Wednesday, February 22, 2017
For Polluters, Congress Will Overturn an Environmental Rule for $2.3 Million
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2017/02/14/415105/for-polluters-congress-will-overturn-an-environmental-rule-for-2-3-million/
"In the 24 days since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Republican-controlled Congress has already moved to overturn four major rules that the oil, gas, and coal industries spent millions of dollars fighting during the Obama administration. First, Congress eliminated the Stream Protection Rule, which would prevent toxic mine waste from being dumped in streams. Then Congress voted to get rid of a rule that limited bribery and corruption in oil operations around the world. And in the coming days, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote to overturn a rule that limits methane pollution when oil and gas companies drill on public lands and to eliminate a rule that increases public input in public lands management decisions."
"In the 24 days since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Republican-controlled Congress has already moved to overturn four major rules that the oil, gas, and coal industries spent millions of dollars fighting during the Obama administration. First, Congress eliminated the Stream Protection Rule, which would prevent toxic mine waste from being dumped in streams. Then Congress voted to get rid of a rule that limited bribery and corruption in oil operations around the world. And in the coming days, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote to overturn a rule that limits methane pollution when oil and gas companies drill on public lands and to eliminate a rule that increases public input in public lands management decisions."
Why Hasn't the Government Gone After Trump for His $180 Million Breach of Contract?
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/why-wont-the-feds-go-after-trump-for-his-huge-contract-breach-w462703
"For his part, Chaffetz seems to have a different set of priorities altogether. The day after Trump announced he would not be divesting from his businesses, Chaffetz threatened to subpoena not the president, nor any of his family members or business associates – but rather the director of the federal Office of Government Ethics for saying Trump's plan to hand over his business to his children was ethically insufficient."
"For his part, Chaffetz seems to have a different set of priorities altogether. The day after Trump announced he would not be divesting from his businesses, Chaffetz threatened to subpoena not the president, nor any of his family members or business associates – but rather the director of the federal Office of Government Ethics for saying Trump's plan to hand over his business to his children was ethically insufficient."
New York attorney general reviewing request to bring action to dissolve Trump Organization
https://thinkprogress.org/ny-ag-trump-org-cf56a0663ada#.bi0qm1k9a
"In a letter to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, the group and four attorneys said that the attorney general’s office has the power to revoke the corporate charter from Trump’s organization, which has violated laws that prohibit the president from receiving payments from foreign governments."
"In a letter to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, the group and four attorneys said that the attorney general’s office has the power to revoke the corporate charter from Trump’s organization, which has violated laws that prohibit the president from receiving payments from foreign governments."
With 'Valentine to Corruption,' Trump Officially Kills Big Oil Transparency
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/02/14/valentine-corruption-trump-officially-kills-big-oil-transparency
"President Donald Trump on Tuesday officially voided a rule that forced extractive industries to disclose payments made to foreign governments. The transparency law, known as the Cardin-Luger amendment, was an Obama-era rule established to prevent multinational energy companies from striking backroom deals with corrupt governments."
"President Donald Trump on Tuesday officially voided a rule that forced extractive industries to disclose payments made to foreign governments. The transparency law, known as the Cardin-Luger amendment, was an Obama-era rule established to prevent multinational energy companies from striking backroom deals with corrupt governments."
Warren questions bank lobbyist’s ‘inappropriate’ involvement in Trump order
https://thinkprogress.org/elizabeth-warren-trump-lobbyist-order-8ed464706da3#.9h3oyoshj
"Earlier this month, Trump signed an order aimed at rolling back a new rule propagated by the Obama administration that would require financial advisers to put their clients’ interests ahead of their own. Trump instructed the Department of Labor, which issued the rule, to consider rescinding or revising it within 90 days. According to a report by NPR station WSHU, Francis Creighton, a lobbyist with the pro-Wall Street group Financial Services Roundtable (FSR) that has adamantly opposed the rule, reviewed drafts of Trump’s order and made recommendations on it."
"Earlier this month, Trump signed an order aimed at rolling back a new rule propagated by the Obama administration that would require financial advisers to put their clients’ interests ahead of their own. Trump instructed the Department of Labor, which issued the rule, to consider rescinding or revising it within 90 days. According to a report by NPR station WSHU, Francis Creighton, a lobbyist with the pro-Wall Street group Financial Services Roundtable (FSR) that has adamantly opposed the rule, reviewed drafts of Trump’s order and made recommendations on it."
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Trump Disrupts the Western Spy Alliance
http://observer.com/2017/01/donald-trump-intelligence-community-kremlin-spy-alliance/
"For the first time, an American president is causing our allies and partners to wonder if Washington can still be trusted. As I’ve explained, Trump’s aggressive comments about American spies—mocking them and comparing them to Nazis on Twitter, for example—have generated unprecedented enmity in our Intelligence Community. Going to war with the IC is a bad idea for any new administration, particularly given the new commander-in-chief’s rumored links to Vladimir Putin, which are keeping American spies up at night. It’s not just Washington that’s worried. Throughout the Western spy alliance, intelligence agencies are pondering the previously unthinkable: Is the American president compromised? On several occasions over the decades, the IC had to reduce spy-links, usually only temporarily, to various partners when a new government contained too many cabinet ministers with Moscow linkages. Now the shoe is on the other foot, and it’s the American government that seems to have a Kremlin problem."
"For the first time, an American president is causing our allies and partners to wonder if Washington can still be trusted. As I’ve explained, Trump’s aggressive comments about American spies—mocking them and comparing them to Nazis on Twitter, for example—have generated unprecedented enmity in our Intelligence Community. Going to war with the IC is a bad idea for any new administration, particularly given the new commander-in-chief’s rumored links to Vladimir Putin, which are keeping American spies up at night. It’s not just Washington that’s worried. Throughout the Western spy alliance, intelligence agencies are pondering the previously unthinkable: Is the American president compromised? On several occasions over the decades, the IC had to reduce spy-links, usually only temporarily, to various partners when a new government contained too many cabinet ministers with Moscow linkages. Now the shoe is on the other foot, and it’s the American government that seems to have a Kremlin problem."
‘What the f*ck is going on?’: European allies alarmed as Trump administration descends into chaos
‘What the f*ck is going on?’: European allies alarmed as Trump administration descends into chaos
"Officials at European security services are baffled and wary over the latest turmoil in Pres. Donald Trump’s White House and many are concluding that “counting on America isn’t currently a smart policy"."
"Officials at European security services are baffled and wary over the latest turmoil in Pres. Donald Trump’s White House and many are concluding that “counting on America isn’t currently a smart policy"."
While Trump scandals mount, Chaffetz decides to investigate... a cartoon character
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/instead-of-probing-trump-chaffetz-takes-aim-at-a-cartoon-preschooler/2017/02/13/7e74e63c-f232-11e6-8d72-263470bf0401_story.html?utm_term=.d52721c036e2
"True, Chaffetz, after his unending probes of the Obama administration and Hillary Clinton, hasn’t shown any appetite to examine, say, the Trump administration’s ties to Russia or its many conflicts of interest. But the chairman has shown determination to probe, without fear or favor, the threat to America posed by Sid the Science Kid."
