http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/13/1633185/-How-did-Flynn-think-he-could-get-away-with-lying-about-Russia-conversations
"Here’s an excellent (and scary) point about how brazen the lies coming from the Trump regime, and specifically from National Security Advisor Mike Flynn, are. Remember how Flynn first flatly denied discussing sanctions with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, then—right around the time reports came out that the two men had indeed discussed sanctions—walked it back to saying he couldn’t remember?"
Thursday, February 16, 2017
John Oliver Returns with a Brilliant Plan to Fight Donald Trump's Lies
http://www.motherjones.com/media/2017/02/john-oliver-educate-donald-trump-facts-lies
"To tackle Trump's reliance on "alternative facts," Oliver revealed he's launched a series of commercials to run during shows the president is known to regularly watch, such as Morning Joe and Fox & Friends, that sneak in useful pieces of information he might need over the next four years."
"To tackle Trump's reliance on "alternative facts," Oliver revealed he's launched a series of commercials to run during shows the president is known to regularly watch, such as Morning Joe and Fox & Friends, that sneak in useful pieces of information he might need over the next four years."
Stephen Miller: The Whole World Will Soon See - The Powers Of The President - 'Will Not Be Questioned' | Crooks and Liars
Stephen Miller: The Whole World Will Soon See - The Powers Of The President - 'Will Not Be Questioned' | Crooks and Liars
"Whenever the courts disagree with a conservative policy, this is the typical response we get from their surrogates."
"Whenever the courts disagree with a conservative policy, this is the typical response we get from their surrogates."
Trump’s Supporters Believe a False Narrative of White Victimhood—and the Data Proves It @alternet
Trump’s Supporters Believe a False Narrative of White Victimhood—and the Data Proves It @alternet:
"Trumpism is a movement built around the loss of privilege and perceived social status and a desire to re-create social hierarchy. It is one that requires its adherents to live in a state of constant fear and victimization. This mythology requires extensive ideological work and media filtering to remain true."
"Trumpism is a movement built around the loss of privilege and perceived social status and a desire to re-create social hierarchy. It is one that requires its adherents to live in a state of constant fear and victimization. This mythology requires extensive ideological work and media filtering to remain true."
Watch: Melissa McCarthy Slays It Again as Sean Spicer on SNL @alternet
Watch: Melissa McCarthy Slays It Again as Sean Spicer on SNL @alternet:
"Melissa McCarthy returned to "Saturday Night Live" this week to reprise her popular role as White House Press Secretary and gum-chewer supreme Sean Spicer. "
"Melissa McCarthy returned to "Saturday Night Live" this week to reprise her popular role as White House Press Secretary and gum-chewer supreme Sean Spicer. "
The First Amendment May Not Protect Us: Trump's FCC Intensifies Attack on Press
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39440-the-first-amendment-may-not-protect-us-trump-s-fcc-intensifies-war-on-press
"Media advocates everywhere were alarmed, if not surprised, when Donald Trump recently appointed former Verizon lawyer Ajit Pai to be the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Central questions include what Pai's appointment will mean for freedom of the press and the future of the internet. Sources who have met Pai, who is active on social media, describe him as smart and affable, but with a militant, ideological opposition to regulating Big Media and Telecom. An FCC controlled by Trump and Pai, the latter of whom has "been on the wrong side of just about every major issue that has come before the FCC," according to the media reform group Free Press, poses a serious threat to democracy. Pai, an FCC commissioner since 2012, has constantly sided with the powerful media and telecom lobbies. He pledged to take a "weed whacker" to net neutrality, opposed lowering the cost of phone calls for families of people in prison, and enabled devastating media concentration with his opposition to ownership restrictions. His promotion to chairman was met with glee from free-market ideologues and executives at big media and telecom companies, such as AT&T, who promised to help Pai "support the president's agenda." Trump has already shown an extreme level of hostility toward the press. Now, he will have the Pai-led FCC to function as his own personal toolbox to undermine the free press. As Americans unite in resistance to Trump, it is vital that they take notice of what is going on at the FCC."
"Media advocates everywhere were alarmed, if not surprised, when Donald Trump recently appointed former Verizon lawyer Ajit Pai to be the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Central questions include what Pai's appointment will mean for freedom of the press and the future of the internet. Sources who have met Pai, who is active on social media, describe him as smart and affable, but with a militant, ideological opposition to regulating Big Media and Telecom. An FCC controlled by Trump and Pai, the latter of whom has "been on the wrong side of just about every major issue that has come before the FCC," according to the media reform group Free Press, poses a serious threat to democracy. Pai, an FCC commissioner since 2012, has constantly sided with the powerful media and telecom lobbies. He pledged to take a "weed whacker" to net neutrality, opposed lowering the cost of phone calls for families of people in prison, and enabled devastating media concentration with his opposition to ownership restrictions. His promotion to chairman was met with glee from free-market ideologues and executives at big media and telecom companies, such as AT&T, who promised to help Pai "support the president's agenda." Trump has already shown an extreme level of hostility toward the press. Now, he will have the Pai-led FCC to function as his own personal toolbox to undermine the free press. As Americans unite in resistance to Trump, it is vital that they take notice of what is going on at the FCC."
State elections chiefs warn against eliminating agency that protects elections from hacking
https://thinkprogress.org/state-elections-chiefs-warn-of-the-dangers-of-eliminating-the-agency-that-protects-elections-from-c8f26edf5251#.9hyfgsc6j
"House Republicans voted this week to eliminate the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the only federal agency specifically tasked with helping states protect elections from hacking. The vote split down party lines, with the three Democrats on the committee voting to save the commission and six Republicans voting to terminate it."
"House Republicans voted this week to eliminate the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the only federal agency specifically tasked with helping states protect elections from hacking. The vote split down party lines, with the three Democrats on the committee voting to save the commission and six Republicans voting to terminate it."
Never Has It Been Easier to Get Secret Cash to a President
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/02/sure-fire-way-funnel-dark-money-donald-trump-book-his-hotels
"No president in American history has entered office as conflict-ridden as Trump. It's almost impossible to keep track of all the ways someone seeking to influence him and his administration could do so without a trace. A donation made through a shell corporation to Trump's inaugural committee. An undisclosed donation to America First Policies, the new outside group run by Ayers, Parscale, and other ex-Trump aides. A monthly retainer to Avenue Strategies, the consulting firm launched by former Trump aides Corey Lewandowski and Barry Bennett and conveniently located one block from the White House. But there is a simpler and more direct way to put money in the pocket of the new president and his family: spend money at a Trump hotel or resort. Lots of money. In many ways, the president's properties—which he refuses to divest or separate himself from in any serious way—serve as ideal conduits for directly influencing and even bribing the Trump administration."
