Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own. As the crypto market continues its roller-coaster ride, mainstream media outlets are spotlighting bold predictions about Bitcoin’s role in the American economy. A recent segment on Fox News’ “The Big Money Show” titled “ BITCOIN IS THE KING ” showcased Anthony Pompliano, founder and CEO of Professional Capital Management, who discussed how a potential second Trump administration could influence U.S. crypto policy. Meanwhile, business intelligence company MicroStrategy (MSTR), known for its massive Bitcoin holdings, continues to dominate headlines by positioning itself as a corporate bellwether for digital asset adoption. Below is an educational overview weaving together the Fox News discussion, publicly available data on MicroStrategy, and broader insights from around the web. In the Fox News interview , Anthony Pompliano argued that while Donald Trump might focus on acquiring strategic physical assets — such as Greenland or the Panama Canal — there is an equally important “digital real estate” that the United States could benefit from accumulating: Bitcoin. Here are the highlights: While the Fox News conversation focused on potential government moves, the private sector has already provided a blueprint. MicroStrategy, a publicly traded enterprise software firm founded by Michael Saylor, began accumulating Bitcoin in 2020 to hedge against inflation and diversify its treasury. As of December 16, 2024 (based on information circulating on the web and recent press mentions), MicroStrategy reportedly holds 439,000 BTC . Publicly available SEC filings and official MicroStrategy press releases (e.g., on their Investor Relations page) confirm the company has been consistently purchasing BTC since mid-2020. If Bitcoin trades around $95,000 to $100,000 (as some market data websites have suggested in late 2024), MSTR’s BTC stash could be valued well into the tens of billions of dollars. Analysts on the web frequently debate what happens if Bitcoin surges to $150,000 (or higher). Under such a scenario, MicroStrategy’s holdings could balloon in value, underscoring just how leveraged the company is to Bitcoin’s price movements. Historically, MSTR’s stock price has exhibited strong correlation to BTC movements. When Bitcoin rallies, MSTR shares often rise, sometimes even outpacing BTC’s percentage gains due to the company’s leveraged position. Conversely, if Bitcoin experiences a price correction or “crypto winter,” MSTR’s market capitalization can fall sharply. This volatility has made MSTR both attractive to Bitcoin bulls and concerning to risk-averse investors. Beyond Fox News and MicroStrategy, data and trends visible on major crypto tracking sites (such as CoinMarketCap , CoinDesk , and other financial news portals) paint a picture of an evolving industry: Institutional involvement on the rise Regulatory developments Potential for an ETF breakthrough Government adoption? Whether the next administration adopts Bitcoin directly into national reserves is still speculative. Proponents believe it could offer a hedge against currency devaluation, while critics argue that Bitcoin’s volatility remains a stumbling block for conservative fiscal policies. Corporate treasury trend MicroStrategy’s bet on BTC has influenced how corporate treasuries think about digital assets. Tesla, Block (formerly Square), and other firms also hold Bitcoin, though not at the same scale as MSTR. Market timing vs. long-term perspective Pompliano’s central argument on Fox News is that waiting for a “perfect” time to buy might lead to missed opportunities. Yet, he also stresses the importance of risk management—whether for individuals, companies, or governments. The intersection of Fox News coverage, MicroStrategy’s unprecedented BTC holdings, and the potential for a pro-crypto U.S. administration underscores a watershed moment. As Bitcoin matures, discussions about incorporating it into national reserves or corporate treasuries highlight its transformation from a fringe speculation to a mainstream consideration. Still, risks abound — crypto remains volatile and regulatory frameworks differ from nation to nation. For interested observers, the key is education: understanding both the historical context and the evolving landscape. Whether or not the U.S. follows through on “buying Bitcoin,” debates like these demonstrate that digital assets are firmly on the national (and global) radar. Disclaimer This article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Always perform your own due diligence and consult with licensed professionals before making any investment decisions. Qamar Zaman is an American Entrepreneur and the founder of KISSPR, an award-winning, press release distribution ecosystem. His current position as managing director in Storytellers Inc, a news initiative partnering with global news publishers and media outlets to create a news and PR framework. Zaman is a published author of the e-book, “How to Create Google Knowledge Panel Using Press Releases, a Forbes Council member and has been mentioned in top news outlets and media as a thought leader and expert in digital transformation. Zaman is also a member of the Forbes Agency Council .
