Sunday, January 7, 2018
'You All Just Got A Lot Richer' Trump Tells Rich Guests @alternet
'You All Just Got A Lot Richer' Trump Tells Rich Guests @alternet: Mar-a-lago's exclusive dinner guests would have paid a $200,000 initiation fee and $14,000 in annual dues. President Donald Trump joined his family at their 'Winter White House' for the holidays Friday night after signing the GOP Tax Bill into Law, and reportedly told wealthy friends dining at Mar-a-Lago 'you all just got a lot richer.' Days before heading away for the holidays, Trump told White House reporters that the tax bill would…
Mike Pence gets trolled by Dictionary.com as a 'sycophant'
http://www.newsweek.com/mike-pence-donald-trump-prayer-twitter-dictionary-756401
"On Thursday, the official Twitter account for Dictionary.com tweeted a jab at Pence for fawning over President Donald Trump for three straight minutes, dishing out a compliment every 12 seconds on average, during a prayer session at Trump's last cabinet meeting of the year Wednesday. "There's a word for a person who would praise someone every 12 seconds," tweeted the 22-year-old online dictionary, which is based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary. Below the text was a link to the noun "sycophant," defined as "a self-seeking, servile flatterer; fawning parasite"."
"On Thursday, the official Twitter account for Dictionary.com tweeted a jab at Pence for fawning over President Donald Trump for three straight minutes, dishing out a compliment every 12 seconds on average, during a prayer session at Trump's last cabinet meeting of the year Wednesday. "There's a word for a person who would praise someone every 12 seconds," tweeted the 22-year-old online dictionary, which is based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary. Below the text was a link to the noun "sycophant," defined as "a self-seeking, servile flatterer; fawning parasite"."
The Republican Party Has Bowed, Completely, to the Mad King
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a14478536/republican-party-trump-russia/
"there’s more to it than the revolting spectacle to which we were treated after the Loot the Joint Act of 2017 was passed. Over the past week, there has been a staggering welter of reporting about back-channels, hidden agendas, and covert shenanigans that makes the opaque creation of the tax bill look like a town meeting in Vermont. The phrase, “a small group of influential Republicans” has come to mean something very dark and crooked. The inevitable assault on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is hardly a secret anymore. It’s the second stage of Paul Ryan’s grand plan, and everybody knows it. But there is a general effort now to prop up the administration*, especially as Robert Mueller and his hounds get to baying more audibly outside the wrought-iron fence."
"there’s more to it than the revolting spectacle to which we were treated after the Loot the Joint Act of 2017 was passed. Over the past week, there has been a staggering welter of reporting about back-channels, hidden agendas, and covert shenanigans that makes the opaque creation of the tax bill look like a town meeting in Vermont. The phrase, “a small group of influential Republicans” has come to mean something very dark and crooked. The inevitable assault on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is hardly a secret anymore. It’s the second stage of Paul Ryan’s grand plan, and everybody knows it. But there is a general effort now to prop up the administration*, especially as Robert Mueller and his hounds get to baying more audibly outside the wrought-iron fence."
Welcome to The Trump Family Swamp
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/19/welcome-trump-family-swamp
"The presidency was never meant to be a profit center for a nepotistic, money-grubbing family. But that was before the Trumps moved in."
"The presidency was never meant to be a profit center for a nepotistic, money-grubbing family. But that was before the Trumps moved in."
Trump has the lowest approval of any modern president at the end of his first year
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/12/21/16798432/trump-low-approval-december-first-year
"A majority of Americans don’t think too highly of the job Donald Trump is doing as president. It has propelled him to a singular accomplishment: the lowest approval rating of any modern president in December of his first year in office."
"A majority of Americans don’t think too highly of the job Donald Trump is doing as president. It has propelled him to a singular accomplishment: the lowest approval rating of any modern president in December of his first year in office."
America hates the GOP’s tax bill, and the Koch Brothers are spending millions to change that
https://thinkprogress.org/koch-brothers-tax-bill-education-b01c066da024/
"Not satisfied with Republicans passing a tax bill that is hugely beneficial to them, the billionaire Koch brothers are planning to invest millions in an advertising campaign designed to sell the hugely unpopular bill to the American people."
"Not satisfied with Republicans passing a tax bill that is hugely beneficial to them, the billionaire Koch brothers are planning to invest millions in an advertising campaign designed to sell the hugely unpopular bill to the American people."
Trump administration is trying to hide the $5.8 billion its tip-stealing plan would cost workers
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/21/1726581/-Trump-administration-is-trying-to-hide-the-5-8-billion-its-tip-stealing-plan-would-cost-workers
"That’s the Trump administration three-step for you: decide to do a bad thing, lie about what its effects will be, and skirt the law to avoid transparency. At potentially huge cost to workers, in this case."
"That’s the Trump administration three-step for you: decide to do a bad thing, lie about what its effects will be, and skirt the law to avoid transparency. At potentially huge cost to workers, in this case."
This TV interview with Trump’s Ambassador to the Netherlands is the ultimate self-own
https://thinkprogress.org/trumps-ambassador-to-the-netherlands-caught-lying-about-his-own-conspiracy-claims-dc493bb385d7/
"During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Michigan Republican Pete Hoekstra earned a reputation for xenophobia and racism, for attempting to capitalize on terrorist attacks to advance his political career, and for spreading false information. Nearly seven years since he vacated his House seat, little has changed. A month ago, Hoekstra was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, on a voice vote, to be Donald Trump’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, his birthplace. Already, he has been caught in multiple lies by a Dutch journalist."
"During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Michigan Republican Pete Hoekstra earned a reputation for xenophobia and racism, for attempting to capitalize on terrorist attacks to advance his political career, and for spreading false information. Nearly seven years since he vacated his House seat, little has changed. A month ago, Hoekstra was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, on a voice vote, to be Donald Trump’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, his birthplace. Already, he has been caught in multiple lies by a Dutch journalist."
Trump's New Year's gift to the steelworkers who supported him: More layoffs!
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/22/1726876/-Trump-s-New-Year-s-gift-to-the-steelworkers-who-supported-him-more-layoffs
"The New York Times has a depressing article about the fait accompli of steel jobs in America under Trump. The realities of the evolving economy have meant that steel jobs and coal jobs, are disappearing as we become more and more of a service industry country. Of course, white supremacist in chief Donald Trump promised that he would turn back the clocks to a time that never really existed, with benefits for people he had no interest in. Since taking office, Trump has done nothing."
"The New York Times has a depressing article about the fait accompli of steel jobs in America under Trump. The realities of the evolving economy have meant that steel jobs and coal jobs, are disappearing as we become more and more of a service industry country. Of course, white supremacist in chief Donald Trump promised that he would turn back the clocks to a time that never really existed, with benefits for people he had no interest in. Since taking office, Trump has done nothing."
Forget Christmas, Republicans Have Taken Christ Out of Christianity
https://forwardprogressives.com/forget-christmas-republicans-have-taken-christ-out-of-christianity/
"Currently, Donald Trump, a man who couldn’t be further from a real Christian, sits atop the GOP. I’m sorry, but you can’t be a party that supports a greedy, petty, self-admitted sexual predator who likes to bully those he feels are weaker than he is, mocks people with disabilities, and conducts himself in a disgraceful manner nearly every day of his life — then claim you care about “Christian values.” Then there’s that “little thing” recently where the vast majority of Republican voters tried to get a credibly accused child molester elected in Alabama. To any Republican reading this, please, tell me, what’s “Christian” about your party or anything it supports? Do you really believe Jesus Christ would support someone like Donald Trump? I’m not saying if Christ were alive he’d be a Democrat, but I can promise you that he damn sure wouldn’t be a Republican. Considering the GOP just celebrated passing a tax bill that’s going to give the rich a massive tax break, add trillions to our debt, and ultimately raise taxes on many middle class Americans — oh, all while continuing to try to strip health care away from millions — let’s look at a few passages from the Bible about greed"
"Currently, Donald Trump, a man who couldn’t be further from a real Christian, sits atop the GOP. I’m sorry, but you can’t be a party that supports a greedy, petty, self-admitted sexual predator who likes to bully those he feels are weaker than he is, mocks people with disabilities, and conducts himself in a disgraceful manner nearly every day of his life — then claim you care about “Christian values.” Then there’s that “little thing” recently where the vast majority of Republican voters tried to get a credibly accused child molester elected in Alabama. To any Republican reading this, please, tell me, what’s “Christian” about your party or anything it supports? Do you really believe Jesus Christ would support someone like Donald Trump? I’m not saying if Christ were alive he’d be a Democrat, but I can promise you that he damn sure wouldn’t be a Republican. Considering the GOP just celebrated passing a tax bill that’s going to give the rich a massive tax break, add trillions to our debt, and ultimately raise taxes on many middle class Americans — oh, all while continuing to try to strip health care away from millions — let’s look at a few passages from the Bible about greed"
Intolerable cruelty: Kansas Medicaid leaves elderly to die without care
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/22/1726888/-Intolerable-cruelty-Kansas-Medicaid-leaves-elderly-to-die-without-care
"Governor Brownback, a man who considers himself someone of significant faith, working to transition to the position of Ambassador to Religious Freedom, may need to learn a few things from the book he professes. The Kansas City Star revealed that the policy in Kansas has left many families struggling to figure out care for their loved ones."
