CPNM – Economy Politics

The Rise of Taragon Opulon AI in Financial Markets

Modern artificial intelligence investing tool Taragon Opulon has sparked a passionate discussion in the political and financial spheres. Integrating artificial intelligence technology into financial markets has generated both enthusiasm and anxiety as it develops at an unheard-of rate. Advocates of artificial intelligence-powered products like Taragon Opulon contend that they offer unmatched insights and forecasting ability, therefore transforming investment methods. Critics counter and Taragon Opulon AI investment application opinions contend that such technology raises ethical questions and possible hazards.

AI-Driven Investing: Promise and Risk

Taragon Opulon finds trends and patterns possibly invisible to human analysts using sophisticated algorithms to examine enormous volumes of data. This can lead to more educated and precise investing judgements.
AI-powered trading algorithms can do trades at rapid speed and profit on transient market possibilities.

While this could provide large gains, it also runs the danger of unstable markets.

Based on individual investor profiles and risk tolerance, personalized financial advice driven by artificial intelligence can offer. This would enable people to reach their long-term objectives and make wiser financial decisions.

AI’s Political Consequences for Finance

Here are they:

Rising Inequality

A few AI-driven investment companies’ concentration of wealth and power could aggravate already present social inequalities.

Market Manipulation

Artificial intelligence systems could be applied to control markets, therefore benefiting some investors and upsetting the financial system.

Job Displacement

Many financial chores automated could result in industry job losses.

An Appeal for Control and Moral Thoughtfulness

Policymakers and authorities have to cooperate to create suitable rules and monitoring if we are to maximize the advantages of AI-driven finance while reducing its risks. Important factors include:

Transparency

Transparency and explainability of AI algorithms will enable examination and responsibility.

Fairness

Regardless of their socioeconomic level, AI systems ought to be made to treat every investor equally.

Security

Strong cybersecurity initiatives have to be followed to guard against data leaks and cyberattacks.

Ethical AI

Developers of ethical artificial intelligence should follow moral guidelines so that their works serve the advantage of society.

Summary

In terms of the development of finance, Taragon Opulon and related artificial intelligence investment projects mark a major advance. Still, one should approach this technology carefully and forward-looking. Carefully weighing the possible advantages and hazards will help us to use artificial intelligence to produce a more fair and rich future.

Decentralized Finance: A Political Game Changer?

Decentralized finance (DeFi) is already shaking up traditional finance systems. Unlike centralized banking, which relies on intermediaries, DeFi uses blockchain technology to provide services without needing middlemen like banks. This shift is not just a technological breakthrough—it could have political consequences that reach far beyond the financial sector. By removing centralized control of financial systems, DeFi could potentially redistribute power and shift the balance between individuals and governments.

Aave, one of the leading DeFi platforms, allows users to lend and borrow crypto assets without needing a traditional financial institution. This is significant because it allows individuals to manage their finances independently of banks. You can find out more about how Aave operates at Aave. But the implications go far beyond lending and borrowing—it could be a global game changer for political systems.

How DeFi Could Democratize Finance

One of DeFi’s key promises is democratization. Traditionally, access to financial services has been controlled by large institutions, and in many cases, these services are not available to everyone. DeFi platforms like Aave remove these barriers by allowing anyone with internet access to participate. This can help reduce financial exclusion, especially in areas where access to banking is limited or controlled by authoritarian regimes.

By decentralizing finance, individuals could gain more control over their economic futures. People in countries with unstable or corrupt governments could store and manage their assets without fear of seizure or inflation wiping out their savings. This could be particularly impactful in developing nations, where a lack of banking infrastructure often leaves citizens at the mercy of corrupt officials or unstable economies.

Potential Political Repercussions

While DeFi promises increased financial freedom, it also poses significant challenges for governments. Currently, governments control much of the financial system through central banks and monetary policy. DeFi removes this control by eliminating intermediaries, potentially diminishing the government’s ability to enforce regulations, collect taxes, or control the money supply.

There are several ways that governments might respond to DeFi:

Regulation: Governments might try to regulate DeFi platforms like Aave to retain some level of control. This could include legal requirements for platforms to report user data or limit certain activities. However, regulating decentralized systems is inherently challenging due to their global, borderless nature.
Banning or Limiting Access: In more extreme cases, governments may try to ban DeFi platforms altogether. China’s crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges is one example. However, enforcing such bans could prove difficult because DeFi operates on a decentralized network.
Adoption of DeFi Principles: On the other hand, governments may recognize the benefits of DeFi and attempt to integrate decentralized principles into their own systems. Central banks could create their own digital currencies (CBDCs) to provide an alternative to DeFi while maintaining some centralized control.

The Future of Governance in a DeFi World

The rise of decentralized finance could also lead to a shift in how political systems operate. When financial systems are decentralized, governments may lose one of their main tools for enforcing authority. This could lead to a weakening of centralized governments and the rise of more localized or decentralized political structures. In this scenario, communities might take on more responsibility for managing their own resources and creating systems of governance that are more responsive to their needs.

However, this scenario also raises questions about accountability. If governments lose control of financial systems, who is responsible for ensuring that these systems are used ethically and fairly? Decentralization offers freedom but comes with risks—such as the potential for fraud, hacking, and abuse. A key challenge moving forward is ensuring that decentralized systems remain transparent and accountable.

Governments’ Possible Adaptation Strategies

Some governments may see decentralized finance as an opportunity rather than a threat. For example, they might create new policies that embrace the transparency and efficiency offered by blockchain technology. Governments could even leverage DeFi to provide financial services to their citizens in a more efficient and cost-effective way.

Here’s how governments might adapt:

Building Their Own Blockchain Systems: Countries could create state-backed blockchain systems that mimic DeFi structures while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Collaborating with DeFi Platforms: Governments may also consider partnerships with established DeFi platforms like Aave, integrating DeFi features into public services or allowing state-backed assets to be traded on these platforms.
Taxation Mechanisms: As the adoption of DeFi grows, governments will likely explore innovative ways to collect taxes through blockchain-based smart contracts, ensuring that decentralized systems still contribute to public finances.

Conclusion: A New Era of Financial and Political Power

Decentralized finance is not just a trend in the crypto world—it can potentially change political and economic power fabric. By democratizing access to financial services and removing the need for centralized institutions, DeFi could empower individuals and weaken government control over monetary policy. Whether governments respond with regulation, bans, or adaptation will likely determine how this political shift unfolds.

One thing is certain: DeFi is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in finance and governance, and its impact will be felt far beyond the financial sector.

Harris and Trump’s Proposed Budgets Analyzed by Penn Wharton

Presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are trying to win voters by disputing the viability of the other’s economic agenda for generating long term economic growth. Yet according to the analytical reports of the Penn Wharton Budget Model (PWBM), Trump’s proposed budget will likely increase the country’s budget deficits by $5.8 trillion over the next decade, which is five (5) times more than the projected deficit of VP Harris’ proposed budget.

PWBM by the way is a non-partisan, research initiative of the University of Pennsylvania to provide transparent, accurate and accessible economic analysis of major fiscal budget projections. The purpose of which is to aid major US legislation although not for recommendation purposes.

