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Brazil

Tariff Vengeance

Plus: Prime sales slumping, Hill Country flood victim search continues, Diocese of San Bernardino takes on ICE, and more...

Liz Wolfe | 7.10.2025 9:30 AM

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Jair Bolsonaro | Leandro Chemalle/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom
(Leandro Chemalle/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom)

Trump comes to Bolsonaro's aid: President Donald Trump has, at times, claimed that his tariffs are due to other countries' unfair trade practices: "We are going to have 10 percent to 20 percent tariffs on foreign countries that have been ripping us off for years, we are going to charge them 10 percent to 20 percent to come in and take advantage of our country because that is what they have been doing," he said in August 2024. But he's also claimed that "large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base," and that tariffs will revive that sector, returning loads of dignified middle-class jobs to America.

Consider another possibility that Trump's tariffs are not about either of the stated justifications—unfair trade practices or hollowed-out domestic manufacturing—but about a secret third thing: Seeking vengeance for his friends.

Get your morning news roundup from Liz Wolfe and Reason.

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Yesterday's 50 percent tariff imposed on all Brazilian imports is a good example of this. Trump hasn't even hidden behind many of his usual excuses (though he did claim we have a trade deficit with Brazil, when really we have a surplus), but has more overtly claimed that the new front in the trade war is retribution for the "witch hunt" going on domestically in Brazil against his political ally, former right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro. "The way that Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his Term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace," wrote Trump in his letter to current Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro is facing prosecution for his attempt to overturn the vote that declared him a loser in the last presidential election. ("Bolsonaro is the most investigated president in the country's history," one of Bolsonaro's lawyers told the court, in a soundbite reminiscent of what many have said about Trump. "Absolutely nothing has been found.")

But one could be wholly sympathetic to Bolsonaro and share Trump's affinity for him, yet still reject the mechanism used to attempt to wield influence. Why are American businesses and consumers who wish to buy from Brazil punished for the actions of Lula?

"While the full consequences of this approach by the White House are yet to be seen, the immediate winner of Trump's attack is none other than Bolsonaro's nemesis, the leftist president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva," writes Juan Pablo Spinetto for Bloomberg. "The temperamental former union boss has been teasing Trump for months, urging him to 'think' before speaking and accusing him of 'trying to become an emperor of the world,' among other jabs that went unanswered. That Trump took the bait at this moment is a gift for Lula, who has made a career of blaming the Americans for every misfortune of his governments—and the world."

Continues Spinetto:

"Trump may not have noticed, but his outburst toward Brazil bears more than a passing resemblance to his assault on Canada: By threatening it with outsized tariffs, mocking its sovereignty and meddling in its internal affairs, he stoked nationalism, changing the course of an election that appeared to have been lost for the Liberal Party. Something similar may well happen in Brazil, where Lula is looking to win a historic fourth term next year despite struggling with a decline in his popularity and economic difficulties."

So from a foreign policy perspective, and from the perspective of achieving his desired outcome in Brazil, Trump's move is foolish. From the perspective of reshoring critical industries to bolster American manufacturing, Trump's move is foolish. From a perspective of correcting the trade deficit, which appears to be one of his goals even though it doesn't make any sense, Trump's move is foolish (and also he is wrong on the merits). The only thing accomplished by this is the continued closing off of America to the world, at great cost to normal people who are just looking to buy beef, coffee, and bananas, who did not take part in any Brazilian witch hunt and don't even know who Jair Bolsonaro is.


Scenes from New York: Eric Adams' newest unofficial adviser: Bill Ackman.


QUICK HITS

  • This past year, amid the turbulence caused by tariffs, Amazon made a risky gamble: It moved Prime Day from a two-day event to a four-day one, and has so far seen very little payoff. "Momentum Commerce, which manages online sales for 50 brands in a variety of product categories and price points, said its Amazon sales plunged 41% on Tuesday when compared with the start of Prime Day last year," reports Bloomberg. Some analysts are theorizing the longer shopping window has created less urgency, while others believe the tariff impact—indicated to shoppers by less-discounted prices than usual—is dampening sales.
  • "A Georgia couple whose children were taken from them for two years following a false claim of child abuse have filed a lawsuit, arguing that the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) officials violated official polices in an effort to sever their parental rights," reports Reason's Emma Camp.
  • Beautiful vignettes memorializing some of the Texas Hill Country flooding victims. The death toll has reached 120, with 173 still missing. Here's a look ahead and how the Texas legislature might respond to this tragedy, from The Texas Tribune. And here's a sweet story about "Texas' FEMA"—aka the grocery chain H-E-B, which has a long history of helping during times of disaster, and the many Texas companies who are rendering aid to people in need.
  • Catholics in the Diocese of San Bernardino who credibly fear deportation are dispensed from their obligation to attend Mass:

NEW: Bishop Rojas of San Bernardino has dispensed his Diocese from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass due to ongoing ICE raids. pic.twitter.com/VOdKp1HKqJ

— Rich Raho (@RichRaho) July 9, 2025

  • Our pets will live in the pods and eat the bugs, apparently.
  • God bless the First Amendment, long may it reign:

Update… I am NOT backing down…I sent this back with the help from @marcorandazza https://t.co/9VWvhuuNr5 pic.twitter.com/eE595M2DML

— Murray Hill Guy (@MurrayHillGuy1) July 9, 2025

Start your day with Reason. Get a daily brief of the most important stories and trends every weekday morning when you subscribe to Reason Roundup.

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NEXT: Trump Won’t Enforce the TikTok Ban. Is That Constitutional?

Liz Wolfe is an associate editor at Reason.

BrazilReason RoundupPoliticsTariffsFree TradeTrump Administration
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  1. Fist of Etiquette   22 hours ago

    Consider another possibility that Trump's tariffs are not about either of the stated justifications—unfair trade practices or hollowed-out domestic manufacturing—but about a secret third thing: Seeking vengeance for his friends.

    New conspiracy theory just dropped.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Fist of Etiquette   22 hours ago

      I'm here for it, by the way. I don't trust anyone's stated motives anymore.

      Log in to Reply
      1. Sometimes a Great Notion   22 hours ago

        White House sources say he wants Bolsonaro pardoned but will settle for a Trump Rio Hotel and Resort.

        Log in to Reply
        1. Randy Sax   21 hours ago

          And a few of those dancers to tag in and give Melania a break every once in a while.

          Log in to Reply
          1. Sometimes a Great Notion   21 hours ago

            Better have RFK Jr check to make sure they aren't "processed".

            Log in to Reply
            1. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   21 hours ago

              No artificial colors.

              Log in to Reply
              1. Dillinger   19 hours ago

                Carnivale during the first half of Pleasantville totally boring.

                Log in to Reply
                1. Ajsloss   18 hours ago

                  Just wait until an old lady starts to finger herself in the bathtub.

                  Log in to Reply
    2. Earth-based Human Skeptic   22 hours ago

      "Conspiracy" in 20th century or new, modern 21st century terms:

      "Conspiracy" is a political rhetorical device to deflect accusations that challenge an official government narrative by suggesting the accusers are fringe anti-social nut-jobs, even though they will be proven correct in 6 months.

      Log in to Reply
      1. Minadin   21 hours ago

        Latter half of the 'Biden' administration, it was more like 6 weeks. Sometimes 6 days.

        Log in to Reply
    3. MollyGodiva   20 hours ago

      It is not much of a "conspiracy" if it is out in the open.

      Log in to Reply
      1. InsaneTrollLogic (Muting Sarc like he mutes us)   20 hours ago

        You must be super retarded as Fist’s comment just flew over your head by 30,000 feet.

        Log in to Reply
    4. mad.casual   20 hours ago

      Personally, I'm having trouble wrapping my head around the idea that there is some sort of captured, globalist, cabal of unaccountable bureaucrats that is marching us all towards a varyingly immoral, monocultural, one world order under the not just the false banner of words like 'tolerance', 'diversity', and 'free trade', but the literal inversion of them. That various high-profile "right wing" individuals represent a nationalist, individualist, sovereign opposition and that any and all disruptive actions are, no matter how represented, primarily a defensive act meant to thwart it.

      This is the first I'm hearing of any of this in my little ideologically isolated, culturally retrograde, pre-1984 anachronistic bubble.

      Log in to Reply
  2. Rev Arthur L kuckland (5-30-24 banana republic day)   22 hours ago

    Prime sales are slumping due to people realizing that companies spike the price before prime day then say it's 50% off even though the product is the same price as a month before

    Log in to Reply
    1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

      Also looking around at clutter and realizing they dont have any more room to store cheap shit they'll never use.

      There was even a sharp decrease in the rise of credit card debt last quarter. Likewise all the student loans having to be repaid has stopped a lot of the bad actors pushing consumerism.

      Log in to Reply
      1. mad.casual   20 hours ago

        Also looking around at clutter and realizing they dont have any more room to store cheap shit they'll never use.

        Analogously or derivative; ordering shit to get here tomorrow that I won't actually have time to touch until next weekend or even this fall when kids go back to school is not a value-added proposition.

        That made at least a little more sense when people were being forced to stay in their homes and got screeched at by bodysnatchers if they went outside.

        Log in to Reply
      2. middlefinger   18 hours ago

        Bloomberg peddles economic propaganda bullshit. It’s an economic mystery why Amazons stock price is up over 6 percent in the last six months.

        If Nate Silver is the guy that gets everything wrong, ever single time (with Paul Krugman thrown in for good measure), Bloomberg is the economic version of good old Nate and Krugman. Reason seems to be getting some kickback funding from mini Mike.

        Log in to Reply
    2. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   21 hours ago

      I bought one of those outdoor pizza ovens for my wife’s birthday several months ago. MIL liked it and asked for one for her cottage. Looked this morning and the price was doubled, but was 20% off.

      Log in to Reply
    3. middlefinger   18 hours ago

      It might have something to do with Amazon accepting SNAP cards (if a person is on SNAP, how do they pay for a Prime membership?) that have dried up due to work requirements and illegals going off them

      Log in to Reply
      1. MollyGodiva   13 hours ago

        Amazon Fresh takes SNAP cards. Amazon also gives SNAP card holders half off Amazon Prime. The $8 per month for Prime could easily be offset by not having to go to the grocery store. Even more so if they don't have a car.