Red Bluff beats Foothill 21-10, will play for first section title in 25 yearsNEW YORK (AP) — A number of President-elect Donald Trump 's most prominent Cabinet picks and appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and “swatting attacks," Trump's transition team said Wednesday. The FBI said it was investigating. “Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them," Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. She said the attacks ranged from bomb threats to swatting, in which attackers initiate an emergency law enforcement response against a target victim under false pretenses. The tactic has become a popular one in recent years. Leavitt said law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted and Trump and his transition team are grateful. Among those targeted were New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations ; Matt Gaetz, Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general ; and former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, who has been tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Law enforcement officials are also looking into whether Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming chief of staff, and Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general whom Trump has chosen as Gaetz’s replacement, and other incoming administration officials were also victims — as well as how each was targeted, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity as the investigation continues. Wiles and Bondi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FBI said in a statement that it was “aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees" and was investigating with its law enforcement partners. The FBI added: "We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.” White House spokesperson Saloni Sharma said President Joe Biden had been briefed and the White House is in touch with federal law enforcement and Trump's transition team. Biden “continues to monitor the situation closely," Sharma said, adding the president and his administration “condemn threats of political violence.” Stefanik's office said that, on Wednesday morning, she, her husband, and their 3-year-old son were driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence in Saratoga County. Her office said “New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism.” The New York State Police said a team was dispatched to sweep Stefanik’s home on Wednesday morning in response to the bomb threat but did not locate any explosive devices. The agency directed further questions to the FBI. Zeldin said in a social media post that he and his family had been threatened. “A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,” he wrote on X . “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops.” Police in Suffolk County, Long Island, said emergency officers responded to a bomb threat Wednesday morning at an address listed in public records as Zeldin’s home and were checking the property. In Florida, the Okaloosa County sheriff’s office said on Facebook that it “received notification of a bomb threat referencing former Congressman Matt Gaetz’s supposed mailbox at a home in the Niceville area" around 9 a.m. Wednesday. While a family member resides at the address, the office said, Gaetz “is NOT a resident.” No threatening devices were found. Gaetz was Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general, but he withdrew from consideration after allegations that he paid women for sex and slept with underage women. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and said last year that a Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him. The threats follow a political campaign marked by disturbing and unprecedented violence. In July, a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the then-candidate in the ear with a bullet and killing one of his supporters. The Secret Service later thwarted a subsequent assassination attempt at Trump's West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course when an agent spotted the barrel of a gun poking through a perimeter fence while Trump was golfing. Trump was also the subject of an Iranian murder-for-hire plot , with a man saying he had been tasked with planning the assassination of the Republican president-elect. Also this week, authorities arrested a man they say posted videos on social media threatening to kill Trump, according to court documents. In one video posted on Nov. 13, Manuel Tamayo-Torres threatened to shoot the former president while holding what appeared to be an AR-15 style rifle, authorities said Among the other videos he posted was one from an arena in Glendale, Arizona on Aug. 23, the same day Trump held a campaign rally there, according to court papers. An attorney for Tamayo-Torres did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Public figures across the political spectrum have been targeted in recent years by hoax bomb threats and false reports of shootings at their homes. About a year ago the FBI responded to an uptick in such incidents at the homes of public officials, state capitols and courthouses across the country around the holidays. Many were locked down and evacuated in early January after receiving bomb threats. No explosives were found and no one was hurt. Some of those targeted last year were Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. In Wu’s case, a male caller told police he had shot his own wife and tied another man up. When police and EMT responders arrived at the address given by the caller, they quickly realized it was the Boston mayor’s home. Wu, a Democrat, has also been targeted by many swatting calls since she took office in 2021. The judges overseeing the civil fraud case against Trump in New York and the criminal election interference case against him in Washington were both targeted earlier this year. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who recently abandoned the two criminal cases he brought against Trump, was also the subject of a fake emergency call on Christmas Day last year. Earlier this year, schools, government buildings and the homes of city officials in Springfield, Ohio, received a string of hoax bomb threats after Trump falsely accused members of Springfield’s Haitian community of abducting and eating cats and dogs. And in 2022, a slew of historically Black colleges and universities nationwide were targeted with dozens of bomb threats, with the vast majority arriving during the celebration of Black History Month. The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement Wednesday that anytime a member of Congress is the victim of a swatting' incident, “we work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners.” The force declined to provide further details, in part to “minimize the risk of copy-cats.” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson called the threats “dangerous and unhinged.” “This year, there was not just one but TWO assassination attempts on President Trump," he wrote on X . “Now some of his Cabinet nominees and their families are facing bomb threats.” He added: “It is not who we are in America.” ___ Richer reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Colleen Long and Eric Tucker in Washington, Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, and Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York, contributed to this report.