"No president in American history has entered office as conflict-ridden as Trump. It's almost impossible to keep track of all the ways someone seeking to influence him and his administration could do so without a trace. A donation made through a shell corporation to Trump's inaugural committee. An undisclosed donation to America First Policies, the new outside group run by Ayers, Parscale, and other ex-Trump aides. A monthly retainer to Avenue Strategies, the consulting firm launched by former Trump aides Corey Lewandowski and Barry Bennett and conveniently located one block from the White House. But there is a simpler and more direct way to put money in the pocket of the new president and his family: spend money at a Trump hotel or resort. Lots of money. In many ways, the president's properties—which he refuses to divest or separate himself from in any serious way—serve as ideal conduits for directly influencing and even bribing the Trump administration."
Republican congressman meets the resistance at raucous Utah town hall
https://thinkprogress.org/republican-congressman-meets-the-resistance-at-raucous-utah-town-hall-63fa2af0f786#.3g4zdauo4
"As Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) is in a key position to decide how and whether the Trump administration will be held accountable for its unprecedented conflicts of interest. Chaffetz, however, has denied all calls to investigate President Trump."
"As Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) is in a key position to decide how and whether the Trump administration will be held accountable for its unprecedented conflicts of interest. Chaffetz, however, has denied all calls to investigate President Trump."
Michael Flynn Is Ollie North: Broke Law Talking To Russians | Crooks and Liars
Michael Flynn Is Ollie North: Broke Law Talking To Russians | Crooks and Liars
"What is it about Republicans that they just can't help themselves becoming traitors to the United States Government when it comes to foreign policy? In 1980, Ronald Reagan forced Iranian hostages to stay in captivity several extra MONTHS to ensure his election as President. Ollie North illegally sold Israeli weapons to Iran and funnelled the profits to the Contras in Nicaragua, all in direct violation of a law that said very specifically "DO NOT DO THAT." And don't get me started about the George W. Bush administration and torture and war profiteering and lying about WMD's. Are we supposed to be surprised that Trump's National Security Advisor Mike Flynn talked to the Russians about removing sanctions (which are supposed to punish them for interfering with our election on behalf of Trump) BEFORE he took office, in direct violation of statutes that say NO MIKE FLYNN you can't make foreign policy from your cellphone just because the Russians helped your boss win an election."
"What is it about Republicans that they just can't help themselves becoming traitors to the United States Government when it comes to foreign policy? In 1980, Ronald Reagan forced Iranian hostages to stay in captivity several extra MONTHS to ensure his election as President. Ollie North illegally sold Israeli weapons to Iran and funnelled the profits to the Contras in Nicaragua, all in direct violation of a law that said very specifically "DO NOT DO THAT." And don't get me started about the George W. Bush administration and torture and war profiteering and lying about WMD's. Are we supposed to be surprised that Trump's National Security Advisor Mike Flynn talked to the Russians about removing sanctions (which are supposed to punish them for interfering with our election on behalf of Trump) BEFORE he took office, in direct violation of statutes that say NO MIKE FLYNN you can't make foreign policy from your cellphone just because the Russians helped your boss win an election."
Meet the scary Italian fascist thinker approvingly cited by Steve Bannon
Meet the scary Italian fascist thinker approvingly cited by Steve Bannon
"What is it about Evola that so excites white nationalists? Per the Times, he was a leading influence on the government of Italian fascist Benito Mussolini, who was particularly attracted to Evola’s ideas about race. University of Montana Professor Richard Drake explains to the Times that Evola’s ideal society was organized by “hierarchy, caste, monarchy, race, myth, religion and ritual,” instead of the liberal order that valued diversity, tolerance and liberty. Most appealing to Bannon — who is a self-described “Leninist” who wants to “destroy” the state — is Evola’s belief that creating change is “not a question of contesting and polemicizing, but of blowing everything up.” While Evola was a key influence on Mussolini, the Times notes that he eventually found the Italian fascists to be too compromising, and he saw the ideal “traditionalist” regime to be the one found in Hitler’s Germany."
"What is it about Evola that so excites white nationalists? Per the Times, he was a leading influence on the government of Italian fascist Benito Mussolini, who was particularly attracted to Evola’s ideas about race. University of Montana Professor Richard Drake explains to the Times that Evola’s ideal society was organized by “hierarchy, caste, monarchy, race, myth, religion and ritual,” instead of the liberal order that valued diversity, tolerance and liberty. Most appealing to Bannon — who is a self-described “Leninist” who wants to “destroy” the state — is Evola’s belief that creating change is “not a question of contesting and polemicizing, but of blowing everything up.” While Evola was a key influence on Mussolini, the Times notes that he eventually found the Italian fascists to be too compromising, and he saw the ideal “traditionalist” regime to be the one found in Hitler’s Germany."
“Do your job”: Jason Chaffetz town hall overrun with constituents demanding he investigate Trump
http://www.salon.com/2017/02/10/do-your-job-jason-chaffetz-town-hall-overrun-with-constituents-demanding-he-investigate-trump/
"Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, is chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, yet he has been unwilling to perform oversight on President Trump’s numerous conflicts of interest. On Thursday night, his constituents appeared at a town hall meeting to demand that he start looking into them."
"Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, is chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, yet he has been unwilling to perform oversight on President Trump’s numerous conflicts of interest. On Thursday night, his constituents appeared at a town hall meeting to demand that he start looking into them."
Betsy DeVos Just Bought Herself a Trump Cabinet Position
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/betsy-devos-just-bought-herself-a-trump-cabinet-position-w465578
"And no one should expect her family's financial manipulation of Republican senators to stop there. In fact, if what the DeVoses have done in Michigan is any indication, she and her family are likely just getting started trying to buy Republican support for their radical agenda."
"And no one should expect her family's financial manipulation of Republican senators to stop there. In fact, if what the DeVoses have done in Michigan is any indication, she and her family are likely just getting started trying to buy Republican support for their radical agenda."
Bombshell Report Suggests Trump's National Security Adviser Is Dishonest and a Threat to US Policy
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/02/flynn-trump-washington-post-russia
"Yet now one piece of the Trump-Russia puzzle has been clearly depicted: Trump's national security adviser was in cahoots with Russia to undermine the US government's effort to punish Moscow for hacking the US election—and he apparently lied about it.
"Yet now one piece of the Trump-Russia puzzle has been clearly depicted: Trump's national security adviser was in cahoots with Russia to undermine the US government's effort to punish Moscow for hacking the US election—and he apparently lied about it.
5 Disturbing New Revelations About What's Really Going on Inside the Chaotic Trump White House @alternet
5 Disturbing New Revelations About What's Really Going on Inside the Chaotic Trump White House @alternet:
"the president is completely cowed by the complexities and responsibilities of managing a federal bureaucracy, his staffers bordering on mutinous: "[It's] a powder-keg of a workplace where job duties are unclear, morale among some is low, factionalism is rampant and exhaustion is running high"."
