We The People (Aired 06-13-25) Taxes, Troops and Trust: What Every American Needs to Know Now

[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign. [00:00:05] Speaker B: Of we the People, tackling current issues, both political and legal, with common sense. As we the People, we must bring common sense back to make our lives better. Only on NOW Media tv. [00:00:23] Speaker A: Welcome to we the People, where we bring common sense clarity to everyday challenges that impact our communities and our families and our futures. I'm your hostess, Alina Gonzalez Dockery. So we're going to kick off our show with a topic that many of us can relate to and are probably still dealing with, taxes and finances. Now you may wonder, why are we discussing taxes and finances after April 15? Because many small business owners and business owners like myself do file extensions and there's so many questions and just hearing the word taxes makes some people want to shut down. But we're here to break it all down in a way that actually makes sense. And that is because I am joined by Joseph Reyes or Joe, a CPA with over 15 years leading JL Reyes accounting and tax CPAs just outside of Philadelphia. He's been in the numbers game since the late 70s, a financial professional who's passionate about empowering everyday people and business owners with the tools to better understand their taxes and build a confident relationship with their money. Joe, thank you so much for joining me on today's show. [00:01:42] Speaker B: Thank you for having me. It's a pleasure to be here. [00:01:46] Speaker A: So Joe, I mean obviously you've been in the game, you understand tax codes, which to me could be a, it's not even a foreign language. It could be from another planet at this point. Why do taxes feel so overwhelming or bring fear into everyday people and small business owners lives? [00:02:10] Speaker B: Yeah, good question. Actually the tax code is designed to be that way. The tax code is trying to do a lot of different things at the same time. Actually some of it is social engineering, some of it is leading the country in a particular direction and whatnot. So it is complex and that's an understatement. So even tax professionals like myself, we just shake our heads of stuff that we see in the tax code and stuff that we have to deal with. So it's really complex. So it's going to, it's going to bring angst and fear to people. [00:02:42] Speaker A: Well, and that's why I'm always so grateful. And I will be the first person to say I believe in going straight to the experts. And it is a godsend that we do have CPAs as yourself with the experience to guide us in this. And as I said in the intro, like many of us, like myself, we file extensions. So the taxes are still somewhat looming. So What a few simple strategies for our audience can do right now to feel more in control of their taxes, whether they're still dealing with the 2024 tax season or taxes or looking forward 2025 and beyond. [00:03:27] Speaker B: Yeah, so you know, when it comes to tax returns, just like finances, you know, it's, it's, it's not a sprint, you know, it's a marathon, right? So if you think about taxes, about something you have to deal with throughout the year, you will avoid this year end rush that drives everybody stark raving mad. You know. And so what we reckon recommend is, you know, just a simple thing like, you know, create just one folder for the tag for tax year 2025, for instance, create a tax folder and every time something comes your way that's even remotely related to taxes, just stick it in that folder. You know, maybe you made an improvement on your home, stick it in that folder because that might come in handy later on in the future. Right. So little things like that, you know, on your calendar you have a quarterly reminders you just set up every three months. Check in on how my tax folder is doing maybe or something like that. I make enough payments into the system every quarter. So this way, and if you can't figure out the right numbers, at least estimate, you know, what's a good number to you. Maybe I need to pay $5,000 a quarter. So by the end of the year you've paid $20,000. It depends on your tax structure and whether you have a business and how much money you make. So using a trusted advisor, like a cpa, an enrolled agent, you know, a tax lawyer, somebody who knows the game, give you, giving you some kind of direction. Then every quarter you're just taking a little bit of action. And then by the end of the year, you'd be surprised how much more in control you are of your tax situation and you might avoid a huge tax payment. [00:05:14] Speaker A: So I love how you give a great suggestion and my CPA will thank you because I actually wrote this down. You know, not, you know, not doing that year end, like take two days as a business owner going through all the receipts, making sure they're uploaded and stuff, and then dump everything sometime in January or maybe in April 1st to your CPA and expect miracles. [00:05:39] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:05:42] Speaker A: And it is scary. Not I, I, well, I want to