As news of the fire spread across social media platforms, many users expressed relief that no one was harmed and commended Alibaba Group for its prompt response. Several customers of Alibaba Cloud also reported that they had experienced minimal disruption to their services and appreciated the company's proactive communication regarding the incident.Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles make their second-to-last road trip of the regular season Sunday to face Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens. The NFC East-leading Eagles (9-2) have won seven in a row and play four of their final six games in Philadelphia, traveling only about 125 miles to visit the Ravens (8-4) this weekend and the Washington Commanders in Week 16. Sunday's game features the NFL's two leading rushers. Barkley (1,392 yards) and Henry (1,325) are far ahead of Green Bay's Josh Jacobs (944) in third place. Henry leads the league with 13 rushing touchdowns. Barkley (10) is tied for fourth and Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts (11) tied for second. The matchup also features two of the top candidates for Most Valuable Player honors entering Week 13 in Barkley and Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, who won his second MVP award last season. Their competition includes quarterbacks Josh Allen of Buffalo and Jared Goff of Detroit, with Allen widely considered the favorite. "Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are phenomenal football players that help their team win football games, and Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley are phenomenal football players that help their team win football games," Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. "Excited about the opportunity this week because it's our next one. It will be a really good opponent, really well coached, good players, good atmosphere that will be there. Excited about the opportunity this week. And we're going to have to be on it against a really good team." The showdown at M&T Bank Stadium also pits Baltimore's No. 1 offense (426.7 yards per game) and No. 2 scoring offense (30.3 points per game) against Philadelphia's No. 1 defense (274.6) and No. 6 scoring defense (18.1). The Eagles have held seven consecutive opponents to under 300 total yards, while the Ravens have gained at least 329 yards of offense in all 11 games. Philadelphia is coming off a 37-20 road win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night in which Barkley smashed the franchise record with 255 rushing yards. Baltimore also earned a prime-time win in Los Angeles, defeating the Chargers 30-23 in the "Harbaugh Bowl" on Monday night behind Jackson's three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing). Jackson said he's looking forward to the Barkley and Henry show. "I've known Saquon from high school. We were in the all-star game together and he jumped over somebody's head," Jackson recalled Wednesday. "So I've pretty much seen him before I even got to the league, college, anything. I've been knowing about Saquon, but Derrick Henry -- King Henry -- I'm with him every day and I'm seeing what he's capable of, so it's going to be a great matchup." Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith practiced Wednesday after sitting out Monday with a hamstring issue. Nose tackle Michael Pierce (calf) was designated to return from injured reserve. Tight end Charlie Kolar (broken arm) is out for several weeks and cornerback Arthur Maulet (calf) did not practice. The Eagles lost veteran defensive end Brandon Graham to a season-ending triceps injury Sunday. Wideout DeVonta Smith (hamstring) missed the win over the Rams and did not practice Wednesday. Neither did cornerbacks Darius Slay (concussion) or Kelee Ringo (calf). Philadelphia is 5-1 away from home this season -- 6-1 if you count their season-opening "home" victory against the Packers in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Baltimore is 4-1 at home. The Ravens hold a 3-2-1 lead in the series with the Eagles. They haven't met since Baltimore's 30-28 win in Week 6 at Philadelphia in 2020. --Field Level Media
A fugitive gains fame in New Orleans eluding dart guns and netsZhong Moyan, a well-respected figure in the town, had been serving as the principal of the elementary school for over a decade. During her tenure, she was credited with improving the academic performance and overall reputation of the school. However, her downfall came swiftly when an investigation revealed that she had been engaging in corrupt activities behind the scenes.