        Log in to Reply
  3. Rev Arthur L kuckland (5-30-24 banana republic day)   22 hours ago

    The San bernidino bishop needs to be excomunicated. Catholics went to Mass during the Roman persecution times. Trump is sending them home, not killing them.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   21 hours ago

      BUT MILLIONS OF CHILDREN HAVE DIED!!!

      Log in to Reply
      1. Spiritus Mundi   21 hours ago

        Settle down Sotomayor.

        Log in to Reply
      2. Rev Arthur L kuckland (5-30-24 banana republic day)   21 hours ago

        Ahem I think you mean gazillions

        Log in to Reply
    2. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

      This same bishop refused to write the required religious letters to avoid the covid vaccine in California.

      Log in to Reply
  4. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   22 hours ago

    Screw tariffs, we need to send in troops!

    Log in to Reply
  5. Earth-based Human Skeptic   22 hours ago

    'Consider another possibility that Trump's tariffs are not about either of the stated justifications—unfair trade practices or hollowed-out domestic manufacturing—but about a secret third thing: Seeking vengeance for his friends.'

    What? Interfere with foreign governments using tariffs? How crude!

    Better for Trump to use military actions, or maybe some of that sophisticated EU-WEF "intervention", right?

    Log in to Reply
    1. Social Justice is neither   22 hours ago

      I believe the Leftists swoon if you wrap it in some fancy term like "kinetic diplomacy", then it's totally different from a bombing or invasion.

      Log in to Reply
    2. Idaho-Bob   22 hours ago

      'Consider another possibility that Trump's tariffs are not about either of the stated justifications—unfair trade practices or hollowed-out domestic manufacturing—but about a secret third thing: Seeking vengeance for his friends.'

      Gotta love how the press tells us what Trump thinks. But only in the most negative thoughts possible. They never speculate Trump's thoughts as benevolent or positive. Ever.

      This is what fucks up the weak-minded. We see the usual crowd on here doing the same shit.

      Log in to Reply
      1. Quicktown Brix   21 hours ago

        Trump told us what he thinks.

        Log in to Reply
        1. Idaho-Bob   21 hours ago

          If Trump said it, there would be no reason for mind-reading speculation.

          Weak.

          Log in to Reply
          1. Quicktown Brix   21 hours ago

            Well Trump is a prolific liar so...

            Log in to Reply
            1. Sevo, 5-30-24, embarrassment   20 hours ago

              Well, QB is a TDS-addled lying pile of shit so...

              Log in to Reply
              1. Quicktown Brix   20 hours ago

                Hi Sevo. How's the manifesto coming along?

                Well, QB is a TDS-addled lying pile of shit so...

                TDS-addled pile of shit; fine, but I don't lie.

                I can be wrong or misled, but I don't lie...unless a woman asks how she looks...honest is not ALWAYS the best policy.

                Log in to Reply
                1. Dillinger   18 hours ago

                  hot! always works.

                  Log in to Reply
                2. Chuck P. (The Artist formerly known as CTSP)   18 hours ago

                  I can be wrong or misled, but I don't lie...

                  Gaslighting counts as lying, asshat, even if you believe what you are trying to get people to hallucinate.

                  Log in to Reply
                  1. The Average Dude (Who's Smarter Than You)   15 hours ago

                    And we know that MAGA never, ever gaslights. Ever.

                    Log in to Reply
                    1. Chuck the Sarcasm Police   14 hours ago

                      Who the fuck do you think you are mysteriously whispering to, cunt? I was talking about my specific experience with a specific person, not some cult from your Trumptator fan-fic.

                  2. Quicktown Brix   13 hours ago

                    If you believe what you're saying, its not gaslighting.

                    You redefine words to suit your argument, but who is buying it?

                    Log in to Reply
                3. Jefferson Paul   16 hours ago

                  Or she asks how old you think she is. Rule of thumb is to subtract 5 years from whatever the obvious answer is. If you subtract 10+ years, she will think you're just pandering.

                  Log in to Reply
            2. Incunabulum   18 hours ago

              Then what was your point by writing 'Trump said it'? If he is a prolific liar then it doesn't matter if he said it.

              Log in to Reply
          2. MatthewSlyfield   20 hours ago

            "but about a secret third thing"
            If Trump said it, it wouldn't be a secret. Using the word secret necessarily implies that they are assuming a motive that Trump has not stated out loud.

            Log in to Reply
            1. Quicktown Brix   20 hours ago

              Good point. I overlooked the secret part...actually I even argued against the secret part.

              Log in to Reply
            2. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   20 hours ago

              Mike also believed all the racial animus claims that were unsupported. At least he is consistent.

              Log in to Reply
              1. Quicktown Brix   20 hours ago

                No one cares what Mike said anymore.

                Log in to Reply
        2. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   20 hours ago

          Yeah, and Liz is either lying or ignorant:

          “INCREDIBLE! Trump just put 50% tariffs on the digital censor-state of Lula’s Brazil, specifically citing its censorship orders and insane fines against US social media companies for allowing free speech. This is Free Speech Diplomacy and defense of digital trade in one. Bravo”

          https://mobile.x.com/MikeBenzCyber/status/1943080136330334458

          I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you’re just ignorant.

          Log in to Reply
          1. damikesc   20 hours ago

            There's also the added tariff due to that whole BRICS thing.

            Log in to Reply
          2. Spiritus Mundi   20 hours ago

            She starts with the conculsion, orange man bad, and works backward.

            Log in to Reply
          3. Quicktown Brix   19 hours ago

            You should read the un highlighted parts of that too.

            Log in to Reply
            1. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   19 hours ago

              I did. Do you have a point?

              Log in to Reply
            2. Jefferson Paul   16 hours ago

              I'm glad George Washington rejected the honorific "His Excellency" for the President of the United States.

              "His Excellency" is lame for the leader of Brazil, or any other nation, IMO.

              Log in to Reply
              1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   15 hours ago

                I take it you have no latin heritage. Or maybe no human heritage.

                Log in to Reply
          4. tracerv   19 hours ago

            I'm starting to think she is both. Add naive as well.

            Log in to Reply
      2. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

        Looks like you picked up one of the weak minded.

        Log in to Reply
        1. Quicktown Brix   21 hours ago

          It's certain now.

          Log in to Reply
    3. Spiritus Mundi   21 hours ago

      The 'soft power' crowd, who recently where so vocal about how Trump is doing it wrong, are oddly silent here.

      Log in to Reply
      1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

        Amazing isnt it? The only soft power they want is giving away taxpayer money after they trim 80% off the top for themselves.

        Log in to Reply
    4. Quicktown Brix   21 hours ago

      Better for Trump to use military actions, or maybe some of that sophisticated EU-WEF "intervention", right?

      Or stop being imperial and mind his own business.

      Log in to Reply
      1. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   21 hours ago

        Political persecution is cool.

        Log in to Reply
        1. Quicktown Brix   21 hours ago

          Should we go after all cases of political persecution in the world...at our expense...like we are in this case?

          Log in to Reply
          1. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   20 hours ago

            So, no more asylum?

            Log in to Reply
            1. Quicktown Brix   19 hours ago

              If Bolsonaro wants to come here for asylum, I'm cool with that.

              Log in to Reply
              1. Dillinger   19 hours ago

                "I'm sorry, your soccer is just too awful to watch. Nao, obrigado."

                Log in to Reply
                1. Quicktown Brix   19 hours ago

                  That's true of all soccer, everywhere, at all times.

                  Log in to Reply
                  1. Dillinger   19 hours ago

                    if you don't stare intently the perpetual movement and change in colors works like a lava lamp

                    Log in to Reply
                  2. Jefferson Paul   16 hours ago

                    I think you've finally posted a comment that can unite (almost) all of the Reason commenters.

                    Log in to Reply
                    1. Quicktown Brix   13 hours ago

                      I was WAY overdue!

          2. Incunabulum   18 hours ago

            Sure.

            Just like we're supposed to fight for Ukraine.

            Log in to Reply
      2. Medulla Oblongata   21 hours ago

        Isn't that what he did when he shutdown tons of foreign aid?

        Log in to Reply
        1. Quicktown Brix   21 hours ago

          Yes. That was a good move, maybe his best move of this term.

          Log in to Reply
      3. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   20 hours ago

        Keep going QB, you’re doing great!

        Log in to Reply
        1. Quicktown Brix   19 hours ago

          What? No Twitter link citation from the non-ignorant one?

          Log in to Reply
    5. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   21 hours ago

      Color revolution to get a leftist dictator in office good, tariffs to stop political persecution bad.*

      *Liz is either lying or ignorant about part of the reasoning for this tariff.

      Log in to Reply
  6. Sometimes a Great Notion   22 hours ago

    The way that Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his Term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace,"

    Brazil First, Americans pay more taxes!

    Log in to Reply
  7. Fist of Etiquette   22 hours ago

    Some analysts are theorizing the longer shopping window has created less urgency, while others believe the tariff impact...

    I wonder the political party overlap between the two analyst camps.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   21 hours ago

      You know who else likes Venn diagrams?

      Log in to Reply
      1. Spiritus Mundi   21 hours ago

        And yellow school buses?

        Log in to Reply
      2. InsaneTrollLogic (Muting Sarc like he mutes us)   21 hours ago

        Kamalala Harris?

        Log in to Reply
      3. Roberta   18 hours ago

        John Venn?

        Log in to Reply
        1. Jefferson Paul   16 hours ago

          Yeah, but what would you expect for a guy named after the famous Venn diagrams?

          Log in to Reply
  8. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   22 hours ago

    .. the longer shopping window has created less urgency ….

    The largest retailer has violated the biggest rule of retail.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Ajsloss   21 hours ago

      Call within the next 20 minutes and we'll send you another product for free! You just pay shipping and handling!

      Log in to Reply
    2. Earth-based Human Skeptic   21 hours ago

      I'm sure Amazon will be out of business by the end of the year.

      Log in to Reply
      1. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   21 hours ago

        Death by tariffs.

        Log in to Reply
  9. Rev Arthur L kuckland (5-30-24 banana republic day)   22 hours ago

    If you support the Marxist cancers persecuting bolsonaro, then kill yourself.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   21 hours ago

      Or at least move there permanently.

