Tag Archives: Donald Trump

School News Network: Witnessing Inauguration showed ‘Democracy at its Finest’

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Editor’s Note: Hunter Noorman attended the Inauguration of President Donald Trump with his Wyoming High School classmates, and agreed to write about the experience for School News Network. He is in the Wyoming High School wind ensemble as the bass trombonist, captain and driver for the robotics team 858 Demons, and captain of the cross country and track teams. He has worked with the Wyoming City Council to speak on behalf of the younger generation. ” I enjoy helping others and getting new experiences,” he said.

 

By Hunter Noorman

Wyoming High School Senior for School News Network

 

The trip was packed with unforgettable events for Hunter Noorman and other Wyoming High School students (photos courtesy of Hunter Noorman)

As I stepped on the bus at approximately 5:45 a.m. last Thursday morning, I knew this trip to Washington D.C. to witness the Presidential Inauguration, with about 20 of my peers and history teacher John Doyle, was going to be crazy awesome. Sure, the ride seemed to drag on, but it built my excitement up for the days ahead, and it was an experience that lived up to my expectations.

 

Whether it was standing in front of a jumbotron to see the passing of powers from one president to another, to seeing one of our foreign-exchange students going body surfing at an Inaugural Ball hosted by student travel company WorldStrides, the trip overall had a positive impact on my life. I got to see democracy at its finest and create memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Wyoming High School joined a group of Flushing High School students who were just as excited as I was to see our nation’s Capitol. After the swearing in of the 45th president, we got to go see the Washington Monument and the National World War II Memorial. They were such amazing sights and I could not have been more impressed with D.C. The weather was dreary but that did very little to dull my excitement for this experience. After a long day of walking about 10 miles and seeing monuments and little shops on the sidewalk, we fell asleep at a Marriott that was by far the best hotel I had ever stayed in.

 

We visited several monuments, but the one that stuck out the most was the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. It had so many inspirational quotes from a man who wanted to change the world and change the way people thought. I got to visit a couple Smithsonian museums, the National Archives and The United States Marine Corps War Memorial (better known as the Iwo Jima Memorial), as well as the Lincoln Memorial and Ford’s Theatre.

 

Wyoming High School students stand in front of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

I went to Arlington National Cemetery, which was a somber place but had a powerful presence. The Changing of the Guard was very powerful, as well as seeing where the Kennedys are buried. I saw my Advanced Placement U.S. History teacher enthused at the sight of a lot of original documents in the National Archives, which changed and shaped the United States into what it is today. The Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and even the Magna Carta were so moving because these documents had a significant influence on the U.S and the meaning of a democracy to me today.

 

There is so much more that I could explain in detail, but I was so amazed by my trip. From seeing the transition of power to witnessing our First Amendment rights executed through protesting, the memories from these events are ones I will carry with me for life. I made so many friends and met so many cool people, that the trip provided by WorldStrides was spectacular. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I can say I was there.

 

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.

 

Seeing the origins and the background of the United States was an experience I will be able to pass onto my kids one day. I finished the trip exhausted as one can be, but given the chance to go again I would take it. This is America, and this trip helped my love for history grow.

Government Matters: Sen. Peters meets Trump’s transportation nominee Chao

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, Hard News, Politics, Tech Trends, ,

WKTV Staff

 

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, on Jan. 9 met with Elaine Chao, President elect Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

 

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI)

“I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Elaine Chao and discuss a number of transportation issues critical to Michigan and the nation,” Sen. Peters said in a supplied statement. “During our meeting, I was able to raise the importance of connected and automated vehicle technologies as an issue the federal government should continue to focus on in the coming years.

 

“Under the Obama Administration, the Department of Transportation has made significant progress to help support the development and deployment of these life-savings technologies, and I will be urging the Trump Administration to continue building on the progress that has already been made through efforts like the recent Federal Automated Vehicle Policy and proposed rule for vehicle-to-vehicle communications.”

 

Sen. Peters also stressed Michigan’s leadership role in the future of transportation technology innovation.

