3-17-17
The Trump nazi will certainly have problems recruiting ICE officers. The force remains rift with corruption. Potential recruits can't pass background and lie detector tests. Consider the following from ABC News:
"A former Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer has been convicted of accepting cash bribes and sex from immigrants in the U.S. without legal permission in exchange for employment authorization documents. Arnaldo Echevarria, of Somerset, New Jersey, was found guilty Thursday of bribery, making false statements and harboring a person living in the U.S. illegally. Attorney Michael Koribanics said an appeal is likely."
Think this corrupt son of a bitch a Boy Scout? Wake up:
"Echevarria received $75,000 in bribes from immigrants not in the U.S. legally in exchange for employment authorization documents from 2012 to 2014, prosecutors said, and in one instance he demanded and received sex."
Quite a piece of work, isn't he?
"He also was convicted of concealing his girlfriend's immigration status and employing her in his hair salon while lying to ICE officials. Echevarria paid his girlfriend and other employees in cash to avoid paperwork, prosecutors said."
Nothing quite like failing to uphold his oath of office, is there?
"He was given permission by ICE in December 2012 to open a hair salon in West Orange after he certified that the salon wouldn't conflict with his job and that he wouldn't employ people who were in the country without legal permission. But prosecutors say he had his girlfriend, who he knew was in the country illegally, manage the shop."
No question, the brass at ICE failed to properly vet the son of a bitch.
"Echevarria faces up to 15 years in prison and fines when he's sentenced June 19."
That all? Sound like justice? ... Or, coddling.
3-17-17
In follow up to the last edition, more pressure on the Sessions nazi. ABC News reports:
"The American Civil Liberties Union on Wednesday filed an ethics complaint with the Alabama State Bar against U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions for testimony he made about Russian officials during his confirmation hearing. “Mr. Sessions made false statements during sworn testimony on January 10, 2017, and in a subsequent written response to questions on January 17, 2017,” the complaint reads."
The son of a bitch lied.
“Jeff Sessions told a falsehood to the Senate, and did nothing to correct his statement until he was exposed by the press more than a month later," said Christopher Anders, deputy director of the ACLU's legislative office, in a statement about the complaint."
He lied.
"At issue was Sessions' failure to disclose contacts he had with Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak."
Not only failed to disclose the contacts, lied.
"In launching the complaint against Sessions, the ACLU hopes that the Alabama State Bar will prod the Sessions testimony further. "I urge the Alabama Bar to investigate this complaint and the statements made by Mr. Sessions to determine whether he violated the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct," read the complaint, which was authored by Anders. It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to "engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation," according to Alabama State Bar rules."
No amount of sophistry by the Sessions nazi changes the fact the son of a bitch lied under oath. This, the chief law enforcement officer in the country.
3-17-17
In follow up to the last edition, NPR reports:
"The Office of Government Ethics has informed the Trump administration that the White House has an "incorrect" view of ethics laws. In a Thursday letter, OGE director Walter Shaub contradicted what he called the White House's "extraordinary assertion," made in a recent letter, that "many regulations promulgated by the Office of Government Ethics ('OGE') do not apply to employees of the Executive Office of the President." Shaub was having no part of that: "The assertion is incorrect, and the letter cites no legal basis for it."
She broke the rules. Why no punitive action?
"In Thursday's letter, Shaub said he "remain[s] concerned" about the White House's Conway response (or lack thereof). He was more forceful about the ethics claim, however:
"I am more concerned about the extraordinary assertion that 'many' of OGE's regulations are inapplicable to employees of the Executive Office of the President. The assertion is incorrect, and the letter cites no legal basis for it. Presidential administrations have not considered it appropriate to challenge the applicability of ethics rules to the entire executive branch."
What will you do about it, Mr. Shaub? Nothing?
3-17-17
The Trump nazi's new deportation order is quickly being challenged in court across the nation. ABC News reports:
"In stepping up legal challenges to President Donald Trump's revised travel ban, Democratic attorneys general are trying to use the court system to thwart the executive branch in the same way their GOP counterparts did under President Barack Obama. Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said Thursday he was asking a federal judge to find that his order last month halting the old travel ban applies to the new one, too. Ferguson's action came a day after Hawaii launched its own lawsuit. Washington, Minnesota, Oregon, New York and Massachusetts planned to file a new complaint challenging the revised travel ban Monday. "My message to President Trump is: Not so fast," Ferguson said."
Excellent. Sue the living shit out of the Trump nazi and his henchmen. Slow the bastards down. Make it as difficult as possible for the nazis to operate. The order is no more than a ban on Moslems. Egregiously, unconstitutional. Will likely wind up in the Supreme Court.
CNN reports:
"A federal judge in Hawaii has agreed to hear the first legal challenge to President Donald Trump's new travel ban on March 15 -- just hours before it is slated to go into effect. Attorneys for the state filed a new 40-page request just before midnight on Tuesday, asking a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order blocking implementation of the new executive order."
Excellent.
"In a statement, Hawaii attorney general Douglas Chin said the filings ask the court to declare sections 2 and 6 of Trump's executive order contrary to the constitution and federal law. "Sections 2 and 6 of the March 6, 2017 Executive Order violate the Immigration and Nationality Act by discriminating on the basis of nationality, ignoring and modifying the statutory criteria for determining terrorism-related inadmissibility, and exceeding the President's authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act," Chin said in a statement."
Go for it.
"The new executive order is resulting in the establishment of religion in the state of Hawaii contrary to its state constitution; it is inflicting immediate damage to Hawaii's economy, educational institutions, and tourism industry; and it is subjecting a portion of the state's citizens to second-class treatment and discrimination, while denying all Hawaii residents the benefits of an inclusive and pluralistic society," attorneys for the state argued in court filings. "The executive order means that thousands of individuals across the United States and in Hawaii who have immediate family members living in the affected countries will now be unable to receive visits from those persons or to be reunited with them in the United States."
Hopefully, this court will intervene. Prevent the Trump nazi and his henchmen from doing further damage, continuing to eviscerate the First Amendment and its guaranties.
"The entire history and culture of Hawaii is based upon nondiscrimination either in its constitution as well as its laws," Chin told CNN affiliate KHON."
Precisely, what makes this executive order egregiously appalling.
"Attorney General Jeff Sessions argued Monday that the ban was necessary because "we cannot compromise our nation's security by allowing visitors entry when their own governments are unable or unwilling to provide the information we need to vet them responsibly, or when those governments actively support terrorism."
Abject bullshit. By an achingly racist, misogynist, hopelessly fascist nazi. Since 9/11, every act of domestic terrorism has been homegrown. A fact, Republican nazis determinedly ignore.
NPR reports:
"This new executive order is nothing more than Muslim Ban 2.0," said Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin in a statement. "Under the pretense of national security, it still targets immigrants and refugees. It leaves the door open for even further restrictions."
The Washington Post reports:
"Hawaii attached a copy of its new lawsuit to a court filing asking a federal judge to unfreeze the litigation over Trump’s original travel ban. The 38-page complaint asserts that the new executive order — much like the old — violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment because it is essentially a Muslim ban, hurts the ability of state businesses and universities to recruit top talent and damages the financial interests of the state, which considers tourism its lead economic driver. ... “President Trump’s new Executive Order is antithetical to Hawaii’s State identity and spirit,” lawyers for the state wrote. “For many in Hawaii, including State officials, the Executive Order conjures up the memory of the Chinese Exclusion Acts and the imposition of martial law and Japanese internment after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.”
Indeed.
Another disturbing development? CBS News reports:
"Civil liberties and human rights groups are urging Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly not to require people applying for U.S. visas to provide log-in information to their social media accounts."
Should go without saying. Steps well over the line. Think not? Wake up.
“We urge you to reject any proposal to require anyone to provide log-in information to their online accounts as a condition of entry into the United States. Demanding log-in information is a direct assault on fundamental rights and would weaken, rather than promote, national security,” the groups wrote in a letter to Kelly on Friday. Kelly had suggested at a congressional committee hearing in early February that DHS would consider such a requirement. As part of the revised travel ban unveiled this week, President Trump has directed the administration to review and enhance its screening procedures as part of his promise to implement “extreme vetting.”
Have you considered the ultimate ramifications and egregious invasion of privacy?
"The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Human Rights Watch and the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law are among the more than 40 groups that signed the letter. The groups argue that an “invasive review of online activity” would jeopardize security for U.S. citizens both at home and abroad."
Don't think so? Wake up:
“Individuals who handle sensitive governmental or corporate information and travel to other countries, whether for business or pleasure, could be compelled to provide access to the accounts housing that information; indeed it is a small jump from requiring passwords to social media accounts to requiring passwords for email, financial, e-commerce, or other online accounts, which would unlock troves of personal information. A world where every traveler may have to hand the keys to their online identities over to a government actor is less safe for everyone,” they said."
Indeed. Under the Trump nazi, we're already living in 1984.
"Gaining access to visitors’ online activity, they added, would likely yield little useful information and could distract U.S. officials from people who actually pose risks."
Wouldn't want to confuse the hopelessly ignorant bastards with the truth, would we? Forget? Nazis in the Trump regime can't think that far.
“Bad actors will find ways to conceal their activity, while most travelers and US citizens caught up in [Customs and Border Protection’s] dragnet will have generated massive amounts of information completely irrelevant to border security, making it more difficult to identify those with malevolent intent,” they said. Monitoring social media activity, they said, could also affect family, friends and co-workers of people who are blocked from entering the U.S. by the revised travel ban."
An egregious invasion of privacy. Worse? Far worse?
“These U.S. citizens will also be exposed to [Customs and Border Protection’s] “extreme vetting” of travelers’ social networks and online contacts,” they said. “They will become wary of engaging in their own online activity, for fear that something they tweet, like, or share will lead to them being detained at the airport the next time they travel. And it may undermine US citizens’ willingness to make connections to other people, at home and abroad, given the risk of guilt by association with someone else’s social media feed.”
This is exactly what the national socialists, fascists now running our government want. Imposition of The Fourth Reich. As Franklin opined some 231 years ago, anyone willing to trade liberty for security deserves and winds up with neither. Precisely, what the Trump nazi and his henchmen desperately want.
Truly believe Republicans are the party of the family? Wake up. CNN reports:
"She has lived, undocumented, in the United States for 18 years. Her husband and five of her children are American citizens. Since US Immigration and Customs Enforcement learned of her status in 2005, Francisca Lino has had to check in about twice a year with the federal agency. The anxiety leading up to every meeting triggers migraines. Tuesday's meeting at the ICE office in Chicago was Lino's first check-in since President Donald Trump signed orders that dramatically expanded immigration officers' power. He's made it clear no one's safe from deportation."
Despite the fact her husband and five of her kids are American citizens, she's getting the boot courtesy of the Trump nazi and his henchmen:
"Immigration officers told Lino to return July 11, suitcases packed and plane ticket in hand. That's her deportation date."
Sieg Heil!, to the Trump nazi and his henchmen. Where is your swastika armband, Mr. 'President?' You are a disgrace, sir. Not only to yourself, but our formerly great country as well.
Muhammad Ali Jr., son of the late great fighter, is an American citizen. Didn't stop him from being twice harassed by the Trump nazi's jackbooted bastards in blue. Fox News reports:
"Muhammad Ali Jr. was detained and questioned at a Washington airport on Friday before being allowed to board a flight to Fort Lauderdale, a lawyer for the late heavyweight champion's son said. Ali had traveled to Washington on Wednesday, without incident, to speak with members of a congressional subcommittee on border security about a previous detention. Ali and his mother, Khalilah Camacho Ali, were stopped at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after returning from Jamaica on Feb. 7."
They are both American citizens. Were both profiled by the jackbooted bastards in blue.
"Attorney Chris Mancini said Ali was detained for 20 minutes after attempting to board a JetBlue Airways flight home to Florida on Friday. Mancini said Ali spoke to Department of Homeland Security officials by telephone and showed his driver's license and passport before being allowed to board. Ali’s identity was confirmed by the agency before boarding the flight, a spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration said. "None of this was happening Wednesday," Mancini said in a telephone interview. "Going to Washington obviously opened up a can of worms at DHS."
Outrageous, goddamned bullshit. Profiling. Harassment. Sue the living shit out of the bastards. Do it not only for yourself, Mr. Ali, but the rest of the population that does not have the resources to challenge these goddamned traitors in court.
Coup de grace?
"Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz was on the same flight as Ali. Schultz tweeted a photo with Ali saying that "religiously profiling son of 'The Greatest' will not make us safe."
Indeed, it won't. What we're seeing here is imposition of The Fourth Reich.
"Ali told members of Congress on Thursday that he felt like his "human rights" were violated. "I felt just like I felt at my father's funeral. I didn't know what to think. I was just dumbfounded," Ali said."
Sue the living shit out of the bastards. ... Short of an unwanted dreaded second American revolution already catastrophically looming, the only thing the nazi element understands is a costly lawsuit.
"The mother and son have said in interviews that they believe they have been stopped because they are Muslim with Arabic names. Muhammad Ali Jr. and his mother are both born in the United States."
Called profiling. Sue.
Fox News reports:
"A federal judge on Friday blocked President Trump 's administration from enforcing his new travel ban against a Syrian family looking to escape their war-torn homeland by fleeing to Wisconsin. The ruling is likely the first by a judge since Trump issued a revised travel ban on Monday, according to a spokesman for the Washington state attorney general, who has led states challenging the ban."
A good start.
"The Syrian man filed a new complaint on Friday afternoon, alleging the new order is still an anti-Muslim ban that violates his freedom of religion and right to due process. He asked Conley to block its enforcement against his family. U.S. District Judge William Conley said there were daily threats to the Syrian man's wife and child that could cause "irreparable harm." He issued a temporary restraining order barring enforcement against the family. The order doesn't block the entire travel ban. It simply prevents Trump's administration from enforcing it against this family pending a March 21 hearing."
Again, a good start, but nowhere near enough.
"According to the Syrian man's lawsuit, he fled his country to avoid near-certain death at the hands of two military factions, one a Sunni-aligned group fighting against President Assad 's regime and another group fighting in support of Assad. The pro-Assad forces thought he was sympathetic to the other side and the anti-Assad army targeted him because he was a Sunni and traveled to pro-Assad areas to manage his family's business. Both sides tortured him and threatened to kill him, the lawsuit said. The pro-Assad forces also threatened to rape his wife. He came to the United States in 2014 and was granted asylum last year. He then began filing petitions seeking asylum for his wife and daughter."
Yet, the Trump nazi and his equally fascist henchmen continue to defend the indefensible. Traitors.
Subsequent to the above, on 3-15-17, a federal judge in Hawaii imposed a temporary restraining order on the Trump nazi and his new immigration order. Sadly, despite Trump's recent phony assertions to the contrary, both the original and second immigration orders are no more than a ban on Muslims. The nazi continually made that quite clear during his presidential campaign. More to come.
3-17-17
Opposition is exponentially growing to Trumpcare. Group after group after group have come out against it. ... Despite the fact the Speaker of the House claims "It's the deal of a lifetime." It's not. Far from it. CBS News reports:
"AARP announced its opposition to the Republican proposal that would repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), arguing that it would “weaken Medicare” and give special interests a “sweetheart deal.”
Certainly, will finance tax breaks for the corporate management suite, the rich, and the rest of the top 1% of the food chain.
"But the group’s primary concern is for people who haven’t yet reached retirement age, highlighting one of the biggest problems with the GOP’s plan to use tax credits in lieu of Obamacare subsidies. As proposed, the plan does not offer enough to help older people pay for what would become much more expensive coverage if the subsidies are scrapped and the GOP’s proposals to relax current age-based caps on premiums go through."
How else could the top 1% so easily loot the bottom 99?
"Under the Republican proposal to offer refundable tax credits, the older and poorer you are, the bigger the check you’ll get from the IRS. Someone who’s 64 -- too young for Medicare -- would be eligible for a $4,000 tax credit to buy a plan."
Indeed a piss hole in the snow:
"But AARP notes that the average premium for a person in his or her early 60s would be thousands of dollars more than that, if the current 3:1 “age rating” rules capping premiums for older participants are relaxed to 5:1. Under the ACA, older Americans can be charged no more than three times what younger participants with same kind of coverage are charged. The new plan would allow insurers to charge older Americans five times what they charge younger participants."
Precisely the intention of Republican nazis. F--k the elderly. Line the pockets of the corporate management suite. That is, drop trou, take the ungreased shaft hard up the ass, and praise the f--kers for the f--king. ... Right, TL? ... The American Way. Forget?
The AMA is not happy either. NBC News reports:
"The American Medical Association joined a growing list of medical groups rejecting the Republican plan to replace the Affordable Care Act Wednesday, saying it will hurt patients. The AMA said not only is the proposed American Health Care Act being rushed through Congress, but it's loaded with unacceptable provisions from cutting Planned Parenthood funding to repealing a vital public health fund. "That just won't do," Dr. Andrew Gurman, president of the AMA, said in a statement posted to the association's website. "While the ACA is imperfect, the current version of the [American Health Care Act] is not legislation we can support," Gurman added. "The replacement bill, as written, would reverse the coverage gains achieved under the ACA, causing many Americans to lose the health care coverage they have come to depend upon."
What these greedy bastards are truly concerned about is the fact people will go without care, that is, not line the bottomless pockets of providers. 'It's the money, stupid.'
"The American Lung Association also panned the Republican proposals, especially those that would limit federal funding of Medicaid, the state-federal joint plan for insuring low-income people. "Americans who meet the eligibility for Medicaid expansion desperately need preventive services to improve their health," CEO Harold Wimmer said."
These bastards couldn't care less about the suffering of the sick and dying. If they did, they'd call for reining in abject greed. So would the doctors. They don't.
"Hospitals have also piled on."
They never, ever, never get enough.
"We are deeply concerned that the proposed Medicaid program restructuring will result in both the loss of coverage for current enrollees as well as cuts to a program that provides health care services for our most vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and disabled," the American Hospital Association, Association of American Medical Colleges, Catholic Health Association of the United States and other groups said in a joint letter."
Then rein in the goddamned bottomless greed.
"Additionally, maintaining deep provider reductions while dramatically reducing coverage will reduce our ability to provide essential care to those newly uninsured and those without adequate insurance."
So what else is new?
Some Republicans are beginning to get the message. Not, of course, GOP nazis in Congress, however, who have voted themselves the very best in insurance coverage at taxpayer expense. These hypocritical bastards have no idea what it's like to go without. Tiffany Koehler certainly does. CNN reports:
"Tiffany Koehler was raised in foster care, is biracial, a veteran and a cancer survivor. She also is a former candidate for the Wisconsin state legislature. She ran as a Republican and once was anti-Obamacare. Today she says she supports it -- mostly."
She knows what it's like to go without.
"Her biggest objection remains the mandate that individuals must obtain health insurance coverage. "We all want to thrive," said Koehler, "and make America great again, as (President Donald Trump) says, but we can't do that if we're struggling to pay bills." "People have to be able to get to their doctors. People have to be able to get their medicine," said Koehler, "and out of any country in the world we should be doing it."
Not according to Republican national socialists who care about one thing and one thing only, -- lining their pockets and those of their corporate masters. Not to say, however, the Democrats are any better.
"Two years ago, after losing her job, she did something she always had wanted to do; she ran for a seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly. She lost, and in the aftermath of that disappointment, got some awful news -- she had cancer. Koehler had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. "I was Stage 4. My prognosis was poor. I wasn't supposed to survive," she said. When she lost her job she got health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. But she soon found that the $400 monthly bill was too high for someone who was unemployed. So she dropped Obamacare and opted for Medicaid, under Wisconsin's BadgerCare Plus program. It's the only state in the US to adopt federal guidelines for Medicaid expansion but not accept federal money."
Not the end of the story, however:
"Koehler, recently was diagnosed with a thyroid condition possibly related to her cancer and still has three years of monitoring before she can be declared cancer free. In all her care and treatment so far has cost more than $1 million. She has a message for Congress and President Trump as they press ahead with repealing President Obama's signature legislation. "They can be celebratory in Washington" but, she said, "it's going to have real-life implications and they have to realize that."
They don't care, Madam. Forget? 'It's about the money, stupid.' They have to line their pockets and those of their corporate masters.
NBC News reports:
"Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, came out strongly against the process and the content of the Republican measure Thursday morning. "The fact is that this bill, as it's written today, simply would not pass the Senate because it would not reduce prices for insurance and make care affordable and personalized," Cotton said. He urged Republicans to slow down and start over."
Interesting, isn't it? At least, one Republican sees the handwriting on the wall.
NBC News reports:
"Bird flu has started killing more people in China, and no one's sure why. Zika virus is set to come back with a vengeance as the weather warms up and mosquitoes get hungry. Yellow fever is spreading in Brazil, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria are evolving faster than doctors can keep up with them. And the new health care replacement bill released Monday night by Republican leaders in Congress would slash a billion-dollar prevention fund designed to help protect against those and other threats."
Yet, another issue Republicans either failed to consider, and/or don't care about.
ABC News reports:
"Women seeking abortions and some basic health services, including prenatal care, contraception and cancer screenings, would face restrictions and struggle to pay for some of that medical care under the House Republicans' proposed bill. ... The bill would prohibit for a year any funding to Planned Parenthood, a major provider of women's health services, restrict abortion access in covered plans on the health exchange and scale back Medicaid services used by many low-income women, among other changes."
This bill is no more than a direct attack on the bottom and middle class.
"Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Health, Labor, Education and Pensions Committee, said the legislation is a "slap in the face" to women. She said it would shift more decisions to insurance companies. "You buy it thinking you will be covered, but there is no guarantee," Murray said."
All to pay for tax breaks not-so-cleverly designed to line the pockets of the corporate management suite, shareholders, and the rest of the top 1%.
Care to consider the perspective of a physician who is herself pregnant? In commentary for NPR, Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and the health commissioner of Baltimore City reports:
"On Christmas Day, I found out that I was pregnant. It was the best present I could have hoped for. My husband and I have wanted to start a family for years, and we could not wait to share the news with our loved ones. But my initial exhilaration quickly turned to anxiety. As a physician, I knew many of the things that could go wrong. I wanted to do everything I could do to have a healthy baby."
So does every other pregnant woman. Consider the cost:
"I didn't hesitate to follow my doctor's recommendations. I have excellent health insurance with no copay for doctor's visits and a minimal cost for tests. But what would I have done if I didn't have insurance? One obstetrician visit would cost $150. With an ultrasound each time, it would be $400. A Pap smear would cost $53. One set of blood tests would add another $300. All told, my prenatal care with all visits and tests included would be over $10,000. This is not counting labor and delivery, which in my area is estimated to be up to $30,000 for a vaginal birth and $50,000 for a cesarean section."
Astounding, isn't it?
"Facing these astronomical costs, would I be forced to pick and choose care based on my ability to pay, rather than the best available medical evidence? What services would I forgo, and with what consequences? These are not hypothetical questions."
Indeed, women on the bottom and middle class routinely face these issues.
"The Republican proposal to replace the Affordable Care Act would drastically cut Medicaid, which provides health coverage for women, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. In Baltimore, where I serve as the health commissioner, the majority of pregnant women are insured through Medicaid. Thousands of low-income women could lose coverage and have to pay out-of-pocket for services; others who have insurance may only be able to afford bare-minimum plans that don't cover needed services."
This has been a growing problem for quite some time.
"As a physician who worked in the ER before the Affordable Care Act went into effect, I have seen what happens when patients forgo needed interventions because of cost. I have treated patients who end up in irreversible comas because they couldn't afford seizure medications. I have treated people who died from drug overdoses because their insurance didn't cover addiction treatment. And I have treated women who were priced out of prenatal care, whose babies suffered the consequences in the form of preventable diseases, prematurity, birth defects, and even death."
Doesn't matter to GOP fascists who wish only to line their pockets and those of their corporate masters.
"Prenatal and maternity care are considered an essential benefit under the Affordable Care Act; the American Health Care Act introduced in Congress last week doesn't address that because it can only cover fiscal topics. However, the bill does propose cutting essential benefits for Medicaid recipients. And it aims to defund services to Planned Parenthood clinics that provide birth control and reproductive services. That will only result in more unintended pregnancies. There are those who attribute these consequences to choice: Isn't it a woman's choice to become pregnant? But nearly 1 in 2 pregnancies in the United States are unintended. For women whose insurance stops offering maternity coverage, and for the others who do not have at all, what kind of "choice" do they actually have, and at what cost?"
Worse? At a time when Republican nazis are doing all they can to abrogate the constitutional right to abortion.
"Women without prenatal care are seven times more likely to give birth to premature babies, and five times more likely to have infants who die. The consequences are not only poor health, but also higher cost passed down to taxpayers. The average medical cost for a baby with problems of prematurity is $79,000, compared to $1,000 for a healthy newborn. Hospitalizations for a preemie in the first year can be upwards of $500,000; intensive care can cost in the millions."
Wouldn't want to confuse GOP national socialists with the truth, would we? ... Still think Republicans are the party of the family?
"Conversely, studies have shown that for every dollar spent on prenatal care, there are expected savings of nearly $5. Early intervention saves lives and cuts cost. Our health care system should incentivize prevention and discourage rationing of needed services."
The opposite seems to be happening. At the same time, both Obamacare and Trumpcare do nothing to rein in provider greed. Why would they? Forget? Both parties line their pockets courtesy of their masters in the corporate management suite. Guess who ultimately foots the bill?
Coup de grace?
"Like other expecting moms, I hope more than anything to have a healthy child. I am fortunate to have access to high-quality, affordable health care. Unfortunately, that's not the case for all mothers of the nearly 4 million babies born in the U.S. each year. Our nation needs to safeguard the well-being of our families. The next generation, and the generations to come, depend on it."
The above addresses just one issue among a number of others that desperately need resolution in our failing healthcare system. Neither Obamacare or Trumpcare is the answer.
The following is the perspective of Planned Parenthood:
Dear Tim,
I want you to hear something directly from me: Planned Parenthood doesn't respond to bullying.
President Trump's offer to not "defund" Planned Parenthood health centers if we turn our backs on people seeking abortion is obscene and insulting. It's also a sign that he knows just how unpopular it would be to block millions of people on Medicaid from getting the care they need from the providers they choose and trust.
Planned Parenthood health centers don't turn patients away because of what they look like, where they're from, who they love, or what kind of care they need. And we don't make "deals" when people's health and rights are at stake. In this moment, our inclusive mission — care, no matter what — is more important than it's ever been. And we need you to help deliver on that promise.
Make an emergency gift to help protect care — no matter what — for the millions of people who rely on Planned Parenthood health centers for birth control, cancer screenings, and other life-changing services.
The bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act and cut Planned Parenthood patients off from care is a disaster. House leadership kept it hidden under lock and key in the Capitol basement for days before finally introducing it Monday night. It's so bad for the American people that lawmakers didn't even want us to see it, and they're wasting no time jamming it through the House.
Here are just a few of the reasons why this bill is a danger to the American people, especially women, low-income families, and people of color:
• It blocks
people on Medicaid from using their insurance at Planned Parenthood health
centers, threatening access to care for millions of people.
• It bans
insurance plans from covering abortion and would force people to pay out-of-pocket
for abortion and abortion coverage, even when it is necessary to save a
woman's health.
• It makes
it harder for low-income people to afford health care, including insurance
coverage that provides no-copay birth control and affordable maternity
coverage, by limiting the amount of financial assistance they can receive
to purchase health insurance coverage.
• It effectively
ends the Medicaid expansion and will slash federal funding for state Medicaid
programs, causing millions of low-income women to lose quality coverage.
• It means
people who go without health insurance for even just a couple of months
— something that often happens to women who take time off work to care
for newborns, family members, and other loved ones — could see 30% premium
increases.
Millions of people across the country are fighting this direct attack on people's health care, and we're right there with them — doing everything we can to stop it. But whether it passes or not, we need to be ready to keep care accessible for as many patients as we possibly can.
Give now to help protect health care at this critical moment and defeat this dangerous bill.
I've said this is the fight of our lives, Tim, and I mean it. At no time in Planned Parenthood's 100-year history have our patients' access to care been so threatened. At no time have lawmakers tried to divide us and turn us against each other as much as they are right now.
It means everything to know we have you standing with us.
Thank you, as always,
for your support.
Sincerely,
Cecile Richards, President
Planned Parenthood Federation
of America
This publication is self-funded. Published under survival conditions. Planned Parenthood has received no financial contributions from this publication, just moral support. TC
CNN reports:
"In an Oval Office meeting featuring leaders of conservative groups that already are lining up against House Republicans' plan to repeal and replace Obamacare, President Donald Trump revealed his plan in the event the GOP effort doesn't succeed: Allow Obamacare to fail and let Democrats take the blame, sources at the gathering told CNN."
Too late for that, Mr. 'President.' You and your fellow GOP nazis now own it. Had you and your fellow fascists in the GOP done nothing after your inauguration, that is, simply let Obamacare eventually fail of its own weight, you would have had a reasonable argument for laying half the blame on Democrats.
The other half certainly would have been on Republicans who not only opposed a single payer system, but any Democratic plan at all. No longer do you and your fellow fascists deserve even that. You and your fellow nazis have knowingly proposed a plan that guaranties millions will be dropped from coverage they cannot afford.
To provide tax breaks for the top 1% of the food chain. At a time of record corporate profits and cash reserves. The people aren't stupid, sir, just achingly uninformed. When they see what happens after you "repeal and replace," they'll certainly perceive you for the fraud and charlatan you and your fellow nazis truly are.
The following is precisely why Trumpcare threatens to disenfranchise Trump's voters, undermine his political base. The Washington Post reports:
"A new analysis by Nate Cohn of the Upshot confirms that Trump supporters may have the most to lose from the GOP plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. This chart summarizes its key finding, which is that those groups that stand to lose the most in subsidies to pay for health coverage on the individual market backed Trump:
Those
who stand to lose more than $7,500 in subsidies went for Trump by 58-39.
Those
who stand to lose between $5,000 and $7,500 went for Trump by 60-35.
Those
who stand to lose between $2,500 and $5,000 went for Trump by 49-45.
Those
who stand to lose between $1,000 and $2,500 went for Trump by 46-46."
"To oversimplify, the analysis combined data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, which estimated how the GOP bill would impact people based on age, income and location of their insurance market, with data from the Cooperative Congressional Election Study, which surveyed tens of thousands of voters about their health care and their 2016 presidential vote. Merging them together, the analysis strives to reach a picture — admittedly “imperfect” — of how the respondents to the latter survey “would gain or lose under the Republican plan, based on age, income and county.”
This is precisely why Trump and his fellow Republicans are desperately trying to rush this through. Before firm figures on true cost and population coverage are available. Before the public understands they've been egregiously bamboozled:
"The above conclusion is driven by the fact that the GOP plan, which replaces Obamacare’s subsidies with a tax credit scheme, ends up offering less financial assistance to older, lower-income Americans, particularly in rural areas where premiums are higher — groups that tended to support Trump. On top of that, the plan would permit for higher premiums on older Americans (which is one reason AARP opposes it)."
-- Among other reasons covered earlier (above) in this publication.
"This new analysis reflects only part of the way Trump voters could be impacted by the GOP plan. It does not estimate its direct impact on those benefiting from the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion. But there is reason to believe a lot of them, too, would be adversely impacted. The GOP plan’s replacement for the expansion will likely lead to cuts over time and more large coverage losses. Meanwhile, Urban Institute data shows a large expansion in coverage among non-college-educated whites in Rust Belt states that flipped to Trump (Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania) and in some core Trump states (Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, Arkansas)."
When Trumpcare fails, or at least delivers on far less than Obamacare, how will Republicans excuse the ruse? Deny responsibility for the f--king not-so-cleverly designed by the GOP? When they now own the fiasco?
Think the Trump nazi and his henchmen don't intend to target the impoverished and middle class? CNN reports:
"The White House is privately lining up behind conservative calls to roll back Obamacare's Medicaid expansion sooner than the health care reform bill currently calls for, two senior administration officials and a senior House conservative aide told CNN on Thursday. White House officials are beginning to urge House GOP leadership to include an earlier sunset of the Medicaid expansion funds authorized under Obamacare than the 2020 date set by the current bill. The change comes just days after the bill was unveiled and follows a blitz of activism aimed squarely at the White House and President Donald Trump, who has met with conservative leaders in recent days."
Think only the impoverished are on Medicaid? Wake up. Many in the middle class, who lost corporate employment due to downsizing, took service level jobs to survive. Jobs with no healthcare coverage. Then, got sick. Had no choice but to get on Medicaid. As automation, downsizing, and corporate relocation overseas continue no matter what the Trump nazi wants, think there won't be increasing demand on Medicaid? Guess who pays when those kicked off Medicaid, or denied coverage, wind up in emergency rooms?
The following is one of the greatest problems with providers. Determinedly, remain achingly clueless about precisely how badly they're gouging care recipients they falsely claim to serve. To line their bottomless pockets. Get this. ABC News reports:
"Orthodontists are warning parents and patients of the dangers in the recent trend of at-home teeth straightening techniques, saying that in some cases these do-it-yourself braces can cause irreparable damage to your teeth."
Did it ever occur to doctors and dentists price gouging is precisely why people are desperately trying to solve health-related problems themselves?
"The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently reported that 13 percent of its member orthodontists saw patients who have attempted DIY teeth straightening."
Surprised? Why?
"Some common tools used in at-home teeth straightening attempts include rubber bands, dental floss, fishing line, paper clips or other materials, according to the AAO. Recently, videos featuring amateur tutorials on how to straighten your teeth at home have also surged in popularity on social media."
In a desperate attempt to avoid being looted.
“It’s really a shame when someone comes in after attempting DIY orthodontic treatment and we determine that the damage they’ve done to their teeth is so extensive that teeth cannot be saved,” DeWayne B. McCamish, DDS, MS, the president of the AAO, said in a statement. “By the time a layperson recognizes something is wrong with their teeth, it may not be reversible, even with professional help. The cost of dealing with replacing a lost tooth can easily exceed $20,000 over a lifetime and certainly be much less than ideal."
The real shame? Charging thousands and thousands of dollars for one reason and one reason only: They can. Have a captive audience these hopelessly greedy bastards gutlessly loot. Never get enough.
"You have to remember that the goal of good orthodontic treatment is obtaining a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime –- shortcuts can be disastrous,” McCamish added."
Disingenuous bullshit. If you greedy bastards truly cared, you'd reasonably charge, -- instead of looting the living shit out of what is no more than a captive audience.
3-17-17
Subsequent to writing the above, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has issued its evaluation of Trumpcare. Does not look good for Republicans. ABC News reports:
"The White House and Republican leaders in Congress scrambled on Tuesday to shore up support for their health care bill as critics went on the attack over new estimates that 14 million people would lose insurance coverage in the first year alone. The findings from the Congressional Budget Office handed fresh ammunition to Democratic opponents of the GOP drive to repeal and replace former President Barack Obama's health care law. The new figures, which estimated that 24 million people would lose insurance over a decade, also appeared to strengthen pockets of conservative resistance to the bill and rattle nerves among rank-and-file Republicans."
Take of CNN?
"Sen. Bernie Sanders, the liberal independent from Vermont who challenged Hillary Clinton from the left in the 2016 presidential primary, was characteristically blunt: Thousands will "die," he said, if the GOP bill is passed. "Throwing 24 million Americans off of health insurance, raising premiums for older low-income Americans, while giving $285 billion in tax breaks to the top 2% is a disgusting and immoral proposal," Sanders said. "Thousands of Americans will die if this legislation is passed and we have to do everything that we can to see that is defeated."
Republicans are no happier. For different reasons, of course. Many in the GOP consider Trumpcare just another entitlement.
Take of The Washington Post?
"Republicans had cause for consternation Monday when Congress's budget referee scored their proposed health-care overhaul. Fourteen million fewer Americans would have health insurance next year if the plan were enacted, according to the analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, and that figure would swell to 24 million within a decade. A typical working-class 64-year-old who makes $26,500 annually would pay nearly $13,000 more in premiums every year. But while the report could set back Republicans' efforts to sell their bill to the public, it did make it easier for them to overcome Democrats' plan for blocking the measure. That's because analysts projected that the bill would not increase federal borrowing in the long term — an official deficit-reduction forecast makes it easier for the legislation pass through the Senate without a filibuster from Democrats. To get around a filibuster, Republicans are using a special congressional procedure known as reconciliation. It is a powerful parliamentary tactic, especially these days, when filibusters in the Senate have become routine and nearly all major legislation requires at least 60 votes — rather than a simple majority — to pass the chamber."
Despite all the above, this bill will not stand as is. Opposition is ferocious from both sides.
"The bill proposes $883 billion in tax cuts over a decade, but, per the CBO, those will be outweighed by a colossal $1.2 trillion reduction in spending over that time, for a total reduction of $337 billion in the deficit. (The spending cuts generally come out of programs aimed at helping poor and working-class health-care users, while the tax cuts generally benefit businesses and those further up the socioeconomic scale.)"
Comes as no surprise, does it? After all, how else could Republican national socialists so easily line the pockets of the corporate management suite, shareholders, the rich and rest of the top 1%? At a time of record corporate profits and cash reserves. The American Way. Forget?
In another article, The Washington Post reports Trumpcare will strike at Trump's base in rural communities:
"Grant County, Nebraska is one of the most pro-Trump places in America. In this rural community of about 700, the President won over 93 percent of the vote in the last election. But Grant County is also a place that has benefited hugely from the Affordable Care Act. In 2016, the law provided more than a quarter of its residents with tax credits to help them purchase health insurance."
Interesting, isn't it? Yet, they voted for the Trump nazi knowing full well Republicans were going to "repeal and replace" Obamacare.
"Now, under the Republican plan to repeal and replace Obamacare, many Grant County residents would suffer steep cuts to the tax credits they've come to rely on. It's a nationwide pattern: Some of the harshest consequences of the GOP's health bill would fall on rural Republican strongholds — precisely the voters who helped elect Trump."
Should Trumpcare pass, think the Trump nazi and other Republicans will be returned to office?
Trump and his henchmen remain incredulous. NBC News reports:
"Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price on Monday dismissed the newly released Congressional Budget Office analysis of the House GOP healthcare bill, calling it "just not believable."
Not believable? To whom, Mr. Price? Insane Republicans? ... Who won't, under any circumstances, be confused with the truth?
"In "scoring" the House bill, the CBO estimated that 24 million more Americans would be without health insurance by 2026, including 14 million more lacking coverage by 2018. Price balked at those figures, saying it was "virtually impossible to have that number occur."
You're delusional, Mr. Price. Trumpcare nowhere near reins in bottomless greed of providers, -- which is directly driving up cost as certainly happened under Obamacare. Equally pointedly, tax incentives under Trumpcare come nowhere near the level of subsidies under Obamacare.
"The fact of the matter is (Americans) are going to be able to have a coverage policy that they want for themselves and for their family," he added. "They are going to have the kind of choices that they want. … So we think that CBO simply has it wrong."
That's delusional bullshit, Mr. Price. Trumpcare figures don't add up.
In another article, NBC News reports:
"The CBO projects that the plan, if enacted, would cut the federal budget deficit by $337 billion by 2026 ...because it slashes Medicaid. The plan restructures the state-federal Medicaid health plan for the low-income, disabled and elderly. It limits what the federal government puts into the plan — to the tune of $880 million — and would result in 14 million fewer people being covered by Medicaid."
Don't Republicans understand those cut off Medicaid will simply show up in emergency rooms? At far greater cost.
"Premiums would go up as healthy people drop out of health insurance and companies struggle to bring in enough cash to pay out on their remaining, presumably sicker, customers. But the CBO projects premiums would be 10 percent lower by 2026. This would be in part because companies could offer skimpier, cheaper health insurance plans — except for older people. A 64-year-old would pay up to 25 percent more."
Again, what is happening here, in effect, is Republican national socialists are providing tax breaks for the corporate management suite, shareholders, and the rest of the top 1% off the backs of the bottom of the food chain and middle class. They're determinedly lining their pockets, ass-f--king the rest of us. Without the K-Y. ... Then, these fools want us to praise the f--kers for the f--king? Hubris. Galling hubris.
"The GOP proposal eventually lets companies offer skimpier, cheaper health insurance plans. These are attractive to younger, healthier people who gamble that they won't get heart disease or cancer, but can mean higher rates for older people, even if they are not sick. The Affordable Care Act currently specifically seeks to limit these plans as much as possible because they sometimes slammed customers with sky-high deductibles and co-pays."
GOP nazis couldn't care less. "Let 'em eat cake." ... Right, TL?
NPR reports:
"The proposed American Health Insurance Act targets the health provider Planned Parenthood with a set of proposed limits on Medicaid payments to the organization. Yesterday, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office confirmed the magnitude of those limits. The Republican plan would block $178 million in Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood in 2017."
If a Republican nazi claims this money is being used for abortions, the goddamned fascist is lying. It's against the law, federal statutes:
"Federal spending on abortions is already illegal, except in the case of pregnancies that are the result of rape or incest or that threaten the life of the mother, as NPR has reported."
Wouldn't want to confuse the hopelessly ignorant with the truth, would we?
"The Republican plan technically only cuts off funding to Planned Parenthood for one year. If the organization stops providing abortions, it will be eligible for Medicaid reimbursements again. But [Cecile] Richards said there is no chance that will happen. "We provide full reproductive health care for people in this country," she said. "And even though abortions may make up a small portion of what we do, women and families and young people come to Planned Parenthood because they count on us to be on their side, and to provide them with health care they need."
3-17-17
Some cannot, will not be confused with the truth. NPR reports:
"President Trump's head of the Environmental Protection Agency says he does not believe that carbon dioxide is a major cause of global warming. "I would not agree that [CO2] is a primary contributor to the global warming that we see," Scott Pruitt said Thursday in an interview with CNBC's Joe Kernen. "I believe that measuring with precision human activity on the climate is something very challenging to do, and there's tremendous disagreement about the degree of impact," Pruitt said. Those statements are at odds with an overwhelming body of scientific evidence showing that humans are causing the climate to warm by releasing CO2 into the atmosphere. The view that CO2 is a major heat-trapping gas is supported by reams of data, included data collected by government agencies such as NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration."
Interestingly, already planned on addressing the above in this edition when fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to engage in a lively debate with a good friend who has a scientific background and agrees with Pruitt.
"Pruitt's views are consistent with earlier comments he has made on the topic of climate change. As attorney general of Oklahoma, Pruitt often claimed that there was scientific uncertainty over whether humans are changing the climate."
-- Not according to multiple sources in the scientific community over quite a span of time, at least the last decade or so. I asked my friend what evidence he had for his claims. In response, only cited one scientific journal while still insisting there is no scientific consensus. Being the hopelessly skeptical son of a bitch I'm known to be and suspecting sophistry, especially in light of the fact our argument was going round and round in circles, I remarked it might be a matter of semantics. LOL. -- Remarkably, he agreed. LOL. ... Could he have been gas lighting? :)
"The New York Times reported earlier this week that Pruitt is bringing in similar-minded political appointees to help run the EPA. Many come from the office of Sen. James Inhofe, an Oklahoma Republican and longtime climate change denier."
Has nothing to do with science. Rather, a determined effort to engorge the bottomless pockets of the corporate management suite, shareholders, and the rest of the top 1%.
"Pruitt's comments come just over two weeks after he took the helm of the EPA, the agency with the authority to regulate CO2 and other greenhouse gases as pollutants. In 2014, the EPA unveiled rules that would require substantial reductions to greenhouse gases from power plants as part of a broader effort to limit global warming. The rule was contested by industry and states, and is currently under review in the courts."
Have to wonder whether climate change deniers still believe the earth to be flat? That evolution does not exist? If not, why does the flu virus evolve so quickly a new vaccine is needed each season? -- Although evolution in higher life forms takes much, much longer.
CBS News reports:
"The physics of greenhouse gases:
"Carbon dioxide is no dark-horse candidate for the warming of the atmosphere. In 1896, Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius (who would later win the first-ever Nobel Prize for Chemistry) published a paper in the Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science that laid out the basics of what’s now known as “the greenhouse effect.”
"The effect is a result of how energy interacts with the atmosphere. Sunlight enters the atmosphere as ultraviolet and visible light; some of this solar energy is then radiated back toward space as infrared energy, or heat. The atmosphere is 78 percent nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen, which are both gases made up of molecules containing two atoms. These tightly bound pairs don’t absorb much heat.
"But the greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, water vapor and methane, each have at least three atoms in their molecules. These loosely bound structures are efficient absorbers of the long-wave radiation (also known as heat) bouncing back from the planet’s surface. When the molecules in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases re-emit this long-wave radiation back toward Earth’s surface, the result is warming."
Consider the following:
"So, temperatures are rising, as are levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide. But are the two connected? Yes. The evidence is strong. In 2006, scientists presented a poster at the 18th Conference on Climate Variability and Change that even measured the effect directly. Using spectrometers (tools that measure spectra to identify particular wavelengths), the researchers analyzed the wavelengths of infrared radiation reaching the ground. Based on the varying wavelengths, the scientists determined that more radiation was occurring due to the contribution of specific greenhouse gases. Overall, they found that greenhouse gas radiation had increased by 3.5 watts per square meter compared with preindustrial times, a rise of just over 2 percent. Other researchers have noted “missing” infrared wavelengths in radiation into space, a phenomenon that happens because these missing wavelengths get stuck in the atmosphere. Scientists also know that the extra carbon in the atmosphere is the very same carbon that comes from burning fossil fuels. By analyzing molecular variations called isotopes, researchers can trace the origin of atmospheric carbon, Moore Powell said. “We know what the burning of fossil fuels looks like, in a scientific sense,” she said." [Katherine Moore Powell, a climate ecologist at the Field Museum in Chicago.]
