https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/08/23/harvard-study-confirms-exxonknew-and-misled-public-about-climate-threat-decades
"The study confirmed findings from 2015 reports by InsideClimate News and The Los Angeles Times, which claimed the company had long known about the risks of climate change but publicly denied them, and triggered probes by the New York and Massachusetts attorneys general as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission."
Friday, September 1, 2017
Thursday, August 31, 2017
The More Things Change, the More They Stay Rigged
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a57282/trump-tax-plan-not-populist/
"Under no circumstances can this plan be called "populist" unless the definition of that word has been changed to "whatever we can get the rubes to believe." The first round will come from the House, where zombie-eyed granny starver Speaker Paul Ryan is putatively in charge, and nobody believes in the supply-side fairy more fervently than he does. That bill will be a horror in many levels. The president* might even call it mean."
"Under no circumstances can this plan be called "populist" unless the definition of that word has been changed to "whatever we can get the rubes to believe." The first round will come from the House, where zombie-eyed granny starver Speaker Paul Ryan is putatively in charge, and nobody believes in the supply-side fairy more fervently than he does. That bill will be a horror in many levels. The president* might even call it mean."
Trump Tries to Make Tax Cuts for Rich People Sound Populist
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/08/trump-tries-to-make-tax-cuts-for-special-interests-populist.html
"To pass their tax plan, the GOP is relying on an unpopular president to mobilize public support for an unpopular policy. Selling supply-side snake oil — in this economy — might be the most difficult con of Trump’s illustrious career. On Wednesday, he didn’t seem up to the challenge. But his party’s “special interests” just might be."
"To pass their tax plan, the GOP is relying on an unpopular president to mobilize public support for an unpopular policy. Selling supply-side snake oil — in this economy — might be the most difficult con of Trump’s illustrious career. On Wednesday, he didn’t seem up to the challenge. But his party’s “special interests” just might be."
Jeff Sessions Is Bringing Back Civil Forfeiture with a Bang
http://billmoyers.com/story/jeff-sessions-bringing-back-civil-forfeiture-bang/
"In mid-July Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a policy rollback that’s getting criticism from both sides of the aisle, and the center, too. As The Washington Post notes undoing this Obama-administration policy is a big deal — and means big money. Known as “adoptive forfeiture,” the program — which gives police departments greater leeway to seize property of those suspected of a crime, even if they’re never charged with or convicted of one — was a significant source of revenue for local law enforcement. In the 12 months before Attorney General Eric Holder shut down the program in 2015, state and local authorities took in $65 million that they shared with federal agencies, according to an analysis of federal data by the Institute for Justice, a public interest law firm that represents forfeiture defendants. President Trump even mentioned the process in a now somewhat infamous exchange with Texas law enforcement officials when he vowed to “destroy” a state lawmaker that stood in the way of asset seizures. Civil asset forfeiture has become increasingly controversial, especially because of the extremely limited chance to appeal the proceedings. And then there’s the fact that you don’t have to be convicted of a crime to be subject to civil forfeiture — it’s the property that is at issue. The Institute for Justice found in a 2015 report that between 1997 and 2013, 87 percent of the Department of Justice’s forfeitures did not require any criminal charge or conviction."
"In mid-July Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a policy rollback that’s getting criticism from both sides of the aisle, and the center, too. As The Washington Post notes undoing this Obama-administration policy is a big deal — and means big money. Known as “adoptive forfeiture,” the program — which gives police departments greater leeway to seize property of those suspected of a crime, even if they’re never charged with or convicted of one — was a significant source of revenue for local law enforcement. In the 12 months before Attorney General Eric Holder shut down the program in 2015, state and local authorities took in $65 million that they shared with federal agencies, according to an analysis of federal data by the Institute for Justice, a public interest law firm that represents forfeiture defendants. President Trump even mentioned the process in a now somewhat infamous exchange with Texas law enforcement officials when he vowed to “destroy” a state lawmaker that stood in the way of asset seizures. Civil asset forfeiture has become increasingly controversial, especially because of the extremely limited chance to appeal the proceedings. And then there’s the fact that you don’t have to be convicted of a crime to be subject to civil forfeiture — it’s the property that is at issue. The Institute for Justice found in a 2015 report that between 1997 and 2013, 87 percent of the Department of Justice’s forfeitures did not require any criminal charge or conviction."
Follow the Money: They Say It Was About Russian Orphans. They’re Lying.
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/08/23/follow-money-they-say-it-was-about-russian-orphans-theyre-lying
"Trump’s latest cover-up ended on July 31, 2017, when The Washington Post’s headline proclaimed: “Trump dictated son’s misleading statement on meeting with Russian lawyer.” Even press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders admitted that Trump “weighed in” on Don Jr.’s statement before it went out. The revelation was just another of the presidential lies permeating the Trump-Russia story. For months, Trump and his minions insisted that there had been no contact with Russians during the campaign. They were lying. Trump’s second defense admitted to such contacts, but asserted there was no evidence of collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. A related talking point was that Russia actually wanted Hillary Clinton to win because Putin feared that Trump would be tougher on Russia. Don Jr.’s email chain obliterated those positions. While trying to explain away Don Jr.’s emails, Trump tried a third defense: Anyone would have taken the June 9 meeting. “It’s called opposition research,” Trump said. That defense quickly became counterproductive because accepting help from a foreign adversary is illegal. Trump and his minions then moved to defenses four and five: The Russians didn’t offer anything helpful, and whatever they did to help Trump hadn’t made a difference. Those “believe me,” “trust me” assertions from a serial liar aren’t working. We’re now at defense number six: Ignore whatever happened. Trump is still a legitimately elected president. But the evaporation of defenses one through five is making that a tough sell. As the facts seep out, Trump uses every available obstacle — even prevarication from his son’s mouth — to block pathways to the truth. The inference is unavoidable: That truth must be worth hiding."
"Trump’s latest cover-up ended on July 31, 2017, when The Washington Post’s headline proclaimed: “Trump dictated son’s misleading statement on meeting with Russian lawyer.” Even press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders admitted that Trump “weighed in” on Don Jr.’s statement before it went out. The revelation was just another of the presidential lies permeating the Trump-Russia story. For months, Trump and his minions insisted that there had been no contact with Russians during the campaign. They were lying. Trump’s second defense admitted to such contacts, but asserted there was no evidence of collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. A related talking point was that Russia actually wanted Hillary Clinton to win because Putin feared that Trump would be tougher on Russia. Don Jr.’s email chain obliterated those positions. While trying to explain away Don Jr.’s emails, Trump tried a third defense: Anyone would have taken the June 9 meeting. “It’s called opposition research,” Trump said. That defense quickly became counterproductive because accepting help from a foreign adversary is illegal. Trump and his minions then moved to defenses four and five: The Russians didn’t offer anything helpful, and whatever they did to help Trump hadn’t made a difference. Those “believe me,” “trust me” assertions from a serial liar aren’t working. We’re now at defense number six: Ignore whatever happened. Trump is still a legitimately elected president. But the evaporation of defenses one through five is making that a tough sell. As the facts seep out, Trump uses every available obstacle — even prevarication from his son’s mouth — to block pathways to the truth. The inference is unavoidable: That truth must be worth hiding."
