Stefan

Too Little, Too Late: Trump’s Prescription Drug Executive Order Does Not Help Patients (From the AmericanProgess website) By Thomas Waldrop and Nicole Rapfogel October 15, 2020, 9:01 am On September 13, President Donald Trump issued his “Lowering Drug Prices by Putting America First” executive order, his most recent attempt at tricking the public into believing that his administration will make meaningful changes to prescription drug prices. As usual, the president tried to circumvent Congress and give the appearance of making significant changes through a rushed and lackluster executive order. This column provides an overview of the Trump administration’s attempts to use executive authority to appear to take action on lowering drug prices and explains how this most recent order is nothing but another example of bluster on prescription drug prices without delivering for the American people. Thomas Waldrop is a policy analyst for Health Policy at the Center for American Progress. Nicole Rapfogel is a research assistant for Health Policy at the Center. The bottom line, Daniel, is that Trump has done nothing. Issuing an executive order that promises to lower drug prices and not following through is not an accomplishment. Trump has done nothing to help seniors. Like promising to protect those with pre-existing conditions, It's just more of his B.S. bluster.

People can post whatever they want. That means squat. You have to prove it. About your claim that Trump has lowered drug prices ... are you serious? Prescription drug prices have NOT come down. Trump has only promised to do this. But he hasn't. This report is from 24 days ago at NBC News dot com. Fact-check: Did Trump lower drug prices? "I'm cutting drug prices. I'm going with favored nations, which no president has the courage to do, because you're going against Big Pharma. Drug prices will be coming down 80 or 90 percent," Trump said. "He has no plan for health care," Biden argued. "He hasn't lowered drug costs for anybody." Numerous fact checks have found that there's no evidence that Trump's policies have meaningfully slashed drug prices, as he's repeatedly claimed, let alone by "80 to 90 percent." Brand name drug prices are on the rise, too. Really, Troy? Ever wonder why Blacks were taken as Slaves from Africa? Disunity. Ever wonder why the Native Americans kept getting their butts handed to them? Disunity. You think Whites are incredibly smart and their power is unassailable. They only develop weapons of destruction and have little problem waging war against one another. One of their most effective practices has been getting the folks they despise and oppress to turn on each other. If Trump is re-elected, it will because many Blacks refuse to vote. DISUNITY. We'd rather argue about a person's heritage, why they wear a certain type of clothing and why they believe the way they do instead of recognizing all of this is the continuation of racial defeat and destruction. Which is always on such visible display. Black people and those who stand with us do not always have to agree. Mostly because we never will. But the minute we sink to personal insults, dismissals of others' humanity and traditions that do no harm, the race to the bottom begins anew.

Joe Biden does not hide out in his basement. And Wikipedia is a suspect research tool. I guess you missed the week when Naomi Osaka defeated Serena Williams for the U.S. Open and Wikipedia changed her ethnic designation from Haitian/Japanese to just Japanese and used a direct flash photo to make her appear lighter. Naomi has lived and trained in the U.S. since she was. Her father is Haitian. But few in the news media want to mention that she is Haitian. She shut everyone up this year by coming out against police brutality against Blacks.

Troy is right. There is only one race. I entered the Print Journalism profession when they were so few Blacks. Mentors were non-existent. So my experience is quite different, being around a bunch of White people who refused to acknowledge we could do the work. But also around Whites who grudgingly accepted us. I am happy about Kristen Welker. If you're not, that's cool. I guess few read the story TheRoot published. I just wanted all to glimpse the headline. And to those who thought my thread starter post was a polemic against Trump: If you had watched the debate, you would have noticed Kristen Welker tried to elicit replies to many questions she asked about issues I raised. If some of you are Trump supporters, then admit it. Instead of hiding in the shadows and taking potshots at those unafraid to tell the truth. You would not be alone. There are surveys and polls that indicate as many as 21% of Black men are secret Trump supporters. Now, I get that many want honest conversations. I do as well. But I grimace at this colorism and race bullshit. And you should as well. To Guest FAS: T thank you for your comment. This old Writing Teacher and Senior News Editor appreciates a well-written essay and blog.