 

“I also shared information about Michigan’s role as a leader in the future of mobility and discussed the good work already underway in Michigan at test facilities like the University of Michigan’s Mcity and the American Center for Mobility,” he said. “I urged Ms. Chao to follow through on DOT’s current competition to designate national proving grounds to help connected and automated vehicle technologies reach their full potential. I look forward to continuing this discussion and hearing more about her plans for DOT during her confirmation hearing.”

 

President Obama signs innovation and competitiveness co-sponsored by Sen. Peters

 

President Barak Obama on Jan 6 signed into law the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, a bipartisan legislative compromise originally introduced by U.S. senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), along with John Thune (R-SD), and Bill Nelson (D-FL).

 

The first major update to federal research and technology policy to originate in the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in more than a decade, this legislation maximizes basic research opportunities, reduces administrative burdens for researchers, encourages scientific entrepreneurship, and promotes oversight of taxpayer-funded research.

 

“Scientific research and innovation are the foundation of a strong economy,” Sen. Peters said. “The American Innovation and Competitiveness Act will help leverage federal investments in basic research, strengthen STEM education to train a skilled workforce and support small and medium sized manufacturers to keep our country internationally competitive.”

 

The legislation also promotes diversity in STEM fields, incentivizes private-sector innovation, and aims to improve advanced manufacturing and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a public-private partnership to support small and medium-sized manufacturers.

 

Tax changes — of some sort — coming, expert tells chamber meeting

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Brent Karhoff, of Hungerford Nichols CPAs and Advisors, speaking Nov. 30 to the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Briefing Luncheon. (K.D. Norris/Now.WKTV.org)
Brent Karhoff, of Hungerford Nichols CPAs and Advisors, speaking Nov. 30 to the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Briefing Luncheon. (K.D. Norris/Now.WKTV.org)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Brett Karhoff, of Hungerford Nichols CPAs and Advisors, told Wyoming and Kentwood business leaders Wednesday that changes are likely coming to personal and small business taxes in the wake of the election of President-elect Donald Trump — but, he warns, don’t expect quick action.

 

“We have a new president, not a new tax law, yet,” Karhoff said, speaking Nov. 30 to the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Briefing Luncheon. Despite having Republican control of the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives, “Personally, I don’t think they will get it done in a year … maybe not even in this (2-year Congressional) term.”

 

In a discussion titled “The President’s Tax Plan: What will it mean to your business and family over the next four years?”, Karhoff detailed the existing Republican “A Better Way” plan — so-called the “Blueprint” — which proposes reducing the number of tax brackets; reducing tax rates on capital gains, dividends and interest income; and eliminating the Alternative Minimum Tax.

 

A key part of the Blueprint for personal taxes, he said, would be to eliminate all itemized deductions except mortgage interest and charitable contributions — pointing out that medical deductions could be on the block, something that could greatly impact seniors.

 

For business taxes, he said, a key point would include reducing corporate tax rate to 20 percent,

 

He also detailed some how some of Trump’s election season “contract” with taxpayers are similar or different from the existing Republican plan. (The contract is at donaldjtrump.com/contract)

 

Trump, according to his contract, would repeal the Net Investment Income Tax and, similar to the Blueprint, the Alternative Minimum Tax. It would also greatly increase the standard deduction for single and married taxpayers, more than doubling it.

 

For business taxes, Karhoff said, a proposed business tax rate of 15 percent could be good for small business, while a proposed one-time rate of 10 percent for repatriation of corporate profits held offshore could be good for large businesses.

 

While proposed tax reductions are made clear by both the Blueprint and Trump’s contract, Karhoff said, what is missing is how the revenue side of the federal budget will be balanced — “That may be the surprise in 2017.”

 

The bottom line for most Wyoming and Kentwood personal and small business taxpayers, Karhoff said, is that people should just watch and wait.