The Village Voice did a profile on Donald Trump back in 1979—nothing's changed, he's always lied
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/8/23/1692640/-The-Village-Voice-did-a-profile-on-Donald-Trump-back-in-1979-nothing-s-changed-he-s-always-lied
"The story had taken Barrett months to research and put together. At the time Barrett was 33. He’s now 70, and the Village Voice is revisiting this past profile or our current unpopular president. Barrett’s series was the first to take a fine-tooth comb to Trump’s business practices. The reporter focused on two prominent development projects — the Hyatt Hotel in midtown and a proposed convention center on the West Side — and plumbed them in meticulous detail. As the article points out, Trump has boasted of these old successes since he began campaigning in 2015, even though he hasn’t built anything but a name brand since. And as Barrett explains—he didn’t really build those buildings the way he said he did either. But Barrett’s reporting paints a picture of Trump’s background that’s somewhat at odds with the one he paints for himself. Far from that of a self-made billionaire, the image of Trump that emerges from Barrett’s reporting is that of a scion of a wealthy family who got ahead, in large part, thanks to family connections — many of them political. Far from an independent capitalist, Barrett showed, Trump was a businessman who relied heavily on government largesse. “This is a guy whose wealth has been created by political connections,” Barrett says today. And at the time the story was published, even Trump’s political connections came secondhand, through his father. The idea that Trump is a business-world antidote to the world of political entanglement, as he often implies, is “ludicrous,” as Barrett puts it. Trump would go on to be a business failure by 1991, when Trump filed his first of six bankruptcies that he would file through 2009."
"The story had taken Barrett months to research and put together. At the time Barrett was 33. He’s now 70, and the Village Voice is revisiting this past profile or our current unpopular president. Barrett’s series was the first to take a fine-tooth comb to Trump’s business practices. The reporter focused on two prominent development projects — the Hyatt Hotel in midtown and a proposed convention center on the West Side — and plumbed them in meticulous detail. As the article points out, Trump has boasted of these old successes since he began campaigning in 2015, even though he hasn’t built anything but a name brand since. And as Barrett explains—he didn’t really build those buildings the way he said he did either. But Barrett’s reporting paints a picture of Trump’s background that’s somewhat at odds with the one he paints for himself. Far from that of a self-made billionaire, the image of Trump that emerges from Barrett’s reporting is that of a scion of a wealthy family who got ahead, in large part, thanks to family connections — many of them political. Far from an independent capitalist, Barrett showed, Trump was a businessman who relied heavily on government largesse. “This is a guy whose wealth has been created by political connections,” Barrett says today. And at the time the story was published, even Trump’s political connections came secondhand, through his father. The idea that Trump is a business-world antidote to the world of political entanglement, as he often implies, is “ludicrous,” as Barrett puts it. Trump would go on to be a business failure by 1991, when Trump filed his first of six bankruptcies that he would file through 2009."
I Have No More Patience for Trump Supporters
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a57164/trump-arizona-speech/
"He's frightened of the responsibilities of his office, of the mounting unpopularity of both himself and his policies, and of the hounds baying at the frontiers of his shady past and shadier present. He's terrified, and he should be. He's desperately shoring up the bubble that his ovine followers helped him build to insulate him from the truth and from empirical reality."
"He's frightened of the responsibilities of his office, of the mounting unpopularity of both himself and his policies, and of the hounds baying at the frontiers of his shady past and shadier present. He's terrified, and he should be. He's desperately shoring up the bubble that his ovine followers helped him build to insulate him from the truth and from empirical reality."
Trump wanted McConnell to ‘protect him’ from Russia scandal probe
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/trump-wanted-mcconnell-protect-him-russia-scandal-probe
"At face value, the fact that the Republican president and the Republican leader in the Senate engaged in “a profane shouting match” is itself a dramatic development, to the extent that intra-party warfare may affect GOP policymakers’ ability to govern in the Trump era. But there’s another angle to this that warrants scrutiny: if Trump pressured McConnell to intervene in senators’ investigation into the Russia affair, that may bolster allegations that the president obstructed justice. To be sure, there’s already reason to suspect Trump obstructed justice when the president fired the director of the FBI to, in Trump’s words, relieve the “pressure” of the investigation into the scandal. But under federal law, the president cannot attempt to “impede” any congressional investigation, either."
"At face value, the fact that the Republican president and the Republican leader in the Senate engaged in “a profane shouting match” is itself a dramatic development, to the extent that intra-party warfare may affect GOP policymakers’ ability to govern in the Trump era. But there’s another angle to this that warrants scrutiny: if Trump pressured McConnell to intervene in senators’ investigation into the Russia affair, that may bolster allegations that the president obstructed justice. To be sure, there’s already reason to suspect Trump obstructed justice when the president fired the director of the FBI to, in Trump’s words, relieve the “pressure” of the investigation into the scandal. But under federal law, the president cannot attempt to “impede” any congressional investigation, either."
Exxon researched climate science. Understood it. And misled the public.
https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/8/23/16188422/exxon-climate-change
"The world’s largest oil company has been under some scrutiny lately. Back in 2015, Inside Climate News and the Los Angeles Times published a pair of matching exposes on Exxon, using internal documents to show that the company was well aware of the threat of climate change as far back as the 1970s, but consistently misled the public and investors about it. Now ExxonMobil is under siege from even more directions. Seventeen state attorneys general have said they will begin cooperating on investigations into whether Exxon broke racketeering, consumer protection, or investor protection laws in its climate communications."
"The world’s largest oil company has been under some scrutiny lately. Back in 2015, Inside Climate News and the Los Angeles Times published a pair of matching exposes on Exxon, using internal documents to show that the company was well aware of the threat of climate change as far back as the 1970s, but consistently misled the public and investors about it. Now ExxonMobil is under siege from even more directions. Seventeen state attorneys general have said they will begin cooperating on investigations into whether Exxon broke racketeering, consumer protection, or investor protection laws in its climate communications."
State Department Science Envoy Quits With Not-So-Secret Message For Trump: ‘IMPEACH’
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/state-department-science-envoy-sends-not-so-secret-message-to-trump-impeach_us_599d9fcae4b0d97c4000a0d6?ncid=inblnkushpmg00000009
"the first letter of each paragraph spelling out a word — that sends a blunter message to Trump: IMPEACH."
"the first letter of each paragraph spelling out a word — that sends a blunter message to Trump: IMPEACH."
Conservatives Don’t Want to Admit this Painful Reality About the Republican Party
https://forwardprogressives.com/conservatives-dont-want-to-admit-this-painful-reality-republican-party/
"Conservative voters are often some of the most angry, unhappy, paranoid, and distrustful people I encounter. Whether it’s blaming Democrats, minorities, trade agreements, “the establishment,” or the media, conservative voters never have any issues finding someone or something to blame for whatever problems they’re having in their lives. That’s rather ironic considering these are people who often proclaim themselves believers in “taking personal responsibility” for yourself and your own actions. The truth is, the reason why conservatives are this way is because the one group of people they do trust, Republicans, are the ones lying to them. Donald Trump’s rise is a perfect example of what I mean. The current “president” ran a campaign based on nothing more than pandering to what conservatives wanted to hear, no matter how dishonest or unrealistic it was. He made it seem like all these bold, usually vague, promises were easily obtainable — all that was needed was “competent leadership.” So, of course, millions of conservatives believed him. Though it’s not just Trump, Republicans have spent decades conning conservative voters into blaming everyone else but the GOP for their problems, all while pushing the cult-like idea that “we’re the only ones you can trust.” Conservative voters are never going to get what they want because they’re supporting people who pass legislation that’s never going to make life any better for the vast majority of conservatives (or the country as a whole). Republicans know this, which is why they zeroed in on social issues like gay marriage, abortion, and religious beliefs to manipulate large groups of people into voting against their own best interests. We’ve had ten recessions since 1953, nine occurred while a Republican was in office. Meanwhile, two of the strongest and longest periods of economic and job growth during that same time occurred during the 16 combined years of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama’s presidencies."