"Governor Brownback, a man who considers himself someone of significant faith, working to transition to the position of Ambassador to Religious Freedom, may need to learn a few things from the book he professes. The Kansas City Star revealed that the policy in Kansas has left many families struggling to figure out care for their loved ones."
Good ol’ lyin’ Pete Hoekstra perfect addition to Trump diplomatic corps
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/23/1727111/-Good-ol-Pete-Hoekstra-perfect-addition-to-Trump-diplomatic-corps
"Watch the video from the BBC featuring Pete Hoekstra, former Republican congressman from Michigan and newly-named ambassador to the Netherlands. Pete Hoekstra lies. Then lies about his lies. He’s a natural fit for this administration."
"Watch the video from the BBC featuring Pete Hoekstra, former Republican congressman from Michigan and newly-named ambassador to the Netherlands. Pete Hoekstra lies. Then lies about his lies. He’s a natural fit for this administration."
WATCH: Trump ambassador shouts ‘fake news’ at reporter — and gets immediately busted with damning video
WATCH: Trump ambassador shouts ‘fake news’ at reporter — and gets immediately busted with damning video
"Pete Hoekstra, the man chosen by President Donald Trump to be America’s ambassador to the Netherlands, was busted blatantly lying about his past statements by a Dutch journalist this week."
"Pete Hoekstra, the man chosen by President Donald Trump to be America’s ambassador to the Netherlands, was busted blatantly lying about his past statements by a Dutch journalist this week."
What did Trump know? That Flynn lied. When did he know it? January.
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/21/1726601/-What-did-Trump-know-That-Flynn-lied-When-did-he-know-it-January
"When it comes to Michael Flynn, Trump knew he was lying from the beginning. And so did a lot of other people in the White House—people who have since gotten a fresh chance to lie in interviews with Robert Mueller’s team."
"When it comes to Michael Flynn, Trump knew he was lying from the beginning. And so did a lot of other people in the White House—people who have since gotten a fresh chance to lie in interviews with Robert Mueller’s team."
Nicolle Wallace: ‘I can’t get my brain around’ GOP attacks on ‘Republican-led law enforcement agencies’
Nicolle Wallace: ‘I can’t get my brain around’ GOP attacks on ‘Republican-led law enforcement agencies’
"Former communications director to President George W. Bush’s White House Nicolle Wallace expressed her incredulity on Thursday that Republicans are now attacking “Republican-led law enforcement agencies” in their zeal to protect President Donald Trump from the Russia probe by discrediting the FBI and special counsel Robert Mueller."
"Former communications director to President George W. Bush’s White House Nicolle Wallace expressed her incredulity on Thursday that Republicans are now attacking “Republican-led law enforcement agencies” in their zeal to protect President Donald Trump from the Russia probe by discrediting the FBI and special counsel Robert Mueller."
Taking a page from Trump's book, U.S. ambassador lies, gets caught, and lies about having lied.
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/22/1726823/-Taking-a-page-from-Trump-s-book-U-S-ambassador-lies-gets-caught-and-lies-about-having-lied
"Donald Trump is apparently assembling an entire government of pathological liars. Check out this clip of Pete Hoekstra, a former member of Congress and now ambassador to Netherlands, lying about something he said and then, when confronted with the truth, lying about how he denied it in the first place. It’s an ouroboros of lying."
"Donald Trump is apparently assembling an entire government of pathological liars. Check out this clip of Pete Hoekstra, a former member of Congress and now ambassador to Netherlands, lying about something he said and then, when confronted with the truth, lying about how he denied it in the first place. It’s an ouroboros of lying."
Ivanka Trump tries to boost tax scam, shows off her privileged ignorance instead
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/21/1726535/-Ivanka-Trump-tries-to-boost-tax-scam-shows-off-her-privileged-ignorance-instead
"Ivanka Trump is on the TV talking about taxes, but that does not mean she knows about taxes. Certainly not how they work for people without armies of accountants."
"Ivanka Trump is on the TV talking about taxes, but that does not mean she knows about taxes. Certainly not how they work for people without armies of accountants."
8.8 million people signed up for Obamacare coverage despite Trump’s sabotage
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/12/21/16807348/obamacare-enrollment-2018
"About 8.8 million Americans enrolled in health coverage through Healthcare.gov, the Trump administration announced Thursday, a slight dip from last year after the Trump administration cut spending and outreach but far from a dramatic drop. Last year, about 9.2 million people signed up through Healthcare.gov, which serves more than 30 states. A dozen states run their own marketplaces and several of those states have not yet closed their open enrollment."
"About 8.8 million Americans enrolled in health coverage through Healthcare.gov, the Trump administration announced Thursday, a slight dip from last year after the Trump administration cut spending and outreach but far from a dramatic drop. Last year, about 9.2 million people signed up through Healthcare.gov, which serves more than 30 states. A dozen states run their own marketplaces and several of those states have not yet closed their open enrollment."
Samantha Bee Has the Perfect Description for Trump's Evangelical Base @alternet
Samantha Bee Has the Perfect Description for Trump's Evangelical Base @alternet:
"The president is actively fueling the religious right's apocalyptic fantasies."
"The president is actively fueling the religious right's apocalyptic fantasies."
Bob Corker Files Dozens Of Financial Statement 'Corrections' Before Tax Scam Vote
Bob Corker Files Dozens Of Financial Statement 'Corrections' Before Tax Scam Vote:
"The #CorkerKickback will continue to haunt Bob Corker, despite his mewling that he is innocent. Take it away, Fortune: Tennessee Senator Bob Corker has reportedly failed to disclose millions of dollars in income from various investments since taking office in 2007. While Senators often amend financial-disclosure forms, Corker filed dozens of corrections on Friday, according to the Wall Street Journal following an inquiry by the paper over regarding irregularities in his original forms. And what are these various investments? The Republican Senator had failed to disclose $2 million in income from three hedge fund investments and additional millions from real-estate investments as well as other assets and financial transactions, the Journal reports. The fully amended filings show at least $3.8 million in additional income between 2007 and 2014 from commercial real-estate holdings. Why, what a coinkydink! Those are exactly the things that the #CorkerKickback will give tax breaks to! And what makes it even more coinkydinky is that those amended financial disclosures were on the same day he flipped from a Nay to a Yay vote, without reading the legislation."
"The #CorkerKickback will continue to haunt Bob Corker, despite his mewling that he is innocent. Take it away, Fortune: Tennessee Senator Bob Corker has reportedly failed to disclose millions of dollars in income from various investments since taking office in 2007. While Senators often amend financial-disclosure forms, Corker filed dozens of corrections on Friday, according to the Wall Street Journal following an inquiry by the paper over regarding irregularities in his original forms. And what are these various investments? The Republican Senator had failed to disclose $2 million in income from three hedge fund investments and additional millions from real-estate investments as well as other assets and financial transactions, the Journal reports. The fully amended filings show at least $3.8 million in additional income between 2007 and 2014 from commercial real-estate holdings. Why, what a coinkydink! Those are exactly the things that the #CorkerKickback will give tax breaks to! And what makes it even more coinkydinky is that those amended financial disclosures were on the same day he flipped from a Nay to a Yay vote, without reading the legislation."
Republican Attacks on Robert Mueller Are Absurd. But the GOP Has Been Lawless for Decades.
https://theintercept.com/2017/12/20/republican-attacks-on-robert-mueller-are-absurd-but-the-gop-has-been-lawless-for-decades/
"It’s simply the logical endpoint of decades of effort by the Republican Party and its media penumbra to shield the GOP from the rule of law or any small-D democratic norms. Today’s GOP sees any and all rules just as billionaire New York real estate developer Leona Helmsley saw taxes – they’re only for “the little people.” There’s always been a significant faction of the U.S. right, rooted mostly in large corporations, that’s similar to the right in Latin America, in that it genuinely sees democracy as illegitimate. The success of Franklin D. Roosevelt during the 1930s was a gigantic shock to their system, and there were two small scale efforts by Wall Street and big business to overthrow Roosevelt via military coup. Meanwhile, John Foster Dulles, a powerful corporate lawyer who later became secretary of state during the Eisenhower administration, told his clients facings new government restrictions: “Do not comply. Resist the law with all your might, and soon everything will be all right.” Dulles was wrong. From the viewpoint of conservatives, things did not get “all right” anytime soon. The New Deal was such a stunning political success that, starting with Roosevelt’s election in 1932, Democrats held the majority in the House of Representatives for 58 of the next 62 years until 1994. Democrats controlled the more-aristocratic Senate almost as firmly during the same period, for 52 years, and even managed to gain the presidency for a majority of that time. They provided an imperfect but real check on the right’s dream of rolling back the 20th century and returning the U.S. to the late 1800s. But Dulles and company handed their commitment to massive resistance down to their ideological descendants. And soon enough it erupted spectacularly during the presidency of Richard Nixon."