rephrase that. It's not scary when you have the right expert that's on your side. And that is why we have Joe today to help this, this just disrupt some of those, those misinformation that we may hear from people going, oh, if you don't have your taxes paid by April 15, the IRS is going to audit you or come take your bank account. I mean, obviously, this is why we have CPAs that are well educated and certified to do such things as a business owner, let's just say, for example, as a business owner that comes to you and saying, okay, I want to really prepare myself. I'm having a great year. I'm, you know, starting out strong. What are some of the first steps when you're dealing with a client and their way of working with you and preparing so that they are in their best position to save on taxes but also not be hit with a huge bill on April 15? [00:06:52] Speaker B: Yeah. So if you're a business owner, it's much more unpredictable than a W2 wage earner, right? W2 wage earner. If you're a salary, you know what it's going to look like for the year. A business owner should be tracking his finance, his or her finances on a monthly basis using a bookkeeping app like QuickBooks or something like that. Excel is okay, you know, but Excel has its limitations for tracking information that would be affecting your tax return. In other words, a balance sheet. A balance sheet. Excel is lousy for balance sheets. It's great for P. Ls, profit and loss statements. So having a bookkeeping methodology where you're entering monthly income and expenses, you can download stuff directly from your bank account into QuickBooks, let's say, and then you categorize. Or better yet, if you're not a bookkeeper, hire one. Because a bookkeeper knows certain rules and things about bookkeeping that you may not know. And something as simple as just tracking monthly books, knowing what your month looked like. Did you make an income? Did you make a loss? If you had income, then you talk to your tax advisor, like, how much should I put away every month into the bank so that I'm ready for tax return tax prep. Right. And then if you just do that simple thing, you're sucking around 25 to 35%, unfortunately, of your money that you made into a bank account. So when it comes time to pay the tax man, you've got the money. Biggest mistake is not doing that and then getting a big tax bill at the end of the year, and then all hell breaks loose because you have a big bill, you may need an installment agreement. It's very, very frustrating, and you probably missed out on a lot of deductions. So it's just a marathon. Every month you do a little bit. And you'd be surprised how much more in control you'll be of your tax bill. [00:08:46] Speaker A: Oh, and I think that is so important because it is the preparation or just kind of like being a student. If we have kids that are studying, whether it's high school, junior high or college, we keep telling, if you keep on top of won't be overwhelming. And that's pretty much I like to tell clients that I deal with, like you have homework and it's just going to be adding on to that. And I love this because and we're going to get into this a little more after the commercial break, but there's a lot of talk about tax, you know, tax breaks. And I know that we're looking at unless this big beautiful bill passes that in 2026, potentially, I would say the vast majority of us are going to potentially have a tax increase because of the tax breaks that were adopted, I want to say in 2017, 2018, and you could correct me, you got it right. Are set to expire. [00:09:51] Speaker B: Right. [00:09:52] Speaker A: So like, and so looking at that, looking at, you know, an individual who's watching, whether cnn, Fox News, whatever or News Nation, you know, how do you counsel someone and if they're like going, oh, my God, what's going to happen to me next year if for whatever reason taxes do increase. [00:10:16] Speaker B: Yeah. So the first conversation I want to have is how did 2024 look? If you botch 2024, you're likely to botch 2025. And now we're talking about a year that's coming that may not even come. Right. So why don't we do this? Why don't we review what happened in 24. Let's take action to fix 2025 and we'll set you on the straight, a straight and narrow path so that whatever you do now, the homework that you do now will be the homework you're going to do in 2026. And every, every year is the same story. How much did you make? What's the tax bill? What are the available deductions and credits or whatever tax breaks and work with a tax professional who knows what's going on. Because I guarantee you this, every tax year, regardless of which tax act is in place at that time has its breaks. Right. So right now there are many good breaks in the Inflation Reduction act that was passed by the Biden administration. Right. Donald Trump, he passed the tax bill in 2017. It came with many benefits and deductions. So it doesn't really matter. What matters is you, the homework you're doing. And I like what you said that said about homework, but doing the homework, keeping on top of it monthly, working with a tax professional