Weekend Open Thread
[guest post by Dana]
Let’s go!
First news item
On President Biden possibly pardoning Liz Cheney and Mitt Romney:
Trump attempted the first presidential coup in American history, then left office with hundreds of sensitive documents which he had no right to take and which he actively concealed from the federal government despite many patient attempts to retrieve them without incident. Whether you believe he should have been indicted or not, that was real, consequential wrongdoing. The point of the “retribution” tour against the likes of Cheney and Romney is to punish them for right-doing: They offended populist Republicans not by trying to overthrow the government or absconding with classified information or cheating on their taxes but simply by insisting on holding Trump accountable to the Constitution for his authoritarian lousiness.
They did their civic duty. And now they must pay.
If you’re mortified by Team Biden’s interest in shielding right-doers for fear of how Trump might use the precedent to shield wrongdoers, you’re drawing a moral equivalence that greatly benefits the wrongdoers. Or, at the very least, you’re assuming that Americans can no longer differentiate morally between pardoning wrongdoers and right-doers, between clemency for the January 6 rioters and clemency for Liz Cheney, and so you’ve decided that a universal norm of not pardoning political allies is best.
And you know what? It probably is. If this year’s Republican presidential primary and general election results meant anything, it’s that lots of Americans can’t differentiate between right and wrong in politics anymore. It’d be a fitting, albeit depressing, benediction at the ongoing funeral of American exceptionalism to watch Liz Cheney not only lose her political career for opposing a coup plot but lose her life savings defending herself against frivolous criminal charges—all while the public shrugs.
Sad but true.
Second news item
Republicans convinced secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth won’t be advancing:
“I think most people do not expect Hegseth to make it,” said one Republican senator. “There’s seven or eight [Republican] votes against him. It’s a matter of time.”
. . .
GOP senators say that President-elect Trump is letting Hegseth twist in the wind and even appeared to undermine his nomination by floating Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) as a possible replacement nominee to head the Pentagon.
Republican senators say that Trump isn’t making calls to GOP senators to save Hegseth’s floundering nomination and instead is throwing more ballast onto a sinking ship by floating DeSantis as a replacement.
And yet, just this morning, Trump posted his support of Hegseth’s nomination:
Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe. He was a great student – Princeton/Harvard educated – with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!
Republicans, pretty sure that this is your awaited for phone call. You know what to do now.
Third news item
Mitch McConnell unhappy with Democratic-appointed judges:
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) vented his displeasure Monday after two Democratic-appointed federal judges reversed their decisions to retire in what appear to be efforts to stop President-elect Trump from nominating their successors.
. . .
“They rolled the dice that a Democrat could replace them, and now that he won’t, they’re changing their plans to keep a Republican from doing it,” McConnell said on the Senate floor.
“It’s a brazen admission. And the incoming administration would be wise to explore all available recusal options with these judges, because it’s clear now that they have a political finger on the scale,” he said.“This sort of partisan behavior undermines the integrity of the judiciary. It exposes bold Democratic blue where there should only be black robes,” McConnell warned.
Fourth news item
Ukraine to ptovide drones, per President Zelensky’s resilience plan:
The Ukrainian military will get over 30,000 DeepStrike attack drones in 2025 within President Volodymyr Zelensky’s resilience plan, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Dec. 5.
According to Umerov, DeepStrike drones are of the new generation, capable of “operating autonomously over long distances and hitting targets with high accuracy.”
“We are demonstrating to the world that Ukraine is capable of innovation and technological independence. Even in wartime, we are developing cutting-edge production and strengthening our defense capabilities,” Umerov said.
Meanwhile, Speaker Johnson said “no” to a $24 billion aid package to Ukraine:
Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday shot down the Biden administration’s request to include $24 billion in Ukraine-related aid as part of an expected short-term spending bill Congress needs to pass by Dec. 20.
The Office of Management and Budget included the funding request in a list sent to Congress late last month. The new tranche of emergency Pentagon funding would go toward furnishing weapons and equipment for Ukraine and refilling U.S. inventories.
But Johnson, asked if he would attach the Ukraine-related money to what is expected to be a spending stopgap into early next year, told reporters: “I’m not planning to do that.”
“There are developments by the hour in Ukraine. … It is not the place of Joe Biden to make that decision now. We have a newly elected president and we’re going to wait and take the new commander-in-chief’s direction on all of that so I don’t expect any Ukraine funding to come up now,” Johnson said.
Fifth news item
Warnings about Tulsi Gabbard as head of national intelligence:
Nearly 100 former national security officials signed a letter criticizing President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and called for closed-door Senate hearings to review any government information about her.
. . .
“Several of Ms. Gabbard’s past actions call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus,” the letter said. “Following her trip to Syria, for example, Ms. Gabbard aligned herself with Russian and Syrian officials.”
. . .
The letter also argued that Gabbard would “be the least experienced” person to hold the director position since it was created in 2004.
“The Senate must carefully evaluate whether Ms. Gabbard is equipped to effectively oversee an organizational structure as unique and large as the National Intelligence Program and also the effect of her holding this position on the willingness of our closest allies to share intelligence with the U.S.,” the letter said.
We’re in good hands!
Try to have a good weekend anyway.
—Dana
Hello.
Dana (5a1d2b) — 12/6/2024 @ 6:22 amRegarding Fifth news item:
After “the 51” lied about Hunter Biden’s laptop in 2019, these yahoo think they have credibility here?
Absolutely laughable.
whembly (477db6) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:08 amIt’s a sad commentary on the political climate of our country when people have to be preemptively “pardoned” for crimes they never committed just to protect them from the vindictiveness of the likes of Patel et al.
Roger (783f59) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:19 amI read Catoggio’s piece just this AM, and I’m agin Biden’s preemptive pardons, because…
(1) what goes around comes around. If Biden sets this new precedent, Trump will do it in spades, and filled with the same or more corruption than his last round pardons.
(2) no one can even identify a crime that Cheney and Romney committed, and they’re further protected by the Speech & Debate Clause.
Regarding Tulsi, a “devout consumer” of Russian propaganda has no business being in any job that involves American national security.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:23 am2: whembly: yes! If anything has lost value (in addition to DEI degrees, Peggy Noonan columns, and subscription fees to Never Trump forums), its “Open Letters” signed by self-important “former officials at some agency.
Harcourt Fenton Mudd (6eb76f) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:35 am@3
But enough about Jack Smith.
Patel is in as FBI chief. FBI investigates.
It’s the DOJ that charges the target.
whembly (477db6) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:37 amAs I mentioned earlier, according to the Economist, America’s economy is now the “envy of the world”. We are rich, and getting steadily richer.
Ordinarily, that makes people happier. But that hasn’t been true for Americans in recent decades. Matt Ridley in The Rational Optimist found that puzzling, especially this:
(p. 27.)
The book was published in 2010, but as far as I know, since then we have gotten even richer — and less happy.
Why? (I have some answers, but will give all of you a week or so to come up with your own.)
Jim Miller (c43fcf) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:42 amAbsolute banger by McCarthy at NR that’s worth a read:
https://www.nationalreview.com/2024/12/democrats-can-thank-themselves-for-the-preemptive-pardon-histrionics/
Read the whole thing.
whembly (477db6) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:43 am3. roger: Yeah, too bad the Current Admin had to break a 248-year precedent by indicting a candidate for president and former president for things like repaying a loan on time, having classified documents in his guarded private club like the current president had in his garage, and paying hush money to a person of questionable taste. And indicting and arresting at dawn, a bunch of his former business associates and one of his lawyers.
People that went through that partisan onslaught may understandably want “equal time,” under the new rules. Who could have thought? And those that instigated it and cheered it on might reasonably feel, like a tormentor suddenly deprived of power, that the new Boss might do the same to them.
Bad situation: Marias and Sulla grade stuff.
Kind of makes you think the people that started this were wrong to do it. And the people that lustily cheered it on to get the Orangeman at all costs, were wrong, grossly wrong to support it, don’t you think?
Harcourt Fenton Mudd (6eb76f) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:48 amWorth reading: Dana Milbank finds our Entertainer in Chief . . . . entertaining:
As do I. In spite of his disasters.
Jim Miller (c43fcf) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:51 am7 Jim: Gee, aside from the fact that its prosperity based on an unsustainable 37 Trillion of debt and growing, that our defensive structure (ICBM’s, etc.) is badly in need of expensive upgrades, the Russians have hypersonics and we don’t, the Chinese navy is now larger than ours, enlistments are way down, roads in CA are terrible, schools are worse, …
…The US produces more useless english, ethnic studies, sociology, and communications majors than engineers, the middle class is being flogged with inflation and taxes because liberals can’t stop spending and taxing, . . .
….that we have 10 million plus new migrants many being housed in $352 per night NY hotels, and only people with good tax structures can prosper,
–yes aside from that, is your Q “why don’t the people appreciate what their rulers have done for them.”?
Harcourt Fenton Mudd (6eb76f) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:55 amOn December 1st, the Washington Post celebrated good news:
The editorial writer describes five reasons he failed, beginning with this one: “He failed to secure buy-in from career
prosecutors.”
We should be happy that a large majority of voters recognized the obvious, and rejected him, and his policies.
Jim Miller (c43fcf) — 12/6/2024 @ 8:01 amIt took time. Somewhat happy that it finally happened (after two recall attempts failed to get on the ballot, perhaps improperly)
Not too happy that he was elected in the first place, after having been District Attorney in San Francisco.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/6/2024 @ 8:41 amMoby Nick and Roger @3 give the game away. After years of screaming Rule of Law!, we now find out it never was about that at all. It’s really about “rightdoers” and “wrongdoers”, regardless of the Law, and only the self-anointed get to decide who is who.
If Liz did nothing illegal, she has nothing to fear from the Rule of Law. Amirite? (And, it’s really quaint to worry about her life savings, acquired by the deaths of tens of thousands.) But, it never was about the Rule of Law with Nevertrump anyway. It’s always been about The Rule of Laws We Choose to Enforce For Partisan Ends. Because if it really was about just the Rule of Law, they wouldn’t worry about a Trump appointee enforcing it.
But to folks like Moby Nick and Roger, choosing to enforce certain laws against certain people is a game only one side should be able to play. Because they know who the rightdoers are, and no one else does — especially the voters. The Founders were cognizant of this con more than 200 years ago, and that’s why we have pardon power vested in an officer appointed directly by the people.
lloyd (d21880) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:16 amMoby Nick: “If this year’s Republican presidential primary and general election results meant anything, it’s that lots of Americans can’t differentiate between right and wrong in politics anymore.”
Can you earnestly set out to Save Democracy when you believe democracy sucks?
lloyd (14780b) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:20 amThere must be more to the story. She couldn’t possibly believe what she said, so the question is: How and why did she perceive it to being her self-interest to do that? It couldn’t be simple bribery. She’s too smart for that.
I don’t know of any smoking gun that explains that.
This is an argument that even if you don’t think she is a Russian spy, Australia and the UK for instance, might think she is. It’s an argument of desperation and shouldn’t have been included unless they had real evidence of such a reaction..
whembly @2 on 12/6/2024 @ 7:08 am
They shouldn’t, even though it’s probably not the same people. It would have been better if this problem had been addressed in the letter or maybe better in side letters by some of the signatories.
4. Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:23 am
If that’s as bad as it gets, it is not such a serious problem. Yes, she doesn’t belong in that position, but the position is essentially superfluous, and she can be ignored.
I don’t know if you can avoid bad arguments being made to Trump by denying her that position. One question is if she will be involved in preparing the President’s Daily brief (which Trump in his first term, mostly ignored) and if and when she will fall flat on her face (figuratively speaking)
If the Republican Senators want to limit the number of appointees they turn down, this might be a relatively safe one to give him (provided she is not actually going to turn into a spy) because it’s a redundant position (or could become one)
Remember, Trump considered naming her Secretary of Defense, so tis is a improvement.