"It’s simply the logical endpoint of decades of effort by the Republican Party and its media penumbra to shield the GOP from the rule of law or any small-D democratic norms. Today’s GOP sees any and all rules just as billionaire New York real estate developer Leona Helmsley saw taxes – they’re only for “the little people.” There’s always been a significant faction of the U.S. right, rooted mostly in large corporations, that’s similar to the right in Latin America, in that it genuinely sees democracy as illegitimate. The success of Franklin D. Roosevelt during the 1930s was a gigantic shock to their system, and there were two small scale efforts by Wall Street and big business to overthrow Roosevelt via military coup. Meanwhile, John Foster Dulles, a powerful corporate lawyer who later became secretary of state during the Eisenhower administration, told his clients facings new government restrictions: “Do not comply. Resist the law with all your might, and soon everything will be all right.” Dulles was wrong. From the viewpoint of conservatives, things did not get “all right” anytime soon. The New Deal was such a stunning political success that, starting with Roosevelt’s election in 1932, Democrats held the majority in the House of Representatives for 58 of the next 62 years until 1994. Democrats controlled the more-aristocratic Senate almost as firmly during the same period, for 52 years, and even managed to gain the presidency for a majority of that time. They provided an imperfect but real check on the right’s dream of rolling back the 20th century and returning the U.S. to the late 1800s. But Dulles and company handed their commitment to massive resistance down to their ideological descendants. And soon enough it erupted spectacularly during the presidency of Richard Nixon."
Dear Trump Supporters: When You Keep Denying Reality, Of Course Everything Seems ‘Liberally Biased’
https://forwardprogressives.com/dear-trump-supporters-when-you-keep-denying-reality-of-course-everything-seems-liberally-biased/
"That’s essentially where we’re at with Trump supporters. To talk to most of them, practically anything they hear negative about him is part of a “conspiracy against him,” not because that’s actually true, but because they don’t want to believe in facts and reality. It’s common sense. The more truth someone denies is real, the more “biased” those telling it are going to seem. Since Trump’s rise among the GOP, we’ve gone from “the media is liberally biased” to “there’s a deep state conspiracy involving the media, the FBI, U.S. intelligence agencies, the Department of Justice, Congress, our allies, and election officials in all 50 states to bring down Trump — but Russia is totally trustworthy.” Most of Trump’s supporters trust a serial-killing Russian tyrant like Vladimir Putin more than they do the the FBI, DOJ, U.S. intelligence, Congress, or our allies. Why? Well, simply because he says things that they want to hear. They don’t want to believe Trump colluded with Russia, or that the Russians were behind a cyber attack that helped him “win.” To believe that would force them to admit that he probably wouldn’t have “won” without the help of a foreign enemy who launched an attack aimed at undermining our democracy. They would have to admit that Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Democrats, and the “liberal media” that they hate were right — while the sources they trust to give them “information” such as Sean Hannity, Breitbart, Rush Limbaugh, and Alex Jones were wrong. And they’re damn sure not going to do that. The thing is, the truth doesn’t become “biased” simply because they don’t want to believe in it. This is not rocket science. The more the people backing Donald Trump continue to deny facts and reality are true, the more those telling the truth are going to appear to have some sort of nefarious bias or agenda to those people."
"That’s essentially where we’re at with Trump supporters. To talk to most of them, practically anything they hear negative about him is part of a “conspiracy against him,” not because that’s actually true, but because they don’t want to believe in facts and reality. It’s common sense. The more truth someone denies is real, the more “biased” those telling it are going to seem. Since Trump’s rise among the GOP, we’ve gone from “the media is liberally biased” to “there’s a deep state conspiracy involving the media, the FBI, U.S. intelligence agencies, the Department of Justice, Congress, our allies, and election officials in all 50 states to bring down Trump — but Russia is totally trustworthy.” Most of Trump’s supporters trust a serial-killing Russian tyrant like Vladimir Putin more than they do the the FBI, DOJ, U.S. intelligence, Congress, or our allies. Why? Well, simply because he says things that they want to hear. They don’t want to believe Trump colluded with Russia, or that the Russians were behind a cyber attack that helped him “win.” To believe that would force them to admit that he probably wouldn’t have “won” without the help of a foreign enemy who launched an attack aimed at undermining our democracy. They would have to admit that Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Democrats, and the “liberal media” that they hate were right — while the sources they trust to give them “information” such as Sean Hannity, Breitbart, Rush Limbaugh, and Alex Jones were wrong. And they’re damn sure not going to do that. The thing is, the truth doesn’t become “biased” simply because they don’t want to believe in it. This is not rocket science. The more the people backing Donald Trump continue to deny facts and reality are true, the more those telling the truth are going to appear to have some sort of nefarious bias or agenda to those people."
Here Are The 3 Biggest Myths That Republicans Want You To Believe About Their Tax Cuts For The Rich
http://www.politicususa.com/2017/12/20/3-biggest-myths-republicans-tax-cuts-rich.html
"It is all a web of lies designed to fool people who are getting nothing into thinking that they are getting something, while those who already have the most will get 83% of the benefits from this tax cut."
"It is all a web of lies designed to fool people who are getting nothing into thinking that they are getting something, while those who already have the most will get 83% of the benefits from this tax cut."
William Rivers Pitt | They Cheered When This Tax Bill Passed: Always Remember That
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/42973-they-cheered-when-this-tax-bill-passed-always-remember-that
"When the president of the United States of America signs this bill into law, he will, among many other things, be signing a check to himself and men like Bob Corker. That check has a great many zeroes to the left of the decimal. These are the people the Evangelicals embrace as "theirs," though their pockets will be picked and their futures plundered, once again. They cheered. It would be bad enough if they did this with their heads hung low in shame, knowing as we all know that this is only happening because the big GOP donors demanded the key to the Treasury and refused to donate again until they got it. We're sorry, they could (but would never) say, but they made us do it. We had to, we're sorry. Instead, they cheered. They actually cheered. For the record: The people who will take this tax bill in the teeth reject and repudiate it out of hand. Only 33 percent of those polled by CNN think the tax bill is anything other than a smash-and-grab looting of the Treasury, and that number correlates exactly with the ever-dwindling number of people who think Donald J. Trump is himself the golden calf, beyond reproach, a shining orange beacon on a hill. If Trump threw out the first pitch at a ballgame and hit a grandmother behind third base with the ball, that 33 percent would call it a strike and denounce videotape footage to the contrary as "fake news." I remember the quaint days of summer and fall, when the Republican Party could be counted on to be its worst enemy. Remember those attempts at repealing the Affordable Care Act, when GOP "heroes" like John McCain, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins thwarted the president and majority leader McConnell? That was only a few hundred billion dollars going to other people. This thing is a trillion dollars and more, all going directly to the wealthy and the corporations they control."
"When the president of the United States of America signs this bill into law, he will, among many other things, be signing a check to himself and men like Bob Corker. That check has a great many zeroes to the left of the decimal. These are the people the Evangelicals embrace as "theirs," though their pockets will be picked and their futures plundered, once again. They cheered. It would be bad enough if they did this with their heads hung low in shame, knowing as we all know that this is only happening because the big GOP donors demanded the key to the Treasury and refused to donate again until they got it. We're sorry, they could (but would never) say, but they made us do it. We had to, we're sorry. Instead, they cheered. They actually cheered. For the record: The people who will take this tax bill in the teeth reject and repudiate it out of hand. Only 33 percent of those polled by CNN think the tax bill is anything other than a smash-and-grab looting of the Treasury, and that number correlates exactly with the ever-dwindling number of people who think Donald J. Trump is himself the golden calf, beyond reproach, a shining orange beacon on a hill. If Trump threw out the first pitch at a ballgame and hit a grandmother behind third base with the ball, that 33 percent would call it a strike and denounce videotape footage to the contrary as "fake news." I remember the quaint days of summer and fall, when the Republican Party could be counted on to be its worst enemy. Remember those attempts at repealing the Affordable Care Act, when GOP "heroes" like John McCain, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins thwarted the president and majority leader McConnell? That was only a few hundred billion dollars going to other people. This thing is a trillion dollars and more, all going directly to the wealthy and the corporations they control."