and you'll be fine. But you always have to save money for taxes. That's a given. Right. The only question becomes is it too much or too little? [00:11:47] Speaker A: And if it's too much that you pay quarterly, that just means that you don't owe anything on April 15th. [00:11:52] Speaker B: So get a refund. [00:11:54] Speaker A: I'm always a believer that I like to pay a little more than being. [00:11:58] Speaker B: Right, right, right. Yeah. [00:12:00] Speaker A: Not blindsided, but having to pay the tax bill. And these are great insights so far. So for the audience, I am joined by Joseph Reyes, J.L. reyes accounting and tax CPAs. And he has already provided us this amazing wealth of information. We are going to take a quick commercial break and from there we are going to now jump into what can we look at with this maybe big, beautiful bill or whatever the tax breaks could potentially be. Tune right back in on we the People. And welcome back to we the People, how one big bill could change America's financial future. So as you all know, or for those that are joining us just now, I am joined by Joseph Reyes, owner and founder of JL Reyes Accounting and Tax CPAs in the Great state of Pennsylvania. So, Joe, you I'm sure, like many of us have been watching the news and are seeing the proposals for this one big beautiful bill. I wish I could do a Trump impersonation on that, that aim to fix a lot of our country's financial problems in one shot. So I'm just curious, what's standing out most about this for you and for those that are in your industry? [00:13:29] Speaker B: Well, for me personally, I know that the House passed their version of the bill and then it went to the Senate. And the Senate is saying maybe, maybe not. Right. So and then whatever they do, it's going to be sent back to the House and they're going to hopefully not go back and forth. So whatever we're hearing today, you know, I take the news with a grain of salt. You know, what you hear today is not what the reality is going to be tomorrow. So the, the things that stick out in my head, to be honest, is like the, the small stuff like no tax on tips, no tax on overtime. My favorite because I'm a senior, no tax on Social Security benefits. Right. Because Social Security benefits, there was a day pre Biden just no, but when Biden and Reagan were in power, they signed that they started taxing Social Security benefits, if I recall correctly. And you know, they're looking to do away with that, but the big question then becomes that's a lot of lost revenue for the, for the federal government and how they, how are they going to get passed? Because it's going to be, in my opinion, it's going to be challenged in the courts how you can treat one source of one type of income differently than you treat another type of income. Because believe it or not, rich people have as much due to equality, just like poor people, if you will, lower income people. So I just don't see it. And I see the some conservative Republicans who are saying we're just going to be adding to our debt, so something dramatic has to happen. Now, I think what the Trump administration is thinking is that they're going to grow the economy and so we shouldn't have to worry too much about reducing the debt. And I think I'm online with that. Right. So other than that, you know, everything else that's in the bill, I'm not paying a whole lot of attention until the Senate is done with what they're doing. Once the Senate makes a decision, then I think we're going to see, okay, we're on track here. We got agreement between the House and the Senate. All right. So we know probably what's going to happen. And then that's when it's going to get really interesting. And then of course, the tax cuts that, that are going to go away in 2016, 26, that's going to be a major deal. And I'm anxious to see what happens with that because all these tax changes, it just kills us accountants who have to deal with learning and, you know, training and implementation and all that. And then, you know, we do a lot of tax planning for clients. And so then we just have to shift gears. We, there's so much that goes into being a good tax planning cpa, you know. So that's my take on it. [00:16:12] Speaker A: Well, and I love that you mentioned it because it's interesting and I mean, of course keeping up with, with the news and, and even watching just average people's reactions to this, like the no tax on tips. And it was a big campaign promise from both sides, from both Harris and Trump. I mean, so there was actually agreement and I know it's amazing on that, but I see that like in looking at it and I find it interesting someone mentioned like, okay, so I have two jobs, I'm getting text on my, on my salary. Why should I being then expected to pay tips? And I think it's some people always have this idea that the person who is on the tips is the individual who, and I'm not throwing shade on anything like, but like Denny's waitresses or someone who may be lower income. But if you're in an area like I live in southwest Florida where I know during season people that are bartending and serving are making $500 plus a night. So I know that they were looking at maybe capping the amount and I think that's fair. So I'm going to have to ask a question and I don't know how you're going to take it because it's totally on the script. You know, some people try to float the idea well, maybe the tax code with its complexities, it would be best to just go to a flat tax rate and everybody just pays a certain percentage of their income. What are your thoughts on that? [00:18:00] Speaker B: So it's, I have, I have a two sided opinion on that. I'm a tax planner. So I like the complexity because if it's complex, guess what I get to do? I get to do high level tax work and you know, earn a great living doing that. On the other hand, the flat tax sounds great. You know, it just simplifies what the, what tax everybody's going to pay. But you know, like I said earlier in another segment that the tax code is set up to do some social engineering, right? So for instance, if we want the United States to go more solar, then you want to entice people to invest in solar power, right? So, so if you don't do that, the chances of moving the needle more towards solar is minimalized. Right. So I don't think the United States culturally and politically is, is anywhere near mindset of going to a flat tax. You know what would be better in my opinion is reducing all these other taxes that we're paying. Something has got to give, right? So we earn a living, we pay taxes that the after tax money, we go to the store, we buy something, we pay taxes on that, we can pay more tax, more tax. So maybe simplifying the entire tax structure including the income tax versus the sales tax and all the other taxes might be a miracle to, to make happen. But good luck with that. [00:19:26] Speaker A: Well, and, and I, I'm, I'm somewhat chuckling because you know, I think it was Forbes when he was, God, I can't remember, I think he was the first one to really float this because he, he was trying to run for president and this was eons ago and it seems to always kind of come back, you know, like oh, black tax. But it's true. It's the social engineering, but also it's the, the effect on lower income people that would have that, you know, it would take a toll on that. And then I look at countries like Russia because they did a flat tax, and then that really hasn't brought in the, it hasn't generated the amount, enough capital to run a country of that size. And we are definitely have a very large bill, if you will, federally to run this country. So, and I, and I had to pop that in because I'm like, you know, I never had the guts to ask an accountant. [00:20:30] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah. You know, it's, you're putting all of accountants out of business and they're, and not to mention IRS agents. So maybe at least a million or 2 million people, you know, so imagine being the President of the United States floating that idea, you know, during the campaign, throughout time. So it's so complex, but we're so deep into the IRS code and people have made decisions and investments and moves based upon a tax code that was in existence that can affect them for years to come. And then you switch it up and, you know, you have contracts that are going to be affected. It's just so embedded into our culture, in our economy. I don't see a flat tax happening unless some kind of miracle occurs. [00:21:15] Speaker A: And I don't think so either. And the reason, I think, is just like you said, first of all, whether that would generate enough income, because the reality is our personal income taxes that we are putting into the government doesn't even cover the budget. And there are so many things. And I liked how you, what you stated, how about giving either eliminating other special taxes because it's true, we're taxed on our income, we're taxed on our property, we're taxed on, on goods that we purchase. I think it was Warren Buffett back in the late 90s, early 2000, even said, well, you could eliminate income tax if you just did a general sales tax, like a national sales tax. But it's like I'm in Florida. I know I'm already paying six and a half, seven percent. [00:22:13] Speaker B: Right? Yeah. And, and, and, and just imagine, right, you have red states and blue states. They don't like each other. Right. So just imagine getting two different, two states that are politically opposed to each other agreeing on something like that. Right. So that's a tall task. But that would be nice if we can get there. But. Yeah, I'm not seeing it. [00:22:35] Speaker A: I don't, I don't either. But I had to post that question. [00:22:38] Speaker B: Because it's a good question. [00:22:41] Speaker A: Well, thank you for taking that on, Joe, because really I've been, that has like been one of those burning questions for years. I've been like, so what do you think about this? So why not do it on national television? [00:22:53] Speaker B: Sure, piece of cake. [00:22:55] Speaker A: Okay, so Joe, considering the political climate we are in, and I, I'm of the belief that obviously the media and I believe the politicians really stoke this false image that we're