This is indeed exceptionally complicated science. The results quoted above seem to be well-accepted in the scientific community. Have seen them repeated in publication after publication. Strongest opposition seems to be coming from bought and paid for Republicans who fully understand that reduction in fossil fuel consumption threatens their most-generous benefactors in Big Oil.
Here is the take of a scientist on NPR. Adam Frank comments:
"It was Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt who put climate change back on the front page when, during a CNBC interview, he was asked he about the scientific consensus that CO2 is the driver for global warming. He said: "I think that measuring with precision human activity on the climate is something very challenging to do, and there's tremendous disagreement about the degree of impact, so no, I would not agree that it's a primary contributor to the global warming that we see." As a scientist, it's very hard for me to understand how Pruitt could make this kind of statement. Does he really believe his own words? Pruitt only needs to read the reports from his own agency to see exactly where the science, and the scientist, stand."
Appears to be simply yet another example of people refusing to be confused by the truth. ... Or, have an agenda.
"The only place there is "tremendous disagreement about the degree of impact" of CO2 is among politicians politicizing the science. For the American scientists who actually work in the field, disagreement over the basics of climate change ended around the time Guns and Roses released Sweet Child of Mine (the late 80s). So Pruitt's contention that "we don't know that yet" has nothing to do with the reality the rest of us live in."
This seems to be the consensus with exceptionally rare exception.
"Adam Frank is a co-founder of the 13.7 blog, an astrophysics professor at the University of Rochester, a book author and a self-described "evangelist of science."
In another article, NPR reports:
"Sea ice in the Arctic has been melting at a record-breaking pace. Scientists blame a warming climate for most of that, but researchers have now teased out a natural cycle for how Arctic sea ice melts year-to-year. Based on that cycle, they conclude that 30 percent to 50 percent of the melting is due to natural causes, while human-caused warming is responsible for the rest."
Interesting, isn't it? Certainly, indicative of how complicated this science truly is:
"Climate scientists have always acknowledged a natural cause for shifts in the rate of Arctic melting. But nailing down just how much nature contributes compared with greenhouse gases rising into the atmosphere has been difficult. [The results] do not call into question whether human-induced warming has led to Arctic sea-ice decline — a wide range of evidence shows that it has. Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and several other universities focused on shifts in atmospheric circulation above the Arctic over the past four decades. In particular, they studied circulation over Greenland and the Arctic Ocean during summers. They found a lot of long-term variation in temperature and humidity, which influences how much solar radiation reaches the surface."
Further evidence of the complexity:
"Writing in the journal Nature Climate Change, the authors note that human-caused warming due to the rise in greenhouse gases still causes at least half of the increase in melting. In fact, surface temperatures in the Arctic have been rising at twice the rate as the rest of world at least. Neil Swart, a climate scientist at the Canadian Centre for Climate Modeling and Analysis who commented on the study, says the results "do not call into question whether human-induced warming has led to Arctic sea-ice decline — a wide range of evidence shows that it has." "Rather, the implication is that Arctic sea-ice is less sensitive to human-induced forcing than if one assumes that all loss observed to date is anthropogenically driven," he adds. But the authors also note that the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could influence this natural variation in circulation — thus making it something less than "natural."
More to come.
3-17-17
At least one Republican Senator is trying to get to the bottom of the Trump nazi's wiretapping claims against Obama. CNN reports:
"Sen. Lindsey Graham said Wednesday he is ready to subpoena the intelligence agencies for evidence that would prove President Donald Trump's claims that he was wiretapped last year by then-President Barack Obama. Asked by CNN if he would subpoena for any evidence, the South Carolina Republican said, "Yes." "All I can say is that the country needs an answer to this. The current President has accused the former President of basically wiretapping his campaign," Graham said, one day after he joined Trump for a one-on-one lunch at the White House."
What's taking so long?
"Graham and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, sent a letter to FBI Director James Comey and the acting deputy attorney general Wednesday, requesting any information regarding Trump's claims. "We request that the Department of Justice provide us copies of any warrant applications and court orders — redacted as necessary to protect intelligence sources and methods that may be compromised by disclosure, and to protect any ongoing investigations — related to wiretaps of President Trump, the Trump Campaign, or Trump Tower," Graham and Whitehouse wrote."
This issue should have been quickly resolved. Yet, rages on. Why? Why is the 'Justice' Department refusing to honor Comey's request, that is, to refute the Trump nazi's claims?
CNN also reports Pence, when asked directly about the wiretap, bullshitted in response:
"John Kosich, WEWS: The President has alleged that the former President committed a felony in wiretapping Trump Tower. Yes or no — do you believe that President Obama did that?
"Mike Pence: Well, what I can say is that the President and our administration are very confident that the congressional committees in the House and Senate that are examining issues surrounding the last election, the run-up to the last election, will do that in a thorough and equitable way. They'll look at those issues, they'll look at other issues that have been raised. But rest assured, our focus is right where the American people are focused, and that's on bringing more jobs here to Ohio, creating a better healthcare system built on consumer choice."
Think Pence any more qualified to be president than the Trump nazi? Truly believe so?
In follow up to the above and a pending issue, Fox News reports:
"White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway on Monday brushed off a demand by Sen. John McCain to either provide evidence of President Trump’s wiretapping claims or retract the allegation, saying the White House will wait until congressional committees release their own findings. “We will comment further after those findings are made clear,” Conway told “Fox & Friends.”
Can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle 'em with bullshit? The Department of 'Justice' missed a deadline, 3-13-17, to turn over to the House any information it might have on the Trump nazi's unsubstantiated claims his predecessor wiretapped him. Asked for more time.
3-17-17
House Republicans are about to royally f--k the bottom and middle class. The Washington Post reports:
"House Republicans are advancing a series of bills that would make changes to the civil justice system long sought by doctors and U.S. corporations, including a cap on some medical malpractice awards and new roadblocks for classes of people seeking to sue jointly to address harm. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups are promoting the measures, arguing that courts have grown overly tolerant of frivolous and fraudulent claims. Civil rights and consumer groups oppose the measures, saying they would severely limit the ability of average Americans to pursue legal remedies from powerful institutions."
In direct violation of the Bill of Rights. These GOP nazis shamelessly shit on the Constitution they have falsely sworn to protect and defend. Where the hell are gutless Democrats? Why aren't they fighting this shit? Been paid off? By their corporate masters? Who run and own all levels and branches of government. ... As well as their bought and paid for lackeys in that very same hopelessly corrupt, abusive, inept government.
3-17-17
At a time of record corporate profits and cash reserves, the Trump nazi, his henchmen, and Republican fascists in Congress wish to give the bastards tax relief. Despite the fact they're downsizing labor and moving operations overseas to evade U.S. taxes. CBS News reports:
"President Donald Trump and the GOP leadership have vowed to reduce U.S. corporate taxes, arguing that the statutory 35 percent rate is far too high."
Is that right? Think the bastards pay it? Wake up. You've been bamboozled by these goddamned lying nazis:
"But thanks to loopholes and tax-minimization strategies, few large, profitable corporations actually pay that rate. Among the roughly half of Fortune 500 companies that were consistently profitable between 2008 and 2015, the effective federal income tax rate was 21.2 percent over that eight-year period, according to a study from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Eighteen of them, including General Electric (GE) and Priceline.com (PCLN), paid no federal income taxes during that time."
How about that? They're far from paying their fair share. They get coddled. The little guy gets hard-f--ked in the ass without the K-Y.
"The findings come amid pledges by Republican leaders to slash corporate taxes, arguing that American companies are at a competitive disadvantage compared with countries such as China and Mexico, which have top rates of 25 percent and 30 percent, respectively."
You've been bamboozled. Sold a bill of goods. Bought the bullshit, -- hook, line, and sinker.
"Below are the 18 companies that paid no federal income tax from 2008-2015, according to ITEP. Many of them are in the energy sector.
Pepco
Holdings
PG&E
Corp.
Wisconsin
Energy
NiSource
International
Paper
FirstEnergy
Priceline.com
Amos
Energy
General
Electric
American
Electric Power
Ryder
System
Duke
Energy
NextEra
Energy
Xcel
Energy
Ameren
CMS
Energy
Sempra
Energy
Eversource
Energy"
Wake up.
3-17-17
Republican fascists in Congress continue to receive stiff resistance. NBC News reports:
"After weeks of demonstrations outside of his office in California, longtime Republican congressman Darrell Issa faced a crowded auditorium of angry voters Saturday, marking his first town hall appearance since the election in November."
It's your job, Congressman. You answer to your constituents. All of them. Republicans, Democrats, Independents, all of them.
"The nine-term congressman caved to demands from his constituents to hold a town hall event, bringing him face to face with an auditorium of more than 500 largely Democratic voters troubled by the Trump administration."
Clearly, they weren't happy campers.
"Issa held two separate town halls at Junior Seau Recreation Center in Oceanside, California, to accommodate the large number of voters and protesters who gathered to challenge their representative. Audience members booed and jeered throughout the meetings as the congressman answered questions for more than three hours."
Have to give him credit for standing there and taking it. Again, it's his goddamned job.
"At one point, the auditorium was so rowdy Issa quipped, "I don't mind that things are contentious. I just don't want things to end like the play 'Hamilton.'"
Went over like a lead balloon. LOL.
"But his voters were largely not amused."
Why would they be? They're being royally f--ked by the Trump nazi and his henchmen.
"They pressed Issa on how he plans to challenge the proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act, calls to defund Planned Parenthood, and President Trump's stance on immigration and refugees."
A continuing disaster.
"Voters also refused to let the congressman sidestep questions about Trump's alleged ties to Russia, repeatedly questioning how he personally plans to investigate the country's interference in the 2016 election."
Certainly, continuing, unresolved, exponentially worsening conditions and issues in Trump paradise. Will certainly further deteriorate as the Trump nazi imposes The Fourth Reich.
3-17-17
Democrats have been largely out to lunch since the JFK assassination in 1963. Badly battered in the 2016 election, they have yet to find themselves. At least a few are beginning to wake up. The Washington Times reports:
"Senate Democrats said Monday that they will block any spending bill that includes money for President Trump’s border wall, even if it leads to a government shutdown, saying it’s up to Republicans to resist touchy issues in the looming spending debate."
... About time, someone in the opposition took a stand on Trump's imposition of The Fourth Reich.
"In a letter led by Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, top Democrats also said they will insist that bills allow Planned Parenthood to collect taxpayer money."
What took so long?
"But though Democrats are in the minority and would have to filibuster to block the bills, they insisted it’s Republicans who will be blamed for a government shutdown."
Ultimately, doesn't matter who's blamed, -- only that you do the right thing. That is, make it as difficult as possible for the Trump nazi and his henchmen to impose The Fourth Reich.
“If Republicans insist on inserting poison pill riders such as defunding Planned Parenthood, building a border wall, or starting a deportation force, they will be shutting down the government and delivering a severe blow to our economy,” the Democrats said in a letter to top Republicans."
That may indeed be wishful thinking in a country where approximately half the population backs the nazi bastard and his henchmen. No matter what, time for the opposition to place principle over partisanship. Do what it takes no matter the political cost.
3-17-17
Further evidence the Republican Party has embraced national socialism? NBC News reports:
"Iowa Rep. Steve King on Monday defended his contention that U.S. culture cannot be restored "with somebody else's babies" and advocated for "an America that's just so homogeneous that we look a lot the same."
Straight out of the Hitler playbook.
"The firebrand Republican, who has made a number of eyebrow raising remarks about immigration and culture, retweeted praise for a far-right European politician on Sunday, lauding him for understanding "that culture and demographics are our destiny. We can't restore our civilization with somebody else's babies."
"Wilders
understands that culture and demographics are our destiny. We can't restore
our civilization with somebody else's babies. https://t.co/4nxLipafWO
—
Steve King (@SteveKingIA) March 12, 2017"
Raw nazism. This fascist son of a bitch remains an exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties. Has egregiously betrayed his oath to protect and defend the United States Constitution.
"In an interview on CNN on Monday, King said he "meant exactly what I said." "You cannot rebuild your civilization with somebody else's babies. You've got to keep your birth rate up and that you need to teach your children your values and in doing so, then you can grow your population and you can strengthen your culture, you can strengthen your way of life," King said."
Where is your swastika armband, Congressman?
"King called Western Civilization a "superior culture" and said some cultures contribute more to American society than others. "If you go down the road a few generations or maybe centuries with the intermarriage, I'd like to see an America that's just so homogenous that we look a lot the same," King added."
No question, Adolf Hitler couldn't have said it better himself.
3-17-17
The problem above extends to the Trump nazi's press secretary. The Washington Post reports:
"On Saturday afternoon, White House press secretary Sean Spicer had an encounter with a woman with an iPhone. She didn’t want a selfie."
No question, she didn't. Courageously, ferociously but peacefully, confronted the goddamned nazi.
"When Shree Chauhan, a former elementary school teacher who is avowedly not a supporter of President Trump, spotted Spicer at an Apple store in the D.C. area, she decided to ask the press secretary some questions “since he doesn’t like the press,” she wrote on Twitter. “I wanted to speak truth to power,” Chauhan said in a Medium post about the incident that was extremely political and far from polite."
Nor should it have been polite. The nazi wouldn't have gotten the message.
"In the video Chauhan posted on Twitter, she can be heard asking Spicer, “How does it feel to work for a fascist?” He answers, “We have a great country.” Chauhan persists. “Have you helped with the Russia stuff? Are you a criminal as well? Have you committed treason, too, just like the president?”
Uncommon valor. Ferocious but peaceful resistance to imposition of The Fourth Reich.
"Throughout the 50-second back and forth, Spicer, wearing a dark blazer, a button-down shirt sans tie and a concrete smile, attempts to gently rebuff Chauhan while also shopping for his gadgets, thanking the Apple store employees and shaking the hand of another customer. But there was one comeback that stood out."
Indeed, it did. Revealed the nazi for precisely whom and what the fascist son of a bitch truly is:
"As Chauhan continues to ask about Russia, Spicer interjects, “Such a great country that allows you to be here.”
A condescending, patronizing, insufferably haughty, Aryan arrogant, nazi son of a bitch. In all his nazi glory.
"In her Medium post, Chauhan, who is of Indian heritage, characterized that response as threatening and racist."
Indeed, it is. Smacks of Hitler's Third Reich.
“Think about the sheer audacity of Mr. Spicer to say that to my face with a smile, knowing that he is being recorded on video and the position of power he holds in our government. I am still stunned by the boldness of having my citizenship threatened on camera,” wrote Chauhan, who added that she has been on the receiving end of online harassment since posting about the Spicer encounter on Saturday."
Precisely, the price to be paid for standing up to nazism. Hat's off, Ms. Chauhan. You stand tall. Uncommon valor.
Kicker? Get this:
"The go-to insult? “They tell me to leave the country. They have told me to go back to where I came from,” she wrote. “To which my snarky reply is often, ‘Go back where? New York?’”
Readers? This is what it takes. Stiff resistance. Ferocious, but peaceful. Otherwise, you grant the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue carte blanche to murder on the job.
"The White House did not respond to a request for comment, but Trump seemed to allude to the incident in a Monday morning tweet.
"It is amazing how rude much of the media is to my very hard working representatives. Be nice, you will do much better!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 13, 2017"
The Aryan arrogant, clueless Trump nazi has once again disgraced himself.
"Chauhan, who works in education policy, is not a member of “the media.” This is the second time a White House staffer has been confronted in public by a citizen critic. Last month, Omarosa Manigault felt so harassed by two women inside a Nordstrom store in Virginia that the White House communications director was escorted to her car by security."
The quotes above are courtesy of an exceptionally gifted writer, Helena Andrews-Dyer.
3-17-17
There is one woman in the Texas Legislature who is truly standing tall. Uncommon valor. NBC News reports:
"What's good for the goose is good for the gander."
Indeed.
"That's the thinking behind new legislation proposed by a Texas lawmaker that would fine men $100 for masturbating and require a 24-hour cooling off period before they can buy Viagra. State Rep. Jessica Farrar is under no illusion that HB 4260, which she freely admits "satirically mirrors real Texas laws," will make it through the Republican and male-dominated Legislature."
Republican nazis in the Texas State Legislature remain too goddamned hypocritical for that. LOL.
"HB 4260 was written to highlight the glaring inequalities in how medical and reproductive health care legislation is handled for men and women," the Houston Democrat wrote. It "mimics how legislators, with no formal knowledge of medical norms or practices, attempt to govern women's health in the Texas Legislature."
These pieces of human excrement have frequently been excoriated in this publication for precisely that. That is, practicing medicine without a license. To force their outrageously perverse ideological and religious views on all by statute. In direct violation of the First Amendment Establishment Clause, church-state separation, that is, freedom from religion.
"So, under Farrar's proposal, which was introduced on Friday, if a woman has to wait 24 hours before she can have an abortion, a man would have to wait 24 hours to get his erectile dysfunction drug or have a vasectomy."
Here, here. LOL.
"And if a woman has to undergo a vaginal ultrasound before having an abortion, men should also be required to undergo an equally unnecessary rectal exam before they can have a vasectomy or colonoscopy."
Here, here. LOL.
"Also, under Farrar's legislation, doctors who have "personal, moralistic, or religious" objections to performing vasectomies or prescribing ED pills can opt out."
Here, here. LOL.
"If lawmakers are so concerned about the "sanctity of life," Farrar contends more needs to be done to protect sperm "because that semen can be used — and is to be used — for creating more life."
Here, here. LOL.
"To that end, Farrar is calling for a "Hospital Masturbatory Assistance Registry" to store semen "for the purposes of conception for a current or future wife."
Here, here. LOL.
"Emissions outside of a woman's vagina, or created outside of a health or medical facility, will be charge a $100 civil penalty for each emission, and will be considered an act against an unborn child, and failing to preserve the sanctity of life," the bill states."
Here, here. LOL.
"The proposed rules are laid out in a booklet entitled "A Man's Right to Know," which Farrar says is a spoof of the state-mandated "A Woman's Right to Know" that is required reading for women seeking abortions in Texas. She called the latter "a medically inaccurate booklet."
Indeed, it is. No more than Republican nazis practicing medicine without a license.
"Farrar's fusillade came in response to continued attempts by Texas lawmakers to restrict women's access to abortions. And it drew a quick response from ultra-conservative Republicans like Rep. Tony Tinderholt, of Arlington, Texas, who has proposed legislation that would charge women who get abortions — and the doctors who perform them — with murder."
The Tinderholt nazi is psychotic and presents an exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties. Think this piece of human excrement isn't delusional? Get this:
"Her attempt to compare [HB 4260] to the abortion issue shows a lack of a basic understanding of human biology," Tinderholt said in a statement."
This insane nazi is an embarrassment not only to himself, but the State of Texas. Do the right thing, Mr. Tinderholt. Resign in disgrace.
3-17-17
The Trump travel ban is having an effect on business. CBS News reports:
"President Trump’s revised travel ban on visitors from six predominantly Muslim countries takes effect next Thursday. In the meantime, the U.S. Travel Association says the tourism industry is already seeing evidence of what’s being called a “Trump slump” as regular travelers are cooling their jets."
Makes your heart bleed, doesn't it? The following has to be quite chilling to the corporate management suite:
“I don’t want to spend any of my euros in this version of United States. It’s not the one I’ve known for long time,” says Damien Selosse. Selosse could be a reason for the $2.1 trillion U.S. tourism industry to worry. For 30 years he’s been coming to America from France, but canceled plans to attend a conference next month in Brooklyn."
Think the above bullshit?
"As airport protests erupted in January in response to Mr. Trump’s first travel ban, the Global Business Travelers Association reported $185 million dollars in lost bookings to the U.S.. Emirates Airlines alone said the pace of its bookings fell 35 percent. In addition, New York City just lowered its 2017 travel forecast by 300,000 international visitors -- the first drop since 2008. “We saw a really big dip and we’ve not fully recovered,” says Patrick Surry from the travel website Hopper. Surry says airfare searches to the United States dropped in 102 of 122 countries since Mr. Trump’s inauguration. According to Hopper, bookings to China are off nearly 46 percent, Saudi Arabia down 35 percent, Ireland dropped 32 percent and Mexico down 23 percent."
Will only grow worse as the insanity continues.
3-17-17
The rules don't apply to the Trump nazi and his henchmen. NBC News reports:
"Former national security adviser Michael Flynn was attending secret intelligence briefings with then-candidate Donald Trump while he was being paid more than half a million dollars to lobby on behalf of the Turkish government, federal records show. Flynn stopped lobbying after he became national security adviser, but he then played a role in formulating policy toward Turkey, working for a president who has promised to curb the role of lobbyists in Washington."
Think he wasn't bought and paid for? Gets worse:
"White House spokesman Sean Spicer on Friday defended the Trump administration's handling of the matter, even as he acknowledged to reporters that the White House was aware of the potential that Flynn might need to register as a foreign agent."
The law? Doesn't apply to a nazi dictator and his henchmen, does it?
"When his firm was hired by a Turkish businessman last year, Flynn did not register as a foreign lobbyist, and only did so a few days ago under pressure from the Justice Department, the businessman told The Associated Press this week."
Interesting, isn't it?
"Price Floyd, a spokesman for Flynn, said the retired general would have no comment."
Imagine that.
3-17-17
Racism remains alive and well in GOP politics. ABC News reports:
"Federal judges found more problems in Texas' voting rights laws, ruling that Republicans racially gerrymandered some congressional districts to weaken the growing electoral power of minorities, who former President Barack Obama set out to protect at the ballot box before leaving office. The ruling late Friday by a three-judge panel in San Antonio gave Democrats hope of new, more favorably drawn maps that could turn over more seats in Congress in 2018. But the judges in their 2-1 decision didn't propose an immediate fix, and Texas could appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court."
Think they won't" Certainly, emboldened under the Trump nazi.
3-17-17
The dictator in Syria is no fan of the Trump nazi. LOL. Get this. Fox News reports:
"Syrian President Bashar Assad says President Trump has so far failed to show “anything concrete” toward his pledge to defeat the Islamic State terror group and calls U.S. forces inside his country “invaders.” “We haven't seen anything concrete yet regarding this rhetoric," Assad said in an interview published Saturday. “We have hopes that this administration... is going to implement what we have heard.” Trump won the presidency in large part on his promise to defeat ISIS. And upon taking office in late January, he ordered his top military leaders to present within 30 days a new draft plan to dismantle the terror group. However, it is unclear whether or not they have delivered a report to Trump."
Apparently, the Trump nazi and his henchmen are too busy dealing with their failed immigration orders.
3-17-17
Here is precisely the problem with the tax system. How it is cleverly designed to favor the top 1%. CBS News reports:
"A leaked copy of Donald Trump’s 2005 tax return shows that he and his wife Melania would have paid very little in federal income taxes that year. But his final income tax rate ended up being 24 percent due to a supplemental tax for the wealthy designed to ensure their use of loopholes doesn’t totally eliminate what they owe, according to a review of the document by accountants for CBS MoneyWatch."
Trump, his henchmen, and Republican national socialists wish to change the system so the super rich would routinely pay either nothing, or next to nothing:
"Mr. Trump’s basic tax return from 2005 -- a two-page Form 1040 that summarizes his return -- was made public by MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Tuesday night. It showed that the Trumps paid an effective income tax rate of 24 percent, far below the top 35 percent rate at the time that a billionaire would presumably have been paying. But if they didn’t have to pay the supplemental tax, they would have forked over a mere 4 percent."
Trump and his national socialist compadres in the Republican Party will never be satisfied with the colossal income they enjoy. Can never get enough. Want it all.
"Known as the alternative minimum tax, or AMT, this levy is in President Trump’s gunsights to eliminate in the pending overhaul of the nation’s tax code. Because the AMT has never been indexed for inflation in the decades since its passage, it’s now frequently applied to upper-middle-income people, not the just the mega-bucks crowd to which the Trumps belong."
Tough, isn't it? Doesn't your heart bleed?
"According to the Form 1040, Mr. Trump paid $36.6 million in federal income taxes on $152.7 million in reported income in 2005, or 24 percent. Some accounts put the figure at 25 percent, which includes his self-employment tax -- for Social Security and Medicare -- although accountants don’t usually include self-employment tax when calculating income taxes paid."
This level of income is precisely why laissez-faire capitalism has perniciously progressed to a zero-sum, winner-take-all game. Exactly, why there is severe unrest throughout the country. Precisely, why an unwanted dreaded second American revolution catastrophically looms on the horizon. Circumstances will certainly deteriorate when Trump's supporters finally realize they've been bamboozled. -- The Trump nazi is certainly no populist.
"Significantly helping matters back in 2005 was the fact he reported a $103.2 million loss that year, which could be part of an almost $1 billion writedown he’d taken on gargantuan losses claimed a decade earlier."
This is precisely why the Trump nazi remains reticent vis a vis releasing his taxes.
"Last October, the New York Times reported that Mr. Trump declared a $916 million loss in 1995. It was, the Times noted, “a tax deduction so substantial it could have allowed him to legally avoid paying any federal income taxes for up to 18 years.”
How about that?
"Martin Sullivan, chief economist and contributing editor at Tax Analysts, said it is hard to read too much into Mr. Trump’s tax payments based on only two pages of his 2005 return. But he added, “What is striking -- though not illegal or improper -- is the $100 million-plus in business losses.”
This cancer runs rampant throughout the business community. Why the doomsday clock advances ever closer to midnight. When Trump's base, that is his struggling sycophants in rural areas of the country see what he and his fellow Republicans do to healthcare and taxes on the middle class, there will certainly be a day of reckoning unlike ever seen before in this country.
... The royal f--king of the bottom and middle class is well underway, -- in earnest. LOL. The Trump nazi just sent up to Congress a budget that calls for a $54 billion increase in defense spending to be matched with a corresponding reduction in domestic programs. The Trump nazi is no populist. The unneeded, corpulent increase in defense spending for a military that is already the best in the world is not-so-cleverly designed to line the bottomless pockets of corporate war profiteers. At expense of the best interests of a beleaguered public tired of the continued ass-f--king. More in the next edition.
3-10-17
Federal law enforcement has its panties in a wad. Fox News reports:
"San Francisco has taken its defiance of the feds to a new level, ending its cooperation with the FBI in an anti-terror initiative begun after 9/11 - a move critics say could get innocent people killed."
A crock of shit. A shameless crock of self-serving shit. No more than delusional fear mongering by gutless federal goons too used to getting their way.
"Critics say the sanctuary city by the bay's latest decision to forego cooperation with Washington, by dropping out of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, could put lives at risk. The JTTF has been credited with foiling 93 Islamist terrorist attacks and plots against the U.S. since 2001, including 12 this year, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Heritage Foundation. There are another 1,000 investigations into suspected terror activity nationwide."
How many of them truly bona fide? Not just federal nazi storm troopers getting their cookies off abusing near limitless power? Manufacturing non-existent 'threat' to justify their existence and continued federal funding? These jackbooted bastards continue to falsely cry wolf. Precisely, why they no longer have credibility. To justify their continued assault on all civil and constitutional rights and liberties. Consolidation of Executive power gutlessly imposed on this country by goddamned cowards in both major political parties after 9/11.
"These staggering statistics make the recent decision by the San Francisco police department to end the city’s partnership with the JTTF, at the behest of local activist groups that alleged Arabs and Muslims are wrongly targeted by the FBI and will be more so under the Trump administration, all the more concerning, said retired federal law enforcement officials."
"Staggering statistics" to whom? Psychotic partisans on the Nazi Right? Same gutless bastards who saw a "Red under every bed" nearly 70 years ago during the McCarthy era? California no longer buys the bullshit. Especially, after they've seen the Trump nazi and his henchmen abuse power rounding up the undocumented. Most of whom are not criminals, have no criminal record.
Preventing people with green cards and valid visas from reentering this country until the judiciary put a temporary end to this goddamned bullshit. Egregiously lying about the supposed non-existent exigent 'threat' to the country. To extend the goddamned fascist police-state we already live in to The Fourth Reich.
Can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle 'em with bullshit. These gutless, power hungry, jackbooted bastards in law enforcement conveniently forget domestic terrorism would not have even been a problem had we not put our noses where they didn't belong overseas. Not continually tried to force our views on others via wars waged primarily to line the pockets of corporate war profiteers.
The chickens are finally coming home to roost. Fewer and fewer buy this bullshit any longer. Precisely, why our formerly great country remains so divided. Time for American imperialism starting in 1950 and continuing to this very day to finally end. Since 1950, fighting war after war to line corporate coffers. Until that changes, terror will continue to be a problem. Both overseas and domestically.
Snow ball's chance anything will change. After all, it's how the corporate management suite, shareholders best line their pockets. How their bought and paid for stooges at all levels and branches of government get their goddamned cookies off. What webs we weave. ... Hear the rumble? An unwanted dreaded second American revolution already catastrophically looming on the horizon.
3-10-17
A most interesting case of a judge being investigated for allegedly hindering jackbooted ICE goons. Get this. Fox News reports:
"An Oregon judge is being investigated after she allegedly helped an illegal immigrant elude ICE agents in January by guiding the man through a private entrance at the courthouse."
Couldn't be, could it? A judge wouldn't do something like that, would she?
"Multnomah County Judge Monica Heeranz was notified by court staff that ICE agents were waiting outside her courtroom to possibly apprehend Diddier Pacheco Salazar, a 22-year-old Mexican national attending a DUI hearing, U.S. Attorney Billy Willaims said. Specific details about what happened inside the courtroom next is not clear. But Salazar reportedly somehow managed to leave the room using an employee exit."
Imagine that. Be interesting to see how this winds up being resolved, no?
3-10-17
Think the LGBT community isn't targeted, harassed, falsely accused? The Washington Times reports:
"A new study claims that lesbian, gay or bisexual individuals are three times as likely than straight people to end up in prison. Published in the American Journal of Public Health, the study analyzed responses from more than 80,000 participants to gauge the percentage of sexual minorities who are incarcerated,” NBC News reported Friday. For the purposes of the study, “sexual minority” is defined as anyone who self-identifies as LGBT or reported same-sex sexual behavior prior to being incarcerated, NBC reported."
The following is pathetic:
"All told, some 9.3 percent of men in prison and 6.2 percent in jail fell into the sexual minority category while it was dramatically higher for women, “a staggering 42.1 percent of the female prison population and 35.7 percent of women in jails.” By comparison, the U.S. population at large, only 3.6 percent of men are gay or bisexual and only 3.4 percent of women are lesbian or bisexual."
Think they aren't targeted? Profiled? Think it won't get worse under the Trump nazi? ... And his fascist compadre as U.S. Attorney General, the Sessions nazi?
3-10-17
In follow up to the last edition, the Sessions nazi, succumbing to growing political pressure, recused himself from pending and/or future investigations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Fox News reports:
"Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Thursday he will recuse himself from “any existing or future investigations” regarding the 2016 presidential campaign, while pushing back forcefully on allegations he misled Congress in past statements about contacts with Russia. The attorney general held a press conference as he sought to calm the political firestorm over revelations he spoke twice with Russia’s ambassador last year despite telling senators during his confirmation hearing he had no “communications” with Moscow."
The Washington Times reports:
"Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer threw his weight behind the push Thursday for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign and a special prosecutor appointed to investigate ties between President Trump’s campaign and Russian spies. Mr. Schumer said Mr. Sessions’ credibility as the country’s top law enforcement official had been undermined by revelations that he met with the Russian ambassador during the presidential race and then failed to disclose it when asked during confirmation hearings."
At best, the Sessions nazi misled Congress. At worst, the fascist son of a bitch lied. Either way, needs to resign. As top law enforcement officer in the United States, his credibility remains zero.
Here is the critical exchange in question from the transcript courtesy of NBC News:
"FRANKEN: OK. CNN has just published a story and I'm telling you this about a news story that's just been published. I'm not expecting you to know whether or not it's true or not. But CNN just published a story alleging that the intelligence community provided documents to the president-elect last week that included information that quote, "Russian operatives claimed to have compromising personal and financial information about Mr. Trump." These documents also allegedly say quote, "There was a continuing exchange of information during the campaign between Trump's surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government."
"Now, again, I'm telling you this as it's coming out, so you know. But if it's true, it's obviously extremely serious and if there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign, what will you do?
"SESSIONS: Senator Franken, I'm not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didn't have -- did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it."
Sessions did not tell the truth. As the shyster he truly is, Sessions is now parsing his denial in the last quote above to defend the indefensible. No matter what, has lost all credibility. Certainly, highly reminiscent of former President Clinton disingenuously parsing the definition of the word "is." To defend his lying under oath, falsely claiming not to have had sex with the intern.
The Sessions nazi has once again proven he's no more than a shyster lawyer in his recent letter to the committee. Get this. In amendment to his confirmation testimony, NPR reports:
"I responded: 'Senator Franken, I'm not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didn't have — did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it.'
"My answer was correct. As I noted in my public statement on March 2, 2017, I was surprised by the allegations in the question, which I had not heard before. I answered the question, which asked about a "continuing exchange of information during the campaign between Trump's surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government," honestly. I did not mention communications I had had with the Russian Ambassador over the years because the question did not ask about them."
Think this racist, misogynist, fascist sleaze ball isn't a shyster?
In follow up to the above, CNN reports:
"Minnesota Sen. Al Franken said he now believes that Attorney General Jeff Sessions committed perjury during his confirmation hearing when he did not disclose meetings with a Russian ambassador. Sessions' response during the hearing to Franken's question about Russia and President Donald Trump's campaign was demonstrably false, Franken said Tuesday on CNN's "The Lead" with Jake Tapper. "It's hard to come to any other conclusion than he just perjured himself," the Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary committee said."
Indeed, that's true. The son of a bitch lied under oath.
"Franken also said that Sessions' response to his contacts with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak coming to light has been insufficient -- Sessions on Monday submitted written responses to the committee, denying that he had answered Franken's question falsely. "That's a ridiculous response. It's not a clarification at all," Franken said, adding that he had been waiting for Sessions' letter on Monday before accusing him of lying."
Much too kind to the lying son of a bitch, Senator.
"He said Sessions should come before the committee again in order to explain what had happened."
What for? To spout more of the same old lying bullshit? Needs to resign. Democrats need to bring ferocious political pressure to bear. Not only on the Sessions nazi, but Trump as well.
NBC News reports:
"Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday met with some of his most ardent opponents: leaders of civil rights organizations who are resisting the Justice Department's movement on a number of issues, from police reform to voting rights to immigration crackdowns to reported spikes in hate crimes. The closed-door meeting was the culmination of attempts by both sides to begin a dialogue on some of the most divisive stances taken by the Trump administration. Among them, Sessions' decision to pull back the Justice Department's legal challenge to a strict voting rights law in Texas that the Obama administration said discriminated against minorities."
Why closed door? Where's the goddamned transparency in the Trump regime? Where? Turned out to be a waste of time anyway. Get this:
"NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund President Sherrilyn Ifill, whose organization had joined the government in fighting the law, said she and her colleagues heard about the shift last month while on a plane to Texas to argue the case. Ifill said after the meeting Tuesday that she told Sessions how disappointed she was, and asked his agency to show more courtesy. She said she also asked Sessions to advise President Trump to back off claims of widespread voter fraud, which contradicts studies showing that illegal voting is rare."
Think it did any good? Wake up:
"He was impassive," Ifill said, describing Sessions' reaction. "There was no change in his expression and there was no comment to acknowledge that reality." The Justice Department declined to comment on the meeting."
Aryan arrogant, achingly clueless, haughty nazis. The Fourth Reich.
Coup de grace?
"The meeting came on a day weighted with historical significance: it was the 52nd anniversary of Bloody Sunday, a clash between police and marchers in Selma, Alabama over African-American voting rights. Sessions, a former federal prosecutor and U.S. senator, is from Selma."
This goddamned government needs to be challenged in court every step of the way as it continues to nazify our formerly great country. Resistance must remain ferocious, but peaceful. Otherwise, the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue take it as carte blanche to murder on the job. Clearly, nazis in the Oval Office, Congress, and the Republican Party can't hear the rumble. An unwanted dreaded second American revolution already catastrophically looming on the horizon.
3-10-17
In follow up to an earlier edition, seems Navy SEALS were 'punished' for flying a flag not authorized by the military, -- the Trump flag. The Washington Times reports:
"Military officials say U.S. Navy SEALs have been punished for flying a “Trump” flag from a convoy in Louisville, Kentucky, on Jan. 29. Some of America’s top warriors have been disciplined for allowing a convoy of eight Humvees traveling north on Interstate 65 to include a campaign flag used by President Trump’s supporters. Video of the incident was uploaded to social media sites by an anti-Trump organization called “Indivisible Kentucky.”
Not clear what the ultimate ramifications were:
"The number of SEALs involved in the incident and the nature of their punishment was not disclosed."
How convenient. Just a slap on the wrist for soldiers who knew blatant partisanship is against regulations?
3-10-17
After Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress recently, ever wonder what Gold Star families thought of his recognition of Mrs. Owens? The Washington Post reported:
"The families of U.S. service members who have died while serving their country are split on how they see President Trump’s recognition of a recent military widow at his first joint address to Congress, but they almost universally support her decision to accept Trump’s invitation to attend in the Capitol."
Indeed, quite an emotionally wrenching several minutes.
"The moment was the emotional apex of Trump’s speech Tuesday night, in which he said Senior Chief William “Ryan” Owens, a member of the elite SEAL Team 6, “died as he lived — a warrior and a hero, battling against terrorism and securing our nation.”
It's what came next that raised quite a bit of ire.
"The following moments sparked an outcry among critics of Trump, as he insisted that the Jan. 29 raid in Yemen in which the SEAL was killed “generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemy,” contradicting other U.S. officials briefed on the operation. The overlaying of grief and politics prompted allegations that Trump had politicized and exploited the situation for his own gain, rather than simply honoring the Owens family."
That's right. Sickened many of us that night. Worse, the Trump nazi lied about the effectiveness of the botched raid.
"Trump’s moment with Carryn Owens immediately lit up social-media networks, and was complicated in part by Trump’s remarks in a Fox News interview aired that morning in which he declined to accept responsibility for the mission, in which numerous civilians were also killed. The generals, Trump said, had “wanted to do” the operation and had “lost Ryan” — remarks that struck some as the president abdicating his role as commander in chief."
This is the problem with electing a clueless, gutless, narcissistic, nazi fuhrer as president. ... Right, TL?
"The scene in the Capitol disgusted Silvia Earhart, a Gold Star wife and Army veteran. Trump’s actions, she said, showed once again that he likes using U.S. service members and their families as props. Earhart’s husband, Staff Sgt. Leslie Martin, was killed in a helicopter crash at Fort Bragg, N.C., in July 1997, and she said she struggled afterward even to attend a memorial service on base in honor of her husband and seven other soldiers who were killed."
Equally wrenching:
“I don’t think he recognized Ryan Owens at all,” Earhart said of the president. “He was recognizing the widow, and me personally as a widow, I never wanted the attention like that. I always wanted it directly on my husband and what he did and what he sacrificed. I kept saying, ‘Why are you showing her grief like that?’ It’s still so raw for her, and to be put up there on national television, I don’t think Trump was being genuine and authentic.”
Indeed. No matter what, however, as Americans we sincerely thank her for her sacrifice as well as the rest of the Owens family. No question, Mr. Owens is indeed a hero. Gave his last full measure of service to his country.
3-10-17
Think Muslims don't stand tall? Fox News reports:
"Following the desecration of hundreds of graves at Jewish cemeteries and wave after wave of hoax bomb threats against Jewish community centers and day schools around the nation, Muslim veterans are offering their support and vow to protect these places of worship."
Uncommon valor:
"I'm
a #MuslimMarine in Chicagoland area. If your synagogue or Jewish cemetery
needs someone to stand guard, count me in. Islam requires it.
—
The Muslim Marine (@MuslimMarine) February 27, 2017
"Tayyid Rashid, a 40-year-old former member of the Marine Corps, behind the tweet told .mic: "As I watch this horrible thing unfold here, I felt terrible about what happened in St. Louis and this heinous event in Philadelphia. I was moved to tears. This is absolutely not right."
An exigent threat to a democratic republic, all civil and constitutional rights and liberties.
"The tweet has gone viral and has prompted other American Muslims to offer their support to the Jewish community."
Uncommon valor. From a community that is under attack from the Trump nazi and his henchmen:
"Houston
area Jewish community I spent ten years protecting our country and I will
gladly protect Jewish places of worship if you need me! https://t.co/nUQpTFwxvA
—
Khalid whalid (@Khalidwhalid1) February 28, 2017
"I'm
a Muslim in #Harrisburg. If your synagogue or community center needs someone
2 stand guard, I will stand guard 4 you. Islam requires it.
—
Momin (@BhattiMomin) February 28, 2017
"I'm
no marine, but I'll stand guard if needed. https://t.co/qtSJ5YQ0JH
—
That One Jerk (@1UnknownCritic) February 27, 2017
"I'm
a Muslim in DC. If your synagogue needs someone to stand guard, I'll stand
guard. Islam requires it. https://t.co/kw4acYBuPK
—
Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) February 27, 2017"
Hat's off. Uncommon valor. Best of the best of what our country has to offer.
3-10-17
Truly believe the Trump nazi remains in control of himself? ABC News reports:
"Before heading to his so-called winter White House in Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday, President Donald Trump summoned some of his senior staffers to the Oval Office and went "ballistic," a senior White House source told ABC News. The president erupted with anger over the latest slew of news reports connecting Russia with the new administration — specifically the abrupt decision by Attorney General Jeff Sessions to recuse himself from investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 campaign."
The Sessions nazi truly had no choice, -- other than resign in disgrace. ... Which if he had any honor, any honor at all, would have quickly done. Clearly, not. Seems the Trump nazi's henchmen were only trying to save the 'President' from political blowback from the Sessions fiasco.
"Sources said the president felt Sessions' recusal was unnecessary and only served to embolden Trump's political opponents. Sessions made his announcement Thursday just as Trump returned to Washington from a trip to the USS Gerald R. Ford in Virginia for a speech about his agenda."
The Trump nazi is truly delusional if he thinks his opponents aren't already more than emboldened. No one who believes in a democratic republic will stand by and not ferociously but peacefully challenge imposition of The Fourth Reich.
"Hours earlier, aboard the ship, Trump told reporters that he had "total" confidence in Sessions and saw no reason he should recuse himself."
Further proof the 'President' is delusional. Not willing to face reality.
"We should have had a good week. We should have had a good weekend. But once again, back to Russia," a senior White House official said, expressing the frustration simmering in the West Wing after the news that week that Sessions failed to disclose during his confirmation process that he met with the Russian ambassador twice during the campaign. Sessions at the time was a senator on the Armed Services Committee and was helping the Trump campaign."
This fiasco will certainly continue until it is determined by investigation whether or not there was any collusion between the Trump nazi, his henchmen, and the Russians in the election.
"Among those gathered in the Oval Office on Friday: chief of staff Reince Priebus, chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon, White House counsel Don McGahn, press secretary Sean Spicer, newly hired communications director Mike Dubke, Trump son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner and his wife, first daughter Ivanka Trump, the sources said."
Nothing quite like a 'Happy Fizzies Party' in the Oval Office, is there? LOL.
"With Marine One waiting on the South Lawn, Donald Trump and his team engaged in an animated exchange — captured by press pool cameras peering in through the windows. Trump then left the office for the helicopter, taking the hands of his young grandchildren and joined by Ivanka Trump and Kushner."
Clearly, trouble in paradise. ... As the taxpayers were about to get royally f--ked for yet another junket on Air Force One to the Trump nazi's Florida Shangri-La.
"Priebus and Bannon had planned to join them on the trip, but after Donald Trump's eruption, those plans changed. One source said both men volunteered to stay behind in Washington, with another source saying the president seemed to concur that they should."
Imagine that. Punishment for the Trump nazi's two most treasured fascist advisors. Who'd 'a 'thunk' it?
"As Trump was in the air aboard Marine One headed for Air Force One on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, a phone call was made from the West Wing to the team on board the president's plane with a directive to remove Priebus and Bannon from the manifest, sources said. They would not be going to the Sunshine State."
Poor little rich boy nazis. Doesn't your heart bleed for the bastards? Given a slap on the wrist for not doing the Trump nazi's bidding. Can we stand it?
3-10-17
Think the following indicative of a president in control of his faculties? NPR reports:
"Terrible!
Just found out that Obama had my "wires tapped" in Trump Tower just before
the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!
—
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2017
"Is
it legal for a sitting President to be "wire tapping" a race for president
prior to an election? Turned down by court earlier. A NEW LOW!
—
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2017
"I'd
bet a good lawyer could make a great case out of the fact that President
Obama was tapping my phones in October, just prior to Election!
—
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2017
"How
low has President Obama gone to tapp my phones during the very sacred election
process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!
—
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2017"
The Trump nazi offered no evidence, no proof. Nothing. More disturbing? Get this:
"On Weekend Edition Saturday, NPR's Ron Elving notes the fact that Trump says he "just found out":
"It appears perhaps to be a response to a narrative in Breitbart.com, the right-wing website that was previously published by Steve Bannon, the president's senior adviser.
"There, you will find a narrative about how the Obama administration was so intent on thwarting Donald Trump last fall that they had much of the intelligence community doing everything it could to gather skullduggery and information about Donald Trump.
"And that would have included, according to Donald Trump, wiretapping his phones. But there does not seem to be any direct evidence of that."
Again, the Bannon nazi seems to have quite an influence on Trump and the rest of his henchmen.
A spokesman for the former President reacted strongly to the tweets. ABC News reports:
"A spokesman for former President Obama issued a strong denial to President Trump's accusation that the former commander-in-chief wiretapped Trump Tower phones during the election campaign. "A cardinal rule of the Obama administration was that no White House official ever interfered with any independent investigation led by the Department of Justice," Obama spokesman Kevin Lewis said in a statement Saturday. "As part of that practice, neither President Obama nor any White House official ever ordered surveillance on any U.S. citizen. Any suggestion otherwise is simply false."
