TRENTON-A new bill was introduced this week in the New Jersey State Senate to allow for tax increases to cover the added expenses of managing New Jersey’s new Bail Reform and Speedy Trial Act. The new act which has created a well-oiled revolving door that benefits criminals and hinders law enforcement comes at a price and somebody has to pay for it.
Photos: top: nj senator steve sweeney. Above: robert singer, representing lakewood township.
The bail reform isn’t working. It’s letting criminals go free without bail and costing local towns and courts a lot of money. Instead of working on repealing it, two state senators want the taxpayers to pay more money to make it work.
The new act has created more paperwork for law enforcement entities and has been blamed for letting a two-time child sex offender in Little Egg Harbor walk free after sexually assaulting a child.
Now, New Jersey State Senators Steve Sweeney and Robert Singer want New Jersey taxpayers to bear the brunt of a criminal justice reform that just isn’t working.
The bill creates a one-year property tax levy cap exclusion for costs incurred by local units as a result of the implementation of bail reform pursuant to P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-15 et al.). The bill permits counties to add bail reform expenditures incurred during calendar year 2017 to the adjusted tax levy for calendar year 2018.
The Bill was introduced on Monday.
“In November 2014, the voters approved an amendment to Article I, paragraph 11 of the New Jersey Constitution, which allows the Legislature to pass laws concerning pretrial release and pretrial detention. P.L.2014, c.31 concerns several aspects of judicial administration,” the Singer-Sweeney bill said. “That law establishes statutory trial deadlines for persons being detained in jail, both pre- and post-indictment; reforms the manner in which determinations for bail and other forms of criminal pre-trial release are made; provides courts with the authority to deny pre-trial release and instead order pre-trial detention; and authorizes the Judiciary to revise and supplement fees to help fund a pre-trial risk assessment and monitoring program, and other court-related programs and services.”
According to the duo, “Published news reports indicate counties have incurred new costs associated with the bail reform initiative. Currently, such expenses are not excluded from the cap on increases in the county property tax levy. Without this temporary levy cap exclusion, county governments may be forced to limit expenditures on local priorities in order to support the bail reform program. Providing a levy cap exclusion will allow counties to budget for any additional costs to be incurred while maintaining local services.”
Bail reform in New Jersey has done nothing but let criminals go free and handcuff law enforcement since it was enacted on January 1st of this year, now the state wants the residents who have been exposed and endangered by this new and improve revolving door of justice to pay more to make it work.
New York Senator Chuck Schumer woo’d his liberal audience when she, we mean, he shed some crocodile tears over Donald Trump’s enhanced immigration vetting executive order.
Even though Schumer called the order mean spirited and un-American, he considered a halt on immigration in 2015 to block Syrian refugees.
Back then he supported a pause in immigration from the country during the height of its civil war.
Here are 5 times Chuck Schumer didn’t shed a tear.
An assault against America’s police officers swept America in 2016. 64 were shot dead nationwide. Neither Schumer nor President Barack Obama shed tears.
14 U.S. service members died in America’s fight against terror. Schumer never took to Twitter to shed a tear.
In November of 2016, America learned that Obamacare premiums were skyrocketing in many states and plan choices were decreasing. Many Americans struggle daily to keep their Obamacare, many can’t afford the premiums and are have lost their beloved plans and physicians. No tears were shed.
When a gunman shot and killed 46 people in an Orlando, Schumer didn’t shed tears publicly, but he did introduce more gun legislation to hinder law abiding American’s ability to defend themselves from future attacks.
When it was learned Planned Parenthood was found to be selling body parts and tissue of aborted fetuses, Schumer didn’t cry in front of any cameras.
In 2012 when the American Embassy in Libya was attacked by Islamic terrorists and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton blamed it on a YouTube video. Schumer didn’t cry as the body of an American ambassador was dragged through the streets.
So why does Schumer cry when President Donald Trump imposes an executive order aimed at preventing such terrorists from entering the United States?
WASHINGTON, DC-Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders who was betrayed by his own party in the 2016 Democratic Presidential Primary has taken the form of internet troll since President Donald J. Trump took the oath of office.
Multiple times daily, the defeated senator takes to Twitter to try to lead the booing section of the Democratic Party. Like the guy who stands up at the Major League Baseball game to start the wave, hoping just once, others will follow, Sanders takes the stage, yelling whatever he can to get somebody’s attention.
Not only did his own party reject him in 2016, America rejected his opponent in November. Sanders has become that rowdy guy who’s mad that the baseball player gave the ball to somebody else and starts cursing out the player while everyone yells for him to sit down and shut up.
President Trump, you made a big mistake. By trying to divide us up by race, religion, gender and nationality you actually brought us closer. pic.twitter.com/U7deCCTFx9
WASHINGTON,DC-America’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community is in shock Tuesday morning after the Trump administration announced their policy regarding America’s LGBT citizens.
As many were expecting President Donald J. Trump to roll back a 2014 Obama administration executive order protecting LGBTQ citizens, he announced his continued support for the community.
“President Donald J. Trump is determined to protect the rights of all Americans, including the LGBTQ community,” the White House said. “The President is proud to have been the first ever GOP nominee to mention the LGBTQ community in his nomination acceptance speech, pledging then to protect the community from violence and oppression.”
WASHINGTON, DC-President Donald Trump today took on Democrat minority leader Chuck Schumer after the liberal New Yorker shedded questionable tears while speaking against the 90 day travel restrictions placed on countries that sponsor Islamic terrorism.
“I noticed Chuck Schumer yesterday with fake tears. I’m going to ask him who was his acting coach. Because I know him very well. I don’t see him as a crier. If he is he’s a different man. There’s about a 5% chance that it was real, but I think they were fake tears.”