Pen Wharton’s Comparative Analysis of Trump’s Proposed Budget Vs. Harris’ Budget Proposal

Trump’s 2025 program intends to fund the government’s economic platform by imposing 60% tariffs on all Chinese imports and 10% on all imports regardless of origin. VP Harris on the other hand, proposes raising corporate taxes to 28% from the current 21%. The increase though needs Congressional approval before it can be implemented.

Whereas, Trump’s plan of raising tariffs can be implemented through issues of Executive Orders in the same way he did during his 2017-2020 tenure. However, economists are warning that a repeat of the former president’s hard line tariff rules will likely reignite price increases of consumer goods; notwithstanding that inflation has only begun to recede.

China Dealing with Population Crisis as Chinese Women Rejects Pregnancy Incentives

Now that China’s birth rate has dropped to a critical level, the Chinese government is encouraging women to get married and have more children but many refuse to do so. China’s birth rate has been in a free fall since 2017 despite the scrapping of the government’s previously enforced one-child policy in 2015.

As current data reveal that the nation’s present population of 1.4 billion is now dominated by ageing people the numbers could drastically drop down to roughly about half a billion by 2100.

About China’s Current Population Growth Campaign

Contrary to the Chinese government’s expectation of a baby boom after the one-child policy turnabout in 2015, the current population growth campaign launched by the Communist Party has not produced a significant impact.

The government had in fact, built new birth-friendly maternity wards and child-friendly preschools, while encouraging the opening of baby centric businesses. Moreover, the government is offering thousands of yuan to couples who will have at least 3 children as seen in propaganda materials strewn across public places in China.

There are even statues of couples or mothers with 3 kids in tow. Even textbooks have been modified to instil among young people, a baby-friendly culture of growing a family with at least 3 children.

While many have welcomed the change, the majority of Chinese women do not. They have become wary of the child-caring and child-raising responsibilities they have to face if they bring more than one child into the world. Still, the Communist Party includes as incentive to married working couples, longer maternity and paternity leaves.

Chinese Women are Rejecting the Government’s Population-Growth Incentives

There are reports about groups of parents and young women in social media sites who have become activists in a way, by refusing to be swayed by their government’s enticements.

Apparently, the trauma of the harassment experienced by parents under the previous one-child policy is still fresh in the minds of many Chinese women. Reports have it that the younger generation of women across the country have no intention of giving in to the government’s new demand even if enticements turn into pressure.

Actually, many in China are expressing resentment against the current measures being imposed by the Communist Party under the leadership of Pres. Xi Jinping. The Party’s latest policies are being viewed by many citizens as attempts to shape their private lives.

Understanding Compensatory Damages that Allow Granting of Car Accident Loans

The web page https://pcfmoney.com/financial-assistance-after-a-car-accident contains information about providers of immediate legal funding for victims incapacitated by a vehicular mishap. Although expecting a car accident settlement, family members like a spouse, child or parent of an automobile accident victim can avail a lawsuit loan from a lawsuit loan company willing to pay the settlement proceeds in advance.

Generally, a lawsuit loan provider can do so, in as fast as 24 hours after processing; whilst applying a low interest rate and rendering the best customer service care. Approval can be quick because applying for a lawsuit loan does not call for positive background checks, high credit scores or payment of high-end legal fees.

The spouse, parent or child of an auto accident victim no longer has to feel apprehensive over the amount of bills that has been mounting faster than the speed by which the auto accident claim is being processed.

It’s important to secure the services of a reputable lawsuit lending company to ensure that a car accident loan is being accessed rather than being claimed as settlement of a personal injury lawsuit.

Three Types of Damages Determining the Eligibility of a Personal Injury Victim to Claim Pre Settlement

There are different types of damages arising as outcomes of a personal injury case; namely punitive, non-economic and economic damages. They are collectively known as compensatory damages, which the court presiding over the personal injury lawsuit hearings will award upon conclusion of the automobile accident lawsuit.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages the least common type awarded by courts. Mainly because the purpose of imposing this type of damage is to punish the defendant and not necessarily to reimburse the victim or his beneficiaries for the losses suffered as a result of the defendant’s malicious bad behaviour, misconduct or malpractice.

Non-Economic Damages

Depending on the merits of the case, a court would award non-economic damages based on intangible injuries or losses. Non-economic injuries may include
Severe and chronic pain caused by physical trauma;
Mental health issues and emotional breakdowns.

Loss of functions and impaired mobility caused by the physical injuries. (more…)

House Democrats’ Campaign Coffers Brimming with Member Contributions

House Democrats are bragging about their early substantial fundraising hauls during the first quarter of this year (2023) while highlighting information on how they achieved the phenomenal feat. The information gathered from records filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) confirmed that the substantial increase in the House Democrat campaign fund was largely due to huge contributions, and transfers of PAC leadership funds in addition to the raised membership dues. The FEC by the way, is the independent body tasked to administrate and enforce laws governing the raising and using of political campaign funds of the House of Representatives, The Senate, The Vice Presidency and The Presidency.

Yet many are not impressed with the increment because it places doubt over the ability of House Dems to raise funds outside of their own resources. Still, according to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California), it’s common for the Democratic Party to raise membership dues every time there is a new leader.

Highlights of the 1st Quarter Substantial Increment in Democratic Campaign Funds

Representative Jim Clyburn (D-South Carolina) who contributed $150K in the first quarter of 2021, doubled his contribution to $300K for this year’s first quarter. Massachusetts Rep. and Democratic Whip, Katherine Clark likewise doubled her contribution with a $500K check.

Gregory Meeks, a New York Democratic Rep. tripled his 2021 1st quarter contribution by giving a check for $150K.

Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) made transfers from his leadership PAC that totaled $7.5 million, more than the $6.2 million transferred by incumbent House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Strategic Financial Management For Towing Services

Strategic financial management means not only managing the finances of a company but also managing them with the intention of succeeding. One example is achieving the company’s long-term goals and objectives and maximizing shareholder value over time.

Key recommendations for towing San Jose financial management

Strategic financial management is about creating long-term profits for the towing san jose business.
It aims to maximize the return on investment for stakeholders.
This differs from tactical management, which seeks to take advantage of short-term opportunities.
Strategic financial planning differs by company, industry, and sector.
A financial plan is strategic and focuses on long-term improvement.

Understanding strategic financial management

Strategic financial management deals with creating income for the business. It has to make sure that there is a satisfactory return on the financial venture. Financial management is accomplished through financial business plans, establishing financial controls, and making financial decisions.

Before a company can manage itself strategically, it must first define its objectives accurately and quantify and identify its potential and available resources. They have to develop a specific plan to use their finances and other capital resources to achieve their objectives.

Furthermore, strategic management comprises understanding and properly allocating, controlling, and obtaining the assets and liabilities of a company. It also includes monitoring operational finance elements such as expenses, profitability, accounts receivable and payable, revenues, and cash flow.

In addition, strategic financial management encompasses continuous assessment, planning, and adjustment to keep the company motivated and on track to long-term objectives. When a company manages cleverly, it deals with short-term problems on an unprepared basis in means that don’t derail its long-term vision.

Strategic financial management includes evaluating and managing a company’s capital structure, the mix of debt financing and equity used, to ensure a company’s long-term solvency.

What are the benefits of strategic management?