Trump offered no proof. Nothing at all.
"The former president was responding to a series of tweets Saturday morning by Trump claiming that the former president wiretapped phones in Trump Tower in New York City during the presidential campaign. Trump offered no proof for his claims. His accusation comes after an article ran Friday on the right-wing news site Breitbart claiming that the Obama administration obtained authorization to eavesdrop on the Trump campaign."
Interesting, isn't it?
"Later in the morning, Obama's former deputy national security adviser, Ben Rhodes, used Twitter to challenge Trump's claims. "No president can order a wiretap," Rhodes, who continues to serve as a foreign-policy adviser to Obama post-presidency, said in one tweet. "Those restrictions were put in place to protect citizens from people like you." In response to Trump's suggestion that a good lawyer could make the case that Obama tapped his phones, Rhodes tweeted, "No. They couldn't. Only a liar could do that."
That's right. Think the Trump nazi fit for office? Truly believe so?
In follow up, NPR reports:
"FBI Director James Comey has requested that the Justice Department publicly deny President Trump's allegation that President Barack Obama had ordered a wiretap of candidate Trump, a law enforcement official confirms to NPR's Carrie Johnson. The New York Times first broke that story. The Department of Justice has so far issued no comment on this development."
Fascinating, isn't it?
CNN reports:
"Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, a career intelligence official who had oversight of the US intelligence community in that role, said Sunday that Trump was not wiretapped by intelligence agencies nor did the FBI obtain a court order through the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to monitor Trump's phones. "For the part of the national security apparatus that I oversaw as DNI, there was no wiretap activity mounted against the President-elect at the time, or as a candidate, or against his campaign," Clapper said Sunday morning on NBC's "Meet the Press."
In another article, CNN reports Congress nevertheless intends to proceed with an investigation of the Trump nazi's unsubstantiated claims:
"Democrats sharply criticized President Donald Trump's calls on lawmakers Sunday to investigate his baseless claim that former President Barack Obama tapped his phone. Republicans, meanwhile, urged Trump to let the House and Senate intelligence committees do their jobs. Both parties made clear that Trump's allegation -- which the White House has not offered any evidence to support, and which Obama administration officials emphatically deny -- won't be dropped anytime soon, as even GOP lawmakers who have backed Trump said they'd investigate. Rep. Devin Nunes of California, the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said his committee would look into whether the federal government was conducting wiretapping of campaign officials as part of the panel's investigation into Russian meddling in the US election."
In follow up to the above, Republicans may be finally smartening up a bit. Get this. CNN reports:
"The top Republicans investigating Russia's interference in the US election declined Tuesday to back up President Donald Trump's claims that then-President Barack Obama wiretapped his Manhattan headquarters last year -- leaving the White House on its own to explain the stunning allegation. When pressed on whether he believed Trump's allegations, House Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes -- one of Trump's strongest supporters in the House and a member of his transition team -- brushed aside the President's allegations. "A lot of the things he says, you guys take literally," Nunes told reporters Tuesday."
Isn't that's what's expected of a president? To take him at his word? Clearly, not with the Trump nazi. Insult to injury?
CBS News reports:
"The top Republican on the House intelligence committee said he has not seen any evidence to back President Donald Trump’s claim that the Obama administration wiretapped him during the 2016 campaign and suggested the news media were taking the president’s weekend tweets too literally."
Say what?
“The president is a neophyte to politics — he’s been doing this a little over a year,” Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., told reporters Tuesday. “I think a lot of the things he says, I think you guys sometimes take literally.”
Give me a f--king break. This clueless piece of shit has to be kidding. Conveniently, forget? Telling the truth is a moral imperative. Something that remains innate to character. Either you have it or you don't. Not learned on the job, you partisan piece of human excrement.
3-10-17
The Trump nazi signed a new executive order on immigration. While there are major changes, it will likely be quickly challenged in court. NPR reports:
"The new order, which is twice as long as the original and includes more details about the administration's reasoning behind its choices, is meant to "address previous concerns" from the courts, according to Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. But it's not likely to be the end of legal challenges. "I think everyone — and I assume the government as well — expects that there will be a new round of litigation," Omar Jadwat, director of the Immigrants' Rights Project at the ACLU, told NPR before the new order was released. After the ban, he said in a statement that the new order is "a scaled-back version that shares the same fatal flaws." Meanwhile, the signing of a new executive order doesn't necessarily spell the end of lawsuits against the old order."
Saddest of all? None of this is necessary. Vetting has already been extreme since the 9/11 catastrophe. Interestingly, this will certainly make it far harder for the corporate management suite to quickly import cheap highly skilled foreign labor. Think there won't be howls of protest from the bastards who truly run and own our formerly great country?
In follow up to the above, CBS News reports:
"Hawaii is planning a challenge to President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban."
Sue the living shit out of the bastards.
"A motion filed in federal court on Tuesday in Honolulu says the state wants to amend its existing lawsuit challenging Mr. Trump’s previous order. The new order bars new visas for people from six Muslim-majority countries and temporarily shuts down America’s refugee program, affecting would-be visitors and immigrants from Iran, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and Libya. Hawaii’s lawsuit had been on hold while a nationwide injunction on the initial ban remained in place. Hawaii plans to file its amended lawsuit on Wednesday."
Go for it. Tie the bastards up in court.
"According to the motion, attorneys for the government had no position on the request to file the amended lawsuit."
Interesting, isn't it?
"State Attorney General Doug Chin has called the order, issued Monday, “nothing more than Muslim ban 2.0,” CBS affiliate KGMB reports. In a filing in federal court Tuesday, the state said it intended to seek a temporary stay to the new order. The motion could be heard as early as March 15, a day before the revised ban goes into effect."
This needs to be done across the country. The Trump nazi and henchmen are banning Muslims in direct violation of The First Amendment.
3-10-17
Trouble in nazi paradise? Get this. ABC News reports:
"The White House is staffing up its team of lawyers as it prepares for a complicated mix of ethics issues and policy fights ahead. The Office of the White House Counsel has hired 26 attorneys, according to a staffing memo reviewed by The Associated Press. The team includes four attorneys who had been with the Washington mega-firm of Jones Day, the alma mater of White House Counsel Don McGahn."
Especially poignant, -- in view of the next article:
3-10-17
Think the following doesn't smack of Hitler's Third Reich? CNN reports:
"Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly confirmed that the department is considering separating children from their parents at the border."
Emulating Adolf Hitler, Mr. Secretary?
"A senior DHS official had previously told CNN that the department was considering a proposal to separate children from adults when they are trying to enter the country illegally at the southern border. The official told CNN the proposal is meant to deter the exploitation of children."
A crock of nazi shit. Day is night, night is day, and shit smells perversely sweet to the Trump nazi and his goddamned henchmen.
"Leon Fresco, a former DOJ official in President Barack Obama's administration, said the previous administration considered, but ultimately rejected, the move. "It was never implemented because the idea was that it was too detrimental to the safety of the children to separate them from their parents, and the thinking was it was always preferable to detain the family as a unit or release the family as the unit," Fresco said."
Not to Republican nazis. Still think these hypocritical pieces of shit are the party of the family? This sound Christian to you GOP fascists here in Nazi Llano County?
Get this. In another article, CNN reports:
"The father, mother and three young children came to the United States with special immigration visas, granted because the father put himself in danger by working with American forces in Afghanistan, lawyers for the family said. They landed in Los Angeles on Thursday and planned to take a connecting flight to Seattle, where they would settle. But instead of rolling out the welcome mat, the federal government took them into custody, said Talia Inlender, a senior staff attorney for Public Counsel Law Firm."
Why would these goddamned jackbooted federal bastards do this? Why?
"Federal agents separated the father from the others, held them four days and threatened to send them to detention centers, she said."
Why? For what reason? ... Other than this is how these jackbooted pieces of shit get their cookies off in a goddamned fascist police-state.
"Civil rights lawyers
intervened. On Monday, four days after they were detained at the airport,
a federal judge ordered the family freed from custody.
"It was a victory in
a battle that should not have been fought in the first place," Robert Blume,
one of the family's lawyers, said at a news conference Monday. "The government
swung and missed on this one. They just got it wrong." The family
had been extensively vetted and approved for the special immigration visas
(SIV), Blume said. They should never have been held, he said."
Doesn't matter to the Trump nazi and his henchmen.
"Officials with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have not explained why the family was placed in custody. Spokespersons for both agencies declined comment. Court documents on ICE detainees are usually not available for people facing deportation because of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump. Documents filed by family lawyers say ICE and CBP never provided a reason."
This smacks of Nazi Germany. Adolf Hitler, the SS, Gestapo. Goddamned storm troopers. We are no longer the country we used to be:
"The mother and children -- ages 7, 6 and 8 months -- were held in a downtown hotel and the father was sent to a detention center in Orange County, she said. They're not identified because of security reasons and are called "Does" in the court papers. During the first two days, CBP wouldn't allow lawyers to talk to the family, Inlender said. Also, the mother doesn't speak English. The lawyers said the special immigration visas should have cleared the way for the family. The father worked at a US government base where the Taliban took notice of locals who worked there, Blume said."
This man put his life and that of his family at risk FOR OUR TROOPS. And this is how the Trump nazi, his henchmen, and the goddamned Republican Party treat him and his family?
"His service put not only his own life, but also the lives of his wife and three small children, at risk," the International Refugee Assistance Project said in a petition for a writ of habeas corpus. "The US government created the SIV program specifically to allow families like petitioners to immigrate to the US and live safely."
Don't you goddamned, clueless, Republican assholes understand what this means? Who will aid our forces when this kind of bullshit goes on? Thought you bastards were for the military. Your silence is not only deafening, but achingly gutless. You're phonies.
Coup de grace?
"Background checks take
several years, the petition said, because the government wants to make
sure the immigrants don't pose a threat to the United States. Plus, having
a valid SIV means the State Department and Homeland Security have already
determined the family's lives were at risk.
IRAP court papers filed
Saturday said, "Yet now, instead of gratefully welcoming Does 1-5 to the
country they helped defend, the US government arrested all five family
members --including an infant child -- detained them for more than two
days, and held them incommunicado while denying them any access to counsel
who seek to advise them and inform them of their rights."
This smacks of Nazi Germany. Have lost ourselves. Are no longer what we once were. The Fourth Reich. A raucous, boot clicking, goose stepping, treasonous, treacherous, traitorous Sieg Heil!, you fascist bastards. Gutless nazis.
3-10-17
Another massive data dump by WikiLeaks. CBS News reports:
"WikiLeaks on Tuesday published thousands of documents purportedly taken from the Central Intelligence Agency’s Center for Cyber Intelligence, a dramatic release that appears to expose intimate details of America’s cyberespionage toolkit."
Gets worse:
"It was not immediately clear how WikiLeaks obtained the information, code-named “Vault7,” which included more than 8,700 documents and files. The CIA tools, if authentic, could undermine the confidence that consumers have in the safety and security of their computers, mobile devices and even smart TVs."
One thing for sure, none of these devices is truly secure.
"WikiLeaks said the material came from “an isolated, high-security network situated inside the CIA’s Center for Cyber Intelligence in Langley, Virginia.” It didn’t say how the files were removed, such as possibly by a rogue employee, by hacking a federal contractor working for the CIA or breaking into a staging server where such hacking tools might be temporarily stored."
Imagine that. Couldn't be, could it?
"The more than 8,000 documents cover a host of technical topics, including what appears to be a discussion about how to compromise smart televisions and turn them into improvised surveillance devices. WikiLeaks said the data also include details on the agency’s efforts to subvert American software products and smartphones, including Apple’s iPhone, Google’s Android and Microsoft Windows."
How many of these devices do you own, operate, use, thinking they're secure?
"The information dump could not immediately be authenticated by The Associated Press, and the CIA declined comment, but WikiLeaks has a long track record of releasing top secret government documents. Experts who’ve started to sift through the material said that it appeared legitimate and that the release was almost certain to shake the CIA."
How about rattling the cage of the citizenry that trusts this government no matter what it does or doesn't do? Wake up. Get this:
"WikiLeaks said the archive “appears to have been circulated among former U.S. government hackers and contractors in an unauthorized manner, one of whom has provided WikiLeaks with portions of the archive.”
Comfortable?
"Bob Ayers, a retired U.S. intelligence official currently working as a security analyst, noted that WikiLeaks has promised to release more CIA documents. “The damage right now is relatively high level,” he said. “The potential for really detailed damage will come in the following releases.”
Have to blame the digital industry for not making all devices highly secure, that is, developing and installing encryption that takes supercomputers years to crack. Equally important? Making it as difficult as possible to frustrate exploitation of device vulnerabilities, that is, "hacking the endpoint," as reported by The Washington Post:
"WikiLeaks said the trove comprised tools — including malware, viruses, trojans and weaponized “zero day” exploits — developed by a CIA entity known as the Engineering Development Group, part of a sprawling cyber directorate created in recent years as the agency shifted resources and attention to online espionage. The digital files are designed to exploit vulnerabilities in consumer devices including Apple’s iPhone, Google’s Android software and Samsung television sets, according to WikiLeaks, which labeled the trove “Year Zero.” In its news release, WikiLeaks said the files enable the agency to bypass popular encryption-enabled applications — including WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram — used by millions of people to safeguard their communications. But experts said that rather than defeating the encryption of those applications, the CIA’s methods rely on exploiting vulnerabilities in the devices on which they are installed, a method referred to as “hacking the endpoint.”
Yet, the FBI Director remains oblivious to the fact device security and encryption need to be exponentially improved to protect us from our 'protectors.' NBC News reports:
"FBI Director James Comey said Wednesday the bureau is renewing its focus on the challenges posed by the growing use of encryption."
Good to hear the bastard and his henchmen continue to have difficulty invading privacy. He and his stooges will just have to work harder. Much harder. This, the price to be paid for privacy of the vast majority of the public who do not engage in criminal activity.
"At Boston College's cybersecurity conference Wednesday, Comey said that he a fan of "strong encryption" but noted that "it is making more and more of the room of what the FBI investigates dark."
The Director remains a liar. No fan of encryption, period. To claim otherwise is no more than unadulterated bullshit.
"Between September and November, the FBI received 2,800 devices it had lawful authority to open but could not open 1,200 of them "with any technique," he said."
Tough shit. Get off your ass. Do some old fashioned police work. This, the price to be paid for the privacy of the vast majority of the public who commit no crimes. Why should the law abiding forfeit privacy so you and your goons can more easily go on fishing expeditions, harass the innocent? Why is it you gutless bastards in law enforcement get to lie with impunity to anyone you're targeting? Yet, doesn't work the other way around. Worse, you bastards distort and pervert what your targets tell you. Turn it into something it's not. Then prosecute them for lying. No more than goddamned bullshit.
"He said there needs to a balance between privacy and the FBI's ability to lawfully access information, a conversation that he acknowledged will require some "humility" on the part of the bureau. "We need to stop bumper-stickering each other. This isn't the 'FBI versus Apple,'" he said. "We need to build trust between the government and private sector."
More bullshit. Conveniently forgets he works ultimately for the public. Needs our trust. Not that of Apple or any other corporate entity. Apple is beginning to understand to sell its products it must improve security, privacy. You goddamned jackbooted bastards in law enforcement can't seem to understand this.
3-10-17
Think the following will please the Trump nazi? CNN reports:
"General Motors is laying off 1,100 workers in Michigan -- the fourth layoff it's announced since November. The company is eliminating the third shift at its Lansing Delta Township plant, which makes three SUVs built on the same platform -- the Chevrolet Traverse, the Buick Enclave and the GMC Acadia. But the new version of the Acadia is being built on a smaller platform, so production of that car moved to a Spring Hill, Tenn., plant last summer. GM has been scaling back production and employment due to lower U.S. sales."
Thought the economy was booming. Isn't that what the corporate management suite and its bought and paid for lackeys in government continually tell us?
3-10-17
Think David Letterman has any affection for the Trump nazi? ABC News reports:
"David Letterman retired from late-night television in 2015, but that doesn't stop him from thinking about how he'd handle the Trump administration were he still on the air. During his 33 years on late-night television -- including on "Late Night with David Letterman" and the "Late Show with David Letterman" -- Letterman interviewed now-President Donald Trump many times, but said it was mostly for laughs."
You don't say. Who'd 'a 'thunk' it?
"He was a joke of a wealthy guy," he told Vulture. "We didn't take him seriously. He'd sit down, and I would just start making fun of him. He never had any retort. He was big and doughy, and you could beat him up. He seemed to have a good time, and the audience loved it, and that was Donald Trump."
Gets worse:
"In addition to every other thing that's wrong with the Trump, he's ignorant in a way that's insulting to the office, insulting to America, insulting to human rights, insulting to civil rights, insulting to John Lewis," said Letterman."
Goes on and on, but that's quite enough. LOL.
3-10-17
Resistance against the Trump nazi is growing overseas. NPR reports:
"At a conference in Brussels on Thursday, more than a dozen nations and private funders pledged a combined total of $190 million for international family planning charities that stand to lose their U.S. support as a result of President Trump's Jan. 23 executive action to block U.S. foreign aid funding of groups linked to abortion."
How sweet it is. -- That is, resistance to the Trump nazi, his outrageously perverse ideological and religious views he's desperately trying to force on others.
"The policy disqualifies organizations that perform abortions or advocate for the procedure's legalization, as well as those that provide patients with basic information about abortion or medical referrals to obtain the procedure."
The Trump nazi, his henchmen, as well as GOP fascists in the Republican Party have certainly shown their true colors, profound ignorance.
3-10-17
Seems the Trump nazi and his henchmen may be finally smartening up on the unresolved Israeli annexation of Palestinian land issue. ABC News reports:
"The Trump administration has explicitly warned Israel against annexing parts of the occupied West Bank, saying it would trigger an "immediate crisis" between the two close allies, Israel's defense minister said Monday. It was the latest indication that President Donald Trump is returning to more traditional U.S. policy and will not give Israel free rein to expand its control over the West Bank and sideline the Palestinians, as Israeli nationalists had hoped."
If true, about time.
"Speaking in parliament, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said U.S. officials had been clear in their opposition to Israeli annexation of West Bank land — a notion that has gained steam in far-right Israeli circles since Trump's election. "We received a direct message — not an indirect message and not a hint — from the United States. Imposing Israeli sovereignty on Judea and Samaria would mean an immediate crisis with the new administration," Lieberman said, shortly before departing for a working visit to the U.S. Judea and Samaria is the biblical term for the West Bank, which Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians seek the West Bank as the heartland of a future state, a position that has wide international backing."
The Israelis clearly do not want a two-state solution. Want it all. They're not going to get it all. Their intransigence guaranties continual warfare, that is, terror.
Palestinians will never settle for the following:
"The angry U.S. reaction was sparked by comments by Miki Zohar, a junior lawmaker in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's nationalist Likud Party. Zohar is among a growing number of coalition members who reject the internationally backed idea of a Palestinian state and instead suggested that Israel annex the West Bank. Under this version of a "one-state" scenario, the West Bank's more than 2 million Palestinians would receive expanded autonomy, but not hold full Israeli citizenship or be allowed to vote for the Knesset, or parliament. Although Netanyahu has not endorsed the one-state vision, many in his coalition do. "The two-state solution is dead," Zohar told i24NEWS, an Israeli TV channel. "What is left is a one-state solution with the Arabs here as, not as full citizenship, because full citizenship can let them to vote to the Knesset."
Goddamned bullshit. If enacted, guaranties Israelis will one day wind up in the sea as sadly threatened by their Arab neighbors for decades.
"One state at this moment means apartheid," Ayman Odeh, leader of the Joint List of Arab parties in parliament, told foreign reporters Monday. "I think there needs to be great pressure for a Palestinian state to be established on the 1967 borders."
If not, Israel has no chance of peace. Now or in the future. Will ultimately wind up with no country at all.
3-10-17
During his speech to a joint session of Congress, the Trump nazi falsely implied crime runs rampant in the undocumented immigrant community. A lie. Does not. In fact, quite the opposite. Phony propaganda. Indeed, a tactic used by Hitler against the Jews decades ago. The Washington Post reports:
"There's a reason Trump's opponents are so worried. This strategy — one designed to single out a particular group of people, suggesting that there's something particularly sinister about how they behave — was employed to great effect by Adolf Hitler and his allies. In the 1930s, the Nazis used a similar tactic to stir up anger and hatred toward Jews. Professor Richard Weikart of California State University explained that Nazi leaders used different kinds of communication tools to sell the message that “Jews are criminal by disposition,” as a 1943 Nazi directive to the German press put it. “The Jews are not a nation like other nations but bearers of hereditary criminality,” the order said. Germany, in other words, was out of control, and only Nazi anti-Semitic policies could “restore order.”
Sounds chillingly familiar, doesn't it? Wake up. You've been bamboozled. Sold a phony bill of goods.
3-10-17
The Trump nazi is reneging. The Washington Times reports:
"President Trump’s pledge that new pipeline projects will use “American steel” will not apply to the Keystone XL project, according to media reports, directly contradicting the president’s own words last week. Politico reported late Thursday night that a White House spokeswoman explained that the project, which has been in the works for the past decade, does not count as a “new” or “retrofitted” pipeline, and therefore is not subject to Mr. Trump’s made-in-America requirement. Comments from TransCanada, the company proposing the project, on Friday morning seem to confirm the firm will not be forced to use all U.S. steel."
Think Trump's sick sycophants will remain happy campers?
3-10-17
The Trump nazi and his henchmen don't seem to think the law applies to them. NPR reports:
"The firestorm over Kellyanne Conway's endorsement of Ivanka Trump's clothing line continued this week. In a letter to Office of Government Ethics Director Walter Shaub Jr., White House Deputy Counsel Stefan Passantino determined that Conway had "acted inadvertently" and promoted Trump's products "without nefarious motive or intent to benefit personally."
That excuses her?
"That made headlines, coming two weeks after Shaub had advised that there was "strong reason to believe" that "disciplinary action is warranted" against Conway. But ethics experts say that one little-noticed section of the letter raises far more urgent questions than Conway's fashion comments. Who has to follow the rules?"
Apparently, no one in the Trump regime:
"Near the start of his letter, Passantino described the White House's approach to ethics, making a sweeping claim about how ethics regulations apply (or don't) to Executive Office employees:
"We note initially that although many regulations promulgated by the Office of Government Ethics ("OGE") do not apply to employees of the Executive Office of the President, the Office of the White House Counsel has instructed all such employees to abide by 3 CFR 100.1..."
"The assertion that broad swaths of federal ethics regulations do not apply to people who work in the Executive Office of the President — and the fact that the White House didn't lay out explicitly which regulations it believes don't apply — sets the Trump White House apart from past administrations, says Richard Painter, who served as the George W. Bush administration's chief ethics lawyer from 2005 to 2007."
Indeed, the mark of a fascist dictator.
"[E]very White House has instructed employees that these OGE rules are binding rules for White House and other EOP staff," he wrote in an email to NPR. "The only exception is the President and in some cases the Vice President." Because of the broad, nonspecific nature of what Passantino wrote, Painter advised that the ethics office should work to get more answers."
Indeed.
3-10-17
Trouble in paradise? That is, in the Trump nazi's corporate cronies' world? NPR reports:
"Agents from several federal law enforcement organizations were searching three of Caterpillar's facilities in Illinois on Thursday — including the company's Peoria headquarters. It's not clear exactly what the agents were looking for. Sharon Paul of the U.S. Attorney's Office would say only that multiple agencies — including the Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation Division and the Commerce Department's Office of Export Enforcement, were at Caterpillar facilities in Peoria, East Peoria and Morton, Ill."
Imagine that.
"The Peoria Journal Star reported that the search "appears to stem from revelations about the company's tax strategy as outlined in a 2009 federal wrongful termination lawsuit brought by Daniel Schlicksup." The newspaper adds that: "The lawsuit alleged the company shifted profits overseas and to offshore shell companies to avoid paying more than $2 billion in U.S. taxes. Schlicksup settled the suit in 2012. "Caterpillar, in its annual 10-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission last month, acknowledged a criminal investigation into the tax strategy."
Can the corporate management suite, shareholders ever get enough? The Trump nazi and his henchmen now wish to give these bastards additional tax breaks? No more than corporate welfare? At a time of record corporate profits and cash reserves across the country? Should our fascist 'president' successfully do so, guess who pays? Makes up the difference? Forget? The people on the bottom of the food chain pay little to no taxes. Can-you-say- middle-class?
3-10-17
Apparently, the Trump nazi and his henchmen care little for human rights. CBS News reports:
"Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has been under fire from Republican Sen. Marco Rubio – along with human rights groups - for not honoring the long tradition of personally unveiling the State Department’s annual Human Rights Report, which is expected Friday.
"For
1st time in a long time @StateDept #humanrights report will not be presented
by Secretary of State. I hope they reconsider.
—
Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) March 3, 2017"
This, coming from one Republican directed against another. Fascinating, isn't it?
"Human rights groups and diplomats are asking whether this is a sign that the Trump administration will carry out a transactional style of diplomacy that does not emphasize defense of human rights as an American priority. Tom Malinowski, who served as assistant secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor in the Obama Administration, also tweeted about “MIA Tillerson.”
"Every
SecState since at least Warren Christopher personally released the human
rights reports. MIA Tillerson - bad for him and the country. https://t.co/kzebqqEu0A
—
Tom Malinowski (@Malinowski) March 3, 2017"
Clearly, the Trump nazi has little to no concern regarding evisceration of civil and constitutional rights and liberties in our formerly great country, -- as well as human rights in the U.S. and across the world.
“Where is Tillerson? Unlike other secretaries of state, he’s hiding rather than release annual rights report today,” Kenneth Roth, the President of Human Rights Watch, posted on twitter."
No guts, no glory.
"Kenneth Roth, the president of Human Rights Watch, wondered whether there might be another reason Tillerson was opting out.
"Is
Tillerson skipping release of State Dept's annual human rights report to
avoid answering questions about Trump? https://t.co/RTsAGTbekO pic.twitter.com/WTiWhq0Vbc
—
Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) March 3, 2017"
Likely, also a significant ongoing dilemma for Tillerson? Get this:
"Since taking office last month, Tillerson has been largely silent. His absence from White House meetings with key foreign leaders and the recent budget proposal to slice foreign aid by 30 percent or more has raised questions about the degree of influence Tillerson has within the Trump administration. Senior aides insist that the former Exxon Mobil CEO speaks frequently by phone with the president and has simply adopted a careful, deliberate approach to the job."
Can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle 'em with bullshit? Be interesting to see how long Tillerson lasts in the job. Must not be forgotten ole Rex is used to running the show as former ExxonMobil CEO. Had to have been quite a step down for the corporate son of a bitch.
"Next week the State Department will resume some briefings – though not daily ones - starting Mar. 6. The last briefing was Jan. 19, the last full day of the Obama administration. According to the Associated Press, that hiatus is believed to be the longest since the department began holding news briefings in the 1950s."
As reported earlier in this publication and elsewhere, the Trump nazi and his henchmen seem to be micro managing diplomacy from the Oval Office. Rather than letting trained career professionals do their jobs in the State Department.
Take of CNN? Get this:
"Nearly a month into his tenure as secretary of state, Rex Tillerson is winning over foreign governments but alienating many employees at the agency he leads and raising questions about his ability to wield power in Washington."
Interesting, isn't it?
"Meanwhile, Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a top adviser, is emerging as a shadow secretary of state -- a key interlocutor with world leaders and ambassadors and the keeper of prized diplomatic files like the Middle East peace process. Steve Bannon, Trump's chief political strategist, has also taken on an outsized role in formulating foreign policy."
Seems Tillerson's days are numbered. Apparently, the Trump nazi and his top henchmen only wanted a figurehead at State. Hard to believe Tillerson will continue to oblige.
"Tillerson is still lacking much of his senior staff and, according to two sources familiar with the discussions, is in a struggle with the White House over choosing appointments after President Donald Trump vetoed his choice for deputy secretary. Questions about Tillerson's influence have spilled out into the open. Media reports that he has been marginalized abound, including a blistering New York Times editorial titled "Calling Secretary Tillerson." And the perception among the State Department rank-and-file is chilling."
Still think his days aren't numbered?
3-10-17
The State of Texas desperately wishes no interference from federal authorities as it continues nazifying. Think that bullshit? Wake up. The Washington Times reports:
"The Republican-led Texas Senate voted Tuesday in favor of convening a constitutional convention as Lone Star State lawmakers look to rein in Washington and limit the federal government from “stiff-arming the states.”
That is, these nazi GOP bastards wish to continue imposing their outrageously perverse ideological and religious views on all by statute. Do so with impunity. No federal oversight.
"Lawmakers advanced a package of bills during 20-11 vote effectively putting Texas on the path to join a growing effort aimed at summoning a Convention of States — a method of altering the U.S. Constitution that hasn’t occurred since the late 18th century."
To impose nazism. Do so with impunity. Shit on all civil and constitutional rights and liberties. The Fourth Reich.
Coup de grace? Insult to injury. Get this:
"Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican who made convening a Convention of States an emergency item for the current legislative session, applauded the Senate’s vote."
Bet he did. This goddamned Republican nazi wants absolute, un-reined power, to impose his goddamned perverse ideological and religious views on the rest of us.
“Our nation is succumbing to the caprice of man that our Founders fought to escape, and I am encouraged that the Texas Senate has taken the first step in joining other states from across the country in reversing that trend,” Abbott said in a statement on Tuesday."
You're a prime example of that which you criticize, Mr. Abbott. Where is your swastika armband, Governor? Readers are again reminded this goddamned nazi, as Texas Attorney General, failed to not only take action against one of his corporate masters, Wells Fargo, but callously refused to answer the complaint. Has Wells Fargo lined your pockets, sir?
“For decades, the federal government has grown out of control, increasingly abandoning the Constitution while stiff-arming the states and ignoring its citizens,” Mr. Abbott said."
So has the State of Texas, you achingly clueless, fascist son of a bitch.
“This isn’t a problem caused by one president and it won’t be solved by one president — it must be fixed by the people themselves.”
Certainly will be, Governor. No question about that. You and your GOP nazis are the problem. Think the public won't eventually wake up? Why do you think peaceful resistance has exponentially grown as the Trump nazi, his henchmen, and the nazi State of Texas continue to concertedly shit on all civil and constitutional rights and liberties?
3-10-17
Support of draconian jackbooted immigration policies is waning in Trump country. Get this. CBS News reports:
"An undocumented immigrant whose arrest pushed an Illinois town into the center of the national immigration debate has been freed from a detention center. Juan Carlos Hernandez Pacheco was released Wednesday on $3,000 bond. Immigration agents took him into custody last month. His detention led to an outcry from residents and elected officials – many of them supporters of President Trump – in West Frankfort. The president won the county with more than 70 percent of the vote."
Fascinating, isn't it? ... Trouble in Trump paradise?
"About 8,000 people live in West Frankfort, and judging by the response, many of them know Hernandez. They say he’s an important member of the community, reports CBS News correspondent Anna Werner. The question is: Will he be allowed to stay? The community raised money to bring their friend home in style to his family after nearly three weeks in detention. He’s an undocumented immigrant they claim as one of their own."
Imagine that. Couldn't be, could it?
"Tim Grigsby and Mark Williams are his friends. They said they’ve known him for more than 10 years. “He’s one in a million, I think,” Williams said. “If you were gonna model someone off of, whether it be your own children or yourself, I mean he’s that type of person.”
Stunning, isn't it? -- Certainly, not in goose step with the Trump nazi, his henchmen, as well as ICE jackbooted goons.
"Hernandez has lived in southern Illinois for nearly 20 years. On February 9, immigration officers arrested him at his home. They were looking for someone else, but found he was here illegally. “Did you ask him why?” Werner asked."
Gets far, far more interesting:
“For my previous record,” Hernandez said. In a statement, ICE pointed to Hernandez’ two convictions for DUI in 2007. He’s now sober. But under the previous administration, experts said those misdemeanor offenses likely would not have gotten him picked up."
Quite a turn of events, isn't it? Doesn't end there, however. Get this:
"People in West Frankfort, many of whom came to greet him Wednesday night at the restaurant he managed, wrote letters of support to the mayor, police officials, and people he’s helped with fundraisers and donations. “This is the person that I would put right there on that pedestal,” Grigsby said. “Everyone should be looking at him and going you know what? I need to be more like Carlos.”
How about that? Certainly, not in goose step with the Trump nazi and his henchmen, are they?
"For now, he’s out on bond while his application to stay works its way through the immigration system. His lawyer told us he is hopeful that Hernandez will have a good chance because his wife is a U.S. citizen, as are his children."
This shit by GOP nazis doesn't end? The country will be torn asunder. ... Don't Republicans claim to be the party of the family?
3-10-17
Trouble continues in Trump's corporate paradise world. CNN reports:
"The hammer has finally fallen at Yahoo over the two massive security breaches disclosed last year."
Think so? Really think so? Who's gone to prison? Who?
"Yahoo's (YAHOO, Tech30) board decided not to award CEO Marissa Mayer a cash bonus "that was otherwise expected to be paid to her" due to the security incidents, according to a company filing on Wednesday. On top of that, Mayer chose to give up her annual equity grant for 2017. No dollar amount was provided, but the minimum value for the equity she forfeited would be $12 million, based on the terms of her contract."
Why hasn't she been fired? Resigned in disgrace? Criminally investigated?
"I am the CEO of the company and ... this incident happened during my tenure," Mayer said in a statement. "[I] have expressed my desire that my bonus be redistributed to our company's hardworking employees."
Give me a f--king break. No accountability. None. Yet, Yahoo users continue to deal with the effects of this needless breach in security.
3-10-17
We don't value age in this country. ... Or, wisdom that comes from experience. CBS News reports:
"A half-century has passed since the federal government enacted a law designed to protect workers from employment discrimination based on age. Yet one of the largest-ever studies on age discrimination in hiring has found that the problem persists, and it’s worse for women than for men."
Surprise, surprise. So what else is new?
"Older job seekers often suspect they’re victims of age discrimination in hiring, but trying to prove it is another matter. Enter the San Francisco Federal Reserve, which in 2015 did a nationwide field test to determine whether, all things being equal, employers routinely favor younger applicants over older candidates. Its findings are outlined in the study released earlier this week. As part of the experiment, researchers created resumes for phony job seekers with identical skills in three age groups: 29 to 31 for “young” applicants, 49 to 51 for “middle-aged” applicants and 64 to 66 for “older” applicants. They submitted appropriate resumes from each age group to ads for jobs in fields that have large numbers of low-skilled workers of all ages."
The reason for only low-skilled workers in the study?
"The study didn’t explore age discrimination in hiring for higher-skilled positions because researchers figured that “realistic responses to fictitious applications” were less likely in fields where employers may be more familiar with applicants."
Say what? The parameters for what is and is not 'high-skill' labor were not clarified. -- Definition, not precisely stated in the article. Highly likely, however, researchers would have found similar results no matter the skill level.
"In all, researchers applied on behalf of more than 40,000 “job seekers” to more than 13,000 positions in 12 cities across 11 states...The study’s findings probably won’t come as a shock to many older job seekers. For all five sets of applications, young and middle-aged “job seekers” had higher callback rates than did older ones, “consistent with age discrimination in hiring,” according to the study."
Nothing surprising. After all, this remains a culture determinedly youth oriented. Has been the case for decades. The corporate management suite routinely jettisons older workers to hire younger ones, -- since compensation packages are far less costly. Greed rules. -- Forget?
"What’s more, older female “applicants” fared worse than their male counterparts. For instance, the callback rate for the oldest female “applicants” to administrative assistant jobs was 47 percent lower than the rate for women in the youngest age group. For retail sales jobs, the difference in callback rates for youngest vs. oldest female “applicants” was 36 percent -- compared to a 30 percent difference, by the same measure, for male “applicants” to sales jobs."
Likely two reasons for the above. First, the chauvinist bastards doing the hiring want someone young and pretty. Second, older women won't put up with chauvinist bullshit.
“Age discrimination in hiring may be critical to whether older people can work substantially longer,” the study said, “because many seniors transition to part-time or shorter-term partial retirement or ‘bridge’ jobs at the end of their careers.”
Would assume this flexibility would be of great value to employers. Sadly, not so. Likely, this problem will increase during the Trump regime, since the Trump nazi generally supports the corporate management suite no matter what it does or doesn't do. -- With extremely rare exception.
3-10-17
Republican fascists in the House have finally come up with a plan to 'repeal and replace' Obamacare. No one is happy. Republicans remain far from united. Democrats, ferociously opposed. NPR reports:
"The Republican plan to reshape the Affordable Care Act — what they call "repeal and replace" — kills the requirement that everyone buy health insurance by eliminating the tax penalty for those who don't have coverage. It also makes significant changes in the financial assistance people can receive to buy a health plan."
Guts financial assistance. Does nothing to rein in provider greed. Will certainly benefit the top 1% off the backs of the middle class and those on the bottom of the food chain. All, cleverly designed to provide tax breaks to the top of the food chain, -- at a time of record corporate profits and cash reserves. No question, the American Way.
"The bill would offer tax credits, refundable in advance, to people with incomes below $75,000. But those credits will be lower in many cases than the subsidies now offered in the ACA."
How else can the top 1% so easily line their bottomless pockets? Off the backs of the middle class and the bottom.
"Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., and Richard Neal, D-Mass., the ranking Democrats on the Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means committee issued a joint statement saying the bill would "rip healthcare away from millions of Americans, ration care for working families and put insurance companies back in charge."
Indeed, that's true. Forget? It's a determinedly zero-sum, winner-take-all game Republican nazis play. Have become so proficient at. ... Right, TL?
"But it's far from clear that Republicans in the House are unified in their support of the bill. Members of the far-right Freedom Caucus have said they oppose giving tax credits to people who don't pay any federal income tax."
This, despite the fact these goddamned GOP nazis and their corporate benefactors 'make' their money off the backs of the bottom and middle class. That is, they steal it. Unlivable wages. Shoddy overpriced products that aren't worth a shit. Energy, food, and healthcare costs cleverly designed to gouge. The list can go on and on. ... Right, TL?
"And with only a slim majority in the Senate, only a few Republican defections could defeat the bill there."
Makes your heart bleed, doesn't it? Insult to injury? Get this:
"Four Republican senators wrote a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell saying they were concerned an early draft of the House plan would not adequately protect people who have insurance through Obamacare's Medicaid expansion. And Sen. Rand Paul was among three conservative Republicans who criticized an earlier version of the bill as "Obamacare lite."
Imagine that. Couldn't be, could it?
"Under the proposed bill, tax credits would start at $2,000 a year for individuals under age 30, rising to $4,000 for those over 60. The proposal, first seen in a Feb. 10 draft of the bill, has been criticized as too meager to cover the full cost of a health insurance plan that provides full benefits."
Full benefits? Don't exist other than for members of Congress, the corporate management suite, and others in the top 1% of the food chain. The GOP plan would go nowhere near sufficiently subsidizing truly worthless plans for the masses that include enormous deductibles. Forget? The insurance middle men exponentially drive up the cost of care, -- to line their bottomless pockets. How else can these bastards so easily enrich themselves?
"But the proposed tax credits could potentially pay for insurance that protects only against a catastrophic health event."
Generous of the GOP nazis, isn't it? They get theirs, you get f--ked. The American Way.
The GOP plan also defunds Planned Parenthood. The Washington Times reports:
"Planned Parenthood has firmly rejected a proposal by President Trump offering to preserve federal funding for the women’s health organization if it stopped providing abortion services."
The Trump nazi and his henchmen simply can't accept the fact abortion is a constitutional right as affirmed by the Supreme Court. The Trump nazi, his henchmen, and fascists in the Republican Party remain hell bent on eviscerating the First Amendment Establishment Clause, church-state separation, that is, freedom from religion. In direct violation of their oaths of office to protect and defend the United States Constitution.
"Mr. Trump reportedly confirmed Monday to The New York Times that an informal proposal was made to Planned Parenthood offering to maintain federal funding — about $500 million each year — if the organization ended abortion procedures. Sources told the newspaper that White House officials even suggested there could be an increase in that funding if they accepted the deal."
Mr. Trump remains an achingly delusional, duplicitous nazi. What else would be expected of this goddamned misogynist fascist?
"Dawn Laguens, Planned Parenthood’s executive vice president and chief brand officer, told The Times that no federal funds are used to pay for abortions. “Offering money to Planned Parenthood to abandon our patients and our values is not a deal that we will ever accept,” she said. “Providing critical health care services for millions of American women is nonnegotiable.”
F--k the nazi Republican Party. National socialists, fascists. Remain an exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties. ... Right, TL?
Have to admire Planned Parenthood for indeed standing tall against the Trump nazi:
“Planned Parenthood is proud to provide abortion—a necessary service that’s as vital to our mission as birth control or cancer screenings,” she tweeted. “We won’t back down in the face of threats or intimidation, or turn our backs on the patients who count on us. Not today, tomorrow, not ever.”
Indeed.
"In a longer statement, Ms. Richards said, “The White House proposal that Planned Parenthood stop providing abortion is the same demand opponents of women’s health have been pushing for decades, as a part of their longstanding effort to end women’s access to safe, legal abortion. Planned Parenthood has always stood strong against these attacks on our patients and their ability to access the full range of reproductive health care. We are glad that the White House understands that taking away the preventive care Planned Parenthood provides is deeply unpopular and would be a disaster for women’s health care.”
"Fact:
Federal funds do not pay for abortion. At Planned Parenthood, we don’t
agree with this harmful policy—but it’s the law & we follow it.
—
Cecile Richards (@CecileRichards) March 6, 2017"
Never, ever, never confuse the Trump nazi, his henchmen, and fascists in the Republican Party with the truth. Remain too damned aggressively stupid, hopelessly ignorant. -- Not that the goddamned Democrats are any better, however. Where the hell have they been since the assassination of JFK? Where?
Interesting quote from Fox News:
"In a response to the report of the proposal, Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards says the group "will always stand for women's ability to make decisions about their health and lives, without interference from politicians."
Indeed. Quite amazingly, the Trump nazi was for abortion rights before he was against them.
The following is highly indicative of the abject cluelessness, Aryan arrogance, bottomless haughtiness of Republican nazis. Get this. ABC News reports:
"Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, suggested that low-income Americans may need to make a choice between buying a new cellphone and purchasing health care while speaking to CNN on Tuesday, “Americans have choices and they’ve got to make a choice,” Chaffetz said on CNN’s “New Day.” “And so maybe rather than getting that new iPhone that they just love and [they] want to go spend hundreds of dollars on that, maybe they should invest in their own health care." He continued, "They’ve got to make those decisions themselves."
The poor and lower middle class don't buy smartphones, you clueless piece of GOP human excrement. They can't afford to. Even if they could, the cost of a smartphone is a tiny fraction of the cost of health insurance, you diabolical, haughty piece of shit. When are you and your committee going to provide the Trump nazi the same investigative treatment you afforded Hillary Clinton when she was secretary of state? You remain no more than a partisan piece of crap, Congressman. Like the Trump nazi, out of touch with reality.
NBC News reports:
"They rarely agree on much, but health care experts on the left, right and center of the political spectrum have found consensus on the House GOP's Obamacare replacement: It won't work. While their objections vary depending on their ideological goals, the newly introduced American Health Care Act (AHCA) is facing an unrelenting wave of criticism. Some experts warn that the bill is flawed in ways that could unravel the individual insurance market. The bill, experts said, falls far short of the goals President Donald Trump laid out: Affordable coverage for everyone; lower deductibles and health care costs; better care; and zero cuts to Medicaid. Instead, the bill is almost certain to reduce overall coverage, result in deductibles increasing, and will phase out Obamacare's Medicaid expansion."
This, coming from Left, Center, and Right.
"It's very likely people will lose insurance coverage if the GOP plan became law, taking full effect in 2020. Possibly a lot of people. Like any health care bill, including the current system, there are winners and losers within this shift. In general, younger and higher-income people looking for insurance on the individual market are poised to gain. Older, sicker and lower-income patients are the bigger losers."
The Republican Way, isn't it? Reverse Robin Hood. Steal from the bottom and middle class, give it to the rich.
3-10-17
Republican national socialists routinely place profit ahead of principle. Profit trumps human tragedy. ABC News reports:
"An author fighting ovarian cancer who may not have long to live has offered up her husband in a tear-jerking essay: "If you're looking for a dreamy, let's-go-for-it travel companion, Jason is your man." Amy Krouse Rosenthal described her illness and her marriage in a "Modern Love" column published Friday in the New York Times. It didn't take long for her essay to go viral online. Rosenthal, 51, wrote that she's gone weeks without real food and falls asleep mid-sentence because of the morphine she needs. Despite feeling weak, she said she had to write the essay while she still could, because she wanted him to fall in love again after she is gone."
Human tragedies, like the above, could be ameliorated, -- if our priorities went vastly beyond accumulation of wealth. ... Ever see a hitch on the back of a hearse?
"He is a sharp dresser," Rosenthal wrote. "Our young adult sons, Justin and Miles, often borrow his clothes. Those who know him — or just happen to glance down at the gap between his dress slacks and dress shoes — know that he has a flair for fabulous socks. He is fit and enjoys keeping in shape."
Have to wonder how her husband reacted. Had to have been devastated.
"Rosenthal, who has authored two dozen children's picture books and a recent memoir, said she has been married to Jason Rosenthal for 26 years. She lives in Chicago, according to her website . She wrote that on Sept. 5, 2015 — when their daughter had just left for college, making them empty-nesters, they went to the emergency room, believing she had appendicitis. Instead, it was ovarian cancer."
When will we finally get our priorities straight? This horrendous disease should have long since been conquered. Instead, we fight war after war to line the pockets of the corporate management suite, shareholders, and their bought and paid for lackeys at all levels and branches of government.
Kicker?
