1man1vote – Page 8

$Trump

Congressional Democrats Introduce “Stop TRUMP in Crypto Act” to Counter Alleged Presidential Profiteering

The most poignant statement that Congresswoman Waters hurled, directly addressed these concerns: “I know my Republican colleagues fear Trump, but I urge them to stand with me and my Democratic colleagues to pass this bill and send a clear message that the White House is not a platform for personal profit.”

In a move aimed at curbing financial conflicts of interest at the highest levels of government, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, unveiled the “Stop Trading, Retention, and Unfair Market Payoffs in Crypto Act of 2025” — or the “Stop TRUMP in Crypto Act” — on May 22, 2025. This landmark legislation, also known as H.R. 3573, seeks to bar the President, Vice President, Members of Congress, and their immediate families from engaging in a range of activities involving digital assets.

The bill prohibits covered officials from owning a significant stake in any digital asset that would allow them to unilaterally influence it, from serving as officers or directors of digital asset issuers, and from promoting or profiting from digital assets. It also bans trading based on material non-public information, effectively addressing concerns about insider knowledge and manipulation.

The legislation was introduced against a backdrop of controversy surrounding President Trump’s cryptocurrency ventures, including his personal memecoin, $TRUMP, which has been at the center of public scrutiny. Reports indicate that $TRUMP has inflated the former president’s net worth by over $350 million, while investors have reportedly lost billions of dollars. In addition, Melania Trump has launched the $MELANIA memecoin, and the Trump-backed stablecoin, USD1, has drawn attention for its ties to foreign investors and national security implications.

Just hours before the bill’s unveiling, President Trump hosted a private dinner for top $TRUMP coin holders at his luxury golf resort. Attendees reportedly paid millions for a seat at the table, and the event coincided with a significant surge in $TRUMP’s value in the preceding 24 hours. This development, in the eyes of Waters and other Democratic lawmakers, underscores the urgent need for legislative action to prevent public officials from using their offices for personal enrichment.

“Donald Trump is preparing to dine with the top donors of his memecoin who’ve made him, and his family, richer,” said Congresswoman Waters in a statement. “Meanwhile, American families are getting poorer and growing increasingly anxious under his failed leadership.”

Waters’ concerns were echoed by other Democratic colleagues. Congressman Stephen Lynch, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, characterized Trump’s actions as “disrespect for the rule of law.” Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez highlighted the potential for foreign influence in Trump’s crypto dealings, while Congressman Brad Sherman warned that selling access to the presidency through digital assets undermines the credibility of the United States on the global stage.

Congressman Al Green added that President Trump’s second term has seen “corruption in this country reach new heights,” and that the bill is vital to ensure no future public official uses digital assets for personal gain. Similar sentiments were voiced by Congressmen Emanuel Cleaver, Bill Foster, and others who cosponsored the legislation.

The bill has also garnered the support of outside groups such as Public Citizen, Accountable.US, and Americans for Financial Reform, who see it as a critical measure to restore public trust and safeguard democratic institutions.

The proposed legislation comes amid a broader debate over the role of digital assets in the U.S. financial system and the need for clear regulations to prevent their misuse. While crypto enthusiasts tout the potential for innovation and new investment opportunities, lawmakers like Waters emphasize that, without oversight, these assets can become tools for self-dealing and corruption.

The “Stop TRUMP in Crypto Act” is now under consideration by the House Financial Services Committee, where Waters and her Democratic colleagues are pushing for bipartisan support. They argue that the bill’s scope — which extends to any President, Vice President, or Member of Congress — ensures it is not a partisan measure, but a necessary safeguard against future abuses of power.

“This bill will stop Trump’s brazen crypto corruption and prevent any President, Vice President, Members of Congress, or their immediate families from exploiting crypto in this way,” Waters said. “Enough is enough. Congress can no longer ignore the biggest scam and abuse of power in American history.”

