Author: The Freedom Watch Staff

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Swiss government signs tax compliance deal with US

"Switzerland and the United States have signed a controversial deal aimed at cracking down on wealthy American tax dodgers. The accord further undermines Switzerland’s tradition of banking secrecy. Finance Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf told a news conference that Switzerland had decided to agree to a bilateral deal with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which allows for certain exceptions, notably for the Swiss insurance sector, pension funds and the Swiss National Bank. Swiss banks active in international financial markets have no choice but to apply the US rules, according to Widmer-Schlumpf." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingSwiss government signs tax compliance deal with US

Swiss government signs tax compliance deal with US

"Switzerland and the United States have signed a controversial deal aimed at cracking down on wealthy American tax dodgers. The accord further undermines Switzerland’s tradition of banking secrecy. Finance Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf told a news conference that Switzerland had decided to agree to a bilateral deal with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which allows for certain exceptions, notably for the Swiss insurance sector, pension funds and the Swiss National Bank. Swiss banks active in international financial markets have no choice but to apply the US rules, according to Widmer-Schlumpf." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingSwiss government signs tax compliance deal with US

Americans find it difficult to open bank accounts in UAE

"The recently enacted Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (Fatca) by the US government is the reason for banks to close its doors to US citizens. When institutions fail to report or disclose information the consequences can be grave, one of the penalties being the withdrawal of US Dollar clearing rights in New York, a penalty feared by banks. Meanwhile, US citizens are reported to have been refused by banks when they wanted to open a new bank account." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAmericans find it difficult to open bank accounts in UAE

Americans find it difficult to open bank accounts in UAE

"The recently enacted Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (Fatca) by the US government is the reason for banks to close its doors to US citizens. When institutions fail to report or disclose information the consequences can be grave, one of the penalties being the withdrawal of US Dollar clearing rights in New York, a penalty feared by banks. Meanwhile, US citizens are reported to have been refused by banks when they wanted to open a new bank account." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAmericans find it difficult to open bank accounts in UAE

Police Officer Shoots a Trainee

"Should he still be a trainer? Still be a cop? Probably not, but let the investigation proceed and let his full record be taken into account as higher-ups decide how to handle the incident. But let’s consider how an ordinary citizen would be treated under similar circumstances. Let’s say an NRA instructor had been 'playing around,' picked up a loaded weapon, and accidently fired at some spectators during a training session. Would reckless endangerment charges be brought?" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPolice Officer Shoots a Trainee

Police Chief Admits: Our Guns are Offensive Weapons Used to Commit Aggression

"'A gun is not a defensive weapon,' insists Emeryville, California Police Chief Ken James, who claims that his mind, which most likely boggles easily, is 'boggled' by the idea that guns could serve a defensive purpose. 'That is a myth. A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and used to show power. Police officers do not carry a gun as a defensive weapon to defend themselves or their other [sic] officers. They carry a gun in order to do their job in a safe and effective manner, and face any oppositions [sic] that we may come upon.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPolice Chief Admits: Our Guns are Offensive Weapons Used to Commit Aggression

Former San Diego mayor blames brain tumor for stealing $2 million from charity

"A former California mayor admitted in federal court on Thursday to stealing more than $2 million from her dead husband’s charity to fuel a $1 billion gambling binge. The former mayor of San Diego pleaded not guilty to money-laundering charges, and now has two years to repay the charity. O’Connor’s attorney said the former mayor suffered from a gambling addiction that caused her to lose $13 million, mostly playing video poker at casinos both locally and in Nevada and New Jersey. O’Connor, who served as mayor from 1986 to 1992, blamed her gambling largess on a brain tumor that was not diagnosed until 2011." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingFormer San Diego mayor blames brain tumor for stealing $2 million from charity

Nevada state senator booted from legislature after threatening his wife

"Las Vegas Democratic Assemblyman Steven Brooks, 40, is not welcome in the state legislature anymore following his arrest Sunday for allegedly threatening his wife. Brooks was arrested January 19 on a felony charge after allegedly threatening Assembly Democratic Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick, then detained by police several days later on a domestic disturbance call at his grandmother’s home. An investigation was launched at that point and lawmakers began moving forward with plans to bar him from the legislature, and he was kicked out of the Democratic caucus." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingNevada state senator booted from legislature after threatening his wife

Pelosi: Congressional pay cut undermines dignity of the job

"House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Thursday that she opposes a cut in congressional pay because it would diminish the dignity of lawmakers' jobs. 'I don't think we should do it; I think we should respect the work we do,' Pelosi told reporters in the Capitol. 'I think it's necessary for us to have the dignity of the job that we have rewarded.' Pelosi, whose husband is a wealthy real-estate developer, was quick to note that a cut in her own pay would be far less significant than that for both staffers and less wealthy members of Congress." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPelosi: Congressional pay cut undermines dignity of the job

Rangel wants women to be drafted

"Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) on Friday said he plans to introduce legislation that would bring back the military draft and extend it to women for the first time. Rangel, who has pushed for years to bring back the draft, said the Pentagon’s decision to allow women to serve in combat means that they too should register for the Selective Service. In an interview on MSNBC, Rangel said the draft should be reinstated because the majority of Americans make 'no real sacrifice' when the country goes to war." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingRangel wants women to be drafted