AU President Jonathan Alger and Mr. Astin will celebrate the Class of 2024 on Dec. 15 WASHINGTON , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- American University is proud to present Sean Astin --fondly known to many as Mikey Walsh in The Goonies, Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Rudy Ruettiger in the sports classic Rudy, and Bob Newby in the Netflix's hit series Stranger Things--as the keynote speaker for fall commencement. Astin is also a recent graduate of the School of Public Affairs, earning his master's degree in public administration and policy. During the ceremonies, Astin will be awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. Though many are familiar with his onscreen work, Astin is also known for his stewardship and leadership with his union, SAG-AFTRA. Serving on the National and Los Angeles Local Boards as well as on many committees, such as the Executive, Strike Preparedness, Government Affairs and Public Policy, and Government Rules. Astin served on the 2023 TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee, which oversaw the historic 118-day summer strike, —one of the longest labor outages in Hollywood history, which resulted in $1 billion in gains for SAG-AFTRA and new protections around AI technology. The native Angeleno also served under six cabinet secretaries in two presidential administrations as a civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army. Astin was appointed to serve as a nonpartisan on the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. "Through his longtime career as an actor, his civic engagement, and his work as a mental health advocate, Sean Astin exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong learner and community-builder, which are both important parts of what we do and who we are at American University ," said AU President Jonathan Alger . "And, as an Eagle himself, Sean will inspire our graduates with his journey and his continued quest to build change in our world." Astin regularly speaks to universities, corporations, and nonprofit organizations on various subjects, including leadership, acting, and with a special emphasis on mental health. His dedication to advancing the conversation around mental health continues the legacy of the late Patty Duke , who was a champion for those who are impacted. "I have always had a passion for public policy and administration. Completing my degree at American University this year is the realization of a lifelong dream. At this moment in the history of our country, nothing is more important than affirming the value of the skill, talent, and dedication of our civil servants," Astin said. "Starting during COVID, the American University online program was an incredible guide. From the curriculum to my cohort, my academic journey was rigorous and fulfilling. I am thrilled at the opportunity to be delivering this year's commencement address. I believe that my mission is to offer praise and appreciation for everyone's accomplishments and to share some thoughts on our path forward." Sean Astin and President Alger will celebrate approximately 1,475 graduates, who will receive their degrees from all eight of AU's schools during ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in Bender Arena on the AU campus. Students will also hear from fellow graduates at each of the ceremonies: This is American University's 148 th commencement. Sean Astin joins other notable American University fall commencement speakers such as Abby Phillip , CNN senior political correspondent and anchor of NewsNight , Andrea Mitchell , host of MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports , and recently Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy . ABOUT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY : American University leverages the power and purpose of scholarship, learning, and community to impact our changing world. AU's faculty, students, staff, and alumni are changemakers who shape the future from sustainability to social justice to the sciences. Building on our 130-year history of education and research in the public interest, we say "Challenge Accepted " to addressing the world's pressing issues. Our Change Can't Wait comprehensive campaign creates transformative educational opportunities, advances research with impact, and builds stronger communities. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-university-to-welcome-recent-graduate-sean-astin-spampap-24-as-commencement-speaker-for-fall-commencement-302320024.html SOURCE American University
In addition to the physical changes at the bus stations, there have also been improvements to the bus services themselves. New routes have been introduced to connect previously underserved areas, making it easier for residents to access key locations such as shopping centers, schools, and hospitals. The frequency of buses on popular routes has been increased during peak hours to reduce waiting times and congestion.Prevention is always better than cure, and there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting Mycoplasma pneumoniae. First and foremost, practicing good hygiene habits, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick, can help prevent the spread of the infection. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough rest, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet, can boost your immune system and reduce your susceptibility to infections.As the two teams prepare to face off in what promises to be a thrilling encounter, football fans around the world can look forward to a spectacle of top-quality football. The battle between Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan will not only be a test of skill and tactics but also a showcase of the competitive spirit and passion that defines the Champions League.Liu Chuanxing, a talented and skilled player known for his scoring ability, has been a key contributor to the team's offensive success. However, the coach believes that in order for the team to reach its full potential, Liu must also excel in the defensive aspects of the game, particularly in terms of challenging opponents, disrupting their plays, and securing rebounds.