. . .
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:24 amlloyd (14780b) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:20 am
When nobody argues against something, the majority judgement goes bad. It’s still the way to bet and the safest choice against oppression – but arguing helps..
https://winstonchurchill.org/resources/quotes/the-worst-form-of-government
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:28 amOn President Biden possibly pardoning Liz Cheney and Mitt Romney
Neither is in any danger. This is just cover for pardoning his apparatchiks.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:32 amIn Romania, it’s Russia Russia Russia when it comes to their presidential election. Specifically, their supreme court annulled the election because of Putin’s meddling.
This is all quite mysterious, the court not giving an explanation and this cryptic reference to “security council documents”.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:32 amBTW, Cattagio is increasingly tiresome, ringing the same cowbell over and over. Move on.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:34 amIt’s serious when she parrots Russia Today in addition to consuming its “content”. Quote:
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:36 amHegseth, like Gaetz, now serves as an offering to sate the need to reject someone, anyone, to show that the Senate isn’t a rubber-stamp. I think this will extend to several others, but am not sure that RFK Jr, Patel or Gabbard will all be on the block.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:37 am“This sort of partisan behavior undermines the integrity of the judiciary. It exposes bold Democratic blue where there should only be black robes,” McConnell warned.
It could even be grounds for impeachment. And if they were thinking about retirement, an impeachment inquiry might be just the thing to move that needle.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:44 amNearly 100 former national security officials
It would be more impressive if there were senior GOP-era officials named, instead of low-level Democrats. Condi alone could sink her.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:48 amThat was several years ago, I think.
Q. is she still holding by that biolabs story?
Another person who went bad is former CBS correspondent Lara Logan.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:51 amWe are rich, and getting steadily richer.
In a “Wealth of Nations” sense, yes. But the wealth is kinda lumpy. For every wealthy coastal California family there’s a dozen households just a few miles inland who are barely scraping by waiting their tables and cleaning their bathrooms.
It gets worse if you go elsewhere, like Missouri or Kentucky.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:52 amTrump also withdrew the name (not even a Senate confirmed position) of the person he named as White House counsel – he went back to the person who was thought to be his original original choice.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/04/politics/david-warrington-white-house-counsel-bill-mcginley-trump/index.html
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:55 amShould Fauci get a blanket pardon? There are serious questions about his involvement in Chinese biolabs and in potentially misdirecting US resources in the COVID era.
If Biden does go this route and “pardons” vast numbers of his underlings, I suggest a “Truth and Reconciliation” Commission where all these people would be testifying under oath about the Biden Administration. No 5th Amendment.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:56 am7, Jim Miller (c43fcf) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:42 am
Too much premarital sex. Maybe also drug use and deaths.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:58 amNevertrump DA playing his usual tricks
lloyd (d21880) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:00 amBragg is NYC’s Gascon, but he’s a Nevertrump hero. Says it all.
lloyd (d21880) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:01 am30. A jury is never supposed to read newspaper stories.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:01 amhttps://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/12/05/nyregion/brian-thompson-unitedhealthcare-news
I don’t know if this is getting many more updates. I have things to add and correct but will probably put them in the “garbage” thread where this crime is discussed
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:04 amI wonder if it is common knowledge among the Democrat leadership that the Bidens are corrupt. Not uncommonly corrupt, mind you, but like any Chicago mayor or NJ statehouse pol.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:08 amSo, I see this $10,000 reward posted on the NY shooting, and two thoughts:
1) What cheapskates.
and
2) They probably won’t pay.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:11 amthe prosecutors in Alvin Bragg’s office have been on a mission to remind the jury that Penny may not get any prison time at all, even if he is found guilty.
And the judge allows this?
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:13 amWhat I’m wondering is if they know or realize that when Joe Biden claimed to have been instrumental in the firing of a Ukrainian prosecutor…
he was lying.
I think Joe Biden facilitated the selling by his son and brother of influence he didn’t have but there are questions I suppose you could ask about when he was Senator – may years ago he got his son Hunter a job at MBNA.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:15 amShe “claried” her story by saying she was talking about biolabs, not bioweapons labs, but still described them as “facilities which contain and experiment with dangerous pathogens”. It didn’t change her point, because she was still mischaracterizing Ukraine as some sort of threat to Russia, which is patent rubbish.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:16 am@26: Los Angeles is actually getting a bit Dickensian, with the very rich served by the very poor, homelessness abounding and the middle class disappearing.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:16 amKevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:13 am
It’s all off the record and behind the scenes.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:16 amKevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:11 am
The reward poster has the wrong time for the crime (6:40 am instead of 6:44 am) and therefore I think was prepared very early in the investigation. And now it goes ahead under its own momentum.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:19 amNevertrump DA playing his usual tricks
Bragg is not #NeverTrump as #NeverTrump is people on the Right who don’t like Trump. Bragg is a leftist. While it is true that the Left would not vote for Trump, they also wouldn’t vote for Romney, Liz, DeSantis or Nikki.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:19 amIt’s all off the record and behind the scenes
Lawyers behavior outside of court can be sanctioned if it impacts the trial.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:21 amSpeaking of mischaracterizing, Alvin Bragg is a Democrat, not “Nevertrump”, as defined…
As defined…
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:26 amIt’s not mischaracterizing.
NeverTrumpers cheered the Braggs case. They cheered all of them.
Most famously our very own host.
NeverTrumpers are not politically ideological the same.
They’re a singular group who’s entire purpose is to reject and obstruct all things Trumps by any mean possible.
whembly (477db6) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:35 amSpeaking of biolabs, while Russia can’t stop lying about bioweapons labs in Ukraine, Russia is developing a bioweapons lab near Moscow.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:40 amOr if they commit moral turpitude, as defined (in California) by the State Bar and State Supreme Court.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:49 am“Chinese navy is now larger than ours”
No, it’s not. They have more individual ships, but half the US tonnage and only 2 carriers. We have 11.
Davethulhu (96c2bd) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:50 amTry to disassociate from him all you like. Bragg is a hero to Nevertrump just as Gascon would be if he went after Trump.
lloyd (b13c7c) — 12/6/2024 @ 12:20 pmIt’s not about me doing anything, lloyd, it’s about your ongoing bad faith, this time mischaracterizing NeverTrump to include all Democrats, which is false and dishonest, because words have meaning.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 12:28 pm@50 Says the guy who calls MAGA fascists.
lloyd (d21880) — 12/6/2024 @ 12:40 pm@50 Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 12:28 pm
What Democrat is for Trump?
Gabbard and RFKjr don’t count.
whembly (477db6) — 12/6/2024 @ 12:44 pmIn case anyone needed convincing NeverTrumper Taylor Lorenz is a mentally sick.
lloyd (d21880) — 12/6/2024 @ 12:44 pm*a mentally sick bltch
lloyd (d21880) — 12/6/2024 @ 12:45 pmItem 5 Our these the same ones who said hunters lap top was russian disinformation?
asset (92d738) — 12/6/2024 @ 12:48 pmItem 1 Pardon leonard peltier and nehanda abiodun first.
asset (92d738) — 12/6/2024 @ 12:51 pmTrump said the fascist words and committed the fascist acts. Deal with it, lloyd.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 12:53 pmThat’s irrelevant to the meaning of NeverTrump, whembly. I linked to two definitions.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 12:55 pmAdmiral’s barge syndrome. CBS news enlisted men at fort collins colorado complain about meager and unappetizing food in mess hall. Officers said they were ordered to cut costs. This is where the army cuts costs. This is why the VA had to be seperated because the military cut cost first with wounded veterans who were of no more use.
asset (92d738) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:11 pm@58 AOC asked voters why they voted for trump and her. I voted for Jill Stein ;but would have voted for trump before I would vote for a corporate establishment donor class stooge like harris/biden/clintons. The left is now taking over power from these discredited corporate stooges running the party. AOC 2028!
asset (92d738) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:16 pmIt’s not mischaracterizing.
Yes, it is. Saying Bragg is #neverTrump is a lie. A supports B in one instance does NOT imply that B supports A in all instances.
This may be the first time I’ve said you are lying whembly, so you may perhaps take it to heart.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:18 pmOr if they commit moral turpitude, as defined (in California) by the State Bar and State Supreme Court.
Or if they do something the judge tells them not to do.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:18 pmBTW, I never supported Bragg, does that make be a Trumpist? It would be just as much a lie.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:20 pmWhat Democrat is for Trump?
What Nazi is for Biden? Does that make all Trump supporters Nazis? (shut up Klink)
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:21 pmNot yet. Trump needs to fire Christopher Wray and Patel needs to be confirmed by the Senate. His confirmation hearing will be must see TV.
Pam Bondi will take the same tack as Gaetz would have; which is to pick up the mantle on Trump’s goal of overhauling the Justice Department and his pledge for retribution against political opponents.
Her confirmation will also be interesting.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:21 pmI prescribe remedial logic 101 for lloyd and whembly.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:22 pmSource of quotes in post 65.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:22 pmIn case anyone needed convincing NeverTrumper Taylor Lorenz is a mentally sick.
I get it. Anyone who is not MAGA, including the hard hard Left is “#neverTrump”. That way you can smear everyone who opposes your cult.
Every so often I get to the point of toleration with Trump and MAGA, and then some MAGA ******* speaks.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:25 pmZzzzzzzzzzzzzz
lloyd (a81a6c) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:26 pmIf you substituted Gaetz’s name for Bondi in that quote, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:26 pm@68 I am hard hard left and I was never harris/biden. Trump helps us take over the democrat party the same way hitler helped russia take over eastern europe. Well over 10 million democrats didn’t vote or voted third party like me in 2024 over 2020.
asset (92d738) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:32 pm@58
The two definition are wrong.
Trying to appeal to authority using wiki and urbandictionary, both sites having flaws of their own, isn’t helping your case.
The simple test is this:
If you believe that Trump should never be in higher office, and advocates against him, then you are recognized as a NeverTrumper.
It crosses party and ideological lines.
It’s not a stigma or perjorative word…it’s an apt, shorthand descriptor.
whembly (477db6) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:33 pm@61
You’re sorely missing the point Kev.
It’s not implying “A supports B in one instance imply that B supports A in all instances.”
I’ve never implied that.
Bragg, by his very actions is absolutely a member of the #NeverTrumper crowd.
See my previous post.
whembly (477db6) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:38 pmJudge signs on to Nevertrump DA shenanigans
Daniel Penny manslaughter charge is DROPPED – but he still faces four years in jail
lloyd (a81a6c) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:38 pm@63
BTW, again, I’ve never implied #NeverTrumper agrees on everything.
They only agree that Trump should never hold higher office.
whembly (477db6) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:39 pm@66
Oh, knock it off Kev. It’s the weekend, go do something for fun.
whembly (477db6) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:41 pm“They’re a singular group who’s entire purpose is to reject and obstruct all things Trumps by any mean possible.”
This is a really weird way to look at the world.
Davethulhu (96c2bd) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:45 pmI’d prescribe viagra for Kev, but that would only make him taller.
lloyd (a81a6c) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:46 pmMinor quibble: asset (92d738) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:11 pm
Fort Collins, Colorado, never had an actual frontier (or current) fort. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Collins
You likely meant Fort Carson, located just south of Colorado Springs….
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/11/26/food-hard-find-fort-carson-base-struggles-feeding-soldiers.html
ColoComment (c47d60) — 12/6/2024 @ 1:58 pmNope, because you’re ignoring the etymology, and I reject personal definitions, especially from partisans with political agendas.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 2:33 pm“I reject personal definitions, especially from partisans with political agendas.”
