PRESIDENT Donald Trump (Shutterstock).
About $230 million is owed to President Donald Trump from the federal government … according to Trump.
In response to a reporter’s question, he said that he didn’t know the specific amount of the damages he was seeking, but “it’s interesting, ‘cause I’m the one who makes the decision, right? That decisions would have to go across my desk.”
He promised he would donate any of that taxpayer money or use it to complete building of a new ballroom at the White House.
Attacks on ‘drug vessels’ continue
The U.S military is continuing to attack boats in the Caribbean Sea that are alleged to be involved in smuggling drugs for narcotics cartels or criminal gangs.
The New York Times is reporting that these attacks have killed at least 32 people, most of them allegedly from Venezuela. The most recent incident on Oct. 17 involved alleged members of the ELN Marxist group designated as “terrorists” in 1997.
The Trump administration is considering these actions to be “national self-defense” because of high-overdose deaths in the U.S. Some critics have questioned the legality of the attacks in international water that don’t offer those targeted a chance to surrender or submit to a search.
Nicholas Maduro, president of Venezuela, called the U.S. actions a “heinous crime” and attacks on civilians.
Traditionally, drug interdiction has been done at sea by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Public unhappy with both parties?
The American public is unhappy with both major political parties according to a new Gallup Poll.
DOES public dislike both parties? (Shutterstock).
United Press International reports that “favorability” of Republicans have decreased from 43 percent to 40 percent and Democrats from 42 percent to 37 percent from a year ago.
Gallup noted that since 2020 half or more of respondents have expressed “unfavorable” opinions about both parties.
Republicans scored their party highest on fiscal policy. Democrats scored highest on abortion, health care, environmental and civil rights issues.
The poll also indicated that the U.S. Supreme Court’s popularity was near an all-time low and was “too conservative.”
Great Thoughts
“The thing that makes you exceptional, if you are at all, is the thing that makes you lonely.”
– Lorraine Hansberry
“Loneliness is nőt lack of company, loneliness is lack of purpose.”
– Guillermo Malconado
“The time you feel lonely is the time you most need to be by yourself.”
– Douglas Copland
Weather: It’s partly cloudy all the time
Sometimes being stuck in the middle can be enjoyable. The forecast for our West Orange County cities for the next four days is partly cloudy right through Saturday. Wednesday’s projected daytime high is 72 with an overnight low of 59. Thursday should be slightly warmer during the day at 73 and slightly cooler at night at 56. Friday warms to 75 (59), but then is cooler on Saturday to 72 (59).
