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A Nightmare for America: The Past 10 Days

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214-372-6500 469-677-5123 fax gotiated agreement was unlikely to be ratified by Congress anyway, the memorandum also set forth a Trump Management administration policy of negotiatby Debra Blair Abron ing future trade deals one by one, Publisher instead of regional, multi-national

Many Americans woke up Debra Blair Abron agreements.

Wednesday November 9, 2016, in Asistant Publisher • Presidential Memorandum: disbelief of the election results! No Darryl E. Blair Sr. Mexico City Policy one could have guessed that Donald The Mexico City Policy, known to J. Trump would be president. No, Administrative Assistant critics as the global gag rule, was a Hillary Clinton whom many felt Sherry Christian Reagan-Bush policy that restricted was not trustworthy enough to be Leslie White the use of foreign aid money to president, but many of us felt she Production Manager support family planning organizaknew how to talk and deal with our Tamara Amos tions that promote abortion. Trump’s American issues. memorandum reinstated that pol In just his first 10 days on Photo Journalist icy, which had been rescinded by the job, President Trump has already Derrick Taylor Obama, but also vastly expanded it: signed two proclamations, seven The restriction now applies not just Distribution executive orders and seven presiJames Gray to the State Department and U.S. dential memoranda. He’s invented Agency for International Developa new form of presidential directive Columinists ment, but now all federal funding.

— the national security presidential Rev. Anthony B. Nolan Sr. And the ban applies to all global memorandum — and signed three Sandra Crenshaw health aid, not just family planning. of those. And his chief of staff has Kevan Browning • Presidential Memorandum: signed another document — a reguWanda McKinley Leon Simon Hiring Freeze latory freeze — that carries the same Mark A. Talver II Most recent presidents have instiforce as a presidential order. It’s the Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson tuted some kind of hiring freeze, most prolific use of executive action often just long enough for the to start a presidency in modern hispresident’s new cabinet members to tory. be confirmed so they can make their DEADLINES & DICLAIMIERS: Here’s the complete list of actions own hiring decisions. While Trump Trump has signed so far: makes an exception for the military, Subbmissions of articles, ads, obituaries ect. are due th Elite News every Tuesday by noon. The views and Friday, January 20 it also forbids contracting to circum- opinions of our columnsist do not necessarly reflect • Proclamation 9570: Nationvent the ban. The order calls for a the view and opinions of the publisher or staff of al Day of Patriotic Devotion long-term plan to reduce the federal Elite New. As one of his first official acts, workforce within 90 days.

All checks, money orders or cashier President Trump declared his inauTuesday, January 24 checks made payable to Elite News guration day to be a “National Day • Presidential Memorandum: shall be mailed to5258 County Rd. of Patriotic Devotion.” The tradition The Trans-Pacific PartnerConstruction of the Keystone XL 3110 Campbell, Texas 75422. Elite goes back to President George H.W. ship, or TPP, was a 12-member trade Pipeline News Accepts all magor credit cards Bush, but Trump’s proclamation was pact of countries along the Pacific The Obama administration scuttled and check debit cards. less personal and more nationalistic Rim. Trump’s directive made it 11, the proposed 1,179-mile crossthan his predecessors. formally withdrawing from the trade border pipeline from Alberta to • Executive Order 13765: agreement. While the Obama-neNebraska, which Please adhere: there are changes made at the Elite News.

Debra Blair Abron, publisher or Darryl E. Blair Sr. editor Minimizing the Economic Burden Lorie Blair, former editor, of Elite News, is no longer with us, at the paper. We of the Patient Protection and Afwould like to thank Lorie for her dedication to the Elite News family.

Thank you, fordable Care Act Pending Repeal We are grateful for the time she was with us and wish her the best of luck in her Debra Blair Abron, publisher Trump’s first executive order was future endeavors. As of Tuesday January 24, 2017, please forward all correspon214-405-8335

as much a messaging document as a policy-making one, emphasizing Trump administration to seek the repeal of the health insurance law known as Obamacare. While the order was vague about what specific measures the administration will take — using the phrase “to the maximum extent permitted by law” three times — it suggests that federal agencies give states, insurance companies and consumers the maximum amount of flexibility in complying with the law.

• Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies: Regulatory Freeze Pending Review The “regulatory freeze” memo is not technically a presidential action.

Following tradition, the memo came from the new president’s chief of staff, Reince Priebus. But it has the same force and effect as if the president signed it: An immediate halt to the publication of any new regulations. The freeze lifts when Trump’s nominees to lead agencies are confirmed by the Senate. The White House Office of Management and Budget may make exceptions for health, safety, financial, or national security matters.

Monday, January 23 • Presidential Memorandum: Withdrawal of the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations and Agreement

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dences to,

February 3, 2017

Exporting Oil and Gas Will Import Economic Growth What could turn out to Assitant Publisher be President Guest Columnist Obama’s

By Merrill Matthews most effective economic policies only just happened: ending the 40-year ban on U.S. crude oil exports and approving terminal construction to export U.S. liquefied natural gas. And a Donald Trump presidency likely means expansion and acceleration of those efforts.

Darryl E. Blair Sr.

In December 2015, Congress passed a $1.1 trillion spending bill that lifted the crude oil export ban. Obama opposed the repeal, but the bill extended wind and solar energy tax credits, so he took the compromise. By contrast, liquefied natural gas export terminals only require Department of Energy approval. And while permits have been authorized slowly, several have finally been approved.

That action jumpstarted the U.S. oil and gas export business, with Texas LNG terminal projects underway in Freeport, Corpus Christi and Brownsville.

From January to May 2016, the U.S. exported half a million barrels of crude oil daily to 16 countries -- in Europe, South and Central America, including Israel and even China.

Meanwhile, the first U.S. tanker with LNG departed from Louisiana in February 2015. In the first six months of 2016, 50 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas were exported.

One energy analyst estimates the United States will export 7 Bcf/day by 2020 and 17 Bcf/day by 2040. Current production is about 80 Bcf/ day.

First, while the nation consumes more oil than February 3, 2017

it produces, the United States is projected to become a net gas exporter by halfway through this year. The country needs markets for that abundance of natural gas.

Second, exports enhance economic efficiency.

For those who wonder why U.S. companies would export crude oil when the country still imports 24 percent of its oil, the answer has to do with efficiency and refining.

paying blue-collar jobs; and - Add $3 trillion in federal revenues -- important for a country about to pass the $20 trillion mark in total federal debt. The energy boom over the past eight years provided real benefits during a time of sluggish economic growth.

Without it, the country might’ve fallen into recession.

Oil and natural gas exports will allow us to extend and expand that boom and become the world’s energy-producing powerhouse. But doing so requires faster approvals of LNG terminals and easing federal opposition to drilling offshore and on federal lands, both of which President Donald Trump pledged to do.

Most U.S. refineries are made to process very heavy oil. But most oil coming from shale formations, comprising half of total production, is light sweet crude oil -- requiring a less-intensive refining process. While some refineries are starting to adapt, that refining transition isn’t quickly or cheaply made.

The closest refineries may be operating at or near capacity. Instead of having to discount or store a regional oversupply of crude oil, oil producers should export to refineries abroad that have the capacity to handle it.

Third, U.S. exports could help meet our allies’ energy needs -- especially those dependent on oil from countries like Russia, which use energy supplies as a geopolitical hammer.

The European Union depends on Russia for about a third of its energy needs -- it’d love to have an affordable alternative.

Finally, exporting crude oil and natural gas will jumpstart economic growth and reduce the U.S. trade deficit.