Irony Award candidate.
lloyd (2826eb) — 12/6/2024 @ 2:36 pmNot at all, lloyd. I use Oxford definitions (such as for fascist) when available and the next best thing when not.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 2:42 pmEnglish is tough enough for conveying ideas using common definitions, but communication is pointless when you and whembly make up your own meanings.
BTW, Cattagio is increasingly tiresome, ringing the same cowbell over and over. Move on.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 10:34 am
It’s too bad you feel this way, Kevin. I suspect you have become inured to Trump and his malignant circus.
norcal (89e857) — 12/6/2024 @ 2:53 pmI’ve always understood NeverTrump to mean Republicans, such as myself, who don’t like Trump.
norcal (89e857) — 12/6/2024 @ 2:55 pmMoreover, surprisingly, American women have become less happy in recent years in recent decades despite getting richer.
Why? (I have some answers, but will give all of you a week or so to come up with your own.)
Jim Miller (c43fcf) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:42 am
I’ll take a stab at it, Jim. American women have discovered that radical feminism (“a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle”) wasn’t as fulfilling as they were led to believe.
norcal (89e857) — 12/6/2024 @ 2:59 pmTrump’s neo-Nazi dinner guest arrested for assault.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 3:26 pmReferencing Oxford…
Fascist (this was before we learned that Trump said that Hitler “did some good things” and that he would sic the National Guard or military to “handle” his political enemies, naming and Schiff and Pelosi as such enemies).
https://patterico.com/2024/09/13/weekend-open-thread-243/
Socialist-communist.
https://patterico.com/2024/09/13/weekend-open-thread-243/#comment-2812487
Insurrection.
https://patterico.com/2023/02/20/kevin-mccarthy-gives-substantial-number-of-jan-6-security-tapes-to-tucker-carlson/#comment-2688526
Coup.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 3:57 pmhttps://patterico.com/2024/07/21/president-biden-bows-out-of-the-race/#comment-2799146
If you believe that Trump should never be in higher office, and advocates against him, then you are recognized as a NeverTrumper.
What utter Bull Sh1t.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 4:13 pmIt’s too bad you feel this way, Kevin. I suspect you have become inured to Trump and his malignant circus.
No, I have come to a place of acceptance. You should try it, it makes life much easier not being angry all the time.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 4:14 pmPedant…
lloyd (3c0592) — 12/6/2024 @ 4:40 pmhttps://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedant
If you believe that Trump should never be in higher office, and advocates against him, then you are recognized as a NeverTrumper.
If you believe that Trump should never be in higher office, but think that Liz Cheney or Mitt Romney should be, then you are a NeverTrumper.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 5:05 pmOtherwise you’re just a Democrat.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 5:05 pmAre these demands on Biden for parsons “elder abuse”? Does the president have to be of sound mind in order to issue pardons?
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 5:20 pmPowerful words from Poland’s Foreign Minister.
Kevin, well said.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 5:35 pmIt is amazing how, 35 years after the fall, Russia is once again “the focus of evil in the modern world.”
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 6:35 pmThere are more signs that the Assad regime is collapsing…
(1) Assad sent his pretty wife and kids to Russia.
(2) Iran is evacuating its “military commanders and personnel”.
Evacuations were ordered at the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, and at bases of the Revolutionary Guards, the Iranian and regional officials said. At least some of the embassy staff has departed.
(3) Russians are evacuating resources from their naval base in Tartus. If Tartus is closed, the vessels can’t deploy to the Black Sea because of the Montreux Convention, so the nearest base is Kaliningrad. Perhaps this is why Putin fought so hard to keep Montenegro out of NATO, because he’ll be shut out of the Mediterranean if HST prevails.
Meanwhile, Putin is trawling Moscow nightclubs for cannon fodder. Something is not computing.
The message–and Ukrainians can take heart–and is that an authoritarian indomitable (supposedly) regime can collapse in a matter of weeks.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:13 pmThe authoritarian indomitable (supposedly) Putin regime should take notice. As I recall, the USSR collapsed rather suddenly.
Another thing. Without Israel’s near-complete decimation of the Hezbollah terrorists, I doubt the Syrian rebels would’ve had this success. They were emboldened to strike. The best thing Israel can do now is finish the job in Lebanon and Gaza, IMO.
48: Daveth–well I didn’t say their navy weighed more than ours, but point taken. Still, no one expects carriers to last more than a day in a war with a peer opponents like Russia or China: the ship-to-ship rockets will sink them in minutes. Leaving us with both fewer ships and less tonnage.
A Navy Sec recently testified that in the last 8 years, we refitted 2 cruisers–but china built 8 new ones. That kind of thing. I was never a fan of “defend Taiwan,” but that looks less and less feasible by the day
Harcourt Fenton Mudd (6eb76f) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:55 pmUnited health profits from denying coverage killing thousands minimal media coverage. (actually almost no coverage) Their killer is killed wall to wall coverage by corporate media attacking those on social media for complaining instead of worshipping corporate capitalism!
asset (9f0cb7) — 12/6/2024 @ 7:58 pm85, Norcal: wait! you mean working until 9 after the cleaning crews vacuum and leave, staffing out your kids to a nanny and taking a call from the ER about your kid’s broken arm isn’t nirvanah? Say its not so!
Harcourt Fenton Mudd (6eb76f) — 12/6/2024 @ 8:04 pmI was never a fan of “defend Taiwan,” but that looks less and less feasible by the day
The capital ships are our fast attack subs (The boomers are not functional in a conventional war). Everything Chinese boat floating will be sunk in the first hour.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 8:11 pm*Every
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 8:12 pmPaul Krugman quits.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 8:14 pm100 I hope you’re right. But “The U.S. will have 66 subs of all types by 2030, compared to China’s projected 76. China has been growing and upgrading its undersea fighting force, with more capable submarines that can sink rivals and deter enemies from nuclear attack.”
Harcourt Fenton Mudd (6eb76f) — 12/6/2024 @ 8:26 pmConservative healthcare expert has some words about Krugman.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/6/2024 @ 8:41 pmFirst-rate economist. Third-rate pundit.
I have two thoughts about the attempts to pass another $24 billion in spending for Ukraine in a rushed manner:
1) This sort of spending is now controversial enough that it shouldn’t be grafted on to some other bill with a bunch of sweeteners to get skeptical members of Congress to give it grudging assent, especially not a emergency bill to keep our deadbeat broke-ass government running for a few more months. At this point, the Ukraine aid should be a stand-alone bill and proponents and opponents need to hash it out in public on the record so that we know where each and every one of them stands.
2) The Biden Administration and the other pro-Ukrainian aid Congressmembers are cataclysmically stupid to have publicly announced their intention to rush through as much spending as possible before the new Administration comes to town. That of course makes this additional $24 billion look really, really suspect, as if it is a political statement to provoke Trump more than it is a necessity for Ukraine. But I guess Democrat Administrations feel free to say this kind of stuff to friendly journalists (which is most of them) knowing they will only get pushback from surly aperiodic bloggers like me.
JVW (1f63ab) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:15 pmConservative healthcare expert has some words about Krugman.
First-rate economist. Third-rate pundit.
Avik Roy was a year behind me in college. Can’t say that I knew him, but he helped revive MIT’s long-dormant conservative journal.
One of the best things I ever heard said about Paul Krugman was as I recall by a fellow university professor of economics who remained anonymous (if I’m remembering that correctly), but who some years ago suggested that you can start to understand Krugman if you think of him as three different people. There is Paul Krugman the academic who has produced Nobel-prize winning work in some very particular areas of economic theory, and that guy should be taken seriously. There’s the Paul Krugman who writes a NYT column and appears as a media talking head who consistently serves up conventional elite left-wing economic opinion for people too weak-minded to hear differing views, and that Krugman should be given just a modicum of attention. And then there’s the Paul Krugman who maintains his own personal blog where he does nothing more than flatter the delicate sensibilities of the most radical, sheltered, pampered left-wing students and budding young socialists, and that Krugman should be mocked if not completely ignored.
I think as the years have gone by the line between the NYT pundit Krugman and the personal blog Krugman more or less disappeared, and frankly from what I understand once he decamped from Princeton to CUNY he pretty much quit producing any real interesting research and just enjoyed life as a celebrity academic and pundit.
JVW (1f63ab) — 12/6/2024 @ 11:29 pmConservative economic theory and practice had populists electing trump twice. It also wants to limit the possible influences so the gordian knot won’t be cut!
asset (76ac95) — 12/7/2024 @ 12:23 amHeh!
Nah, I’m sure it was just a mistake, he thought it was a hotel or something.
Colonel Klink (ret) (96f56a) — 12/7/2024 @ 12:56 am105,
I must admit that I agree with your take on Ukraine funding and the $24 billion. It’s frustrating , however, that in light of the threat Russia poses to the West if they take Ukraine, that this hasn’t been made a stand-alone bill of priority, and one where Congress addresses specifically.
Dana (6064a5) — 12/7/2024 @ 7:49 amThe railroading of Daniel Perry in NYC shows we no longer have a Justice system, but instead a star chamber government that picks and chooses victims and criminals.
NJRob (488aac) — 12/7/2024 @ 7:53 ampenny*
take two
grr. Need a edit button
NJRob (488aac) — 12/7/2024 @ 7:55 amKlink,
That coverage of Grillo in the Capitol smoking pot makes him look like an even bigger idiot. He seems to think that because he broke into the Capitol building he really accomplished something. Other than breaking the law, what exactly is he victorious about? Smoking pot in the Capitol? He just sounds like an angry teenager who thinks he’s bested his parents or school administrators by doing something stupid and illegal. I don’t get it. He didn’t change any laws, he didn’t add to his or any American’s quality of life. He didn’t engage with the powers that be to bring about a needed change. Disrupters break throngs, that’s easy. The hard part is actually building something that benefits everyone and lasts.
Dana (6064a5) — 12/7/2024 @ 7:56 am@108:
Guilty of trespassing and disorderly conduct, certainly. The felony charge was dropped (you fail to mention that) due to the Supreme Courts limitation of that charge to the scope of the law it was part of.
So, misdemeanors, and yes, Trump will pardon him as he was not convicted of any violent act.
A link, since Klink did not provide one
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 8:00 amOther than breaking the law, what exactly is he victorious about?
It’s called “counting coup”
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 8:03 amFarce of Daniel Penny trial shows again that Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg needs to go
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 8:07 amIf they capture the NYC shooter, will Bragg prosecute? Will a NYC jury convict?
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 8:21 am“If they capture the NYC shooter, will Bragg prosecute? Will a NYC jury convict?”
If they find him they’re just going to straight up shoot him, no attempt to capture.
Davethulhu (96c2bd) — 12/7/2024 @ 9:18 am@115 “He needs to go.”
Folks were saying this more than a year ago. Now I guess everyone is coming around to the obvious, except Nevertrump.
lloyd (72d2bd) — 12/7/2024 @ 9:21 amNeverTrump never supported Bragg, although many of them did support the charges against Trump. Believe it or not — and I understand how this is hard for rabid partisans to grasp — there are people who can like an action by someone who they generally dislike.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 9:28 amKash Patel, Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, is a QAnon crank, agreeably appearing on QAnon crank shows such as Jeffrey Pederson and here.
Believing that crankery should be disqualifying.
Just as bad or worse, six times Patel appeared on a neo-Nazi’s show. One is an accident, six is deliberate.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/7/2024 @ 9:28 amPatel also deliberately palled around with another neo-Nazi, Nick Fuentes.
Oop, comment in moderation, one too many links.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/7/2024 @ 9:29 am115: dropping the more serious charge and then instructing the jury to deliberate on the less serious charge, smacks of an unfair bait and switch. After all the opening and closing argument to support an intentional act, the government switches to “well how about this one?” Leaving a jury mentally conditioned in part to the “higher” offense, so that finding guilt for the “lesser” offense now isn’t so hard or so bad. You can’t wipe away all that rhetoric about intent.