more opposed to each other than in reality. I think 70%, if not more of us have much more in common. How do you deal with, you're in Pennsylvania, you're outside of Philadelphia, you're dealing with a lot of international and out of state people that are also have businesses and property in Pennsylvania. How do you juggle, for lack of a better word for them, their tax implications that they may have in the United States versus maybe in another state that they may also reside in or have properties in? [00:23:53] Speaker B: So even though I'm just outside of Philadelphia, I have clients all over, all over the country. So we're a paperless, electronically technically technical, technically savvy company, right? So, and we get referrals from all over the place and we have businesses that we deal with and whatnot. So, so we, when we look at taxes from the federal level, right. It's basically the same thing for every state. You know, it doesn't really matter if you have property in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. Right. So it's just when you do tax planning, for instance, you want to take into consideration that the impact on the person's tax, tax, state tax. But from a federal level, it doesn't really matter to us, you know, what state you live in. You have a business, we know what to do with the business. We know how it flows to the, you know, personal. One thing we recommend for all business owners and for whoever can afford it is having an irrevocable trust. Right? So that you're creating, you're creating a, an estate and estate planning mechanism for yourself, asset protection, things of that nature. And that's, and, but every state is different. Every, you know, you can have a trust set up one way and it's in, you know, Texas, whereas Pennsylvania law does not allow that. Right. So that's where, you know, the state laws come into play and can really impact you. But as far as the prep and the planning on the federal side, you know, the strategies that we employ for our high net worth individuals, for instance, are just, we, we just hit it out of the, the ballpark and it doesn't really matter. We, we've been doing stuff with New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents in particular that are high end and we've been able to save both, both of those states citizens tons of money because of the federal tax law that we can employ and take advantage of. [00:25:47] Speaker A: See and I love that you just stated not only are you helping the great citizens of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but you are actually and you are national wide. So for our viewers, first of all, thank you Joe so much. And you hit upon something I want, I'm hoping that you'll come back on and we can talk about trust and taxing because that's actually my, my playing field as well. But for our audience, reach out to Joe it at JL Reyes Accounting and Tax CPAs. They deal with all states is federal taxes. They can guide you expertly. This Joe himself has been doing this for, I'm going to just say for a little bit, for a while. And you can at 215-525-2976 and of course go to now media.com where we will have his contact information. Joe, thank you again for being a guest on my show. And for those of you, we're going to take a quick commercial break. Stay tuned for more on we the People. [00:26:59] Speaker B: Thank you. [00:27:05] Speaker A: Welcome back to we the people. I am Alina Gonzalez Dachry. And if you're just joining us, buckle in because what's happening right now on the streets of Los Angeles and beyond, it's not just political noise. It's a full blown constitutional showdown. This week marks day six of protests in Los Angeles sparked by aggressive immigration raids, protesters, curfews, rubber bullets. Yes, it's back. President Trump, he sent in the Marines. Governor Newsom, he's calling it authoritarian and he's suing. But this isn't just about today. This is 2020's ghosts come back to hunt 2025. Democrats paid a price in 2020 and they're behaving very different this time around. Mayor Karen Bass is now warning damage to our city will not be tolerated. Well, of course, because in a year LA is supposed to be hosting the World cup and guess what? Internationally FIFA is looking going, should we even be going to LA based on the violence and, and turbulence they're viewing and seeing. So even Katie Porter is saying don't give Trump what he wants. That tells you something. Democrats are on defense. They remember the heavy toll that they took in 2020 and they've learned. So let's get constitutional. The Posse Comitatis act restricts military influence, domestic policing. Trump says he's invoking the Insurrection Act. But does this pass legal muster? That's the big question. And that is what Governor Newsom is is testing or proclaiming. He's saying that Trump is, is violating the Constitution because he did not give permission to init to initiate the National Guard or even bring in military. But also, is he playing right into Trump's little web? So Trump is basically playing from the Kenosha 2020 playbook, where chaos turned into campaign capital. And let's