"True, Chaffetz, after his unending probes of the Obama administration and Hillary Clinton, hasn’t shown any appetite to examine, say, the Trump administration’s ties to Russia or its many conflicts of interest. But the chairman has shown determination to probe, without fear or favor, the threat to America posed by Sid the Science Kid."
Meet the 23 Republicans blocking Congress from seeing Trump's tax returns. Is your rep on the list?
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/15/1634026/-Meet-the-23-Republicans-blocking-Congress-from-seeing-Trump-s-tax-returns-Is-your-rep-on-the-list
"Regardless of party affiliation, an astonishing 74 percent of Americans want to see Donald Trump's tax returns. It makes sense considering Donald Trump has business all over the world and we really don’t know who his business comrades are, how much he owes, how much they pay him. These are relevant in the interest of government transparency, but more importantly in the interest of national security."
"Regardless of party affiliation, an astonishing 74 percent of Americans want to see Donald Trump's tax returns. It makes sense considering Donald Trump has business all over the world and we really don’t know who his business comrades are, how much he owes, how much they pay him. These are relevant in the interest of government transparency, but more importantly in the interest of national security."
The 4 best GOP excuses for not backing an inquiry into alleged Trump-Russia links
https://thinkprogress.org/republican-excuses-for-no-russia-investigation-6fccc172ceaf#.59fbvwluz
"Late Tuesday night, the New York Times reported that U.S. spy agencies had intercepted multiple phone conversations between associates of President Donald Trump and Russian intelligence agents. That means Trump allies may have colluded with a foreign power in an effort to undermine the American democratic process — and that Russia may now have access to the highest levels of American government."
"Late Tuesday night, the New York Times reported that U.S. spy agencies had intercepted multiple phone conversations between associates of President Donald Trump and Russian intelligence agents. That means Trump allies may have colluded with a foreign power in an effort to undermine the American democratic process — and that Russia may now have access to the highest levels of American government."
NYT: Trump Campaign Was In 'Repeated Contact' With Russian Intelligence Officials (UPDATED) | Crooks and Liars
NYT: Trump Campaign Was In 'Repeated Contact' With Russian Intelligence Officials (UPDATED) | Crooks and Liars
"Trump campaign officials apparently had multiple contacts with Russian intelligence operatives during the campaign. But the intercepts alarmed American intelligence and law enforcement agencies, in part because of the amount of contact that was occurring while Mr. Trump was speaking glowingly about the Russian president, Vladimir V. Putin."
"Trump campaign officials apparently had multiple contacts with Russian intelligence operatives during the campaign. But the intercepts alarmed American intelligence and law enforcement agencies, in part because of the amount of contact that was occurring while Mr. Trump was speaking glowingly about the Russian president, Vladimir V. Putin."
Robert Reich: The latest White House mess exposes Donald Trump’s long con
Robert Reich: The latest White House mess exposes Donald Trump’s long con
"The U.S. intelligence community is so convinced that Trump and his administration have been compromised by Russia that they’re no longer giving the White House all of their most sensitive information, lest it end up in Putin’s hands. A senior National Security Agency official says the National Security Agency is systematically holding back some of the “good stuff” from the White House, fearing Trump and his staff can’t keep secrets. The intelligence community is concerned that even the Situation Room—the room in the West Wing where the president and his top staffers get intelligence briefings—has been compromised by Russia. The White House mess is Trump’s own fault. He’s supposed to be in charge,but it turns out he’s not a tough manager. He’s not even a good manager. He seems not to have any interest in managing at all. Instead of whipping government into shape, he’s whipping it into a cauldron of dysfunction and intrigue. Just like his promises to “drain the Washington swamp” and limit the influence of big money, get Wall Street out of policy making, and turn government back to the people, Trump’s promise of an efficient government is another giant bait-and-switch."
"The U.S. intelligence community is so convinced that Trump and his administration have been compromised by Russia that they’re no longer giving the White House all of their most sensitive information, lest it end up in Putin’s hands. A senior National Security Agency official says the National Security Agency is systematically holding back some of the “good stuff” from the White House, fearing Trump and his staff can’t keep secrets. The intelligence community is concerned that even the Situation Room—the room in the West Wing where the president and his top staffers get intelligence briefings—has been compromised by Russia. The White House mess is Trump’s own fault. He’s supposed to be in charge,but it turns out he’s not a tough manager. He’s not even a good manager. He seems not to have any interest in managing at all. Instead of whipping government into shape, he’s whipping it into a cauldron of dysfunction and intrigue. Just like his promises to “drain the Washington swamp” and limit the influence of big money, get Wall Street out of policy making, and turn government back to the people, Trump’s promise of an efficient government is another giant bait-and-switch."
Colbert Hilariously Roasts White House Adviser Stephen Miller's Lies @alternet
Colbert Hilariously Roasts White House Adviser Stephen Miller's Lies @alternet:
"Colbert invited Miller to come lie on his show anytime."
"Colbert invited Miller to come lie on his show anytime."
‘Each new day is a new nightmare’: GOP ex-judge wants Trump ‘impeached and removed with all haste’
‘Each new day is a new nightmare’: GOP ex-judge wants Trump ‘impeached and removed with all haste’
"Mark P. Painter, a lifelong Republican and career judge, this week called for the immediate impeachment of President Donald Trump. In a column for Cincinnati.com, the former Ohio Court of Appeals judge offers to help his congressman, Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), draft articles of impeachment."
"Mark P. Painter, a lifelong Republican and career judge, this week called for the immediate impeachment of President Donald Trump. In a column for Cincinnati.com, the former Ohio Court of Appeals judge offers to help his congressman, Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), draft articles of impeachment."
Trump Has Surrounded Himself With a Phalanx of White Nationalists @alternet
Trump Has Surrounded Himself With a Phalanx of White Nationalists @alternet:
"Donald Trump’s administration is built around a brain trust of white nationalists. To deny that fact is to ignore a crucial element of this national crisis: America’s “greatest generation” defeated Nazism during World War II, and 70 or so years later one of the country’s two leading political parties has injected a more polite version of that poison into its veins and rode to power in Washington on a wave of bigotry and racism."
"Donald Trump’s administration is built around a brain trust of white nationalists. To deny that fact is to ignore a crucial element of this national crisis: America’s “greatest generation” defeated Nazism during World War II, and 70 or so years later one of the country’s two leading political parties has injected a more polite version of that poison into its veins and rode to power in Washington on a wave of bigotry and racism."
Congress had a chance to get Trump’s tax returns. Republicans voted it down.
https://thinkprogress.org/congress-had-a-chance-to-get-trumps-tax-returns-republicans-voted-it-down-bf317b718550#.pjj4o2a8l
"Unlike all but one Presidential nominee since Nixon, Trump has not released his tax returns to the public (Gerald Ford, the one nominee who didn’t, released a summary). Trump has also, unlike every other modern president, refused to divest from his business holdings. According to the financial disclosures that he was required to file, however, Trump has a stake in 564 companies around the world. Many of his businesses work in or with foreign countries. Those dealings almost certainly put Trump in violation of the Constitution’s emoluments clause. Without his tax returns, however, the true extent of Trump’s financial entanglements is unknown."