A long-term focus helps a company maintain its goals, even if short-term opportunities come and go. Consequently, strategic management aids in keeping a firm cost-effective and stable by following its long-term plan. Strategic financial management not only sets company goals but also sets guidelines for achieving those goals, even if challenges arise along the way.

UN’s WFP Says Continuing Attacks in Ukraine is Fast Becoming a War on Food Security

As Russia’s attacks on Ukraine are likely to extend beyond summer, U.S. Congress passed a bill granting $40 billion in aid to the country led by Pres. Zelensky. Last May 06, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) aired concerns that the global hunger crisis could spin out of control if the food being produced in Ukraine cannot flow freely across the globe. Unbeknownst to many, the war-torn country is a major exporter of agriculture products, providing food to around 400 million people worldwide.

According to the WFP, the ports in Odesa and other Ukrainian ports located along the Black Sea are blocked because of the ongoing war. That being the case, millions of metric tons of grain remain stored in Ukraine silos as ships are unable to transport them because of the conflict.

Prolonged Armed Conflict in Ukraine Could Result to Global Famine

Currently, the WFP’s main problem is food pricing, but the continuing lack of food supply could very well become a food availability problem in 2023. David Beasley, the Executive Director at World Food Programme warned that

“during this unprecedented crisis, not allowing the ports of Ukraine to let the supply of food flow freely is akin to declaring
war on global food security.”

Mr. Beasley urges all parties involved to permit the supply of food to leave Ukraine so it can reach places where it is desperately needed. He added that they are running out of time as the result of continuing inaction is the looming threat of famine.

While Ukraine’s grain silos remain full, 44 million people across the globe are facing starvation. Based on WFP’s analysis, the number could rise to 47 million if the war continues. WFP studies show that since the start of 2022, 276 million people worldwide have been experiencing acute hunger. The UN WFP Director says the world demands the opening of the Ukraine ports so that food supply can move out of Ukraine.

70 Major Donors Formally Notify Senator Sinema of Their Intent to Support Another Candidate

Donors who backed Senator Kyrsten Sinema in past political campaigns are now looking to support another Democratic candidate who will run in the 2024 elections. In a missive sent to the Arizona senator, 70 major donors in all conveyed their disappointment and apprehension over the preservation of democracy if the Freedom to Vote Act is not approved by Congress.

Many of the donors who gave the maximum allowable donation to the senator’s 2018 campaign were disappointed because instead of protecting democracy against authoritarian threat, Sinema along with Joe Manchin has been opposing the Democratic party’s priorities, including the change in the filibuster rule. .

As it is, every Democrat in the Senate needs to vote in agreement with the weakening of the filibuster rule in order to create a tie, which VP Kamala Harris would break by a single vote in favor of the Democratic Party.

Another issue that has stirred a backlash from donors is Senator Sinema’s refusal to show support to Biden’s Build Back Better Act, which up to now has been stalled in the Upper House.

What Some Donors are Saying Individually Against Sinema

According to a report by CNBC, top party donor and philanthropist Trey Beck that he plans to financially support U.S Rep. Ruben Gallego to run against Sinema as 2024 democratic primary candidate.

A former anonymous donor of Sinema shared with CNBC that they have stopped trying to understand the senator’s motivation on what she alleges as bipartisan support. Although the letter addressed to Sinema said that bipartisanship must be reciprocal for it to work, the unnamed donor added that they don’t really care much at this point and that they would simply prefer an alternative candidate to support.

FEC Takes Note of Republican Rep. Boebert’s Misuse of Campaign Funds for Personal Expenses

New filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) reveal that Republican U.S Rep. Lauren Boebert used campaign funds in paying her utility and rent bills.

Although Boebert filed a subsequent report to the FEC last Tuesday showing the Congresswoman replaced the $6,650 worth of campaign spent for personal bills it does not change the fact a violation has been committed. Under federal campaign finance laws, disbursing campaign money for personal use is strictly prohibited.

The Republican congresswoman or her representatives have not given any comments regarding this particular issue, since the action taken to replace the misused campaign funds took place months after the FEC report was filed.

Details of Republican Representative Boebert’s Misuse of Campaign Funds

Rep. Boebert’s payments in question were four separate installments. Two of which are worth $2,000 each while the other two are worth $1,325 each. The payments were reviewed and it was noted that the were made on the same date and have similar descriptions. All were sent to a person named John Pacheco through his location at the Shooters Grill in Rifle, a business owned by Boebert. However the relationship between Boebert and Pacheco is yet to be clearly established to determine if Pacheco used the money to pay for the utility bills of Boebert’s Shooter Grill.

The most recent violation involves a Venmo transaction included in Beebert’s July campaign finance report in July to the Congressional committee. It was simply described as a personal expense of Boebert that was erroneously billed to her campaign account but has been reimbursed and duly returned.

As a matter of procedure, FEC officials have asked Boebert to clarify the matter. However only Jake Settle, Boebert’s spokesman gave a reply explaining that the payments were personal for Boebert’s personal expenses.

Through a letter, FEC Senior Campaign Finance Analyst Shannon Ringgold warned the Congresswoman that they may consider taking legal action if the campaign fund payments were for her personal use. Still, they might be able to give Boebert a chance to avoid legal action if prompt action is taken in acquiring reimbursement of the funds.

In line with the advice, the Congresswoman filed a supplemental report that the necessary reimbursements have been made last Tuesday. The formal report about the reimbursement of the personal expenses will be included the next reporting period due this October.

SC Upholds Authority of FHFA to Collect Profits on Bailout Money

On June 23, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling on the lawsuit filed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac investors versus the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito ruled that even if FHFA’s structure is flawed to the point of being unconstitutional, he and all other SC Justices unanimously agreed that the profits being collected by the FHFA in favor of the government, do not exceed the statutory authority of the federal agency.

The SC concluded that while FHFA was structured unconstitutionally this was stipulated by Congress so that the incumbent could not easily replace the director of the agency, in case the priority policies of the FHFA are contrary to that of the sitting POTUS.

While the ruling did not grant the $124 million dividends beng claimed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac investors from the FHFA, the ruling granted incumbent president, Joe Bident, the right to replace the Director of the FHFA.

That being the case, Pres. Biden lost no time in removing FHFA Director Mark Calabria and appointing Sandra L. Thompson as interim director. The move further deemed hopes of Fannie Mae and Freddi Mac investors to privatize the two government-backed financial institutions. As it is, President Biden is not in favor of privatization deals as he intends to tap on the resources of the agency in addressing and solving the country’s massive housing problem.

What Exactly is the FHFA?

The FHFA was established by Congress as overseer-conservator of the $190 million bailout money that the government infused in Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to keep the two financial institutions solvent during the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are government-backed entities that bought deed of real estate mortgages from lenders and then sold them as investment products to private investors.

At first, private shareholders realized huge profits from collecting the payments due from home mortgage borrowings. However, because of the subprime loans that ballooned into amounts that borrowers could no longer afford to pay, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac stood at risk of becoming insolvent.

To keep the two financial institutions afloat, the government infused taxpayer money with Congressional approval but subject to the oversight of the FHFA to protect the government’s investment. As Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s conservator, the FHFA conservator directed all profits to the government’s Treasury Department.