Having sought both, and lost on the one, the govt. seeks to profit by its own loss to gain the conviction of the lesser offense. Judge should have declared a mistrial.
Harcourt Fenton Mudd (44950f) — 12/7/2024 @ 9:30 amAmerica’s top internet sleuths reveal why they’re REFUSING to help cops find UnitedHealthcare boss’ assassin
These folks aren’t obligated to assist authorities, nor is anyone obligated to think of them as anything other than morally challenged jackaces. Would like to see their reaction if the assassin was part of a life insurance fraud scheme, but they’ve already concluded he deserves the benefit of the doubt.
And, the thinking that everything gets covered on demand if the government handles it might want to read a UK news feed.
lloyd (72d2bd) — 12/7/2024 @ 9:37 am@119 I’m sure there are many Nevertrumpers who spoke out against Bragg a year ago, but you just can’t find the links.
lloyd (72d2bd) — 12/7/2024 @ 9:38 amToday is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Roberta Wohlstetter’s classic book is still worth reading.
Though in recent years I have begun to think that this could be added to her conclusions: One of the reasons that we (and the British and the Dutch) missed the possibility of an attack on Pearl Harbor is that we saw much of the extensive Japanese movement to the south. And concluded that what we saw was all there was to see. As is so easy to do.
Jim Miller (8e675a) — 12/7/2024 @ 9:39 amSorry about forgetting to close the link.
Jim Miller (8e675a) — 12/7/2024 @ 9:40 am104, Paul: Krugman as a pundit is a pure political animal: he insisted just before the 2016 election that it was “Time to Borrow” (August 2016), was transparent urging to spice up the economy; but in January 2017, it was “Deficits Matter Again.” (meaning don’t let trump juice the economy). But later under Biden it was don’t worry about the debt, “we owe it to ourselves.”
He dismissed fears of inflation as “hugely overblown,” than admitted that he had been admittedly “wrong” about inflation, after helping to unleash that scourge on the US.
I believe his appeal is to readers who devour Dana Milbank and Charles Blow–soothing opinions at odds with reality.
Harcourt Fenton Mudd (44950f) — 12/7/2024 @ 9:44 amKrugman pulled that same nonsense in the Bush-Obama era, HFM, railing about deficits when Bush was prez but praising Obama for deficit-spending after 2008. All of a sudden, he discovered that low interest rates during the Obama administration meant that the cost of borrowing was nice and cheap.
And let’s forget what Krugman said after the Gabby Giffords shooting, that Palin and Republicans were responsible because they created a “climate of hate” that resulted in that mass shooting, even though the shooter was completely insane and non-political.
I’m sure he earned his Nobel as an economist but, as a pundit, he’s a dishonest partisan hack.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/7/2024 @ 9:59 amEh, …let’s not forget…
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/7/2024 @ 10:00 amIt’s frustrating , however, that in light of the threat Russia poses to the West if they take Ukraine, that this hasn’t been made a stand-alone bill of priority, and one where Congress addresses specifically.
If we had serious people in Congress, instead of the preening jackanapes (and jillanapes?) we tend to elect these days, there would be a special session of Congress to openly discuss Ukraine (or at least four or five days entirely devoted to the topic without any other distractions). The very knotty questions would be hashed out through reasoned debate (ha ha ha ha — sometimes I crack myself up) and the end result would be a general sense of where each house of Congress stands on the issue, which could then inform and help shape the Administration’s response. But of course that takes valuable time away from fundraising and arguing trendy social issues which allows each member to grandstand for their various constituencies.
JVW (1f63ab) — 12/7/2024 @ 10:54 amLloyd:
You are just inaccurate when you claim nevertrumpers were all excited about the Bragg indictments. This was easy to find via google:
Appalled (9540f4) — 12/7/2024 @ 11:23 amhttps://www.npr.org/2023/04/06/1168333704/2-longtime-critics-of-former-president-trump-call-the-indictment-unwise
In February 2022, Peters appeared at an event hosted by white nationalist podcaster Nick Fuentes to proclaim that Fauci “should be hanging at the end of a noose somewhere,” sparking cheers and chants of “hang him up” from the crowd. Patel appeared on Peters’s podcast two days later.
Traditionally, guilt-by-association is a conspiracist’s tool.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 11:30 amWould like to see their reaction if the assassin had shot Bernie
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 11:32 amAnd let’s forget what Krugman said
You were right up to that point.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 11:34 amYou forgot Schumer’s priority which is to shove as many leftists on to the courts as possible in the remaining 45 or so days he has leff.
NJRob (a03f91) — 12/7/2024 @ 11:34 amIf we had serious people in Congress
If we had serious voters, we might have that. It’s too bad we can’t limit voting to people who know who the president is.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 11:37 amYou forgot Schumer’s priority which is to shove as many leftists on to the courts as possible in the remaining 45 or so days he has left.
Exactly what McConnell did in 2020. It’s a tradition going back to the Founding.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 11:38 amSilly. Patel made conscious choices, and they speak to his character and credibility.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/7/2024 @ 11:48 amKevin,
I don’t disagree, but its about priorities. If the graft in Ukraine was what mattered, they’d take the time to convince the public. Instead they show their hand .
NJRob (a03f91) — 12/7/2024 @ 12:30 pm@131 Appalled, that’s not what I wrote. I claimed that folks opposed Bragg as DA well before the Penny case (and, I’ll add, well before the Trump case), others are just now coming around, except Nevertrump. What you linked has nothing to do with that claim.
lloyd (482586) — 12/7/2024 @ 12:35 pmWhether Ukraine funding was in a catch-all or standalone bill, there is no way Speaker Johnson would agree to have come to the House floor, especially considering President-Elect Trump’s antipathy towards Ukraine. It was never in the cards.
Rip Murdock (58cdf3) — 12/7/2024 @ 12:46 pmSo, it is not the place of Joe Biden to make that decision now
It certainly is, right up to Jan 20th at noon.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 1:08 pmPutin is proving to be a terrible ally.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/7/2024 @ 1:30 pmEarlier this year, Russia showed that the CSTO is worthless for failing to protect Armenia from invasion by Azerbaijan.
This week, Putin is bailing on Assad and his crumbled regime.
What graft?
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/7/2024 @ 1:31 pm@119
You seem to be making two contradictory points.
I never said you “supported” Alvin Bragg or Democrats in general.
In fact, I think you were one of the few NTer who opined that Bragg’s case was problematic from the start.
But for the most part, NTers had zero issues with the lawfare that has taken place. That’s what I mean that “those people” are NTers.
Hell, our own host had a substack on the viability of Colorado kicking off Trump from the ballot due to the insurrection clause in the 14th. On the whole, most NTer’s (which include Republicans and Democrats) cheered that effort… including our host.
I’m not saying those Republicans are now Democrats. It’s just that, they’re generally aligned when it comes to Trump.
whembly (477db6) — 12/7/2024 @ 1:34 pm@138
Cool… the Senate will suss that out during the hearings.
whembly (477db6) — 12/7/2024 @ 1:35 pmIt’s easy to see where Trump is headed vis-a-vis Ukraine. Trump is going to tell Ukraine that there will be no more U.S. aid unless Ukraine cedes significant portions of Russian-occupied Ukraine to Russia. There will be a small concession by Russia in exchange for Ukraine giving up the territory it has seized in Russia.
Trump will call it the best peace deal ever.
Ukraine will not be permitted to join NATO. It might get some kind of “promise” from Trump for help in case Russia attacks again, but that’s it.
Winning.
norcal (f8951c) — 12/7/2024 @ 1:45 pmLike they did with Gaetz?
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/7/2024 @ 1:56 pmLOL! Biden can’t make the decision to provide more funding for Ukraine without Speaker Johnson’s concurrence, since he controls what bills go to the House floor for a vote.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/7/2024 @ 2:59 pmThe question is still out there about Ukraine being “everyone’s favorite graft”. What graft?
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/7/2024 @ 3:00 pmAs a consolation prize Ukraine might be permitted to join the EU. I’ll bet that in ten years, what remains of Ukraine will be far more prosperous (and free) than the territories under the heel of Russia.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/7/2024 @ 3:05 pmI have a different job in mind for Kash Patel (inspired partly by his first name): Put him in the IRS and tell him to go after rich tax cheats.
(As I understand it, he might need more resources, but the operation should still yield a tidy profit for us.)
Jim Miller (7f8e50) — 12/7/2024 @ 3:08 pmForeign governments are ignoring Biden and are making plans to deal President Trump. You might as well ask “Who’s Biden?”
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/7/2024 @ 3:42 pmWhy would Trump ask him to go after members of his own administration? 😉
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/7/2024 @ 3:44 pmKevin M (a9545f) — 12/6/2024 @ 6:35 pm
33 years since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. 35 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The Assad regime in Syria is about to fall toan Islamist group probably controlled by Turkey. Iran is evacuating all its people,”What will happen to the Russian naval base is unknown,
Israel is concerned about what is to come.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/7/2024 @ 4:00 pmIt’s easy to see where Trump is headed vis-a-vis Ukraine. Trump is going to tell Ukraine that there will be no more U.S. aid unless Ukraine cedes significant portions of Russian-occupied Ukraine to Russia. There will be a small concession by Russia in exchange for Ukraine giving up the territory it has seized in Russia.
Why would Ukraine agree? It might break NATO if he does that, too.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 5:13 pmLOL! Biden can’t make the decision to provide more funding for Ukraine without Speaker Johnson’s concurrence
He can ship the entire Marine Corps to Ukraine tomorrow if he wants.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 5:14 pm33 years since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. 35 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
See 90.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 5:16 pmIsrael is concerned about what is to come.
WE have folks in-country as well, mostly in what is currently an autonomous Kurdish region. There are about a dozen different actors, only some of which are Islamist. Those in the south that are entering Damascus are not the same as the ones in the north.
For all we know, toppling Assad is only Round 1. Then again we had such hopes when they toppled Batista….
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/7/2024 @ 5:20 pmHighly unlikely.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/7/2024 @ 6:21 pmGiven the fact that the US provided the vast majority of military aid to Ukraine, Ukraine may have no choice if it wants to avoid being entirely occupied by Russia. Ukraine has no leverage except to follow what its main benefactor wants done. It’s the Golden Rule: He who has the gold makes the rules.
And as a far as breaking NATO, that would be an added bonus, since that’s been a Trump goal since his first term.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/7/2024 @ 6:31 pmSyria rebels declare Damascus ‘free,’ claim Assad has fled the capital
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/7/2024 @ 8:18 pmWhen the rich kill the poor thats capitalism though blue cross resends cutting off anesthesia after 4 hours. (must of not wanted customer feedback) When the poor kill the rich thats horrific! (news media)
asset (113e89) — 12/7/2024 @ 8:38 pmKurdish forces were earlier ordered out of Aleppo (but not fought against and they apparently left) by the main rebel force.
Bashir Assad was rumored to be in Moscow, but showed himself in a meeting on Damascus TV but that was probably a prelude to leaving for real.
https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/syria-civil-war-12-08-2024/index.html
https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/syria-civil-war-12-08-2024/index.html
It has been remarked more or less:
Putin:Syria::Biden:Afghanistan. Maybe this will help Ukraine end the war. And help Hezbollah keep the ceasefire. Maybe something also in Gaza.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/8/2024 @ 1:20 amLloyd:
Bragg is a New York Democrat in an elective position. Why would the Californians who populate this board (and this Georgian) concentrate on supporting and opposing him, unless a case has national significance? The only reason you care about him (and our re-elected train-wreck of a DA, Fani Willis) is that they have taken aim at Trump. Some nevertrump supported the Bragg indictment, a lot did not. There was a shift towards supporting the case when the various federal courts found excuses to toss the genuinely troubling Federal cases against Trump.
