.
While the program has been praised for addressing equity in traffic enforcement, some residents have expressed concerns about its fairness and potential impact on low-income communities.
https://nypost.com/2025/04/01/us-news/new-san-francisco-program-backed-by-newsom-will-issue-speeding-tickets-based-on-income/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nypost
That’s Sick!
A proposed California ballot measure, named the “Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act,” has sparked controversy due to its association with Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. Mangione allegedly shot Thompson in New York City and was later arrested in Pennsylvania while in possession of a 3D-printed gun. Despite pleading not guilty to charges including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, his name has been used for a health care reform initiative submitted by Los Angeles attorney Paul Eisner125.
The measure aims to reform health insurance practices by prohibiting insurers from delaying, denying, or modifying medical procedures or medications recommended by physicians if such actions could lead to serious harm or death. It also includes provisions for legal recourse against insurers and penalties for non-physicians reviewing medical decisions. Eisner reportedly chose the name due to the high-profile nature of the case and to draw attention to frustrations with the health care system, though he clarified that he does not support Mangione’s alleged criminal actions15.
Critics have labeled the naming as a publicity stunt and expressed outrage over immortalizing an accused murderer in legislative efforts. The measure is currently under review by the California Attorney General’s Office, which has the discretion to rename it before it potentially appears on the 2026 ballot256.
.https://sjvsun.com/california/proposed-calif-ballot-measure-named-after-insurance-exec-killer-luigi-mangione/
Dumbass of the Day
No, Men Don’t Suffer From That
According to the New York Post:
Your father might not have been comfortable talking about his feelings, but these days, more men, and particularly new fathers, are fessing up to being sad dads.
Postpartum depression — a severe and long-lasting mood disorder affecting new parents — is self-reported in approximately 12% to 16% of US women, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
It’s triggered by hormonal changes after childbirth (although the causes are multifarious and not fully understood).
But, fellas, you might be shocked to learn that you can get the baby blues, too, and they affect a whopping 10% of new dads — not far off from the number of diagnosed women. And that ballpark number is probably low.
“Are men reluctant or unwilling to report this? I mean, yeah, come on,” said Sean Leonard, a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in mood disorders (among other psychiatric sicknesses) at Healthy Life Recovery: San Diego Drug & Alcohol Rehab. “They’re reluctant to say that they’re depressed, and then why they are depressed.”
While men don’t experience the hormonal roller coaster that new moms are subjected to — testosterone does, however, significantly drop in new fathers, studies show — the lifestyle changes that come with parenthood can be just as distressing.
Sleepless nights and long days at the office are draining. Instead of a hot dinner served up with some Netflix and chill, you’re going to arrive home from work just in time for the witching hour. Suddenly, you are squarely in second place.
Or, if you’re one of those newfangled stay-at-home dads (18% of us now are!) the loss of identity and isolation can dampen the glow from your bundle of joy and lead to difficulties with bonding — which in turns creates feelings of guilt.
https://nypost.com/2025/03/28/lifestyle/baby-blues-dads-can-suffer-from-postpartum-depression-too/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nypost&utm_source=twitter
Avoiding the Problem
The concept of movie theaters allowing smoking pot is gaining traction in some areas. In New York, plans are underway to permit theaters to apply for licenses that would allow them to serve and allow the consumption of recreational cannabis on premises13. Similarly, in Los Angeles, events like those at the Montalbán Theatre are incorporating cannabis into movie screenings, offering a unique experience for attendees2. However, such practices are still limited and require specific licenses or permits3. The idea is seen as a potential way to revitalize the movie-going experience and attract new audiences37.
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/movie-theaters-texting-smoking-weed-1236347824/?utm_source=perplexity