be honest, it worked. It may not have won the 2020 election for Trump, but down the line, it absolutely helped Republicans. Democrats are walking a political tightrope. Denounce violence. Or are they going to back the violence that is going by turning a blind eye, saying that these riots, these, the, the looting, the, the pelting of stones to federal agents or police, law enforcement urging peace, but avoiding looking soft. What is this balance? But this isn't just about Trump. It's not about Newsom, and it's not just about ice. It's about what kind of country we want to be. And I say we because, remember, it is about us. It's we the people. Do we want the military enforcing immigration law in our neighborhoods? Because when the federal government rolls in without consent, history doesn't usually smile on it. Peaceful protest, it is a constitutional right, but it is not a duty. Also, the question is, when do protests go too far? It is not protective First Amendment right to free speech. When you start acting out criminally, when you start acting out violently, when you are impeding law enforcement. Look at what just happened when there was a raid for sex crimes, trafficking sex workers and for drugs, and people were trying to impede by attacking law enforcement. There needs to be a step back with common sense. Here in Florida, we are seeing people peacefully protesting what they feel is a violation of rights. Whether it's okay, I shouldn't be rolling up with local law enforcement and arresting undocumented migrants, but be peaceful state it. You are absolutely within your right. But when you start throwing rocks, concrete, destroying property, and then on top of that, making an excuse as to why you should be hurling bricks, Molotov cocktails, or breaking into businesses, that is not a protest, that is a riot. And as we all witnessed in 2020 during the BLM riots, they can quickly get out of control. And also what we're seeing even from like last year when it was the protest and to Palestine, that there are professional or people being paid to go to These to start chaos, to start trouble. When is enough enough? When do we, the people, determine, okay, can we please have a peaceful protest like what we're vision showing now? How can we prevent chaos, destruction and more in our neighborhoods, in our communities? When the federal government rolls in without consent, history doesn't usually smile on it. So what does that mean? Because is it that the National Guard should only be deployed if the government, the state governor is in agreement. And when does the state governor get to be overridden? When he decides, no, we're not going to do anything, we're just going to let the shit hit the fan and just let it go. And I apologize for, for using that word, but it's true. To Governor Newsom, lead. Don't just litigate, Actually use the common sense that God gave you, saying, you know what? We can't allow our city to be destroyed. We cannot allow our communities to be destroyed. We need peace and order. President Trump, there's a difference between strength and domination. To my fellow people, look deeper, ask who's protecting your rights and who's playing for power? This isn't 2020, but it's starting to look very familiar and the stakes have never been higher. We are seeing out there that people are joining into these protests because they are being offered money. We're seeing that some of these protesters are having very expensive gear for protection and stuff. And once again, we're seeing people who are dressed in antifa style clothing and potentially being tifa. What is the real bottom line? Is it because we want due process for those that are potentially up for deportation? Or is the government in the right to say, like Bill Clinton during his presidency, that you can be subject to, if you're here illegally, you do not have a right to due processing, you're going to be expelled. But one thing is for certain, regardless of where you stand on this issue, one thing has to be a unified voice. We do not stand with violence. We do not stand with looting. We do not stand with, with it being an outright lawless nature of rioting and burning of buildings and cars. I mean, we. There's been footage of police cars being attacked with Molotov cocktails. We should not stand for that. We also should not be standing for the fact that we're having the necessity of a military state being brought in. Now, for those saying, well, this has never been, and this is just a unique experience. No, it's not, but we sure as heck don't want the same result as when, and this is before my time as well. But back in Kent State, where in the 19, early 1970s, the national card was deployed to deal with the anti war protests and there were deaths because they used their firearms against protesters. We do not want to see that. But we also do not want to see where our law enforcement. Something that has changed in the Democrats where versus 2020. They're not saying defund the police anymore because guess what? We need those people. We need those men and women in blue. We need those individuals, but we also have to respect them