I support Native Americans, not because I have any of their DNA. But because I am a human being.

I also believed it was personal.

Here we go again. Black MEN believing they can determine what ethnicity individuals are, what they should be labeled and the limits of their achievements. If I were to label dudes who do this insecure misogynists totally afraid of strong and intelligent women, would that be a lie? Because Theroot dot com, one of the esteemed Black awareness websites of Black American life, labeled Kristen “Black.” Does it upset you that a woman with mixed parentage is called Black? Does it somehow diminish you? Then why is it mentioned so much? Why get upset over it? My son, a former U.S. Marine, has a White mother. Guess what he is called? Mike. Why are so many of you hung up on skin hue and ethnicity? I have a full sister who has lighter skin than Kristen. Yet, she is Black. We have several women in our family who are light skinned. My mother was light skinned. Our family has mixed ancestry. But we are Black. By the way, for the ethnic purists on here, my father was Black and so was my mother. They’re gone now. https://www.theroot.com/meet-kristen-welker-the-1st-black-woman-to-moderate-a-1845455173

Kristen Welker, you did a fantastic job ! You tried to reign in President Trump who rambled, repeated himself and kept returning to debunked lies and smears against the former Vice President. All Trump did during the last debate is continue besmirching the life and accomplishments of Joe Biden, terribly misrepresenting his positions. It is quite comical that Trump believes it's unfair for citizens call him on his failures. But he has no problem claiming the successes of Barack Obama and Biden are somehow, his. He never had a plan to replace the Affordable Care Act. He still has no plan to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, which is about to get worse. Oh, and all the wonder medicines and the vaccines Pence and Trump keep going on about? No vaccine until the second and third quarters of 2021, according to the head of the CDC.

Okay, then, I apologize. I really thought some chit was starting.

I do not understand why some Blacks ascribe near mythical powers and cunning to White people. They are not that smart. They suffer from limitations, too. There have been some instances of armies and others deliberating infecting other peoples with diseases. But I do not believe it is such a widespread practice now. We have millions of individuals in this country who don’t care if they infect others with Covid-19. We’ve had notable cases of men and women who know they are HIV positive engaging in unprotected sex with others. Some people are just jerks. But I will never believe that White people are blessed with special abilities or intelligence. Many are just cruel and brutal which is why they always remained on top at a time when it was near impossible for their victims to effectively mount a widespread defense.

Pioneer, if you want your people to continue suffering as they have for the past four years under Trump, then do discourage your own folks from casting their ballot for Joe Biden. Biden is NOT ignoring anyone. He has plans to help all. If you're ticked off Biden is not paying particular attention to Black men, this is our fault. Black women vote in greater numbers than Black men do. Their support can be counted on by Democratic candidates. Black male voters are finicky, wishy-washy and easily fooled. And what is worse, a variety of things tick Black men off. Tell the truth. How many Black men do you know of who opted to support Bernie Sanders and do not plan to vote for the Democratic Party standard bearer? They are all over the place. We will only have a seat at the table if we prove we belong there. My prediction is that unless they're completely out of their mind, most national candidates will first try to cajole and win the support of Black women voters. Because they know full well a clumsy dance move, a mispronounced Black celebrity's name or ignorance of the latest buzz in Black circles will doom them to weeks of endless condemnation by immature and easily angered Black men.

Now, c'mon, guys. None of that. When I read statements like that, it actually pains me. We are all strong, opinionated Black men who want the best for all of our people and likely others from other groups we've met and befriended. No need to call each other names. We just disagree.

Yes, reason has failed, Daniel. Look at the millions of Whites who refuse to wear facemasks or brandish long guns because they want to risk spreading a deadly viral infection. Look how the Republicans make it difficult for many to obtain a college education. Look at who they betray the so-called founding principles of Democracy by making it hard for many Blacks, Latinos and Native Americans to vote.