"Unlike all but one Presidential nominee since Nixon, Trump has not released his tax returns to the public (Gerald Ford, the one nominee who didn’t, released a summary). Trump has also, unlike every other modern president, refused to divest from his business holdings. According to the financial disclosures that he was required to file, however, Trump has a stake in 564 companies around the world. Many of his businesses work in or with foreign countries. Those dealings almost certainly put Trump in violation of the Constitution’s emoluments clause. Without his tax returns, however, the true extent of Trump’s financial entanglements is unknown."
Report: Acting AG Sally Yates Warned Trump Administration About Flynn (UPDATED) | Crooks and Liars
Report: Acting AG Sally Yates Warned Trump Administration About Flynn (UPDATED) | Crooks and Liars
"Yates warned this White House that Flynn was vulnerable and likely compromised, and in the process of issuing that warning made it pretty clear they knew Flynn had, in fact, discussed the sanctions imposed by the Obama administration on Russia."
"Yates warned this White House that Flynn was vulnerable and likely compromised, and in the process of issuing that warning made it pretty clear they knew Flynn had, in fact, discussed the sanctions imposed by the Obama administration on Russia."
House intelligence chair rolls over for Trump, says no investigation of Russia connections
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/14/1633641/-House-intelligence-chair-rolls-over-for-Trump-rules-out-investigating-Russia-connections
"The chair of the House Select Intelligence Committee Devin Nunes (R-CA) just yesterday assured reporters that there was "a lot of nothing" in the reports of National Security Advisor Mike Flynn's calls with the Russian ambassador weeks before the Trump administration was a thing. There was so much nothing there, Nunes said, Flynn was sure to keep his job. What's he saying now that Flynn has resigned? He's following popular vote loser Trump's lead. It's not about Flynn and how Russia has compromised the administration. It's about the leaks that Flynn and his Russia connections have compromised the White House."
"The chair of the House Select Intelligence Committee Devin Nunes (R-CA) just yesterday assured reporters that there was "a lot of nothing" in the reports of National Security Advisor Mike Flynn's calls with the Russian ambassador weeks before the Trump administration was a thing. There was so much nothing there, Nunes said, Flynn was sure to keep his job. What's he saying now that Flynn has resigned? He's following popular vote loser Trump's lead. It's not about Flynn and how Russia has compromised the administration. It's about the leaks that Flynn and his Russia connections have compromised the White House."
Tracking the Trump Team’s Conflicting or False Statements on Russia (Chart)
Tracking the Trump Team’s Conflicting or False Statements on Russia (Chart):
"This is an effort to catalog instances when the Trump team’s assertions about their connections to Russia contradict what they’ve said in the past and the facts as they’ve been reported by multiple news organizations and the US intelligence community."
"This is an effort to catalog instances when the Trump team’s assertions about their connections to Russia contradict what they’ve said in the past and the facts as they’ve been reported by multiple news organizations and the US intelligence community."
What Did @realDonaldTrump Know About Russia and When Did Donald Trump Know It?
https://theintercept.com/2017/02/14/trump-know-flynns-talks-russia-know/
"Looking back at one of Trump’s own tweets, which he posted on Dec. 30 — the day after Flynn secretly urged Russia not to respond to the Obama Administration’s new sanctions — makes it hard not to wonder if he knew about his aide’s effort to convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to delay. Putin’s decision to not respond to the new sanctions reportedly surprised intelligence officials and led them to look more closely at their surveillance of the Russian ambassador’s communications, including his intercepted talks with Flynn. But Trump’s tweet suggests that it might not have surprised him. Another new revelation — that Trump’s White House was warned late last month by Sally Yates, then the acting attorney general, that Flynn had lied about the content of his talks with the Russian ambassador –seems to suggest that Trump was feigning surprise on Friday when he was asked about reports that his aide had talked about sanctions. In an appearance on Good Morning America on Tuesday, Kellyanne Conway made it clear that the White House does not want to answer questions about when Trump knew that Flynn has discussed sanctions with the Russians."
"Looking back at one of Trump’s own tweets, which he posted on Dec. 30 — the day after Flynn secretly urged Russia not to respond to the Obama Administration’s new sanctions — makes it hard not to wonder if he knew about his aide’s effort to convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to delay. Putin’s decision to not respond to the new sanctions reportedly surprised intelligence officials and led them to look more closely at their surveillance of the Russian ambassador’s communications, including his intercepted talks with Flynn. But Trump’s tweet suggests that it might not have surprised him. Another new revelation — that Trump’s White House was warned late last month by Sally Yates, then the acting attorney general, that Flynn had lied about the content of his talks with the Russian ambassador –seems to suggest that Trump was feigning surprise on Friday when he was asked about reports that his aide had talked about sanctions. In an appearance on Good Morning America on Tuesday, Kellyanne Conway made it clear that the White House does not want to answer questions about when Trump knew that Flynn has discussed sanctions with the Russians."
Michael Flynn Resigned. Here's Why He Still Needs to be Investigated.
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/02/why-michael-flynn-still-needs-to-be-investigated-russia
"But Flynn had pulled a dumb move, for, as he should have known, US intelligence was intercepting the communications of Kislyak, and transcripts of their chats indicated Flynn and the Russian had indeed talked about the sanctions. And these transcripts were shared among various US government agencies. Before Trump fired acting Attorney General Sally Yates for not enforcing his Muslim travel ban, last month she warned the Trump White House that Flynn had misrepresented the calls and was therefore vulnerable to Russian blackmail. That warning was enough reason for Trump to boot Flynn, but he did not. It took the increasing criticism of Flynn and the mounting calls for an investigation of recent days for the White House to request that Flynn find another perch for his anti-Islam crusade. Flynn's departure should not end the demands for an investigation. One tantalizing and somewhat overlooked aspect of the Post story that did him in was the fact that Flynn hobnobbed with Kislyak during the campaign. The paper reported that the Flynn-Kislyak conversations "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." And the paper noted, "Kislyak said that he had been in contact with Flynn since before the election, but declined to answer questions about the subjects they discussed." This is the mystery that now needs an answer: What was Flynn talking about with the Russians during the campaign?"
"But Flynn had pulled a dumb move, for, as he should have known, US intelligence was intercepting the communications of Kislyak, and transcripts of their chats indicated Flynn and the Russian had indeed talked about the sanctions. And these transcripts were shared among various US government agencies. Before Trump fired acting Attorney General Sally Yates for not enforcing his Muslim travel ban, last month she warned the Trump White House that Flynn had misrepresented the calls and was therefore vulnerable to Russian blackmail. That warning was enough reason for Trump to boot Flynn, but he did not. It took the increasing criticism of Flynn and the mounting calls for an investigation of recent days for the White House to request that Flynn find another perch for his anti-Islam crusade. Flynn's departure should not end the demands for an investigation. One tantalizing and somewhat overlooked aspect of the Post story that did him in was the fact that Flynn hobnobbed with Kislyak during the campaign. The paper reported that the Flynn-Kislyak conversations "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." And the paper noted, "Kislyak said that he had been in contact with Flynn since before the election, but declined to answer questions about the subjects they discussed." This is the mystery that now needs an answer: What was Flynn talking about with the Russians during the campaign?"