Incidentally, Schumer’s tears coincided with shutter clicks from cameras of news reporters in the audience.
WASHINGTON, DC-President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin had their first phone call over foreign policy this weekend and both leaders said the call was a success.
Vladimir Putin congratulated the President on his election victory.
“During the conversation, both sides expressed their readiness to make active joint efforts to stabilise and develop Russia-US cooperation on a constructive, equitable and mutually beneficial basis,” Putin said in a release. “Mr Putin and Mr Trump had a detailed discussion of pressing international issues, including the fight against terrorism, the situation in the Middle East, the Arab-Israeli conflict, strategic stability and non-proliferation, the situation with Iran’s nuclear programme, and the Korean Peninsula issue. The discussion also touched upon the main aspects of the Ukrainian crisis. The sides agreed to build up partner cooperation in these and other areas.”
The call was one of 5 made by Trump to heads of state around the world.
Both Trump and Putin agreed the defeat of ISIS was a common rallying point for both nations.
The presidents spoke out for establishing real coordination of actions between Russia and the USA aimed at defeating ISIS and other terrorists groups in Syria.
The sides stressed the importance of rebuilding mutually beneficial trade and economic ties between the two counties’ business communities, which could give an additional impetus to progressive and sustainable development of bilateral relations.
Trump asked to convey his wishes of happiness and prosperity to the Russian people, saying that the American people have warm feelings towards Russia and its citizens.
Vladimir Putin, in turn, emphasised that the feeling is mutual, adding that for over two centuries Russia has supported the United States, was its ally during the two world wars, and now sees the United States as a major partner in fighting international terrorism.
WASHINGTON, DC- Much to the dismay of his liberal opponents, but to the pleasure of the other half of America who supported this new president, Donald Trump’s administration outlined the President’s first 7 days, full of accomplishments, executive orders and policy decisions.
PRESIDENT TRUMP’S FIRST WEEK OF ACTION
15: Presidential Actions to begin fulfilling his promises to Make America Great Again.
11: Diplomatic conversations with foreign leaders to promote an America First foreign policy.
4: Members of President Trump’s cabinet sworn into office.
3: Stakeholder meetings to get input from both workers and business leaders on jumpstarting job creation.
3: Engagements with members of Congress to discuss his agenda.
3: Visits to federal agencies committed to protecting our homeland and ensuring our national security.
1: Official White House visit by a foreign head of state.
1: Reception to honor law enforcement and first responders.
1: Proclamation supporting National School Choice week.
The President’s team followed through on his commitment to action, by:
collaborating with 28 federal agencies and departments on a near daily basis.
discussing legislative items with at least 75 House members or their staffs and 35 Senators or their staffs.
making initial contact with governors in each state and territory, and having in-depth discussions with 32 governors or their staff.
discussing issues with 22 state attorneys general.
beginning outreach to our nation’s largest municipalities and tribes.
President Trump Used The Power Of His Office To Follow Through On His Promises To The American People
WITHIN HOURS OF HIS INAUGURATION: President Trump moved to protect Americans from ObamaCare, government regulations, and future bailouts.
On the evening of his Inauguration, President Trump sought relief for Americans from the cost burdens of ObamaCare.
Through a memorandum issued by the Chief of Staff, all new regulations were frozen to protect job creators from the crush of new government rules on their businesses.
President Trump put a stop to a reckless action that would have reduced funding for the Federal Housing Authority after it was bailed out by the taxpayers as recently as 2013.
MONDAY: President Trump fulfilled his promise to immediately address trade and jobs by withdrawing from the harmful Trans-Pacific Partnership, put in place a hiring freeze, and protected taxpayer money from funding abortions overseas.
President Trump protected American workers by withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
To stem the tide of an ever growing government, President Trump put in place a hiring freeze on federal civilian employees.
After years of taxpayer money being spent to promote abortions abroad, President Trump reinstated the “Mexico City Policy” to ban such usage.
TUESDAY: President Trump promoted job creation by jumpstarting the construction of two new energy pipelines, requiring the use of American-made materials and equipment in building those pipelines, and reduced the regulatory burden on America’s manufacturing and construction industry.
President Trump began the process to finish construction on the Dakota Access Pipeline after a series of delays.
After years of delays, President Trump signed a presidential memorandum to revive the Keystone XL pipeline.
To make sure Americans benefit from infrastructure projects, the President signed an executive memorandum requiring all new construction and repair of pipelines to use American materials and equipment.
President Trump ordered the Commerce Department to streamline and reduce regulations affecting U.S. manufacturing to help bring factories back to America.
To jumpstart much needed infrastructure projects, President Trump signed an executive order to speed up the environmental impact review of projects.
WEDNESDAY: President Trump followed through on his pledge to protect America’s borders and end the lack of compliance with immigration laws.
Following through on his commitment to protecting the American people, President Trump signed an executive order to improve border security, particularly through the construction of a physical barrier on the southern border.
President Trump signed an executive order to ensure that immigration laws are enforced throughout the United States, including halting federal funding for sanctuary cities.
FRIDAY: President Trump followed through on his top priority to keep America safe.
President Trump signed an executive order protecting the United States from foreign nationals entering from countries compromised by terrorism, and ensuring a more rigorous vetting process.
President Trump issued a presidential memorandum to direct the Secretary of Defense to review our readiness and create plans to rebuild the U.S. military.
President Trump Has Held or Scheduled 11 Conversations With Foreign Leaders To Promote American Interests Around The Globe
On Saturday, President Trump spoke with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico and discussed respect for the sovereignty of both nations.
On Saturday, President Trump also spoke with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the importance of strong U.S.-Canada ties.
