As markets brace for a second Trump administration, tariffs have re-emerged as the latest buzzword used to stoke fear and dissuade Americans from embracing his economic policies before they’ve even been implemented. However, what major media outlets fail to do is provide the public with the complete picture, inclusive of historical context, as to how tariffs can be effectively used to safeguard the United States’ status as the world’s leading economic and military superpower. This is a strategy Donald Trump clearly understands and prioritizes. Tariffs are essential to national security because they strengthen America’s industrial base. During his first term, President Trump’s focus on tariffs, arguing that they protect jobs, foster innovation, and address unfair trade practices, reignited a national debate about their effectiveness. While critics decry tariffs as protectionist, history shows that they have played a pivotal role in America’s rise and are indispensable for safeguarding its future. (READ MORE: Lessons From a Previous Trade War) History of US Tariffs The United States rose to economic superpower status during the Industrial Revolution by safeguarding domestic industries, promoting innovation, and leveraging its vast resources. Tariffs were central to this strategy, protecting American manufacturers from foreign competition and enabling emerging industries like steel and textiles to flourish. Through the 19th and early 20th centuries, tariffs drove industrial expansion and infrastructure development, creating the foundation for economic dominance and military strength. By World War II, the manufacturing base created through decades of tariff-supported policies enabled the U.S. to become the “Arsenal of Democracy,” supplying critical military equipment not only for us, but for our allies as well. Tariffs ensured America could rely on our own production capacity during times of crisis, fostering economic self-reliance — a lesson that remains relevant today as the U.S. faces international competition. In today’s globalized economy, tariffs remain a vital tool for addressing key challenges and maintaining America’s leadership. They encourage companies to invest in American industries by leveling the playing field against foreign competitors who benefit from subsidies, cheap labor, or lax regulations. By revitalizing domestic manufacturing, tariffs create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and restore the economic vitality of industrial regions. They also help reduce trade deficits, particularly with countries like China, by curbing cheap imports and promoting exports, which in turn bolsters national wealth and economic stability. Tariffs and National Security Tariffs are essential to national security because they strengthen America’s industrial base, which is critical for producing vital materials like semiconductors, defense equipment, and pharmaceuticals. Dependence on foreign suppliers for these goods leaves the nation vulnerable during times of geopolitical tension or conflict — a risk underscored by the global supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic strength and military power are deeply interconnected, and tariffs help fortify this relationship. The production of advanced weaponry and defense materials relies on domestic manufacturing capabilities that cannot be outsourced to foreign powers. Meanwhile, maintaining the world’s most powerful military requires significant financial resources. Tariffs support this by fostering domestic production, creating jobs, and generating the revenue necessary to sustain military investments. Beyond bolstering national security, tariffs incentivize the onshoring of critical industries, ensuring the United States can meet its own needs in times of crisis. They also provide a protective framework for emerging sectors like renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, giving these industries the room to innovate and compete globally. By reinforcing critical supply chains and supporting domestic production, tariffs enhance economic resilience and give the U.S. greater leverage in global negotiations, solidifying its leadership on the world stage. Not a Cure-All While tariffs are not a cure-all, their strategic use can protect American industries, realign trade relationships, and enhance long-term economic security. During his first term, Trump’s use of tariffs countered unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft, particularly by China, and forced trading partners to negotiate more equitable agreements. His use of tariffs as leverage reshaped trade relationships, such as renegotiating NAFTA into the USMCA, a strategy he has already indicated he will lean into once again during his second term. Critics of a tariff-based economic strategy often point to the potential for rising costs, particularly in our current era of persistent inflation. While it’s true that some goods may become more expensive — especially those from foreign entities that flood the U.S. market with cheap, low-quality products — short-term sacrifices are sometimes necessary to achieve long-term prosperity. The United States rose to global prominence by fostering self-reliance, protecting its industrial base, and leveraging its economic strength, with tariffs playing a central role in that success. (READ MORE: The Time Is Definitely Right for Trump’s Reciprocal Zero-for-Zero Tariff Plan) To maintain its status as the world’s leading economic and military power, the U.S. must continue to adopt policies that prioritize domestic production and innovation. Today, tariffs remain a crucial tool for addressing the challenges of globalization, revitalizing domestic manufacturing, and securing America’s future. This strategy is not outdated, but rather a time-tested method for safeguarding America’s position in an increasingly competitive global economy. By employing tariffs strategically, the United States can solidify its economic dominance and military strength for generations to come. Seth Denson is Business & Market Analyst, entrepreneur, author, and national media contributor. Co-Founder of the consulting firm GDP Advisors, today he serves as an Executive at one of the largest brokerage and financial services firms in the world, Acrisure. The post Tariffs: Preserving America’s Superpower Status appeared first on The American Spectator | USA News and Politics.