The push for this legislation reflects growing concern that financial entanglements at the highest levels of government erode democratic norms and expose the country to undue foreign influence. As the bill moves forward, supporters say it is a vital step toward ensuring that the presidency and Congress remain dedicated to public service — not personal profit.

The outcome of this legislative effort remains to be seen. But if passed, the “Stop TRUMP in Crypto Act” would mark a significant turning point in regulating the intersection of digital assets and political power, establishing guardrails to protect the public and uphold the integrity of America’s democratic institutions.

The full text of the bill is available at link below:

https://1man1vote.com/wp/?page_id=787

Commencement 2025

On May 30, 2025, the Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center celebrated its commencement ceremony with a passionate address from a local congressional leader. As one of the largest adult education centers within the Los Angeles Unified School District, the center has long been a beacon of opportunity for thousands of students seeking to elevate their lives through education and career training.

This year’s class marks a significant milestone, with over 11,000 students enrolled—the highest in the school’s history and the most of any adult school in the district. The ceremony highlighted the profound commitment of the institution to providing inclusive, high-quality education to a diverse student population. From career preparation programs to academic enrichment, the center offers a pathway for students to pursue new ambitions and secure better futures.

Ms Waters, The keynote speaker praised the resilience and determination of the graduating class, encouraging them to carry forward their newfound knowledge and skills. She underscored the vital role of accessible education in strengthening families and communities, emphasizing that each graduate holds the power to inspire positive change.

The center’s mission resonates throughout the Los Angeles community: to prepare adult learners for academic excellence and career success. With an unwavering dedication to educational equity, the center is shaping tomorrow’s leaders, helping students break down barriers and build bridges to brighter opportunities. As the new graduates step forward into their chosen careers or further studies, they carry with them not only the lessons of the classroom but the hope and promise of an institution devoted to lifelong learning and community progress.

Ms. Waters quoted message was clear:

“I am extremely proud of each and every one of the students graduating who had the drive to better their lives and improve their community”, said Congresswoman Waters. “Your graduation is a testament to your strength, your character, and your ability to believe in yourselves and never give up on your dreams. Whatever you do, know that your families, our community, and our entire nation are depending on you. I want you all to go through life with your heads held high, understanding that you can achieve any goal you set for yourselves. I know you are already inspired. You can and you will Achieve the Impossible! Congratulations to the class of 2025!”

And with these storied words of encouragement, Congresswoman Waters set forth and launched a graduating class of hopeful young men and women, whose direction is forever enlightened.

CLASS Act

During his morning monologues, The late Rush Limbaugh used to sermonize that“words mean things”. The word “Doge” has a couple of distinct meanings:

Historically, “Doge” refers to an elected lord and head of state in medieval Venetian and Renaissance periods, and later it transferred onward into the time of Benito Mussolini.

Somehow today’s search for Government Efficiency has perhaps unfortunately or ironically carried DOGE back into our popular lexicon of modern usage. Although the concept of authoritarianism made its way alongside our modern usage, this four letter word is but an acronym that the GOP used to sweep themselves into power, promising maximum productivity and austerity,

What we ended up with is policies that tend to hurt some, and ultimately help none. The present administration is so busy enacting public policy, that the concept of public service is never even mentioned on their side of the aisle.

But there is still the other side of the aisle. In a renewed effort to protect students from predatory educational practices, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin have reintroduced the Court Legal Access and Student Support (CLASS) Act. The bicameral legislation is designed to ensure students defrauded by for-profit colleges have the right to take legal action, ending the widespread use of mandatory arbitration clauses that often deny students their day in court.

The CLASS Act seeks to prohibit institutions of higher education from accessing federal Title IV student aid funds if they include mandatory arbitration agreements in their enrollment contracts or otherwise limit students’ ability to file claims in court. The legislation targets for-profit colleges, many of which have historically relied on these clauses to shield themselves from legal scrutiny, even in cases of fraud or misrepresentation.

“For years, students have been stripped of their basic rights through fine print in enrollment contracts,” Waters said during the announcement. “Predatory for-profit colleges have used these clauses to avoid accountability while continuing to profit off public funds and students’ futures.”