On Sunday, President Trump spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to discuss opportunities to strengthen relations.
On Monday, President Trump spoke with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi of Egypt, expressing his commitment for a new push in bilateral relations.
On Tuesday, President Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to strengthen relations and cooperation.
Today, President Trump spoke again with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico to discuss bilateral relations, border security and trade.
Tomorrow, President Trump is scheduled to speak Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of with Japan
Tomorrow, President Trump is scheduled to speak with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany.
Tomorrow, President Trump is scheduled to speak with President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
Tomorrow, President Trump is scheduled to speak with President François Hollande of France.
Tomorrow, President Trump is scheduled to speak with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia.
Four Of President Trump’s Nominees Were Confirmed By The Senate And Sworn Into Office
Last Friday, retired General John Kelly was sworn in as Secretary of Homeland Security.
Also last Friday, retired General James Mattis was sworn in as Secretary of Defense.
On Monday, former Congressman Mike Pompeo was sworn in as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
On Wednesday, former Governor Nikki Haley was sworn in as Ambassador to the United Nations.
Following Through On His Commitment To Job Creation, President Trump Held Stakeholder Meetings With Business And Labor Leaders
On Monday, President Trump met with labor leaders to discuss his plans to renegotiate trade deals and put Americans back to work.
Later on Monday, President Trump met with manufacturing leaders to discuss how to bring factories and manufacturing jobs back to America.
On Tuesday, President Trump met with key industry leaders to discuss how the auto industry can bring back American jobs.
President Trump Held Meetings Or Spoke With Congressional Leaders To Discuss His Agenda
On Monday, President Trump hosted Republican and Democrat congressional leaders and chiefs of staff at the White House to discuss the upcoming legislative agenda.
On Tuesday, President Trump met with key Senate leaders to discuss his upcoming choice to fill the Supreme Court vacancy.
On Thursday, President Trump spoke at the Republican congressional retreat in Philadelphia.
President Trump Spoke At The Headquarters Of The CIA, The Department Of Homeland Security, And The Department Of Defense
On Saturday, President Trump spoke at CIA headquarters and told a raucous crowd that he’d have their back as he thanked them for their service to the country.
On Wednesday, President Trump visited the Department of Homeland Security to reinforce his strong belief in protecting America’s borders.
On Wednesday, President Trump visited the Department of Defense to highlight his commitment to rebuild our military.
President Trump Hosted U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May
In hosting his first foreign head of state at the White House, President Trump welcomed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Theresa May.
As One Of His First Actions After Inauguration Day, President Trump Thanked American Law Enforcement And First Responders
On Sunday, President Trump held a White House Reception to honor and thank law enforcement and first responders who helped make his Inauguration safe and successful.
President Trump Proclaimed National School Choice Week
On Thursday, President Trump renewed his commitment to expand school choice for Americans by proclaiming January 22 through January 28, 2017, as National School Choice Week.
The President’s Team Is Following Through On His Commitment To Action
President Trump’s team has worked to ensure his team is in place at various departments and agencies and working to implement his agenda:
The White House Office of Cabinet Affairs made 140 calls to 28 separate federal departments and agencies to collaborate on various issues.
Cabinet Affairs personally met with 10 Cabinet nominees.
Cabinet Affairs coordinated the swearing in of four cabinet members this week by the Vice President.
President Trump’s team has worked to ensure his legislative agenda is well-received in Congress:
The White House Office of Legislative Affairs met or spoke with 110 congressional offices or elected representatives in 75 House and 35 Senate offices.
Vice President Pence had several in-person meetings this week on Capitol Hill.
President Trump’s team began outreach to our nation’s states, municipalities, and tribes:
The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs made initial contact with the governor’s offices in all of the states and territories.
Intergovernmental Affairs held detailed discussions with the governors or their staff in 32 separate states.
Intergovernmental Affairs made initial contact with 22 of the 50 state attorneys general.
Intergovernmental Affairs has begun outreach to America’s largest municipalities, such as Los Angeles County and met with the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Intergovernmental Affairs made contact with the largest tribes in the country and has begun outreach with many leaders.
The United States President Donald J. Trump and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto spoke by phone this morning for an hour. The call was mutually arranged by their teams.
The two had a productive and constructive call regarding the bilateral relationship between the two countries, the current trade deficit the United States has with Mexico, the importance of the friendship between the two nations, and the need for the two nations to work together to stop drug cartels, drug trafficking and illegal guns and arms sales.
With respect to payment for the border wall, both presidents recognize their clear and very public differences of positions on this issue but have agreed to work these differences out as part of a comprehensive discussion on all aspects of the bilateral relationship.
Both presidents have instructed their teams to continue the dialogue to strengthen this important strategic and economic relationship in a constructive way.
Vladimir Putin might ride grizzly bears bare chested, but Donald Trump once got physical with WWE President Vince McMahon at WWE’s 2007 Battle of the Billionaires.
TRENTON-The New Jersey Courts say New Jersey bail reform represents the “forefront of fairness”, according to a statements made on January 7th to the New Jersey Star-Ledger.
“The existing bail system is not fair to poor defendants who, because they cannot post bail, are cut off from families, may lose their jobs, and may go without access to medication for a period of time,” according to Chief Justice Stuart Rabner. “In terms of the charges against them, studies have shown that they face tougher plea offers and pressure to plead guilty because of the amount of time they have already spent in jail, and they receive longer sentences as compared to similarly situated defendants who were able to make bail.”
“Bail reform and speedy trial reform collectively represent a historic shift in the way our courts administer justice,” said Glenn A. Grant acting administrative director of the courts. “We need everyone, whether you are part of the criminal division, in a finance office, part of the family division or any other part of the Judiciary, to learn about these reforms and be ready to do your part when called upon for the success of these efforts.”