"Conservative voters are often some of the most angry, unhappy, paranoid, and distrustful people I encounter. Whether it’s blaming Democrats, minorities, trade agreements, “the establishment,” or the media, conservative voters never have any issues finding someone or something to blame for whatever problems they’re having in their lives. That’s rather ironic considering these are people who often proclaim themselves believers in “taking personal responsibility” for yourself and your own actions. The truth is, the reason why conservatives are this way is because the one group of people they do trust, Republicans, are the ones lying to them. Donald Trump’s rise is a perfect example of what I mean. The current “president” ran a campaign based on nothing more than pandering to what conservatives wanted to hear, no matter how dishonest or unrealistic it was. He made it seem like all these bold, usually vague, promises were easily obtainable — all that was needed was “competent leadership.” So, of course, millions of conservatives believed him. Though it’s not just Trump, Republicans have spent decades conning conservative voters into blaming everyone else but the GOP for their problems, all while pushing the cult-like idea that “we’re the only ones you can trust.” Conservative voters are never going to get what they want because they’re supporting people who pass legislation that’s never going to make life any better for the vast majority of conservatives (or the country as a whole). Republicans know this, which is why they zeroed in on social issues like gay marriage, abortion, and religious beliefs to manipulate large groups of people into voting against their own best interests. We’ve had ten recessions since 1953, nine occurred while a Republican was in office. Meanwhile, two of the strongest and longest periods of economic and job growth during that same time occurred during the 16 combined years of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama’s presidencies."
James Clapper Admits He's Terrified Trump Has Access to the Nuclear Codes @alternet
James Clapper Admits He's Terrified Trump Has Access to the Nuclear Codes @alternet: The former Director of National Intelligence questions Trump's 'fitness for office.' CNN anchor Don Lemon was disgusted by Tuesday night's rally in Phoenix, Arizona. Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper took it one step further, admitting that he's terrified that Trump has access to the nuclear codes.Clapper is a nonpartisan voice who has served in both the Obama and the George W. Bush administrations.'I really question his ability to be—his fitness to be—in this office, and I also am beginning to wonder about his motivation for it,' Clapper told Lemon.
Former intel boss questions Trump’s ‘fitness to be in office,’ suggests he’s ‘looking for a way out’
https://thinkprogress.org/former-intel-boss-questions-trumps-fitness-to-be-in-office-suggests-hes-looking-for-a-way-out-1912e0240698/
"Trump's former favorite intelligence official admits he's worried about him having the nuclear codes."
"Trump's former favorite intelligence official admits he's worried about him having the nuclear codes."
Arizona GOP busted for using Margaret Cho sit-com picture to show support for ‘Asian Americans’
Arizona GOP busted for using Margaret Cho sit-com picture to show support for ‘Asian Americans’
"The Arizona Republican Party is using a promotional photograph for the 1994 sitcom, “All American Girl” with the caption, “Asian Americans,” Vice News reports."
"The Arizona Republican Party is using a promotional photograph for the 1994 sitcom, “All American Girl” with the caption, “Asian Americans,” Vice News reports."
‘Who thought Phoenix had that much green?’ Trump fans used fake photo to wildly inflate rally size
‘Who thought Phoenix had that much green?’ Trump fans used fake photo to wildly inflate rally size
"According to AZ Central, a popular photo meme that purports to compare the size of the crowd of protesters versus the crowd of supporters in Phoenix, AZ on Tuesday night is actually a Getty Images shot of a 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers victory parade. “And frankly, anyone who is at all familiar with Phoenix should have known better. It’s a desert people,” wrote AZ Central’s Kellie Hwang and Garrett Mitchell. “Who really thought Phoenix had that much green?” The photo was spread as a new image by @TEN_GOP, an unofficial account for Republicans in Tennessee"
"According to AZ Central, a popular photo meme that purports to compare the size of the crowd of protesters versus the crowd of supporters in Phoenix, AZ on Tuesday night is actually a Getty Images shot of a 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers victory parade. “And frankly, anyone who is at all familiar with Phoenix should have known better. It’s a desert people,” wrote AZ Central’s Kellie Hwang and Garrett Mitchell. “Who really thought Phoenix had that much green?” The photo was spread as a new image by @TEN_GOP, an unofficial account for Republicans in Tennessee"
Paid Actors, a Fake Publicist, and Retweeted Bots: How Trump Creates His Own Reality @alternet
Paid Actors, a Fake Publicist, and Retweeted Bots: How Trump Creates His Own Reality @alternet:
"Trump’s history of using deceit to manipulate the media and project self-advantageous messages indicates that there’s perhaps nothing accidental about his tendency to retweet bots. For three decades, starting in the 1970s, Trump infamously pretended to be a fictional publicist named John Miller and used that pseudonym to plant pro-Trump stories in the media. In June 2015, Trump paid actors to cheer for him during his announcement that he would run for president, during which he called Mexican immigrants rapists. Trump has said that he retweets for a reason and that the retweets are an endorsement “to a certain extent.” This doesn’t leave much room to question the intentionality behind his insidious strategy. Automated social media accounts are said to have played a role in the 2016 presidential election, an issue that the Senate is still investigating. During Trump’s campaign, his digital operations -- many aspects of which were manned by the recently reinstated head of Breitbart.com Steve Bannon’s Cambridge Analytica and Jared Kushner’s and Brad Parscale's Project Alamo -- focused on building a loyal audience that was mostly isolated from anti-Trump narratives and was predisposed to distrusting the press and any unfavorable media coverage. For this loyal audience, Trump’s retweets of praiseful bot or sock-puppet accounts reinforce what they already feel; it's like reading the positive blurbs of a book they know they like. So they enthusiastically endorse him by retweeting them, thus becoming important magnifiers in the propaganda loop."
"Trump’s history of using deceit to manipulate the media and project self-advantageous messages indicates that there’s perhaps nothing accidental about his tendency to retweet bots. For three decades, starting in the 1970s, Trump infamously pretended to be a fictional publicist named John Miller and used that pseudonym to plant pro-Trump stories in the media. In June 2015, Trump paid actors to cheer for him during his announcement that he would run for president, during which he called Mexican immigrants rapists. Trump has said that he retweets for a reason and that the retweets are an endorsement “to a certain extent.” This doesn’t leave much room to question the intentionality behind his insidious strategy. Automated social media accounts are said to have played a role in the 2016 presidential election, an issue that the Senate is still investigating. During Trump’s campaign, his digital operations -- many aspects of which were manned by the recently reinstated head of Breitbart.com Steve Bannon’s Cambridge Analytica and Jared Kushner’s and Brad Parscale's Project Alamo -- focused on building a loyal audience that was mostly isolated from anti-Trump narratives and was predisposed to distrusting the press and any unfavorable media coverage. For this loyal audience, Trump’s retweets of praiseful bot or sock-puppet accounts reinforce what they already feel; it's like reading the positive blurbs of a book they know they like. So they enthusiastically endorse him by retweeting them, thus becoming important magnifiers in the propaganda loop."
Monday, August 28, 2017
Trump Associate Tried To Broker Moscow Deal So That ‘Our Boy Can Become President’
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-associate-moscow-presidency_us_59a44902e4b0821444c4ea4c?ncid=inblnkushpmg00000009
"And Trump’s personal lawyer reportedly asked a top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin for help."
"And Trump’s personal lawyer reportedly asked a top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin for help."
‘All Putin’s team will buy in on this’: Trump partner promised Russian help so ‘our boy can become president’
‘All Putin’s team will buy in on this’: Trump partner promised Russian help so ‘our boy can become president’
"One of President Donald Trump’s business partners, Felix Sater, reportedly agreed in 2015 to manage a relationship with Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, that would guarantee the U.S. presidency for Trump."
"One of President Donald Trump’s business partners, Felix Sater, reportedly agreed in 2015 to manage a relationship with Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, that would guarantee the U.S. presidency for Trump."