 

“It is probably worth paying attention to what is going on, what the Trump camp is planning,” he said. “Because I do think it will happen and you need to be prepared. (Changes) will come at some point and you need to be ready. To do that, there are some things you need to think about now, get all your itemized deductions into this year, maybe, into 2016, because in 2017 you may not be able to use them. You need to just watch and plan.”

 

Days before the election, Trump makes a stop in Grand Rapids

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img_1307By P. Williams

 

The DeltaPlex Arena was decked out this past Monday with spider webs across the bleacher rails and people in costume. And you might have thought it was just a Halloween bash except that the carved pumpkins lining the stage gave a huge hint as to who everyone was expecting – Donald Trump.

 

infoThis was the 2016 Republican presidential candidate’s second time through Grand Rapids, where he made a stop at the DeltaPlex before heading on to Warren, Michigan.

 

The 5,000  seats at the DeltaPlex were full with at least another 1,000 people standing in front of the stage. Several supporters carried various Trump/Pence signs, and were dressed in Trump t-shirts, hats, and patriotic wear. The crowd sang and danced to the Halloween theme music awaiting Trump’s arrival, creating a festive mood.

 

img_1296The reasons people came to the event varied. Some were veterans of various branches of the armed service and they came to hear what Trump had to say about national security. Such was the case of Robert Krul, from Sand Lake, a former Marine from the Vietnam War and a Trump supporter. “I think he is on the right track,” said Krul.

 

A group of Grand Valley college students said they have been following Trump and had attended the September event in Walker. “It’s a party every time,” several members of the group commented. Monday’s rally was their fourth in the last few months. They said “seriously we want to hear what Trump is going to do for Michigan concerning jobs.”

 

img_1298For others, it was a chance to be a part of history and to see Trump in person. Such was the case of Catherine and Catherine (who did not give their last names), both of Battle Creek. The two attended with their children Molly, Madeline, and Matt with the girls commenting, “I think he is a nice guy.”

 

 

Trump and his campaign arrived late, being about an hour and twenty minutes behind schedule. Introducing the candidate was legendary Basketball Hall of Fame coach Bobby Knight with Trump taking the stage to roaring applause and the crowd chanting eight more days. Other Republican Party representatives in attendance on stage included U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga , Peter Hookstra, Ronna Romney McDaniel, and Peter Secchia, all of whom stressed the importance of getting out to vote.

 

Trump started his one hour speech telling the audience “in Eight days, we are going to win Michigan and the White House.”

 

“I will fight for every last Michigan job,” he said.  “We are going to make the State of Michigan the economic envy of the entire world.”

 

img_1272Trump talked about the Ford Motor Company, headquartered in Detroit, and his call for a 35 percent tariff on products from them that relocate production to Mexico. He also addressed many issues that he has been talking about throughout his campaign, national security, Obamacare, building the wall, creating jobs, the Supreme Court, schools of choice and fighting inner city crime.

 

He praised the FBI director James Comey and made several references about his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton and the recently discovered  emails. “We need real change and restore honesty to our country,” Trump said.

 

The Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump did not disappoint his supporters. His speech brought uproar from the audience as he ended with his slogan, “We will make America strong again. We will make America safe again and we will make America great again.”

 

P. Williams “Patty Williams” has a life time of experience in the entertainment business. On stage at an early age with West Michigan’s first family of bluegrass music, The Williams Family. Patty started P. Williams Productions in 2003. Three Eclipse Awards and Two Telly Awards grace her mantle. Patty enjoys working with professionals, and is always open to new adventures.

Donald Trump Doesn’t Disappoint a Packed DeltaPlex

Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Politics, , , , , ,

TrumpRally2By: P. Williams

Long lines surrounded the DeltaPlex Arena & Conference Center on Monday, December 21, 2015 as people eagerly awaited the arrival of front-runner Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump.

Several Trump supporters were in line since early afternoon anxiously waiting for the doors to open at five.

“I would not stand in line this long for any other politician,” exclaimed Barbara Sue Damore (Suzie), a committed fan from right here in Grand Rapids. Suzie even made ‘Big Trump Cookies’ to distribute to the line of supporters while they waited.