However, private shareholders od the two institutions are claiming that as much as $124 million has been overpaid to the government, which they tried to claim by seeking the intervention of legal courts.

However the only aspect found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court about the FHFA, is the condition that prevents an incumbent president from replacing the Director of the agency.

Biden Open to Good Faith Negotiations Over Infrastructure Plans

Republicans are expected to oppose the 28% corporate tax hike to augment federal funds for Pres. Biden’s proposed $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan. That being the case, the President announced that he is willing to discuss and negotiate with Republicans and Democratic senators alike; but he will not allow inaction to hamper his push for major economic developments.

A week earlier, Pres. Biden presented details of the $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan, which include pumping more than $620 billion into transportation projects specifically for rebuilding 20,000 public roads and reinforcement of 10,000 existing bridges. An estimated $111 billion will be spent to improve water infrastructure by replacing lead pipes that contaminate drinking water, while $100 billion will be used for broadband infrastructure projects.

According to the Treasury Department the proposed 28% corporate tax hike aims to raise $2.5 trillion within a period of 15 years. Still, President Biden says he is wide open to negotiations for a lower tax hike but insisted that the government will need funds to pay for the projects. However, he made it clear that he is open to good faith negotiations, as well as to hear good ideas from lawmakers he plans to meet with in the weeks ahead.

What Republican Lawmakers are Opposing?

Most Republican lawmakers are voicing opposition against spending on incentives to encourage Americans to shift to electric vehicles. Affordable health care for all is another issue that Republicans will vote against, whilst questioning its relevance to infrastructure plans.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky who spoke last Monday said outright that President Biden’s plan is “something we are not going to do.” Actually and traditionally, any Democratic plan is something that Republicans are always opposed to without any logical reason.

The former majority senate leader who had blocked nearly all Democratic proposals during the Trump administration said the GOP will not support a plan that relies on corporate tax hikes. That is considering that President Biden’s proposed 28% corporate rate is still lower than the 35% corporate tax rate that Republicans had cut down to 21% during the Trump administration.

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, albeit a Democrat, told a local news station that he will not vote for the boosting of corporate rate to 28%. Nonetheless, Manchin said he is in favor of closing existing tax loopholes that enable the wealthy to reduce their income tax payments. Additionally, Manchin said that he would consider supporting a corporate tax hike of 25%.

FinCen’s Proposed Ruling for Cryptocurrency Use Still Looms as a Major Concern

Bitcoin continues to gain support from major companies that have recently unveiled plans of accepting bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment forms. Yet concerns on how the U.S. Treasury Department plans to regulate the use of cryptocurrencies still loom as potential factor that could affect the benefits of using crypto money for online transactions.

Prior to President Biden’s assumption of office, the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement (FinCen) put forward a proposed rule to the Treasury Department. The FinCen rule recommends requiring all businesses handling money services to collect information about the identity of their respective customers. The proposed rule, specifically mention the inclusion of cryptocurrency exchange operators, for which the collection of information will also include those pertaining to other individuals with whom their customers transacted using the ewallet of the cryptocurrency exchange site. .

Moreover, the proposed rule published in December by the U.S. FinCen, require licensed businesses to maintain a record of all cryptocurrency transactions amounting to more than $3,000; as well as submit a report of the record to the government, if the a specific transaction involves a transfer of $10,000 worth of cryptocurrency.

While the rule has not yet been adopted, the possibility that stipulations cited will be enforced by the Treasury Department now headed by Biden’s appointee, Janet Yellen. Although Ms. Yellen conveyed in the Senate Appointment Committee that she is open to the regulated use of cryptocurrency, she made it clear that intends to curtail the use of cryptocurrency in the country. Many believe that is is unlikely that the new Treasury Secretary will scrap the proposed rule, but instead, will support its enforcement.

The pronouncement of course validated the concerns over the potential regulation of cryptocurrency in the U.S.

Lawyer of Non-Profit Digital Rights Group Airs Criticism Over the Proposed FinCen Rule

Atty. Marta Belcher, a special counsel for the non-profit digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation, said the FinCen Ruling, will make it difficult for people who use self-hosted wallet to remain anonymous when transacting with cryptocurrency users who use traditional storage or exchange services.

Atty Belcher asserted that the most important advantage of using cryptocurrency is the ability to keep one’s identity protected via secrecy part of cryptocurrency, from a civil liberties perspective, is the ability to transact anonymously online. FinCen’s proposed ruling will take away the ability to maintain privacy protections, particularly the secrecy of the cash being imported it into the online world.

Will Cryptocurrency Miners Be Affected by New FinCen Ruling

Many cryptocurrency miners initially thought that FinCen’s latest ruling will not affect their crypto currency mining operations in light of an earlier ruling that FinCen issued in 2014. The said ruling excluded cryptocurrency miners from being recognized as Money Service Businesses. The 2014 ruling was mainly based on the premise that their mining activities are mainly for their personal use and not for purposes of trading crypto money to other users or potential investors.

While cryptocurrency miners keep their rewards stored in their self-hosted wallets in order to maintain anonymity, It became apparent that the new FinCen ruling will affect their ability to use such rewards without having to reveal their identity and that of the users who will receive their mined rewards.

Pres. Biden Says $15/Hour Wage Hike Might Be Excluded in Pandemic Relief Package

In a recent CBS interview, Pres. Biden disclosed that the provision aiming to raise federal minimum wage to $15 could be excluded from the $1.9 relief package. Nonetheless, the President added that he would be urging Congress to pass a separate bill that will see to the promised $15 per hour minimum wage increase. He believes that it isn’t right for workers to still live below poverty wage while working more than 40 hours a week.

What Will Be Included in the $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Package

As President Biden promised, he and his Democratic allies in Congress will obtain the $1.9 trillion relief package, even without the support of Republican lawmakers. They did so through a congressional process known as reconciliation procedure. However, based on the rules of reconciliation, only legislation that impacts the federal budget will be passed in the final bill.

That being the case, the bill passed under reconciliation procedure Includes items like the $170 billion allocated for college institutions and K-12 schools. There is also a $30 billion allocation to provide citizens with assistance in the settlement of unpaid household expenses like utilities and rent.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders who is now the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee said he is still exerting effort, and looking for ways of including the minimum $15/hour minimum wage hike in the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill. According to the Vermont Senator, he is counting on a team of lawyers to make a case of citing the minimum wage hike as having important budget implications in accordance with the reconciliation rules.

US-China Trade War Not Likely to End Quickly Under the Biden Administration

Even if President-elect Joe Biden officially assumes office as POTUS, the trade war started by Donald Trump vs. China is not likely to end all too quickly. .

While President-elect Joe Biden has plans of improving diplomatic relationships with China, economists and trade experts believe that the new POTUS will still use the U.S. tariffs imposed by Trump as leverage. Although China had responded by suspending imports coming from the U.S., the 10% tariff on the $300 billion worth of goods, will still come in useful as a bargaining tool to gain concessions from China.

Charles Skuba, a former senior official of the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA) and a professor at Georgetown University opines that it would be impractical for the new POTUS to immediately make tariff reductions, as he could use them in negotiating trade deals with China.