On Jan. 1, 2017, New Jersey shifted from a system that relies principally on setting monetary bail as a condition of release to ac computerized risk-based system that court officials claim is more objective, “thus fairer to defendants because it is unrelated to their ability to pay monetary bail.”
The new statute also sets deadlines for the timely filing of an indictment and the disposition of criminal charges for incarcerated defendants.
That’s the marketing copy from the state. In reality, the system isn’t working as intended, handcuffing law enforcement and quickly returning first and even second time violent offenders and sex offenders back into the communities, hours after they committed their crimes.
A watchdog group has taken to Facebook to fight bail reform and their numbers are rapidly growing. The NJ Bail Reform Fail page has been documented and sharing news stories from across New Jersey, cataloging bail reform failures across the Garden State.
The criminal justice reform program has been touted by Governor Chris Christie and state senator Steve Sweeney. Two weeks ago, the governor signed legislation calling for the hiring of 20 new appointed judges to handle the new workloads of the bail reform system.
MOUNT HOLLY TWP. — A former teacher and football coach was sentenced to 90 days in jail Wednesday for stealing Willingboro student funds to feed his alleged gambling addiction. Reginald “Reggie” Lawrence, 47, of Mount Laurel, was also sentenced in Burlington County Superior Court to two years probation. Court Administrator Donna Mazzanti said Judge Christopher Garrenger…
Governor Chris Christie opens up about his Lt. Governor, Kim Guadagno regarding her run for office. While he wouldn’t endorse her, Christie praised Guadagno’s work as Lt. Governor, but said the pressures of being Governor are much different than those of the Lt. Governor.
Although the radio station touted the headline as “Christie Does Not Endorse Guadagno for Governor”, Christie said his party is facing a contested primary and as head of the party won’t get involved in the political process of endorsements and taking sides.
WASHINGTON, DC-While the Trump family has provided America with a stunning and personal insight into the daily life of the first family like no first family before them, some in the media have used the opportunity to criticize them, some even mock them and their children.
Today, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer reminded the global news media that historically, children and grandchildren of Presidents have been allowed to grow up free of the intense and often scrutinous media spotlight that is always on the first family
“It is a longstanding tradition that the children of Presidents are afforded the opportunity to grow up outside of the political spotlight. The White House fully expects this tradition to continue. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.”
In less than his first week in office, President Donald Trump and his family have given America a behind the scenes tour of not only the first family, but the White House, Washington, DC and the American political process unrivaled by an of his predecessors.
It has been an insight appreciated by most Americans.
Not one for formalities T-man enjoyed The White House this weekend in his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pajamas #magapic.twitter.com/n6ZSYh6SDC
Some intimate White House moments were shared with the public, normally never shared outside the walls of the White House. How cool is it to go have pancakes at Grandpa’s house…The White House?
I'm sure a lot of people have lunch in their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pajamas in The White House… pic.twitter.com/MvZsa81xVt
The Trump family has also let America in on the more mundane aspects of life in the White House, such as having to watch grandpa do stuff that is pretty darn exciting, but, really, grandpa? Enough with the pen and the cameras already. This great moment of young Tristan Trump is a photo that will be remembered for a very long time. Little did he know at the time, he upstaged the President of the United States in this photo.
But for all the good, there has been too much bad. Some Trump opponents have shown no mercy when it comes to the children of the first family. They say one person can spoil a good thing for the rest of us, but we are confident the Trump family will be stronger than the hate that boils over from America’s left and at least one news organization absolutely supports the Trump family’s position on the media and the first family’s children.
The media should respect the first family’s children as they have done for all presidents prior to Trump.
Here’s an oldie but goodie. While it’s not so much fake news as it is misinformed or hopeful news–maybe even some kind of action provoking voodoo news, Huffington Post had a Hillary election win in the bag hours before her brutal defeat by Donald Trump.
Ironically this story was sponsored by liberal cheerleader Jessica Alba’s “The Honest Co.”, a supplier for all things snowflakes who didn’t get late term abortions would need for a growing new family.
The Ocean County Democrats will be hosting two events in February, activist training and a Trump “How and Why” session.
On February 8th, from 6-8 pm, Democrats will be discussing, “Making a difference-how, why and when in the Trump era.” The event will be held at the Ocean County Library in Downtown Toms River.
On February 23rd, from 6-8pm, they will be providing Democratic Activist Training at the Barnegat branch of the Ocean County Library.
“Making a difference in your town and country- running for office- how, why and when to run,” read the event notice. “If you’ve ever thought about running for office, or would like to get involved in a campaign- this training is for you. This is the first session in a series, and will go over how to get on the ballot and what it takes to get started.”
“It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.” – Benjamin Franklin
That was a tweet sent out this morning by New Jersey Democrat Corey Booker. Unfortunately, we’re not so sure Benjamin Franklin ever said that and neither is Snopes, the liberal fact checking website.
"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority." Benjamin Franklin
“Social media platforms have long proved a popular outlet for the circulation of quotes from well-known figures, with a significant proportion of them being mistattributed or apocryphal. A long-circulating example of this phenomenon is a quote attributed to Founding Father Benjamin Franklin highlighting the responsibility every citizen bears to question authority,” Snopes published on this modern urban legend of a quote.
Snopes continued:
The quote “it is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority” has widely been attributed to Benjamin Franklin since the mid-2000s, but we could locate no credible evidence before or after that period suggesting that the comment was ever written or uttered by. The most comprehensive collection of Franklin’s writings not only provides no evidence that the quote is authentic, but it also lacks any other statement of Franklin’s similar enough to serve as reasonable basis for the attribution.