"If he sounds like a prince and our relationship seems like a fairy tale, it's not too far off, except for all of the regular stuff that comes from two and a half decades of playing house together," she wrote. "And the part about me getting cancer. Blech."
3-3-17
While the Sessions nazi does not believe law enforcement corruption, abuse, murder run rampant nationwide, we have yet another glaring example. CBS News reports:
"Seven Baltimore police officers are charged with operating a racketeering conspiracy in which they allegedly stole and extorted money from people. One of the officers is also charged with dealing drugs."
Couldn't be, could it? Cops don't engage in criminal activity, do they?
"In a news release Wednesday announcing the indictments and arrests of the officers, U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein says the case “is not about aggressive policing, it is about a criminal conspiracy.”
A step up for the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue, wouldn't you say?
"The police department says the officers are suspended without pay. In the news release, Police Commissioner Kevin Davis says the officers’ crimes “erode trust with our community.” He says that “reform isn’t always a pretty thing to watch unfold,” but vowed it would continue “in our journey toward a police department our city deserves.”
About time. Hold the bastards criminally accountable. This, at a time the Sessions nazi, as U.S. Attorney General, intends to scale back 'Justice' Department lawsuits against criminal police departments.
The Washington Post reports:
"The accusations portray officers who stole from taxpayers through time fraud and from citizens they stopped or searched, with at least 10 victims robbed including some who had not committed crimes, officials said. The overtime abuses alleged include one from an officer who claimed it while on vacation in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and another who was in the poker room of a casino and not on the job, according to details released by prosecutors. The alleged robberies included stealing $1,500 from a maintenance man who planned to use the cash for rent and a theft of about $200,000 from a safe and from bags seized at a search location, authorities said. In another instance, one officer accused is accused of helping an associate in a drug conspiracy remove a GPS tracking device placed on the person’s car by the DEA."
Insult to injury?
"At a news conference, Baltimore Police Chief Kevin Davis called the allegations “heinous acts” and said the officers charged are “1930s-style gangsters as far as I’m concerned.”
How could you and others not know this was going on? How?
3-3-17
In follow up to an earlier edition, Fox News reports:
"An "extraordinary" effort by the new U.S. administration prevented former CIA officer Sabrina de Sousa from being the first ever extradited for an alleged CIA misdeed, according to her spokesman. De Sousa, who was set to be extradited from Portugal to Italy over the kidnapping of a Muslim cleric, won a last-minute reprieve on Wednesday. Sabrina de Sousa was one of 26 people convicted in absentia for the 2003 abduction of radical Egyptian cleric Osama Mustapha Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar. He was then transported to his native Egypt for interrogation where he says he was tortured."
No justice for this convicted criminal. She'll wind up likely doing some community service. Somewhere. Where? Allegedly, to be arranged.
3-3-17
California is not happy with ICE duplicity. Get this. ABC News reports:
"Santa Cruz, a coastal college town of about 60,000 people, is a so-called sanctuary city, which prohibits its police from cooperating with federal authorities investigating immigration violations. Police Chief Kevin Vogel and Assistant Chief Dan Flippo said at a news conference that the federal officials lied when they assured them a Feb. 13 joint operation in the region would not include immigration-related arrests during the raid on the gang known by the names MS-13 and Mara Salvatrucha."
They did. Despite strong assertions to the contrary by ICE. -- Got caught with their hand in the cookie jar. ... Then lied about it.
"Flippo said he didn't learn of the immigration arrests until the next night when dozens of protesters disrupted a City Council meeting to voice their displeasure."
Surprise, surprise. A wake up call.
"Vogel said the department no longer trusts the Department of Homeland Security, which includes ICE, and will no longer work with the agency. "We can't cooperate with a law enforcement agency we cannot trust," Vogel said."
Sadly, a lack of trust in all law enforcement is exponentially increasing across the country. With damned good reason. They lie, cheat, steal, abuse, and murder on the job. Not all of them, but way too many.
Consider the following. Get this. NPR reports:
"Officials in Los Angeles have asked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents working in the city not to identify themselves as police. In a letter addressed to the ICE deputy field office director who handles immigration enforcement, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, City Attorney Mike Feuer, and president of the city council Herb Wesson wrote:
"In Los Angeles, the term 'police' is synonymous with the Los Angeles Police Department, so for ICE agents to represent themselves as police misleads the public into believing they are interacting with LAPD. This is especially corrosive given that to advance public safety, the LAPD does not initiate police action with the objective of determining a person's immigration status."
Fascinating, isn't it? At least some local law enforcement is beginning to wake up.
3-3-17
There is growing resistance by law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law. CBS News reports:
"The White House has spelled out its new guidelines for attacking illegal immigration, but it’s still unclear how authorities will target and deport people who are living in the U.S. illegally. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans went directly to the front lines of the nation’s border wars to see how local law enforcement in Arizona is handling the issue. The sheriff in Pima County is welcoming the president’s plan to immediately hire 5,000 more border patrol agents. But the White House is also asking for immigration enforcement on a local level. In Pima County, they say they’ve already got their hands full."
Interesting, isn't it? Especially, coming from a sheriff in a Republican state.
"Mark Napier is Pima County’s newly-elected Republican sheriff. “That’s not a problem for a local sheriff. My responsibility is public safety in this county,” Napier said."
That's right. Remains a federal, not state issue.
"The Department of Homeland Security is now asking local law enforcement to go a step further by voluntarily acting as an “’immigration officer’ for purposes of enforcing federal immigration law.”
Goddamned unconstitutional bullshit. Cleverly, designed to further consolidate Executive power, extend the fascist police-state we already live in. Establish The Fourth Reich.
“We have our plate full. Our jail is nearly full, and I don’t have excess deputies,” Napier said. Napier’s 500 sworn officers protect roughly a million residents across 9,000 square miles along the southern border. But even if he had more resources, he still said it’s the federal government’s job."
That's right. It is.
“If your deputies are viewed as immigration enforcers, how does that impact their ability to do their job?” Carter asked. “First of all, we wouldn’t get a lot of the calls we get where people witness crimes or are victims of crime…out of fear that would lead to deportation,” Napier said."
This is the issue. Heart of the matter. Cooperating with federal goons as proxy immigration officers, local law enforcement would lose all credibility. Crimes against the undocumented would go unreported. Leading to an increase in crime across the board.
It's not like the Sheriff and his officers are not already cooperating with ICE, however:
"So unless there’s a federal mandate ordering them to take undocumented immigrants into custody, the Pima County sheriff’s department will continue to turn them over to border patrol."
3-3-17
In addition to the above, consider the following regarding NYPD's stance. ABC News reports:
"The Trump administration’s pursuit of unauthorized immigrants may have hit a wall in New York City. City Police Commissioner James O’Neill told officers in an internal memo that the department would not enforce administrative warrants issued by federal immigration agents."
Interesting, isn't it? Moreover, there's good reason:
"It is critical that everyone who comes into contact with the NYPD, regardless of their immigration status, be able to identify themselves or seek assistance without hesitation, anxiety or fear," O’Neill wrote in the memo obtained by ABC News."
Again, this is the problem. Would lead to crimes against the undocumented going unreported, uninvestigated.
"The NYPD does not conduct civil immigration enforcement," the memo to rank-and-file officers said. "Specifically, this department does not enforce administrative warrants issued by Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents or federal immigration judges solely in connection with civil immigration violations.”
This is reasonable, prudent policy. Certainly, in the best interest of all involved. That is, police, the undocumented, as well as the general public who would see an increase in crime that would go uninvestigated.
"O’Neill’s memo doesn’t represent any change in NYPD policy. But in light of a federal plan for more aggressive immigration enforcement, New York City’s police commissioner wanted to clarify his department’s policy, both to alleviate any concerns in the city’s immigrant communities and to remind police officers, sources told ABC News."
Wise move. Yet, there will be court battles ahead:
"Still, the NYPD policy may put the nation’s largest police force at odds with the federal Department of Homeland Security, which this week outlined a more aggressive approach to enforcing the nation’s immigration laws."
3-3-17
Local law enforcement who refuse to cooperate with ICE are not the only ones at risk. Church pastors and their flock could wind up being prosecuted for aiding and abetting the undocumented. CNN reports:
"The purchase of this home is part of a network formed by Los Angeles religious leaders across faiths in the wake of Donald Trump's election. The intent is to shelter hundreds, possibly thousands of undocumented people in safe houses across Southern California."
Uncommon valor.
"The goal is to offer another sanctuary beyond religious buildings or schools, ones that require federal authorities to obtain warrants before entering the homes."
The Fourth Amendment requires probable cause and a warrant. Should extend everywhere, but sadly doesn't. Forget? The jackbooted pieces of shit, with the help of bought and paid for 'judges' on the bench, have indeed bastardized the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights over many decades. This country is no longer what it once was.
"At another Los Angeles neighborhood miles away, a Jewish man shows off a sparsely decorated spare bedroom in his home. White sheets on the bed and the clean, adjacent full bathroom bear all the markers of an impending visit. The man, who asked not to be identified, pictures an undocumented woman and her children who may find refuge in his home someday."
Interesting, isn't it?
"The man says he's never been in trouble before and has difficulty picturing that moment. But he's well educated and understands the Fourth Amendment, which gives people the right to be secure in their homes, against unreasonable searches and seizures. He's pictured the moment if ICE were to knock on his door. "I definitely won't let them in. That's our legal right," he says. "If they have a warrant, then they can come in. I can imagine that could be scary, but I feel the consequences of being passive in this moment is a little scary."
What we're seeing here is expansion of a goddamned fascist police-state to The Fourth Reich by the Trump nazi and his henchmen.
"The religious leaders have a name for their network: the Rapid Response Team. The idea is not necessarily a new one, according to Reverend Zach Hoover, executive director of the interfaith community organization LA Voice. Hoover, 37, wasn't an active member during the Sanctuary Movement of the 1980s when US congregations across faiths resisted federal law and provided shelter for Central Americans fleeing violence in their home countries. Many congregations offered direct sanctuary, housing the undocumented immigrants, while others offered food and legal assistance. The Rapid Response Team mirrors that structure, but goes one step further by also incorporating private homes, which offer a higher level of constitutional protection than houses of worship and an ability to make it harder for federal agents to find undocumented immigrants."
Fascinating, isn't it? Certainly will make it more difficult for the Trump nazi, his henchmen, and jackbooted ICE goons.
"Under federal law, locations like churches and synagogues are technically public spaces that authorities could enter to conduct law enforcement actions. In 2011, the Department of Homeland Security instituted a policy limiting ICE action at religious locations. The policy ordered ICE to not enter "sensitive locations" like schools and institutions of worship."
The Trump nazi and his henchmen will likely change this policy as they desperately try to impose The Fourth Reich. Precisely, why resistance must be ferocious but peaceful. Otherwise, the jackbooted bastards in blue take it as carte blanche to murder on the job. Their own citizens. The ones they've falsely sworn to protect and serve.
3-3-17
Resistance grows in the schools. The Washington Times reports:
"Chicago Public Schools officials plan on denying Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents entry into district buildings without a criminal warrant. A memo was sent to Chicago principals this week that positioned CPS as a roadblock to ICE’s mission to enforce federal laws governing border control, customs, trade and immigration."
This will likely spark confrontation which will have to be settled in the courts.
“To be very clear, CPS does not provide assistance to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the enforcement of federal civil immigration law,” a memo issued Tuesday says, CNN reported. “Therefore, ICE should not be permitted access to CPS facilities or personnel except in the rare instance in which we are provided with a criminal warrant.”
Heroic. Uncommon valor.
"Chicago Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson’s instructions added that schools should be “a safe place for all students regardless of their race, ethnicity or country of origin.” School officials who are confronted by ICE agents are to notify the school system’s legal representatives and have agents “wait outside while the school is reviewing the matter with the Law Department.”
The law allowing jackbooted bastards into churches, schools, etc., without probable cause and a warrant, remains egregiously unconstitutional. Needs to be aggressively challenged in court.
3-3-17
Resistance grows in the community. NBC News reports:
"The immigrant community in southeast Baltimore has had its defenses up before, having been through the Obama administration's arrests of Central Americans early last year."
A call to action. Ferocious, but peaceful resistance.
"Graybill is volunteering to join help immigrants, their families and community when Trump's crackdown on immigration strikes in their neighborhoods. She and some 150 or more people attended a training session organized by CASA, an immigration advocacy group, last week to learn how to witness and document arrests of immigrants, assist immigrants in asserting their rights during arrest, help get information and photos out on those who are arrested and help spread factual information about where ICE is conducting arrests."
Uncommon valor.
"I've seen people torn apart and seen children come across the border who were in the third grade, that literally came alone," said Graybill, a fifth grade teacher who is on sabbatical. "I am a white female and I will never, ever understand that. My daughter who is 7 years old, she'll never get that. If I can use my privilege...aiding another person's freedom, I will spend my life doing that," she said."
Uncommon valor. Especially, in view of the likely possibility the Trump nazi and his henchmen will attempt to prosecute anyone aiding the undocumented. Be interesting to see if an unstacked jury would be willing to convict.
3-3-17
Remarkably, resistance grows, -- even on aircraft. Get this. The Washington Post reports:
"The confrontation on Flight 1113 from Chicago to Houston began several minutes earlier, when a Pakistani man and woman wearing traditional clothing were boarding the plane, according to VHF affiliate KHOU. As the couple placed their bags in an overheard bin, a male passenger — who was not identified by the airline — asked the couple if they had a bomb in their luggage, another passenger sitting nearby told KHOU."
Went downhill from there:
"KHOU reported that a woman sitting nearby alerted a flight attendant, which led other passengers to also complain about the man’s questions. When the Indian American boyfriend of the woman who alerted the attendant complained, a heated exchange followed."
Stood tall. Hat's off. This racist shit should never, ever be tolerated.
“The person ahead of us turned around and asked where my boyfriend was from; my boyfriend said it’s none of your business,” the woman told KHOU. “At that point, he said all illegals and all foreigners need to leave the country.”
Imagine that.
"Cellphone footage of the incident shows the man saying that all the “illegals” should be kicked off the plane, moments before the man and woman were asked to collect their belongings and exit the aircraft."
How about that? Justice.
“I didn’t say anything,” the man protested, shrugging. “Happy flight home,” he added seconds later while his female companion held her middle finger up to the person filming. “I hope you stay there.” “Get out of here,” a woman responded. “Racists aren’t welcome in America! This is not Trump’s America!” “Goooodbyeee raaacists!” the woman added.
Called standing tall. Hat's off.
3-3-17
Resistance grows in Mexico. NPR reports:
"In a Feb. 21 executive order, President Trump expanded the category of unauthorized immigrants the U.S. can deport to Mexico, including asylum seekers from other countries. Mexico's foreign minister, Luis Videgaray, said earlier this week that Mexico "will not accept" the U.S. immigration order."
Good for them. Why should they?
"Speaking to reporters Thursday afternoon, Kelly sought to allay some of Mexico's concerns, saying twice, "There will be no — repeat, no — mass deportations." He added, "There will be no use of military force in immigration operations — none." Earlier in the day, in Washington, Trump had described deportations as "a military operation."
Which is it, Mr. 'President?' Is it, or is it not, a military operation? This is precisely the problem when you inaugurate a president who is temperamentally, mentally unfit for office.
The Washington Times reports:
"In addition to soaking Mexico for the costs of a border wall, the plans call for sending illegal immigrants caught at the border back to Mexico — even if they aren’t Mexican — to await the outcomes of their immigration cases."
Haughtily outrageous.
“I want to say clearly and emphatically that the government of Mexico and the Mexican people do not have to accept provisions that one government unilaterally wants to impose on the other,” Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray told reporters in Mexico City, just ahead of meetings with Mr. Kelly and Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson. “We will not accept it, because there’s no reason why we should, and because it is not in the interests of Mexico,” he said, according to the Reuters news agency."
ABC News reports:
"The Mexican government made clear to visiting U.S. emissaries that it will not accept deportees from third countries under any circumstances, the interior secretary said Friday."
Good for them.
"Miguel Angel Osorio Chong said in an interview with Radio Formula that U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly asked Mexican officials during their Thursday visit if they would host deportees from other countries while their immigration cases are processed in the U.S. "They can't leave them here on the border because we have to reject them. There is no chance they would be received by Mexico," he said. "They asked us that while their legal process is happening there if they could be here," Osorio Chong said. "And we told them that there's no way we can have them here during that process."
Why should they? Why would they? They appear strongly willing to stand their ground no matter the consequences:
"Osorio Chong also said Friday that if the U.S. government tries to pressure Mexico by threatening to withdraw funding from the nearly $2.5 billion Merida Initiative to fight organized crime, Mexico will let that money go. The initiative that was started in 2008 is winding down with most remaining funding going to Mexican states implementing reforms to the justice system, Osorio Chong said. In its early years, Merida outfitted Mexico's military with helicopters and trained its security forces. "If that resource could be an issue for pressure or if they want to pressure the government, honestly, we have no problem, none, if they withdraw it," he said."
With no cooperation from Mexican authorities vis a vis drug interdiction, the gangs, etc., think the U.S. law enforcement community will be a happy camper? What will the Trump nazi and his equally psychotic henchmen do? Send troops over the border?
3-3-17
Unbridled terror imposed by the Trump nazi, his henchmen, ICE goons continues. ABC News reports:
"In Orange County, California, dozens of immigrant parents have signed legal documents authorizing friends and relatives to pick up their children from school and access their bank accounts to pay their bills in the event they are arrested by immigration agents."
Called terror.
"In Philadelphia, immigrants are carrying around wallet-size "Know Your Rights" guides in Spanish and English that explain what to do if they're rounded up."
Nazi America. Imposition of The Fourth Reich by the Trump nazi and his henchmen. Adolf and Benito must be 'high-fiving' from their fiery perches. ... Right, TL?
"And in New York, 23-year-old Zuleima Dominguez and other members of her Mexican family are careful about answering the door and start making worried phone calls when someone doesn't come home on time."
Abject terror. In a goddamned fascist police-state.
"Around the country, President Donald Trump's efforts to crack down on the estimated 11 million immigrants living illegally in the U.S. have spread fear and anxiety and led many people to brace for arrest and to change up their daily routines in hopes of not getting caught."
Reincarnation of Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini. ... Right, TL? Yet, the Trump nazi and his henchmen haughtily advise the undocumented not to be alarmed. Give me a break.
"In El Paso, Texas, Carmen Ramos and her friends have developed a network to keep each other updated via text messages on where immigration checkpoints have been set up."
Where are their swastika armbands, Mr. 'President?'
"She said she also is making certain everything she does is in order at all times. She checks her taillights before leaving the house to make sure they are working. She won't speed and keeps a close eye on her surroundings."
Not good enough, Madam. The criminal jackbooted bastards in blue are profiling. Always do.
"We are surprised that even a ticket can get us back to Mexico," said the 41-year-old Ramos, who with her husband and three children left Ciudad Juarez because of drug violence and death threats in 2008 and entered the U.S. on tourist visas that have since expired. "We wouldn't have anywhere to return."
Refugees are not welcome in Nazi America by the Trump nazi and his henchmen. ... To say nothing of other GOP fascists in Nazi Llano County who heartily agree. Resistance must be ferocious but peaceful. Otherwise, you grant the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue carte blanche to murder on the job.
3-3-17
The following is yet another consequence of terror the Trump nazi and his henchmen are imposing in their frantic rush to impose The Fourth Reich. NPR reports:
"Black parents across America have long instructed their children on navigating discrimination and avoiding its sometimes deadly consequences. But for black immigrant Muslims, this conversation takes on an entirely different dimension."
Called a double f--king.
"Growing up, Ahlaam Ibraahim, a Somali-American student at the University of Washington, felt the dual struggles of being a religious and ethnic minority. "As a black woman, I'm scared of the police because I see people that look like me killed simply for being black. As a Muslim woman, I'm scared of being attacked and killed," Ibraahim says. "Do they notice I'm a Muslim because of my hijab and my blackness because of my melanin?"
Will only get worse under the Trump nazi. Count on it. Bigotry. Profiling. Unbridled misogyny. The Fourth Reich.
3-3-17
Pressure continues on the Trump nazi and his henchmen. ABC News reports:
"Oregon asked a federal court late Wednesday to join a lawsuit filed by Washington state against an immigration ban imposed by President Donald Trump. Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said in the motion that Oregon also needs protection from the ban on immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries, which she said would harm Oregon's businesses, residents, universities, health care and economy."
3-3-17
Yet, another scandal may be brewing in the Trump regime. The Washington Post reports:
"The FBI rejected a recent White House request to publicly knock down media reports about communications between Donald Trump’s associates and Russians known to US intelligence during the 2016 presidential campaign, multiple U.S. officials briefed on the matter tell CNN."
Not clear where this is, or is not going since the White House is doing all it can to obfuscate.
In another article, The Post reports:
"White House chief of staff Reince Priebus asked a top FBI official to dispute media reports that President Donald Trump’s campaign advisers were frequently in touch with Russian intelligence agents during the election, a White House official says. The official said that Priebus’ request came after the FBI told the White House it believed a New York Times report last week describing those contacts was not accurate. As of Thursday, the FBI had not stated that position publicly and there was no indication it planned to."
Why would it? It's supposedly non-partisan. ... Tell that to 'Pilloried Hillary,' right?
"Priebus’ discussion with FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe sparked outrage among some Democrats, who said that the chief of staff was violating policies intended to limit communications between the law enforcement agency and the White House on pending investigations. “The White House is simply not permitted to pressure the FBI to make public statements about a pending investigation of the president and his advisers,” said Michigan Rep. John Conyers, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee."
Good luck.
3-3-17
Anything wrong with the following? Anything at all? Think the Trump nazi is not beholden to the corporate management suite and the top 1% of the food chain? Wake up. Trump is certainly no populist. Get this. NBC News reports:
"The nonprofit formed to handle President Donald Trump's transition raised about $6.5 million in private contributions, fueled in part by corporate interests, billionaires and lobbyists, according to a Center for Public Integrity analysis of a new federal filing."
Despite all his wealth, think the son of a bitch in the Oval Office isn't bought and paid for? Think these pieces of shit in the 'non-profit' expect nothing in return?
3-3-17
Resistance to the Trump nazi comes from unexpected sources. The Washington Post reports:
"William H. McRaven, a retired four-star admiral and former Navy SEAL, slammed President Trump’s characterization of the media as “the enemy of the American people,” calling that sentiment the “greatest threat to democracy” he’s ever seen. That’s coming from a man who’s seen major threats to democracy."
Clearly, the Admiral understands a free press is crucial to holding government accountable.
"McRaven, who was commander of the secretive Joint Special Operations Command, organized and oversaw the highly risky operation that killed Osama bin Laden almost six years ago. The admiral from Texas had tapped a special unit of Navy SEALs to carry out the May 2011 raid on the elusive terrorist’s hideout, a high-walled compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, The Washington Post’s Craig Whitlock reported shortly after bin Laden’s death."
When government is not held accountable, dictators take root:
“We must challenge this statement and this sentiment that the news media is the enemy of the American people,” McRaven said, according to the Daily Texan. “This sentiment may be the greatest threat to democracy in my lifetime.” “To be a good leader, you have to be a good communicator,” he added. “As a leader, you have to communicate your intent every chance you get, and if you fail to do that, you will pay the consequences.”
Indeed.
“While at times, these external pressures encouraged some within our government to adopt a barricade mentality — hiding information from the public, acting secretly outside the bounds of the law, and encouraging behavior that had an extralegal feel to it — never has the government openly challenged the idea of a free press.”
While the Admiral is spot on regarding his support for the press, he has not answered the question as to why bin Laden was summarily executed by the SEALS instead of being returned to the United States for trial. From accounts of the raid, the son of a bitch offered no resistance. Were the SEALS given a wink and a nod by the former President?
“The news media have not always been kind to me. However, I can tell you — as someone who has been to 90 countries and spoken to the press in almost all of them — the United States has the finest press corps in the world, bar none. There is nothing more important to a democracy than an active and engaged press. Is it perfect? Far from it. Does the media make mistakes? Far too often. But flaws and all, I believe the free press is our country’s most important institution. One I am more than happy to defend. One I did, in fact, defend for 37 years.”
3-3-17
The Trump nazi and his henchmen are following the example of Hitler and Mussolini in their condemnation of the press. The Washington Post reports:
"Stephen K. Bannon, President Trump’s reclusive chief strategist and the intellectual force behind his nationalist agenda, said Thursday that the new administration is locked in an unending battle against the media and other globalist forces to “deconstruct” an outdated system of governance."
What this nazi is talking about is destruction of our democratic republic. Just as Hitler and Mussolini executed some 80 years ago.
"In his first public speaking appearance since Trump took office, Bannon made his comments alongside White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus at a gathering of conservative activists. They sought to prove that they are not rivals but partners in fighting on Trump’s behalf to transform Washington and the world order."
This is nazism, not conservatism.
“They’re going to continue to fight,” Bannon said of the media, which he repeatedly described as “the opposition party,” and other forces he sees as standing in the president’s way. “If you think they are giving you your country back without a fight, you are sadly mistaken.”
Hitler and Mussolini bamboozled their sick sycophants exactly as the Bannon and Trump nazis are desperately trying to do. ... And yes, Bannon is right about one thing: nazism, fascism, national socialism will not be tolerated, not accepted. Apparently, the nazi element is oblivious to the rumble. ... An unwanted dreaded second American revolution already catastrophically looming on the horizon. Freedom? Liberty? A nazi wouldn't understand the concept. Even if it figuratively bit them hard on the ass. Too damned aggressively stupid, achingly clueless, egregiously myopic.
3-3-17
Not so, a former CIA officer who resigned in protest, -- to the Trump nazi. NPR reports:
"Edward Price joined the CIA in 2006 and thought he would work there forever. Instead, he drove out of CIA headquarters on Feb. 14 after signing his resignation letter. "Despite working proudly for Republican and Democratic presidents, I reluctantly concluded that I cannot in good faith serve this administration as an intelligence professional," Price, who goes by "Ned," wrote this week in an op-ed for the Washington Post."
Stood tall.
"Now Ned Price is 34. And it was another vivid image that led him to quit: that of President Trump on Jan. 21 — his first full day in office — delivering a speech at CIA headquarters in Northern Virginia. Trump chose to speak in front of the CIA's wall of stars — stars that honor CIA officers who've died in the line of duty. "He stood there, and he bragged about the size of the crowds at his inauguration the previous day," Price recalls. "And all I could think about as I watched him in disbelief was a mentor of mine who lost her life. And whose star was obscured by our new commander in chief, as he bashed the media and spoke about the size of his crowd in a way that was either deceitful or delusional."
You Republican fascists here in Nazi Llano County, most of whom are veterans, have no problem with the above? That blind? ... Or, is it profound aggressive stupidity? Partisanship trumping principle?
"That mentor was Jessica Matthews. She was chief of the CIA base in Khost, Afghanistan, in 2009, when a suicide bomber blew himself up, killing Matthews and six other CIA officers. Price says that what stood out about Matthews was her dedication and commitment to the mission. "Comparing that to what I heard and saw from the commander in chief, in front of her star... it was a lot to take," he says."
Duty, honor, country. Isn't that taught at the Naval Academy?
"Price says, for him, the final straw was the recent reorganization of the National Security Council, where he was assigned to work for the last three years. "The choice I faced was in some ways a simple one: Do I return to the CIA and write reports and analysis that would go to the White House and could well just gather dust? Or do I serve the American people in another way?" Price's very public exit prompts a question: might others follow suit?"
Not yet, but that might change as things worsen in our formerly great country. ... Right, TL?
"CIA spokesman Dean Boyd tells NPR there has not been a spike in departures. A former senior CIA official agreed, adding that "people are watching and waiting," giving new CIA Director Mike Pompeo a chance."
3-3-17
The war on the press by the Trump nazi and his henchmen rages on. Get this. CNN reports:
"CNN and other news outlets were blocked on Friday from attending an off-camera White House press briefing that other reporters were hand-picked to attend, raising alarm among media organizations and First Amendment watchdogs."
As well, it should. These nazi bastards are desperately trying to control information flow.
"The decision struck veteran White House journalists as unprecedented in the modern era, and escalated tensions in the already fraught relationship between the Trump administration and the press. The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Politico and BuzzFeed were also among those excluded from the meeting, which was held in White House press secretary Sean Spicer's office. The meeting, which is known as a gaggle, was held in lieu of the daily televised Q-and-A session in the White House briefing room."
The media did not properly handle this. While they did indeed share information with those excluded, each reporter not excluded should have refused to participate. Walked out. Then promptly reported what had indeed gone down. The goddamned Trump nazi does not get to control information flow in a supposedly free democratic republic.
"Several news outlets spoke out against the White House's decision. "The Wall Street Journal strongly objects to the White House's decision to bar certain media outlets from today's gaggle," a Journal spokesman said. "Had we known at the time, we would not have participated and we will not participate in such closed briefings in the future."
Here, here. Right thing to do.
"The White House move was called "appalling" by Washington Post Executive Editor Marty Baron, who said the Trump administration is on "an undemocratic path."
This is indeed the mark of a dictator. A repeat of history in Nazi Germany some 80 years ago.
"Hours earlier, at the Conservative Political Action Conference outside Washington, President Trump mocked and disparaged the news media. He said that much of the press represents "the enemy of the people."
The true enemy of a democratic republic is a fascist dictator.
"They are the enemy of the people because they have no sources," Trump said. "They just make them up when there are none."
Unadulterated bullshit, a lie, egregious deception on the part of the Trump nazi. This fascist bastard is following the example of the Nazi Fuhrer.
"He also said reporters "shouldn't be allowed" to use unnamed sources."
Another direct attack on the First Amendment Freedom of the Press by the Trump nazi. This fascist bastard knows full well if the identity of sources is not protected, there would be no one willing to step forward and report malfeasance. No one. The Trump nazi desperately wishes to muzzle, stifle dissent in a regime that remains achingly non-transparent. This fascist bastard, like any dictator, does not want the public informed of the truth.
Insult to injury? Aching hypocrisy? Get this. ABC News reports:
"President Donald Trump used part of his speech at an annual gathering of conservatives today to take aim at reporters' use of anonymous sources, but failed to note that he uses unidentified sources himself."
Called hypocrisy.
"They shouldn't be allowed to use sources unless they use somebody's name," Trump said in his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference. The president didn't mention that his White House like every previous administration has officials serve as unnamed sources frequently as a way of informing reporters of policy and operational matters. The media also uses anonymous sources to protect the identity of people who might fear retribution for sharing sensitive information."
3-3-17
The following illustrates precisely how delusional Sen. Ted "Screws Loose" Cruz and his fellow nazis remain. Oblivious to reality. From his most recent Newsletter:
"I am excited about the incredible opportunity we have to dramatically change the course of our country and our state for the better. Recently, the new administration has shown the willingness to provide the tools needed to secure our southern border and enforce the immigration laws we already have in place. It has also worked with this congress and responsible agencies to begin the rollback of harmful regulations, which will continue to help us unleash the potential of our energy resources and ignite economic growth. I will do everything I can to ensure that we keep the promises we have made and will continue to work every day to secure a better, more promising future for Texans."
All the above achingly ignores increasing ferocious but peaceful resistance all across the country. To say nothing of the unwanted dreaded second American revolution already catastrophically looming on the horizon. The Trump nazi lost the popular vote by nearly four million. Unrest is exponentially growing. Trump has no mandate. Yet, these clueless nazis figuratively whistle past the graveyard in the middle of the night. Oblivious to reality.
3-3-17
Here is the Trump nazi's vision of America. NPR reports:
"Yahya Abu Romman, a 22-year-old languages major, had just graduated from university. To celebrate, he planned a six-week trip to the U.S., where his brother, uncles and aunts and more than a dozen cousins have lived for years."
This guy was quite a gifted student:
"With good grades, an engaging personality and fluency in three languages — English, Arabic and Spanish — he had worked as a nature conservation ranger while studying, and had his pick of jobs with tour companies in Jordan, a strong U.S. ally."
Didn't ultimately matter after the Trump nazi's immigration order went into effect. Even with a visa:
"In 2015, Abu Romman was issued a tourist visa at the U.S. embassy in Amman, good for five years. With money from a graduation present, he bought a round-trip ticket and landed at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport a few days after the start of President Trump's travel ban on the citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries."
Nazi justice in a goddamned fascist police-state:
"That's where the positive impression of the U.S. he'd inherited from his father came to a screeching halt."
For damned good reason.
"Abu Romman is a Jordanian citizen, but born in Syria. He's been to Syria only once since birth — and being born in an Arab country doesn't automatically confer citizenship there. Instead, citizenship is generally based on your father's nationality. Still, Abu Romman couldn't persuade the border officer at O'Hare that he wasn't Syrian."
The jackbooted son of a bitch was too damned aggressively stupid to understand:
"He said, 'Sir, if you were born in Syria, you should have a Syrian passport,' " says Abu Romman at his family's home off a winding street in the Jordanian capital. "I said, 'Why should I have a Syrian passport? My father is Jordanian. My mother is Jordanian. We all are Jordanian, but it happened to be in Syria where I was born.' He knocked on the glass next to him, to his colleague. He said, 'We might have a problem with this."
The problem was with the goddamned nazi storm trooper who failed to uphold his oath of office. Forget? Romman had a visa. To get a visa a visitor undergoes extreme vetting. Has been the case since the 9/11 catastrophe.
"The questions moved on
to the case of Abu Romman's brother, who had lived illegally in the U.S.
and overstayed a visa before becoming a citizen. Then border guards went
through Abu Romman's phone and found emails he'd sent to flight schools
in the U.S. and other countries. Abu Romman says his dream was to
learn to fly, and he was simply asking about scholarships. But the officer
wasn't convinced that he wasn't planning to stay in the U.S.
"He said, 'Sir, we're
going to be cancelling your visa,'" says Abu Romman. He shows me
his U.S. visa with the words "Revoked – cancelled by CBP" – Customs and
Border Protection — written across it with a red marker."
Goddamned nazi justice in a fascist police-state. The Fourth Reich. Gets worse:
"Abu Romman says the officer told him he would not be allowed to call his embassy before he signed papers agreeing to be deported. He says he wasn't allowed to phone a lawyer or a family member. "He said, 'If you refuse to sign the papers ... I will ban you from entering the United States for the rest of your life,'" Abu Romman says. He was told he would be deported the following morning. CBP officers took his jacket, his belt, his phone and his shoelaces, he says, and put him in a cold cell with a steel door and open toilet, along with five other people. "I sat there and introduced myself to my cellmates. Most of them were engineers or something," Abu Romman says."
This, the future you clueless fascist Republicans here in Nazi Llano County envision?
"There were five mattresses on the floor for six people. Abu Romman says everyone crammed into the cell had advanced degrees, including an Indian engineer working for an American company."
Goddamned nazi justice in an achingly fascist police-state. The Fourth Reich.
"Refugee and immigrants' rights organizations have gone to court over the issue of other travelers who were earlier denied entry to the U.S. after the ban. The case argues that the travelers were coerced by border officials into agreeing to be deported. This is similar to Abu Romman's account of his experience at O'Hare, though he is not represented in the case. As of Friday afternoon, CBP had yet to comment in response to NPR requests about Abu Romman's experience."
Why would they respond? They answer only to the nazi fuhrer, -- the Trump nazi.
3-3-17
The jackbooted booted bastards in ICE are getting their cookies off abusing power. Think not? Texas Public Radio reports:
"A 19-year-old undocumented immigrant under deportation protection had his first meeting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement today after being briefly detained by the agency last week."
Why was he detained? For what?
"Josue Romero is under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals – or DACA – which protects those brought to the U.S. as children from deportation. Before meeting with ICE, his attorney Jonathan Ryan says Romero is the only DACA recipient he is aware of that is under a supervision order like this."
Again, why?
“He’s not facing any immigration proceedings, he still holds DACA status, and yet he is being followed and tracked and his liberty is being constrained by ICE through this order of supervision, " Ryan added. "He must report regularly, his ability to travel is limited.”
Jackbooted goddamned nazis. The Fourth Reich.
"TPR requested comment from Immigration and Customs Enforcement but a spokeswoman said a statement was not available. Last week, ICE provided this statement when Romero was released from detention.
“On Feb. 16, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a detainer with Bexar County (Texas) Jail on Josue Romero-Velasquez, from Honduras. He was later transferred to ICE custody. Romero-Velasquez was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge Dec. 3, 2004. ICE remains focused on smart, effective immigration enforcement that prioritizes threats to national security, public safety and border security.”
Abuse of power by a goddamned out of control federal agency of criminal jackbooted bastards. ... Who falsely swore an oath to protect and defend the United States Constitution including the Bill of Rights.
3-3-17
Consider the following. The Washington Post reports:
"Muhammad Ali Jr. had just returned to Florida from Jamaica, where he had accompanied his mother, Khalilah Camacho-Ali, who was there giving a speech about black history. After arriving at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport, Ali Jr. — son of one of the greatest boxers of all time — was detained and asked at least twice about his religion, according to family friend and attorney Chris Mancini. Ali — born in Philadelphia in 1972 — and his mother are both Muslim."
His religion is none of their goddamned business.
“To the Ali family, it’s crystal clear that this is directly linked to [President] Trump’s efforts to ban Muslims from the United States,” Mancini told the Courier-Journal (Louisville, Ky.) on Friday about the alleged incident, which occurred on Feb. 7."
This is yet another clear example of profiling.
"Mancini told the Courier-Journal on Friday that Ali and his mother were initially flagged by immigration agents for their “Arabic-sounding” names. He said Camacho-Ali was not detained after she showed officials a photograph of herself with her ex-husband, but when Ali Jr. could not produce a photograph to show of himself with his father, who died last year, immigration officials separated Ali Jr. from his mother, then detained him for approximately two hours."
No probable cause. No warrant. Nazi America. The Fourth Reich.
"Mancini told the Miami New Times that immigration officers asked Ali Jr. about his religion within the first 30 minutes of being detained and again when he was taken to a small holding room where he was held for another 90 minutes. “What right does the United States have to inquire about somebody’s religion when they enter the country?” Mancini told the New Times. “There was no other basis for a secondary inspection. This is an instance where the ban has been enforced even though it has been thrown out. The government is still trying to find grounds to keep Muslims out.”
The nazi assholes in U.S. Customs and Border Protection refused comment. Imagine that. Jackbooted, gutless bastards.
3-3-17
The Trump nazi talks out both sides his ass. Certainly, doesn't follow up on his bullshit. Get this. The Washington Times reports:
"Chicago’s police superintendent fired back at President Trump over his criticism of the city over recent shootings, saying the president hasn’t responded to local officials’ requests for aid to combat crime."
You don't say?
"It’s at least the second time Mr. Trump has highlighted crime in Chicago as president, having previously threatened to “send in the Feds” if they city couldn’t “fix the horrible ‘carnage’ going on.” Supt. Eddie Johnson responded Thursday night, acknowledging that the gun violence is “unacceptable.” But he noted that the city’s suggestions for ways the federal government could help stem the violence have gone unanswered."
Is that right? Couldn't be, could it?
“We’ve made requests to the White House and the Justice Department for them to support our work — from increasing federal gun prosecution to more FBI, DEA and ATF agents to more funding for mentoring, job training and more,” Supt. Johnson said. “We are still waiting for the administration’s response to our request.”
3-3-17
Not all Republicans remain achingly clueless. Consider the following. ABC News reports:
"California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa said a special prosecutor is needed to investigate into Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Bill Maher asked Issa during an interview on his show "Real Time" about reports that members of President Trump's campaign had contact with Russian officials."
Amazingly, the Republican understands this is a problem.
"When Maher then pushed Issa on the need for an independent investigation, the California Republican agreed that a special prosecutor is necessary. The investigation shouldn't be overseen by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was appointed by the president and was active in Trump's campaign, Issa said."
He's right. Clearly, ranks principle above partisanship. When will all his colleagues finally wake up?
"You cannot have somebody -- a friend of mine, Jeff Sessions -- who was on the campaign and who is an appointee," Issa said. "You're going to need to use the special prosecutor's statute and office."
Indeed. Sessions remains achingly biased.
"There may or may not be fault," Issa said."
That's right. Needs to be thoroughly investigated by an independent, unbiased prosecutor.
"But he said, "The American people are beginning to understand that Putin ... is a bad guy ... We need to investigate [the Russian leader's] activities and we need to do it because they are bad people."
That's right. Worse? There may have been collusion by the Trump nazi and his henchmen. A criminal investigation by an unbiased prosecutor is the only way to determine the truth.
3-3-17
The Trump nazi and his henchmen continue to show their true colors. NPR reports:
"The newly appointed Republican chairman of the Federal Communications Commission is moving to scale back the implementation of sweeping privacy rules for Internet providers passed last year."
The f--king is clearly on. It's certainly one of the ways the hopelessly greedy corporate management suite loots consumers. Sells private information without consent.
"Chairman Ajit Pai on Friday asked the FCC to hit pause on the rollout of one part of those rules that was scheduled to go into effect next week. This marks the latest in his efforts to roll back his predecessor's regulatory moves."
Has to line the pockets of business, the corporate management suite, and the top 1% of the food chain. Forget?
"Overall, the privacy rules would regulate how ISPs have to disclose to their customers what information is collected on them and how it's used or shared with other companies — including guidance on getting consumers' consent in some cases."
How about in all cases? Can't have that, can we? Certainly, not in The Fourth Reich. ... Right, Mr. 'President?'
3-3-17
Have to feel sorry for Ivanka. After all, no one gets to choose one's father or mother. The Washington Post reports:
"On Tuesday morning, Ivanka Trump put on a navy turtleneck and heels that appeared to be from her own besieged collection, and accompanied her father to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “Ivanka is here right now — Hi, Ivanka,” President Trump said from a podium, gesturing toward his daughter, who stood on the masking-tape mark laid out for her. She clasped her hands in front of her, smiling and nodding at appropriate intervals, a poised act of filial duty."
Unlike her clueless asshole brothers and father, this woman has class and at least some concern for the f--king her father is perpetrating.
"Meanwhile, on Twitter, she was being eviscerated. The night before, in response to bomb threats at Jewish community centers nationwide, Ivanka had tweeted out a call for tolerance. Her detractors found great irony in this. “Your father [peddled] hate in the campaign and gave a voice to all these white nationalists to come out,” one wrote. “Why r u in all [Donald Trump’s] mtgs?” wrote another. “We, the People, did not elect you to play any role in WH!”
While there is indeed ferocious, growing resentment of the Trump nazi and his henchmen, must not be forgotten Ivanka is not her father. Just his daughter. As some might opine, 'poor little rich girl.'
"Throughout Trump’s campaign, Ivanka was perceived by many as a stabilizing force. Those who were turned off by his bombast could take comfort in her moderation. She moved easily in socially liberal circles. She hung out with Chelsea Clinton. She was, gushing profiles suggested, her father’s favorite child and trusted adviser."
All that's changed. As the Trump nazi doggedly attempts to impose The Fourth Reich. Some of the criticism against her is quite vicious. Get this. Fox News reports:
"Actor Bradley Whitford did not hold back in his response to Ivanka Trump's call for "religious tolerance." The actor, best known for his "West Wing" role, slammed President Donald Trump, calling him a "racist" while also tweeting that Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner enable hatred. "Your father is a racist birther. Steve Bannon an anti-Semitic opportunist," Whitford tweeted. "You and your husband are enabling hatred."
That's certainly true of her brothers and asshole father, but quite a stretch to include Ivanka and Kushner.
"He also added, "F--k your shoes," referring to Ivanka Trump's clothing and accessories lines."
One thing for sure. None of the Trumps will ever want for anything. Unlike the bottom 99% of the food chain who go without to finance the zero-sum, winner-take-all game of the top 1%.
"Whitford's tweet came one day after Ivanka Trump, who converted to Judaism, tweeted about acts of anti-Semitic vandalism at a Jewish cemetery in St. Louis on Monday."
3-3-17
Turn around fair play? I don't think so. As readers will recall, Sen. Mitch "The Bitch" McConnell muzzled Sen. Elizabeth Warren during Senate confirmation debate on the Sessions nazi. That was no more than egregious abrogation of the First Amendment. If there is no free speech during debate, there is no free speech at all. Similarly, California Republican State Sen. Janet Nguyen was silenced in the California Senate. CBS News reports:
"A California lawmaker was removed from the state Senate floor after refusing to stop delivering a speech criticizing late state Sen. Tom Hayden for his leadership role in the anti-Vietnam War movement of the 1960s. Republican Sen. Janet Nguyen lived in South Vietnam as a child and fled with her family when its U.S.-backed government fell. She spoke during a portion of the Senate session reserved for memorializing people who have died, and the presiding senator told security to remove her Thursday. Several sergeants-at-arms surrounded Nguyen and gently nudged her toward the door. Nguyen dodged them and continued yelling passages from her speech for nearly a minute as the presiding Democrat repeatedly told her to stop."
She would have none of it.
“I have every right to speak on behalf of the 500,000” Vietnamese-Americans living in California, Nguyen yelled before leaving the chamber as another senator said her comments were disrespectful and inappropriate."
She had every right to speak. Should not have been silenced.
"Nguyen, the first Vietnamese-American woman elected to the California Legislature, was born in Saigon and fled with her family on a small wooden boat, according to her legislative biography. After passing through a series of refugee camps, her family arrived in California in 1981."
How many others were shamelessly left behind when the United States fled in defeat in 1975? ... South Vietnamese, loyal to the United States.
"Hayden was a student radical in the 1960s and helped organize protests against the war. He later became a legislator and elder statesman of the country’s left. He died in October, and the Senate held a memorial for him Tuesday."