because you know what? They're there to keep everybody safe. It's not about them versus us. It is how to maintain civil, civil, orderly conduct versus absolute chaos. We've lived through chaos. We saw it, we witnessed it in so many locations during 2020. We do not want the chaos that was erupting in many college towns as well. So there has to be some type of calming effect between the Newsom, who is trying to be the leader of the Democratic Party and potentially looking at 2028 versus Trump, who is, let's stamp down everything because we want to keep everything orderly. And then you had the mayor of LA who has already initiated curfews, who is saying to the people, do not destroy, do not destroy murals, do not destroy buildings, because guess what? Economically that is going to impact la. Next up, the constitutional history of military use on the US soil and what past presidents did when America boiled over. Tune right back in to we the People. Welcome back. I'm Alina Gonzalez Dockery and today we're breaking down a question that is dividing the nation on some manner. What is it legal? When is it legal? Excuse me. Or appropriate for a president to send troops into American cities. What's happening in Los Angeles right now isn't just about immigration, as we discussed in the previous segment. It's about power, protest and the law. Let's make one thing crystal clear up front. Peaceful protest is protected by the First Amendment. It is one of the greatest gifts our founding fathers provided to us. Rioting, looting and assaulting police are not. You can march, you can chant, you can rally, you can sit, you can stand, you can wave all types of flags. You can even burn the American flag. That is your God given, constitutionally backed right. But once a brick flies through a window or a Molotov cocktail gets thrown, that's a crime, not speech. When you start breaking or trying to overthrow or overcome police force and try to impede the police from doing their job, like busting a sex crime, sex trafficking or drugs bust, that is a crime. That is not protected speech. We're seeing both right now in LA and across several cities, people demanding justice and others taking advantage of chaos. Some of these very same groups that thrived on the chaos from 2020 are also trying to impart all the chaos here. Federal officials have charged protesters with violent acts, Molotov cocktails, assaults on officers, property damage. These are serious crimes. It should not be treated, should be treated as like. It should not be ignored. But here's the other half of the equation. President Trump sent National Guard troops and Marines into California without Governor Newsom's consent. And that's where history mattered. That is what Governor Newsom brought a litigation to prevent Trump from being able to employ, employ the, the Marines to bring order out of the chaos that is erupting in la. So where, where in history has President invoked military and National Guard, which is a military unit, to bring peace and order? Well, well, let's look at President Eisenhower. 1957. President Eisenhower used the troops to enforce desegregation in Little Rock, Arkansas in the 1960s. President John F. Kennedy and President John Lyndon Johnson, excuse me, Lyndon Johnson did the same to protect civil rights. In 1968, President Johnson sent Guard National Guard troops after MLK's assassination to quell rioting that was breaking out in cities, especially across the South. In 1992, President George H.W. sent in national Guard and troops due to the Rodney King riots after the not guilty verdict of the police officers that brutally bit beat Rodney King. But again, but where's the difference there? Let's look at the 1992 what is the difference? Because this is really the last time that LA had a president send in troops to help keep calm or bring peace back to this city. That was because George H.W. bush waited for California's request. It was upon the request and consent of the then governor of California. And in 1962, over 60 people died due to those riots breaking out and the city was literally burning. And it was a last resort. Those presidents understood the weight of that decision. Now, I will tell you for one, I believe that even if Governor Newsom is against this, I think that sometimes common sense dictates National Guard needs to be put out there to ensure that there is peace in order and not destruction. And if a governor is not willing to lead by example and say, you know what, this is getting out of control. If a mayor who has allowed blindly until such time as World cup and FIFA are looking at it going, we may not, we may need to do another a plan B for this because this is getting out of control, then you need to worry about how you're being portrayed. And Governor Newsom, even though he has started his podcast and he wants to kind of in his podcast look like somebody that's in. In more center or trying to be more moderate, he needs to stand up and say, you know what? This is getting out of control. I am the governor, I am the first order, I am the one who's in charge, and I. The buck stops with me. And I'm going to