President Donald Trump today signed three executive orders including the United States’ withdrawl from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and an immediate federal government employee hiring freeze.
“A great thing for the American worker,” Trump said of the Trans-Pacific Partnership termination.
Trump pointed out that the federal employee hiring freeze does not affect the United States military.
The third order prohibits federal funding to foreign entities that provide abortion services.
CNN President Jeff Zucker issued a stern warning for President Donald Trump if he continues to mock the network. At his last press conference as President-elect, Trump referred to CNN as “Fake News”.
Zucker fired back, threatening the President, possibly with continued biased coverage in its global markets. In an interview in New York Magazine, he spoke about his network’s recent missteps and the future of his network’s coverage of the President.
“I think our credibility is higher than ever, and our viewership is higher than ever, and our reporting is as strong as ever. One of the things I think this administration hasn’t figured out yet is that there’s only one television network that is seen in Beijing, Moscow, Seoul, Tokyo, Pyongyang, Baghdad, Tehran and Damascus — and that’s CNN,” Zucker said. “The perception of Donald Trump in capitals around the world is shaped, in many ways, by CNN. Continuing to have an adversarial relationship with that network is a mistake.”
Zucker also criticized Trump’s use of Twitter in the interview.
“If he’s relying on Twitter to shape his own perception in the capitals of the world then I think he’s making a big mistake,” he added.
Trump’s stance on CNN is not much different than Barack Obama’s treatment of Fox News during his presidency.
In 2014, after being interviewed on Fox’s O’Reilly Factor, Obama complained about host Bill O’Reilly’s statements on Benghazi.
For almost two years, the White House avoided the network, not appearing again until April of 2016 with host Chris Wallace.
WASHINGTON,DC-Even though the media continues to mock President Donald Trump, Press Secretary Sean Spicer and Kellyanne Conway for their high ratings claims on Friday, Nielsen ratings released this weekend for the historic event show it was the second most watched presidential inauguration since Ronald Reagan took office in 1981.
“An estimated 31 million people tuned in to watch Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017,” Nielsen said in a statement this weekend. “While coverage varied by network, 12 networks aired live coverage from approximately 10:00 am ET to 6:00 pm ET.”
Reagan’s inauguration was the most watched inauguration ever, with 41.8 million viewers, according to Nielsen. Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration had 37.7 million viewers, but his second inauguration in 2012 dropped to just 20.5 million viewers.
Trump beat both of Bill Clinton’s inaugurations and all of the Bush family inaugurations.
1981 – Ronald Reagan – 41.8m
1985 – Ronald Reagan – 25m
1989 – George H.W. Bush – 23.3m
1993 – Bill Clinton – 29.7m
1997 – Bill Clinton – 21.5m
2001 – George W. Bush – 29m
2005 – George W. Bush – 15.5m
2009 – Barack Obama – 37.7m
2012 – Barack Obama – 20.5m
2017 – Donald Trump – 30.6m
Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway flayed NBC News’ “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd Sunday for acting like an “opinion columnist” instead of an objective “news person” when he charged White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer held a “ridiculous” first briefing Saturday. Spicer received heated criticism from the mainstream media when he rebuked them for…
Less than 48 hours after being sworn in as the 45th President of the United States, President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Sunday to respond to mass protests around the US and across the globe against his inauguration. President Trump said that he respected demonstrators” rights to protest, writing: “Peaceful protests are a hallmark of…
The Obama Foundation is a living, working start-up for citizenship — an ongoing project for us to shape, together, what it means to be a good citizen in the 21st century. The Foundation is based on the South Side of Chicago, and we will have projects all over the city, the country, and the world.
To help us get started, we would love to hear from you. Send us your ideas, your hopes, your dreams about what we can achieve together. Tell us about the people who inspire you and the organizations whose work you admire.
This will be your Foundation just as much as it is ours.
“Because for all our outward differences, we, in fact, all share the same proud title, the most important office in a democracy: Citizen.”
PRESS RELEASE-On Saturday January 21, hundreds of women, their families, and their allies arrived in our state’s capital city to participate in the Women’s March on Trenton. The day’s events included 40 powerful speakers, musical guests, and a march to the steps of the State House. Marchers called on elected leaders to uphold civil and human rights.
“Our President’s greatest opponent will not be a name on a ballot, a leader of a nation, or someone seated in Congress. His greatest opponent will be women like me, who will not rest until our rights, safety, health, and families are protected,” said Elizabeth Meyer, founder of the Women’s March on New Jersey. “We will send a clear message: We are here. We are watching. We are ready to rise.”
At the Patriots’ Theater at the Trenton War Memorial, small groups of women and allies took to the stage to share their personal reasons for attending the march. These individuals spoke on behalf of the diverse coalition of activists, communities, and partnering organizations represented at the march. Many speakers touched on issues that featured prominently in the mission statement of the Women’s March on New Jersey, including reproductive access, racial justice, affordable housing, access to education, and climate change.
“At Planned Parenthood we believe that access to health care should not depend on who you are, where you live, how much money you make, or your race or immigration status,” said Christine Sadovy, Advocacy Director with Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. “The right to control our own bodies and plan if and when we want to start a family is fundamental and we will not allow it to be taken away. We will not go back!”
Marchers also heard from keynote speakers including Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Luanne Peterpaul with Garden State Equality, professor Dr. Dalia Fahmy, Congressman Donald Norcross, immigration activist Diana Meija, and SEIU New Jersey State Council Executive Director Lizette Delgado-Polanco.
“It’s an honor to stand with women from across our state and around the country to defend women’s rights, human rights, and civil rights,” said Congressman Norcross. “We’re joining together to send a clear message that we will continue to fight for our values and that discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.”