For America’s Sake, We Need Answers about Russia. Now.
http://billmoyers.com/story/americas-sake-need-answers-russia-now/
"All of it is serious business, specifically when it comes to figuring out just why Trump is so deeply enamored of Vladimir Putin and how much Russia interfered with our election, and more broadly for what it says about Trump and his chief strategist Stephen Bannon’s vision, God help us, of a world divided and dominated by white nationalists."
"All of it is serious business, specifically when it comes to figuring out just why Trump is so deeply enamored of Vladimir Putin and how much Russia interfered with our election, and more broadly for what it says about Trump and his chief strategist Stephen Bannon’s vision, God help us, of a world divided and dominated by white nationalists."
Top GOP investigators on the Hill say they won’t investigate Michael Flynn
http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/2/14/14609850/gop-investigators-wont-investigate-michael-flynn
"On Monday, the Washington Post again reported that the Department of Justice had informed the White House of the dangers of Flynn’s ties with Russia in January. But last week, Trump told reporters he had not heard of any such report."
"On Monday, the Washington Post again reported that the Department of Justice had informed the White House of the dangers of Flynn’s ties with Russia in January. But last week, Trump told reporters he had not heard of any such report."
‘You lied to us’: The internet hammers Trump for complaining about leaks in Flynn scandal
‘You lied to us’: The internet hammers Trump for complaining about leaks in Flynn scandal
"President Donald Trump tweeted out a complaint about the whistleblowers who exposed his national security advisor’s apparent lies about Russia communications — and social media users hammered him."
"President Donald Trump tweeted out a complaint about the whistleblowers who exposed his national security advisor’s apparent lies about Russia communications — and social media users hammered him."
Trump Has Called Dozens Of Things Fake News. None Of Them Are.
http://mediamatters.org/research/2017/02/13/trump-has-called-dozens-things-fake-news-none-them-are/215326
"President Donald Trump has attacked news outlets, individuals, and reports that portray him in an unflattering light as “fake news.” But in doing so he’s continuing conservative media’s bastardization of the term, as none of the things he points to actually constitute “fake news.” At the same time, several people close to Trump have propagated fake news through social media."
"President Donald Trump has attacked news outlets, individuals, and reports that portray him in an unflattering light as “fake news.” But in doing so he’s continuing conservative media’s bastardization of the term, as none of the things he points to actually constitute “fake news.” At the same time, several people close to Trump have propagated fake news through social media."
Despite lying to the Senate, Trump’s Treasury pick is confirmed
https://thinkprogress.org/mnuchin-confirmed-treasury-a16aef47259e#.hpaboa2jj
"Steve Mnuchin, former Goldman Sachs partner and CEO of mortgage lender OneWest, was confirmed to be the next Treasury Secretary on Monday night. The confirmation came despite the fact that Mnuchin appears to have lied to the Senate about practices at OneWest, and despite evidence that the bank broke foreclosure laws and anti-discrimination laws under his leadership. The Senate vote was nearly along party lines, with all Republicans voting in favor plus Democrat Joe Manchin (WV), and all the rest of the Democrats plus two independents voting against."
"Steve Mnuchin, former Goldman Sachs partner and CEO of mortgage lender OneWest, was confirmed to be the next Treasury Secretary on Monday night. The confirmation came despite the fact that Mnuchin appears to have lied to the Senate about practices at OneWest, and despite evidence that the bank broke foreclosure laws and anti-discrimination laws under his leadership. The Senate vote was nearly along party lines, with all Republicans voting in favor plus Democrat Joe Manchin (WV), and all the rest of the Democrats plus two independents voting against."
4 Recent Tweets That Prove Trump’s an Incompetent Blowhard Peddling Blatant Lies
https://forwardprogressives.com/4-recent-tweets-prove-trumps-incompetent-blowhard-peddling-blatant-lies/
"It damn sure isn’t normal for someone in his position to act the way he acts, lie the way he lies, and whine the way he constantly whines."
"It damn sure isn’t normal for someone in his position to act the way he acts, lie the way he lies, and whine the way he constantly whines."
Michael Flynn, Trump's national security adviser, resigns over Russia lies
http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/2/14/14607034/michael-flynn-resigns-russia-news
"No one has ever been prosecuted under the Logan Act, but Flynn is facing a second and potentially far more dangerous investigation. The FBI is actively probing Flynn’s interactions with Kislyak, and resigning from his White House post won’t shield Flynn from potential future criminal prosecution."
"No one has ever been prosecuted under the Logan Act, but Flynn is facing a second and potentially far more dangerous investigation. The FBI is actively probing Flynn’s interactions with Kislyak, and resigning from his White House post won’t shield Flynn from potential future criminal prosecution."
How Vladimir Putin and Russia are using cyber attacks and fake news to try to rig three major European elections this year
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/13/vladimir-putin-russia-using-cyber-attacks-fake-news-try-rig/
"Governments and security services across Europe have sounded public warnings about Russian interference in upcoming elections, amid mounting concern about a spate of cyber attacks on political parties and government institutions. Officials and security officers in France, Germany, and the Netherlands have agreed to share information as they brace for “influence operations,” including the leaking of hacked emails and using internet bots to spread fake or misleading news on social media, in the run up to presidential and general elections this year."
"Governments and security services across Europe have sounded public warnings about Russian interference in upcoming elections, amid mounting concern about a spate of cyber attacks on political parties and government institutions. Officials and security officers in France, Germany, and the Netherlands have agreed to share information as they brace for “influence operations,” including the leaking of hacked emails and using internet bots to spread fake or misleading news on social media, in the run up to presidential and general elections this year."
French Intelligence Agency Braces for Russian Bots to Back Le Pen
http://foreignpolicy.com/2017/02/08/french-intelligence-agency-braces-for-russian-bots-to-back-le-pen/
"France’s spy agency believes Russia intends to try to influence France’s upcoming elections in favor of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen. On Wednesday, Le Canard Enchaîné said that France’s Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE) believes that Russia will help Le Pen by way of bots that will flood the internet with millions of positive posts about Le Pen — and by publishing her opponents’ confidential emails. The level of threat is so high that the next defense meeting at the Élysée, France’s presidential palace, will be on this subject, the paper said."
"France’s spy agency believes Russia intends to try to influence France’s upcoming elections in favor of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen. On Wednesday, Le Canard Enchaîné said that France’s Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE) believes that Russia will help Le Pen by way of bots that will flood the internet with millions of positive posts about Le Pen — and by publishing her opponents’ confidential emails. The level of threat is so high that the next defense meeting at the Élysée, France’s presidential palace, will be on this subject, the paper said."
Rep. Steve King meets with far-right French extremist Le Pen, tweets about their 'shared values'
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/13/1633296/-Rep-Steve-King-meets-with-far-right-French-extremist-Le-Pen-tweets-about-their-shared-values
"Her campaign, like Trump's, has received the backing of Russian state hackers; French intelligence agencies are bracing for further interventions. Like Trump, her campaign has responded by backing Putin, demanding the end of sanctions against Russia, and even defending the Russian invasion of Crimea. So those are the "shared values" Rep. Steve King is celebrating as he dodges constituents back home to meet with Marine Le Pen instead. The Republicans aren't making it subtle anymore. They seem to believe they no longer need to."
