Destroying Statues & Wearing Shorts In Congress | PIRATE WIRES EP#15 🏴☠️
Pirate WiresFri Sep 22 2023
Hunter Biden Investigation:
- Hunter Biden earned $2 million in 2017 from business deals in China and Ukraine.
- He did not pay taxes on this income and attempted to evade taxes.
- He also purchased a gun in October 2018 and lied on the background check form about drug use.
- The gun was later discarded by his brother's widow, leading to an investigation.
- The judge threw out the plea deal for the tax charges due to its inclusion of forgiving other crimes committed by Hunter Biden.
- There are ongoing investigations into potential corruption related to his business dealings with foreign entities, including China.
John Fetterman Dress Code Debacle:
- John Fetterman, a politician who is known for his unconventional appearance, wore shorts and a hoodie while attending Senate sessions.
- This violated the dress code rules of the Senate, but the rules were changed to accommodate him.
- Some people find his attire disrespectful towards the institution of the Senate and believe it conveys a lack of seriousness.
Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program (Tech Hubs):
- The Economic Development Agency will designate 20 tech hubs across the country as part of the CHIPS Act.
- These tech hubs will receive funding, with some eligible for up to $65 million.
- One-third of these hubs must be located in low population states or rural areas.
- Coordination with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions is required.
- The program aims to support economic development, job creation, and innovation in these designated regions.
Non-relocation Policy:
- A provision within the Tech Hubs program prohibits using grant money to entice workers to move from one part of the United States to another.
- The intention is likely to prevent brain drain from more populous areas into these designated regions.
Government Funding for Tech Hubs:
- The government is providing grants to create tech hubs in unpopulated areas.
- The goal is to use $65 million to create a tech hub without bringing in outside tech talent.
- There are concerns that the money may not be effective if the local population lacks necessary skills, such as coding.
- The suggestion to drop the skills requirement and hire locals may not address the larger issue of inadequate education and skill development across the country.
Skills Gap in America:
- The bigger problem is the lack of skilled Americans for technological jobs, rather than the need for foreign engineers.
- The American education system is failing to prepare young people for technical careers.
- It would be beneficial to invest resources into improving education nationwide, focusing on skills-based training and preparing students for future work opportunities.
H1B Visas and Education:
- H1B visas allow elites to disengage from educational problems in America by hiring skilled workers from abroad.
- High costs of education prevent many Americans from pursuing higher education, limiting their access to well-paying jobs.
- Instead of relying solely on immigration programs like H1B visas, efforts should be made to improve education within the country.
Importance of Investing in American Talent:
- Given America's large population and abundant resources, it is concerning that there is a shortage of engineers and programmers within the country.
- More attention should be given to helping young people acquire necessary skills through strategic investments and partnerships between industries and schools.
- A bipartisan consensus on prioritizing skills-based education could lead to practical solutions for addressing this issue.
Lack of Goals and Metrics for Success:
- Many government programs lack clear goals or metrics for success, resulting in ineffective spending and limited outcomes.
- It is important to define specific goals when implementing programs or legislation, ensuring that progress can be measured and evaluated.
Need for Inspirational Government Action:
- There is a desire for government initiatives similar to the Apollo program that inspire and have a clear purpose.
- Current government actions, such as funding hubs in unpopulated areas or giving up on American youth with H1B visas, are not inspiring or effective.
- It is important for the government to focus on meaningful solutions and address pressing issues instead of simply cutting checks.
Education and Car Break-In Problem:
- Dean Preston, a San Francisco supervisor, suggests that the solution to car break-ins is for people to stop putting things in their cars.
- This approach shows an admission of defeat and a lack of responsibility from policymakers.
- Education should be prioritized to equip young people with skills and opportunities rather than blaming individuals for becoming victims of crimes.
Importance of Having Goals:
- The absence of clear goals prevents progress and effective decision-making.
- A plan for success is necessary before implementing legislation or spending money.