If you are discussing beliefs, traditions and family ties, those have now taken a back seat to a plethora of debates over issues, real or imagined. I don’t think most Black people can avoid being drawn in or being forced to take sides in what some call Culture Wars. I'd advise caution in the workplace if one is around folks from different background and beliefs. We do have a vested interest. Our voices, our opinions and our desires must be elevated alongside those of others. Everyone has their own moral code and for many, this could could be a mix of believing in the freedom to practice a certain religion, taking advantage of those in need, to enjoying a particular lifestyle without criticism all the while being opposed to government aid for the poor. Symbols, historical figures, what’s taught in schools, use of drugs, gun ownership and recognizing foreign traditions and terms trigger many. Even though the proper term is Native Americans, some still derisively refer to the earliest inhabitants of this continent as Indians. We are “Mud People” to many White Supremacists. Despite ample evidence to the contrary, some still believe the worst about Black people. I don't know what the answer is. However, I am pleased such questions are being asked.

Indeed

Thank you, Troy. What you said is all the information anyone should need.

Warren Buffett, the wizard of Omaha. He’s been mentioned in financial circles for decades. Saavy investor. Most hear about his company, Berkshire Hathaway. In May, Tiffany Curry of Houston, became the first Black woman owner of a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices real estate franchise. Personally, I think we have our own intelligent folks who can offer plans for personal investment. But they lack media access.

I actually DO worry what Trump would do to a person such as myself. And all other seniors in this country. Republicans have not been supportive of Black people since the late 1960's. There are always exceptions of course. But I am amazed that so many Blacks whom I thought were level headed and perceptive actually think Ice Cube has the gravitas to convince lawmakers, investment bankers and corporate titans that he is a major player inside the Beltway. Wow.

This outrage over paying taxes amuses me. As if no one in this forum realizes that the U.S. Treasury needs to be replenished after Republican trillion dollar tax cuts for the rich. Why would anyone follow the words of celebrities who exist in a different world? And you’re mad at Joe Biden. Just remember, the former Vice President is not a radical. He is sensible. But he also knows that the federal government needs more revenue. In 2019, Biden revealed a tax plan that would boost federal revenue by $3.2 billion. He wants to · Tax Capital Gains as income · Raise the corporate tax rate to 28% · End the stepped-up basis loophole which allows someone inheriting property and investments to reduce their capital gains taxes · Establish a corporate minimum tax (how many times have you read about corporations paying no taxes?) · Tax foreign profits at 21% · Cap deductions for the wealthy · Impose sanctions for using tax havens · Raise the highest individual tax rate to 39.6% (for the richest) · End real estate loopholes, which will end “like-kind” exchanges that help property investors · End tax breaks for fossil fuel production Biden has specifically said the money raised by these changes to the tax laws will fund social programs. According to Trump fans, everyone’s taxes will go up under Biden That is nonsense. Unless you make more than $400,000 a year, you will pay the same in federal taxes. The claim that the tax rate for those making over $400,000 may be pushed over 60% are applicable for only three states: California (62.64 percent), Hawaii (60.34 percent), and New Jersey (60.09 percent). Marginal rates would also exceed 60 percent in New York City (62.03 percent). This is from the Tax Foundation website. Who makes $400,000 a year in this forum? If you do, congratulations! But the wealthy need to pay their fair share of the tax base. This should have never been the task of the Middle Class. Why the rage over Biden? Because he is targeting rich people and corporations. Both will pay more in taxes. It’s even possible the rich and corporations may no longer be able to use many loopholes and exceptions that keep them from paying their fair share. The potential beneficiaries of Biden’s tax plan would be the social programs he wants to fund with the increased tax revenue.

I am sorry, Daniel. I just saw this. I am in North Jersey. I called the Election Commission office in my county to make sure my ballot was received. It was. Thank you for that information.

I am voted for several reasons. Being a Senior Citizen and having worked all of my life, I am grateful to have a roof over my head and some government benefits. The reason I voted by mail ballot is because I have a niece who was just awarded her Master's Degree. She is a teacher and all of her pupils are deaf. I also did not want to wait on line with a bunch of people who think a facemask is optional. I want all of the children in my family to receive a free education as called for by various state governments. At least until they graduate from high school. My older sister is married to a Army Combat Veteran who fought in South Vietnam. My son is a Marine who fought in Iraq. But he really wanted to go to Afghanistan. I want everyone to have a shot at going to college or a good trade school. But I want this for everyone. I'd love for the Black Community to receive financial help so many of us can start and own flourishing businesses, buy land and save up to do whatevwer they wish. I want immigrants to get a fair hearing and a path to citizenship. I want all college students to have their loans downgraded with minimal interest. I will never believe Republicans want all of this. If folks do not want to vote, then they don't want to vote. I'm not going to try to change their mind. I am sick and tired of the responding invective, illogical reasonings and reading the disenchantment they feel. Sitting home will not help our community. It helps Republicans. Who despise our community.