"the president is completely cowed by the complexities and responsibilities of managing a federal bureaucracy, his staffers bordering on mutinous: "[It's] a powder-keg of a workplace where job duties are unclear, morale among some is low, factionalism is rampant and exhaustion is running high"."
Hundreds chant “do your job!” at House Republican in charge of investigating Trump
http://www.vox.com/2017/2/9/14572394/jason-chaffetz-utah
"Hundreds of people shouted down Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) at a town hall he held in his home district on Thursday night, with many yelling “Do your job!” at the chair of the House Oversight Committee."
"Hundreds of people shouted down Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) at a town hall he held in his home district on Thursday night, with many yelling “Do your job!” at the chair of the House Oversight Committee."
Trump’s Presidency Is Officially A Dumpster Fire As Voters Trust SNL More Than Trump
http://www.politicususa.com/2017/02/10/trumps-presidency-dumpster-fire-voters-trust-snl-trust-trump.html
"Who knew that a White House that is led by a president who makes false statements on a daily basis would quickly lose credibility with the American people?"
"Who knew that a White House that is led by a president who makes false statements on a daily basis would quickly lose credibility with the American people?"
Of Course Trump's Health Secretary Is a Friend of Big Tobacco
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/02/tom-price-hhs-tobacco
"The man Donald Trump has chosen to direct health policy for the federal government has close ties to the tobacco industry he will be charged with regulating."
"The man Donald Trump has chosen to direct health policy for the federal government has close ties to the tobacco industry he will be charged with regulating."
Watch a GOP Congressman and supporters scatter when constituents find him at 'canceled' town hall
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/10/1632190/-Watch-a-GOP-Congressman-and-supporters-scatter-when-constituents-find-him-at-canceled-town-hall
"Congressman Mo Brooks returned to Alabama, where he planned to have a town hall meeting in Huntsville. But a funny thing happened to Brooks. Like all Republican (and most Democratic) members of Congress lately, he suddenly found his “open to the public” meeting was “sold out”—so he promptly canceled it altogether. Brooks and his tea party pals gave a variety of nonsensical excuses, including, they “didn’t want to meet until all the president’s nominees were confirmed.” So imagine the surprise of Huntsville-area constituents when they showed up at the “canceled” meeting last night and there was Congressman Mo Brooks, meeting with his conservative supporters."
"Congressman Mo Brooks returned to Alabama, where he planned to have a town hall meeting in Huntsville. But a funny thing happened to Brooks. Like all Republican (and most Democratic) members of Congress lately, he suddenly found his “open to the public” meeting was “sold out”—so he promptly canceled it altogether. Brooks and his tea party pals gave a variety of nonsensical excuses, including, they “didn’t want to meet until all the president’s nominees were confirmed.” So imagine the surprise of Huntsville-area constituents when they showed up at the “canceled” meeting last night and there was Congressman Mo Brooks, meeting with his conservative supporters."
‘He doesn’t like this sh*t’: Trump reportedly hates his job and his staff after less than a month
‘He doesn’t like this sh*t’: Trump reportedly hates his job and his staff after less than a month
"After just three weeks on the job, President Donald Trump is reportedly frustrated with the realities of trying to run the U.S. government the way he manages his family-owned business."
"After just three weeks on the job, President Donald Trump is reportedly frustrated with the realities of trying to run the U.S. government the way he manages his family-owned business."
Republicans on the run: Alabama congressman canceled town hall because the event sold out
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/9/1631812/-Republicans-on-the-run-Alabama-congressman-canceled-town-hall-because-the-event-sold-out
"Apparently Republicans can only meet with small subsets of constituents who fully agree with their agenda and buy their snake oil by the gallon."
"Apparently Republicans can only meet with small subsets of constituents who fully agree with their agenda and buy their snake oil by the gallon."
Donald Trump doesn't know what the START treaty is—but knows it's bad because ... Obama
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/9/1631874/-Donald-Trump-doesn-t-know-what-the-START-treaty-is-but-knows-it-s-bad-because-Obama
"The phone call with Putin has added to concerns that Trump is not adequately prepared for discussions with foreign leaders."
"The phone call with Putin has added to concerns that Trump is not adequately prepared for discussions with foreign leaders."
Trump paused a call with Putin to make an aide explain a nuclear arms treaty
http://www.vox.com/world/2017/2/9/14562014/trump-putin-call-new-start-what
"There’s only one reasonable conclusion to draw from all this: The president’s positions about the only weapon capable of destroying human civilization seem to be in constant flux — and sometimes change on the dime while the leader of the country with the world’s second-biggest nuclear arsenal is still on the phone."
"There’s only one reasonable conclusion to draw from all this: The president’s positions about the only weapon capable of destroying human civilization seem to be in constant flux — and sometimes change on the dime while the leader of the country with the world’s second-biggest nuclear arsenal is still on the phone."
Trump and terrorism: Why is the White House ignoring the real danger of homegrown extremism?
http://www.salon.com/2017/02/09/trump-and-terrorism-why-is-the-white-house-ignoring-the-real-danger-of-homegrown-extremism/
"But Trump showed throughout the campaign that the only violent extremism he finds threatening is Muslim extremism and he has gone to great lengths to gin up irrational fear of it among his followers. And that’s very telling since law enforcement officers have said they are even more concerned about a different ideology: right-wing, anti-government extremism, particularly the “sovereign citizen” movement that has evolved out of white supremacist groups. Unfortunately, the Trump administration plans to stop tracking such groups in order to concentrate on the alleged hordes of Islamic jihadis in our midst. No wonder neo-Nazis cheered wildly when Trump was elected."
"But Trump showed throughout the campaign that the only violent extremism he finds threatening is Muslim extremism and he has gone to great lengths to gin up irrational fear of it among his followers. And that’s very telling since law enforcement officers have said they are even more concerned about a different ideology: right-wing, anti-government extremism, particularly the “sovereign citizen” movement that has evolved out of white supremacist groups. Unfortunately, the Trump administration plans to stop tracking such groups in order to concentrate on the alleged hordes of Islamic jihadis in our midst. No wonder neo-Nazis cheered wildly when Trump was elected."
Kellyanne Conway Breaks The Law With 'Go Buy Ivanka's Stuff' | Crooks and Liars
Kellyanne Conway Breaks The Law With 'Go Buy Ivanka's Stuff' | Crooks and Liars
"That Conway did so from within the White House just exposes how dangerously ignorant this class of clowns really are about their functions and duties."
"That Conway did so from within the White House just exposes how dangerously ignorant this class of clowns really are about their functions and duties."