However, it's important to note that the volatility of the oil market means that prices can fluctuate rapidly. Geopolitical events, such as conflicts in oil-producing regions or decisions by major oil-producing countries, can have a significant impact on oil prices. Therefore, while the current trend is favorable, it's essential for consumers and businesses to remain vigilant and be prepared for any potential shifts in the market.
Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles make their second-to-last road trip of the regular season Sunday to face Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens. The NFC East-leading Eagles (9-2) have won seven in a row and play four of their final six games in Philadelphia, traveling only about 125 miles to visit the Ravens (8-4) this weekend and the Washington Commanders in Week 16. Sunday's game features the NFL's two leading rushers. Barkley (1,392 yards) and Henry (1,325) are far ahead of Green Bay's Josh Jacobs (944) in third place. Henry leads the league with 13 rushing touchdowns. Barkley (10) is tied for fourth and Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts (11) tied for second. The matchup also features two of the top candidates for Most Valuable Player honors entering Week 13 in Barkley and Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, who won his second MVP award last season. Their competition includes quarterbacks Josh Allen of Buffalo and Jared Goff of Detroit, with Allen widely considered the favorite. "Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are phenomenal football players that help their team win football games, and Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley are phenomenal football players that help their team win football games," Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. "Excited about the opportunity this week because it's our next one. It will be a really good opponent, really well coached, good players, good atmosphere that will be there. Excited about the opportunity this week. And we're going to have to be on it against a really good team." The showdown at M&T Bank Stadium also pits Baltimore's No. 1 offense (426.7 yards per game) and No. 2 scoring offense (30.3 points per game) against Philadelphia's No. 1 defense (274.6) and No. 6 scoring defense (18.1). The Eagles have held seven consecutive opponents to under 300 total yards, while the Ravens have gained at least 329 yards of offense in all 11 games. Philadelphia is coming off a 37-20 road win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night in which Barkley smashed the franchise record with 255 rushing yards. Baltimore also earned a prime-time win in Los Angeles, defeating the Chargers 30-23 in the "Harbaugh Bowl" on Monday night behind Jackson's three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing). Jackson said he's looking forward to the Barkley and Henry show. "I've known Saquon from high school. We were in the all-star game together and he jumped over somebody's head," Jackson recalled Wednesday. "So I've pretty much seen him before I even got to the league, college, anything. I've been knowing about Saquon, but Derrick Henry -- King Henry -- I'm with him every day and I'm seeing what he's capable of, so it's going to be a great matchup." Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith practiced Wednesday after sitting out Monday with a hamstring issue. Nose tackle Michael Pierce (calf) was designated to return from injured reserve. Tight end Charlie Kolar (broken arm) is out for several weeks and cornerback Arthur Maulet (calf) did not practice. The Eagles lost veteran defensive end Brandon Graham to a season-ending triceps injury Sunday. Wideout DeVonta Smith (hamstring) missed the win over the Rams and did not practice Wednesday. Neither did cornerbacks Darius Slay (concussion) or Kelee Ringo (calf). Philadelphia is 5-1 away from home this season -- 6-1 if you count their season-opening "home" victory against the Packers in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Baltimore is 4-1 at home. The Ravens hold a 3-2-1 lead in the series with the Eagles. They haven't met since Baltimore's 30-28 win in Week 6 at Philadelphia in 2020. --Field Level Media
Once again, some Oklahoma state legislators are considering phasing out personal and corporate income taxes with the goal of eliminating the tax entirely by 2035. State Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon, authored House Bill 1009, and if it passes, it will reduce the personal income tax rate by 0.004% annually over 10 years. Steagall filed an almost identical bill, H.B. 3058, during the 2024 session, but the bill never made it out of the Appropriations and Budget Committee. “Recent polls show Oklahomans overwhelmingly support the elimination of the state income tax, an effort for which I have filed legislation in the past two years and filing once again for the 60th Legislature,” Steagall said in a press release about the new bill. “The