Durbin echoed similar concerns, calling the legislation an important step toward ending exploitative tactics that leave students without recourse when they are misled about programs, job placement rates, or accreditation status.

Under the proposed law, any for-profit institution that includes forced arbitration clauses would be disqualified from participating in federal student aid programs. The bill also ensures that the Federal Arbitration Act does not apply to student enrollment agreements, effectively nullifying arbitration mandates that have been upheld in past legal disputes. The legislation would take effect one year after enactment, giving schools a transition period to bring their policies into compliance.

The CLASS Act does not apply to legitimate non-profit colleges and universities, which typically do not include such restrictive clauses in their agreements. The bill is narrowly tailored to address ongoing issues within the for-profit education sector, which has seen repeated enforcement actions, campus closures, and bankruptcy filings in recent years, leaving thousands of students in financial and academic limbo.

On social media, student advocacy groups and consumer protection organizations have rallied behind the bill. Some commenters shared firsthand experiences of being denied access to legal recourse after discovering that arbitration agreements blocked them from suing for tuition refunds or damages.

Supporters say the legislation is a critical step in restoring fairness to higher education, particularly for low-income and first-generation college students who are disproportionately targeted by for-profit institutions. They argue that public funds should not support schools that deprive students of the ability to hold them accountable.

If passed, the CLASS Act would mark a significant shift in the federal government’s oversight of for-profit colleges and mark a major win for student rights. Advocates, across the country, are in support of the way forward for the student body – the citizens.

Play ball.

The Complexity Bill

Committee Democrats Hold Fiery Hearing on Trump’s Crypto Crimes and Republican Market Structure Bill

On June 6 at 9 a.m. in room 2220 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Democrats on the House Financial Services Committee held a Minority Day Hearing to explore former President Donald Trump’s alleged crypto crimes and the implications of the Republican-led Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (commonly known as the “market structure bill”). Despite the Minority Day designation, members of the Republican majority unexpectedly appeared at the session, adding a tense dynamic to the already high-stakes discussion.

The hearing, chaired by Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA), aimed to provide a public forum for discussing the potential harm posed by Trump’s involvement in cryptocurrency-related schemes and the Republican bill’s impact on the digital asset sector. In her opening statement, Waters warned that “Trump’s crypto dealings have not just endangered the stability of financial markets, but they have also jeopardized the security of everyday Americans’ investments.” She emphasized the need for robust oversight and accountability to prevent further damage to the financial system.

Testimony was delivered by a panel of respected experts: Amanda Fischer, Policy Director and COO of Better Markets; Bart Naylor, Financial Policy Advocate/Economist at Public Citizen; Carole House, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center; Hillary Allen, Professor of Law at American University Washington College of Law; and the Honorable Timothy Massad, Research Fellow and Director of the Digital Assets Policy Project at Harvard Kennedy School and former Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Each witness delivered sobering assessments of both the crypto activities allegedly linked to Trump and the Republican-backed market structure bill. Amanda Fischer, for instance, described the Republican bill as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” that would weaken key investor protections and expose consumers to heightened risks in the volatile world of digital assets. Fischer argued that the bill would create “a regulatory race to the bottom,” leaving the door wide open for fraud and manipulation.

Bart Naylor echoed those concerns, telling the committee that the legislation “prioritizes industry profits over public protection.” He criticized the bill’s provision to shift regulatory authority away from the SEC and CFTC, calling it a “power grab by crypto lobbyists that leaves consumers defenseless.”

Carole House provided insight into the national security implications of Trump’s crypto-related activities, explaining how illicit crypto transactions can fuel money laundering and terrorism financing. “We must not allow digital assets to become a safe haven for criminals and corrupt political actors,” she said.

Hillary Allen focused on the legal vulnerabilities created by the Republican bill, arguing that it would “erode the integrity of our financial system by stripping regulators of critical enforcement tools.” She warned that the bill’s broad exemptions could undermine the SEC’s efforts to police fraud and market manipulation.