Why Republicans Love Debt
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/20/why-republicans-love-debt
"One of the most successful deceits of modern times is that Republicans oppose government debt. In fact, Republicans love government debt and expand it whenever they can. It’s important to understand this fact. It’s even more important to understand why it is so and why Trump’s tax cut is a classic case of self-interested Republican budget busting. The last Republican president to produce a balanced budget was Richard Nixon, in 1969, almost 50 years ago. Since then, not a single Republican administration has produced a balanced budget. Not one. All have produced debt. Mountains of it. Ronald Reagan was the King of Debt. When he came into office, in 1981, the national debt stood at $1 trillion. Twelve years later, when his Vice President, George H. W. Bush, left office, the national debt stood at $4 trillion. Think about that for a moment. Over the span of 204 years, from 1776 to 1980, the nation fought the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, built out the continent, fought World War I, survived the Great Depression, fought and won World War II and the better part of the Cold War. And through all of that it only created $1 trillion of debt. Then, in a single 12-year period of relative peace and prosperity, Reagan and Bush I quadrupled it. Bill Clinton raised taxes on the wealthy. The result was not only the longest peacetime economic expansion in American history, but the first budget surpluses in 30 years. He handed George W. Bush a $128 billion surplus. Bush immediately enacted Reagan-esque tax cuts where 50% of the gains went to the top 1% of income earners. He turned the Clinton surplus into a $158 billion deficit in his first year, a staggering swing of $286 billion in only two years. Bush more than doubled the national debt in only eight years, fom $5.8 trillion to $11.9 trillion. So, the FACT of Republicans producing debt is indisputable. It is even more important to understand why they do so with such relentless intensity."
"One of the most successful deceits of modern times is that Republicans oppose government debt. In fact, Republicans love government debt and expand it whenever they can. It’s important to understand this fact. It’s even more important to understand why it is so and why Trump’s tax cut is a classic case of self-interested Republican budget busting. The last Republican president to produce a balanced budget was Richard Nixon, in 1969, almost 50 years ago. Since then, not a single Republican administration has produced a balanced budget. Not one. All have produced debt. Mountains of it. Ronald Reagan was the King of Debt. When he came into office, in 1981, the national debt stood at $1 trillion. Twelve years later, when his Vice President, George H. W. Bush, left office, the national debt stood at $4 trillion. Think about that for a moment. Over the span of 204 years, from 1776 to 1980, the nation fought the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, built out the continent, fought World War I, survived the Great Depression, fought and won World War II and the better part of the Cold War. And through all of that it only created $1 trillion of debt. Then, in a single 12-year period of relative peace and prosperity, Reagan and Bush I quadrupled it. Bill Clinton raised taxes on the wealthy. The result was not only the longest peacetime economic expansion in American history, but the first budget surpluses in 30 years. He handed George W. Bush a $128 billion surplus. Bush immediately enacted Reagan-esque tax cuts where 50% of the gains went to the top 1% of income earners. He turned the Clinton surplus into a $158 billion deficit in his first year, a staggering swing of $286 billion in only two years. Bush more than doubled the national debt in only eight years, fom $5.8 trillion to $11.9 trillion. So, the FACT of Republicans producing debt is indisputable. It is even more important to understand why they do so with such relentless intensity."
Thursday, December 21, 2017
The 10 Step Scheme for One-Sided Class War
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/20/10-step-scheme-one-sided-class-war
"1. Scream about the debt and deficit. 2. Shrink revenue by slashing taxes for the already palatial elite. Summarily dismiss all concerns about the debt and deficit, because, well, the debt and deficit don't really matter. Plus, tax cuts for the rich grow the economy anyway. Or maybe not. It doesn't matter. What matters is that one render unto the power elite the things that are the power elite's; everybody else can go to hell. 3. Scream about the debt and deficit. 4. Savagely gut Social Security and Medicare, because obviously the debt and deficit. Turns out the debt and deficit do matter. And to get the debt and deficit under control after slashing taxes on the rich will require nothing less than shared sacrifice from all Americans. But not really all Americans. The persecuted John Galts of the world have shouldered the burden of sacrifice long enough. Time, then, for all those particularly shiftless souls lacking the creativity and work ethic of the ruling class to sacrifice. Time for these ungrateful hordes to genuflect at the altar of capital and empty their pockets in tribute."
"1. Scream about the debt and deficit. 2. Shrink revenue by slashing taxes for the already palatial elite. Summarily dismiss all concerns about the debt and deficit, because, well, the debt and deficit don't really matter. Plus, tax cuts for the rich grow the economy anyway. Or maybe not. It doesn't matter. What matters is that one render unto the power elite the things that are the power elite's; everybody else can go to hell. 3. Scream about the debt and deficit. 4. Savagely gut Social Security and Medicare, because obviously the debt and deficit. Turns out the debt and deficit do matter. And to get the debt and deficit under control after slashing taxes on the rich will require nothing less than shared sacrifice from all Americans. But not really all Americans. The persecuted John Galts of the world have shouldered the burden of sacrifice long enough. Time, then, for all those particularly shiftless souls lacking the creativity and work ethic of the ruling class to sacrifice. Time for these ungrateful hordes to genuflect at the altar of capital and empty their pockets in tribute."
America, you've just called up the Kansas tax scheme to the big leagues. Here's how to talk about it
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/20/1726255/-America-you-ve-just-called-up-the-Kansas-tax-scheme-to-the-big-leagues-Here-s-how-to-talk-about-it
"Oh America, you’ve just taken the big plunge. We’ve re-written the tax code without a single hearing, without expert testimony, without any review. We’ve adopted the Kansas tax plan, pushing forward ideas like the Laffer Curve and Dynamic scoring from the Double-A minor ball into the big leagues. But, before the tax plan comes into action, you’re going to see a lot of Republican celebration about how awesome this tax scheme is going to be. Before you enter into that discussion, there are a few points I’d like to make about how we even discuss the Trump Tax Scheme. This is not a tax “plan”, it is not a tax “cut”, this is a tax “scheme” or a “tax scam” Let’s be clear about something. A plan implies as though we have a good understanding of the overall outcome and we have a plan on how to deal with it. The Republican Tax Scheme is NOT a plan. At best, it is a tax scam and the results are pretty well known: In 2012, Kansas lawmakers, led by Gov. Sam Brownback, a Republican, enacted a tax cut that eliminated state income taxes entirely for pass-through entities — such as sole proprietorships and limited liability partnerships — which are taxed at the owner’s individual income tax rate. The law also lowered individual income tax rates, cutting the top rate to 4.9 percent from 6.4 percent. The tax package reduced state revenue by nearly $700 million a year, a drop of about 8 percent, from 2013 through 2016, according to the Kansas Legislative Research Department, forcing officials to shorten school calendars, delay highway repairs and reduce aid to the poor. Research suggests the package did not stimulate the economy, certainly not enough to pay for the tax cut. This year, legislators passed a bill to largely rescind the law, saying it had not worked as intended. A cut implies that people see a reduction of taxes. This is also not, in fact, a cut for many. This is a tax EXEMPTION for those who the most wealthy, who will now be paying ZERO. Zero is not a tax cut. Zero is tax exemption."
"Oh America, you’ve just taken the big plunge. We’ve re-written the tax code without a single hearing, without expert testimony, without any review. We’ve adopted the Kansas tax plan, pushing forward ideas like the Laffer Curve and Dynamic scoring from the Double-A minor ball into the big leagues. But, before the tax plan comes into action, you’re going to see a lot of Republican celebration about how awesome this tax scheme is going to be. Before you enter into that discussion, there are a few points I’d like to make about how we even discuss the Trump Tax Scheme. This is not a tax “plan”, it is not a tax “cut”, this is a tax “scheme” or a “tax scam” Let’s be clear about something. A plan implies as though we have a good understanding of the overall outcome and we have a plan on how to deal with it. The Republican Tax Scheme is NOT a plan. At best, it is a tax scam and the results are pretty well known: In 2012, Kansas lawmakers, led by Gov. Sam Brownback, a Republican, enacted a tax cut that eliminated state income taxes entirely for pass-through entities — such as sole proprietorships and limited liability partnerships — which are taxed at the owner’s individual income tax rate. The law also lowered individual income tax rates, cutting the top rate to 4.9 percent from 6.4 percent. The tax package reduced state revenue by nearly $700 million a year, a drop of about 8 percent, from 2013 through 2016, according to the Kansas Legislative Research Department, forcing officials to shorten school calendars, delay highway repairs and reduce aid to the poor. Research suggests the package did not stimulate the economy, certainly not enough to pay for the tax cut. This year, legislators passed a bill to largely rescind the law, saying it had not worked as intended. A cut implies that people see a reduction of taxes. This is also not, in fact, a cut for many. This is a tax EXEMPTION for those who the most wealthy, who will now be paying ZERO. Zero is not a tax cut. Zero is tax exemption."