"Her campaign, like Trump's, has received the backing of Russian state hackers; French intelligence agencies are bracing for further interventions. Like Trump, her campaign has responded by backing Putin, demanding the end of sanctions against Russia, and even defending the Russian invasion of Crimea. So those are the "shared values" Rep. Steve King is celebrating as he dodges constituents back home to meet with Marine Le Pen instead. The Republicans aren't making it subtle anymore. They seem to believe they no longer need to."
Wall Street's Best Friend Trump Aims to Dismantle Dodd-Frank, Which Protects Millions of Americans from Fraud @alternet
Wall Street's Best Friend Trump Aims to Dismantle Dodd-Frank, Which Protects Millions of Americans from Fraud @alternet:
"Candidate Trump promised to take on Wall Street. As deregulator-in-chief, he will be Wall Street’s good buddy."
"Candidate Trump promised to take on Wall Street. As deregulator-in-chief, he will be Wall Street’s good buddy."
This Is How the Republican Party Plans to Destroy the Federal Government
https://www.thenation.com/article/this-is-how-the-republican-party-plans-to-destroy-the-federal-government/
"Sooner or later, the Republicans should discover that decimating the government will likely result in a mass of unintended consequences. For example, redistributing tax funds to the rich from the large number of middle- and working-class Americans could seriously damage the consumer economy on which the rest of the economy depends. Defunding programs that enable the poor and the working class to survive will further increase family breakups, domestic violence, drug addiction, suicide, and other human tragedies that even the Overthrow Project cannot totally ignore."
"Sooner or later, the Republicans should discover that decimating the government will likely result in a mass of unintended consequences. For example, redistributing tax funds to the rich from the large number of middle- and working-class Americans could seriously damage the consumer economy on which the rest of the economy depends. Defunding programs that enable the poor and the working class to survive will further increase family breakups, domestic violence, drug addiction, suicide, and other human tragedies that even the Overthrow Project cannot totally ignore."
Iowa's New Union-Busting Bill Is Worse Than Wisconsin's
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39457-iowa-s-new-union-busting-bill-is-worse-than-wisconsin
"This legislation is designed to render collective bargaining meaningless by making it illegal to negotiate most of the subjects now covered by contracts"
"This legislation is designed to render collective bargaining meaningless by making it illegal to negotiate most of the subjects now covered by contracts"
More Wall Street Bankers Set to Join Donald Trump's Treasury Department @alternet
More Wall Street Bankers Set to Join Donald Trump's Treasury Department @alternet:
"Former Goldman Sachs banker Steve Mnuchin, who was tapped by President Donald Trump to serve as his next Treasury secretary, is apparently looking to staff his administration with Wall Street and Washington insiders."
"Former Goldman Sachs banker Steve Mnuchin, who was tapped by President Donald Trump to serve as his next Treasury secretary, is apparently looking to staff his administration with Wall Street and Washington insiders."
For Americans with disabilities, Trump’s policies are as dangerous as his rhetoric
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-disability-rights-d0b3c1a5b21#.cvitnd1qc
"Across the country, people with disabilities are continuing to lead the fight for inclusivity and recognition, with the support of their families, advocates, and human services professionals. But under a Trump administration, that fight is going to get a lot harder. Trump’s mocking of disabled New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski last year has been widely recognized, but his actual policies for people with disabilities are just as terrible."
"Across the country, people with disabilities are continuing to lead the fight for inclusivity and recognition, with the support of their families, advocates, and human services professionals. But under a Trump administration, that fight is going to get a lot harder. Trump’s mocking of disabled New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski last year has been widely recognized, but his actual policies for people with disabilities are just as terrible."
Republicans Will Regret This When the Next Recession Hits
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a53115/steven-mnuchin-treasury-secretary/
"Ever since the committee passed on Mnuchin's nomination, which was passed with only Republican votes because the Democratic members of the committee were disgusted with Mnuchin's testimony and with the Republican majority's apparent indifference to the obvious mendacity of some of it, some other developments have occurred that do not lead me to be optimistic that the swamp reclamation project is going as planned. First, the president* already has signed an executive order that was a direct assault on the Wall Street reforms contained in the Dodd-Frank legislation that was passed in the wake of the nearly catastrophic collapse of the financial system. (The latest atrocity? American companies can get back into the blood diamond business.) Moreover, as this Reuters report indicates, once he's confirmed, Mnuchin plans to lard up the top echelons of the Treasury Department with folks who flourished in the piratical culture that nearly blew up the world."
"Ever since the committee passed on Mnuchin's nomination, which was passed with only Republican votes because the Democratic members of the committee were disgusted with Mnuchin's testimony and with the Republican majority's apparent indifference to the obvious mendacity of some of it, some other developments have occurred that do not lead me to be optimistic that the swamp reclamation project is going as planned. First, the president* already has signed an executive order that was a direct assault on the Wall Street reforms contained in the Dodd-Frank legislation that was passed in the wake of the nearly catastrophic collapse of the financial system. (The latest atrocity? American companies can get back into the blood diamond business.) Moreover, as this Reuters report indicates, once he's confirmed, Mnuchin plans to lard up the top echelons of the Treasury Department with folks who flourished in the piratical culture that nearly blew up the world."
North Dakota bills could strip Dakota Access Pipeline protesters of their rights
https://thinkprogress.org/north-dakota-bills-could-strip-dakota-access-pipeline-protesters-of-their-rights-9b8320af98ab#.e1w1kzpb4
"There are currently four bills in the state’s House and Senate that create new criminal penalties for acts of protest or heighten existing penalties. And there is a fifth bill that could put demonstrators in physical danger."
"There are currently four bills in the state’s House and Senate that create new criminal penalties for acts of protest or heighten existing penalties. And there is a fifth bill that could put demonstrators in physical danger."
Trump's Doubts and Ignorance on Nuclear Treaty Worry Experts
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/02/president-trumps-thoughts-key-nuclear-treaty-worries-experts
"President Donald Trump's apparent ignorance and skepticism of a key nuclear arms reduction treaty between the US and Russia have nuclear arms experts concerned about the country's vulnerability on one of its most important national security issues."
"President Donald Trump's apparent ignorance and skepticism of a key nuclear arms reduction treaty between the US and Russia have nuclear arms experts concerned about the country's vulnerability on one of its most important national security issues."
The Infowars President
https://thinkprogress.org/the-infowars-president-a01eb1203281#.9g59v3n6z
"Many of Trump’s strangest claims began with America’s foremost conspiracy theorist."
"Many of Trump’s strangest claims began with America’s foremost conspiracy theorist."
One Thing Is Certain: Republicans Won't Stand Up and Stop President* Trump
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a53099/republicans-wont-stop-trump/
"The only people with the actual power to rein in this president*, or to spare the country from further damage, are the Republicans in the Congress and, outside of a few tweets from Ben Sasse, and the perennial grumbling of John McCain, they're not ready to do that, at least not until they get their tax cuts through. Right now, if Trump were to show up on the Senate floor dressed like Julius Caesar and playing showtunes on the kazoo, Susan Collins might have second thoughts about handing the EPA over to Scott Pruitt, but that would be the extent of the Republican resistance."
