Mediaboss Marketing

Asking basic questions about the $40 billion blank check to the Ukrainians is just one of several savvy moves by the Kentucky senator on the political rebound.

PHILADELPHIAIts been almost seven years since the dumbass livestream, a United States senators words, not mine.

The third question, most popular question from Google is: Is Rand Paul still running for president? Sen. Paul read out from the campaign trail. And, I dont know, I wouldnt be doing this dumbass livestreaming if I werent. So, yes, I still am running for presidentget over it.

It wasnt the official end of the Rand Paul for president endeavor, but it was for all intents and purposes the true coda. In the swirling months around the livestreaming remark, Senator Paul would be the subject of a debate-stage inquisition at the hands of Donald Trump: Why was he even there? Trump, the Rain Man of polls he is doing well in, argued Paul was really in 11th, not 10th place. I take the future presidents word for it.

Rand Paul 2016, despite the candidate being labeled by Time magazine as The most interesting man in politics, just did not go well. And so the players in Washington wrote him off as political roadkill.

But in the years since the last real presidential campaignTrump thinks 2020 doesnt count, and as America looks down the barrel of a rematchapparently the country agrees with himSenator Paul has quietly focused on his strengths. While his fellow Kentuckian, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, announced a visit to Ukraine this weekend, the Bluegrass States junior senator had the temerity to ask: Wait, what are we doing again?

As I currently flee eight dollar gas prices in Californian (The Ocho, as Golden Staters are calling it; the 2000s really are back), Sen. Paul drives to the heart of the matter.

No matter how sympathetic the cause, my oath of office is to the national security of the United States of America, Paul said, announcing a procedural trick to gum up the passage of a $40 billion aid package that no one has read. We cannot save Ukraine by dooming the U.S. economy.

Recalling now that I flew out of the Cincinnati airport, which is in Kentucky, last week, I think its a reasonable question to ask: Whats the (Good) Matter With Appalachia? Mitch notably excepted, the area represented by Paul and now potentially J.D. Vance could be the national cradle of rebellion, as the region historically has beenthis time against another 21st-century lobotomy land of endless war.

But its not just resisting a boondoggle in Ukraine where Rand Paul has made his mark.

Hes emerged as the Senates Anthony Fauci heckler par excellence. A medical doctor (quietly, all the actual doctors in the Senate are Republican), Paul repeatedly defenestrated (so to speak!) the Bad Doctor throughout the pandemic. Meanwhile, Dr. Mehmet Oz out here in Pennsylvania pledges to lead the charge for us all to forget-about-Fauci come next year.

Attacking the Pentagon old guard and human historys most empowered hypochondriac are perhaps easy targets, but wins are wins, and there is a stunning paucity of folks in D.C. actually doing it. It also jives better with Pauls more successful folk libertarianism portfoliobetter that than carping about the minimum wage in an era when We The People feel as oppressed by the corporate state as the actual one. At the height of 2020, it was more than reasonable to ask: Is there even a difference?

So, taking into consideration his legendary father Ron, Im not clear on what Paul Family revival were on.

Like Axl Rose in the mid-2000s, this has a feel of a Final Comeback, one in which encores are assured. But writing this here in the historical cradle of American liberty, Philly, it no longer seems absurd that Trump in recent years has listed Paul as a future president.

Paul is noted by associates as a cerebral man above all, not a glad hander in the Willie Stark style. I dont know Bill Clinton; Bill Clinton is not a friend of mine, but I am confident Rand Paul is no Bill Clinton. Still, its the 21st century, not the 20th. Viral online reach is as important now as eye contact once was.

In the influencer age, perhaps its time for Sen. Rand Paul to crank up the dumbass livefeeds once again.

Excerpt from:
The Comeback of Rand Paul - The American Conservative

The Senate on Monday voted to limit debate on a nearly $40 billion Ukraine aid bill after it was initially blocked by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) last week, allowing the bill to move toward passage. The vote was 81-11, with all votes against coming from Republicans.

The bill, which allots more funds than requested by President Joe Biden, would supply Ukraine with military and other humanitarian and medical resources amid Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion. It was previously passed in the House.

'BIGOTED': OZ BLASTS SENATE GOP RIVALS' ATTACKS ON HIS DUAL TURKISH CITIZENSHIP

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who recently visited Ukraine and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky, indicated that the upper chamber would approve the bill this week despite Paul's objections.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer set up Mondays procedural vote, a cloture vote, to limit debate on the legislation, moving past any filibusters and toward final passage.

Pauls opposition to the bill, which he argued was against the nations interests, delayed bipartisan efforts to pass the bill quickly without making changes and avoiding having to send the bill back to that chamber.