Following the program at the Patriots’ Theater, the marchers took to the streets, where they marched to the steps of the New Jersey State House. There, New Jersey Assemblywomen Pamela Lampitt, Elizabeth Muoio, and Shavonda Sumter spoke to the crowd about the importance of taking action. Finally, the march concluded with a powerful speech by Trenton civil rights legend Edith Savage-Jennings.
“The massive number of women marching today in Trenton, Washington, and around the world could be the largest mobilization of women in history,” said Phyllis Salowe-Kaye, Executive Director of New Jersey Citizen Action. “Elected leaders across New Jersey and all the way up to the White House should consider themselves on notice that women will not stand for business as usual. We will not simply defend our existing rights. We march together to bring collective power to all women – demanding equal pay and jobs that provide a living wage, workplace policies that support families, an expansion of our reproductive freedoms, and a more inclusive nation for all.”
New York Times DC propagandist Binyamin Appelbaum posted comparison shots of the Trump and Obama inaugurations on Twitter Saturday morning. What he failed to mention was that those photos were taken at different times during the inauguration.
While Trump undoubtedly did not have the numbers Obama had at his inauguration, the use of shots taken at different times during the inauguration was just more sensational liberal propaganda from the New York Times.
Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world: thank you.
We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people.
Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for years to come.
We will face challenges. We will confront hardships. But we will get the job done.
Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power, and we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent.
Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today we are not merely transferring power from one Administration to another, or from one party to another – but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People.
For too long, a small group in our nation’s Capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost.
Washington flourished – but the people did not share in its wealth.
Politicians prospered – but the jobs left, and the factories closed.
The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country.
Their victories have not been your victories; their triumphs have not been your triumphs; and while they celebrated in our nation’s Capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land.
That all changes – starting right here, and right now, because this moment is your moment: it belongs to you.
It belongs to everyone gathered here today and everyone watching all across America.
This is your day. This is your celebration.
And this, the United States of America, is your country.
What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people.
January 20th 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again.
The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.
Everyone is listening to you now.
You came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement the likes of which the world has never seen before.
At the center of this movement is a crucial conviction: that a nation exists to serve its citizens.
Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighborhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves.
These are the just and reasonable demands of a righteous public.
But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists: Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities; rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation; an education system, flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of knowledge; and the crime and gangs and drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential.
This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.
We are one nation – and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams; and their success will be our success. We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny.
The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans.
For many decades, we’ve enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry;
Subsidized the armies of other countries while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military;
We’ve defended other nation’s borders while refusing to defend our own;
And spent trillions of dollars overseas while America’s infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay.
We’ve made other countries rich while the wealth, strength, and confidence of our country has disappeared over the horizon.
One by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores, with not even a thought about the millions upon millions of American workers left behind.
The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and then redistributed across the entire world.
But that is the past. And now we are looking only to the future.
We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and in every hall of power.
From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land.
From this moment on, it’s going to be America First.
Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families.
We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs. Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength.
I will fight for you with every breath in my body – and I will never, ever let you down.
America will start winning again, winning like never before.
We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth. And we will bring back our dreams.
We will build new roads, and highways, and bridges, and airports, and tunnels, and railways all across our wonderful nation.
We will get our people off of welfare and back to work – rebuilding our country with American hands and American labor.
We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and Hire American.
We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world – but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first.
We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to follow.
We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones – and unite the civilized world against Radical Islamic Terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth.
At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other.
When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.
The Bible tells us, “how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”
We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity.
When America is united, America is totally unstoppable.
There should be no fear – we are protected, and we will always be protected.
We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement and, most importantly, we are protected by God.
Finally, we must think big and dream even bigger.
In America, we understand that a nation is only living as long as it is striving.
We will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action – constantly complaining but never doing anything about it.
The time for empty talk is over.
Now arrives the hour of action.
Do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America.
We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again.
We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the Earth from the miseries of disease, and to harness the energies, industries and technologies of tomorrow.
A new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights, and heal our divisions.
It is time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American Flag.
And whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska, they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams, and they are infused with the breath of life by the same almighty Creator.
So to all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, and from ocean to ocean, hear these words:
You will never be ignored again.
Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams, will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way.
Together, We Will Make America Strong Again.
We Will Make America Wealthy Again.
We Will Make America Proud Again.
We Will Make America Safe Again.
And, Yes, Together, We Will Make America Great Again. Thank you, God Bless You, And God Bless America.
Protesters and supporters of President-elect Donald Trump clashed outside a pro-Trump event in Washington the night before his inauguration. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the National Press Club, which was hosting the “DeploraBall,” a play on a campaign remark by Hillary Clinton, who once referred to many of Trump’s supporters as a “basket of deplorables.” Protesters…
President-Elect Donald Trump is ready to move on Day One, readying five executive orders, Trump press secretary Sean Spicer told a news conference Wednesday. And Trump will move forward with or without full congressional support, Spicer told LifeZette. “Business as usual is over.” Trump has many executive orders ready and is ready to implement a few…
OCEAN COUNTY-In the wake of a populist outsider, Donald Trump winning the 2016 Presidential election, establishment Republican party candidates Kim Guadagno and Jack Ciattarelli are doing their best not to mention Trump supporting candidate Joseph Rullo in this year’s gubernatorial primary campaign.
It’s not just the party standard bearers ignoring Rullo.
Despite being the first Republican to file in the race, Rullo has often been sidelined in media reports covering the election, sometimes getting an honorable mention in the final paragraphs of election reports.
It was more of the same with Ciattarelli when he threw down the gauntlet for Guadagno.