The Only Way Paul Ryan Wins Is if Millions of Americans Lose
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a14470051/paul-ryan-tax-bill/
"Ignore any news report that calls what the Congress did “historic” in any sense except the ironic. Ignore any news report that prioritize what a “win” this is for the Congress and for the president*. Ignore any news report that describes what the Congress did on Tuesday as “keeping a campaign promise.” Ignore any news report that describes without the appropriate scorn the fact that this bill culminates a decades-long dream of Speaker Paul Ryan, the zombie-eyed granny starver from the state of Wisconsin. This culmination is roughly akin to the New Orleans Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1878’s having been the “culmination” of a successful breeding program for the Aedes aegypti. Ignore all of this and concentrate on what’s really happening to the country. Paul Ryan dreamed of this day because Paul Ryan dreams of plutocracy. And now, with this bill, he has successfully arranged the first piece of his career-long effort to turn the clock of the American economy back to the 1890s. When he comes for what he calls “entitlement reform”—which he will, as soon as this idiot bill explodes the deficit—that will be the second piece. The Supreme Court (through Citizens United, McCutcheon, and Shelby County) already has cooperated in this great project. The president* is on board because he’s basically made of greed and ignorance. The large media conglomerates will go along for the ride because they are conglomerates first, and news-gathering entities second. This state of affairs could well be generational, and there’s no indication that the Second Gilded Age will be as vulnerable to progressive ideas as the first one turned out to be. The franchise is under assault. Citizenship itself is under assault.This is the world about which Paul Ryan has dreamed since he was a young lad, heir to a substantial fortune, yet going to college on Social Security survivor’s benefits that you and I and our parents paid for. You’re welcome again, d**khead."
"Ignore any news report that calls what the Congress did “historic” in any sense except the ironic. Ignore any news report that prioritize what a “win” this is for the Congress and for the president*. Ignore any news report that describes what the Congress did on Tuesday as “keeping a campaign promise.” Ignore any news report that describes without the appropriate scorn the fact that this bill culminates a decades-long dream of Speaker Paul Ryan, the zombie-eyed granny starver from the state of Wisconsin. This culmination is roughly akin to the New Orleans Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1878’s having been the “culmination” of a successful breeding program for the Aedes aegypti. Ignore all of this and concentrate on what’s really happening to the country. Paul Ryan dreamed of this day because Paul Ryan dreams of plutocracy. And now, with this bill, he has successfully arranged the first piece of his career-long effort to turn the clock of the American economy back to the 1890s. When he comes for what he calls “entitlement reform”—which he will, as soon as this idiot bill explodes the deficit—that will be the second piece. The Supreme Court (through Citizens United, McCutcheon, and Shelby County) already has cooperated in this great project. The president* is on board because he’s basically made of greed and ignorance. The large media conglomerates will go along for the ride because they are conglomerates first, and news-gathering entities second. This state of affairs could well be generational, and there’s no indication that the Second Gilded Age will be as vulnerable to progressive ideas as the first one turned out to be. The franchise is under assault. Citizenship itself is under assault.This is the world about which Paul Ryan has dreamed since he was a young lad, heir to a substantial fortune, yet going to college on Social Security survivor’s benefits that you and I and our parents paid for. You’re welcome again, d**khead."
GOP tax plan doubles down on policies that are crushing the middle class
https://www.salon.com/2017/12/20/gop-tax-plan-doubles-down-on-policies-that-are-crushing-the-middle-class_partner/
"Contrary to what some may think, however, the U.S. has not always had a large middle class. Only after World War II was being middle class the national norm. Then, starting in the 1980s, it began to decline. President Donald Trump has portrayed the tax plan Congress is wrapping up as a boon for the middle class. The sad reality, however, is that it is more likely to be its final death knell. To understand why, you need look no further than the history of the rise and decline of the American middle class, a group that I’ve been studying through the lens of inequality for decades. The middle class, which Pew defines as two-thirds to two times the national median income for a given household size, began to grow after World War II due to a surge in economic growth and because President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal gave workers more power. Before that, most Americans were poor or nearly so. For example, legislation such as the Wagner Act established rights for workers, most critically for collective bargaining. The government also began new programs, such as Social Security and unemployment insurance, that helped older Americans avoid dying in poverty and supported families with children through tough times. The Home Owners’ Loan Corporation, set up in 1933, helped middle-class homeowners pay their mortgages and remain in their homes. Together, these new policies helped fuel a strong postwar economic boom and ensured the gains were shared by a broad cross-section of society. This greatly expanding the U.S. middle class, which reached a peak of nearly 60 percent of the population in the late ‘70s. Americans’ increased optimism about their economic future prompted businesses to invest more, creating a virtuous cycle of growth. Government spending programs were paid for largely with individual income tax rates of 70 percent (and more) on wealthy individuals and high taxes on corporate profits."
"Contrary to what some may think, however, the U.S. has not always had a large middle class. Only after World War II was being middle class the national norm. Then, starting in the 1980s, it began to decline. President Donald Trump has portrayed the tax plan Congress is wrapping up as a boon for the middle class. The sad reality, however, is that it is more likely to be its final death knell. To understand why, you need look no further than the history of the rise and decline of the American middle class, a group that I’ve been studying through the lens of inequality for decades. The middle class, which Pew defines as two-thirds to two times the national median income for a given household size, began to grow after World War II due to a surge in economic growth and because President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal gave workers more power. Before that, most Americans were poor or nearly so. For example, legislation such as the Wagner Act established rights for workers, most critically for collective bargaining. The government also began new programs, such as Social Security and unemployment insurance, that helped older Americans avoid dying in poverty and supported families with children through tough times. The Home Owners’ Loan Corporation, set up in 1933, helped middle-class homeowners pay their mortgages and remain in their homes. Together, these new policies helped fuel a strong postwar economic boom and ensured the gains were shared by a broad cross-section of society. This greatly expanding the U.S. middle class, which reached a peak of nearly 60 percent of the population in the late ‘70s. Americans’ increased optimism about their economic future prompted businesses to invest more, creating a virtuous cycle of growth. Government spending programs were paid for largely with individual income tax rates of 70 percent (and more) on wealthy individuals and high taxes on corporate profits."
Republican Attacks on Robert Mueller Are Absurd. But the GOP Has Been Lawless for Decades.
https://theintercept.com/2017/12/20/republican-attacks-on-robert-mueller-are-absurd-but-the-gop-has-been-lawless-for-decades/
"It’s simply the logical endpoint of decades of effort by the Republican Party and its media penumbra to shield the GOP from the rule of law or any small-D democratic norms. Today’s GOP sees any and all rules just as billionaire New York real estate developer Leona Helmsley saw taxes – they’re only for “the little people.” There’s always been a significant faction of the U.S. right, rooted mostly in large corporations, that’s similar to the right in Latin America, in that it genuinely sees democracy as illegitimate. The success of Franklin D. Roosevelt during the 1930s was a gigantic shock to their system, and there were two small scale efforts by Wall Street and big business to overthrow Roosevelt via military coup. Meanwhile, John Foster Dulles, a powerful corporate lawyer who later became secretary of state during the Eisenhower administration, told his clients facings new government restrictions: “Do not comply. Resist the law with all your might, and soon everything will be all right.” Dulles was wrong. From the viewpoint of conservatives, things did not get “all right” anytime soon. The New Deal was such a stunning political success that, starting with Roosevelt’s election in 1932, Democrats held the majority in the House of Representatives for 58 of the next 62 years until 1994. Democrats controlled the more-aristocratic Senate almost as firmly during the same period, for 52 years, and even managed to gain the presidency for a majority of that time. They provided an imperfect but real check on the right’s dream of rolling back the 20th century and returning the U.S. to the late 1800s. But Dulles and company handed their commitment to massive resistance down to their ideological descendants. And soon enough it erupted spectacularly during the presidency of Richard Nixon."