The Honorable Timothy Massad concluded the witness presentations by drawing on his experience at the CFTC. He told the committee that “the Republican bill would handcuff regulators at a time when clear-eyed, robust oversight is needed more than ever.” Massad urged lawmakers to maintain and strengthen the existing framework for crypto oversight, not dismantle it.

Unexpectedly, the hearing’s Minority Day designation did not deter Republican members from attending and speaking up. Committee Chair Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and other Republican lawmakers used their time to defend the bill and downplay concerns about Trump’s alleged crypto crimes. McHenry argued that the market structure bill was necessary to “unleash American innovation” and position the U.S. as a leader in digital assets.

This sharp clash highlighted the deep divide between the two parties. Democrats, led by Waters, insisted that Trump’s crypto schemes were a stark example of why strong consumer protections and regulatory oversight are essential. Republicans, meanwhile, framed the hearing as a partisan attempt to derail efforts to foster innovation and competitiveness in digital finance.

In her closing remarks, Congresswoman Waters reaffirmed that the Committee’s Democratic members would continue to push for accountability and responsible policymaking. “This fight is not about party lines,” she said, “but about protecting American consumers and our financial system from reckless policies and corrupt schemes.”

The hearing ended after several hours of spirited debate, leaving no doubt that the battle over crypto regulation—and Trump’s alleged crypto misconduct—will remain front and center as Congress wrestles with the future of digital finance.

Continued discovery and exploration will be required, moving forward on this issue. A deeper understanding of the ways and means of crypto finance need be summarized into smaller bits of explanations, so that the public is able to make informed decisions when it comes to investment in crypto, but just as important, the public needs to know how to act as informed watchdogs of the president and those that are using and perhaps abusing these financial tools and assets.

Video:

Congresswoman Waters introduces the Complexity Bill during Minority Day on the Hill, after Rep. Hill shows up to derail the committee’s purpose.

The Commencement

Ms. Waters quoted message was clear:

And with these storied words of encouragement, Congresswoman Waters set forth and launched a graduating class of hopeful young men and women, whose direction is forever enlightened.

Local Girl Scouts Earn Top Awards

Local Girl Scouts Katherine B. and Renee M. Recognized for Lifesaving and Health Equity Projects

Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (GSGLA) recently honored 28 Inglewood-area Girl Scouts for earning the prestigious Gold Award, with two standout honorees—Katherine B. of Hawthorne and Renee M. of Los Angeles—leading impactful health-related initiatives. These projects underscore the role young leaders play in tackling urgent community needs.

The Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, challenges recipients to dedicate a minimum of 80 hours to identify and address a significant issue, collaborate with local leaders, and create sustainable solutions. This year’s awardees contributed over 14,720 hours collectively—demonstrating a shared commitment to making the world a better place.

Katherine B., a Harvard Westlake School graduate, focused on lifesaving training in underserved communities. Motivated by the urgent need for preparedness in sudden cardiac emergencies, she spearheaded a CPR and AED certification program for teenagers. Her project trained over 50 teens, equipping them with not only vital skills but the confidence to respond to medical crises and potentially save lives.

Meanwhile, Renee M., a recent

Eagle Rock High School graduate, addressed disparities within the national stem cell registry. Her project combined a compelling video documentary featuring firsthand stories with community outreach. Through registration drives and speaking engagements, Renee personally registered over 250 individuals, directly expanding the diversity of the registry and improving life-saving match opportunities for minority patients.

Theresa Edy Kiene, GSGLA’s chief executive officer, commended the efforts of these young women, saying, “These young women are not just imagining change—they’re making it happen. Through confidence and compassion, they’re solving real-world problems and becoming the leaders our world needs.”

This year’s Gold Award Celebration will be held on June 1 at the Pasadena Civic Center, where the achievements of all 28 local recipients will be recognized. Their projects span topics from environmental conservation to mental health awareness, each demonstrating the Girl Scouts’ mission to develop girls of courage, confidence, and character.