That war was a mistake from day one. Unwinable. The French lost their asses there. So did we. The real reason that war was fought was to line the pockets of corporate war profiteers. President Kennedy was reportedly considering withdrawal at the time he was assassinated. Certainly, pissed off the Nazi Right at the time. How else could the pockets of corporate war profiteers be so easily and generously lined?
Had it not been for radicals like Hayden and many others, that war would likely have continued for decades. Approximately 58,000 of our best and brightest were killed in action. Thousands more, maimed. All for nothing. To line the pockets of the bastards in the corporate management suite and shareholders. Blood money. For a war that never could have been won. The North Vietnamese and Viet Cong would never have given up.
"According to a written copy of Nguyen’s speech provided by her office, she planned to say that Hayden “sided with a communist government that enslaved and/or killed millions of Vietnamese, including members of my own family.”
That's bullshit. Distortion of reality. Re-write of history. Yet, she had every right to speak. Should not have been muzzled. Her profoundly offensive speech should have been answered with additional speech countering her bullshit. Democrats were gutless not to have let her finish and then counter it with additional speech. That's the way in a democratic republic.
There were egregious excesses in this country by both sides during prosecution of the war. It was outrageous, not only to the Right but the Left as well, when Hayden's former wife, Jane Fonda, traitorously sat her ass on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun. How many of our pilots were shot down and died, or were imprisoned and tortured for years at the 'Hanoi Hilton?'
Her behavior was egregiously inexcusable. Treasonous. It is one thing to protest a war here in the United States. Another to protest it in enemy territory. Doing it here takes guts. Can get one killed or maimed. Doing it in enemy territory is treason. She certainly paid for that treason in terms of stress and abject terror.
Can still remember her giving a speech and being confronted by the American Legion at a university I had graduated from. She was petrified, extremely anxious, terrified. Yet, went on with the speech. She has never been forgiven for her treasonous faux pas. Sitting on that enemy gun was not only treasonous, but stupid. She forfeited all credibility. Did incredible damage to the anti-war movement.
The way to react to offensive speech is not to muzzle it. It is to verbally, but peacefully confront it. Both sides. Both parties. All ideologies.
3-3-17
Republicans are shitting on the First Amendment. The Washington Post reports:
"Since the election of President Trump, Republican lawmakers in at least 18 states have introduced or voted on legislation to curb mass protests in what civil liberties experts are calling “an attack on protest rights throughout the states.”
This is traitorous abrogation of their oaths of office to protect and defend the United States Constitution. These goddamned gutless GOP fascists can't handle dissent. Won't tolerate it. Represent an exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties.
"From Virginia to Washington state, legislators have introduced bills that would increase punishments for blocking highways, ban the use of masks during protests, indemnify drivers who strike protesters with their cars and, in at least once case, seize the assets of people involved in protests that later turn violent. The proposals come after a string of mass protest movements in the past few years, covering everything from police shootings of unarmed black men to the Dakota Access Pipeline to the inauguration of Trump."
What these treasonous, gutless Republican nazis are attempting to do in effect is legalize murder and theft. Criminalizing free speech is a traitorous abrogation of the First Amendment. This goddamned gutless bullshit needs to be challenged in court if and when it becomes law.
3-3-17
Support for the Trump nazi seems to be waning among at least some Republicans. The Washington Post reports:
"This week’s congressional town halls have repeatedly found Republicans hedging their support for the new president’s agenda — and in many cases contradicting their past statements. Hostile questions put them on record criticizing some of the fights Trump has picked or pledging to protect policies such as the more popular elements of Obamacare. And voters got it all on tape, promising to keep hounding their lawmakers if they falter."
Encouraging, isn't it? ... If you are an Independent or Democrat. Certainly, not so for Trump's sick sycophants.
3-3-17
The Trump nazi certainly appears to be energizing women to run for office. NPR reports:
"Will the election of Donald Trump, who once boasted of grabbing women by the genitalia and has a history of sexist remarks, create a wave of female candidates at all levels of government in the coming years? Early signs from the groups that work with women considering a bid for office suggest a level of intense interest not seen in at least a quarter century."
Good news.
3-3-17
The Trump nazi's new national security advisor is already making waves. Fox News reports:
"President Trump’s newly appointed national security adviser on Thursday reportedly held his first “all hands” staff meeting where he said labels like “radical Islamic terrorism” are not helpful because he said terrorists are “un-Islamic.”
Amusingly, sounds like a Democrat, doesn't he? Think he'll last? Despite the fact he's indeed spot on? Must already have Bannon's panties in a wad.
3-3-17
Federal 'judges' continue to legislate their perverse ideological and religious views from the bench. Latest example? NBC News reports:
"Maryland's ban on 45 kinds of assault weapons and its 10-round limit on gun magazines were upheld Tuesday by a federal appeals court in a decision that met with a strongly worded dissent. In a 10-4 ruling, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, said the guns banned under Maryland's law aren't protected by the Second Amendment."
Clearly, these jackasses have never taken the time to read the Second Amendment. ... Or, don't know how to read. The last best defense against corrupt, abusive, murderous government is the Second Amendment. A well-armed citizenry is critical to liberty, a democratic republic. Especially, at a time when an all out war against civil and constitutional rights and liberties is well under way. Waged by the Trump nazi, his henchmen, Republican national socialists, and the law enforcement community.
3-3-17
Apparently, the Trump nazi is running diplomacy from the Oval Office. State Department? Out to lunch. CNN reports:
"In a town full of talkers, the silence is deafening. For more than a month, as the US has tangled with China, floated new terms for Middle East peace, watched North Korea test a ballistic missile and proposed an overhaul of ties with Russia, the State Department has been quiet."
Forget? The Trump nazi is doing all the talking. ... Out both sides his ass.
"The State Department is responsible for explaining US foreign policy to the country and the world, and is the only agency outside of the White House that traditionally speaks publicly every day through a televised news conference. But since January 19, there has been no State Department briefing and, after Tillerson recently took the helm, there has been little in the way of communication about Foggy Bottom's priorities, schedules or policies."
Interesting, isn't it?
"That silence may reflect ongoing upheaval in the Trump White House, administration power struggles, Tillerson's personal inclinations or the growing pains of a former ExxonMobil CEO adjusting to running a governmental organization. Regardless of the reason, diplomats, analysts and current and former State Department officials say there are risks if the dead air continues. A voiceless State Department, they say, allows other countries to set the narrative about US policy and events, unsettling allies and potentially shortchanging US businesses, citizens and interests overseas."
Think Trump's profound narcissism, aching inexperience in government aren't a factor? The following may also be part of the problem. The Washington Times reports:
"Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson heads to Mexico City for a delicate diplomatic mission Wednesday, but he is going at a moment of tremendous uncertainty back at the office, where more than dozen key assistant secretary positions are still without even a proposed nominee from the White House."
3-3-17
Texas remains an achingly racist state. Can't seem to get it right. The Washington Post reports:
"The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered a new sentencing for a Texas death row inmate because of testimony at his trial that he might pose a future threat because he was a black man. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. cut through a complicated legal background in the case of Duane Buck and said the introduction of expert testimony that said black men were likely to be more violent in the future unfairly tainted a jury’s decision about whether he should receive life in prison or death."
3-3-17
The LGBT community needs to wake up. Under the Trump nazi, states have been emboldened to pass legislation threatening hard-won gains of the last several years. Already happening. Appeals courts, sadly, are in their pocket. Think not? Consider the following. CBS News reports:
"The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a city’s ordinance banning discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, but it stopped short of saying whether a state law aimed at prohibiting such local LGBT protections is constitutional."
Certainly, a move backwards.
"The justices reversed a judge’s decision that Fayetteville’s anti-discrimination ordinance didn’t violate a state law prohibiting cities from enacting protections not covered by state law. Fayetteville, a liberal enclave in northwestern Arkansas, is one of several cities that approved local protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in response to the 2015 law."
Media that's fighting for all civil and constitutional rights and liberties needs to be supported financially and morally by the public it truly serves at great personal and financial risk. The public needs to wake up. Fully understand the Trump nazi and his henchmen remain an exigent threat to a democratic republic.
3-3-17
The Daily Trib reports:
"Property buyers will soon have the option of participating in an online bidding war for tax-delinquent properties now that Burnet County officials approved policies that would move the process from the courthouse steps to a bidder’s desktop. The Burnet Central Appraisal District received permission from Burnet County commissioners Feb. 14 to launch the online process after adhering to a 90-day waiting period."
What ever happened to the rugged individualism previously promulgated by the Republican Party? Property taxes socialize land ownership. Don't pay the taxes, that is, 'rent,' on property you never truly owned anyway, and guess what? The County sells the land to another sucker. Yet, the public puts up with this shit.
The only way this scourge will end, short of an unwanted dreaded second American revolution already catastrophically looming on the horizon, is for the public to do the unthinkable. Put aside profound greed. Stand tall. Refuse to buy foreclosed property. Snowball's chance. Forget? Greed rules. ... Right, TL? Brad S.?
3-3-17
Aggressive stupidity knows no bounds. The Washington Post reports:
"Securing a Texan’s right to shoot wild pigs from a helicopter may have been Sid Miller’s best-known accomplishment before this week. The state’s agricultural commissioner hangs a boar’s head and toy chopper outside his office to remind people of the law he got passed, the Austin American-Statesman reports. But Miller has never stopped searching for better ways to kill some 2 million feral hogs in Texas that the commissioner accuses of eating newborn lambs, uprooting crops and “entire city parks,” trampling across highways and causing more than $50 million in damage a year."
Indeed, the damage done by feral hogs is horrendous. These animals do need to be killed, -- for food. Not just shot and left to decay. Especially, at a time where consumers are looted at the supermarket, food banks have shortages. This insanity will worsen:
"Miller said he would return his entire research budget to the state. He doesn’t need it anymore, he says, after finding “a new weapon in the long-standing war on the destructive feral hog population.” It’s called warfarin: the pesticide with war in its name. Pigs eat it. It kills them slowly, often painfully, and turns their innards blue. It’s already wiped out swine herds in Australia, which later banned the product as inhumane."
How the hell is this lawful? In the state of Texas, you can't even shoot your own dog or cat to put it out of its misery. Considered animal cruelty.
Surprise, surprise:
"The Environmental Protection Agency just approved it. Hunters and wildlife experts, not so much. More than 3,000 have signed the Texas Hog Hunters Association’s petition against Miller’s chemical war. “If this hog is poisoned, do I want to feed it to my family?” the group’s vice president, Eydin Hansen, asked the Dallas CBS affiliate. “I can tell you, I don’t.”
How would you even know since the hog may have ingested it recently before it's even showing signs of being poisoned or dye in its tissues?
"Tyler Campbell, a former researcher with the U.S. Agriculture Department, led the agency’s feral-hog studies in Kingsville, Tex., for several years, when warfarin was first tested on pigs in the United States. “It was fast-tracked,” he said. The test results weren’t pretty, he said. Marketed as Kaput Feral Hog Bait, the product is comparable to rat poison — with similar effects. “They bleed,” Campbell said. Internally and externally, usually for a week or more before they die. Just as concerning, he said, were difficulties in preventing other species from eating the poison — which is known to paralyze chickens, make rats vomit and kill all manner of animals."
Think this isn't a problem?
"The EPA regulations — which Texas plans to strengthen by licensing warfarin’s use — requires hogs to be fed the poison out of bins with 10-pound lids. The lid tactic won’t work, Campbell said. Before retiring from government research a few years ago, he saw a study in which raccoons lifted much heavier lids in search of food. “The wildlife community at large has reasons to have concerns,” he said. Some people are worried in Louisiana, where officials are considering using warfarin on the state’s population of feral hogs. “We do have very serious concerns about non-target species,” state wildlife veterinarian Jim LaCour told the Times-Picayune. Even if only hogs can get to the bait, LaCour said, “they’re going to drop crumbs on the outside.” Those crumbs might then be eaten by rodents, which might be eaten by birds, and thus warfarin could spread throughout the ecosystem."
Yet, despite all the above, Texas considers plans to go ahead. Expect far more of the same as the Trump nazi and his henchmen eviscerate regulations, -- to line the pockets of their corporate cronies and the top 1% of the food chain.
3-3-17
An interesting development in the recent failed U.S. Navy SEAL raid. NBC 6 South Florida reports:
"The father of a Navy SEAL killed during an anti-terrorism raid in Yemen is demanding an investigation into its planning and criticized the Trump administration for its timing. Bill Owens told The Miami Herald in a story published Sunday that he refused to meet with President Donald Trump when both came to Dover Air Force Base to receive the casket carrying his son, Chief Special Warfare Officer William "Ryan" Owens."
In follow up to the above, ABC News reports:
"President Trump responded to the father calling for an investigation of his Navy SEAL son's death in a Yemen military raid, with the president expressing sympathy for the service member's family but defending the mission as one "that started before I got here." "This was something that they were looking at for a long time doing," Trump said in an interview on "Fox & Friends" that aired this morning. "And according to Gen. [James] Mattis it was a very successful mission. They got tremendous amounts of information." "This was a mission that started before I got here," the president said."
Consider the following from NBC News:
"Last month's deadly commando raid in Yemen, which cost the lives of a U.S. Navy SEAL and a number of children, has so far yielded no significant intelligence, U.S. officials told NBC News. Although Pentagon officials have said the raid produced "actionable intelligence," senior officials who spoke to NBC News said they were unaware of any, even as the father of the dead SEAL questioned the premise of the raid in an interview with the Miami Herald published Sunday."
The Trump nazi once again lied. When will this fascist son of a bitch be held accountable? When?
"Plans for the raid were begun during the Obama administration, but Obama officials declined to sign off on what officials described as a significant escalation in Yemen. Just five days in, Trump greenlighted the mission. "Certainly the Obama administration, particularly by the end of its eight-year run, was very cautious in moving forward with any kind of military activity," retired Adm. James Stavridis, a former NATO commander and current NBC News security analyst, said. "A new administration I think naturally is going to be spring-loaded to move out and demonstrate something."
When will Republicans finally wake up?
"On Monday, Spicer addressed the remarks of Bill Owens, whose son died. "I can tell him that on behalf of the president, his son died a hero and the information that he was able to help obtain through that raid, as I said before, is going to save American lives," he said. "The mission was successful in helping prevent a future attack or attacks on this nation."
Once again, the Press Secretary lied for the Trump nazi.
3-3-17
Former President George W. Bush broke his silence on the Trump nazi. NBC Today reports:
"Early on in the exclusive sit-down, the former president expressed a clear-eyed support for the news media, saying a free press was "indispensable to democracy." "We need an independent media to hold people like me to account," Bush told TODAY'S Matt Lauer. "Power can be very addictive and it can be corrosive, and it’s important for the media to call to account people who abuse their power."
Spot on.
"Bush also addressed the controversy over Trump advisers and the role they may have played in the scandal involving Russian hackers who tried to intervene in the election, saying he would leave questions about whether a special prosecutor should investigate up to the Senate intelligence committee leaders. “I think we all need answers,” he said, going to on praise North Carolina Senator Richard Burr, the head of the U.S. Senate intelligence committee. “I’m not sure the right avenue to take. I am sure, though, that that question needs to be answered."
Again, spot on.
"Bush, the last Republican to occupy the White House, also was asked about President Trump's controversial executive order that banned immigrants from predominantly Muslim nations. Asked pointedly if he favored or opposed the policy, Bush said, "I am for an immigration policy that is welcoming and upholds the law."
Interesting response, isn't it?
3-3-17
The Trump nazi and his henchmen have again reneged on a most vital, ongoing, unsettled issue. ABC News reports:
"An attorney for a voting rights group said Monday that President Donald Trump's administration said that the federal government no longer plans to challenge Texas' strict voter ID law. Danielle Lang, of the Washington-based Campaign Legal Center, said the Justice Department informed plaintiffs in the case that it will be filing documents to formally drop its opposition to the Texas law. She called the decision an "extraordinary disappointment."
It's the Sessions nazi doing the bidding of his master, -- the Trump nazi. That is, Republicans remain hell bent on abrogating voting rights. Reserving this right only to those who remain likely to vote for GOP fascists.
"It's a complete 360," said Lang, the center's deputy director of voting rights. "We can't make heads or tails of any factual reason for the change. There has been no new evidence that's come to light."
No need in a goddamned fascist police-state now run by Republican nazis. Soon to be The Fourth Reich as the nazification of our formerly great country continues unabated.
"The move marks a stark reversal under new Attorney General Jeff Sessions from the Obama White House, which joined a lawsuit against Texas in 2013. The Justice Department didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment."
Forget? They answer to no one other than the Trump nazi.
3-3-17
The Trump nazi is certainly cracking down on staff. CNN reports:
"White House press secretary Sean Spicer recently checked his aides' cell phones to ensure they weren't communicating with reporters as part of an aggressive effort to stem the recent tide of White House leaks. Spicer called staff into his office last week to reiterate his frustration with the leaks, sources with knowledge of the matter said. He informed them that the use of encrypted texting apps, like Signal and Confide, was a violation of the Federal Records Act."
Likely true on a government issued cellphone, -- or on a personal one used to conduct government business.
"Then, with White House counsel Don McGahn standing by, Spicer asked his staff to provide him with their cell phones so he could ensure they were not using those apps or corresponding privately with reporters. Spicer asked to review both his staff's government-issued and personal cell phones, the sources said. He also specifically asked his staff not to leak information about the meeting or his efforts to crack down on leaks to the media, one source said. The meeting, which Politico first reported, comes as the White House increases security measures to address President Donald Trump's anger over leaks from administration officials and staffers."
Staff had no choice but to comply on a government issued phone. On a personally owned one, as well? Where is the search warrant? Probable cause? The staff is gutless. Should have done the right thing. Resigned in mass.
3-3-17
The Trump nazi is achingly gutless. CBS News reports:
"President Trump announced on Twitter Saturday that he doesn’t plan to attend the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the end of April.
"I
will not be attending the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
this year. Please wish everyone well and have a great evening!
—
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2017"
Reason for his cowardly refusal? Think a psychotic narcissistic fascist can withstand jokes cracked at his expense?
3-3-17
Think the Trump nazi to be a populist? Would a populist increase defense spending to the tune of $54 billion while cutting domestic programs by the same amount? Think so? The engorged defense budget is already over a half trillion. The U.S. military is already the best in the world. Yet, the Trump nazi falsely claims it's "depleted." Think so? Did you know the United States already spends more on defense than the next seven countries combined?
NPR reports:
"President Trump's budget will propose a $54 billion increase in defense spending, while slashing domestic programs by the same amount. The president told the nation's governors on Monday that his plan "puts America first," and that "we're going to do more with less, and make the government lean and accountable to people."
Military spending is already out of control. Now, the Trump nazi wants to throw billions more into the pot. For what? Do no more than line the pockets of his corporate war profiteers? How about forcing the military "to do more with less, and make the government lean and accountable to people?" Instead, the psychotic nazi intends to do the direct opposite.
"NEW: Schumer blasts @POTUS
budget outline that would cut middle class programs to make way for huge
tax cut for the wealthy pic.twitter.com/yQLT0W64Pe
—
Matt House (@mattwhouse) February 27, 2017"
While Schumer is indeed out to lunch on many issues, on this one, remains spot on. The Trump nazi intends to reserve the bulk of tax cuts for the corporate management suite, shareholders, and the top 1% of the food chain. Will do it off the backs of the middle class. After all, the bottom pays little to no taxes. Leaving no one other than the middle class to be fleeced. Still think this fascist son of a bitch is a populist? Will look out for you clueless rank and file, endlessly suffering, poor bastards out there who ignorantly voted for him? Wake up. You've been bamboozled. Had the wool pulled over your eyes.
In another article, NPR reports:
"President Trump's initial budget proposal isn't enough to expand the military in the way he proposed. Trump campaigned on the need to add tens of thousands more troops to the Army and Marine Corps, field a Navy with 350 warships or more and also to upgrade the Air Force. The $54 billion he's seeking to increase the Defense Department budget this year would represent a funding boost — but not one that would pay for an expansion on the scale Trump endorsed."
Grandiosity and pomposity know no bounds.
3-3-17
The Sessions nazi is already talking out his ass as U.S. Attorney General. ABC News reports:
"President Trump's new attorney general, Jeff Sessions, said Tuesday there is "a sense that we're in danger" from rising crime."
To whom, Mr. Sessions? A goddamned racist nazi too clueless to understand where the true threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties originates?
"Crime has been falling for decades in the U.S., but Sessions told a conference of state attorneys general this morning in Washington, D.C., "Now we are at a time, it seems to me, that crime is going back up again."
Yes sir. Certainly from the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue who shake down, loot, abuse, and murder innocent citizens to get their cookies off, line government coffers with blood money.
"We've done a lot of good. We need to not give up on that progress," Sessions said to the National Association of Attorneys General in his first major remarks as Justice Department head. "I do not believe that this pop in crime -- this increase in crime -- is necessarily an aberration, a one-time blip. I'm afraid it represents the beginning of a trend."
This goddamned racist fascist remains not only clueless, but achingly psychotic. This piece of shit will use this f--ked up, distorted view of reality to rubber stamp the continued criminal activity of the jackbooted bastards in blue.
"U.S. crime rates “remain near historic lows,” with murder rates half what they were in 1980 and violent crime rates cut by half since the early 1990s, according to Sessions' prepared remarks for the conference."
Proof positive this racist, fascist piece of shit indeed continues to talk out both sides his clueless, psychotic ass.
The Washington Times reports:
"The attorney general also promised to rebuild relationships with law enforcement agencies, whom he said have been undermined in recent years."
Due to the criminal behavior of the jackbooted bastards in blue themselves.
“Somehow, someway we undermined the respect for our police and made, often times, their job more difficult,” Mr. Sessions said. “And we are not seeing the kind of effective community-based, street -based policing we found to be so effective in reducing crime.”
This son of a bitch remains in 'la la land.' Too uninformed to understand lack of respect for police is directly due to the actions of criminal, abusive, thieving, murderous officers all across our formerly great country.
"While noting the Justice Department has “an absolute duty to ensure police operate within the law,” Mr. Sessions said the DOJ needs to “help police departments get better not diminish their effectiveness.”
That's no more than duplicitous double talk, unadulterated bullshit. Coming from an achingly clueless, racist fascist.
“And I’m afraid we’ve done some of that. We are going to try to pull back on this,” Mr. Sessions said."
Say what? Delusional re-write of history, distortion of reality to impose his goddamned perverse ideological and religious views.
"The remarks come a day after Mr. Sessions, in a briefing with reporters at the Justice Department, said he questioned reports issued DOJ reports that found racial bias and other systematic problems within the Chicago and Ferguson, Missouri, police departments. Although he had not read the reports, Mr. Sessions described some of the reports’ findings as “pretty anecdotal and not so scientifically based.”
This nazi piece of shit hasn't even read the reports, yet haughtily pronounces judgment? Give me a f--king break.
"On Tuesday, Mr. Sessions said the renewed commitment to improving relationships with law enforcement should not be read as “wrong or mean or insensitive to civil rights or human rights.”
In view of the reality of current law enforcement ubiquitous malfeasance, as well as the Sessions nazi's history of racism, his statement above is no more than delusional bullshit. Worse? A non-sequitur.
“I think it’s out of a concern to make the lives of people in particularly the poor communities, minority communities, to live a safer happier life,” he said.
Proof positive day is night, night is day, and shit smells perversely sweet in the national socialist, fascist, nazi, racist, misogynist world of this GOP clueless piece of shit and others who 'think' like him. Conveniently, forget? A Republican nazi always believes he knows best. Won't be confused with the truth no matter what. These clueless pieces of human excrement perversely 'think' whites did slaves and native Americans a favor. Haughtily, falsely believe they brought 'culture' to 'savages.' ... Right, TL?
NBC News reports:
"Donald Trump's attorney general said Tuesday the Justice Department will limit its use of a tactic employed aggressively under President Obama — suing police departments for violating the civil rights of minorities."
That's precisely what the Sessions nazi was talking about when he said "... DOJ needs to “help police departments get better not diminish their effectiveness.” That is, he expects the DOJ to effectively ignore civil rights violations by the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue. He deceptively talks out both sides his racist nazi ass.
Subsequent to writing the above and shortly before posting this edition, has been widely reported the Sessions nazi failed to disclose during confirmation hearings two meetings he had with the Russian ambassador during the election campaign. Has been accused of lying under oath when specifically asked about having any contact with the Russians. Democrats called for his resignation, Republicans for him to recuse himself from the investigation of Russian interference.
3-3-17
Our oligarch Education Secretary has once again displayed profound ignorance. ABC News reports:
"Angry social media users flew into an uproar Monday evening after Education Secretary Betsy DeVos issued a statement that some said ignored the context under which historically black universities were created."
What else would be expected from this achingly inexperienced, non-educator?
"The statement called historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) “real pioneers when it comes to school choice,” and came shortly after President Donald Trump held a meeting with several HBCU leaders on Monday."
This piece of haughtily ignorant human excrement placed ideology and agenda ahead of historical reality:
"Some social media users said DeVos ignored the history of how black Americans were denied access to higher education. Meanwhile, others said the statement applauded the segregated Jim Crow education system for giving black students “more options.”
Day is night, night is day, and shit smells perversely sweet in the ass backwards world of Republican achingly fascist partisans.
3-3-17
The Trump nazi is encouraging corruption by eviscerating regulations. Worse than that? Threatening national security. NPR reports:
"One of the very first bills President Trump signed into law this month killed a Securities and Exchange Commission rule meant to promote transparency in countries riddled with corruption. Trump said getting rid of the rule, which required oil, gas and mining companies to disclose overseas royalties and other payments, would bring back jobs and save extraction companies many hours of paperwork and, potentially, hundreds of millions of dollars."
The 'President' is delusional.
"But critics of this rollback say it could make the U.S. less safe. The rule was an important national security tool, they argue, since corruption often leads to violence, instability and terrorism."
Wouldn't want to confuse the Trump nazi and his henchmen with the truth, would we?
"Former Sen. Richard Lugar, the Indiana Republican who co-authored the original legislation to require the transparency rule, was disappointed to see his fellow Republicans vote overwhelmingly in both houses of Congress to invalidate the SEC rule, which hadn't even gone into effect yet. "History shows that many resource-rich countries are very poor because the vast mineral resources have bred corruption that has led to poverty, hunger and instability," Lugar told NPR."
The Republican Party is certainly no longer what it once was.
3-3-17
The Trump nazi remains hopelessly delusional. Out to lunch. CNN commenting on a Fox interview with the 'Chief Executive' stated:
"President Donald Trump said he believes former President Barack Obama has been behind the leaks within his administration and the sizable, angry town hall crowds Republicans have faced across the country."
3-3-17
Be interesting to see how Democrats conduct themselves during the 'President's' joint speech to both houses of Congress tonight. ABC News reports:
"A liberal House Democrat from California plans to skip President Donald Trump's address to Congress this evening. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., the ranking member on the House Financial Services Committee, told House Democrats this morning that she will not attend the speech because she doesn't think she would be able to control herself, according to Democrats in the room for the caucus meeting."
Why is any Democrat or Independent attending? Why?
"The president is not going to say what I want him to say," Waters told ABC News in an interview after the meeting. "He's gonna take credit for everything." Waters has emerged as one of Trump's loudest critics on Capitol Hill. She has called his team a "bunch of scumbags" and said he is "leading himself" to impeachment."
Certainly, unflinchingly tells it like she sees it, doesn't she? LOL.
"Overall, Democrats have little appetite for causing a ruckus similar to GOP Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst against President Obama in 2009. The South Carolina congressman's "You Lie!" moment in response to a comment from Obama about health care was swiftly condemned on Capitol Hill as a breach of decorum."
Again, this is one of many eternal problems besieging Congress. Decorum trumps all. Especially, principle. Precisely, why every Democrat and Independent should do the right thing tonight. Not attend the speech. Would send one hell of a message to the Trump nazi and his henchmen.
Subsequent to writing the above, the Trump nazi speech, while delusional, devoid of details, specifics, was indeed exceptionally well-written, well-delivered. Reiterated achingly delusional campaign goals, however, but in a much less confrontational manner. The nazi stuck to the script. The speech was supposed to be unifying, an effort to bring the country together. Failed miserably. No more than vacuous, empty, less than substantive rhetoric.
Yet, an achingly gullible public bought the bullshit. Hook, line, and sinker. Despite the fact fact checkers had a field day. Despite the fact the speech lacked substance, specifics. No more than a change in tone produced by an extremely gifted speech writer or writers. Certainly, however, could see the mellowing effect his daughter Ivanka and her husband had on the nazi son of a bitch.
The 'President' called for unity and cooperation from Democrats. Imagine that. How is that possible when he continues to intend imposing his vision for our formerly great nation on all? That is, The Fourth Reich. A mellowing in tone does nothing to ameliorate opposition to policies that would leave Adolf and Benito grinning ear to ear on their fiery perches.
Be interesting to see how long this mellowing in tone continues. Likely, not very long since ferocious but peaceful resistance will remain unabated as he continues the nazification of our formerly great country. Must remain peaceful. Otherwise, grants the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue carte blanche to murder on the job.
2-24-17
Why are border officers allowed to search digital devices without a warrant? The Washington Times reports:
"The number of electronic device searches conducted by border officers surged some 500 percent in 2016, as the agency said a changing threat environment caused more people to trip their radars. The number of searches was still small. More than 1 million people entered the U.S. per day, while Customs and Border Protection searched 65 electronic devices on the average day, a senior agency official said Friday. Those searches included both U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents returning to their homes, as well as visitors and new immigrants arriving."
The jackbooted bastards have no probable cause. No warrant.
"The senior official said searches netted everything from child pornography to evidence of terrorism ties — though the official couldn’t say how many of the 23,877 device searches conducted in 2016 did expose criminal behavior. A year earlier, CBP reported just 4,764 device searches, or just 13 a day. “That’s a big jump,” said Nathan Wessler, staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union’s speech privacy and technology project. “They shouldn’t be able to do that on a hunch, or just because they feel like it. It should be based on actual suspicion of criminal wrongdoing based on fact.”
The Fourth Amendment demands probable cause and a warrant signed by a judge.
"He said information they obtained from an open-records request found that from October 2008 to June 2010 there were some 6,500 device searches, or an average of about 3,700 a year — more in line with the 2015 number, and suggesting that 2016 was a major spike. Nearly half of those searched in that period were U.S. citizens, the ACLU data showed."
Clearly, these jackbooted pieces of shit do as they please. Do so with impunity. In direct violation of the Fourth Amendment.
"Last week a NASA scientist said he was detained and border officers made him divulge the password to his work phone. He said they copied his data."
No probable cause. No warrant. An outrageous violation of constitutional rights. Why give the jackbooted bastards the password?
"Usually the device search consists of officers browsing through a smartphone’s photos or looking through a laptop’s contents, the CBP official told reporters in a briefing Friday."
Without probable cause and a warrant, it's none of their goddamned business. These jackbooted pieces of shit are traitors. Abrogate their oaths of office to protect and defend the United States Constitution. With impunity.
"In a very small number of cases, a device will be seized and held for up to five days while officers do a more thorough forensic analysis, the official said."
Goddamned outrageous. Jackbooted nazis. An exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties. Where are their swastika armbands?
"Mr. Wessler, the ACLU lawyer, said he expects to see more court challenges if the rate of searches is going up. One appeals court has already ruled that the government needs to meet higher standards if it is to do a forensic analysis on a phone."
How is this constitutional? No probable cause. No warrant.
"Border officers also can’t compel a U.S. citizen to turn over his or her password, though officers can hang onto the device for a deeper examination, so travelers face a tradeoff in that decision, the lawyer said."
This is precisely why manufacturers need to develop and deploy encryption so sophisticated it would take a supercomputer and years of effort to crack the encryption. To protect innocent citizens from the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue on fishing expeditions. Anyone willing to trade liberty for security deserves and winds up with neither.
2-24-17
Once again, our formerly great country has disgraced itself under the Trump nazi and his henchmen. The Washington Post reports:
"A hearing in El Paso County in Texas went from ordinary to “unprecedented” last week when half a dozen Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents showed up at a courthouse where an undocumented woman was seeking a protective order against the boyfriend she accused of abusing her."
Jackbooted nazi storm troopers. The Fourth Reich.
"The woman, a citizen of Mexico who was living in El Paso had been driven to the courthouse by a victim’s advocate from the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence, a shelter for victims of domestic abuse where she had been living. She left under arrest. “This is really unprecedented,” El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal told The Washington Post."
What it is is Nazi Germany reincarnated. The Fourth Reich.
"It was the first time in her 23 years at the courthouse, Bernal said, that she can remember ICE agents making their presence known during a protective order hearing. The agents had come to stake out the woman, identified by her initials I.E.G., because, Bernal speculates, they likely received a tip from the only other person who knew the time and place of the hearing — the woman’s alleged abuser."
Our nazi government cannot be trusted. Certainly, no longer under the Trump nazi and his henchmen.
“It really was a stunning event,” Bernal said. “It has an incredible chilling effect for all undocumented victims of any crime in our community.”
Victims will not come forward. Crimes perpetrated against the undocumented will go unprosecuted. No more than nazi justice in a goddamned fascist police-state. The Fourth Reich.
"It is county policy not to ask about citizenship status, Bernal said, because officials want to make clear that all victims of crime in El Paso are entitled to the same protections within the criminal justice system."
No longer in Trump's Nazi America.
"Already the policies have led to the deportation of an undocumented mother from Arizona who, rather than dodge her check-in with immigration officials, dutifully went and was detained. In Seattle, a 23-year-old man who had been living legally in the United States under the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was arrested and detained last week by ICE officials who claimed he was a gang member, something his lawyers deny."
The undocumented are seeking sanctuary in the churches:
"And in Denver, an undocumented mother of four who had been living in the United States for 20 years sought refuge in the basement of a church this week rather than check in with authorities, for fear she too would be deported."
Nazi justice in a goddamned fascist police-state. Courtesy of the Trump nazi and his henchmen.
"In El Paso, Bernal said her office, which prosecutes criminal cases and represents alleged victims of domestic violence, like I.E.G., has felt the weight of this policy shift in recent weeks. Call volume has increased from concerned El Paso residents, she said, who have reported checkpoints in certain parts of town and the appearance of ICE agents at routine traffic stops."
Apparently, the jackbooted bastards in blue are colluding with ICE storm troopers.
"Even so, Bernal said, “it’s hard to imagine how they would justify the rationale” for staking out a courtroom that deals in granting protective orders. “If that person was that dangerous, state law enforcement would have been looking for her,” Bernal said. “It doesn’t make sense why the resources would be used to go after victims of domestic abuse. … It seems to be they are continuing to victimize our client.”
It's how the jackbooted bastards get their cookies off in a goddamned fascist police-state.
"Last fall the undocumented immigrant filed her first of three police reports against her live-in boyfriend, whom she accused of punching, kicking and choking her, and of pulling her hair. A report from December alleged, according to Bernal, that after failing to stab her with a knife, the boyfriend threw the blade at her instead. He missed."
The end result of her arrest by ICE goons is quite simple, chillingly stark. A victim of a violent crime who is undocumented will not come forward. Not report the crime. Consequence? Wake up. The public will pay the price in terms of increased crime. Police will find it far more difficult to combat crime.
"District Judge Yahara Lisa Gutierrez oversees the court that issued the woman’s protective order and told the El Paso Times that it isn’t uncommon for abusers to threaten to report their undocumented partners to immigration officials as a means of control. Gutierrez told the Times that ICE agents should not act on tips from abusers. “There’s no place for that,” Gutierrez said, “especially in family court.”
No longer matters in a fascist police-state. The jackbooted goons have been granted carte blanche by the Trump nazi.
NPR reports:
"Bernal said one ICE agent was inside the protective-order courtroom, two more were guarding each exit door and other agents were staking out the 10th floor of the courthouse building. They detained the woman moments after a judge approved her protective order. Bernal said she believes that the woman was set up by her abusive boyfriend who knew the details of her court appearance. According to the El Paso Times, the boyfriend is in custody on other charges."
Goddamned nazi storm troopers.
2-24-17
In follow up to the above, CNN reports:
"US immigration officials have detained a 23-year-old man from Washington state, who was authorized to remain in the country under a program established by the Obama administration. The man, Daniel Ramirez Medina, has twice been granted deferred action and employment authorization under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, his lawyers said. The program, announced in 2012, is meant to temporarily shield qualified individuals from deportation."
Apparently, the Trump nazi and his henchmen do not recognize DACA despite their assertions to the contrary.
"The case raises questions about what it could mean for Dreamers, undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. Ramirez came to the US from Mexico when he was 7 years old and became a DACA recipient in 2014 and renewed in 2016, according to court papers filed by his attorneys. Immigration rights groups say they believe this may be the first time a Dreamer has been arrested without cause."
This is precisely what happens in a goddamned fascist police-state.
"Ramirez's lawyers have filed suit in federal court saying their client is being unlawfully held by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. "The federal government may not arbitrarily or capriciously deprive DACA recipients of these benefits, as they have here with Mr. Ramirez," his lawyers wrote in briefs filed in court."
Be interesting to see how the courts react.
"His attorneys argue Ramirez
is being "presently detained without justification" and that he presents
"no threat to national security or public safety."
An ICE spokesperson,
however, offered a different account Tuesday night. ICE said Ramirez
was taken into custody "based on his admitted gang affiliation and risk
to public safety."
Fascinating, isn't it? Someone's lying. Guess who:
"Mark Rosenbaum, counsel for Ramirez, disputed the ICE's characterization in a statement: "Mr. Ramirez unequivocally denies being in a gang. While in custody, he was repeatedly pressured by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to falsely admit affiliation. The statement issued tonight by Ms. Richeson of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is inaccurate."
ICE needs to immediately release all video, all audio, any and all recordings of their interrogation of Ramirez. Law enforcement cannot be trusted at its word. Has repeatedly lied over the decades, particularly, recently. Let's see the evidence. All of it.
"The conflicting stories come amid immigrant rights attorneys' fears that President Donald Trump's administration will target the Dreamers, who were temporarily allowed to live and work in the United States after passing background checks. About 750,000 people have received permission to stay under DACA."
If this is what is happening, indeed being perpetrated by the Trump nazi and his henchmen, the fascist son of a bitch needs to be impeached, convicted, removed from office. Won't, however, happen any time soon with all three branches of federal government dominated by Republican nazis.
CBS News reports:
"Lawyers are asking a federal court in Seattle to order the immediate release of a man detained by immigration agents despite his participation in a federal program to protect those brought to the U.S. illegally. But the U.S. Justice Department says the court has no authority over the case. In documents filed Thursday, the department said there is “no legal basis for a district court to consider any challenge” to the detention of Daniel Ramirez Medina, 23, in part because his case is pending in immigration court."
Interesting, isn't it? The 'Justice' Department is making this argument because they know immigration courts, just like IRS courts, are no more than kangaroo courts where the government's will gets ramrodded through. Justice? What's that?
"Court documents filed by the government Thursday said Ramirez admitted to having gang ties when questioned by an immigration agent. His lawyers called the allegation false. “Mr. Ramirez did not say these things because they are not true,” Mark Rosenbaum said in statement. “And while utterly implausible and wholly fabricated, these claims still would not be sufficient evidence that Mr. Ramirez is a threat to the public safety or national security.”
Doesn't matter to nazi storm troopers and their master, the Trump nazi. His henchmen goose step right along.
"CBS Seattle affiliate KIRO-TV reports Ramirez filled out a form in pencil on Feb. 10 when he was admitted to a Tacoma, Washington detention facility, requesting that he not be grouped with prison gang members because he isn’t in a gang. In the denial response form returned Feb. 15, says KIRO, there are eraser marks, deleting the words “I came in and the officer said.” Instead, the visible section shows only what followed those words: “I have gang affiliation…”
Implausible? You goddamned Llano County Republican nazis truly believe this government is incapable of this?
"Rosenbaum told KIRO it is “one of the most serious examples of governmental misconduct I have come across in over 40 years of practice.”
This bullshit goes on all over the country. At all levels of law enforcement. Will increase under the Sessions nazi and his 'Justice' Department.
"The court documents also said Ramirez had a “gang tattoo” on his forearm, but Rosenbaum said the agents misidentified it. He said it reads “La Paz BCS.” La Paz means “Peace” in Spanish and is also the capital of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, where Ramirez was born, he said."
Nazi justice in a goddamned fascist police-state. Adolf and Benito must be grinning ear to ear on their fiery perches.
"The government’s filing confirmed that Ramirez has no criminal record. Rosenbaum told reporters on a conference call Thursday he believes the government is trying to cover up mistakes made by immigration agents, calling his client’s arrest a “bogus operation.” Ramirez’s attorneys say the documents fail to show even one piece of evidence that Ramirez is affiliated with any gang."
These goddamned criminal jackbooted bastards in blue take an oath to protect and defend the United States Constitution. Instead, they raucously, traitorously, treasonously, treacherously shit on it. ... Right, TL?
Subsequent to writing the above, CBS News reports:
"A federal magistrate on Friday declined to release a man arrested by immigration agents last week despite his participation in a federal program to protect those brought to the U.S. illegally. Magistrate Judge James P. Donohue said in U.S. District Court in Seattle that Daniel Ramirez Medina must request a bond hearing from a federal immigration judge and should get one within a week."
This man has to wait a week for a bond hearing? Falsely imprisoned by Trump's jackbooted storm troopers and he has to wait a week? Nazi justice in a goddamned fascist police-state. The Fourth Reich. This goddamned government remains egregiously out of control.
2-24-17
There is a growing movement in the church community to provide sanctuary to immigrants. CNN reports:
"Since Trump was elected in November, the number of churches in the United States willing to offer sanctuary has doubled to 800, according to the Rev. Noel Anderson, national grassroots coordinator at Church World Service, a faith-based organization that helps the less fortunate. "The faith community in general, after the election, were looking for 'what can we do' to support the immigrant community," Anderson said. "And the sanctuary movement offered a concrete way for people to respond and show support and solidarity with undocumented people." The movement has spread beyond churches. More than 6,000 Americans have signed a pledge through Groundswell, an online social action platform, agreeing to open up their homes, churches, schools, hospitals, college campuses and community centers to immigrants in fear."
This is truly heroic considering the fact that aiding an illegal immigrant is reportedly a felony punishable by prison time and a fine.
"Any church or group can pledge to become a sanctuary. But that doesn't mean the immigrants they shelter are protected from deportation. "The Immigration and Nationality law doesn't use the word sanctuary at all," said Leon Fresco, a former assistant attorney general at the Department of Justice's Office of Immigration Litigation. "It (sanctuary church) is more of a political term."
Interesting, isn't it?
"There also is a criminal law that prohibits harboring an undocumented immigrant. But Fresco doubts anyone would exercise it to go after a priest or a pastor. "I don't think I've ever seen a church that has ever been prosecuted for harboring; but certainly the law permits that," he told CNN. "I don't know what jury you could get to convict somebody in that situation," Fresco added. "It could end up being more damaging than anything else."
What it could do is spark an unwanted dreaded second American revolution already catastrophically looming on the horizon.
NPR reports:
"The new sanctuary movement is having some success. Since the current ICE crackdown, 11 of 13 immigrants who have sought protection in churches have gotten stays of deportation after their cases were made public, reports Church World Service."
2-24-17
Here's precisely what's driving the Trump nazi and his henchmen vis a vis immigration. The Washington Post reports:
"Roy White wants to inform as many Americans as possible about the terrorists he sees in their midst."
Sounds remarkably like Sen. Joe McCarthy and the McCarthy era some sixty years ago. Gutless, unbridled paranoia.
"The lean, 62-year-old Air Force veteran strode into the Texas State Capitol in late January wearing a charcoal-gray pinstripe suit and an American flag tie, with the mission of warning all 181 lawmakers about a Muslim group sponsoring a gathering of Texas Muslims at the Capitol the following day. Although the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) works to promote Muslim civil rights across America, White wanted to convince lawmakers that it is actually working to infiltrate the U.S. government and destroy American society from within."
This is one sick, fascist son of a bitch.
“They’re jihadists wearing suits,” White said of CAIR and other Muslim organizations. “That’s a tough thing for us to wrap our heads around because we don’t feel threatened.”
You're achingly psychotic, Mr. White.
"White is the San Antonio chapter president of ACT for America, an organization that brands itself as “the nation’s largest grass-roots national security advocacy organization” and attacks what it sees as the creeping threat of sharia, or Islamic law, in the form of Muslim organizations, mosques, refugees and sympathetic politicians."
Like Steve Bannon? -- The equally psychotic nazi now working for the Trump nazi.
"ACT, which has been a vocal advocate for President Trump and his administration, says it now has “a direct line” to the president and an ability to influence the direction of the nation."
Indeed, Bannon himself:
"Stephen K. Bannon, the former executive chairman of Breitbart who has described Muslim American groups as “cultural jihadists” bent on destroying American society, is Trump’s chief strategist. Breitbart has published several articles Gabriel has written. Trump’s CIA Director, Mike Pompeo, has spoken at ACT’s conferences and sponsored an ACT meeting at the Capitol last year."
Two insane psychotic pieces of trash now working for the Trump nazi.
"Ahmed Bedier, former executive director of CAIR’s Tampa chapter, said ACT distorts Islam and works to present it as a belief that doesn’t deserve religious protection in the United States. He considers that a very dangerous proposition for the American Muslim population."
Not only for Muslims, however. These pieces of nazi shit remain an exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties of the entire citizenry.
“These guys are the fringe of the fringe, and now they have people on the inside of the most powerful government in the world,” said Bedier, who has frequently sparred publicly with ACT. “They’re fascists. They don’t want any presence of Muslims in America. And the only Muslim that is acceptable to them is a former Muslim.”
Adolf Hitler reincarnated. The Fourth Reich.
"In recent weeks, ACT has lobbied on behalf of Trump’s travel ban. On Wednesday, it circulated a message to its followers claiming that Flynn’s fall was the work of “rogue weasels” and “shadow warriors” within the U.S. government trying to destroy Trump."