"It’s simply the logical endpoint of decades of effort by the Republican Party and its media penumbra to shield the GOP from the rule of law or any small-D democratic norms. Today’s GOP sees any and all rules just as billionaire New York real estate developer Leona Helmsley saw taxes – they’re only for “the little people.” There’s always been a significant faction of the U.S. right, rooted mostly in large corporations, that’s similar to the right in Latin America, in that it genuinely sees democracy as illegitimate. The success of Franklin D. Roosevelt during the 1930s was a gigantic shock to their system, and there were two small scale efforts by Wall Street and big business to overthrow Roosevelt via military coup. Meanwhile, John Foster Dulles, a powerful corporate lawyer who later became secretary of state during the Eisenhower administration, told his clients facings new government restrictions: “Do not comply. Resist the law with all your might, and soon everything will be all right.” Dulles was wrong. From the viewpoint of conservatives, things did not get “all right” anytime soon. The New Deal was such a stunning political success that, starting with Roosevelt’s election in 1932, Democrats held the majority in the House of Representatives for 58 of the next 62 years until 1994. Democrats controlled the more-aristocratic Senate almost as firmly during the same period, for 52 years, and even managed to gain the presidency for a majority of that time. They provided an imperfect but real check on the right’s dream of rolling back the 20th century and returning the U.S. to the late 1800s. But Dulles and company handed their commitment to massive resistance down to their ideological descendants. And soon enough it erupted spectacularly during the presidency of Richard Nixon."
The Chilling Trump Propaganda Airing Across Local News, Courtesy of Sinclair Broadcast Group @alternet
The Chilling Trump Propaganda Airing Across Local News, Courtesy of Sinclair Broadcast Group @alternet:
"Sinclair is known for its history of injecting right-wing spin into local newscasts, most notably with its nationally produced “must-run” commentary segments. The segments, which all Sinclair-owned and operated news stations are required to air, have included (sometimes embarrassing) pro-Trump propaganda missivesfrom former Trump aide Boris Epshteyn since the spring. Last week (one day after reportedly partying at Trump Hotel in Washington, D.C.), Epshteyn produced a new must-run segment essentially arguing that media are being too mean to the Trump administration"
"Sinclair is known for its history of injecting right-wing spin into local newscasts, most notably with its nationally produced “must-run” commentary segments. The segments, which all Sinclair-owned and operated news stations are required to air, have included (sometimes embarrassing) pro-Trump propaganda missivesfrom former Trump aide Boris Epshteyn since the spring. Last week (one day after reportedly partying at Trump Hotel in Washington, D.C.), Epshteyn produced a new must-run segment essentially arguing that media are being too mean to the Trump administration"
If the GOP tax plan were good, its proponents wouldn’t have to lie
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/if-the-gop-tax-plan-were-good-its-proponents-wouldnt-have-lie
"I can appreciate the fact that there are political considerations at play, and Mnuchin probably doesn’t feel comfortable telling the truth about the tax plan he helped craft, but to brazenly lie to the public this way is to treat Americans like fools. The Joint Committee on Taxation concluded that the average tax burden on everyone earning up to $75,000 would go up, not down, if the Republican plan is fully implemented as written. The Tax Policy Center also published a report yesterday that found, among other things, that most Americans would pay more under the GOP plan, while nearly 83% of the plan’s benefits would benefit the top 1% of Americans – which is actually worse than the plan passed a couple of weeks ago by Senate Republicans. Those who can least afford to pay more would be asked to pay more. Those who already have the most would get the most. “This is about the middle class”? “This is about working families”? It’s apparently not enough for the Trump administration to pick Americans’ pockets; Trump World feels the need to insult us, too."
"I can appreciate the fact that there are political considerations at play, and Mnuchin probably doesn’t feel comfortable telling the truth about the tax plan he helped craft, but to brazenly lie to the public this way is to treat Americans like fools. The Joint Committee on Taxation concluded that the average tax burden on everyone earning up to $75,000 would go up, not down, if the Republican plan is fully implemented as written. The Tax Policy Center also published a report yesterday that found, among other things, that most Americans would pay more under the GOP plan, while nearly 83% of the plan’s benefits would benefit the top 1% of Americans – which is actually worse than the plan passed a couple of weeks ago by Senate Republicans. Those who can least afford to pay more would be asked to pay more. Those who already have the most would get the most. “This is about the middle class”? “This is about working families”? It’s apparently not enough for the Trump administration to pick Americans’ pockets; Trump World feels the need to insult us, too."
Wells Fargo CEO reveals the scam at the heart of Republicans’ tax bill
https://thinkprogress.org/wells-fargo-ceo-tax-reform-job-6b6b8462f239/
"The general consensus among economists is that cutting corporate taxes to spur economic growth — known as “trickle-down economics” — hardly worked in the 1980s economy and would surely fail in today’s modernized economy."
"The general consensus among economists is that cutting corporate taxes to spur economic growth — known as “trickle-down economics” — hardly worked in the 1980s economy and would surely fail in today’s modernized economy."
More signs of guilt: Trump’s campaign was warned about Russia, and said nothing
https://www.salon.com/2017/12/19/more-signs-of-guilt-trumps-campaign-was-warned-about-russia-and-said-nothing/
"In the summer of 2016, the FBI was already investigating “pervasive connections” between Trump and the Russians"
"In the summer of 2016, the FBI was already investigating “pervasive connections” between Trump and the Russians"
Putin foe Garry Kasparov warns Americans are letting Trump turn the US into a Russia-like dictatorship
Putin foe Garry Kasparov warns Americans are letting Trump turn the US into a Russia-like dictatorship
"Russian chess champion Garry Kasparov warned that the United States is dangerously allowing President Donald Trump turn the country into Russia. He should know — he lived through it. In a long Twitterstorm, Kasparov explained that he sees many of the same tactics Russia used being deployed by Trump. One example was Trump’s knack for “lying constantly while attacking targets for lying.” Another, he noted, is the “escalation of rhetoric to dictatorial extremes.” At the same time, Trump has pointed his fury toward American institutions like the electoral system, free press, separation of powers and even law enforcement. “If someone is attacking those institutions instead of strengthening them, it’s time to pick a side. Rule of law or by strongman?” he asked. “Rule of institutions or of tribe? The history of making the wrong choice here is clear"."
"Russian chess champion Garry Kasparov warned that the United States is dangerously allowing President Donald Trump turn the country into Russia. He should know — he lived through it. In a long Twitterstorm, Kasparov explained that he sees many of the same tactics Russia used being deployed by Trump. One example was Trump’s knack for “lying constantly while attacking targets for lying.” Another, he noted, is the “escalation of rhetoric to dictatorial extremes.” At the same time, Trump has pointed his fury toward American institutions like the electoral system, free press, separation of powers and even law enforcement. “If someone is attacking those institutions instead of strengthening them, it’s time to pick a side. Rule of law or by strongman?” he asked. “Rule of institutions or of tribe? The history of making the wrong choice here is clear"."
Ex-NSA analyst explains why Americans should be terrified by Clapper’s claims about Trump
Ex-NSA analyst explains why Americans should be terrified by Clapper’s claims about Trump
"James Clapper’s suggestion that President Donald Trump was a Kremlin “asset” should be taken seriously, according to a former National Security Agency analyst and counterintelligence officer."
"James Clapper’s suggestion that President Donald Trump was a Kremlin “asset” should be taken seriously, according to a former National Security Agency analyst and counterintelligence officer."
We are sleepwalking toward war with North Korea
https://www.vox.com/world/2017/12/18/16733560/north-korea-war
"Among the small community of experts and policymakers who follow this issue closely, the alarm is palpable. These are the people who most clearly understand what the costs of war with North Korea could be and who most intimately understand the balance of forces on the Korean Peninsula. And they are very, very worried."
"Among the small community of experts and policymakers who follow this issue closely, the alarm is palpable. These are the people who most clearly understand what the costs of war with North Korea could be and who most intimately understand the balance of forces on the Korean Peninsula. And they are very, very worried."
How an Industry Group Is Driving Trump's Workplace Safety Agenda
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/42952-how-an-industry-group-is-driving-trump-s-workplace-safety-agenda
"The Trump administration is fundamentally reshaping the nation's approach to workplace safety, scrapping Obama-era protections and tools intended to hold dangerous companies accountable. Some of these rollbacks have hewed to the National Association of Manufacturers' agenda. For example, finding out about workers' injuries and deaths now is harder to do because of changes under the Trump administration. In March, President Donald Trump signed a resolution, after it narrowly passed Congress, that companies vying for large federal contracts no longer had to disclose labor violations, including workplace safety penalties."
"The Trump administration is fundamentally reshaping the nation's approach to workplace safety, scrapping Obama-era protections and tools intended to hold dangerous companies accountable. Some of these rollbacks have hewed to the National Association of Manufacturers' agenda. For example, finding out about workers' injuries and deaths now is harder to do because of changes under the Trump administration. In March, President Donald Trump signed a resolution, after it narrowly passed Congress, that companies vying for large federal contracts no longer had to disclose labor violations, including workplace safety penalties."
Who Said It: A Republican Congressman or a Classic Christmas Villain? Take the Quiz @alternet
Who Said It: A Republican Congressman or a Classic Christmas Villain? Take the Quiz @alternet:
"When it comes to the poor, Mitch McConnell's views are virtually the same as Mr. Potter's from "It's a Wonderful Life"."
"When it comes to the poor, Mitch McConnell's views are virtually the same as Mr. Potter's from "It's a Wonderful Life"."