FLASHBACK: Trump abruptly walked out of interview after being asked about Felix Sater connections
FLASHBACK: Trump abruptly walked out of interview after being asked about Felix Sater connections
"Felix Sater, a Trump-linked Russian-born businessman who in 1998 pleaded guilty to taking part in a mafia-related stock fraud scheme, is at the center of the latest revelations surrounding the Trump campaign’s potential collusion with Russian government officials to influence the 2016 presidential election."
"Felix Sater, a Trump-linked Russian-born businessman who in 1998 pleaded guilty to taking part in a mafia-related stock fraud scheme, is at the center of the latest revelations surrounding the Trump campaign’s potential collusion with Russian government officials to influence the 2016 presidential election."
Who is Felix Sater?
Who is Felix Sater?
"The New York Times reported Monday that businessman Felix Sater told then-candidate Donald Trump's lawyer in 2015 that he was working on a real estate deal that could help "get Donald elected." Sater was emailing Michael Cohen about building a Trump Tower in Moscow, as was reported Sunday night by The Washington Post."
"The New York Times reported Monday that businessman Felix Sater told then-candidate Donald Trump's lawyer in 2015 that he was working on a real estate deal that could help "get Donald elected." Sater was emailing Michael Cohen about building a Trump Tower in Moscow, as was reported Sunday night by The Washington Post."
REVEALED: Trump’s longtime lawyer reached out directly to the Kremlin amid 2016 campaign
REVEALED: Trump’s longtime lawyer reached out directly to the Kremlin amid 2016 campaign
"In other emails turned over to Congressional investigators, Sater boasted to Cohen that he could get Putin and the entire Russian government to help Trump’s presidential campaign if Cohen could help him get the Trump Tower Moscow deal back on track."
"In other emails turned over to Congressional investigators, Sater boasted to Cohen that he could get Putin and the entire Russian government to help Trump’s presidential campaign if Cohen could help him get the Trump Tower Moscow deal back on track."
This Story About Ben Carson's Role in the Trump Administration Is Damning
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a57148/ben-carson-hud/
"This is a shrewd observation by MacGillis of the general approach to government that conservatives have followed ever since Ronald Reagan gave them the green light in his 1981 Inaugural Address. Hell, it's what they've been doing to the Affordable Care Act ever since it passed. You sabotage a law, or a policy, or an entire department and, when it breaks down, you point and say, "See, government doesn't work"."
"This is a shrewd observation by MacGillis of the general approach to government that conservatives have followed ever since Ronald Reagan gave them the green light in his 1981 Inaugural Address. Hell, it's what they've been doing to the Affordable Care Act ever since it passed. You sabotage a law, or a policy, or an entire department and, when it breaks down, you point and say, "See, government doesn't work"."
Follow the Money: They Say It Was About Russian Orphans. They’re Lying.
http://billmoyers.com/story/follow-money-adopting-russian-children/
"Trump’s latest cover-up ended on July 31, 2017, when The Washington Post’s headline proclaimed: “Trump dictated son’s misleading statement on meeting with Russian lawyer.” Even press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders admitted that Trump “weighed in” on Don Jr.’s statement before it went out. The revelation was just another of the presidential lies permeating the Trump-Russia story. For months, Trump and his minions insisted that there had been no contact with Russians during the campaign. They were lying. Trump’s second defense admitted to such contacts, but asserted there was no evidence of collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. A related talking point was that Russia actually wanted Hillary Clinton to win because Putin feared that Trump would be tougher on Russia. Don Jr.’s email chain obliterated those positions. While trying to explain away Don Jr.’s emails, Trump tried a third defense: Anyone would have taken the June 9 meeting. “It’s called opposition research,” Trump said. That defense quickly became counterproductive because accepting help from a foreign adversary is illegal. Trump and his minions then moved to defenses four and five: The Russians didn’t offer anything helpful, and whatever they did to help Trump hadn’t made a difference. Those “believe me,” “trust me” assertions from a serial liar aren’t working. We’re now at defense number six: Ignore whatever happened. Trump is still a legitimately elected president. But the evaporation of defenses one through five is making that a tough sell. As the facts seep out, Trump uses every available obstacle — even prevarication from his son’s mouth — to block pathways to the truth. The inference is unavoidable: That truth must be worth hiding."
"Trump’s latest cover-up ended on July 31, 2017, when The Washington Post’s headline proclaimed: “Trump dictated son’s misleading statement on meeting with Russian lawyer.” Even press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders admitted that Trump “weighed in” on Don Jr.’s statement before it went out. The revelation was just another of the presidential lies permeating the Trump-Russia story. For months, Trump and his minions insisted that there had been no contact with Russians during the campaign. They were lying. Trump’s second defense admitted to such contacts, but asserted there was no evidence of collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. A related talking point was that Russia actually wanted Hillary Clinton to win because Putin feared that Trump would be tougher on Russia. Don Jr.’s email chain obliterated those positions. While trying to explain away Don Jr.’s emails, Trump tried a third defense: Anyone would have taken the June 9 meeting. “It’s called opposition research,” Trump said. That defense quickly became counterproductive because accepting help from a foreign adversary is illegal. Trump and his minions then moved to defenses four and five: The Russians didn’t offer anything helpful, and whatever they did to help Trump hadn’t made a difference. Those “believe me,” “trust me” assertions from a serial liar aren’t working. We’re now at defense number six: Ignore whatever happened. Trump is still a legitimately elected president. But the evaporation of defenses one through five is making that a tough sell. As the facts seep out, Trump uses every available obstacle — even prevarication from his son’s mouth — to block pathways to the truth. The inference is unavoidable: That truth must be worth hiding."
Trump’s relationship with McConnell deteriorating over his refusal to defend against Russia investigation: report
Trump’s relationship with McConnell deteriorating over his refusal to defend against Russia investigation: report
"The Times is reporting that McConnell was distressed after an August 9th phone call with the president where Trump accused McConnell of failing him on his health care plan. Additionally Trump expressed his frustration with the Senate leader for not leading his defense against investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election."
"The Times is reporting that McConnell was distressed after an August 9th phone call with the president where Trump accused McConnell of failing him on his health care plan. Additionally Trump expressed his frustration with the Senate leader for not leading his defense against investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election."
Analysis | President Trump’s list of false and misleading claims tops 1,000
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/08/22/president-trumps-list-of-false-and-misleading-claims-tops-1000/?utm_term=.7e6ccb107b08
"In seven months, President Trump has made 1,057 false or misleading claims."
"In seven months, President Trump has made 1,057 false or misleading claims."
1,000 Lies in 200 Days: A Detailed Look at Trump's Catalog of Falsehoods
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/08/22/1000-lies-200-days-detailed-look-trumps-catalog-falsehoods
"A new video produced by the Washington Post asserts that President Donald Trump has mislead or blatantly lied to the public more than 1,000 times since taking office in January. The newspaper counted a total of 1,057 lies, with the president averaging nearly five falsehoods per day since his inauguration. The video catalogues just a few of President Donald Trump's most frequent lies about his influence on the economy, the negative impact of the Obama administration, and his ongoing battle with the news media. Trump's lies frequently involve the promotion of his status as a "deal-maker." As the Post notes, he has repeatedly taken credit for cutting the cost of the F-35 fighter jet, an increase in defense spending by NATO member countries, and Ford's decision to build a plant in Michigan instead of Mexico—though the president had nothing to do with any of these developments. The video also shows that Trump's supporters are so familiar with his frequent characterization of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as a "disaster" that many are able to finish his sentences about the law. (The ACA has actually been deemed stable by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, and following the passage of the law the uninsured rate dropped to a historic low of nine percent.) Readers, journalists, and politicians took to Twitter to react to the Post's new tally of Trump's habitual lying, the frequency of which has been called "pathological" by Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.)"