      Log in to Reply
  10. Rev Arthur L kuckland (5-30-24 banana republic day)   22 hours ago

    Any word on the Dr facing 35 years for giving out fake wuflu jab cards? No? Too local?

    https://www.zerohedge.com/covid-19/doctor-faces-35-years-prison-issuing-covid-19-cards-no-vax-patients

    Log in to Reply
    1. Idaho-Bob   21 hours ago

      Dr. Kirk Moore was saving lives.

      They only cheer when a doctor is killing fetuses or mutilating confused children.

      Log in to Reply
    2. Earth-based Human Skeptic   21 hours ago

      Only 35 years? I thought they burned heretics and false prophets at the stake.

      Log in to Reply
    3. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

      No blurb on Mackey either.

      Log in to Reply
      1. Rev Arthur L kuckland (5-30-24 banana republic day)   21 hours ago

        Too local. And what does that have to do with freedom?

        Log in to Reply
        1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

          Just depressing. Just like worh covid, j6 prosecution abuses, etc... reason intentionally ignores this shit. Meanwhile they celebrate fat Latina trolls in Texas.

          Log in to Reply
      2. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   20 hours ago

        Which is surprising because they covered his story at the time. Maybe Robbie will cover it later.

        Log in to Reply
        1. InsaneTrollLogic (Muting Sarc like he mutes us)   20 hours ago

          Later being about 4 or 5 years later.

          Log in to Reply
    4. Spiritus Mundi   21 hours ago

      No, Reason only takes the side of actual criminals.

      Log in to Reply
      1. middlefinger   18 hours ago

        There’s a hierarchy though. Illegals operating pedophile rings is the winner hands down.

        Log in to Reply
        1. The Average Dude (Who's Smarter Than You)   15 hours ago

          Uh huh.

          Question: Have you, or anyone in your extended family, ever won a Darwin award?

          Log in to Reply
  11. Fist of Etiquette   22 hours ago

    Catholics in the Diocese of San Bernardino who credibly fear deportation are dispensed from their obligation to attend Mass...

    Deport those heathens then if they can't be bothered to even worship God in His American house.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   22 hours ago

      I didn’t know it was an obligation.

      Log in to Reply
      1. Fist of Etiquette   22 hours ago

        Well, this former altar boy can inform you that, yes, it is an obligation and that I will see you in HELL (because I also haven't been to mass in a while).

        Log in to Reply
        1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   21 hours ago

          What, are you saying you don't have the proper documentation to enter heaven?

          Log in to Reply
          1. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   21 hours ago

            Papals please.

            Log in to Reply
            1. InsaneTrollLogic (Muting Sarc like he mutes us)   20 hours ago

              I’m fairly incensed.

              Log in to Reply
          2. Chuck P. (The Artist formerly known as CTSP)   21 hours ago

            If you don't have an ID in the name of Jesus Cristo, you are not getting in.

            Log in to Reply
          3. Ska   21 hours ago

            You go to purgatory. Sentence is, what, a few thousand years for skipping mass? Who knows, maybe you confess a few years before you die and keep the card clean. That's got to be good for a sentence reduction.

            Log in to Reply
          4. mad.casual   19 hours ago

            Pearly gates are just, like, an abstract social construct, man. Just use a ladder.

            Log in to Reply
          5. tracerv   19 hours ago

            I went to a Christian school for 4 years. It's in my contact that I'm going to Heaven. Unfortunately the fine print said Heaven, TX.

            Log in to Reply
            1. Jefferson Paul   16 hours ago

              Unfortunately the fine print said Heaven, TX.

              So hell, but with an ironic name?

              Log in to Reply
      2. Sometimes a Great Notion   22 hours ago

        6 are obligatory. 2025 schedule below heathen, still time to repent.

        January 1: Solemnity of Mary
        May 29: Ascension of Jesus — Celebrated on the sixth Thursday after Easter Sunday*
        August 15: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
        November 1: Solemnity of All Saints*
        December 8: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
        December 25: Christmas

        Log in to Reply
        1. Randy Sax   21 hours ago

          Can I attend over teams? I gotta review these purchase orders.

          Log in to Reply
          1. Sometimes a Great Notion   21 hours ago

            I'm still waiting to hear if you didn’t make your Easter duty and it’s Pentecost Sunday, the last day, and you’re on a ship at sea. And the chaplain goes into a coma! But you wanted to receive. And then it’s Monday, too late… But then you cross the International Date Line! Would that then be a sin then, Father?

            Log in to Reply
    2. Longtobefree   21 hours ago

      No need to consider if a true Catholic would violate laws?

      Log in to Reply
  12. Earth-based Human Skeptic   22 hours ago

    "Momentum Commerce, which manages online sales for 50 brands in a variety of product categories and price points, said its Amazon sales plunged 41% on Tuesday when compared with the start of Prime Day last year"

    TARIFFS!!!

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    1. Sometimes a Great Notion   20 hours ago

      ARRRREE THHHEEEFFFTT!!!

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  13. Earth-based Human Skeptic   22 hours ago

    '"A Georgia couple whose children were taken from them for two years following a false claim of child abuse have filed a lawsuit, arguing that the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) officials violated official polices in an effort to sever their parental rights," reports Reason's Emma Camp.'

    Was the "abuse" refusing to chop off the boy's willy?

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  14. Fist of Etiquette   22 hours ago

    Bishop Rojas of San Bernardino has dispensed his Diocese from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass due to ongoing ICE raids.

    If it's good enough for illegal fugitives from COVID lockdowns it's good enough for illegal fugitives from Immigration.

    (YOU BETTER TAKE THIS BITING REMARK THE WAY IT'S INTENDED.)

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    1. mad.casual   19 hours ago

      In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 (Except San Bernadino because Bishop Rojas gave them dispensation)

      ...

      Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s, except your census documents because you don't have them.” And they were amazed at him.

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  15. Earth-based Human Skeptic   22 hours ago

    'And here's a sweet story about "Texas' FEMA"—aka the grocery chain H-E-B, which has a long history of helping during times of disaster, and the many Texas companies who are rendering aid to people in need.'

    Shouldn't that be illegal? I mean, taking private action that might out-perform and embarrass the government is a felony, right?

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    1. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   22 hours ago

      Depends if you have a trump yard sign or not.

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    2. Sometimes a Great Notion   21 hours ago

      It was when Shelley Luther tried to service her customers during a "crisis".

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  16. Fist of Etiquette   22 hours ago

    Our pets will live in the pods and eat the bugs, apparently.

    It's actually probably better than the crap they put in dog food now.

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    1. Ajsloss   21 hours ago

      Might explain why my cat has been eating the flies lately instead of just leaving their bodies in pieces on the floor.

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  17. Earth-based Human Skeptic   22 hours ago

    'Catholics in the Diocese of San Bernardino who credibly fear deportation are dispensed from their obligation to attend Mass'

    Right. Because skipping mass without a note means you can't cross the border into heaven.

    Log in to Reply
    1. mad.casual   19 hours ago

      A Catholic misinterpreting scripture to grandstand on empty gesture? Where's my fainting couch?

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  18. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   22 hours ago

    Nicole Solas, Sued by the Teachers Union
    @Nicoletta0602
    Foster Public Library in Rhode Island reportedly mailed a pride flag to RI resident Michael Krawczyk to retaliate against his criticism of the library not flying the American flag on July 4 after flying the trans flag all June.

    Taxes paid these librarians to harass a patron.

    https://x.com/Nicoletta0602/status/1942773462151639404

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    1. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   22 hours ago

      At least it wasn’t someone’s finger.

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    2. damikesc   19 hours ago

      Should've burnt the flag, posted the video on his page, and mailed the ashes to the library.

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    3. D-Pizzle   5 hours ago

      Foster RI is Trump country.

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  19. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   22 hours ago

    There is no leftist political violence.

    https://www.foxnews.com/us/blue-city-resident-vows-keep-pro-trump-political-displays-home-despite-second-shooting-attack

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    1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   21 hours ago

      "There is no leftist political violence."

      Correct. Leftist violence is speech. Also, rightist speech is violence.

      Got it?

      Log in to Reply
      1. Super Scary   21 hours ago

        From what I've heard, silence is also violence.

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    2. Spiritus Mundi   21 hours ago

      Reason still has 0 stories on the two attacks on ICE offices.

      Log in to Reply
      1. Medulla Oblongata   21 hours ago

        There's another one recently, although no one was shot...

        https://townhall.com/tipsheet/dmitri-bolt/2025/07/09/anti-ice-protesters-fafo-n2660112

        A massive brawl erupted outside the San Francisco Immigration Court on Tuesday between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and anti-ICE protesters. Federal agents were attempting to transport a man they had detained out of the building when protesters thought it would be a good idea to try and fight back.

        Agents struggled to escort the detained man through a crowd of protesters, with one officer shouting, “Stay away from my gun!” Despite the chaos, they managed to reach a van and place the man inside. Protesters then blocked the vehicle, attempting to stop it from leaving. That effort proved futile; ICE agents drove off regardless, as demonstrators clung to the van and were thrown off when the driver swerved aggressively to shake them loose.

        Video: https://x.com/ImMeme0/status/1942732381842202703

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        1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

          There was an attack in Portland a week ago too.

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        2. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   21 hours ago

          Was the van unmarked?

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          1. Michael Ejercito   20 hours ago

            Since when did people complain about uNmArKeD vAnS?

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      2. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

        A lot of stories they ignore for their blue bubble narrarive building.

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  20. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   22 hours ago

    Blue states sanctuaries have released at least 25000 criminal illegal aliens into communities in the last year.

    https://cis.org/Vaughan/Which-Sanctuary-Jurisdictions-Have-Released-Most-Criminals

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    1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   22 hours ago

      Some of the sweet minessotan men being harassed by DHS all because they sexually assaulted children.

      https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/07/09/ice-arrests-criminal-illegal-alien-sex-offenders-and-pedophiles-minneapolis

      Where is their due process??

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    2. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   22 hours ago

      Poor Nebraska man also a victim of orange Hitler.

      Post

      See new posts
      Conversation
      Bill Melugin
      @BillMelugin_
      EXCLUSIVE: Early this morning in the Omaha, Nebraska area, ICE arrested a MS-13 kingpin who is wanted for five aggravated murders in El Salvador and is on the country’s most wanted fugitives list, multiple ICE officials tell
      @FoxNews
      . ICE also arrested a MS-13 associate he was living with, 30-year-old Rene Saul Escobar Ochoa, who is also wanted in El Salvador for allegedly giving orders to fellow gang members to commit multiple murders.