The Triumph of the Oligarchs
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/18/triumph-oligarchs
"The Republican tax plan to be voted on this week is likely to pass. “The American people have waited 31 long years to see our broken tax code overhauled,” the leaders of the Koch’s political network insisted in a letter to members of Congress, urging swift approval. They added that the time had come to put “more money in the pockets of American families.” Please. The Koch network doesn’t care a fig about the pockets of American families. It cares about the pockets of the Koch network. It has poured money into almost every state in an effort to convince Americans that the tax cut will be good for them. Yet most Americans don’t believe it. Polls shows only about a third of Americans favor the tax plan. The vast majority feel it’s heavily skewed to the rich and big businesses – which it is. In counties that Trump won but Obama carried in 2012, only 17 percent say they expect to pay less in taxes, according to a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll. Another 25 percent say they expected their family would actually pay higher taxes. Most Americans know that the tax plan is payback for major Republican donors. Gary Cohn, Trump’s lead economic advisor, even conceded in an interview that “the most excited group out there are big CEOs, about our tax plan.” Republican Rep. Chris Collins admitted “my donors are basically saying, ‘Get it done or don’t ever call me again.’” Senator Lindsey Graham warned that if Republicans failed to pass the tax plan, “the financial contributions will stop.” By passing it, Republican donors will save billions – paying a lower top tax rate, doubling the amount their heirs can receive tax-free, and treating themselves as “pass-through” businesses able to deduct 20 percent of their income (effectively allowing Trump to cut his tax rate in half, if and when he pays taxes). They’ll make billions more as their stock portfolios soar because corporate taxes are slashed. The biggest winners by far will be American oligarchs such as the Koch brothers"
"The Republican tax plan to be voted on this week is likely to pass. “The American people have waited 31 long years to see our broken tax code overhauled,” the leaders of the Koch’s political network insisted in a letter to members of Congress, urging swift approval. They added that the time had come to put “more money in the pockets of American families.” Please. The Koch network doesn’t care a fig about the pockets of American families. It cares about the pockets of the Koch network. It has poured money into almost every state in an effort to convince Americans that the tax cut will be good for them. Yet most Americans don’t believe it. Polls shows only about a third of Americans favor the tax plan. The vast majority feel it’s heavily skewed to the rich and big businesses – which it is. In counties that Trump won but Obama carried in 2012, only 17 percent say they expect to pay less in taxes, according to a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll. Another 25 percent say they expected their family would actually pay higher taxes. Most Americans know that the tax plan is payback for major Republican donors. Gary Cohn, Trump’s lead economic advisor, even conceded in an interview that “the most excited group out there are big CEOs, about our tax plan.” Republican Rep. Chris Collins admitted “my donors are basically saying, ‘Get it done or don’t ever call me again.’” Senator Lindsey Graham warned that if Republicans failed to pass the tax plan, “the financial contributions will stop.” By passing it, Republican donors will save billions – paying a lower top tax rate, doubling the amount their heirs can receive tax-free, and treating themselves as “pass-through” businesses able to deduct 20 percent of their income (effectively allowing Trump to cut his tax rate in half, if and when he pays taxes). They’ll make billions more as their stock portfolios soar because corporate taxes are slashed. The biggest winners by far will be American oligarchs such as the Koch brothers"
MSNBC’s Ruhle challenges GOP to find one lawmaker who defends enormous Wall Street tax loophole
MSNBC’s Ruhle challenges GOP to find one lawmaker who defends enormous Wall Street tax loophole
"The two hosts began by sharing clips of President Donald Trump vowing to get rid of the carried-interest loophole, once telling a Trump rally crowd that investors benefiting from the amendment to the tax code were “getting away with murder.” Appearing on CBS on Sunday, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin absolved Trump of responsibility for the GOP keeping the loophole. “That was up to the House and the Senate,” Mnuchin said on Face The Nation. “The president likes the overall bill and there’s obviously little parts of this bill he would have tweaked differently himself. The president couldn’t get every single little detail he wanted and that was one that got left out.” With Mnuchin laying blame on GOP lawmakers, host Ruhle challenged Republicans to send someone – anyone — on their show to defend the continuing giveaway to the rich."
"The two hosts began by sharing clips of President Donald Trump vowing to get rid of the carried-interest loophole, once telling a Trump rally crowd that investors benefiting from the amendment to the tax code were “getting away with murder.” Appearing on CBS on Sunday, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin absolved Trump of responsibility for the GOP keeping the loophole. “That was up to the House and the Senate,” Mnuchin said on Face The Nation. “The president likes the overall bill and there’s obviously little parts of this bill he would have tweaked differently himself. The president couldn’t get every single little detail he wanted and that was one that got left out.” With Mnuchin laying blame on GOP lawmakers, host Ruhle challenged Republicans to send someone – anyone — on their show to defend the continuing giveaway to the rich."
Twitter weighs in on the #CorkerKickback
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/18/1725479/-Twitter-weighs-in-on-the-CorkerKickback
"Since it was revealed that Sen. Bob Corker’s sudden support for the Republican tax scam had nothing to do with principle and everything to do with lining his own pockets, Twitter has been having a field day."
"Since it was revealed that Sen. Bob Corker’s sudden support for the Republican tax scam had nothing to do with principle and everything to do with lining his own pockets, Twitter has been having a field day."
WATCH: CNN’s Erin Burnett smacks down Grover Norquist for claiming the GOP was never ‘obsessed with the deficit’
WATCH: CNN’s Erin Burnett smacks down Grover Norquist for claiming the GOP was never ‘obsessed with the deficit’
"CNN’s Erin Burnett on Monday smacked down Americans for Tax Reform president Grover Norquist after Republicans positioned themselves to pass a bill that would drastically increase the debt despite the GOP’s past hysteria over the rising deficit."
"CNN’s Erin Burnett on Monday smacked down Americans for Tax Reform president Grover Norquist after Republicans positioned themselves to pass a bill that would drastically increase the debt despite the GOP’s past hysteria over the rising deficit."
Collins gives the finger to Maine, says 'yes' to the tax cuts
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/18/1725623/-Collins-gives-the-finger-to-Maine-says-yes-to-the-tax-cuts
"Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) apparently doesn't want to run for anything in Maine anymore, because she just announced she'll be voting "yes" on the tax cuts bill, despite the overwhelming opposition of her constituents."
"Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) apparently doesn't want to run for anything in Maine anymore, because she just announced she'll be voting "yes" on the tax cuts bill, despite the overwhelming opposition of her constituents."
The GOP Tax Plan Will Complete the Destruction of America’s Middle Class Wealth
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/18/gop-tax-plan-will-complete-destruction-americas-middle-class-wealth
"Reason two why the GOP tax plan will send middle class wealth tumbling: Republicans plan on using the budget deficits their tax cut creates as a rationale for cutting Social Security, Medicare, and other programs essential to America’s middle class."
"Reason two why the GOP tax plan will send middle class wealth tumbling: Republicans plan on using the budget deficits their tax cut creates as a rationale for cutting Social Security, Medicare, and other programs essential to America’s middle class."
CEOs Aren’t Waiting for the Tax Bill to Pass — They’ve Already Started Pocketing the Windfall
https://theintercept.com/2017/12/18/tax-bill-corporate-rate-stock-buyback/
"U.S. CORPORATIONS ARE already beginning the process of pocketing the winnings from the tax bill jackpot they expect to hit any day now, undercutting, in a remarkably public fashion, the pretense that the corporate tax cut will lead to greater investment in job creation. Since the Senate passed its version of the tax bill on December 2, 29 companies have announced $70.2 billion in stock buybacks, a maneuver that uses company cash to buy its own shares, which then drives up the price of those shares, rewarding major investors and executives whose compensation is directly tied to the company’s stock price."
"U.S. CORPORATIONS ARE already beginning the process of pocketing the winnings from the tax bill jackpot they expect to hit any day now, undercutting, in a remarkably public fashion, the pretense that the corporate tax cut will lead to greater investment in job creation. Since the Senate passed its version of the tax bill on December 2, 29 companies have announced $70.2 billion in stock buybacks, a maneuver that uses company cash to buy its own shares, which then drives up the price of those shares, rewarding major investors and executives whose compensation is directly tied to the company’s stock price."
Robert Mueller Has the Trump Team Panicked, No Matter What the President Says @alternet
Robert Mueller Has the Trump Team Panicked, No Matter What the President Says @alternet:
"The revelation that Mueller has obtained a large number of emails issued during the transition period had clearly sent Trump’s team scrambling. It’s not just that Mueller had this material now, but that he seems to have obtained it weeks ago, meaning that recent questioning of everyone from Jared Kushner to Hope Hicks may have been responding to questions for which Mueller already had the answers in hand. Considering that half the people Mueller has already indicted were convicted for lying, that has to have everyone in the White House carefully reviewing their time with the special counsel."