Straight out of the German Nazi Fuhrer's playbook some eighty years ago. Gets worse:
"Two days before White set off down the halls of the state Capitol with an armful of papers accusing CAIR of being a terrorist organization, he and a guest speaker convened a meeting of ACT’s San Antonio chapter at a Baptist church on the west side of town."
Sick sycophants. Sick religion.
"A few dozen residents — mostly consisting of older, white Trump supporters who arrived in cars with bumper stickers identifying themselves as “Deplorables” and those wanting to “put God back in America” — gathered in the pews for a screening of “Enemies Within.” The film, which White planned to show at the statehouse, purports to document an ongoing communist and Muslim conspiracy to infiltrate the U.S. government. Afterward, the group was abuzz with fresh outrage."
Insanity runs rampant. Precisely, why our formerly great country continues to nazify.
“They should be hauled out of Congress and taken to Guantánamo!” a military veteran said of the few dozen elected officials — including Hillary Clinton and the only two Muslim members of Congress — identified in the film as having connections to terrorists. “Can’t we get a law passed so we can go in and get these people the hell out of our government?”
This is yet another reason why an unwanted dreaded second American revolution catastrophically looms on the horizon. Psychotic religious nazis are a continuing exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties.
"White and the filmmaker, Trevor Loudon, assured the group that there is “a new sheriff in town.” Trump’s election has presented a “God-given opportunity,” Loudon said. “The fate of the Western world” now depends on how they use it. “We have four years — the most important four years of our lives — to redouble the efforts,” he said. “If we blow it, our kids live in slavery. If we succeed, we can have a new golden age, not just in America, but all over the world.”
Ever watch Hitler's newsreels? History is chillingly repeating itself.
"White urged the group to start by calling, writing and visiting their lawmakers. He said he needed volunteers to “begin to do some deep research” into a list of about 400 addresses that he had compiled of mosques and Muslim-affiliated “entities” to begin to “connect the dots.”
What's next? Cattle cars, death camps, ovens? The quotes are from a very gifted, insightful writer, Abigail Hauslohner.
2-24-17
Fortunately, not all people are bigoted Islamaphobic sick sycophants of the Trump nazi. Get this. CBS News reports:
"Thanks to the kindness of thousands of strangers, a Texas mosque that was destroyed in a fire on Saturday already has the funds it needs to rebuild."
Imagine that. Quite a figurative slap to the face of the nazis now running our formerly great country. ... Running it straight into the ground.
"The Islamic Center of Victoria in Texas started a GoFundMe campaign hours after the building burned down. Within three days, the center surpassed its $850,000 fundraising goal, receiving nearly $1 million in donations by more than 20,000 people by mid-Tuesday morning."
How about that?
“Today our faith in humanity has been rekindled again!” the Islamic center posted on Facebook Sunday. “The thousands of messages, prayers and donations from all over the globe have been phenomenal.”
Proof positive there is indeed ferocious but peaceful resistance to the Trump nazi, his henchmen, and sick sycophants.
"The center also thanked those who drove from Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Fort Worth to join a gathering that was held in wake of the fire."
2-24-17
Resistance is growing to the Trump nazi. People are standing tall against Trump's imposition of The Fourth Reich. NPR reports:
"At a rally in New York City's Times Square on Sunday, protesters filled three city blocks to express solidarity with Muslims. The crowd gathered to speak out against President Trump's executive order — now on hold after a unanimous federal appeals court decision — banning immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries."
Going on all over the country.
"Organized by the Foundation For Ethnic Understanding — a coalition of religious groups led by record label founder Russell Simmons, Rabbi Marc Schneider and others — speakers at the protest included New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio, activist Linda Sarsour and Imam Shamsi Ali."
What is particularly noteworthy here is the fact people across the ideological and religious spectrum are uniting against the Trump nazi.
"We're using the Muslim community as a scapegoat. We are being mean to the people who are the victims of terrorism," Simmons, a former friend of Trump, told the crowd. After Trump called for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S. in 2015, Simmons penned an open letter describing Trump as a "one-man wrecking ball willing to destroy our nation's foundation of freedom."
This is precisely the problem. All civil and constitutional rights and liberties are under vicious attack by the Nazi Right.
"While you are saying, 'I am Muslim too,' I say to you, 'I am unapologetically Muslim all day, every day,' " said Linda Sarsour, executive director of the Arab American Association of New York. She brought attention to the date — Feb. 19 — which marks the 75th anniversary of when President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, authorizing the forced relocation of more than 100,000 Japanese-Americans to incarceration camps."
Quite right. Proof positive the threat to liberty comes from both major political parties.
"I ask you ... that you commit to being part of the true, never-again generation," Sarsour told the crowd. "Not on our watch, not on my watch, not on your watch."
That's why ferocious but peaceful resistance must continue. -- As reported in an earlier edition here and elsewhere, American prisoners of war in a German Nazi POW camp stood tall. The Nazi commander placed a pistol against the head of the American officer in charge and ordered him to disclose the identity of his troops who were Jewish.
The officer refused. Stood tall. So did his troops. Uncommon valor. They told the son of a bitch they were all Jews. ... To a man. Pissing the living shit out of the Nazi bastard. He nonetheless backed down. This is precisely what must occur here. Right now. Uncommon valor.
"Bajes was standing next to Ellen Landsberger, who she'd just met at the rally. "I'm Jewish," Landsberger said, her arm around Bajes, "in the '40s, my people were turned away. The Holocaust happened. Today, it's Muslims that are being turned away. As my sister here said, we're all one people."
That's the way it once was. Has to be once again, -- if this formerly great country is to survive.
"As one of the signs here says," Landsberger said, "the irony of this — and the actions here — is that this has united us in more ways than he'll ever divide us."
2-24-17
Think the Trump nazi isn't erratic? Watch the latest press conference? Does the following make any sense? Any sense at all? From the Fox News transcript, a sampling of the 'President's' egregious unfitness for office:
"(12:57:36) I think I'll say a few words, and then we'll take some questions. And I had this time. We've been negotiating a lot of different transactions to save money on contracts that were terrible, including airplane contracts that were out of control and late and terrible; just absolutely catastrophic in terms of what was happening. And we've done some really good work. We're very proud of that"
Say what?
"(12:58:04) And then right after that, you prepare yourselves, we'll do some questions, unless you have enough questions. That's always a possibility"
What is he talking about? What?
"(12:59:05) Plants and factories are already starting to move back into the United States, and big league -- Ford, General Motors, so many of them. I'm making this presentation directly to the American people, with the media present, which is an honor to have you"
What is he talking about? Simply, untrue. Delusional. Egregious distortion of reality. A lie.
"(12:59:20) This morning, because many of our nation's reporters and folks will not tell you the truth, and will not treat the wonderful people of our country with the respect that they deserve. And I hope going forward we can be a little bit -- a little bit different, and maybe get along a little bit better, if that's possible. Maybe it's not, and that's OK, too"
This man has lost his mind. His remarks make no sense.
"12:59:42) TRUMP: Unfortunately, much of the media in Washington, D.C., along with New York, Los Angeles in particular, speaks not for the people, but for the special interests and for those profiting off a very, very obviously broken system. The press has become so dishonest that if we don't talk about, we are doing a tremendous disservice to the American people. Tremendous disservice"
The Trump nazi speaks for the top 1%, including the corporate management suite, shareholders, and the rich. Not the rest of us. The media hasn't done a good enough job exposing this lying son of a bitch for the charlatan he truly is. An exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties he and his henchmen truly are.
"(13:00:11) We have to talk to find out what's going on, because the press honestly is out of control. The level of dishonesty is out of control"
Say what? This achingly clueless, fascist son of a bitch has it ass backwards. He and his henchmen are out of control. This is why he is repeatedly being taken to court, challenged as he continues to take a raucous hard dump on the Constitution, rule of law. He lies on a daily basis, contradicts himself constantly, distorts reality as he sees fit, moves the goal posts as convenient. He's delusional.
"(13:00:17) I ran for president to present the citizens of our country. I am here to change the broken system so it serves their families and their communities well. I am talking -- and really talking on this very entrenched power structure, and what we're doing is we're talking about the power structure; we're talking about its entrenchment. As a result, the media is going through what they have to go through too often times distort - not all the time - and some of the media is fantastic, I have to say - they're honest and fantastic"
He insanely, irrationally talks out both sides his ass. Intentionally duped the dopes who voted for him. They're beginning to finally see he's not for the little guy. Rather, the corporate management suite and top 1%. Less than half the electorate bought his bullshit. He doesn't seem to understand that. Remains oblivious to the fact he has great opposition, ferocious but peaceful resistance ahead. The system is indeed broken. Has become a zero-sum, winner-take-all charade. Courtesy of the Trump nazi, his henchmen, and the corporate management suite. His voters are finally beginning to understand this.
"(13:04:48) We have to have a strong law enforcement also. So we do not go abroad in the search of war, we really are searching for peace, but its peace through strength. At home, we have begun the monumental task of returning the government back to the people on a scale not seen in many, many years. In each of these actions, I'm keeping my promises to the American people. These are campaign promises. Some people are so surprised that we're having strong borders"
This man is off his rocker. All the above? A non-sequitur.
"(13:05:37) They lied to the American people in order to get elected. Some of the things I'm doing probably aren't popular but they're necessary for security and for other reasons"
The hell they are. Has nothing to do with "security." What other "reasons?" You're talking out your psychotic ass, Mr. 'President.'
"(13:10:17) We've stood up for the men and women of law enforcement, directing federal agencies to ensure they are protected from crimes of violence"
That's delusional. The criminal jackbooted bastards in blue are murdering unarmed innocent people across the country with impunity. The public desperately needs protection from the 'protectors.'
"(13:11:28) And the wall is going to be a great wall and it's going to be a wall negotiated by me. The price is going to come down just like it has on everything else I've negotiated for the government. And we are going to have a wall that works, not gonna have a wall like they have now which is either non-existent or a joke"
You, Mr. 'President,' are the joke. ... No question and certainly, the joke is on the idiots who voted for you. Dopes, duped.
"(13:13:03) I will not back down from defending our country. I got elected on defense of our country. I keep my campaign promises, and our citizens will be very happy when they see the result. They already are, I can tell you that"
Is that why resistance is exponentially growing across the country? Ferocious, but peaceful resistance designed to prevent imposition of The Fourth Reich.
"(13:15:15) We've begun preparing to repeal and replace Obamacare. Obamacare is a disaster, folks. It is's disaster. I know you can say, oh, Obamacare. I mean, they fill up our alleys with people that you wonder how they get there, but they are not the Republican people our that representatives are representing"
Say what? Totally unintelligible. ... This man fit to have his finger on the nuclear button?
"(13:15:39) So we've begun preparing to repeal and replace Obamacare, and are deep in the midst of negotiations on a very historic tax reform to bring our jobs back, to bring our jobs back to this country. Big league. It's already happening. But big league"
The hell it is. This man is delusional.
"(13:26:36) So they took this front page story out of The Wall Street Journal top and they just wrote the story that its not true. And I'll tell you something, I'll be honest, because I sort of enjoy this back and forth that I guess I have all my life but I've never seen more dishonest media than frankly, the political media. I thought the financial media was much better, much more honest"
Say what?
"(13:26:58) But I will say that, I never get phone calls from the media. How did they write a story like that in The Wall Street Journal without asking me or how did they write a story in The New York Times, put it on front page? That was like the story they wrote about the women and me, front page, big massive story. And it was nasty and then they called, they said we never said that, we like Mr. Trump. They called up my office, we like Mr"
Say what?
"(13:27:25) Trump, we never said that"
Said what? What did they say, Mr.'President?' What?
"(13:27:28) And it was totally -- they totally misrepresented those very wonderful women, I have to tell you, totally misrepresented. I said give us the retraction"
"(13:27:39) They never gave us a retraction and frankly, I then went on to other things"
Say what???
"(13:36:50) QUESTION: Did you direct Mike Flynn to discuss sanctions with the Russian ambassador -
"(13:36:52) TRUMP: No, I didn't"
Will certainly take a criminal investigation to determine whether or not the Trump nazi is telling the truth.
"(14:12:08) We're not going to try and stop, we're going to stop crime. But it's very important to me - but this isn't Donald Trump that divided a nation. We went eight years with President Obama and we went many years before President Obama. We lived in a divided nation. And I am going to try - I will do everything within my power to fix that. I want to thank everybody very much
"(14:12:33) It's a great honor to be with you. Thank you. Thank you very much, thanks"
The Trump nazi will fix nothing. Resistance will exponentially grow as our formerly great country continues to nazify under the Trump nazi and his henchmen. Protest must remain ferocious but peaceful. Otherwise, you grant the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue carte blanche to murder on the job.
2-24-17
The Trump nazi seems to be hamstringing Tillerson in his new job as Secretary of State:
ABC News reports:
"Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made his debut on the world stage this week, traveling to Bonn, Germany, for the Group of 20 summit where he met with his counterparts from more than a dozen countries. It was the first opportunity for the former Exxon Mobil CEO to show off the vaunted management skills and global experience that marked his time at the oil company and made him a marquee name for President Trump’s cabinet. But what the public saw was America’s top diplomat appearing hamstrung by a peremptory White House and hesitant to speak up."
Sad, isn't it? A former CEO muzzled? Hard to believe. Yet, there is enormous uncertainty due to the Trump nazi.
"Tillerson’s role as secretary of state has been scaled back. The secretary of state is normally the spokesperson for American foreign policy. But Tillerson's State Department has been sidelined in many of the Trump administration’s key decisions. There was limited consultation with the State Department on the president's travel ban; most of State’s senior staff position have been left vacant during his brief tenure; and there were reports that the department was caught off guard by the White House’s new stance on the prospect of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict."
Think he'll last? A CEO is too used to being top banana, running the show. There is much more to this than meets the eye. CBS News reports:
"While Rex Tillerson is on his first overseas trip as Secretary of State, his aides laid off staff at the State Department on Thursday."
Fascinating, isn't it?
"Much of seventh-floor staff, who work for the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources and the Counselor offices, were told today that their services were no longer needed."
Is that right? Think so?
"These staffers in particular are often the conduit between the secretary’s office to the country bureaus, where the regional expertise is centered. Inside the State Department, some officials fear that this is a politically-minded purge that cuts out much-needed expertise from the policy-making, rather than simply reorganizing the bureaucracy."
Might very well be. Especially, as the Trump nazi consolidates power, reserves more and more of it to himself:
"There are clear signals being sent that many key foreign policy portfolios will be controlled directly by the White House, rather than through the professional diplomats."
If this is true, the Trump nazi has once again demonstrated egregious unfitness for office.
2-24-17
Peaceful but ferocious resistance does work. Think not? The Washington Post reports:
"In her first full week as U.S. education secretary, Betsy DeVos wasted no time in getting to work to try to explain her vision for education and the U.S. Education Department — and to go after her critics, saying they want to make her life “a living hell.” She also said she has identified people in the department who want her to fail, but vowed not to let them."
Keep resisting. Peacefully. Continue to protest. Increase pressure on the oligarch.
"She was met with protests at the first D.C. public school she visited as education secretary, and the San Diego Board of Education decided not to vote on a resolution to invite her to visit the city’s public schools."
That's good. Resist. There is legitimate reason for doing this:
"In a speech and several interviews, DeVos made clear that she is planning to push the expansion of school choice — charter schools, voucher programs and other alternatives to traditional public schools."
This is a problem for two reasons. The first is the fact she desperately seeks to ultimately shut down the public school system by stripping it of tax dollars necessary to keep it solvent. Second, she will use vouchers to force taxpayers to finance sending kids to Evangelist schools that embrace religious fascism. Direct violation of the First Amendment, church-state separation, that is freedom from religion.
"In an interview with conservative columnist Cal Thomas published on Feb. 16, the Michigan billionaire blasted protesters for the second time in the same week, saying they are “sponsored and very carefully planned” and not “genuine protests.” “We’ve seen enough written that they want to make my life a living hell. They also don’t know what stock I come from. I will not be deterred from my mission in helping kids in this country.”
A nazi always falsely blames protest as staged, paid for. Won't accept the reality that fascism will always be ferociously but peacefully resisted in this country. This is just the beginning. Resistance will grow stronger as the public realizes they've been bamboozled by the Trump nazi and his henchmen. Dopes duped.
In another Washington Post article, they report:
"Newly minted Education Secretary Betsy DeVos had a hard time getting inside the District’s Jefferson Middle School Academy last week when protesters briefly blocked her from entering. But at the end of her visit — her first to a public school since taking office — she stood on Jefferson’s front steps and pronounced it “awesome.”
Is that right?
"A few days later, she seemed less enamored. The teachers at Jefferson were sincere, genuine and dedicated, she said, they seemed to be in “receive mode.” “They’re waiting to be told what they have to do, and that’s not going to bring success to an individual child,” DeVos told a columnist for the conservative online publication Townhall. “You have to have teachers who are empowered to facilitate great teaching.”
That's Aryan arrogance on the part of a clueless oligarch who has no experience teaching. None at all. Doesn't know what she's talking about. Here is what's so galling regarding this piece of crap:
"DeVos, who has no professional experience in public education, is an avowed proponent of voucher schools, charter schools, online schools and other alternatives to traditional public schools. Teachers across the country have been galled by what they see as her lack of faith in — and understanding of — the public schools that educate nearly nine in 10 of the nation’s children."
What else would be expected from a clueless oligarch whose agenda is to impose her perverse ideological and religious views on others?
"Jefferson educators found her comments about their work hard to take: On Friday evening, the school responded to DeVos via its Twitter account, taking exception to the education secretary’s characterization of Jefferson teachers. “We’re about to take her to school,” the first of 11 rapid-fire tweets said."
Go for it.
"The tweetstorm singled out teachers like Jessica Harris, who built Jefferson’s band program “from the ground up,” and Ashley Shepherd and Britany Locher, who not only teach students ranging from a first- to eighth-grade reading level, but also “maintain a positive classroom environment focused on rigorous content, humor, and love. They aren’t waiting to be told what to do.”
Indeed. They're doing their job.
“JA teachers are not in a ‘receive mode,'” the tweets concluded. “Unless you mean we ‘receive’ students at a 2nd grade level and move them to an 8th grade level.”
They needed to have peacefully directly confronted this piece of shit, sad excuse for a Cabinet member who remains grossly unqualified for the job.
"Here are the tweets from Jefferson Middle School Academy, or @jatrojans:
This is what Sec. DeVos said about our teachers after her visit. Needless to say, we're about to take her to school… @dcpublicschools pic.twitter.com/Wcx1YyqDHL
— Jefferson Academy (@JATrojans) February 18, 2017
First, the secretary visited the classroom of Ashley Shepherd and Britany Locher, a dynamic co-teaching team that differentiates for the…
— Jefferson Academy (@JATrojans) February 18, 2017
needs of students ranging from a first grade level to an eighth grade level in reading. They build amazing relationships with students and..
— Jefferson Academy (@JATrojans) February 18, 2017
maintain a positive classroom environment focused on rigorous content, humor, and love. They aren't waiting to be told what to do.
— Jefferson Academy (@JATrojans) February 18, 2017
Then she saw Latisha Trent in action. Ms. Trent has been at Jefferson for 3 years, and each year her students grow MULTIPLE grade levels…
— Jefferson Academy (@JATrojans) February 18, 2017
in Math. EVERY student realizes his or her maximum potential in Ms. Trent's room. She isn't waiting to be told what to do.
— Jefferson Academy (@JATrojans) February 18, 2017
Then the Sec. met Band teacher Jessica Harris, who has built our Music program from the ground up. Ms. Harris pours her heart into her work.
— Jefferson Academy (@JATrojans) February 18, 2017
Ms. Harris is patient, kind, relentless, and reflective. She is everything you want in a teacher. She isn't waiting to be told what to do.
— Jefferson Academy (@JATrojans) February 18, 2017
Morgan Markbreiter was there as well. Ms. MB has unleashed the passion of countless students through her Video Game Design course. MB also..
— Jefferson Academy (@JATrojans) February 18, 2017
runs our INCREDIBLE after-school program, which provides FREE tutoring and enrichment to our kids. She isn't waiting to be told what to do.
— Jefferson Academy (@JATrojans) February 18, 2017
JA teachers are not in a "receive mode." Unless you mean we "receive" students at a 2nd grade level and move them to an 8th grade level.
— Jefferson Academy (@JATrojans) February 18, 2017"
The above quotes are courtesy of Emma Brown, an exceptionally gifted and insightful writer.
2-24-17
In follow up to the last edition, The Washington Post reports:
"Former national security adviser Michael Flynn denied to FBI agents in an interview last month that he had discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with that country’s ambassador to the United States before President Trump took office, contradicting the contents of intercepted communications collected by intelligence agencies, current and former U.S. officials said."
If true, that's a criminal offense.
"The Jan. 24 interview potentially puts Flynn in legal jeopardy. Lying to the FBI is a felony offense. But several officials said it is unclear whether prosecutors would attempt to bring a case, in part because Flynn may parse the definition of the word “sanctions.” He also followed his denial to the FBI by saying he couldn’t recall all of the conversation, officials said."
In other words, the bastard would receive special treatment from prosecutors. How many innocent citizens have been falsely convicted of lying to FBI goons? Didn't stop prosecutors from prosecuting and obtaining a false conviction. No equal treatment for the high and mighty? Complicating matters? Get this:
"Any decision to prosecute would ultimately lie with the Justice Department. A spokesman for Flynn said he had no response. The FBI and the Justice Department declined to comment."
Truly believe the Sessions nazi would prosecute? Not take care of the former Trump henchman? As the investigations continue, be interesting to see if in fact Sessions is forced to act no matter what. At the very least, recuse himself and call for a special prosecutor. NBC News reports:
"The resignation of national security adviser Michael Flynn raises deep, unresolved questions about President Donald Trump's relationship with Russia and whether America's longtime adversary tried to tilt the election in his favor."
If there was any collusion, any at all that comes out as a result of these ongoing investigations, all bets are off.
"The leap from Flynn's actions to some broader conspiracy remains huge. But the lingering concerns could develop into a legal minefield for the White House, as congressional inquiries unfold and calls mount for an independent criminal probe, lawyers and scholars say."
Indeed. Especially, if there is any perjury by witnesses during congressional probes.
"Other officials from the Trump campaign or White House could potentially be swept into the scandal, which has fed suspicions of Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, his business ties with Russia and reports of Russian hackers' leaking information that damaged Trump's rival, Hillary Clinton."
What incredibly complex webs we weave.
"The problem isn't what already has happened. It's what will happen now, as the Senate investigations ramp up," said Stan Brand, a former general counsel to the House of Representatives who has represented high-profile government officials in public corruption cases."
Quite true. Perilous times ahead regarding both this matter as well as the continued nazification of our formerly great country under the Trump nazi and his henchmen.
2-24-17
The Trump nazi is delusional. Suffers from a highly distorted view of reality. Consider the following from CBS News:
“I don’t think there’s ever been a president elected who in this short period of time has done what we’ve done,” President Trump said. “This administration is running like a fine-tuned machine,” he said."
Think so?
"Democratic Senator Dick Durbin says that is wildly off the mark."
You think?
“Every new administration has its growing pains but consider his. He had to dismiss his acting attorney general. He faced an executive order which was rejected by three different federal courts, and then he had to take the resignation of his national security advisor,” Durbin said. “That’s never happened to any president in history. Fine-tuned machine? Off to a pretty rough start.”
You think?
"The president complained that Congress is blocking him. “I can’t get my Cabinet approved,” he said."
Good reason for that.
"But Democrats say his Cabinet nominees are so controversial they deserve to be blocked or at least delayed. One labor department nominee, Andrew Puzder, withdrew his name just yesterday. On the economy, Mr. Trump said, “To be honest, I inherited a mess.”
Outrageously, untrue. Far better than it was when Obama first took office.
"In fact, he inherited an unemployment rate of less than 5 percent. By contrast, President Obama inherited an economy in the deepest recession since the Great Depression."
Wouldn't want to confuse the Trump nazi and his henchmen with the truth, would we?
2-24-17
Trump keeps falsely claiming success of his regime to date despite egregious failures. NBC News reports:
"President Donald Trump has not received the job approval rating that past presidents enjoyed when starting out as leaders of the free world, according to a polling data released Friday. In fact, it is historically low. Trump's approval rating sits at 40 percent — 21 points lower than the average for presidents in the February of their first term, according to a Gallup poll comparison. It is also 11 points lower than Bill Clinton''s, who had held the previous low after one month in office with an approval rating of 51 percent, Gallup said."
Wouldn't want to confuse the delusional nazi and his henchmen with the truth, would we?
2-24-17
Carefully consider the following. NPR reports:
"In a series of recent interviews, President Donald Trump's longtime personal physician Dr. Harold N. Bornstein told The New York Times that our new commander in chief has what amounts to a pretty unremarkable medical chart. Bornstein also told the Times that should he be appointed White House doctor, he probably wouldn't test the president for baseline dementia risk, something many doctors have argued should be mandatory."
May be forced to by public reaction to the Trump nazi's increasingly erratic behavior.
"At 70, Trump is the oldest American president to ever take office. Couple his age with a family history of dementia — his father Fred developed Alzheimer's disease in his 80s — and one could argue that the question of baseline cognitive testing for the U.S. head of state has taken on new relevance."
No question.
2-24-17
Without naming him, John McCain certainly stuck it to the Trump nazi in a speech delivered in Munich. CBS News reports:
"McCain, who has openly quarreled with the president, said “more and more of our fellow citizens seem to be flirting with authoritarianism and romanticizing it as our moral equivalent.”
Indeed, spot on, Senator.
"The senator lamented the “hardening resentment we see toward immigrants, and refugees, and minority groups, especially Muslims.” During the presidential campaign, Mr. Trump promised to stop Muslims from entering the U.S. and shortly after taking office issued an executive order banning travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations."
Highly reminiscent of Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini.
"McCain also said the alliance’s founders would be “alarmed by the growing inability, and even unwillingness, to separate truth from lies.” While bashing the news media for being dishonest, Mr. Trump has ignored facts and sought to blame others for his miscues. Trump tweeted Friday that the news media are “the enemy of the American people.”
Interesting, isn't it? Courageous of the Senator to stand up, break with the 'President.' Place principle ahead of partisanship.
NBC News reports:
"Sen. John McCain is taking a veiled swipe at President Donald Trump's ongoing attack on the fourth estate, cautioning that "how dictators get started" is by shutting down the press. The Republican Arizona senator, in an exclusive interview on Meet the Press airing Sunday, admitted that the relationship between the media and elected officials can sometimes be tense — highlighted by the Trump administration's repeated sparring with reporters and the president calling news organizations "fake news."
These very same tactics were used by Hitler.
"Speaking from Germany, where he was attending the Munich Security Conference, McCain said that without a free press, "I am afraid that we would lose so much of our individual liberties over time. That's how dictators get started."
What we're seeing here is a pernicious repeat of history.
"McCain clarified that he wasn't referring to the president as a dictator, but that attacks on journalists who are questioning those in power are usually a hallmark of autocratic governments."
The Trump nazi is behaving like a dictator. ... If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, looks like a duck, it is a duck.
"When you look at history," McCain said, "the first thing that dictators do is shut down the press. And I'm not saying that President Trump is trying to be a dictator. I'm just saying we need to learn the lessons of history."
Sorry, Senator, you are talking out both sides your ass. The Trump nazi is out of control, a narcissist, a liar, an autocrat. The list can go on and on. You have a well-earned reputation of telling it like it is. The hell with partisanship. Stand up for principle. No matter the political cost. You're nearing the end of your long, distinguished political career. Let it rip. You have nothing to lose. Rightfully excoriating the Trump nazi vis a vis his egregious unfitness for office can only solidify your place in history.
2-24-17
In follow up to the above, get this. CNN reports:
"Carl Bernstein, the former Washington Post reporter who helped crack the Watergate case, thinks Trump is way worse. "Trump's attacks on the American press as enemies of the American people are more treacherous than Richard Nixon's," Bernstein told CNN's Brian Stelter on "Reliable Sources" on Sunday. Bernstein is a CNN political commentator."
Interesting take, isn't it? Having personally lived through the Nixon fiasco decades earlier, Mr. Bernstein is, indeed, spot on. "Tricky Dick," despite egregious flaws, had respect for the courts and rule of law when the shit finally hit the fan. The Trump nazi, to date, does not. Equally pointedly, Nixon, unlike the Trump nazi, was not psychotic.
"Bernstein maintained that reporting on Trump's words is an important part of the current narrative. "That is a big part of this story -- just as it was when we were looking at Richard Nixon's words as well as his actions," he said. "The two fit together." Reporters are just doing their jobs, Bernstein said."
He's right. They are not, however, sufficiently and proverbially holding the nazi bastard's feet to the fire.
"We are not enemies of the American people," he said. "In fact we're the last resort of the American people to a dictatorial and authoritarian-inclined president."
Sadly, they are not the last resort. The Founders knew this. Precisely, why there is a Second Amendment. Hear the rumble? An unwanted dreaded second American revolution already catastrophically looming on the horizon.
2-24-17
Not all of Trump's henchmen are on board with his criticism of the media. NPR reports:
"Defense Secretary James Mattis said on Sunday that he disagreed with President Donald Trump's recent declaration that the press is "the enemy." Speaking with reporters while traveling in the United Arab Emirates, Mattis said that although he, too, has at times had a contentious relationship with reporters, "the press, as far as I'm concerned, are a constituency that we deal with, and I don't have any issues with the press myself."
A free press, as guarantied by the First Amendment, is indispensable to a democratic republic.
"On Saturday, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus told CBS's John Dickerson that the press should take the president's criticisms seriously. He directed particular anger at the anonymous leaks that have become a nearly daily source of frustration for the new administration."
Leaks are the only way the public will get the truth in an administration that is achingly indifferent to transparency.
"I think that the media needs to stop with this unnamed source stuff," Priebus said. "Put names on a piece of paper and print it. If people aren't willing to put their name next to a quote, then the quote shouldn't be listed."
If that was press policy, the truth would never come out. Precisely, what the Trump nazi and most of his henchmen desperately want. ... As did Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini.
2-24-17
The Trump nazi has severely damaged international relations, particularly with our allies. Further evidence? CNN reports:
"Even as he worked to assure European leaders that the Trump administration isn't looking to scrap longstanding transatlantic ties, Vice President Mike Pence was met with outward skepticism from the bloc's top leaders on Monday."
Appalling, isn't it? Dangerous as well.
The Washington Post reports:
"A growing roster of Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill say they believe President Trump’s pugnacious rhetoric and unpredictable behavior threaten to diminish the United States’ standing around the world, do real damage to fragile diplomatic relationships and even weaken global stability."
An out of control, delusional Trump nazi.
"Lawmakers are speaking in increasingly urgent tones about Trump’s unusual foreign policy statements and his tendency to pick fights with domestic and international figures. They say it has taken a toll on the way key allies, foes and other foreign observers view the United States. Even members of Trump’s own party are having difficulties vouching for him."
Due to his increasingly irrational statements.
“A country’s more than one person,” said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), when asked whether he is concerned that the president’s words have harmed the U.S. image. The senator, who dined Wednesday with Trump but has also criticized the president’s posture toward Russia, added: “There’s more than one voice in America.”
Time to stand up, Mr. Rubio. Place country ahead of partisanship. Do so far more stridently than you have to date.
"In a striking speech to international defense officials gathered Friday in Germany, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) suggested that the survival of the Western world is at risk from some of the ideas Trump has embraced."
Indeed. That's true. You're one of few Republicans willing to stand up to this scourge.
“The next panel asks us to consider whether the West will survive. In recent years, this question would invite accusations of hyperbole and alarmism. Not this year,” McCain said, according to prepared remarks delivered Friday at the Munich Security Conference. “If ever there were a time to treat this question with a deadly seriousness, it is now.”
It is. Where are the rest of your GOP colleagues, Senator? Their silence is deafening.
2-24-17
On a lighter note, NBC News reports:
"A dossier on Donald Trump's psychological makeup is being prepared for Russian President Vladimir Putin."
2-24-17
Trouble in paradise? The Trump nazi's lavish lifestyle is costing taxpayers dearly vis a vis security costs. Not only that, it's costing businesses. Think not? CBS News reports:
"President Donald Trump’s frequent visits to Mar-a-Lago have companies at a nearby airport in a financial nosedive. The Secret Service closed Lantana Airport on Friday for the third straight weekend because of the president’s return to his Palm Beach resort, meaning its maintenance companies, a banner-flying business and another two dozen businesses are also shuttered, costing them thousands of dollars at the year’s busiest time."
Well-to-do residents in Mar-a-Logo are growing tired of all the hoopla. Nothing is expected to change any time in the near future. The cost of security is enormous. Not only are taxpayers footing the bill for security at New York's Trump Tower, the Mar-a-Lago estate, but also for his jet setting kids conducting business all over the globe. Question. Why isn't the billionaire oligarch stepping up, doing the right thing, that is, offering to reimburse taxpayers?
In follow up to the above, imagine being a local resident and having to put up with the following. ABC News reports:
"Fighter jets were scrambled in Florida Friday night to intercept an unresponsive plane that violated restricted airspace over President Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, creating a sonic boom that alarmed some residents, officials said. Some residents mistook the loud sound from the F-15 jets for an explosion, but the Broward Sheriff’s office confirmed that the noise was from a military exercise."
Ever hear a sonic boom? Sounds like one hell of an explosion.
“The intercept required the Air Force F-15s from Homestead Air National Guard Base to travel at supersonic speeds, a sound noticed by area residents, to get to the general aviation aircraft where they were able to establish communications,” NORAD said in a statement of the incident, around 7 p.m. "The intent of military intercepts is to have the identified aircraft re-establish communications with local FAA air traffic controllers and instruct the pilot to follow air traffic controllers' instructions to land safely for follow-on action."
Indeed, one of the 'benefits' of living anywhere near where a president lives and/or vacations.
"The Broward Sheriff’s office said 911 centers were flooded with phone calls about the incident."
Bet they were. Any idea of what it costs taxpayers to scramble fighter jets? More to the point? Can you imagine the loss of innocent life, damage to a highly-populated community should the fighters had to have shot down the intruder?
In another article, CBS News reports:
"Budget watchdogs are criticizing the cost of President Trump’s visits to Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Palm Beach, Florida. Mr. Trump has been at his so-called “Winter White House” the past three weekends. That’s 11 of his first 33 days in office. The travel has an estimated price tag of $10 million."
Outrageous, isn't it? Why isn't the Trump oligarch reimbursing taxpayers?
"Between Secret Service and police surrounding the estate, and the U.S. Coast Guard in the surrounding waters, Mar-a-Lago is a fortress when the president is here. The White House won’t disclose the exact cost of Mr. Trump’s visits, but the $10 million estimate is based on figures from a similar trip by President Obama in 2013."
When is this goddamned nonsense going to end? The president is hired by the electorate to do his job in the White House. Why are taxpayers looted to pay for him to work on a continued, extended basis at his personal residence and/or vacation residences? Why? Has gone on for decades. Both parties. Needs to end. A trip on government business is one thing. Catering to the personal whim and/or predilections of the president is another. Would you believe the Trump nazi believes Camp David has nothing to offer? This oligarch has more than enough wealth to reimburse taxpayers. Time for him to do so.
"Air Force One accounts for a big chunk of the presidential travel budget, costing more than $180,000 per hour to operate, reports CBS News correspondent Manuel Bojorquez. That means the roughly four-hour roundtrip flight to his seaside estate costs more than $700,000. “If he’s going down there every weekend, the costs are going to add up pretty quickly,” said Tom Fitton, president of watchdog group Judicial Watch. Fitton is pressing the administration to release Mr. Trump’s travel costs. “He doesn’t need to go to Florida every weekend. He can work at the White House or up at Camp David,” Fitton said."
That's right. Worse? Trump's endless, bottomless hypocrisy and false claims to be a populist. Get this:
"Mr. Trump often attacked his predecessor over his travel. He once tweeted: “President @barackobama’s vacation is costing taxpayers millions of dollars---Unbelievable!”
"President
@BarackObama's vacation is costing taxpayers millions of dollars----Unbelievable!
—
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2012"
A populist? Man of the people? Give me a f--king break. This shit needs to end. Both parties. Forget? We have no king, no queen. Why should a president be treated like one? ... Right, TL? ... And the rest of you shameless Llano County Republican nazis?
2-24-17
A portend of things to come? CNN reports:
"The Defense Department might propose that the US send conventional ground combat forces into northern Syria for the first time to speed up the fight against ISIS, CNN has learned. "It's possible that you may see conventional forces hit the ground in Syria for some period of time," one defense official told CNN."
Have to line the pockets of corporate war profiteers, don't we?
"But the official emphasized that any decision is ultimately up to President Donald Trump, who has ordered his defense secretary to come up with a proposal to combat ISIS before the end of the month. The move would significantly alter US military operations in Syria if approved and could put troops on the ground within weeks."
Reassured?
2-24-17
Drain the swamp? Think so? CNN reports:
"Earmarks, the simultaneously
hated and beloved DC tool that lets lawmakers direct money to specific
programs and projects, may be coming back.
House Republicans are
re-opening their debate on earmarks, six years after they banned the practice
that became the target of ire among conservatives and tea party groups."
Fascinating, isn't it?
"Step one: Call them something else. "For anyone to use the term earmarks, that would be at least a six-year-old term. The term that is used is congressionally-directed spending," House Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions said Tuesday."
Can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle 'em with bullshit. When that fails, -- lie like hell. Deceive.
"Sessions, R-Texas, said Tuesday that Republicans are weighing an option that would let them control spending related to Army Corps of Engineers projects. Sessions said that he and House Speaker Paul Ryan discussed earmarks with Republicans Tuesday morning at their weekly meeting and will take up the issue again Thursday."
Nothing ever truly changes. Same old bullshit.
2-24-17
The Russians are testing the Trump nazi and his henchmen. Fox News reports:
"A Russian spy ship was spotted patrolling off the East Coast of the United States on Tuesday morning, the first such instance during the Trump administration -- and the same day it was learned the Kremlin had secretly deployed controversial cruise missiles inside Russia and buzzed a U.S. Navy destroyer, U.S. officials told Fox News."
2-24-17
Another exceptionally poor Cabinet choice has been confirmed by the Republican Senate. ABC News reports:
"The U.S. Senate this afternoon confirmed President Trump’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, even as he faces a new court order. An Oklahoma district court judge Thursday ordered Pruitt, the state’s former attorney general, to turn over thousands of communications with major coal, oil and gas companies from his time in office."
This fascist son of a bitch appears to have concertedly done the will of his corporate masters. This piece of national socialist shit has no concern for the environment.
"The nonprofit watchdog Center for Media and Democracy had requested the public records two years ago, and the judge ruled there had been an “unreasonable” delay in responding to the request, demanding that Pruitt comply by the end of the day Monday. The Senate confirmed his nomination this afternoon, 52-46, even after Democratic senators expressed outrage overnight that Republicans were going ahead as scheduled, despite the judge’s ruling."
Egregious abuse of power.
"Pruitt has faced fierce opposition from the country’s leading environmental organizations since his nomination was announced in December."
With good reason.
"He has spent much of his career suing the EPA -- 14 times in total -- over clean water regulations, limits on carbon pollution from power plants, and new standards for mercury and other air toxins. Pruitt had described himself on the attorney general website as a leading advocate against the “activist” agenda of the EPA."
What this piece of bought and paid for national socialist shit was truly doing was lining the pockets of his corporate masters.
"Michael Brune, executive director of the environmental Sierra Club, said his organization, 2.7 million members strong, was prepared to fight the incoming administration in court and push environmentally minded reforms in the marketplace under a secretary Pruitt. “He is unfit to serve in this position,” Brune told ABC News last month. “He is dangerous to the EPA. We will hold Scott Pruitt accountable to the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, which are both bipartisan legislation."
Tie them up in court. Sue the living shit out of the bastards.
"Brune accused Pruitt of lacking the “basic knowledge” to head the agency tasked with keeping the country’s environment safe and clean."
Indeed. Worse? Doesn't give a shit.
2-24-17
The Trump nazi was finally forced to break his silence on growing anti-Semitism within our formerly great nation. CBS News reports:
"Under growing pressure to address threats against the Jewish community following another wave of bomb threats called into Jewish Community Centers around the country Monday, President Trump broke his silence on the issue Tuesday morning."
Too little, much too late.
"After previously deflecting a number of questions about the apparent rise in anti-Semitic incidents, Mr. Trump chose to address the issue at the end of his visit Tuesday to the new National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C."
Had no choice. Received enormous pressure. Coming even from daughter, Ivanka.
“This tour was a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms,” the president said. “The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil.”
Goddamned hypocrisy at its worst. The Trump nazi is directly responsible. Encouraged the nazi Alt Right and other white nationalists from the start of his campaign. Brought in Alt Right nazis like Stephen Bannon into his regime. Then, he expresses chagrin when anti-Semitism exponentially rises? Give me a break.
Former senator Rick "The Senseless Prick" Santorum remains as clueless as other hopelessly ignorant nazis in the GOP. Claims the anti-Semitic acts originate within the Muslim community. This achingly fascist piece of shit has his head so far up his ass his eyeballs are turning inside out. Partisanship trumps principle. Literally. Not only that, the following from CNN soundly discredits his bullshit:
"A fundraiser for a vandalized Jewish cemetery is sending a strong message of unity and tolerance. The effort organized by Muslim American activists Linda Sarsour and Tarek El-Messidi was launched this week to fund the repairs of nearly 200 headstones that were damaged and toppled in the Chesed Shel Emeth Society cemetery in the St. Louis suburb of University City in Missouri. The fundraiser exceeded its goal of $20,000 so fast, it has expanded into an effort to support Jewish community centers that have been targets of anti-Semitism. The vandal or vandals destroyed more that 170 headstones at the cemetery, according Anita Feigenbaum, the cemetery's executive director."
"Sarsour of MPower Change
and El-Messidi of CelebrateMercy organized the crowdfunding campaign to
support the vandalized cemetery.
Their goal of reaching
$20,000 by the end of March was surpassed in three hours, with donations
at nearly $60,000 and rising early Wednesday.
CNN has reached out to
Sarsour for comment but has not heard back."
Take of NBC News?
"I think it's terrible," Trump said of the anti-Semitic threats. "I think it's horrible. Whether it's anti-Semitism or racism or any — anything you wanna think about having to do with the divide. Anti-Semitism is, likewise, it's just terrible."
You and your henchmen are directly responsible for this, Mr. 'President.' The racism has exponentially increased as a result of your immigration executive order. Too damned aggressively stupid to understand this? ... Or, are you just lying as usual?
"He added, "You don't know where it's coming from, but I hope they catch the people."
It's coming from your sick sycophants, Mr. 'President.'
"When asked about his immigration executive orders that have caused a measure of chaos at airports and have now been partially blocked by federal courts — pending new orders which could come out as early as Tuesday — Trump said he was focused on safety, and love."
Goddamned bullshit. Direct opposite is the truth. Has nothing to do with safety, security, or any other valid concern. Has to due with nazism. Creation of a goddamned fascist police-state. Imposition of The Fourth Reich. "Love?" The achingly fascist Trump nazi has no clue. This man is hopelessly delusional. Unfit for office. An exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties.
"We have to have a safe country," he said. "We have to let people come in that are going to love the country. This is about love. This building is about love. And we have to have people come in that are going to love the country, not people that are gonna harm the country."
This man has lost his mind. Vetting has been extreme the last 15 years. Every act of terror in this country after the 9/11 catastrophe was home grown. Every act. Even 9/11 could have been prevented had the George "The Tush"-"Slick Dick" regime had done full background checks on the 19 hijackers before allowing them into the country.
The nazi bastards in the White House at the time did not take action even after the flight schools warned the regime the 19 wished only to learn how to fly straight and level, not take off and land. Instead, the nazi bastards, both major political parties, gutlessly consolidated Executive power, turned our formerly great country into a goddamned fascist police-state. Wake up. You've been bamboozled.
The Trump nazi was quickly called on his egregious bullshit:
"Trump's remarks Tuesday were met with stinging criticism from Steven Goldstein, the executive director of the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect, as a Band-Aid and a "pathetic asterisk of condescension." "Make no mistake: The Anti-Semitism coming out of this Administration is the worst we have ever seen from any Administration," Goldstein said in a statement, adding, "When President Trump responds to Anti-Semitism proactively and in real time, and without pleas and pressure, that's when we'll be able to say this President has turned a corner. This is not that moment."
Well said. Couldn't agree more.
2-24-17
Think the Trump nazi has finally solved the Flynn debacle? The Washington Post reports:
"President Trump on Monday named Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as his new national security adviser, replacing the ousted Michael Flynn — a move meant to help put the White House on firmer footing after missteps on multiple fronts."
Think it has?
"In tapping McMaster, Trump turned to a widely respected and fiercely outspoken military strategist who was recognized for his battlefield leadership during both the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq War."
The fact he's reportedly "fiercely outspoken" is certainly encouraging. Think he'll rein in the Trump nazi?
"McMaster is widely known as smart, intense and fiercely outspoken, qualities that have won him wide praise among his fellow officers — and have sometimes grated on his superiors."
Hopefully, that will continue. More importantly, he'll place principle first. Resign in protest should it become necessary.
"A White House official said McMaster will not retire from the military but remain a three-star general, as Colin Powell did as Ronald Reagan’s national security adviser."
Not clear whether he draws double pay.
"White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump “gave full authority for McMaster to hire whatever staff he sees fit.”
If true, this is an interesting change:
"Trump’s first choice of a replacement — retired Navy Vice Adm. Robert Harward — turned him down, compounding the embarrassment surrounding the episode."
