Today's one-liner: “In a republican nation whose citizens are to be led by reason and persuasion and not by force, the art of reasoning becomes of first importance.” T Jefferson
Although he called it "Liberation Day," I doubt many Americans stockholders felt any freedom after President Trump announced a barrage of reciprocal tariffs against ... well ... everyone, including uninhabited islands. The stock market predictably went into free fall, and instead of elation, most of those who saw their 401ks and mutual funds vanish were experiencing more than a bit of dudgeon. Now that Trump has blinked and paused all reciprocal tariffs except those aimed at China (pronounced by Trump as Chiiiiii-na), I have a question. Did he play with the stock market so that some of his buddies could do some day trading and clean up?
Yesterday, he dropped a hint to his MAGAs on social media. “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT,” he announced at 9:37 am. Four hours later, he announced his pause and the stock market soared. And guess what? When he give this tip, he was already seriously considering the pause. His own company's stock shot up 22.67%.
This sure smells like insider trading.
Senator Adam Schiff (D-Ca) would like to investigate, but I doubt Congress would tolerate anyone who challenges Trump's integrity.
From The Washington Post: "FBI Director James B. Comey said Sunday that after reviewing newly discovered Hillary Clinton emails, his agency had again determined that the Democratic presidential candidate should face no criminal charges for her email practices, clearing a distraction that had dogged the final days of Clinton’s campaign and providing perhaps the last twist of the wild 2016 election year."
This morning, long before I made it to the courthouse, I received a text containing a picture of a "Trump-Free Zone" sign. It was located smack dab outside the courthouse, right below a "No Parking" sign, and was emblazoned with the words "No Hate! No Bigotry!"
"Did you do this?" I was asked.
I lack the energy.
As the day went on, I learned that similar signs are all over the West Ward. A friend I work with, a Trump supporter whose office is right across the street from the courthouse, was fuming over a "Trump-Free Zone" sign taped onto a telephone pole taped onto a telephone pole. He was particularly pissed that the sign was too high for him to rip it down. He was told I put it there.
I called him and admitted it. I laughed as he exploded. "Be very careful when you start your car," he joked. ... I think.
Because there are no secrets at the Northampton County Courthouse, I was able to discover the real culprit behind the "Trump-Free Zone" signs by the end of the day.
It's Easton civil rights attorney Joe Welsh, the very bastard who represents Nazareth's infamous Sticker Gang. They were chained, shackled and perp-walked for exercising their First Amendment rights.
I called Joe, and he not only admitted it, but directed my attention to a video of him in action at 10th and Spruce.
"This guy is a local hero," said someone in West Ward filming him as a lady approached him to ask for a sign.
Joe told me his signs all have a union bug and a disclaimer indicating he paid for them.
"I take full responsibility," he said.
In the meantime,the local tea party is planning another flashmob today for Donald Trump at the intersection of Route 33 and William Penn Highway in Bethlehem Township from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Tea Party chairman Tom Campione has emailed the tea party faithful to advise that a Morning Call reporter might cover the event. "We know the reporter who will be there and are comfortable with him," he states. "But, I am concerned with the editorial staff as they lean Left, of course." He issues very specific instructions and talking points.
"Please avoid any negative conversation about Mr. Trump if leading questions should be asked. We encourage you to express dissatisfaction with the establishment GOP, but please keep the tone pleasant. You might suggest that people like Dent and Toomey need to support our nominee or tell us why we should support them when they don't."
Updated 10:26 am: Unfortunately, my Trump-supporting buddy could no longer take the "Trump Free" Zone outside his window. He shimmied up the pole and cut it down. I hope he doesn't mind the "Vote Hillary" bumper sticker on the back of his gas guzzling SUV.