Trump’s Plan for Medicaid Would Decimate Services for People With Disabilities
http://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/02/08/trumps-plan-medicaid-would-decimate-services-people-disabilities
"As Congressional Republicans careen face-first towards the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, another threat is taking shape that promises to devastate the services that seniors and people with disabilities need."
"As Congressional Republicans careen face-first towards the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, another threat is taking shape that promises to devastate the services that seniors and people with disabilities need."
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Sunday, February 12, 2017
How Trump's Agenda Clashes With What Americans Want
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/how-trumps-agenda-clashes-with-what-americans-want-w465914
"The wide divergence of public opinion from the agenda of America's GOP-led government highlights a dark reality: Republicans are only in command in Washington because our republic is undemocratic. Every Hillary Clinton supporter knows that Trump won in the Electoral College despite losing the popular vote by more than 2.8 million ballots. The undemocratic skew of the Senate is even more striking: Republicans now hold 52 seats in the majority – despite these senators having received 23 million fewer votes than the 48 Democrats who sit in the minority. These institutions privilege the votes of inland and rural voters above the populations of the coasts and America's urban centers."
"The wide divergence of public opinion from the agenda of America's GOP-led government highlights a dark reality: Republicans are only in command in Washington because our republic is undemocratic. Every Hillary Clinton supporter knows that Trump won in the Electoral College despite losing the popular vote by more than 2.8 million ballots. The undemocratic skew of the Senate is even more striking: Republicans now hold 52 seats in the majority – despite these senators having received 23 million fewer votes than the 48 Democrats who sit in the minority. These institutions privilege the votes of inland and rural voters above the populations of the coasts and America's urban centers."
The Trump Administration’s Two-Pronged Assault on Public Health
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2017/02/07/298183/the-trump-administrations-two-pronged-assault-on-public-health/
"The 115th Congress and the Trump administration have already set their sights on gutting the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and other cornerstone protections that ensure that our air is safe to breathe and our water safe to drink. They have promised to get rid of pollution limits for power plants instead of shifting to clean energy and nullify pollution limits for oil and gas drilling—as they also promise to drill anywhere and everywhere. These actions alone would greatly endanger public health and environmental quality. If that was not enough, however, congressional Republicans and the administration are also set on eliminating health insurance coverage for millions of Americans. This extreme rollback of federal regulations and services would allow more pollution, affect public health, and, at the same time, remove health care options for treatment when people get sick."
"The 115th Congress and the Trump administration have already set their sights on gutting the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and other cornerstone protections that ensure that our air is safe to breathe and our water safe to drink. They have promised to get rid of pollution limits for power plants instead of shifting to clean energy and nullify pollution limits for oil and gas drilling—as they also promise to drill anywhere and everywhere. These actions alone would greatly endanger public health and environmental quality. If that was not enough, however, congressional Republicans and the administration are also set on eliminating health insurance coverage for millions of Americans. This extreme rollback of federal regulations and services would allow more pollution, affect public health, and, at the same time, remove health care options for treatment when people get sick."
The senators who opposed DeVos represent 36 million more people than her supporters do
https://thinkprogress.org/the-senators-who-opposed-devos-represent-36-million-more-people-than-her-supporters-do-4705655a2bc7#.lzvixzyez
"DeVos did not appear to understand the difference between testing that measures growth (how much a student has learned since their last test) and proficiency (whether a student has reached a certain baseline). She blanked on a major law protecting children with disabilities. At one point, she said guns might be needed in schools to “protect from potential grizzlies.” And yet the Senate was evenly divided over whether DeVos should be placed in charge of a cabinet agency that she seems to know little about. That is because the Senate is itself malapportioned to give voters in smaller states much greater voices than other voters. The 50 senators who opposed DeVos represent 179,381,386 people, while the 50 senators who supported her represent only 143,064,962 individuals."
"DeVos did not appear to understand the difference between testing that measures growth (how much a student has learned since their last test) and proficiency (whether a student has reached a certain baseline). She blanked on a major law protecting children with disabilities. At one point, she said guns might be needed in schools to “protect from potential grizzlies.” And yet the Senate was evenly divided over whether DeVos should be placed in charge of a cabinet agency that she seems to know little about. That is because the Senate is itself malapportioned to give voters in smaller states much greater voices than other voters. The 50 senators who opposed DeVos represent 179,381,386 people, while the 50 senators who supported her represent only 143,064,962 individuals."
Crimes of the Trump Era (a Preview)
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39385-crimes-of-the-trump-era-a-preview
"From health care and tax policy to environmental protections, this will undoubtedly be a government of the looters, by the looters, and for the looters, and a Congress of the same. As of yet, however, we've seen only the smallest hints of what is to come. In such a leave-no-billionaires-behind era, forget the past swamps of Washington (which wasn't really built on swampland). The government of Donald J. Trump seems slated to produce an American swamp of swamps and, somewhere down the line, will surely give new meaning to the phrase conflict of interest. Yet these processes, too, are barely underway. From a government of 1% looters, what can you expect but to be looted and to experience crimes of every sort?"
"From health care and tax policy to environmental protections, this will undoubtedly be a government of the looters, by the looters, and for the looters, and a Congress of the same. As of yet, however, we've seen only the smallest hints of what is to come. In such a leave-no-billionaires-behind era, forget the past swamps of Washington (which wasn't really built on swampland). The government of Donald J. Trump seems slated to produce an American swamp of swamps and, somewhere down the line, will surely give new meaning to the phrase conflict of interest. Yet these processes, too, are barely underway. From a government of 1% looters, what can you expect but to be looted and to experience crimes of every sort?"
Mitch McConnell And The Republican Party Have Memory Loss | Crooks and Liars
Mitch McConnell And The Republican Party Have Memory Loss | Crooks and Liars
"And after eight years of Republican lies, sedition and obstruction under Obama, the same Conservative scum are now being allowed to pretend that none of it ever happened and that Democratic opposition to The Bastard President's objectively insane policies and corrupt and incompetent appointments is "reckless and unprecedented"."
"And after eight years of Republican lies, sedition and obstruction under Obama, the same Conservative scum are now being allowed to pretend that none of it ever happened and that Democratic opposition to The Bastard President's objectively insane policies and corrupt and incompetent appointments is "reckless and unprecedented"."
House GOP Quietly Moves to Kill Commission Charged With Securing Elections
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/02/07/house-gop-quietly-moves-kill-commission-charged-securing-elections
"Amid national outrage over possible foreign interference in the 2016 election and President Donald Trump's own lies about so-called voter fraud, House Republicans on Tuesday quietly advanced two bills that "could profoundly impact the way we administer and finance national elections," watchdogs are warning. The GOP-dominated Committee on House Administration voted along party lines to approve the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Termination Act (HR 634), which would abolish the only "federal agency charged with upgrading our voting systems" and "helping to protect our elections from hacking," as Wendy Weiser, director of the Democracy Program at NYU School of Law's Brennan Center for Justice, put it. During the same session, the committee also reportedly voted to abolish public financing for presidential elections, passing the Eliminating the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act (HR 133)."