Biden as New POTUS Can be Confronted w/ Calls to Reduce the Trump-Imposed 10% Tariffs

Since Trump failed to recognize that the tariff increases imposed on Chinese imports adversely impact U.S. businesses that rely on raw materials imported from China, Biden as the new President could be confronted with calls to reduce, if not roll back the tariffs to the original rates. While President Biden can use them as bargaining tools, China’s retaliatory action of limiting its importation of U.S. agricultural products will likewise serve as an important tool for the Chinese government’s trade negotiations.

In the meantime, American exporters, particularly the U.S. farmers will continue to suffer greatly from the lack of export trade. Not unless, the new POTUS can secure trade deals with other countries not only to make up for the lost Chinese revenues, but also to sustainably revitalize the country’s flailing agricultural industry.

Trump’s Trade War with China Only Resulted in Greater Trade Deficits

While Trump had insisted that China will bear the costs of the raised tariffs,his rhetorics and trade negotiating strategies failed to achieve the goal of reducing the trade deficits that persistently affected the country’s performance in international global trades. In fact the U.S.’ overall trade deficit went on a rise as Trump had also alienated some European governments by imposing similar tariff increases.

Moreover, under the Trump administration, several American companies moved their production facilities in other countries like Mexico and Vietnam, as a way to avoid paying the tariffs imposed on raw materials imported from China. .

Fund-Raising Prowess of VP Hopefuls, Did It Influence Biden’s Decision?

Will fundraising abilities be a critical aspect when Joe Biden decides on his choice of Vice Presidential running mate in the forthcoming general election in November? Apparently not as much, because reports just came in that Biden chose Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate.

Financial contributions are seen as silent indicators of real voters supporting Joe Biden’s candidacy, even if only for the purpose of ousting Trump from the Oval Office. The more funds raised by a VP hopeful, the greater the number of individuals backing the members of the electoral college who will vote for the Democratic tandem. Although Trump often boasted of the huge financial backing raised by his campaign team in his behalf, most of the funds came from big donors who in recent months have started withdrawing their financial support.

VP Hopefuls Who Achieved Tremendous Success in Raising Campaign Funds for Joe Biden

Joe Biden has earlier remarked that he will be choosing a governing partner and has been holding one-on-one interviews to determine the best pick. In the meantime, and with the vetting process still ongoing, the fund-raising prowess of each VP hopeful is now becoming an important consideration.

Currently, Senator Elizabthe Warren is in the lead, having raised as much as $7.7 million dollar by going along with high-dollar fund raising events that she did not engage in for her own presidential candidacy. In addition, she drew as many as 50,000 attendees to her grassroots event, while also sending emails to her and Biden’s small-dollar list of supporters. The amount is still expected to increase as Warren is scheduled to hold more fund-raising events in Biden’s name.

Sen. Kamala Harris is doing great as well. According to Politico sources , her fundraising activities on behalf of Joe Biden has already raised more than $5 million.

Senator Tammy Duckworth, who after having co-headlined three fundraisers with the Biden couple, as well as after appearing in other events, contributed more than $3 million for the Democratic campaign.

Politico also reports that Susan Rice, former President Obama’s national security adviser and also a potential VP pick, was able to raise funds by simply headlining fund raising events for Biden even without the latter in attendance.

NY Gov Calls McConnell’s State Bankruptcy Bill a Dumb Idea

Angered by Republican Senator Mitch McConnell’s move to pass a bill for states to declare bankruptcy, NY Gov. Cuomo called it the dumbest idea ever.

Actually, McConnell made his remarks in connection with his and other Republican allies’ refusal in giving financial aid to Democratic States. Rather than receive bailouts coming from the $2.2 trillon coronavirus relief fund approved by Congress, McConnell wants states with steep shortfalls consider declaring bankruptcy while facing the Covid-19 crisis.

The Republican Senate leader referred to Democrats, who after pushing to spend tens of billions of dollars in helping residents in their states, namely in California, New York and Illinois, are now banking on financial aid coming from the stimulus fund in addressing their shortfalls. His statement appeared under a press release captioned as “Stopping Blue State Bailouts.”

McConnell, who apart from being senator of Kentucky is also the senate majority leader, whilst branding himself as the grim reaper of Congress. He stated the controversial remarks in response to an interview conducted by radio host Hugh Hewitt.

According to news sources, McConnell’s statements have fueled bipartisan backlash from several state governors.

NY Governor Lashes Back

In his Friday briefings about the present state of the Covid-19 crisis in New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) berated McConnell’s support of a bill that will force states to declare bankruptcy during the ongoing pandemic crisis. Apart from calling the passing of the bill as a “really dumb idea,” the NY Governor dared McConnell to pass the law, saying

“Your suggestion, Sen. McConnell, pass the law, I dare you to do that.” “Then go to the president and ‘say sign this bill that allows states to declare bankruptcy.’ …”I dare you to do that if you want to send a signal to the markets as well as send an international message that the U.S. economy is in turmoil.”

NY Republican Representative Peter T. King came out with a tweet last Wednesday, calling McConnell’s suggestions and remarks “shameful and indefensible,” whilst branding McConnel as the Marie Antoinette of the U.S. Senate.”

Republican New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu came out with a press statement in which he called McConneell’s statements ridiculous because it means allowing a state to go bankrupt, and forego all the programs and benefits that a state has to institute, manage and operationalize for citizens.

The Real Picture Behind Trump’s Claims of Being the Greatest President in the History of the U.S.

President Trump often basks in the glory of boasting about job growth during his presidency, which his supporters readily believe.

Yet time again, economists and analysts point out that economic and job growth did not start during Trump’s presidency. His showing was only a continuance of the progress made by the Obama administration, after pulling the U.S. economy out of the “Great Recession” that lasted between December 2007 and June 2009.

Fortunately, it was President Obama who was at the helm of the government’s efforts to bring the country on the road to recovery. The financial crises of the Great Recession were wrought by toxic mortgages, breakdowns in corporate governance and excessive credit card borrowings. All of which stemmed from poor financial regulations and ineptitude by those handling the Federal Reserves.

Upon Trump’s assumption of office in the year 2017, the country was already well on its way to economic recovery. Yet even if job growth was sustained, the rate of job growth in America has not actually made an impressive change during Trump’s presidency.

Although Trump promised a GDP growth of 4%, his administration managed to post an increase of only 2.9% during the years 2017 and 2018, coming from an average GDP growth rate of 2.07% linked to economic recovery initiatives under Obama.

At the end of 2019, the rate of GDP growth plummeted to 2.00% – 2.01%; even lower than the GDP growth rate before Trumped assumed office.

The drop was largely expected in light of the trade wars that Trump initiated with other countries, particularly vs. EU-member countries and China. Many businesses, particularly the manufacturing sector were largely affected by the tariff increases imposed on raw materials being imported from China and other countries. Apparently, Trump did not have a clear idea of how tariffs actually work, since the burden of paying the costs of importing the raw materials eventually falls on the American end-users or consumers.

The Real Picture about the Economic Growth During Trump’s 3-Year Presidency

A substantial portion of the tariff collected from Chinese goods imported by U.S. manufacturers and resellers, estimated at around tens of billions of dollars were paid by American consumers. Most of the funds collected from the increased tariff collections went to subsidies aimed at supporting U.S. farmers, being the hardest hit by the U.S.-China trade war.