"A new video produced by the Washington Post asserts that President Donald Trump has mislead or blatantly lied to the public more than 1,000 times since taking office in January. The newspaper counted a total of 1,057 lies, with the president averaging nearly five falsehoods per day since his inauguration. The video catalogues just a few of President Donald Trump's most frequent lies about his influence on the economy, the negative impact of the Obama administration, and his ongoing battle with the news media. Trump's lies frequently involve the promotion of his status as a "deal-maker." As the Post notes, he has repeatedly taken credit for cutting the cost of the F-35 fighter jet, an increase in defense spending by NATO member countries, and Ford's decision to build a plant in Michigan instead of Mexico—though the president had nothing to do with any of these developments. The video also shows that Trump's supporters are so familiar with his frequent characterization of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as a "disaster" that many are able to finish his sentences about the law. (The ACA has actually been deemed stable by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, and following the passage of the law the uninsured rate dropped to a historic low of nine percent.) Readers, journalists, and politicians took to Twitter to react to the Post's new tally of Trump's habitual lying, the frequency of which has been called "pathological" by Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.)"
Trump plans major tax cut for the rich but Americans want the exact opposite
https://thinkprogress.org/as-trump-plans-major-tax-cut-for-rich-huge-majority-of-americans-think-wealthy-should-pay-more-e4936532e5f6/
"President Trump’s plans to give a massive tax break to the rich but a polling shows that an overwhelming majority of Americans favor raising taxes on the wealthy. The disconnect could complicate Republican efforts to pass tax legislation this year."
"President Trump’s plans to give a massive tax break to the rich but a polling shows that an overwhelming majority of Americans favor raising taxes on the wealthy. The disconnect could complicate Republican efforts to pass tax legislation this year."
Trump Pick to Oversee Worker Protections Promoted Sweatshops
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/08/trump-pick-to-oversee-worker-protections-promoted-sweatshops-on-remote-us-islands/
"There’s lobbying, and then there’s working with Jack Abramoff to promote the sweatshop economy on remote Pacific islands. If you want to know about that kind of lobbying, you can ask Patrick Pizzella, President Donald Trump’s pick to be deputy labor secretary. Or maybe you can’t. At a July Senate confirmation hearing, Pizzella said he didn’t remember much about the work he did in the late 1990s to help the Northern Mariana Islands—a US commonwealth 1,500 miles from Japan—defeat a bipartisan effort to rein in a guest worker program that the Labor Department found relied on indentured workers. When Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) asked Pizzella whether he knew about reports of forced abortions and routine beatings at the time, Pizzella replied, “I was not aware of any such thing.” Pressed further, he said reports of abuse by multiple government agencies and newspapers were mere “allegations.” What Pizzella didn’t say was that he helped lead a public relations campaign to rebrand the islands as a paragon of free-market principles."
"There’s lobbying, and then there’s working with Jack Abramoff to promote the sweatshop economy on remote Pacific islands. If you want to know about that kind of lobbying, you can ask Patrick Pizzella, President Donald Trump’s pick to be deputy labor secretary. Or maybe you can’t. At a July Senate confirmation hearing, Pizzella said he didn’t remember much about the work he did in the late 1990s to help the Northern Mariana Islands—a US commonwealth 1,500 miles from Japan—defeat a bipartisan effort to rein in a guest worker program that the Labor Department found relied on indentured workers. When Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) asked Pizzella whether he knew about reports of forced abortions and routine beatings at the time, Pizzella replied, “I was not aware of any such thing.” Pressed further, he said reports of abuse by multiple government agencies and newspapers were mere “allegations.” What Pizzella didn’t say was that he helped lead a public relations campaign to rebrand the islands as a paragon of free-market principles."
How Trump’s team changed his mind about the war in Afghanistan
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/how-trumps-team-changed-his-mind-about-the-war-afghanistan
"The Washington Post’s account of how this unfolded – the president “pinballed between his militaristic and anti-interventionist impulses” – included an important detail. President Trump was frustrated and fuming. Again and again, in the windowless Situation Room at the White House, he lashed out at his national security team over the Afghanistan war, and the paucity of appealing options gnawed at him. […] Trump’s private deliberations – detailed in interviews with more than a dozen senior administration officials and outside allies – revealed a president unattached to any particular foreign-policy doctrine, but willing to be persuaded as long as he could be seen as a strong and decisive leader. This sounds familiar, which is part of the problem with Trump’s failing presidency. On practically every issue, the president is “unattached to any particular” policy or substantive preference. Throughout the health care debate, for example, Trump said he simply wanted to sign a piece of legislation, regardless of its contents or outcomes. What’s more, the president clashed bitterly with Australia’s Malcolm Turnbull over refugees, not because Trump had any particular substantive concerns, but because, as the American president told his Australian counterpart, “it makes me look so bad.” This is how Trump seems to evaluate every decision of consequence: as an extension of his personal public-relations branding campaign. And so it comes as no surprise that, as the Washington Post reported, the post-policy president was “willing to be persuaded as long as he could be seen as a strong and decisive leader.” Because as far as Trump is concerned, what else matters?"
"The Washington Post’s account of how this unfolded – the president “pinballed between his militaristic and anti-interventionist impulses” – included an important detail. President Trump was frustrated and fuming. Again and again, in the windowless Situation Room at the White House, he lashed out at his national security team over the Afghanistan war, and the paucity of appealing options gnawed at him. […] Trump’s private deliberations – detailed in interviews with more than a dozen senior administration officials and outside allies – revealed a president unattached to any particular foreign-policy doctrine, but willing to be persuaded as long as he could be seen as a strong and decisive leader. This sounds familiar, which is part of the problem with Trump’s failing presidency. On practically every issue, the president is “unattached to any particular” policy or substantive preference. Throughout the health care debate, for example, Trump said he simply wanted to sign a piece of legislation, regardless of its contents or outcomes. What’s more, the president clashed bitterly with Australia’s Malcolm Turnbull over refugees, not because Trump had any particular substantive concerns, but because, as the American president told his Australian counterpart, “it makes me look so bad.” This is how Trump seems to evaluate every decision of consequence: as an extension of his personal public-relations branding campaign. And so it comes as no surprise that, as the Washington Post reported, the post-policy president was “willing to be persuaded as long as he could be seen as a strong and decisive leader.” Because as far as Trump is concerned, what else matters?"
Trump wants credit for mission he opposed, had nothing to do with
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/trump-wants-credit-mission-he-opposed-had-nothing-do
"As far as Donald Trump is concerned, seven months into his presidency, he’s already implementing national security policies that are having a positive effect. This line from his speech last night on the war in Afghanistan was rather jarring: “As we lift restrictions and expand authorities in the field, we are already seeing dramatic results in the campaign to defeat ISIS, including the liberation of Mosul in Iraq.” In Trump’s mind, drawing connections between unrelated developments is a little too easy. Mosul has been freed of ISIS control, he’s “lifted restrictions” in the field, ergo Mosul has been liberated because of the changes he’s implemented. Except that’s not how reality works. In this case, the mission in Mosul began before Trump was elected: Iraq’s second-largest city was liberated because of a mission launched by Barack Obama. Indeed, what Trump didn’t mention – and may not remember – is that he opposed the mission he now wants credit for."
"As far as Donald Trump is concerned, seven months into his presidency, he’s already implementing national security policies that are having a positive effect. This line from his speech last night on the war in Afghanistan was rather jarring: “As we lift restrictions and expand authorities in the field, we are already seeing dramatic results in the campaign to defeat ISIS, including the liberation of Mosul in Iraq.” In Trump’s mind, drawing connections between unrelated developments is a little too easy. Mosul has been freed of ISIS control, he’s “lifted restrictions” in the field, ergo Mosul has been liberated because of the changes he’s implemented. Except that’s not how reality works. In this case, the mission in Mosul began before Trump was elected: Iraq’s second-largest city was liberated because of a mission launched by Barack Obama. Indeed, what Trump didn’t mention – and may not remember – is that he opposed the mission he now wants credit for."