Energy experts Daniel Yergin and Kurt Barrow estimated ending the oil export ban would: - Increase daily oil production by 2.3 million barrels and new investment by $1 trillion; - Create 860,000 jobs, including many high4

We Are Survivors Survivor of childhood molestation, rape and domestic violence Part 1

This is something that you just don’t hear enough about. Survivors speak and they go from their abuse to what they are currently doing, not describing enough of the true gutwrenching feelings that you have in the days weeks or months after you leave. Life after abuse is so positive, but truth be told, sometimes you feel like it’s harder than the abuse.

There are many great programs that will help you with the transition from where you have been to where you will be. The Victim Compensation Fund is a great program that will help with Mental Health Therapy, relocation and many other things, plus some cities have at least one shelter to turn to. There are many options for assistance; you just need to safely find them. After almost 8 years since the abuse, I still deal with my after. There are still days that I apologize incessantly, cry at the drop of a hat, feel totally worthless and take the weight of the world on my shoulders. I still don’t let people see beyond the mask of total happiness; if you met me, you would never know the past that I am hiding. This is the truth about life after abuse.

I married my Prince Charming at 19 after a year of dating. We were married about 15 months before he became physically abusive. I became withdrawn from my family and long-term friends out of fear they would find out. I left after 3 ½ years of marriage following a huge fight. I had no money except for an ATM card that I was just sure he would cancel quickly, no place to go and no clothes. I left with a bag that had no makeup, hair brush or deodorant, only a toothbrush and a change of clothes. I didn’t really know anyone to call; besides I really didn’t want anyone to know. So I drove to the only hotel in town. The hotel was booked! How in the world could a Days Inn in a town of 30,000 people, mostly farm laborers, be BOOKED?! NO WAY was my thought. I begged and pleaded for a room with no luck.

I couldn’t go to a shelter for fear I would lose my job if they found out, so I slept in my car that night. Ok, let’s be honest, I didn’t sleep. I waited for him to find me and then went into 5

work the next day and acted as if everything was normal.

My husband worked 30 minutes from our house so I knew that I could, safely, go home at lunch without him there to get something for the next day. I didn’t go home the day after I left because I didn’t know if he would expect that and be there. I knew what the consequence would be for leaving. I met someone at my gym who let me sleep on the couch until

By Wanda McKinley

and TV shows with violence would give me horrible nightmares (I still don’t do well with them). I was sick to my stomach constantly worried that my work or my family would find out my secret. I didn’t sleep very well; always worried that he would come to get me. There were days that I would cry because I felt like I failed. I was getting divorced at 23 years old.

I couldn’t handle the reality in my mind as a complete failure. To this day I feel like that sometimes……

If you have a survival story to tell, let me share it. If you have any questions please contact me, Wanda McKinley at 214-454-2933 and/or wearesurvivorsfoundation@gmail.com.

Also visit us at www.wearesurvivorsfoundation.org

I got on my feet. For three months I hid. For three months, my abuser came to my work to ‘take care of me,’ bringing me little things like protein shakes, soup and money, all to entice me back into my old life. I was so secretive about my separation that people I worked with thought we were still happily married until after my divorce was final. Even through it all I wanted to make him happy. I wanted to make everything ok. I knew that I couldn’t go back but that didn’t mean that I wanted anything negative to happen to him or me. I just wanted to move on; I wanted a healthy life and chance to be more than just So & So’s wife – I wanted to be Shana. Most victims would say that you become the queen of appearance. You know how to smile regardless of what just happened and act like everything is fine. The months after I left were horribly hard. I thought it would never get better. I thought I would never be able to support myself, be able to pay my own bills and be a successful adult without him. I often thought about going back because that would have been so much easier, at least in that arena I knew what to expect. I couldn’t handle most loud noises. A slamming cupboard in the next apartment would make me jump February 3, 2017

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Great American Nightmare cont.

Republicans had supported as a job-booster. Trump invited pipeline company, TransCanada, “to promptly resubmit its application,” and ordered the secretary of State to make a decision within 60 days, fast-tracking existing procedural requirements.