Mainly because China suspended all importation of agricultural products being supplied by American farmers, instead of caving in to Trump’s trade demands and threats.

Sallie Mae’s New Student Credit Cards : Is It Wise to Use It in Paying Down a Student Loan?

SLM Corporation, the student-loan lender commonly known as Sallie Mae, recently introduced Mastercard credit cards for college students and recent grads.

Sallie Mae’s introduction of the new credit facilities has catchy overtures. They come with a promotional offer of zero annual fee and zero interest, plus cash-back features that award an additional 25% cash-back if used to pay down a federal or private student loan.

Yet those who are not familiar with how credit cards work, should carefully read the terms and conditions.

Credit card analyst and expert, Matt Schulz of CompareCards, said cash-back returns are not big enough to worry over. What new credit card users should pay attention to are the fees, Annual Percentage Rate (APR) or interest rates, default charges and the outstanding balance of their credit card account.

Sallie Mae’s VP of Corporate Communications, Rick Castellano, is into promoting their new credit cards as a way of helping students responsibly build their credit history by rewarding them with cash-backs. Still, credit analyst Nathan Grant of Credit Card Insider, says that Sallie Mae’s unlimited one percent (1%) cash-back reward is very much the same as the cash-backs of student credit cards offered by other financial companies.

According to Grant, the bottomline is that

“Student credit cards are serious financial tools that can help build a student’s credit history only if used responsibly. Otherwise, they can be a gateway to debt when used irresponsibly,”

What Happens if You Use Your Credit Card to Pay Down a Student Loan?

Using a Sallie Mae Credit Card to pay down a federal or private student loan requires careful consideration of several factors. As opposed to business loans or personal loans, student loans, particularly federal loans, are granted under easier terms and conditions. The Sallie Mae credit cards, on the other hand, follow the same terms and conditions of conventional credit cards.

When attracted to the promise of 25% cash-back bonus, it is important therefore to first look into and compare certain aspects.

Compare the interest applied per annum on the student loan against the APR applied on credit payments. Take note that after the promotional or introductory period is over, the zero % interest ends. This denotes that the credit card balance will start accumulating daily interest based on the APR, which can be anywhere between 14.99% (15%) and 24.99% (25%).

The simple interest on a student loan is calculated based on the unpaid balance of the principal amount borrowed. If a student fails to pay on the due date, interest on the unpaid principal merely accrues and will be added to the next interest due on the loan. Calculations of future interests will still be based on the outstanding principal amount.

If you will use your credit card to pay down a student loan, the terms of the loan are bound to change. Any credit amount used to pay down a student debt becomes due on the next statement date following the payment. In order to avoid payment of APR-based interest, you must settle the amount in full.

If you do not pay the student loan payment in full, the student-loan payment plus any unpaid APR interest will be reflected as outstanding balance of your credit card. Keep in mind that with credit cards, the APR interest is calculated based on the average outstanding balance of your credit account and not on the unpaid portion of a credit purchase or loan payment.

Paying only the minimum amount indicated in the credit card statement will not reduce your outstanding credit card obligations. That is because minimum payments cover only the APR interest due for the month. In the meantime, the system will continue compounding interest on the outstanding credit card obligations on a daily basis, including unpaid portions of the student loan payment plus any unpaid interest from previous billings. .

Grassroots Fundraising and Its Significance to a Political Candidate

Grassroots fundraising in its simplest context is money solicited from ordinary people without any stipulation of amount contributed, in order to provide funds that will mobilize a movement and achieve a specific mission that will benefit a particular group of people. Grassroots donation has no limit in the sense that any one person can contribute on a recurring basis, to ensure that the movement will be able to have a sustained means of carrying on with its activities.

While grassroots raised funds were originally focused on projects intended to serve the community in which the funds were raised, it came to a point when political candidates had to resort to grassroots funding in launching their political bid. This was deemed acceptable as a grassroots funding purpose since supporting a political campaign, if supporting a political candidate will help push the movement toward success.

Inasmuch as raising of grassroots funds depends on the efforts of volunteers who take actions in soliciting and collecting donations, the political candidate who will utilize the money donated will not be beholden to the donors. If he or she succeeds in getting elected, the politician will be expected to honor his pledge to the multitude of grassroots donors by focusing on policies and projects that will benefit the general public; particularly the sector or public concerns requiring positive government actions.

President Barack Obama Sets an Example of a Successful Grassroots Funded Politician

Although there were other presidential aspirants like Howard Dean, Ron Paul and Bernie Sanders who utilized grassroots fundings for their political campaign, only Barack Obama succeeded in getting elected as President of the United States (POTUS). As POTUS, President Obama made good on his promise to make healthcare available for the less fortunate Americans, and to introduce policies that protect the welfare of immigrant workers.

However despite getting re-elected, political divide did not allow some of President Obama’s healthcare and immigration policies to gain full legislative support. Moreover, the current Trump administration, whose president is politically backed mostly by business institutions and wealthy members of society, continues to carry out actions that would repeal or modify some of Obama’s grassroots-oriented policies; including those addressing climate-change and gun-ownership laws.

2020 Presidential Candidates Supported by Grassroots Political Campaign Funds

Bernie Sanders launched another bid to get the Democratic Party’s nomination as 2020 presidential candidate. However, Senator Sanders is mostly making a repeat of his 2016 advocacies. That being the case, he is currently unable to expand his grassroots base beyond his loyal supporters. Senator Sanders was able to raise around $18 million as grassroots-supported campaign funds.

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts has come to the fore as another grassroots presidentiable seeking for Democratic nomination as presidential candidate to run against Donald Trump. Senator Warren was able to raise $19.1 million in grassroots funds to launch her campaign.

She stands firm on her position of not accepting big-dollar contributions coming from wealthy donors. After all, Senator Warren’s political agenda is to fight for the working class people. She vows to advance policies that will require funding paid in part by hefty taxes she intends to impose on America’s super rich people.

Generating Compounding Profits and Interests with Bitcoin

The greater the number of people who are using Bitcoin, the greater the number of financial services would be created to accommodate cryptocurrency. As a matter of fact, there are constant stream of new applications being developed just for this purpose. One major advantage of Bitcoin than other traditional currencies is the fact that it is not affected by inflation. There’s no central authority that could all of a sudden manipulate the value and supply of this currency.

The Path to Richest with Bitcoin is Here!

On the other hand, if you are interested to make money using Bitcoin, you’re in luck because there are countless of ways on how you can do so rather than keeping them in your digital wallet. As you read this article, I will walk you through on the different ways of making money with Bitcoin.

Buy & Hold

By far, this has been the most effective method known to man. You can make tons of money by simply investing in Bitcoin. This however will require continuous positive trend. Even though the cost increased thousand percents, there’s no indication that the growth slows down.

Mining

This is yet another way that can be applied to earn money using Bitcoin. On the other hand, since the competition is tougher and fiercer, it is more challenging to multiple your money with this procedure. This is something that would demand resources. In the event that you are really determined to try this path, then consider using bitcoin trading robots from GladAge.

Invest in Crypto

Rather than just being a user, you may actually be an investor. The more the people who start to use Bitcoin, the more its value will rise. People are buying Bitcoin for sheer number of reasons.