The Absurdity of Corporate Tax Cuts During the Corporate Pillaging of the Middle Class
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/08/21/absurdity-corporate-tax-cuts-during-corporate-pillaging-middle-class
"American corporations benefit the most from our nation's security, public infrastructure, legal system and tax laws. Yet rather than support public education and job creation, they use much of their money for buybacks and foreign hoarding. As a result, our schools and infrastructure are crumbling, and the tax avoiders use this to justify their "government doesn't work" mantra while clamoring for even more tax breaks to 'stimulate' the economy."
"American corporations benefit the most from our nation's security, public infrastructure, legal system and tax laws. Yet rather than support public education and job creation, they use much of their money for buybacks and foreign hoarding. As a result, our schools and infrastructure are crumbling, and the tax avoiders use this to justify their "government doesn't work" mantra while clamoring for even more tax breaks to 'stimulate' the economy."
Paul Ryan went on national television and told a big lie about the state of Obamacare
https://thinkprogress.org/paul-ryan-obamacare-bare-counties-eb56a7bd8912/
"Ryan’s wrong. His comments Monday are part of a consistent pattern by Republicans in Congress and in the Trump administration to misrepresent Obamacare as broken."
"Ryan’s wrong. His comments Monday are part of a consistent pattern by Republicans in Congress and in the Trump administration to misrepresent Obamacare as broken."
Sore losers: Nevada Republicans can't win regularly scheduled elections, so they're forcing recalls
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/8/18/1690939/-Sore-losers-Nevada-Republicans-can-t-win-regularly-scheduled-elections-so-they-re-forcing-recalls
"triggering new elections just to undo the results of the most recent election simply because you don’t like them is a lousy way to do democracy, and it effectively demonstrates why Republicans deserve their minority status. They can’t sell their candidates or their ideas to the electorate, so they’re attempting to trigger (historically) lower-turnout special elections in the hope it will give them more control over who shows up at the ballot box (although recent special election results suggest Republicans are screwed in that regard, too). We won’t know until late October or early November whether these efforts to trigger recalls will be successful, but the mere fact that Republicans are attempting this farce is both troubling and an insult to these districts’ voters, who sent the candidates of their choice to Carson City as recently as last fall."
"triggering new elections just to undo the results of the most recent election simply because you don’t like them is a lousy way to do democracy, and it effectively demonstrates why Republicans deserve their minority status. They can’t sell their candidates or their ideas to the electorate, so they’re attempting to trigger (historically) lower-turnout special elections in the hope it will give them more control over who shows up at the ballot box (although recent special election results suggest Republicans are screwed in that regard, too). We won’t know until late October or early November whether these efforts to trigger recalls will be successful, but the mere fact that Republicans are attempting this farce is both troubling and an insult to these districts’ voters, who sent the candidates of their choice to Carson City as recently as last fall."
A Catholic Nun Schooled Paul Ryan in Humility Last Night
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a57140/paul-ryan-nun-town-hall/
"This guy is still fighting for a policy that the Congressional Budget Office says would kick 30 million Americans off their health insurance."
"This guy is still fighting for a policy that the Congressional Budget Office says would kick 30 million Americans off their health insurance."
Paul Ryan Just Flat Out Lied About Obamacare
https://thedailybanter.com/2017/08/paul-ryan-just-flat-out-lied-about-obamacare/
"Ryan's flagrant dishonesty is part of the reason why Trumpcare in all its guises failed to pass. The constant lying about Obamacare and the farcical boasts about plans that would leave millions of Americans uninsured meant that no Democrat and enough Republicans rejected it over and over and over again. History will not look kindly upon Paul Ryan. His major contribution to American society appears to be a steadfast commitment to enabling the worst president in history, and spending an inordinate amount of political energy trying to take people's health care away. Thankfully Ryan's spineless behavior hasn't worked to his advantage in recent times, but he remains a dangerous operator, always willing to lie and always ready to back president Trump no matter how insane he gets."
"Ryan's flagrant dishonesty is part of the reason why Trumpcare in all its guises failed to pass. The constant lying about Obamacare and the farcical boasts about plans that would leave millions of Americans uninsured meant that no Democrat and enough Republicans rejected it over and over and over again. History will not look kindly upon Paul Ryan. His major contribution to American society appears to be a steadfast commitment to enabling the worst president in history, and spending an inordinate amount of political energy trying to take people's health care away. Thankfully Ryan's spineless behavior hasn't worked to his advantage in recent times, but he remains a dangerous operator, always willing to lie and always ready to back president Trump no matter how insane he gets."
Moms' Group Sounds Alarm Over Worst GOP Bill "You've Never Heard Of"
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/08/21/moms-group-sounds-alarm-over-worst-gop-bill-youve-never-heard
"The environmental group Clean Air Moms Action released a new ad campaign Monday urging voters to fight back against two pending Republican anti-regulation laws."
"The environmental group Clean Air Moms Action released a new ad campaign Monday urging voters to fight back against two pending Republican anti-regulation laws."
The Trump administration doesn’t want to find out how bad mountaintop removal is for human health
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-administration-halts-mountaintop-removal-study-ccff579a95ca/
"A study on the health impacts of mountaintop removal by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine has been suspended after the Department of the Interior told the group it was reviewing grants in advance of budget cuts."
"A study on the health impacts of mountaintop removal by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine has been suspended after the Department of the Interior told the group it was reviewing grants in advance of budget cuts."
Trump’s large family and frequent travels are blowing through the Secret Service’s budget
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/8/21/16179346/secret-service-budget-trump
"On Monday, USA Today published an exclusive report on the state of the Secret Service just seven months into the Trump presidency: Facing astronomical costs for protecting multiple properties and the members of a large family, the Secret Service is essentially running out of money for the overtime required to protect the president. The Secret Service is required by law to safeguard the president and his family at all times — but it also has a federally capped budget, and according to USA Today’s Kevin Johnson, “more than 1,000 agents have already hit the federally-mandated caps for salary and overtime allowances that were meant to last the entire year.” The fact that the Trumps are uniquely expensive to keep safe is not exactly new. Back in December, Trump was estimated to be the priciest president-elect to protect, at up to $1 million a day. Trump also likes to get away from Washington on weekends, which adds to the cost. He’s gone so far as to dub Mar-a-Lago, his Florida resort, the “winter White House” and his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, the “summer White House.” Despite criticizing Obama for going golfing as president, Trump has hit the greens more times than his recent predecessors at the same point in their presidencies. And those 53 trips and counting to Mar-a-Lago and Bedminster add up quickly — a single trip to Mar-a-Lago costs the Secret Service more than $3 million. Making matters worse, the number of protectees in the Trump administration is also greater than it was in Obama’s administration. Trump’s children, other family members, and close associates mean that 42 people require Secret Service protection, compared to 31 in the Obama administration. The USA Today report includes some startling details on the Secret Service’s budget woes, including: The compensation crunch is so serious that the director has begun discussions with key lawmakers to raise the combined salary and overtime cap for agents, from $160,000 per year to $187,000 for at least the duration of Trump's first term."
