Politics. On Point.

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Did you know Presidents' Day isn’t just about a day off?  Originally established to honor George Washington’s birthday, it has since grown to celebrate all U.S. presidents who’ve shaped the country’s path. It’s a day to reflect on leadership, service, and the values that drive national progress. Presidents' Day dates back to 1879, when it was first recognized as a federal holiday for Washington. Later, Abraham Lincoln’s February birthday brought attention. By 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act combined the days, creating the long weekend many know today—but its purpose goes far deeper. From decisions that forged independence to policies steering modern challenges, U.S. presidents have helped shape history. It's a moment to appreciate lessons in courage, responsibility, and the impact of strong leadership on society today. How do you celebrate Presidents' Day?  Is it by learning about the leaders who influenced American history? Do you read their biographies, visit ...

Under President Trump's first term in office, America experienced job declines. Data from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) suggests that the total number of federal employees decreased by approximately 1.3% from 2016 to 2020, resulting in a loss of approximately 18,000 government positions. This decline was achieved largely through attrition, as the administration emphasized not filling vacancies rather than implementing widespread layoffs.   Also: What about social security?  Trump has sad that he does not plan to change social security, however, one case shows how a senior experienced   difficulty getting their due benefits .  Job Losses in Government Agencies since 2016. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) The EPA faced significant cuts under the Trump administration, with staffing levels dropping from approximately 15,000 employees in 2016 to about 14,000 by 2020 citing budget cuts and decreasing regulatory enforcement practices.  Department of Ed...

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of these United States on January 20, 2025. It was a lively affair that took place in the same place that was nearly desecrated by his supporters just four years earlier.  Talk about coming full circle.  Bands played ,  artists sang , balls were attended, and supporters camped out in front of the venue for hours to get a chance to witness history, again, and to hear the inaugural address . Executive Orders In his first three days, President Trump signed multiple Executive Orders.  Here's a list of his efforts he believes will help America 'win'. Trump commenced to: 1) Firing of America's government workers, especially 'DEI' departments, and its workers. 2) Ending birthright citizenship for immigrants, in spite of the 14th Amendment. 3) Going after immigrants believed to be dangerous to the country. 4) Pardoning 1500+ American citizens believed to be dangerous to the country. 5) Demanding those government workers no...

Oh, what a week in politics it has been! President Biden addressed the nation Wednesday in what will likely be his last public television address of his administration, just days before the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump. President Biden addressed the Hamas conflict and shared concerns for the nation as the new U.S. presidential regime prepares to lead the country. Biden elected to step back to allow Vice President Kamala Harris to run for president in his stead, with just 90 days until the 2025 election, amid concerns for his health and mental capacity. In his speech, he warned that the country being run by "ultra wealthy people", could have "dangerous consequences if their abuse of power is left unchecked." (See the seven-minute mark). X owner Elon Musk, who some see as already serving in an  unofficial capacity  in the Trump administration, is a concern of which President Biden speaks. Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon creator Jeff Bezos als...

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 7, 2025 FACT SHEET: Vice President Harris Announces Final Rule Removing Medical Debt from All Credit Reports   Today’s final rule will remove $49 billion in unpaid medical bills from the credit reports of 15 million Americans. In addition, the Vice President is announcing that States and Localities have already Eliminated Over $1 Billion in Medical Debt Thanks to Biden-Harris Administration Support   Today, Vice President Harris announced a final rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to remove medical debt from consumer credit reports. This rule will reduce the burden of medical debt and ensure that patients are not denied access to credit for home mortgages, car loans, or small business loans due to unpaid medical bills.   Further, Vice President Harris announced that states and localities have leveraged American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to support the elimination of over $1 billion in medical debt for more than 700,000 Amer...

Did Dr. Jill Biden come up with the most creative version of the scariest time of the year? The First Lady’s theme, “Hallo-READ!,” highlights the spooktacular thrill of reading On Wednesday, October 30th, the President and First Lady are hosting a Halloween event that will welcome local students and military-connected children to the White House for trick-or-treating.  A teacher for 40 years, including years spent as a reading specialist, First Lady Jill Biden created this year’s theme, “Hallo-READ!,” with the White House’s festive décor featuring famous literary tales and spooky story time. Dr. Biden’s theme encourages families and children to once again grab a flashlight, pick out their favorite Halloween book, and relish in the spooktacular thrill of reading together. Children will trick-or-treat along the South Lawn of the White House up to the South Portico to receive both candy and books from the President and First Lady, as well as other White House friends and neighbors. Se...