The hatred of nevertrump (who isn’t that big a piece of the GOP at this point) is one of those features of MAGA I find repellent. I think, though, ginning this up is an essential piece of the whole mess and his probably what Bannon is talking about when he admits he sees himself as a Leninist. (Google Democratic Centism. Don’t use AI — you’ll probably get a picture of Joe Biden).
Appalled (44fc5f) — 12/8/2024 @ 8:17 amUkraine needs to dance with the one that brought her, and her partner has changed the tune.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/8/2024 @ 8:40 amBecause Israel contributed to Assad’s demise by destroying Hezbollah and damaging Iran’s proxy influence, the Syrian rebels are okay with the Jewish-majority state.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/8/2024 @ 8:59 amHere are some numbers, as of February, on aid to Ukraine.
More numbers, including percent of 2021 GDP.
My rough summary: The US has provided about half of the aid to Ukraine, but has done far less as a percent of GDP than a few smaller nations.
(Perhaps most important: The aid and training given before the Russian invasion. I haven’t seen a good discussion of that, but think the UK may have been especially helpful.)
Jim Miller (ad0dae) — 12/8/2024 @ 9:04 am#165 Appalled, thanks much for the info on Bannon’s views. That’s a real contribution to this site.
Jim Miller (ad0dae) — 12/8/2024 @ 9:07 amAssad’s fall is also bad for Russia because it puts a crimp in their ability to meddle in Africa.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/8/2024 @ 9:12 amJim, this is a much better resource for US aid to Ukraine, updated to last September. We’ve provided a total of $70 billion in military aid, out of $175 billion appropriated. A significant amount of the funds (around $70 billion) stays in the US to replenish and modernize our arsenal.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/8/2024 @ 9:56 am#171 Paul, thanks.
Jim Miller (f46428) — 12/8/2024 @ 10:05 amAs people cheer the fall of Assad, I see that Israel is not quite so sanguine. Among other things, they now see ISIS et al with access to nerve gas.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/8/2024 @ 10:56 amcalling the war between Russia and Ukraine one that “should never have started, and could go on forever.”
He’s right on the first part, but to prevent it from continuing, Ukraine must join NATO and the EU. Russia has to walk away with something if they are going to agree, but I’d want that to be minimal. Perhaps Ukraine officially cedes Crimea.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/8/2024 @ 11:00 amTrump said a war would end before his inauguration but so far it is not any of the wars we thought about.
President Biden hs just spoken. He couldn’t resist taking a bit of the credit for the fall of the Assad regime, and spoke about the future – that this nis an opportunity, and the words spoken by the rebels sound good but if they take more responsibility they will be looking at actions, and he doesn’t want one tyranny to be replaced by another.
He said that they are involved in trying to make sure that Syria’s neighbors, Jordan Iraq, Lebanon and Israel were all right – he did not mention Turkey, which already borders the rebels and supports them.
Assad himself is believed to be in Moscow said Biden and indeed that’s what TASS said. He and his family have been given asylum. It was thought he might go to a Gulf State – maybe he wanted to.
The Prime Minister of Syria is still there.
People have been warned by the rebels about approaching government buildings. Seems like they want to keep secrets from the United States and other allied countries IMO.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/8/2024 @ 11:06 amThey were bombing in Syria for months, targeting Hezbollah moving weapons around (assuming they were heading to Lebanon) and Iranian commanders.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/8/2024 @ 11:12 amTick tock, TikTok:
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/8/2024 @ 11:19 amWe’ll see if an organization (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) with roots in Al-Qaeda and designated as a terrorist group by Western governments can change it a spots:
Not being the Islamic State (or Afghanistan) is a low bar.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/8/2024 @ 11:43 amI don’t think Israel can tolerate an Islamic sectarian state next door. Assad was evil, but predictable.
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/8/2024 @ 11:46 amRip Murdock
They supposedly changed their spots years ago.
But still maybe Islamist. It’s under the control of Turkey more or less.
It said it wanted peace with Israel. Netanyahu expressed hope,
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/netanyahu-hails-historic-fall-bashar-assad-syria-credits-israeli-attacks-hezbollah-iran
Israel also went into the Syrian portion of the disengagement zone.
The United States launched some pre-emptive strikes against ISIS in Syria to make sure they didn’t do anything.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/8/2024 @ 12:55 pmWhy should Russia concede anything-they’re winning and better armed; and Putin doesn’t need to consider public opinion. Preventing Ukraine from entering NATO was one of the reasons for invading Ukraine in the first place; Russia wants a demilitarized buffer state between itself and NATO.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/8/2024 @ 12:58 pmWhat did Hayat Tahrir al-Sham do to “change their spots?” Issuing an announcement that they are no longer affiliated with Al-Qaeda is simply propaganda for the West. Given the fact the West still considers them a terrorist organization means the West apparently doesn’t believe them.
As I said: Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/8/2024 @ 1:07 pmI’d say that Israel would prefer a Syrian government that isn’t propped up the Iranian terrorist state, especially if that government is more aligned with KSA or Turkey.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/8/2024 @ 1:33 pmThere’s a risk they could be run by militant Islamists, but I don’t believe it has to be an either-or, as in run by a butcher like Assad or it becomes an Islamic State caliphate.
Another relevant thing. While under Russian influence, Assad prevented the extension of gas lines that would bring inexpensive gas and oil to Europe.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/8/2024 @ 1:36 pmNetanyahu like mussolini in 1940 takes advantage of the situation in syria. He says the unprovoked land stealing is only “temporary.”
asset (a5ea46) — 12/8/2024 @ 2:20 pmAnd as a far as breaking NATO, that would be an added bonus, since that’s been a Trump goal since his first term.
So, apparently has been “getting impeached.” If fact it’s one of the things he actually accomplished. Twice.
Trump CAN go too far. I know that the meme is that the GOP is his rag doll, but that’s just one of several self-delusions that surround Trump.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/8/2024 @ 8:25 pmShorter Rip, useful in all situations:
“If I didn’t say it, LOL!”
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/8/2024 @ 8:27 pmHe says the unprovoked land stealing is only “temporary.”
asset, you have no effing idea what is going on and just parrot flaming leftards.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/8/2024 @ 8:29 pm@188 their is always an excuse.
asset (6387bc) — 12/8/2024 @ 8:55 pmThe “land-stealing” is this:
There is a DMZ, where one side is patrolled by Israel and the other by Syria. Syria no longer patrols the other side and Israel wants to ensure that there is no encroachment by the people they Syrians were keeping out. So they moved to replace the Syrians during this time.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/9/2024 @ 8:30 amIsrael doesn’t need or want the extra little bit of land.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/9/2024 @ 9:34 amMichael McFaul…
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/9/2024 @ 10:34 amLuis Mangione is the guy who murdered the UnitedHealthcare CEO, and he’s as expected, a left-wing nutjob.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/9/2024 @ 10:45 amI’m guessing the stakes are much higher for Russia in Ukraine than in Syria. In Russia’s eyes losing in Ukraine presents more of an existential threat than losing in Syria.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/9/2024 @ 10:49 amThe odds are better the new regime will be militant Islamist than anything else. Just because they aren’t ISIS or Afghanistan doesn’t mean they won’t impose a form of sharia law.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/9/2024 @ 10:55 amDaniel Penny found not guilty in Jordan Neely subway chokehold death
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/9/2024 @ 11:04 amI use militant Islamist for the actual terrorists like the Islamic State or Hezbollah or Hamas. Islamist is what you’d expect from a nation that’s 87% Muslim like Syria. Turkey is Islamist. KSA is Islamist.
Paul Montagu (f9a7fa) — 12/9/2024 @ 11:11 amI’m more inclined to think the new leadership will be more Islamist than militant because 13% of the country is Alawite and 13% is Christian-Druze, and they’ve already 13 years in civil war.
Trump has expressed his disdain for NATO for years, most recently yesterday during his NBC News interview. If he does withdraw the US from NATO, I really don’t see the House impeaching (or the Senate convicting) him for something most Americans don’t care about. The GOP has become far more isolationist over the past decade, so withdrawal would be an easy sell.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/9/2024 @ 11:18 amSo what? Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is designated a terrorist organization by the West (including Turkey), and according to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, in the areas it occupied before seizing power this week
My emphasis.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/9/2024 @ 11:31 amIf he does withdraw the US from NATO, I really don’t see the House impeaching (or the Senate convicting) him for something most Americans don’t care about.
There is a recent law that denies the President the power to withdraw from NATO.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withdrawal_from_NATO#United_States
This was passed with overwhelming majorities in both houses.
Trump could assert this was unconstitutional and attempt to withdraw anyway, but it would be risking impeachment to defy Congress in this way.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/9/2024 @ 11:43 amAnd if he does withdraw, THEN Americans will care about it. They don’t much care about hypothetical and unforeseen future actions
“How do you feel about breaking diplomatic relations with Canada?” wouldn’t top “How do you feel about the price of gas going up?”
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/9/2024 @ 11:46 amI agree its unconstitutional as it impinges on his authority to implement US foreign policy and as commander in chief. Congress imposed a notice period for withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty, which the Trump Administration ignored, and nothing happened. At the time, the Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion stating
I doubt there is any impeachment risk. As I said above, I don’t see the House impeaching (or the Senate convicting) him for something most Americans don’t care about. There are no circumstances that I can see where Speaker Johnson would allow an impeachment resolution to come to the floor for a vote.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/9/2024 @ 11:55 amThe leader in Syria dropped the name al-Golani (which sounds anti-Israel – Golan Heights) and went back to his real name. Before that he had changed his name to be spelled with a J. Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani.
They opened up the presidential palace to looters and sightseers so that it could be seen how rich he was.
Israel bombed the sites where chemical weapons had been stored – they had previously let Assad keep them but not allowed to be taken out of storage.
162:
The Saturday/Sunday Wall Street Journal (and other material) clarified it. His wife and children were in Moscow Friday (maybe since sometime in November) but he stayed in Syria. Then he scheduled a public address for late Saturday but failed to show up. His brothers-in- law went to the United Arab Emirates (I think Abu Dhabi)
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/9/2024 @ 12:02 pmThe South Korean president is in limbo. He is not functioning as president but there are not enough votes to impeach him. The opposition says they will try every week. They have 192 votes but need 200 (out of 300) The president of his party claims he is giving orders (and trying to arrange his resignation)
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/9/2024 @ 12:05 pmPure speculation.
We would just make Canada the 51st state.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/9/2024 @ 12:12 pm@200
NATO is a treaty.
SO, the real question is this: Can Congress introduce laws to restrict POTUS in foreign policies.
I’m not so sure.
But, then again, it goes both ways…how often does POTUS send armed forces to “war” without declaration of war from Congress…
whembly (477db6) — 12/9/2024 @ 12:13 pmBiden seemed to be afraid to even suggest democracy but did use words implying popular support (like in Gaza)
REl Gaza there’s some slightly hopeful news Hamas has communicated (to the interlocutors) a list of the hostages still alive and their medical condition.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/9/2024 @ 12:24 pmWhy?
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/9/2024 @ 12:58 pm@208 Nato members also have nukes like nuclear ballistic submarines. we tried to stay out of world wars how did that work out?
asset (5a6411) — 12/9/2024 @ 1:42 pmSO, the real question is this: Can Congress introduce laws to restrict POTUS in foreign policies.
The Boland Amendment restricted US activities in Nicaragua, and Democrats wanted to impeach Reagan for violating it in Iran-Contra.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/9/2024 @ 4:25 pmhow often does POTUS send armed forces to “war” without declaration of war from Congress…
Reagan did it in Grenada, and Libya if that counts.