“Today, I challenged Lt. Governor Guadagno to a series of debates in all 21 counties in our state. If Republicans are going to win in November, we need a candidate who has a real plan and is battle tested,” Ciattarelli said. “I announced my five-point plan on the day I entered this race.”
The Lt. Governor didn’t respond yet.
“We await the Lt. Governor’s reply and hope that she provides more than hollow promises and a shameful lack of specifics in the days to come,” Ciatarelli added.
Another candidate did accept Ciattarelli’s challenge, Joseph Rullo. Rullo, from Ocean County, where Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton by a 2-1 margin, is trying to insert himself into the battle taking place between the two establishment candidates.
“Great idea to debate in 21 counties,” Rullo responded directly to Ciattarelli on Twitter. “Challenge accepted.”
Rullo has long contended that New Jersey Republicans should be wary of candidates who did not endorse the entire Republican ticket in November. Both Guadagno and Ciattarelli went against the Trump-Pence ticket in the 2016 election.
“I can’t support Hillary Clinton, and I won’t vote for Donald Trump.” Guadagno told the Star Ledger prior to the election.
On the other side of the establishment aisle, Ciattarelli invoked Ronald Reagan, as any good Republican would to justify his non-support of Donald Trump.
“If I am leaning any way, it’s the Reagan way, which was, in 1976, he didn’t vote for either candidate,” Ciattarelli told the Star Ledger. “Because, what does it matter if Hillary Clinton wins New Jersey? The presidency isn’t awarded based on the popular vote. That’s where I’m headed.”
While Rullo is hoping his firm support on issues important to New Jersey Republicans will take him through the Republican primary, Rullo’s message might not resonate in the blue areas of New Jersey that pushed Hillary Clinton into the winner’s circle on Election Day.
Ciattarelli has not yet responded to Rullo’s acceptance of his challenge.
“United Republican Club of Howell” new executive board members get sworn into office by Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon. Tommy Russo (President) Billy Stahnten (Vice President) Carol Chirico (Rec Sec) Rich Mertens (Treasurer) Irene Boyle (Corr Sec) Tommy Campagna (Sergeant at Arms) Congratulations to them all. Other elected officials in attendance were Sen. Bob Singer, Assm. Dave Rible, Sheriff Shaun Golden, Frhldr. Tom Arnone, Dep. Mayor Rob Nicastro and Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell.
N.J. Congresswoman, skipping Trump’s inaugural, could actually learn a few things from him!
There are too many stupid people saying too many stupid things about President-elect Donald Trump on the eve of his inauguration to keep track of it all, Save Jerseyans. You’d need one of those NASA supercomputers to accomplish the task. We’ll focus for a moment on our resident fool – Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D, NJ-12)…
After putting their names on a “Never Trump” list during the presidential campaign, scores of national security Republicans are now wondering why their names seem to be on a do-not-hire list at the White House. “If called upon by President-elect Donald Trump, they stand ready to serve their country again,” The Washington Post reports. “But their…
The Kremlin is increasingly escalating its war of words with the Obama administration, days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Moscow called the Obama administration a “bunch of geopolitical losers” Sunday, then accused Obama of trying to delegitimize Trump’s election Tuesday. Putin himself remarkably said those who spread “fake news” about Trump are “worse than prostitutes”…
A left-aligned think tank called Third Way launched a $20 million campaign Tuesday with the purpose of taking “Trumpism” head-on by “helping Democrats reconnect with voters who have abandoned the party.” Since the party’s crushing losses to Republicans in November 2016, stunned liberals commenced upon an intense crusade of soul-searching. As a result, the “New Blue”…
Kim Guadagno is about to launch her campaign to be the next governor of New Jersey, hoping to succeed her boss, Chris Christie, but can she win over die-hard Trump fans in sections of the state where President-elect won major victories, such as red-county, Ocean County?
She will need those supporters in June, but hosting a campaign launch at the business of a notable Trump critic probably isn’t the way to begin winning over the hearts and minds of a base that may have already abandoned her.
SaveJersey reports:
Host for Guadagno’s campaign launch is a noted Trump critic
Kim Guadagno (R-Monmouth) made no apology for saying “no” to Donald Trump back during the 2016 general election. She told NJ Advance Media back in October that she ” can’t support Hillary Clinton, and I won’t vote for Donald Trump.” The Republican Lieutenant Governor has a kindred spirit in her supporter Leo Cervantes, the owner of…
TRENTON-Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) announced a Senate resolution supporting the preservation of Columbus Day as a federal and state holiday. The resolution will be formally introduced at the next Senate session.
“New Jersey has the second highest population of people of Italian ancestry in the country,” Senator Pennacchio said. “For the 1.4 million Italian-Americans living in New Jersey, it is not enough for legislators to say we support the preservation of Columbus Day. We need to take action and show our constituents that we are committed to upholding their values, culture and heritage.”
Senator Pennacchio’s Senate resolution states that “the Senate recognizes the significance of Columbus’ arrival in the New World expresses its support of the Columbus Day holiday as a day to honor and celebrate the explorer’s historic achievement.” The resolution also notes that Italian-Americans observe the holiday as a day to recognize the contributions of their ancestors to America and the world.
“Christopher Columbus was instrumental in connecting our nation with Europe, a feat that built the fabric of American culture,” Senator Pennacchio added. “His courageous voyage to the New World spurred a lasting universal passion for exploration and discovery. He is and should be remembered as a hero for all Americans. It would be a shame to destroy his legacy for the sake of political correctness.”
The resolution has received the support of UNICO National, the nation’s largest Italian-American service and charitable organization, which is based in Fairfield, New Jersey.