Katherine and Renee’s work comes at a time of heightened awareness about health equity and emergency readiness. Local media have noted the growing importance of community-based health initiatives and the need for equitable access to medical resources. In this context, the projects of these two young leaders offer practical, immediate impacts—empowering others to act and addressing gaps in health education and access.

For Katherine and Renee, the Gold Award marks more than personal achievement; it’s a testament to the power of youth leadership to create real change. As the community gathers to honor them, their stories stand as an inspiring reminder: positive change begins when young people see a problem—and take action.

Play Ball

Inglewood Car Wash Aquired

LUV Car Wash Brings Corporate Shine to Inglewood: A Local Favorite Gets a Makeover

By Charles Jackson

As I often do, I recently made a stop at my go-to carwash at 320 N. La Brea Avenue. For years, it’s been a hidden gem — no frills, no nonsense, and a drying system that left my car gleaming without needing a towel. I could be in and out in five minutes, the lines were not long, and the value was unmatched. So when the manager, Mario, told me that last week was their last under the current ownership, I had to find out what was going on.

It turns out that the Local Favorite Gets a Makeover

— long known to locals as Inglewood Express Car Wash — has been acquired by LUV Car Wash, a rising name in the national car wash industry. The deal, completed on Friday, May 9, 2025, marks LUV’s latest step in its aggressive expansion into the competitive Los Angeles market. The Inglewood site becomes the 77th location for the brand.

Based in Gilbert, Arizona I’m told. LUV Car Wash is a portfolio company of Susquehanna Private Capital, a private equity firm that has backed the chain since 2021. LUV’s leadership includes co-founder and CEO Darren Skarecky and co-founder and Chief Development Officer JT Thomson, two industry veterans who have helped push the chain’s rapid growth by focusing on high-quality, express-style exterior car wash services. According to company statements, the acquisition of Inglewood Express is part of a broader strategy to target high-traffic, high-visibility locations in dense urban markets.

The Inglewood location, just blocks from major redevelopment efforts surrounding SoFi Stadium and the highly favored Intuit Dome, is a prime piece of real estate. Though LUV hasn’t yet released specifics about the remodeling, locals can expect the site to be modernized in the coming weeks. Based on LUV’s national footprint, upgrades will likely include automated pay stations, high-pressure rinse tunnels, advanced water recycling systems, and subscription-based wash club services.

While corporate growth is usually accompanied by promises of efficiency and polish, longtime customers — myself included — may have mixed emotions. Inglewood Express has been a neighborhood standby, known not just for its speed and value, but also for its consistency. You knew what you were getting: no upsells, no wait times, and a car that looked clean without streaks or the need for a wipe-down.

What remains to be seen is whether the remodeled location will live up to the expectations of locals who have come to rely on its simplicity and affordability. I won’t mention specific prices (yet), but trust me — if the new model doesn’t meet the bar set by the old one, I’ll be the first to snitch.

Of course, change in Inglewood is nothing new. The city of Champions has been undergoing a wave of transformation ever since MSG lit up the corner of Prairie and Manchester anew, and the NFL and NBA laid claim to the sports hubs down the street. New development brings opportunity — and rising costs. Small businesses often become casualties or undergo transformations that risk alienating their base. With LUV Car Wash entering the scene, this could go either way.

In their partnership with Susquehanna Private Capital, Skarecky and Thomson have emphasized a founder-focused approach, promising operational autonomy for local managers and a light corporate touch. The hope is that LUV’s leadership will maintain the local spirit of Inglewood Express while enhancing service through technology and consistency. But as with any transition, the proof will be in the pudding and the wash.

For now, the site is expected to undergo renovations, which are already underway, and customers should anticipate changes in layout, services, and potentially pricing. LUV has not announced a reopening date, but given their track record of quick transitions, it likely won’t be long. Meanwhile I found myself down the street, at AutoZone, picking up a chamois so I could manually maintain my shimmer and shine in my driveway for Mother’s Day

In a neighborhood where authenticity is increasingly hard to preserve, the future of the 320 N. La Brea car wash, located on the east side of the street, between El Polo Loco and Walgreens, may serve as a small but telling test case. Can a national chain maintain the trust and loyalty earned by a locally loved business? LUV Car Wash has its work cut out, because we don’t play, when it comes to keeping the ride looking good.