"Amid national outrage over possible foreign interference in the 2016 election and President Donald Trump's own lies about so-called voter fraud, House Republicans on Tuesday quietly advanced two bills that "could profoundly impact the way we administer and finance national elections," watchdogs are warning. The GOP-dominated Committee on House Administration voted along party lines to approve the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Termination Act (HR 634), which would abolish the only "federal agency charged with upgrading our voting systems" and "helping to protect our elections from hacking," as Wendy Weiser, director of the Democracy Program at NYU School of Law's Brennan Center for Justice, put it. During the same session, the committee also reportedly voted to abolish public financing for presidential elections, passing the Eliminating the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act (HR 133)."
McConnell Silences Warren. Women Respond On Twitter - Read Letter She Was Forbidden From Reading.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/7/1631253/-Mitch-McConnell-Silences-Elizabeth-Warren-Women-Respond-We-Will-Not-Be-Silenced-LetLizSpeak
"Sen. Warren was “silenced” tonight by a southern Senator for reading a letter from Coretta Scott King objecting to the confirmation of a racist as a federal district judge. Think about that. Women did. They decided to read the letter themselves. And publish their readings on Twitter. Because we will not be silenced."
"Sen. Warren was “silenced” tonight by a southern Senator for reading a letter from Coretta Scott King objecting to the confirmation of a racist as a federal district judge. Think about that. Women did. They decided to read the letter themselves. And publish their readings on Twitter. Because we will not be silenced."
Henry A. Giroux | Combating Trump's Neo-Fascism and the Ghost of "1984"
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39378-combating-trump-s-neo-fascism-and-the-ghost-of-1984
"The current onslaught of revenge and destruction produced by Trump's updated version of authoritarianism is glaringly visible and deeply brutal, and points to a bleak future in the most immediate sense. We live at a time in which totalitarian forms are with us again. US society is no longer at the tipping point of authoritarianism; we are in the midst of what Hannah Arendt called "dark times." Individual and collective resistance is the only hope we have to move beyond this ominous moment in our history. Fortunately, the arrogant presence of this neo-fascist regime is not going entirely unchecked: The great collective power of resistance has ignited. Hope and a sense of humanity are in the air and the relevance of mass action has a renewed urgency. Demonstrations are taking place every day; some mayors are refusing to allow their cities to be placed under Nazi influence; and marginalized people and their co-strugglers are marching in record-breaking numbers to protect their rights. This resistance will continue to grow until it becomes a movement whose power is on the side of justice not injustice, bridges not walls, dignity not disrespect, compassion not hate. Let's hope this resistance will dispel Orwell's nightmarish vision of the future in our own time."
"The current onslaught of revenge and destruction produced by Trump's updated version of authoritarianism is glaringly visible and deeply brutal, and points to a bleak future in the most immediate sense. We live at a time in which totalitarian forms are with us again. US society is no longer at the tipping point of authoritarianism; we are in the midst of what Hannah Arendt called "dark times." Individual and collective resistance is the only hope we have to move beyond this ominous moment in our history. Fortunately, the arrogant presence of this neo-fascist regime is not going entirely unchecked: The great collective power of resistance has ignited. Hope and a sense of humanity are in the air and the relevance of mass action has a renewed urgency. Demonstrations are taking place every day; some mayors are refusing to allow their cities to be placed under Nazi influence; and marginalized people and their co-strugglers are marching in record-breaking numbers to protect their rights. This resistance will continue to grow until it becomes a movement whose power is on the side of justice not injustice, bridges not walls, dignity not disrespect, compassion not hate. Let's hope this resistance will dispel Orwell's nightmarish vision of the future in our own time."
The House just moved toward eliminating the agency that protects elections from hacking
https://thinkprogress.org/house-eliminate-eac-6317e6889258#.k9qr7xej0
"Just months after an election plagued with foreign influence, a Republican-controlled House committee voted Tuesday to eliminate the independent, bipartisan agency tasked with helping states secure their voting systems."
"Just months after an election plagued with foreign influence, a Republican-controlled House committee voted Tuesday to eliminate the independent, bipartisan agency tasked with helping states secure their voting systems."
Jason Chaffetz uses meeting with Trump to promote disposal of public lands
https://thinkprogress.org/chairman-of-house-ethics-committee-uses-meeting-with-trump-to-promote-disposal-of-public-lands-3270703a3198#.bogau0daw
"Chaffetz also seems to have quickly forgotten the intense public backlash to his recent efforts to privatize or dispose of public lands. Last Thursday, in response to massive protests in Montana and New Mexico, Chaffetz was forced to pull a bill he had introduced that would have sold off 3.3 million acres of public lands."
"Chaffetz also seems to have quickly forgotten the intense public backlash to his recent efforts to privatize or dispose of public lands. Last Thursday, in response to massive protests in Montana and New Mexico, Chaffetz was forced to pull a bill he had introduced that would have sold off 3.3 million acres of public lands."
Leaks Suggest Trump’s Own Team Is Alarmed By His Conduct
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-administration-leaks_us_589a45f1e4b04061313a1fbb
"White House leaks are common, but leakers suggesting the president might be unfit for office are not."
"White House leaks are common, but leakers suggesting the president might be unfit for office are not."
Read the Coretta Scott King letter that got Elizabeth Warren silenced by the Senate
http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/1/11/14236810/jeff-sessions-king-letter
"Sessions has long been an opponent of voting rights protections. He previously said that the Voting Rights Act, which allowed the federal government to oversee elections in states with histories of racism, is a “piece of intrusive legislation.” And when the US Supreme Court struck down parts of the law, Sessions argued that Shelby County, Alabama, where the Supreme Court challenge came from, “has never had a history of denying voters and certainly not now” — even though the county, like Alabama generally, has a long, long history of discrimination of all kinds."
"Sessions has long been an opponent of voting rights protections. He previously said that the Voting Rights Act, which allowed the federal government to oversee elections in states with histories of racism, is a “piece of intrusive legislation.” And when the US Supreme Court struck down parts of the law, Sessions argued that Shelby County, Alabama, where the Supreme Court challenge came from, “has never had a history of denying voters and certainly not now” — even though the county, like Alabama generally, has a long, long history of discrimination of all kinds."