• Presidential Memorandum: Construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline A separate order applied to the Dakota Access Pipeline, a 1,172-mile pipeline from North Dakota to Illinois. That project has been the subject of heated protests by American Indian groups and environmentalists.

Because the pipeline crosses waterways, it needs approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Trump ordered the Army to “review and approve in an expedited manner” the permit.

• Presidential Memorandum: Construction of American Pipelines Trump asked the secretary of Commerce to review ways to mandate the use of American-made steel in pipeline projects. for all new, expanded or retrofitted pipelines in the United States. The plan is due in six months.

• Executive Order 13766: Expediting Environmental Reviews and Approvals for High Priority Infrastructure Projects The order sets up a new system to fast-track infrastructure projects.

Under the executive order, any governor or cabinet secretary can ask for a project to be designated as highpriority. If the chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality approves, the project will go to the front of the line for any agency required to review and approve the project.

• Presidential Memorandum: Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burdens for Domestic Manufacturing Under this order, the secretary of Commerce will launch a review of manufacturing regulations with the goal of streamlining those rules. The secretary will seek input on the issue over the next 60 days, with a report February 3, 2017

to Trump containing specific proposals 60 days after that.

Wednesday, January 25 • Proclamation 9571: National School Choice Week, 2017 Trump proclaimed the week of Jan, 22 as National School Choice week.

Though the proclamation was entirely ceremonial, Trump is the first president ever to proclaim this week, which is sponsored by a coalition of charter, magnet, private, online and home schools.

• Executive Order 13767: Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements This is the “build the wall” executive order, directing the Customs and Border Patrol to “secure the southern border of the United States through the immediate construction of a physical wall on the southern border.” The order also directs the hiring of 5,000 more border patrol officers. The order does not specify how the wall would be paid for, but does request a report on all U.S. foreign aid to Mexico over the last five years.

• Executive Order 13768: Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States Complementing the border wall, this executive order applies to immigration enforcement in the interior, and specifically targets so-called “sanctuary cities” by cutting off their federal funding. The order also expands the enforcement priorities in order to give immigration officers almost unlimited discretion in instituting deportation proceedings, to include any non-citizen not yet charged a crime but who, in the judgment of an immigration officer, poses a risk to public safety or national security.

Friday, January 27 • Executive Order: Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States This is perhaps Trump’s most controversial executive order to date, leading to weekend protests at international airports across the country.

Trump promised to keep “radical Islamic terrorists” out of the country,

largely though a ban on entry from seven countries for 90 days. Those countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen) are all majority Muslim, and the order allows an exception for religious minorities, which Trump said was to protect Christians there. The order was subject to immediate action in three federal courts in the 48 hours after its signing, in order to protect people who were caught in legal limbo when they arrived at U.S. airports.

• National Security Presidential Memorandum 1: Rebuilding the U.S. Armed Forces The presidential national security memorandum — a first-of-its-kind presidential directive — calls for a 30-day review of military readiness.

It requires the the Pentagon and Office of Management and Budget to come up with a plan to bolster the military, and calls for an examination of the nation’s nuclear arsenal and missile-defense capabilities.

Saturday, January 28 • Executive Order: Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Employees In one sense, Trump’s executive order on administration ethics goes further than any similar order in history, imposing a lifetime ban on administration officials lobbying foreign governments, and a five-year ban on other types of lobbying. But that ban covers only people who were lobbyists before they joined the administration, leaving a loophole for non-lobbyists, ethics experts said.

• National Security Presidential Memorandum 2: Organization of the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council Every modern president signs an order early in his term reorganizing the National Security Council. Trump’s order most notably added his chief political strategist, Stephen Bannon, to sit on the influential Principals Committee.

• National Security Presidential Memorandum 3: Plan to Defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria

This memorandum calls for the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with other national security officials, to develop a plan within 30 days to defeat the Islamic State. The plan should include “recommended changes to any United States rules of engagement” as well as any diplomatic, financial or cyber measures that the Trump administration can take.