Until then, I’ll be watching, and if the dryers don’t hit like they used to — or if LUV starts hitting us up with vacuum charges, you’ll hear about it here first.

Play Ball.

A Nation On The Brink

A Nation on the Brink: The “Big Beautiful Bill” and the Rise of American Autocracy

In what many are calling the most dangerous legislative moment in recent American history, the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” is now advancing toward a full Senate vote. Championed aggressively by the former president—who has referred to the measure as his “masterpiece”—the bill’s Section 70302 has set off constitutional alarms nationwide. This clause would bar federal courts from enforcing contempt charges, a critical legal mechanism historically used to ensure compliance with subpoenas and uphold the rule of law.

Legal scholars and watchdog organizations have warned that this single clause, buried deep in the legislative jargon, effectively turns the executive branch into a rogue entity, unchecked by either the judiciary or Congress. It’s a development that has echoes not only of banana republics but of authoritarian regimes like Russia, China, and North Korea—nations where power is absolute and the law is merely a tool of the ruler.

The political climate in Washington is already unstable. The former president, recently returned to the national stage after a controversial re-election bid fueled by inflammatory rhetoric and disinformation, has repeatedly demonstrated disdain for constitutional norms. He faces a barrage of lawsuits, investigations, and contempt citations—all of which could be rendered moot if the bill passes in its current form. It’s no wonder his allies, described by critics as “brown-nosing sycophants,” are pushing the bill, also known as the Big Rotten Sonovabill, in Democratic editorials, with such quiet desperation.

To understand the gravity of the situation, one must only examine recent headlines.

In March, a federal judge in D.C. held two administration officials in contempt for ignoring congressional subpoenas related to the mishandling of classified intelligence. One of those officials, who refused to testify before a bipartisan oversight committee, remains unpunished due to the Justice Department’s refusal to prosecute. With Section 70302 in place, there wouldn’t even be a possibility of future contempt enforcement—effectively neutering the court’s authority.

Meanwhile, whistleblowers from within the Justice Department have leaked internal memos describing increasing pressure to “stand down” on enforcement actions tied to administration figures. One memo allegedly ordered federal prosecutors to “consider the political implications” before pursuing legal action. This chilling directive aligns with the wider narrative: a steady dismantling of the separation of powers.

Social media platforms have become battlegrounds. Hashtags like #ContemptClause and #SaveTheConstitution are trending, as citizens, legal experts, and even some former Republican officials raise alarm bells. A viral TikTok video posted by a law student in Michigan broke down Section 70302 in under a minute and ended with a stark message: “This is how democracy dies—not with a bang, but with a loophole.”

Yet, all hope is not lost.

The Senate, currently split 53–47, sits at a precipice. Four GOP senators, quietly dubbed “the marionettes” for their historic pattern of grappling with the party line, have emerged as the last remaining hope to halt the bill. Comparisons are already being drawn to the late Senator John McCain’s dramatic 2017 thumbs-down vote, which killed the effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act in its final hour. That single act was heralded as a moment of conscience in an otherwise polarized chamber.

The eyes of the nation are now on these four senators. Their names are being whispered in corridors and shouted from protest podiums. Their silence has been deafening, but rumors persist that at least two are “deeply uncomfortable” with the bill’s implications, particularly the nullification of court authority.

Pressure is mounting from civil rights organizations, bar associations, and even retired federal judges. In an unprecedented move, the National Conference of Federal Judges issued a joint statement warning that “the passage of Section 70302 would mark the beginning of an authoritarian slide we may not be able to reverse.”

And what of the president himself?