"The only people with the actual power to rein in this president*, or to spare the country from further damage, are the Republicans in the Congress and, outside of a few tweets from Ben Sasse, and the perennial grumbling of John McCain, they're not ready to do that, at least not until they get their tax cuts through. Right now, if Trump were to show up on the Senate floor dressed like Julius Caesar and playing showtunes on the kazoo, Susan Collins might have second thoughts about handing the EPA over to Scott Pruitt, but that would be the extent of the Republican resistance."
John Oliver bought ads on Trump’s favorite cable news shows to correct the president’s lies
http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/2/13/14597200/john-oliver-trump-lies-last-week-tonight
"President Donald Trump has lied about almost every major political topic imaginable — unemployment numbers, the crime rate, voter fraud, and even the weather during his inauguration speech. The lies have gotten to be so ridiculous that John Oliver took a break from his usual style of segment to focus on Trump’s deceit."
"President Donald Trump has lied about almost every major political topic imaginable — unemployment numbers, the crime rate, voter fraud, and even the weather during his inauguration speech. The lies have gotten to be so ridiculous that John Oliver took a break from his usual style of segment to focus on Trump’s deceit."
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Another bombshell: US allies also intercepted contacts between Trump campaign and Russian operatives
Another bombshell: US allies also intercepted contacts between Trump campaign and Russian operatives
"The Western European intelligence operations began in August, after the British government obtained information that people acting on behalf of Russia were in contact with members of the Trump campaign. Those details from the British were widely shared among the NATO allies in Europe. The Baltic nation has been gathering intelligence for at least that long, and has conducted surveillance of executives from the Trump Organization who were traveling in Europe. These operations reflect a serious breakdown in the long-standing faith in the direction of American policy by some of the country’s most important allies. Worse, the United States is now in a situation that may be unprecedented—where European governments know more about what is going on in the executive branch than any elected American official. To date, the Republican-controlled Congress has declined to conduct hearings to investigate the links between Trump’s overseas business partners and foreign governments, or the activities between Russia and officials in the Trump campaign and administration—the very areas being examined by the intelligence services of at least two American allies. Some details about Trump’s business partners were passed to the American government months ago. For example, long before the president’s inauguration, German electronic surveillance determined that the father of Trump’s Azerbaijani business partner is a government official who laundered money for the Iranian military; that information was shared with the CIA, according to a European source with direct knowledge of the situation."
"The Western European intelligence operations began in August, after the British government obtained information that people acting on behalf of Russia were in contact with members of the Trump campaign. Those details from the British were widely shared among the NATO allies in Europe. The Baltic nation has been gathering intelligence for at least that long, and has conducted surveillance of executives from the Trump Organization who were traveling in Europe. These operations reflect a serious breakdown in the long-standing faith in the direction of American policy by some of the country’s most important allies. Worse, the United States is now in a situation that may be unprecedented—where European governments know more about what is going on in the executive branch than any elected American official. To date, the Republican-controlled Congress has declined to conduct hearings to investigate the links between Trump’s overseas business partners and foreign governments, or the activities between Russia and officials in the Trump campaign and administration—the very areas being examined by the intelligence services of at least two American allies. Some details about Trump’s business partners were passed to the American government months ago. For example, long before the president’s inauguration, German electronic surveillance determined that the father of Trump’s Azerbaijani business partner is a government official who laundered money for the Iranian military; that information was shared with the CIA, according to a European source with direct knowledge of the situation."
Justice Department warned Trump administration Flynn could be blackmailed by Russians: report
Justice Department warned Trump administration Flynn could be blackmailed by Russians: report
"Former acting Attorney General Sally Yates, who was fired by Donald Trump last month, personally delivered a message to the president indicating National Security Advisor Michael Flynn misled administration officials about his conversation with the Russian ambassador to the United States, the Washington Post reports. In her message, Yates also told the new president she believed Flynn to be potentially vulnerable to blackmail by Russian operatives, current and former U.S. officials told the Washington Post."
"Former acting Attorney General Sally Yates, who was fired by Donald Trump last month, personally delivered a message to the president indicating National Security Advisor Michael Flynn misled administration officials about his conversation with the Russian ambassador to the United States, the Washington Post reports. In her message, Yates also told the new president she believed Flynn to be potentially vulnerable to blackmail by Russian operatives, current and former U.S. officials told the Washington Post."
Foreign Spies Must Be Bored By How Easy Trump Makes Their Jobs
https://theintercept.com/2017/02/13/spies-must-bored-easy-trump-makes-jobs/
"Apparently untroubled by the possibility that foreign intelligence services might have made the minimal effort required to plant operatives among the guests, or wait staff, Trump was photographed discussing North Korea’s surprise missile test with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, as waiters removed dishes and aides used their phone flashlights to illuminate sensitive documents."
"Apparently untroubled by the possibility that foreign intelligence services might have made the minimal effort required to plant operatives among the guests, or wait staff, Trump was photographed discussing North Korea’s surprise missile test with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, as waiters removed dishes and aides used their phone flashlights to illuminate sensitive documents."
A paying Mar-a-Lago member took photos of Trump being briefed on North Korea — and posted them to Facebook
http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-north-korea-mar-a-lago-meeting-photos-2017-2
"The meeting was conducted in the open, in front of members of the club, with cellphone lights pointing toward sensitive documents. The decision-making about responding to North Korea was "on full view to fellow diners," CNN reported. "Trump's National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and Chief Strategist Steve Bannon left their seats to huddle closer to Trump as documents were produced and phone calls were placed to officials in Washington and Tokyo," according to CNN. "The patio was lit only with candles and moonlight, so aides used the camera lights on their phones to help the stone-faced Trump and Abe read through the documents." John Cook, a journalist, said that it was likely unsafe to be pointing phones, whose cameras and microphones can be hacked, at sensitive documents, tweeting on Sunday, "We used to put our phones in fridges to talk about Snowden docs at The Intercept. These ... are POINTING THEIR PHONES at class[ified] info." It is unclear if Trump had his unsecured Android phone with him during the briefing, which he still carries around with him to send tweets, according to The New York Times."
"The meeting was conducted in the open, in front of members of the club, with cellphone lights pointing toward sensitive documents. The decision-making about responding to North Korea was "on full view to fellow diners," CNN reported. "Trump's National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and Chief Strategist Steve Bannon left their seats to huddle closer to Trump as documents were produced and phone calls were placed to officials in Washington and Tokyo," according to CNN. "The patio was lit only with candles and moonlight, so aides used the camera lights on their phones to help the stone-faced Trump and Abe read through the documents." John Cook, a journalist, said that it was likely unsafe to be pointing phones, whose cameras and microphones can be hacked, at sensitive documents, tweeting on Sunday, "We used to put our phones in fridges to talk about Snowden docs at The Intercept. These ... are POINTING THEIR PHONES at class[ified] info." It is unclear if Trump had his unsecured Android phone with him during the briefing, which he still carries around with him to send tweets, according to The New York Times."