From the White House. FACT SHEET: U.S. Achievements in the Global Fight Against Corruption   Corruption poses a grave and enduring threat to U.S. national interests and those of our partners. When officials abuse their entrusted power for personal or political gain, the interests of authoritarians and corrupt actors win – at the expense of citizens, honest businesses, and healthy societies. As the Biden-Harris Administration took office, this longstanding challenge had metastasized. In some countries, oligarchs were teaming up with foreign kleptocrats to warp policy and procurement decisions in exchange for kickbacks – with no accountability. Corrupt officials were laundering stolen assets through the U.S. and global financial systems, while local investigators were ill-equipped to follow the money. Reformers in countries saddled with corruption had scarce public resources to actually address development needs. The Biden-Harris Administration tacked these challenges starting Day On...

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 17, 2024   Statement from President Joe Biden on the Death of Yahya Sinwar Early this morning, Israeli authorities informed my national security team that a mission they conducted in Gaza likely killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.  DNA tests have now confirmed that Sinwar is dead.  This is a good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world.    As the leader of the terrorist group Hamas, Sinwar was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Israelis, Palestinians, Americans, and citizens from over 30 countries.  He was the mastermind of the October 7th massacres, rapes, and kidnappings.  It was on his orders that Hamas terrorists invaded Israel to intentionally – and with unspeakable savagery – kill and massacre civilians, a Holocaust survivor, children in front of their parents, and parents in front of their children.  Yahya Ibrahim Hassan al-Sinwar was born  on 29 October 1962. He was...

The New York Giants descended upon the White House today, their coveted Superbowl trophy in tow, to be honored by President Obama for winning Superbowl XLVI after beating the New England Patriots 21-17. It would be their second White House visit since winning Superbowl XLII in 2008.  President Obama receives an autographed football and jersey from the New York Giants.  Photo/CD Brown. "Everyone played a kep role", said head coach Tom Coughlin of his team that scratched to make it to the Playoffs.   "Our special teams, our offensive team, and our defensive team, doing their job.  Each having their own motive, but playing in harmony for the good of everyone." "Wouldn't it be good if Congress did the same thing", asked Coughlin to the applause of the president and the jeering attendees. Their second Superbowl win solidifies their quarterback, Eli Manning, as a top rated NFL quarterback, contrary to what sports writers and talk radio hosts sa...

While the world (and the daily news cycle) has been focusing on Vice President Kamala Harris and her presidential bid, current president Joe Biden has remained busy, behind the scenes, focusing on a few items we all should care about. President Biden believes that no one—neither the President nor the Supreme Court—is above the law. In the face of this crisis of confidence in America’s democratic institutions, President Biden is calling for three bold reforms to restore trust and accountability:  ADVERTISEMENT Get the  'WEIRD'  bumper  sticker . No Immunity for Crimes a Former President Committed in Office:  President Biden shares the Founders’ belief that the President’s power is limited—not absolute—and must ultimately reside with the people. He is calling for a constitutional amendment that makes clear no President is above the law or immune from prosecution for crimes committed while in office. This  No One Is Above the Law Amendment  will state tha...

For the record, I created Politics. On Point. nearly 20 years ago. Last week, I notified  PBS  to cease and desist using the namesake of my political blog, Politics. On Point. Ridiculously, they have decided to continue to use the same name as this blog  for their own political pages (see below). If there are any attorneys out there with a specialty in copyright matters, and related topics, please contact at politicsop@gmail.com. Your services are needed.  

Vice President Kamala Harris has the nation in a frenzy as voters gear up for what could be another historic presidential race. Photo Mason T. / Getty Images Harris, the likely Democratic nominee, has gained the support (and funds) of constituents and donors, (and President Joe Biden) catapulting her campaign to mammoth heights.  At the time of this post, nearly $100 million dollars has been raised in less than one week. Yet the potential first female, and first female of color, president does not keep skeptics at bay. There are still those who question the background,  race , and  record  (particularly the treatment of African American men) of the candidate who claims to care about the rights and freedoms of Americans. The Kamala as Madam President song. Have you heard the new Madam Presiden t song? Lady of Liberty, proud and strong You've led us right where we belong. With every step, every beat You'll bring the light, the truth we seek. Click here for full lyric...

They're coming from the left.  They're coming from the right. They're coming... for President Joe Biden to make him step down from his position as President of the United States. After what many are calling a 'concerning debate performance' nearly two weeks ago in his first debate with former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential bid, many are worried that the president's mental acuity is failing. ADVERTISEMENT Got a Workplace Situation?   People. Keep in mind that President Biden has been in office for 3+ years. No one has steadfastly called for him to step down, so fervently, as right now. One debate vs 3+ years of progressive workmanship?   Some want Vice President Kamala Harris to take the reins, meanwhile Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is defending why she can't reveal the name, or names, of physicians of the president, specifically the neurologist who saw the president at the White House. ADVERTISEMENT Living Healthy . Ten basics. We...