He has declared victory prematurely, telling supporters at a recent rally, “Once this bill passes, nobody can touch me. Nobody. Not crooked judges, not loser prosecutors, not even the fake news.” The crowd erupted in cheers—but for the millions watching in disbelief, the message was clear: we are witnessing the open dismantling of democratic accountability.

This is not just political theatre. This is a real and present danger to the republic.

If passed, the bill could set a precedent that outlasts even the current administration. Future leaders—regardless of party—could exploit the same legal immunities, turning a temporary power grab into a permanent erosion of checks and balances. The judiciary would be left toothless. Congress would be neutered. And the president—any president—would stand above the law.

In hindsight, the late Senator John McCain already knew that he was dying of cancer, and his courageous vote against the grain would not and could not be primaried or fatally end his political career. But courage may not be uppermind for the four senators, who’s careers will certainly be challenged by a supercharged, vindictive, manchild should they fail to bend to his unyielding narcissistic will.

It’s a sobering reality that has led some to declare, “May we rest in peace,” as if mourning the democracy we once knew.

But perhaps it’s not time to mourn—yet. Perhaps it’s time to rise. There yet remains a vote in the senate, and there yet remains time to appeal to their better angels. History will remember this moment, and the question will be asked: Did we fight, or did we surrender?

Four senators. One vote. And the soul of a nation hanging in the balance. Understand this. If we lose, this moment, we all ultimately lose together, as perhaps only one soul, on earth – and certainly in these United States, will emerge to maintain free will and his will be done.

Play Ball.

Beyond Trump’s little sneak attack on Ramaphosa, China is a strong supporter of South Africa. Their relationship has deepened significantly over the years, moving beyond just economic ties to encompass strategic, political, and even military cooperation.

Here’s a breakdown of how China supports South Africa:

1. Economic Partnership:

* Major Trading Partner: China is South Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade soaring to tens of billions of dollars annually.

* Investment: Chinese companies have substantial investments in South Africa, particularly in mining, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. They also participate in South Africa’s Belt and Road Initiative projects.

* Loans: China provides loans to South Africa, though some analysts raise concerns about potential debt sustainability.

* Market Access: China has committed to opening its markets to more South African products, especially agricultural goods, to help address South Africa’s persistent trade deficit with China (where South Africa primarily exports raw materials and imports manufactured goods).

2. Political and Strategic Alignment:

* “All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership”: The relationship has been elevated to this high level, signifying strong political, economic, and social ties.

* Global South Solidarity: Both countries emphasize their commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Global South and advocating for a more equitable international order.

* BRICS Membership: South Africa’s inclusion in the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) in 2010 was largely facilitated by China and has further solidified their economic and political ties.

* Multilateral Coordination: China supports South Africa’s role in international forums, including its G20 presidency, and encourages greater African participation in alternative global institutional architectures.

* Support for South Africa’s Development: China has expressed firm support for South Africa’s chosen path of economic and social development, offering to share experience in poverty alleviation and rural revitalization.

3. Other Areas of Cooperation:

* Infrastructure: China has committed to investing in South Africa’s infrastructure build program, including ports, rail, and road networks.

* Energy: Chinese companies are investing in South Africa’s energy sector, including renewable energy and addressing its electricity challenges.

* Technology Transfer: There are initiatives for skills transfer and technology collaboration, especially in areas like manufacturing and advanced technologies.

* Military Ties: China and South Africa engage in joint military training and defense sales.

While the relationship is characterized by strong support from China, it’s also important to note that the trade imbalance favoring China and concerns about the nature of some Chinese investments and loans are subjects of ongoing discussion and analysis.

Play Ball

The Art Of The Dealio

THE ART OF THE DEALIO.

The great negotiator is no match for big balls. During yesterday’s marathon, 2 hour call, Daniel Tramp laid out his cards, and his vision of peace. It turns out that Pootie Tang had his own vision of the way things ought to be.

So Mr. Tramp went home to post boastfully on Twist Social, about the “very good call…” , while Pootie went home and dropped some explosive ordinances on what is left of Ukraine’s protected infrastructure sites.

Go Team.