Many are using Bitcoin due to the reason that it is easier to do online transactions with it. Others however take advantage of it for the cheaper money transfers while some are investing in Bitcoin to not be affected by inflation.

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Bitcoin as well as blockchain technology has various applications and will keep improving in the years to come. The potential for growth is high and therefore, a lot of people are deciding to invest in Bitcoin using the aforementioned methods.

US GAO Reports Government Agencies Still Using Verification Method Weakened by Equifax Database-Breach

Nearly two years after the Equifax database hacking, the US Government Accountability Office (US GAO) released a report last Friday naming government agencies still using the Knowledge-Base Authentication method in running their online operations. The revelation by the government watchdog serves as a warning to people transacting online with agencies like the Social Security Administration, the US Postal Service, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Veterans Affairs that their accounts and their benefits, are vulnerable to cyber attacks.

The US GAO is concerned that the Equifax database breach in 2017 resulted to the exposure of personal identifying information belonging to more than 148 million Equifax credit report users.

Knowledge-Base verification is the second stage security measure used by a website when authenticating users intending to replace a forgotten password. Usually the verification requires giving answers to security questions about personal information known only to the account holder. If supplied correctly, a change in password will be allowed to grant access to whoever initiated the password change. .

Breached personal information providing details about credit-cards, Social Security Number, Driver’s License, date of birth, email addresses and phone numbers, can be used by cyber criminals in surreptitiously accessing benefits and other privileges provided by the aforementioned government agencies. Considering that account passwords can easily be replaced by using Knowledge Base authentication approach, rendered weak as a result of the Equifax database hacking that made massive personal information available to cyber criminals. . .

That is why immediately after the Equifax credit report data-hacking transpired in 2017, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommended the discontinuance of Knowledge Base Authentication as second-level method of verifying the identity of online account holders. .

However, the US GAO noted that the 2017 NIST notification did not include guidelines for directing government agencies on how to implement alternative methods of remote identity proofing, such as in-person verification, or through the use of user mobile devices when checking in.

Actions Taken by Government Agencies Cited in the US GAO Report

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The U.S. Department of Commerce agreed to the GAO’s recommendation, and has committed in behalf of the NIST, the Social Security Administration, the US Postal Service, and Veterans Affairs that steps will be taken to improve the security in their remote identity verification processes.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), through the Department of Health, disagreed with the GAO recommendation. According to the CMS, the alternative methods recommended are not feasible practices as far as the citizens availing CMS services are concerned.

In response, GAO underpinned the reasons for their recommendation, suggesting that the CMS may consider other alternative methods other than those recommended by GAO in the report.

The Promise of Cryptocurrency – Freedom, Democracy, Equality

The craze on cryptocurrency is spreading like wild fire. And yes, governments around the world had been intrigued too as they have started to create their own versions of digital currency. Estonia created Estcoin, Japan with J-coin, Sweden with the E-Krona project, and Petro by the Venezuelan government. These are just a few of the many governments exploring cryptocurrencies.

These government backed coins are called central bank issued cryptocurrency while others called it digital fiat. Regardless of what they are called they are not true cryptocurrencies. Why? True crytocurrencies are decentralized and it is one of the features why many people love the crypto. It is not governed or controlled by any entity as opposed to these government backed coins.

Bitcoins for Freedom

Venezuela is suffering from years of high inflation. There are over 3 million Venezuelans who have fled the country since 2014 seeking for food in nearby borders to feed their empty stomachs. Authoritarianism has gone from bad to worse and Venezuelans have the least power to change their rulers through campaigns for change or via free and fair elections simply because they fear for retaliation. It may seem that there are no other options for the people of Venezuela but technology gave hope to those who believe.

Many Venezuelans are experimenting with Bitcoin to avert inflation and tight financial management. There had been a lot of factors that concealed the liberating potential of Nakamoto’s invention. Lear more about crypto trading here – https://pheeva.com/bitcoin/trading/best-crypto-trading-bots/.

Among others is speculation, fraud, and greed. But for the Venezuelans and others who are living in high inflation and authoritarian rulers, they have seen Bitcoin as a valuable tool to fight ongoing inflation and work around the present government based exchange.

Venezuela is not the only nation where people are able to use Bitcoin to escape present economic climate. Zimbabwe, China, and Russia are experiencing the rage of inflation and are looking into Bitcoins to work around the tightening financial economic standards.

The Dark Side of Cryptocurrencies

The governments are interested in cryptocurrencies too. In this regard, we have to consider the dark side of this rising technology. Intellectuals have sent out warnings already that big data and AI (artificial intelligence) can possibly bolster authoritarians and tyrants everywhere. Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, and Iran have plans and are trying hard to change and centralize the concept of Bitcoin from peer-to-peer decentralized digital money to state-controlled cryptos such as the Petro. This will allow governments to successfully expurgate deals, control user accounts, and elude sanctions.

Keeping coins Decentralized

Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin is an insurance policy against an Orwellian future – written by Nassim Nichols

Decentralizing cryptocurrencies can result to opposing force. Other than Bitcoin, there are protected communications software and web browsers, privacy-preserving cryptocurrencies, mesh network units, and control-resistant storage programs. We could make certain that our financial systems and social networks won’t become tools for greed and control by continuously investing in these tools and making them better for the freedom and benefit of the majority.

The Federal Budget Process and the Role Played by Congress

The Federal Budget Process is a 9-step plan outlined by the 1974 Budget Control Act, establishing the role and authority of Congress in appropriating government funds, which the latter will present as a centralized and consolidated budget plan for the federal government at the start of every fiscal year.

Take note that a fiscal year is different from the calendar year that conventionally starts on January 01 and ends on December 31. A fiscal year also covers a 12-month period, but may start and end on any date agreed and settled upon by the federal Congess, state Congress or by a business entity, as the cyclic period. Currently, the the Federal Budget Process is being carried out to create a Budget Resolution for a 12-month period starting October 01 and ending September 30.

The Federal Budget Process

The 9-step process mainly involves submission of budget requests to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), coming from all federal agencies. The OMB in turn, carries on with the process by reviewing, assembling and preparing all budget requests before they are forwarded to the Office of the President.

Once forwarded, the Office of the President will in turn prepare a budget proposal indicating in dollar values, the President’s funding levels and priorities for each federal agency. The proposal may include changes to mandatory programs that Congress had already enacted; and/ or make certain changes to the tax code.

After which, the President’s final budget proposal will be submitted to Congress, where the final steps of the Federal Budget Process, take place.

The Role of Congress in the Federal Budget Process

The U.S. Constitution empowered Congress to raise revenue from where government spends will be derived and appropriated. Elected officials voted as representatives of their respective state take up positions in Congress either as house representative (congressman) or senator.

Both the House of Representatives and the Senate maintain their own budget committees, whose output will be significant during deliberations and negotiations for the final appropriations bill. Part of their output are the results of hearings with the head of federal agencies, to establish the propriety and necessity of the funds requested.

In addition, there is also a Congressional Budget Office to which certain congressional members are tasked to provide non-partisan analysis and review of the budget proposed by the President of the United States for each fiscal year.

After which, a consensus must be reached by Congress on where the tax burdens must fall, on who are the recipients of the spending benefit and on funding priorities.