"On Monday, USA Today published an exclusive report on the state of the Secret Service just seven months into the Trump presidency: Facing astronomical costs for protecting multiple properties and the members of a large family, the Secret Service is essentially running out of money for the overtime required to protect the president. The Secret Service is required by law to safeguard the president and his family at all times — but it also has a federally capped budget, and according to USA Today’s Kevin Johnson, “more than 1,000 agents have already hit the federally-mandated caps for salary and overtime allowances that were meant to last the entire year.” The fact that the Trumps are uniquely expensive to keep safe is not exactly new. Back in December, Trump was estimated to be the priciest president-elect to protect, at up to $1 million a day. Trump also likes to get away from Washington on weekends, which adds to the cost. He’s gone so far as to dub Mar-a-Lago, his Florida resort, the “winter White House” and his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, the “summer White House.” Despite criticizing Obama for going golfing as president, Trump has hit the greens more times than his recent predecessors at the same point in their presidencies. And those 53 trips and counting to Mar-a-Lago and Bedminster add up quickly — a single trip to Mar-a-Lago costs the Secret Service more than $3 million. Making matters worse, the number of protectees in the Trump administration is also greater than it was in Obama’s administration. Trump’s children, other family members, and close associates mean that 42 people require Secret Service protection, compared to 31 in the Obama administration. The USA Today report includes some startling details on the Secret Service’s budget woes, including: The compensation crunch is so serious that the director has begun discussions with key lawmakers to raise the combined salary and overtime cap for agents, from $160,000 per year to $187,000 for at least the duration of Trump's first term."
The Secret Service confronts unique challenges in the Trump era
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/the-secret-service-confronts-unique-challenges-the-trump-era
"USA Today goes a step further this morning, highlighting a different kind of problem. The Secret Service can no longer pay hundreds of agents it needs to carry out an expanded protective mission – in large part due to the sheer size of President Trump’s family and efforts necessary to secure their multiple residences up and down the East Coast. Secret Service Director Randolph “Tex” Alles, in an interview with USA TODAY, said more than 1,000 agents have already hit the federally mandated caps for salary and overtime allowances that were meant to last the entire year. The agency has faced a crushing workload since the height of the contentious election season, and it has not relented in the first seven months of the administration. Agents must protect Trump – who has traveled almost every weekend to his properties in Florida, New Jersey and Virginia – and his adult children whose business trips and vacations have taken them across the country and overseas. There are currently 42 protectees – up from 31 in the Obama era – including 18 members of the Trump family. USA Today’s report added that even if Congress intervenes with additional funds, “about 130 veteran agents would not be fully compensated for hundreds of hours already amassed.” And while the agency hoped the burdens would ease after Inauguration Day, “the president’s frequent weekend trips” have contributed to a situation in which the Secret Service has been overwhelmed."
"USA Today goes a step further this morning, highlighting a different kind of problem. The Secret Service can no longer pay hundreds of agents it needs to carry out an expanded protective mission – in large part due to the sheer size of President Trump’s family and efforts necessary to secure their multiple residences up and down the East Coast. Secret Service Director Randolph “Tex” Alles, in an interview with USA TODAY, said more than 1,000 agents have already hit the federally mandated caps for salary and overtime allowances that were meant to last the entire year. The agency has faced a crushing workload since the height of the contentious election season, and it has not relented in the first seven months of the administration. Agents must protect Trump – who has traveled almost every weekend to his properties in Florida, New Jersey and Virginia – and his adult children whose business trips and vacations have taken them across the country and overseas. There are currently 42 protectees – up from 31 in the Obama era – including 18 members of the Trump family. USA Today’s report added that even if Congress intervenes with additional funds, “about 130 veteran agents would not be fully compensated for hundreds of hours already amassed.” And while the agency hoped the burdens would ease after Inauguration Day, “the president’s frequent weekend trips” have contributed to a situation in which the Secret Service has been overwhelmed."
White House aide: ‘You have no idea how much crazy stuff we kill’
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/white-house-aide-you-have-no-idea-how-much-crazy-stuff-we-kill
"Behold, the fine-tuned machine of Donald J. Trump’s White House, where aides aren’t sure the president is fit for office, so they stick around to protect Americans from their boss’ impulses."
"Behold, the fine-tuned machine of Donald J. Trump’s White House, where aides aren’t sure the president is fit for office, so they stick around to protect Americans from their boss’ impulses."
Russian 'lobbyist' at Trump Tower meeting was actually asset for Russian spy services
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/8/21/1692028/-Russian-Lobbyist-at-Trump-Tower-meeting-was-actually-asset-for-Russian-spy-services
"Considering the other attendees included a man who directly worked with the Kremlin to overthrow the Ukranian government—and that’s just on the American side—saying that Akhmetshin has the most direct ties to the Kremlin is very notable."
"Considering the other attendees included a man who directly worked with the Kremlin to overthrow the Ukranian government—and that’s just on the American side—saying that Akhmetshin has the most direct ties to the Kremlin is very notable."
Russian lobbyist who attended Don Jr’s meeting has even deeper ties to Kremlin spies than previously reported
Russian lobbyist who attended Don Jr’s meeting has even deeper ties to Kremlin spies than previously reported
"Russian immigrant Rinat Akhmetshin met with then-candidate Donald Trump’s team and now he’s under special counselor Robert Mueller’s magnifying glass due to deeper ties to the Russian government than previously known. In a Monday New York Times expose, it was revealed that Akhmetshin has an association with the Russian spy agency the FSB as well as a history of working for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s allies. Akhmetshin also helped unmask what might be a corruption problem that caused problems with troops at a Kyrgyzstan air force base, where Russians would like American’s removed. He’s even helped Russian business tycoons who coincidentally suffered sophisticated hacks. In a separate incident, Akhmetshin got federal prosecutors to bring charges against an American businessman that turned out to be a CIA agent working in the former Soviet Union."
"Russian immigrant Rinat Akhmetshin met with then-candidate Donald Trump’s team and now he’s under special counselor Robert Mueller’s magnifying glass due to deeper ties to the Russian government than previously known. In a Monday New York Times expose, it was revealed that Akhmetshin has an association with the Russian spy agency the FSB as well as a history of working for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s allies. Akhmetshin also helped unmask what might be a corruption problem that caused problems with troops at a Kyrgyzstan air force base, where Russians would like American’s removed. He’s even helped Russian business tycoons who coincidentally suffered sophisticated hacks. In a separate incident, Akhmetshin got federal prosecutors to bring charges against an American businessman that turned out to be a CIA agent working in the former Soviet Union."
The Secret Service is running out of money in order to keep the Trump family safe
http://www.salon.com/2017/08/21/the-secret-service-is-running-out-of-money-in-order-to-keep-the-trump-family-safe/
"President Donald Trump may pay lip service to respecting the men and women who risk their lives for our country, but apparently that doesn’t extend to adopting a routine that allows them to get paid for their work. More than 1,000 Secret Service agents have hit their federal salary and overtime caps for the year, according to a report by USA Today. This is in large part attributable to both Trump and his family maintaining multiple residences and extensive schedules for overseas trips, which has stretched Secret Service resources incredibly thin."
"President Donald Trump may pay lip service to respecting the men and women who risk their lives for our country, but apparently that doesn’t extend to adopting a routine that allows them to get paid for their work. More than 1,000 Secret Service agents have hit their federal salary and overtime caps for the year, according to a report by USA Today. This is in large part attributable to both Trump and his family maintaining multiple residences and extensive schedules for overseas trips, which has stretched Secret Service resources incredibly thin."