GWHB did it in Panama.
Clinton did it in Kosovo (the congressional vote failed)
Obama did it in Libya
LBJ got congressional approval for Vietnam
GHWB got congressional approval for Desert Shield and Desert Storm
W got congressional approval for the GWoT and, separately, for the Iraq war.
Presidents who want to share the risk, ask Congress, even though they think they don’t have to. Whether or not they do, it’s politically wise to get Congress to sign off.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/9/2024 @ 4:35 pmIt’s an interesting question if a president can unilaterally withdraw from a long-standing treaty that is of enormous value to the country and to our allies. The effect of such a withdrawal would be earth-shaking. If he CAN do that, then Congress’s only check on this power is impeachment — and they would at least try.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/9/2024 @ 4:39 pmI bet you that future treaties will have a clause added in the Senate about withdrawal.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/9/2024 @ 4:40 pmIt is certainly not a constitutional question; the length of treaty and its impact or value has nothing to whether the US can withdraw. There is nothin in the Treaty Clause (Article II, Section 2, Clause 2) that prevents a President from unilaterally terminating treaties, and they have done so Presidents as far back as McKinley Administration. Citing cheating by Russia,
Again, I don’t see Speaker Johnson allowing the House to consider an impeachment resolution, let alone a majority of the House impeaching the President over withdrawing from NATO; and the Senate would never convict. NATO membership is not relevant to most Americans’ day to day lives, so I doubt there would be any kind of public backlash.
That would need consent of all parties to the treaty.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/9/2024 @ 5:31 pmIncomplete thought in post 214:
Citing cheating by Russia, the first Trump Administration withdrew from the Open Skies Treaty (see above) nd the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/9/2024 @ 5:41 pmThat would need consent of all parties to the treaty.
Why would they care about limiting the US’s power to withdraw?
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/9/2024 @ 7:11 pmCongress has said “Do not do this.” Do you think that they’ll just roll over?
(Oh, wait, the current received wisdom is that all GOP legislators are Trump’s minions. I hope you don’t trade stocks with that thought in mind.)
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/9/2024 @ 7:12 pm<blockquote>
Why would they care about limiting the US’s power to withdraw?
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/9/2024 @ 7:11 pm
A treaty is like a contract; all parties need to agree to its clauses.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/9/2024 @ 8:02 pmI don’t see Republicans trying to limit President Trump’s powers, particularly over a law that is an unconstitutional interference with his foreign affairs powers. Again, Speaker Johnson is unlikely to allow an impeachment resolution to come up for a vote. Certainly the Freedom Caucus would vote against any impeachment. There may be a few that would vote for in favor, but I don’t see 2/3 of the Senators voting to convict.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/9/2024 @ 8:16 pmInstead of withdrawing from NATO, President Trump could simply withdraw US troops and nuclear weapons from Europe; refuse to participate in training exercises; and decline to enforce Article 5 if NATO nations were attacked.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/9/2024 @ 8:36 pmMuhammed al-Jawlani, one of the leaders of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (the main faction that deposed Assad) has a $10M bounty on his head from the US government. Not a good guy.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/9/2024 @ 8:56 pmA treaty is like a contract; all parties need to agree to its clauses.
D’oh. But some things the other parties don’t care about. Suppose I sell you a car, but you want the contract to state that you can’t drive the car. Why should I care?
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/9/2024 @ 8:57 pmNetanyahu bombs syrian air bases and military infrastructure with civilian casualties at chemical weapons sites as he invades syrian territory to prevent peace with syria and rest of middle east. As it would mean election time for him!
asset (d87500) — 12/10/2024 @ 12:37 amAgain, Speaker Johnson is unlikely to allow an impeachment resolution to come up for a vote.
Speaker Johnson has a 1-vote majority. ANY GOP defection (and the issue of NATO would have 20 such) would discharge anything he tried to block.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/10/2024 @ 7:19 amPresident Trump could simply withdraw US troops and nuclear weapons from Europe
He’d have to get Congress to pay for that.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/10/2024 @ 7:21 amBoy, they’re gonna love pretty boy in the NY prison system.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/10/2024 @ 7:22 amI’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Rip, there are no white hats, but Assad was the greater terrorist for gassing his own people and bombing his fellow Syrian civilians, and for aligning with not one but two terrorist states, and for harboring terrorists such as Hezbollah.
It’ll be important to see if the new regime lives up to its assurances.
Paul Montagu (4f7e2a) — 12/10/2024 @ 7:23 amThe idea that Trump will be impeached for ANYTHING he does during 2025 and 2026 is fanciful. If Democrats take the House, that changes.
Appalled (991650) — 12/10/2024 @ 7:43 amBy the way, Kevin M, have syou seen Trump’s latest comments on the electoral college?
Appalled (991650) — 12/10/2024 @ 7:45 amThe new leadership is officially a coalition, which could mean different rules in different parts of Syria and the official head of government is someone different from the man with the former member of al Qaeda and al Qaeda in Iraq with the bounty on his head and the ultimate decision maker or person with a veto is probably Erdogan.
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/10/2024 @ 7:59 amBy the way, Kevin M, have syou seen Trump’s latest comments on the electoral college?
I have now. What a maroon.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/10/2024 @ 9:02 amThe idea that Trump will be impeached for ANYTHING he does during 2025 and 2026 is fanciful.
So, if he sends the army in to execute the CA legislature, that would be OK? I’m not saying he would, but there ARE limits.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/10/2024 @ 9:04 amI’ll bet he’ll love the free government healthcare.
lloyd (38c646) — 12/10/2024 @ 9:04 amSo what? As you pointed out, Trump has been impeached twice to no effect. There isn’t a 2/3 majority in the Senate to convict.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/10/2024 @ 9:46 amLOL!🤣🤣🤣🤣 If you’re reduced to relying on unenforceable “assurances” from a terrorist organization……..
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/10/2024 @ 9:52 amA conversation is dead once the comments “jump the shark.”
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/10/2024 @ 10:01 amThe entire organization (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) is an offshoot of Al up-Qaeda, not just Muhammed al-Jawlani.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/10/2024 @ 10:06 am>So, if he sends the army in to execute the CA legislature, that would be OK? I’m not saying he would, but there ARE limits.
He’d get away with that. He’d sell it as the CA legislature being traitors due to their support for the army of illegals, his fanbois would cheer, and his sycophants in the US legislature would do nothing.
The era of limits on the behavior of the executive is over.
aphrael (b8d917) — 12/10/2024 @ 10:14 am> SO, the real question is this: Can Congress introduce laws to restrict POTUS in foreign policies.
Since Congress has the power to declare war, and treaties require Senate confirmation, I think the clear answer here is “yes”.
But the constitution no longer matters.
aphrael (b8d917) — 12/10/2024 @ 10:19 am> Exactly what McConnell did in 2020. It’s a tradition going back to the Founding.
Quite literally; this was one of the major activities of the Adams administration and its allies in Congress in the lame duck period after the elections of 1800, and it’s part of the backstory behind the court case that established the idea that the Supreme Court could toss out laws for being unconstitutional.
aphrael (b8d917) — 12/10/2024 @ 10:21 amCongress can pass anything it wants, but it is only enforceable if the President concurs by signing the legislation. Otherwise it’s unenforceable.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/10/2024 @ 10:25 am> Congress can pass anything it wants, but it is only enforceable if the President concurs by signing the legislation. Otherwise it’s unenforceable.
Vetos can be overridden.
I took Whembly to be asking a *legal* question — does Congress have the constitutional authority to pass laws restricting POTUS behavior in the foreign policy sphere — and was giving a combination of a legal answer (yes it does) and a grumpy non-legal answer (it no longer matters).
aphrael (b8d917) — 12/10/2024 @ 10:33 amTrue, but I doubt anything vetoed by Trump would receive the required 2/3 to override, particularly in the House since they will soon be campaigning for reelection and they wouldn’t want to be on Trump’s bad side.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/10/2024 @ 10:56 amNot necessarily true. The Supreme Court in United States v. Curtiss-Wright Export Corp., 299 U.S. 304 (1936) established the primacy of the Executive Branch in foreign affairs:
In Zivotofsky v. Kerry 576 US 1 (2015) the Court overturned a congressional directive to the State Department:
Footnotes omitted.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/10/2024 @ 11:37 amThe bottle deposit crook has taken time out from his unprovoked attack on a defenceless syria to claim at his trial on corruption that its the media’s fault that investigated his corruption. The religious parties are about to join in no confidence vote forcing this crook and killer to face the voters. (AP, CNN, NYT, JPOST, Times of Israel and others)
asset (fa9d01) — 12/10/2024 @ 2:22 pmHere’s another favorable outcome from Assad’s downfall…Hezollah’s drug business in Syria just died, thus further damaging their cash flow.
Paul Montagu (4f7e2a) — 12/11/2024 @ 8:15 amWe’ll see if the new regime revives it.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/11/2024 @ 9:34 amClaiming that Syria (and the region generally) is facing a new future only days after Assad’s overthrow is the epitome of wishful thinking. The actions by the terrorist forces that now rule Syria will speak louder than words.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/11/2024 @ 10:07 amRip, Syrians are literally facing a new future, because Assad is out.
Paul Montagu (4f7e2a) — 12/11/2024 @ 10:25 amWhether it’s a better future, time will tell, but I’ll say it stands a better chance without Hezbollah getting aid and comfort from the Syrian regime, and without Russian and Iranian meddling in Syrian affairs. Those are three terrorist entities knocked out of the picture.
It’s not wishful thinking. There are grounds for thinking so. The new rulers are not truly independent – they are controlled by Turkey.
I think this is unwarranted pessimism, and fighting the last war (Libya)
Of course.
When they say they want to kill you, you should believe them.
And when they say they don’t want to kill you, you should not believe them.
And they are not saying that. They only said (in response to U.S. and others’ concerns communicated through Turkey) that they are willing to have inspections for chemical weapons. Israel ha anyway destroyed them – and much of the Syrian government’s remaining arsenal)
How good they will turn out to be remains to be seen. The new rulers are highly worried about their ability to stay in control and don’t want fights with anybody
depends.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/11/2024 @ 10:32 am232. Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/9/2024 @ 8:57 pm
The automobile insurance company might care. Maybe the state government.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/11/2024 @ 11:51 amI read that Adam Schiff has been sworn in as U.S> Senator from California? Did Governor Gavin Newsome appoint him or was that automatic?
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/11/2024 @ 11:54 amThe automobile insurance company might care. Maybe the state government.
That’s beside the point. If the US inserts into a treaty a limitation on how the US can withdraw — that is more severe than what is generally binding on all parties — no one else has a dog in the hunt.
A simpler analogy: You and I make a deal on something, and agree on the proviso that either can back out by paying $100 to the other. But *I* add the proviso that my wife has to agree if I back out. Why would you care?
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/11/2024 @ 12:16 pmAdam Schiff won election to both the upcoming term and to the balance of Feinstein’s term.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/11/2024 @ 12:20 pmWhat is the evidence that will be the permanent state of affairs? The new terrorist leaders have been in charge for less than a week.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/11/2024 @ 12:38 pmI didn’t say permanent, but they just won a civil war and they’re reaching out to the other sects. They’ve already given amnesty to most members of Assad’s army, and refugees are returning in droves.
Paul Montagu (1888f5) — 12/11/2024 @ 12:50 pmAfter 13 years, I doubt there’s much fight left among anyone, so all they need to do is not piss off too many folks, IMO, but it’ll still be a challenge. Joshua Landis is a knowledgeable source (example here).
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/11/2024 @ 12:56 pmKevin M (a9545f) — 12/11/2024 @ 12:20 pm
A separate election for less than 11 weeks.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/11/2024 @ 1:02 pmThe election for Feinstein’s replacement and for the full term were on the same primary and general election ballots.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/11/2024 @ 1:04 pm.