Dominick Nicastro, National President of UNICO National stated, “Of course, Columbus Day is a vitally important day for Italian Americans, but it is truly a great holiday for all Americans, as we commemorate the opening of the new world by this great explorer. On behalf of our UNICO members in New Jersey and across the country, I sincerely thank and commend Senator Pennacchio for this important resolution supporting the preservation of the Columbus Day holiday.”
Press Release from the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders
The announcement to locate a new generation of military fuel tanker aircraft at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst has been met with full support from the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
“This is great news for Ocean County, for New Jersey and for homeland security,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Military Support Committee. “We are so pleased the Joint Base has been named the preference for this mission.
“We greatly appreciate the ongoing efforts of our Congressmen Chris Smith and Tom MacArthur, our state officials and local leaders and businesses that have worked tirelessly to have the KC-46A aircraft mission come to the Joint Base,” Vicari said. “Being named the preference by the United States Air Force is a great step for the Joint Base.”
The Joint Base was one of five military bases on the short list being considered to house the KC-46A aircraft mission.
With this approval JB-MDL is one of only two bases named to receive the next generation tankers this round. The Air Force announced that Travis Air Force Base in California will also receive 24 KC-46s.
“I am very pleased that the Joint Base is the leader in this process,” said Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as liaison to the Joint Base. “I appreciate the work of Congressman Smith, who led our delegation in urging the Air Force to bring this mission here. Congressman Smith along with Congressman MacArthur deserve credit for helping us get to today’s announcement.”
Kelly noted there are good reasons to base these new planes at the Joint Base.
“The base is already home to the older KC-135 and KC-10 tankers, which are both being phased out,” Kelly said. “The men and women here have the knowledge and experience to work with this new generation of aircraft.”
The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders on Jan. 11, in a board resolution to the Air Force noted it fully supported the siting of the new KC-46A aerial refueling tanker aircraft at the Joint Base and urged the Air Force to consider all aspects of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in its decision, including its current air mobility mission and its superior location for trans-Atlantic operations.
“The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders has a long history of support for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little.
“This is the nearest airbase to Europe and an ideal location for the deployment of forces overseas and the Middle East,” Little said. “Our Joint Base has a long history and has played a vital role in maintaining our forces around the world. It is critical to our national defense.”
“This Board will continue to work with Burlington County, the state of New Jersey and the federal government with any additional steps in bringing the KC-46A to the Joint Base,” Vicari said. “This mission will help keep the Joint Base viable and a key component to our countries homeland security.”
Vicari noted that Ocean County’s base support includes minimizing encroachments, facilitating community partnerships and supporting the vital missions that are critical to our national defense and community welfare.
“These areas are given our highest priority,” Vicari said.
Kelly, who led the county’s successful effort to protect the base from a federal closing list in both 1995 and 2005, said the KC-46 aircraft play a vital role in keeping our nation’s fighters and bombers airborne.
“Having these new tankers at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst would validate the base’s key role in our national defense for decades to come,” Kelly said.
The Freeholders also unanimously approved a resolution supporting the Joint Base’s bid for the new tankers at their Jan. 20th, 2016 public meeting.
The KC-46A is designed to replace the Air Force’s aging tanker fleet. The KC-135 Stratotankers and the KC-10 Extender Aircraft have both been in use for 50 years.
Ocean County Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr. said the base also plays a critical role in the local economy.
“The Joint Base is the second largest employer in the state and contributes more than $6.9 billion to the local economy each year,” Bartlett said. “Basing these new aircraft here is not only vital to our national defense, but to our local regional economy as well.”
Ocean County Freeholder Virginia E. Haines said the Joint Base has the infrastructure and facilities needed by the KC-46A tanker.
“The Joint Base is well suited for this mission,” she said. “This is very good news and it’s the result of a lot of hard work from our representatives on all levels of government.”
Fox News contributor Juan Williams delivered a message for Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) on “The Laura Ingraham Show” Monday: all Democratic members of Congress should “celebrate America” and attend President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration Friday. Williams, a liberal columnist and co-host of Fox News’ “The Five,” addressed the Lewis-Trump feud that has been raging ever since the…
Prominent conservative activist Alveda King, the niece of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., revealed Monday that she cast a vote for President-elect Donald Trump. Ms. King, a former Georgia state representative who now serves as director for Civil Rights for the Unborn and Gospel of Life Ministries, told American Thinker that she’s been praying…
Project Veritas: Leftist domestic terrorists are planning on disrupting Inaugural celebrations
Project Veritas, the investigative journalism organization founded by James O’Keefe, released a video today that revealing that alt-left domestic terrorists are planning to disrupt Inaugural celebrations in Washington later this week by releasing butyric acid into the HVAC systems of celebration venues and/or by rigging the venues’ fire sprinkler systems from going off during the parties.…
TUCKERTON — Trivia question: Who was the first Republican candidate to jump into the 2017 New Jersey governor’s race? It wasn’t Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, who filed paperwork this past week to seek the party’s nomination, instantly heating up the GOP side of the battle to succeed her boss, Republican Gov. Chris Christie. Nor was it…
“The existing bail system is not fair to poor defendants who, because they cannot post bail, are cut off from families, may lose their jobs, and may go without access to medication for a period of time,” according to Chief Justice Stuart Rabner. “In terms of the charges against them, studies have shown that they face tougher plea offers and pressure to plead guilty because of the amount of time they have already spent in jail, and they receive longer sentences as compared to similarly situated defendants who were able to make bail.”
“Bail reform and speedy trial reform collectively represent a historic shift in the way our courts administer justice,” said Glenn A. Grant acting administrative director of the courts. “We need everyone, whether you are part of the criminal division, in a finance office, part of the family division or any other part of the Judiciary, to learn about these reforms and be ready to do your part when called upon for the success of these efforts.”