      Both men are illegal aliens who had embedded themselves in the Omaha area. Fox is told the kingpin is not being identified due to the sensitivity of an ongoing investigation.

      Video of both arrests provided courtesy of ICE.

      Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons’ statement to FOX:

      “When ICE agents move in to make an arrest, it is extremely important that the public not interfere. The misinformation, and sometimes blatant lies, being spread around the country could result in someone stepping into a federal operation and suddenly finding themselves face-to-face with a killer who has nothing to lose. Our ICE officers and agents are protecting your neighborhoods, even when you don’t know the threat is there, so either support them, or get out of the way.”

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      1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   20 hours ago

        I'm sure the tattoos those guys have are in support of their favorite soccer teams.

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        1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   20 hours ago

          Enquirer just did the meme about a Cincinnati man.

          https://x.com/Enquirer/status/1943012356105118010

          Then Bill Melguin shut them down.

          Bill Melugin
          @BillMelugin_
          Not included in the headline:

          - He’s an Egyptian national whose asylum status was revoked during the Biden administration last year.
          - He apparently flagged on the FBI terror watchlist during a background check, though he claims the fingerprints didn’t match his.
          - Sued Feds multiple times. Judge dismissed most of his claims, one lawsuit still pending.
          - Met with ICE and the FBI for several hours yesterday before being arrested by ICE.

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  21. Medulla Oblongata   22 hours ago

    Two more Maryland fathers?

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/ice-agents-capture-suspected-violent-ms-13-gang-member-another-illegal-alien-after-police-let-them-slip-away/ar-AA1IdmBx

    ICE agents capture suspected violent MS-13 gang member, another illegal alien after police let them slip away

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents detained Honduran national and alleged MS-13 gang member Jonny Handy Martinez-Barillas, according to a statement from ICE posted to X on Tuesday.

    Martinez-Barillas had previously been charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm, officials said.

    However, Maryland police allegedly backed out of enforcing an ICE detainer in 2023, allowing him to "endanger American communities… until we finished the job," ICE wrote in the statement.

    During Martinez-Barillas' capture, ICE found another illegal immigrant in the passenger seat.

    Danilo Amilcar-Escobar, who was deported three times since April 2024, had pending charges for strangulation, domestic battery and cocaine possession, according to ICE.

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    1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   20 hours ago

      Um, if they don't know about the kids they sired are they still fathers?

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  22. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   22 hours ago

    LA politicians and hospitals upset that theyve seen up to a 30% reduction in taxpayer funded hospital visits during ICE actions.

    https://laist.com/news/health/no-shows-and-cancellations-are-up-at-some-hospitals-clinics-up-since-immigration-action-began

    Wait. I was told illegals were all profit no cost. 30%??

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    1. Idaho-Bob   21 hours ago

      Well, no profit for the thieving hospitals.

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      1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   20 hours ago

        And the government agencies and NGOs that funnel money to hospitals.

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  23. Medulla Oblongata   22 hours ago

    Another illegal alien sob story, of a somewhat different ilk...

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/thousands-of-tip-workers-may-be-left-out-of-trump-s-tax-cuts-due-to-ssn-rule/ar-AA1IhGJF

    Thousands of tip workers may be left out of Trump's tax cuts due to SSN rule

    The 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' (OBBB) introduced by the Trump administration seeks to make permanent the tax exemptions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and fund national priorities, including border security. However, a Social Security Number (SSN) requirement within the bill could exclude thousands of tip workers from benefiting.

    The SSN rule requires taxpayers and their spouses to include a correct SSN on tax returns to claim the qualified tips deduction. This excludes workers without legal immigration status and their spouses, even if they meet other requirements. Beyond tips, the legislation imposes unprecedented tax restrictions related to immigration status in other areas, affecting credits like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and other new tax breaks.

    The SSN requirement extends to other tax credits, such as deductions for auto loan interest and a larger standard deduction for seniors. It also denies certain education-related tax credits to individuals without an SSN. Additionally, a 1% tax on certain remittance transfers, effective after December 31, 2025, disproportionately affects immigrants, while exempting citizens performing the same activity.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Randy Sax   21 hours ago

      Illegals don't pay taxes anyway. Makes no difference.

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    2. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

      Now if they would apply it to the other tax deductions and credits.

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    3. Chuck P. (The Artist formerly known as CTSP)   20 hours ago

      Thousands of tip workers may be left out of Trump's tax cuts due to SSN rule

      What an insane take. There is literally no way to report tips other than on a W-2 and an employer cannot provide a W-2 to someone without a SSN, they have to report payments to anyone with an ITIN on a 1099. An employer cannot report tips on a 1099 because they are not the party making payment to the recipient. These people are not paying taxes on tips.

      And let me reiterate the most important thing. IT IS ILLEGAL TO EMPLOY SOMEONE WHO ONLY PROVIDES AN ITIN. It does not fulfill the requirements stated on form I-9.

      https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/individual-taxpayer-identification-number-itin

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      1. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   19 hours ago

        What, you want “journalists” to actually research the subjects they’re reporting on?

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      2. Gaear Grimsrud   18 hours ago

        That was my reaction. This story makes absolutely no sense. People without a SSN are filing 1040s?

        Log in to Reply
        1. Chuck P. (The Artist formerly known as CTSP)   18 hours ago

          Someone with an SSN might have a spouse or dependent that is not a citizen and has an ITIN but no SSN. That makes sense.

          But they want us to believe that aliens without an SSN are working jobs and paying taxes? Bullshit. They are either providing a false SSN (which is already fraud, might as well claim exempt on the W-4) or getting paid cash (tax evasion by employee and employer) or as a 1099 contractor using the ITIN (tax evasion by employee and employer).

          There is no way to report income tax (state or federal), SS, Medicare or UI for someone without a SSN. It is simply not possible. IF they were paid as 1099 contractor and filed a 1040, they would be responsible to pay self-employment tax, but why would they do that?

          Here is another kick in the nuts. I am 100% certain from actual experience that illegal aliens can and will pursue Workers Comp benefits and they will be paid out.

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      3. Stuck in California   14 hours ago

        to include a correct SSN on tax returns

        Emphasis added.

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        1. Chuck the Sarcasm Police   13 hours ago

          What are you attempting to emphasize?

          You can't claim a deduction using an incorrect SSN.

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  24. sarcasmic   22 hours ago

    "We are going to have 10 percent to 20 percent tariffs on foreign countries that have been ripping us off for years, we are going to charge them 10 percent to 20 percent to come in and take advantage of our country because that is what they have been doing,"

    No wonder his idiot defenders don't understand that tariffs are taxes paid by American importers that are then passed along to American consumers, like any other tax paid by American businesses. He makes it sound like they're paid by foreign exporters, and his willfully ignorant followers believe it.

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    1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

      So despite being given evidence you still think all importers are American businesses. Lol.

      Never change in your ignorance.

      Funny watching you continuing to change your argument over and over due to your consistency of being wrong though.

      You also are completely ignorant to the fact importers can adjust supply chains or renegotiate prices woth distributors as they are doing. All because you're a fucking retard.

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      1. Spiritus Mundi   21 hours ago

        Sarc's narratives are immune to actual data and reality. As are Reason's.

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        1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   20 hours ago

          Does Reason drink as much as Sarc?

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          1. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   18 hours ago

            Combined? Maybe.

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    2. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   21 hours ago

      This explains the low inflation rate.

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      1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

        You'd think he could point to quarterly corporate tax revenue as being down to prove his thesis here. Problem is quarterly corporate tax revenue is up.

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  25. Randy Sax   21 hours ago

    "Momentum Commerce, which manages online sales for 50 brands in a variety of product categories and price points, said its Amazon sales plunged 41% on Tuesday when compared with the start of Prime Day last year,"

    "Sir, your wife called, she says she lost the credit card."

    Thanks for the good news!

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  26. Medulla Oblongata   21 hours ago

    Daily Beast keeps using misogynistic language to describe Sec. Noem. And "long time FEMA officials" are doing their best to undercut her.

    ICE Barbie Accused of Delaying FEMA Response to Texas Floods With New Rule

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/ice-barbie-accused-of-delaying-fema-response-to-texas-floods-with-new-rule/ar-AA1IjQ5h

    Log in to Reply
    1. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   21 hours ago

      #6 will surprise you!

      Log in to Reply
    2. Idaho-Bob   21 hours ago

      There are no women in the democratic plantation who could qualify as "Barbies".

      This is the same crowd that wants to bang Sarah McBride, AKA MollyGodiva.

      Log in to Reply
      1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   20 hours ago

        When it comes down to it, women are much nastier than men, especially when they snipe about sex appeal (or lack thereof).

        Log in to Reply
        1. damikesc   19 hours ago

          Well, as has been said, nobody keeps single women single more than OTHER single women.

          Women's advice to other women tends to be fucking abysmal. That men are now showing some standards is quite upsetting to them.

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  27. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

    This past year, amid the turbulence caused by tariffs, Amazon made a risky gamble: It moved Prime Day from a two-day event to a four-day one, and has so far seen very little payoff. "Momentum Commerce, which manages online sales for 50 brands in a variety of product categories and price points, said its Amazon sales plunged 41% on Tuesday when compared with the start of Prime Day last year,"

    Isn't this the article that noted the average price of things bought on prime day is down from last year? Weird to leave out if you want it to be anti tariff.

    Data from research firm Numerator reveals that the average household is spending less on Prime Day this year—$106 compared to $110 at the start of last year's event. The average item price is also down, at $25.46, compared to $28 a year ago.

    Article also notes people are putting items into their shopping cart waiting to see if deals get better.

    https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/amazon-prime-day-sales-plummet-first-day

    Odd you leave out what would be the relevant link to tariffs.

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    1. Spiritus Mundi   21 hours ago

      Lie by omission. Aka narrative crafting.

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      1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   20 hours ago

        Journalism?

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  28. Medulla Oblongata   21 hours ago

    About time! Speaking of not enforcing the law...or, in this case, actively thwarting it...

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/student-loan-interest-will-restart-for-millions-of-save-borrowers/ar-AA1IhMMG

    Legal challenges have kept the massive group in limbo since June 2024, when former President Joe Biden's signature student loan repayment plan faced its first blow in court. In the interim, borrowers have been in interest-free forbearance, freed from making payments until at least September 2025, while their debt has been prevented from ballooning.

