NEWS AND OPINION:
They are politically engaged and waiting to be persuaded: 94 percent of American small-business owners plan to vote in the general election in November, says a survey, which has promising news for Donald Trump but little for his rival Hillary Clinton.
Mr. Trump “remains the top choice for small business owners. In fact, 44 percent believe that the Republican candidate best addresses the needs of small business owners. If the election were held today, the majority of respondents would choose the Republican candidate, with only 19 percent voting for the Democratic frontrunner,” the poll stated. “Nearly 40 percent of the respondents say the Democratic frontrunner is the worst choice for president, with 65 percent replying that this candidate is the most dishonest in the race.”
It is a vast group, though. From the Small Business Administration: “The 28 million small businesses in America account for 54 percent of all U.S. sales, 55 percent of all jobs and 66 percent of all new jobs since the 1970s.”
CHEERY ABOUT TRUMP
“In Trump We Trust”
— Forthcoming book from Ann Coulter, to be published Aug. 23 by Sentinel Books, which advises: “If you’re already a Trump fan, Ann Coulter will help you defend and promote your position. If you’re not, she might just change your mind.”
LEERY ABOUT TRUMP
“Make dating great again.”
— Motto of MapleMatch.com, a new dating site that “makes it easy for Americans to find the ideal Canadian partner to save them from the unfathomable horror of a Trump presidency.” CEO Joe Goldman tells the Canadian Press that 4,150 people have signed up so far — and 70 percent are Canadian.
THE GOVERNMENT BARGAIN
The U.S. government has issued a public reminder to bargain-minded citizenry. All sorts of surplus “stuff” from federal sources is available, from real estate, aircraft and boats to jewelry, cars and office supplies.
“You can also take heart in knowing that all proceeds from government sales go back to the original holding or selling agency, to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, or are deposited in the U.S. Treasury’s general fund,” the feds advise.
Well heck, a Black Hawk helicopter goes for $200,000, a full-sized Xerox copier is $25. The two sites to consult are Govsales.gov and GSAauctions.gov.
FELLOWSHIP FOR ’EMERGING CONSERVATIVES’
The Colorado-based Steamboat Institute advises Inside the Beltway that the search is underway for the next “Tony Blankley Chair for Public Policy and American Exceptionalism” — a fellowship that carries a $10,000 cash stipend and honors the late Tony Blankley, a cheerful conservative thinker and journalist.
It is meant to provide high-profile recognition and financial support to “emerging conservative thought leaders,” says the nonprofit.
“We are looking for someone with the potential to inspire others,” notes Chairwoman Jennifer Schubert-Akin.
Applications are due June 30; find the information at SteamboatInstitute.org.
INAUGURAL PARTY PLANS UNDERWAY
It is hard to believe that Jan. 20 — Inauguration Day — is a mere eight months off. Celebration planners are already busy.
The American Legion and Veterans Inaugural Committee reveal that their “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball” — an event launched in 1953 by President Dwight Eisenhower as a tribute to Medal of Honor recipients — is ready to roll. Organizers expect many of the 76 living recipients to attend, along with members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, senior military, elected officials, celebrities, corporate citizens and wounded warriors.
“Throughout our nation’s history, so many have fought and died for our freedoms. It is only fitting that on the night the new commander in chief takes office, the opportunity is given to thank the bravest of the brave — our nation’s Medal of Honor recipients — in person,” says Dale Barnett, the Legion’s national commander.
That was not the case in 2009. President Obama did not attend that year’s event, the first president to be a no-show in 56 years, prompting some journalists to suggest Mr. Obama “snubbed” the hero soldiers. Vice President Joe Biden arrived just short of midnight. Mr. Obama did not attend the gala in 2013 either; the White House issued a statement explaining that he appeared only at events organized by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. The gracious Legion went on record in both cases to say no offense was taken.
Meanwhile, plans for 2017 are finalized; the hotel has been chosen, the tickets made available. And the hosts? They are all congressionally chartered organizations. Along with the American Legion, they include Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Reserve Officers Association, Blinded Veterans Association, Jewish War Veterans of the USA, American Ex-Prisoners, Marine Corps League, the Retired Enlisted Association, and Non Commissioned Officers Association.
POLL DU JOUR
• 71 percent of Americans have used an “alternative therapy” for a medical condition.
• 69 percent view such therapies as safe, 63 percent say they are effective, 50 percent say they are reliable.
• 67 percent say chiropractic care should be covered by insurance; 53 percent say the same of massage therapy.
• 48 percent say acupuncture should be included; 30 percent say the same of herbal medicine.
• 19 percent would like to see hypnotherapy covered, 15 percent meditation and 13 percent aromatherapy.
Source: A Harris Poll of 2,252 U.S. adults conducted Dec. 9-14 and released Tuesday.
• Polite applause, snippy observations to jharper@washingtontimes.com.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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