For His Next Trick, Steve Bannon Will Undermine the Pope
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a52901/bannon-pope-francis/
"He wants to establish himself at the head of a new, worldwide authoritarian elite that will reach into every institution and that will demolish any of those institutions that stand in the way of what he wants. The man is a political thug, and Burke is a theological thug. Marriage made somewhat lower than heaven."
"He wants to establish himself at the head of a new, worldwide authoritarian elite that will reach into every institution and that will demolish any of those institutions that stand in the way of what he wants. The man is a political thug, and Burke is a theological thug. Marriage made somewhat lower than heaven."
EPA Nominee Pruitt Sued for Withholding Thousands of Energy Co. Emails
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/02/07/epa-nominee-pruitt-sued-withholding-thousands-energy-co-emails
"The suit alleges Pruitt has failed to respond to multiple records requests seeking access to more than 3,000 emails with Koch Industries and other coal, oil, and gas corporations, as well as the corporate-funded Republican Attorney General’s Association (RAGA)."
"The suit alleges Pruitt has failed to respond to multiple records requests seeking access to more than 3,000 emails with Koch Industries and other coal, oil, and gas corporations, as well as the corporate-funded Republican Attorney General’s Association (RAGA)."
Trump still getting credit for money he didn't save, jobs he didn't create
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/7/1631014/-Trump-still-getting-credit-for-money-he-didn-t-save-jobs-he-didn-t-create
"Donald Trump likes to claim credit for jobs he didn’t create, and for money he didn’t save. When it comes to the F-35 fighter, Donald Trump has claimed credit for chopping the price of the expensive jets and for bolstering the number of people working to build them. "I have already saved more than $700 million when I got involved in the negotiation on the F-35," Trump said Monday during remarks to U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla. The media has rushed to reprint those claims despite the fact that last week, Sen. Jack Reed made it clear that Trump didn’t deserve credit for savings on the F-35. "This is simply taking credit for what's been in the works for many months," Reed told CNBC in a telephone interview. "These are savings that would have happened anyway." Trump had nothing to do with the reduction. He didn’t negotiate it. He didn’t even suggest it. In fact, if anyone should get a nod, it’s Barack Obama—and everyone involved seems to agree."
"Donald Trump likes to claim credit for jobs he didn’t create, and for money he didn’t save. When it comes to the F-35 fighter, Donald Trump has claimed credit for chopping the price of the expensive jets and for bolstering the number of people working to build them. "I have already saved more than $700 million when I got involved in the negotiation on the F-35," Trump said Monday during remarks to U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla. The media has rushed to reprint those claims despite the fact that last week, Sen. Jack Reed made it clear that Trump didn’t deserve credit for savings on the F-35. "This is simply taking credit for what's been in the works for many months," Reed told CNBC in a telephone interview. "These are savings that would have happened anyway." Trump had nothing to do with the reduction. He didn’t negotiate it. He didn’t even suggest it. In fact, if anyone should get a nod, it’s Barack Obama—and everyone involved seems to agree."
Melania Trump's Lawyers Admit She Hoped to Cash in on Being First Lady by Selling Clothes and Fragrances @alternet
Melania Trump's Lawyers Admit She Hoped to Cash in on Being First Lady by Selling Clothes and Fragrances @alternet:
"Apparently, Melania does not understand the emoluments clause either."
"Apparently, Melania does not understand the emoluments clause either."
President Trump once again says he has no connections to Russia or Putin, negating what he’s said about them before
http://www.salon.com/2017/02/07/president-trump-once-again-says-he-has-no-connections-to-russia-or-putin-negating-what-hes-said-about-them-before/
"Trump’s relationship with Russia can be traced at least as far back as when he began turning to that nation’s financiers after American banks stopped lending him money due to his numerous failed business ventures. These included a partnership with a company backed by Russian and Kazakhstani money known as the Bayrock Group, which helped him develop properties in Florida and New York, and a decision to sell one of his Palm Beach mansions to Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev. In addition to getting Russian funds for projects in this country, Trump has had quite a few business ventures in Russia itself, including a Trump Tower in Moscow, a Miss Universe pageant in Moscow, Trump Vodka, and at least eight trademarks in Russia between 1996 and 2008. This may explain why Donald Trump Jr. admitted in 2008 that “in terms of high-end product influx into the U.S., Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets; say in Dubai, and certainly with our project in SoHo and anywhere in New York. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.” Trump’s son’s comments aren’t nearly as damning as remarks made by his father in 2013 and 2015. The president admitted in 2013, “I do have a relationship [with Putin], and I can tell you that he’s very interested in what we’re doing here today.” In 2015, he bragged, “I had the Miss Universe pageant, believe it or not, in Moscow two years ago. I got many of the Russian leaders, the top people in Russia, honestly . . . These are people, they are looking to do things.” This doesn’t even scratch the surface of the past and present Trump aides with connections to Russia, including former campaign manager Paul Manafort, national security adviser Michael Flynn, and secretary of state Rex Tillerson."
"Trump’s relationship with Russia can be traced at least as far back as when he began turning to that nation’s financiers after American banks stopped lending him money due to his numerous failed business ventures. These included a partnership with a company backed by Russian and Kazakhstani money known as the Bayrock Group, which helped him develop properties in Florida and New York, and a decision to sell one of his Palm Beach mansions to Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev. In addition to getting Russian funds for projects in this country, Trump has had quite a few business ventures in Russia itself, including a Trump Tower in Moscow, a Miss Universe pageant in Moscow, Trump Vodka, and at least eight trademarks in Russia between 1996 and 2008. This may explain why Donald Trump Jr. admitted in 2008 that “in terms of high-end product influx into the U.S., Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets; say in Dubai, and certainly with our project in SoHo and anywhere in New York. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.” Trump’s son’s comments aren’t nearly as damning as remarks made by his father in 2013 and 2015. The president admitted in 2013, “I do have a relationship [with Putin], and I can tell you that he’s very interested in what we’re doing here today.” In 2015, he bragged, “I had the Miss Universe pageant, believe it or not, in Moscow two years ago. I got many of the Russian leaders, the top people in Russia, honestly . . . These are people, they are looking to do things.” This doesn’t even scratch the surface of the past and present Trump aides with connections to Russia, including former campaign manager Paul Manafort, national security adviser Michael Flynn, and secretary of state Rex Tillerson."