Monday, January 30 • Executive Order: Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs Trump’s so-called “one in, two out” executive order would require agencies to rescind two existing regulations for every one new regulation — and that the regulatory costs of those new regulations balance out.

The order would also tighten the president’s grip on the regulatory process by giving each agency an annual quota of regulations through the federal budgeting process.

America wake up! This nightmare is real! We need to pray not protest and hope that we can wake up from what is happening to, “We the People!”

“Do not be afraid of them: The Lord your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 5:5

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Casey “Hott Doc” Blair

Dallas ISD honors studentathletes at 2017 National Signing Day event

About 100 Dallas Independent School District student-athletes who are committing to study and play sports at colleges and universities after they graduate were honored at the district’s annual National Signing Day celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 1.

The event puts the students, along with family members and their coaches, on the red carpet to encourage them in their decision to further their education after high school. The event happened on the first day students can put pen to paper when it comes to scholarship offers.

Dallas ISD Athletics Director Gil Garza congratulated students, recognizing their hard work on and off the playing field, and the support from their parents, coaches and teachers.

“Celebrating our students’ successes is something we love to do, and we are are very proud of our past and present student-athletes,” Garza said. “We commend the commitment in and out of the classroom each student-athlete has made to attain the great goal of competing at the collegiate level.”

For the second year, the event also recognized Dallas ISD alumni who played sports in college. Several who attended the 2017 event also played professional sports after college.

Photo courtesy Dallas ISD 9

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February 3, 2017

Church Chat

Words Of Wisdom Join us for the 42nd Annual Elite News Awards Night Ceremony February 24, 2017 7 o’clock Carver Heights Baptist Church 2510 E. Ledbetter Dallas,TX 75216

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Black History Month: The Crisis in Black Education By: Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

This February, across America, we once again celebrate Black History Month. In 1976, the week was extended for the entire month and celebrated all over America. Although Black History Month was primarily established to celebrate and honor the work of African Americans and historic leaders of the Black community, the revelry signifies unity and recognition cutting across all racial and geographical barriers.

This year’s national theme for Black History Month is “The Crisis in Black Education” – directing our focus on the chronic and still widening achievement gap we see among African American students and their white counter parts. Countless members of the African American community have called attention to the social crisis that results from persistently imposed racial barriers to equal education. 50 years after, Brown v. Board of Education, it seems the vestiges of separate and still not equal remain, albeit under the surface – in the statistics. The touted benefits of education remain elusive to many blacks of all ages, and these short comings can be consequentially linked to the growing crisis in our criminal justice system. Tragically, poor performance in school too often serves as pipelines to prisons, and these youth are more often than not black and brown. A lack of a quality education results in a lack of skills, ultimately leading to high unemployment and an increased likelihood to become entangled with the prison industrial complex.

Equality Index (EEI), a rapidly shrinking number of students from low-income families in the metropolis are likely to attend schools that put them on an equal playing field with their more advantaged peers.

Despite increasingly polarized politics, Congress can still and has in fact found common ground in the world of education – giving more control to local authorities to tailor their programs to meet the unique needs of students in different parts of the country. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law

by President Obama on December 10, 2015.

This bipartisan measure reauthorizes the nation’s national education law and longstanding commitment to equal opportunity. Most importantly, the ESSA maintains an expectation that there will be accountability and action to effect positive change in our lowest-performing

schools, where groups of students are not making progress, and where graduation rates are low over extended periods of time.

We celebrate Black History month as a means to be better stewards of the privileges we have gained. There is perhaps no greater privilege gained than the great equalizer that is education.

As students from low income families in our own community fall further and further behind, across the state and nation we must ensure that our most vulnerable children have the opportunities they need to thrive. We have a long way to go but by remaining aware and engaged with our political process and directly in our communities, we can ensure a better future for our most prized resource --our children.

Systemic economic and racial injustices continue to inhibit efforts to make a quality education available to all American students. Despite years of education reform the achievement gap in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolis is large and still growing. According to the Education 13

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