    That hiatus will end on Aug. 1, Trump administration officials said. The change is part of an effort to comply with an injunction issued in April to implement a court order striking down SAVE, they said.

    Education Secretary Linda McMahon urged SAVE borrowers to transition quickly to alternate repayment plans.

    "For years, the Biden administration used so-called ‘loan forgiveness’ promises to win votes, but federal courts repeatedly ruled that those actions were unlawful," she said in a statement on July 9. "Congress designed these programs to ensure that borrowers repay their loans, yet the Biden administration tried to illegally force taxpayers to foot the bill instead."

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  29. Medulla Oblongata   21 hours ago

    Another illegal alien sob story attempt...

    ICE Raids Paralyze L.A. Economy as Thousands of Workers Disappear

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/ice-raids-paralyze-l-a-economy-as-thousands-of-workers-disappear/ss-AA1IfDB4

    Thousands of people who helped build up important industries have completely vanished. Those who worked as landscapers, framers, and even retail staff have disappeared, sometimes leaving tasks and jobs in the middle of completion.

    It's not just illegal immigrants who are worried; entire communities are shaken. “Papers or not, fear spreads quickly,” says Joshua Baum, a real estate consultant.

    Areas with a high density of immigrants are especially reeling from substantial losses. Business owners are reporting fewer customers coming to their doors and staff not showing up for work.

    Just one week after the raids, many businesses have reported sales being cut in half. Just rumors of another ICE raid in a community are enough to reinforce fear and lead to economic blows.

    As fewer people feel confident enough to go out and shop, and others are too scared to show up to work, city and state tax revenues could decline in the near future. This has a domino effect on other sectors, as less funding comes in for schools, clinics, and public safety.

    The pressure put on local economies is apparent, as The Los Angeles Times reports that many community members are anxious to go outside and contribute to local businesses' revenue.

    Beyond economic decline, the raids have had a direct burden on residents, who have reported mass fear, anxiety, and trauma. Many families, regardless of their status, are worried about how far ICE raids could go and who could be targeted next.

    Distress has been reported by mental health professionals and the Los Angeles Times in both those who are missing work and in children who are missing important education as a result of the raids.

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    1. InsaneTrollLogic (Muting Sarc like he mutes us)   21 hours ago

      Just how much of the LA economy is being propped up by undocumented illegal alien slave labor?

      Log in to Reply
      1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

        Read an article today about Los Angelas drivers noticing their Google maps nav system is green on major roads for the first time since covid. So a shit ton.

        Log in to Reply
      2. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   21 hours ago

        Who will pick the cotton now?

        Log in to Reply
        1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

          Hopefully drunk and high line cooks who burn steaks.

          Log in to Reply
          1. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   20 hours ago

            Think I’d rather have an MS-13 member work for me.

            Log in to Reply
            1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   19 hours ago

              Fair.

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    2. Sevo, 5-30-24, embarrassment   20 hours ago

      "...“Papers or not, fear spreads quickly,” says Joshua Baum, a real estate consultant..."

      Especially when it's fanned by assholes like this.

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    3. Earth-based Human Skeptic   20 hours ago

      'As fewer people feel confident enough to go out and shop, and others are too scared to show up to work, city and state tax revenues could decline in the near future. This has a domino effect on other sectors, as less funding comes in for schools, clinics, and public safety."

      Just like COVID! And that was a good thing 3 years ago, right?

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  30. Medulla Oblongata   21 hours ago

    NEA officially disconnects from ADL. Always "It's those damn Jews!"

    Note that the Muslims approve the move.

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/teachers-union-nea-members-endorse-cutting-ties-with-adl/ar-AA1IdEjw

    Members of the National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest teachers' union, have voted to sever ties with the civil rights group Anti-Defamation League (ADL) over the war in Gaza.

    Earlier this year, a union representing over 30,000 faculty and staff at the City University of New York (CUNY) passed a resolution to divest its union funds from Israeli companies and government bonds.

    Last year, the San Francisco Unified School District held mandatory antisemitism training for staff at four high schools, prompting the teachers' union, United Educators of San Francisco, to state that it would support any educator who chose to opt out of the mandatory training.

    The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, said it welcomed the NEA vote due to concerns over ADL's "anti-Palestinian bias."

    "This principled move is a significant step toward fostering respect for the rights and dignity of all students in public schools, who must receive an education without facing biased, politically-driven agendas," CAIR said.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   20 hours ago

      Cool. Now they can make the Jewish kids wear those little cloth badges in history class.

      Log in to Reply
      1. mad.casual   19 hours ago

        That's *PROFESSOR* MechaHitler to you!

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  31. Medulla Oblongata   21 hours ago

    Scenes from NYC:

    Socialist NYC mayoral candidate Mamdani once called to ‘seize’ luxury homes to house homeless during COVID

    The unearthed remarks, stemming from a March 2020 social media post, followed news of separate rediscovered remarks from Mamdami touting the need to "de-commodify" housing through replacing luxury condos with communal-style living that would include things like shared laundry facilities and food co-ops.

    "The oligarchs who want us to return to work to goose the stock market are the same ones with thousands of luxury condos as investment properties, sitting empty while NYers die on the streets & in shelters," Mamdani wrote on social media in response to a news report claiming the first homeless person in New York City with the coronavirus had passed away amid the pandemic.

    "Seize these properties," Mamdani demanded in his post, written while campaigning for the New York State Assembly. "House the homeless. Enact a #HomesGuarantee."

    Bonus scene from NYC:

    First the Jewish, Now the Italians: Mamdani Is Systematically Infuriating Key NY Voting Blocs

    The June 2020 post that created Tuesday’s furor shows the man Democrats want to be the next mayor of New York City extending his middle finger to a statue of Christopher Columbus, which is in his Queens Assembly district.

    Log in to Reply
    1. TrickyVic (old school)   21 hours ago

      """Seize these properties,"""

      Nothing socialist or communist about that comment.

      Log in to Reply
      1. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   21 hours ago

        This going to be epic.

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        1. TrickyVic (old school)   20 hours ago

          I will have my popcorn. It's going to be great theater.

          There is little he can do. Freeze rent? Tax rich people more? I'm sure De Blasio would have done those too if he could. Mamdani would not be the first progressive NYC mayor.

          I expect to see more anger and disappointment coming to the left as this guy's plans fail to materialize.

          Log in to Reply
          1. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   20 hours ago

            I think it would be more fun if he was able to do as he wants.

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          2. Earth-based Human Skeptic   20 hours ago

            At this point, I am not sure his election victory is guaranteed.

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            1. TrickyVic (old school)   20 hours ago

              Agreed.

              There is a bit of all hands on deck going on to counter him. But what are the choices? Cuomo as an independent? Another term of Adams? Curtis Swila? Will people suck it up and vote for one of them? Maybe. The powerhouses in NYC know Mandami is a danger. Can they rally the votes? More popcorn.

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              1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   15 hours ago

                I hear that Democrats sometimes invoke emergency powers to change out a party candidate after the primary.

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              2. Chuck the Sarcasm Police   14 hours ago

                I never know if people are just spelling Mamdani wrong because Mandami seems correct or if they are doing it on purpose. Both of the Bush President's pulled that crap and I always thought it was hilarious. Especially W. pronouncing Saddam to sound like Sodom in that Texas accent. You just know that tin-pot dictators rage over that shit.

                That X post about going to school with Mamdani, he was ranting about pronouncing an Indian woman's name wrong, so it really tickles me to think it consumes him with hatred.

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            2. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   19 hours ago

              He is around 40% in polls. Adams around 10% Cuomo mid 30s.

              Unless Cuomo and adams voters ban together as the 2nd choice option, expect hilarity next year.

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          3. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   19 hours ago

            One of his plans is using taxpayer money to buy all the property on a market. To give away to who he chooses.

            Log in to Reply
            1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   15 hours ago

              "If you like your equity (the old-fashioned financial kind), you can sign it over and keep your equity memories."

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  32. InsaneTrollLogic (Muting Sarc like he mutes us)   21 hours ago

    Our pets will live in the pods and eat the bugs, apparently.

    My cats already eat the bugs. Of course, this is after they play with them and chase the flies around the house first.

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    1. mad.casual   19 hours ago

      Also, "pod" implies more complete enclosure with protection or isolation from the elements. Bulletsponge and Meatshield's dwellings are really more like a crate.

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  33. Medulla Oblongata   21 hours ago

    Will Sarc rejoice now that Congress has gotten in on the action?

    CNBC:

    Trump's 'big beautiful bill' slashes CFPB funding: What it means for you

    A massive tax and spending law that President Donald Trump signed last week slashes the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's annual budget — and critics of the move say they fear it may lead to less oversight of financial firms and bring more harm to consumers.

    Unlike most federal agencies, the CFPB's budget isn't provided by congressional appropriations. The structure — the constitutionality of which was upheld by the Supreme Court last year — was meant to insulate it from politics.

    Instead, the CFPB is funded via the Federal Reserve.

    The CFPB's annual funding for the 2025 fiscal year is capped at 12% of the operating expenses of the Federal Reserve System. This fixed percentage has been in place since the 2013 fiscal year.

    The so-called big beautiful bill that Trump signed into law on July 4 nearly halves that cap, lowering it to 6.5%.

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    1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   21 hours ago

      He would have to pretend to unmute you to comment sir.

      Log in to Reply
      1. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   21 hours ago

        “Unmute”

        Log in to Reply
        1. InsaneTrollLogic (Muting Sarc like he mutes us)   21 hours ago

          Sarc mutes Jack Shit, and Jack just left town.

          Log in to Reply
      2. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   20 hours ago

        “I just thought this one comment would be worth reading. I was wrong!”

        Log in to Reply
  34. Medulla Oblongata   21 hours ago

    ICE working hard to find the low-lifes and get them gone...

    https://www.newsweek.com/ice-ms-13-kingpin-el-salvador-fugitives-2097069

    ICE Takes Down MS-13 Kingpin on El Salvador's 'Top 100' Fugitives List

    Federal agents apprehended an MS-13 kingpin on El Salvador's "Top 100 Most Wanted" list in Nebraska on Wednesday.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) apprehended the man wanted for the "aggravated homicide of five victims, attempted aggravated homicide, deprivation of liberty and terrorist organization affiliation" in Omaha on July 9.