While citing "personal reasons" for refusing the job, the Admiral asked if he could hire his own people and was denied. Fascinating, isn't it?
2-24-17
The Trump nazi is figuratively tightening the noose around the necks of immigrants. NPR reports:
"Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly unveiled new policies on Tuesday that are aimed at detaining and deporting more immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally."
The Fourth Reich, forget?
"The two memos, signed by Kelly, lay out a series of steps the department plans to take to implement President Trump's executive orders from late January. Those orders called for increased border security and better enforcement of the nation's immigration laws. While the new policies call for a "surge" in the deployment of immigration judges and other personnel, DHS officials said the agency is not planning mass deportations and that many of the new policies would take time to implement. "We don't need a sense of panic necessarily in these communities," one official said in a conference call with reporters."
Sue the living shit out of the bastards.
"Under the new rules, the department would greatly expand the number of immigrants who are prioritized for removal. This includes unauthorized immigrants who may have committed a crime but not been charged, and anyone an immigration officer deems a risk to public safety or national security. The policies also make it more difficult for migrants to claim asylum."
Sue the living shit out of the bastards.
CBS News reports:
"Assertions from the White House that immigration-enforcement agents had their hands tied in the last administration are difficult to square with the massive deportations of Barack Obama’s presidency."
Wouldn't want to confuse the traitorous nazi element with the truth, would we? ... Right, TL?
ABC News reports:
"A federal judge in New York ordered Donald Trump's administration to produce a list of all people detained as part of his executive order that limited travel and immigration from seven countries and temporarily shut down the U.S. refugee program. Brooklyn federal Judge Carol Bagley Amon delivered the order Tuesday, asking for the names of people held for questioning or processed from Jan. 28 at 9:37 p.m. — when another Brooklyn judge halted part of the ban that allowed for deportations — to Jan. 29 at 11:59 p.m. The order includes travelers who arrived with refugee applications, valid visa holders and people from the seven countries — Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen — who were legally authorized to enter the U.S."
Why did it take so long? Why hasn't this information already been released to the public? The public has a right to know.
Texas Public Radio reports:
"The Trump administration on Tuesday moved one step closer to implementing the president’s plans to aggressively rid the country of undocumented immigrants and expand local police-based enforcement of border security operations. In a fact sheet outlining the efforts, the Department of Homeland Security said that though their top priority is finding and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal histories, millions more may also be subject to immediate removal."
Goddamned nazi justice in a fascist police-state. The Fourth Reich.
“With extremely limited exceptions, DHS will not exempt classes or categories of removal aliens from potential enforcement. All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to enforcement proceedings, up to and including removal from the United States,” the fact sheet explains. “The guidance makes clear, however, that ICE should prioritize several categories of removable aliens who have committed crimes, beginning with those convicted of a criminal offense.”
Ferocious but peaceful resistance as guarantied by the First Amendment is called for. Protest must remain non-violent. Otherwise, the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue are granted carte blanch to murder with impunity. This round up needs to be vigorously challenged in court.
2-24-17
Amazing how nazi government in a supposedly democratic state is more than willing to protect its own. No matter what the offender does or doesn't do. Including murder. Two current examples. One here in Nazi America. The other in Israel.
As reported in an earlier edition of this publication and elsewhere, a U.S. Border Patrol jackbooted thug murdered a Mexican national. The thug was on our side of the border. The kid, on the other. Yet, the criminal son of a bitch was never prosecuted. Not even disciplined. Insult to injury? The United States refused to extradite the murderous bastard to Mexico. The United States Supreme Court is about to hear a case filed by the kid's mother as to whether or not she has the right to sue.
In Israel, a soldier was handed a slap on the wrist, 18 months, for executing a Palestinian who was already incapacitated and lying on the ground. May not even serve any time since he may be pardoned for the crime. This case raised one hell of a firestorm in Israel. Many thought the soldier should never have been charged.
Both this country and Israel seem to be losing their penchant for justice. Partisanship, political expediency trump principle. Should this continue, both countries are doomed to failure. A matter of time.
Subsequent to writing the above, seems the Trump nazi and his henchmen have their panties in a wad over the reported soon-to-occur extradition of a former CIA agent to Italy. This issue has been pending quite some time but appears to be near conclusion. Get this. The Washington Post reports:
"A former CIA officer was jailed this week by Portuguese authorities and expects to be extradited within days to Italy, where she faces four years in prison for her role in the kidnapping of a terrorist suspect in Milan 14 years ago, according to her attorney. Sabrina De Sousa, 61, was one of 26 Americans convicted in absentia by the Italian judicial system for the February 2003 extraordinary rendition of Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr, also known as Abu Omar."
Interesting, isn't it? Question. Why is it no one up the chain of command from the lowliest grunt right up to and including George "The Tush" Bush and "Slick Dick" Cheney were ever prosecuted for war crimes? Vicious war crimes. Every one of these goddamned war criminals skated. Protected. Coddled. No prosecutions here in Nazi America. No justice.
"So far, none of the Americans have actually served time for their convictions since they had returned to the United States long before Italian courts ruled against them in 2009. But De Sousa, who holds dual American and Portuguese citizenship, moved to Lisbon in April 2015 to live near relatives. She was briefly detained that year in Portugal on a European arrest warrant, but released. Since then, she has lived with her husband in Lisbon, but has been bracing for Portuguese courts to issue an official decree to ship her to Italy."
Readers are reminded the United States routinely kidnapped, interrogated, and tortured "enemy combatants" during the Bush "The Tush"-"Slick Dick" Cheney regime. The precise number of prisoners who died during torture and other egregious abuse by these traitorous bastards remains unknown.
2-24-17
Our national socialist Texas governor remains a determinedly cagey piece of crap. Think not? Texas Public Radio reports:
"Gov. Greg Abbott isn’t saying whether he would deploy Texas’ National Guard troops for immigration enforcement if President Donald Trump made that request."
Why not? Where's the transparency, Governor?
"The question came up after the Associated Press obtained a memo drafted by the Trump administration. It said the administration was considering a proposal to mobilize as many as 100,000 National Guard troops to round up unauthorized immigrants."
Should that happen, could trigger an unwanted dreaded second American revolution already catastrophically looming on the horizon. Hear the rumble?
"Texas was included in a list of states where the governor would have the choice on whether the state’s National Guard troops would be used."
Should the Governor gutlessly acquiesce, time to recall the fascist son of a bitch.
"Gov. Abbott’s office would only say it had not received a request from the White House or Department of Homeland Security."
Apparently, the gutless son of a bitch is waiting to see which way the wind is blowing. Precisely, why resistance must be ferocious, but peaceful.
“The Office of the Governor has not received, much less seen, a memo or request from the White House or Department of Homeland Security regarding the use of Texas National Guard troops for immigration enforcement. The White House has adamantly denied there are efforts underway to mobilize the National Guard."
2-24-17
Apparently, gutless Republican nazis in Congress are fearful of constituent opposition during town halls. Fox News reports:
"House lawmakers are being told by law enforcement to maintain “enhanced security awareness” as they return to their home districts for a week -- following several raucous town hall meeting in which congressional Republicans were ripped over plans to dismantle ObamaCare and other GOP initiatives."
Why? What are they so afraid of? Ferocious, but peaceful resistance?
"The advisory issued Thursday by the House Sergeant at Arms “strongly encouraged” the chamber’s roughly 435 members to review security protocols as they leave Capitol Hill for a “District Work Period,” which historically includes town hall-style events and other interactions with constituents."
While ferocious resistance occurred at recent town halls, they were peaceful. They must remain peaceful. If not, you grant the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue carte blanche to murder on the job.
2-24-17
Resistance against an achingly fascist, national socialist GOP grows. NPR reports:
"New York GOP Rep. Tom Reed probably knew what kind of day he was in for when he arrived at the Ashville senior center for his first town hall on Saturday. The crowd was so large the gathering had been moved outside to a slushy parking lot. "First and foremost, we are going to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act — Obamacare," Reed said at the outset, using a loudspeaker propped up on a ladder to try to reach the sprawling crowd. The response was loud and sustained boos."
What did he expect? Just the beginning, however.
"The congressman is just the latest Republican to face boisterous constituents voicing concerns with the nascent Trump White House, and more confrontations are expected as members head home for recess this coming week."
Indeed. What makes this latest protest interesting?
"The backlash is happening in prime Trump country."
Encouraging, isn't it? ... Unless, of course, you're a GOP nazi.
2-24-17
Misogyny remains alive and well. Sadly, so. Get this. NBC News reports:
"A GOP official in Utah has apologized for a letter he sent to two newspapers criticizing a State Senate bill that, along with defining certain employee payment criteria, would call for a study to be conducted on whether or not a pay disparity exists between men and women in the state."
Truly believe there is no pay gap? What planet do you live on?
"Vice Chairman of the Wasatch County Republicans James Green's letter, titled "Equal Pay for Women Has Consequences," was published on Feb. 15 in both the Wasatch Wave and the Park Record."
Did this clueless GOP fascist truly believe there would be no consequences?
"In the missive, Green explained what he thought was wrong with Senate Bill 210: "Traditionally men have earned more than women in the workplace because they are considered the primary breadwinners for families. They need to make enough to support their families and allow the Mother to remain in the home to raise and nurture the children," Green wrote. He also wrote that if businesses are forced to pay women the same amount as men, male employees would see a pay reduction."
This clueless piece of GOP shit sounds like he's locked into a long since discredited 50s and 60s mentality. Women were forced to work the last several decades since pay increases have not kept up with bottomless corporate greed. A family could no longer survive on one salary. Gets worse:
"In his apology, Green said he didn't mean any offense toward women and clarified that his letter was meant to represent his feelings that the government shouldn't be telling employers how to hire, employ or pay their workers."
Meant no offense? Give me a break. If government does not regulate, rein in corrupt, abusive, hopelessly greedy employers, who will? The non-existent, supposedly 'free' market owned, operated, and carefully manipulated by the corporate management suite and the rest of the top 1% of the food chain? You've been bamboozled. Wake up.
"To those who were offended, I profusely apologize. I sincerely did not mean to do that," Green wrote. "Of course, Women's contributions in the workplace are just as valuable as any one else's. I was merely pointing out the historical reasons for pay disparity and the challenges of overcoming that."
It's 2017, not 1955, you clueless piece of crap.
2-24-17
Apparently, the Trump nazi and his henchmen remain quite willing and able to shit on the LGBT community. The Washington Times reports:
"The Trump administration will rescind an Obama-era order compelling public schools nationwide to permit restroom and locker room access on the basis of gender identity, the Washington Blade reported. The Blade cites Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, who says she heard from “reliable sources” that President Trump has authorized the Education and Justice Departments to revoke the guidance. When asked about the report Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the president has long considered the matter a “states’ rights issue.”
Apparently the Trump nazi and his henchmen indeed believe the states have the right to shit on the LGBT community without any interference from their federal masters. Should the Trump nazi follow through, time again to sue the living shit out of the regime. Outrageous malfeasance. A continuing exigent threat to all remaining civil and constitutional rights and liberties. The Fourth Reich.
Subsequent to writing the above, the Trump nazi has indeed rescinded the Obama-era order. Clearly, the Trump nazi and his henchmen remain an exigent threat to the LGBT community, all civil and constitutional rights and liberties. A raucous, boot clicking, goose stepping, treasonous, treacherous, traitorous Sieg Heil!, Mr. 'President?'
NBC News reports:
"Legal advocates for transgender people say federal law and the civil rights of Americans are legally enforced by the federal government, as was born out during the civil rights movement of the 1960s that led to legal equality for African-Americans. "Enforcement of federal civil rights law is not a states' rights issue. Full stop," said Rachel Tiven, chief executive of Lambda Legal, which defends lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people."
Be interesting to see where this all goes.
"The federal law in question, known as Title IX, bans sex discrimination in education. But it remains unsettled whether Title IX protections extend to a person's gender identity. The U.S. Supreme Court could settle the issue in a case due to be argued in March."
May not be resolved any time soon since the Court will still likely be short a member for oral arguments. Not known how this will ultimately affect the outcome.
2-17-17
Asset forfeiture by the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue has been repeatedly covered in this publication and elsewhere. Our national socialist 'President,' the Trump nazi, favors it. Texas Public Radio reports:
"President Donald Trump said in a meeting Tuesday that he would “destroy” the career of a Texas state senator who was pushing for legislation to change current civil asset forfeiture laws in the state."
Hitler and Mussolini must be grinning ear to ear from their fiery perches.
"Trump was meeting with sheriffs from around the country when Rockwall County Sheriff Harold Eavenson commented that an unnamed senator was seeking to require a person to be convicted of a crime before the state could seize any of their assets."
That's goddamned right. To do otherwise is to lawfully steal. No more than legalization of theft by the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue. A scourge perpetrated by these pernicious, dangerous criminals masquerading as officers.
"Texas Sens. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D-McAllen) and Konni Burton (R-Colleyville) have both filed bills that would overhaul the forfeiture system. Eavenson later confirmed the unnamed individual was male, leaving people to believe the sheriff was talking about Hinojosa. Hinojosa told the Dallas Morning News that he doesn’t know the sheriff and doesn’t believe he is the target of Trump’s remarks."
Don't think so? Wake up. Who else was he talking about? ... Other than you, -- or Burton.
“Quite frankly, I don't pay much attention to what Trump says anymore," Hinojosa said."
That's aggressive stupidity. The Trump nazi and his henchmen remain an exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties. Isn't your bill designed to partially protect those rights? Yet, you didn't go far enough. Nowhere near:
"Hinojosa’s bill, Senate Bill 156 would amend the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to say that after a state has seized assets a state attorney must provide “clear and convincing evidence” that the property is subject to forfeiture. His bill also would make it unlawful for the seized property to be transferred to the federal government, with a few exceptions."
Nowhere near good enough.
"Burton’s bill, Senate Bill 380, would protect against any wrongful seizure of property unless a person is convicted for an offense that is subject to forfeiture. Burton says she doesn’t think that’s too much to ask."
It's not. To do otherwise legalizes theft by the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue.
“The government should not be able to take and keep somebody's property and then that person has to prove that they didn't do what they are accused of," she says. "It's all backwards in this particular issue."
Has been quite some time. Ass backwards. Largely ignored. With rare exception.
"But Burton says her bill isn’t meant to be divisive."
Why not? Why are you cowardly apologizing for finally doing the right thing? Democrats in Nazi Texas have sat on their cowardly asses far too long. Refused to pointedly challenge these goddamned GOP nazis. Too gutless to stand up to this scourge. National socialist Republicans need to be challenged every step of the way. As they desperately try to impose the goddamned Fourth Reich. ... Right, TL?
"It's not that I don't want law enforcement to have the tools that they need to have to get the bad guys,” she says. “[However] what government is supposed to do is protect the rights of its citizens and this clearly infringes on it. And so when you got the ability ... of government infringing on the rights of innocent victims, there's something wrong with that and that's why I want to fix it."
Why are you cowardly making excuses for doing the right thing, which has the additional benefit of offending these hopelessly clueless nazi GOP assholes?
"Burton says that she became interested in pushing this legislation forward after hearing that property seizure was affecting a lot of people in her district."
It's happening all over our country. It's law enforcement gone wild. Wake up.
“It's talked about quite a bit and it was something that I frankly wasn't aware of years ago, before I got involved in politics,” she says. “Somehow, someway I became of aware of it and was just infinitely shocked and couldn't believe that we have this in place.”
It's called Nazi America. The Fourth Reich. A goddamned fascist police-state. Hear the rumble? An unwanted dreaded second American revolution already catastrophically looming on the horizon.
2-17-17
Here is yet another result of the clueless, achingly failed national socialist Republican 'law and order' mentality. CBS News reports:
"Indiana’s new governor has pardoned a Chicago man whose request languished under then-Gov. Mike Pence despite evidence the man was wrongly convicted of armed robbery. Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Thursday he had decided to pardon 49-year-old Keith Cooper, saying he believed Cooper had been wrongly convicted of the 1996 Elkhart robbery. Holcomb cited the state parole board’s support for the pardon, along with the backing of the prosecutor and witnesses in the case."
Yet, the fascist 'Vice President' as Governor wouldn't take action on the pardon request.
"Cooper was sentenced to 40 years in prison but was released after the state appeals court overturned his co-defendant’s conviction in 2005. “I’m overwhelmed,” Cooper told the Chicago Tribune. “I’m at a loss for words.” Pence, who is now vice president, didn’t act for more than two years on Cooper’s pardon request."
What jackbooted nazi would? This piece of national socialist human excrement is out of uniform. Where is your swastika arm band, Mikey? Where?
2-17-17
Here is the end result of no regulation. NBC News reports:
"It's one of the most devastating traffic accidents: A car slams into the side of a tractor-trailer and crashes underneath, where many of its safety features are rendered worthless. The top of the vehicle may be sheared off; in many cases, the occupants are decapitated. Government statistics show that more than 200 people are killed this way every year — gruesome deaths that experts say could be prevented if trucks were required to have side guards to deflect cars. The federal agency in charge of highway safety requires guards on the back of trucks, but not along the sides. And key lawmakers who have together received millions of dollars in campaign donations from the industry haven't pushed for it, despite a recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board."
As the Trump nazi attempts to deregulate to benefit his corporate cronies, expect much more of the same in venue after venue.
2-17-17
In follow up to the last edition, The Washington Post reports:
"A federal appeals court panel on Thursday ruled to maintain the freeze on President Trump’s controversial immigration order, meaning that previously barred refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries can continue entering the United States."
That is, until the case itself is heard in lower court.
NPR's take?
"A federal appeals court has unanimously rejected a Trump administration request to allow its travel ban to take effect. The three-judge appeals panel declined to overturn a lower court's order suspending the president's ban against entry into the United States by refugees and travelers from seven majority-Muslim nations."
Finally, some semblance of sanity.
"The travel ban was put on hold by federal district Judge James L. Robart of Seattle, who issued a nationwide restraining order on Feb. 3. Robart said that the two states challenging the ban, Washington and Minnesota, had shown that their residents and universities were harmed by Trump's action. The administration then asked the appeals court for an emergency stay of Robart's restraining order."
The Trump nazi and his henchmen did not get what they were looking for:
"But the judges dismissed the administration's request, saying that it had to show that it is likely to succeed in the trial court on the merits of its appeal. "[We] hold that the Government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay," wrote the panel."
How about that. The Trump nazi is not a happy camper:
"SEE
YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!
—
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017"
The hell it is, you fascist buffoon. Good to see the courts are standing up to this psychotic nazi.
The Washington Times reports:
"President Trump said Friday he’ll do “whatever’s necessary” to protect the country from terrorism, in light of a federal appeals court ruling against his extreme vetting order. “We are going to keep our country safe,” Mr. Trump said at a news conference, indicating he would take new actions next week to modify the order. But he also said he is confident his administration will win the court case on further appeal. “We’re going to do whatever’s necessary to keep our country safe,” he said. “One of the reasons I’m standing here today is the security of our country.”
That last sentence of his is a non-sequitur. This man is nuts. There is no exigent threat from anyone coming into the country on a visa. To date, they have been extremely well-vetted. Takes quite some time. Furthermore, no one who has come into this country after 9/11 has engaged in domestic terrorism. It's been all home-grown. The 'President' is delusional.
The 9/11 catastrophe itself could have been prevented if the State Department during the George "The Tush"-"Slick Dick Cheney regime had conducted full background checks on the 19 hijackers, heeded flight school warnings the terrorists wished to learn how to fly straight and level, not take off and land.
NBC reports:
"Still regrouping from a federal appeals court's refusal to reinstate President Trump's controversial ban of nationals from seven predominantly Muslim countries, White House lawyers are working on a rewrite of his executive order that could pass legal muster, NBC News has learned. The work began several days before the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals shot down the White House's bid to lift a temporary restraining order on Trump's plan to bar nationals from Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Iraq and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days, a senior administration official told NBC."
When at first you don't succeed in shitting on the United States Constitution, try, try again.
CBS News reports:
"A federal judge Monday granted a preliminary injunction barring the Trump administration from implementing its travel ban in Virginia, adding another judicial ruling to those already in place challenging the ban’s constitutionality."
2-17-17
Fascists in Congress wish to reduce the number of legal immigrants allowed into the country. Texas Public Radio reports:
"In line with Trump’s restrictive policies on immigration into the country, two U.S. senators filed a bill Tuesday that seeks to reduce immigration further. Sens. Tom Cotton (Arkansas) and David Perdue (Georgia) want to limit the number of immigrants coming into the country."
Not to be outdone in the House, yet another Republican national socialist plans to goose step along:
"U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith from Texas (R-San Antonio) has said he is considering sponsoring a companion bill in the House to go along with the bill introduced Tuesday. "I think when you have so many immigrants being admitted, they tend to cluster together. They tend to maybe be a little bit more slow in learning the English language, to become acculturated, to becoming what we think of as being patriotic Americans," Smith told Burnett. Burnett says some of this thinking was the very thing that supporters for Donald Trump may have felt."
Adolf and Benito? Grinning ear to ear on their fiery perches.
2-17-17
The Trump's nazi's refusal to allow refugees into our country is horrendous. Egregiously, un-American. Consider the following. NPR reports:
"Amnesty International released a report this week that may make you wonder how much of what we conscientiously report as important news truly is by comparison."
Indeed. Consider the magnitude of the following:
"The human rights group, which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977, says as many as 13,000 opponents of Bashar Assad have been hanged in the Saydnaya prison on the outskirts of Damascus. It is worth repeating that number: as many as 13,000 people, hanged to death."
An egregious war crime. Yet, the gutless Trump nazi and his henchmen will not allow Syrian refugees into our formerly great country.
"The researchers interviewed 84 people, including former guards, a military judge, and 31 people who were held in two buildings of the prison. The witnesses say once or twice a week, 20 to 50 prisoners were taken from their cells and told they will be transferred elsewhere. Instead, they were taken to a basement to appear before a military judge for two or three minutes — just enough time to be condemned to death."
Yet, the gutless Trump nazi and his henchmen will not allow Syrian refugees from this atrocity into our formerly great country.
"The death sentence was signed by the minister of defense, who was deputized to sign by President Assad, says the report."
Kangaroo justice. A portend of things to come in our formerly great country under the Trump nazi and his henchmen? Wake up. You've been bamboozled. Voted into office a psychotic, fascist dictator.
"The men and women were hanged in the middle of the night. Their bodies were reportedly taken to a military hospital, where officials registered their deaths as a heart failure or respiratory disorder."
Again, a chilling portend of things to come in our formerly great country?
"It is inconceivable that all of the top officials did not know about it," says Nicollete Waldman of Amnesty. "This was a policy of extermination."
As in Nazi Germany. Think it can't, won't happen here? In a country that has grown increasingly gutless? National socialist? Fascist?
"There is no reason at all to expect that the hangings have stopped," she added."
Obama had a chance to do something about this scourge. Cowardly, did nothing. The Trump nazi and his henchmen, aligned with the Russians, will certainly do nothing. Worse? Their continued support of Putin will exacerbate the problem.
"At least 4.8 million Syrians have already fled their country in fear for their lives, and are scattered around the world. More than 400,000 civilians have already died in the war."
A human tragedy of massive proportions. The world community, including the United States, has turned its back. Disgraced itself.
NBC News reports:
"Amnesty has recorded at least 35 different methods of torture in Syria since the late 1980s, practices that only increased since 2011, said Lynn Maalouf, deputy director for research at Amnesty's regional office in Beirut. Other rights groups have found evidence of massive torture leading to death in Syrian detention facilities. In a report last year, Amnesty found that more than 17,000 people have died of torture and ill-treatment in custody across Syria since 2011, an average rate of more than 300 deaths a month."
Yet, nothing is done. Nothing at all, to end this carnage.
2-17-17
The round up by Trump's jackbooted nazis in blue has begun. Adolf and Benito must be grinning ear to ear on their fiery perches. The Washington Post reports:
"U.S. immigration authorities arrested hundreds of undocumented immigrants in at least a half-dozen states this week in a series of raids that marked the first large-scale enforcement of President Trump’s Jan. 25 order to crack down on the estimated 11 million immigrants living here illegally."
Nazi America. The Fourth Reich. A raucous Sieg Heil!, Mr. 'President?' Where is your swastika armband, you fascist son of a bitch?
"Officials said the raids targeted known criminals, but they also netted some immigrants without criminal records, an apparent departure from similar enforcement waves during the Obama administration. Last month, Trump substantially broadened the scope of who the Department of Homeland Security can target to include those with minor offenses or no convictions at all."
Nazi justice in a goddamned fascist police-state. The purge has begun.
"Immigration officials confirmed that agents this week raided homes and workplaces in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, the Los Angeles area, North Carolina and South Carolina, netting hundreds of people. But Gillian Christensen, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), said they were part of “routine” immigration enforcement actions."
Goddamned bullshit. The timing screams otherwise.
"ICE dislikes the term “raids,” and prefers to say authorities are conducting “targeted enforcement actions,” she said."
More goddamned unadulterated bullshit, "alternative facts." Call them precisely what they are. No more than jackbooted raids. Perpetrated by nazi storm troopers. In a goddamned fascist police-state. The Fourth Reich. ... Mr. 'President?' Your jackbooted bastards are out of uniform. Where are their swastika armbands?
"Immigration activists said the crackdown went beyond the six states DHS identified, and said they had also documented ICE raids of unusual intensity during the past two days in Florida, Kansas, Texas and Northern Virginia."
Appears to be so. The problem is likely far worse. The Trump nazi and his henchmen, to date, are certainly not known for their truthfulness, less than forthcoming with credible information. To say nothing of non-existent transparency. The mark of a nazi dictator.
"That undocumented immigrants with no criminal records were arrested and could potentially be deported sent a shock wave through immigrant communities nationwide amid concerns that the U.S. government could start going after law-abiding people."
This is certainly the mark of a nazi dictator. A goddamned fascist who has no regard for the United States Constitution, all civil and constitutional rights and liberties. The question to be asked is who's next?
“This is clearly the first wave of attacks under the Trump administration, and we know this isn’t going to be the only one,” Cristina Jimenez, executive director of United We Dream, an immigrant youth organization, said Friday during a conference call with immigration advocates."
Again, this is an out of control nazi oligarch who has no respect, no regard for the rule of law, the Constitution, the courts. A dictator who presents an exigent threat to a democratic republic.
"ICE agents in the Los Angeles area Thursday took a number of individuals into custody over the course of an hour, seizing them from their homes and on their way to work, activists said."
Highly reminiscent of Nazi SS storm troopers, the Gestapo. ... Where are their swastika armbands, Mr.'President?'
"A video that circulated on social media Friday appeared to show ICE agents in Texas detaining people in an Austin shopping center parking lot. Immigration advocates also reported roadway checkpoints, where ICE appeared to be targeting immigrants for random ID checks, in North Carolina and in Austin. ICE officials denied that authorities used checkpoints during the operations."
Someone's lying. Haven't a clue?
“I’m getting lots of reports from my constituents about seeing ICE on the streets. Teachers in my district have contacted me — certain students didn’t come to school today because they’re afraid,” said Greg Casar, an Austin City Council member. “I talked to a constituent, a single mother, who had her door knocked on this morning by ICE.”
Nazi jackbooted bastards. In the United States. The Fourth Reich. A sad, sad day.
"Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Tex.) said he confirmed with ICE’s San Antonio office that the agency “has launched a targeted operation in South and Central Texas as part of Operation Cross Check.” “I am asking ICE to clarify whether these individuals are in fact dangerous, violent threats to our communities, and not people who are here peacefully raising families and contributing to our state,” Castro said in a statement Friday night."
Keep asking. More importantly, do something. This is egregiously un-American. Worthy of a Hitler, Mussolini, not an American 'President.'
"Hiba Ghalib, an immigration lawyer in Atlanta, said the ICE detentions were causing “mass confusion” in the immigrant community. She said she had heard reports of ICE agents going door-to-door in one largely Hispanic neighborhood, asking people to present their papers."
Papieren, Bitte! Papers Please! Nazi America. The Fourth Reich. The Founders? Spinning in their graves.
"Some activists in Austin and Los Angeles suggested that the raids might be retaliation for those cities’ “sanctuary city” policies. A government aide familiar with the raids said it is possible that the predominantly daytime operations — a departure from the Obama administration’s night raids — meant to “send a message to the community that the Trump deportation force is in effect.”
The Trump nazi needs to be impeached, convicted, and removed from office. He and his henchmen remain an exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties. Today? Immigrants. Tomorrow? Who's next?
"Immigrant rights groups said that they were planning protests in response to the raids, including one Friday evening in Federal Plaza in New York City and a vigil in Los Angeles."
Protest must be ferocious, but peaceful. If not, you grant the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue carte blanche to murder on the job.
“We’re trying to make sure that families who have been impacted are getting legal services as quickly as possible. We’re trying to do some legal triage,” said Bob Libal, the executive director of Grassroots Leadership, which provides assistance and advocacy work to immigrants in Austin. “It’s chaotic,” he said. The organization’s hotline, he said, had been overwhelmed with calls."
Lawyers need to step up. Rise to the occasion. Our supposedly democratic republic is in jeopardy. On this, and many, many other issues.
NPR's take?
"Immigrant advocates dispute officials' claims that the operations were routine. "What they're trying to do is a really concerted effort to instill fear and terrorize our communities," said David Abud, an organizer with the National Day Labor Organizing Network based in Los Angeles told NPR. "It's a way in which Trump and ICE are retaliating against sanctuary jurisdictions," he added."
Indeed, the mark of a nazi dictator.
2-17-17
Here is one striking consequence of the Trump nazi's immigration executive order. Fox News reports:
"Amid the uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s immigration proposals, dozens of refugees and asylum seekers have been walking from the U.S. to Canada, despite the freezing temperatures or the possibility of frostbite or even death."
The Trump nazi considers himself to be a Christian? Give me a f--king break. So did Hitler and Mussolini.
"Agencies dedicated to resettling refugees and new immigrants north of the U.S. border are reporting that an unprecedented number of people are walking into Canada in order to avoid detection by border officials."
Another example of how the Trump nazi and his henchmen remain no more than clueless terrorists themselves.
“They’re not crossing at the actual where there’s an immigration and customs office,” Rita Chahal, of the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council told the Guardian. “They’re walking through prairie fields with lots and lots of deep snow. In Europe we’re seeing people in boats; now just imagine a prairie flatland and snow for miles and miles.”
Again, this is no more than terror imposed by the Trump nazi and his henchmen. On the innocent. Fleeing murderous persecution.
"The U.S. and Canada have a 2004 pact, known as the Safe Third Country Agreement, which requires most migrants to apply for asylum in the first county in which they arrive. However, critics of the pact argue that the United States is not a safe haven for refugees as many are being driven to north in part by Trump’s rhetoric."
Again, this is Trump's brand of terror imposed on the most defenseless. The Trump nazi and his henchmen remain gutless buffoons. Unlike our formerly great country, Canada is courageously welcoming refugees. Once again, we have cowardly disgraced ourselves. This is precisely why resistance must be ferocious, but peaceful. If it turns violent, you grant the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue carte blanche to murder on the job.
2-17-17
The Trump nazi's pick for the U.S. Supreme Court is criticizing the 'man' who nominated him. NBC News reports:
"President Donald Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court has called the president's recent criticism of the judiciary "disheartening" and "demoralizing," a spokesman for the nomination confirmation team told NBC News on Wednesday."
It's more than that. Far more than that, Judge. It's an exigent threat to our democratic republic, as well as all civil and constitutional rights and liberties.
"Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, said Wednesday that he spoke with U.S. Appeals Court Judge Neil Gorsuch and that Gorsuch "certainly expressed to me that he is disheartened by the demoralizing and abhorrent comments made by President Trump about the judiciary." A spokesman for the team shepherding Gorsuch's nomination in the Senate confirmed Blumenthal's version of the conversation to NBC News and said Gorsuch did use the words "disheartening" and "demoralizing."
Should have courageously gone much, much further.
"On Twitter and in a speech Wednesday, Trump criticized judges and attorneys involved in a legal fight over his immigration travel executive order, which suspended entry to the United States from seven predominantly Muslim nations and temporarily halted the entry by refugees. In a speech Wednesday, the president criticized pointed questions by a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals a day earlier."
The Trump nazi despot doesn't understand they did their jobs. Refused to rubber stamp the nazi.
"I don't want to call a court biased, but courts seem to be so political," Trump complained during a joint conference in Washington, D.C., of the Major County Sheriffs' Association and the Major Cities Chiefs Association."
That's exactly what you're doing, Mr. 'President.' Accusing the courts of bias against you. Why are you lying about this, you fascist, achingly clueless son of a bitch? You and your henchmen are out of uniform. Where are your swastika armbands?
"I listened to a bunch of stuff last night that was disgraceful," he added. "It was disgraceful."
Why? Because it ruled against you, a goddamned nazi dictator? What is achingly disgraceful, truly chilling, is your traitorous attempted imposition of The Fourth Reich.
2-17-17
Ferocious but peaceful resistance seems to be growing. Sen. Mitch "The Bitch" McConnell got a little of his own medicine. The Washington Times reports:
"Protesters recited Coretta Scott King’s decades-old letter opposing newly confirmed Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Friday evening outside the Louisville home of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican. Nearly 400 demonstrators gathered outside Mr. McConnell’s residence Friday night to read aloud King’s 1986 critique of Mr. Sessions, the Huffington Post reported. Images shared on social media afterwards show activists holding protests signs and reading from copies of King’s letter while huddled on the sidewalk near Mr. McConnell’s house."
Couldn't happen to a nicer nazi, could it? This son of a bitch silenced, that is, stopped Sen. Warren from reading it during debate on the confirmation of the Sessions nazi. As readers will recall from the last edition:
"The widow of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King penned the letter 31 years ago in a bid to block the nomination of Mr. Sessions to a federal judgeship, arguing then his appointment would “irreparably damage the work of my husband.” King’s missive resurfaced earlier this week when Mr. McConnell rebuked Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts Democrat, for reading the letter on Capitol Hill as lawmakers weighed Mr. Sessions’ nomination to U.S. attorney general."
That is, this Republican nazi denied Warren her First Amendment right to read the letter during debate on the confirmation of the Sessions nazi.
“She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted,” Mr. McConnell said Tuesday evening. Ms. Warren was subsequently barred from speaking on the Senate floor until after the debate surrounding Mr. Sessions’ nomination concluded for having violated a Senate rule prohibiting the disparaging of other senators in floor debate."
During debate on confirmation of the Sessions nazi. DURING DEBATE. Condescending, patronizing bullshit from this Republican male misogynist nazi and his white male misogynist equally fascist colleagues. Giving Warren exactly what she can so richly capitalize on in campaign ads should she decide to run for president in 2020. Has also inspired thousands of women to get involved in politics, run for office.
This fascist son of a bitch and his colleagues stupidly, figuratively shot themselves in the ass. All for nothing. Forget? They already had the votes to confirm. Should have just let Warren read the letter. Were too goddamned patronizing, condescending, misogynist, racist to do otherwise. Pitiful, isn't it? Goddamned appalling.
2-17-17
The LGBT community is unhappy with the DeVos' confirmation. NBC News reports:
"The top national LGBTQ organizations spoke out within minutes of the DeVos' confirmation, expressing disappointment and concerns for the future of LGBTQ youth and students. "We remain deeply concerned that the protections that are so critical for our children risk being cast aside," PFLAG Interim Executive Director Elizabeth Kohm said in a statement emailed to NBC News. "We are thoroughly disappointed that Ms. DeVos supports policies and procedures that fail to buoy the public education system," Kohm said. "We remain concerned about a family track record supporting policies of discrimination including their support of so-called 'reparative therapy.'"
If the latter is indeed true, quite concerning. No more than voodoo 'science.'
"Kohm said PFLAG's concerns were hardly assuaged by the fact that Pence cast the deciding vote. Pence has long had a reputation as an opponent of LGBTQ equality, having signed one of the nation's strictest "religious freedom" laws seen as enshrining anti-LGBTQ discrimination when he served as the governor of Indiana."
Indeed, this is quite true. Precisely, why the Trump nazi and Pence present an exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties. Today, the LGBT community. Tomorrow? Who's next?
"While Pence's track record of anti-LGBTQ political plays is long, DeVos appears to be a somewhat unknown factor. During earlier confirmation hearings, she denied that she believes in therapy that aims to "convert" LGBTQ youth to force them to become straight or cisgender, saying she "never supported" the method."
Hopefully, that's true.
"But powerhouse LGBTQ law firm Lambda Legal isn't convinced that DeVos was uninvolved in her family's charitable funding of ultra-conservative causes. "She has supported Focus on the Family, which opposes marriage equality," Lambda Legal Chief Executive Rachel Tiven said in an email to NBC News. "And her family foundation has funded a group that advances the dangerous practice of so-called 'conversion therapy.' Her advocacy for privatizing public education could eject students — LGBT or not — from the protection of federal laws."
This is precisely why the Republican Nazi Right remains an exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties.
Sessions is not the only nazi the LGBT community is deeply concerned about. In another article, NBC Reports:
"President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans regarding where he stands on LGBTQ issues, but one area where he has consistently riled the community is his presidential cabinet picks. And Jeff sessions, who was confirmed Wednesday as Trump's attorney general, has struck a particularly negative chord. Shortly after he was confirmed -- by a slim margin of 52 to 47 -- a number of the country's leading LGBTQ-rights groups voiced their concern regarding someone they say has an abysmal track record on LGBTQ issues."
For damned good reason. Consider the following:
"It's deeply disturbing that Jeff Sessions, who has demonstrated a clear animus against so many Americans -- including the LGBTQ community, women and people of color -- could be charged with running the very system of justice designed to protect them," Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the country's largest LGBTQ-rights organization, said in a statement. "The man now in charge of enforcing hate crimes protections doesn't even think they should exist -- or that LGBTQ people need them," Griffin added."
This is precisely why there must be vigilance, ferocious but peaceful resistance. It's a gigantic step backwards.
"Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, called Sessions' confirmation a "deeply distressing day for civil rights." "When it comes to LGBT people, Sen. Sessions' track record is bleak. He has consistently opposed legal protections for or even recognition of LGBT people, voting against the 2009 Hate Crimes Prevention Act, protections for LGBT survivors of sexual violence under the Violence Against Women Act, and the repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy," Keisling said in a statement sent to NBC Out. Keisling also noted Sessions was a leading proponent of the Federal Marriage amendment, which would have amended the U.S. Constitution to prevent same-sex couples from marrying."
Again, this is precisely why the Trump nazi, his henchmen, sick sycophants, and the Republican Nazi Right present an exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties. Exactly why there must be ferocious, but peaceful resistance.
"Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of Lambda Legal, the country's oldest and largest national legal organization, called Sessions' confirmation "a travesty." "The chief lawyer of the United States is now someone who has devoted his whole life to obstructing civil rights. He is a lifelong opponent of the civil rights of LGBT people, people of color, women and immigrants," Tiven stated. "He is an opponent of marriage equality and a dogged foe of immigrants and refugees — even LGBT people fleeing persecution."
Our formerly great country has determinedly gone national socialist, fascist, nazi.
"Aside from their mutual opposition to Sessions, all three advocacy groups had a similar takeaway message for the new attorney general and his boss, Donald Trump: We'll be watching you, and we'll fight any attempt to roll back our rights."
Resistance. Peaceful, but ferocious resistance.
The Trump nazi is determined to force change vis a vis transgender rights. The Washington Post reports:
"The Trump administration signaled Friday that it was changing course on the previous administration’s efforts to expand transgender rights, submitting a legal brief withdrawing the government’s objections to an injunction that had blocked guidance requiring that transgender students be allowed to use restrooms that match their gender identity."
A portend of what's to come.
2-17-17
Kellyanne Conway, a top advisor to the Trump nazi, has figuratively shot herself in the ass. May indeed have broken federal law. Get this. CNN reports:
"Kellyanne Conway, a top adviser to President Donald Trump, was "counseled" after promoting Ivanka Trump's clothing and accessory brand during an interview from the White House Thursday morning, as members of both parties are now calling for a review of whether the comments broke government rules."
"Counseled?" Should have been fired.
"Conway, in a Fox News interview from the White House, urged people to "go buy Ivanka's stuff." Kellyanne Conway's plug from the White House: 'Go buy Ivanka's stuff' "Go buy Ivanka's stuff, is what I would tell you," Conway said. "It's a wonderful line. I own some of it. I fully -- I'm going to just, I'm going to give a free commercial here: Go buy it today, everybody. You can find it online."
Goddamned unbelievable.
"The comments could run afoul with federal law that bars public employees from making an "endorsement of any product, service or enterprise, or for the private gain of friends, relatives, or persons with whom the employee is affiliated in a nongovernmental capacity."
There will be consequences:
"The top Democrat on the
House Oversight Committee, Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland joined with
Republican Chairman Jason Chaffetz to refer Conway to the government ethics
watchdog office for potentially breaking rules barring government employees
from endorsing private businesses.
"We request you review
Conway's statements and act promptly on the basis of your findings," the
two jointly wrote in a letter to the US Office of Government Ethics."
Goes far beyond aching ignorance, hopeless aggressive stupidity: Aryan arrogance.
"In an appearance on Fox News Thursday evening, Conway said she spoke with the President and believes he supports her despite the potential ethics violation. She also said she was "aware" of the letter from the oversight committee. "I spent a lot of time with the President of the United States this afternoon, and he supports me 100%," Conway said."
... Hey, Kellyanne? Too damned Aryan arrogant, aggressively stupid to do the right thing? Resign in disgrace?
In follow up to the above, ABC News reports:
"The Office of Government Ethics is calling on the White House to investigate the actions of counselor to the president, Kellyanne Conway, less than a week after she appeared on television and promoted the apparel and accessories brand owned by Ivanka Trump -- saying there's "strong reason to believe that Ms. Conway has violated the Standards of Conduct."
The fox asked to guard the chicken coop. Amazing, isn't it?
"Walter M. Shaub, Jr., the director of the Office of Government Ethics, sent a letter Monday to Stefan Passantino, the designated agency ethics official at the White House, recommending that an inquiry be made and asking the administration to “consider taking disciplinary action against her.”
Snowball's chance.
2-17-17
Another Trump henchman may have broken the law. The Washington Post reports:
"National security adviser Michael Flynn privately discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with that country’s ambassador to the United States during the month before President Trump took office, contrary to public assertions by Trump officials, current and former U.S. officials said."
Sounds like "alternative facts" perpetrated by the Trump nazis, doesn't it?
"Flynn’s communications with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak were interpreted by some senior U.S. officials as an inappropriate and potentially illegal signal to the Kremlin that it could expect a reprieve from sanctions that were being imposed by the Obama administration in late December to punish Russia for its alleged interference in the 2016 election."
Since the Trump nazi and his henchmen vacillate day to day, continually move the goal posts, contradict themselves as convenient, distort reality for the sake of political expediency, there is a desperate need for a criminal investigation of at least the above issue.
"The talks were part of a series of contacts between Flynn and Kislyak that began before the Nov. 8 election and continued during the transition, officials said. In a recent interview, Kislyak confirmed that he had communicated with Flynn by text message, by phone and in person, but declined to say whether they had discussed sanctions."
Why? If this fascist son of a bitch had nothing to hide, why not open up with the facts? Tell the unvarnished truth?
"The emerging details contradict public statements by incoming senior administration officials including Mike Pence, then the vice president-elect. They acknowledged only a handful of text messages and calls exchanged between Flynn and Kislyak late last year and denied that either ever raised the subject of sanctions."
Precisely, why there needs to be a criminal investigation.
“They did not discuss anything having to do with the United States’ decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia,” Pence said in an interview with CBS News last month, noting that he had spoken with Flynn about the matter. Pence also made a more sweeping assertion, saying there had been no contact between members of Trump’s team and Russia during the campaign. To suggest otherwise, he said, “is to give credence to some of these bizarre rumors that have swirled around the candidacy.”
Is that right? Clearly, these nazis can't seem to get their stories straight. ... Or, are deliberately obfuscating the truth. Either way, they remain an exigent threat to our supposedly democratic republic. All civil and constitutional rights and liberties.
"Neither of those assertions is consistent with the fuller account of Flynn’s contacts with Kislyak provided by officials who had access to reports from U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies that routinely monitor the communications of Russian diplomats. Nine current and former officials, who were in senior positions at multiple agencies at the time of the calls, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters."
Worse? Get this:
"All of those officials said Flynn’s references to the election-related sanctions were explicit. Two of those officials went further, saying that Flynn urged Russia not to overreact to the penalties being imposed by President Barack Obama, making clear that the two sides would be in position to review the matter after Trump was sworn in as president. “Kislyak was left with the impression that the sanctions would be revisited at a later time,” said a former official."
Absolutely fascinating. Is this what our formerly great country has become? Our elected 'leaders' no more than traitors? Even before they're sworn into office?
The following is the take of CBS:
"President Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Flynn, privately discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with its ambassador to the U.S. before the president took office last month even though officials claimed he didn’t, The Washington Post reported late Thursday night."
How about that? Trump's henchmen wouldn't lie, would they?
"Current and former U.S. officials told the Post about the conversation with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. When asked in an interview with the Post Wednesday if he had discussed sanctions with the ambassador, Flynn repeatedly said, “No.” On Thursday, however, Flynn appeared to retreat from that denial."
How about that? Couldn't be, could it?
"His spokesman told the Post, that Flynn “indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldn’t be certain that the topic never came up.”
Convenient loss of memory?
"Vice President Mike Pence told CBS’s “Face the Nation” last month that there was no contact between the Trump team and Russian officials during the campaign and Flynn’s call with Kislyak on the same day sanctions were announced in December was “strictly coincidental.” “Of course not,” Pence said on the program when asked whether anyone from the campaign was ever in touch with Russia. “I think to suggest that is to give credence to some of these bizarre rumors that have swirled around the candidacy.” “They did not discuss anything having to do with the United States’ decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia,” Pence said."