Except among the factions that make the rebels; they will all want their share of power (and graft).
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/11/2024 @ 1:12 pmhttps://x.com/libsoftiktok/status/1866955834753794268
Fact check: True
NJRob (eb56c3) — 12/11/2024 @ 4:51 pmSore losers:
The best way to avoid flag (or swords, as the USC Trojans do) planting is to win the game.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/11/2024 @ 5:03 pmExcerpt from the District Court dismissal of a lawsuit against the Associated Press for publishing freelancer photos of October 7th attack in Israel:
The Court also rejected the conspiracy, provision of material support for terrorism, and negligent infliction of emotional distress claims.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/11/2024 @ 5:40 pmFor all the crowing about the “Biden crime family” getting millions from foreign sources, the Trump family will getting more millions from foreign sources, this time from the Saudis with a new swanky Trump tower in Jeddah, KSA. I’m going to go out on a limb and say Comer won’t investigate this.
And let’s not forget the untold millions Trump received for hosting their golf tournaments, or Jared’s Saudi investment fund windfall. As they say, every accusation is really confession.
Paul Montagu (4f7e2a) — 12/11/2024 @ 6:27 pmI’m sure now we will get to the truth about the involvement of the Saudi government in 9/11.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/11/2024 @ 6:53 pmHere’s Three Year Letterman’s perfect take on Kari Lake being appointed by Trump to run Voice of America.
Paul Montagu (4f7e2a) — 12/11/2024 @ 7:15 pmTrump supports Biden’s stupid and counterproductive “escalation management” doctrine. Sigh.
Paul Montagu (1888f5) — 12/12/2024 @ 5:49 amPaul and Rip, who ridiculed Comer’s investigations and whistleblower testimony at every turn, are very concerned about potential malfeasance without evidence. In other words, the usual left wing hypocrisy.
lloyd (5d8c15) — 12/12/2024 @ 6:20 amThat’s just more hyperpartisan dishonesty, lloyd.
Paul Montagu (1888f5) — 12/12/2024 @ 7:17 amThe point about Comer is that he kept accusing the “Biden crime family” of committing crimes, and kept claiming that he had all this evidence, but actually produced diddly and squat. The height of hypocrisy is Comer not investigating the Trump family for crimes, even though Donald himself is a convicted criminal and even though his family company has been found in court to have committed fraud on multiple occasions.
Also hypocritical is all this attention on the Bidens getting income from foreign sources and your silence on Trump and his family members getting income from foreign sources, and way more income to boot. One standard.
In other words, the answer is “yes”, Trump has spoken to Putin since Election Day, which may explain Trump’s adoption of Biden’s “escalation management” policy.
Paul Montagu (1888f5) — 12/12/2024 @ 7:19 am@269 We should all take these allegations without evidence as seriously as you took the Biden allegations with evidence and testimony. One standard.
lloyd (8515e1) — 12/12/2024 @ 7:24 am@264:
To be fair, Trump’s foreign income is related to actual business activity and investment. Hunter’s Burisma income not so much.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/12/2024 @ 7:46 amTIME seems to think 2024 was Trump’s year.
WaPo story here
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/12/2024 @ 8:01 amHow far away can the “We’re all MAGA now” stories be?
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/12/2024 @ 8:03 amIf the evidence was there of Biden’s corruption, why wasn’t he impeached?
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/12/2024 @ 9:21 amFalse equivalency. One will be the President of the United States in 39 days, the other never.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/12/2024 @ 9:23 amYes, one standard, lloyd. I haven’t accused the Trump crime gang of committing crimes without evidence, but that’s all Comer has done.
Kevin, you’re right that Hunter’s time at Burisma was scuzzy, because he cashed in his name for easy money, but it wasn’t illegal, just like Ivanka cashing in her name for ChiCom trademarks wasn’t illegal, it just stunk.
Paul Montagu (1888f5) — 12/12/2024 @ 9:28 amShocking!
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/12/2024 @ 9:35 amFalse equivalency. One will be the President of the United States in 39 days, the other never.
False non-equivalency. Hunter’s behavior was trading on his father’s favors as VP and would have continued as President had the wheels not come off. Trump building a hotel might just be building a hotel.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/12/2024 @ 9:42 amAs for Comer:
Ex-F.B.I. Informant Agrees to Plead Guilty to Lying About Bidens
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/12/2024 @ 9:46 amTIME always makes the winner of the U.S. Presidential election, if the incumbent changes, Man of the Year (actually, I see it’s now Person of he Year)
And, yes it is still published in hardcopy although now I think it usually comes out only once every two weeks (and sometimes skips)
Sammy Finkelman (c2c77e) — 12/12/2024 @ 9:56 amMeanwhile energy prices skyrocket in southern Sweden. Why? Because the EU makes Sweden export energy to Germany which has none due to having shut down their nuke plants and all their windmills being becalmed. Probably snow on their solar panels, too. End-stage environmentalism.
https://euroweeklynews.com/2024/12/11/southern-swedens-electricity-prices-surge-167-times-higher-than-the-north-heres-why/
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/12/2024 @ 11:46 am@278 Smirnov gets prison and at least four years of it. Well deserved.
Kevin Clinesmith gets one year of probation and is back practicing law.
If you’re going to lie, it pays to be Nevertrump.
lloyd (52fa12) — 12/12/2024 @ 12:26 pmPresident Trump will soon have the chance to use the evidence from Comer’s investigation to charge Joe Biden for his corruption.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/12/2024 @ 12:28 pm@277
So, please explain Joe Biden’s pardon of his son for the last ten years? Why didn’t he just commute the gun/tax charges??
Paul, I think the issue here is that Congress is NOT an investigative body equipped to ferret out crimes.
That’s a task is solely for the executive branch… and if the subject of the congressional investigation is none other than the President’s family… the idea that the DOJ would advance such investigations, as vigorously as possible, is simply myopic. Case in point, the prosecution-defense’s attempt to give Hunter that sweetheart deal to get out of that gun charge.
whembly (477db6) — 12/12/2024 @ 12:41 pm@284 He won’t charge Biden, even if there is sufficient evidence. The thug precedent of charging ex-presidents, established by Democrats and Nevertrump, will have to wait for another Democrat administration to be repeated.
lloyd (52fa12) — 12/12/2024 @ 12:41 pm@284
The can’t due to presidential immunity. Or, really, they shouldn’t because it’d be extremely. difficult.
Especially if Biden starts pardoning his inner-family (ie, his brother).
whembly (477db6) — 12/12/2024 @ 12:43 pmWe weren’t talking about pardons, we were talking about the scuzzy behavior of people with famous names trading in on their famous names for cash and, tangentially, about partisans making allegations about these famous names committing crimes without evidence.
Paul Montagu (7de6df) — 12/12/2024 @ 1:20 pmBiden isn’t immune from criminal acts (for example, bribery) committed while President. It’s hard to believe that receiving bribes and payoffs constitute an official act.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/12/2024 @ 1:31 pmKansas city woman denied medicine by blue cross that saves her life. She has to pay $8000 a month and is about to run out of money. Killing a ceo is murdering a human being. Denying paying for this woman’s life needing medicine Capitalism in action not killing this woman! In floriduh a woman was arrested for complaining about denial of coverage and merely ended by saying deny defend no threat given. Free speech is only for capitalists!
asset (2bb915) — 12/12/2024 @ 1:59 pmWould it be better if she was denied her medicine by a single-payer system? They deny treatment ALL THE TIME in Canada and the UK.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/12/2024 @ 3:09 pmKevin M (a9545f) — 12/12/2024 @ 3:09 pm
Some people don’t understand that ONCE A GOVERNMENT RUN SYSTEM IS ESTABLISHED, governments want to save money. And there are no lawyers to sue them or politicians to regularly complain.
There needs to be designed a very complicated system with numerous speed bumps.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/12/2024 @ 3:32 pmRip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 12/12/2024 @ 1:31 pm
The issue is bribes and payoffs to do an official act
I don’t think the Supreme Court made it clear that that was prosecutable. And if that is prosecutable, so is doing anything with an improper motive. I don’t think the Supreme Court meant to give immunity for that either. But you must prove improper motive.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/12/2024 @ 3:37 pmwhembly (477db6) — 12/12/2024 @ 12:41 pm
Technically not.
They must have a legislative purpose. But that’s easily assumed. The legislative purpose is government oversight with an eye to passing legislation to prevent what they uncover from happening again.
Using it to get out of everything else.
Joe Biden actually used the squelching of that plea bargain as a reason for the pardon, claiming it was proof that political pressure was the reason it was turned down, so he was justified in pardoning him to get the same result. As if that was the natural outcome of his case.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/01/statement-from-president-joe-biden-11
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/12/2024 @ 3:46 pmTrump seems to be giving consolation appointments to some people:
1. Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence instead of Secretary of State or Defense
2. Howard Lutnick for Secretary of Commerce instead of Secretary of the Treasury.
3. Kari Lake as Voice Of America Director instead of Ambassador to Mexico.
In Numbers 1 and 3. they are almost superfluous positions. Senators can be almost comfortable in confirming them. (The VOA Director is only indirectly confirmed – a board consisting of 6 people confirmed by the Senate plus the Secretary of State appoints the director by majority vote, and the director is anyway subordinate to the head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (a post that needs Senate confirmation)
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/12/2024 @ 4:20 pmI think Syria secretly murdered many political prisoners some years ago. (to reduce the prison population)
Iran had also done that, not quite so secretly.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/12/2024 @ 4:21 pmhttps://www.doctorschoiceusa.com/library/2024/7/10/how-does-medicare-cover-or-at-least-partly-cover-experimental-treatments
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/12/2024 @ 4:23 pm“Would it be better if she was denied her medicine by a single-payer system? They deny treatment ALL THE TIME in Canada and the UK.”
The US has the most expensive healthcare in the world, yet is one of the lowest quality of results among industrialized countries. Where’s the money going?
Davethulhu (96c2bd) — 12/12/2024 @ 9:46 pmKari Lake as Voice Of America Director instead of Ambassador to Mexico.
Voice of America is too important. Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/12/2024 @ 10:57 pmIt’s hard to believe that receiving bribes and payoffs constitute an official act.
Funding bonuses to staff.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/12/2024 @ 10:59 pmThe US has the most expensive healthcare in the world, yet is one of the lowest quality of results among industrialized countries.
To arrive at that, you have to ignore that many Americans get great care. In many countries everyone gets average care; here you get what you pay for. Wealthy Canadians come to the US for treatment all the time.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/12/2024 @ 11:02 pm@301Drug companies charge americans much more because other countries won’t pay much for drugs and will void their patent rights and call them generic. Hospitals and doctors charges are spottily regulated except for medicare. Drug companies bought politicians so medicare couldn’t bargain for lower prices in the past. This may have changed recently. What is called obama care was a bad compromise when two bought democrat senators refused to vote for single payer in 2009. Obama said my corporate masters who will put me on their board of directors at a million+ dollars each prefer this over prosecuting senators for allowing people to die without single payer. Cost him in 2010 election over 900 democrat office holders. Pelosi said we have to pass it to see whats in it! Now the moderate center has been discredited and can no longer control the left base who now openly praise direct action like what happened to ceo. It will get worse as militance in the party will take over as moderate and MSM are shown for the lying hypocrites and corporate stooges they are. 10 million less democrats didn’t vote for kamala and liz cheney in 2024
asset (240cb3) — 12/13/2024 @ 1:47 amHere’s yet another reason that HHS is the last place RFK Jr. should be in, in any capacity.
Mitch McConnell had polio has a child, and I doubt he’s sacrificed all his political principles at the Altar of Trump to vote for this crank, who will be a dangerous crank at HHS, but ya never know.