initiate the National Guard, because guess what? Gavin Newsom does have that authority. So when does enough become enough? When you're looking at violence, you're looking at looting, you're looking at businesses being looted, which have nothing to do with immigration protest, then does the President have the right and authority to initiate troops, whether it's the National Guard, Marines or whatever, to be able to bring peace? Now, the Marines that have been set, they're outside of la, they're sitting there, they're not arresting anybody. They're. They're basically there as peacekeepers. So Governor Newsom is stating that the troops are uninvited and is raising both legal and moral alarms based on the fact that, oh, King Trump, you know, because of this whole, oh, he's an authoritarian, and stuff. But when should we, the people look around and go, you know what? Especially if you live in California, in la, going, who's protecting the federal property? Who is protecting us? Why can't we have peacekeeping? Why is it that we always have to fall more towards the side of people who want to vandalize and cause chaos and ruin and destruction and violence? See, Trump is saying, you know what? I'm going to send out the Marines to protect federal property. So here's where the constitutional gray zone is. And when presidents stretch these powers, they risk turning troops into political weapons, which it's not going to be the first time and it's not the last. Remember during the COVID Blm protests, which, you know, for some states, that was the only time you were allowed to have a lot of gatherings. Trump was telling governors of states that were, like Minnesota, that were allowing rampant riots and destruction and fire and all that, I'm going to send in the troops. But he didn't because there was such a pushback. But you know what's funny is, is that that was the blowback on. The Democrats may not have seen it, in which I still say 2020 is an anomaly year because of the way the elections were dealt with. But down the line, one of the things is the People are like, who is more apt to protect us? We the people. Because remember, these people who are protesting or causing chaos, they are very small, small minority, an extremely small percentage. Who's protecting us? Who is protecting our neighborhoods? Whose duty should it be? And when does the President of the United States get to say, enough is enough, I'm stepping in. I am protecting my people. Because even though we may be in individual states, we are one country. The Insurrection act may allow troop use, but only in extreme breakdowns. And that standard may not be met in California, just as it is the insurance. I mean, again, the First Amendment protects peaceful assembly. It does not protect violence, arson or assault. Democratic leaders are now urging con don't give Trump what he wants. They remember 2020. Or do they? Because Newsom is definitely not playing by that, that handbook. Because if I were Governor Newsom and I was looking at a play on 2028 presidential election, I'd be like, you know what? I can protect the people. I'm tough on crime. So right now, everything looks as what's happening in la, and it's going to be, you know, look at New York City. You know what? Those police are breaking down, that they're making arrests, they are stepping in the la. We're not doing that. Up until recently, up until now, when the mayor is like, okay, timeout. This is going to financially hurt us. Force is easy to send in, but nearly impossible to control. So what's the lesson that we have protesters, protect your cause by staying peaceful. Law enforcement, enforce the law, not fear. And President Trump, use your power wisely or history will use it against you. And yes, you do not have to run again. Absolutely, I get it. However, you do have Republicans that are up for midterm elections. How is this going to play out? And honestly, this is playing out better for the Republicans than it is for the Democrats. If you will allow chaos to reign, that is the truth. And that is the thing. So the Maxine Waters the people that are bringing out the 1960s type of of chants, that's not going to help you. If we're not careful, we'll wake up in a country where the sound of boots in the street is more common than the sound of our voices. And that is something that we cannot allow. I am Alena Gonzalez Dachry. Thank you again for coming and watching another episode of we the People. If you love what you're watching, catch this episode of we the People and every NOW Media TV show Live on demand, anytime, just download the free NOW Media TV app on your Roku device and get instant access to our bilingual content in English and Spanish. From business and news to lifestyle and culture. It's all streaming 24. 7. Whenever you're ready. Search Now Media TV on your Roku device and never miss a moment again. The right to protest must be protected. Our constitutional rights are a blessing and a gift. The rule of law must be enforced and presidential power must be held to the fire of the Constitution. I am Alina Gonzalez Dockery. I'll see you next. [00:50:39] Speaker B: Time.