state income tax is a clear violation of our own state constitution and I will continue to pursue righting this wrong in the upcoming session.” Article 2, Section 2 of the Oklahoma Constitution is the part Steagall said the imposing of an income tax violates. Under this section, titled “Inherent rights,” the Constitution states: “All persons have the inherent right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the enjoyment of the gains of their own industry.” In an interview with Fox23, Gov. Kevin Stitt said having a state income tax puts Oklahoma at a disadvantage. “Stitt believes states like Texas, Nevada and Florida are more attractive to employers looking to leave higher tax states to save money and operate with fewer regulations, and he believes Oklahoma is keeping itself at a disadvantage when trying to attract more companies,” states the article titled, “Exclusive: Gov. Stitt still pushing for state to eliminate income tax,” published Feb. 6. In September 2023, former State Sen. Dewayne Pemberton said former Gov. Mary Fallin’s efforts in eliminating the state income tax was not a good thing. “[Fallin] had convinced the Legislature at that time that she would find other sources, but she never did, so once those monies were taken out, the coffers were dry,” Pemberton said. “We had to raise taxes in 2017.” Incoming State Sen. Julie McIntosh, R-District 3, is in favor of removing the personal and corporate income tax. “It is a regressive form of taxation which punishes productivity, and personal productivity is necessary for the success of our society,” McIntosh said. “We have seen repeatedly that when we cut taxes productivity rises and so does revenue into government coffers.” McIntosh believes the job market and business sector will “blossom and companies will come to Oklahoma,” if the corporate tax is eliminated. “This raises wages through competition and job opportunities,” McIntosh said. “Our tax rate and budget could be significantly lower if we stop paying for the many programs that are not constitutionally required of our government.” She is in favor of people keeping as much of their money as possible, and believes citizens will spend more wisely than government, and the free market will expand and “buoy us all to greater prosperity.” When Tahlequah Daily Press asked what programs are unconstitutional, McIntosh did not respond. TDP asked how that money would be made up and whether elimination of the tax would require fees to be raised, such as with the turnpike fees, which were recently increased 15%. “The turnpike is its own entity funded by bonds and tolls and doesn’t receive tax dollars,” McIntosh said. State Sen. Avery Frix, R-District 9, said he is a strong advocate for reducing the state income tax and putting money back into Oklahomans’ pockets and local economies. “While the path to zero income tax is still being paved, we will continue fighting for a solution that both benefits taxpayers and secures our state’s financial future,” Frix said. Several elected officials were asked to comment on this week’s roundup question, but due to the Christmas holiday, McIntosh was the only one who was able to respond. On the Dec. 21 Facebook Forum, TDP readers were asked if they thought the elimination of income taxes was feasible without drastically cutting state services; how can the lack of funds from the tax cut be made up; and if fee hikes would be used. Eric Swanson said people like the idea of abolishing taxes, but fail to consider how programs would be affected once that funding is gone. “Lawmakers who support tax cuts should be honest with voters about the pros and cons,” Swanson said. “Unfortunately, many lawmakers focus on the advantages and downplay or ignore the pitfalls — until a budget shortfall occurs and they are forced to raise taxes to close the gap.” Former resident Jack Webb, who now lives in Washington, said there is no income tax in his state. “Much of the tax burden will be shifted to property taxes and service fees. There are no free lunches in America,” Webb said. “And before you say it exempts non-property owners from the tax burden, it doesn’t; it’s simply passed on to them in the form of higher rent. Developers aren’t going to eat that tax burden no more than retailers will eat the tariffs.” Webb said it will probably be a good incentive to start new businesses and expand existing ones. Lee Guthrie writes for the Tahlequah Daily Press.Zelensky says North Korean troops are Russia’s cannon fodderOverall, the announcement of the FIFA Best XI of the Year has ignited a passionate debate among football fans, with the dominance of Manchester City players and the perceived snub of Real Madrid players at the center of the controversy. While the selected players undoubtedly possess exceptional talent and skill, the debate over the selection process and the criteria used by FIFA is likely to continue in the coming days as fans and experts continue to dissect and discuss the Best XI lineup.