Trump official admits administration misuses the term “fake news” to discredit media criticism
http://www.salon.com/2017/02/07/trump-official-admits-administration-misuses-the-term-fake-news-to-discredit-media-criticism/
"The Trump administration is faking their cries of "fake news" to silence the media"
"The Trump administration is faking their cries of "fake news" to silence the media"
One Type Of Terrorism Really Is Underreported -- Right-Wing Terrorism
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2017/02/07/trumps-list-underreported-terrorism-completely-ignores-domestic-right-wing-extremism/215260
"In many of these cases, the terrorists had direct ties to the white nationalist movement, a key component of what has been coined the “alt-right,” or were inspired by conservative media misinformation. Here are just a few of the examples that didn’t make Trump’s list"
"In many of these cases, the terrorists had direct ties to the white nationalist movement, a key component of what has been coined the “alt-right,” or were inspired by conservative media misinformation. Here are just a few of the examples that didn’t make Trump’s list"
Amid Russia’s election hacking, House Republicans vote to terminate voting security agency
Amid Russia’s election hacking, House Republicans vote to terminate voting security agency
"The Republican-controlled Committee on House Administration voted along party lines on Tuesday to disband the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), which assists states with meeting voting system security guidelines. By a 6-3 vote, lawmakers approved the Election Assistance Commission Termination Act. The bill states that, upon being signed into law, the EAC will be “terminated and may not carry out any programs or activities"."
"The Republican-controlled Committee on House Administration voted along party lines on Tuesday to disband the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), which assists states with meeting voting system security guidelines. By a 6-3 vote, lawmakers approved the Election Assistance Commission Termination Act. The bill states that, upon being signed into law, the EAC will be “terminated and may not carry out any programs or activities"."
Trump's HHS nominee: 'Dr. Personal Enrichment'
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/7/1630939/-Trump-s-HHS-nominee-Dr-Personal-Enrichment
"In the pantheon of corruption that is Popular Vote Loser Donald Trump's cabinet nominees, Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) is fighting hard for a place at the top. Nominated to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, Price has had to answer for an ever-growing list of ethical problems, most seriously the very credible appearance of insider-trading on his part while he serves in Congress."
"In the pantheon of corruption that is Popular Vote Loser Donald Trump's cabinet nominees, Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) is fighting hard for a place at the top. Nominated to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, Price has had to answer for an ever-growing list of ethical problems, most seriously the very credible appearance of insider-trading on his part while he serves in Congress."
Steve Bannon is trying to undermine Pope Francis through an ultra-conservative American cardinal: report
Steve Bannon is trying to undermine Pope Francis through an ultra-conservative American cardinal: report
"President Donald Trump’s chief strategist has been cultivating a bond with a right-wing cardinal who’s waging war against Pope Francis. Steve Bannon met with archconservative Cardinal Raymond Burke, who has openly challenged the pope, during a 2014 trip to Rome to cover the canonization of John Paul II for Breitbart News, reported the New York Times."
"President Donald Trump’s chief strategist has been cultivating a bond with a right-wing cardinal who’s waging war against Pope Francis. Steve Bannon met with archconservative Cardinal Raymond Burke, who has openly challenged the pope, during a 2014 trip to Rome to cover the canonization of John Paul II for Breitbart News, reported the New York Times."
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Trump: the murder rate is at a 45-year high. Actual statistics: that’s not remotely true.
http://www.vox.com/2016/10/12/13255466/trump-murder-rate
"The false claim echoes remarks Trump made on the campaign trail and afterward, including several rallies where he said that “the murder rate in the United States is the highest it’s been in 45 years.” That would be very worrying if it were true. Thankfully, it’s not. At all."
"The false claim echoes remarks Trump made on the campaign trail and afterward, including several rallies where he said that “the murder rate in the United States is the highest it’s been in 45 years.” That would be very worrying if it were true. Thankfully, it’s not. At all."
Eichenwald: Kellyanne Conway throws gutter ball, massacres facts
http://www.newsweek.com/eichenwald-kellyanne-conway-massacres-facts-553860
"Officials there have been burning through their credibility as if it was soaked in gasoline. Just because Trump spins falsehoods does not mean that his staff has to back them up."
"Officials there have been burning through their credibility as if it was soaked in gasoline. Just because Trump spins falsehoods does not mean that his staff has to back them up."
Here’s The Coretta Scott King Letter Mitch McConnell Suppressed
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/coretta-scott-king-jeff-sessions-letter_us_589a8dd7e4b09bd304beb9eb
"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) wouldn’t let Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) read Coretta Scott King’s blistering takedown of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) on the Senate floor on Tuesday night. But there’s no reason you can’t."
"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) wouldn’t let Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) read Coretta Scott King’s blistering takedown of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) on the Senate floor on Tuesday night. But there’s no reason you can’t."
Trump Lends the Banksters a Hand
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/39358-trump-lends-the-banksters-a-hand
"Back when he was a presidential candidate, Trump said things about the big banks that made him sound like a Bernie Sanders Democrat. In his final ad before Election Day, for example, he blasted the "global power structure" that he said was robbing the country blind and enriching the wealthy at the expense of working Americans. That campaign ad -- and really the entire Donald Trump campaign -- will now go down in history as a con job of epic proportions."
"Back when he was a presidential candidate, Trump said things about the big banks that made him sound like a Bernie Sanders Democrat. In his final ad before Election Day, for example, he blasted the "global power structure" that he said was robbing the country blind and enriching the wealthy at the expense of working Americans. That campaign ad -- and really the entire Donald Trump campaign -- will now go down in history as a con job of epic proportions."
So begins the war on science, fact and the environment
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/1/25/1625116/-So-begins-the-war-on-science-fact-and-the-environment
"What he thinks about crowd size is one thing, but what he believes about our environment has direct and serious potential impacts for all of us."
"What he thinks about crowd size is one thing, but what he believes about our environment has direct and serious potential impacts for all of us."
Republicans Want to Make the EPA Great Again by Gutting Health Regulations
https://theintercept.com/2017/02/05/republicans-want-to-make-the-epa-great-again-by-gutting-health-regulations/
"This bald industry bid to subvert public health-based regulations that can cut into profit isn’t new. What’s new is that this upside-down environmental attack, in which those who benefit directly from polluting industries are policing the independent scientists who can show the harms of their products, could now succeed. Although the House passed the “secret science” bill in 2014 and 2015, it never made it to the Senate floor. After it passed the House in 2015, Barbara Boxer called the bill “insane,” Bernie Sanders called it “laughable,” and President Obama promised to veto it. This time, it’s not a joke. With a Republican majority in both houses and Trump in the White House, the Secret Science act could easily become law. The small group of lawyers and PR strategists orchestrating the secret science effort are closely tied to those attacking the EPA from within. All have connections to either big tobacco, oil, or both — and almost all have been affiliated with a small, right wing group called the Energy & Environment Legal Institute. It’s interesting that E&E should fixate on transparency since the group has gone to great lengths to conceal its donors. Nevertheless, public records document some of the group’s ties to big coal companies, including the now bankrupt Alpha Natural Resources, Peabody Coal, and Arch Coal."