Paul Montagu (1888f5) — 12/13/2024 @ 5:01 amAlso, RFK Jr. isn’t the only questionable appointee at HHS.
Kevin Williamson is as adroit as usual in his withering assessment of the Biden presidency.
There are plentiful links to the above prose.
Paul Montagu (1888f5) — 12/13/2024 @ 6:39 am@288
You’re avoiding the question.
You are stating that Comer is “bout partisans making allegations about these famous names committing crimes without evidence.”
Then, explain to me why Joe Biden would pardon Hunter over the periods that Comer’s committee are reviewing…
whembly (477db6) — 12/13/2024 @ 6:47 amNo, you’re changing the subject, and I’m not defending Biden pardoning Hunter; in fact, I’m pretty sure I said that what Joe did was wrong.
Paul Montagu (1888f5) — 12/13/2024 @ 6:52 amComer had nothing to do with the Weiss investigation, which actually nailed Hunter on his tax evasion and gun registration crimes.
Bullsh1t.
Comer and other Republicans raised a red flag bringing it to the attention of a Trump appointed judge who questioned the DOJ and Weiss’s sweetheart deal. Giving credit to Weiss is just the usual partisan nonsense.
lloyd (c39eb8) — 12/13/2024 @ 7:42 amDrug companies charge americans much more because other countries won’t pay much for drugs and will void their patent rights and call them generic.
So, we should do the same? Who will develop new drugs if all intellectual property is stolen?
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/13/2024 @ 8:21 amThe updated and originals deals are now irrelevant.
Paul Montagu (7de6df) — 12/13/2024 @ 8:21 amThe bottom line is that Hunter was nailed on both charges, which Weiss developed independently from Comer, who added nothing new, no additional charges, just smoke and factless allegations and witnesses who turned out to be criminals or fugitives. For all of Trump’s pissing and moaning about a witch hunt (which actually produced four indictments), Comer engaged in a witch hunt against three Bidens that produced basically nothing but a lot of appearances on FoxNews.
Mitch McConnell had polio has a child, and I doubt he’s sacrificed all his political principles at the Altar of Trump
You obviously haven’t been paying attention then. McConnell’s stated goal is to champion the independence of the Senate in his last two years. Doesn’t sound like a guy willing to rubber-stamp a damn thing.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/13/2024 @ 8:22 amBiden’s final significant act in office will have been going back on his word and pardoning his impenitent, drug-addled, pocket-lining miscreant of a son
More than 5 weeks to go. Plenty of time to do something stupider.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/13/2024 @ 8:30 amMcConnell is a backbencher now, so his opinion is just his and doesn’t matter to anyone else. He’ll follow the lead of his party’s position.
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/13/2024 @ 8:37 amWhat could Biden do to cement his legacy?
* Pardon his brother.
* Pardon everyone in his administration.
* Pardon all registered Democrats.
* Order the Border Patrol to stand down.
* Amnesty all illegal immigrants.
* Make a deal with Putin over Ukraine.
* Make a deal with Iran over nukes.
* Make a deal with Turkey over Syrian Kurds.
* Make a deal with China over Taiwan.
* Withdraw from treaties
As I said, he’s still got 5 weeks.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/13/2024 @ 8:39 amI’m still waiting for your prediction that Europe and the US will send troops into Ukraine.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/13/2024 @ 8:40 amMcConnell is a backbencher now, so his opinion is just his and doesn’t matter to anyone else. He’ll follow the lead of his party’s position.
Except he says he won’t.
And he’s going to be Chair of the Rules Committee and Defense Appropriations subcommittee, so not much of a backbencher either.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/13/2024 @ 8:43 amWhy did you mix predictions for the Trump administration with Biden-Trump is the dealmaker.😏😉
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/13/2024 @ 8:43 amBecause Biden wants to seal Trump’s thunder.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/13/2024 @ 8:45 am“I’m smart! Not like everybody says… like dumb… I’m smart and I want respect!”
— Fredo Biden
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/13/2024 @ 8:47 amRip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/13/2024 @ 8:40 am
Trump wants European countries (especially France? It’s got a foreign legion.) to do that, as part of a peace agreement with Russia, But not the United States. And anyway Russia would prefer to keep the U.S.A. away.
https://kyivindependent.com/trump-proposes-european-troop-deployment-to-monitor-ukraine-ceasefire-wsj
He discussed that while he was In France for the re-opening of the Notre Dame cathedral. Macron brought this proposal to other countries (Poland doesn’t think the idea is real now):
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/13/2024 @ 9:38 am299. Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/12/2024 @ 10:57 pm
That’s not such a good idea.
eBay allows or allowed listing of items actually sent from Equatorial Guinea as coming from “Greater China” and China has a naval base there.
It’s a long standing established dictatorship and the 8th most corrupt country in the world.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China%E2%80%93Equatorial_Guinea_relations#:~:text=in%20Equatorial%20Guinea).-,Chinese%20support%20for%20the%20Obiang%20regime,by%20him%20and%20his%20family.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China%E2%80%93Equatorial_Guinea_relations
https://www.fpri.org/article/2024/05/equatorial-guinea-a-case-study-in-the-impact-of-the-us-china-rivalry-in-africa
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/13/2024 @ 9:47 amI’ve seen little evidence of this “independence”. He rolled over on the Lankford Compromise and was part of the stonewall on Ukraine-Israeli aid, because Trump didn’t want it.
I think he’s trying to rehabilitate his sullied legacy for not convicting a coup-attempting criminal president, and it’ll outshine the good that he did with judges. Too little, too late, IMO. He put party above country.
Paul Montagu (7de6df) — 12/13/2024 @ 9:48 amPaul Montagu (7de6df) — 12/13/2024 @ 8:21 am
I think he received testimony from some whistleblowers about lines of investigation that were not pursued and how Weiss was not allowed to indict despite misleading public statements by Merrick Garland, and how the statute of limitations was allowed to expire for not filing tax returns in 2014 and 2015 (considered sometimes more serious by the URS than taking improper deductions, and of course he helped blow up the plea bargain which would have given Hunter immunity for every federal crime he had done.
And Joe Biden used the collapse of that plea bargain as the justification for the pardon:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/01/statement-from-president-joe-biden-11
Why is it a point in favor of that plea bargain that his appointees in the Department of Justice agreed to the plea bargain?!
Yes, he can claim they were impartial, but how does it add to its appearance of integrity? All the people there are above suspicion?
Of course people understand it was his son – and I think Joe Biden personally tried to steer clear of a violation of law.
And Hunter was selling the appearance of corruption, rather than corruption itself because he was only Vice President and everything he said about being instrumental in causing the firing of the prosecutor was a lie – a lie that, for once, Republicans persisted in insisting on believing and which Democrats had no interest in going into. Putin was though and he brought Biden’s claim (the second version) to the attention of Giuliani in 2019.
The whole thing that Hunter was doing blew up before Joe Biden became president.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/13/2024 @ 10:05 am“To arrive at that, you have to ignore that many Americans get great care. In many countries everyone gets average care; here you get what you pay for. Wealthy Canadians come to the US for treatment all the time.”
If cost is no object then yes, USA #1. But for most people cost is an object. There are around twice as many medical tourists leaving the US for cheaper care as there are entering for quality. But we still, in general pay more for worse results.
Davethulhu (8a0442) — 12/13/2024 @ 10:16 amI think you’re engaging in rank speculation about the intentions and motivations of the parties.
Paul Montagu (7de6df) — 12/13/2024 @ 10:20 amLOL! I should have said Trump’s “accomplishments.” Trump will not. be denied. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/13/2024 @ 10:45 amHappy birthday Dick Van Dyke (99)!
Rip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/13/2024 @ 10:46 amIt’s a long standing established dictatorship and the 8th most corrupt country in the world.
Besides being a climate cesspool? God that place must suck. So again, why not send Keri Lake there?
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/13/2024 @ 10:47 amPaul Montagu (7de6df) — 12/13/2024 @ 10:20 am
I didn’t speculate at all about intentions or motivations, except maybe I did speculate that Comer was sincere in trying to get at the truth or in his speculations..
No, wait I did. I dis speculate about why Republicans were crediting Joe Biden’s claims about firing the prosecutor. Well, not why but that they did.
And I don’t think it’s speculation that Joe Biden led about his bein instrumental in firing the prosecutor. He was careful to note – in both versions of his claim – that the people who were with him were surprised that could cancel a loan guarantee on his own.
https://web.archive.org/web/20160829074126/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/08/joe-biden-interview/497633
https://www.cfr.org/event/foreign-affairs-issue-launch-former-vice-president-joe-biden
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/13/2024 @ 10:49 amKevin M (a9545f) — 12/13/2024 @ 10:47 am
Well, I don’t think Kari Lake would want to live there.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/13/2024 @ 10:51 amThere are around twice as many medical tourists leaving the US for cheaper care
Much of that dentistry. Nobody goes to Mexico for heart surgery.
But for most people cost is an object.
This is manifestly untrue. Most people have a group plan, a Exchange small-company plan, Medicare or at worst Obamacare. Assuming their coverage is with a major carrier, almost any procedure they need is covered. There may be co-pays and deductibles, or prior authorization needed, but they have the same access anyone else does who is similarly situated.
Sure, the insurance does not pay for every dime, but INSURANCE is a cost-limitation process, not “free medicine.” Much of the resentment is unmet expectations. My wife’s cancer cure at the best facilities in California cost us about $10,000 out-of-pocket (instead of the $350,000 that it would have cost otherwise). But a billionaire could not have gotten better care.
Who drags the average down? Mostly people who forego insurance, despite the availability of Obamacare and Medicaid. Mostly that’s a choice since either of those programs is heavily subsidized by the government.
Had we been on the most-subsidized Obamacare program, my wife would have gotten the SAME $350,000 of care for a few hundred dollars out-of-pocket. Not so sure about Medicaid — UCLA hospital would have taken it, but unsure about the private oncologist. Others would have, including any doctor in the UCLA system.
Medical insurance is almost universally available in the United States today (Medicaid IS insurance). There is no such thing as a preexisiting condition disqualifying you (although some corporate plans may still have a 6 month exclusion if you had no prior insurance).
Dental insurance? Bend over.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/13/2024 @ 11:11 amWell, I don’t think Kari Lake would want to live there.
She lives in Phoenix.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/13/2024 @ 11:13 amRip Murdock (4aa4a0) — 12/13/2024 @ 10:46 am
Dick Van Dyke said something and spoke too soon.
He said he was not afraid of death:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4DP8IEh8wI
https://news.sky.com/story/dick-van-dyke-says-hes-not-afraid-of-death-as-he-approaches-99th-birthday-13268408
But then:
https://deadline.com/2024/12/dick-van-dyke-malibu-fire-exhausting-escape-1236201701/
e said he forgot his age.
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/13/2024 @ 11:14 amI’ve seen little evidence of this “independence”. He rolled over on the Lankford Compromise and was part of the stonewall on Ukraine-Israeli aid, because Trump didn’t want it.
He’s stated that as majority leader he had to stand with the Party. It’s a professional politics thing that armchair politicos like us don’t have to follow. Now he’s got “freedom.” And, as I said, he was talking about “going forward” and you are still resenting the past.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/13/2024 @ 11:17 amI’ve seen little evidence of this “independence”
You are hardly looking for it, then. Scott is not the next majority leader and Gaetz is a talking head on OAN. Fox wouldn’t even hire him.
Kevin M (a9545f) — 12/13/2024 @ 11:18 amhttps://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/doctor-physician-health-insurance-companies-anger-6f23b470
https://nypost.com/2024/12/12/opinion/feds-help-health-insurers-hide-dirty-secret-rising-denials
Sammy Finkelman (e4ef09) — 12/13/2024 @ 11:32 am