Before I agree to 2021, I will need to see some terms and conditions. – Unknown

Today’s independent commentary deals with these people/issues:

• Trump – More Money
• Secretary of Education
• Trump Pardons
• United States Marshal

TRUMP – MORE MONEY:

The Associated Press (AP) reported that President Donald Trump late Tuesday threatened to torpedo Congress’ massive COVID-19 relief package in the midst of a raging pandemic and deep economic uncertainty, suddenly demanding changes fellow Republicans have opposed.

The AP says that Trump called on lawmakers to increase direct payments for most Americans from $600 to $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for couples.

Sounds good to me – that is something the Democrats wanted all along. It’s too bad that Trump waited until after the bill passed before making his demands.

Trump has nothing to lose. Fighting for more money for Joe and Jill Six-Pack will make him more likable. The bill passed the Senate by a 92-6 vote and the House approved it 359-53. That means Congress could override his veto if it came to that.

SECRETARY OF EDUCATION:

President-elect Joe Biden did something amazing on Tuesday! Biden announced that he was picking a former public school teacher to be the next Secretary of Education!

The Associated Press reported that Biden picked Miguel Cardona, Connecticut’s education chief and a lifelong champion of public schools, to serve as education secretary:

Cardona, 45, was raised in a housing project in Meriden, Connecticut, and went through the city’s public schools before returning to work as a fourth-grade teacher in the district in 1998. At age 28 he had become the youngest principal in the state before working his way up to assistant superintendent of the district.

This is one of the more exciting selections made by Biden so far.

TRUMP PARDONS:

This is probably just the beginning of a long list of pardons and commutations that will be given by Trump.

Look at the bright side; at least these people were already convicted…

The Associated Press (AP) reports:

President Donald Trump on Tuesday pardoned 15 people, including a pair of congressional Republicans who were strong and early supporters, a 2016 campaign official ensnared in the Russia probe and former government contractors convicted in a 2007 massacre in Baghdad.

Trump is completely within his constitutional right to give pardons and commutations. The pardons that might raise some anger are the ones for the four former government contractors who worked for Blackwater Worldwide. The AP reports they were convicted for their roles in the 2007 massacre of 14 unarmed Iraqi civilians at a Baghdad traffic stop.

I’ve read a couple of books and lots of other information about the Blackwater contractors and I don’t think they received fair trials. Therefore, I’m fine with the pardons for them.

The pardons I will not agree with (if they are given) will be for Trump’s family members, before they are convicted, and for Trump himself.

Read the list of the most recent pardons HERE.

UNITED STATES MARSHAL:

Rod Ostermiller, the United States Marshal for the District of Montana, announced his retirement effective December 31.

Ostermiller is a good man and patriot. He started with the U.S. Marshal Service in 1991 and made his way to the top in Montana. The only blemish on his record is that he will forever be tied to President Donald J. Trump. Trump appointed him to the position in April 2018.

The Biden administration will appoint the next U.S. Marshal for the District of Montana.

## WEAR A MASK ##