"This bald industry bid to subvert public health-based regulations that can cut into profit isn’t new. What’s new is that this upside-down environmental attack, in which those who benefit directly from polluting industries are policing the independent scientists who can show the harms of their products, could now succeed. Although the House passed the “secret science” bill in 2014 and 2015, it never made it to the Senate floor. After it passed the House in 2015, Barbara Boxer called the bill “insane,” Bernie Sanders called it “laughable,” and President Obama promised to veto it. This time, it’s not a joke. With a Republican majority in both houses and Trump in the White House, the Secret Science act could easily become law. The small group of lawyers and PR strategists orchestrating the secret science effort are closely tied to those attacking the EPA from within. All have connections to either big tobacco, oil, or both — and almost all have been affiliated with a small, right wing group called the Energy & Environment Legal Institute. It’s interesting that E&E should fixate on transparency since the group has gone to great lengths to conceal its donors. Nevertheless, public records document some of the group’s ties to big coal companies, including the now bankrupt Alpha Natural Resources, Peabody Coal, and Arch Coal."
Trump Cronies Rewarded as House GOP 'Dirty Trick' Bolsters Big Oil
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/02/03/trump-cronies-rewarded-house-gop-dirty-trick-bolsters-big-oil
"The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday voted to repeal a rule curbing methane emissions on public lands, delivering a win, say environmental groups, to big oil and cronies of President Donald Trump. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulation, finalized under the Obama administration in November, limited methane venting, flaring, and leaks from fossil fuel production on federal and tribal lands, thereby aiming to "avoid wasting up to 41 billion cubic feet (bcf) of natural gas per year," as Reuters wrote at the time. The Associated Press adds Friday: "A government report said about 40 percent of gas being flared or vented could be captured economically and sold"."
"The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday voted to repeal a rule curbing methane emissions on public lands, delivering a win, say environmental groups, to big oil and cronies of President Donald Trump. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulation, finalized under the Obama administration in November, limited methane venting, flaring, and leaks from fossil fuel production on federal and tribal lands, thereby aiming to "avoid wasting up to 41 billion cubic feet (bcf) of natural gas per year," as Reuters wrote at the time. The Associated Press adds Friday: "A government report said about 40 percent of gas being flared or vented could be captured economically and sold"."
Is Steve Bannon Donald Trump's Rasputin? Da!
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/5/1628195/-Is-Steve-Bannon-Donald-Trump-s-Rasputin-Da
"Bannon has described himself as a “Leninist.” Of course, many others in Trumpland, including past campaign officials, current White House staff, and Trump family members, have ties to Russia as well, especially financial ones."
"Bannon has described himself as a “Leninist.” Of course, many others in Trumpland, including past campaign officials, current White House staff, and Trump family members, have ties to Russia as well, especially financial ones."
How The Fast-Food Chain Led By Trump’s Labor Nominee Stiffed Workers Again And Again
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/andy-puzder-hardees-labor-law-violations_us_5893b7ade4b09bd304ba7f14
"In each of those cases, Labor Department investigators found that Hardee’s restaurants had violated federal wage-and-hour regulations and workers were entitled to thousands of dollars in backpay. Throughout this time, the Hardee’s brand has been overseen by Andrew Puzder, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the next labor secretary. If he is confirmed by the Senate, Puzder would be responsible for enforcing the same worker protections that his company and its franchisees were caught violating, sometimes repeatedly."
"In each of those cases, Labor Department investigators found that Hardee’s restaurants had violated federal wage-and-hour regulations and workers were entitled to thousands of dollars in backpay. Throughout this time, the Hardee’s brand has been overseen by Andrew Puzder, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the next labor secretary. If he is confirmed by the Senate, Puzder would be responsible for enforcing the same worker protections that his company and its franchisees were caught violating, sometimes repeatedly."
Eichenwald: Can Trump tell the difference between truth and his lies?
http://www.newsweek.com/trump-difference-truth-lies-552292
"As Newsweek reported during the campaign, Trump has made innumerable false statements under oath. That’s obviously important—former President Clinton was impeached because he lied under oath once to hide an affair; Trump did it numerous times, and usually just to puff himself up. He testified to Congress in 1993 that he had never tried to arrange any business deals with Indian casino operators; Newsweek discovered phone records, memos and an affidavit proving that was a lie. He said in a sworn deposition he had been paid $1 million for a speech when he had only received $400,000—he attempted to explain away the falsehood by saying the pre-speech publicity was worth $600,000 to him. He told Deutsche Bank in loan applications in 2004 he was worth billions; the bank concluded that was a lie and set his net worth at $788 million. Of Trump’s many past fantasies, two stand out for what they reveal about how his mind works. He claimed to own 50 percent of a real estate project although he owned only 30 percent. When asked about the discrepancy in a deposition, he did not say he’d simply made a mistake; instead, he said, “I’ve always felt I owned 50 percent.” In another instance, he said that he knew companies had decided not to bring proposals to him after a journalist publicly questioned his net worth; when asked under oath what businesses had declined to deal with him, he said he could not name them because none of them had told him they’d made this decision, but he just knew they had snubbed him. Think about that: the President of the United States said under penalty of perjury that he knew people had refused to bring him business even though he did not know who they were, had no facts to confirm they existed, and could not explain what deals their decisions involved. And he said that a contractual ownership of 30 percent was in fact 50 percent because that was how he felt. This is not normal."
"As Newsweek reported during the campaign, Trump has made innumerable false statements under oath. That’s obviously important—former President Clinton was impeached because he lied under oath once to hide an affair; Trump did it numerous times, and usually just to puff himself up. He testified to Congress in 1993 that he had never tried to arrange any business deals with Indian casino operators; Newsweek discovered phone records, memos and an affidavit proving that was a lie. He said in a sworn deposition he had been paid $1 million for a speech when he had only received $400,000—he attempted to explain away the falsehood by saying the pre-speech publicity was worth $600,000 to him. He told Deutsche Bank in loan applications in 2004 he was worth billions; the bank concluded that was a lie and set his net worth at $788 million. Of Trump’s many past fantasies, two stand out for what they reveal about how his mind works. He claimed to own 50 percent of a real estate project although he owned only 30 percent. When asked about the discrepancy in a deposition, he did not say he’d simply made a mistake; instead, he said, “I’ve always felt I owned 50 percent.” In another instance, he said that he knew companies had decided not to bring proposals to him after a journalist publicly questioned his net worth; when asked under oath what businesses had declined to deal with him, he said he could not name them because none of them had told him they’d made this decision, but he just knew they had snubbed him. Think about that: the President of the United States said under penalty of perjury that he knew people had refused to bring him business even though he did not know who they were, had no facts to confirm they existed, and could not explain what deals their decisions involved. And he said that a contractual ownership of 30 percent was in fact 50 percent because that was how he felt. This is not normal."
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