    ICE did not release the man's name as of publication.

    Rene Saul Escobar Ochoa, 30, a suspected MS-13 gang member who is also wanted in El Salvador for allegedly directing associates to commit serious crimes—including murder, extortion and drug trafficking—was also taken into federal custody, according to an ICE news release.

    Both individuals were living in the U.S. illegally at the time of their arrest, ICE said.

    The agency said the men were both detained in a targeted enforcement operation "without incident."

    "These illegal aliens didn't just sneak into our country; they brought with them a legacy of violence, terror and death," said HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito, whose office oversees Omaha.

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  35. Spiritus Mundi   21 hours ago

    The only thing accomplished by this is the continued closing off of America to the world, at great cost to normal people who are just looking to buy beef, coffee, and bananas...

    And this will seen in the economic data, empty shelves, and higher prices for the things that do remain. Any day now. Any. Day. Prosperity Higher prices are right around the corner.

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    1. sarcasmic   21 hours ago

      "Trump taxes are magic. Unlike every other tax on businesses, his do not get passed along to customers. And his protective tariffs are extra magic because they protect American businesses without raising prices! It's all magic! Praise Trump the magical president and his magical taxes!"

      Log in to Reply
      1. InsaneTrollLogic (Muting Sarc like he mutes us)   21 hours ago

        Another boring, lame, and very gay troll brought to you courtesy of Strawcasmic.

        Log in to Reply
        1. Medulla Oblongata   20 hours ago

          Life is better when he's in a grey box.

          Log in to Reply
        2. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   19 hours ago

          The troll is gay? Does sarc know?

          Log in to Reply
      2. Spiritus Mundi   20 hours ago

        Where is your evidence this is happening. A bow tie maker in yankeeville?

        Log in to Reply
        1. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   20 hours ago

          The bow tie economy is collapsing!

          Log in to Reply
          1. Spiritus Mundi   20 hours ago

            But muh cheesy poofs!!!! And spittin' t'backy!!!!!

            Log in to Reply
        2. sarcasmic   20 hours ago

          https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2025/06/are-businesses-absorbing-the-tariffs-or-passing-them-on-to-their-customers/

          https://www.barrons.com/articles/trump-tariffs-price-increases-inflation-economy-3d164f91

          https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-copper-tariff-price/

          There's three links to articles you won't read full of evidence that you will deny.

          Log in to Reply
          1. TrickyVic (old school)   20 hours ago

            The fact that some businesses are absorbing the tariffs means it is not a 1:1 tax. People have been saying this but you keep ignoring them.

            Log in to Reply
          2. Spiritus Mundi   19 hours ago

            And these are all closed markets where people are forced to pay more because there are no alternatives?

            Log in to Reply
            1. sarcasmic   19 hours ago

              Like I said, articles you won't read full of evidence you will deny.

              You Trump defending idiots are so willfully ignorant it's really pathetic. You stick your fingers in your ears and shout "la la la I can't hear you la la la" whenever anyone presents facts that shatter your willfully ignorant narrative.

              The FACT is that businesses are passing these taxes through to the customer, just like any other tax. If this was a Democrat tax you'd be correctly saying that businesses don't pay taxes. Customers do. But because it's your Dear Leader suddenly these taxes become magic and don't get passed along to you and me. The problem with that is that magic is not real.

              And to compound the stupid, the purpose of protective tariffs is to raise prices! That's how they nudge people into buying products that were not imported!

              I've met bricks that were more intelligent than the average MAGA.

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              1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   19 hours ago

                You. Didn't. Read. Your. Own. Links.

                And the only one even discussing actual data is what we have literally been telling you for months.

                God damn you're a fucking retard.

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          3. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   19 hours ago

            First link.

            While these figures are quite close to the increases in the firms’ average tariff rates, firms’ costs of tariffed goods may not have increased by as much as the tariffs in part because importers may have switched towards suppliers in other countries or in the United States; foreign suppliers may also have lowered their prices to help offset the tariffs.

            He didnt read it. Also survey data, not widespread data.

            Lol. Barron's link is paywalled. We know sarc doesn't have an account.

            Third link literally happened yesterday and has no effect on actual costs yet. Lol.

            Sarc pulled a shrike.

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            1. Spiritus Mundi   19 hours ago

              Google lead him astray.

              Log in to Reply
            2. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   19 hours ago

              Poor stupid sarc.

              Log in to Reply
          4. Spiritus Mundi   19 hours ago

            1. Is an opinion survey about what business are likely to do. No actual price increase data.
            2. Uses the word inflation, which is not happening and you deny is/is not tied to tariffs depending on the day. Also, this is just a headline, the article is paywalled (you probably just grabbed these from a google search without reading them)
            3. The word 'could' is prominently featured.

            This is how low information people are manipulated into believing narratives over facts. You fall for it everytime.

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            1. sarcasmic   19 hours ago

              There's three links you dufus. The reason I provided three was because I knew you would attack the source, which you did.

              This is from one of the articles you ignored. Emphasis added.

              U.S. import tariffs increased to historically high rates in recent months, raising the costs of many imported inputs businesses use. Businesses subject to these higher costs have been faced with difficult and complex decisions about whether to absorb the tariffs through lower profits, raise their prices to recover the higher costs, or some combination of both. These decisions are influenced by the degree of competition in the marketplace, potential customer reactions, and the ability to maintain profit margins, among other factors. Our May survey of businesses in the New York–Northern New Jersey region asked firms about the tariffs they faced, recent changes in the cost of imported goods, and whether they were passing on tariff-induced cost increases to their customers. Results indicate most businesses passed on at least some of the higher tariffs to their customers, with nearly a third of manufacturers and about 45 percent of service firms fully passing along all tariff-induced cost increases by raising their prices.

              Log in to Reply
              1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   19 hours ago

                You do know you can click through the links and read the contents instead of just being retarded right? You disproved your own assertion with your links. Lol.

                Log in to Reply
              2. TrickyVic (old school)   19 hours ago

                ^ Doesn't understand what attacking a source is.

                Log in to Reply
              3. TrickyVic (old school)   19 hours ago

                Again you post something that shows it's more complex (as people have been telling you), than just a 1:1 tax.

                Log in to Reply
                1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   19 hours ago

                  He doesn't get that the article actually butresses our arguments. Let's see if he can figure it out.

                  Log in to Reply
                  1. TrickyVic (old school)   19 hours ago

                    Too steeped in Trump hate to figure it out. It will be more har har de har Trump lovers har de har, the Furor har de har.

                    Log in to Reply
              4. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   19 hours ago

                Nice edit to finally read part of, the very top, of the article. It is clear you stopped reading per the part I quoted above matching exactly what we've been telling you for months lol.

                It is also survey data. Lol.

                Now why did you post a paywalled link we know you dont have an account for and another link with zero actual data just a prediction?

                Evolution of sarcs arguments:

                Inflation!!!
                Dammit. Consumer costs!!!
                Dammit again. Importers profits!!!!

                And as we can see with quarterly data, through tax reports, corporate profits, which are taxed, are not showing a hit.

                Log in to Reply
              5. Spiritus Mundi   19 hours ago

                There's three links you dufus

                I addressed all three. It appears you can't count or understand the critism of the links you provided. You also don't understand what you posted. Your quoted section is an OPINION SURVEY about what business are likely to do, not what is actually happening.

                Poor sarc.

                Log in to Reply
                1. sarcasmic   18 hours ago

                  Our May survey of businesses in the New York–Northern New Jersey region asked firms about the tariffs they faced, recent changes in the cost of imported goods, and whether they were passing on tariff-induced cost increases to their customers.

                  They asked businesses what they are doing, not their opinion. Now you're just lying. Or you're really stupid and think that surveys equal opinions. I'm going to go with lying this time. My muted stalkers are that stupid, but you're a little brighter than them. Not much, but a little.

                  Log in to Reply
                  1. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   18 hours ago

                    Spiritus Mundi is not on sarc’s list.

                    Haha Spiritus Mundi!

                    Log in to Reply
                    1. Chuck the Sarcasm Police   17 hours ago

                      Sarcasmic is the flaming bag of turds on the doorstep of Reason.

                    2. InsaneTrollLogic (Muting Sarc like he mutes us)   15 hours ago

                      Careful there, Sqrlsy might eat Sarc at that point for the turds flambeau.

            2. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   19 hours ago

              “2. Uses the word inflation, which is not happening and you deny is/is not tied to tariffs depending on the day.”

              Wasn’t it sarc that said nobody’s claiming price increases from tariffs are inflation?

              Log in to Reply
              1. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   17 hours ago

                After hia first prediction he made for a month ended up wrong. Yes.

                Log in to Reply
      3. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   20 hours ago

        Poor sarcbot.

        Log in to Reply
  36. InsaneTrollLogic (Muting Sarc like he mutes us)   21 hours ago

    Circling back to Jeffery Epstein…

    Apparently the man worked for the CIA. This may complicate prosecutions.

    https://x.com/datarepublican/status/1943157833073332584?s=46&t=qeA47-JjK6vq0pfnxg60dA

    BREAKING: JEFFREY EPSTEIN ONCE CLAIMED TO WORK FOR THE CIA

    Been doing research with @lamps_apple all evening ... and, yeah, Epstein did claim to work for the CIA in a 2001 Evening Standard article.

    Further update: Epstein was renting property from the State Department - property that was formerly an Iranian government building seized by the U.S. after the Iran hostage crisis.

    @MikeBenzCyber has more info here, we're just collecting it from various sources:

    Mike Benz video: https://x.com/mikebenzcyber/status/1942752401129365688?s=46&t=qeA47-JjK6vq0pfnxg60dA

    Watch this and you will understand there is simply no way Jeffrey Epstein was not on the CIA's radar since at least 1983, when Epstein was just 30 years old. At that time, Epstein was managing the covert funds of the CIA's top point man for its biggest covert action.

    Just what the hell was Epstein doing?

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    1. InsaneTrollLogic (Muting Sarc like he mutes us)   21 hours ago

      Apple Lamps comment:

      https://x.com/lamps_apple/status/1942798117398602052?s=46&t=qeA47-JjK6vq0pfnxg60dA

      Mike Benz lays out a case that Jeffrey Epstein was not only on the CIA’s radar since at least the early 1980s, but was intimately involved in covert operations, money management for CIA-linked figures, and broader intelligence restructuring following the 1970s scandals that supposedly neutered the Agency’s power.