SNL Takes On The Trump Administration With A Hilarious Medley Of Skits – Videos
http://samuel-warde.com/2017/02/snl-takes-trump-medley-skits-videos/
"Melissa McCarthy returned to perform the show’s cold-open with an encore performance of her role as White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer."
"Melissa McCarthy returned to perform the show’s cold-open with an encore performance of her role as White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer."
Trump can be held accountable for violating the Constitution, even if Congress doesn’t care
https://thinkprogress.org/how-trump-can-be-held-accountable-for-violating-the-constitution-even-if-congress-doesnt-care-45677e6b85f7#.jx9idc7oj
"State attorneys general have the power to bring actions against corporations, something known as a “Quo Warranto” proceeding, to determine whether the corporations are a conduit for illegal activity. This is known as a corporation acting “ultra vires” or beyond its legal authority. In this case, the proceeding would determine whether Trump’s corporate entities are being used as a conduit for illegal emoluments to Trump. Importantly, the case would involve a public official (a state attorney general) suing a private entity (the Trump Organization). This means standing would be on much firmer ground. In many states, Quo Warranto authority has been explicitly provided to the state attorney general by statute. In New York, for example, the attorney general has the authority to bring such an action against a corporation under New York Business Corporation Law § 1101"
"State attorneys general have the power to bring actions against corporations, something known as a “Quo Warranto” proceeding, to determine whether the corporations are a conduit for illegal activity. This is known as a corporation acting “ultra vires” or beyond its legal authority. In this case, the proceeding would determine whether Trump’s corporate entities are being used as a conduit for illegal emoluments to Trump. Importantly, the case would involve a public official (a state attorney general) suing a private entity (the Trump Organization). This means standing would be on much firmer ground. In many states, Quo Warranto authority has been explicitly provided to the state attorney general by statute. In New York, for example, the attorney general has the authority to bring such an action against a corporation under New York Business Corporation Law § 1101"
Dark Essays By White House Staffer Are the Intellectual Source Code of Trumpism
https://theintercept.com/2017/02/12/dark-essays-by-white-house-staffer-are-the-intellectual-source-code-of-trumpism/
"The echoes between Schmitt’s ideas and Trump’s presidency have been the subject of academic murmurings for a number of months."
"The echoes between Schmitt’s ideas and Trump’s presidency have been the subject of academic murmurings for a number of months."
One Thing Is Certain: Republicans Won't Stand Up and Stop President* Trump
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a53099/republicans-wont-stop-trump/
"The only people with the actual power to rein in this president*, or to spare the country from further damage, are the Republicans in the Congress and, outside of a few tweets from Ben Sasse, and the perennial grumbling of John McCain, they're not ready to do that, at least not until they get their tax cuts through. Right now, if Trump were to show up on the Senate floor dressed like Julius Caesar and playing showtunes on the kazoo, Susan Collins might have second thoughts about handing the EPA over to Scott Pruitt, but that would be the extent of the Republican resistance."
"The only people with the actual power to rein in this president*, or to spare the country from further damage, are the Republicans in the Congress and, outside of a few tweets from Ben Sasse, and the perennial grumbling of John McCain, they're not ready to do that, at least not until they get their tax cuts through. Right now, if Trump were to show up on the Senate floor dressed like Julius Caesar and playing showtunes on the kazoo, Susan Collins might have second thoughts about handing the EPA over to Scott Pruitt, but that would be the extent of the Republican resistance."
5 Disturbing New Revelations About Trump's Dysfunctional National Security Council @alternet
5 Disturbing New Revelations About Trump's Dysfunctional National Security Council @alternet:
"The National Security Council was intended to help presidents make sense of the daunting world of foreign policy and security threats. Not so in the Trump administration, according to a frigthening inside look from the New York Times on Monday, it appears staff is concerned not only with threats from adversaries, but with those from within. The appointment of the incompetent white supremacist Steve Bannon to the Council was just the beginning. From a National Security advisor who doesn't know how to call the National Guard, but does know how to reach Putin, to botched executive orders and 'Make America Great' again mugs showing up at meetings with foreign leaders, it is, "so far a very dysfunctional N.S.C.,” Representative Adam B. Schiff of California, the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence told the Times."
"The National Security Council was intended to help presidents make sense of the daunting world of foreign policy and security threats. Not so in the Trump administration, according to a frigthening inside look from the New York Times on Monday, it appears staff is concerned not only with threats from adversaries, but with those from within. The appointment of the incompetent white supremacist Steve Bannon to the Council was just the beginning. From a National Security advisor who doesn't know how to call the National Guard, but does know how to reach Putin, to botched executive orders and 'Make America Great' again mugs showing up at meetings with foreign leaders, it is, "so far a very dysfunctional N.S.C.,” Representative Adam B. Schiff of California, the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence told the Times."
US spies withholding intel from White House because they know Russia is listening: report
US spies withholding intel from White House because they know Russia is listening: report
"Not only has Trump gone out of his way to discredit the nation’s spy agencies, his main national security guru, Gen. Mike Flynn either appears to by lying about his conversations with the Russian government about U.S. sanctions or can’t remember breaking the law."
"Not only has Trump gone out of his way to discredit the nation’s spy agencies, his main national security guru, Gen. Mike Flynn either appears to by lying about his conversations with the Russian government about U.S. sanctions or can’t remember breaking the law."
US intelligence community operating under presumption Russia has "ears" on the Trump team
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/12/1632962/-US-intelligence-community-operating-under-presumption-Russia-has-ears-on-the-Trump-team
"The American intelligence community is quite certain that the Donald Trump campaign was aided, whether knowingly or not, by a Russian government-sponsored espionage and propaganda effort aimed at boosting Trump's chances for the presidency. The Trump campaign was staffed with so many Russia-linked figures that newspapers took to designing charts to show them all, from Paul Manafort to Carter Page to Michael Flynn. The new Secretary of State comes to the role from a position orchestrating an oil deal between his company and Russia so massive that, if sanctions preventing it are lifted, it would reshape the Russian government's own finances for years to come. The intelligence community knows of contact between Trump staffers and the Russian government before the inauguration. The intelligence community verified that despite Trump adviser Michael Flynn insisting he did not discuss the hacking-related sanctions imposed by the Obama administration on the Russian government with a Russian official, he in fact did. The intelligence community has now verified parts of the infamous and salacious "dossier" on Trump-Russia ties, though not the most alarming and damning bits. And the American intelligence community is now operating under the suspicion that the new White House may include, somewhere within its top ranks a Russian mole."
"The American intelligence community is quite certain that the Donald Trump campaign was aided, whether knowingly or not, by a Russian government-sponsored espionage and propaganda effort aimed at boosting Trump's chances for the presidency. The Trump campaign was staffed with so many Russia-linked figures that newspapers took to designing charts to show them all, from Paul Manafort to Carter Page to Michael Flynn. The new Secretary of State comes to the role from a position orchestrating an oil deal between his company and Russia so massive that, if sanctions preventing it are lifted, it would reshape the Russian government's own finances for years to come. The intelligence community knows of contact between Trump staffers and the Russian government before the inauguration. The intelligence community verified that despite Trump adviser Michael Flynn insisting he did not discuss the hacking-related sanctions imposed by the Obama administration on the Russian government with a Russian official, he in fact did. The intelligence community has now verified parts of the infamous and salacious "dossier" on Trump-Russia ties, though not the most alarming and damning bits. And the American intelligence community is now operating under the suspicion that the new White House may include, somewhere within its top ranks a Russian mole."