Paul objected to the deal between Schumer and McConnell to pass the bill with unanimous consent, calling instead for the addition of an amendment to create a special inspector general to monitor how the aid is spent, which is unlikely to pass.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The final vote on the bill is expected later this week.

Original post:
Senate votes to advance $40B Ukraine aid bill over Rand Paul's objections - Washington Examiner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:April 11, 2022Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) announced that he saved more than $480,000 from his official fiscal year 2021 operating budget, bringing the total amount Dr. Paul has returned to the taxpayers to over $5.7 million since taking office in January 2011.Its easy to picture Washingtons out-of-control spending as a massive, untamable beast, said Dr. Paul. Im determined to show change is possible by starting in the area under my control, while working everywhere else I can to stop business as usual. When I ran for office, I promised Kentuckians I would stand for smaller, more efficient government, balanced budgets, and spending restraint. Im proud my staff and I have kept that pledge while operating one of the most active federal offices.Dr. Paul has achieved the savings by asking his staff to do more with less.While most congressional offices remained closed under the guise of the COVID pandemic, Dr. Pauls office stayed open. This past year, Dr. Paul and his staff have assisted thousands of Kentuckians with casework all across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, fielding over 18,000 calls and over 14,000 letters, emails, and faxes to Kentuckians in need of assistance. They were among the first on the ground and have continued to assist local and state officials in the aftermath of the December tornadoes across Kentucky. They have also traveled and met with Kentuckians in all 120 counties over this past year.In Washington, D.C., Dr. Paul and his staff continue working for all Kentuckians and taxpayers by fighting for commonsense, fiscally conservative solutions to bureaucratic problems and waste. Dr. Paul has led the way for reform by introducing a five-year balanced budget, and shining a spotlight on reckless federal spending. Dr. Paul and his staff continue to defend the liberties and rights of every American, and are committed to doing so while also preserving your tax dollars.

###

The rest is here:
Dr. Rand Paul Returns Over $5.7 Million to US Taxpayers | Senator Rand Paul - Senator Rand Paul

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:April 8, 2022Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

WASHINGTON, D.C. Recently, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, recognized Total Equine Services of Falmouth, Kentucky, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Dr. Paul entered the following into the Congressional Record:

The breeding, training, and of course racing of horses is an integral component in the history and culture of our beautiful state. Many refer to Lexington, Kentucky as the Horse Capital of the World, with their 1,200 acre Kentucky Horse Park in addition to the hundreds of horse farms operating in the area. Moreover, as of 2019, the Kentucky equine industry had an economic impact of $3.4 billion and supplied 80,000 direct and indirect jobs. Needless to say its a leading industry in our state. For that reason I am delighted to honor a business so involved in that iconic industry, Total Equine Services, founded by Steve Thomas and his wife Patti Thomas.

When it comes to raising Quarter horses, Steve Thomas is a seasoned veteran. He and his wife founded Total Equine Services fifteen years ago, but he has over twenty years experience caring for this breed under his belt. Together they opened the business which initially offered only an arena where one could come and ride horses. They quickly expanded to provide a variety of services ranging from boarding, breeding, and training horses. In addition to that same arena, the Thomas constructed a Foaling Barn and sixteen enclosed stalls where owners can board their horses. The Thomas also offer nutrition and feed balancing services as well as a full tack shop where one can satisfy all their riding equipment needs. When it comes to the care and maintenance of horses, Total Equine Services offers a full package.

With parents like Steve and Patti, it is no wonder that their son Jason Thomas grew up with a love for horses. He and his wife Nikki Thomas have joined the team at Total Equine Services. Nikki was a natural addition to the team since, just like her in-laws, she has an extensive background in raising Quarter horses. Moreover Nikki is seasoned in training horses in the art of barrel racing and pole bending. Pole bending is a timed event where a rider must direct their horse in a speedy serpentine path around six poles arranged in a line. Meanwhile barrel racing is an event where the horse and rider must attempt to run a cloverleaf pattern around preset barrels in the fastest time possible. Needless to say training of this sort requires meticulous repetition and a keen eye for detail, which Nikki gladly brings to the arena. And with all the exercise and activity that their stock see, the Thomas make sure to keep their horses properly shod, with Jason being a certified farrier, a blacksmith that creates horseshoes, who keeps their fleet equipped with the proper horseshoes they need.

The Thomas have developed a reputation for covering every need a horse owner or rider might have, but they are also highly regarded for their breeding services. Their current stud horse, Redneck Jettin Down, has not only won several local shows, he has placed at national competitions held through the American Quarter Horse Association. In 2014, Redneck Jettin Down placed 4th at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, placed 6th at the AQHA World show in Jr Pole Bending, and placed 5th at the North American Live Stock Show. It goes without saying that Redneck Jettin Down is an asset to Total Equine Services.