Well, someone's lying. Covering their ass.
Here is the take of ABC News:
"At least two Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee are calling for President Donald Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, to be suspended in the wake of allegations that he discussed the U.S. sanctions against Russia in a conversation with Moscow's ambassador to the U.S. ahead of Trump’s inauguration."
If this happened, could very well be treason.
"The allegations raise "serious questions of legality and fitness for office," the top Democrat on the committee, Rep. Adam Schiff of California, said in a statement today."
Indeed, they do. Serious questions.
"If the allegations are proven true, Flynn "should no longer serve in this administration or any other."
Needs to be a criminal investigation.
"Another top Democrat, Rep. Eric Swalwell, also of California, said Flynn should step aside while the allegations are looked into. "The White House should immediately SUSPEND National Security Advisor Flynn & REVOKE access to classified information until investigated," Swalwell said in a statement online."
Likely never happen. -- The Trump nazi has a penchant for circling the wagons, protecting his own. ... Unless, of course, top aides and the Trump nazi himself were complicit. If so, all bets are off. Might quickly jettison Flynn to make him the fall guy.
"ABC News has confirmed that in the weeks before the inauguration, Flynn discussed the sanctions issue with Kislyak, though current and former U.S. officials were not able to say whether those discussions included any promises to lift sanctions. The Washington Post first reported Thursday that Flynn discussed the sanctions with Kislyak during a series of phone calls in December."
These allegations have been around quite some time. Why has it taken this long to reach this point?
"The latest claims conflict with repeated denials by Flynn and other senior members of the Trump administration that Flynn had discussed the sanctions issue during the calls."
Someone's lying. Guess who.
"Some of the U.S. officials, who headed government agencies at the time of the calls, told the Post they were concerned there may have been an inappropriate and potentially illegal attempt by Flynn to reassure the Kremlin on sanctions as the Obama administration was imposing measures against Russia in retaliation for allegedly intervening in the U.S. presidential election."
Again, if so, it's treason.
"Flynn has denied the claims, which ABC News has so far been unable to verify independently, saying initially the two had only exchanged Christmas greetings and discussed plans for a phone call between Trump and Putin. Spicer, now the White House press secretary, told reporters last month, "They exchanged logistical information on how to initiate and schedule that call. That was it. Plain and simple." Spicer later told ABC News that Kislyak had called to invite the U.S. to talks on the Syrian conflict that were held in Kazakhstan recently."
There needs to be a criminal investigation. News organizations don't enjoy the legal power of criminal investigators to gather evidence.
"Flynn this week denied again that sanctions came up, but on Friday the White House appeared to be moving back from the denial: a senior administration official told ABC News that Flynn doesn’t recall any discussion of sanctions ever coming up with Kislyak, but isn’t completely certain."
This is indication the house of cards may soon collapse.
"The questions over Flynn’s contacts with Kislyak were first raised in early January. Spicer told reporters that Flynn and the Russian ambassador talked by phone on Dec. 28. Spicer later told ABC News he misspoke and the call was on Dec. 29, the same day that President Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats from the U.S. and closed a handful of Russian diplomatic facilities as punishment for the alleged Kremlin meddling."
Remember?
"Concerns were raised by some administration officials that Flynn may have sought to undermine those sanctions in his call with Kislyak. After the expulsions, the Kremlin unusually declined a tit-for-tat response, instead inviting American diplomats in Moscow to a children’s Christmas party."
Someway, somehow, the Trump nazi is beholden to the Russian dictator.
"According to the Post, the FBI is examining Flynn’s communications with Kislyak. U.S. officials have said Flynn’s calls with Kislayk were picked up as part of routine surveillance of the Russian diplomat. According to the Post, further communications between Flynn and Kislyak were also conducted in person and by text message, details of which contradict the administration's statements on them so far."
All the more reason for an immediate criminal investigation.
"The Post and The New York Times have reported that another FBI investigation is also looking into possible contacts between three members of Trump's campaign team during the election. The White House has denied being aware that any such investigation is underway. A senior administration official told ABC News last month that the White House has “absolutely no knowledge of any investigation or even a basis for such an investigation.”
Interesting, isn't it? Gets worse:
"Flynn’s attitude to Russia specifically has attracted criticism from some Democrats and Republicans, in particular a 2015 trip to Moscow to speak at an anniversary conference for the Russian propaganda network, Russia Today, where he dined at a table with Putin. Publicly, including at the Moscow conference, Flynn has suggested he believes the U.S. should work with Russia to combat radical Islamic terrorism, which he has described as a “cancer.”
Anything wrong, out of place with the above? Consider the following:
"Congressional Democrats have written a letter to the Pentagon requesting more details on Flynn’s Moscow trip, seeking information on payments he received for speaking at the Russia Today conference. “It is extremely concerning that General Flynn chose to accept payment for appearing at a gala hosted by the propaganda arm of the Russian government, which attacked the United States in an effort to undermine our election,” Rep. Elijah Cummings, the ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, wrote in the Feb. 1 letter."
What webs we weave. Whatever the truth, the Trump nazi and his henchmen cannot indefinitely obfuscate precisely what did or did not go down.
NPR has the following take:
"The question of the contacts' legality largely rests in the Logan Act, which bans unauthorized U.S. citizens from communicating with a foreign government "with intent to influence the measures or conduct of any foreign government ... in relation to any disputes or controversies with the United States, or to defeat the measures of the United States."
Interesting, isn't it?
Subsequent to writing the above, Flynn is out. As of Monday evening, 2-13-17. Initial reports? Resigned. The White House Press Secretary now claims the Trump nazi fired him.
The Washington Post reports:
"Michael Flynn, the national security adviser to President Trump, resigned late Monday over revelations about his potentially illegal contacts with the Russian ambassador to the United States, and his misleading statements about the matter to senior Trump administration officials." In his resignation letter, Flynn said he had “inadvertently briefed the Vice President Elect and others with incomplete information regarding my phone calls with the Russian ambassador. I have sincerely apologized to the president and the vice president.”
The Post went on to report:
"Flynn was referring to his disproven claims to Vice President Pence and others a month ago that he had never discussed U.S. sanctions against Moscow with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Pence, White House spokesman Sean Spicer and others, relying on Flynn’s accounts, publicly defended him and repeatedly declared in categorical terms that sanctions were never discussed. President Trump accepted Flynn’s resignation letter and appointed Keith Kellogg, a decorated retired Army lieutenant general, as acting national security adviser."
Interesting, isn't it?
"One senior White House official said that Trump did not fire Flynn; rather, Flynn made the decision to resign on his own late Monday evening because of what this official said was “the cumulative effect” of damaging news coverage about his conversations with the Russian envoy. This official, who requested anonymity to speak candidly about the situation, said Trump does not relish firing people — despite his television persona on “The Apprentice” — and had intended to wait several more days before deciding whether to seek Flynn’s resignation. “There obviously were a lot of issues, but the president was hanging in there,” this official said. “Buying some time was part of the plan, and I think Flynn just figured, if it’s imminent to the boss, then let’s make it immediate.”
The Press Secretary denies this.
NPR reports:
"White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Tuesday that President Trump asked for Michael Flynn's resignation on Monday night, citing an "evolving and eroding level of trust" with his national security adviser. The account differs from the impression the White House gave initially, framing it as Flynn's decision to step down amid questions about whether he inappropriately talked about U.S. sanctions with a Russian official and then subsequently misled then-Vice President-elect Pence about those conversations. "The president was very concerned that Gen. Flynn had misled the vice president and others," Spicer said. Spicer underscored that it was not a "legal issue, but a trust issue" that led to Flynn's dismissal."
This is just the beginning of what will likely be a long, drawn out investigation.
The Washington Post reports:
"Top Republican senators said Tuesday that Congress should probe the circumstances leading up to the resignation of Michael Flynn as President Trump’s national security adviser, opening a new and potentially uncomfortable chapter in the uneasy relationship between Trump and congressional Republicans."
There are many, many unanswered questions as to what actually happened, who did what and when, who knew what and when did they know it, had the 'President' directed Flynn to do what he did, was Pence in on all of it, etc.? Just the beginning of what will likely be quite a trying time for the Trump nazi and his henchmen.
Take of The Washington Times:
"Top Senate Republicans backed plans Tuesday to expand the committee investigation of Russian email hacking during the 2016 presidential campaign to include the conduct of Michael Flynn, who resigned as President Trump’s national security adviser Monday night over misrepresenting his communications with Russian officials. Sen. Roy Blunt, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee conducting the probe, said they should investigate Mr. Flynn and that he wanted to hear from Mr. Flynn personally. Others called for Mr. Flynn to testify before the committee. The expanded probe also was endorsed by Senate Assistant Majority Leader John Cornyn, Texas Republican."
The Republicans truly have no choice. If they don't stand tall, they won't be returned to office.
McCain is certainly becoming the maverick he used to be:
"Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican who has previously backed the proposal for a select committee to investigate Russia’s involvement in the election, said it is too early to say whether an independent commission should also investigate Mr. Flynn. “We need to look at the whole issue and why it has come about, and what is our relationship with Russia and why certainly things have happened the way they did,” Mr. McCain said. “There are serious questions that need to be answered, including our entire relationship with Russia.”
What needs to be investigated, Senator, are the top aides to the 'President' and the Trump nazi himself to determine the full extent of this outrageous fiasco.
The Trump nazi increasingly appears to be a buffoon incapable of competently executing the duties of office. The Washington Post reports:
"Trump — distracted by political brushfires, often of his own making — has failed to fill such key posts as White House communications director, while sub-Cabinet positions across agencies and scores of ambassadorships around the globe still sit empty."
Incompetence.
"Upset about damaging leaks of his calls with world leaders and other national security information, Trump has ordered an internal investigation to find the leakers. Staffers, meanwhile, are so fearful of being accused of talking to the media that some have resorted to a secret chat app — Confide — that erases messages as soon as they’re read."
Thank God staffers are willing to disclose what's going on. The public has a right to know. So does Congress and the courts.
"The chaos and competing factions that were a Trump trademark in business and campaigning now are starting to define his presidency, according to interviews with a dozen White House officials as well as other Republicans. Most spoke on the condition of anonymity to candidly discuss internal White House dynamics and deliberations."
This certainly appears to be a reasonable explanation for the 'President's' failure to effectively get anything done.
"Some senior officials are worried about their own standing with the president, who through his casual conversations with friends and associates sometimes seems to hint that a shake-up could come at a moment’s notice. Aides said they strive to avoid appearing “weak” or “low energy” — two of Trump’s least favorite attributes."
Again, the mark of a fascist dictator. Certainly, an issue during Hitler's Third Reich.
"Staffers buzz privately about who is up and who is down, with many eagerly gossiping about which poor colleague gets an unflattering portrayal on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” For the past two weeks, it has been White House press secretary Sean Spicer. But aides said Trump was especially upset by a sketch that cast White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon as the Grim Reaper manipulating the president — who was ultimately relegated to a miniature desk, playing dolefully with an expandable toy."
Further evidence the 'President' has stability issues. Someone in full command of his faculties, mentally secure, wouldn't care what anyone was saying about him. Would simply ignore it, shrug it off. Not so, the Trump nazi. Even Republicans are beginning to realize they have a problem:
“None of this is normal,” said Steve Schmidt, a Republican strategist and top official in President George W. Bush’s White House, who has been highly critical of Trump and ticked through controversies that included false White House statements and the administration’s halted travel ban targeting seven majority-Muslim countries. “The incompetence, the sloppiness and the leaking is unprecedented.”
Indeed. The 'President' clearly knew he had a problem with Flynn for quite some time.
The Post reports:
"The acting attorney general informed the Trump White House late last month that she believed Michael Flynn had misled senior administration officials about the nature of his communications with the Russian ambassador to the United States, and warned that the national security adviser was potentially vulnerable to Russian blackmail, current and former U.S. officials said."
Could this be the real reason the Trump nazi fired her?
"The message, delivered by Sally Q. Yates and a senior career national security official to the White House counsel, was prompted by concerns that Flynn, when asked about his calls and texts with the Russian diplomat, had told Vice President-elect Mike Pence and others that he had not discussed the Obama administration sanctions on Russia for its interference in the 2016 election, the officials said. It is unclear what the White House counsel, Donald McGahn, did with the information."
Interesting, isn't it? Frightening as well.
NPR reports:
"Senate Democrats have called for a "full classified briefing by all relevant agencies, including the Department of Justice and the FBI, as soon as possible and certainly before Thursday, February 16." Reps. John Conyers of Michigan and Elijah Cummings of Maryland called Flynn "unfit" to be national security adviser and said he should have been dismissed weeks ago."
Remember? The bastard got forced out by Obama. Why did the Trump nazi hire him?
"We in Congress need to know who authorized his actions, permitted them, and continued to let him have access to our most sensitive national security information despite knowing these risks," their joint statement said. "We need to know who else within the White House is a current and ongoing risk to our national security."
Be interesting to see if Democrats follow through.
NPR reports:
"Russian intelligence officials made repeated contact with members of President Trump's campaign staff, according to new reports that cite anonymous U.S. officials. American agencies were concerned about the contacts but haven't seen proof of collusion between the campaign and the Russian security apparatus, the reports say. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies intercepted the calls at the same time as they investigated Russia's attempts to tamper with the presidential election, according to The New York Times, which first reported the contacts."
Plot thickens.
Trump's reaction? NBC News reports:
"President Donald Trump blamed "conspiracy theories and blind hatred" — and an attempt to "cover-up" for Hillary Clinton's failed presidential campaign — in a series of tweets Wednesday morning as he tried to distance himself from any links to Russia. Trump tweeted that the "fake news media is going crazy with their conspiracy theories and blind hatred," and added that "this Russian connection non-sense is merely an attempt to cover-up the many mistakes made in Hillary Clinton's losing campaign."
"This
Russian connection non-sense is merely an attempt to cover-up the many
mistakes made in Hillary Clinton's losing campaign.
—
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 15, 2017"
2-17-17
The Trump nazi continues to dance around the law. Consider the folly of the following. NPR reports:
"Ever since Donald Trump was elected president in November, questions have been raised about the lease he signed to operate a luxury hotel in the Old Post Office Building in Washington, D.C. The lease specifically says the lease holder cannot be a federal elected official. So critics repeatedly have called upon the federal General Services Administration to enforce its agreement, and make President Trump walk away from his deal to run the Trump International Hotel."
If the lease states and means what it seems to, the Trump nazi is in violation of the contract.
"But Trump appears to have come up with his own way of trying to solve the lease problem: He has created a revocable trust — and parked his vast business interests in it. The purpose of the trust is to create a firewall against conflict-of-interest allegations and to, in effect, remove himself from direct management of his businesses, such as the D.C. hotel. Documents now show that the president's son, Donald J. Trump Jr., is the new president of the company operating the D.C. hotel."
Doesn't end there.
"But the new arrangement has only escalated the criticism because the trust's tax ID number is Trump's Social Security number, and Trump "has the power to revoke the trust" to reclaim direct ownership."
This piece of shit is an unvarnished charlatan. ... Can-you-say-con-man?
2-17-17
The Trump nazi determinedly remains a walking, talking contradiction. The Washington Post reports:
"President Trump just backed down from what could have been a serious fight with China. On Thursday evening in Washington, he appeared to shy away from confrontation with Beijing by agreeing to honor the one-China policy, during a lengthy telephone call with China’s President Xi Jinping. The move is set to ease tensions between the world’s two most powerful nations: relations had been inflamed after Trump suggested he would only commit to the one-China policy if Beijing addressed his concerns about trade and currency issues."
How about that? Fascinating, isn't it? Be interesting to see how his sick sycophants react.
"The one-China policy was first agreed by President Nixon and China’s leader Mao Zedong in 1972, and formed the bedrock for the establishment of diplomatic ties under President Carter in 1979. It rules out independence and diplomatic recognition for the island of Taiwan."
This was an egregious cowardly mistake by "Tricky Dick" Nixon. ... A staunch anti-communist prior to that.
"Trump’s insistence that it was open for negotiation had brought a sharp rebuke from China, which insisted the policy was highly sensitive and “non-negotiable.”
The fact that Trump so quickly backed down will certainly encourage China and other increasingly aggressive powers in Asia, including the Russians. The Chinese have indeed been rattling the saber for quite some time. Yet, Obama as well as the Trump nazi have egregiously failed to stand up to increasingly aggressive behavior of the Chinese offshore in international waters.
"It was not clear if Trump had gained any concessions from China in return for endorsing the policy — Xinhua said the two men agreed to “strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation” in trade, economic, investment and international affairs."
This lack of specific, timely information is certainly a problem as the Trump nazi struggles to eliminate all transparency, becomes a one man show, that is, a goddamned fascist dictator.
2-17-17
Lawsuits continue to be filed against the Trump nazi. The Washington Times reports:
"Advocacy groups and a labor union are suing the Trump administration over the president’s executive order requiring federal agencies to repeal two regulations for every new regulation adopted. Calling the order “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and not in accordance with law,” the groups allege in a lawsuit filed Wednesday in federal court that President Trump’s directive will force the repeal of regulations or prevent agencies from adopting regulations that are “needed to protect health, safety, and the environment, across a broad range of topics — from automobile safety, to occupational health, to air pollution, to endangered species.”
The Trump nazi is desperate to line the pockets of the corporate management suite. Removing regulations necessary to protect the public is certainly one way of doing it.
"They say the order violates the Administrative Procedure Act, the statute that gives federal agencies their rule-making authority."
2-17-17
Despite the fact the defense budget is well over a trillion, the Trump nazi wishes to expand it. Doesn't matter our military is the best in the world already. The nazi in the Oval Office apparently wishes to exponentially increase earnings of corporate war profiteers. Yet, nothing is done vis a vis waste and/or corruption. Virtually, nothing. It all continues. Think carefully about the following. NBC News reports:
"A one-time three-star general will be demoted and retire as a brigadier general, the Army confirmed Thursday after he used a government credit card to pay for bills at strip clubs in Rome and South Korea."
This issue is not whether or not the general enjoys adult entertainment. It's the fact taxpayers were looted to pay for it.
"Cynthia Smith, a spokeswoman for the Army, said the Pentagon's inspector general was able to verify that Major Gen. Ronald Lewis — who was the senior military assistant to former Defense Secretary Ash Carter — will be bumped down to brigadier general because he charged the government for his visits to the strip clubs, made false statements and "engaged in conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman on multiple occasions."
The question to be asked is why wasn't he prosecuted? It's theft.
"Lewis had reached the three-star rank of lieutenant general, but he was demoted to major general when Carter fired him more than a year ago after an investigation uncovered that Lewis had misused a government credit card and had become involved in an extramarital relationship."
This piece of shit has a history of abusing a government credit card, that is, stealing, and he isn't prosecuted? Give me a goddamned break.
"According to the report, Lewis used a government credit card to spend $1,121.25 at the Candy Bar strip club in South Korea and $1,755.98 at the Cica Cica Boom strip club in Rome — both of which are allegedly often visited by prostitutes. Lewis later said his government card had been stolen, which led Citibank to forgive the charges in South Korea."
The son of a bitch lied. Stole.
"The report also found that Lewis sought to engage in inappropriate relationships with female subordinates, saying he often drank in excess in front of junior officers."
Apparently, all this had been going on quite some time. Had it been a grunt or non-commissioned officer, think the military would have been as accommodating?
2-17-17
The struggle between the Trump nazi and California is intensifying. Fox News reports:
"Tensions between the Trump administration and California leaders are escalating into an all-out political war, as Gov. Jerry Brown and his allies vow to fight the president tooth-and-nail over everything from sanctuary cities to environmental policies."
Needs to happen. Ferocious, but peaceful resistance.
"President Trump fired the latest shot when he threatened to “defund” unspecified programs over California’s push to become a “sanctuary state.” In an interview with Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly, he criticized California lawmakers for pursuing a statewide law to limit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities."
Good to see the states beginning to fight back against imposition of The Fourth Reich.
“I think it’s ridiculous,” Trump said, adding that sanctuary cities “breed crime.” “We will certainly not stand for sanctuary even cities, let alone states.”
The Trump nazi remains a congenital liar. This false claim has been repeatedly debunked. No more than phony propaganda by Trump and his henchmen.
"Calling California “out of control,” Trump described the threat of pulling funding as a White House “weapon.”
The 'President' got it achingly ass backwards. It is the Trump nazi and his henchmen who remain egregiously out of control. Precisely, why they are being taken to court on a massive scale all across the country. -- While ferocious, but peaceful resistance continues to exponentially increase. The Trump nazi is caustically reminded California is massively looted to pay for that federal funding.
Should Trump remove such funding in retaliation, California should litigate the issue. Explore, as well, creative but lawful ways to reduce that egregious, determined looting of Californians by their federal masters. ... Getting relatively little in return for that massive looting. -- Used to be Republicans were for smaller government, limited government intrusion. Certainly, no longer.
"While using the federal purse as leverage might work in some states, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon said it doesn’t pack as strong of a punch in California. “Far from being out of control, California is creating jobs faster than any other state and immigrants are key to our economic prosperity,” he said in a written statement. “We are an engine for the country’s innovation and job growth and our state annually pays more in federal taxes than it gets back. Our economy is the sixth largest in the world and thirteen percent of the country’s GDP.”
Again, California must seek lawful ways to ferociously but peacefully resist the Trump nazi, his henchmen, and their determined imposition of The Fourth Reich.
"But ever since Trump’s election, Brown has set an adversarial tone with the new administration. Brown delivered a fiery rebuke against Trump in his January State of the State address, underscoring years of bitter conflict and foreshadowing even more."
This is most encouraging. A good sign. Hopefully, a portend of things to come across the nation. Ferocious, but peaceful resistance. Every step of the way. Make it as difficult as possible for the nazi bastard and his henchmen.
“We’ve seen the bald assertion of ‘alternative facts,’ whatever those are,” Brown said. “We’ve heard the blatant attacks on science. Familiar signposts of our democracy — truth, civility, working together — have been obscured or even swept aside.”
Indeed, they have. Truth is deception, deception is truth, lies are 'alternative facts,' and shit smells perversely sweet in the world of the Trump nazi and his henchmen.
"The fourth-term Democratic governor is now pitching his state as an outpost of resistance against Trump and pointedly vowing to push back against efforts by the administration to reverse environmental policies."
Exactly, what's called for.
"We've got the scientists, we've got the lawyers and we're ready to fight," he said during a December speech to the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco."
Go for it. Resist.
"Nicknamed “Governor Moonbeam” by a newspaper columnist in 1976 for his interest in a state-sponsored satellite, Brown told the revved-up San Francisco crowd, “If Trump turns off the satellites, California will launch its own damn satellite.”
Be something to see. Quite possible it could be done. Forget? California's economy is greater than that of many countries. Precisely, why the Trump nazi is so determined to continue the looting, keep its federal boot heel on the throat of this state and its people.
2-17-17
Amazing how the Trump nazi's sick sycophants have no grasp on realty. Consider the following from the latest Newsletter from Sen. Ted "Screws Loose" Cruz:
"Sen. Cruz released the following statement in support of Sen. Jeff Sessions, confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the next U.S. Attorney General: “The confirmation of Sen. Sessions to be the 84th Attorney General of the United States is wonderful news for those who revere the rule of law."
That's patently false. The direct opposite is the truth. The Sessions nazi is no more than a deceptive racist, determined misogynist, a supporter of the murderous jackbooted bastards in blue no matter what they do. Including murder of unarmed defenseless citizens, looting of innocent citizens during traffic stops to line government coffers, harassment designed to get their cookies off abusing power, etc..
"Sen. Sessions has impressive credentials, and having worked alongside him on both the Judiciary and Armed Services Committees, I have witnessed firsthand his steadfast integrity, his passion for the rule of law and law enforcement, and the profound mutual respect and admiration that exists between him and our men and women in blue."
The latter is what makes the Sessions nazi so dangerous. An exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties. Week after week after week, atrocities, abuse, and other crimes committed by police are reported here and elsewhere. These crimes are being committed by the jackbooted bastards in blue all across our formerly great country. Yet, the Sessions nazi and his sick sycophant, "Screws Loose" Cruz remain determinedly clueless.
The achingly racist, Sessions nazi has no integrity. No misogynist, racist, fascist does. This piece of shit is indeed bought and paid for not only by his corporate masters, but the criminal jackbooted bastards in blue who steadfastly support this goddamned national socialist. There is indeed good reason for this. The bastard will grant them carte blanche to continue to do as they please on the job with impunity.
This is what makes this nazi unfit to be U.S. Attorney General. Under this sad sack of shit, the jackbooted bastards in blue will become more dangerous than ever. More indifferent to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties than before. Why? Wake up. Because they'll be no one in the 'Justice' Department to hold them accountable. This will lead to more and more civil unrest. Ultimately? An unwanted dreaded second American revolution already catastrophically looming on the horizon. ... Hear the rumble?
“Jeff Sessions has led a remarkable career representing the people of Alabama, and he is undoubtedly well suited to serve the American people as the next U.S. Attorney General. I look forward to working with him as he takes on this new role and restores integrity to the leadership of the Department of Justice.”
If you truly believe the above unadulterated bullshit written by our achingly clueless Senator, re-read the last edition of this publication, particularly the thirty-year-old letter written by the late wife of Martin Luther King submitted to the Senate before the Sessions nazi failed to be confirmed by the Senate when he was nominated to be U.S. Attorney in the not-so-great state of Alabama. Like Sen. Cruz, the Sessions nazi has no integrity. Is no more than a racist, homophobic bigot, misogynist, and a fascist. As Cruz, the Sessions nazi presents an exigent threat to all civil and constitutional rights and liberties.
2-17-17
Sen. McCain courageously stuck it to the Trump nazi and his press secretary. The Washington Post reports:
"The White House press secretary took an extraordinary position Wednesday, saying anyone who questioned the success of the raid in Yemen that led to the death of a Navy SEAL was doing a disservice to the SEAL's memory. The target was McCain."
Indeed, it was. The Trump nazi and his henchmen tolerate no dissent. McCain was, in fact, quite right. That clearly disturbed the 'President.' Forget? The Trump nazi and his henchmen were doing no more than covering their ass for what appears to be a failure.
"Then NBC News tracked down McCain (R-Ariz.) to get his response to Spicer. And it was something."
Indeed, it was.
“Many years ago when I was imprisoned in North Vietnam, there was an attempt to rescue the POWs,” McCain began, mentioning details of his biography that everyone knows but McCain included for emphasis. He continued: “Unfortunately, the prison had been evacuated. But the brave men who were took on that mission and risked their lives in an effort to rescue us prisoners of war were genuine American heroes. Because the mission failed did not in any way diminish their courage and willingness to help their fellow Americans who were held captive. Mr. Spicer should know that story.”
Indeed, they do. If not, remain unfit for office. Many of us alive at the time vividly remember this sad, sad day. This writer certainly does.
"McCain then walked away, punctuating the comment."
You go, Senator. Thanks for your service to this country. Sadly, a war that should never have been fought. Approximately 58,000 of our best and brightest were killed in action. Thousands more maimed. All, as it turned out, for nothing. ... Other than lining the pockets of corporate war profiteers.
2-17-17
Secretary of State Rex "The Hex" Tillerson may have indeed gotten out while the getting out was good. LOL. There is certainly trouble within paradise. CBS News reports:
"A member of ExxonMobil’s External Citizenship Advisory Panel wrote a scathing letter this week declaring her resignation from the panel advising the company that until recently was headed by newly sworn-in Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. In the letter, which was first reported by Motherboard on Thursday, Sarah Labowitz said she is “particularly concerned about the company’s targeted attack on respected civil society organizations through the courts.” Just last week, ExxonMobil filed another brief in a federal Texas court “advancing an argument that everyday aspects of civil society advocacy with public officials should be treated as an illegal conspiracy,” said Labowitz, a corporate social responsibility expert and co-director of the Center for Business and Human Rights at the NYU Stern School of Business."
Interesting, isn't it?
“The brief argues that having a private meeting, conducting a workshop, publishing a report, or advocating that a public official take action are all elements of what you deem an illegal ‘conspiracy,’” she said in the Monday letter, addressed to Ben Soraci, the president of ExxonMobil Foundation and general manager of Public and Government Affairs at ExxonMobil. “Many companies face criticism and critique, but few respond with the kind of vehemence and aggressive attack strategy that Exxon has executed over the last year,” Labowitz said. “This approach is especially disappointing because there are much more effective and constructive ways to respond to such criticism.”
What corporation does not do all it can to stifle dissent? Wherever it finds it. Has the power, financial resources to stick it to anyone who has the cajones to challenge its perfidy. Hat's off to Ms. Labowitz.
2-17-17
Think New Yorkers too callous to care? CNN reports:
"Gregory Locke was enjoying his Saturday night after dinner with friends in Manhattan when he boarded the No. 1 subway train at 50th Street to head uptown. Almost immediately, he knew something was up. "Everybody was sitting there stunned," said Locke, a New York attorney originally from Atlanta, Georgia. "It wasn't until the doors closed behind me that I saw it on the windows of the doors." Someone had used a Sharpie to scrawl swastikas and hate-filled graffiti all over the subway car: "Jews belong in the oven," "Destroy Islam," "Heil Hitler."
All this, a result of the Trump nazi, his henchmen, and the determined nazification of our formerly great country.
"Passengers looked uncomfortable and unsure of what to do, Locke said. But then a man stood up and said, "Hand sanitizer gets rid of Sharpie pen. We need alcohol," Locke told CNN. That man was Jared Nied, a chef at a Manhattan restaurant. "The woman across the car saw me looking at the graffiti, asked me if I could do something and offered a tissue. That's when it clicked that sanitizer would work," Nied told CNN via text message Sunday. Then, "everyone started digging into their pockets and bags for hand sanitizer and wipes," Locke said."
Stood tall. -- New Yorkers, who rarely even look at one another in a subway cattle car.
"Nied and other passengers got to work on erasing the graffiti. He told CNN they were "satisfied in just doing the right thing." "It was very uplifting to see everyone come together like that," said Locke. The attorney posted an account of the incident on Facebook and it quickly went viral. As of midday Sunday Locke's post had been shared more than 250,000 times and was even noticed by former first daughter Chelsea Clinton, who tweeted about it.
"We
will not let hate win. And, another reason to carry hand sanitizer. pic.twitter.com/bgrAJf7SCv
—
Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) February 5, 2017"
This is what it takes. Action. Resistance. Ferocious, but peaceful dissent.
"In a separate incident, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo shared a picture Sunday morning showing swastika graffiti that had been turned into a "Love" sign. The picture was taken by a passenger aboard a B subway train recently, the governor's office said in a statement. "This is what New Yorkers do -- we turn hate into love. That is our message to the nation and to the world. And we won't back down -- not now, not ever," Cuomo said."
This strikes fear into the hearts of extremists. Resistance. At all times peaceful, but ferocious, unyielding.
2-17-17
Ferocious pressure is mounting on Republican nazis. Even in their home districts. Remarkable, isn't it? NPR reports:
"U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, faced boos and jeers from Utahns in his home district during a rowdy town hall Thursday night in the suburbs outside Salt Lake City."
Republican country. Yet, ferocious dissent is growing.
"More than 1,000 people packed into the auditorium of Brighton High School for the noisy forum, with hundreds more stuck outside. Amid near-constant shouts and interruptions, Chaffetz was asked about everything from his controversial public lands bills to efforts to defund Planned Parenthood to President Trump's executive order temporarily prohibiting travelers of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States."
Fascinating. A GOP congressman accosted by his constituents. Dissatisfied about how Chaffetz and his fellow nazis in Congress are conducting themselves.
"But the issue those in attendance raised most was Trump himself, and whether Chaffetz, as head of the powerful House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, planned to investigate the president's potential business conflicts as vigorously as he did Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server."
That's precisely his job. To go after corruption, abuse, etc. wherever it exists. Both parties. As well as Independents. No one is exempt.
"Chaffetz reiterated his position that Trump, as president, is exempt from conflict of interest laws and that he would not abuse his authority as committee chairman to go on a "fishing expedition."
That's called unadulterated bullshit. This piece of GOP trash seems to have conveniently forgotten the Emoluments Clause in the United States Constitution. His constituents would have none of his achingly lame bullshit:
"Crowd
starts shouting "Do your job" after Q about Oversight. This video is him
defending his vote for Trump. #chaffetztownhall pic.twitter.com/9fNnP5W6EB
—
Julia Ritchey (@juliaritchey) February 10, 2017"
This is precisely what these outrageously corrupt, abusive, inept, self-serving, partisan bastards need. Both parties. Ferocious pressure.
"Chaffetz later added that he had sent a letter on Thursday to the Office of Government Ethics drawing issue with Trump aide Kellyanne Conway's recent endorsement of merchandise marketed by the president's daughter Ivanka Trump — but that did little to appease the crowd."
Why should it? A step in the right direction, but nowhere near sufficient. What makes this so damn encouraging is the fact this is his Republican constituents holding the nazi's feet proverbially to the fire.
"One person who identified herself as a retired Salt Lake City teacher asked Chaffetz what his "line in the sand was" pertaining to Trump's many controversies, to which the congressman replied, "the law."
Is that right, Congressman? Then prove it. Get off your goddamned ass and hold the Trump nazi and his henchmen accountable. Not only to the law, but more importantly, to the United States Constitution.
The Washington Post reports:
"An equally passionate — if not quite as boisterous — scene played out Thursday at a health-care town hall across the country in Murfreesboro, Tenn., — Republican territory through and through.
"Last year, same townhall had about 30-40 ppl. This year, topic is healthcare & room is packed w/ dozens who couldn't get in #Obamacare pic.twitter.com/pDZsebPPeq
"— MJ Lee (@mj_lee) February 10, 2017"
That's good. Hold their feet proverbially to the fire. Ferocious, but peaceful resistance.
"In Tennessee, Knoxville-area Rep. Jimmy Duncan (R) refused to hold a town hall given amid all the tension. " I do not intend to give more publicity to those on the far left who have so much hatred, anger and frustration in them," he said in a letter. "I have never seen so many sore losers as there are today."
This hopelessly clueless, fascist son of a bitch still doesn't get it. It's the nazism, stupid. Will not be tolerated. So Aryan arrogant you can't understand this? Won't be confused with the truth? You're out of uniform. Where is your swastika armband?
Fox News reports:
"About 18,000 callers participated in a telephone town hall hosted by U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, a suburban Chicago Republican who has been criticized for canceling smaller in-person meetings and declining debates. The Chicago Tribune reports some callers challenged the six-term congressman for not participating in traditional town halls. Roskam abruptly canceled a smaller meeting with constituents this month to hear concerns about repealing the Affordable Care Act. Protesters have since shown up to his events. The League of Women Voters has also invited him to debates and town halls, which he has declined."
This is a fascist, cowardly son of a bitch Republican who has no guts.
"Roskam said during Monday's call that the traditional town hall format isn't productive and frustrates participants."
Is this piece of shit talking about himself? That is, his lack of productivity and frustration at town halls? To say nothing of his legislative duties.
2-17-17
Clearly, the Muslim community places principle above money. ABC News reports:
"A California Islamic school wanted to keep an open mind before Donald Trump took office. But less than a month into Trump's presidency, the school rejected $800,000 in federal funds aimed at combating violent extremism."
As well they should. Certainly, under the Trump nazi and his henchmen.
"The decision made late Friday night by the Bayan Claremont graduate school's board to turn down the money — an amount that would cover more than half its yearly budget — capped weeks of sleepless nights and debate. Many there felt Trump's rhetoric singling out Islamic extremism and his travel ban affecting predominantly Muslim countries had gone too far."
A problem since early in the Trump Campaign.
"It also made the school the fourth organization nationwide under the Trump administration to reject the money for a program created under President Barack Obama known as countering violent extremism, or CVE, which officials say aims to thwart extremist groups' abilities to recruit would-be terrorists."
Interesting, isn't it? Think carefully about the following and how agonizing the decision was.
"Bayan Claremont had received the second-largest grant, among the first 31 federal grants for CVE awarded to organizations, schools and municipalities in the dwindling days of the Obama administration. The school had hoped to use the money to help create a new generation of Muslim community leaders, with $250,000 earmarked for more than a dozen local nonprofits doing social justice work. But the fledgling school's founding president, Jihad Turk, said officials ultimately felt accepting the money would do more harm than good."
A wise decision.
"It's "a heck of a lot of money, (but) our mission and our vision is to serve the community and to bring our community to a position of excellence," Turk said. "And if we're compromised, even if only by perception in terms of our standing in the community, we ultimately can't achieve that goal," he said, adding that accepting the funds would be short-sighted."
Indeed.
"The school's internal debate is also emblematic of handwringing among grassroots and nonprofit organizations involved in the program in the last couple weeks. At Unity Productions Foundation of Potomac Falls, Virginia, officials said they would decline a grant of $396,585 to produce educational films challenging narratives supporting extremist ideologies and violent extremism "due to the changes brought by the new administration," according to a private message to donors reviewed by The Associated Press."
Not the only one:
"And in Dearborn, Michigan, Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities said last week it was turning down $500,000 for youth-development and public-health programs because of the "current political climate." Ka Joog, a leading Somali nonprofit organization in Minneapolis, also turned down $500,000 for its youth programs."
Here is the problem. An achingly salient one for these organizations:
"A U.S. official said the Trump administration has been discussing changing the Obama administration program's name, established as a presidential strategy in 2011, to an iteration of "countering Islamic extremism." The official, who has knowledge of the discussions, was not authorized to speak publicly about the proposal and spoke on condition of anonymity. All told, more than 20 percent of the roughly $10 million awarded by the Homeland Security Department has been rejected. And other groups have signaled they may follow suit, should the name change."
There is a valid reason for this concern:
"Turk said school officials already had reservations about the CVE strategy under Obama because they felt there's no clear or proven pathway to violence for someone with a particular extreme ideology. The group went ahead, despite worries by some activists that the program equated to a government surveillance program, because it believed the previous administration wasn't hostile to their faith. But amid what Turk called Trump's "fixation on the American Muslim community," it became clear that the president's actions were more than campaign-trail rhetoric, he said. "It was becoming more and more apparent," Turk said of Trump, "that he's actually looking to carry out all the scary stuff he said."
The above quotes are courtesy of Tami Abdollah, a most gifted and insightful writer.
2-17-17
Consider the comparison between now and the rise of The Third Reich in Germany some eighty years ago. The Washington Post reports:
"Like Trump, Hitler took control of a democratic system in crisis. Establishment politicians on the left and the right were fighting over what seemed like mutually exclusive visions for the country’s future. The left argued that Germany had been founded on secular ideals of pluralism and socialism; the right considered Christianity and capitalism the basis of national community. Hitler, an outsider with no government experience, took advantage of this situation by allying himself with the right and blaming the left for the country’s polarization."
Striking, isn't it? The quote is that of Noah Strote, Assistant Professor of History, North Carolina State University.
2-17-17
The NFL means business. CBS News reports:
"The NFL sharpened its warning to Texas on Friday about a “bathroom bill” targeting transgender people, suggesting for the first time that the football-crazed state could miss out on hosting another Super Bowl if the proposal is enacted. “If a proposal that is discriminatory or inconsistent with our values were to become law there, that would certainly be a factor considered when thinking about awarding future events,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said in response to an email question about the Texas bill."
Exactly, the right thing to do. The Republican fascist bastards in Texas certainly have no regard for principle, just money. Hit 'em figuratively where it truly hurts these nazi pieces of shit the most, -- the pocketbook. ... Right, TL?
ProFootballTalk reports:
“The NFL is walking on thin ice right here,” Abbott said, via the Texas Tribune. “The NFL needs to concentrate on playing football and get the heck out of politics.”
Wake up, Governor. It's not about politics, you clueless jackass. It's about you and your goddamned Republican henchmen imposing your outrageously perverse ideological and religious views on others. In direct violation of the First Amendment Establishment Clause, church-state separation, that is freedom from religion.
"Last week, league spokesman Brian McCarthy said proposed laws that are “discriminatory or inconsistent with our values” would “certainly be a factor” for considering future events in the state, such as Super Bowls like the one that just left Houston."
Indeed.
"But Abbott fired back when given the opportunity to discuss an issue he’s previously been very quiet on, after letting lieutenant governor Dan Patrick take the lead on the proposed legislation which would require transgender persons to use the bathrooms corresponding with their genetic identity rather than how they identify."
Behold the Aryan arrogance of our nazi Governor:
“For some low-level NFL adviser to come out and say that they are going to micromanage and try to dictate to the state of Texas what types of policies we’re going to pass in our state, that’s unacceptable,” Abbott told Beck. “We don’t care what the NFL thinks and certainly what their political policies are because they are not a political arm of the state of Texas or the United States of America. They need to learn their place in the United States, which is to govern football, not politics.”
The nazi has spoken. Listen to the nazi talk out his ass. This piece of shit clearly doesn't understand this is a democratic republic. The people ultimately run and own this government, not their elected officials. When the State of Texas loses revenue when and if the bill is passed and signed into law, this fascist son of a bitch will be singing quite a different tune.
"For one thing, McCarthy is a rather high-level adviser. For another, it’s not dissimilar to veiled threats by the league toward governments in the past. Georgia governor Nathan Deal vetoed a “religious liberty” bill which many considered discriminatory, and lo and behold, Atlanta was awarded a Super Bowl shortly thereafter."
Don't confuse our national socialist Governor with the truth, he and his nazi henchmen are too damned stupid to understand.
2-17-17
NPR reports:
"Following the introduction of two bills into the state legislature that would legally prohibit transgender Texans from using bathrooms that align with their gender identities, 142 artists — including Ewan McGregor, Amy Poehler, Lady Gaga, Janelle Monae, Talib Kweli, Wilco and Whoopi Goldberg — have co-signed a letter beseeching the state senators and representatives to prevent the bills' passage."
They need to do far more than that. Refuse to perform in Nazi Texas should this bill pass and be signed into law by our national socialist governor.
"Transgender and gender non-conforming young people are already subjected to bullying and harassment," the letter reads. "Can you imagine the message these bills send to children — the message of 'that child is unwelcome, that child is dangerous?'"
Nazi Republicans in Texas couldn't care less about this. Remain too goddamned determined to unconstitutionally impose their outrageously perverse religious and ideological views on all by statute.
"In an interview with Billboard, producer and musician Jack Antonoff, who helped draft the letter, said that he wants the state "to know that me and all of my friends — all of these wonderful artists and actors and writers and designers — are watching Texas and are not OK with this happening."
Again, that's simply not good enough. No more than trite lip service. Refuse to perform here if it becomes law. Donate to groups litigating against these goddamned Republican nazis and their unconstitutional, achingly repressive laws.
"Texas' Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has made the legislation a priority. In a note on the initiatives, he wrote that: ""Legislation to protect women's privacy and business is essential to assure that sexual predators ... will not be able to freely enter women's restrooms, locker rooms or showers ... "
The Lt.Gov. has lost his mind. ... Or, is lying out his ass. Has nothing to do with protection of privacy for women and business interests. Nor protection against sexual predators. Rather, his intent, and that of his fellow GOP nazis in the Legislature is to impose their perverse ideological and religious views on all by statute. In direct violation of the First Amendment Establishment Clause, church-state separation, that is freedom from religion.
The following is precisely what achingly perverse GOP nazis want in this state. The Washington Post reports:
"A policy manifesto from an influential conservative group with ties to the Trump administration, including Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, urges dismantling the Education Department and bringing God into American classrooms. The five-page document produced by the Council for National Policy calls for a “restoration of education in America” that would minimize the federal role, promote religious schools and homeschooling and enshrine “historic Judeo-Christian principles” as a basis for instruction. Names of the council’s members are closely held. But the Southern Poverty Law Center published a 2014 membership directory showing that Stephen K. Bannon — now chief White House strategist for President Trump — was a member and that Kellyanne Conway — now counselor to the president — served on the council’s executive committee."
All, in direct violation of the First Amendment Establishment Clause, church-state separation, that is freedom from religion.
Here is what the Texas Legislature should be concerning itself about, and rectifying, -- among many other atrocities going on in our state. Couldn't care less, however. CBS News reports:
"A federal judge has ordered a civil trial of the Texas prison system and its leadership in a civil rights lawsuit arising from the heat-related death of an inmate, saying state prison officials refused to provide air conditioning that could have also kept 21 other inmates alive. Larry Gene McCollum, a 58-year-old Waco-area taxi driver, was among 22 inmates who have died from the heat in Texas prisons since 1998, including 10 during a 2011 heat wave alone, U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison of Houston wrote. McCollum was serving a one-year sentence in the Hutchins State Jail near Dallas for writing a bad check when he died of a heat stroke on July 22, 2011, just seven days after he arrived at the jail."
... Hey, TL? Think the bastard got exactly what he deserved?
"Although the log represents that the heat index at 3:30 p.m. was 116 degrees, a chart provided by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and used by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice computes the heat index was about 150 degrees."
2-17-17
Good news. CNN reports:
"Andrew Puzder has withdrawn as President Donald Trump's choice for labor secretary, a dramatic decision caused by a GOP revolt that claimed the first Cabinet nominee of the new administration. Puzder, the CEO of the company that owns the Hardee's and Carl's Jr. fast food chains, faced fierce opposition mostly from Democrats in part related to his position on labor issues as well as the fact that he employed an undocumented immigrant housekeeper."
This piece of oligarch shit was egregiously unqualified.
"But Republicans too had grown weary of the range of liabilities facing Puzder, and senior GOP officials informed the White House Tuesday night and Wednesday that Puzder lacked a viable path for confirmation."
Spectacular.
Tim Chorney, Publisher
Liberty In Peril
Tim Chorney, Publisher
Liberty In Peril
Formerly,
The Llano Ledger
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