Yale historian warns America only has a year — maybe less — to save the republic from Trump
Yale historian warns America only has a year — maybe less — to save the republic from Trump
"Snyder is not the only intellectual to draw connections between Trump’s actions as president and authoritarian regimes. Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen published a piece outlining rules for survival while living under autocracy in the days following Trump’s election victory. “Institutions will not save you,” Gessen wrote."
"Snyder is not the only intellectual to draw connections between Trump’s actions as president and authoritarian regimes. Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen published a piece outlining rules for survival while living under autocracy in the days following Trump’s election victory. “Institutions will not save you,” Gessen wrote."
The White House Is Gaslighting The Media (And The Entire Country)
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2017/02/10/white-house-gaslighting-media-and-entire-country/215302
"President Donald Trump’s administration is gaslighting America. He lies, reporters fact-check him, then he and his team spin the lies to blame the "biased" and "dishonest" media. Trump's team wants to create a world where no one knows what to believe, where facts and reality are irrelevant, and all that matters is what Trump says matters. Gaslighting reporters is one part of the administration’s war with the press -- just another way for his team to try to make the media's role as truth-tellers obsolete. And here’s the kicker: It’s not just the Trump administration. It’s also propaganda outlets tied to Trump. They rush to reinforce Trump’s false narratives with his base, which only puts mainstream outlets in a tougher position."
"President Donald Trump’s administration is gaslighting America. He lies, reporters fact-check him, then he and his team spin the lies to blame the "biased" and "dishonest" media. Trump's team wants to create a world where no one knows what to believe, where facts and reality are irrelevant, and all that matters is what Trump says matters. Gaslighting reporters is one part of the administration’s war with the press -- just another way for his team to try to make the media's role as truth-tellers obsolete. And here’s the kicker: It’s not just the Trump administration. It’s also propaganda outlets tied to Trump. They rush to reinforce Trump’s false narratives with his base, which only puts mainstream outlets in a tougher position."
Paul Krugman Issues a Warning About What We All Know Is Coming @alternet
Paul Krugman Issues a Warning About What We All Know Is Coming @alternet:
"when the terror attack comes—and Trump and Bannon are making damned sure that it does come—it will only be the common people, banding together, that will be able to stop him. If we let fear affect our judgments, an aftermath with rules imposed by people who have nothing but contempt for our institutions will be worse than anything terrorists could do to destroy us."
"when the terror attack comes—and Trump and Bannon are making damned sure that it does come—it will only be the common people, banding together, that will be able to stop him. If we let fear affect our judgments, an aftermath with rules imposed by people who have nothing but contempt for our institutions will be worse than anything terrorists could do to destroy us."
Jason Chaffetz has no response for a little girl who asked if he believes in science
https://thinkprogress.org/young-girl-burns-chaffetz-at-town-hall-do-you-believe-in-science-because-i-do-2c973cf8c23e#.t74kk3rqm
"Chaffetz’s weak and evasive responses were not well received by his constituents."
"Chaffetz’s weak and evasive responses were not well received by his constituents."
Veterans group booked ad time during Saturday Night Live in the hopes of reaching Donald Trump
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/10/1632283/-Veterans-group-booked-ad-time-during-Saturday-Night-Live-in-the-hopes-of-reaching-Donald-Trump
"They’ve been trying to meet with Donald Trump and have been repeatedly rebuffed. Not content to sit back and be ignored, they purchased ad time during Saturday Night Live this week, a show they know he loves/hates to watch."
"They’ve been trying to meet with Donald Trump and have been repeatedly rebuffed. Not content to sit back and be ignored, they purchased ad time during Saturday Night Live this week, a show they know he loves/hates to watch."
The Spy Revolt Against Trump Begins
http://observer.com/2017/02/donald-trump-administration-mike-flynn-russian-embassy/
"How things are heating up between the White House and the spooks is evidenced by a new report that the CIA has denied a security clearance to one of Flynn’s acolytes. Rob Townley, a former Marine intelligence officer selected to head up the NSC’s Africa desk, was denied a clearance to see Sensitive Compartmented Information (which is required to have access to SIGINT in particular). Why Townley’s SCI was turned down isn’t clear—it could be over personal problems or foreign ties—but the CIA’s stand has been privately denounced by the White House, which views this as a vendetta against Flynn. That the Townley SCI denial was reportedly endorsed by Mike Pompeo, the new CIA director selected by Trump himself, only adds to the pain. There is more consequential IC pushback happening, too. Our spies have never liked Trump’s lackadaisical attitude toward the President’s Daily Brief, the most sensitive of all IC documents, which the new commander-in-chief has received haphazardly. The president has frequently blown off the PDB altogether, tasking Flynn with condensing it into a one-page summary with no more than nine bullet-points. Some in the IC are relieved by this, but there are pervasive concerns that the president simply isn’t paying attention to intelligence. In light of this, and out of worries about the White House’s ability to keep secrets, some of our spy agencies have begun withholding intelligence from the Oval Office. Why risk your most sensitive information if the president may ignore it anyway? A senior National Security Agency official explained that NSA was systematically holding back some of the “good stuff” from the White House, in an unprecedented move. For decades, NSA has prepared special reports for the president’s eyes only, containing enormously sensitive intelligence. In the last three weeks, however, NSA has ceased doing this, fearing Trump and his staff cannot keep their best SIGINT secrets."
"How things are heating up between the White House and the spooks is evidenced by a new report that the CIA has denied a security clearance to one of Flynn’s acolytes. Rob Townley, a former Marine intelligence officer selected to head up the NSC’s Africa desk, was denied a clearance to see Sensitive Compartmented Information (which is required to have access to SIGINT in particular). Why Townley’s SCI was turned down isn’t clear—it could be over personal problems or foreign ties—but the CIA’s stand has been privately denounced by the White House, which views this as a vendetta against Flynn. That the Townley SCI denial was reportedly endorsed by Mike Pompeo, the new CIA director selected by Trump himself, only adds to the pain. There is more consequential IC pushback happening, too. Our spies have never liked Trump’s lackadaisical attitude toward the President’s Daily Brief, the most sensitive of all IC documents, which the new commander-in-chief has received haphazardly. The president has frequently blown off the PDB altogether, tasking Flynn with condensing it into a one-page summary with no more than nine bullet-points. Some in the IC are relieved by this, but there are pervasive concerns that the president simply isn’t paying attention to intelligence. In light of this, and out of worries about the White House’s ability to keep secrets, some of our spy agencies have begun withholding intelligence from the Oval Office. Why risk your most sensitive information if the president may ignore it anyway? A senior National Security Agency official explained that NSA was systematically holding back some of the “good stuff” from the White House, in an unprecedented move. For decades, NSA has prepared special reports for the president’s eyes only, containing enormously sensitive intelligence. In the last three weeks, however, NSA has ceased doing this, fearing Trump and his staff cannot keep their best SIGINT secrets."
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