"The revelation that Mueller has obtained a large number of emails issued during the transition period had clearly sent Trump’s team scrambling. It’s not just that Mueller had this material now, but that he seems to have obtained it weeks ago, meaning that recent questioning of everyone from Jared Kushner to Hope Hicks may have been responding to questions for which Mueller already had the answers in hand. Considering that half the people Mueller has already indicted were convicted for lying, that has to have everyone in the White House carefully reviewing their time with the special counsel."
Fox And Friends Furious Over Mueller's Legally-Obtained Trump Transition Team Emails
Fox And Friends Furious Over Mueller's Legally-Obtained Trump Transition Team Emails:
"Here's why "they don't like it." They thought they were going to get to lie about the contents of those emails. Some of them probably already have. Trump Junior spent 9 hours in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee last week, before he discovered Mueller had those transition emails. Others, including Hope Hicks, have been interviewed by Mueller's team before anyone knew those emails were in Mueller's hands. How many lies do you think they told?"
"Here's why "they don't like it." They thought they were going to get to lie about the contents of those emails. Some of them probably already have. Trump Junior spent 9 hours in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee last week, before he discovered Mueller had those transition emails. Others, including Hope Hicks, have been interviewed by Mueller's team before anyone knew those emails were in Mueller's hands. How many lies do you think they told?"
Fox News and Donald Trump are in a feedback loop that threatens to blow up the republic
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/18/1725468/-Fox-News-and-Donald-Trump-are-in-a-feedback-loop-that-threatens-to-blow-up-the-republic
"Propaganda is one of the most dangerous tools mankind has ever created. Fox is worse."
"Propaganda is one of the most dangerous tools mankind has ever created. Fox is worse."
Richard Painter Says Mueller Should Look Into Members Of Congress
Richard Painter Says Mueller Should Look Into Members Of Congress:
"In this video clip, former Chief White House Ethics Lawyer under George W. Bush really tore this entire "Mueller got the emails illegally" argument to shreds. What Painter thinks should really happen is a full investigation of Republicans in Congress who are putting up such a stink. Are they dirty too? Are they involved with illegal contributions to other members of Congress?"
"In this video clip, former Chief White House Ethics Lawyer under George W. Bush really tore this entire "Mueller got the emails illegally" argument to shreds. What Painter thinks should really happen is a full investigation of Republicans in Congress who are putting up such a stink. Are they dirty too? Are they involved with illegal contributions to other members of Congress?"
Ex-intel agent says Trump team damned itself by ignoring FBI on Russia: ‘We’re going to keep that as evidence’
Ex-intel agent says Trump team damned itself by ignoring FBI on Russia: ‘We’re going to keep that as evidence’
"A former counterintelligence agent says that President Donald Trump’s former campaign team may be in deep trouble after they ignored FBI warnings that Russia would try to infiltrate the campaign. NBC News reported on Monday that weeks after Trump became the 2016 Republican nominee for president, the FBI notified the campaign that foreign agents, including Russians, would “try to spy on and infiltrate his campaign.” Former FBI counterintelligence agent Frank Montoya told NBC that Trump’s campaign team would have been told, “If you see these kinds of contacts please let us know about them so we can keep you updated on the threat picture.” Although members of the Trump team had repeated contacts with Russians after the FBI warnings, officials with the campaign reportedly never notified law enforcement authorities. “If I give you a defensive briefing and the illicit behavior continues, I’m not going to just scratch my head over that, especially if I see continued interference,” Montoya explained. “If we’re telling these guys stuff and they are not acting on it, then we’re going to keep that as evidence"."
"A former counterintelligence agent says that President Donald Trump’s former campaign team may be in deep trouble after they ignored FBI warnings that Russia would try to infiltrate the campaign. NBC News reported on Monday that weeks after Trump became the 2016 Republican nominee for president, the FBI notified the campaign that foreign agents, including Russians, would “try to spy on and infiltrate his campaign.” Former FBI counterintelligence agent Frank Montoya told NBC that Trump’s campaign team would have been told, “If you see these kinds of contacts please let us know about them so we can keep you updated on the threat picture.” Although members of the Trump team had repeated contacts with Russians after the FBI warnings, officials with the campaign reportedly never notified law enforcement authorities. “If I give you a defensive briefing and the illicit behavior continues, I’m not going to just scratch my head over that, especially if I see continued interference,” Montoya explained. “If we’re telling these guys stuff and they are not acting on it, then we’re going to keep that as evidence"."
Here are 7 times Trump professed his undying admiration for Vladimir Putin
Here are 7 times Trump professed his undying admiration for Vladimir Putin
"The Trump-Putin bromance is no casual fling. A cascade of news reports has documented previously undisclosed contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian officials during the 2016 election. Last month, the Washington Post cataloged dozens of them. On election day, a Trump spokesperson denied any meetings with Russians. The indictments of Trump’s national security adviser, his campaign manager and deputy, and the staffer who facilitated a meeting with Russian officials provide further evidence of illegal activities by his entourage. Trump responded by calling the Russia investigation “fake news.” Now the Post has documented how Trump consistently rejects what U.S. national security agencies are telling him about Russia’s capabilities and intentions to manipulate the U.S. electoral process."
"The Trump-Putin bromance is no casual fling. A cascade of news reports has documented previously undisclosed contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian officials during the 2016 election. Last month, the Washington Post cataloged dozens of them. On election day, a Trump spokesperson denied any meetings with Russians. The indictments of Trump’s national security adviser, his campaign manager and deputy, and the staffer who facilitated a meeting with Russian officials provide further evidence of illegal activities by his entourage. Trump responded by calling the Russia investigation “fake news.” Now the Post has documented how Trump consistently rejects what U.S. national security agencies are telling him about Russia’s capabilities and intentions to manipulate the U.S. electoral process."
Ex-Bush adviser: GOP is spewing ‘B.S. and baloney’ about Mueller while doing Putin’s dirty work
Ex-Bush adviser: GOP is spewing ‘B.S. and baloney’ about Mueller while doing Putin’s dirty work
"As GOP lawmakers do their best to undermine the FBI and Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into possible Russian collusion with President Donald Trump’s campaign team, a former Bush-era ethics attorney suggested another investigation be opened."
"As GOP lawmakers do their best to undermine the FBI and Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into possible Russian collusion with President Donald Trump’s campaign team, a former Bush-era ethics attorney suggested another investigation be opened."
Net Neutrality Repeal Is Only Part of Trump’s Surrender to Corporate Media
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/15/net-neutrality-repeal-only-part-trumps-surrender-corporate-media
"The FCC is under attack—and so too is the First Amendment. As the primary regulator of how media and information gets to our nation’s citizens, the Federal Communications Commission has a critical role to play in protecting the open Internet, free speech, and free press in our democracy. Though the agency has always enjoyed a cozy relationship with the industries it regulates, ever since the Trump administration arrived in Washington, the FCC’s mission to preserve the public commons has been threatened, assaulted and torn asunder. And like a bad horror movie cliché, these calls to eviscerate the FCC have been coming from inside the agency. Repealing net neutrality has drawn a huge amount of public visibility—and rightly so—but that decision is just the latest in a string of ominous, industry-friendly giveaways by the Trump administration’s FCC. It has also rolled back local TV station ownership limits on media giants like Sinclair Broadcasting Group and rescinded the longtime “main studio” rule that required local stations to maintain community newsrooms and fostered more local journalism. And the agency’s leadership has begun a campaign to actively abdicate its enforcement mission and pass it over to the smaller, less well-funded Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which lacks the FCC’s deep industry knowledge and proactive regulatory power."
"The FCC is under attack—and so too is the First Amendment. As the primary regulator of how media and information gets to our nation’s citizens, the Federal Communications Commission has a critical role to play in protecting the open Internet, free speech, and free press in our democracy. Though the agency has always enjoyed a cozy relationship with the industries it regulates, ever since the Trump administration arrived in Washington, the FCC’s mission to preserve the public commons has been threatened, assaulted and torn asunder. And like a bad horror movie cliché, these calls to eviscerate the FCC have been coming from inside the agency. Repealing net neutrality has drawn a huge amount of public visibility—and rightly so—but that decision is just the latest in a string of ominous, industry-friendly giveaways by the Trump administration’s FCC. It has also rolled back local TV station ownership limits on media giants like Sinclair Broadcasting Group and rescinded the longtime “main studio” rule that required local stations to maintain community newsrooms and fostered more local journalism. And the agency’s leadership has begun a campaign to actively abdicate its enforcement mission and pass it over to the smaller, less well-funded Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which lacks the FCC’s deep industry knowledge and proactive regulatory power."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)