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PERMIT NO. 1179
VOL. 46 NO. 46 50¢
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017
A M E S S A GE F ROM OU R PU BL IS H E R
(NEW YORK) — PBS has suspended radio and TV host Tavis Smiley after finding what it called “troubling allegations” of sexual misconduct, making him the second high-profile star to be ousted from a network known for its high-brow, genteel programming. The Public Broadcasting Service said Wednesday an independent investigation by a law firm uncovered “multiple, credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS.” His show’s page at PBS was scrubbed on Thursday. Smiley shot back on
Facebook, saying PBS “overreacted”, calling it “a rush to judgment.” He said he has never harassed anyone and claimed one relationship the network uncovered was consensual. “If having a consensual relationship with a colleague years ago is the stuff that leads to this kind of public humiliation and personal destruction, heaven help us,” he said. “This has gone too far. And, I, for one, intend to fight back.” PBS responded to Smiley’s accusations by saying it stands by the integrity of the investigation. “The totality
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Contributor A heavy African American turnout in Alabama’s special election propelled underdog Democratic candidate Doug Jones to victory, in a hotlycontested race against the flawed, yet heavily-favored, Republican candidate Roy Moore. The New York Times reported that Jones defeated Moore 49.9 percent to 48.4 percent for Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ vacated United States Senate seat. According to CNN exit polling, 68 percent of white voters, including 72 percent of White men voters and 63 percent of white women voters, supported Moore, an alleged child predator. Meanwhile, 96 percent of Black voters supported Jones, including 93 percent of Black men voters and 98 percent of Black women voters. Blacks accounted for a 29 percent share of all voters in the special election in Alabama. Black voter turnout played a key role in getting Jones elected as Alabama voters were forced to choose between a Republican who’s perceived as a racist and accused of child abuse and a Democrat who has earned his chops prosecuting the Ku Klux Klan. The contest also was viewed, by many, as a test of racial progress in the Deep South, and the power of President Donald Trump’s rhetoric to sway voters. Trump campaigned hard for Moore, recording a robocall for the former judge, and (Read the full story online www.thewestsidegazette.com)
of the investigation, which included Mr. Smiley, revealed a pattern of multiple relationships with subordinates over many years,” a PBS spokesperson said. The ouster comes weeks after PBS cut ties with anchor and talk show host Charlie Rose, citing “extremely disturbing and intolerable behavior” by
By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor When two members of the Congressional Black Caucus, longtime Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and civil rights legend Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), heard that President Donald Trump planned to attend the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum dedication ceremony, they both announced that they would forego the event. The White House was critical. On December 7, White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, “We think it’s unfortunate that these members of Congress wouldn’t join the president in honoring the incredible sacrifice civil rights leaders made to right the injustices in our history. The
Michael Rainey, Fiscal Times Although the Republican tax bill will likely pass this week, it will take months for experts to wade through the 503-page document to fully understand the implications of the many breaks and loopholes buried in the legislation. Here are some of the clear winners and losers so far:
8 Winners 1. Big business: Slashing the top corporate tax from 35 percent to 21 percent is a clear win for U.S. businesses, especially those who currently pay higher rates, like big retailers. The bill also eliminates the corporate alternative minimum tax, making it possible for some businesses to lower their rate below 21 percent through the use of various deductions. And multinationals with billions of dollars in profits offshore will
him toward women at his PBS talk show. Smiley brought rare diversity to late-night TV and has drawn the ire of conservatives and liberals alike for some of his views. He has worked for six networks over a 30year career and his radio program “The Tavis Smiley Show” was distributed by (Cont’d on page 11)
president hopes others will join him in recognizing that the movement was about removing barriers and unifying Americans of all backgrounds.” From that statement, you might never have guessed that the White House spokesperson was referring to a civil rights leader: Congressman John Lewis. “It’s laughable that the White House is criticizing John Lewis and Bennie Thompson for not attending the opening of a civil rights museum that honors the sacrifices of ...wait...John Lewis, Bennie Thompson, and many others,” said CBC Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-La.). “This White House is not serious about civil rights. From dismantling the civil rights division in [the Department of Justice] to equating peaceful people (Cont’d on page 6)
3. Pass-throughs: Most businesses in the U.S. are organized as pass-through entities, and the tax bill gives most of them a big break — a 20 percent deduction straight off the top line.Most ofthe benefit will flow to high-income households. 4. Individual taxpayers — until 2026: The majority of taxpayers will get a tax cut starting next
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from the staff and family of the Westside Gazette “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NKJ)
year, though for many the size of the cuts will be modest. Although the alternative minimum tax remains in place, it now kicks in at a significantly higher level, shielding more upper-middle income households.
When we take all things into consideration, we are truly blessed. With whatever portion of health, strength and mental ability, we should accept it as a gift. The expectation of Christmas and the joys that surround the day should not be taken for granted;` as a matter of fact, no day should. With the dawning of each new day, new blessings are ushered in. Even though sometimes we cannot see the wealth associated with the day because we are inundated with the struggles of surviving, we forget that the Word says: “If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.” Psalm 50:12 (NIV) We the staff and family of the Westside Gazette would like to remind you that: “From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after (Cont’d on page 6)
5. Wealthy heirs: The cutoff for paying estate taxes will be doubled to roughly $11 million for individuals and $22 million for couples, further reducing the number of estates exposed to the tax.
Thursday
be forced to bring that money home, but at rates ranging from 8 percent to 15.5 percent. 2. Real estate investors: Property owners already receive considerable benefits from the tax code, and a lastminute tweak added to the tax bill sweetens the pot, allowing landlords — including such notable figures as President Trump and Sen. Bob Corker — to take advantage of new tax breaks for pass-through businesses.
Seasons Greetings
6. Wall Street: During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump frequently complained about the rules for carried interest that allow some large investors to pay a lower tax rate. Those rules remain in place for the most part, much to the relief of many fund managers. (Cont’d on page 11)
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