      Key Points & Evidence:

      1. Early Epstein–CIA Links (1981–1983)

      Post–Bear Stearns: Epstein leaves Wall Street and sets up Intercontinental Assets Group in his NYC apartment, pitching himself as an international “bounty hunter” for wealthy individuals. He helps recover assets from offshore accounts and shields money for royalty and elites.

      Fake Passport (1982): Epstein obtains a high-quality fake Austrian passport listing Saudi Arabia as his residence, discovered in 2019 by the FBI. Prosecutors presented it at the Maxwell trial; it passed multiple border checks.

      Client: Adnan Khashoggi: Khashoggi was the Reagan-era CIA’s main arms trafficker, central to the Iran-Contra affair. Epstein allegedly served as Khashoggi’s financial handler. Khashoggi himself confirmed to BCCI (a notorious CIA “proprietary bank”) that he worked for the CIA, and Epstein was his “money bundler.”

      2. Iran-Contra and Deep State Operations

      CIA “Workaround”: After Congress banned official funds for Nicaraguan operations, the CIA turned to private arms deals and covert funding, using proxies like Khashoggi (and by extension, Epstein) to launder and move money.

      Epstein’s Role: The transcript claims Epstein was essential to structuring these operations... setting up offshore shell companies, using shadowy banks, and facilitating illegal arms sales and cash flows that the CIA could not touch directly.

      3. Les Wexner Connection

      Wexner’s Empire: Epstein becomes close to Wexner (Victoria’s Secret founder), getting “durable power of attorney” over Wexner’s empire right after Wexner’s tax attorney, Arthur Shapiro, is murdered before testifying in an IRS case.

      Air America/Southern Air Transport: In 1993, Epstein negotiates the transfer of a CIA proprietary airline from Miami (busted for Iran-Contra smuggling) to Ohio for Wexner’s use. Southern Air Transport declares bankruptcy the same day the CIA finally admits Air America’s Iran-Contra role.

      4. Extraordinary Privileges

      State Department Lease: Epstein becomes the tenant of the second-largest residence in NYC, property seized from Iran. The State Department (i.e., the U.S. government) rents it directly to him... an arrangement with no precedent for ordinary citizens.

      Criminal Defense Ties: Epstein subleases to a defense lawyer involved in major narco-trafficking cases with CIA connections, suggesting a pattern of high-level back-scratching and secrecy protection.

      5. The Bigger Picture:

      Post-1970s CIA “Privatization”: Benz argues that the CIA, after the 1970s scandals and restrictions, shifted covert action to a network of front NGOs, private contractors, and financiers (like Epstein). Epstein, he claims, was “present at creation” of this system.

      No Way He Wasn’t On the Radar: Given the above, Benz insists it’s impossible the CIA did not have files and code names on Epstein.

      Blackmail vs. Deal-Maker Theory

      Benz Downplays Blackmail: He argues there’s little direct evidence Epstein ran classic sexual blackmail ops, despite the CIA’s history with this. Direct blackmail would compromise access to high-value targets, making the “access agent”/deal-broker role far more plausible.

      Role as a Connector: Epstein’s value was as a facilitator... greasing skids for international deals, moving money, keeping formal U.S. government hands “clean,” and possibly gathering intelligence passively via his elite network.

      Why Epstein Wasn’t Protected Forever

      Turf Wars: Benz details a precedent (Rolando Masfur, 1960s Cuba ops) where CIA assets got too big or went rogue, causing friction between agencies like State Department and CIA. Eventually, the need for secrecy collides with the need to maintain control.

      Cover-Ups & Compromise: In such cases, the DOJ may be pressured to prosecute, but only in ways that don’t expose CIA sources/methods. (E.g., judge restricts evidence at trial.)

      Epstein’s Fall: Benz theorizes that, as with previous CIA assets, Epstein’s exposure became a liability.. possibly due to pressure from foreign intel agencies, inter-agency rivalries, or simple operational risk.

      Final Notes

      “There’s zero chance there are no CIA files on this guy.” Benz repeatedly hammers that the narrative that Epstein was some rogue pervert, ignored by intelligence, is an insult to basic intelligence history and operational reality.

      Lack of Transparency: He is highly critical of the Justice Department’s failure to investigate CIA connections, framing the entire official response as a calculated cover-up.

      Epstein as Prototype:
      He casts Epstein as emblematic of the post-1970s CIA outsourcing/privatization model, not a freak anomaly.

      Mike Benz lays out overwhelming circumstantial evidence that Epstein was a career CIA asset, specializing in covert finance, arms, and backchannel diplomacy for U.S. intelligence.

      Blackmail is almost a sideshow... his real role was to broker dirty deals and move illicit money with plausible deniability.

      The official story is a whitewash, his connections to Khashoggi, Wexner, Southern Air, and the U.S. State Department all scream spook. The lack of accountability, cover-ups, and mysterious privileges prove Epstein was not just a “private citizen” but an essential tool in America’s shadow wars.

      The odds that the CIA had no files on him? Absolute zero.

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      1. Don't look at me! ( Is the war over yet?)   20 hours ago

        The odds that the CIA had no files on him? Absolute zero.

        The odds they still have them? Zero.

        Log in to Reply
        1. Earth-based Human Skeptic   20 hours ago

          Check Biden's garage.

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      2. Dillinger   20 hours ago

        so bigger than Trump, Blondi, Patel and Bongino ... I'm fine with that.

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      3. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   19 hours ago

        “Khashoggi was the Reagan-era CIA’s main arms trafficker, central to the Iran-Contra affair.”

        Ummmm….Any relation to the “journalist” SA just assassinated a few years ago?

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        1. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   19 hours ago

          From duckduckgo “AI”:

          Relationship Between Jamal Khashoggi and Adnan Khashoggi
          Jamal Khashoggi and Adnan Khashoggi are related as family members.
          Family Connection
          Jamal Khashoggi: He was born on October 13, 1958, in Medina, Saudi Arabia. He was a prominent journalist and dissident known for his critical views of the Saudi government.
          Adnan Khashoggi: Born on July 25, 1935, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, he was a billionaire arms dealer and businessman.
          Specific Relationship
          Uncle and Nephew: Adnan Khashoggi is the uncle of Jamal Khashoggi. Their grandfathers were brothers, making them part of the same extended family.
          This familial connection highlights the notable backgrounds of both individuals, with Adnan being known for his wealth and influence in arms dealing, while Jamal became a significant voice for democracy and human rights.

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          1. tracerv   18 hours ago

            Good cop bad cop

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          2. InsaneTrollLogic (Muting Sarc like he mutes us)   15 hours ago

            I was going to say he’s Jamal’s uncle. There’s a lot of very interesting connections Epstein made, and I highly suspect none of them were coincidental.

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      4. Gaear Grimsrud   18 hours ago

        Really think Trump is underestimating the damage being done to the MAGA brand by continuing the cover up. When Kash and Dan claimed a few weeks ago that they were positive that Epstein killed himself I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt until they revealed the evidence which isn't even close to convincing. Then Pam claims no client list blackmail or video except downloaded child porn. If there's no client list why is Maxwell in prison? If the narrative posted above is correct it's possible that Bondi is technically correct. But it's pretty obvious that there's a lot more to the story and the silence can only be explained by the Trump administration covering for the deep state they promised to expose. MAGA is not happy.

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        1. Dillinger   15 hours ago

          >> can only be explained by the Trump administration covering for the deep state

          I imagine is quite difficult to speak impromptu with rifles pointed at one's head especially considering they already got a few off at him

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  37. Minadin   21 hours ago

    Looks like that Murray Hill Guy made a smart move in cancelling that date. Dodged a bullet.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Dillinger   20 hours ago

      hitting on the friend was perfect. golf clap.

      Log in to Reply
    2. mad.casual   19 hours ago

      Dodged a bullet.

      [tilts hand] Maybe better stated that he managed to avoid taking it in the groin, chest, or vital organs. With the lawyer letters going back and forth, I can't imagine there's no hemorrhaging going on.

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  38. Incunabulum   21 hours ago

    >Catholics in the Diocese of San Bernardino who credibly fear deportation are dispensed from their obligation to attend Mass:

    Why do they 'credibly' fear deportation?

    Or are we just taking the bishop's word for it?

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  39. Sevo, 5-30-24, embarrassment   21 hours ago

    "...but about a secret third thing: Seeking vengeance for his friends."

    TDS-addled lying piles of shit always find conspiracies.

    Log in to Reply
    1. mad.casual   19 hours ago

      What conspiracy? Defending national national sovereignty against progressive/anti-right-wing, status quo globalism is why I support the guy.

      Consider another possibility: that FDR's entry into WWII was not about either of the stated justifications—Japanese aggression or Nazi ascension—but about a secret third thing: seeking vengeance for Churchill.

      I don't even like FDR or Churchill but still... no shit.

      Log in to Reply
      1. Sevo, 5-30-24, embarrassment   18 hours ago

        "What conspiracy?"

        Seeking vengeance; is that hard?

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  40. Sevo, 5-30-24, embarrassment   21 hours ago

    "Trump admin sues California after civil rights probe faulted state for ‘allowing males in girls’ sports’"
    [...]
    "WASHINGTON — The Trump administration sued California Wednesday after a Department of Education probe found the state had discriminated against women by “allowing males in girls’ sports and intimate spaces.”
    The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division alleged that the California Department of Education and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) violated Title IX and forced girls to be “displaced from podiums, denied awards, and miss out on critical visibility for scholarships and recognition,” according to the complaint filed in Los Angeles federal court.
    “This discrimination is not only illegal and unfair but also demeaning, signaling to girls that their opportunities and achievements are secondary to accommodating boys,” the filing stated.
    “It erodes the integrity of girls’ sports, diminishes their competitive experience, and undermines the very purpose of Title IX: to provide equal access to educational benefits, including interscholastic athletics.”..."
    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/trump-admin-sues-california-after-civil-rights-probe-faulted-state-for-allowing-males-in-girls-sports/ar-AA1IhotA?ocid=BingNewsSerp

    Born with a dick? You ain't a chick.

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  41. Medulla Oblongata   20 hours ago

    Yet another criminal alien sob story (Massachusetts father), albeit at least this one has a green card (which has been revoked due to criminality).

    https://www.newsweek.com/vorasack-phommasith-green-card-revoked-2097072

    Man Living In US For 46 Years Has Green Card Revoked

    Aman who has lived in the United States since he was six months old is facing deportation after his green card was revoked.