The final budget projections and allocations are stated in hard numbers. Once all matters have been considered and agreed upon by the members of the House of Representatives, a Budget Resolution will be prepared and passed to the Senate for review and approval. Once the Senate approves the Budget Resolution passed by the House of Representatives, the approved budget will then be forwarded to the President of the United Stated for approval.

Why It is Important for Money to Circulate Constantly and Widely

A stable economy is one in which money circulates effectively and continuously. When money held by a person or entity transfers to another on a daily basis, money becomes available for use to others. If large sums of money in an economy go to the hands of individuals who place them in financial markets, or stash them in personal cash vaults, even hide them in walls or floors, less money circulates; likely stunting the growth of an economy.

What is Money Circulation and What are Its Indications

Money circulation is the actual transfer of physical cash on hand, which transpires when consumers buy goods or pay for services. However, for money circulation to be effective, the exchange must generally transpire within the same economic territory.

The stable flow of money will carry on from consumers to retailers, to wholesalers or distributors, to manufacturers, to raw material providers, up to the very people who toil on natural resources to produce or extract the most basic requirement of a product. If such is the case, it denotes that almost all participants in an economic sector will have money to circulate at their end.

In the process of transfers, business entities aim to collect cash in amounts that enable them to pay for salaries, utilities, maintenance, tools, and other things necessary to sustain business growth. Growing businesses create new jobs, use new spaces and pay additional taxes.

The government in turn, must use taxes in ways that will benefit the general public; not on some political projects that favor only the players and supporters of a current administration.

Salaries on the other hand represent the source of money from which consumers derive cash they will put into circulation. Ideally, money received as compensation should exceed a person’s cost of living. If such is the case, a consumer can expand coverage of money circulation by purchasing other products, aside from those that they buy or pay for to meet the cost of living. Even more ideal is that they can save money in banks, since a bank in turn, will be able to generate loanable funds.

Money placed in banks yields interests, whilst still keeping the value intact for the depositor’s future use. Interest paid by banks are sourced from interests collected from borrowers; making it important for banks to make sure that money, is loaned out to entities vetted as capable of paying back the funds borrowed plus interests.

Such scenarios in an economic territory, if occuring with very little or no setbacks at all, can guarantee economic stability and growth. Unfortunately, there are certain factors such as natural calamities, disasters, civil unrests, poor political policies, monopolies, fraud, innovations, and global conflicts that affect activities and operations of those who participate in money circulation.

YouTube Likes and the Intersection of Finance and Politics: Driving Public Policy

The intersection of finance and politics on YouTube has become increasingly significant, with likes playing a crucial role in driving public policy discussions. Videos covering both financial and political topics gain popularity through audience engagement, particularly likes, which can signal public interest and influence lawmakers.

The Role of YouTube in the Intersection of Financial and Political Spheres

YouTube has become a platform where financial and political issues intersect, allowing for in-depth discussions and debates that can influence public policy. Political videos get more attention with YouTube Likes.

Comprehensive Discussions: Videos that cover both finance and politics provide a holistic view, helping viewers understand the interconnectedness of these topics.
Policy Advocacy: Influencers use their platforms to advocate for specific policies, driving public discourse and potential legislative action.
Public Engagement: High engagement levels, including likes, indicate public interest and support for certain policy discussions.

Analysis of Popular Videos That Address Financial Policies and Their Political Implications

Popular YouTube videos that discuss financial policies often highlight their political implications, gaining traction and influencing public opinion through likes.

Tax Policies: Videos explaining tax reforms and their impact on different socio-economic groups often receive high engagement, reflecting public concern and interest.
Economic Stimulus: Discussions on government stimulus packages and their effectiveness can garner significant likes, indicating widespread interest and approval.
Regulatory Changes: Content on financial regulations, such as changes in banking laws or investment rules, often attracts viewers who seek to understand how these policies affect them personally.

How Likes Can Act as a Barometer for Public Sentiment on Financial Legislation

Likes on YouTube videos can provide a clear indication of public sentiment regarding various financial policies and legislation.

Public Approval: High likes suggest strong public support for the policies discussed in the video.
Engagement Trends: Tracking likes over time can reveal trends in public opinion and interest in specific legislative issues.
Influence on Lawmakers: Lawmakers may consider videos with high likes as a reflection of their constituents’ views, potentially influencing their stance on legislation.

The Impact of Influential YouTube Channels on Financial Policy Debates

Influential YouTube channels can drive financial policy debates by leveraging their platform’s reach and the engagement metrics, particularly likes.

Thought Leadership: Channels with a strong following can position themselves as thought leaders, shaping the narrative around financial policies.
Public Mobilization: High likes can indicate successful mobilization of public opinion, encouraging viewers to engage in advocacy or activism.
Legislative Impact: Videos that gain traction can prompt discussions in legislative bodies, highlighting the role of public opinion in shaping policy decisions.

Conclusion

The intersection of finance and politics on YouTube, driven by likes, plays a vital role in shaping public policy. By analyzing engagement metrics, particularly likes, we can gain insights into public sentiment and the influence of YouTube content on legislative debates. For influencers and policymakers, understanding the power of likes can enhance their ability to drive meaningful discussions and advocate for effective policies.

Education Policy on Human Capital Development

The importance of education policy in promoting human capital growth must be considered in the context of the constantly shifting environment of global economies. More is needed to pass on information; education is also a primary factor in the expansion of the economy, the development of new ideas, and the advancement of society. Individuals continue to seek ways to maximize their potential while embracing education’s transformative power. Tools such as a gold calculator serve as invaluable resources, assisting people in effectively evaluating the worth of their possessions and making informed financial decisions. Financial literacy, fostered through education, allows individuals to make informed choices about their resources, contributing to their human capital’s overall development. Just as education will enable individuals to think critically and analytically, financial literacy equips them with the skills to manage their finances effectively and navigate the complexities of the modern economy.

Government Initiatives to Increase Access to Education

Access to quality education is the cornerstone of human capital development. Governments worldwide have recognized the importance of ensuring equitable access to education for all individuals, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds. Initiatives such as scholarships, subsidies, and affirmative action policies have been executed to break down barriers to education.

By expanding educational opportunities and reducing financial constraints, these initiatives empower individuals to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

Human Capital Development

Human capital pertains to a populace’s combined expertise, understanding, and competencies obtained through schooling, instruction, and practice. Investing in human capital development is essential for boosting efficiency, encouraging creativity, and supporting sustained economic advancement. Educational strategies are crucial in nurturing human capital by furnishing people with the necessary means and support to succeed in a dynamically evolving society. These policies advocate for continuous learning and competency enhancement, empowering individuals with the flexibility and resilience to maneuver through intricate economic landscapes.

Impact on Economic Growth

The link between education policy and economic growth is undeniable. A well-educated workforce not only enhances productivity but also stimulates innovation and entrepreneurship. Studies have consistently shown that countries with higher levels of education tend to experience higher economic growth and prosperity rates. By investing in education, governments lay the foundation for sustainable development and create opportunities for socio-economic advancement.

Education policy catalyzes economic transformation, driving inclusive growth and reducing income inequality. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st-century economy, investing in education remains paramount. By prioritizing education policy, policymakers can empower individuals, foster invention, and build a brighter future for future generations.