We live in a media age where comic book adaptations are produced Ad nauseam through movies and television shows. Given the polarizing success of Matt Reeves’s film The Batman, it was easy to overlook the new HBO spinoff The Penguin. However, this eight-episode mini-series saw its audience grow, week after week, due to its refreshing departure from the typical superhero comic book story. The movie resembles more of a mafia drama, focusing on the power struggles and complex characters within Gotham’s criminal underworld. This unique take on the genre, coupled with compelling storytelling, makes it the must-watch T.V. series of the year. This departure from the typical comic book villain portrayal is a pleasant surprise for fans. The show takes place directly after the events of The Batman, where a flood has ravaged Gotham City and Carmine Falcone, Gotham’s top crime boss, is assassinated, leaving a power void to be his successor. Oswald “Oz” Cobb, aka the Penguin (Due to his club foot), is a top Capo in the Falcone crime syndicate looking to seize the opportunity to become the new Don. But he is thwarted in this effort by Falcone’s kids, Alberto and Sofia, who are higher up in the succession line and have evil aspirations of their own. In this series, the Penguin is not the secondary antagonist we saw in the last movie. With no Batman in sight, Oz Cobb takes the spotlight as the main protagonist. We get to witness his journey, his struggles, and his ruthless ambition as he fights his way to the top of Gotham’s underworld. Bill Finger and Bob Kane created the Penguin comic book character in 1941. IGN currently ranks him as the 51st greatest comic book villain, although it states that he is not a fan favorite despite his impact on pop culture through mediums such as the 1960s Batman and Batman Returns. Unlike his campy, absurdly exaggerated portrayals in comic books and media appearances, Collin Farrell’s performance presents Oz Cobb as a brutal gangster who will use violence to stay one step ahead of the game. His sociopathic tendencies are reminiscent of the fictional Cuban drug lord Tony Montana from Scarface, and his appearance, stride, accent, and anti-hero persona resemble Tony Soprano from the original HBO mob series The Sopranos. This departure from the typical comic book villain portrayal is a pleasant surprise for fans. The show presents a standard noir portrayal of Gotham City, but with a twist. It manages to make you feel sympathy for Oz Cobb, the Penguin, and even root for his success. However, this sympathy is counterbalanced by the pity and loathing for him induced by every evil decision he makes. Farrell’s performance is so compelling that it’s worthy of many awards, and the series’ success is likely to spawn more comic book-themed villain shows. It’s also refreshing to see Matt Reeves’ DC universe expand to attract new fans who may be supervillain-adjacent. The one thing everyone will undoubtedly agree upon is that The Penguin is dark and colder than the Iceberg Lounge. READ MORE from Alex Adkins: A Republican Wins in Philadelphia! In Defense of Our Defense: Senator Wicker’s Plan The post <i>The Penguin</i> Glides as 2024’s Best Drama appeared first on The American Spectator | USA News and Politics.