Steve Bannon’s “economic nationalism” is total nonsense
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/8/21/16165348/steve-bannon-economic-nationalism
"Trump knows how to work a good hustle"
"Trump knows how to work a good hustle"
Dear Republicans: What the Hell Happened to You All?
https://forwardprogressives.com/dear-republicans-what-the-hell-happened-to-you-all/
"I never thought I’d live to see the day where indisputable facts, or even direct quotes, would become “matters of opinion” or “fake news” simply because they don’t want to believe them. Furthermore, today’s Republicans don’t even hold themselves to the same standards and rules they pretend to be outraged over whenever a Democrat doesn’t follow them. There’s not a single person out there who can convince me that had Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton said or done a fraction of what Trump has, many of the same conservative and members of the right-wing media who are now jumping through hoops to defend how awful he is — such Sean Hannity and Alex Jones, two men who’ve proven themselves to be nothing more than con men — wouldn’t be losing their minds. As I wrote about recently, it’s ironic that after years of Trump pushing lies to attack Obama, he’s become so many of the awful things he accused his predecessor of being — yet our 44th president never was. This has led some to joke that Trump’s years of fear-mongering against Obama was actually him prophesying what his “presidency” was going to be like. I miss the days when Republicans were, for the most part, sensible people. While I didn’t always agree with them, I never saw them defending Nazis, trashing U.S. intelligence agencies, defending Russian tyrants, or felt like they were living in a completely different reality than the rest of us. And I’m not even going back to the days of Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt, men who would be considered ultra liberals by today’s radical GOP standards. Heck, based on the mindset and beliefs of many of today’s conservatives, Ronald Reagan wouldn’t even qualify as a Republican anymore. That’s how ridiculous the party has become."
"I never thought I’d live to see the day where indisputable facts, or even direct quotes, would become “matters of opinion” or “fake news” simply because they don’t want to believe them. Furthermore, today’s Republicans don’t even hold themselves to the same standards and rules they pretend to be outraged over whenever a Democrat doesn’t follow them. There’s not a single person out there who can convince me that had Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton said or done a fraction of what Trump has, many of the same conservative and members of the right-wing media who are now jumping through hoops to defend how awful he is — such Sean Hannity and Alex Jones, two men who’ve proven themselves to be nothing more than con men — wouldn’t be losing their minds. As I wrote about recently, it’s ironic that after years of Trump pushing lies to attack Obama, he’s become so many of the awful things he accused his predecessor of being — yet our 44th president never was. This has led some to joke that Trump’s years of fear-mongering against Obama was actually him prophesying what his “presidency” was going to be like. I miss the days when Republicans were, for the most part, sensible people. While I didn’t always agree with them, I never saw them defending Nazis, trashing U.S. intelligence agencies, defending Russian tyrants, or felt like they were living in a completely different reality than the rest of us. And I’m not even going back to the days of Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt, men who would be considered ultra liberals by today’s radical GOP standards. Heck, based on the mindset and beliefs of many of today’s conservatives, Ronald Reagan wouldn’t even qualify as a Republican anymore. That’s how ridiculous the party has become."
Gerrymandering is ruining our democracy. Will television news ever care?
http://www.salon.com/2017/08/20/gerrymandering-is-ruining-our-democracy-will-television-news-ever-care_partner/
"Partisan gerrymandering is not exactly new, but since 2010, Republicans have taken it to a new level. The Associated Press (AP) found that in the 2016 election, gerrymandering helped create the conditions that led to “four times as many states with Republican-skewed state House or Assembly districts than Democratic ones.” Additionally, “among the two dozen most populated states that determine the vast majority of Congress, there were nearly three times as many with Republican-tilted U.S. House districts.” As University of Chicago law professor Geoffrey Stone wrote for HuffPost, “Although partisan gerrymandering has been with us from the beginning, it is now worse than ever, because computer modeling enables legislators to design districts that almost precisely maximize their political advantage.” Racial gerrymandering — which involves “spreading minorities across voting districts, leaving them too few in number in any given district to elect their preferred candidates,” or “concentrating the minority vote in certain districts” — has also helped Republicans hold on to their majority. As The Washington Post’s Wonkblog explained, “Since the minority electorate leans liberal, packing minorities has the same effect as packing Democrats, causing the district map to favor Republicans in the same way it favors whites.” The New York Times’ editorial board described the radical racial gerrymandering that resulted in unconstitutional districts in North Carolina as the GOP’s “unscrupulous efforts to fence off black communities.” While Republicans have been attacking the heart of American democracy, media coverage has been lacking, to say the least. At the same time, activists and politicians from both sides of the aisle have been calling for independent, nonpartisan groups to take the charge on redistricting in the near future. With momentum rising, the question remains: Will media, specifically broadcast and cable news, ever care about gerrymandering? So far, the answer appears to be no."
"Partisan gerrymandering is not exactly new, but since 2010, Republicans have taken it to a new level. The Associated Press (AP) found that in the 2016 election, gerrymandering helped create the conditions that led to “four times as many states with Republican-skewed state House or Assembly districts than Democratic ones.” Additionally, “among the two dozen most populated states that determine the vast majority of Congress, there were nearly three times as many with Republican-tilted U.S. House districts.” As University of Chicago law professor Geoffrey Stone wrote for HuffPost, “Although partisan gerrymandering has been with us from the beginning, it is now worse than ever, because computer modeling enables legislators to design districts that almost precisely maximize their political advantage.” Racial gerrymandering — which involves “spreading minorities across voting districts, leaving them too few in number in any given district to elect their preferred candidates,” or “concentrating the minority vote in certain districts” — has also helped Republicans hold on to their majority. As The Washington Post’s Wonkblog explained, “Since the minority electorate leans liberal, packing minorities has the same effect as packing Democrats, causing the district map to favor Republicans in the same way it favors whites.” The New York Times’ editorial board described the radical racial gerrymandering that resulted in unconstitutional districts in North Carolina as the GOP’s “unscrupulous efforts to fence off black communities.” While Republicans have been attacking the heart of American democracy, media coverage has been lacking, to say the least. At the same time, activists and politicians from both sides of the aisle have been calling for independent, nonpartisan groups to take the charge on redistricting in the near future. With momentum rising, the question remains: Will media, specifically broadcast and cable news, ever care about gerrymandering? So far, the answer appears to be no."
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Exclusive: Secret Service depletes funds to pay agents because of Trump's frequent travel, large family
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/08/21/secret-service-cant-pay-agents-because-trumps-frequent-travel-large-family/529075001/
"The Secret Service can no longer pay hundreds of agents it needs to carry out an expanded protective mission – in large part due to the sheer size of President Trump's family and efforts necessary to secure their multiple residences up and down the East Coast. Secret Service Director Randolph "Tex" Alles, in an interview with USA TODAY, said more than 1,000 agents have already hit the federally mandated caps for salary and overtime allowances that were meant to last the entire year."
"The Secret Service can no longer pay hundreds of agents it needs to carry out an expanded protective mission – in large part due to the sheer size of President Trump's family and efforts necessary to secure their multiple residences up and down the East Coast. Secret Service Director Randolph "Tex" Alles, in an interview with USA TODAY, said more than 1,000 agents have already hit the federally mandated caps for salary and overtime allowances that were meant to last the entire year."
We looked at Trump’s Twitter interactions for more than a year. A lot of them are suspicious.
http://www.salon.com/2017/08/21/we-looked-at-trumps-twitter-interactions-for-more-than-a-year-a-lot-of-them-are-suspicious_partner/
"Trump frequently does quote tweets from unverified accounts (not using the Twitter “quote tweet” function but literally quoting a tweet). These quote tweets have been called out in the past for featuring white supremacists, and it appears that he also quotes tweets with some frequency from accounts that appear to be either fake accounts or bots."
"Trump frequently does quote tweets from unverified accounts (not using the Twitter “quote tweet” function but literally quoting a tweet). These quote tweets have been called out in the past for featuring white supremacists, and it appears that he also quotes tweets with some frequency from accounts that appear to be either fake accounts or bots."
Tucker Carlson and the Daily Caller: Taking white nationalism mainstream
http://www.salon.com/2017/08/21/tucker-carlson-and-the-daily-caller-taking-white-nationalism-mainstream/
"But none of this should come as a huge surprise, since Carlson has been busy promoting white supremacist ideas to the more mainstream audience at Fox News."
"But none of this should come as a huge surprise, since Carlson has been busy promoting white supremacist ideas to the more mainstream audience at Fox News."
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