A row of satellite trucks, media, and television remotes dominated the south entrance to the convention center, and over ten thousand people were counted in attendance for the Trump rally. In all, it was the largest crowd ever at the DeltaPlex.

The rally hosted support from all age groups. There was a large portion of the younger generation in attendance as well.

While awaiting Trump’s arrival, I spoke with several teenage students. One group of Byron Center high school supporters were there to hear Trump talk about his plan to combat ISIS. Students from Martin, Allegan, Hopkins, Caledonia and Forest Hills High Schools were also interested in hearing Trump talk combating ISIS and gun control.

I spoke with a group of college students from Ferris State who were awaiting some fellow students from Baker and Fremont college. They were interested in hearing about Trump’s tax plan, the budget, and military spending.

TrumpRally5High school and college students weren’t the youngest in attendance, the Harrison family from Dorr brought along their three little girls. This was their first rally and they wanted to part of the history in making America great again.

Eighty-five-year-old Betty Stott traveled from the Ft. Wayne Indiana area just to see Trump and listen to all he had to say.

Kathy and Mary from Muskegon were there in hopes to hear Trumps plan for education, and immigration.

In talking with a group of some Grand Haven supporters, they liked his celebrity and wanted to hear Trump’s famous catch phrase “Obama you’re fired.” Others just wanted to watch his antics, and they were not disappointed.

The evening’s ceremonies started with everyone singing the Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful. After singing, everyone stood up with hands over their hearts for the saying of the pledge of allegiance.

The crowd roared as Donald Trump hit the stage.

He started with a light joke on the good deal he got on the DeltaPlex center. From there, it was all business, Trump got serious and went into an attack mode against his competitors.

TrumpRally4The comments came out hot and started with Lindsey Graham’s decision to leave the race earlier that Monday. He criticized Jeb Bush’s poling numbers as “sad.” And, to no one’s surprise, the biggest target was Hillary Clinton.

Trump made a comment about Hillary being “schlonged” by Obama in 2008. He took a jab at Hillary’s claim that terrorist groups are recruiting fighters with a video of him. “She’s a liar,” he said.

The next day Trump tweeted that his reference about Hillary being “schlonged” is a common term used frequently by politicians.

He also made reference to Hillary’s “break” during a recent Democratic debate telling the crowd, “I know where she went, it’s disgusting.” Laughter filled the arena.

Trump went after the media, daring the camera crews to get a good crowd shot of his supporters in reaction to protesters interrupting the rally. Trump called the protesters “a bunch of losers” and waved goodbye as security escorted them out. This again brought thunderous applause from his supporters.

He told the crowd he hated journalists because some of them are lying, disgusting people. “It’s true,” he stated, before sarcastically adding with a smile and a wink, “But I would never kill them.”

TrumpRally6Trump talked about the car manufacturing industry here in Michigan. He said he would slap Ford with a punitive 35 percent tax for ‘every car and part’ produced at an expanded plant in Mexico. “I am a free trader, but we can’t be stupid traders,” he told supporters.

A tax on car parts made in Mexico wasn’t the only reference to the country. If Trump was elected, a ‘beautiful’ wall would be built to keep illegals out. The ‘Trump Wall’ as he named it.

As the rally continued, Trump mentioned his recent support from Russian President Vladmir Putin and asked his supporters, “wouldn’t it be great if we could all just get along?”

After over an hour of speaking to a highly vocal crowd, Trump exited to the stage and left a favorable impression on those in attendance.

Comments such as “he tells it like it is”, “Trump expresses the views of the common people”, and “we believe he will make America great again” were commonly expressed by those in attendance.

P. Williams “Patty Williams” has a life time of experience in the entertainment business. On stage at an early age with West Michigan’s first family of bluegrass music, The Williams Family. Patty started P. Williams Productions in 2003. Three Eclipse Awards and Two Telly Awards grace her mantle. Patty enjoys working with professionals, and is always open to new adventures.