Last October, we witnessed a disturbing shift in schools and universities across the country. Following the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, antisemitic rhetoric surged to alarming levels. Students claiming to advocate for a “free Palestine” signed antisemitic proclamations, engaged in violent protests, and harassed Jewish students on campus. Their actions were so vile and virulent that they made headlines worldwide. Last fall, telehealth company Hims & Hers made waves when their CEO praised anti-Israel protesters and declared that he was “eager” to hire them. High-profile donors halted their financial contributions to these universities, while prominent alumni publicly criticized their alma maters for failing to address antisemitism and hold the worst offenders on campus accountable. In response to the escalating crisis, more than two dozen high-profile law firms signed a letter pledging that they would not hire graduates who participated in antisemitic activities. Several other businesses followed their lead. (READ MORE: Antisemitism Is Not a Major) Because so few of these students were actually held accountable by university leadership, these efforts ensured they would face some form of consequence for their actions. These efforts also sent a clear message that hatred, harassment, and violence have no place in our society. They also served as a deterrent, discouraging other students from engaging in similarly hateful behavior. For businesses, taking a stand against antisemitism in this manner offered an opportunity to set themselves apart. It signaled that these companies and their leaders were committed to confronting hate and supporting the Jewish community. At a time when businesses were facing widespread criticism for embracing DEI ideologies, these efforts gave business leaders an opportunity to highlight the poisonous results of dividing people into “oppressor” and “oppressed” categories. Unfortunately, for some, these actions appear to have been little more than performative gestures. Antisemitic students and leaders must be held accountable — but so too must those who pledge to stand against antisemitism and then fail to follow through. One such example is Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, an international law firm headquartered in New York City. Debevoise & Plimpton was one of the more than two dozen firms to sign the letter indicating that they would not hire antisemitic graduates. However, a recent investigation by Accuracy in Media revealed that Debevoise & Plimpton failed to follow through and hired two Columbia Law School graduates — Avery Bashe and Tess Kim — who held leadership positions at student organizations that participated in antisemitic activities. Bashe and Kim served as leaders of pro-Hamas student organizations that signed a proclamation blaming Israel for the rape and murder of their citizens and suggesting that violence against Israel was necessary. Despite their central roles in fueling antisemitism on Columbia’s campus, Bashe and Kim were never disciplined by the university. The statement signed by Debevoise & Plimpton should have served to hold Bashe and Kim accountable, but instead, the firm quietly reneged on its pledge. Ironically, Columbia employed Debevoise & Plimpton in Fall 2023 to “investigate student misconduct complaints stemming from recent pro-Palestine protests on campus.” Unfortunately, when they believed the media attention had subsided and the public had moved on, Debevoise & Plimpton moved forward with hiring two avowed antisemites. This is not an isolated incident. Many other companies are continuing to hire avowed antisemites. Whether they signed a pledge against this or not, their actions should be exposed so consumers can make decisions about where to take their business. Last fall, telehealth company Hims & Hers made waves when their CEO praised anti-Israel protesters and declared that he was “eager” to hire them. Not long after, the company’s stock plunged, losing nearly $210 million in value in one day. Unfortunately, not every company is as transparent. Recently, AIM revealed that Bassett Medical Center, a health care facility in upstate New York, had two antisemitic student leaders in their employ. Claire Howlett and Georgia Payne, both members of the Columbia-Bassett Class of 2026, currently serve as leaders of Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), an antisemitic coalition that explicitly endorses violence. CUAD has posted images of pro-Hamas graffiti, including the message “Long live the intifada.” Recent investigations by Accuracy in Media also revealed that Virginia Military Institute recently hired Philip Crane, a Columbia graduate who held a leadership role in a pro-Hamas student organization at the university. Crane is currently employed as a visiting professor at VMI and previously served as the secretary of the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs Palestine Working Group. In October 2023, this organization signed an antisemitic proclamation blaming Israel for the Hamas terror attack. Although many leaders apologized and withdrew their signatures from the proclamation, Crane did not. (READ MORE: Being Vaccinated Against Anti-Semitism) These stories are indicative of a much larger problem. Students engaging in antisemitic activities are facing few to no consequences — whether at school or beyond. If businesses continue to hire these graduates, they will come to believe that their actions are not only tolerated but condoned. University leaders across the country have proven that they are unable or unwilling to confront the growing threat of radical antisemitism. As a result, it falls to other actors in our society to take a stand. Refusing to hire individuals who spew hatred and promote violence is an essential first step, but our responsibility doesn’t end there. We must continue to expose these individuals to ensure their peers, employers, and communities are made aware of their views. It is not too late — we can stem the growing tide of antisemitism in this country, but we must act now. Adam Guillette is the president of Accuracy in Media. Accuracy in Media uses investigative journalism and cultural activism to expose corruption and hold bad public policy actors accountable. Previously, Guillette launched the Florida chapter of Americans for Prosperity and served as vice president of Project Veritas. Since 2004, Adam has served as Distinguished Faculty member for the Leadership Institute. The post Antisemitic Students Are Graduating – Now What? appeared first on The American Spectator | USA News and Politics.

from ZeeeMedia: TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/

by Warner Todd Huston, Breitbart: Officials at San Jose State University say they are “disappointed” that another team has forfeited a game to avoid playing against SJSU’s transgender volleyball player. SJSU’s women’s volleyball team advanced very quickly into the top tier of the Mountain West Conference, not because they were a powerhouse on the court […]

by Caitlin Johnstone, Caitlin Johnstone: This is a civilization made of deceitful thoughts, deceitful words, and deceitful deeds. Everything about it is fraudulent. This civilization is built upon the practice of continuously hiding inconvenient truths out of sight and out of mind. An entire empire held together by compartmentalization and avoidance. Inconvenient truths are hidden […]

Discover the revolutionary Kaplan turbine, an invention by Viktor Kaplan that transformed hydroelectric power with its efficiency and versatility, becoming a cornerstone in sustainable energy solutions. The Kaplan Turbine: Revolutionizing Hydroelectric Power

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President Joe Biden made history this weekend when he announced that he signed a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden. U.S. presidents have in the past granted pardons to family members or close allies, but never before had one pardoned their own progeny. Of course, Hunter Biden, 54, already made history in June when he became the first offspring of a sitting president to become a convicted felon. Jurors in Delaware had convicted him on three felony counts of lying on paperwork for the purchase of a revolver and owning the firearm while being a drug addict in 2018. A couple months later, in September, Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to several federal charges related to tax crimes right before a second trial was to begin in Los Angeles. The First Son was expected to be sentenced for gun and tax evasion crimes later in December. He had faced the prospect of prison time. In announcing the pardon on Sunday, President Biden insisted that “raw politics” had tainted the process and led to “a miscarriage of justice.” The pardon is extensive, covering crimes Hunter “committed or may have committed” for an 11-year period dating back to 2014. President Biden, who ran his 2020 campaign with a pledge to “return to normalcy,” had previously rejected the notion that he would pardon his son. Just weeks ago, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “We’ve been asked that question multiple times and our answer stands — which is no.” President Biden had even released a statement insisting he would respect the outcome after his son was first convicted on gun charges in June. “I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal,” President Biden said at the time. Hunter’s pardon comes less than two months before his father leaves office after Donald Trump won a second White House term, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump, who faced his own criminal matters leading up to the 2024 election, had indicated he might be open to pardoning Hunter Biden. “Congrats to Joe Biden on being the first president in history to pardon his son for criminal activity,” quipped RedState contributor Bonchie. “One for the history books.”