    Vorasack Phommasith, from Laos, came to the U.S. with his family in 1980 as refugees fleeing the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Born in a refugee camp, he grew up in the U.S., attending school and building a life in Springfield, Massachusetts. Until recently, he worked as a machine operator in manufacturing.

    Phommasith, 46, has a lengthy criminal record, with convictions for distributing cocaine and marijuana, assault and disorderly conduct, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

    Phommasith says that, although he is not a U.S. citizen, he has always been legally present in the country as a refugee and a green card holder. His father served in the royal army in Laos and fought against communist forces before his family fled the country, he adds.

    The divorced father of three said he was detained in 2013 following an incarceration for violating probation related to a drug offense.

    After an immigration court hearing in Boston, he was issued a final removal order and had his green card revoked.

    Although released on supervision, he says he remains under that removal order because Laos, the country he would be sent to, is not currently accepting deportees.

    DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek: "Vorasack Phommasith [is] a criminal illegal alien from Laos, who came from Thailand to the United States. He has an EXTENSIVE criminal history, including convictions for distribution of cocaine and marijuana, assault, and disorderly conduct.

    "Over a decade ago, an immigration judge ordered Phommasith to be removed from the United States and waived his right to appeal," added McLaughlin. "Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you break the law, you will face the consequences. Criminal aliens are not welcome in the U.S."

    Phommasith told Newsweek: "I completed my sentences, and all my convictions are over 10 years old," [well in that case...!]

    Log in to Reply
    1. Michael Ejercito   20 hours ago

      If I told you Canada excludes Americans convicted of DUIs from even visiting, would you believe me?

      Log in to Reply
      1. InsaneTrollLogic (Muting Sarc like he mutes us)   19 hours ago

        I would, but then I’ve read about it. I guess that might exclude Sarc from going to New Brunswick or Quebec.

        Log in to Reply
      2. Incunabulum   18 hours ago

        Only other countries are allowed borders and tariffs.

        Log in to Reply
    2. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   17 hours ago

      How dare Obama revoke his green card.

      Log in to Reply
      1. Michael Ejercito   10 hours ago

        Was that legal?

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  42. TrickyVic (old school)   20 hours ago

    The dems should pay attention.

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/hispanic-support-for-donald-trump-s-deportations-surges/ar-AA1IldKZ?ocid=msedgntp&pc=DCTS&cvid=52e4f842d72a458691a238a5cd9b0c49&ei=26

    Log in to Reply
    1. TrickyVic (old school)   20 hours ago

      Immigrants who played the game don't necessarily like those who don't.

      Log in to Reply
    2. Earth-based Human Skeptic   20 hours ago

      Sounds like fake news. How did it get past the Ministry of Truth?

      Log in to Reply
    3. JesseAz (Prime Meanster of Sarcasia)   17 hours ago

      Why do brown people hate brown people?

      Log in to Reply
      1. Vernon Depner   10 hours ago

        Because they know what they're like.

        Log in to Reply
      2. Z Crazy   9 hours ago

        They dont want their teen daughters to be raped by illegals.

        Log in to Reply
  43. Medulla Oblongata   20 hours ago

    Interesting theory?

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/epstein-files-destroyed-by-biden-administration-rep-burchett/ar-AA1Ijbqf

    (NewsNation) — Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., believes the Jeffrey Epstein files no longer exist and could’ve been destroyed by someone. He went so far as to accuse the Biden administration of destroying the files

    Burchett, who predicted Americans would never learn the truth about the convicted sex offender, joined “On Balance” to discuss his thoughts on the Department of Justice and FBI’s findings that there’s no “client list” to be disclosed and that Epstein died by suicide.

    “I think the files existed at one time,” Burchett said. “I think they were destroyed in the previous administration. And I think if they’d ever had anything on Trump, it would have been out day one under the Biden administration.”

    O’Reilly details Trump conversation about innocent people connected to Jeffrey Epstein
    Burchett echoed speculation that “very prominent people,” including Hollywood elites and world leaders, were on the “client list.”

    “Would it have caused economic disruption around the globe? Maybe, but I don’t really care. I want to bury those dirtbags.”

    Burhcett reiterated that he believes the Biden administration “destroyed everything” of note regarding Epstein and argues Attorney General Pam Bondi is not saying so because she has no proof.

    “I think she got out over her skis. … I think they all got a little excited, and I don’t think they exist” anymore.

    Log in to Reply
    1. mad.casual   19 hours ago

      Two interesting tangents:

      1. If only Esptein had known that there nobody on the list would suffer any consequences...

      2. Remember when Ashley Madison got hacked and the most intimate of hookup details of >37 million *adults*, including hundreds of politicians and tens of thousands of people with .gov and .mil email addresses got leaked around the world, people were committing suicide, the dude whose credentials were used got convicted, and the company got sued? Obviously, the Epstein files are either way more benign or waaay more dangerous than that.

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  44. Dillinger   20 hours ago

    >>This past year, amid the turbulence caused by tariffs, Amazon made a risky gamble: It moved Prime Day from a two-day event to a four-day one, and has so far seen very little payoff.

    clearly you & Eric are misreading Main Street.

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  45. Medulla Oblongata   20 hours ago

    Waste, fraud, and abuse...

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/usda-charges-6-in-66m-food-stamps-scheme-calling-it-one-of-the-largest-such-fraud-cases-in-us-history/ar-AA1Il2go

    Prosecutors allege that the group accepted bribes and submitted fraudulent USDA applications to obtain SNAP approval for unqualified stores. One of the defendants, USDA employee Arlasa Davis, is accused of selling confidential government information to the very criminals she was meant to stop.

    “This fraud was made possible when USDA employee Arlasa Davis betrayed the public trust by selling confidential government information to the very criminals she was supposed to catch,” U.S. Attorney Perry Carbone said in a press release.

    Federal officials say the scheme began back in 2019, when Michael Kehoe allegedly created a network to supply unauthorized EBT terminals to small businesses across the New York area.

    According to prosecutors, Kehoe and his associates falsified USDA applications, misused license numbers and altered key documents to get fraudulent retailers approved for SNAP.

    Kehoe and Davis are among six people now facing charges for conspiracy to steal government funds and misappropriate USDA benefits. The others include Mohamad Nawafleh, Omar Alrawashdeh, Gamal Obaid and Emad Alrawashdeh.

    But this case isn’t an isolated case. A separate FOX10 investigation found that thousands of families in Alabama were recently targeted in another EBT fraud scheme.

    Between September and December 2024, more than $12.4 million was stolen from EBT cardholders, according to the Alabama Department of Human Resources. More than 373,000 households in the state rely on those benefits.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Medulla Oblongata   20 hours ago

      It might be racist of me to notice, but there seems to be a theme among the co-defendents that are NOT federal employees:

      Mohamad Nawafleh, Omar Alrawashdeh, Gamal Obaid and Emad Alrawashdeh

      Log in to Reply
      1. Dillinger   20 hours ago

        idk about racist ... it's namist. we're all human race types.

        Log in to Reply
    2. GOD OF PENGUIN ISLAND   19 hours ago

      Does it fix the deficit? No? Who cares!

      Log in to Reply
  46. I, Woodchipper   20 hours ago

    "A Georgia couple whose children were taken from them for two years following a false claim of child abuse have filed a lawsuit, arguing that the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) officials violated official polices in an effort to sever their parental rights," reports Reason's Emma Camp.

    Child services are power mad psychopaths, every damn time.

    Log in to Reply
    1. Dillinger   20 hours ago

      where the machine sends the nuts who can't be teachers.

      Log in to Reply
  47. Dillinger   20 hours ago

    >>God bless the First Amendment, long may it reign:

    ya that was a fun read. stop hitting yourself! stop hitting yourself!

    Log in to Reply
    1. Mike Parsons   18 hours ago

      Damn if I ever need an attorney to combat some dumb bullshit, I know where to go now

      Log in to Reply
  48. Dillinger   20 hours ago

    >>Catholics in the Diocese of San Bernardino who credibly fear deportation are dispensed from their obligation to attend Mass:

    Catholics from South America who credibly fear persecution are also free to seek asylum properly.

    Log in to Reply
  49. Dillinger   20 hours ago

    I cannot see Bill Ackman's name without thinking Bloom County

    Log in to Reply
    1. tracerv   18 hours ago

      Steve Dallas for President.

      Log in to Reply
      1. Dillinger   15 hours ago

        exactly.

        Log in to Reply
  50. Dillinger   19 hours ago

    >>Here's a look ahead and how the Texas legislature might respond to this tragedy,

    how about a look ahead on Reason's coverage of the July 4 terrorist attack on ICE agents in Alvarado?

    Log in to Reply
  51. Dillinger   19 hours ago

    >>Yesterday's 50 percent tariff imposed on all Brazilian imports is a good example of this.

    definitely not a good example of you not making judgments on something possibly happening yesterday

    Log in to Reply
  52. I, Woodchipper   19 hours ago

    Catholics in the Diocese of San Bernardino who credibly fear deportation are dispensed from their obligation to attend Mass:

    The clergy in the US is full of illegal immigrants? Wth is going on

    Log in to Reply
    1. Dillinger   19 hours ago

      my mother's Episcopal church board in smalltown Iowa is trying to run her out because she won't agree to shelter illegals from ice lol

      Log in to Reply
      1. Mike Parsons   18 hours ago

        "Episcopal church"

        Red flag detected.

        The local episcopal church in my city has a left wing propaganda : actual religious teachings ratio of about 10:1.

        Its a church that was taken over by shitlibs that have a desire for religion, but also hate everything about religion and religious people.

        Log in to Reply
        1. Dillinger   18 hours ago

          oh ya ... I suggested she leave in the late 90s when they allowed lady priests but nobody listens to me

          Log in to Reply
          1. Michael Ejercito   8 hours ago

            What was the church's origins?

            Log in to Reply
      2. Randy Sax   18 hours ago

        Which smalltown? The next upcoming RAGBRAI will be my 8th. There's a good chance I've been there.

        Log in to Reply
        1. Dillinger   15 hours ago

          she's right off 80 I'm pretty sure ragbrai has run thorough iirc

          Log in to Reply

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