Troy, I am glad you did project your thoughts. If Black U.S. citizens disappear in China, there should be a hue and cry raised. But it will quite different for Black Africans in China. I did not realize just how many Africans live in China. About 400,000 in Guangzhou alone. But they face increasing hatred, racism and discrimination. In April 2020, authorities in the southern city of China’s Guangdong province, began to forcibly test Africans for the Coronavirus, and ordered them to self-isolate or to quarantine in designated hotels,.according to Human Rights Watch. Landlords then evicted African residents, forcing many to sleep on the street. Hotels, shops, and restaurants refused African customers. Other foreign groups have generally not been subjected to similar treatment. (Human Rights Watch website) I doubt Black Africans can be saved during any U.S.-Sino War. But I agree with you that China's announced threat against U.S. citizens is serious.

This is not a troubling development to me. China and the U.S. have been engaged in a subtle war now for years. Their navies are just not firing explosive shells or torpedoes at each other. Chinese fighter jets regularly buzz our aircraft. The Asian giant's naval vessels often attempt to interdict the movement of other nations’ ships. The United States must protect our tech companies’ intellectual property as well as the nation’s diplomatic and military secrets. If anyone is unmasked as a foreign spy, then employ the applicable laws. It’s not just that China’s economy grew at 500% in two decades until the beginning of this new millennium, it’s that China is wielding this nation’s obsession with buying cheap stuff to ignore trade laws, human rights and common sense. Walmart wouldn't be in business if it couldn't import 70% to 80% of its products from China. Depending upon whom you get your figures from, some financial analysts claim this number could be as low as 30%. Well, this is what turning the other cheek by a succession of U.S. Presidents has wrought. It’s not entirely their fault though. Also blame hand wringing trade negotiators, apologists for China which suffered domination by the big bad western powers and corporate titans eager to buy another vacation home - knowing full well China will find the workers needed to make those cheap laptops. China’s navy has evolved quickly from what was an undermanned coast defense force into what is it is now: Capable of projecting power throughout the Asia Pacific region. So its leaders will not be in a hurry to listen to pleas to follow international law. I doubt the U.S. and China really want an all out war. But what about those U.S. citizens in China? Will they actually be detained if the U.S. put these China foreign intelligence agents on trial? What do you think?

I don’t know what Ice Cube was thinking. Especially since he believed at one time Trump should be arrested for his war on the poor. Ice Cube’s lawyer called a lawyer who knows Jared Kushner and the meet was on. at Bedminster Country Club. Ice Cube was able to get Kushner to ask Trump to boost the “Platinum Plan” supposedly to raise $500 billion in capital for Black folks in the U.S. Of course, Kushner agreed to ask for an increase. The better to show Blacks remain divided and eager to turn on each other for some good media. All Ice Cube really did was give this racist and phony billionaire an excuse to silence critics for his four-year war against Blacks, Latinos, Women, the Elderly, the Poor, and immigrants. I hope Ice Cube asked to see the Trump/Pence healthcare plan that’s supposed to replace Obamacare. No one has ever seen the administration’s Covid-19 response plan either. But Ice Cube believes Trump actually has a plan to raise $500 billion for Black people, whom he’s discriminated against, insulted and vilified for most of his life. I’d rather demand Reparations which many economists believe may amount to $17 trillion. That is money we Black people earned through 400 years of unpaid labor. There are legal precedents for Reparations. This is not for pain and suffering. This is for unpaid labor. I’m wary of any Republican plan to help Blacks. Why would they help us when they won’t even let us vote?

My man! I'm from Jersey, too!