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Signs of incompetence
Another measure of the incompetence of this administration is that they don’t even have a plan in place to correct an “administrative error” when they deport someone who’s here legally. And what a sad state of affairs when penguins on a far off island are subject to tariffs.
-Steve Bennett Newport
Overbearing media influence
Licensed branded merchandise accounts for an astonishing number of products. Consider all the items that are Disney or cartoon character-related. From cereal to Lunchables, even bags of apples display Mickey Mouse.
There’s clothing with licensed branding or logos, comic books, video games and even toothpaste!
When the Nickelodeon cartoon character SpongeBob’s face was plastered on everything, involving more than 700 licensed franchises worldwide, proceeds were reportedly around $8 billion annually. Branding through advertising clearly pays in outsized ways.
The overarching influence of the media has been shown to be a powerful force shaping our culture – and therefore our opinions and even our identities – since the 1950’s when advertising began to take off. Originally, there were dozens of media outlets; now it has narrowed down to just six multinational corporations controlling what we are exposed to.
Consider that pharmaceuticals now account for an outsized percentage of ads aired. Since advertising pays the bills for media outlets, pharmaceutical corporations have an outsized influence on what journalists can report on – lest they risk losing revenue. Do you believe any meaningful criticism of their products would be tolerated? What else are those pulling our strings with this undeserved power up to?
-Kamori Cattadoris Newport
Good luck
I am just one of millions that is appalled at the actions of the 47th president of the United States. Every single weekend he doesn’t miss the trip to his golf course to play and have a great time. He wastes millions of dollars every single weekend, meanwhile there’s hundreds of people right now losing their jobs and struggling to put food on the table.
He said his vice president isn’t agreeing with him right now.
That’s one person. He also said that 97% of his cabinet agree with what he’s doing, except for the vice president. Who are the other two people? He makes up numbers just like the tariffs on innocent countries.
The right has elected the most ignorant, hateful crook, traitor to serve our country. I know people that are terrified what is happening with the stock market, horrified at what is happening with their 401ks.
Good luck, that’s all I can say.
Canada and Mexico aren’t our enemies, no matter what he says. Everything he says is so stupid I feel like an idiot even repeating something that he said.
-Jeannie Hutchins Newport
The irony Aah the irony! Recently the democrat left has decided to take out their frustration about last election by vandalizing Tesla dealerships, spray painting swastikas, shooting out the dealership windows, planting IEDS and firebombing the cars in the lot. They have even taken to keying privately owned Tesla’s while parked and assaulting Tesla drivers while they are driving. The Tesla owners are also being called Nazis and other vile names. The irony is that most if not all these violent leftists are self-proclaimed environmentalists and by firebombing these cars, they are putting very toxic fumes in the air. The flames are so toxic that special protective gear must be worn by the first responders. The offenders are also highly likely to be pro-gun laws while using guns outlawed by the very gun laws they support.
The other irony is that about 40% of the Tesla owners that are assaulted, with their cars being defaced by these democrat leftists are also democrats and purchased their Tesla because of their concern for the environment. Eating their own! We also have a moron Senator selling his Tesla and buying a large SUV.
-LeRoy Leland Diamond Lake
Do your research, vote
In May we have the privilege to vote on the new levy. So, #1 is to get out and vote. It’s critical. Passing the levy is critical.
I have said before to get out and check the FACTS before you decide which way you’re going to vote. I can tell from what I’ve read about the subject from other opinions, is that so many people are still only going by what the rumor mill says.
Please check with the district office or a board member so that you know exactly what is going on. This is a very serious situation. One school has already been partially shut down. Two others (Priest Lake and Idaho Hill) will be shut down without the levy. Please don’t let this happen. Our youngsters deserve a good education. If you’re from here you’ve gone through our school system. You’ve enjoyed the fruits of a good education and all the benefits that are part of that. Don’t take that away from our present day students.
To be continued---.
-Ernie and Helen Schoeffel Priest River
Who pays for tariffs?
“Tariffs are taxes.” Quote from Wall Street Journal. Implementation of the tariffs announced by Trump are basically a national sales tax. The consumer, all of us, will be paying these taxes, not the countries exporting products to the United States. It is estimated that the announced tariffs will cost the average consumer $3,500 per year.
The tariffs imposed will range from 10% to 54% depending on country of origin. Think about what is in your kitchen, garage, closet, etc. Shoes, clothing, appliances and electronics are examples. Most all are imported. Even your “American” made vehicle contains components imported. Repairing your vehicle will increase since most auto parts are imported.
Your local grocer operates on a 1.6% net profit margin after taxes [Food Industry Association].
99% of our coffee is imported.
Bananas. Imported. Grocers will have to pass on price increases.
What will be the price of the new trainers? Old refrigerator dying?
Replacement will be imported.
How is your retirement fund doing today?
We are witnessing the largest tax increase in history. As the Wall Street Journal stated, “the dumbest trade war in history.”
-Robert W. Schutte Newport
How did you like Liberation Day?
How did you like Trump’s “liberation day” tariffs? We are going to pay 10%-25% more for imported products. The tariffs are a tax that is collected from the importer and passed on to American consumers.
Do you believe that a multi-national corporation making products in another county is going to move the factory to the USA and sell its products at a lower price for less profit? Are American farmers going to start growing coffee and cacao in North Dakota? Are your grandkids going to work in a new USA factory sewing shirts and jeans?
How about a tire factory where the Newport smelter was going to be located?
Half of my 1960’s high school housed wood, metal, auto and welding shops. Then our society decided that working in a factory was something that we didn’t want our kids to do. We turned to big finance and retail of cheap goods made in poor countries.
We decided that money is made by buying and selling rather than making.
Trump will be dead of old age before America goes back to 1960’s factory labor. I am just looking for someone who can fix my dishwasher made in China.
-Pete Scobby Newport