Whether they grew up in the heart of our big cities or in our smallest of towns, every Kentucky citizen has heard about the glamour of Keeneland and Churchill Downs. The equine industry plays an active part of the Kentucky identity, and it is businesses like Total Equine Services that retain the respect and renown of that industry by taking special care of their breeds. Moreover the Thomas and families like them play a vital role in our states economy, as they support commerce within our more rural communities. Congratulations to Steve, Patti, Jason, and Nikki Thomas and the rest of the team at Total Equine Services. I wish them the best of luck and look forward to watching their continued growth and success in Kentucky.

As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Paul continues the tradition of honoring Americas small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to the Small Business Administration and investigates all problems relating to Americas small businesses.

###

Go here to see the original:
Dr. Rand Paul Honors Total Equine Services of Falmouth, Kentucky, as the Senate Small Business of the Week | Senator Rand Paul - Senator Rand Paul

The federal government legalized agricultural hemp in 2018 after its prohibition nearly 50 years earlier. Cannabis is still considered a Schedule 1 drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency along with heroin and LSD, which is defined as not having any accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

The conflicting legal status of hemp creates a problem for producers, who need to navigate the byzantine rules placed on them.

"We're constantly researching and trying to make sure that we're up to date with all of the regulations that there are from state to state, not just in the state of Oregon; we follow the Department of Agriculture's rules and regulations we'll work really close with them," said Violet Robles, co-founder of Rooted Hemp Co., a Bend-based CBD and hemp company.

Some bills have passed through the house attempting to reform how hemp is designated. In May 2021 Senators Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley and Rand Paul proposed a bill that would make the Food and Drug Administration regulate hemp and CBD products like it would other dietary ingredients, foods and beverages.

"CBD products are legally being used and produced across the nation. Yet because the FDA has failed to update its regulations, consumers and producers remain in a regulatory gray zone," Wyden said in a press release. "It's been more than two years since I worked with colleagues to have Congress legalize hemp and hemp-derived products. It's long past time for the FDA to get with the program, for the sake of American consumers and farmers."

The FDA hasn't issued formal regulations for the CBD industry, and says it's keeping an open mind while awaiting more evidence before making a solid judgement.

"FDA recognizes the potential opportunities that cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds may offer and acknowledges the significant interest in these possibilities," the agency states on its website. "However, FDA is aware that some companies are marketing products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds in ways that violate the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and that may put the health and safety of consumers at risk."

The FDA says THC and CBD products can't be sold as dietary substances, but plenty of CBD companies advertise and sell cannabis-derived food products.

"They do come in and they slap people's hands, and they send cease and desist orders if someone makes any health claims," said Jack Robson, owner of High Desert Pure, a local cannabis company. "There's all these FDA requirements that you have to put on the label of each of those in order to be compliant. You have to specifically say, 'Warning, the FDA has not reviewed and approved this.'"

In November 2019 the FDA issued a warning letter to a local hemp company, Apex Superfoods, over advertising animal feed pellets as CBD products that the FDA claimed were adulterated. Apex's owner, JT Taylor, says his way of processing hemp is different from how many others in the industry do it. He cold presses hemp seed and bud to create an oil and doesn't isolate CBD like some other companies.

"Isolation itself is adulteration, and anything used with chemicals and processing agents is an adulterant. It is exactly what the FDA has licensed in the pharmaceutical company and the food world," he said. "So is it CBD oil or is it hemp oil? How do you get the cannabinoids out of the hemp without adulterating it? It's a natural compound found in hemp."

Taylor avoided any enforcement actions from the FDA, which range from seizure of property to criminal prosecution, by changing labeling and removing claims of CBD's benefits in social media posts. After corresponding with FDA agents, Taylor sought to become GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) certified, but the barriers aren't scalable for someone without a massive amount of capital.

"It's extensive. You've got to do case studies. It's hundreds of thousands of dollars to get anything passed through them. And if you don't have that threshold of income, then you're not going to be able to compete with the big boys," Taylor said.

It's also annoying to producers that they're barred from making claims of therapeutic benefit when it's both the main appeal of their product and there's a growing amount of research supporting some health benefits to taking CBD. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine reported that cannabis or cannabinoids can significantly reduce chronic pain symptoms and reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea, reduce multiple sclerosis-related spasticity. A study out of Oregon State University found hemp compounds can block COVID-19 from causing an infection. Most recently, a study out of Kansas State University found hemp decreased stress in cows.

"Most people simply at that point just go remove those claims even though the claims are valid, and this even extends to customer testimonials," Robson said.

See the original post:
What the FDA? - The Source Weekly